Panthers Take Cam Newton #1 Overall

With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...Cam Newton, quarterback from Auburn University.  That's how it went Thursday night in Radio City Music Hall in New York City, as the NFL kicked off their 2011 draft.  In Newton's interview following his selection he mentioned "it's a great feeling to be a Carolina Panther," and that "It's time to get to work now."  Newton's first overall selection makes him the 3rd straight quarterback to be selected number one overall, and the 15th taken first in the last 25 years.

Newton really may not have been the surprise of the night though, as others like Jake Locker (QB-Washington) and Aldon Smith (DE-Missouri) were drafted much earlier than projected.  Also, projected early pick Da'Quan Bowers, from Clemson fell completely out of the first round and will have to wait until tomorrow to hear his name called.  Here is a recap of the first round:

Got an Extra $4 Lying Around?

Hurry! Look under your couch cushions for some extra change, and maybe you can be part of this amazing one time deal.  The Hubert Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota is currently giving tours of the progress being made on the new roof, after last years major collapse of the dome.  Already too excited for words?....Well wait, there's more!  Once you partake in this fabulous tour, you'll receive an actual piece of the former roof of the dome...Yes, the exact one that collapsed due to the weight of the snow in 2010.  But you must act now, as only the first 2000 people to venture into the dome will receive the free piece of roof.  Here is a schedule of the tours from the Star Tribune in Minneapolis:

"The dome is open to walk-up visitors April through November, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. The tours depart from Gate F and the cost is $4 per person. After the roof is replaced, the tours won’t be offered on days when the stadium hosts daytime events."

Cowboy's Dez Bryant Banned From Dallas Mall

As if being locked-out of the teams practice facility wasn't bad enough, Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is now locked out of the Dallas Mall for "low-hanging pants."  According to the police, when Bryant was stopped by mall security, he unleashed a verbal tirade on the officers, and refused to do anything until his attorney and representative were present.

Bryant on the other hand, had a much different story.  He told ESPN Dallas that his pants were up, but a few of his friends pants were hanging rather low.  He also said the reported outburst did not happen either.

“It really wasn’t me in the wrong,” Bryant said Tuesday. “It’s not even an issue.”

“I told the guy I’m not trying to get in trouble,” Bryant said. “I’m not trying to destroy my image. The [warning] wasn’t toward me. I was trying to figure out what was going on. It was a big misunderstanding. I was the wrong guy.”

Apparently according to ESPN again, Bryant has had previous issues at this particular shopping center, as he has been reported for cutting in line, and parking in a fire zone.  I don't know about you, but this all seems pointless... I'm not a fan of Dez Bryant, but I do think this seems like a smear campaign on his image.  Does cutting, and a parking violation really warrant a ESPN report?

Bart Scott Trademarks "Can't Wait!"

You may remember Bart Scott's interview with ESPN's Sal Paolantonio following the Jets upset victory over the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.  Scott ended the fired up and intense interview with the famous phrase "Can't wait!!"  The interview had the sports world buzzing for the next week as the Jets prepared for their date with the Steelers in the AFC title game.

According to Scott, who revealed the news this morning, the infamous phrase has been registered for trademark for men's, women's, and children's apparel with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  I guess this is his plan to make a little extra cash if the NFL does indeed lockout next season.

Here is the full interview:

NFL Combine Booger Test Results: Wisconsin Lineman Takes Top Honors

In case you didn’t know it, the NFL Scouting Combine is kind of a big deal.  It gives college football players the opportunity to showcase their skills to NFL coaches, general managers and scouts alike.  So you know there’s going to be TV coverage like crazy, and this year’s extravaganza was no exception, with the NFL Network on site covering this year’s Combine.

That being said, players are nervous, tense, and often forgetful.  Wisconsin OL John Moffitt seemed to forget about the multiple NFL Network cameras surrounding him today, otherwise he might not have chosen to go digging for golden boogers while in plain view of a television camera. Twice!

And if picking his nose on national TV wasn't enough, Moffitt thought it would be a great idea to eat the boogers...Here is a video of the Booger test: