Donovan McNabb suspended indefinitely by Fox Sports after DUI arrest: Report

Donovan McNabb has been suspended from his NFL analyst job indefinitely after a second DUI arrest, and his bosses did it with a statement that was more succinct than the former quarterback's rambling explanation of his situation last week.

"It is important that Donovan use this time as best he can to resolve his personal situation," Fox Sports said in a statement to SI.com. 

McNabb was arrested June 28 for driving under the influence in Gilbert, Ariz., after the former Eagles and Redskins quarterback rear-ended a vehicle at a red light and appeared impaired, according to police.

The 38-year-old McNabb served a day in jail in April 2014 after pleading guilty in another DUI case resulting from a Dec. 15, 2013, arrest in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community east of Phoenix. He was ordered to pay a fine of nearly $1,500 and enter an outpatient treatment program in Scottsdale.

On his radio show last week, McNabb had a hard time explaining his voluntary leave of absence from his weekday show on NBC Sports Radio.

"There was a story that was released, and I want everybody to be cognizant of it, because I am very aware of it, handling the matter at this particular point," McNabb said, according to Pro Football Talk. "But at this point, I have no further information, and as we continue on with the situation, then we'll let it handle as it will handle itself."

McNabb worked games last year for FOX, and he appeared regularly on FOX Sports Live. It was believed he’d have a higher profile on FOX’s NFL coverage in 2015.

Terrell Owens says Donovan McNabb needs help: 'Next time, call Uber'

Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens and quarterback Donovan McNabb had an uneasy relationship during their time together as Philadelphia Eagles teammates, but it seems T.O. has some sound advice for his former antagonist after McNabb was arrested on DUI charges for the second time last month. 

"DUI is a very serious thing, Owens told TMZ. "The number of lives that have been lost from it are staggering. It's a blessing no one was hurt.

"We may not still be playing, but we still serve as role models. You have to be more responsible."Next time, call Uber."

Owens — who has battled back from his own financial, comeback and image problems  — seems to have turned it around in terms of his own reputation after a successful appearance on Celebrity Apprentice and dimming the spotlight on himself just a little.

McNabb's reputation, on the other hand,  has taken a bit of a hit after several questionable tweets and comments during his time as an analyst for Fox Sports in recent years, not to mention the fact that June's release is the second DUI charge against the six-time Pro Bowler.

It sounds like T.O. and McNabb finally agree on a play call — avoid that down-and-out route.

NFL Lockout Possible at Midnight; Fantasy Footballers in Panic

The NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire soon at 11:59 p.m. and 18 million individual Fantasy Footballers are looking at a good chance of waking up one morning with the prospect of getting a life.  Never mind the NFL players and owners, it's the virtual competition and imaginary leagues that are important to these Jerry Jones impersonators.

Come a lockout, FFer's can kiss their Draft Day goodbye.  The large foam-core draft board will be void of colored team Post-Its.  All the player rankings, mock drafts, and cheat sheets will be a distant memory of past glory.  For FFer's, Draft Day ranks up there with New Year's, Christmas and the last pre-season game rolled into one.  Now it will be sadder than the Carolina Panthers' chances to make the right first draft pick.

There will be no pools to be won.  No more trading on Tuesdays.  FFer's will speak like normal people.  No ADP's, QBBC's, Studs, Sleepers, or Handcuffing. Trust me, it's even less exciting than it sounds. Even more frightening, they will have to socialize with people outside the virtual FF world when football was once played.

Since the 'Dynasty" and "Salary Cap" leagues weren't created until 1988---a year after the last NFL strike--- the virtual owners and coaches of Fantasy Football haven't had to find other activities to help them cope with a in-season lockout--and a lot of time on their keyboard-calloused fingertips.

Its been forge ahead for 22 years.  Now, unless there is a last-ditch turnaround, it looks like FFer's will have to find other outlets for their pent-up wheeling and dealing.  Maybe that naked virtual 'therapist' would help.

Here are a few suggestions to get those adrenalin-junkie Fantasy Footballers through those long Sunday afternoons and Monday and Thursday nights.

• Watch reruns of "Two and a Half Men."  Just in case you haven't gotten enough Charlie Sheen yet.
• Pray MLB extends the playoffs and the World Series is in December.
• Actually eat Sunday dinner at a dinner table with people.
• Throw a benefit for your favorite NFL player.  They will be hurting by then and have mortgages and nightclub tabs to pay for.
• Become a high-school soccer fan.
• Send phony trade text messages to Carson Palmer and Donovan McNabb.
• Start a Fantasy CBA league complete with Roger Goodall, owners, NFLPA reps and your favorite lawyers.
• Use your computers for more constructive pursuits like porn, "Angry Birds," and Rex Ryan foot-fetish videos.

Shanahan Creates New Position: The Relief QB

By Tony Mangia


There have been plenty of head scratching moves by by NFL head coaches this season, but none of them are as nonsensical as the Redskins Mike Shanahan pulling his starting QB, Donovan McNabb, on Detroit's Ford Field Sunday with 1:50 remaining in the game.  Shanahan, acting like some baseball manager in the ninth, went to his bullpen (hog pit?)  and handed the ball to a pair of fresher legs and a livelier arm--and it backfired.


This could start a new trend in the sport.  Older baseball fans might remember a time when starters actually went nine full innings.  The relief pitcher was an anomaly--only used when a pitcher got hurt or his arm hung like a wet rope in the sixteenth or so inning. Alright, that was before Hoyt Wilhelm, but is it possible for football to start a QB for three quarters, use a middle man in the fourth and bring in a closer for the final two minute drive?  Shanahan might think so.

While Shanahan defended his imitation of Joe Girardi tapping his shoulder for Mariano Rivera by claiming McNabb wasn't in shape for the final two minutes, he also created a gully as wide as the Potomac between the head coach and his big off-season acquisition.  Don't even mention the gap its opened between him and Redskin faithful.

The Detroit Lions led the game 31-25, but the game was still winnable for the Skins.  Shanahan yanks McNabb for the backup, an unprepared and totally unsuspecting Rex Grossman, who promptly fumbles on his first play.  Is this the NFL's first blown save?

I like Shanahan's innovation and say we should take it further.  Tarvaris Jackson can come in and relieve Brett Favre...oh wait that happened last week. Or maybe football will follow baseball's lead and we'll start seeing sideline coaches in team uniforms. If the sight of Bill Parcells in a sweatsuit was funny enough imagine Charlie Weis imitating a giant tomato clad in Chief's red.

Grossman, who hadn't taken one snap this season, was inserted for the 6-time pro-bowler because Shanahan believed McNabb didn't have the "cardiovascular endurance" to finish the game. Grossman's jaw hit his clipboard and he looked as surprised as McNabb when the call came.

Shanahan defended his move by saying the game speeds up in the final two minutes and McNabb would be unable to keep up.  According to Elias Sports, McNabb has 24 come-from-behind winning drives in the final minutes under his belt.  Tom Brady has the same amount during that same time span.  Looks like dis-jointed thinking by the Redskins' chief.


While Shanahan starts the NFL's version of a bullpen (pig pen?) and tries making a point by benching McNabb and making bizarre excuses, he loses games and respect.  The team is 4-4 and falling behind the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.

One can only wonder what Shanahan's rationale was for publicly calling out McNabb during a crucial point of the game. Was it punitive or a show of power.  Shanahan should have admitted he was wrong and honestly give an answer for messing with McNabb's head.


Shanahan was lucky in Denver.  He had total control, Terrell Davis, John Elway and an owner as a best friend.  He laid down his laws, nobody questioned him and the Broncos had a good run. Now he just looks foolish and weak flip-flopping on excuses for the bone-headed move.

In his first season in Washington, Shanny has now alienated his two best players.  Albert Haynesworth felt his crazy eye gaze over the summer and now it seems doubtful McNabb will play out the season with any regard for the head coach who bought him over from Philly.
 
 Whether or not McNabb had a "sore hamstring" or is just out of shape remains to be seen.  The quarterback's reputation for bad practice habits goes back to his Eagle days.  Tim Hasselback--a teammate of McNabb's in Philly--said, "One of the things that drove them crazy in Philadelphia was the lack of tempo at which he practiced...Nearly every single day."

One can only wonder the rationale for Shanahan's public emasculation of McNabb.  Maybe the head coach has had enough of his aging starter's tempo, but you can bet McNabb's stay in D.C. will be 'tempo'rary.