Category Archives: NFL

Nobody Wins: The Aaron Hernandez Trial

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By Kaleb Page

April 20, 2015

As I got back to my apartment from class Wednesday afternoon the anticipated verdict in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial was in. After many months of legal debate between the prosecution and defense, the verdict was here.

Hernandez was convicted of first degree murder. A sentence of life in prison without a chance at parole.

Quite the unforeseen ending in what early on seemed like a person with promise of a bright future.

Hernandez, coming out of the University of Florida, was looked at as a potential first round pick and had the upside to be a difference maker for many years to come. However, there were red flags involving drug use and the people that he would be around. This meant that the once first-round talent dropped to the fourth round.

Waiting there was the New England Patriots organization, an organization that could take the risk on bringing in a guy like Hernandez and possibly find a way to shape his life in a positive way.

“Personally, I’ve always had concerns. He’s still finding himself. With the right people around, if he keeps his head straight, he’ll do very well.” – Doug Pina, Aaron Hernandez’s high school football coach

That line of thinking seemed to be working as Hernandez grew into a fixture on the Patriots and grew as a better figure on and off the field. His accomplishments, coupled with his maturity, granted him a big contract extension.

The deal was made in 2012, and it was a deal to lock up the budding superstar tight-end. The deal was five-years at $40 million ($16 million guaranteed, $24 million incentives/other). This extension would allow Hernandez to be a Patriot for a long time and focus on being one of the best in the game.

“I just hope I keep going, doing the right things, making the right decisions so I can have a good life, and be there to live a good life with my family.” -Aaron Hernandez’s comments after signing his 5-yr $40 million extension

SI.com’s article broke down that quote further, and it just is bizarre to read that quote and see what the reality is today. Did he do the right things? Did he make the right decisions? Will he be there to live a good life with his family?

Across the board the answer is no.

I think it goes without saying that killing anyone is a horrible thing to do. Especially someone who is only at the age of 27 (Odin Lloyd). Odin Lloyd was a friend to Hernandez, a friend that was killed for what reason? As everyone searches for answers there seems to be none.

Simply a senseless killing that ruined many more lives than that of the defendant (Hernandez) and the deceased (Lloyd).

The list of those who are also essentially sentenced to their own version of life in prison could go on and on. Whether it is the mother of Odin Lloyd who raised her son by herself and held a close bond that made Lloyd tell his mother happy mother’s day and happy father’s day because she represented both figures to him. She is sentenced to a life without seeing or hearing from her son ever again.

It could be said too for the young daughter Hernandez has. A daughter that will really never know who her father is, and once she grows up to the point of where she can comprehend this moment in time; how will she view her father then?

It is sad to see these types of things happen in the world today. No matter if you are a friend/family member of the Hernandez family or a friend/family member of the Lloyd family, there is only one final verdict for all.

Nobody wins.

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Aaron Hernandez Sentenced to Life in Prison

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By Ellen Chlumecky

April 20, 2015

In the NFL, sometimes crime and domestic violence isn’t exactly solved with the utmost justice. These victims and their families of the lack of justice feel cheated, upset, and permanently scarred whether a small incident or large. However, this might be one of the exceptions. Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez was found guilty on Wednesday, April 15th, of first-degree murder in a late-night shooting and was sentence to life in prison. Hernandez was a player who used to hold a $40 million contract and an aspiring career ahead of him. Now all of that is gone because of his tremendous mistake.

Hernandez was announced guilty in the killing of Odin Lloyd. Odin Lloyd was a 27-year-old landscaper and semipro football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée. Lloyd was shot six times in the middle of the night on June 17, 2013. He was shot in a deserted industrial park near Hernandez’s home in North Attleborough. The police accused Hernandez because they found the key of the car that Hernandez had rented in Lloyd’s pocket. The Patriots cut the player who was considered one of the biggest and best up and coming tight ends currently in the NFL. Prosecutors have suggested that Lloyd was killed because he might have known too much about Hernandez’s alleged involvement in a deadly 2012 drive-by shooting in Boston.

He was convicted with a mandatory sentence of life without parole and it automatically triggered an appeal to Massachusetts’ highest court. He was also found guilty on firearms and ammunition charges. The jury deliberated for 36 hours over seven days before rendering its verdict. About 135 witnesses were called to the stand during the nine-week trial. Hernandez was ordered to serve his life sentence at MCI-Cedar Junction in Walpole, Massachusetts.

The District Attorney Thomas Quinn made a point to mention that the fact that Hernandez was a professional athlete meant nothing at the end of the day. Even though the Patriots removed Hernandez from the Patriots they declined to comment on the verdict of his sentence. Brandon Spikes and David Nelson, former teammates of Hernandez, tweeted about the verdict and were surprised at the decision. Spikes made a comment about the justice system, while Nelson mentioned how that wasn’t the person he knew.

Mayor Ken Cocakyne was one of the main people speaking about the sympathy he felt towards the Lloyd family. He stated that it was unfortunate that this had to be someone who young children looked up to and that he crashed their dreams. He stated that no matter who you are, you still have to live within the law and respect others. While I agree, hopefully this type of action can be taken with all crimes committed in the NFL.

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Russell Wilson: Two Sport Possibilities

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By Kaleb Page

April 15, 2015

It hasn’t happened since the 80’s and 90’s.

Back when Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson did it, the feat was amazing because it was a top flight corner in the NFL also playing outfield in the MLB and an electric MLB talent running over grown men in the NFL.

Today another athlete presents a possibility of doing the same, and if he succeeded it would be just as impressive or even more so than the predecessors.

Russell Wilson as we all know is the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks and a Super Bowl champion.  As one of the rising stars in the NFL and playing essentially the most important position in all of sports, you would think that his time would be consumed entirely on the position.

However, you would be wrong.

Wilson also has interest in playing the game of baseball, and not just as a little exploit like you see when he shows up to Texas Ranger spring training. Instead he might make the plunge head first into the game.

“You never want to kill the dream of playing two sports,” Wilson said.”I would honestly play two sports.” (Interview with HBO’s Bryant Gumbel)

The NBC Sports article went through the nearly impossible task Wilson would embark on if he decided to do both sports. The article pointed out the fact that times have changed and for certain the Seahawks organization would not want to see their franchise quarterback out there risking injury.

Another key point the article made was that Wilson isn’t nearly the baseball player that Sanders and Jackson were. Which I guess I’ll take that opinion since I can’t say I’ve watched Wilson enough on the diamond.

Would if be interesting to see Wilson go for playing two professional sports?…absolutely.

Only two players have done it that have left any impact to still be remembered, and Wilson could do something similar. It could be a huge opportunity for himself to build his brand and become a bigger sports icon.

At the same time let’s be real.

The sports world of the 80’s and 90’s is a complete 180 from what we have today. With the constant scrutiny of how players play and what preparation they put in; does Wilson have the room for error?

I highly doubt it, especially if he would play baseball and then have to turn around and begin playing in the NFL at the biggest position. A turn around that would not allow for much of a grace period or a smoothing out process.

In the end, go for your dream Russell and do what you want.

Just be ready to be taking a lot of heat if it backfires.

The video below is from last year when this debate heated up again with baseball picking up and Wilson joining a team.

No ‘Hard Knocks’ in Cleveland: Browns make their Best Off-Season Move Yet

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By Kaleb Page

March 25, 2015

The NFL off-season has been in full swing with many moves between teams, players and even coaches. When a move is made by the Cleveland Browns, the avid fan base is all over it to let their thoughts be heard.

This Tuesday the organization made arguably its best move of the season and it didn’t even involve a player, coach or even draft picks.

All eyes are on the Browns and more than likely to see what they will mess up this time. This move by the organization tops the moves to add Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline, etc.

The Cleveland Browns have officially declined taking part in the acclaimed NFL series ‘Hard Knocks.’ The series, which chronicles the journey of a team from the beginning of training camp until the start of the season, needs a team for this upcoming NFL year. This series has had many memorable seasons like ones with the Jets and Bengals, and being on the inside of the Browns would have set up some must see television.

Especially how the dynamic is between Johnny Manziel and the coaching staff seems way off. From an outsiders view it seems nowhere near what you would expect for someone who was drafted by the organization in the first round. I think it would have been another opportunity for those watching just to go ‘that’s typical browns’ or further provide proof that it is truly ‘the factory of sadness.’

I do think it is in the best interest of the team to decline this sort of thing. Take into account the quarterback issue the team has, the holes the team has across the board and even executives in the organization with their comments; this distraction of television cameras is definitely not needed right now.

Head coach Mike Pettine has had experience with the show as an assistant with the Jets. He made it a point (in an interview on ESPN) that a big factor in him saying ‘no’ to this was the Manziel factor.

“When we decided not to volunteer for ‘Hard Knocks,’ we discussed everything that was involved with it. [Manziel] is certainly something we needed to consider.” – Mike Pettine, Browns Head Coach

I find it interesting how the organization really puts Manziel out as the problem or even the key factor for mishaps. Yes I know Manziel has had his problems and as a young guy growing up as a fast track star, definitely needs to shape up, but there comes a time when the organization just needs to stop the underlying narrative of ‘blame it on Johnny.’

Bravo Browns, you made your best move of the off-season by staying away from the spectacle that is ‘Hard Knocks.’

Can we just not ruin your good move by throwing someone under the bus though?…Please?

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Cleveland Browns Tossing Bread in the Pond for Oregon Duck, Mariota

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By Matt Stevenson

March 25, 2015

The Cleveland Browns didn’t make much of a splash in the first week of free agency, letting big-name targets walk away while trying to keep the boatloads of money in their pocket from falling out.

The Browns added Quarter Back Josh McCown, Defensive Linemen Randy Starks, Defensive Back Tramon Williams, and of course Wide Receivers Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe.

With two first round picks the Browns were expected to snag a WR and DL due to the availability of talent at those respective positions. However, now with boosting both positions, the Browns aren’t really in need of first-round talent at these positions.

So with two picks in the first round, where exactly do the Browns go from here? Wait for it folks… the Cleveland Browns will once again try to trade up for a Quarter Back for the second consecutive year.

That’s right, I said it! After the horrid Manziel saga ending with him in rehab for the past few months, the Browns have once again fell in love with a QB, Marcus Mariota. Before I begin my reasoning behind this, let’s explore why we would even consider it.

Mike Pettine voiced his plans and concerns at the NFL Owners Meeting today, March 24th. He revealed a lot of information regarding the upcoming season. The Browns expect to have Johnny Manziel at camp on April 20, as his rehab stint has reportedly shown great signs of improvement although no date has been specified for his discharge. Pettine also addressed the QB situation adding the draft, “will be another opportunity to address the position” as well as stating “Two 1st round picks gives you options, QB the 1 position trading up becomes viable”. Pettine also went on to praise Mariota for his intelligence while adding he hasn’t had any private workouts with anyone and they’re very aware and informed due to the relationship between Mariota and O’Connell.

The signing of the 2 WR is odd, especially considering both have eclipsed 1,000 yard seasons numerous times… Hartline and Bowe aren’t number 1 receivers but they’re also no scrubs. Let’s not forget about Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel, in which both impressed the organization and fans their first year with the Browns.

Defensive line still remains in question after losing Jablaal Sheard and Ahtyba Rubin in free agency although with Phil Taylor, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, Armonty and Desmond Bryant, Billy Winn and the newly signed Randy Starks, there isn’t much room for drafting a starting linemen in the first round.

Now to Mariota. Owner Jimmy Haslam said recently that the Cleveland Browns will not succeed in the NFL without a top-10 caliber QB, and that the fix needs to come sooner than later. I’m not quite sure about you, but I know Josh McCown is not a top-10 QB. McCown is a decent starter for the short-term, but both McCown and the Browns know this. However, with trading up to draft the “future” and “face” of the Cleveland Browns last year in Manziel, it’s odd that the owner would act as if we don’t have our QB of the future. Clearly, Manziel is not a reliable option and has obviously disappointed the front office especially after Haslam’s comments.

But why Mariota? Mariota has numerous ties within the organization already, such strong ties that opposing General Managers were complaining to the NFL about it. New QB coach Kevin O’Connell worked Mariota out for 6 weeks prior to his signing with the team, although it was well-known O’Connell was going to be added to the staff. Mariota is comfortable with O’Connell, knows his style, how he likes to run a team starting with the Quarter Back position.

This all was happening in early February. Fast-forward to present time to Marcus Mariota’s Pro-Day a few weeks ago on March 12. Guess who ran the flashy Oregon QB’s Pro-Day? You got it, Kevin O’Connell was. Not only was he calling plays for the young prospect, but he also had Mariota in the huddle with his players. This is an unusual event at a Pro-Day, as it’s usually just throwing and mechanics for Quarter Backs, however O’Connell had Mariota display his leadership as well almost as if it was his own player.

With the top 2 WR likely to be taken by the Browns’ first pick at 12, look for the Cleveland Browns to make a splash elsewhere potentially trading up a few picks to secure their guy. It’s not like we’ve been shy to do so as we’ve traded up to draft Brady Quinn, Brandon Weeden, and of course the legendary Johnny Manziel.

With a big play threat in Dwayne Bowe who has had experience with winning teams, a slot receiver in Brian Hartline who can run routes better than a school bus, and the quickness of Gabriel and Hawkins, it seems like a fast-paced offense that has a certain Oregon Ducks name written all over it.

Leadership, personality, work-ethic and talent. These are the 4 traits that Mariota has possessed over his time at Oregon, 4 traits that Manziel lacks when compared to Mariota at QB.

It shall be an exciting draft once again for the Cleveland Browns, and all signs are pointing towards them tip-toeing their way into the top 5 picks to capture the Oregon Duck that will hopefully take them to the clear watered pond of success.

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Welcome to Oregon East

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By Kaleb Page

March 16, 2015

Chip Kelly is the mad scientist. The man who crafted an offensive barrage at Oregon that to this day is still taking flight. His genius at the highest level of college football gained the recognition of those in the NFL, and in 2013 the Philadelphia Eagles came after him (eventually landing him).

Well it has only been two seasons in ‘the city of brotherly love,’ and right now there could be an interesting question to ask the Eagles faithful.

Feeling some buyer’s remorse?

How could a coach who went back to back seasons with a 10-6 record get the feeling of being ousted by his own fan base? As they say it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only seconds to ruin it. Well, I guess the same could be said about perceive coaching knowledge or even grasp of what makes a great team.

You could say it all started with the head scratching move to trade one of the top running backs in the league (LeSean McCoy) for a young talented linebacker named Kiko Alonso. Now the interesting thing about this is how Alonso once was an Oregon Duck. The roster now consists of seven former Ducks who played under Kelly at Oregon.

While allegiance is a good quality in some aspects, it can be a problem when it comes at the expense of talent in a bottom line league like the NFL. If you don’t pay attention you could be packing your bags fairly soon.

Oh but wait there’s more!

Tuesday, when free agency officially began in the NFL, a move was made by Kelly that was the pièce de résistance on the head scratching display.

Kelly put in the trade with the St. Louis for Sam Bradford. Who are they giving up in return for Bradford? None other than their starting quarterback Nick Foles.

Foles in 2013 had an amazing year at quarterback, throwing for 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions. That year was a pleasant surprise as Foles was a mid-round selection by the team in 2012 and didn’t have high expectations coming out of Arizona. While Foles battled with injuries just like Bradford, Foles had much more success that showed promise for more seasons like the one in 2013.

Trading for a quarterback that in his five-year career has had multiple knee surgeries and only a record of 18-30-1 as a starter, while giving up on a young prospect that has real promise; definitely is a head scratching move put on by Kelly.

Whether you look on ESPN, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, etc. there are plenty that are sharing the sentiment of: Does this guy know what he’s doing?

Even Stephen A. Smith going as far to say racism played a factor in these moves by Kelly to get rid of guys like Trent Cole, Jeremy Maclin, Cary Williams and LeSean McCoy. All of which are black athletes that were not signed back with the team. Essentially marked as not fitting the scheme or direction just like when the team released Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson in previous years. Something Smith finds quite suspect.

While I won’t go that extreme as Mr. Smith to say Kelly is being racist, I will say that Kelly better know what he is doing with these questionable moves. As I said before in this post, the NFL is a bottom line league and if Kelly isn’t careful this whole image of a genius can be tarnished. It could very well lead to Kelly seeing his way out of the league.

I guess only time will tell if these moves are good and will actually make for a successful Eagles squad in 2015.

As for now hang in there Eagles fans, it could be much worse.

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Cleveland Browns Eyeing Expensive Free Agent Darrelle Revis

By Matt Stevenson

March 11, 2015

Darrelle Revis is set to become a free agent and is looking for a big payday once again. Coming off a Super Bowl with the Patriots, the top-notch corner back was let go by the Patriots after they neglected to pick up his $20 million team option for next year. This leaves a stellar player on the market in which has seen the highest quality players already gone.

The Cleveland Browns are an intriguing team when it comes to Revis due to what they have to offer him. We can offer him boat loads of money, which many other teams can as well. However, we also can offer the best CB tandem in the league to Revis, pairing him up with All-Pro CB Joe Haden. Lastly, “Revis Island” was invented during his best years of his career under former Jets Defensive Coordinator, a guy by the name of Mike Pettine… Cleveland Browns current Head Coach.

The Cleveland Browns have more than $50 million dollars to spend this summer and so far have been quite in Free Agency, although they did sign WR Brian Hartline to a 2 year deal.

With no big splash made and the highest regarded free agents off of the market, many are wondering where the Browns will spend their money and Revis might be the route to take.

There are no doubts that Revis will get offers from teams that are in contention for a Championship, but it comes down to how much money is he willing to give up at the cost of competing for another Super Bowl.

The Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Patriots are all big plays for Revis. Of course, the Patriots are the only team that can contend right now, but you’d have to imagine there is some tough love after not picking up Revis’ team option.

With Joe Haden already proven as a top-5 CB in the NFL, the Browns can offer Revis Island a CB tandem that no other team can offer him. Justin Gilbert was a first round pick last year and struggled his first season but showed flashes of his potential. Revis would be able to help Gilbert develop but also the 3 together are a perfect fit for Pettine’s press man-cover scheme.

The options are on the table to CB Darrelle Revis, and there are some good ones. Coming off of a Super Bowl, Revis will be getting attention from almost every team in the league. Despite the Patriots attempting to re-sign him for less money, the Cleveland Browns surprisingly have significant benefits to offer Revis that most teams in the NFL can’t.

Expect a hectic week of reporting regarding Revis as the sweepstakes have officially started. One thing will remain no matter what team signs him, there will be millions of dollars spent on the elite CB known as Revis Island.

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Did the Media Cover the Wrong Story Following Super Bowl XLIX?

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By Nick Muhl

February 3, 2015

I feel the need to start out my story by saying this: what a fantastic Super Bowl.

It was truly a back and forth game, ending with a 10-point fourth quarter comeback by Tom Brady and the Patriots. Nobody said it was going to be easy, it never is for the Patriots in the big game.

The defending champion Seattle Seahawks did their best impression of the New York Giants, but came up short of repeating as champions and robbing Brady and Belichick of their fourth Super Bowl title.

Seahawks wide receiver Chris Matthews not only caught his first pass of the NFL season, but three more totaling 109 yards and a touchdown. Beastmode did as Beastmode does, Lynch ran for 102 yards and a 4.3 per carry average. The Legion of Boom’s defense held the Patriots to 57 rush yards.

Even then, Brady looked to have solidified his fourth title, joining Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw with his touchdown to Julian Edelman with 2:02 remaining.

Then came the insane catch by Jermaine Kearse, who was able to pull down a David Tyree-esque catch to bring the Seahawks in scoring range.

Second and goal following a Lynch handoff and the clock ticking under 35 seconds, Belichick trusted his defense and decided against calling a timeout and giving Brady and his offense another chance at a possible tying field goal.

We all know what happened next. Wilson threw the ball on a goal-line pick play, and Pats defensive back Malcolm Butler picked it off to seal the Pats victory.

Immediately following the electric turn of events, Chris Collinsworth and his fellow NBC Super Bowl broadcasters commented on their disbelief that Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll decided against giving their star running back Marshawn Lynch the ball on a second and one.

Social media, newspaper headlines, online blogs, all giving their input on the terrible job Pete Carroll did. From what I hear, there now crowning it “the worst play call ever”.

As football fans know, you can’t play the “if” game. Well IF this player didn’t get hurt, IF he caught that one pass, IF we had a different quarterback, ect. Consider it an un-written law of football fandom.

Sure, we could look at the play over and over again and wonder why didn’t Carroll run it with Lynch? It could be the fact that everyone thought that was the play call and he wanted to catch them off guard. It could be that the Seahawks have run that play call before during the 2014 season and is a standard inside the five yard line call for the Seahawks.

It could be a lot of things. The fact of the matter is, Malcolm Butler did his homework and the Patriots won the Super Bowl. However, it seems to me all the major media wants to discuss is the “what if” Lynch got the ball. Who says the New England d-line doesn’t claim Super Bowl glory and stuff Beastmode?

That’s the beauty of football.

“Worst Play Call Ever” will continue to be spread and numerous articles will continue to be written all criticizing Carroll’s play call.

Brady and Bellichick’s fourth Super Bowl, Brady’s 37 completion Super Bowl record, Bellichick trusting his defense, there all the second story. After the worst play call ever.

The media covered the wrong story.

And I haven’t even mentioned yet that the Super Bowl ended in a brawl.

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Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Review

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By Kia Tyus

February 2, 2015

An exciting first half to Super Bowl XLIX has been completed. The halftime crew starts of talking about some stats that happened during the first half. First, Tom Brady has tied Joe Montana with 11 touchdown passes thrown in the Super Bowl.

The crew then begins to discuss the struggles of the Seattle Seahawks. First point made, Seattle was having major matchup problems. After a great interception by cornerback Jeremy Lane, he ended up hurting his wrist and will not return. To replace him, Tharold Simon replaced him.

Right away, the Patriots took advantage of this and scored on their next drive.

On the bright side for Seattle, Chris Matthews scored his first career touchdown. And with 36 seconds left in the first half, Seattle marched down the field to tie the game up at 14-14.

On the other side, the halftime crew pretty much praised the play of the Patriots. Saying that the Patriots were out playing Seattle despite the score. The crew also talked about an interesting stat, that being that the Patriots scored 66 points total during the duration of the NFL season with less than 2 minutes in the first half.

After a recap of each team, the crew discussed how the Seahawks need to continue to run the ball on offense and their defense needs to get things going. The Patriots on the other hand need to continue to take advantage of mismatches and they cannot give up big plays.

The NFL also showed Bobby Sena for NFL 60 made the NFL ball hand off at the beginning of the game.

To close out the half, the crew talked about how New England out played Seattle but the game is still tied. They also stated how no expert had a clear-cut winner for the game. At the ending of the game may very well be decided by the field goal kickers.

All five of the Patriots Super Bowl games have been decided by four points or less.

To end the Toyota NFL Half Time Show, they showed the first half highlights.

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