Napa, Calif.
Notes from wine country. Or as Jerry Porter might call it, whine country. …
Wondering if Al Davis, at age 77 and confined to a walker, has lost his mental edge? Don’t. He sounded as sharp as ever during a Tuesday news conference. At one point, a reporter mentioned a comment by Hall of Famer-in-waiting John Madden that Davis’ legacy was being “one of the good guys in football.” Said Davis, when asked what he thought Madden’s legacy was, “I think he was right when he told you the first part.”…
Now about that confounded walker. … Age hasn’t permanently disabled Davis’ legs. He has a quadriceps injury that he refuses to treat with surgery. “I’m here,” he said. “I want you all to know I’m alive, very healthy, can still smile, and work out five days a week. And if we could do away with this walker, I’d be able to meet with you more often. Won’t be scared of you.” …
What, you don’t think the Raiders are scared of certain media types? Your friendly neighborhood newspaper launched its annual training-camp tour in the ’90s, and Tuesday marked the first time a Post reporter had been barred from practice. And here Mike Shanahan had coached me for hours on what to look for….
Post reporter to Art Shell after being allowed on the field after practice had concluded: “You’re giving me credit for a lot of IQ points I don’t have.”…
Too young to know why they call it Raider Nation? Maybe this will give you an idea. When Madden enters the Hall of Fame on Sunday, he’ll become the 17th Raiders player or coach to land in Canton. Davis will present him, the ninth time he’ll have done the honors. …
Davis, when asked about Jerry Porter, who wants to be traded after an offseason blowup with Shell: “I know a lot of you put a lot of stress on what you call the locker room. But if you think the locker room is that important, I don’t. We’re talking about one guy and I don’t think it will make any impression whatsoever. He’s a good guy. He’s lost his way a little bit, but he’s a good guy.”…
Even if she doesn’t do windows, I hereby nominate LPGA golfer Brittany Lincicome as the girl of most men’s dreams. The 20-year-old tells USA Today, “My goal is to make enough money to retire at 35….I want to fish all day or gamble all day.” …
World Series of Poker participant Phil Gordon said he drinks gallons of water and eats healthy snacks to compensate for the physical grind of the tournament. So who am I taking to win the thing? The slob with the chin collection and the goofy glasses….
LaDainian Tomlinson on the Chargers’ nasty – four trips to the East Coast – 2005 schedule: “It challenged our team to the fullest that we can be challenged. You keep trying to climb that hill, but in the end, we didn’t have enough to overcome it.” …
Hate to break this to you, Tom Nalen, but your biggest nightmare keeps getting bigger. That would be Jamal Williams, the Chargers’ all-world nose tackle. He was listed at 305 pounds in his rookie bio. These days? Try 348. Unless, of course, he hits you. Then he’s an even half-ton. …
Who says it’s the Not For Long? Chargers D coordinator Wade Phillips, one of the best guys out there, is entering his 30th season of prowling NFL sidelines….
Here I was feeling young after a great workout, and then it happened. Almost 30 years after I covered David Whitehurst as a Packer, I saw his son, Chargers rookie quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, on the practice field. …
Broncomania, meet Boltmania. The Chargers attracted an estimated 3,900 people for Sunday’s first full-pads practice.
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM. He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
