However, Cosell avoided another scandal when he seemed to be inebriated on-air during the New York Giants-Philadelphia Eagles game on November 23. Already sick, Cosell drank at a pre-game commercial party, then puked on Don Meredith's cowboy boots at the conclusion of the first half. Cosell told viewers that he had been drinking Jack Daniel's whiskey all season and claimed it was not affecting his work.
In fact, this is exactly what happened: Cosell had been drinking before each game this season (which was most Sundays throughout the year) and was actually taking prescription drugs to treat various health issues. The on-air presence of alcohol or drugs does not affect ratings but does result in a penalty from NBC for excessive intoxication.
Cosell admitted in interviews after the season that he was drunk on several occasions this year and apologized for his behavior. He died of cancer in January 1989 at the age of 70.
During his interview with 'Untold Stories,' Owens recounts of a "hungover" McNabb puking in the huddle after a night of partying before the Super Bowl. McNabb also threw three interceptions in the game, and the dual-threat quarterback only ran the ball once. The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the New England Patriots 41-27.
Donovan McNabb was born on January 4th, 1975 in Dayton, Ohio. He played college football for Delaware from 1994 to 1997 and was drafted first overall by the National Football League (NFL) expansion team, the Philadelphia Eagles, in 1998. As a rookie, he started 15 games for the Eagles, posting up 11 wins while helping lead them to their first NFL championship. In 1999, McNabb helped lead the Eagles to another NFC Championship before losing to the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 in overtime.
In February 2000, the Eagles traded McNabb to the Washington Redskins for Ron Jaworski and a second-round pick. He spent one season with the Redskins before being traded to the New York Rangers for a third-round pick. In August 2002, McNabb signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders but was released after one season. In March 2004, he signed with the Buffalo Bills but was released after one preseason game when they found out he had broken his leg during practice.
Drinking alcohol before games is a frequent topic of discussion. Although it is not the norm, NFL players are subjected to a great deal of stress. Though coaches are upset with players who drink, some sportsmen have acknowledged to doing so. In fact, in 2005, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Tony Dungy told reporters that he believed drinking by players was common practice. He said: "I think when you're in this business, you learn how to handle pressure. I think most people in this business drink. Maybe it's to cope with all the things that are going on out there on the field."
Dungy's comments came after Jeff George confessed to an addiction problem during the 2004 season. The then-Indianapolis Colt had a string of poor performances followed by claims he was drunk on the sidelines. George eventually quit the game and now works as a pastor in Georgia.
In addition to drinking problems, researchers have also raised concerns about the use of drugs by players. In 1999, four former NFL stars were arrested for drug trafficking.
Parcells' favorite linebacker, Harry Carson, took the baths to the next level. While Burt finally thought the dousing had lost its novelty, Carson persisted, showering Parcells with Gatorade following each of the Giants' victories on their way to the Super Bowl in 1986.
Carson was giving back to his idol, who had given so much to him. In fact, it's said that when Parcells saw Carson in the locker room after losing the first game of the 1986 season, he reportedly told him, "You're my boy from now on."
It certainly didn't hurt that Carson had come through in a big way, either, as he led the Giants in tackles that year with 115. He also had two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
The story goes that after hearing this from Parcells, Carson decided to take more showers. So after each victory, no matter where they were playing, he'd head down to the locker room looking for Parcells so he could continue giving him back-to-back Gatorades.
Carson died at the age of 36 in a car accident. However, it's said that even in death, he continued to give back to his community by serving as an assistant coach for his high school football team.
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