The Vikings Hate Your Grandma

Oh your grandmother passed away? Wow, she basically raised you and your siblings on her own? We're deeply sorry for your loss. Sure ... we completely understand, go take care of whatever you need to do back in South Carolina. Please be sure to pass along our condolences to the rest of your family. One more thing ... we are docking you $25,588 worth of pay for the time spent away our embarrassment of a franchise and our other-than-ridiculous-rookie-superstar boring 2-5 team. Have a nice trip!

FROM ESPN.COM: The Minnesota Vikings have docked wide receiver Troy Williamson one game check for missing last Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers to attend the Monday funeral of his maternal grandmother.

Based on his 2007 salary of $435,000, the action by the Vikings will cost the three-year veteran $25,588. Williamson has 45 days to appeal Minnesota's decision to withhold his pay, and NFL Players Association sources said he will do so.

"I don't care if they would have [taken] my pay for the rest of the year, I was going home," Williamson told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It wouldn't have mattered to me."

Williamson's agent, David Canter, revealed last week that his client's older brother was injured in an automobile accident in September and that he has been hospitalized in Georgia, where he has been in and out of a coma. He said Williamson, who has been able to spend only a little time visiting his brother, has been battling through the ordeal of "a grieving and healing" process and that his family is his first priority.

Stay classy Minnesota!

UPDATE: After a firestorm of criticism from fans, the media and his players, first-year head coach Brad Childress rescinded his idiotic fine of Williamson saying "In the end, it's not important to be right, but to get it right." That's funny because you were wrong, Brad, from the very beginning.

Family Matters

Yesterday, a Pennsylvania judge sentenced Britt and Garrett Reid, sons of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, to a jail term of up to 23 months for numerous drugs and weapons charges. Today, Reid held a press conference to announce that he will not be stepping down from the helm of the Eagles. Unfortunately, we agree with his decision not to step down, but only because it's too late ... his son's are already in jail.

Reid should have stepped down in February, when he decided only to take a brief leave of absence. Maybe then he could have pulled a household the judge likened to a "drug emporium" back together.

FROM THE UNION-TRIBUNE: “There isn't any structure there that this court can depend upon,” Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill said before sentencing 22-year-old Britt Reid to up to 23 months in jail plus probation.

“I'm saying this is a family in crisis,” O'Neill said.

Earlier in the day, O'Neill sentenced 24-year-old Garrett Reid, a drug addict and dealer who said he got a thrill out of selling drugs in “the 'hood,” to up to 23 months in jail for smashing into another motorist's car while high on heroin.

As is the case with many of the children of professional coaches, they tend to grow up in a home with only one parent as a direct result of the evolution of the profession into a year-round gig, where it isn't unusual for some to put in 18-hour work days during the season.

Now are we saying it's not Reid's fault and his kids are a victim of circumstance? Of course not. It is every parent's responsibility to instill morals and show their children the difference between right and wrong. But we do understand how the high demands of being the face of a billion dollar corporation and the amount of time and dedication it takes just to compete could breed a chaotic situation at home.

With his Eagles, Reid will always be able to look ahead after a disappointing season. Sorry to say for his family, there is no next season.

ESPN Makes Us Laugh

Sportscenter just ran a segment about the fear of getting hit in the NFL and three glaring statements were made in this segment.

1. Shawne Merriman talked about hitting people and then flexed.

2. Eli Manning talked about not showing fear on the field.

3. Ray Lewis said he likes to take a man's will.

Okay, so Merriman is featured showing off his physique (steroids, anyone?) Oh wait, he got busted for steroids. Not speculation there. Yes, Shawne, you're arms are big. Mine would be too if I took a needle in my ass. Lights out, man, lights out!

Then Eli is telling us to show no fear. Why Eli? What was Rex Grossman busy? I would've accepted Favre or Garcia or a QB with some balls, but Eli? Right!

Finally, Ray Lewis is talking about taking a man's will. Is that Ray's way of describing murder? Get that man a knife! Great job ESPN.

Jon Kitna for Costume of The Year

In honor of defensive line coach, Joe Cullen's naked run in with a fastfood drive in last year, Jon Kitna decided to let it all hang out at a Lions charity function. Kitna's naked costume was accompanied by his wife as a Wendy's drive-thru girl.

Happy Halloween

This costume is so wrong ... it's right.

Paterno Would Be Proud

U-G-L-Y!

Is That a Football In Your Pocket ...

Who Needs A Band On The Field?!?