Thursday, December 26, 2013

Nnamdi Asomugha to retire as a Raider

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha enjoyed his best days in the silver and black of the Oakland Raiders. Even though he departed the team for greener pastures ( five-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles), Asomugha will sign a one day contract with the Raiders and retire a Raider.

Asomugha also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, but only appeared in three games before being released by the team in November.

Asomugha was once the premier cover corner in the NFL during his days with the Raiders. After signing his big money deal with the Eagles, Asomugha struggled in a different scheme and eventually slowed enough where he couldn't keep up with the league's elite receivers.

 He earned three Pro Bowl selections in eight seasons in Oakland and was a first-team All-Pro in 2008 and 2010. Asomugha finishes his career with 407 tackles, 15 interceptions, 72 passes defended, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one touchdown.

He will be joined at Friday's press conference by Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson and former Raiders defensive backs Willie Brown and Lester Hayes.


UMass fires football coach Charley Molnar

What a Christmas present Charley Molnar received.

A day after Christmas the UMass (Massachusetts) Minutemen decided to fire the head football coach, Molnar. The firing came after two seasons, as the team struggled to a 2-22 record after moving to the FBS ranks just two years ago from the FCS division.

The Minutemen posted consecutive 1-11 records in their first two seasons under Molnar in the Football Bowl Subdivision as members of the Mid-American Conference. 

The university will owe Molnar the $836,000 for the remaining three years on his original contract.

“We want to thank Charley Molnar for his service and the extraordinary time and energy he devoted to coaching the Minutemen as we entered competition in the Football Bowl Subdivision,” athletic director John McCutcheon said. “It has become clear, however, that we must improve our performance in several areas and move in a new direction to ensure success in the FBS. Going forward, we must build a strong foundation to win on the field and stimulate enthusiasm and support for the program throughout the university community.”

McCutcheon stated that the decision to fire Molnar had to do with the "perception of the program" more than wins and losses.

Reached today by phone by the Boston Herald, Molnar would not comment when asked if the dismissal was fair.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” Molnar said. “I’m just now reaching out to my players and coaches, and I’m not ready to speak with the media.”

The university will owe Molnar the $836,000 for the remaining three years on his original contract.

If you ask me, Molnar didn't stand a chance. The team moved up to the big boy table and expected results. I'm no football expert but when was the last time a team that moved up to the FBS division made an immediate impact? Exactly.

I have to believe there is more to the story since Molnar only lasted two years. It's just too fast to pull the plug on someone especially when the program just moved to a higher level of football. You can't build a foundation that way.

"It Girl" of the week: Leah Dizon

The Just Sports & Just Us "It Girl" of the week is Leah Dizon.