TrojanNYC.com

Video Highlights: Mark Sanchez Debut as QB for New York Jets

What a great 1st throw.

Lofa Tatupu Signs Huge Contract

From SeattlePI.com:

The deal ties up Tatupu through the 2015 season -- covering the last two years of the contract Tatupu signed after being a second-round draft choice in 2005 and then six more -- and is worth$42 million, with almost $18 million in guarantees. Tatupu will make $27 million in the first three years.

...The Seahawks have been limited in free agency because they don't have much room under their salary cap. So where did they come up with the money to sign Tatupu?

Credit defensive end Patrick Kerney, strong safety Deon Grant, defensive tackle Craig Terrill and defensive back Jordan Babineaux. They agreed to restructure the contracts they signed in the past year to free the needed money.

"There was no hesitation, and it was really a telltale sign of the kind of guys on the team," Ruskell said. "There could have been other guys we went to, but those four freed up enough.

When your teammates are willing to restructure their contracts to free up money for you, you know you're doing something right.  Major congrats to Lofa for realizing his dream.  What an incredible story of a guy that beat all odds on hard work and perseverance. 

Pic of the Day: Matt Leinart Throwing to Jerry Rice @ Howard Jones Field

The greatest QB in SC history throwing to the greatest WR in NFL history - can't get any better than that.  See more over at USCRipsIt.com. 

Another Former Trojan Gets In Trouble

Last week it was Dwayne, now it's big Lendale being charged with destruction of public property and disobedience to a lawful order.  I used to ride my bike to class and see Lendale hollering at random people out of the back of Alex Holmes' Escalade.  I remember chuckling to myself and thinking then, "What a fool."  Now I don't chuckle so much. 

Panthers Release Justin Hartwig; Ryan Kalil Expected to Start At Center

From Charlotte.com:

After determining that Kalil would start at center next season, the Panthers planned for Hartwig to compete at right guard. But Hartwig prefers center, and Hurney said the team didn't want to force him to play out of his natural position.

"Certainly we were very happy with what Justin did for us," Hurney said. "This was more of a case of trying to do the right thing for the player at the right time."

It also exemplifies the Panthers' confidence in Kalil, a former Southern Cal All-American who was rated the top center available in the 2007 draft.

Great news for Ryan.

Nick Young Shines Against Bucks

Nick turned in his season best performance last night going for 22 pts, 5 boards, 3 steals, and 1 assist in 27 minutes against the Bucks.  He also made some highlight plays that made it on Sportscenter's Top 10.  You can check out the game highlights here. 

Dwayne Jarrett Arrested for DWI Charge

From ESPN.com:

Carolina Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett's difficult rookie season on the field has given way to problems off it.

Jarrett, in town for the start of the team's offseason conditioning program, was arrested early Tuesday and charged with driving while impaired.

Jarrett was pulled over in the Charlotte suburb of Mint Hill at 3 a.m., said police spokesman Lt. Sergio Carrera. An officer spotted Jarrett's car cross the center line and run a red light, Carrera said. Jarrett later failed field sobriety tests before he was given a breath test.

The hits keep coming.  Dwayne needs to get his act together and start taking his job seriously before he's permanently labeled a bust. 

Desmond Farmer Named D-League Co-Player of Month/Gabe Pruitt Reassigned to Utah Flash

From NBA.com:

Sioux Falls forward Kasib Powell and Rio Grande Valley guard Desmon Farmer were today named NBA Development League co-players of the month for games played in February.

...Farmer led Rio Grande Valley scorers in eight of 11 games played during the month, including two 39-point outings against Los Angeles on Feb. 17, and Fort Wayne on Feb. 26. In 11 games in February, the former Seattle SuperSonic averaged 26.8 points, including 36-of-71 three pointers, while dishing out 4.4 assists and grabbing 3.8 rebounds per game.

Just thought I'd throw this post up in case you were wondering what Des was up to.  While on the topic of the D-League, Gabe Pruitt was reassigned to the Utah Flash this week.  Oh Gabe, what could have been...

Patriots Release Oscar Lua

From BostonGlobe.com:

The Patriots yesterday released Colvin and linebacker Oscar Lua, a 2007 seventh-round draft choice who spent last season on injured reserve after hurting his knee in an exhibition game.

By cutting the 30-year-old Colvin, the Patriots save $5.8 million on their salary cap as they prepare for the start of free agency Friday at 12:01 a.m.

Oscar just can't find any luck.  He was injured in the final preseason game. 

Pic of the Day: Steve Smith's Locker

Reppin' his SC days.  Who can guess what game the picture is from?