Tatupu Dead at Age 54

This man was a legend. A Polynesian pioneer who blazed the trail for younger players into the NFL. He was an All-Pro special teams player who became an adopted son in Massachusetts where he dazzled fans with his can-do attitude, his endearing smile and his work ethic. He was a blue collar player who was not concerned much with where he played on the field, but rather with how well he could get the job done.

Tatupu was the kind of player you wanted in the locker room because he could elevate other players with his attitude. But he was equally important on the field where he rushed for 2,415 yards in a career that spanned from 1978 - 1990. But the yards do not take into account all of the things that Mosi did on and off the field.

No information has been released as the cause of his death but many can believe that his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his family members, including his son Lofa, a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks.

So powerful was the influence of this former USC Trojan that the NFL named an award after him. An honor that is given a player that has exemplified Mosi Tatupu in life and on the field.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft summed up the impact of this pioneering player who was a life changing individual in a press release:

"I was shocked by the news this morning. My sons and I loved to watch Mosi. He was one of our favorite players for more than a decade. I don't think you could watch a Patriots game in the '80s without becoming a fan of his. He was a dominant special teams player and a punishing rusher who loved the Patriots as much as the fans did. He gave everything that he had on every play and immediately became a fan favorite. He was an iconic player and will be remembered for all of his contributions as a Patriot, both on and off the field. Our sincere condolences go out to all of Mosi's family, former teammates and many friends who are mourning his loss today."

God bless the memory of Mosi Tatupu and may his family be blessed with comfort in their time of need.

Blindsiding a Storm

No one really knows whether or not ESPN's Tony Kornheiser is truly remorseful for his off-color comments about colleague Hannah Storm's wardrobe. Kornheiser made the remarks in a radio interview, earning him a two-week suspension from his show, "Pardon the Interruption".

One thing (among many things) that really bugs me about the suspension is, 'why did ESPN decide to mete out punishment to Kornheiser for his comments when it is clear that ESPN has cultivated this culture of irreverence over the years? It can be argued that ESPN started out speaking its mind in the early years, only to be whipped into submission as it grew up by corporate lawyers and big money sponsors.

Can you blame them? I mean, who wouldn’t tone down their act to make sure that the bills are paid week-to-week? And don’t forget that in our politically correct universe, Kornhiser’s comments would have put ESPN back in the doghouse with a few lobbyists and activists.

But wouldn’t it be great if we could just speak our minds without repercussion? I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m all about being judicious and self-moderating my public outbursts but doesn’t this speak volumes about Kornhiser’s character? I know I’m a jerk but sometimes a camera and direct access to the world tends to throw a cloak over who we truly are. And honestly, Hannah Storm said she was hurt and initially surprised but she moved on and probably went out and bought more thousand dollar boots and plaid skirts to add to her wardrobe. And truly, should Storm be wearing those outfits? You be the judge.

I may be way off the mark and Kornhiser may be a saint, but something tells me that ESPN is setting up the rest of the world, particularly corporate America, for a long, rocky road where we have to keep our words and tongues in check.

Some people should not Facebook

At the very least, if you're an Oregon Duck, don't update your Facebook status with a long string of expletives and don't mix in racist rhetoric.

In the case of Oregon wide receiver Jamere Holland who was released from the team this morning by head coach Chip Kelly someone should have told this idiot that there is a reason they call this the World Wide Web. Maybe coach Kelly should invest a few dollars in "Internet For Dummies" books to educate guys like Holland on posting information to the Web.

I mean, who posts something like this on Facebook: "I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I'm misunderstood." Apparently, guys like Holland who thought this was not going to be read by millions, not just his friends.

It appears coach Kelly is done babysitting guys like Holland. If I were in Kelly's shoes (and maybe this is the primary reason I'm not), guys like Kelly would be posting FB updates like, "I'm working the night shift at Denny's tonight. Come get an order of Moons over My Hammy".