Amy Nelson

  (9:38 AM)

We'll start chatting at 10 a.m. ET!

Amy Nelson

  (9:45 AM)

Guys we'll be starting the chat soon. We'll be talking about Tomlin vs. Whisenhunt -- who's done the better coaching job this season? And also Aikman's recent comments about Tony Romo. We will also be judging a dunking contest. Your vote with be the third an final vote? At the top of the show we'll run three clips of the best dunk this week, and you guys will tell which one was better and why (and rank it 1-10) and I'll present what you say around 11:30 on the show. Chris Broussard and Skip Bayless will be the other judges. So write in, tune and I'll be back at 10:00 am.

mike (ashtabula, ohio)

it's 10 amy! let's go!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:01 AM)

yeesh guys! we're getting it started here

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

It's Whisenhunt, nobody saw the Cardinals coming. The Steelers are expected to be in the Super Bowl with the best D.

Rich Rodriquez (Ann Arbor, MI)

I want to start off by saying that people who chat on the internet need to get lives

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I won't be voting on the dunk contest as I do not have access to a TV. I think Skip's vote should be discounted though because, well he's Skip.

James (Toms River, NJ)

Good morning Amy. How was your weekend?

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

hello. very mellow, thanks for asking.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Amy how is it possible that 10 teams would be favored over the Cardinals in the Super Bowl including 2 teams they beat and 2 teams that didn't make the playoffs?

mike (ashtabula, ohio)

rich is from michigan. his opinion is of no concern to me! OH-IO BABY!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

boo! go blue

James (Louisville, KY)

Why is the dunk of the week not include the one from Anderson University? It is has been #1 play for several days on ESPN but it is not in your top 3? They should win automatically

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

James, DIdn't see it so can't help you there.

Bryan (Oswego,IL)

Why can't I see my posts?

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

Because I am the arbiter of all posts!!!!!!

Patrick (Harmony TN)

Amy, you hurt my feelings by not telling Stephen A. he looks like an angry muppet last week :'(

Amy Nelson

  (10:06 AM)

Sorry, got nixed for some reason. Skip was disappointed it couldn't fly; he apprecaited it.

Kyle (Manhattan, KS)

When comparing Tomlin vs. Whisenhunt, Tomlin has done wonders under the pressure of of Steel town after Cowher but it has to be Whisenhunt that has done a better job. He has done MORE with LESS!!.... With the Gerald Wallace Dunk, I would give it an 8 out of 10. Great Dunk over Oden but Wallace isn't a little guy by any means. Still very impressive.

Jeorge (WISCONSIN)

I want to start off by saying that Larry Fitzgerald is a beast, he is the most unstoppable force in the NFL. Quicker than Steve Smith, Better hands than T.O., and a swag like Tom Brady.

Adam (Newark, DE)

That Russell Westbrook dunk was pretty nasty. It was almost as good as the time he gave that poor kid on CAL nightmares for the rest of his life.

Pat (Chicago)

Why was there no Kobe isn't clutch segment monday after he bricked everything in the final minutes vs Orlando? I guess that nonsense is just for Lebron eh Skip?

Howwill (Tampa)

That Gerald Wallace is the dunk of the week and may be the dunk of the year

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

dunk of the year? i think the fact that wallace isn't a small guy makes it slightly less impressive.

Trevor (Indianapolis, IN)

I would like to vote for Gerald Wallace and his dunk over Indianapolis native Greg Oden for the dunk contest.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

why and what would you rank it? you guys got to give me real good reasons in order to make your case and get read on=air

Mike (Altoona, Pa)

I highly recommend viewing the dunk from the Anderson game. It deserves to be in every contest....wow!!

Steve (Jackson, Ga)

What did Aikman say about Romo?

Amy Nelson

  (10:09 AM)

to the effect of: he hasn't fully grasped what being a cowboys qb is all about. dissing him for going to mexico a week before the playoff game, you can google it

Alonzo (macon, GA)

Gerald Wallace gets a 9.5 for the one-handed alley oop dunk. It was contested and it had to be perfectly timed. The degree of difficulty was off the hook. One of the best dunks of the year period.

Aaron Cohen (Cherry Hill, NJ)

Amy, do me a favor and tell skip that Kurt Warner did not underthrow the ball 10 yards, they threw a jump ball to Fitzgerald because they know 9 out of 10 times he will come down with it. Maybe Fitzgerald should play basketball instead of Lebron and Kobe playing football.

Jeremiah (Bolivar,NY)

Tony Romo is clearly not ready to head a NFL team. I would say he has the gunslinging arm of Brett Favre, but the in game awareness of JP Losman. Can you say F U M B L E !!!!!

mike (ashtabula, ohio)

I personally don't think the wallace/oden dunk is that impressive. oden is 7ft tall. wallace is 6'7", so it's not that big of a height difference. plus, wallace weighs less, and is able to jump higher, as we have now seen in video.

Mike (Altoona, Pa)

The dude from Anderson jumped over the defender, literally! Then he proceded to yell in his face...awesome!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Lots of hoops talk early in the chat today. Not liking the direction here, Amy.

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

c'mon johnny, it's hoops season so it's gonna come up. i'll mix in baseball later ... and i know you'd like nhl, but no one else ever does

Aaron (KC)

If the Cowboys, Wade Phillips were smart they would make sure the ball is in the Barbarians not OH-NO's.

Craig (Portage,PA)

Tony Romo might have a gunslinging arm like favre but unfortunately he throws it too the other team JUST LIKE FAVRE in the clutch.

Nick (Honolulu Hawaii)

Wallace has crazy hops!! That dunk was a ten!! He dunked over a seven foot center!

Stuart ( Indianapolis, IN)

As far as who's done the better job. It has got to be Tomlin. Ken Whisenhunt inherited a team put together by Dennis Green. The Cards had no expectations. Mike Tomlin Had to be the guy following the Guy and lived up to all expectations.

Jeremey(Louisville)

Westbrook's dunk might make my top 3, but the other two are mediocre Wallace has been doing that and the other wasn't a real flush he threw it in and tipped the rim.

Alfred (Killeen,Texas)

Mike Tomlin has done the better coaching job this season. The Steelers have been dominant all season long. The Cards have just recently turned their play around. This Steelers defense should be ranked as one of the best in history and they have Big Ben who is playing really big and is a top 5 elite QB in the NFL in my opinion.

Amy Nelson

  (10:14 AM)

Ok, but Dennis Green couldn't do much with what he had. I don't think it's a Gruden/Tampa thing...when he inherited Dungy's team. I'd like to give whisenhunt more credit

Taylor (DC)

I would have to say that the Tomlin has done a better job. They had the tougher schedule this year, more injuries to deal with (people forget they lost their first round pick early in the season and Moore had to start a few games), and have less talent on offense. Plus Warner is the leader of the Cards, he is a coach on the field.

Matt (Long Island, NY)

The team put together by Dennis Green was horrible...they got rid of him for a reason...

Steve (Jackson, GA)

On Romo: I must agree with Aikman. Being a Dallas fan for life, I was very disappointed in his play and post-game press conference. Romo was recently interviewed by a newspaper in WI, and his comments weren't much better. I quote "If you win the Superbowl, OK. If you don't, OK." He went on to add that if he never wins the Superbowl, he'll be disappointed, but its not all that matters. I would hope he would feel stronger about winning the SB than that.

Lee Brownsville Texas

I believe the cardinals getting the ball out to breaston fitzgerald and boldin will allow james to run effectively. Whisehunt has resurrected the cardinals in the locker room the players and the frachise i see the cardinals from here on out be very competitive and make the playoffs in the next couple of years.

John (Tampa, FL)

Wow we are talking about dunks...Come on..Got to be something more interesting.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

of course, but it's just something the show is doinmg to get viewer input heard into the show.

Nick (milwaukee, WI)

Tomlin took the steelers to the #1 seed in the AFC with the most difficult schedule in the league. Whisenhunt may have taken everyone by surprise with the Cards, but he did it against the horrible NFC west. Tomilin is better.

Big Jon ( Cannon Falls, MN)

It's not about Green's team, it has to be Wisenhunt's execution and implementation of a killer offense

Stephen (Richlands Va)

That Dunk from the kid in Miami was one of the best i have seen

Richard (wellington ks)

Tomlin has only been Coaching the Steelers for two years, he still has the team that Cowher put together

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

um a stretch a little no?

Lawrence (Gig Harbor, WA)

Tomlin did better than Whisenhunt?? Tomlin inherited one of the most dominant franchises in the modern era, and Whisenhunt inherited one of the worst franchises in all of sports history!!!! You guys need to put that crack pipe down!

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

I believe Mike Tomlin and the Steelers had the toughest schedule in the NFL this season so I believe Mike Tomlin did the better coaching job. They will get Warner to turnover the ball a lot in Super Bowl 43.

Jeremiah (Bolivar,NY)

Whisenhunt has done more with less. Tomlin has a superbowl team back to the superbowl. Wow give him an ESPY already.

Eric ( Flint, MI)

Whisenhunt inherited team from dennis gresn....Dude come on. That's like saying Marinelli inherited team from Wayne Fontes....

Jeorge (WISCONSIN)

I have made many points about what Aikman has said and haven't been acknowledged

Amy Nelson

  (10:18 AM)

lots of people wrirting in man, and i'm about to read some comments on the air so chilllll.

Eric (Flint, Michigan)

Westbrook gets my vote.

Amy Nelson

  (10:19 AM)

but WHY?

Richard (wellington ks)

Don't forget that Wisehunt knows Big Ben's weaknesses and will exploit them in their defensive game plan

andre (Chicago, Il)

I think Tomlin has done a fantastic job. Look at how many coaches around the league (ahem, Wade Phillips) inherited a monster team, and haven't made it past the first round of playoffs, if they make the playoffs at all. The Steelers have become you can depend on winning, public perception isn't always flawed, and everyone's opinion on the Cardinals and Wisenhunt not necessarily being a great team isn't unjustified.

Stephen (Richlands Va)

Whisenhunt has changed what was a horrible team into a superbowl contender that to me makes what he has done better than Tomlin.

Jamaal (Orlando, FL)

Wallace's jam was ok I've seen him do better i'd give him a 7 on that one but I guess Emeka Okafor is now the leagues designated dunkie! Hes ALWAYS gettin jammed on. Come on Mek ya betta than that!

Jeorge (Superior, WI)

I believe that Tony Romo doesn't have a grasp on ANYTHING! Yes, he's a great quarterback, but if you can't WILL your team to atleast 1 playoff victory, you're not ready.

Gabe (San Antonio,TX)

Amy, wipe that smug smile off Skips face not that they are talking about Romo!

Mixi (Team Mixi) (Mixiland (I Miss Those Days Station))

Romo will never succeed, sorry young man. Go back to Jessica.

mike (ashtabula, ohio)

Romo is all about the fame, not the game.

Richard (wellington ks)

Tony Romo is so overrated, he still has not proven that he cant win the big game that he needs to, three years ago, he mishandled the snap for the fieldgoal or extra point, he lost to the gaints last year and this year he lost to the eagles to make the superbowl. The cowboys will never go anywhere as long as Romo is the Quarterback

Marcus (Indiana)

People will be shocked and amazed when the Cardinals not only win the Superbowl but beat the Steelers down. The Steel Curtain will now be the aluminum foil sheet.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy you have picked up a little attitude over the past few weeks. I like it!

Amy Nelson

  (10:21 AM)

Johnny, come on now, I've always had tude!

Erik S (Poughkeepsie, NY)

In regard to the best dunk, I don't think the Oklahoma City Thunder dunk should be in, so I rate it a 4 or 5. The UMiami vs UNC dunk is like a 7 or 8 but the dunk on Greg Oden? a former #1 pick because of his size, has to be a 9 or 10. Hope all is well Amy Nelson

Ryan (Atlantic City, NJ)

The Miami kid's dunk takes a lot of hops: you have to hang in the air long enough to dunk on the reverse

Nick (milwaukee, WI)

Westrbook's dunk is far more impressive...more hangtime, small guard throwing it down with coviction, and the picture perfect pose in mid-air.

Lawrence (Gig Harbor, WA)

I saw the 3 dunks...sorry, but the guy from the small school in South Carolina I think it was, where he literally scaled the defender and i tlooked like his head was above the square...that's the dunk of the year so far!

Patrick (Harmony TN)

Amy, you did seem nervous when you first started, but you definitely got your swag now.

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

Hah! So funny, there's a lot to handle here with this chat and then going on tv. A lot of stuff happens behind the scenes here...

Tim (Summit, NJ)

Is this the thing that was just on TV? Steelers were the #2 seed... not the #1. Remember the Titans!

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

Yes, they corrected that.

Zach (Ann Arbor, MI)

Why is this chat only open on Wednesday?

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

We do it once a week because the rest of the days I'm covering baseball ...

Eric (Flint,Michigan)

Remember romo has been a starter for 2+ seasons. Still learning can't give up on him yet.

Mike

I'm sorry Amy, but none of the dunks really impressed us.

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

Are you with someone else? Or do you have a few voices in your head?

Matt (Long Island, NY)

Nobody wants to remember the Titans...they choked

Nate Wallace (Detroit, MI)

Wallace punked Oden with that dunk.

Kev (NYC)

Who would ever choose to build their team around Kurt Warner? He's 37

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

worked out thus far

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

i've got a question for you guys ... do a lot of you use facebook and twitter? I know CNN does a great job of putting their shows on both sites, getting comments there. DO you ever go to fan pages on facebook? Or know what's happening on certain shows because of fan pages? Just wondering...

Craig (Portage,PA)

Amy ya might not get a chance to go to Cabo with Tony Romo, but you're welcome to come to Tampa with me to root on the STEELERS !!!! lol

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

i wish! that would mean warm weather.

Lawrence (Gig Harbor, WA)

Ah Amy, but the Cards didn't build around Warner...he got the job cuz Leinart lost it, remember?

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

yes.

Mike (Altoona, Pa)

Listen, I know its not on the list, but the dunk of the year comes from Anderson. Dude took off from outside the lane, hurdled the defender, and then he yelled in his face. Amy, you must change your list and include that dunk. Unbelievable!

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

it's not dunk of the year, it's dunk of the week...

Richard (wellington ks)

Amy, i go to fan pages to keep up with shows that I miss due to work

mike (ashtabula, ohio)

i have a facebook, but the few fan pages i have are for my favorite bands that have profiles. i mostly just keep watching the shows and checking the site to know what's going on.

Mark ((NJ))

facebook is for losers. Just like MySpace & all those self worshiping sites.

Amy Nelson

  (10:31 AM)

pffft! whatever mark...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Facebook is not allowed in my house. I have a 12-year old and a seven-year old. It's the few that ruin it for the many.

Amy Nelson

  (10:31 AM)

that's fair. i can understand that.

Craig (Portage,PA)

Is First Take not taking the show on the road down there for Super Bowl Week? Or is that just MikeandMike?

Amy Nelson

  (10:31 AM)

nope unfortuantely we're not. economy hits us hard just like everything else. so not many shows going down.

Richard (wellington ks)

Amy if you go to Cabo with Romo, you might have to fight Jessica, but dont worry my money is on you lol

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

you better double down on that bet!

Bryan (Marietta,Oh)

Last weekends AFC championship game was hard to watch. As a Browns fan I have one thing to say....GO CARDS!!!

Kev (NYC)

Mark doesn't like Facebook because he worships Eharmony.

Jeorge (Wisconsin)

WHY ISN"T THIS WORKING?

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

ok people. here's teh deal. if we were to allow a pure filter, then this wouldn't be a disney site. so i see comments ocme in and i pick the ones i deem good, intersting or wahtever. many times i don't see a lot ...

Steve (Jackson, GA)

Amy, would it not be easier for you to do a live chat, and/or have more people help you monitor it?

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

but i have to be the person reading and responding ... we've tried that, just is too difficult.

Nick (Lexington, KY)

I do believe that Aikman was implying that Romo has to be aware of the attention that comes with being a Cowboys QB. If you play the whole interview, he goes to say that Romo is entitled to a personal life and can do whatever he wants during days off but has to understand that when the Cowboys don't win, the blame will most likely fall on him. I believe Aikman was simply implying that until Romo starts winning when it matters, all the things that he does will be subject to be used to blame for his performance. Also, Wallace's dunk is clearly the best. Most the times when a player gets smacked on the wrist they aren't able to finish the play. He finished with authority over (35 yr old veteran) Oden.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Hey Amy rumor has it that someone who used to be on The Wire will be appearing on my favorite show, The Office.

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

our producer, pete mcconville, just told me that this morning. funny you menion it. strigner bell, i believe...

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Skip had it right from the jump, Iverson's ego isn't big enough to co-exist with a team oriented basketball team. Hamilton just got a raw deal while the Pistons try and recover from their blunder of trading for Iverson.

Patrick (Harmony TN)

Skip did call before A.I. showed up, that he couldn't use the screens and moving without the ball would not be as effective, skip called it from the start. Tip of the cap to you Mr. Bayless.

terry ripplemead va

robs a steeler hater anyway,look at last week,he was on the raven ship all week

Jason (College Park, MD)

I feel that facebook has gotten worse as time has gone on. When it started it was open to college students as a way of keeping in touch. Now there are high schoolers and lower ruining it with their pictures of everything and beyond. Also now there are all the really dumb apps that are a complete waste.

Jim (Dunmore, PA)

Why can't A.I. and Ripp coexist and play together just like when Billips was there?

Jason (Columbus, OH)

The situation in Detroit is going from bad to worse. I have a hard time seeing Rip Hamilton having to come off the bench. Although AI probably could do better from off the bench, I could see the situation get worse if that were to be the case.

Jesse (Philly)

I vote DEQUAN JONES dunk, also his block ealier in the game was unreal, Jordan esq!! Where do you rate the three dunks?

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

Chris Broussard just told me he thinks that Anderson dunk should be considered too...not sure why it isn't but I'm hoping we'll run it.

Rob (Jax, FL)

What is twitter?

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

Oh man, Rob, where you been living?

jeremiah bristol ct for those of you that dont know its where es

leon powe's dunk during the suns game didnt get any love.

Jeorge (Wisconsin)

I agree with Skip when he says that no rookies from this year are becoming breakout stars. The only reason they are talking about Derek Rose is because of where he went in the draft.

Patrick (Harmony TN)

As unpopular as he seems to be Skip is a sports prophet, like i said he called this mess in detroit from the beginning.

Pat (Chicago)

No superstar on the rise in this class??? Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo are not superstars? Rose can't shoot? 47% from the field?

JayJay (Delphos, Ohio)

pistons really hurt themsselves with iverson. stuckey is set to be a great nba point guard, why bring in and older fading iverson? Shouldve sent out billups for a solid big man.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Rose is hands down the rookie of the year. Rose has played well with no real dominant talent around him. Give Rose some more supporting talent like Chris Paul has and you will see Rose become the Chris Paul of the East.

Dennis Finch, Peoria, Arizone

Skip is missing the real story about the Cardinals in the SuperBowl. They have always had the talent (ask Dennis Green) but couldn' stop beating themselves. The current coaching staff has changed that and brought the Pittsburg mentality to Phoenix.

tim phoenix arizona

I WOULD LIKE SKIP TO GIVE THE ARIZONA CARDINALS THEIR PRE GAME SPEECH. TELLING THEM THEY HAVE NO CHANCE OF WINNING THE SUPERBOWL. THEY'RE THE WORST TEAM EVER TO PLAY IN THE SUPERBOWL.HE HAS BEEN PERFECT ON HIS PERDITIONS SO FAR. THAT IS PERFECTLY WRONG . HAVE A GREAT DAY

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

now that's funny

Jay (New York, NY)

I just want one reporter to just say Im wrong Im not an expert.. Im just a fan that went to school for Journalism and love sports,,

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

Skip doesn't get nearly enough credit for how often he is right.

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

i think some times because he can be so bombastic, the message is lost.

Tommy (Brooklyn, ny)

dont forget about r.westbrook. he is like a young gary payton with hops

Amy Nelson

  (10:46 AM)

ok just to be clear the three dunks are : gerald wallace, going up and over oden with an alley oop. dequan jones of miami, goes up and under to avoid defense and throw-down dunk and russell westbrook takes off just past free-throw line and jumps over mario chalmers.

nick (lexington, ky)

what about that D2 dunk from last nights top 10? he jump twice. once off the ground and once off the defender. his head was literally above the rim. the camera shot was beautiful.

Amy Nelson

  (10:46 AM)

yeah i know people keep talkign about it ...

Mike (Hanging With Mixi)

Me and Mixi both say Dequan Jones. Going up and under to avoid defense is hard

Kyle (Manhattan, KS)

Dequan Jones #1- Reverse dunks are very difficult and to have the airtime to get to the other side and not just lay it up, but dunk it- 9 out of 10(cause he fell down) Gerald Wallace #2- Amazing dunk over Oden but Gerald Wallace is 6'10" or so. 8 out of 10. Russell Westbrook #3- Distance is nice but the defender jumped out of the way!! 6 out of 10

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

yeah but wallace is 6'7 ... i'm looking up how tall jones is. i think jones might be the best.

Patrick (Harmony TN)

You don't see someone posterize Oden everday, I gotta go with Wallace.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Give me a good shooter over a dunker every time. Three is better than two EVERY time.

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

The Anderson slam was off the chain. But, its not one of the choices so stop griping about it.

Charlie (Riverview MICHIGAN)

Amy do me a favor and tell Rob to come back to Detroit!!!! Also tell Skp he has atleast one fan in our household....Our ten month old is AMAZED with Skip! He Doesn't move when he hears skip talk....Maybe skip should do some nursery books!

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

wow, that's honestly something i never thought i'd read with my eyes. wow.

Kev (NYC)

The emphatic dunk & one in way better than the 3 and does way more for the crowd/momentum shift. Gimme the Dunks!

J (PA)

who would run a faster 40, Charlie Weis or Andy Reid?

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

ok that's just mean. and funny. funny and mean.

Damon (Buckeye, AZ)

you 10 month old is just recognizing his peers... haha

Craig ( Portage,Pa)

Yeah you don't see someone posterize Greg Oden everyday cause he's been OUT injured for most of his College and Pro Careers.

Jake, Florida

McNamee and Pettite have no credibility whatsoever, however, Kirk Radomski has less credibility than McNamee and Pettite combined.

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

Why is that Jake?

Amy Nelson

  (10:52 AM)

Because he peddled drugs? Did you see Mitchell said there are big inaccuracies between what happened adn what Radmoski says what happened.

Tommy (Brooklyn, ny)

amy u gotta respond 2 me, im not feelin the love

jeremiah bristol ct

i think joe pa would beat both reid and weis by seconds.

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Wallace had to catch the ball and flush it. The Jones dunk was great but you see those all the time. Kobe does one of those almost every night it seems. Wallace has the higher degree of difficulty.

DJ Mack (Philadelphia, PA)

Question for the panel: How much bigger would the news story had been if EAGLES fans had burned cheers on Kurt Warner's lawn with diesel fuel? Does 'fans behaving badly' only count when it's Philly?

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

awful horrible story. am shocked this didn't get ore attention. disgusting

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

tommy don't beg like Stephen A did last week :P

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

shameful!

Jason (Philly)

I am a huge Phillies fan and after seeing them give hamels a contract (really happy about that) I dont see how they think that they cannot sign howard to a long term deal now and expect him to want to stay we his arbitration time is over. What do you think Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

well i know howard's agents were pleased with what they were able to do last year, and they did a pretty good job of it. i wouldn't count out CAA this time around either.

Patrick (Harmony TN)

How can you say that about Pettite, even Clemens was raving about what a great person he was, when he was testifying against him, come on Jake that's insane.

Kev (NYC)

AMY! Please elaborate on that CAA comment...My buddy works for them

Amy Nelson

  (10:57 AM)

they set a record before, i'm sure they'll do it again

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

Before the Main Page gets taken over by Mort, Amy Have a Good 1 & Week :)

Amy Nelson

  (10:57 AM)

thanks but we still chat until 12!

Mike (Philly)

hey i think when howard goes to arbitation and asks for 18 million i think they shouuld bring out his stats from the playoffs and ask him why he thinks he deserves all that for one year

Mixi (Hanging With Mike)

I'm a big Florida sports fan, but sadly my Magic will not win it. Cavs or Celtics will probably beat them. Dwight needs more help around him.

Steve (NJ)

Very biased postings Amy Lots of good stuff being missed i bet

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

isn't every posting biased in some form?

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

Dwight Howard is definitely the best and most dominating inside force in the league. Even Lebron would get knocked out of the paint trying to drive against Superman!!!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Mort's going to be bumping you from the main page in about three minutes Amy. Just giving you and the chatters a heads up.

Amy Nelson

  (10:59 AM)

trust me i know

Tommy (Brooklyn, ny)

does anyone find it odd that there are only men in this chat, interesting, sad but interesting

Amy Nelson

  (10:59 AM)

that's usually the case with ESPN

Aaron Cohen (Cherry Hill, NJ)

Dwight Howard on the Magic reminds me of Shaqs younger days with the Magic.

Richard (wellington ks)

Amy what did you think of Howards Superman dunk last year?

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

kind of awesome./ i really enjoy howard. love guys with personality. and who take a stand.

Tim (Tucson, AZ)

DID ANYONE NOTICE THAT THE SUPER BOWL IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER??? WHAT'S WITH ALL THE HOWARD CHATTER???

Amy Nelson

  (11:03 AM)

not for another ween and a half

Jamaal (Orlando, Fl)

is there anyway they could let russell westbrook and alexander in the dunk contest instead of Nate Robinson! plz the world does not need to be subjected to that again :(

Mixi (Mixiland)

Dequan! Dequan! Dequan!

keith Chelmsford Massachusetts

Gerald greens cupcake dunk was waaayyyyy better

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

so how would you rank them>?

Damon (Buckeye, AZ)

Yes buddy, in a ween and a half we'll be sick of the coverage. It's a good thing Baltimore didn't make it, then the it would truly been a Superbowl for the "birds".

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

whatever, week you guys know what's up

Tommy (Brooklyn, ny)

westbrook, westbrook. like i said GP with hops

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

i wasn't that impressed with westbrook. you do see that more often than not.

Hurricane Jeff (Byesville, OH)

Hey everyone, it's me, Hurricane. How are you all doing?

Brian (Parkersburg, WV)

Amy, I'm not feelin' any love here

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

Westbrook 7.5, Dequai Jones 9.0 Wallace 8.5

Bill, Smithield,VA

WESTBROOK from the THUNDER was rediculous! Can some one say 'ala' Dr. J!!!! Not to mention the "POSTERIZATION" of teh entire defense! SWEET!

Matt (Durham, NC)

Amy what do you think about Lebron's chances in the NFL? And Kobe's comments on the topic...

Mike (Durham, NC)

I the college game right now is there anybody that gets above the rim like Duke's Gerald Henderson? I don't think so.

Howwill (Tampa)

I changed my vote Jones is a 10 Wallace a 9.5 Westbrook a 8. Jones is in college

matt (iowa)

its a complete joke that ryan howard is asking for 18 million, he hit .250. yeah, he's great for power, he's clutch, and teams will pitch around him but he's not pujols or even close to even delgado was in his prime

Amy Nelson

  (11:09 AM)

isn't it hard to justify that salary at all?

JayJay (Delphos, Ohio)

How many point guards do you see drive the lane and take off and throw down like westbrook did.. a rookie with confidence to do that .. pretty impressive 8 out of 10.

Johnny G. (Wilmington,oh)

Lebron has the body for the NFL and he could take the hits and be a star. Kobe, please he would be hurt too much !

Stelios G (Toronto)

the jays would be happy to take him for 18.

Josh (Worcester, MA)

Where can vote for the best dunk clips I was seeing a little while ago?

Noah (Madison, WI)

Those dunks were pretty good, but nothing is better than Jarret Johnson's (Anderson University, SC) dunk on 1/19 against Coker. It's ridiculous!! Check it out on youtube. It's way better than any of the ones being voted for on First Take.

Amy Nelson

  (11:11 AM)

that's what poeple keep saying

Howwill (Tampa)

Ryan Howard is a feared hitter he deserves 18million

Amy Nelson

  (11:12 AM)

not in the postseason

Mixi (Mixiland)

A 1 Amy? I give him a 0!

Amy Nelson

  (11:14 AM)

sorry no 0's

Kent (MS)

No! Howard always slumps for like half the season.

Steve (Magnolia,Ar)

He deserves 18 million because someone will pay it.Ridiculous!

Patrick (Harmony TN)

Amy, skip is a genius, you shouldn't treat him that way, he seems a little emotionally fragile.

Amy Nelson

  (11:15 AM)

very true good point.

George (Fairfax, VA)

Oh c'mon Amy. Bayless deserves a 0 because he is a 0!

Amy Nelson

  (11:16 AM)

that's not nice.

Aaron (KC)

If Rob gets graded on a curve with Skip hes like a 12.8 by my calculations.

John L. Osseo,Mi

Jones a 10.. that dunk was ridiculous. Baseball needs a salary cap bad before anyone will watch it.

Jon (Walnut Creek, Ca)

Radomski is a weasle just looking for promotion for his new book!!

Tim (Jacksonville, FL)

Life isn't always nice

Amy Nelson

  (11:20 AM)

true that

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Pettite has great credibility. McNamee and Radomski, not so much. Clemens is never going to admit to doing roids at this point so its all about who you believe. My choice, I'm going to believe the athlete before I believe two shady characters like those slugs.

Mixi (Mixiland)

I heard some say Radomski should be a hero for this and not a villain. It's just my feeling. I'm believing in Radomski for now

Mike (Durham, NC)

I don't trust any of the people invovled in the Clemens case anymore. Clemens is a liar and a cheat (I'm saying this as a Yankees fan) and Radomski and McNammee are just trying to save their behinds. And as far as Amy's score for skip: I wouldn't give him a 0 maybe a 1/2 but its pushing it.

Ryan (Atlantic City, NJ)

They just showed the dunk we all want to vote for!

Amy Nelson

  (11:22 AM)

i missed it, but i'll be mentioning it on the air

The Milkman (Orlando)

Dunk #3 is sweet, but Gerald Wallace's dunk on Oden is SWEETER! Dunk #1 is the BEST. Also, Oden had his shot at R.O.Y. already and lost it when he fell down on his own and got injured. It should go to Derrick Rose, a REAL ANKLE-BREAKER, not someone who's only good at breaking his own ankle.

Ryan (Atlantic City, NJ)

c'mon amy! open another screen and check it out quick on youtube...

Amy Nelson

  (11:24 AM)

if only i had time to do that!

Patrick (Harmony TN)

I think you should tell skip I'm naming my first son after him.

Aaron Cohen (Cherry Hill, NJ)

when are you going on the air again amy?

Amy Nelson

  (11:25 AM)

every wednesday, unless i'm on assignment.

Patrick (Harmony TN)

do you not get a break from this the whole 2 hours?

Amy Nelson

  (11:26 AM)

no way, you guys are demanding! if i stopped chatting you'd leave, no?

Damon (Buckeye, AZ)

Wow Barrack is a superstar, that everyone in the entertainment industry including sports are really excited about. Let's hope he performs like one.

Mike (Durham, NC)

Tiger Woods, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Davis and I can go on and on. I think any black athlete that is the first to do something in any sport is a building block for the next generation.

Terrance Cross (Anchorage)

The best dunk of last night is hands down the D-2 dunk I mean he cleared dude and slammed it hard....At first I picked gerald wallwac over odem because that was in your face hey how ya doin?

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

As someone who works with computers and has a parent that does as well, it is brutal to stare at a screen and be typing for 2 hours.

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

That Anderson Dunk was just sick, filthy...if you put it on then its gets my vote with a 10 just for the filth factor alone. The crowd reaction makes it even more awesome. But, the teammate should have gotten a tech for taunting though.

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

It is too difficult to pick just one black athlete that is more important than any other. It's hard to say the first black player in one sport is more important than the first in another, or more important than the first black coach.

Steve (Magnolia,Ar)

Speaking as an African American,where were these now politically conscious black athletes before we got a black president? It's not easy being the first to step out is it?

Amy Nelson

  (11:30 AM)

Totally agree. I think it's sad that this has finally gotten people to take a stand. But at least something did.

Howwill (Tampa)

i agree Steve athletes were not taking this stand before Obama. like back in the Jim Brown days... Everyone wants to support a winner..

Erik (LaGrange, NY)

As a die-hard Yankee fan, Dustin Pedroia is a respectful Red Sox. And as far as Ryan Howard's demand for more money is concerned, I think he should work on striking out less.

Amy Nelson

  (11:33 AM)

i really wish i didn't see that.

Mixi (Mixiland)

Pedroia put a shirt on! LOL

Jim (Charlotte, NC)

Wallace's dunk was a 10. It completely energized the crowd & the team who came back to win game. I was at game & the crowd intensity completely changed after that.'

Amy Nelson

  (11:34 AM)

guys i have to go do the dunk segment be back in a few minutes. i'll be reading your comments.

Amy Nelson

  (11:44 AM)

ok guys i'm back

George (Fairfax, VA)

WOW! Division 2. That dunk was impressive.

Noah (Madison, WI)

Power to the chatters!! Thanks for showing the Anderson dunk.

Mark (Texas)

Jarret Johnson's dunk is a 10.5.

Mixi (Mixiland)

I'm sorry but I don't think that was spectacular on Jarret. 8 at best

Patrick (Harmony TN)

good job getting the D2 dunk on there Amy.

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Thanks Amy, my cell phone is blowing up. Seems like everybody I know (who should be working, including me) is watching First Take today.

Matt Bangor, Maine

DeQuan Jones dunk was a 10 it was the best of the 3 he was in the air long enough to windex the backboard

Mark (NJ)

New Fav Word: Trickeration !

Adam (Milwaukee)

Where can I see these dunks, I am not by a T.V. but rather at work.

Amy Nelson

  (11:46 AM)

i know the anderson on is on youtube

Peter (Indianapolis)

You people online are way too excited about Westbrook's dunk. Frankly I think Skip was generous to give it a 5. I'm 6'2" with no hops and a few pounds overweight. I've dunked once in my life(it was just a magical day i guess) and it was the same dunk Westbrook laid down. If you were to put his dunk on a taco, it wouldn't even be mild, that was WEAK SAUCE!

Steve Kerr (Marv Alberts lap)

My dunks were always 10's

Amy Nelson

  (11:48 AM)

nice

Adam (Milwaukee)

Yep, YouTube is blocked at work

Amy Nelson

  (11:48 AM)

bummer!

Noah (Madison, WI)

Mixi, You should check out the clip yourself. It is hard to see on ESPN since the clip was so short, but JJ actually gets extra elevation off of the defender. The dunk is the definition of Posterizing someone. That's why it wins in my book

Ben (PA)

Kerr you couldnt even get net!

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

Surprized & Glad they kept you on the Main Page Amy, once again Have a Good 1 & Week

The Milkman (Orlando)

You didn't mention the little person on the bench for Anderson!

Noah (Madison, WI)

Thanks Amy! this is my first time participating in this chat. I will definitely be coming back again. Ciao!

Ben (Harrisburg)

Steve Kerr you cant even touch the net let alone dunk!

Amy Nelson

  (11:50 AM)

hey lil wayne said he could grab rim...dude is like 90 lbs and 5'2

Guru-John vb,VA

great word- Fauxcabulary: meaning the mis-use of large words

Amy Nelson

  (11:51 AM)

sweet word

andy (ny)

Where do you think Jon Gruden will end up?

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

notre dame ? hah, what i want to know is why this guy is so hated by his players? anyone done a story on that?

Jon Gruden (Tampa)

Childs play 88 is where u can see me next

Richard (wellington ks)

the chiefs

Patrick (Harmony TN)

Was Weezy your favorite person you've meet on this show so far?

Amy Nelson

  (11:53 AM)

well, not techincally. i never met him but when i appeared on the show with styles, from teen wolf (even though Dana interviewed him) highlight of my career. and no, i'm not joking, i was obsessed with that movie growing up

Johhny G (ohio)

This is my first time to participate too and it is fun. I will be back, thanks Amy for doing a great job and getting so many of us involved in discussing sports.

Amy Nelson

  (11:54 AM)

damn we had 3 different johnny g's today ...

Patrick (Harmony TN)

Yeah maybe they'll have Childs Play: The Prequel

chauncey (teaneck)

Keyshawn said that he would tell the players one thing and do something else.

Guru.John vb.VA

they hate him because he stole Dungy's glory for his own

Amy Nelson

  (11:54 AM)

i can see that

Noah (Madison, WI)

Hey, Muggsy Bogues claimed that he dunked once back in the day. Anything is possible.

Richard (wellington ks)

Jon Gruden will be the chiefs new coach and Brady will be the new qb, but they will still finish last or next to last. With the coach the Bronocs got now and hopefully a healthy running back, the broncos will win the division and make the playoffs.

Amy Nelson

  (11:55 AM)

that seems really out of it...

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Keyshawn said that he doesn't care about his players. Gruden, that is. Simms said something along those lines as well. Gruden was kind of cold toward him after he almost died on the field with a busted spleen.

Jay (Orlando)

I played for him, and when I was let go..it was done by a PR guy....of about 4-5 teams, that was the first time I didn't meet the coach or GM...and I actually played for them (04)...and even some of their pro-bowlers that were let go...nothing, same thing...very ignorant

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

ok have no way to verify that but just wondering if it will come to bit ehim at some point.

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

Spud Webb's Slam Dunk Contest Win is still a Great Memory for me, shows BIG things come in small packages :)

Patrick (Harmony TN)

You have to go with Jackie Robinson, black people couldn't vote, eat at white restaurants, he took the first real shot at the foundation of inequality.

Mixi

I think it's Tiger

Amy Nelson

  (11:58 AM)

ok guys we're warpping it up for today. thanks for all of your comments ! see you next week.