Spygate hits the islands

By Dave Reardon and Brian McInnis
dreardon@starbulletin.com
bmcinnis@starbulletin.com

On one Hawaiian island yesterday, the NFL commissioner answered questions about Spygate. On another, a man who might be key to the case worked as a golf pro.

Roger Goodell talked to reporters about what information Kaanapali employee Matt Walsh might or might not have regarding possible improper videotaping by the New England Patriots of the St. Louis Rams before Super Bowl XXXVI. Walsh was a Patriots video assistant at the time.

Goodell said he hoped to know what Walsh -- who has not responded to interview requests -- knows by the end of the week.

"We've had different people come to us on things the past six months and it's just never led to anything," Goodell said.

He added that some of those leads were about possible cheating by other teams.

Goodell was asked about the six tapes provided by the Patriots that he had destroyed. New England has already been penalized a draft pick and coach Bill Belichick was fined for violating NFL rules regarding taping opponents' signals.

"My guess is that they probably taped over some of those from time to time," he said. "That's what they usually do in tape departments and video departments. It's possible they did it more than that because there are notes that reflect it.

"We asked them for anything ... inconsistent with our policy ... and they certified (that it was provided)."

Cowboy connection

In two seasons together with the Cowboys, quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Terrell Owens have developed a pretty special connection.

During yesterday's practice at Kapolei High School, Romo fired a bullet at Owens before the receiver's route had ripened. The ball caught the unaware Owens right in the chest as his head was turned away, but the six-time Pro Bowler got a hand behind himself on the run and tipped the ball several times until he came down with it in the end zone.

It wasn't quite Eli Manning-to-David Tyree caliber -- no one was really playing defense -- but it was good enough to elicit a few whistles from the attending media horde.

Working vacation

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, a nine-time participant in Honolulu, gave some insight into his post-practice schedule. Hint: It involves some free Mai Tais.

"Oh yeah, right now," he said. "As soon as I get back. I don't even go to my room until night."

Ocho Cinco nada

The Bengals' Chad Johnson was not at yesterday's practice. The flamboyant receiver could make his first appearance today.