Junior Siavii, former Chiefs tackle, dies while being held in Leavenworth prison
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Junior Siavii spent time with the Chiefs, Cowboys and Seahawks during his four years in the NFL.
NFL VP of officiating says officials thought whistle on Bengals’ TD came after the catch
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“Play to the whistle” is the cliche everyone knows.
Sometimes NFL players are asked to play past the whistle — without any late hits — just in case the officials screw up and decide on the fly to reverse a decision.
Maybe a really bad whistle on a touchdown pass by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in an AFC wild-card playoff game didn’t affect the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense. But the touchdown shouldn’t have counted, according to the rules. And the NFL didn’t make a statement, long after the Bengals’ win ended, that got it right.
On a third down late in the second quarter, Burrow rolled to his right. Near the sideline, he threw what looked to be a legit pass to the back of the end zone. Tyler Boyd grabbed it, but a whistle blew right after Burrow released the ball. The officials huddled and decided that Burrow wasn’t out of bounds, and it was a touchdown. A replay showed Burrow wasn’t close to being out of bounds when he threw it.
What makes it even tougher for Raiders fans is the officials said they felt the whistle blew after the catch, when it clearly did not. The whistle came with the ball in the air.
“We confirmed with the referee and the crew that on that play — they got together and talked — they determined that they had a whistle, but that the whistle for them on the field was blown after the receiver caught the ball,” NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson told a pool reporter.
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Anderson was asked if the officials believed the ball was still in the air when the whistle blew.
“That’s correct,” Anderson said. “They did not feel that the whistle was blown before the receiver caught the ball.”
Getting the call wrong, by the rulebook, isn’t great. It’s hard to handle a statement from a senior NFL executive that repeats an incorrect decision-making process from the officials.
It was a huge play in the game. On one hand, Burrow was nowhere near stepping out of bounds, and the whistle shouldn’t have come. So it would have robbed Cincinnati of a touchdown. But the way it was called, the Raiders were robbed.
To many, the play shouldn’t have counted due to the erroneous whistle.
“What they should have done, because it was an erroneous whistle, was actually replay the down. Because it was a loose ball in flight,” Terry McAulay, NBC’s officiating analyst, said on the broadcast. “They can’t have a touchdown on that play, by rule.”
“when an official sounds the whistle erroneously while the ball is still in play, the ball becomes dead immediately” pic.twitter.com/bN2VeH1r7m — Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 15, 2022
An errant whistle might’ve helped Joe Burrow and the Bengals in the first half against the Raiders. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
That’s a big decision that went against the Raiders, and wrongly so. Their defensive backs might not have gotten to Boyd anyway, but they have to let up on the whistle or risk a personal foul for a hit after the play. It’s an impossible spot to put them in. Given that it was a third down, it was a massive play in the first playoff game of the postseason.
“The officials cannot do this,” NBC analyst Tony Dungy said at halftime. “You can’t just disregard a rule and act like it didn’t happen.”
This call definitely went against the Raiders when it shouldn’t have. Less than one half into the playoffs, the NFL had an officiating controversy.
Pre-Snap Reads 1/15: Playoffs begin today!
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Seahawks News
Inside the numbers: The end of the Seahawks? What happened and what comes next – The Athletic
The Seattle offense was good when Russell Wilson was healthy, but that wasn’t enough to lift the Seahawks into serious contention.
Ken Norton Jr.’s ‘Wolves:’ How Seahawks’ Defense Beat Cardinals’ No-Huddle Attack - Sports Illustrated Seattle Seahawks News, Analysis and More
The Seahawks’ defense schemed up some smart ways to attack the Cardinals’ offense in Week 18. The team’s official YouTube channel showed the process behind defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.’s play-calls and coaching. Matty F. Brown breaks down the “wolves” pressure that hurt Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray’s no-huddle attack.
Wyman: Seahawks’ 2020 draft class has a chance to be ‘really good’ - 710 ESPN Seattle
The Seahawks have been criticized for recent draft woes, but Dave Wyman believes the 2020 class is showing it can be a key part of the team.
Heaps: The 6 ’no-brainers’ the Seahawks must re-sign this offseason - 710 ESPN Seattle
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Injury prone? Regarding Rashaad, the term isn’t worth a penny – Sportspress Northwest
In addition to rushing for 671 yards over the Seahawks’ final five games, most in the NFL in that span, RB Rashaad Penny struck a blow against sports-language abuse.
Seahawks Mailbag: Keeping Free Agents, Favorite Plays Of 2021 & More
You had Seahawks questions; we have answers.
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NFC West News
Budda Baker is Lone Cardinal in AP All-Pro Voting - Sports Illustrated Arizona Cardinals News, Analysis and More
The Cardinals safety, who also made the Pro Bowl this season, was the only Cardinals player to receive votes for the AP All-Pro Team.
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The Cardinals have feasted on the road this season yet struggled in primetime. That all comes to a head on Monday.
49ers/Cowboys predictions: This will be a Kyle Shanahan game, and that’s a good thing - Niners Nation
Expect plenty of points.
49ers All Pro WR Deebo Samuel Calls Himself a “Wide Back” - Sports Illustrated San Francisco 49ers News, Analysis and More
San Francisco 49ers All Pro wide receiver calls himself a “wide back” when asked what position he plays.
Los Angeles Rams Assistant Coaches Drawing Interest for Vacant Head Coaching Jobs - Sports Illustrated LA Rams News, Analysis and More
Kevin O’Connell and Thomas Brown are the latest Sean McVay assistants to draw interest for head coaching jobs.
LA Rams vs Arizona Cardinals Wild Card: 6 keys for a Rams victory - Turf Show Times
On a big night of NFL playoff firsts, can Rams make a first step to the Super Bowl?
Around The NFL
Ja’Marr Chase, Micah Parsons headline Dane Brugler’s NFL All-Rookie Team – The Athletic
They all grew as the season progressed, and some like Rashawn Slater and Creed Humphrey grew into some of the best at their position.
NFL wild-card round playoff game picks, schedule guide, bold predictions, odds, injuries, matchup keys and more
What to watch for in every wild-card game. Bold predictions. Key stats to know. Matchups to watch. And, of course, final score picks. It’s all here for the first six playoff games.
Brothers Stefon and Trevon Diggs push each other to greater heights
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NFL wild card playoffs - Key moments from the Dallas Cowboys-San Francisco 49ers rivalry
As the Cowboy and 49ers meet yet again in the NFL playoffs, relive some of the best moments from this non-division rivalry.
Aaron Donald, Aaron Rodgers highlight AP All-Pro team - National Football Post
Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his favorite target, Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, lead The Associated Press 2021 NFL All-Pro team, announced Friday.
Has Hurts Improved Enough to Defeat Bucs? | Football Outsiders
The Eagles quarterback’s poor performance led to a loss against Tampa Bay in October. Can he play better in the playoffs and upend the defending Super Bowl Champs?
The leaking of an alleged Deshaun Watson settlement offer suggests his legal cases will continue to loom over the NFL this offseason
As the trade deadline approached for the NFL last November, details emerged from trade talks between the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans that had a clear mandate: For any deal involving Deshaun Watson to advance, the Dolphins wanted the quarterback’s legal issues settled.
NFL playoffs: How Patriots have fared in AFC Wild Card Round under Bill Belichick
The New England Patriots will begin the 2021 NFL playoffs in a round that is not too familiar to them.
NFL injury updates, latest league news from Friday, Jan. 14
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RB Index: Who is the NFL’s next great running back? Plus, the final top-15 rankings at the position
Who is the NFL’s NEXT great running back? Maurice Jones-Drew has his eye on one bruising rusher who could be poised for a monster season in 2022. Plus, a final ranking of the top 15 RBs of this season.
Former NFL player Junior Siavii found dead in Leavenworth prison
Junior Siavii, 43, was found unresponsive in his cell Thursday afternoon, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Full vote totals for 2021 NFL All-Pro team
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The Associated Press revealed its 2021 NFL All-Pro team on Friday and the group had five unanimous selections.
Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, Packers receiver Davante Adams, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald were each selected by all 50 voters.
Cowboys right guard Zack Martin (46), Cowboys Linebacker Micah Parsons (46), 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (46), Colts linebacker Darius Leonard (44), Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (41), Titans safety Kevin Byard (41), and Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (40) were the other seven players to cross the 40-vote threshold.
Also notably, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers edged Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in voting 34-16, which is a sign that Rodgers is on track to win his second consecutive MVP award. Rodgers was also the first-team All-Pro quarterback last year, but received 46 votes. Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes received two votes each in 2020.
At receiver, San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel just beat out Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson for the third spot at first-team receiver. Samuel received 21 votes to Jefferson’s 20. Punter was also close, as Las Vegas’ A.J. Cole’s 21 votes beat Dallas’ Bryan Anger’s 18.
Below are the full vote totals for this year’s AP All-Pro team:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Packers, 34; Tom Brady, Buccaneers, 16.
Running back: Jonathan Taylor, Colts, 50.
Tight end: Mark Andrews, Ravens, 41; Travis Kelce, Chiefs, 9.
Wide receiver: Davante Adams, Packers, 50; Cooper Kupp, Rams, 50; Deebo Samuel, 49ers, 21; Justin Jefferson, Vikings, 20; Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals, 9.
Left tackle: Trent Williams, 49ers, 46; Rashawn Slater, Chargers, 2; Orlando Brown Jr., Chiefs, 1; Tyron Smith, Cowboys, 1.
Right tackle: Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers, 37; Lane Johnson, Eagles, 10; Brian O’Neill, Vikings, 3.
Left guard: Joel Bitonio, Browns, 28; Quenton Nelson, Colts, 13; Joe Thuney, Chiefs, 6; Ali Marpet, Buccaneers, 2; Rodger Saffold, Titans, 1.
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Right guard: Zack Martin, Cowboys, 46; Wyatt Teller, Browns, 2; Shaq Mason, Patriots, 1; Brandon Scherff, Washington, 1.
Center: Jason Kelce, Eagles, 21; Corey Linsley, Chargers, 11; Creed Humphrey, Chiefs, 10; Ryan Jensen, Buccaneers, 5; Ryan Kelly, Colts, 3.
Edge rushers: T.J. Watt, Steelers, 50; Myles Garrett, Browns, 29; Robert Quinn, Bears, 9; Maxx Crosby, Raiders, 6; Nick Bosa, 49ers, 5; Joey Bosa, Chargers, 1.
Interior Linemen: Aaron Donald, Rams, 50; Cam Heyward, Steelers, 19; Chris Jones, Chiefs, 10; Jeffery Simmons, Titans, 10; DeForest Buckner, Colts, 5; Kenny Clark, Packers, 2; Vita Vea, Buccaneers, 2; Jonathan Allen, Washington, 2.
Linebackers: Micah Parsons, Cowboys, 46; Darius Leonard, Colts, 44; De’Vondre Campbell, Packers, 18; Demario Davis, Saints, 10; Roquan Smith, Bears, 10; Bobby Wagner, Seahawks, 7; Lavonte David, Buccaneers, 3; Matthew Judon, Patriots, 3; Denzel Perryman, Raiders, 2; Foye Oluokun, Falcons, 2; C.J. Mosley, Jets, 1; Jordyn Brooks, Seahawks, 1; Devin White, Buccaneers, 1; Matt Milano, Bills, 1; Tremaine Edmunds, Bills, 1.
Cornerbacks: Trevon Diggs, Cowboys, 33; Jalen Ramsey, Rams, 32; J.C. Jackson, Patriots, 25; A.J. Terrell, Falcons, 8; Darius Slay, Eagles, 1; Marshon Lattimore, Saints, 1.
Safeties: Kevin Byard, Titans, 41; Jordan Poyer, Bills, 12; Budda Baker, Cardinals, 10; Justin Simmons, Broncos, 10; Micah Hyde, Bills, 10; Derwin James, Chargers, 5; Quandre Diggs, Seahawks, 3; Marcus Williams, Saints, 3; Adrian Phillips, Patriots, 2; Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers, 1; Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers, 1; Tyrann Mathieu, Chiefs, 1; Harrison Smith, Vikings, 1.
Placekicker: Justin Tucker, Ravens, 40; Daniel Carlson, Raiders, 8; Nick Folk, Patriots, 1; Matt Gay, Rams, 1.
Punter: AJ Cole, Raiders, 21; Bryan Anger, Cowboys 18; Michael Dickson, Seahawks, 5; Logan Cooke, Jaguars, 3; Sam Martin, Broncos, 1; Johnny Hekker, Rams, 1; Cameron Johnson, Texans, 1.
Kick returner: Braxton Berrios, Jets, 27; Andre Roberts, Chargers, 13; Kene Nwangwu, Vikings, 7; Isaiah McKenzie, Bills, 1; Jakeem Grant, Bears, 1; Devin Duvernay, Ravens, 1.
Punt returner: Devin Duvernay, Ravens, 28; Jakeem Grant, Bears, 20; Braxton Berrios, Jets, 2.
Special teamer: J.T. Gray, Saints, 18; Matthew Slater, Patriots, 10; Ashton Dulin, Colts, 10; Miles Killebrew, Steelers, 3; Matt Adams, Colts, 3; Frankie Luvu, Panthers, 2; E.J. Speed, Colts, 1; Nick Bellore, Seahawks 1; Derek Watt, Steelers, 1
Long snapper: Luke Rhodes, Colts, 22; Josh Harris, Falcons, 12; Morgan Cox, Titans, 4; Trent Sieg, Raiders, 4; Nick Moore, Ravens, 3; Joe Cardona, Patriots, 3.
Full vote totals for 2021 NFL All-Pro team originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company Partners with Former NFL Player and Dancing With the Stars Champion Rashad Jennings
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Jennings and his development team of Lisa P. Wolf and Charles Cook collaborate with Hall of Fame Village Media on a range of dynamic content initiatives
CANTON, Ohio, January 10, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (“HOFV”) (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW), the only resort, entertainment and media company centered around the power of professional football, today announced it has entered into a content development partnership with entrepreneur and former NFL running back Rashad Jennings. Per the agreement, the Company’s content arm, Hall of Fame Village Media (“HOFVM”), will work with Jennings and executive producers Lisa P. Wolf and Charles Cook to develop and produce various content projects across multiple formats and genres, leveraging Jennings’ unique skills, passions and personality while advancing HOFV’s mission to Honor the Past and Inspire the Future.
“Hall of Fame Village Media is committed to supporting athletes by telling their stories and promoting their creative visions through powerful and compelling content,” said Olivia Steier, Executive Vice President of Content Development/Distribution at HOFVM. “Rashad’s impressive story on and off the football field reflects his passion to excel and pursue opportunities that contribute meaningfully to his personal and professional development. His desire to pursue new creative endeavors aligns perfectly with Hall of Fame Village Media’s primary focus to engage with our audience in fun and authentic ways. Having previously worked with Rashad, we have no doubt that the dynamic content that we’re committed to developing will resonate with our target audiences.”
During the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls, Jennings hosted the acclaimed World Chase Tag® competition on the campus of the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls. The event was executive produced by HOFVM and its partner Tupelo Honey and aired live in primetime on ESPN, becoming the network’s top-rated show that day. Jennings also serves as Team Captain for the New York Bodega Cats of HOFV’s Hall of Fantasy League (“HOFL”), the nation’s first professional fantasy football league, and in that role has guest-starred on a fantasy football show produced by HOFVM and airing weekly on Twitch.
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Jennings stated, “I am so excited to work with the incredible HOFVM team to create new, exciting programming across all media platforms.”
In addition to an eight-year NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and New York Giants, Jennings won the 2017 Dancing With the Stars championship, and has published four books, including the New York Times bestseller THE IF IN LIFE: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines And Become Your Best Self, as well as three children’s books.
About Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company
Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW) is a resort and entertainment company leveraging the power and popularity of professional football and its legendary players in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Headquartered in Canton, Ohio, the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company is the owner of the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls, a multi-use sports, entertainment and media destination centered around the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s campus. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.HOFREco.com.
About Hall of Fame Village Media
Established in 2021, Hall of Fame Village Media is a premiere, multi-dimensional content studio on a mission to honor the past and inspire the future. Not limited by the confines of traditional studios, Hall of Fame Village Media does it all - creating engaging content across all genres, lengths, and mediums including TV and streaming series, films, games, events, podcasts, branded content and emerging media. With unique ties to one of the most revered institutions in all of sports, Hall of Fame Village Media leverages its unprecedented access to deliver a compelling content lineup that showcases the very best of professional athletes, both on the field and under the helmet.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “opportunity,” “future,” “will,” “goal,” and “look forward” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to execute its business plan and meet its projections, including refinancing its existing term loan and obtaining financing to construct planned facilities; potential litigation involving the Company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company’s products and services, and in particular economic and market conditions in the resort and entertainment industry; the potential adverse effects of the ongoing global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on capital markets, general economic conditions, unemployment and the Company’s liquidity, operations and personnel, the inability to maintain the listing of the Company’s shares on Nasdaq, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in our reports and other public filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220110005265/en/
Contacts
For Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company
Media Inquiries: public.relations@hofreco.com
Investor Inquiries: investor.relations@hofreco.com