Anthony Pelham, NY

Jeff went to Mahopac with you, one year behind you. I know there are probably many but most shocking thing you uncovered in doing your research

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:48 PM)

By the way, I should introduce myself. My name is Jeff Pearlman, born and raised on the rough streets of Mahopac, N.Y. My third book, "Boys Will Be Boys," chronicles the rise and fall of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys. I spent 2 1/2 years working on the project; am very proud of the product ...

Jimmy Johnson (having a Heineken)

Hey Jeff, come join me on the set Sunday and we'll talk about the old days!

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:49 PM)

I know this isn't really Jimmy, because you only wanted to talk about the old days with me for, oh, 45 minutes. :)

mike (Austin,Texas

Great book loved it.

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:49 PM)

Thanks. Appreciate that greatly.

Jon, Atlanta

Love the book so far. Do you think the Dallas teams of the 90's would match up well with the Patriot teams of recent years? (Disreagarding the Brady injury)

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

Jeff, your piece on Lyman Bostock touched my heart. But is it possible, in your estimation, that Bostock could actually have been having an affair with that girl from Gary?

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:54 PM)

Thanks for the kind words. I asked myself that question quite often during reporting, and I'm certain he wasn't. A. He rarely visited Gary, so it's not as if he saw her more than, oh, once per year. Second, they were walking to his uncle's car, with her sister. Not such a setting for scandal. But mostly, absolutely everyone says he was just there out of bad luck. Sigh.

Ralph (Philly)

Simmons loves your book and i can't wait to get but is the best selling point he couldve made about someone's penis?

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:55 PM)

Well, you can't put a price on a good penile story, now can you?

Quinn (IL)

How did you decide to do the story on Lyman Bostock? He died before I was born so I've never even heard of the man.

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:56 PM)

Well, as a kid growing up in Mahopac, I collected baseball cards, and I remember his vividly. Then I learned that he had died, and I was oddly haunted by it; by the unfulfilled life. Kept it in my head for the past 30 years ... had long thought of writing it, finally did. And I'm blessed to have had that chance.

Dan (Chicago, IL)

How many questions do you expect to get about Charles Haley's penis?

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:57 PM)

Ha. If this chat is a measure, 20,392 per minute ...

Kevin (NYC)

Jeff, fello Blue Hen and Review staff, so glad to see you doing well. How much "trouble" did Michael Irving really get into? did we know about it all or was Jerry able to hide most of it?

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:59 PM)

First, a silent nod of appreciation for Spencer Dunkley ... ... ... ... thank you. Michael got into a t-o-n of trouble, be it drugs, women, violence. The odd thing about Michael is that, through it all, he remained loved and loved and loved. Teammates worshiped the guy. Fans did, too. He was just so ... real, that people felt something in common with him. Hard to explain.

Brian (Newmarket, NH)

Are you and Emmitt exchanging Christmas Cards this year?

Jeff Pearlman

  (1:59 PM)

Actually, he'll be attending my son's birthday party next week. It's at a play gym, and we'll be having slices of pizza and Elmo cake.

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

When he made those comments to that third baseman about cleaning up his life, was Bostock just talking about his marriage or had he experienced drug or alcohol problems during his depression?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:00 PM)

strictly his marriage. Lyman did not have substance abuse issues.

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Any death threats?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:01 PM)

Only from my wife, who saw me on Outside the Lines and said, "If you ever wear that shirt again, I will kill you." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT88GVg-Q-k

Mike (Exton, PA)

Have you had any encounters or times when you've run into any of these former players? If so, what are their reactions to the book/stories?

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

I find it hard to believe that none of his friends, family members or teammates went after the killer once he was exonerated. Did that surprise you?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:04 PM)

no, because they're VERY gentle, religious, put-your-faith-in-God's-plan people. Wonderful, wonderful family who refused to allow the furor to consume them.

Steven(Tokyo)

We(And I am sure you did too) hear so much about the city of Gary, IN, and their astronomical crime rate. Do you think people are seeing this incident seen as just another unfortunate incident in Gary given their reputation or was Gary already known as the crime ridden city we know today? Were you intimidated by Gary, IN, covering Lyman Bostock's story?

Chris (Cali)

I know you believe Irvin was the most important player, but who do you believe was the most overrated player? And who do you think was the most underrated player? Look forward to reading the book!!!

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:07 PM)

Alvin Harper was extremely overrated. Soooo much talent, but wasted it with off-field excesses. Thought he was Mike, but didn't work at it. Charles Haley is the opposite. Yeah, he was eccentric. But the guy elevated the Dallas defense from mediocre to fantastic. Worthy of the Hall of Fame.

Matt

It's hard looking back on that now and thinking that 2.25 mil over 5 years is big money!

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:08 PM)

I'd gladly take the salary.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

If was good at my job, but maybe did some unsavory things I seriously doubt that 15 years later some guy would try and make money off of it. Kinda makes me glad I'm not a famous athlete. I wonder if anyone will write a Jeff Pearlman tell-all. What would they find?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:11 PM)

1. I still pick my nose. 2. In junior high and high school I ran for student government five times, and never won. 3. I am the worst Division I cross country runner in American history. Look, Josh, I hear what you're saying, and I respect the opinion. I certainly understand if you prefer to know nothing of the behind-the-scenes dealings of pro sports. But I'm curious about this stuff, and have been for a long time. I like the stories; love the stories. And truthfully, sports are history; the Cowboys' won three Super Bowls, and everyone said, "history is made." So why is it wrong to write the behind the scenes of history? Should political reporters also not write what goes on behind closed doors, and just present what the insiders want us to know?

evan (ft lauderdale, fl)

Did you have more writing about kevin mitchell's girlfriend's cat or charles haley's penis?

evan (ft lauderdale, fl)

When was the last time you had a conversation with john rocker?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:12 PM)

he's actually sitting next to me as we speak. no, john, i don't care what's happening on days of our lives.

Steven(Tokyo)

Can you please answer my question?? Thank you!!

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:12 PM)

Yes.

CAL (St. Paul, MN)

Awesome piece of writing about Lyman Bostock. How close did you actually come to knocking on Leonard Smith's door?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:14 PM)

I was sitting outside his house, middle of the day, saw a light on inside. thought to myself, 'I'm all alone. i have two little kids, a wife. if i die here today, nobody will find my body for a week.' when i was on the cops beat at the tennessean, i never hesitated to do ... anything for a story. but with time comes wisdom.

Matt (DC)

Good job on the Bonds book. You were very bipartisan I felt. Was it a difficult book to write considering the inability to get information from Bonds himself?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:15 PM)

no, because i interviewed hundreds upon hundreds of people. and, to be honest, i don't believe 95% of what barry says. so what good is an interview with a chronic BSer?

Mike (california)

Aren't you the hack that destroyed a certain pitchers' career for your own gain?

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:15 PM)

yes, that would be me.

Jeff Pearlman

  (2:18 PM)

Well, thanks a ton. On behalf of John Rocker, Emmitt Smith, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and my dog, it's been real. Oh, and feel free to ask any questions whenever at anngold22@gmail.com. I'll always write back ...