dave owens has his story. >> three hours from tipoff.ost would consider this a pretty unusual pregame routine. game film? no. how about books? a lot of them. each week before their basketball became, south lake comes here to hunter's woods elementary to shed light on something more important than hoops. >> it is great to be popular. but if you don't have the hit that issy, you can't even do that. >> reporter: in other words, readers are leaders. but instead of teachers telling them that, these student athletes show them. >> it is like a friend. a friend brother relationship. >> cool idea. >> reporter: and this is the man who started it. if you know anything about hoops and the dmv, you know former south lakes coach wendell bird. he has won titles and coached some of the greats. it is an impressive wall of fame, filled with memories of wins and notable players people around here would know very well. but bird was working on something outside of basketball and its impact would go far beyond wins and losses. reading. why? >> of the united s

that's going to do it for a quick look at sports this morning, i'm dave owen. have a great wednesday, everybody. >> facebook may not be as friendly as you think. we have more on why that's the case. >> plus, metro has ordered inspections of some of its newest rail cars after a mishap left hundreds of passengers stranded underground. monika, anybody stranded on the roadways? you a well, there is one incident on the northbound side of 270 at montrose road, the accident blocks the left lane. watch your step coming up from the 270 spur. coming up, more on that and other maryland roadways at 5:30. you're watching 9news now. stay with us. >>> good morning and welcome back to 9news now on this wednesday morning. i'm andrea roane. >> i'm mike hydeck. i wonder how many shovels are being sold lately. >> not very many. >> winter is almost here. here's monika samtani with traffic in a moment. >> buy now and avoid the rush. >> that's right. >> there's one model. one model that has a slight chance of snow sunday. if it gets cold enough but you know, that's really an outlier.

i'm dave owens, have a great morning. >> good morning, everybody. i'm monika samtani in the traffic center taking a live look in springfield. traffic still moving well coming up from the occoquan river to this point up to the beltway and on to 395 and the 14th street bridge. more on virginia roadways coming up at 5:31. we'll be right back. >>> good morning and welcome back to 9news now. i'm andrea roane. happy monday. >> glad you're here. i'm mike hydeck. i can't get enough of the nfl this year. absolutely fantastic. >> did you watch the bears? you awatched the broncos game. >> he watched the bears game. >> it was fun. >> let the saints go in. they're marching on. >> they're a great team, too. >> yes, they are. >> it was fun watching -- the packers game was almost boring with just another touchdown and rogers brilliant again. >> our weather was kind of boring in a nice way. chilly. highs were in the low 40s. average high is 48. we were below average yesterday. we are going to get above average here. not by much. above average as we head through the

dave owens who was not in full dress is here now to give the highlights of the game. dave. >> i should have gotten in full dress, bruce, that's for sure. what a treat for military folks. philly is halfway between west point and annapolis. but today for the first time ever the dmv hosting the game. what a scene. fed ex field normally the home of the redskins, transformed today. the great pageantry of the march-on of the cadets. as you say, bruce, president obama tossing the coin. army won the toss, by the way, this one was tight, 3rd quarter, this is navy quarterback chris proctor banging in. he had 97 yards on 32 brutal carries today. malcolm brown to tie it at 21. a couple of late field goals by navy kicker john t., he's been ma lined all year but came through tonight. the army needed a stop late in the game. they jump off side and navy gets the 27-21 victory. the midshipmen 10 in a row. >> yeah, just the sweet satisfaction of being army. we had a rough season, but they battled back. they won this one. >> it means so much that we got this win. >> 10 in a row, the long

dave won't has more from fed -- dave owens has more from fedex field. >> reporter: i'm here with redskins insider dave elkins. we started to hear this story right before kickoff, fred davis, trent williams not available the rest of the year, violation of the nfl's drug policy. what do we know about the situation at this point? >> remember, it broke two weeks ago when they were playing in miami. no one would comment. mike shanahan said let it work through the system. apparently they'll be success spended for four games, which is the rest of the year. it's not one positive drug test. it's three. three strikes you're out and there was some issue before about the collective bargaining agreement and the lockout, but when they tested positive during the season, they're very lucky it wasn't longerrer than this. if they a people -- longer than this. if they appeal it, it could be even longer. >> reporter: initially we thought it was just during the lockout, but we're talking about multiple situations and, by the way, neither was in the locker room after the game today. >> no surprise. the redskin

here's dave owens with your morning sports. >> well, good morning everybody. just doesn't have the usual sizzle that we're accustomed to. the redskins' philly finale means nothing in terms of postseason play but still counts in the win loss column and each one wants a positive note. at best the redskins will finish with back-to-back six win campaigns. at worst, mike shanahan will end up with a two year record 11-21. that's not as good as jim dorn's, imagine that. the seat is hot but when asked by reporters about his job security, coach says i'll be back. >> there's no doubt in my mind. you know? hopefully there's in doubt in dan's mind too. i talked to him about it when i first got here. i said dan if you don't plan on me coaching here for five years and doing it the right way, you're hiring the wrong way, it's going to take some time. >>> horn s alexander was given the media friendly award. he was especially helpful. he loved the award but says he hopes he different end up like past winners carter and campbell. those guys were released or traded. >>> last nig

tough one there for howard. >>> all right, that's going to do it for your morning sports, i'm dave owens, is a great friday -- have a great friday everyone. >>> the lady terps weren't on tv last night. you had to catch them on the web instead. a great game though against unbeaten delaware. thomas with 23 points and she was one of three maryland starters with double digit figures. lady terps beat the fighting blue hens 85-36. maryland is perfect 13-0 on the season. >>> coming up we are going to be joined by district assistant chief of police and learn how police are trying to keep crime down as the occupy protests. >>> the latest transformers movie second hottest at the box office. it earned $352 million. up next, learn which film came in at number one. >>> before we head to break, quick check of the commute. monika? >> we're going to take a look at a map we're. an accident from overnight. the clean-up continues in bailey's crossroads. westbound route 7 between columbia pike and patrick henry drivement keep that if mind for your travel mans. coming up in my next report, another look aroun

. >>> and now, 9sports with dave owen, the best sports in town. >> well, everything has a shelf life. thus when the opportunities are there, you have to seize them. the caps didn't, so you have to start wondering not whether their window is closing, but is it close? yielded minimal results in the standings for wins, five losses. the team is focusing on defense. part of that is goal tending and it hasn't been that great. michael has been shaky, but dale hunter, ever the psychologist says despite his struggles, he has a clean slate with him. >> this young guy still and you know, he's a competitor. he wants to win. everybody in the building knew he missed it and didn't see it, i guess, didn't pick it up. but you know, we bounce back and give us a game after. >> mike will set a milestone tonight when he hits the ice. he will play in his 1,000th game. they will wear a special 22 jersey during the warmup to commemorate the occasion. all it took was 26 minutes to turn a dismal end into a three game audition of hope. and maybe even promise for what next year might bring. he told reporters, qu

. >>> and now, 9sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >> quarterback controversy injuries,ot throw suspensions on top of this season of gloom and doom. if you believe in multiple sources and say bye bye to two of the redskins youngest, most promising players. those multiple sources are saying fred davis, trent williams are done for the season. substance abuse policy. recreational drugs. at least three times. once right after the lockout. now normally, that means a yearlong suspension. bases of the lockout, it's been reduced to four games. both bolted out of the locker room, but before reporters could get in there to talk to them. one of the captains did not bolt. >> just something else that added to the redskin drama. you know, i haven't heard anything specific about it. confirming or denying it, but it's hard on me. those two guys are big parts of what our offense is doing this year. >> on the field, fourth loss in a row at home. although it seems that washington is on its way to a big win, things fell apart down the stretch. first 55 minutes pretty good. last five minutes

. >>> and now, 9sports with dave owen. the best sports in town. >> in a matter of moments, nba players will do something they haven't done in a long time. suit up, lace up, and play. now it's just a preseason game, but a month ago it didn't look like we were going to have that. so all is well that ends well. the lockout, of course, and the shortened training camp. teams playing preseason games close to home. a lot of interesting story lines, john wall take 2. as well as a rookie class. let's get a look at them and the coaches ready. >> the number of young players we have and the number of new players we have that they pick things up relatively good. >> a great camp together for us and we followed behind them, we worked hard, and i feel guys are ready. >> a good camp so far. the guys have been going hard. it will be good to beat up on somebody else. >> well, the masses have spoken to the tune of a thousand clicks. our game of the week is georgetown. good boys hoops game will have highlights in our sports cast at 11:00. reds

. >>> nd now 9 sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >> it was one of the quietest signs of the off season. occurred in that sliver of time before the nfl lockout went into effect. talk about the acquisition of themoway. at the time hailed as a major upgrade to a possession in desperate need. it hasn't work out, trust me. he got hurt almost immediately, and he hasn't been healthy. he's missed three games, minimal impact. now a defensive coordinator was blunt. he said he needs to see what he can do in the next three weeks. trance late they want to see if they want to keep this guy around or not. >> not too concerned about that. whatever recommends i get, opportunities i get i'll make the most of them. whether it's one rep, fourth quarter recommends, it's on his call. just want to be ready. >> a nice band-aid. mike shanahan announced they'll be back at redskins park, able to work out with trainers, but won't do activitys with the team. starting a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. numbers don't always tell everything. in this case it does.

au and georgetown firing shots >>> and now 9sports with dave owens. the best sports in town. >>> for all the talk about the caps and lack of offensive production, goal tending has been the issue. washington was 4th and goals allowed. this season 23rd. look at the box scores. a lot of ugly crooked numbers going against the caps. goalies have to step up and play better. if anybody sees this puck, tell michael, because he didn't see it either. cody mccloud was a blast. 1-0 in the first. one on everybody, that ties it just his sixth of the year. not even a minute later, erik johnson hit me with your best shot. colorado up 2-1. there's about 20 seconds left in this one out west. wizards fan fest today at verison, interactive game give aways and this scrimmage featuring all the things the wizards would have liked to have done last night. six turnovers and embarrassing 25 point butt kicking. what do they learn from watching that game film today? >> yesterday was a disgrace to us and the coaches taught how we play. we have to play every night. >> very quietly

dave owens is there with the tough news on a tough season. >> you're absolutely right. the story began trickling out yesterday shortly before kickoff. naturally after the game, reporters were looking to get answers from both davis and williams. that never happened. both were removed from the locker room before it was open to reporters. here's what we do know. williams and davis violated the league substance abuse policy. we're talking about multiple transgressions here. once immediately following the lockout. the suspension is reportedly for four games, but could have been a year. the nfl and players union negotiated a settlement. some of this occurred during the lockout. here is reaction inside the locker room today. >> i was unaware of the situation. these guys sit close to me anyway. so definitely want to reach out and give my support and any way i can help them with anything that they are having trouble with off the field, i'm more than ready to do so. >> we are not going to hold anything against those guys. definitely want them back and love to be here, playing wit

. >>> and now 9sports with dave owen. the best sports in town. >> what could have been.hat's what they are saying at virginia tech. what could have been if we came to play the night of october 1. peggy, i'm sorry. 23-3. it's the only stain on virginia tech's record if the hokies had won, they would be playing for a spot in the bcs championship game. instead, acc title game is a rematch with clemson. so we asked frank about it. check out his answer. double fisting to make his point. >> how many times have you played on national tv for a conference championship? and so you know, this is a great experience and one that will always remember. i just want it remembered in a good way. >> should be a great game tomorrow night. bad news for redskins fans. not able to practice all week. he is out of sunday's game. it's his groin, which he injured against seattle in the first half of last week's game. it's been a frustrating season. quote, i just seen snake pit. high school football season coming to an end. several local teams vying for a championship. we talked about gaithersburg.

. >>> and now, 9sports with dave owens.he best sports in town. >>> fascinating time of year because every pundent has an opinion. so, should they be willing to blow up their entire draft to land him? if the answer is no, then what? that answer may be more of that guy. he has proven one thing. when he gets it going, he can make things happen. he began evaluating ten to fifteen college quarterbacks. he likes rex's daring style, but -- >> everyone is looking for a franchise quarterback. you want one of those guys that there's no question about. only about five or six of them in the league. and then there's a lot of guys that can play and some guys that need to be replaced. you are trying to find that one and still working to do it. >> wouldn't call that a ringing endorsement. maybe they go after robert griffin. threw for 295. ran for another 55 yards. two touchdowns. the team rolled up 67 points. part of the highest scoring regulation bowl game in history. afterwards, he is still not sure whether he is entering the draft. acc

and for the army-navy game, it will be >>> and now 9 sports with dave owens, the best sports in town.> first day of wizards training camp, nick young absent. the free agent waiting to get signed. but the new york post is reporting the knicks are considering trading to washington in exchange for absolutely nothing. stay tuned. get the big guy. john wall and the rest of the wizards hit the practice courts for the first time. familiar face there roger mason is for dc. he's back with a second stint with the team. flip saunders happy to get the season going. >> as i talked to the players, a lot of times you're asked when you're not playing what do you miss. i think guys are happy getting together and competing. >> the wizards were practicing, the caps were playing. dennis wideman three goals the entire season. wideman left the good old stop. 2-0. third period everybody put on their hats. first career hat trick for dw. caps win 4-2. all right. a win by either would sure take the sting out of a disappointing season. between them army-navy have won seven and lost 13. it's a special day formyl

. >>> and now 9 sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >> it's not my job as a broadcaster to be a homer, but i'm going to sound like one for a minute. how can london fletcher not be a starter in the pro bowl? i don't get it. san francisco's patrick willis. chicago's brian urlacher, i love him. when it comes to total tackles, they're not close to fletcher. league leader in tackles. he doesn't miss any games. 223 straight. now, fans i can understand overlooking him, but players and coachers who are 2-thirds of the vote. shame, guys. you're looking at his work here and during the 15 second voiceover, we showed you 15 tackles. incredible. here is what the voters overlooked. 163 total tackles on the year. 18 more than the next closest guy. he got 70 more than urlacher and willis and they made the pro bowl. i don't get it. fletcher still can be voted in as an alternate. flesh tweeted i'm not sure if i should be upset or just laugh. i agree. skins released running back ryan terrain. injuries and ineffectiveness reducing his role. so which team is going to give fans something to s

why the heck can't london fletcher get any love from f >>> now 9 sports where dave owens, the best sportstown. >> all right. let me give you an idea of how much the caps are struggling. alex ovechkin 10 goals in 31 games. both paced for career moves. if we were analyzing this in economic terms, we would say they were in a scoring recession. not good. nice moment, though, before the game. mike kanuble. alex ovechkin getting acquainted with the net. nicolas backstrom the sweetest sensation makes the two. that's the first outburst in three games. and then alex simmons deposits. caps win 4-1. all right. as bad as friday's preseason opener was, it didn't really count for anything but it looked bad. real bad. let me put it this way. when a guy names spencer hall gets a career high on you and he doesn't play the whole game, it's time to rethink. nick young just resigned. back into the game. right on queue. he finished 3 of 10. 8 points. john wall, though, check this out. bucket and 1. good game for him. 17 points, 3 assists. jrue holiday says happy festivus. pro bowl fan voting is done. let's ta

. ♪ >>> and now, 9sports with dave owen, the best sports in town. >> here's a question.he caps had so much trouble getting started against the buffalo sabers. i don't know. hard to say. the last two times the teams met, buffalo jumped out to large leads and coasted. some of the caps called those efforts embarrassing. they call this, derek, the members only. check that out. easiest goal he'll ever get. first time since october 29, he had two goals. nicholas joining the century club. his 100 goal of his career. caps winning it 3-1. the sweetest sensation says i had payback on my mind. >>> had a 4-0 lead. i think we did a good job. >> could you understand that? no, me either. watching the washington wizards is a painful experience these days. they blew a 21 point lead. they lose by 18 in atlanta. but wait, it gets worse. check this out. the wizards forgot to put roger mason on the active roster. somehow, the team didn't catch it, mason went into the game. you can't do that. automatic ejection. then it got worse. putting the thing down, flipping it and reversing it. bucks wi

why and how >>> and now 9 sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >> 2 and 5.the redskins record at home. do you believe that? now you always hear die hard fans like derek mcginty say there was a time you couldn't walk into dc without winning. now they're 4 and 11 in front of the home folks. not good. they'll have a chance to break a 5-game losing streak. a fan right there. one of the predominant themes in the locker room is ending the streak. in fact, they said we must protect this house. >> of course. we want to win at home. we want the fans to have something to cheer about. >> with the noise and stuff, we want to take advantage of that. and also give the fans -- they come out to see us win. >> i didn't think derek mcginty was going to get that. mike shanahan saying trent williams will be able to come back to the field. here is what we know about the washington wizards. they are trigger happy not in a good way. good nba teams keep it simple. they get the balls to their best players and let them do most of the shooting. not the wizards. they seem to prefer the

we'll give you the latest on that dave owens. and that will come. >> yes. it will come. >> yes. the double coverage. what's up, derek? >> we'll get to that in just a second. dave. and let's start with yesterday though. mike shanahan admitting that it was a little more pair than when he first -- bare than when he first got here. how surprising was it when you heard that? >> the best part was he made some news. nothing else has happened. >> you're right about that. >> it was a little surprising for him to say why now. you never really know. we've been asking that question all year long. he felt like he had something to say. maybe a little more of an excuse making. going back and forth whether they were rebuilding or not. >> yeah, the dreaded word. let me turn to you. how much blame does he deserve for this though? they knew they were in the rebuilding mode and finally, i guess yesterday, he was on out there. >> he deserves all the blame. yeah, you need to bring them on out here. he gave $21 million to albert haynesworth. and so you know, he started the coverage. why was he still br

. >>> now 9sports with dave owens.he best sports in town. >> and we are three days from the end of another long redskins season. thank goodness. when you get to this point, fans can't help, but think maybe that winning isn't the best thing. afterall, the more you win, the worst you are in a drafted position. some wondered if they would play starters on wednesday at the quarterback where rumors started spreading like wildfires. three starts, four picks, three fumbles, no wins. mike shanahan was asked about it at the weekly press conference. his response, only on one condition. >> only if you get hurt and you play to win. we'll play one of the best players. i told you about that on day one. if the young guys get in it, because you are the only other player that is a starter. either they go down or they are playing at a very high level to compete. >> yes. so it will be directed this sunday. depending on sunday's outcome. they will be drafted somewhere in that 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. range. the quarterbacks are the most talked

. >>> and now, 9 sports with dave owens. best sports in town. >> reporter: well guys this weekend is all about the army navy football game. it is just as important to each member of the student body. this week pep rallies trumped just about everything else. in fact, i went back to my old stomping grounds this week to get a reminder of how the brigade does army week. >> wretched weather. a quiet night on the yard in annapolis. this is army week. pep rally night. rain moved the festivities inside. trust me, nothing doused this party. it is the only phrase you need to know here. serious business in these parts. storm troopers necessary. a cover band? have mercy babe, i hope you don't mind. no problem. >> reporter: nothing makes a brigade cheer more, body surf more, jump around more than the mere thought of another win over army, which, by the way, would cap off a decade of dominance. here's my question. why is army so bad? >> because they are not navy and we are none one. >> reporter: truer words have never been spoken. >> it w

. >> and now 9 sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >>> hey, what's up, guys? what a difference a week makes. a month ago we thought maybe the redskins won't win another game. now some are asking, can the skins actually run the table to win the season? mince comes to town saturday. seems like a winnable game. but kristen but set reminds us, "hey, don't sleep on those vikings." >> reporter: the redskins said they want to go out with a bang. after rolling over the giants they have a good chance to make it 2 in a row in the home finale against the vikings. >> morale is definitely up. spirits are up. >> we're just excited to be out there to play together and make plays. >> you just go out as a professional, prepared. you have to play on the line. like it has to mean something for personal pride. >> reporter: after another frailed donovan mcnabb experiment, minnesota relies on christian ponder, but that's been an akil lets heel for the red skins. they are 0-7 when going up against a knew bio. they like to move around, throwing great on the run, so you have to be foc

dave owens is here to explain why the cougars are truly a family affair. draff. >> dave. >> we hear that all the time. family affair. it sounds cliche. kristen is here to explain why it's not. let's just say the coach has his hands full. >> it's often said that a football team is like an extended family. the cougars take that notion of family to a whole new level. meet their band of brothers. one, two, three, four, five, six. six pairs of brothers all on the same team. >> every now and then we joke around about setting up a ring and having boxing matches to see which brother is tougher. >> that may be a stretch, but the coach does use the relationship to his advantage. >> i feel like if i'm slacking off, your brother is not slacking off. he's just a motivator. >> to be in this position where we are in the season and it's a lifelong experience that they are always going to share together. >> now twins austin and spencer are hoping to share one more thing. a championship trophy. the cougars play old mill friday night at mnt stadium in the finals. >> it is som

dave owens is here with the story of one girl's basketball team still looking for that elusive championship feeling. dave. >> derek, it's a good one. most high school student athletes taking a couple weeks off. but not in forest high where the basketball never seems to stop. you see, success, nothing new to the lady brewens, but they are looking for more. >> when it comes to girl's basketball in virginia, very few do it better than forest park in woodbridge. this banner says it all. and that's just the last nine years. >> great players have been through here. all the kids that come here, feel a loyalty to the groups that were here before them. >> all that is missing for this group of girls is a state title. the brewens were on track for it last season, but fell to the eventual champs. >> it was a good feeling to get there. because it worked hard. came to practice every day. >> especially fell short, but we're not done yet. >> gives me an inner drive where i don't want to see my seniors cry because they lost. >> the dynamic duo have been tapped to leave this team to the title game. >> the gr

it is for violating the substance abuse policy and dave owens is live in the newsroom with reaction. i can't imagine shanny was smiling today at all. >> no, derek, he wasn't. this story began trickling out yesterday shortly before kickoff. naturally after the game, reporters wanted to know what was going on. we didn't find out anything. williams and davis was removed from the locker room before that locker room was made available to reporters after the game. here's what we do know now. both davis and williams violated the league's substance abuse policy multiple times. once immediately following the lockout, the suspension is for four games. it could have been worse, but they negotiated a settlement because some of this occurred during the lockout. mike shanahan was asked what he thought about all of this today. >> i spoke to both of them today. they are watching film. like i said, nothing has been said to me until something is said to me, they will be here. >> i was unaware of the situation. hit real close to me. definitely want to reach out and give my support and any way i can hel

dave owens talking wrestling and weight classes. what's up?>> wrestling and weight classes, those two words have always been the subject of wide ranging debate. in other words, who wrestles where and are they doing it safely? this season in montgomery county, rules changes are coming to address just that. are they significant? i would say so. for the better? the jury is still out. >> one, two, three. ready? >> michael is getting his georgetown prep wrestlers ready for a season that will be different than any other in a long time. the national federation of state high school associations has realigned weight classes. the 103 weight class is gone. it is moved up to 106 and ten of the other 14 classes have changed as well. >> i don't know of anybody that likes it. >> one reason according to cubic, the middle weight divisions that was reduced down from 4 to 3 classes and that's a significant change. why? >> because it's where most high school boys weigh, somewhere around 140-pounds. >> that's forcing coaches to adjust where they normally compete s

. >>> and now, 9sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >> well, the night was february 13, 2011. the wizards were facing the cavaliers and the game was dubbed the toilet bowl. in part because washington lost 25 straight road games. it was just one of the many indignities of last season. so, what does this year have in store? we are days away from finding out. >> last season in a nutshell, youth, inexperience, losing. a lot of it. so when camp opened this year, the wizards were hopeful of several. a, john wall would take the next step to super stardom. >> i have been working throughout the whole season. the whole summer to make sure i prepare for the season. >> >> he has been dunking on people, going to the basket. he has been a lot more explosive. >> mcgee would evolve offensively into more than just a dunker. well, last friday his 25 point loss to philly in preseason game one. >> that is your ball game. >> wasn't a good indication. the wizards look scarily similar to last season's train wreck. not a settling sight. >> they got beat out there. >> i was disappointed because

that's going to do it for your morning sports, i'm dave owens, have a great thursday, everybody. >> few more sports notes, virginia cavaliers won their tenth game of the season but it wasn't easy. last night in seattle, uva's mike scott made a lay-up with 45 seconds left to put the cavs up 80-77. scott ended with a career high 33 points in the win. uva is ranked 24th in the nation. >>> the congressional bickering over the payroll tax cut could also cause problems for people on medicare and the doctors who treat them. an explanation on that story coming up. >> plus, newt gingrich has to finish up business in virginia today or he won't be on the ballot for the march 6th presidential primary in the commonwealth. monika? >> we'll take a live look at connecticut avenue at east-west highway north of this point at jones. watch out for the accident affecting both directions of connecticut avenue. coming up in my next report, another look at maryland roadways. you're watching 9news now. stay with us. >>> good morning and welcome back to 9news now this thursday morning. i'm andrea roane. >> i'm m

. >> now, 9 sports with dave owens, the best sports in town. >> well, good morning, everybody. it is not my job to be a homer but i'm going to sound like one. how can london fletcher not be a starter in the pro bowl? don't understand it. san francisco's patrick willis is a beast. chicago's brianer lacquer, i love him. total tackles, they're not close to fletch. number 59 is far and away the league leader, in fact, more on that in a minute. he doesn't miss games like 223 straight! fans, i can understand them overlooking him but players and coaches? they're 2/3 of the vote. shame on you guys. you're looking at a montage of his work right here. he showed you 15 tackles. his resume is as good as it gets. 163 tackles, first in football. 18 more than the second best guy. 70 assisted tackles. url acker and willis will 670 behind fletcher and they -- are 60 behind fletcher. they still made it. he still could make it as an alternative. we'll see. mike shanahan drafted terrain in 2008. he rushed for 238 yards but injuries and ineffectiveness reducing his role since. college basketball la

dave owens has the details in your morning sports. >> good morning, everybody. it is not my job as a sports broadcaster to be a homer. how can london fletcher not be a starter in the pro bowl? i don't understand it. san francisco's patrick willis is a beast. chicago's brian early acker, i love him. total tackles, they're not close to fletch. number 59 is far and away the league leader in tackles. we'll get more of that in a minute. he doesn't miss games like 223 straight. fans, i can understand them. players and coaches, they're 2/3 of the vote. you're looking at a montage of fletcher's work during the 15 second, we showed you 15 tackles. this is london. his resume is as good as it gets. 163 tackles. first in football. 18 more than the second best guy. 70 assisted tackles. url acker and willis are 70 behind fletcher and they still made it. hard to understand how he did not make the pro bowl. he still could make it as an alternate though. we'll see. 'skins release ryan terrain. terrain rushed for 135 yards this season against the rams. injuries and ineffectivenes

>>> now 9 sports where dave owens, the best sports in town. >> all right. let me give you an idea of how much the caps are struggling. alex ovechkin 10 goals in 31 games. both paced for career moves. if we were analyzing this in economic terms, we would say they were in a scoring recession. not good. nice moment, though, before the game. mike kanuble. alex ovechkin getting acquainted with the net. nicolas backstrom the sweetest sensation makes the two. that's the first outburst in three games. and then alex simmons deposits. caps win 4-1. all right. as bad as friday's preseason opener was, it didn't really count for anything but it looked bad. real bad. let me put it this way. when a guy names spencer hall gets a career high on you and he doesn't play the whole game, it's time to rethink. nick young just resigned. back into the game. right on queue. he finished 3 of 10. 8 points. john wall, though, check this out. bucket and 1. good game for him. 17 points, 3 assists. jrue holiday says happy festivus. pro bowl fan voting is done. let's talk some football. a