In Play! has a very interesting transcript from Rod Marrinelli's final press conference.
Find out what Marinelli says about...
-If 0-16 was too much of a loss for him to keep his job?
-What he would do differently if he got another head coaching job?
-Iif he's spoken to Matt Millen recently?
-If the 'losing culture' in this city as far as the expectation to lose was worse than he expected?
-What else was missing besides work ethic that caused this team to go 0-16?
-If he thinks he's leaving this team better than he found it?
Link to article
Don't forget to bookmark us for all our upcoming Detroit Auto show issue.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Smith Honored As 2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete Of The Year
Photo by Brian St. PierreThree-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Smith Honored As
2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete Of The Year
-- Smith Eligible For 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman Of The Year Award --
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 29, 2008) -- Katie Smith, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and co-captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that captured the USA’s fourth consecutive gold medal, has been selected the 2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, USA Basketball today announced. As such, Smith will be nominated by USA Basketball for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman of the Year. The selection was made by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
“This is a huge honor, it’s a surprise to me, but it’s very much appreciated,” said Smith. “There are so many bigger names, like Diana (Taurasi), Lisa (Leslie) winning her fourth gold, Tina (Thompson) putting up big numbers, it’s not that we’re not equal as players on the team, but in my career this kind of thing hasn’t happened a whole lot. I got what I wanted in a sense of being a part of those teams, winning gold medals and enjoying the overall experience. I love what I do and have enjoyed all my opportunities to represent USA Basketball. Obviously people saw that I cared, that I worked hard, and I appreciate that.
“What we always preach with USA Basketball is that it’s one team, one goal. It’s all about winning and doing whatever is needed, whether you play or don’t play, score or play defense. That’s what I tried to do throughout my USA Basketball days.
“This is a bonus and definitely a surprise, but very much appreciated. It’s neat to know that people do see what you do, the time you spend and the things you put into it. It’s not always about the flashy highlights, it’s the grunt work and a lot of us do that, from the players to the coaches and the staff. A lot of grunt work goes into what we do to be successful and it makes you feel good that people notice.”
Link to article
2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete Of The Year
-- Smith Eligible For 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman Of The Year Award --
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 29, 2008) -- Katie Smith, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and co-captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that captured the USA’s fourth consecutive gold medal, has been selected the 2008 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, USA Basketball today announced. As such, Smith will be nominated by USA Basketball for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman of the Year. The selection was made by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
“This is a huge honor, it’s a surprise to me, but it’s very much appreciated,” said Smith. “There are so many bigger names, like Diana (Taurasi), Lisa (Leslie) winning her fourth gold, Tina (Thompson) putting up big numbers, it’s not that we’re not equal as players on the team, but in my career this kind of thing hasn’t happened a whole lot. I got what I wanted in a sense of being a part of those teams, winning gold medals and enjoying the overall experience. I love what I do and have enjoyed all my opportunities to represent USA Basketball. Obviously people saw that I cared, that I worked hard, and I appreciate that.
“What we always preach with USA Basketball is that it’s one team, one goal. It’s all about winning and doing whatever is needed, whether you play or don’t play, score or play defense. That’s what I tried to do throughout my USA Basketball days.
“This is a bonus and definitely a surprise, but very much appreciated. It’s neat to know that people do see what you do, the time you spend and the things you put into it. It’s not always about the flashy highlights, it’s the grunt work and a lot of us do that, from the players to the coaches and the staff. A lot of grunt work goes into what we do to be successful and it makes you feel good that people notice.”
Link to article
LIONS FIRE COACHING STAFF!
October 2008 cover photo by Jack Rosenberg
WILLIAM CLAY FORD PROMOTES TOM LEWAND TO TEAM PRESIDENT AND MARTIN MAYHEW TO GENERAL MANAGER; ROD MARINELLI RELIEVED OF DUTIES AS HEAD COACH
Allen Park, Mich. - Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford announced the following today:
-The promotion of Tom Lewand to Team President.
-The promotion of Martin Mayhew to General Manager.
-Rod Marinelli has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
Also the following assistant coaches will not be retained: Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). The contract of Joe Cullen (Defensive Line) will not be renewed.
The team also announced that Jim Colletto has been re-assigned to offensive line coach.
Additionally, Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) will not be retained.
We look forward to your comments in our Lions Fan Forum
Allen Park, Mich. - Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford announced the following today:
-The promotion of Tom Lewand to Team President.
-The promotion of Martin Mayhew to General Manager.
-Rod Marinelli has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach.
Also the following assistant coaches will not be retained: Joe Barry (Defensive Coordinator), Mike Barry (Assistant Offensive Line) and Jimmy Lake (Secondary). The contract of Joe Cullen (Defensive Line) will not be renewed.
The team also announced that Jim Colletto has been re-assigned to offensive line coach.
Additionally, Dave Boller (Assistant Director of Pro Personnel) will not be retained.
We look forward to your comments in our Lions Fan Forum
Friday, December 19, 2008
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Postponed for 2009
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Postponed for 2009
December 19, 2008
Courtesy DBIGP
DETROIT, Mich. (December 19, 2008) - Officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced today that the 2009 event will be postponed due to the difficult economic conditions prevalent in southeast Michigan and across the nation.
“The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term.”
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has brought tremendous benefit to Belle Isle Park and to the region since the event returned world-class auto racing back to the Motor City for the first time in more than six years in 2007. Both the 2007 and 2008 races established themselves as one of Detroit’s most popular summertime events, featuring both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.
Link to article
December 19, 2008
Courtesy DBIGP
DETROIT, Mich. (December 19, 2008) - Officials for the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix announced today that the 2009 event will be postponed due to the difficult economic conditions prevalent in southeast Michigan and across the nation.
“The economic environment that our region, state and country faces, both today and in 2009, is difficult,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “It is unfortunate that we must postpone the 2009 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix as sponsorship opportunities and support has proven to be very challenging for the event in the near term.”
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has brought tremendous benefit to Belle Isle Park and to the region since the event returned world-class auto racing back to the Motor City for the first time in more than six years in 2007. Both the 2007 and 2008 races established themselves as one of Detroit’s most popular summertime events, featuring both the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar Series.
Link to article
Thursday, December 18, 2008
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH CATCHER MATT TREANOR
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH MATT TREANOR
Catcher Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Matt Treanor.
Treanor saw action in 65 games with the Florida Marlins in 2008, batting .238 (49x206) with seven doubles, two home runs and 23 RBI.
“Matt is a quality back-up catcher at the major league level and a solid addition to our club,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Addressing our catching situation was a priority for us this winter and we feel we have solidified that area by adding both Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor.”
In five seasons at the major league level with the Marlins (2004-08), Treanor has hit .237 (171x723) with 30 doubles, eight home runs and 70 RBI in 274 games.
Catcher Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Matt Treanor.
Treanor saw action in 65 games with the Florida Marlins in 2008, batting .238 (49x206) with seven doubles, two home runs and 23 RBI.
“Matt is a quality back-up catcher at the major league level and a solid addition to our club,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Addressing our catching situation was a priority for us this winter and we feel we have solidified that area by adding both Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor.”
In five seasons at the major league level with the Marlins (2004-08), Treanor has hit .237 (171x723) with 30 doubles, eight home runs and 70 RBI in 274 games.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
TODD JONES UNDERWENT SUCCESSFUL ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
TODD JONES UNDERWENT SUCCESSFUL ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
Retired Pitcher Had Tears in Rotator Cuff and Labrum Repaired
DETROIT – Former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair tears in his rotator cuff and labrum on December 9, a procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.
Jones retired from professional baseball at the end of the 2008 season and upon returning home to Alabama he continued an extensive rehabilitation program on his shoulder before opting to undergo the procedure performed by Dr. Andrews.
Jones pitched for 16 seasons at the major league level, compiling a 58-63 record, 3.97 ERA (1072.0IP/473ER) and 319 saves in 982 appearances. He concluded his career with 235 saves during his time with the Tigers, the most by a single pitcher in franchise history.
More Tigers stories and blogs
Retired Pitcher Had Tears in Rotator Cuff and Labrum Repaired
DETROIT – Former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair tears in his rotator cuff and labrum on December 9, a procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.
Jones retired from professional baseball at the end of the 2008 season and upon returning home to Alabama he continued an extensive rehabilitation program on his shoulder before opting to undergo the procedure performed by Dr. Andrews.
Jones pitched for 16 seasons at the major league level, compiling a 58-63 record, 3.97 ERA (1072.0IP/473ER) and 319 saves in 982 appearances. He concluded his career with 235 saves during his time with the Tigers, the most by a single pitcher in franchise history.
More Tigers stories and blogs
Monday, December 15, 2008
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH ADAM EVERETT
TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH ADAM EVERETT
Shortstop Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with shortstop Adam Everett.
Everett was limited to 48 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2008 due to two separate stints on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain and right shoulder tendinitis. He batted .213 (27x127) with two home runs and 20 RBI for the Twins.
“We are pleased to add Adam Everett to the Tigers organization,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Improving our defense was a priority for our club this winter and we feel Adam is one of the top defensive shortstops in the game.”
A veteran of eight seasons at the major league level with the Houston Astros (2001-07) and Twins (2008), Everett has compiled a .976 fielding percentage at shortstop during his career. A first-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 1998, he has hit .246 (558x2272) in 697 games at the major league level.
Shortstop Agrees to One-Year Deal with Club
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with shortstop Adam Everett.
Everett was limited to 48 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2008 due to two separate stints on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain and right shoulder tendinitis. He batted .213 (27x127) with two home runs and 20 RBI for the Twins.
“We are pleased to add Adam Everett to the Tigers organization,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Improving our defense was a priority for our club this winter and we feel Adam is one of the top defensive shortstops in the game.”
A veteran of eight seasons at the major league level with the Houston Astros (2001-07) and Twins (2008), Everett has compiled a .976 fielding percentage at shortstop during his career. A first-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in 1998, he has hit .246 (558x2272) in 697 games at the major league level.
Monday, December 8, 2008
TIGERS ACQUIRE GERALD LAIRD FROM TEXAS RANGERS
TIGERS ACQUIRE GERALD LAIRD FROM TEXAS RANGERS
DETROIT December 8, 2008 - 2:05 PM- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers in exchange for righthanded pitchers Carlos Melo and Guillermo Moscoso.
Laird saw action in 95 games for the Rangers in 2008, batting .276 (95x344) with 24 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBI. He hit .305 (25x82) with seven doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI in 21 games against clubs from the American League Central Division this past season.“
The Tigers organization is pleased to acquire Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “He is a solid addition to our club offensively, defensively and with his ability to handle a pitching staff at the major league level.”
Link to article
DETROIT December 8, 2008 - 2:05 PM- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired catcher Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers in exchange for righthanded pitchers Carlos Melo and Guillermo Moscoso.
Laird saw action in 95 games for the Rangers in 2008, batting .276 (95x344) with 24 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBI. He hit .305 (25x82) with seven doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI in 21 games against clubs from the American League Central Division this past season.“
The Tigers organization is pleased to acquire Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “He is a solid addition to our club offensively, defensively and with his ability to handle a pitching staff at the major league level.”
Link to article
0-13 And The Lions Are Headed For The Record Books
0-13 And The Lions Are Headed For The Record Books
Well after another disappointing loss the Lions are no closer to winning "a" game than winning the Superbowl.
And by looking in the stands today it was evident that Lions fans are done spending their money on this football team for the rest of this season.
Things seem to be par for the course according to Coach Marinelli, in his opening statement at the post game press conference he says, "We played well for most of the game and when we had a chance and needed to stop them, we didn't get that done. So that kind of sums it up."
The Lions were within six yards of the goal line on three separate occasions and failed to score a touchdown. It seems that the redzone might as well be the twilight zone for the Lions offence...their inept attempts to finish a scoring drive are the hallmark of this team.
Marinelli feels the same way, "We had to get touchdowns I felt. In this league, when you've got a chance to get touchdowns, you have to get them and we were unable to do that." Marinelli goes on to say "I decided with the staff early in the week - I thought we did that at Carolina also. Once we crossed (mid-field) I wanted to go into fourth down mode because I felt going into the game we needed touchdowns big time. I didn't quite know how we were going to play defensively-we had some guys out still. It didn't work."
There was a bright spot though, and that is Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Link to article
Well after another disappointing loss the Lions are no closer to winning "a" game than winning the Superbowl.
And by looking in the stands today it was evident that Lions fans are done spending their money on this football team for the rest of this season.
Things seem to be par for the course according to Coach Marinelli, in his opening statement at the post game press conference he says, "We played well for most of the game and when we had a chance and needed to stop them, we didn't get that done. So that kind of sums it up."
The Lions were within six yards of the goal line on three separate occasions and failed to score a touchdown. It seems that the redzone might as well be the twilight zone for the Lions offence...their inept attempts to finish a scoring drive are the hallmark of this team.
Marinelli feels the same way, "We had to get touchdowns I felt. In this league, when you've got a chance to get touchdowns, you have to get them and we were unable to do that." Marinelli goes on to say "I decided with the staff early in the week - I thought we did that at Carolina also. Once we crossed (mid-field) I wanted to go into fourth down mode because I felt going into the game we needed touchdowns big time. I didn't quite know how we were going to play defensively-we had some guys out still. It didn't work."
There was a bright spot though, and that is Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
Link to article
Friday, December 5, 2008
Avery Out $126,000 For 15 Second Outburst!
December 5, 2008
In Play! Magazine took part in teleconference today with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman concerning the six game suspension of Sean Avery for his comments in Calgary this past week.
When asked about how he determined the length of the suspension Bettman says, "It was the appropriate response."
Does Avery face more punishment from his team? Bettman says, "It's up to the Dallas Stars whether or not they suspend him further"
Bettman says the NHL does not tolerate this type of behavior and was concerned that parents of small children would have to explain to them what sloppy seconds means and this is not how the NHL wants to portray itself.
According to Bettman Avery has been warned several times by the NHL within the last year including Colin Campbell and Bettman himself!
While listening to Bettman it seems Avery is skating on thin ice with the NHL brass and the next incident could prove more costly than just six games, Bettman says "Players in this league are held accountable on and off the ice."
An ESPN reporter asked if this had been Avery's first offence would he still have received the six game sit down to which Bettman replied "He (Avery) was warned by the NHL twice already."
So where does this leave Avery now that he's in the limelight?
Bettman says "Avery will be held to a higher standard as a repeat offender."
Bettman says he found out about the Avery comments almost instantly. He has two monitors on his desk that are on constantly and that bad news travels fast.The Commissioner goes on to say, "Somebody in the office told me to punch this up (link) on my screen and that I wasn't going to like it."
Avery just signed a four year $15.5 million contract with the Stars this past summer so his current suspension (not including endorsement deals) breaks down to around $21,000 per game or $126,000 for his comment.
I wonder if it was worth it?
In Play! Magazine took part in teleconference today with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman concerning the six game suspension of Sean Avery for his comments in Calgary this past week.
When asked about how he determined the length of the suspension Bettman says, "It was the appropriate response."
Does Avery face more punishment from his team? Bettman says, "It's up to the Dallas Stars whether or not they suspend him further"
Bettman says the NHL does not tolerate this type of behavior and was concerned that parents of small children would have to explain to them what sloppy seconds means and this is not how the NHL wants to portray itself.
According to Bettman Avery has been warned several times by the NHL within the last year including Colin Campbell and Bettman himself!
While listening to Bettman it seems Avery is skating on thin ice with the NHL brass and the next incident could prove more costly than just six games, Bettman says "Players in this league are held accountable on and off the ice."
An ESPN reporter asked if this had been Avery's first offence would he still have received the six game sit down to which Bettman replied "He (Avery) was warned by the NHL twice already."
So where does this leave Avery now that he's in the limelight?
Bettman says "Avery will be held to a higher standard as a repeat offender."
Bettman says he found out about the Avery comments almost instantly. He has two monitors on his desk that are on constantly and that bad news travels fast.The Commissioner goes on to say, "Somebody in the office told me to punch this up (link) on my screen and that I wasn't going to like it."
Avery just signed a four year $15.5 million contract with the Stars this past summer so his current suspension (not including endorsement deals) breaks down to around $21,000 per game or $126,000 for his comment.
I wonder if it was worth it?
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