Terry "The Truth" Foster Speaks: Presented by the New Bloomfield Ford

Go to Sportsinferno.com

2005-10-02T02:11:00.000-04:00

For my take on the Michigan-Michigan State game please go to sportsinferno.com.
I will be doing most of my main postings there to promote my radio show which is on 1270 AM WXYT. You can also read Truth speaks, which is my web blog. I will continue to post blogs here. But I encourage everybody to go to sportsinferno.com. You can register and become part of something special.
I also want to remind you that on Monday Mike and I will be appearing at Buffalo Wild Wings in Ann Arbor from 10-2. If you are in the area stop by for lunch and say hello. It is a charity event also.

Role Reversal

2005-09-30T05:36:00.000-04:00

I've never experienced this week before.
It has been a week where Spartan fans have walked around with their chests pumped and Wolverines are humbled. It is usually the other way around during Michigan-Michigan State week.
And you know something? It is kind of enjoyable. It is fun to see the shoe on the other foot and see how folks act.
The Spartans are pumped because their team (4-0) is ranked 11th nationally and folks are talking about quarterback Drew Stanton being a Heisman Trophy candidate. Michigan fans are a tad laid back because their team (2-2) has not looked like a championship caliber team.
The Wolverines are injured, fumble prone, non mistake proof and look like an also-ran in the Big Ten.
Players recognize the problem and have responded with a players only meeting and some soul searching. We are hearing Steve Breaston might be demoted to third string receiver. He looks like a guy trying to learn the position now that Braylon Edwards is in the pros.
Michigan has shown no reason why it should win this game. None.
But we can expect the Wolverines to remain competitive because its Michigan and this is a bitter rivalry. How many times have we left the Spartans for dead and they came through and won a tight game.
The strange thing about this game is we will look closer at the loser than the winner. If Michigan loses it would have a losing record in October. That is a no-no and will cause fans to scream for Coach Lloyd Carr's head.
Do not waste your breath. I've spoken to the Michigan Mafia and Carr is not going any where unless he wants to. National championships give you bullet proof vests. Lets say Michigan loses five or six games. My folks tell me Carr is not going out that way.
If State loses we will brand it a choker that failed to dunk big brother when it was down. This could threaten the traditional Spartan slide where one moment or one game brings them down.
I hope and pray that does not happen, for once.
My take is MSU takes care of business and sends shock waves to Ann Arbor.
Michigan State 28, Michigan 20

Why Do We Listen to Beno Cook?

2005-09-27T03:24:00.000-04:00

Sorry guys. I don't get why Beno Cook matters any more.
It seems as if every radio show and football show across the country needs to get him on the air to talk college football. I really don't think he knows what he's talking about.
He lost me again this weekend when he talked about a player who was emerging as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
I really thought he was going to shock the world and bring up Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton, a guy you need to place into the equation. That would have been too genius for Beno. Instead he waxed about Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
Now I do respect Quinn. But how can you bring him up over Stanton who beat the Irish and leads the unbeaten Spartans (4-0 overall, 1-0 in the Big Ten) into a big battle Saturday against Michigan (2-2)?
Cook really lost me a long time ago when he predicted Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus to win three Heisman Trophy awards. Beno only missed that one by three.
He bumbles and stumbles and makes predictions that never come true. Yet ESPN and everybody else parades him around as if he matters.
I say enough of Beno. He's had his moment in the sun.

I Lost a Listener Last Week

2005-09-25T08:34:00.000-04:00

I lost a listener last week.
I said that I do not believe our country should be in war in Iraq. I never believed the weapons of mass destruction propaganda. I never believed invading Iraq was vital to our national security.
I thought it was a waste of man power, money and more important lives. I read the other day that the United States does not want us to know this dirty little secret.
Did you know more than 100,000 people have died in this war?
I do not approve of this message.
Our men and women are dying daily in this conflict. That is what bothers me most. Families mourn every day as bodies are flown back to the United States.
One of the listeners objected and said he and his friends would never listen to the Sports Inferno again. They said I'd gone beyond my rights. I of course totally disagree and if they don't want to listen that is fine with me.
I will speak my mind and let you know how I feel. That's me.
If you want to march out because of my views you are welcome to do so.
I hate this war and I am not afraid to say it.

Watch for Campaign to Save Tram's Job

2005-09-24T06:59:00.000-04:00

The Tigers are leaning toward firing Manager Alan Trammell when the season ends. That is how terrible this thing has spiraled.
But despite what you've heard from others a definite decision has not been made. That is why you are going to hear voices inside and outside the organization talk up Trammell this week.
Some believe that Tram can be saved and that there are circumstances beyond his control. You will hear their voices. And they will make a public campaign to at least cause you to change your minds about him.
I don't think it will work. But look for that next week.
I believe a good percentage of the players don't care if Trammell stays or goes. But there are some who believe he was given a bad team with a bad attitude and they cannot pass judgment on him. That is one reason we got some of those leaks out of the dressing room.
They wanted you to know that Trammel was not the only reason for the Tigers' problems. They wanted you to take a critical look at President Dave Dombrowski and catcher Pudge Rodriguez.
The ball is in motion to fire Tram. But there is a wildcard and that is owner Mike Ilitch. He may say no even if Dombrowski says yes.
But it might be difficult for Ilitch to say no if Dombrowski presents Jim Leyland to him.
Stay tuned. The Tigers soap opera continues and you won't want to miss the exciting conclusion.

All I did was dance with the Girl. Honest.

2005-09-23T05:25:00.000-04:00

If you listen to our show The Sportsinferno on 1270 AM you know my broadcast partner Mike Valenti bust my chops about being a ladies man.
For the most part it is not true. But things got a little out of control Thursday night during our Football Fantasy show at Malarkey's in Southgate. First of all this is a beautiful place and is one of the better hang out places I've been to. It is on the corner of Eureka and Dix Highway and this is going to be our Thursday hangout place for Fantasy Football for the remainder of the football season. But a reminder. We will be there Wednesday of next week because Mike and I have an engagement at JD's Key Club in Pontiac next Thursday.
Back to last night.
I was bad for once.
I was working the audience and had three invitations to join people at their tables for talk and drinks. I knew I should have left the Spartan babe alone. But I didn't.
She was with her boyfriend so I figured everything was innocent. But she was friendly and flirtatious and everybody was having a good time.
We danced. It wasn't exactly an up with people dance and things might have gotten out of hand when my girl Ambrosia joined us. The crowd seemed to like it and I was having a blast until the Spartan girls boyfriend rolled up and snatched her from the dance floor.
I mean it was like one of those Hanna Barbara cartoons when you are there one second and disappear the next. She left quicker than Mike's temper when the Spartans blow a football game in the last minute.
I know Mike is going to bust my chops today. So I want to defend myself by saying Ambrosia was just as much to blame. I think she liked Ambrosia just as much as me.
Any way the beginning of today's show might be hilarious. I simply want to say I am innocent of all charges that will be levied against me.

Full EMU Story

2005-09-23T05:22:00.000-04:00

If you want to see the full EMU diary story and other stories by me and my radio partner Mike Valenti please go to Sportsinferno.com. It is the web site of our radio show which can be heard on 1270 XYT The Sports Station Monday through Friday from 10-2 p.m.
Check out our show if you can get away from work. And also check out our web site Sportsinferno.com

Behind The Scenes at EMU

2005-09-21T04:59:00.000-04:00

I had a rare opportunity to spend a day with Eastern Michigan's football program leading up to last week's 55-0 loss to Michigan at Michigan Stadium.
I was only there for a day, but there are so many things that go into preparing for a game -- even one you are expected to get crushed in.
My story appears in today's Detroit News and it only scratches the surface of what I wanted to write. There were so many things I observed.
You may not think much of Eastern's program. It has struggled for about 15 years. But Genyk will turn that program around. The Eagles won't be great. But they are going to be respectable and contend for the Mid American Conference title.
Check out my story today. If any of you want a copy of the longer original version e-mail me at Fosternews@aol.com and I will send you a copy of that. We had to knock it down a lot for space reasons.
But check the story out and let me know what you think.
It is part of my weekly look into college football. My next stop is urban football at Wayne State University

It is Time for MSU to Validate

2005-09-20T05:51:00.000-04:00

A few summers ago The Detroit News sent me to Tree Tops Resort to cover the Par Three Shootout. It was always a relaxing couple of days and I enjoyed the trip up north.
One of the rules in the skins game is when a player won a hole he had to validate with a par or better and tying the following hole. I did not like the rule. I felt if you won a hole you won the hole.
Now Michigan State's football team must validate after winning a very important hole last weekend. The Spartans shocked college football by beating Notre Dame 44-41 in overtime last weekend and now a classic trap game awaits Saturday at Illinois.
This is a game the Spartans typically lose.
They generally do not win following big wins against Michigan and Notre Dame. They become fat and sassy and all the Sparty love makes them content.
It is time to change tradition. MSU is a better team than Illinois and the Spartans should demand more of themselves and beat the Illini.
If the Spartans want to be considered among the elite they must defeat lesser programs. We've seen them blow games under four different coaches so it must be a MSU thing. Now is the time to change things and begin a special season.
This offense is good enough to scare anybody. The defense is porous enough to keep everybody in games. That is the scary part. But the Spartans need a new attitude of they won't be stopped.
They must ignore all the good things people are saying about them and remain focused. There is no reason MSU should lose to Illinois except for the ugly past which keeps coming back to haunt them.

Now Do You See What I Saw in Lions?

2005-09-19T01:15:00.000-04:00

Now do you see why I was so down after the Lions victory over Green Bay?
While the rest of you celebrated I simply saw the same old Lions beat a team that played worse. I was not buying that as a turn around game or something to build on. It was a dreadful display followed by the most dreadful game in the Matt Millen era.
Sunday's 38-6 loss at Chicago was dangerous. It may have fractured a team, in addition to shatter the confidence of the community. The Lions are pointing fingers, doubting teammates and they might need every moment of this two-week lay off to get it together.
The offensive line was pathetic again and gave quarterback Joey Harrington little or no protection. The defense did not get the bale outs from officials and declining quarterback play from Brett Favre it did the previous week in a 17-3 victory over Green Bay.
And what can you say about Harrington? Five interceptions? Are you sure they did not sneak Ty Detmer out there?
He looked lost and confused and all the blemishes fans say he has was there in living technicolor. Harrington was unsure and tentative. Every pass was a leap of faith.
And in a signature play that we will talk about for days, Roy Williams turned wimp and sold out his quarterback on a route he backed off of and then refused to fight to. The result was a back breaking interception by the Bears that turned the Lions into pugulists on the field.
Running back Kevin Jones screamed at Willams. And he deserved it. Harrington told him he blew it.
My guess is the dressing room has lost confidence in Harrington again. Players try to believe in him but every time they do he fails them. Of course the offensive line turned their backs on him while the Bears turned loose with a ferocious pass rush.
And speaking of pass rushes. Did anyone tell defensive coordinator Dick Jaron that it is OK to blitz a rookie quarterback? Bears quarterback Kyle Orton looked dazed and confused the week before against Washington, which at one point blitzed him on 14 of 16 plays.
The Lions sat back like the fat and lazy Lions in the Detroit Zoo and the rookie picked them apart.
So now do you see? Now do you see why I dogged them on Fox 2 last week and again on the Sports Inferno?
You saw victory. I saw same ol' Lions. And now maybe we see the same thing after this loss.

Michigan State-Notre Dame

2005-09-18T16:47:00.000-04:00

Your thougts on Michigan State's 44-41 overtime victory over Notre Dame

Lions-Bears

2005-09-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Your thoughts on today's game.

I won't Hush

2005-09-15T06:47:00.000-04:00

A number of you demanded that I leave politics alone and stick to sports.You were upset because I called Barbara Bush insensitive for her remarks about people losing their homes and living in a smelly dome. She chuckled that since many of them were poor that they were probably better off.To those who say I should leave those subjects alone I say request denied.In other words I will write what I want.What you don't understand is I am a United States citizen and tax payer before I am a sports writer. I have views that affect my life and yours and I have the opportunity to express them just as you do.And I will.There is something called free speech in this country and I encourage all of you to exercise it. If you must have your views published you know how to go about it.We can disagree. But I will never ask that your voice be silenced -- no matter how silly it may sound.

Now Others Are Reporting the Truth About Pudge

2005-09-13T22:10:00.000-04:00

Do you remember our battle of a few weeks ago where some of you debated that I was irresponsible for unearthing some Tiger dirt?
Well the dirt is coming out now. The things we talked about five weeks ago are being printed by the main stream media. I know many of you doubted me when I said Pudge Rodriguez was disgruntled and wants out of Detroit.
You wanted to believe in him and you doubted me. That is cool. I am very careful about things like this. I only went with it when I was certain it was true.
Here is what you can expect during the off season. Rodriguez will officially ask the Tigers to trade him. He does not respect his teammates and he does not respect the organization. The problem is he will be hard to trade. There are a lot of miles in that body and the guy hardly looks like the second coming.
He is a cancer in that dressing room and the Tigers need a cleansing. And while you are at it you can say good bye to Mags Ordonez too. He does not want to be here either. I told you a few weeks ago I expect Alan Trammell to return as manager next season. I still expect that to happen but don't take that one to the bank. But if Tram stays Kirk Gibson should be let go as bench coach.
There is too much resentment from current players for him and the Tigers could flirt with further disaster if he stays another season. Stay tuned. There is more to come on this in the coming days.

Packers Give Game Away

2005-09-12T03:37:00.000-04:00

I really felt bad last night. I sat next to the Book and the Voice with the giddy voices of celebration from the fans ringing in my ears. People were happy and sappy over the Lions season-opening 17-3 victory over Green Bay Sunday at Ford Field. Any time the Lions win it is reason to celebrate.
Some have fallen into the trap that they have finally arrived. I am not buying it. I thought the Lions looked terrible for much of the game and benefited by horrific play by the Packers. There was one stretch where it seemed as if Green Bay committed a penalty on every play. They were called for 14 penalties for 100 yards and that does not count the three other times the Lions turn down penalties or the one play where two flags were thrown on the same play.
We often view games from a Lions prospective and give them all the praise during wins and all the blame during losses. I thought this game was mostly about Green Bay.
It was mostly about a team that laid one of the biggest eggs of the day.
I credit the Lions for taking advantage, but it sure was scary watching the Packers implode on every play yet were only one score behind for much of the game.
It was good to see the defense not get shredded. But then again if Favre had any accuracy he would have thrown for at least two touchdowns. Instead the Packers scored he fewest points in the Favre era.
Let me wait and see another week. I see a better team, but the Lions don't look any better than they have the last three seasons, during which they won their openers.
You guys celebrate. I will continue to worry.

Barbara Bush is Way off Base

2005-09-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

I always thought George W. Bush was the knucklehead of the group. Now I see where he gets his sometimes clue less ways.
Momma Barbara Bush is not wrapped too tight herself. She showed great sensitivity to the victims of Hurricane Katrina when she said this dandy about the displaced families spending their lives in the Houston Astrodome.
"And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this -- this [she chuckles slightly] is working very well for them," Babs Bush said.
You've got to be kidding me!
Yeah, it is working out for everybody in the gulf states. It is probably great knowing they don't have a home. It is great that families are split and people don't know where their moms, dads and children are.
It must be great to see your neighborhood flooded and on fire and being patrolled by the military.
That sounds like a great week to me.
I should be so lucky. Sign me up.
I grew up poor. Our family had more than many of the people we see in Mississippi and New Orleans, but we struggled at times. My mother could not afford to keep me so I stayed with my grandmother and aunt.
But no matter how tough times got. No matter how much you had to cut back, it was home. And I loved every waking moment in my little house on Detroit's west side. I didn't want to be any place else.
I learned that being home with family was more important than anything else.
You know something. I felt rich because I had my people. And that is all that mattered.
Bush needs a reality check.
Then again maybe she is right. These people look like they are having a rocking good time.
Wouldn't you be?

Docs Sports Retreat

2005-09-08T02:23:00.000-04:00

Come on out to Doc's Sports Retreat tonight to meet the Sports Inferno. Mike and I will be there from 8-10 p.m.
Docs is located on 7 Mile and I-275 freeway next to the Lone Star Steakhouse.
Mike will talk fantasy football and I am going to meet and greet and pass out flowers to the ladies. We also have a weekly raffle. Tonight we have tickets to a huge football game in Ann Arbor this weekend. For some silly season I am not allowed to tell you what game it is. But lets just say it involves Irish people and folks who scream Go Blue.
Who knows. You just might win.
Come say hi, watch the NFL opener and lets hang.

Watch Out! Favre is Injured. That's Dangerous

2005-09-08T02:01:00.000-04:00

I smell a rat.
It's a big fat cheese eating rat. The rat is coming to Ford Field Sunday when the Green Bay Packers take on the Detroit Lions in the first regular season game of the year.
The rat is quarterback Bret Favre. He twisted his ankle during the Packers final preseason game and hobbled off the field like he was grandma Clampett.
The Packers told everybody they were concerned. Favre sat out a couple of practices and when he returned Wednesday he sprayed the ball all over the place.
Suddenly he looked like Scott Mitchell in decline and he shrugged in front of the media "everybody has a bad day."
Earlier he talked about his concerns for family who were in the path of Hurricane Katrina.
This is bad news for the Lions. We are accustomed to Favre struggling in Ford Field. But when the guy comes in beaten down, injured and and destitute that is when he is his most dangerous.
Remember last season when a loss at Ford Field would end their season? The Packers dominated and began their first step toward making the playoffs. Coach Mike Sherman who took over the play calling and Favre were the ring leaders.
We keep looking for the decline of Favre. Afterall he will be 36 this season and his defense is so bad that he might have to force more passes than even he likes to.
But the guy is dangerous just as long as he can sling a football. He is even more dangerous when his life appears to be in ruins.

Jordanspeaks.blogspot.com

2005-09-07T05:49:00.000-04:00

Help a young lady out. A young woman is interested in sports journalism and I encouraged her to begin a web log. Check her out at Jordanspeaks.blogspot.com. Give her some feed back. And don't be mean. She is young.

Lives Ruined at CMU

2005-09-07T05:29:00.000-04:00

A child is dead. A couple football careers lie in ruins.
It makes no sense. This sad story takes place on the campus of Central Michigan University where I attended school two decades ago.
CMU football players Jerry Seymour and Spencer Lewis were indicted for the second degree murder of DeMarcus Graham. James Edward Cooper, a third CMU player was also indicted on two counts of perjury.
How do you get in trouble in Mt. Pleasant? What was the argument about? What happened that caused the death of a young man.
Besides the dead young man, the person we are most concerned about is Seymour who is an outstanding tailback that reminded some of a mini Barry Sanders. He had a shot at the NFL and a shot at making something of himself.
But all of that is on hold until the courts have their say.
This began June 25, 2004 when Graham was beaten unconscious outside Shaboom’s Pub Club. He died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw July 14.
It makes no sense. A young man is dead and at least three others are in serious trouble.
I often don't understand how people blow opportunities in life. I wish I were good enough to play football or basketball at a Division I school. I'd milk that for all its worth.
It is an honor to play for any school. All you have to do is play, study and have fun and you are made in the shade.
I hope a young athlete reads this. You don't know how lucky you are. Think about that when trouble brews.
It is ok to walk away. It is ok to have friends call you a wimp for not sticking around and handling business.
It will be the most important cowardly act of your life.
Just walk.

Next Stop: Alma College

2005-09-07T05:01:00.000-04:00

Please read today's Detroit News. My college football tour of the state of Michigan began in Mt. Pleasant where Central Michigan University played Indiana in the season-opener for both teams. It was a huge weekend for CMU because it was the first time a Big Ten team visited the campus.
My next stop this weekend is Alma College, a place I've never visited despite going to school only 15 minutes away. Once again I am looking for unique stories that make Alma College football and what surrounds it unique and interesting.
A number of you say the Saginaw Valley game at Grand Valley is a must-do. I received more letters about this game than any other. Rest assured I will attend this game next month in Allendale.
But first Alma. If there are interesting people or sights you know about please drop me a line at Fosternews@aol.com.
Thank you and I look forward to my first visit there.

Every Little Bit Helps

2005-09-05T03:08:00.000-04:00

There have been a lot of kind people who've donated time and money to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
I want to share a story about my kids Celine who turns 6 in two weeks and Little B who is 3. They were watching the news about the victims and said they wanted to help the people and wanted to give money.
I said the family was making a donation and daddy had it covered. But they insisted in making their own donation. They have dimes and quarters and pennies in their little piggy banks and they disappeared for a while and returned with a jar of money.
They wanted to donate so we counted their money and put $3.23 in an envelope and turned it in with the other family donation to the American Red Cross.
Now they feel as if they are helping. They are happy when they see people eating and drinking and they believe they are partly responsible.
Of course their little money won't go far. But I am happy to see my kids want to help others and I tell them that every little bit helps.

visit JemeleHill.blogspot.com

2005-09-05T02:55:00.000-04:00

Our buddy Jemele Hill has this hurricane stuff covered also. I encourage you to go to JemeleHill.blogspot.com and check her out.
We like to check out each other's websites.

What is Going on in New Orleans?

2005-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Is this really the United States of America?
If that is the case why is a 105-year-old woman roaming the streets of New Orleans holding the hand of a five-year-old grand daughter?
That's nearly a week after Hurricane Katrina hit this gulf coast town. It is several days after President Bush said help is on the way. New Orleans is no more. It is a memory and Katrina showed how vulnerable our country is.
Officials and troops say help came too little and too late because we have so many resources in this failed war in Iraq. We are spread too thin and cannot help our own.
Now about 40,000 National Guard are in New Orleans and another 10,000 are on their way. They've cut down on the lawlessness but we still hear reports of murder and rape. We hear there are thousands of bodies in New Orleans floating in water and many are on the street wrapped in blankets.
I understand why we cannot get the ones under water, but what about people laying dead on the streets?
This whole thing has been sickening. Our government dropped the ball on this by responding too slow. And it began years ago when local officials asked for $72 million to strengthen the levees that gave away. That seems like a small price to pay for a city that was as vulnerable to storm as New Orleans.
There are thousands of stories of hardship we don't even know about. I read this morning about people in Mississippi who said they are in worst shape. But the world does not know.
I do encourage everybody to do their small part and donate to the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. These are our people and we must do as much as we can for them

Lions had No Interest in Trading Harrington Even Before Garcia Injury

2005-09-03T17:58:00.000-04:00

Even if Jeff Garcia were healthy the Lions were not going to trade quarterback Joey Harrington. But Kansas City Coach Dick Vermeil wanted to make sure for himself.
Despite the Lions denials a representative of the Chiefs called a Lions rep and let them know the team was interested. I am not certain the Chiefs even told the Lions what they were willing to give up for Harrington.
The Lions let them know quickly there was no chance of a deal.
My sources have told me that Vermeil believes he can turn Harrington into a top flight quarterback. He believes Harrington is in a system that does not suit him well and believes there will be less pressure on Harrington in Kansas City.
Vermeil also believes Harrington will respond to his touchy love.
The Chiefs were willing to give the Lions multiple draft picks but no players.
I am not sure talks got that far, but I am sure the Lions quickly said no.
The Chiefs are worried that starting quarterback Trent Green's leg problems might be more serious than anticipated. And injured backup Todd Collins has had off the field problems that worries the team.
So don't be surprised if the Chiefs look elsewhere for a quarterback.

Michigan vs. Northern Ilinois

2005-09-03T17:55:00.000-04:00

Michigan played Northern Illinois at Michigan Stadium. What did you think of the Wolverines?

Michigan State vs. Kent State

2005-09-03T17:54:00.000-04:00

You can post your thoughts on the Michigan State-Kent State. What did you think of the Spartans?

Billups Blasts Brown

2005-09-02T04:59:00.000-04:00

Pistons guard Chauncey Billups is no fan of the way his former coach Larry Brown handled project Darko Milicic.
His fear is that Brown might have "beaten" Milicic up so badly mentally that he may never become a good NBA player.
Billups dumped a big load on Brown' lap during Thursday's Sport Inferno Show at Lucky's of Novi. Fans immediately reacted to what Billups' words much of the day.
“I just think Larry beat him up too much,” Billups said. “He beat him up and tore the kid’s confidence apart too much and it was too tough for him to recover. Maybe having a new face in Flip (Saunders), it is different. Hopefully he didn’t beat him up too much where he can never recover.
“The kid has unbelievable talent and there’s nothing he can’t do out there on the court.”

Milicic, 20, came to the Pistons as a 7-foot jump shooting small forward. Brown attempted to turn him into a post player, an experiment that has yet to pay dividends.
Milicic has scored just 115 points in two seasons and is shooting 29 percent from the field.
Billups said he attempted to talk to Milicic, but said he did not get support from the coaching staff.
“I have done a lot to help him but when I would try to help him with that I was not getting help from the coaching staff,” Billups said. “I just wanted Larry to play him some minutes in the second quarter or third quarter-minutes where it is not going to hurt the game or affect the game. It would get him thinking he can play or he is one of the good players on the team. And that keeps him from having those self confidence problems.”
Billups said Milicic deserved more playing time in the second and third quarters, but Brown refused.

** In the same interview Billups picked the Pistons to return to the NBA Finals to face San Antonio. The Miami Heat made significant changes by bringing in point guard Jason Williams and forward Antoine Walker. But neither are strong defensive players.
“Everybody knows you got to be able to play defense and stop people,” Billups said. “Everybody knows we and San Antonio are the best teams and I think it is going to be the same way.”

New Inferno Era

2005-09-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

Today begins an important stretch for the Sports Inferno .This is make or break for us and make or break for AM 1270 The Sports Station. This is our strongest line up in station history. If this does not work then nothing will.Our show expands an hour from 10-2 and the Big Show takes over from there until 6:30 p.m.
Our coming out party takes place at Lucky's in Novi's Fountain Walk. It is a gigantic facility with everything from games and booze to solid food and a soon to open bowling alley. I hope to meet as many people as possible. This is a big day because this new time slot will define our show and our station.We need more exposure and more listeners. And we will get them. I feel confident of that. Our show was voted No. 2 sports talk show twice and I won't be satisfied until we are number one. Tonight we continue our fantasy football party at Doc's in Livonia which is located on 7 Mile and the I-275 exit. Mike will talk fantasy football. I will entertain.
And finally our big breaking out party ends Friday in the press box of Kelly-Shorts Stadium where Central Michigan will later play Big Ten foe Indiana.CMU Coach Brian Kelley will join us at noon. Chippewas Athletic Director Herb Deromedi around 10:30 and former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler at 1 p.m. I hope this is the start of big things and even bigger ratings.We need you every step of the way and I thank you for your continued support.
We need more because we are in a battle to keep what I believe to be the best sports show on our airwaves.

Lions Leadership?

2005-08-31T07:09:00.000-04:00

Here is another thing that bothered me about the Lions exhibition loss to the St. Louis Rams.
After the Game Coach Steve Mariucci addressed the team and told them how much work they had to do. He scolded and demanded they do better.
When he left the room players undressed, showered and went home. No veteran players stood up and addressed the team. No one said boo to assembled teammates.
That is problematic. Where was Dre'' Bly or Damien Woody?
Football is a sport of passion and emotion. It is a sport where leaders emerge and make demands of teammates.
No Lion player did. And that bothers me.
I question if there is a leader in that dressing room.
Even back up quarterback Jeff Garcia was surprised. He called out teammates to step up and lead.
They didn't. This is another sign to me that the Lions are just playing football. They are not playing with a purpose yet.

College Football Story

2005-08-30T19:50:00.000-04:00

I need to talk to college football fans for a story.
If you go to games or sit in the house and watch games all day on Saturday please drop me a line. I would love to talk to you.
Please email your information to Fosternews@aol.com. I need your name, home town, favorite college and phone number if you are interested.
I will give as many a ring as possible.

Thank you,
Terry Foster

This Exhibition Loss Struck a Nerve

2005-08-30T00:55:00.000-04:00

About 6:30 remained in the third quarter of the Lions exhibition lay down against St. Louis at Ford Field when another stream of people left the building, unable to watch any more of the Lions nationally televised nap. At that moment it became official.
There were more people hunkered down from Hurricane Katrina in the Super Dome in New Orleans than there were at Ford Field.
One group hid from a bad storm. Another group were trying to hide from bad football.
The people wanted no more.
This was my annual sit down with the people. I like to attend one game and sit in the stands. It was easy to see how frustrated fans were following the Lions 37-13 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
It was so bad that even the ignorant fans did not single out Lions quarterback Joey Harrington.
They saw bad penalties and stupid mistakes. They saw an offense so dull and drab that it made accountants look like wild and crazy guys. And they saw an offensive line get beat like a drum.
The defense continues to be atrocious and Steve Mariucci looks like one of the most overrated coaches in America.
I've always asked you to ignore preseason games because they mean little. But this one hit the fans hard. They were so angry that you got the typical "I am never going to a Lions game again" tirade which lasts right up until the Lions play another game.
This was a punch in the mouth and inexcusable.
The funny thing is the Lions said they planned on showing off their stuff before a nationally televised audience.
Instead they disgraced the long 15 minute tradition of the black uniform.
It was the type of game that if you thought the Lions were going to win 10 games, you've now reduced it by two.
Way to embarrass a city fellas'.

Top Five Detroit Athletes of All Time

2005-08-29T06:53:00.000-04:00

There is a great debate brewing on our radio web site Sportsinferno.com. You can click on the link to the right and join in and check out the entire web site or you can post here. It is a great debate that is going to brew even harder around Super Bowl XL. I cannot tell you exactly what is going on yet but it is going to be a fun issue to debate.
I keep changing my mind but for now here are my top five. Check with me in 48 hours I probably would have changed my mind again.
1. Joe Louis: He meant so much to the community and the nation. He boxed when the sport was just as big as baseball.

2. Gordie Howe: Some will argue he is the best hockey player of all time. He scored, was tough and made playing the Wings very difficult.

3. Barry Sanders: He did not leave the way we wanted but once again you can argue this is the best running back of all time.

4. Steve Yzerman: Another of the all-time greats. I always debate who was better -- Stevie Y or Howe? But bottom line is Howe is higher on the NHL pecking order than Yzerman.

5. Isiah Thomas: There was no Pistons before he arrived. Zeke not only was a great player but he pounded winning in a stale and disorganized organization.

College Football Tour for the Detroit News

2005-08-28T02:35:00.000-04:00

My first stop is Friday in Mt. Pleasant when Central Michigan takes on Indiana in the season-opener at Kelley Shorts Stadium. My next stop is at Michigan State's home opener where there is a chance Little B might make his college football debut.
Every weekend afterwards I will stop by Michigan colleges both big and small looking for the meaning of college football. The Detroit News bought one of my ideas to travel across the state to write about slices of life surrounding collegiate games.
And I will report my findings to you every week.
The CMU game is significant because it is the first time a Big Ten team has played on campus. This is the biggest game in school history since the Chippewas beat Michigan State twice in Spartan Stadium.
There is also a chance The Sports Inferno might broadcast from Mt. Pleasant. We are trying to find a location to make it work.
After this weekend I don't know where I might end up. I may show up at Alma, Olivet, Hope or Wayne State. I am going to be on the look out for interesting stories. If you have any ideas please email them to FosterNews@aol.com. Or you can post right here.
I am excited about the project because I love new discoveries.
I will also have a new responsibility with The Detroit News, but I cannot say what just yet.
Stay tuned.

Sports Inferno Lunch Tour

2005-08-27T07:43:00.000-04:00

AM 1270 EVENTSThe Sports Inferno Lunch Tour
Join AM 1270 The Sports Station's own "The Sports Inferno" with Mike Valenti and Terry Foster every monday live from Buffalo Wild Wings as they take the show on the road. Each week stop by for the best Lions coverage and listen to a live broadcast of the Sports Inferno from 10am-1pm. Grab a bite to eat as well as win fabulous prizes. This week stop by the Buffalo Wild Wings in Westland.
Westland - August 29
Novi - September 12
Canton - September 19
Ferndale - September 26
Ann Arbor - October 3
Mt. Clemens - October 10
Sterling Heights - October 17
Howell - October 24
Washington Township - October 31
Westland - November 7
Clinton Township - November 14
Lake Orion - November 21
Southgate - November 28
Westland - December 5
Ferndale - December 12
Monroe - December 19
Howell - December 26
Southgate - January 2

Sports Inferno Expansion

2005-08-26T05:15:00.000-04:00

By the time you read this it will be official. The Sports Inferno is expanding and will be heard from 10-2 Monday through Friday on AM 1270 The Sports Station beginning Sept. 1.
You will get more Big Show also. Doug and Art will be heard most days from 2-6-30 p.m., which means the end of the Dan Patrick Show.
Our grand kick off party takes place at Lucky Strikes at Fountain Walk in Novi. You are all welcomed to drop by for lunch, dinner and fun.
I don't know how this will work out but I hope our loyal listeners tune in for an extra hour. We need your support more than ever.
We need you to listen. We need you to visit us at Sports Inferno events, SportsInferno.com and we need you to continue to bang the phone lines when the mood hits you.
We are getting a lot of support. Take TerryFoster.blogspot.com. It averages around 700 hits a day but for some reason I got a record 3,200 visitors Wednesday.
I want you to visit SportsInferno.com because it is a more complete web site and I basically write the same thing in both web logs.
But it is support like this that thrills Mike and me.
Expanding an hour presents new challenges. Unfortunately most of the burden will fall on Mike. I will be there for a majority of hour four, but this cuts into newspaper work and shortens that day by an hour.
There will be more times when I must cut out early to work on a story for The Detroit News. They teach you in journalism school to not miss deadlines.
By the way I will make an announcement on a project I am working on for the News in college football next week.
I think you might like it. And you might be able to help me.
The extra hour of Sports Inferno and the Big Show is good for the station. We hope eventually it is good for us.

MIke on Fox 2 at 7:25 a.m.

2005-08-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

If you are up and adam you must check out Mike Valenti on Fox 2's morning show. He will be on at 7:25 this morning talking fantasy football. This is Mike's television debut in Detroit. So Check him out.

Sports Inferno at Docs Sports Retreat

2005-08-25T09:07:00.000-04:00

Join The Sports Inferno tonight (8-10 p.m.) for our first installment of the fantasy football show at Docs Sports Retreat. If you are a Madden 2006 player, come on down. We are having a tournament and winners could win Lions tickets and other prizes.
Mike and I will be there every Thursday. Mike will answer fantasy questions and get you ready for your draft. Next Thursday we will have a live draft. So come on down and join us every Thursday at Docs Sports Retreat, located on 7 Mile and I-275.

Did Anyone Die After Latest Pistons Rumor?

2005-08-25T05:01:00.000-04:00

Well it seems as if my rumor created quite a stir. Now some of you want to question my journalistic integrity because of it.
For those who missed it there was a rumor circulating that the Pistons were talking trade with the Chicago Bulls. They were rumored to be considering sending Rasheed Wallace to the Bulls for Tyson Chandler and Andres Nocioni.
I made sure you knew it was a rumor and not an impending trade. Well some of you went nuts after I checked with folks later who said the trade rumor is not true.
Now here is what I've been hearing from a number of you the past five months.
We don't like the Detroit newspapers because we have to find out all the Pistons rumors from ESPN or the Denver Post blah blah blah. We just want to hear what people are saying. Blah blah blah.
So I write a fun rumor to discuss among yourselves and yall become the second coming of Lou Grant.
And these are the same people who love Peter Vecsey from the New York Post, although about 85 percent of his stuff is garbage
Let me see. What harm did writing the rumor cause?
Did someone jump off a building?
Did the Pistons shut down?
Did Rasheed Wallace read the blog and run into hiding?
No. None of this happened. What happened is some of you liked the rumored trade and debated it. And some of you did not.
I hardly think society has been altered.
The good news is this web blog is getting read. I know it has been quoted in other web sites, Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski is not thrilled with some of the stuff in here and geeks from around the country have used it to peddle female products and medicine to make you more user friendly to your women.
In the future if some of you are too stupid to differentiate between rumor and fact, then just turn the page.
There are some interesting posts on "GetALife.blogspot.com

wont happen

2005-08-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

I just talked to one of my NBA sources. He said the Sheed-Chandler trade has not been discussed by the two teams. It won't happen. Sorry to get you so excited.

Is Sheed on the Trading Block?

2005-08-24T07:22:00.000-04:00

The Pistons may not be done. Dale Davis might not be the final piece.
Rumors are circulating that the Pistons might break up their starting five by trading Rasheed Wallace to the Chicago Bulls for center Tyson Chandler and forward Andres Nocioni. It is a scary proposal because Chandler has had back problems and I don`t see the fire in him. I think Nocioni is going to be a good player. If the Pistons make this move it would solidify the future. Team President Joe Dumars has said he wants to have a contending team today with a link toward the future. Chandler would probably move into the starting lineup. But this gives them a bunch of young guys who might bond for the future.
Stay tuned. What do you think?

Tigers Last Chance to Contend

2005-08-24T06:58:00.000-04:00

The Tigers are playing their best baseball. They are in harmony with catcher Pudge Rodriguez and they even won for pitcher Nate Robertson Tuesday night at Comerica, beating Oakland 4-1.
But is all this a big tease?
The Tigers were left for dead after losing five of six on an extended road trip and enduring Pudgegate where he ruffled teammates by leaving during a four-game suspension and returning a day late. The team met and according to people close to the team many of the younger players called out the veterans and demanded more of them. Now there is a switch.
The meeting seemed to turn on a switch and the Tigers find themselves 6 1/2 games out of the wild card race with an opportunity to catch up. They play most of the contenders the next two weeks need to stay hot to make a dent.
They are now 61-62 and I spoke with pitcher Mike Maroth who said don't count this team out. He swears things are different and there is not a magic wall that prevents them from going over .500 and staying there.
We shall see. Currently I do not consider them contenders. But if they sweep Oakland and win the next two series after that then they can make things interesting.
I was at the Oakland game Tuesday night and though the crowd was delightful you never got a sense this was a huge game. People just enjoyed the show and moved on.
The Tigers need to win nine of the next 12 games to create a frenzy here.
Let's see where they are at the end of the mouth before we get too giddy.

When Family Means So Much

2005-08-22T22:39:00.000-04:00

Mike threw down today on the Sports Inferno when he talked about his love for his family and how much he misses him. This is the real Mike. He sees how unfair some aspects of life can be and he longs for his family.
This shows his growth as a talk show host. A year ago Mike never would open up this way. I think you are going to see more of it. When we share our problems it is often beneficial for everybody. Many of you have gone through similar problems and sometimes it is good to heal and talk about it.
I talked last year about losing my Aunt Margaret. She was like my mother because she helped raise me with my great grand mother. I made a point of spending every moment I could with my aunt. I wanted her wisdom. I admired her strength and it prepared me for the time when my life comes to an end.
I also wanted to be with her because there is one regret I carry in life.
A year after graduating from college I worked at the Grand Rapids Press. One weekend I told a friend I would visit her and her husband in Saginaw. On the trip to Grand Rapids an unusual feeling overtook me and told me I should drive to Detroit.
It overtook me for 20 minutes and when I hit Lansing I nearly veered east instead of north and headed to Detroit. But I knew I was going home the following week and I chose to spend time with my friends.
That was on a Friday. The following Tuesday my grand mother and aunt returned from the grocery store where they bought food for my next visit.
My grandmother slumped in a chair and died.
I regret not spending those final days with her. I felt like I had made a poor and selfish decision.
Last year the voice told me to go visit my aunt on a Wednesday. I took my kids Brandon and Celine. We visited for more than an hour. They told her how much they love her. Brandon hugged her. Celine sat in her lap and told her how much she loved her.
We spoke one last time and she told me I had to be strong for the family. She also gave me instructions she wanted me to carry out.
The next day she was too weak to talk. She died a few days later.

Tigers Rolling After Meeting

2005-08-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Often team meetings are overrated. However, the Tigers meeting in Kansas City sparked them to play good baseball.
They needed it because they were coming apart at the seams. Hang on. That is not quite accurate.
The entire team was not coming apart. Teammates were angry with catcher Pudge Rodriguez who decided a four-day vacation was more important than being with teammates when he was suspended for abuse of an umpire.
Despite what you hear and read, Manager Alan Trammell and President Dave Dombrowski wanted Pudge to remain with the team. But he went over everybody's head and got permission from owner Mike Ilitch.
Rodriguez said he needed down time because he did not get a break during All-Star week.
That caused a rift which increased when Rodriguez's charter plane could not leave Columbia because of bad weather. He was docked a day's pay for being AWOL and shelled out $52,000 in pay. Teammates demanded an explanation from him, in particular pitcher Jeremy Bonderman who served a one-game suspension with teammates.
Pudge apologized. Teammates vented and later Pudge had a more private meeting with Trammell and other members of the coaching staff at the hotel bar.
Tiger players have never turned on one another. They've remained tight. The problem has been Pudge.
Now the super star player is giving teammates more respect and the Tigers are playing good baseball.
But you wonder if this is just the calm in the storm. The Tigers held a $500 a plate charity dinner where hi rollers could mingle with Tiger players. There was not much mingling because only four players showed.
You will hear talk that the streak will save Tram's job. I am not convinced of that. Tram was returning no matter what. Ilitch wants to give a guy he respects another chance.

Drive Time Radio is My Goal

2005-08-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

I love reading about myself.
I love it even more when it is a lie.
I read where everybody at WXYT wants the Sports Inferno to move to mornings. That is everybody but me and Mike.
That is a lie.
I got into radio to eventually do drive time radio. I don't care if it is in the morning or if it is in the afternoon. I've always wanted that shot. The problem is no one is willing to give me that opportunity. I want to be on the front of the newspaper, the best time in radio and to lead a sports cast on television.
I am not a background kind of guy. I thrive to be the best and compete with the best. And I will admit I am not the best at everything. I have flaws and others are better than me. But that does not mean I don't keep trying.
Turning down an opportunity to do drive time in radio is like a minor league baseball player saying no to the Yankees or Red Sox. It would never happen.
I believe the rumor was started by someone who does not want us go go drive time. If you keep saying Mike and I don't want something then enough people will believe it and you won't get anything.

Tram Will Be Around for a While

2005-08-20T09:46:00.000-04:00

Here is the official word on Alan Trammell as it stands today. He will not be fired during the season, no matter what happens. The Tigers want him to see it through. Also chances are Trammell will start the 2006 season as Tigers manager. That is not etched in stone, but the team is leaning toward bringing him back. There is a feeling he did not get to work with all of his players. The organization wants to make a determination after he does that next season along with a couple more pieces. Those pieces are expected to be a left-handed power bat and another starting pitcher. If he gets his pieces and the Tigers start slowly, then we could see a quick hook.

Ebony Sports Inferno 1-4 p.m. Saturday

2005-08-19T04:55:00.000-04:00

The ebony version of the Sports Inferno hits the Blarney Stone Pub Saturday for the Woodward Dream Cruise. I will do the show with Drew "Boodini" Sharp from 1-4 p.m. We will be followed by The Big Show from 4-7 p.m. on AM 1270 The Sports Station.
I know it will be a tough time to listen because we are going up against Lions football. But if you are out and about give us a listen. We will tackle a bunch of sports issues and enjoy the Dream Cruise which is one of the summer's big events.
Pistons President Joe Dumars will join us and the Oringinal TO Tony Ortez will give us a sideline report at half time of the show.
I was going to ask Boodini to bash the Big Ten, but he actually believes the conference is good for the first time since Woody Hayes coached at Ohio State. So we will find other things to talk about.

INFERNO TO EXPAND AN HOUR

2005-08-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

The Sports Inferno is expanding an hour beginning Sept. 1. We will broadcast from 10-2 p.m. Monday through Friday on AM 1270 The Sports Station.
Our show will be followed by the Big Show which begins at 2 and will run until 6:30 p.m.
That means WXYT has decided to blow out the Dan Patrick Show which got minimal ratings. The hope is that local programming will lure people from Jim Rome to our two shows and help our ratings.
We shall see what happens.

Don't forget to visit us at Sportsinferno.com

DID WE OVERREACT TO TRAM DECISION?

2005-08-18T05:29:00.000-04:00

We were screaming and hollering, bumping and thumping.
The Sports Inferno Wednesday morning turned into a bash, can, dump and fire Alan Trammell fest. The night before, the Tigers blew a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning of a 10-7 loss to Boston when Tram replaced pitcher Nate Robertson.
Robertson was cruising along on a two-hitter after 90 pitches. David Ortiz of the Sox hit a home run off Fernando Rodney and the flood gates opened in the 10th.
People were livid and they viewed that game as the lightening rod to fire Tram. It was a terrible loss and a shakened Tram challenged the media by saying there were no guarantees if he left Robertson in.
And then we jumped Tram like a drunk in the parking lot.
Do you fire a man based off one game of a miserable season?
The answer is no. That is why I am not in favor of midseason firings unless things are totally out of hand.
You should never allow emotion to get the better of you. Decisions this big should be based on good sound judgment -- not hot-headed emotion.
If the Tigers feel he is not the man, they should all sit down at the end of the season and decide. My guess is he returns for 2006. But if the Tigers do want a new man they need to be careful.
You do not can a man who means so much to the community. The blow must be softened with a front-office position.
I am also convinced there are two sets of Tiger fans. There are the emotion ones who call radio shows and there are the more level-headed ones who attend games. While the radio fans wanted Tram's head a good chunk at the game did not.

NEW PISTONS BEAT WRITER AT THE FREEP

2005-08-17T15:20:00.000-04:00

Long time Pistons beat writer Perry Farrell is off the beat. We do not know what his next assignment will be or who will replace him. He is a long-time beat writer who broke a lot of stories and we wish him the best. He remains at the Free Press.
This appears to be the first change in the newspaper exchange.

IT IS TIME TO SEND PUDGE PACKING

2005-08-17T07:19:00.000-04:00

You will never hear me scream "Power of Pudge. Spirit of Detroit" again on the Sports Inferno. It was my way of supporting catcher Pudge Rodriguez who left the Florida Marlins as World Series MVP and joining the Tigers.
He is a bad dude and he is dividing the Tigers dressing room.
It's time to go.
He does not respect teammates, has cursed at Manager Alan Trammell and has one set of rules for himself while another is written for teammates.
It is time to go.
The problem is the Tigers are protecting him and lying for him. This is their meal ticket and everybody is expendable. And please folks. Do you really think he is injured?
The man is pouting. It is time to go.
Lets get into a couple of these lies.

Dombrowski gave Pudge permission to leave the team during his four-game suspension. That is not true. Dombrowski in fact vetoed Pudge's request. It was owner Mike Ilitch who told Pudge to take time off and clear his mind. Perhaps Ilitch knows his star player no longer wants to be in Detroit. Maybe this was his way of trying to pacify Rodriguez, hoping he changes his mind.
Dombrowski acted like the good soldier and took the bullet for the team.

Lie number 2.
Pudge missed his flight from Columbia to Kansas City.
How do you miss a private jet? When you hire a private jet they leave when you are ready to leave. The truth is Pudge tried to stretch vacation an extra day. But he did not count on bad weather delaying his flight.

There are so many other things that I cannot get into now. He is an island on this team.
And no Trammell is not a great manager. But this guy won a World Series for this town. Pudge did not and will not. Tram is loyal to this city. Pudge wants out.
I say give him a swift kick.
Say no to Pudge.

PISTONS SHOULD SIGN SPREWELL IF ALL ELSE FAILS

2005-08-16T06:23:00.000-04:00

The Pistons can used one more bad egg without disrupting team chemistry. That is how strong the dressing room is. That means if they do not sign Jalen Rose or Michael Finley or any other swing man then they should sign Minnesota Timberwolves guard Latrell Sprewell. He won`t disrupt the Pistons because he won`t have a running buddy to tear down this kingdom. Sprewell is disruptive when he does not respect management or has a clown like Sam Cassell to run evil ideas by. He won`t even have Rasheed Wallace because Wallace won`t buy into it either.
Rasheed likes to act a fool on the court. He will continue to lead the league in technical fouls because he is filled with emotion that blinds him. He is not an evil political force that harms teammates. In fact Sheed is working on his game and trying to erase the titantic mistake he made in Game 5 of doubling the corner and leaving Robert Horry alone for a game-winning three point shot. Sheed is too busy beating himself up over that and has no plans for a revolt. And that will continue despite the loss of Larry Brown. People are wrong when they say LB kept Rasheed in line. That is not true. The fear came from President Joe Dumars who set policy and enforced it. Brown likes to teach and coach. But he left the discipline to Dumars. Guys wanted to speak out about Brown during the playoffs but it was Dumars who told them to keep quiet. Rasheed got the low down on Piston conduct from Dumars, not Larry Brown. Is it a gamble to bring in Spree? You are damn right it is. But I don`t like the alternative of trusting Carlos Delfino to carry the load off the bench. The guy is soft and he must learn the Piston way before he can progress. My first choice is to bring Rose back to town. My last choice is to bring in no one to counter what Miami, Cleveland and Indiana have added.
How serious are the Pistons about signing Spree? They are pretty serious. There are other options but this is one they are not afraid of.

ERIC PATE AND I NEVER FOUGHT

2005-08-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

I want to get one thing straight. I never had a fist fight with Eric Pate when I worked at WDFN.Pate and I got into heated arguments during and after shows. We did not see eye to eye on many issues and we both bring passion to the table and do not back down.But I never fought the dude. One day we screamed each other on the air and it carried over to the break. We got in each others face and I wanted to hit him. But I am a professional. You do not settle things with fists in the office.The argument we had was so heated and so loud that people in the office swore we were fighting. I told them we did not throw any blows. That is the honest to God truth.I just think they refused to believe us.And even if we did fight no one saw it.I have been in the media 24 years and I have never gotten into a physical altercation with a fellow journalist.Now have I wanted to bust somebody?Yes.But you know the old saying. I am a lover, not a fighter.

SPORTSINFERNO.COM IS ON THE WEB

2005-08-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

Hello gang.
The Sports Inferno is proud to announce our new web site.
Please go to Sportsinferno.com and browse through the new web site from Mike Valenti and myself. This is our way of keeping in contact with you when the show ends.
We've gotten a lot of feed back from our fans and we want to stay close to you even after the lights go out at 1 p.m. on AM 1270 The Sports Station.
I will keep this blog running for a while, but I will do my blog on Sportsinferno.com along with longer columns and features.
We will also have threads, polls and other fun stuff.
Let us know what you want to see.

So log on and enjoy.

NEW MLIVE WEB LOG

2005-08-15T09:43:00.000-04:00

Hey gang. I have a new weblog on MLive.com.
So you can catch more of Foster each week. I promise new and exciting takes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I usually post late the previous night or by 6 a.m. each day.
This is one of the reasons I began this blog. I want to expand and do more web site, try to promote the show and let folks know what is going on in Detroit sports. Others are taking notice and I hope to announce a new web site soon.
so stay tuned and get on over to MLive.com. A link on this site is coming soon.

GARCIA MIGHT START AGAINST BROWNS. BIG DEAL. WHO CARES?

2005-08-15T03:25:00.000-04:00

One of my boys is already hot and bothered, asking when Lions Coach Steve Mariucci is going to stop dissing Joey Harrington.
He is angry because Mariucci might start Jeff Garcia at quarterback in the second exhibition game Saturday at Ford Field against Cleveland. He is mad because Harrington completed all nine of his passes for 100 yards against the New York Jets and deserves a pat on the back from his coach, not a slap in the face.
I told big fella' to hang on. This is the exhibition season. Who cares?
This does not bring more drama to a brewing quarterback controversey. It does not lower Harrington's standing. Mariucci is smart in giving Garcia live action with the starting unit. He might need him later.
He wants game film on Garcia with the starting unit. Big deal.
I don't blame him. I would like to see it too.
Harrington did a solid job in Game 1. It was encouraging to see him play well. But the NFL is about putting the ball in the endzone. He and the rest of the team failed to do that. So I am not going to say he did a great job.
He did fine. He is still the man.
The starting job Sept. 11 against Green Bay remains his. That is all that matters.

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU WERE PUDGE'S TEAMMATE?

2005-08-14T06:44:00.000-04:00

How would you feel if you were a member of the Detroit Tigers?
Your season is slipping away. You cannot hold leads at the end of games and every team in Major League Baseball wants a shot at you to enhance their playoff chances.
How would you feel if you were Carlos Guillen? You are in constant pain but you still trot out there every day until your coaching staff says enough. Sit down.
You are in pain. You are losing and folks are calling you bums again.
And your team leader strolls in a day late from suspension from Columbia, tanned, relaxed and enjoying life. It isn't surprising the Tigers want to keep Pudge's Great South American Vacation a secret. Everybody knows he did not leave the club against President Dave Dombrowski's wishes for personal reasons.
That's unless personal reasons are clubbing, sitting on the beach and having a good time. Let me get this straight.
You are from Puerto Rico; you live in Miami and Detroit, yet your personal issues are in Columbia?
Let me see if I can run this one by the bosses at The Detroit News and AM 1270 The Sports Station.
Sorry guys. I cannot work for a week. I have personal issues -- in Maui.
That sure would go over real well.
My new personal issue might be not having jobs.
But I am no Pudge. I don't get the super star hook up.
Few do.

HEY PUDGE! APOLOGIZE TO YOUR TEAMMATES

2005-08-13T06:41:00.000-04:00

Pudge Rodriguez owes the Tigers an apology.
It was a selfish move that he missed Friday's rained out game in Kansas City because of problems flying back from Columbia to Kansas City.
They won't tell us what happened because they don't want the truth out.
Pudge was in South America chillin, having a good time and romping around on a private jet. He wanted time away from the Tigers during his four game suspension in part because he is not happy with the direction of the team.
The suspension for bumping an umpire is lifted now and the Tigers expected him Friday. They wanted him in Toronto, taking batting practice and staying sharp. Teammates also expected him to be with them.
It is true he got club permission to leave. But only after President Dave Dombrowski and manager Alan Trammell said no. Pudge then went to owner Mike Ilitch who told him to get out of town and relax.
Ilitch knows Pudge is angry and this was his way of trying to patch things up and let a high profile player he needs go and enjoy himself.
Despite the gesture I still wonder if Pudge will ask the club for a trade in the offseason.
Unfortunately, the Tigers need him more than he needs the Tigers. He can find another team to go to and find success.
The Tigers would be hard-pressed to find another marquee name they can market things around and try to lure free agents here. Pudge is the face of the Tigers. If he leaves then they are starting from scratch in many regards.
He is upset but Pudge should close the doors to the media today, face his teammates, an admit he was wrong.

T.O. IS NOT COMING TO THE D

2005-08-12T17:07:00.000-04:00

He is the sexy name the entire football world is talking about.
Rumor has it that Terrell Owens might come to the Lions.
Don't believe the hype. It is not happening.
The only TO we will see in Detroit is loveable Lions sideline reporter Tony Ortez -- the Original TO.
The Lions don't want him. They do not want Owens tearing up a pretty harmonious dressing room. The second issue is the Lions do not have enough extra cash to pay him. Even if they did it is a bad idea.
The Lions have three wide receivers in Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Charles Rogers who need to grow together. They don't need a disruptive force screaming how he is not getting the ball enough. They don't need TO tearing into quarterback Joey Harrington and Jeff Garcia.
He is not worth the pain and grief.
That is why the Lions won't trade for him.

LIONS-JETS COMMENTS

2005-08-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

Please post your thoughts on the Lions-Jets game preseason game.
I am putting this on early because I won't be by my computer tonight. But I am looking for your thoughts on Joey Harrington, Jeff Garcia, Charles Rogers and any other things about the game. I would love to see plenty of lively debate when I get in later tonight.
I will ad my two cents later.

Thanks

TIGER FANS

2005-08-12T15:40:00.000-04:00

I might need your help. I need to talk to passionate Tigers fans about a story I am working on. I can only use a couple of you but if you are a big time Tigers fan and do not mind answering a few questions leave me your name, phone number and home town and I may get with you this evening or Saturday morning. email me at Fosternews@aol.com

Thanks

LIONS FREAK SHOW BEGINS TONIGHT

2005-08-12T06:29:00.000-04:00

The Lions play the New York Jets tonight in the first exhibition game of the season.
I cannot wait to see safety Kenoy Kennedy blast the first wide receiver coming over the middle. I want to see lighter offensive lineman Damien Woody and I want to see a healthy Charles Rogers catch that first pass and flip the ball to the official.
But I admit to be transfixed to the freak show.
Doesn't it always come back to quarterback for the Lions? We will study every move of starter Joey Harrington and surmise why he deserves to keep his job or lose it. And we will do the same with back up Jeff Garcia, the more experienced man.
Looking at a Lions quarterback like a zoo animal is almost as big a Detroit tradition as Vernors, Faygo and Belle Isle.
We are obsessed with this position. Many of you booed Harrington so loudly that it even surprised some Lions players. He will be fine tonight. I question how well he plays at home.
You will be all over him after the first mistake and is he tough enough to handle it? There are no excuses on offense. The Lions are solid at wide receiver, running back and tight end. They are young and will make youthful mistakes, but if they get any type of quarterback play they should score a lot of points.
The freak show begins tonight.
And yes I will be front and center in front of the television to see the bearded lady sing.

MICHIGAN STATE FAIR; A SHELL OF WHAT IT USED TO BE

2005-08-12T06:22:00.000-04:00

The Michigan State Fair is back for its two-week run and I plan on attending -- I suppose.
Whatever happened to our love for the State Fair? During my youth you had to go to the State Fair on 8 Mile and Woodward. The place was packed. The rides were on jam and big-time acts like the Ohio Players rolled into town for concerts.
I remember walking through a pack of people with my grandmother and Aunt and someone mistakenly hit my arm with a cigarette. The person apologized over and over again. My aunt was pissed, but for some reason I remembered that cigarette burn the rest of my life.
It symbolized a State Fair so alive and jammed that there was very little room to maneuver.
Now the State Fair is a shell of what it use to be. I plan on going more to support a childhood love than really wanting to go.
There needs to be some way to breath life back into a Detroit tradition.

PUDGE SHOULD BE WITH TEAMMATES

2005-08-11T04:07:00.000-04:00

He is bitter. He is angry. He wants out.
With all that said Pudge Rodriguez belongs with teammates despite serving a four-game suspension for bumping an umpire. Instead Pudge stayed home. Or maybe he flew to Miami. The bottom line is he was not with teammates at the beginning of this disaster road trip and teammates are not pleased.
The problem is when the suspension is lifted Pudge will come up with some lame excuse why he abandoned teammates. He will give a tear jerk story about sitting by a grandmother's side or that he saved 30 people from a burning building and wanted to make sure they were safe.
A couple weeks ago Pudge complained that President Dave Dombrowski gave up on the season. Isn't Pudge giving up on teammates now?
This is another sign he does not want to be here and don't be surprised if he either expresses that to Dombrowski at the end of the season or asks owner Mike Ilitch to fire Dombrowski.
There are so many brush fires with the Tigers right now. And they keep losing on the field. Some things are going to hit the media as the losses continue and the end of another disappointing season comes to a close.
There are guys who can't wait to get out of Dodge. Some want out forever.

TIGERS QUESTION

2005-08-11T03:46:00.000-04:00

This is debate number one.
Let's assume there are no upcoming Tiger miracles. They finish a few games below .500 and go out like a lamb. You are now Tigers owner Mike Ilitch and your team President Dave Dombrowski walks in and recommends that manager Alan Trammell be fired along with his entire staff.
Here are your options.
1. Do you tell Dombrowski to give Trammell one more season?
2. Do you say yes, blow out the entire staff, and lets start over.
3. Do make Bruce Fields or Kirk Gibson Tigers manager?
Let the debate begin.

MLIVE.COM WEB LOG BEGINS MONDAY

2005-08-11T03:30:00.000-04:00

TerryFoster.blogspot.com is coming to a close. I am not sure when, but this is being phased out.
That is the bad news. The good news is I am transferring my thoughts to other places. In the next few weeks a Sports Inferno website will replace it. My radio partner Mike Valenti is working on things and I will let you know when that is complete.
In other news I will begin a three-time a week web log on MLive.com. called the truth speaks. I will put the link on this web log and I hope you enjoy my thoughts there. Daily entries will be different most days, unless there is huge news. I do not want to short change either site.
My MLive.com entries will be posted Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
I also spoke to America On Line and the sports editor there is very interested in me beginning a column or web log there beginning in 2006. I will keep you updated on that.
I'd love to let a national audience know what is popping around Detroit before Super Bowl XL.

PLAYER REVOLT COULD SACK TRAM

2005-08-10T05:37:00.000-04:00

Only a player revolt could result in the firing of Tigers Manager Alan Trammell.
According to my sources Trammell is safe for another season even if Tigers President Dave Dombrowski recommends he be fired. That's because Tigers owner Mike Ilitch wants to give him one more chance.
But Tram is not totally safe.
The problem is a revolt is brewing in the Tigers clubhouse. Add Brandon Inge, Craig Monroe, Rondell White and Pudge Rodriguez to the list of players who are angry because they felt the organization gave up on them when they slid in Oakland.
They've kept it under wraps so far, but we've seen a regression on the field since the Kyle Farnsworth deal that opened up old wounds.
Dmitri Young has replaced Rodriguez as clubhouse leader. He has kept guys cool while Pudge sulks and leads a group of players who want out.
There is plenty of friction. Some of it is directed at Trammell, but most is aimed at Dombrowski. Players question whether he is the guy to lead the team. Quietly the Tigers moved into the top half of payrolls in Major League Baseball, yet they continue to crawl with the worms.
Player anger is also directed at Tigers hitting/bench coach Kirk Gibson because he commands Trammell's ear and folks believe Gibson is the one who pushed to keep Bobby Higginson around at the beginning of the season when most in the clubhouse believed it was time to bring in Marcus Thames. Ilitch agreed to eat Higginson's contract, but he was retained any way.
That wound never healed although Higgy is on the injured list.
So what happens?
My guess is the Tigers need scape goats. Trammell stays unless the revolution is so loud that Ilitch cannot ignore it.
Look for hitting/bench coach Bruce Fields to be fired. They already fired him two seasons ago, but kept him following an appeal by Dmitri Young. Fields was given the title of bench coach a few weeks ago, but Gibson remains second in charge.
That should tell you something there.
And do not be surprised if bullpen coach Lance Parrish leaves, either on his own accord or by Trammell.
It's a mess at Comerica Park. But I am not telling ground breaking news here to people who watch games. The decline is easy to see.

FANS BOO HARRINGTON AND JOEY BOOS BACK

2005-08-09T06:07:00.000-04:00

Watch what you wish for.
You showed your frustration during the Lions open practice Saturday at Ford Field by booing Lions quarterback Joey Harrington. You booed incomplete passes. You booed when you thought he should have done better.
And Harrington overeacted by saying he did not care about Detroit fans. This sounds like words and sounds of frustration from both sides.
But you had better hope and pray this guy works out. If he is not the answer then you can kiss your playoff dreams good bye. You can count on another bad season on Losers Lane.
The alternative is not good. Jeff Garcia used to be a nice, solid, mobile quarterback in San Francisco under Lions Coach Steve Mariucci. He is no longer the man Mooch fell in love with.
He's struggled during the preseason. He struggled the last couple of years in his career. Yes, he has shown flashes. But has he been consistent?
No.
My advice to Harrington is to be patient and forget about the fans and media. Just play ball. I know it is difficult when he lacks universal support from his coach and teammates. This is his opportunity to show how tough he is mentally.
Please forget the fans. They are frustrated and demand perfection.
Do you want a good 2005 season?
Then Harrington is your man. Garcia is not.

THE KING OF DETROIT SPORTS MEDIA SOON TO BE CROWNED

2005-08-07T23:53:00.000-04:00

Many in the Detroit sports media hate Detroitsportsrag.com. It annoys us, pokes fun at us, ridicules us and challenges us to do better.
Sometimes they are unfair, but the rag is our watch dog.
Many chose to ignore it. Others cannot stay away from it.
It went into a slump when it seemed to disappear. Columns were not updated and it hit critical condition.
Now it is back on the radar.
This is one of those weeks when many in the media will click on the sports rag. The web site began a field of 64 NCAA tournament style bracket involving Detroit media members. The first round is complete and the second round begins today.
I drew a No. 4 seed and defeated Channel 7 weekend anchor Vic Faust 91%-9% in the most lopsided first-round game. I attribute my victory to solid defense and limiting turnovers. It also helped that most people don't know who Vic Faust is.
Or is it Jerry Faust?
I believe I would have been a No. 2 or 3 seed two years ago. But I have not written in the Detroit News much. That is about to change. After Gannett sold the News I was told I would write more this fall. I am thrilled.
I am off until Thursday when upset-minded Ken Kal, a tough No. 12 seed who defeated Oakland Press columnist Pat Caputo, hits the court. A victory puts me in the Sweet 16 against my pal Bob Wojnowski, who drew a No. 1 seed. You won't see us eating dinner together that night. It will be war for a couple of hours and then I will shake his hand win or lose.
It appears to be a pro Detroit News and WDFN site. The News finished 7-2 after the first round and WDFN was 9-4. The Freep (4-4) and WXYT (5-10) did not do well.
Voters allowed their anger to get the best of them in the first round when No. 1 seed Mitch Albom of the Freep lost to No. 16 Iffy the Dopster. Many of us believe Albom made a huge error when fabricating a story. But come one. He is one of the best writers in America and lost to a fictitious character?
It is ironic. But it is not right.
I bring this to your attention because we've enjoyed spirited debates on this web log about the media. This gives you a chance to vote for your favorites and against those media members you dislike.
So enjoy the tournament and may the best scribe or microphone win.

GARNETT TO THE PISTONS!!?? NOPE. SORRY

2005-08-07T07:04:00.000-04:00

Kevin Garnett is not coming to the Pistons.
The rumored trade is a Pistons' fan pipe dream. It began more than a month ago by Piston web loggers and posters and now has taken on a life of its own and hit main stream media.
This shows the power of the web. Usually journalists start rumors. Now Joe from Warren can turn a snow ball into an avalanche.
The rumored trade would bring Garnett to the Pistons in exchange for Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and two first-round draft selections. It is a powerful trade. The problem is it does not fit under the salary cap and the Pistons might have to give up another player.
The second problem is Kevin McHale and Joe Dumars have not spoken to each other about the trade.
This rumor and other variations began circulating when the Larry Brown-Pistons fiasco hit a boil. Fans assumed correctly that former Minnesota Coach Flip Saunders was coming to town. They also know Pistons guard Chauncey Billups and Garnett are good friends.
They put two and two together and came up with five. It is not happening.
Now lets ask this question. Would I do it if I were Dumars?
My answer is no. You risk too much by trading away what many consider the best starting five in the NBA. If you brought in Garnett your starting five would likely be Prince, Garnett, Billups, Rip Hamilton and perhaps Darko Milicic. I believe if you make the trade you must play Darko. Or you might be forced to make another deal for a defensive center.
The starting five sounds nice. It is just too risky. Besides if you are the Timberwolves why would you make that deal? Teams that trade away the best player usually get the short end of a deal.

LAW HAS BAD WORKOUT AND ROGERS WILL STAY HEALTHY

2005-08-06T03:23:00.000-04:00

Here are just a couple of things to look out for.

The Lions won't sign former New England cornerback Ty Law. My NFL sources are telling me he had a mediocre workout with the Lions a couple of weeks ago. It was not terrible. It just was not worth cutting a couple defensive players to sign him to a big contract.

** Look for wide receiver Charles Rogers to remain healthy and become the Lions best receiver this season. We remember the two injuries that have limited his career to a hand full of games and forget his ability. Rogers does more than catch passes. He has worked on going after the ball more and fighting off defensive backs.

** It would not surprise me if Tigers catcher Pudge Rodriguez asks for a trade during the off season because he is not happy with the direction Tigers President Dave Dombrowski took in trading Kyle Farnsworth.

** The NCAA took a bold stand in banning Indiana mascots and nicknames during post season tournaments. I have no problem with the ban because I sure don't want to see the West Carolina Negroes with a black face mascot roving the sidelines.
But what do you do with a school like Central Michigan University, which enjoys a close relationship with the Saginaw Chippewas tribe? The Chippewas tribe wants the school to keep the nickname because it stimulates economic growth for both the school and the tribe.

** I am hosting a round table today at the Wild Buffalo Wings in Westland today with former Detroit Lions. I will be joined around 1 p.m. by Lomas Brown, Eddie Murray and Chris Spielman. I want to talk about the success of their teams and of course the heart breaks and compare them to this young and upcoming Lions team. Former Pittsburgh Steeler and ESPN anayst Merrill Hoge will also join the discussion.
I will also be part of a media panel talk, which is hosted by AM 1270 The Sports Station.

** So who ends up becoming the Red Wings goalie? Don't be surprised if Chicago Blackhawks goalie Jocelyn Thibault comes here after the club signed my personal and long shot choice of
Nikolai Khabibulin. I hear rumblings of a Chris Osgood return also.

** It is good to see the NHL returning. I always hated leaving Joe Louis Arena late after a game in the winter. That winter wind used to smack you in the face as you wobbled through the ice and snow to the car. But that will feel pretty good next season.

CLOSE GAMES ARE THE NORM IN THE NFL

2005-08-05T06:04:00.000-04:00

Lions fans keep the faith each season by point to the close games the team lost during any given season.
What they don't realize is the NFL is a giant tease because nearly half of games are decided by seven points or less. Last season 116 of 256 games (45.3 percent) ended within a touchdown margin.
Fans point to these close calls and say the Lions should have won. Instead of being 6-10 last season the Lions could have finished 12-4 if they'd won those close games. People never include close wins as near misses. We always assume our home team should win every close game.
But football is not just about the Lions. I used fan thinking to apply their formula to every NFL team. If teams had won every game decided by seven points or less here are how teams would have finished.

NFC
EAST DIVISION
Philadelphia Eagles 13-3
Washington Redskins 13-3
New York Giants 11-5
Dallas Cowboys 9-7

NORTH DIVISION
Minnesota Vikings 13-3
Green Bay Packers 12-4
Detroit Lions 12-4
Chicago Bears 9-7

SOUTH DIVISION
Tampa Bay Bucs 13-3
Atlanta Falcons 13-3
Carolina Panthers 12-4
New Orleans Saints 11-5

WEST DIVISION
Arizona Cardinals 11-5
Seattle Seahawks 11-5
St. Louis Rams 9-7
San Francisco 49ers 5-11

AFC
EAST DIVISION
New England Patriots 15-1
New York Jets 14-2
Buffalo Bills 13-3
Miami Dolphins 10-6

NORTH DIVISION
Pittsburgh Steelers 15-1
Cincinnati Bengals 13-3
Baltimore Ravens 12-4
Cleveland Browns 8-8

SOUTH DIVISION
Indianapolis Colts 14-2
Jacksonville Jaguars 12-4
Houston Texans 10-6
Tennessee Titans 8-8

WEST DIVISION

San Diego Chargers 15-1
Denver Broncos 13-3
Kansas City Chiefs 13-3

Oakland Raiders 11-5

LET FREEDOM RING!! GANNETT IS OUT THE DOOR

2005-08-04T03:38:00.000-04:00

I stood in a packed Detroit News news room Wednesday and watched fear shift to delight among fellow journalists.
Gannett was out the door.
Women I did not know said "can I get one? after I hugged one of my buddies. And yes I gladly hugged them.
Gannett was out the door.
We joked that no one walked around in shackles and hand cuffs, that journalists may actually use their talent and instinct to make The Detroit News better.
Gannett was out the door.
People embraced the name Media News although they did not know what the future brings. Hell, some did not even know what Media New was, but it remained a welcomed change.
Gannett was out the door.
We felt free. We felt like journalists again. We smiled and hugged and talked about wild and crazy story ideas we thought might benefit Detroit and the state of Michigan.
Gannett was out the door and I let out a roar.
Free at Last!
Free at Last!
I cannot believe we are free at last!!
I do not know the path the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press will take after Gannett bought the Freep from Knight-Ridder and sold the News to Denver based News Media Group. But at least I might have a future.
I feel that I can revive my career that is in shambles. I feel that I will get the opportunity to write again. And I hold out hope I can make a difference in my city again. I want to impact my home town the way I used to.
I want to make people react and protest and laugh and move them to make changes in their lives.
It is what I used to do here until handcuffs, both imaginary and real, were placed on my wrists.
When David J. Butler, the new editor of the News said "we don't do cookie cutter stories" I wanted to hug the man.
People. I want to return to the profession I loved. I want to write again instead of having my ideals rejected because they do not fit cute packages or graphics or people first formulas.
I am going to admit something painful. I can no longer write under deadline. It used to be my strength. It is like discovering your right arm is missing. I went home upset and angry after covering the Major League Baseball All-Star game because I panicked during deadline.
I used to thrive under deadline pressure. But my opportunities to write on deadline were so limited that I forgot how.
I am 24-year veteran in this business and that is embarrassing.
Gannett took away my column and called it a promotion.
It took it away because it said few read it. At the time I was deleting e-mail from readers because the volume was so great I knew I could not answer each one.
I fear Wednesday's sale was all a bad joke and that the monsters of Gannett will march back in the Detroit News and say "We were just fooling. It is time to return to the torture chamber."
My hope is Gannett allows the Freep to remain the Freep. It carved out a nice identity by being different than the News. It should remain that way.
Well guys. I am going to celebrate today.
I feel 50 pounds lighter and for the first time in two years I feel a ray of sunshine has hit my life. Gannett is out the door.

STANDING BY A STORY

2005-08-03T09:23:00.000-04:00

Keep your eye out on the Tigers.
More things could be coming down the pipe. Guys are angry and some of it will boil over in the media.
I know some of you doubt my report that Pudge is angry. Read the newspapers today and his reaction to when reporters approachd him.
He did not deny it, which is key. He snapped at reporters to talk to Dave Dombrowski and Tram. He did not attack the messanger, which is me. He attacked the organization.
I know how these things work. If it were not true he'd launch a personal attack on the media. Sometimes even when it is true athletes attack the media.
This story is true. There are a bunch of angry guys.
Lets see how they perform on the field.
I stand by my story.

TURBULENCE ON THE TIGERS SHIP

2005-08-02T18:30:00.000-04:00

The Seattle Mariners and Oakland A's did not end the Tigers season by beating them five of six games during a recent western swing.
The Tigers season ended when closer Kyle Farnsworth was sent to Atlanta for a pair of mid-level prospects.
The deal angered the dressing room. Guys fumed and grumbled to teammates that the Tigers were not committed to winning. A quality closer is one of the most difficult things to find. Farnsworth was solid the past month. That is not enough time to give him a seal or approval.
But teammates felt he could help them this season and in 2006.
Players are questioning Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski, chief among them catcher Pudge Rodriguez. The Tigers promised him they'd increase payroll and make a commitment to winning. They've done that for the most part.
But a dangerous signal was sent by management that as soon as it felt the season was out of reached it traded away a high profile player that teammates liked and respected. The Tigers brought in the future again, rather than play for the present or near future.
It did not sit well with players, some who grumbled that they want out.
It will be interesting to see how the Tigers play the following weeks. My guess is they will not finish anywhere close to .500.
The dive might not come immediately. But it is coming. A sign may have come during the Tigers dismal western swing.
Guys are questioning management. More questions are sure to follow.
Chief among them is does Pudge turn private talks of wanting a trade into a demand of management. He has not done that yet. But it is something to look out for.

HOW DO YOU ACCIDENTALLY TAKE STEROIDS?

2005-08-02T07:45:00.000-04:00

Didn't we talk Monday about lying?
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro not only lied before congress, but now he is lying again to cover the lie.
This guy shook his finger before congress and said "I have never used performance enhancing drugs." His eyes were tight and he looked as if he wanted to deck somebody.
What a great lie.
Now that he got caught by testing positive for steroids Raffy wants us to believe that it was an accident.
"When I testified in front of Congress, I know that I was testifying under oath and I told the truth," Raffy said during a conference call. "Today I am telling the truth again that I did not do this intentionally or knowingly."
Whatever dude.
Let me get this straight. Boy friend has steroids in him. But it got there by accident? How is that possible?
Were teammates playing darts with needles and accidentally fired one into his butt?
Did somebody spike his strawberry milk shake with roids?
Did he mistake a steroid cream for Vaseline?
Somebody help me with this one. How do you walk around in life and accidentally get steroids shot or rubbed into you?
I have never had someone come up to me and say "Hey T. Sorry Dude. While slept last night me and the boys got silly and shot steroids into your arm pit."
I have never heard somebody say "Damn it I am having a bad day. The wife pumped steroids up my buttock."
Sorry. Raffy lied at least twice. He is a great player and now baseball writers must decide if he goes into the Hall of Fame on the first ballet five years after he retires.
This is a sticky issue. Do Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Palmeiro belong in the Hall of Fame?
My answer is yes. I believe they all used steroids during a time when it was legal in baseball. The committee should punish them by making them wait an extra year and all of them deserve to be treated the same way.
They used. And if they say they didn't then they are lying

WHY DO SPORTS FIGURES LIE?

2005-08-01T05:19:00.000-04:00

Here is a shocker.
Nick Saban lied.
Do you remember when rumors leaked that Saban was talking to the New York Giants for a head coaching job when he coached Michigan State football?
Saban said he never went to New York to talk to the Giants. My sources told me that Saban only told part of the truth.
He went to New Jersey to talk to the Giants.
My sources were correct.
Saban finally admitted last week that he not only talked to the Giants, but he told Miami reporters that he almost took the job. It just was not right for him at the time.
Saban denied talking to the Giants right up to taking the LSU job.
This brings us to the age-old debate of when do you believe sports stars, players, coaches and franchises?
The public is lied to all the time.
A recent example involved the Pistons and Larry Brown. Brown and his agent insist they were fired. Pistons President Joe Dumars swears up and down it was a mutual parting.
Who told the truth?
Players always talk about how they love their teammates, then complain about them privately.
We hear lies all the time.
And I understand why. When an athlete is too truthful it often causes an uproar. The old movie line "You can't handle the truth" applies in sports.
Players do not want to provide bulletin board material or tick off communities who often lash back.
The truth often lands ESPN's Game Day crew in trouble. They need extra security and screens to protect them from rabid fans simply because they may predict the road team to lose on a remote broadcast.
When I covered Michigan football in the Bo Schembechler era he spent all week telling us about the fine virtues of Northwestern and Wisconsin football. And after blasting those teams 62-0 would tell us the following week they expected an easy time, but the real tough opponent was coming up the next Saturday.
I understand the truth is not always the right thing to say. That is why lies are an acceptable part of sports.
By the way ladies I am 6-foot-2, 180 pounds and have a full head of hair.
Wink.

HEARNS SLUGGISH IN COMEBACK

2005-07-31T09:54:00.000-04:00

John Long looks like me.
He is bald, light skinned and out of shape.
That is who Tommy Hearns beat Saturday night in his come back boxing match at Cobo Arena. The fat guy got his licks in, but Hearns stood in triumph, when Long the boxer and not the former NBA player refused to come out for the ninth round.
It was a sad night. Hearns did not look good. He got clocked early, but came on late because Long was out of shape and lacked talent.
Afterwards Hearns poised 45 minutes for photos with family and friends. The amazing thing is that a post-fight photo session could last that long. Fewer than 3,000 people showed up at Cobo Arena. Hearns' entourage was bigger than that during his hey day.
Why?
Why did Hearns need this night? Why does he talk about future bouts? Even his son Ronald Hearns asked that question after the evening was over.
Why?
No damage was done Saturday. Hearns found a tomato can. My fear is that he beats up on a couple dudes from the east side and then tries to fight a legitimate fighter looking to make a name for himself.
Lets hope this come back never comes to this. My fear is Hearns could suffer serious injury.
If this is about love and respect then Hearns should quit. He has both here in Detroit. He accomplished plenty in the ring.
He brought pride to Detroit and most Detroiters felt Tommy beat Sugar Ray Leonard in the rematch.
Hearns will never get the recognition he wants by stepping into the ring.
Give it up. Ronald is the boxer in the family now.
Sit back and enjoy his career.

LARRY BROWN MIGHT PLAY THE PALACE IN DECEMBER

2005-07-29T22:48:00.000-04:00

The NBA schedule is not out yet, but mark Dec. 2 on your calendar. That is when Larry Brown and the New York Knicks are scheduled to play the Pistons at the Palace for the first time. But don't bother purchasing tickets.
My guess is Brown won't show. He is scheduled to visit the Mayo Clinic for more test in December. Why not have them in early December to freshen up for Christmas and of course miss this emotion-packed game at The Palace.
You can also look for the Pistons to play on the road Christmas Day during the NBA's unofficial kick off to the regular season. The conference finalists will play in a doubleheader. The Pistons will play San Antonio or Dallas from the Western Conference. The team that does not play the Pistons will play the Miami Heat.

WHEN THE CATS AWAY THE MICE WILL PLAY

2005-07-29T17:49:00.000-04:00

I go away for a week and look what happens.
There is a commercial for the Stoney and Wojo Show here. I want compensation by the way.
There is a debate about Detroit sports talk and folks are still talking about Larry Brown.
I did not listen to the LB interview on Stoney and Wojo. The gang and I were at Cedar Point and the Great Wolf Lodge.
I don't need to listen to him to know he is lying. If he caught wind of the Pistons wanting to move in a different direction in March I simply say he was making phone calls in November. I don't want to get too deeply into LB because we've debated it too much and it is dividing us.
Go through the archive here and you will know how I feel.
Let him go. He did his thing here. He accomplished what he was hired to do and I wish him well with the New York Knicks.
It is time for all parties to move on.
As far as sports talk radio is concerned, there is more quality programming than the Sports Inferno. I appreciate the support and I do believe we are one of the best shows in Detroit, but that is not my decision.
The best is decided by you the listeners. You vote every day by listening to your favorite shows. Your vote counts more than what I have to say.
And what you are saying is WDFN is the best sports station right now. I am not going to fight the public over that. I simply want people to sample our show and give it a chance. We will win you over.
Some criticize sports talk because it is not all sports. Once again your vote counts. Shows that do all sports don't get high ratings in the day time. They do at night when a more specialized audience tunes in.
But if we did all sports we would be doomed.

CEDAR POINT WITHOUT ROLLER COASTERS? ONLY IF YOU ARE A DAD WITH SMALL FRY

2005-07-29T17:31:00.000-04:00

I made a grim discovery this week.
There is a Cedar Point without roller coasters and other high wire rides.
That's what happens when you attend with small fry. Celine, 5, is too scared to ride a roller coaster, and Brandon, 3, too small.
It's impossible to leave the gang for an hour to stand for the drag race ride that propels you to speeds of 120 miles per hour and jets you 20 stories into the air. It sure looked neat. But there was no way I could ride in my current situation.
That left me clapping on the sideline while the small fry rode on plastic air balloon rides, cars that went in circles and the junior Gemini.
The best part about Cedar Point is discovering my son is a real man. He wants to go on the big rides. They won't allow him because he falls short of the 46 inch minimum. One guy let us on this ride that jerked you all over the place and Little B loved it. He screamed and laughed as if he were having the time of his life.
That can only mean one thing. Dad is destined to hit the roller coasters in a year or two whether I want to or not.

LOOKING FOR T-SHIRT DESIGNER

2005-07-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know of someone who could help us design T-shirts or a logo for a T-shirt and then design it for a reasonable price?
I want somebody creative and innovative.
If you do can you drop me a line at Fosternews@aol.com or post it here so I can call them.

D-MAC IS RELEASED BUT HE WILL AWAYS BE A DETROIT RED WING

2005-07-27T03:34:00.000-04:00

This is the ugly part of the new NHL. Beyond the rule changes that should liven up the game, comes the harsh reality of player removal that should darken it.
Heroes are leaving. It hit us Tuesday following the release of 11-year veteran Darren McCarty for salary cap reasons. Money is a bigger consideration for teams and that includes the former salary heavy Wings. Now come tough decisions by owner Mike Ilitch and General Manager Ken Holland.
D-Mac is one of us. He was tough and willing to do anything the team asked of him. He is a Red Wing for life although he will play elsewhere this season. Even as he was being booted out the door he asked Holland to remember him down the road should a reunion make sense.
It won't.
D-Mac's game no longer fits in. He is too slow and cannot provide the grit that made him so dangerous around the league. The Red Wings also know he is out of shape and his love for music has consumed him. It didn't make the decision to cut him any easier, but it just made more sense.
D-Mac remains one of my all-time favorite players. He cared about people and he cared about the fans of Detroit. We are not losing Darren McCarty. We simply are losing Darren McCarty the hockey player. Grinder will continue to grind in Detroit and the McCarty Cancer Institute will continue here also.
The man who brought us the historic butt kicking of Claude Lemieux in March 1997 is etched in Detroit sports lore. He was loved more than his talent on the ice. But his desire can never be matched.
D-Mac will be missed.

WHO FACES THE MOST HEAT? MOOCH? OR PAL JOEY?

2005-07-26T06:27:00.000-04:00

The boys were standing around debating another sports topic. This time it involved the Lions and typically it revolved around Lions quarterback Joey Harrington.
Here is the question.
Who has the most pressure on them? Is it Lions head coach Steve Mariucci or Harrington?
It is a no brainer to me. It is Harrington in a romp. Surprisingly many of my debaters said Mooch faces the most heat.
I disagree.
Harrington's replacement stands about 12 inches to his right. Jeff Garcia is the hand-picked choice by Mariucci to save the day if Harrington flops. You rarely hear Mariucci say a kind word about Harrington.
He must also win over his dressing room because a number of players felt Harrington hung them out to dry last season with errant passes.
And who are you going to boo first? Will it be Harrington after his first interception or Mariucci after his first conservative play call? My guess is Harrington. Remember this is a town that puts more blame on the Red Wings goalie and Lions quarterback than any other sports job.
Finally, who owns the team? There is little or no pressure coming from the Ford family. Mariucci came here to become a savior and the Fords still believe him to be that. The Lions can go through three quarterbacks in a season. It takes them a half century to go through head coaches, no matter now bad they are.
Mariucci is safe and secure in the Ford's eyes. The only way he could lose his gig if he pulls a Darryl Rogers and screams "What's a guy got to do to get fired around here?"
They are already looking for excuses to fire Joey.

HERE COMES THE LAW. WILL TY SIGN WITH THE LIONS?

2005-07-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

The debate the next few days could be where do the Lions play corner back Ty Law in a crowded secondary?
That's if Law passes his physical Monday with the Lions and looks good during a planned work out at the Lions practice facility. If every thing checks out it appears as if the Lions will sign Law, who has been telling reporters this signing is not as much about the money as it is about playing for a contender.
The Lions would upgrade their secondary if they sign Law and he's 100 percent following an injury that forced him to miss more than half the season. Law struggled during early workouts but he recently said he was close to 100 percent and was ready to make one team a contender.
Let's hope he is 100 percent because Law could slide right into the left corner spot next to Dre' Bly and replace Fernando Bryant who struggled last season in part because of injuries. Bryant did not meet expectations and would give the Lions some nice depth coming off the bench along with Chris Cash and R.W. McQuarters.
If Law plays safety he'd play along side Kenoy Kennedy and it would mean reduced playing time for Terrence Holt who I think is going to be a terrific player. The problem is some on the coaching staff are not convinced he is physical enough.
It appears as if Law is turning down offers from the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. He seemed destined for New York because of the retirement of corner back Donnie Abraham.
So does this mean Law believes the Lions are a contender or just playing the most money? I spoke to a front officer person today outside the Lions organization who told me to chalk up a Lions NFC North Division title.
Maybe this will be an interesting season after all.

HUGE WEEKEND SERIES FOR TIGERS

2005-07-23T05:09:00.000-04:00

I am hearing the weekend Tiger games with Minnesota will be huge with respects to what the team might do before the trading deadline. If the Tigers sweep the rest of the games General Manager Dave Dombrowski may determine the team to be legitimate contenders and might give up something for a pitch like A.J. Burnet. If they fizzle the Tigers may stand pat or offer Rondell White in a trade.
My gut tells me the Tigers are not contenders for the wild card any way. I am not willing to give up too much of the future for a snow ball in hell's chance of making the wild card this season. I am still looking toward the immediate future, which is next season.

I just wanted to let everybody know that I behaved myself Friday night at Cheli's Chili in Dearborn. My radio partner Mike of the Sports Inferno jokes that I am a ladies man. That is not true but he tells the story so much that people believe him.
Of course there were two tiny stories that would support his argument. One of our listeners brought condoms just in case and a woman did offer to take her top off for a T-shirt. Of course I told her what anyone would in that situation.
This is America and I cannot stand in the way of people's right to choose.

TERRY'S TIDBITS

2005-07-22T08:02:00.000-04:00

Before you panic about Flip Saunders and the seven first-round playoff knock outs do your self a favor. Look at the rosters that surrounded Saunders and super star Kevin Garnett. Trust me when I say none will make the basketball Hall of Fame. Heck, most would not even make the Minneapolis Hall of Fame.
So lets give this guy a chance before you panic.

** The good news is the Tigers have hovered around five to six games out of a wild card berth. The bad news is there are enough teams between them and the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins to create a traffic jam on the Lodge freeway. There is no way the Tigers can pass this log jam and get into the post season.
So are they buyers or sellers? I say the Tigers should be buyers for next season. Pitcher A.J. Burnett sure would look good here.

** If you have time check me out tonight at Cheli's Chili in Dearborn. I will be there from 8-10 p.m. for an AM 1270 The Sports Station appearance. You could win a trip to Toronto during our on going rock 'em sock 'em robot boxing tournament. I did a few of those last year and they are a riot. So come on out, hang out and we can chat a bit.

** Lance Armstrong is about to win his seventh straight Tour de' France. A part of me applauds his efforts. And a part of me believes he is a cheater. There is too much smoke surrounding him. I believe in a few years it will come out conclusively that he cheated his way toward the top.

** During the Flip Saunders press conference some of us writers got into a spirited debate about the Detroit Lions. Who has the most pressure on them? Is it Head Coach Steve Mariucci or quarterback Joey Harrington?
I voted for Mooch because Harrington could lose his job and I believe you are going to boo him louder if things don't work out. Yes, many of you were disgruntled with the coach's play calls but Harrington will get the brunt of fan complaints at Ford Field and on talk radio.
Mooch's job is safe too. The Lions are owned by the Ford family which has a history of letting people hang around too long.

** I admit I will be watching Harrington and Mariucci closely. But I also want to see what happens with receiver Charles Rogers. Can he hold up physically? If he does I still say he is the Lions best receiver until further notice.

** Hey did you see the Tigers ghastly 10-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins Thursday? Of course you didn't. It is beyond me how a town this big and with baseball tradition this rich can have 52 games not televised by any one.
I spoke to a source who told me Channel 50, not the Tigers, did not want to broadcast games. It seems as if 50 is trying to save money and didn't even want to spend money on production. The Tigers offered them the package for free and 50 still turned it down.

** Excuse me for a bit. The family and I are going to Cedar Point for a couple days and I just saw how much tickets for a one-day pass are. I am not hunting for discount tickets.
See you at Chelli's tonight.

PISTONS PLAYERS SAY THEY CAN WIN WITHOUT BROWN. NOW PROVE IT

2005-07-21T07:45:00.000-04:00

I cannot begin to tell you about the low grumbles and side way rumbles in the Pistons dressing room If you think this bitter Pistons divorce is simply between former Coach Larry Brown, Pistons President Joe Dumars, Owner Bill Davidson and big mouth agent Joe Glass you are mistaken. The children are upset too. The children in this case are the players. Now I don't want to identify them because these were confidential and private conversations. But trust me on this one. There were grumblings about Brown. I've had the luck to run into a few guys at social functions and during other events around town. After the what up dude what's happening greetings came the complaints about Brown. What Can Brown Do for You? A number of Pistons players took the high road publicly but privately they hoped he'd take one of those left over Bobby Ross one way bus tickets out of town. They were tired of all the Brown courtships. They were tired of the drama and suspense. Davidson may have put it best during an interview with WDIV when he said it was all about Brown and not the players and the organization. Obviously, Mr. D has a spy in the dressing room. That is exactly what these guys were complaining about. One more refrain played out amongst players. Privately, they believe they can win an NBA title without Brown. Well guys prove it. Prove that it was you and not Brown. Prove that you are an elite team without Brown and not just an elite team because you had an elite coach. But let me put this in. These guys respected the hell out of Brown. They admit he made them better and played a large role in their development. They are simply saying the rest of us did not give them enough credit. Now they want to prove they will remain an elite team. Here is the problem. It is going to much more difficult to advance to the NBA Finals than it was the past two seasons. And yes it was tough as nails winning the title in 2004 and it was even rougher getting past Indiana and Miami in 2005 to face San Antonio. The Eastern Conference will be better. Let's assume that the entire Indiana Pacers bench won't bounce into the stands this season to beat up fry cooks and accountants. They should be better. Let's assume the Miami Heat return with the same team in and Dwyane Wade is healthy during the playoffs. That will make them tougher. New Jersey upgraded with the addition of Abdur-Raheem Shareff. Cleveland is adding nice pieces and the Chicago Bulls are a year older and will be better if players don't revolt against Coach Scott Skiles. Last year you had a two horse race to the finish in the East. Next season you have at least four major players. We will all put a lot of pressure on new coach Flip Saunders. And that is fair. But I am looking at the players in the dressing room and saying you got your wish. Now produce.

CHECK THIS NEW YORK POST STORY ON BROWN

2005-07-21T07:28:00.000-04:00

WHY '83 NETS BAGGED BROWN By FRED KERBER

Rumors swirled for weeks back in April 1983. Larry Brown, who had coached the Nets to their first-ever 40-victory NBA season the previous year, was leaving to take the Kansas job. No way, Brown assured ownership. But with six games left in what would prove to be the best Nets' regular season until a fellow named Jason Kidd arrived, Brown went missing for about 10 hours on April 7. The team faced a one-game trip to Detroit, and Brown arrived in the locker room with the Kansas claim check still affixed to his bag. The team departed for Newark Airport and a commercial flight to Detroit (yes, Virginia, teams once flew commercially and even consumed something called "airline food"). But Joe Taub, then the Nets owner, learned about the claim check. "I'm not going to let Larry get away with this," he said and ordered a member of the public relations staff to drive him immediately to the airport. "As I recall, we were at Newark Airport and Joe Taub had him paged and they went back to the office," Mike Gminski, one of the Nets players on that team, said yesterday. "Larry finally admitted, 'OK, I'm coaching Kansas.' That night, we had a meeting with assistants Mike Schuler and Bill Blair. "We had heard the rumors, so it didn't catch us completely by surprise," Gminski said. "But we had the sense he would finish out the season. We kind of limped through the rest of the year. No disrespect to Blair or Schuler; they weren't Larry Brown. Things came unraveled." At the airport, Taub was driven to one end and then sent the employee to fetch Brown, away from crowds and the departure gate. "Is it true, are you going to Kansas?" Taub asked Brown. Brown, who came to the Nets from UCLA, excused himself, went to a public phone and called the Kansas athletic department. Moments later he walked back to Taub. "Yes, I'm going to Kansas when the playoffs are over," Brown said. Taub had a different idea. "If you're going to Kansas, you're not coaching this team," said Taub, who fired Brown right there at the airport. The Nets were 47-29 when Brown was axed. Under Blair, they went 2-4 and then were swept out of the playoffs in a best-of-three by the Knicks. "
The team faced a one-game trip to Detroit, and Brown arrived in the locker room with the Kansas claim check still affixed to his bag. The team departed for Newark Airport and a commercial flight to Detroit (yes, Virginia, teams once flew commercially and even consumed something called "airline food"). But Joe Taub, then the Nets owner, learned about the claim check.
"I'm not going to let Larry get away with this," he said and ordered a member of the public relations staff to drive him immediately to the airport.
"As I recall, we were at Newark Airport and Joe Taub had him paged and they went back to the office," Mike Gminski, one of the Nets players on that team, said yesterday. "Larry finally admitted, 'OK, I'm coaching Kansas.' That night, we had a meeting with assistants Mike Schuler and Bill Blair.
"We had heard the rumors, so it didn't catch us completely by surprise," Gminski said. "But we had the sense he would finish out the season. We kind of limped through the rest of the year. No disrespect to Blair or Schuler; they weren't Larry Brown. Things came unraveled."
At the airport, Taub was driven to one end and then sent the employee to fetch Brown, away from crowds and the departure gate.

"Is it true, are you going to Kansas?" Taub asked Brown.
Brown, who came to the Nets from UCLA, excused himself, went to a public phone and called the Kansas athletic department. Moments later he walked back to Taub.
"Yes, I'm going to Kansas when the playoffs are over," Brown said.
Taub had a different idea.
"If you're going to Kansas, you're not coaching this team," said Taub, who fired Brown right there at the airport.
The Nets were 47-29 when Brown was axed. Under Blair, they went 2-4 and then were swept out of the playoffs in a best-of-three by the Knicks.

I AM HANGING AT CHELI'S CHILI FRIDAY NIGHT

2005-07-21T07:03:00.000-04:00

I am making a Friday night appearance at Cheli's Chili sports bar in Dearborn Friday night from 8-10 p.m. This is an AM 1270 The Sports Station appearance and should be a good time. I really like this place and I plan on getting there early for a little chili no matter how hot it might be outside.
Come on down. Let's rap and have a good time. I would love to meet some of the web log contributors. You can also enter the rock 'em sock 'em robots competition and win a trip to Toronto for four.

ITS OFFICIAL. FLIP SAUNDERS IS NEW PISTONS COACH

2005-07-20T17:41:00.000-04:00

Flip Saunders is the new Pistons head coach. The team is still denying it but Joe Dumars and Saunders reached an agreement after six hours of negotiations. He is expected to be named officially as the new coach during a 10 a.m. press conference Thursday at The Palace.
The press conference will be carried live at the beginning of The Sports Inferno on AM 1270 The Sports Station.
What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them.

FLIP IS THE GUY

2005-07-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

Hey gang. Look for Flip Saunders to become Pistons head coach as early as Thursday. Team President Joe Dumars and Saunders are involved in intense negotiations that could end in an agreement by Thursday or Friday. Dumars admitted Saunders is his first and only choice for the gig.

JOE DUMARS REPLAY ON THE BIG SHOW

2005-07-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

in case you missed it. The Big Show will replay the Joe Dumars interview first heard on the Sports Inferno today.
I am not sure when they will air it but check it out and feel free to respond.

T Foster

Joe Dumars at 10 a.m. and noon on the Inferno

2005-07-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

I am leaving this space open for you to comment about the Joe Dumars interview.
He will be on the Sports Inferno at 10 a.m. and we are going to replay the interview at noon.
Listen to us on AM 1270 The Sports Station.
Tell us what you think?

BOTH SIDES LOOK SILLY BUT IT IS TIME FOR BROWN AND THE PISTONS TO PART

2005-07-20T06:10:00.000-04:00

Here is the other dirty little secret in this Larry Brown saga. It comes from the dressing room at The Palace where Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace prepare for games.
From that room comes anger. It boiled during the playoffs. It got hotter after every Brown press conference where he proclaimed he wanted to coach the Pistons the following season.
Players were not buying it and privately hoped their coach walked or was forced out.
This isn't to say a mutiny was on the horizon if Brown returned, but there was a strong possibility.
I've run into players here and there and they privately talked about their anger. Some even wanted to show their displeasure during the playoffs, but were told by President Joe Dumars to keep quiet.
He did not want off-court emotion to affect on court results. The Pistons were locked in life and death series and Dumars thought the Pistons needed every ounce of energy to get past Indiana, Miami and San Antonio.
We will never know the fall out if Brown had returned. But this firing or buy out or whatever you want to call it is probably best for both parties.
The Pistons need to look toward the future because Brown would not have coached beyond this season any way. And even if he returned Brown could not assure 100 percent commitment. The Pistons told him to walk.
The New York Knicks are willing to wait because they don't have a championship caliber team who felt betrayed by their coach. Brown will probably take nearly $60 million in compensation and start fresh.
If he returned to Auburn Hills he had a lot of explaining to do. While Brown could not guarantee he would give the Pistons his all, there were no guarantees players would play the right way for him.
Secondly, Brown and his agent Joe Glass played Dumars and the Pistons like a fiddle. As soon as the Pistons made a decision on Brown Glass was out giving the Brown spin. Dumars was caught flat footed and will give his side of the story today during an interview on my radio show The Sports Inferno 10 a.m. on AM 1270 The Sports Station.
Dumars said he does not want to trash Brown. He simply wants his side of the story out. And then it is up to the people to make up their own minds.
Everybody is a loser in this because the Pistons are the best team Brown will ever coach. And Brown is the best coach the Pistons will ever have. It is a shame they could not work out their differences.
But this is probably best for both sides even though both sides look silly.

JOE DUMARS ON THE SPORTS INFERNO at 10 A.M.

2005-07-19T23:07:00.000-04:00

Pistons team President Joe Dumars has agreed to come on the Sports Inferno Show to tell his view of the Larry Brown saga a little after 10 a.m. on Wednesday
Dumars is angry with the way he and the organization has been protrayed and wants to set the record straight. He indicated to me that Joe Glass, Brown's agent, flat out lied when he said Brown was fired and the Pistons did not want him back.
And look for the Pistons to take a beating in the New York Press Wednesday because Glass did a masterful job of painting the Pistons out as the bad guys.
So check us out at 10 a.m. on AM 1270 The Sports Station.

THE FULL BROWN-PISTONS STORY

2005-07-19T03:25:00.000-04:00

If you look below you will see a web log I wrote on the Detroit News site back in November. I published it with the intention to republish it again this summer to let you know that the Larry Brown drama has been going on longer than you think.
I wrote the blog the day after I talked to one of his buddies in the league. He told me back then that Brown was going to retire. Now I did not say his buddy told me Brown was thinking of retiring. He told me he WAS going to retire.
It already was a done deal. Brown just needed to figure a way out.
The word filtered back to the Pistons and they began making mental notes for a contingency plan for life without Brown.
Brown will tell you he won't coach the Pistons because Pistons President Joe Dumars and owner Bill Davidson did not want him. He wants it to seem as if he is being pushed out.
The way I look at it is Brown already had one leg out the door. The Pistons gave him a forceful push into the streets when he did not guarantee he would sit at the dinner table.
You all came in on the story late. This has been brewing for eight months. After publishing the web log Mike and I did a full Sports Inferno Show (10-1 on AM 1270 The Sports Station) on how Brown was not returning next season. A bunch of you did not believe us. Many of you did. It wasn't until weeks later that others picked up on it.
The Pistons were agitated with Brown and refused to wait him out following his health issues. You can argue that they could have given the best coach in the NBA more time. They were not willing because in their minds Brown was leaving any way. Dumars and Davidson felt they had waited long enough.
Davidson demanded that Brown guarantee that he could give his all to the Pistons next season.
Brown said he planned on coaching the Pistons.
He said he wanted to coach the Pistons.
But he could never guarantee he would be there for training camp, 82 games and the playoffs.
That is when interrogation turned to buy out. And that only happened over the weekend.
The Pistons know they are taking a step down by having Flip Saunders coach the team rather than Brown. This is not a debate of Brown against Saunders. The Pistons were fearful that if they waited too long they might have to settle for Flip Wilson.
You will hear many versions of Brown vs. Pistons. I respect what others have to say. But this is my version.
My version is based on an eight month squabble between the Pistons and Brown, not the one you've heard about the last three months.

THE BROWN SAGA HAS GONE ON LONGER THAN YOU THINK

2005-07-19T03:24:00.000-04:00

Wed, Nov 17, 2004 at 5:45 AM
Terry Foster
SAY SO LONG TO LARRY BROWN?
I expect Pistons Coach Larry Brown to retire at the end of the season. He's had enough and wants to rest.
Brown is down now. He cannot coach because of painful hip surgery. But that is not why he will leave the game after the season. He dreads coaching games and if you cannot get yourself up to coach games any more that is a strong sign you've had enough. An 82-game season plus playoffs is tough enough for players, let alone for a man who is in his 60s and needs a break from the game.
Brown told me a few weeks ago that he loves running practices and loves being around the team. However, game days are difficult for him. And in the NBA it seems as if every day is a game day.
He is at least contemplating retirement. My gut is telling me he has already made the decision and will wait for the appropriate announce it to the rest of us.
If this was the case was it worth drumming Rick Carlisle for Brown? Yes it was. The Pistons won an NBA championship -- something they would not have done last season under Carlisle.
But who replaces Brown? Stay tuned

MY RESPONSE TO JASON WHITLOCK

2005-07-17T20:13:00.000-04:00

A number of you asked me to respond to the Jason Whitlock column that attacked the Pistons and accused some Detroit journalists of being in the Pistons' hip pocket. Here is my response.

Jason Whitlock is right on many accounts. The Pistons do throw mortars at people they want to get rid of.
They sneak behind people's backs and leak every mistake the person they want to get rid of has made. They did it to Don Chaney, Isiah Thomas, Billy McKinney, Doug Collins and Rick Carlisle. They are also doing it to Larry Brown.
Yet here is where Whitlock and I disagree. Larry Brown is the biggest culprit in this slow dance that seems to never end.
And by the way I am not a Pistons apologist and I am not in their hip pocket. In fact I was banned from all Pistons productions for a number of years. They felt I was too harsh on the organization when Tom Wilson ran the place. They wanted me fired but the editors at The News stood by me and asked if any of my damaging columns were filled with errors.
They were not.
I base my opinion on Larry Brown not on snippits of information from inside The Palace. I base it on talks with Brown's coaching pals who told me in November that Brown was looking to bolt after this season.
That may explain why the Pistons told Flip Saunders to stand by in February. Brown fired the first bullet and the Pistons were concerned.
I also went to a couple of social events attended by two Pistons players. We talked a bit and both players said they were very angry over the Brown saga. This was before the Eastern Conference Finals when the junk hit the fan. They felt betrayed by a coach who preached do the right thing, but wasn't doing it himself. However, they said they would remain professional and not make a stink of it in the press although I did hear some wanted to. But what good would that do during a play off run?
They smartly kept quiet.
I firmly believe this. If this makes me a Pistons' stooge then so be it.
Make sure you spell my name correctly on the buy out check.

BACK FROM THE THUMB: BACK TO REALITY

2005-07-17T14:06:00.000-04:00

Here is the great thing about returning from vacation.
You don't know.
I don't know if Larry Brown is Pistons coach or Knicks Coach.
I don't know if Mike Babcock had a last minute about face and turned down the Wings or if the press conference went on as scheduled.
I don't know if the Tigers are sliding or soaring.
We spent the last four days in the Thumb for the annual family vacation. The family has a house between Port Sanilac and Harbor Beach and I deliberately skip Sports Center and the News and local sports. It is great to cleanse and chill out for a while.
All we did was play games, eat, shoot off fire works, shoot the breeze and of course drink.
There is something strange about being in the great outdoors. It works like a sleeping pill. I can relax and sleep forever. I don't know if I am more tired before my nap or after it.
However, it is time to return to the rat race. I will be online for the next couple hours to see if the Tigers are back in the race or staggering.
Oh by the way? Did Tiger Woods win the British Open?
Time to find out.