View Full Version : April Fools Day 2006
Tagliabue's Last Move
by Tom Smith, ESPN
http://espn.com/nfl/merger/report1-m~.html
Paul Tagliabue will be retiring in the very near future, but before he leaves his office to let another fill his shoes, Tagliabue reveals what might be the most shocking and greatest accomplishment reached at the NFL Owners meeting.
ESPN senior analyst John Clayton has learned that Tagliabue and Tom Wright, commissioner of the CFL have been meeting secretly and frequently for the past 14 months. The topic of these meetings has apparently been a planned merger between the National Football League and the Canadian Football League.
In 1996, then CFL commissioner John Tory attempted to discuss a merger with Tagliabue but the NFL felt that the CFL’s ratings, attitude and players did not match the quality standards the NFL clung to. Instead, both teams expanded within their respective leagues. The NFL had much greater success with the additions of the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans among other reallocations and reconstruction's. The CFL’s attempt to expand into the U.S. failed miserably and Tory was forced to resign.
Now years later, with CFL ratings almost as high as NFL ratings and CFL play becoming more competitive and exciting, it appears that an agreement has been reached. One that will bring a team to both Los Angeles, San Antonio and possibly even Norfolk, Virginia.
Although terms of the agreement are still somewhat clouded, Senior Analyst Mel Kiper reports that the initial vote on whether or not to approve the preliminary of an NFL - CFL merger passed 21-11 with San Diego’s Dean Spanos in strongest opposition to the merger.
As of right now the plan is to move the three lowest rated Canadian Teams to U.S. cities and reinstate the 5 team division to the NFL.
The planned reallocations include moving the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to Los Angeles, the Ottawa Renegades to San Antonio and the Calgary Stampeders to Norfolk. The realignment as of right now will place a new team in each division, except for the NFC North, which will receive two new teams, and the AFC West which will instead be the new home of the Green Bay Packers.
More news on the merger will be reported as soon as information arrives. Check back frequently to our special section devoted entirely to the merger at espn.com/nfl/merger.
.
april fools. :) (I know it's a day early, but I won't be around tommorow, please don't get too mad)
Dan40
03-31-2006, 02:13 PM
:eek: :eek: :eek:
yonas
03-31-2006, 02:13 PM
Not funny tahir, i was like what the HELLL???
good one though!!
BlueandGoldRush
03-31-2006, 02:17 PM
with CFL ratings almost as high as NFL ratings
Once I read that, I knew it had to be BS. :D
You should have said the CFL will now officially become the NFL -Minor Leagues.
boltsareback
03-31-2006, 02:17 PM
I CAN'T believe I fell for that. Nice one!!!
hambone
03-31-2006, 02:18 PM
i hate you.... lol im a canadian and ive been dieing for a cfl team to go nfl, bad joke!!!
bigbolthead21
03-31-2006, 02:18 PM
.
april fools. :) (I know it's a day early, but I won't be around tommorow, please don't get too mad)
DAMN!! u got me.:mad::Beer: How long did it take you to come up wit this?:rolleyes:
mtxsound
03-31-2006, 02:30 PM
I was hoping it may be true, that would squash all the rumors of the Chargers moving to LA and San Antonio.
JCDavey
03-31-2006, 02:45 PM
.
april fools. :) (I know it's a day early, but I won't be around tommorow, please don't get too mad)great joke haha , man i was reading it thinking, worst move ever lol
theiceweasel
03-31-2006, 02:48 PM
Nice one, although I must say once I read the author was "Tom Smith" I got suspicious and scrolled down the thread to see if it was indeed April Fools. Too much of that going around today. :)
Boltfan92153
03-31-2006, 02:49 PM
That was wrong to do early!
Stone
03-31-2006, 02:52 PM
That had me for a full 10 seconds. Good job with that one.
In other news, someone needs to start a thread on the bowl of crap that was Tom Friend's feature in ESPN Magazine.
Boltfan92153
03-31-2006, 03:00 PM
Someone should go to the Raiders board and say something there.
SDRANGER619
03-31-2006, 03:12 PM
a-hole....lol
foty89
03-31-2006, 03:34 PM
Good creative skills there.
Go Bolts!
:Bolt: :Bolt: :Bolt:
collamer22
03-31-2006, 03:58 PM
Nice job. Adding the link was a nice touch.
I'm glad you guys got a kick out of it. :)
LTfan4life
03-31-2006, 05:24 PM
Wow tahir. You had me for a while. Hahaha..Packers...move to the AFC West? That messed it up though cuz of that division is all major rivals.
Currimos
03-31-2006, 05:34 PM
oh man, I was pwned. Nice.
SD_Connection
03-31-2006, 05:39 PM
LMAO guuuuddd stufffffff honestly i thought it was legit
FanSince1979
03-31-2006, 05:42 PM
LOL, you got me. I was upset because once again Sacramento wasn't even considered for landing an NFL team. LOL. Good one! :Beer:
LOL, you got me. I was upset because once again Sacramento wasn't even considered for landing an NFL team. LOL. Good one! :Beer:
haha. Yeah I included Norfolk because I thought it was such an odd place for a football team even though it has over a million residents. lol.
Tomlinson21
03-31-2006, 06:29 PM
dude...that was a pretty nicely typed article. Got me to the edge of my seat to the last sentence.
good one, T'jon...mad props. :beer:
dude...that was a pretty nicely typed article. Got me to the edge of my seat to the last sentence.
good one, T'jon...mad props. :beer:
Glad you liked. :Beer:
thesock
03-31-2006, 09:13 PM
rats you got me
rats you got me
Indeed I did. :)
56lightsout56
03-31-2006, 11:47 PM
POSTED 1:05 a.m. EST, April 1, 2006
TUNA SURPRISE: PARCELLS OUT IN BIG D
A league source tells us that Cowboys coach Bill Parcells resigned his position on Friday night after a lengthy meeting with owner Jerry Jones regarding the decision to sign receiver Terrell Owens.
Parcells, who signed an extension last season, was angered by the acquisition of Owens. The veteran coach, we hear, told Jones that Owens had not changed and should not be signed. Parcells became livid after Owens' book deal was announced, which happened less than two days after Owens was introduced as a member of the organization.
Butch Davis is the leading candidate to replace Parcells. Davis was the Cowboys' defensive coordinator in the early 1990s, and he served with Jimmy Johnson's two Super Bowl teams.
For Parcells, his coaching career is likely over after stints as the top dog with the Giants, Patriots, Jets, and Cowboys.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
LTfan4life
03-31-2006, 11:49 PM
Remember...it's April Fools, so I wouldn't trust it... :)
56lightsout56
03-31-2006, 11:52 PM
it is an april fools story. but makes for fun conversation,
LTfan4life
03-31-2006, 11:54 PM
it is an april fools story. but makes for fun conversation,
In that case, imagine how out of control TO gets without Billy :D
THAT would make for some good television
GdoubleE
04-01-2006, 12:28 AM
Good one!!!!:Beer:
I was seriously hoping it was real so that the Rayturds could have some other team to compete with. I have always believed they were a CFL team in disguise
apollo11
04-01-2006, 03:10 AM
If is true and the cowboys have a bad season with t.o. not exactly being civil, this could spell disaster for the cowboys. Only time will tell. Oh yeah, with t.o. making the money he does, why is he so dumb in the way he carries himself? Regardless of his past, being an adult and exposed to the world in a pro football occupation, why does he act and continue to be dumb. San fran and Philadelphia was dumb. I guess I can understand the San Fran debacle , but to continue it in Philadelphia after he screwed Baltimore to be in Philadelphia and making the same dumb mistakes is a wonder. Anybody have any ideas? If I was the NFL commissioner, I would have a rule on this kind of behaviour.
1. Cut player from team with contract and money immediately.
2. Player would be banned from the NFL including talking to other teams and banned from games. A complete cut altogether.
3. Team would still have rights to banned player. Only way for banned player to come back would if team could trade player if it benefited the team.
4. If team could not reach an agreement with other teams the preceding draft, player would be banned forever.
This may sound tough, but I think it is fair. This may be a way to stop players from acting stupid and make them realize how lucky they are to be involved with the NFL. There are a hell of a lot of people with medical issues that cannot play professionally or pursue other careers as well. This way, it will stop people like t.o. acting this way to use as a means to get to another team if this is the reason. What do you guys think?
Good one!!!!:Beer:
I was seriously hoping it was real so that the Rayturds could have some other team to compete with. I have always believed they were a CFL team in disguise
Nice! :D :Beer:
sonorajim
04-01-2006, 08:29 AM
Jones needs to let TO hire his own HC. After all, that's what TO and Rosenhouse are about. Gaining control of the team and it's assets. TO should run their draft too.
BoltsfanNYC
04-01-2006, 10:01 AM
JOKE---The San Diego Chargers have traded for WR-Javon Wlker from Greenbay packers. The disgruntled wide reciever has been traded as of 12:01am Saturday April 1 2006.
The Packers will recieve a 3rd round pick in Aprils upcoming NFL Draft' and a 3rd in the 2007 draft.
Ledger post Greenbay.
FishinFool74
04-01-2006, 10:02 AM
I hate April Fools Day!
BoltsfanNYC
04-01-2006, 10:03 AM
YO it could happen....
Hamburglar
04-01-2006, 10:05 AM
Only one of many of these to come :D
Sirbob
04-01-2006, 10:05 AM
Mods will lock & Spank
Lightswitch
04-01-2006, 10:06 AM
whatever ! April Fools Sucks.
grow Up
mrnoize
04-01-2006, 10:06 AM
I knew that was too good to be true!
San Diego would never sign a real star. We're too much into has beens, oldies, and the obscure.
BoltsfanNYC
04-01-2006, 10:07 AM
I am hoping AJ reads this and then makes it happen.
mikeavo22
04-01-2006, 10:14 AM
JOKE---The San Diego Chargers have traded for WR-Javon Wlker from Greenbay packers. The disgruntled wide reciever has been traded as of 12:01am Saturday April 1 2006.
The Packers will recieve a 3rd round pick in Aprils upcoming NFL Draft' and a 3rd in the 2007 draft.
Ledger post Greenbay..
ARRRRGGGHHHH.....I almost dropped my hot chocalate reading the headline!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOD ONE BOLTSFANNYC...
Say....Would getting Brett Favre as a back up to Rivers or challenge Rivers for the starting position be a good idea? He wants to play his last year on a team that has a good chance of winning which could be us!!!! Thoughts?
BoltFanNChicago
04-01-2006, 10:15 AM
I am hoping AJ reads this and then makes it happen.
April fools does suck..... but this won't happen... Walker isn't going to play nice to be traded to a team with a "rookie" QB and AJ isn't going to give up a 1st round pick for him, what he'll get from someone. Not to mention Favre holds the cards. He retires they'll trade Walker. He doesn't retire and they'll force him into camp. He wants out of GreenBay and if traded it will be to a team with a QB who can make him look good so he can sign longterm.... Rivers is unproven....
BoltFanNChicago
04-01-2006, 10:17 AM
.
ARRRRGGGHHHH.....I almost dropped my hot chocalate reading the headline!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOD ONE BOLTSFANNYC...
Say....Would getting Brett Favre as a back up to Rivers or challenge Rivers for the starting position be a good idea? He wants to play his last year on a team that has a good chance of winning which could be us!!!! Thoughts?
Favre here... won't happen..will take a flyer on someone mid - late round in the draft.. To me the perfect fit for Brett would be Chicago.. I know same division and all... but they are loaded, same type of weather he is use to and not having a QB killed them last year. GUys like Grossman seem to find ways to get hurt....
BoltzaQtion
04-01-2006, 10:22 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12059585/
Leinart giving up NFL for ballroom dancing?
Shocking news as 2004 Heisman winner stands to lose millions
BoltzaQtion
04-01-2006, 10:22 AM
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith has confessed to a secret man-crush on coach Marty Schottenheimer (and on William Shatner). POSTED 1:05 a.m. EST, April 1, 2006 http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/seasonal/aprilfool0329.html
WakkaWakkaWakka
04-01-2006, 11:44 AM
My Favorite player of all time
http://mossmoon.ytmnd.com/
And to my second favorite player of all time
http://elimanninggetsselfpwned.ytmnd.com/
and the greatest team on earth!
http://www.raiders.com/default.jsp
Oh, and to the team I hate the most!
http://sdchargers.ytmnd.com/
So yes, what a great day it is to be a fan, and revel in the fact that your boy, LT just got traded today. More info as AJ Smith decides to reveal...in about 20 years.
Don't get fooled by this, there is nothing to worry about here, promise.
http://elimanninggetsselfpwned.ytmnd.com/
http://colts2005.ytmnd.com/
Oh, that too.
So, enjoy April fools, and the fact that LT got traded today for some value guys and a six pack of Heineken.
awsome sites! I heard about that LT trade. Who was it for again? :p
Currimos
04-01-2006, 11:52 AM
awsome sites! I heard about that LT trade. Who was it for again? :p
Didn't we trade him to the saints for Drew Brees?
Boltman19
04-01-2006, 11:56 AM
Dude, the Manning one is AWESOME. LOL at Coughlins face
endzonecrazy
04-01-2006, 11:59 AM
Man, you left out Los Angeles!!!!!!!!!!
BlueandGoldRush
04-01-2006, 12:04 PM
Where's the April Fools article saying that the Raiders are a good team?
But the whole point is to FOOL someone. Nobody would believe that one...
Boltjolt
04-01-2006, 12:34 PM
April fools does suck..... but this won't happen... Walker isn't going to play nice to be traded to a team with a "rookie" QB and AJ isn't going to give up a 1st round pick for him, what he'll get from someone. Not to mention Favre holds the cards. He retires they'll trade Walker. He doesn't retire and they'll force him into camp. He wants out of GreenBay and if traded it will be to a team with a QB who can make him look good so he can sign longterm.... Rivers is unproven....
:rolleyes: Like Walker has a say who the team trades him to. He didnt get permission to seek trade, he demanded one.
BoltFanNChicago
04-01-2006, 12:45 PM
:rolleyes: Like Walker has a say who the team trades him to. He didnt get permission to seek trade, he demanded one.
true.... and it's funny... he's a "cancer" we don't want another Rodney Harrison ..... but it worked for us once... McCardell was making it a nightmare on Tampa Bay and the story is fairly the same as Walkers and for Harrison in NE... sometimes a new team makes things work.....
And althought he doesn't have a say in the trade he can make it tough on the team he is being traded to as well as the Packers... he can still not show up. Still say it's all tied to Favre... he leaves and they are in a rebuild mode and Walker has said he doesn't want to go through that. At QB we are in rebuild mode so I don't see him coming here. Favre will retire, Walker will be available and someone will cough up a 1st rounder to get him. Won't be us...
Boltjolt
04-01-2006, 12:52 PM
true.... and it's funny... he's a "cancer" we don't want another Rodney Harrison ..... but it worked for us once... McCardell was making it a nightmare on Tampa Bay and the story is fairly the same as Walkers and for Harrison in NE... sometimes a new team makes things work.....
And althought he doesn't have a say in the trade he can make it tough on the team he is being traded to as well as the Packers... he can still not show up. Still say it's all tied to Favre... he leaves and they are in a rebuild mode and Walker has said he doesn't want to go through that. At QB we are in rebuild mode so I don't see him coming here. Favre will retire, Walker will be available and someone will cough up a 1st rounder to get him. Won't be us...
Dont buy your theory at all regarding him not wanting to come here. We wont give up a first, but i dont know if any team would.
BoltFanNChicago
04-01-2006, 01:06 PM
Dont buy your theory at all regarding him not wanting to come here. We wont give up a first, but i dont know if any team would.
it's just a theory.... my logic is we have a new QB.... he'll want to sign a longterm incentive based deal... tough to plan your job and future on a rookie. Sure PR is a year ahead of Aaron Rodgers but it's the same thing. Walker doesn't want his stats tied to a rookie... who would when you want a better deal and more money.... can stay at GBay or someplace like SD and risk not getting the ball as a young QB learns the NFL.. I'f im getting paid for TDs and probowls etc etc I want to be traded to a team I know will help get me there day 1.. simple business...
someone will give up first.... if he's available... Holmes and Chad Jackson as 1st round WRs this year... Walker is better than those two day one and someone is going to draft either of them in the 12-22 range. Packs will be looking to get a low 1st round draft pick for him and someone will do it. If he healthy and excited to play for someone like Philly or Seattle it's a no brainer. packers win getting the pick and Philly or Seattle add a vet WR to Super Bowl caliber teams...
TDtevis3
04-01-2006, 01:31 PM
April Fools......aj Smith And Dean Spanos Are Too Busy Making Out According To A Blog I Read.
SteveoReno
04-01-2006, 01:44 PM
Ya got me!
LTfan4life
04-01-2006, 01:57 PM
:mad: :( I hate today...
foty89
04-01-2006, 02:18 PM
The NFL/CFL merger was much better.
Go Bolts!
:Bolt: :Bolt: :Bolt:
SuperBowlBolts
04-01-2006, 02:18 PM
gah! what is wrong with you!
foty89
04-01-2006, 02:20 PM
The NFL/CFL merger was better.
Go Bolts!
:Bolt: :Bolt: :Bolt:
Boltman19
04-01-2006, 02:26 PM
Chargers making HUGE moves in FREE AGENCY.
Please. Stevie Wonder saw this one coming
SuperBowlBolts
04-01-2006, 02:33 PM
Chargers making HUGE moves in FREE AGENCY.
Please. Stevie Wonder saw this one coming
haha well were gonna make some huge moves in the draft only a couple of weeks away!
Boltman19
04-01-2006, 02:34 PM
haha well were gonna make some huge moves in the draft only a couple of weeks away!
:Beer: :Beer:
I can't wait, but the few weeks, hell few hours leading up to the draft seem the longest
SuperBowlBolts
04-01-2006, 02:34 PM
stupid april fools day...i wouldnt mind if we did pick up walker....but then it slow down VJs process of hitting the starting line-up
Boltjolt
04-01-2006, 04:31 PM
it's just a theory.... my logic is we have a new QB.... he'll want to sign a longterm incentive based deal... tough to plan your job and future on a rookie. Sure PR is a year ahead of Aaron Rodgers but it's the same thing. Walker doesn't want his stats tied to a rookie... who would when you want a better deal and more money.... can stay at GBay or someplace like SD and risk not getting the ball as a young QB learns the NFL.. I'f im getting paid for TDs and probowls etc etc I want to be traded to a team I know will help get me there day 1.. simple business...
First of all, why would Walker want to sign an incentive based contract? Nobody wants to sign one of those. Ricky Williams first contract was a incentive based contract and he got screwed. Why? Its called injuries. You only offer those type of contracts to players who are coming off of a bad injury....like Drew, and that is what AJ offered him....but the players dont want those.
As for Rivers, he isnt a rookie. First year starter, yes...rookie, no a rookie has NO experience in a NFL system which consists of a 20 games schedule(counting preseason), many more meetings and practicing with your team at NFL speed and i really dont think comparing him to Aaron Rodgers is even close. Aaron Rodgers left school early and only threw 500-600 passes in college compared to Rivers 1,710. Rivers, tho at the college level has much more experience and just flat out more talent. I dont think Rodgers will even be that good to be honest...at least not for a while. That was the worst year for QB's imo a far as talent at the top.
someone will give up first.... if he's available... Holmes and Chad Jackson as 1st round WRs this year... Walker is better than those two day one and someone is going to draft either of them in the 12-22 range. Packs will be looking to get a low 1st round draft pick for him and someone will do it. If he healthy and excited to play for someone like Philly or Seattle it's a no brainer. packers win getting the pick and Philly or Seattle add a vet WR to Super Bowl caliber teams...
And its a shame too. Jackson and Holmes imo arent first round talents but this draft is weak at WR. If they were in last years draft, they would be 3rd round picks.
What the Packers want and what they get might not be the same thing.
Id give up a 2nd in the 2007 draft but not a first .
Charger Dodger
04-01-2006, 04:39 PM
LOL what an ass! I actually fell for this. I was thinking, "I just watched espn this morning with no news of this!" thinking it was a news flash. Got all happy when I opened it, dissapointment ensued. I'm dealing with my sadness right now:(:Beer:
Damn you! Damn you I say!
Bobmarleysd
04-01-2006, 05:08 PM
I plan to name him Charger
Charger Dodger
04-01-2006, 05:10 PM
APRIL FOOLS, we know.
JCDavey
04-01-2006, 05:11 PM
I plan to name him Chargerhey congrats man, don't know about that name but hey, paltrow named her kid apple, i'd take charger as a name over apple, any day of the week, way to go! :Beer::Bolt:
Bobmarleysd
04-01-2006, 05:14 PM
APRIL FOOLS, we know.
I was gonna go with the name 7 after watching Sienfield (SP)
Charger Dodger
04-01-2006, 05:15 PM
I was gonna go with the name 7 after watching Sienfield (SP)
or you can go for "ASSMAN":p
Boltman19
04-01-2006, 05:37 PM
I plan to name him Charger
Well, whatever you do, make sure you raise him a charger fan.
Say no the the gayders
If I were to have a child, I'd name him/her Sparkling Moonshine.
Boltjolt
04-01-2006, 06:45 PM
Congrats on the newborn...good luck with that name ....LOL
SDynasty
04-01-2006, 07:00 PM
I plan to name him Charger
I went to grammar school with a girl named Honey Bear, so I think you OK with Charger.:Bolt:
ps when are the mods gonna delete this icon:9: ???
Luck at all these posers. I started the joke and now there's a thread full of em. lol.
(j/k guys)