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A January 5th, 1969 Barroom Argument Launched The Super Bowl

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Joe Namath in a 1988 interview

Joe Namath and Lou Michaels exchanged words.

The date January 5th, 1969 is not celebrated for its significance by anyone in the National Football League or at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But January 5th, 1969 is the date that the modern Super Bowl probably started in a bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Super Bowl wasn’t always the Super Bowl; in fact it wasn’t until Super Bowl III in 1969 that the game came to be known by its current name. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFL-NFL World Championship game back on January 15th, 1967, and the Packers beat the Oakland Raiders in the second AFL-NFL World Championship game. That was it—the NFL had the superior product, and the AFL just wasn’t up to snuff. The World Championship game wasn’t even as compelling as an NFL Championship Game.
 
That all changed in 1969. The NFL heirloom and sanitized story is that New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed a victory over the Baltimore Colts, and he backed it up as the Jets beat the Colts 16-7 in Miami. What people don’t talk about is how Namath made the boast in a barroom fracas and how even with Namath guaranteeing the victory, Super Bowl III tickets were still available at the box office the day of the game.
 
The Namath guarantee is the stuff of legend. The Jets won and Namath probably made the Pro Football Hall of Fame based on that Sunday afternoon in Miami.
 
Funny thing about that is Namath wasn’t even the best player on the field that day. Jets fullback Matt Snell had a great day, and the Jets defense made critical plays.
 
The real story behind Super Bowl III, which launched the NFL to new heights, started in a Fort Lauderdale bar. Colts kicker Lou Michaels, whose brother Walt was the Jets’ defensive coordinator, was a central character in the guarantee. In a sense, Lou Michaels was an innocent bystander, or at least said he was.
 
“I must say, Joe was a very cocky individual. I never expected that from Joe when he walked into the place. He had a fur coat on. I will never forget it. A fur coat down in Miami,” Michaels said in 1992, recalling the boast.
 
“And he points over to me, instead of saying, ‘Hi, I’m Joe Namath.’ I thought he was going to introduce himself and say hello. He points over to me and says, ‘we are going to kick the shit out of you and I’m going to do it.’” Michaels wasn’t sure what to make of his introduction to Namath.
 
But Michaels quickly found out that it was an act, sort of like the Cassius Clay-Muhamed Ali boxing news conferences before 1967, or Fred Blassie’s wrestling interviews on TV from the 1960s.
 
“I just happened to stay out a little while and in walks Joe where I happened to be, I wish it never happened,” Michaels said.
 
“It was like the president died or something. It was such a big thing.”
Michaels spent years telling the story.
 
“They keep wanting to know the same story, just what I told you, over and over. There is nothing else to it. We had a few words, we talked back and forth and that’s the whole thing. I said Joe… in the old days…”
 
“But we picked up the tab for everybody. But that was Joe. It’s just that I thought he would be a lot more mellow, a nicer guy, he wasn’t nice at all. When you get a gift and you are such a good football player, you don’t go around telling people how good you are, you let people tell you how good you are.”
 
Namath and Michaels never crossed paths again, but Michaels did have to deal with his brother Walt. That caused a problem.
 
“It was kind of rough. Everyone assumed we were going to win,” Michaels said. “Being a 21-point favorite or 19- or whatever you want to call it. Everyone felt it was just going through the motions. I spoke to John Steadman (who was the sports editor for the Baltimore News-American at the time), who asked me a particular question: ‘What are you going to do with your Super Bowl money?’
 
“I promised my priest in my parish back home in Swoyerville, Pennsylvania, where I live, $5,000 if we won. Walt didn’t put up nothing and he kind of ribbed him after the game. He told the priest after the game and… the padre was a little upset about it. So the only thing I could do is I say, ‘Father, I tried my best and I can’t give you the $5,000. I will give you a thousand dollars.’
 
“He was very upset about that, and Walt went over and ribbed him a little and he says, ‘I understand I cost you a little money there.’ It didn’t bug me. We were such a great favorite, and when you go down like that, I think that game will be mentioned or noted as probably the all-time biggest upset that ever happened in football, and I happened to be part of it.”
 
Lou and Walt didn’t speak to each other after the game.
 
“We didn’t talk for a little while, you know how that was. I resented… well I thought we were supposed to win and my brother was doing a lot of bragging about it. He ran home real quick and put up the World Champion sign in all the pubs and his picture because he was the defensive coordinator.
 
“And I do have to give him credit. They defensed us, and they did the job and they beat us. There are no alibis to it. It’s just the fact that whenever you play and get out on that field, you wanted to win. You can’t do it all the time.”
 
The Jets victory is arguably the most important win in NFL history. It put the AFL on par with the established league. The NFL suddenly had a hot property, the Super Bowl would go to become a national holiday and the most-watched TV event of the year. Lou Michaels had no idea that a chance barroom showdown with Joe Namath on January 5th, 1969, would lay the foundation in turning the Super Bowl into a national obsession.

(from the book America’s Passion: How a Coal Miner’s Game Became the NFL in the 20th Century)

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com





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Let ’em Run heads back to Gulfstream Park

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Gulfstream Park

Let ’em Run – Late P5 Preview at Gulfstream Park, Sponsored by BRISnet

Well let’s ride again here at Gulfstream Park, where it is sure to be fast and firm, and we will take a look at the runners in the late P5. Interesting to point out right off the bat, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has 4 horses running, but has given only one mount to his “go to” guy, Edgar Zayas Jr., and it is also his ONLY mount of the day (Race 11) hmmmm…

Gulfstream Park Race 7 – 3:20 EST | 5 ½ Furlongs | Synthetic | CLM25K

A synthetic sprint race, with a smallish field of 7, but a tough race to figure out. Going to go with one of several invaders from Woodbine, #3 Moon Landing 6-1. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione is in the saddle, and trainer Martin Drexler is overdue to hit the winners circle (5-0-2-2). A clean break would seal the deal. The #5 Catch a Tiger 8-1 could make some noise right out of the gate if runner takes to synthetic after a number of turf attempts. Jockey Micah Husbands adds to the appeal as does trainer Steve Owens record, off this kind of layoff (30%). Also has the highest last race speed rating per Brisnet, which adds to the appeal.

Race 8 – 3:50 EST | 1 1/16 Mile | Dirt | MSW 84K

This is a LOADED MSW race with only one 1st time starter. The #7 Cruisin Crossbay 10-1, did not do much 1st time out, but working out super for the return. Jockey Micah Husbands and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. team up for a lot of wins. Trainer Joseph boasts a 35% sprint to route on dirt, for the 2nd start of a runner… gotta like that stat. Taking a look at #2 Lennie G 20-1 for trainer Dale Romans, who is heating up here at Gulfstream. An interesting stat when going from Maiden Claiming to MSW is a 26% strike rate for Romans. Not that a 100K Maiden Claiming at Churchill is your average claiming event.

Race 9 – 4:20 EST | 5 Furlongs | Turf | OC62K

Would like to see some scratches help the #8 Vindicate Cha Cha 8-1 get a little closer to the rail for the quick run into the 1st turn in this turf sprint. Jockey change to Javier Castellano is a plus. Runner can put up some serious fractions, but hoping here that some maturity in her 5 y.o. campaign allows Castellano to dole out the speed a little better. Either way, she will be prominent on the front end from the start. #4 Greenfield Cougar 4-1 is a runner who would benefit if there are crazy early splits put up. If jockey Joe Bravo gets her out of the gate cleanly, could set up for a big closing kick in the stretch.

Race 10 – 4:50 EST | 1 1/16 | Dirt | The Sunshine Classic 75K

First of two stakes races to close out Saturdays’ card, with a small field of six, headed by #6 Neoequos 3-1, who has been keeping serious company since running in the Kentucky Derby back in May. Could see a lonely lead out front for this runner, and workouts for return say that is a real possibility. The Brisnet #1 Prime Power at +7 points adds to the appeal, but what will likely be a very short price. The #5 Lightning Tones 5-2, will be coming hard down the lane, and race 3 back would fit nicely here. Change to jockey Jose Morelos is a plus in a route race.

Race 11 – 5:20 EST | 1 Mile | Turf | The Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf 75K

The ultra consistent runner #7 Ashima 3-1, is posed for a big run as defending champ. Third off a layoff, and trainer Salvatore Santoro has her ready to fire. Versatile sort, will give jockey Javier Castellano options. Trainer Santoro has some serious stats to back up top pick. So….this is Edgar Zayas only mount of the day, on a runner with the least racing experience in the field, the #5 Sapphire Girl 15-1, for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Last time out was 1st time on turf, and looked super breaking maiden, but stepping up here first time with winners. Got some time off after that victory, but is working out without missing a beat.

Late Pick 5 Ticket (before scratches)

P5 Ticket (before scratches) 2,3,5,7 / 1,2,7,9 / 4,8 / 6 / 1,3,5,6,7,11 = $96

Programming Note and Sign-Off

Welcome to our new show sponsor, BRISnet.com.

So tune in Friday at 3PM with special guest John O’Hara, Managing Partner of Four Leaf Clover Stable, LLC. Host John Kostin will have a lively Q. and A., with some new perspectives on the state of thoroughbred horseracing. Then check out Podcast on Saturday at 12:30 where we break down the Late P5 at Gulfstream Park.

So catch us on multiple streaming apps, and social channels. So bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, until next time…Let’em Run.

Oh yeah…GO PANTHERS !!!





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Ole Miss vs. Miami CFP Semi-Final Preview

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CFP PLAYOFFS

We are set for a battle of the underdogs in Phoenix Saturday night as both Ole Miss and Miami upset their quarter-final opponents. Miami was able to take down Ohio State as a 9.5-point underdog. Ole Miss beat Georgia as a 5.5-point underdog. Both are considered unlikely to be here, yet the least likely matchup is the one we are gearing up for. While Miami was the less likely of the two, they answered a lot of questions about their identity going forward…

SPORTS TALK GEORGIA

SPORTS TALK FLORIDA

Why Miami will win a National Title

PHYSICALITY. Plain and simple. Miami had an argument for the best lines of scrimmage in the country entering the year. But those in-season losses to Louisville and SMU made us forget who they were. All of their wounds were self-inflicted. Penalties, ill-timed turnovers, and lots of turnovers at times all played a factor in Miami’s losses.

But they have found their identity once again in the College Football Playoffs. Their penalties are down, and they have won the turnover battle in both of their CFP matchups. Which has allowed them to flex the talent that they have on this roster.

The lines of scrimmage have gotten a lot of shine thus far. But do not let that overshadow their defensive backs and skill position players, who have won them football games with explosive plays. When I think about that Texas A&M game, I think of Malachi Toney’s touchdown and Bryce Fitzgerald’s 2 interceptions. When I think of the Ohio State game, I think of Keionte Scott’s pick-6.

They are an extremely well-rounded team whose play style has mirrored that of Saban’s early teams at Alabama. Miami has not been asking Carson Beck to do a whole lot, mainly because they haven’t needed him to. They have won games on the ground and through their defense. However, this Ole Miss team might be the offense that could derail that play style…

How Ole Miss can ruin Miami’s homecoming

Ole Miss is going to have to start by sustaining drives. This is not going to be an easy task against this Miami front 4. Ruben Bain and the boys are going to create interior pressure at a much higher rate than Georgia could. That will, in turn, allow Miami to have more effective containment of Trinidad Chambliss. Back to sustaining drives, though, Ole Miss’s longest scoring drive was in the first quarter against Georgia when they took 4:27 off the clock and kicked a field goal.

Ole Miss also needs to create turnovers and hope that Miami commits a higher number of penalties than they have in the first two games of the playoffs. This doesn’t exactly bode well for Ole Miss, seeing as how they are T-80th in the country in turnover margin and T-75th in penalties per game.

So what does go in Ole Miss’s favor? Trinidad Chambliss is miles ahead of Julian Sayin at this point in their careers. As a whole, Ole Miss’s offense is a better, more complete unit than Ohio State’s offense was this year. But all totaled they key factor in this game for Ole Miss is Kewan Lacy. He has been one of the best running backs in college football this year and will have to be on Thursday night if the Rebels are going to win. The best way to slow down a great pass rush is with a good running game. This will also lead to balance on offense and longer drives overall for the Rebels.

Ole Miss’s defense needs to have a bend but don’t break mentality. It is what won them the Sugar Bowl. Twice, Georgia was in the red zone against the Rebels and came away with three. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’s offense was perfect on its red zone possessions against Georgia. A perfect 4/4. Those trends will need to continue for the Rebels if the dream season is to live on.

Final Thoughts+ Prediction/Betting lines

As much as I would love for Ole Miss to win a National Title and really stick it to Lane Kiffin and the ginormous yapper he has on him. I do not see how they will be able to hang with the physicality of Miami for 60 minutes. I think the people of South Florida will be feeling like it’s 2001 all over again and right some wrong that occurred the last time they played in the Fiesta Bowl.

Prediction: Miami

Line: Miami -3, Over/Under is 52.5





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DAZN attempt to save Main Street could too little too late

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DAZN https://sportstalkunited.com/premier-league/writers-players-watch-2025-26/

Main Street Sports stands on the edge of a shutdown that could reshape how fans watch local games across the country. Everything now hinges on a bid from London‑based DAZN, which is trying to acquire Main Street and its sixteen FanDuel‑branded regional sports networks.

A Crisis Spreading Across the Country

The crisis touches every region where the networks still operate. FanDuel RSNs carry teams across the Midwest, the South, the Mountain West, the Great Lakes, and the West Coast. Pressure grows each day as missed payments ripple through the leagues and force executives to confront the future of local sports broadcasting.

DAZN Sees a Major Opening in the U.S. Market

DAZN views the turmoil as a rare opportunity to enter the U.S. market in a major way. The streamer wants to acquire all sixteen networks and build direct relationships with MLB, the NBA, and the NHL. The move would expand DAZN far beyond combat sports and place it alongside Netflix, Apple, Amazon Prime, and YouTube as a major player in live sports.

Missed Payments Trigger Alarm Across Leagues

The trouble began when Main Street failed to make a December payment to the St. Louis Cardinals. The situation escalated on January 6, when thirteen NBA teams did not receive their scheduled rights payments. Those missed payments triggered alarm inside league offices, where executives now warn that the next few weeks will determine the fate of sixteen networks and twenty eight teams.

Shutdown Looms if No Deal Is Reached

The deadline falls between late January and early February. If DAZN and Main Street cannot reach a deal, Main Street plans to shut down after the 2026 NBA and NHL seasons. That collapse would return local rights to many teams for the first time in decades and accelerate a shift that has been building for years.

Leagues Preparing Backup Plans

If the DAZN deal collapses, the leagues have backup plans. The NBA and NHL expect to launch their own streaming services in the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Major League Baseball already controls broadcasts for the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies, and expects to add the Washington Nationals, who broke away from MASN. MLB has told its remaining FanDuel teams that it can take over their broadcasts by spring training.

Experts Say Leagues May Welcome the Shift

Sports media branding expert Jeff Dennis believes the leagues may not fear that outcome.

“Every major U.S. league is working toward a more complete direct to consumer model,” Dennis said. “If teams regain their local rights, leagues like MLB, the NBA, and the NHL could finally bundle local games into their own streaming packages, something they’ve never been able to do under the regional sports network system.”

The Warning Signs Were Always There

The warning signs were visible long before Main Street Sports took control of the former Diamond Sports networks. Diamond’s bankruptcy exposed a system collapsing under the weight of cord cutting, shrinking subscriber revenue, and long term rights deals that no longer matched the economics of modern television.

When Main Street stepped in, it inherited the same broken model, the same debt pressure, and the same unsustainable contracts. In hindsight, the deal may have been doomed from the start. Main Street never had the financial cushion or structural advantages needed to fix a business that had already fallen apart, and the missed payments to the Cardinals and thirteen NBA teams only confirmed what many insiders feared: the RSN model was running out of road.

A Forty‑Year Model Nears Its End

Former Warner Communications executive Frank Carney sees the moment as the end of a long era.

“The regional sports network model we built in the nineteen eighties generated hundreds of millions of dollars and helped fuel ESPN’s national rise through the cable bundle,” Carney said. “But in 2026 that bundle no longer delivers the revenue it once did. Rights deals built on those old economics are now impossible to sustain, and that is why so many regional networks are fighting to survive.”

Some RSNs Remain Strong

Not every RSN is in danger. Team‑owned networks remain stable and insulated from the collapse.

“The team‑owned RSNs aren’t in danger. They stay strong because the teams control the product,” said sports media consultant Bill Jensen.

A Decision That Will Shape the Future

The regions at risk stretch across the country. Midwest fans could lose long standing outlets in Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Ohio, and Minneapolis. Southern markets like Miami, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay face the same uncertainty. Western markets in Los Angeles and San Antonio also hang in the balance.

These networks carry teams that anchor local identity and regional pride, and their disappearance would leave major gaps in the media landscape.

The next few weeks will determine whether DAZN rescues the networks or whether the leagues reclaim local rights. Either outcome will change how millions of fans watch their hometown teams. The regional sports model that dominated for forty years now stands at its final hour, and the industry is preparing for a future that will look very different from its past.





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