Storm OL Kenyatta Jones arrested

Kenyatta Jones, a starting offensive lineman for the Storm and former USF Bull standout, was arrested early this morning and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction and trespassing. Times reporters Nicole Hutcheson and Bill Coats report that, according to Tampa police spokeswoman Janelle McGregor, "Jones was standing on the dance floor at the Blue Martini nightclub when he attempted to urinate on the dance floor." You can read the Times' story about the incident HERE.

This is not Jones' first brush with the law. While in the NFL in 2003, he was arrested for scalding a roommate with hot water. Jones pleaded innocent to charges of assault with intent to maim, mayhem and battery with a dangerous weapon, but according to the Washington Post, "received a year's probation from a Massachusetts court." A month after the incident, the New England Patriots, whom he had previously been a starter for, released him.

Three years earlier while at USF, Jones was arrested and charged with possession of a concealed firearm, a felony, and resisting arrest without violence, a misdemeanor. At the time of the arrest, Jones said the gun wasn't his. He told the Times last month the charges stemming from that incident were later dropped.

"Our official stance is, we're going to let this play out (legally)," Storm coach/general manager Tim Marcum said Monday afternoon. "We're having our people, our sources, look into it,"

If the team determines Jones won't play Saturday at Columbus, it could possibly activate Emmanuel Akah from Injured Reserve or sign Geir Gudmundsen off the practice squad.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm-Soul recap

A few notes from Saturday's game courtesy of the Storm media relations department (this group is making my job easy!) ...

-The loss of receiver/kick returner Sedrick Robinson, who was placed on IR last week with a bum ankle, was significant. The Storm averaged only 7.6 yards a return. With Robinson, that number was 18.0.

-Receiver David Saunders, activated from the IR last week, scored a touchdown on his first reception.

-Soul receiver Chris Jackson (who used to play for Georgia) surpassed 12,000 career receiving yards. He ranks fourth all time in the AFL.

-Mr. Storm, Lawrence Samuels, caught his 850th pass with the team.

-Storm QB Brett Dietz set career highs in passing yardage (400), completions (31) and attempts (46).

-Storm lineman Marcus Owen blocked the ninth kick of his career. He's now in a tie for fourth all time in the AFL.

-Defensive lineman Tim McGill recorded the third two-sack game of his career.

-Kicker Seth Marler booted his 20th career field goal.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Practice makes perfect … for viewing

Want to watch a professional team practice? The Storm is one of the few that allows you to do so during the regular season. The sessions are educational, relaxing and a good chance to watch the team prepare for a game. Oh yeah, and they're free. This week, the Storm practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Skyway Park (MAP HERE). Check one out if you have a chance. You might just learn something. And while you're there, don't be afraid to say hello to any of the coaches or players. You'd be amazed how accessible these guys are.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

A chat with ESPN's Bob Wischusen

ESPN commentator Bob Wischusen will call today's Storm-Soul game (live at 2 p.m. on ESPN2). On Friday, he chatted with the Times and here's what he had to say ...

-On his biggest surprise in the AFL: "On the bad side, you'd have to say Georgia (1-3). Especially with the record they had last season. I know in this league, even more so than in 100-yard outdoor normal football, you're dependent on your skill players. And if you have one of those big 6-4 receivers, it gives you so much more of a threat than even having Randy Moss in the NFL. But despite the fact they lost arguably the best player in the league (receiver Chris Jackson), I have a hard time believing they expected to be where they are. But they still have potential on that roster."

-On the plus side, there's the New Orleans VooDoo: "Not only are they 3-1, but they've beaten good teams and beat them decidedly."

-Who is flying under the radar? "San Jose. They're too good to be 2-2. I picked them to get to the championship against Philly. To me, they're still as talented as any team in the west."

-About Philly, which is 4-0 and rolling: "I picked Philadelphia to win (the championship). And I picked (Soul quarterback) Tony Graziani (who is injured) to be MVP. That says a lot about a team to be 4-0 without the guy I thought could be thought about as being the best player in the league."

-On today's game: "The (Storm) coaches have really driven home to their players that Philadelphia thinks it's the greatest team in the history of the AFL, and that the media is treating them as the greatest team in the Arena Football League -- at least based on their early start. We talked to the (Storm coaches and players) and you can sense they're sensitive to the idea that everybody is handing Philadelphia the trophy."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Tampa Bay vs. Philly: game notes

A few Storm tidbits ...

-Wide receiver/kick returner Sedrick Robinson, who has been nothing short of sensational this season, was placed on Injured Reserve this week with a sprained ankle. In his place, the team activated veteran receiver David Saunders from IR. He has yet to play this season.

-Today's game can be seen live on ESPN2 and heard via radio on AM 1250.

-The teams have played each other four times. Each has won twice. The home team has won every time.

-The 76 points the Storm allowed in its last game, a loss to New Orleans, was a franchise worst.

-The Storm is 78-52 all time in road games.

-Mitch Tanney, the Storm's practice squad QB a few weeks, is now the No. 2 signal caller for Philly.

-Soul receiver Cliff Dell played for the Storm from 2003-05. He won a championship ring here in '03.

-The Storm already has allowed four receivers to post 100-yard games this season.

-Little known fact: Storm DB Jeroid Johnson ranks third all time in interception return yards.

-The Soul (4-0) has scored 60 or more points in every game.

-Philly's smallest margin of victory is 11 points.

-Former Florida Gator Dee Webb is on the Soul roster. He's a DB.

-Philly receiver Chris Jackson leads the league in scoring. He has 16 touchdowns.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

More on Mr. Briggs

In today's Times, I profiled Storm defensive lineman Tom Briggs. Here are some quotes and notes from/about Tom that didn't make it into the story:

-"The older you get, you need to train harder and harder each year. Each year that goes by, the competition gets younger and you have to push yourself that much harder to keep up with the younger guys."

-In college, Briggs played outside linebacker and defensive end. In high school, he saw a little time at tight end.

-Stan Brock, Briggs' AFL coach in Portland, is now the head coach at Army.

-When the AFL started allowing free substitutions in 2007, Briggs was "actually disappointed. I thought that was kind of our niche."

-"The older you get, you look for any little advantage. That comes from breaking down film and spotting the little things you learn from playing the game."

-Of the Ironman aspect in the past: "That was a big part of our game. You had to be in great physical condition. If you were one of the top guys in the league, they'd leave you in for 10 minutes in a quarter. I'd be playing 75 percent of the game. When I'm out there now, when I start to get a little winded, I say to myself, 'This is nothing compared to what it used to be."

-The hard part is "the offseason. During the season, that's fun. In the offseason, you have to get up and train three to four hours. But there's nobody there to push you."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

In today's Times, I profiled Storm defensive lineman Tom Briggs. Here are some quotes and notes from/about Tom that didn't make it into the story:

-"The older you get, you need to train harder and harder each year. Each year that goes by, the competition gets younger and you have to push yourself that much harder to keep up with the younger guys."

-In college, Briggs played outside linebacker and defensive end. In high school, he saw a little time at tight end.

-Stan Brock, Briggs' AFL coach in Portland, is now the head coach at Army.

-When the AFL started allowing free substitutions in 2007, Briggs was "actually disappointed. I thought that was kind of our niche."

-"The older you get, you look for any little advantage. That comes from breaking down film and spotting the little things you learn from playing the game."

-Of the Ironman aspect in the past: "That was a big part of our game. You had to be in great physical condition. If you were one of the top guys in the league, they'd leave you in for 10 minutes in a quarter. I'd be playing 75 percent of the game. When I'm out there now, when I start to get a little winded, I say to myself, 'This is nothing compared to what it used to be."

-The hard part is "the offseason. During the season, that's fun. In the offseason, you have to get up and train three to four hours. But there's nobody there to push you."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm the greens with the team

The Storm and Airco Golf Course are partnering to host Storm the Greens on April 19. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. Fans will have the chance to meet Storm players and dancers as they test their skills on the course. The event, which begins at 3:30 p.m., includes night golf later in the day. Participants can get autographs and participate in various contests (drives, putting and chipping). There will be several giveaways, including Storm tickets, weekend golf packages and other prizes. Golf pros will be on hand to provide tips. The cost is $30 for pre-registration and $40 the day of the event. For more information, contact tampabaygolf@yahoo.com or call (727) 224-9455.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Hear what the commish has to say ... today

AFL commissioner David Baker will be interviewed at 4 p.m. today on AM 1010. He'll be a guest during the station's Happy Hour with J.P. Peterson show and will preview Saturday's Storm game at Philadelphia. Baker has been the league's "commish" since 1996.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

 

Q&A with Ernest Certain

10 Questions with Storm lineman Ernest Certain ...

SPT: Since you're a Florida A&M alum, tell us why the Rattlers have a better band than Bethune-Cookman. It is better, right?
EC: It ain't close. We've got more skills than them, got more people and we know how to jam.
SPT: Who was the best player you faced in high school? (he attended Gainesville Eastside).
EC: Probably (Alachua Santa Fe linebacker) Mike Peterson. (Peterson now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars). I played against him when I was a freshman.
SPT: Who's your best friend on the team?
EC: (Offensive lineman and fellow Eastside grad) Kenyatta Jones.
SPT: What was your first car? And how many miles were on it?
EC: A Chevy Caprice. It had about 175,000 miles on it.
SPT: What's the strangest request you've had from a fan?
EC: An autograph on the chest. A lot of them ask for that.
SPT: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
EC: We don't have a real funny guy. We have a real weird guy. And that's (defensive lineman) Tim McGill.
SPT: Who do you stay away from when they're angry?
EC: (Storm coach) Tim Marcum (laughing).
SPT: Who do you have winning in your NCAA Tournament bracket?
EC: UNC. I like UNC, but I'm starting to think Xavier might win it.
SPT: Take your pick, MTV or BET?
EC: BET.
SPT: Okay, how about Bill Cosby or Red Fox?
EC: Definitely Red Foxx.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Briggs’ mountain getaway

When Storm defensive lineman Tom Briggs isn't playing football, he often heads north to do a little hunting. Briggs' family owns a 400-acre patch of land about an hour south of Buffalo near the New York-Pennsylvania line. His father and grandfather hunted on the land for years, then one day just decided to buy it. "It got to a point," Briggs said, "that we wanted our own spot."

Briggs mostly hunts deer and bear.

He says the spot also serves two other purposes: It's a great place to bond with family, and is the perfect spot for some offseason conditioning.

"It's got some really steep hills," he said.

Briggs said the biggest deer he has snagged was a 7-pointer. And for the record, he does not wear hunting fatigues.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Dietz to do ESPN News, live ESPN chat

Storm quarterback Brett Dietz will appear on ESPN News at 5:50 p.m. today to talk about the AFL and Saturday's Tampa Bay game at Philadelphia, which will be shown live on ESPN2. On Friday at 4:30 p.m., he will do a live ESPN chat online HERE. Since becoming the Storm's starter last year, Dietz has led the team to a 10-2 record.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm to host watch parties

Tired of viewing games from your couch?

There will be two Storm watch parties during Saturday's 2 p.m. game against Philadelphia, which will air on ESPN2. One of them is at Wild Wings Café in Tampa (9210 Anderson Road); the other is at Buffalo Wild Wings in Riverview (13416 Boyette Road).

The party at Wild Wings Café begins at 1. Fans in attendance wearing Storm clothes will receive beverage discounts and can qualify for a chance to win a trip to Mexico. Storm Dancers and Storm Dawg will mingle and meet with fans.

The party at Buffalo Wild Wings starts at 2. Fans will have a shot to receive Storm merchandise throughout the game. Those in Storm gear will discounts.

Good bye or bad bye?

An interesting stat just came to us from the good folks with the Storm media relations department ... This season, each AFL team that has had a bye week has lost the following week. Why is this relevant? Because the Storm, which is 9-1 all time off a bye week,  was open last week.

AFL THIS SEASON
Bye: Team-Following      Opponent-Result
Week 1: Grand Rapids    San Jose, L, 58-66
Week 2: Colorado           at Dallas, L, 40-51
Week 3: Kansas City       Grand Rapids, L, 52-92
Week 4: Tampa Bay        at Philadelphia, ???

Bye Week                Next Game
1989: week 1 – bye    week 2 – WIN vs. Denver 28-18
1994: week 5 – bye    week 6 – WIN vs. Miami 47-32
1995: week 2 – bye    week 3 – WIN vs. Charlotte 34-16
1996: week 2 – bye    week 3 – WIN vs. Texas 62-27
1999: week 3 – bye    week 4 – WIN vs. Florida 43-12
2000: week 9 – bye    week 10 – WIN vs. Nashville 40-30
2001: week 3 – bye    week 4 – WIN at Milwaukee 66-47
2004: week 15 – bye week 16 – WIN vs. New Orleans 59-51
2005: week 4 – bye    week 5 – LOSS vs. New Orleans 48-42 (OT)
2007: week 8 – bye    week 9 – WIN vs. Columbus 34-32

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

New Storm QB coming to a theater near you

New Storm practice squad quarterback Jon Beutjer, who attended his first team session Tuesday, will make his motion picture debut in October.

As a stunt double.

Beutjer, a former University of Illinois standout, will appear in the movie The Express, which stars Dennis Quaid and is based on the life of legendary Syracuse football player Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.

Much of the movie was filmed in the greater-Chicago area. Needing people with football skills to work as doubles, Universal Studios contacted the University of Illinois to see who might be available. Before long, Beutjer was trying out for a spot in the flick. The film's executives liked his football ability, but when Beutjer attempted to land a minor speaking role, they suggested he "stick to football," he said, laughing.

Shooting lasted three months. Beutjer, who was paid $300 a day, had a blast. He ate great every day, and had a chance to rub elbows with all of the movie's stars, including Quaid.

Someday, he'd like to do it again.

"If another football movie came along," Beutjer said, "I would probably pursue it."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Ex-Buc King to announce upcoming Storm game

An ESPN representative has confirmed that former Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King, who also was a star at Gibbs High, will be part of an ESPN announcing crew that broadcasts the Storm's May 5 home game against Chicago. King spent five NFL seasons with the Bucs. In 2000, he started all 16 games and passed for 2,769 yards. King also had a brief stint with the AFL’s Las Vegas Gladiators in 2007.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Robinson iffy; ex-Chamberlain star gets a look

Storm receiver/kick returner Sedrick Robinson, who is questionable for the team's game Saturday at Philadelphia because of a right ankle sprain, practiced Tuesday -- but only for about half of the Storm's two-hour session. He spent the latter stages of practice with ice on his ankle. And at this point, he's still a game-time decision.

With Robinson in limbo, the team is exploring its wide receiver options.

One of them could be to activate veteran David Saunders from Injured Reserved. Saunders, who has nearly 500 career receptions, has not played this season because of a hamstring injury. He practiced with the team Tuesday and looked fine.

Because the team is slim on receivers, former Chamberlain and Pitt Panthers star Greg Lee was brought in to help at practice. If the Storm likes what it sees, it could keep Lee around. Lee spent time with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals last summer.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm hold steady in power poll

After a bye week, the Storm stayed in the No. 4 spot in the Schutt Sports Top 12 Poll, which is voted on weekly by members of the Arena Football League Writers Association. Here's a look at the rankings ...

No.-Team-record-points-1st place votes
1.  Philadelphia Soul (4-0) 96.0 24
2.  Dallas Desperados (4-0) 93.0 9
3.  Chicago Rush (3-1) 86.9 1
4.  Tampa Bay Storm (2-1) 79.1 0
5.  San Jose SaberCats (2-2) 76.7 1
6.  Los Angeles Avengers (2-2) 74.9 0
7.  Cleveland Gladiators (3-1) 73.6 0
8.  New Orleans VooDoo (3-1) 62.4 0
9.  Colorado Crush (1-2) 56.9 0
10.  Georgia Force (1-3) 55.7 0
11.  Arizona Rattlers (2-2) 51.7 0
12.  Orlando Predators (2-2) 46.4 0
13.  New York Dragons (1-3) 40.3 0
14.  Columbus Destroyers (1-3) 38.9 0
15.  Kansas City Brigade (0-3) 30.0 0
16.  Grand Rapids Rampage (1-2) 29.6 0
17.  Utah Blaze (0-4) 26.3 0
 

Storm to host golf tourney

The Storm and The Club at Cypress Creek are teaming up to host the first Tampa Bay Storm Golf Tournament, which will benefit Wounded Warriors Family Support. Coaches and players, including head coach Tim Marcum, quarterback Brett Dietz and receiver/linebacker Lawrence Samuels, will participate and be grouped into five-somes with tournament participants. Also included in the 18-hole event: hole-in-one, longest drive and putting contests, a gift bag, free 10-minute lesson, silent auction and a cocktail/awards dinner. Participants will receive Cannon Club tickets to the Storm's May 5 game against the Chicago Rush. Registration starts at noon, and will be followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The Golf Club at Cypress Creek is located at 1011 Cypress Village Blvd. in Ruskin.

NOTE: The mission of Wounded Warriors Family Support is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of these casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically. WWFS mitigates their trauma by allowing them to find peace and solace as a family once more in family-friendly resorts that are provided free of charge.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm doesn’t plunge after loss

The Storm might have lost last week, but it only dropped one spot to No. 4 in this week's Schutt Sports Top 12 Poll, which is voted on by members of the Arena Football League Writers Association. Here's a look at the rankings ...

No.-Team-record-points-1st place votes
1  Philadelphia Soul (3-0) 95.8 25
2  Dallas Desperados (3-0) 93.2 8
3  Chicago Rush (2-1) 83.7 2
4  Tampa Bay Storm (2-1) 81.3 0
5  Los Angeles Avengers (2-1) 79.6 0
6  San Jose SaberCats (2-1) 76.1 1
7  Cleveland Gladiators (3-0) 71.6 1
8  Colorado Crush (1-1) 63.6 0
9  Georgia Force (1-2) 55.7 0
10  Arizona Rattlers (1-2) 52.0 1
11  New Orleans VooDoo (2-1) 52.0 0
12  Orlando Predators (1-2) 43.0 0
13  New York Dragons (1-2) 40.8 0
14  Columbus Destroyers (0-3) 38.3 0
15  Kansas City Brigade (0-2) 32.9 0
16  Grand Rapids Rampage (0-2) 31.8 0
17  Utah Blaze (0-3) 27.6 0

Transaction action

There have been several moves in recent days by the Storm. Without further ado, here they are:

-Daryon Brutley, a defensive back, has been signed to the active roster off the practice squad. A year ago, he set a franchise record with nine interceptions for the South Georgia Wildcats (af2). Brutley spent time in the NFL five years ago.

-Bryant Tisdale, a defensive back who was a star at Dunedin High, has been signed to the practice squad. Tisdale played at UTEP.

-Offensive lineman Randy Hand, once a starter for the Florida Gators, was released. Hand had been on Injured Reserve for several weeks.

-Offensive lineman Geir Gudmundsen has been signed to the practice squad. He appeared in two games for the Storm in 2007 before sustaining an ankle injury.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

AFL attendance on record pace

Promising news for the AFL today. The league announced that its three-week cumulative average attendance of 13,254 fans per game is the highest in its 22-season history. It passed the previous best of 12,919 in 2005. Here are the league's top three-week averages through the years ...

YEAR - THREE-WEEK AVERAGE
2008 - 13,254
2005 - 12,919
2004 - 12,651
2006 - 12,618
2003 - 12,404

A chopper with a theme

Cool Storm item of the day ...

The Storm has partnered with Vinnie DeMartino and Cody Connelly of V-Force Customs to build a custom Storm chopper. Known for their roles on the television show American Chopper, Vinnie and Cody will build a theme bike for the team.

Now for the neat part:

Fans can track their progress online at www.tampabaystorm.com or www.vforcecustoms.com, where there are photographs and video clips of the bike throughout the process. The finished product will be unveiled at the Storm's home finale June 21 against the Los Angeles Avengers. After that, Born to Ride will take the chopper on a tour of Florida, showing it off at various locations.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Tuesday Trivia

Each week, I ask five trivia questions. Then I give you the answers the following week. To many of you, these are easy. But to others, it will be a good way to learn a little bit about the AFL, and particularly the Storm. Sorry, no prizes. This is about pride.

Week 4 Questions
1. What is the most points ever scored by a road team in the AFL?
2. Which team is known as the Crush?
3. Where did Storm kicker Seth Marler play in college?
4. What is the least amount of points the Storm has ever scored in a game?
5. Do the Storm have a sub-.500 record in the playoffs?

Week 3 Answers
1. In what year did the Storm post its worst record? 2002 (6-8)
2. Where is the AFL's Blaze located? Utah
3. Where did Storm QB Brett Dietz play in college? Hanover
4. Which team holds the AFL single-game scoring record?  The New York Dragons (99 points in 2001 game)
5. Has an AFL team ever been shut out? Yes. It happened in 1992; Orlando beat San Antonio 50-0

Week 2 Answers
1. Is the AFL's football the same size and weight as those used by the NFL? Yes
2. In which city do the VooDoo play? New Orleans
3. Where did Storm standout Nyle Wiren play in college? Kansas State
4. What is the nickname of the USFL team Storm coach Tim Marcum was once defensive coordinator for? San Antonio Gunslingers
5. How many 10-win regular seasons do the Storm have? 7

Week 1 Answers
1. In which city was ArenaBowl I played? Pittsburgh, PA
2. What is Cleveland's nickname? Gladiators
3. In what year did the Storm win its most recent championship? 2003
4. Where did Lawrence Samuels play college football? Livingston
5. How long are the AFL's overtime periods? 15 minutes

Soul sign promising Storm rookie

Rookie quarterback Mitch Tanney has been signed off the Storm practice squad by the Philadelphia Soul. Tanney, who played at Monmouth, had shown promise according to Storm coach Tim Marcum, which is probably why the Soul snatched him away. Philadelphia had a need at the position because starter Tony Graziani went down with an injury in the team's last game and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. Tanney is guaranteed a spot on the Soul's active roster.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Four scores and seven touchdowns ago ...

I learn a little more about the AFL every day. This week, while working on a story about what it's like to be a defender in a sport where you can allow 60 points in a game and win, I uncovered this little fact thanks to the good folks at Arenafan.com: In the history of the AFL, only one team ever has failed to score. That's right, I said EVER. As for my story, which ran in today's Times, I think this quote from Storm defensive lineman Tim McGill sums it up well: He said that as a defender in the AFL, your skin has to be "a lot thicker. You can be up by like 21 points, but that's nothing. In this league, you can score that in two minutes. The key (for a defense) is to get a few stops."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Notes from around the league

AFL News & Notes

-Chicago Rush receiver Damian Harrell needs only four TD receptions to pass Eddie Brown for No. 1 on the AFL's all-time career list. He has 300 right now.
-Meantime, Rush quarterback Sherdrick Bonner is only 266 yards away from ranking second all-time in passing yardage. He enters this week's play with 41,546. Andy Kelly is tops with 42,528.
-Stat of the day: After two weeks, penalties are down 9.1% from last year.
-Only one player in AFL history has recorded 50 sacks. With 1.5 more, James Baron of Chicago and the Storm's Tom Briggs can add their names to that list.
-If his team wins Sunday at New Orleans, Storm quarterback Brett Dietz will become the third QB in AFL history to win 10 of his first 11 starts. Ben Bennett and Gilbert Renfroe are the others.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

ESPN’S AFL coverage nominated for Emmy

ESPN's behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms, players and coaches, which allows viewers to gain a unique insight into a player's perspective, has paid off. The network has been nominated for an Emmy in the “Live Sound” category. If you haven't seen its coverage, ESPN's next AFL broadcast is 8 p.m. Monday (when Dallas hosts Colorado). By the way, it's kind of a shame the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and some of the other major sports aren't as open to this, isn't it?

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

I knew that guy looked familiar

When I flipped through the Storm media guide a few weeks ago and turned to page 46, I saw something that looked familiar. The face of defensive back Jeroid Johnson.

I was sure I had met him before, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out where. Since this is my first year covering the team, I knew I had never interviewed Johnson before. But where then had I bumped into him? Or was it just in my head?

After being told early Friday that Johnson was a New Orleans native, everything started to come into focus. In Jan. 1997, I was in the bayou for the Florida-Florida Sugar Bowl with my brother. In the stands, legendary football coach Eddie Robinson sat in the seat directly next to me. Behind us, there was a younger guy who said he played defensive back for Oklahoma State, and was attending the game for fun.

Could Johnson have been that guy?

Actually, yes.

When I spoke to Johnson today, he confirmed that he, too, was at that game. The first thing he recalled as he thought about that night at the Superdome was the fact he sat not far from Robinson. (Johnson, by the way, played for Oklahoma State)

Johnson was 22 at the time. I was 24. Eleven years later, he's an AFL veteran and one of the league's top defensive backs. And I'm ... well, nevermind.

The point of the story? Honestly, there is none.

I just thought it was kind of cool.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Arena commissioner profiled

Interesting piece yesterday in the The Arizona Republic about AFL commissioner David Baker. The thing I found most fascinating was this: The Republic reports that during Baker's tenure, AFL franchises have gone "from an average worth of about $400,000 to $20 million (Citibank valued the Philadelphia Soul at $32.5 million 18 months ago); the league go from Ironman (all two-way players but the quarterback and an offensive and defensive specialist) to free substitution; seven NFL owners, three NHL owners and a rock icon (Jon Bon Jovi) bring in teams." The paper also says that Baker is "talking about possibly putting teams in London, Berlin and Mexico City or Monterrey, Mexico, by the end of this decade."

Good stuff, huh?

Might be time for yours truly to give Mr. Baker a call for an interview.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Image from AP

One WR out, one WR in, one WR honored

Storm receiver Terrill Shaw, who sustained a knee injury (he has a strain) against Georgia last week, has been placed on Injured Reserve. That means he'll be out a minimum of four weeks, but is eligible to return in Week 6 -- if he's healthy.

With Shaw gone, the Storm has signed receiver Brent Holmes.

A 5-foot-11, 175-pounder, Holmes began the season with Georgia. And in the Force's opener, he actually led the team in receiving. Strangely, though, he was released after that game.

Elsewhere ...

Storm receiver Sedrick Robinson has been honored as the AFL's Special Teams Player of the Week by OurSports Central. Robinson scored on a net recovery in last week's win.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR 

Getting to know the Storm: Sedrick Robinson

10 things to know about Sedrick Robinson, a kick returner/wide receiver for the Storm:

-Robinson played college football at Kentucky Wesleyan and left school as the program's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and all-purpose yards.
-Before this season, he always wore No. 25 as an AFL player to honor AFL Hall-of-Famer George LaFrance. He's now wearing No. 18 because the Storm retired LaFrance's number.
-At Kentucky Wesleyan, Robinson once was named the Division II National Offensive Player of the Year.
-Former U.S. Supreme Court justice Stanley Forman Reed also attended Robinson's college alma mater.
-Robinson once played in the Cleveland Indians minor league system.
-Robinson was born in Franklin, Georgia, a small town that sits not far from the state's border with Alabama.
-After leaving baseball, he began his professional football career with the Peoria Pirates of the Indoor Football League. In two seasons there, the team went 29-1 and played in back-to-back championship games.
-His record for catches in an AFL game is 14.
-When he played with the New Jersey Gladiators, Robinson once scored six touchdowns in a game.
-Robinson was born March 1, 1975. Ron Howard, Harry Belafonte, Pete Rozelle and Harry Caray also have March 1 birthdays.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm rising in Schutt Sports Top 12

After two solid wins, the Storm (2-0) has risen to No. 3 in this week's Schutt Sports Top 12 Poll, which is voted on by members of the Arena Football League Writers Association. And folks, Tampa Bay even received one first-place vote (FYI: I'm not a voter). Here's a look at the rankings ...

RANK-TEAM-FIRSTS-RECORD-TOTAL VOTES-LAST WEEK
1. Dallas (10) 2-0 192 1
2. Philadelphia (5) 2-0 188 3
3. Tampa Bay (1) 2-0 168 4
4. Los Angeles (1) 2-0 153 5
5. Cleveland 2-0 125 10
6. Chicago 1-1 120 2
7. San Jose 1-1 109 6
8. Colorado 1-0 95 7
9. New Orleans 1-1 59 --
10. New York 1-1 50 --
11 Arizona 1-1 39 9
12 Georgia 0-2 11 8

American Idol's AFL connection

Colorado Crush QB John Dutton has a good reason to watch American Idol (and maybe the only reason in my book): His sister-in-law, Kristy Lee Cook, is one of the show's final 12 contestants. “No matter what happens, we are very proud of her and all she has accomplished in the contest,” Dutton said in a release. “Ever since I have known (her) she has been singing and singing well, and I think America is getting a chance to see what she is all about and responding." Dutton will appear on ESPN’s The Hotlist at 5:20 p.m. today to talk about Cook’s performance --- and the Crush's season.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Storm photos on the web

While messing around on the web this morning, I came across a bunch of Storm photos taken during this season's games by Getty Images. Of the ones I saw, this one is probably my favorite. Anyway, if you get some spare time, check them out. Bad news, though, for those of you wanting to save the images to your computer: The words "getty images" are stamped across each of them. To get rid of that, you have to purchase the photo.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Tuesday Trivia

Each week, I ask five trivia questions. Then I give you the answers the following week. To many of you, these are easy. But to others, it will be a good way to learn a little bit about the AFL, and particularly the Storm. Sorry, no prizes. This is about pride.

Week 3 Questions
1. In what year did the Storm post its worst record?
2. Where is the AFL's Blaze located?
3. Where did Storm QB Brett Dietz play in college?
4. Which team holds the AFL single-game scoring record?
5. Has an AFL team ever been shut out?

Week 2 Answers
1. Is the AFL's football the same size and weight as those used by the NFL? Yes
2. In which city do the VooDoo play? New Orleans
3. Where did Storm standout Nyle Wiren play in college? Kansas State
4. What is the nickname of the USFL team Storm coach Tim Marcum was once defensive coordinator for? San Antonio Gunslingers
5. How many 10-win regular seasons do the Storm have? 7

Week 1 Answers
1. In which city was ArenaBowl I played? Pittsburgh, PA
2. What is Cleveland's nickname? Gladiators
3. In what year did the Storm win its most recent championship? 2003
4. Where did Lawrence Samuels play college football? Livingston
5. How long are the AFL's overtime periods? 15 minutes

Memory lane with Marcum

Each week, Storm coach/GM Tim Marcum relives part of his colorful past with the Times. Today, Marcum talks about his college days. He spent one year at Texas A&M -- 1962-63 -- before transferring to McMurry University.

-Marcum originally signed with Texas A&M out of high school: "I was one of 53 scholarship freshmen. You were ineligible to play on the varsity at that time. We played a five-game freshman schedule. But I got hurt. I broke three bones in my left foot the first scrimmage. So I missed all of that."

-The following spring, Marcum thought he might be able to earn playing time: "I actually started on the fourth team. You were playing both ways back then. I had a real good offseason program. But then I immediately went down to what they called the brown shirts. The brown shirts were the dummies."

-In the early 1960s, Texas A&M was coached by Hank Foldberg: "He didn't last long because he recruited athletes like me."

-If you think College Station, Texas (where A&M is located), is a small town now, just imagine what it was like in the 1960s: "There were no women (at the school). You had to go to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio. You had to go somewhere on the weekends to have any kind of nightlife. We had to (leave), except during football season. We'd go to these dance halls around Brenham, Texas. And then of course, you always had to get in fights with the local guys. They'd be stationed at an Air Force base or something. We'd always be fighting the local Bryan guys or Brenham guys. Everybody kind of stayed together so you didn't get ambushed."

-Marcum didn't stay at A&M long, but says once you're an Aggie, you're always an Aggie. The question is, does he still hate Texas? "Absolutely ... don't you?"

-After one year, Marcum transferred to McMurry, which was coached by Grant Teaff, who later gained some fame at Baylor: "My dad coached Grant Teaff, and he was at McMurry. So when I needed a place to play, he took me in at McMurry."

PAST MEMORIES WITH MARCUM
-His link to Steve Spurrier
-Growing up in West Texas

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Which helmet would you choose?

If the Storm announced today it was having a retro game later this season and you were the team's fashion consultant, which helmet from yesteryear would you select?

From L-R: Pittsburgh Gladiators (whom the Storm once was) 1987-90; 1991-92; 1993-94. Note: These graphics were found online at The Helmet Project.

What's on Marcum's mind?

Here are some of Storm coach Tim Marcum's thoughts following last week's 69-48 rout over Georgia at the St. Pete Times Forum:

-The Storm was good, but it wasn't perfect: "Lot of things we need to clean up. (QB) Brett (Dietz) took a beating. They hit him pretty good. Pretty often."
-Marcum wasn't pleased with the team's play at fullback: "I'm disappointed in Marvin Brown. He didn't have a very good game. We'll probably look to put (Kevin) Clemens in there. We'll take a look at Clemens this week and see if we can get a little better pass protection from the fullback position. We'll look at it this week, then make the decision as always (late in the week)."
-Here's what he was pleased with: "The toughness of Brett. Our young receivers. Hank (Edwards) kind of stepped up once (Terrill) Shaw went down. Hank had seven catches and I was pleased with that. I was pleased with our pass rush. I thought our pass rush was good. I thought we got after them pretty good. With the exception of a couple of times, our tackling in the secondary was pretty decent."
-On being 2-0 heading into this week's game at New Orleans: "It'd be foolish to say that 2-0 is not a pleasing thing. It's certainly pleasing and it gives you a foundation."
-On the fact the Storm plays three straight road games: “You can’t let that be a negative. It is what it is. We go to New Orleans. We have a week off. We go to Philadelphia. We go to Columbus. Then we come back home. And we’ll play seven of our next 11 at home. So that’s a positive.”
-On Dietz’s apparent naked bootleg on second-and-goal from the 1 in the second quarter, which was stuffed for a 4-yard loss: “He missed a handoff. He said he was too wide. So he tried to run. Instead of running forward (behind the blocker) up into the hole, he tried (the bootleg). It was not a designed play.”
-On the play of defensive lineman Kelvin Kinney and defensive back Rayshun Reed, both of whom were signed last week: “(Kelvin) got real good pressure. Rayshun did a nice job. He had some nice tackles.”

Week 2 Injury Report

-WR Terrill Shaw sustained a knee injury against Georgia. As of Monday afternoon, the Storm had not received a doctor's report of Shaw's MRI, but coach Tim Marcum said the team's trainer thought it looked like a "four-week injury." With Shaw out, the Storm may bring in a new receiver this week.

-DB Rayshun Reed, whom the Storm signed last week and played a good amount Friday, has a hamstring injury, the extent of which isn't yet known.

Marcum's radio show ...

Shame on me for not mentioning this a few weeks ago ... Storm coach Tim Marcum's radio show can be heard weekly on 620-AM. Tonight's episode of "Cookies and Milk," which is co-hosted by Drew Fellios, starts at 7. Next week, the show goes back to its regular time: 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

And the best AFL logo belongs to ....

Below, you'll find every AFL logo. I'd like to know which one you like best, which one you like least and where you'd rank the Storm. Have at it ...

ROW 1 (L-R): Arizona Rattlers, Chicago Rush, Cleveland Gladiators, Colorado Crush

   

ROW 2 (L-R): Columbus Destroyers, Dallas Desperados, Georgia Force, Grand Rapids Rampage

ROW 3 (L-R): Kansas City Brigade, Los Angeles Avengers, New York Dragons, New Orleans VooDoo

ROW 4 (L-R): Orlando Predators, Philadelphia Soul, San Jose SaberCats, Tampa Bay Storm

ROW 5 (L-R): Utah Blaze

Vote in the Power Poll

Got some time to kill?

At ArenaFan.com, you can vote in the website's online Power Poll, which is created by polling member-users of ArenaFan Online. As of 2:35 p.m. today, the Storm (2-0) are ranked No. 6. Here's the top 10:

RNK/TEAM  REC/PtS       1st
1. Chicago  (1-0) 90.1 12
2. Dallas     (2-0) 85.5 9
3. Philly      (1-0) 84.9       3
4. San Jose (0-1) 79.5       8
5  L.A.        (1-0) 75.4       1
6. STORM   (2-0) 71.6      1
7. Georgia  (0-2) 66.1       0
8. Colorado (1-0) 65.5       0
9. Arizona   (1-0) 57.0       3
10. Orlando   (0-1) 54.2      0

Are the Storm too high? Too low? Just right? What do you think?

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Week 2 News & Notes

Hey gang ... here are a few Storm tidbits to chew on following the team's 69-48 rout over Georgia last night at the St. Pete Times Forum:

-The Storm were 9 of 9 on redzone scoring chances.
-New acquisition Kelvin Kinney, a defensive lineman whom the team signed last week, had a sack in the final minute. Kinney (known to some fans as K2) started on the Storm's 2003 ArenaBowl champion squad. He had been with Columbus until being released Tuesday.
-The seven touchdown passes thrown by Storm quarterback Brett Dietz is one short of the franchise record, which Dietz tied twice last year.
-The Storm's scoring output was the most by the team since a March 5, 2006 win at Kansas City.
-The Storm last started 2-0 in 2005. It finished 10-7 that season after losing to Georgia 62-46 in the first round of the playoffs.
-Last night's victory was the 192nd of coach Tim Marcum's AFL career. He has 85 losses.
-Storm receivers Hank Edwards, Terrill Shaw and Sedrick Robinson had two TD receptions each.
-Placekicker Seth Marler was 9 of 9 on PATs; He also was 2 of 2 on field goals (19 and 24 yards).
-The Storm had a plus-3 turnover margin. The only miscue was a Dietz first-half interception.
-The Storm had just three penalties for 16 yards; the Force had 14 for 108.
-Shaw hauled in his 550th career catch.
-The Storm won rather handily despite being outgained 312-190 (see turnovers).
-The win ended a three-game losing streak to the Force.
-Storm DB Jeroid Johnson led the team with 13.5 tackles.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: QB Brett Dietz, TB
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: DL Tom Briggs, TB
IRONMAN OF THE GAME: WR Sedrick Robinson, TB

THIS WEEK’S PRACTICE SCHEDULE
(All sessions are open to the public)
Tuesday ......... at Skyway Park, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday..... at Skyway Park, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday ........ at Skyway Park, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday .............. at Skyway Park, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

More on Mr. Jones

In today's Times, we featured Storm offensive lineman Kenyatta Jones, who once was a standout for the USF Bulls and later started for the New England Patriots. Here are some tidbits that didn't make the story ...

--Jones says he converted to Islam in 2004. He hasn't found a mosque in Tampa yet, but added, "I pray every day. (Islam) gave me a focus."

--Jones hopes to someday get his degree from USF. A communications major, he needs 18 hours to graduate.

--In the NFL, Jones was 6-foot-3, 320 pounds ... he's now 295 pounds, but is still 6-3 (bada bing!)

--Storm coach Tim Marcum said that before signing Jones he heard the player was lazy. Jones, too, heard that chatter. But, he says, "I've got two big scars on my knees to this day. That was the reason. People thought I was (lying) about my knees. But until I got them fixed, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't squat." The knees were surgically repaired in 2002, Jones said.

--Jones says his biggest adjustment to the AFL doesn't concern X's and O's. "It's making yourself work. These guys are not here to baby anybody. It's not about X's and O's. You've got to be in shape and ready to work."

--Jones apparently didn't come to Tampa with a big head. "It was like any other job. You've got to come in with the attitude that it's your job and that you've got to put your best foot forward. If you don't, nothing good will come out of it."

--That said, Jones still has plenty of confidence. "I started (in the NFL). I wasn't just there sitting around."

--Marcum has loved Jones' work ethic. But just as much, he likes his ability and potential. "He's a talented guy. He's got the container. He's a big guy. And he's got a Super Bowl ring."

--Tonight, Jones faces a big challenge. Georgia defensive lineman Jermaine Smith is one of the AFL's best, Marcum said. "We're going to find out if (Jones) can play. So far, he's done outstanding."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Player appearance and autograph session

Get your sharpies ready ... it's time for another Storm autograph session. This one, which will include Storm defensive backs Khalid Naziruddin and Traco Rachal, takes place from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview (map to event HERE). The signing session coincides with the Winter Season Tampa Bay Flag Football Championship.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

2 newcomers to start -- already

Kelvin Kinney and Rayshun Reed have been with the Storm for less than a week, but despite that both will start in Friday's home opener against Georgia, coach Tim Marcum confirmed after Thursday's practice at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Kinney, a defensive lineman who started on the Storm's 2003 ArenaBowl champion squad, was signed by the team Wednesday. He had been with Columbus until being released Tuesday.

Reed, a defensive back, came aboard a day earlier. He was cut by Orlando during camp, but had a team-best six interceptions for the Predators last season.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Pepto-Bismol, anyone?

Last week's 51-49 win at Kansas City was a nailbiter that came down to the final play.

That's not a shock.

Storm coach Tim Marcum estimates that in recent years "80-85 percent" of all AFL games have been decided in the last minute. For that, he credits the league's parity.

"Everybody has the same salary cap," Marcum said. "Everybody knows how to move the football. Everybody knows Arena Football by now."

Still, that doesn't make it any easier for a coach to stomach. Even one like Marcum, who has coached in 276 AFL games.

"You don't want to get used to it," Marcum said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

What's on Marcum's mind?

Here are some of Storm coach Tim Marcum's thoughts following last week's 51-49 win at Kansas City ...

-About starting the season 1-0: "On the road, first game and the way we won it. We came from behind, which is always good. It kind of builds a little character."

-On what he was most satisfied with last week: "The way we protected (QB) Brett (Dietz) was pretty good. We took care of the ball. Had one turnover. ... Brett was protected. They didn't get to us much. No sacks, fives pressures. That's a pretty good night."

-On what he didn't like: "I was dissatisfied with the way they turned us away twice inside the 10. That was a real big negative. I was disappointed in our pass rush. Disappointed in our goal line run game ... defending the goal line run game."

-On which new players performed the best: "(Offensive lineman) Kenyatta Jones did a good job. Very pleased with (WR/DB/KR) Sedrick Robinson."

-About Robinson's 164 all-purpose yards and return prowess: "What a great advantage that is."

-About WR/LB Lawrence Samuels, who had his 900th career catch last week: "Lawrence was a backup (WR) the first half of his career. He's never played offensive specialist, so to have these numbers is incredible."

-On where he'd rank Samuels among the AFL's all-time greats: "Lawrence is in the top 10. And I've coached some pretty dang good ones, too."

-About Friday's home opener against Georgia: "All division games are important. You've got to win your division to host a playoff game."

--KEITH NIEBUHR