MikeDoocy's Blog

     There are many aspects of my job over which I have very little control.  Less than I'd like anyway.     But I do control the words I choose to use on the air.  The other night,  I made a mistake in that judgement.

    Troy Aikman made an appearance on the Michael Irvin radio show.   Wade Phillips' coaching style has been criticized a great deal lately,  and we ran a soundbite with Aikman where he described what he looks for in a head coach.  Aikman said that he wants a guy who can stand up before a room of 53 guys and command their respect.   On my lead-in to the soundbite,  I wrote/said..."tell me if this sounds like an endorsement of the Wade Phillips style."   

    Here's the problem--Aikman never mentioned Wade Phillips.   The man interviewing Aikman (Kevin Kiley) did not mention Phillips in the question that prompted Troy's response.  So,  Aikman was not directly commenting on the style used by the Cowboys head coach.   Whether it was an indirect commentary is debatable.

    My mistake came in not listening to the entire Aikman exchange,  in context.   I pride myself on being fair to the newsmakers I cover.   I've been criticized (even by some at KDFW)  for not being "aggressive" enough.   In an effort to be "edgy,"  I got sloppy.  And there's no excuse for it.

    Accuracy and fairness mean everything to me.  I'll try to do better in the future.  And thanks to the viewer who pointed out my mistake.  I mean that.

Big show this weekend (1/18):

--Cowboy Hall of Famer Michael Irvin joins me in studio.  We'll discuss the Super Bowl matchup and lots of Cowboys news. 

--Rockwall-Heath all-state runningback Kendial Lawrence will make his college announcement LIVE ON OUR AIR!!

Hope you'll join us Sunday at ten.

     In case you missed it,  Rangers veteran Michael Young Thursday agreed to accept a move to third base.  Seems that he's been talking with Nolan Ryan and Ron Washington and they convinced him it's best for the club.   Young's still upset with GM Jon Daniels,  but he'll get over that.   

    I mentioned earlier in this space,  that eventually cooler heads would prevail and that Ryan would most likely be a helpful mediator.  I guess that's what has happened now.  Elvis Andrus gets his shot with the big club,  and Young plays the hot corner.

    It's funny,  I didn't hear much fan outcry about  a guy making 16 million a year demanding a trade and basically refusing to do what his bosses told him to do.  Now that Young has given in,  we'll hear even less.

     Compare that to the way Terrell Owens is treated by media and fandom.   He has the gall to question the play-calling  and all bets are off.  Everybody calls him a lockerroom cancer.   Don't get me wrong,  I don't like Owens' personality much of the time,  but there's a double-standard at work here.  I'd be interested in hearing why you think that is.

   With that said,  more signs are pointing to a Valley Ranch bye-bye for T.O.   When Ed Werder reports that Stephen Jones is trying to convince Jerry Jones that Owens needs to be released,  there's something there.   That word doesn't get out unless somebody powerful in the organization wants it to.   The offense might suffer without Owens,  but if team chemistry is a top off-season priority,  how can Owens return?

   Rangers all-star shortstop Michael Young was quoted the other day as saying he'd rather be traded than moved to third base.  Rangers GM Jon Daniels wants Young to move over and make way for minor league phenom Elvis Andrus, the franchise shortstop of the future.

   Young has been a real "team guy'" as a Ranger.  Five-time all star at short.  And that came after moving over from second when Ian Kinsler moved up.

   Here's how I feel about this.  Young makes 16 million dollars a year.  He should play wherever his bosses want him to.   But for Young to react in this fashion,  the whole conversation must have been mishandled by Daniels.   Let Nolan Ryan mediate this thing.  His experience and reputation could go a long way toward smoothing it out.

   I don't necessarily blame Young for being upset.  Management in any business can sometimes be insensitive.  Loyalty like Young's should be rewarded in ways other than financial.  He should have a voice in club decisions that affect him more than anybody else.  He's earned that.

   But in the end, he's an employee.  He's paid to perform,  whether at short or third.   My hunch is that  Young regrets his knee-jerk demand a few days ago.  His true personality will shine through,  and the Michael Young classiness will win the day.

Back in April,  it was the easiest thing in the world to criticize the Cowboys' signing of Pacman Jones.  But I hated it.  Too much risk,  too little chance for reward.

  Wednesday,  Jerry Jones finally realizes that,  releasing Jones.  Turns out Pacman may have been involved in more trouble with the law than earlier realized.  Bottom line-Jerry is lucky that Pac wasn't even more of headache during his time in Dallas.

   Pacman is the first casualty of a 9 and 7 season marked by a lack of discipline.   A lasting season image for me?  Watching Pacman on the sideline trying to talk some sense into Tank Johnson in the waning moments of  the disaster in Phlly.   One NFL problem child trying to counsel another.

  Neither player will be back next year.  At least it's a start.

  Here is the news release from the Cowboys re: the regular season finale at Texas Stadium-

PLANS FOR POST-GAME CLOSING CEREMONIES AT TEXAS STADIUM

Immediately following Saturday night’s game at Texas Stadium (December 20th), the Dallas Cowboys are requesting that all fans remain in their seats for a post-game ceremony that will commemorate the final NFL regular season game at the historic venue in Irving, Texas.

Close to 100 former Dallas Cowboys players and coaches (minimum of five years of service to the Cowboys at Texas Stadium) will be introduced and asked to make one last walk across the star at mid-field. At least 10 members of the Ring of Honor are expected to be in attendance. A brief closing ceremony will follow the introductions. The current players are expected to join the former players on the field for the ceremony.

Other items of note for Saturday night’s final regular season game at Texas Stadium:

Kickoff:                                      7:15 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2008  

Opponent:                                 Baltimore Ravens -The Ravens are the only NFL team that has not played previously at Texas Stadium.  

Early Parking Opening:              2:00 p.m. (Gates 1, 6, Gold, Red & Cash lots)  

Remaining Parking Opening:     3:00 p.m.  

Corral Opening:                         3:00 p.m.  

Stadium Gates Open:                4:30 p.m. 

During the game the team will count down the five most memorable moments at Texas Stadium from 1971 to 2008. Those moments are being selected by an online fan vote at www.farewelltotexasstadium.com 

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of the parking lots opening more than five hours prior to kickoff.  

This will be the Cowboys’ 291st and final regular season game at Texas Stadium. The Cowboys own a 197-93 all-time record in regular season games played at Texas Stadium. Including post season games, Saturday night’s game will be the 313th game played at Texas Stadium (213-99 record overall), and the Cowboys own a 16-6 post season record at Texas Stadium.

###

Monday night was an interesting one for me.  The station sent me to the Gaylord Texan to "cover" the Terrell Owens 35th birthday bash.   The gala was held at the glitzy Glass Cactus nightclub,  which I got a kick out of seeing after hearing friends tell me how cool it is.  They're right.

   Many of the people there were pretty cool,  too.  Celebrities from music and television.  Beautiful models.  And of course,  several current and former Dallas Cowboys.  Bradie James, Roy Williams(wr), Greg Ellis,  Terence Newman and Deion Sanders among others.   The cynical among us noticed that neither Tony Romo nor Jason Witten ventured out on this cold night.  Probably worried about the icy roads.   

    As I was driving back to the station (on those icy roads)  I realized that this party resembled many holiday gatherings being held during this blessed season.   One week,  you might be fighting with your family and talking behind your friends' backs.   The next week,  you're partying with them. 

   The best thing about Monday night's event?  It benefits Owens' "Catching a Dream" foundation.   Many needy families will have a happier holiday because of the generosity of those in attendance and the sponors involved.  

  The Cowboys try to keep their playoff hopes alive Sunday night hosting the Giants.  Actually,  the playoff chances don't die if Dallas loses.   But the season goes on life-support.

  Chances are,  eleven wins will be necessary to get into the post-season.  If it's only ten wins,  then the two remaining victories need to come against the NFC, namely the Giants and Eagles.

     The Dallas defense has been outstanding in recent weeks.  The fact that RB Brandon Jacobs is out will obviously help the Dallas 'D' put more pressure on Eli Manning.

   But all eyes will be on Romo and his receivers.  Will Tony try to get T.O. involved early?  Will he be reluctant to throw the football to Jason Witten?   Or will Tony be holding "secret meetings" with his tight end during the game?

   The turbulence of the week at Valley Ranch has to bother Romo.  Nobody likes to be criticized by his co-workers.   As the most important member of this football team,  Romo deserved to be in on ANY meeting that focused on an important offensive issue.  Frankly, if I were Tony ,I'd be infuriated.  But then again, I'm sure he's not as insecure as I am.

  All that said,  I highly doubt that it will affect his play on the field.  Romo will look for the open receiver.  If he can get the ball to that guy,  he will.  Simple as that.

    As crazy as it's been at the Ranch,  I still think the Cowboys are getting the Giants at a good time.

DALLAS 27

NY GIANTS 24 

Getting ready to head out to Valley Ranch for the Wednesday media session.  I'll update you later in this space.

   But I wanted to take a minute to thank the great people of Mansfield for their outpouring of support for Toys for Tots Tuesday.  Megan Henderson and I joined a group of Marines and Marine Corps reservists who braved the cold, wind and sleet.   To my amazement, a nearly-steady stream of cars came by our broadcast location during the six plus hours we spent on the scene.  The Mansfieldians gave generously and everybody associated with Toys for Tots appreciates it so much.

    Steve Eagar joins Megan in Irving tonight,  and then tomorrow I'll be at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington accepting your donations.   Thanks again!

About five years ago, a distiguished gentleman by the name of  Maj.Gen. Bill Goessell(ret) called me.   Mr Goessell was in charge of the north Texas Toys for Tots effort.  He wondered if I would be interested in serving as an honorary media chairman for the campaign.   Thanks to our management team here at FOX 4,  that initial meeting was the beginning of a great partnership.   We've been proud to help the Marines make the holiday brighter for thousands of families in our area.

   Chances are, you've been seeing our promotions on-air for this year's Toys 4 Tots program.  I had the pleasure the other day of joining Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis of the Rangers as we went on a 10,000 dollar toy shopping spree for the kids.  Kinsler donated five grand and the other 5,000 came from your generous donations.

    But we still need lots of help.  Stay tuned for more information on drop locations.  But remember,  Toys 4 Tots can always use cash.  No donation is too big or too small.  Please check www.dfwtoys4tots.com for information on how you can get involved.

   Thanks, in advance, from the Marines and FOX 4.

Hope everybody's had as blessed a holiday weekend as I have.  We enjoyed time with out-of-town friends and experienced, for the first time, the joy of a daughter returning from college for Thanksgiving.  She even brought along a couple of friends.  Wow,  what  a festive full house.

    Anyway,  I hope you'll tune in for Sports Sunday at 10pm this week.  We have tons to talk about with Everson Walls, the former Cowboy great.  Everson's an old FOX 4 friend, as he spent several years as an analyst on our expanded broadcasts.  He's been best known in recent years as the man who so unselfishly donated a kidney to his friend Ron Springs.    We'll talk lots of Cowboy football and,  I suspect touch on some of the more important things in life with Everson as well.

SPORTS SUNDAY AT 10PM ON FOX 4!

   Given my prognostication track record, it's not often that a Cowboy game goes pretty much the way I predict it will.  But Sunday morning,  I called Dallas 34, SF 20.  I missed the point spread by one,  with the 35-22 Cowboy win.

   Of course,  Terrell Owens grabs the headlines from this one.  T.O. was mouthy during the week.  On NFL network,  questioning the way he's used in this offense.  Then Sunday, he goes out and has a 213 yard day.  His touchdown catch/run showed that Owens is still one of the strongest receivers in the league.

    I defend T.O. a lot.  I thought signing him was a good idea.  Still do.  But to come out AFTER A WIN,  and complain about the way your offense is structured?  That shows no class.   And there's no way that Jason Garrett changed one thing in the Dallas gameplan based on any Owens interview.

    T.O. remains a talented player.  Even in his mid-thirties,  Owens is a special weapon for an offense.   The Cowboys are fortunate to have him.  They're even luckier that a couple of grown-ups work in important positions supporting him.  Tony Romo and Jason Garrett refuse to play T.O.'s game.   They take the high road.   Even after 200 yard receiving games,  Owens should try the same road sometime. 

Cowboys up 22-6 at the half in a game that could have been a whole lot closer than it is.

  Headlines:  T.O. is on the receiving end of two big plays..one of them a 75 yard touchdown..the other a 35 yard completion that helps set up another TD.  Rookie tight end Martellus Bennett with a one yard reception for that score.

   Bennett will be mocked by teammates for his "unusual" touchdown dance.   The rookie TE is scheduled to be in studio with me tonight on Sports Sunday at 10.

   When Carlos Polk blocked a punt out of the back of the end zone for a safety,  it was the first time a Cowboy had done that since Ike Holt in 1992.

   Tony Romo has hit on a couple of deep balls.  But Troy Aikman is correctly pointing out that the ball is still leaving Romo's hand funny on some throws.   The pinkie's still affecting him.

   Dallas is getting it done without a running game.  Marion Barber's been a non-factor, much to the demise of my struggling fantasy team,  which is in danger of being totally humiliated by FOX 4 weather guesser Ron Jackson

Terrrell Owens spent part of his week complaining about his role in the Dallas offense.  Talking with Deion Sanders on the NFL Network,  Owens called out offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

  Owens should be happier for the time being.  His 75 yard touchdown hookup with Tony Romo has given Dallas a 7-6 lead on the 49ers.    San Francisco has wasted two opporunities deep in Dallas territory.   One big stop, and this game could turn around in a hurry.