Amy Nelson

  (9:37 AM)

We'll chat during First Take starting at 10 a.m. ET!

Amy Nelson

  (9:47 AM)

Good morning everyone, we'll be starting the chat soon. I'm sure T.O. will be a hot topic, as will the Celtics, Joe Pa, probowl and Manny and anything else you want to discuss. So write in and I'll read some of your comments on the air.

Amy Nelson

  (10:01 AM)

Ok guys let's get it going...

Amy Nelson

  (10:01 AM)

Who loves what TO had to say?

Matt-Iowa

What would be your advice to TO? Can Skip save this guy?!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:02 AM)

I don't think Skip can save anyone...I don't know if I'd have any advice to him, because I frankly don't know what the truth is. I guess i'd say stop talking smack, if you are.

Rich Rodriquez (Ann Arbor)

TO needs to get a life

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Here's an idea. Let's start ignoring T.O. like we would any three year old who whines for no good reason.

Pete (NC)

Brett Favre? What is this? The 1996 Pro Bowl?

Chet (LA)

It's amazing to me that the Green Bay Packers defense has TWO players represented in the pro bowl. That defense as a whole has been terrrible this year.

Chet (LA)

I absolutely can not believe that Philip Rivers did not make the Pro Bowl. Brett Favre has had a great career, but Philip is so much better than him this year. It's not even close.

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

How did Farve make the Pro Bowl? What a joke!

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

Because he's Favre?

Matt (College Park)

Terrel Owens is a professional concerned about his career. If an investment banker is having a bad week because one of his peers made a mistake that could potentially hurt his career in the future, it is likely he would call out that peer and perhaps get angry with him. Why does everyone look down on T.O. when he is simply passionate about succeeded?

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

That's intersting because not many people are in your camp, Matt...

Rob ((New Orleans))

Post up my ish Amy

Amy Nelson

  (10:06 AM)

i"ll get to your rondo post in a sec

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

So what...He got outplayed by Kerry Collind and about 6 other AFC QBs

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

TO is a big baby, quit defending him

Chris (East Lansing)

Brett Favre should never have made the Pro Bowl, that spot is Big Ben's.

Chad (Las Vegas)

WOW a TO sympathizer. You best keep this transcript Amy. You might never see another one in your lifetime.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

I thought Skip was? just kidding...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I think the real question here is why does anyone care about the Pro Bowl? In the end a bunch of guys back out so Rivers may end up going anyway. It's a dumb exhibition game that should be done away with entirely.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

totally agree...

Chris (East Lansing)

TO is the boy who cried quarterback, and I'm sick of it. He's just white noise now, predictable and easy to ignore.

Chris (Boaz, AL)

Everyone looks at the negative about TO, but point blank he is a playmaker and you can't get mad at him for stating the obvious. I think more games would be won getting him the ball more....he would at least look for the ball being thrown to him

Rob ((New Orleans))

Favre's spot should have been Matt Cassell's.

Josh (Texas)

The Pro Bowl proves once again it's nothing but a joke. They should do away with fan votes.

Amy Nelson

  (10:10 AM)

I think it's a total waste of time debating the pro bowl selections ... don't the fans pick the players any way?

Chris (East Lansing)

The Pro Bowl is nonsense is terms of players actually playing, but people care about the Pro Bowl because they have a vote. They matter. We can't decide who goes to the HOF, who wins seasonal awards, but we can effect this outcome. Naturally, sports fans are going to be passionate.

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

TO is old and slow and stuggles to get open...don't forget all the drops!

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

The pro bowl is a joke period, anyone can pay somebody to vote for them nonstop as long as the polls are open.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't T.O. have more targets than Witten does? Why is he crying so much?

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

The fans are .33 of the vote

Amy Nelson

  (10:12 AM)

Ok didn't know that...

Chris (Boaz, AL)

I want to see Pro Bowlers vs. College All Americans, that would be fun to watch....see if the old men can still hang with the new blood

Antwan (Youngstown, OH)

How can Brett Favre, and Jay Cutler get named to pro bowl over Phillip Rivers, Chad Pennington, and Matt Cassell? Does Brett Favre's name make him a pro bowler?

Rob ((New Orleans))

haynesworth just became a UFA because of the Pro Bowl. That's as big an impact as an all-star game can have other than in baseball.

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

The Pro Bowl game IS a joke, but the honor of being selected isn't...It actually helps determine who gets into the Hall of Fame

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

Pennington, Rivers, Collins, Cassel, Big Ben, and even Schaub are more deserving of a Pro Bowl selection than Farve!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Instead of talking about classless whiners, can we shift this thing to one of the classiest guys to ever walk a football field? How about Joe Pa getting a three-year extension at age 85. I just hope the contract expires before he does.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

hah very good johnny. personally i think it's nuts. guess this guy must not like his family all that much...

Chris (East Lansing)

Unfortunately, Favres name makes him a Pro Bowler. However, although Rivers' numbers are best, I don't think he is a Pro Bowler. I like Manning, Big Ben, and Cutler in there.

Tiffany (California)

Everyone talks about how the fan vote messes up the Pro Bowl selection because of popularity, but it only counts 1/3. Evidently either the players or the coaches are idiots too to allow Farve in.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

Fair enough Tiffany

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

Fair enough Tiffany

Chet (LA)

Joe Paterno is 81, not 85.

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

will be 85 when it expires

Chad (Las Vegas)

PSU will regret that extension when Joe Pa falls over on the field in the middle of a game. Joe Pa is a great coach but it is time for him to geaux.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I think Joe might be worried that he'll go the route of Bear Bryant if he retires. Football may be keeping him alive.

Tiffany (California)

Personally I voted for Rivers because he is cuter. :)

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

There you go, a REAL reason!

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

TO looks big and physical, yet he can't get off the line against physical corners...remember him vs Woodson & Al Harris? Shawn Springs?

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

The only thing that will matter with all of this Cowboys hoopla is how they finish the season. Fortunately for the Cowboys, it looks like they may peak at the right time and they get Baltimore at a good time this Sunday.

Josh (Texas)

All of these problems with the Cowboys you can blame on the new Al Davis named Jerry Jones. You might as well call the Cowboys the Glamourboys.

Daniel (Atlanta)

If TO can keep his mouth shut most of the time, I think he can be one of the best receivers in the game. He has played in the big game many times, but all we hear from him and the media is what TO will say next.

Octavious (Clarksville)

I'm so tired of T.O. man, all he does is cry, what about all the dropped balls? He never talks about that.....

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

T.O picked Stephen A Smith because he knew he wouldn?t get grilled and he would be able to try and spin what happened to make him look innocent. It would have been nice if Stephen A would have asked him how come 2 days before Weder made his report a local Dallas paper was reporting the same story?

Amy Nelson

  (10:23 AM)

Totally disagree, Stephen A asked him a very difficult question about why he was blaming Werrder when the accusation came from him own clubhouse...it was a good interview

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

T.O. is double teamed all the time and i totaly agree with Jamal.

Sammy (GA)

Tonight is the night the Hawks break Boston's streak. These young guns will once again beat the mighty Cs at home.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Now that we're done with the football talk, let's crack open the NBA. With Celtics-Hawks tonight and Shawn Marion trade rumors going on, I can't wait any longer.

Chris (Boaz, AL)

My guys just came in from the break room and asked if I commented on TO cause they saw it on ESPN....thanks Amy

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

sure ....

Rob ((New Orleans))

Amy: better NBA pregame NBATV or TNT?

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

you know the answer TNT all the way

Ryan (Wake Forest, NC)

I've got to say I'm disappointed in the Celtics this season. There's nothing I enjoy more than watching them lose... and they just won't! It's annoying.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Do we really have to talk about the NBA? I mean everyone except for OKC and the Knicks makes the playoffs anyway. The regular season is just for seeding and doesn't matter a hill of beans until around St. Patrick's Day.

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

btw, how about stephon marbury showing up to the game buying a ticket ...

jaime (dallas)

TNT dude you get to watch SIR charles barkley make a fool of himself

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

never, he's always on point

Josh (Texas)

I can't wait to finally see these Hawks on TV but I don't think that they'regoing to beat the Celtics. I hope it's as good of a game as the last time they played.

Matt-Iowa

Can the NFL make up a violation so they can suspend TO?

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

hhmmmmmm, no

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

T.O is an aged WR who's skills are starting to diminish. You could clearly see it on his first dropped ball against the Giants, the T.O of even 2 years ago would have been fast enough to catch that ball.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

The players and the coaches are the reason why T.O. didn't make the Pro Bowl.

Shane (Iowa)

TO has made his bed and now he can lie in it. He is the reason a lot of people don't like him and assume he's lying and trying to do damage control everytime he opens his loud mouth!!!

Noel (Peru, IN)

I LOVE T.O.. As long as he is a Cowgirl they will NEVER win another Super Bowl!!LOL

Josh (Texas)

I can't wait to finally see these Hawks on TV but I don't think that they'regoing to beat the Celtics. I hope it's as good of a game as the last time they played.

mike from cincinnati

i heard mention of investment banker ,but if that banker had run 2 companys into the ground . why would you give him 3rd company to bakrupt also?

Chris (East Lansing)

I don't know Sammy, the Hawks look really good, but if Rondo plays at the level he is capable of consistently? The Celtics have four starting all stars.

Rob ((New Orleans))

Rondo's defense is too good. Top 3 PG, behind Paul.

Shane (Iowa)

If it's ONE thing I agree with Skip on it's his opinions on TO...he's got him dead on!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Marbury is a lot like T.O. I guess I can kind of understand his point of view but if he was a better team guy, none of this would be happening in the first place.

Lee, Buffalo, Ny

Michael Jordan got into fist fights with teamates and everybody says hes just competitive, but when T.O. makes legitimate complaint after losing a game they should've won hes called a cancer.

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

I think it gets overshadowed when TO makes a good point because of his reputatin, I'll agree with you there...

Jeff Baltimore,MD

Skip,you talk about T.O like your married to him.There is no nfl team that don't take T.O as a threat.His job is to draw double teams to him and make everyone else better and that's what he did.

anthony (nj)

i absolutly agree with T.O. that Romo has been over using Witten. I am by no means a cowboys fan or a T.O. fan but the guys resume is unbelieveable. TO is the best reciever on the cowboys and if the cowboys got the ball to him more then they would not be struggling to make the playoffs. Skip is way out of line saying TO is not an elite reciever. Skip... there is not a team in the NFL or a team in NFL history who would not take TO RIGHT NOW

Ryan (Denver)

Skip needs to put his personal disdainment aside for T.O. and evaluate him based on his skills and past performances. Teams are not going to even think about double teaming Witten as opposed to T.O. After he destroyed Philly and San Fran teams went back to doubling this guy because the fear of the deep ball.

M.Wyatt (Cincinnati)

Even though Stephen A. has said that in both previous team situations his teammates have more agreed than disagreed with him.. He's just the one guy who isn't afraid to speak up, because he know he's going to get paid regardless

Terrell (Palo Alto, CA)

Skip do not forget that you sat there a few years ago saying that Randy Moss had lost a step but look what he did when he went to New England. I have not seen a team double team Witten and have you thought about why Witten catches so many balls because T.O. gets all the attention of the defense.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Is anyone else amazed that Marbury had to check to see if he could go to the game as a fan and not risk losing his 21 million?

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

absolutely amazed. though marbury has produced one of the best moments in tv history in that interview with bruce from channel 4 here in ny. google it. gilbert arenas blogged that it was the most fantastic thing he had ever seen.

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

so my point is, marbury never disappoints.

Joey(Knoxville TN)

As a long time C's fan I can say this about this years team compared to last years team. Yes, I believe that this team is SIGNIFICANTLY better. Rondo's all around evolution makes them a virtual Big 4. And yes we may have lost roleplayers like James Posey, but guys like Leon Powe and Tony Allen make up the slack just nicely. So I feel in summary, yes they are much better.

Tony and Jason-Dallas

Don't tell TO we are having a meeting right now!!

Rhonda Ann Keith /Silver Spring, MD.

To paraphrase Owens on his infamous quote about Jeff Garcia: If it looks like a T.O., sounds like a T.O., acts like a T.O., then, by-golly, it must be a T.O.!

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Watching that game last night, I think the team is handling the scenario fine. Stephon Marbury's effect on the team has now become dissipated to the same level as Plaxico Burress (the team overcomes them; for the record, the Giants lost the last two games because they miss Brandon Jacobs, not Burress).

Josh (Fort Worth, TX)

Marbury is an individual and will be nothing more than that on the court. The guy can play but he will never be a team player. Kind of like TO.

Josh (Texas)

Marbury stinks but the Knicks are dumb for not just cutting him in the first place. Seriously, what are the Knicks scared of? They needs to go ahead and bite the bullet because everyone knew that it was stupid to give him all that money yet they signed him anyway.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Joe Pa is proving he is one of the greatest all time coaches, even better than Wooden. Recruiting plays a major role in how great these coaches are. Everyone can agree it is easier to recruit at UCLA than Penn State, which is a much harder place to recruit great talent. The fact Joe Pa has been able to recruit great talent for so many years in a place like Penn State and then able to coach that talent makes him one of the greatest of all time.

Chris (Houston, TX)

I'm so tired of all the T.O. haters. The people who are complaining about T.O.'s conduct are doing their best to try to convince everyone else that T.O. is such a bad person and it's rediculous to try to compare his conduct now to what he has done in the past at previous teams. Let it go people, he's moved on, so should you. Skip jsut dislikes T.O. and will find anything he can to complain about.

Calvin Johnson (Detroit)

If your the best reciever in football on the worst team are u still the best reciever in football?

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

hmmmmmm

Ryan (Wake Forest, NC)

I get a kick out of Marbury, it's like watching a marriage that failed so miserably but they just live in the same house for the sake of the kids (ie the money). I wonder when they'll give him a "random" title just so he goes away...

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

good analogy. i find it completely humorous. but i'm not a knicks fan

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

Marbury is a joke! Why are we talking about him?

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

because he's hilarious

M.Wyatt (Cincinnati)

Anyone got the hawks tonight?

Josh (Orrville, OH)

joey i have to agree with you, in the fact right now the celtics are better than last year, but lets just wait until the playoffs, are those role players going to step up in may and june. lets not forget that boston was taken to 7 games in all of there series last year except for the finals.

Joe Pa (Happy Valley)

What i signed a contract extension? I didnt even know i was still coaching.

Stuart (Baytown, TX)

yes...Santa Curling Championships

Josh (Orrville, OH)

i got the hawks, but then again i'm a cavs fan so i want to see the celtics loose as many times as possible.

Octavious (Clarksville)

The Knicks should just get rid of the guy....if they won't play him somebody will.....one thing's for certain....they still have to pay the man....so why let the money go to waste....

Ryan (Wake Forest, NC)

I think if we get together we can get Marbury his own radio show! Better yet we'll put Marbury on radio with Barkley! That would be the greatest radio show ever!

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

it would be, marbury had his own show here in ny where he interviewed people...

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

The only good thing Marbury has ever done was produce sone affordable shoes...He is a ball hog who can't play anymore, and even when he could...He was FAR from a winner

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

The thing that drives me crazy about the Knicks is they are playing so freaking hard and having so much fun, they'll win a lot more games but that also means they'll miss out on getting Ricky Rubio, the ideal D'Antoni point guard of the future.

Jeremiah (Bolivar,NY)

Cowboys out ,Ravens in

Donald (kalamazoo, MI)

How is he hilarious Amy, he isnt getting to play, he's getting paid top guy money, and he isnt playing or being traded because of what? Why pay money if you can't use your product

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

he's hilarious because he buys a ticket to watch his OWN team play while they pay him to stay at home. i think his mind is twisted and i think it's hilarious. but i'm not a knicks fan

Stuart (Baytown, TX)

now the question is will the fans in Atlanta show up tonight or will they be like normal..no-show just like all the other sporting events in Atlanta?

Gilbert (Hibatchi City)

When i get off injury everybody better watch out for.....my blog

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

When is First Take going to get Marbury on to debate Skip? I know one great topic, earning your pay yes or no.

shomari (las vegas, nv)

curling santas are not weird they're entertaining Jay.

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

agreed. i've got beef with jay ... my grandparents started a curling club in cleveand,. he better stop hating on curling...

Lawrence (Akron,Ohio)

I really think Marbury can produce in this league and could make some team better.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

heck if i were getting paid to just sit and not do my job i would be cracking people up too.

Donald (kalamazoo, MI)

Marbury is a class guy try meeting him in person.. For goodness sake his the first NBS star to really try and give to the people on a marketable level with his STARBURY SHOE!

Jeremiah (Bolivar,NY)

the Knickerbockers created this crap D'antoni HATES Marbury. Thats old news and they brought this cach in without moving Stephon, NY must move on this is stupidity!

Kimberly Wieloch (LaGrange, Indiana)

If the fan's are really happy with T.O., then why did they boo him when he was introduced and when he dropped/didn't catch the 1st pass that was thrown to him.

mike from cincinnati

ny got what they asked for when signing marbury,just another example of isaih's stupidity.

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

hard to argue that

Issac walker (Los angeles, ca)

Boston is great but think how many all stars they have. Lakers are my favorite but I love garnett pierce and allen. All three are legends in the end and rondo is great and yea theyre are the best team i think in history right now but look at the roster

Bob (Rhode Island)

Skip, Rondo is still good for an 8 turnover game here and there? Find one of those this year. His highest turnover game has been 6 this year and it was only twice. And the going against top point guards, he just dominated Deron Williams.

M. Wyatt (Cincinnati)

JoePa is more of a symbol than Prince. He doesn't even stand for their games anymore!

Mark Texiara (Bmore)

Im gonna suprise everyone Fri and sign with the Sox... in Japan for 800 billion yen

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

damn mark, last iheard you were all about the cash, here. in america.

Ronnie (New York)

I made a vow at the beginning of last season that I would not step foot into the Garden until Isiah was gone and Marbury was gone. My wishes have come true! Marbury is a first class losing player - he does nothing to make a team better.

John (Lincolnton, NC)

joe pa has been hurt and plus he is like 80

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

82 on sunday, actually

Cedric(Va)

Marbury's selfishness, laziness, and terrible work ethic has limited his career from what he could have been.

J. Riggs (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

Why do we care what the Knicks managment does with Steph? I agree Isaih is/was flirting with Elgin Baylor territory

brett (lebanon NH)

the cels are going down tonite! Go hawks

joe (washington)

as a bulls fan who hated the knicks back in the 90s...i feel really sorry that their name is being tarnished by stephon marbury.....he needs to just leave the game altogether

Mark Texiara (Bmore)

Well i figure with our economy the way it is yen will be more valuable then the dollar in a year, so thats equivalant to 800 billion dollars

Amy Nelson

  (10:44 AM)

great rationale.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Someone let M. Wyatt know that Joe didn't stand because he needed hip surgery and put it off until the season was over. He plans to be on the sidelines for the Rose Bowl.

jesse (acworth)

Careful on the Hawks there before the win Vs the Cavs the last time they beat a winning team was Nov 4th -- and agin without that 7-0 start they are a sub-500 team.

Amy Nelson

  (10:47 AM)

do any of you have a problem with marbury buying a ticket to the game?

brett (lebanon NH)

If the knicks were smart they would just suck it up and play marbury,cuz they would be better with him than they are now!

Frank (Lexington, NC)

put yourself in Marbury's shoes what could be better

John (Lincolnton, NC)

if i would of been in the ticket booth i would of let him in for free

Frank (Lexington, NC)

Me and Marbury have the same season avg in ppg but he makes alot more then i do and he's all over the media

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

Amy before I get cut off @11am & in case you're not here next Wednesday Have a Merry Christmas ! And catch you out here next time :)

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

THanks and the chat still continues past 11 am, we just get bumped off the main screen.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

No. He was bored, he's got plenty of money why not go to the game, and oh make them look stupid.

Zach (Sheboygan, Wi)

He is basically rubbing their noses in the situation, they didn't fine him so he didn't do anything wrong and if he has the free time....

Ford Family (Detroit)

I hope Isaih wants a job as a NFL GM cause his style would fit perfectly with our philosiphy

Ryan (Wake Forest, NC)

I know this could never happen but it would be fun to see Marbury and Thomas sitting watching the Knicks play (with seats right behind the Knicks bench of course)

alex (detroit, mi)

why the knicks and marbury keep up this i dont understand, either play him or cut him, hes making money by sitting in the stands

Issac walker (Los angeles, ca)

he did the right thing he wasnt disrespectful and he gave good comments on how they were playing

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

disagree. he became the story. intead of the story being about the game, it was about starbury.

Akron,Ohio

I don't have a problem with Marbury buying a ticket,at least he paid for it that's more than other nba players would do.

Donald (kalamazoo, MI)

Just think Marbury could have been anywhere else in the world instead he choose to watch the team that basically destroyed his career!

Amy Nelson

  (10:55 AM)

destroyed his career?

Chad (Las Vegas)

C'mon. Marbury attending the game was strickly for his own publicity. Marbury got tired of not being mentioned for 2 days on ESPN.

Erik (Dallas, TX)

I think he could've been at the game without making such a big deal about it. He could've got a normal seat, not a seat with "the celebrities". The Knicks might not have even known he was there.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

The only good thing Marbury has ever done since being in the NBA is coming out with a cheap basketball shoe for impoverished kids. Then he turns around and pulls stunts like these which cancels out even that great jester.

David (South Carolina)

He destroyed his own game with his attitude.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Let's get this straight. The majority of hour one of the chat was spent talking about the Pro Bowl, a spoiled NFL WR, and a spoiled NBA guard. Any chance hour two addresses stories worthy of discussion Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (10:57 AM)

What do you suggest Johnny?

mike (az)

the knicks could fix this situation very quickly, get rid of him. Buy him out or release him whichever they prefer. I dont blame steph for not taking a dime less than he is owed. The knicks have bottomless pockets, just open em up if you wanna get rid of him and your problems will be solved

Josh (Orrville, OH)

steph was smart for buying a ticket. he was just showing the knicks up. i think it's hilarious. i wonder if he waved to any of his teamates

jesse (acworth)

Again -- why cut the guy if you have to pay him anyway ?? they is NO benefit for them todo that --

Ronnie (New York)

I agree with Amy - destroyed his career? Marbury did that all on his own. He never wins. Teams get instantly better after he leaves (the Knicks joining the T-wolves, Nets, and Suns in that regard), and when he tried to blackmail his coach last year (not that Isiah is exactly a good guy) he killed his own career.

Nick Saban (AL)

I like to thank Auburn for making recuiting in the state 100 times easier for me for years to come. I can't believe you pick up such a joke of a coach for your team.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Johnny, let me try to get a good story going. I have my fingers crossed that the Yankees can get Manny on a 1-year deal. After making me miserable with the egregious A.J. Burnett signing, this would be pretty sweet redemption. What does everyone else think?

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

buster olney is reporting there s nothing to that manny rumor...

Charlie Weis (Notre Dame)

Id also like to thank Auburn since i now dont look like the worst hire in the last 5 years

Josh (Orrville, OH)

the yankees make me sick. how can the sign one pitcher to the largest contract in mlb history, another to an 80 mil contract, and are rumored to be going after manny, but then turn around and go to the cith of new york and ask for more money to finish there stadium.

Amy Nelson

  (11:04 AM)

very bad move tehre with the stadium...

Jeremiah (Bolivar,NY)

Yankees: a orginization prone to hiring overpriced free agents that will lose productivity almost immediately.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Considering there's no market for Manny, it actually sounds practical for Manny to still be available in late January. At that point, the Yankees will be ready with the short-term deal.

alex (detroit, mi)

if were going to talk about free agents, what do u think the chance is that texiera passes up teams like boston and the angels and go to washington

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

well, was told a story in vegas about how the money is the most important thing to him. so at first i thought no way, now i'm not so sure he would pass on was

Brandon (Wisconsin)

Maybe there is no market for manny because he is no good

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

that's a joke right?

jesse (acworth)

The Dodger already offered him a 2 year deal (with a year option) why would he take 1 year from NY? Chances are LA can't fully take that back - LA fans don't care a whole lot, but they'd notice that

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

I like the rumor better that the Yanks will try to stick it to the Red Soxs by signing Teixeira :)

John-Wesley(London, UK)

Amy Remember....Buster, Peter and the rest of the 'Baseball Tonight cadre' really don't like Manny AT ALL...I saw Pete Gammons blow a gasket one night talking about Mr Ramirez. And they all swallowed(and regurgitated verbatim) the Red Sox BS after ManRam Left Beantown

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

sorry my friend, have to disagree with you on that one. they aren't reporting information based on whether they like or dislike someone. it just doesn't work that way; we aren't fans (most of us aren't anyway) so we don't think like fans do when it comes to emotion.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Amy do you think because the way Manny left the Red Soxs and his age that he is getting the Barry Bonds treatment? Do you think Bonds will be signed this year? Yes the second question is a joke.

Amy Nelson

  (11:08 AM)

did you see barry this past weekend on tmz? said he wants to play next year

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Well with the addition of Barry Bonds to the chat we have now brought up the names of whiny babies in three major sports. Might as well talk about Avery and make it a clean sweep.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

i would love to see baltimore or the nats sign texiera. keep the sox or the yanks from getting him.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

I think the Texeira going to Washington would be great for all parties. After all, the Nats are only one player away from being awesome!

Amy Nelson

  (11:12 AM)

totally!

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

Jamal is on a roll, and pretty much leaving Skip speechless.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Amy what is your take on what Barkley had to say? Do you believe ncaa football needs a rooney rule?

Amy Nelson

  (11:20 AM)

I'm split on this, Agree mostly with what Barkley said ... the rooney rule is a tough one, because many people in the industry think it's a joke, so it's not taken seriously, but something needs to change.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Wow. The Stephon Marbury controversy took on a life of its own, even supplanting 3rd down.

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

that's how we roll here, lance. took over the show...

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Out of curiosity, will there be another "Your Take" chat next Wednesday? If we want to talk about the Christmas NBA games, do we have to talk about it now? P.S., Sorry, Johnny. We did our best.

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

yes, i will be back on christmas eve.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Tomlin wasn't the top candidate for the Steelers, still he interviewed so the Rooney rule works so it isn't much of a joke. Wouldn't the purpose of an ncaa rooney rule be to break this good old boy mindset that exists today?

Amy Nelson

  (11:22 AM)

i'm just saying, for instance, many executives resent it. but in general, i thik it's a good thing as long as coaches are being hired. not good if they get a million interviews and no jobs.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

The funny thing about everyone obsessing about free agency in baseball is that this past World Series was between Philly and Tampa, who weren't exactly major players. In this decade, only the Red Sox really have been. Other World Series champs: Saint Louis, the White Sox, Florida, the Angels (before Moreno took over back when they were cheap), and Arizona. Not much in the way of big free agent signings with those teams.

Amy Nelson

  (11:24 AM)

btw, did you guys see how greg white of the bucs named himself after stiles in teen wolf? he is now officially my favorite player ever.

Jeremey (Louisville, KY)

Wow Amy! Two weeks in a row we haven't had that since baseball season.

Amy Nelson

  (11:24 AM)

i know, crazy isnt it?

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

You couldn't enforce a Rooney rule in the NCAA. What would you do to universities that didn't comply? Take away scholarships? The member institutions would never agree to that.

fresno, ca

T.O. keep your head up man. Forget the haters. Let your play do the talkin this Saturday. God bless.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

i think the ncaa needs a rooney rule. they are way behind the times. they really need it.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

teen wolf. that is one of the best movies ever. amy have you ever surfed on top of a van?

Amy Nelson

  (11:26 AM)

no but i always wanted to!

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Come on, Stilez White has got nothing on World B. Free. Imagine Bill Walton (or Frank Caliendo as Bill Walton) playing around with that name on one of the NBA shows and tell me that isn't one of the most surreal moments ever.

Amy Nelson

  (11:28 AM)

Lance, GOt to respectfully disagree with you on that one. Tenn Wolf? Seriously, you changed your name to a character in the movie Teen Wolf. Superb.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

why not take away there shcolarships ted. without schoalships some teams may not be able to land big name players that they would be recruting. i think that would be punishment enough.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

i haven't stoped laughing amy. that is so hilarious. i would never thought a player would pick a charcter from that movie. JUST AWSOME!!!!

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

amazingly awesome.

Josh (Texas)

Stilez White is way better than World B Free. I'm thinking about getting a jersey that says Stilez on it.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

OK, time to talk 80s movie favorites. I'm putting Grenlins on the list. I still laugh when the old lady gets hers on the stairs.

Amy Nelson

  (11:34 AM)

teen wolf still the best...sorry ted.

Marvin (Roanoke, VA)

I think Marbury should be content with buying tickets and sitting beside Spike Lee in the stands until the end of this whole mess. If the Knicks don't want to end this, continue to use the money they are giving him to pay for court side seats. It's not costing him anything. Get paid to watch from the stands, I would.

Amy Nelson

  (11:35 AM)

the best part about stiles is the t-shirts he wears in that movie.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Would you be referring to the, "What are you looking at....?" t-shirt Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (11:37 AM)

that and the teen wolf purple shirts are awesome too

Josh (Orrville, OH)

amy i want the powder blue shirt with the wold head on it. that is the best one.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

No offense here Amy but as good as Teen Wolf was, there was this little comedy called Vacation that came out in the 80s that might have been a tad bit better.

Amy Nelson

  (11:37 AM)

different genre ... teen wolf isnt really a comedy

Kreg(Atlanta)

Hey Amy, Since you cover baseball from the inside maybe you can shed some insight. Why has the shaving cream pie in the face become such a staple of so many teams postgame celebrations? Have you ever been on the receiving end of one while reporting after a game?

Amy Nelson

  (11:38 AM)

good question wish i had an answer other than its juvenile and baseball players are juvenile. and no, thank god, never have been.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

i thought the teen wolf shists were powder blue. it's been awhile since i've seen the movie.

Amy Nelson

  (11:38 AM)

pretty sure they're purple

Colin (Boston)

Sorry Amy and Ted, the Best 80's movie is Christmas vacation. Especially this time of year

Scott (Virginia)

Yes there definitely should be a Rooney rule. I think it would be awesome if there were to be female coaches. Its time to realize that its a mental game to coach and that color or a person's sex should have no merit.

Amy Nelson

  (11:38 AM)

cant really see any femaile coaches

Jeremey(Louisville, KY)

Amy. You made me do research because i had never heard of Greg White. He had to get his name out there somehow.

Noel (Peru, IN)

Two things: I thought Auburn interviewed 2 black candidates and if they would have hired Gil, it would not have changed anything. He was already a HC and thus not adding another black coach to the NCAA. Unless Gil got the Auburn job and Buffalo hired a black coach also.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

purple or blue either way they were the best t-shirts i've ever seen.

Amy Nelson

  (11:39 AM)

true that

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

the actor who played stiles is on first take now.,..

Amy Nelson

  (11:42 AM)

he is privlidged...and honored

Josh (Orrville, OH)

and the best thing about gregs name he used a z instead of an s. and any name with a z even better.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

By the way, Laurence Fishburne must feel disappointed right now (He played Furious Styles in Boyz N the Hood).

Amy Nelson

  (11:44 AM)

i think this is the apex of my career. stiles is on the same show i am.

Wayne (Virginia)

How old is Stiles now?

Amy Nelson

  (11:44 AM)

good question. the movie was made 23 years ago...

Amy Nelson

  (11:45 AM)

"i will always keep a warm spot in my heart for the new stiles."

Amy Nelson

  (11:45 AM)

awesome.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

didn't they make a sequel to that movie. never saw it but it had to be horrible.

Amy Nelson

  (11:48 AM)

yes i never saw it either. refused. nothing can top the original.

Marvin ( Roanoke, VA)

The Auburn hire was a joke, true, but the hiring of a black coach now would be out of "token" instead of merit because such a big deal is being made of it. Such a big deal is being made of this that the pressure is on the ncaa to do something about it and you shouldn't have to force someones hand in this natter. They should be hired off the accomplishments and not because of the pressure of BCA.

Amy Nelson

  (11:54 AM)

hey guys thanks for chatting i'l be back next week.