The NFL world is stunned this morning at the news of Redskins S Sean Taylor’s tragic death.  I was even more stunned to hear sports radio personalities this morning spinning this news into talk about Taylor’s checkered past and the sort of people he surrounded himself with coming out of the University of Miami.  Talk about classless!  Here’s what we know: An amazing young athlete is lost, his family, friends and teammates loved him deeply and they are devastated.  Stupidity shouldn’t be given a microphone.

On to less serious topics…

How about the dud in the mud last night?  The Dolphins may never again be so close to a victory in 2007.  For 59 minutes and 43 seconds it was theirs for the taking.  Hey, Ricky Williams was back.  I’m sort of impressed that he passed the pre-game urine test - I’m sure they must have administered one to him, don’t you think?  Here’s hoping they don’t ask him to pee in a cup today!  He sustained a shoulder injury during the game.  Ricky run left; Ricky run right; Ricky gets banged up; Ricky gets high… deja-vu?

In San Diego it looks as if QB Phillip Rivers is a graduate of the Ryan Leaf charm school.  He was caught on the sideline this past weekend telling fans to ‘Shut-up’.  When asked about it Rivers said that he loves Charger fans, he just wanted them to relax a little bit.  Let’s see, Phillip - their team slides from 14-2 to a breath above .500.  Sure.  Relax.

The entire NFL world is looking forward to Thursday’s contest between the Packers and the Cowboys for NFC supremecy.  Well, not all the NFL world.  Since this game is being broadcast on the NFL Network - and therefore couldn’t be chosen as one of the ‘Flex-Schedule’ contests moved to a prime slot in the Network Television schedules, fans won’t be able to see the game unless they have Direct TV.  So, America… come over to my house.  And, NFL - wake up.  You’re missing out on a great deal by not allowing this game to have been ‘flexed’ into more American homes.

Let me weigh in here on the hoopla surrounding the Bucs QB situation with Jeff Garcia nursing a bruised backside.  First, Jeff is a tough guy.  Second, the Saints game is huge in our run for the NFC South title.  Third, the Saints offer up one of the league’s worst pass defenses.  I say Jeff plays.  Upon further review, I pray that Jeff plays.  Who wants to see Bruce or Luke out there?

Hey, how about my friend across the pond?  He must be a praying man, himself.  It only took him 12 weeks but Mr. BUK Power finally got me this past weekend with his weekly picks.  Pipped to the post, I was.  God save the Queen!  Now, ole chap, let me see you do it over a 17 week season with 74% accuracy and then I’ll hop the pond and buy you a pint!

How about a Hero, Goat and Quote for the past week?

Hero ~ Former Buccaneer RB Warrick Dunn, who on Thanksgiving Day passed the 10,000 yard mark for his career.  He was reported to have met Colts Coach Tony Dungy at mid-field after the game and said, “You saw the first yard, and you saw the 10,000th.” So did I.  Congrats Warrick.  (Congrats also to LaDainian Tomlinson in SD who made it a two-fer weekend where the 10K club is concerned.)

Goat ~ Bengals WR Chad Johnson earns the goat for his TD celebration that earned his team a 15 yard penalty, resulted in the Titans starting at nearly midfield and giving up a field goal.  The NFL continues to warn the man with the golden tooth, and yet, he still insists on pushing the limit at the expense (and disrespect) of his teammates.  I bet you the Bengals defense doesn’t think it’s funny when they are having to defend a short field.  Hey Chad, you guys are suffering through a miserable season.  Get a clue.

Quote ~ This week’s quote doesn’t come from the field but from an analyst.  Former Bucs QB and current ESPN personality Shaun King was asked what he thought of Ricky Williams return to action in the NFL.  “You have to love America!  Only in America can a guy flunk 17,000 drug tests and get another chance to play in the NFL.” I couldn’t have said it better.