The Valley Ranch Review: Aikman Questions the Cowboys’ Trade for Roy Williams

At a corporate sponsorship event at The Ranch on Tuesday, H.O.F. quarterback, Troy Aikman, answered questions about the importance of team chemistry in Big D, the needed focus on winning, and the pressure put on Tony Romo. His harshest remarks revolved around wide receiver Roy Williams.
"I think this would be - if Roy Williams doesn't turn out to be the player they thought he would be when they made the trade, I think this would be one of the biggest busts in the history of the league."
Ouch! In the history of the league?
"I have done this job before," Williams said Tuesday evening. "I have been the No. 1 guy everywhere I have been - at Odessa Permian, at Texas and in Detroit so I don't know what the difference is."
More from Troy:
"I don't know (if he can be the No. 1), he struggled last year, I don't think that is a surprise to anybody," Aikman said. "I think that's going to be the real key to this season, is whether or not Roy Williams can absorb some of the production lost that will be felt by Terrell Owens not being on the team."
Fire back, Roy!
"We were doing it before (T.O.) got cut," Williams said. "I came in the middle of the season. I probably got thrown to 24 times the whole season. I had to get (Romo's) confidence. We had to get on the same page. So we had to start early. Everything is going good. We are trying to get that connection."

Tank Johnson aims to fit back into a 4-3. He signed with the Bengals.

Man, Eminem-I really dig some of your songs; but, now you're portraying my quarterback? The Alf shirt sure rocks, though!
Hat tip to tdships for his Fanshot.

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli discusses the future of restricted free agency. He blames the use of second-round tenders as the primary factor minimalizing restricted player movement. Isn't that why they call them restricted free agents? Here's what he said about the Cowboys' RFAs:
"Dallas has four restricted free agents, and all of them originally entered the NFL as undrafted players. But the Cowboys used a second-round tender for all four, and none of them -- wide receivers Miles Austin and Sam Hurd, defensive end Stephen Bowen and guard Cory Procter -- has received an offer so far."
With the Jets going after Miles Austin, Pasquarelli may have spoken too soon.

On ESPN Radio Dallas, Patrick Crayton defended himself against columnist Randy Galloway.

Marty B's blog is getting some much deserved love.
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82 comments
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Comments
So the Bengals...
Have a MILLION issues with off the field issues and then they sign Tank Johnson.
Amazing.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 8, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What are the gun laws
like in Ohio? He may have wanted to go to the Texans instead.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on Apr 8, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still don't see
why that trade is so bad. Everyone ignores the fact that we got detroit’s 4th back. Value wise, its like a 1 and 2 6ths I believe. Considering the low success percentage with drafting first round receivers, why in the world is this a bad trade? Even if Roy only plays like a low end number 1, not a top 15 receiver like we hope, I think this is a good trade.
by foyesboys on Apr 8, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it was
actually RW and a 7th for our 1st, 3rd, and 6th. But I agree with you big time.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
to get further into it
it’s RW and the #210 pick for #20, #82, and #192.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm.
I guess I was sorely mistaken. Still, given that there is a 60% chance we’d draft a receiver in round one and get ZERO return on our investment, its not a bad move.
by foyesboys on Apr 8, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's
the way I see it. We used the first rounder on a WR who’s proven. I don’t think it’s as bad as people wanna make it.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but if we had waited till FA to go and get him it would have been just RW and no picks.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
by kameleon_o on Apr 8, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Along with
the Giants, Eagles and any other team in need of a reciever. Jerry just cut out the bidding process and got a player that he thought could put us over the top. It’s not Jerry’s or Roy’s fault the offensive line became so offensive last year.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on Apr 9, 2009 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On a positive note.......
this could be motivation for Roy to step up big time this year as well as Romo, Witten, Crayton because all eyes are on them this year and no more excuses.
by texstar on Apr 9, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can only hope.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on Apr 9, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So true.......
contrary to what some want to believe, this is a make or break year for Romo,Witten and even Crayton. As Crayton said, “It’s put up or shut up.” No more excuses because you got rid of him.
by texstar on Apr 9, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think this is a make or break year for alot of people.
The ones I can think of are.
Austin
Carp
Spencer
and maybe some of the back up OL.
other than that I really don’t see anyone on the hot seat. The rest of the guys you may be thinking of are at most stop gap players.
When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.
by GunsUp on Apr 9, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me clarify about make or break.....
I don’t mean as Terry thinks that it means we get rid of both Romo or Witten. They would be an assinine statement. What I meant was it’s time for Romo to step to the plate and be the leader of this team because T.O. is no longer there to take all the blame etc. If he doesn’t get control and win in the month of Dec. he will face more criticism than he ever has before because all excuses are gone now. It’s time for him to be the real leader of this team and not just one of the guys.Make sense GunsUp?
by texstar on Apr 9, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks tex,
couldn’t have said it any better
by BishopWest on Apr 9, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
being a leader
doesn’t mean they will automatically win in December.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Apr 12, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point is
If the defeats in DEC are because of Romo’s play – then (at the point) “he will face more criticism than he ever has because all excuses are gone now”
I KNOW FULL WELL that teams not individuals win and lose games, Terry, but some losses and wins can be placed squarely on the QB because of his vital role.
If Romo’s leadership improves, but the defense slumps in DEC, or Barber coughs up the ball just before crossing the goal line and we lose that game because of it, Romo has nothing to worry about.
However, in the last minutes of a game if Romo throws one of those ill-advised passes, through over-zealousness and lack of control, and the game is lost BECAUSE of his play, then the Cowboy fans, media, owner, and everyone else will know that TO was not the problem, but Romo was the problem.
That is the scenario that I think texstar is describing and that is the one that I believe represents reality and truth.
That hypothetical may never happen. I for one HOPE that it never does. If, however, it DID happen, the players, fans, owner, etc. would lose confidence in Romo and he would absolutey be on the hot seat. Maybe not in your eyes, or in the eyes of Romo’s mama, but in the eyes of the GREAT MAJORITY he would be known as THE reason the Cowboys failed to advance to the playoffs.
by BishopWest on Apr 13, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and
instead of giving up picks, we’d have 4-5 other teams driving up the price for him.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 9, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could be wrong but...
I like Troy’s statements.
If that doesn’t motivate Roy what will?
Energizer Bunny arrested, charged with battery.
by CounterEMF on Apr 8, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
RW was a good trade...
When we traded for RW we gave a 1st, 3rd and a 6th rounder….
This is what people are forgetting….We gave a 3rd rounder knowing we had another 3rd round pick. We gave a 6th rounder and in return we received a 7th rounder which is only 12 spots away from the 6th rounder. Who cares about the 6th round pick. Chances of that pick making the team are slim to none.
So isn’t RW worth a 1st round pick?… Heck yes….Outside of maybe Crabtree, RW is better than any WR in this years draft, especially at 20th where we would be drafting
by Boyzfan94 on Apr 9, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I think.
Pretty much got Roy for a 3rd. And judging by the big-framed WRs that the Cowboys seem to like, their would be none in this draft to match that preference.
And we traded our own 3rd, which was quite lower than the one we got from Cleveland (5th overall in the round). That pick will make for a nice Sunday morning.
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 9, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I
love Aikman, but come on. If RW doesn’t work out, it doesn’t come close to the worse trade ever. I think the Galloway trade was worse for us. and I think Minnesota has something to say about the “worst trade EVER” i.e. Herschel Walker.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
seriously
two of the worst trades of all time directly involve us. How can aikman forget about these?
by foyesboys on Apr 8, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No "worst trade ever" scenario is complete
without at least an honorable mention of Mike Ditka and his Saints, who boldly gave their entire draft for Ricky “Pothead” Williams.
by Johnny Cage on Apr 8, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That has to be the worst trade ever, it'll never be as imfamous
as the Herchal Walker trade because Washington managed to do nothing with what they got (It was Washington right?)
by AustonianAggie on Apr 8, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Minnesota got Herschel
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im an idiot
my bad, thought you were talking about Walker.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, that had to be the dumbest trade ever.
How did the Redskins not turn awesome after that?
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 8, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman needs to stick with television because he won't be getting much fan support with those comments....
To expect RW to come into a new defense half way through the year and tear it up is a little much. Add to that, he was injured and played across from TO who demands the ball all the time. Troy needs to buy a clue in this case……
by Boyzfan94 on Apr 8, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 8, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won't hold it against him...
I do wish Troy would be a little more diplomatic or cautious with his comments, since all they do is stir things up. Remember his last salvo about Romo needing to learn what it means to QB the Boys? Also not helpful. But he still bleeds Cowboy blue, and I know the only reason he says this stuff is that he desperately wants to see the team live up to its potential. He’s still the gold standard for success in Big D.
by Boundforbeach on Apr 8, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he means the whole situation, not just the trade.
Basically, we gave up a #1, a #3, a #6, and Terrell Owens for Roy Williams and a 7th round pick. TO and the picks just didn’t go to the same place.
by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 8, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gosh, we'd have 14 picks without that trade.
Fourteen! Am I adding right?
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 8, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
13, I think.
We got a big 7th rounder from them. And we would have 2 more first day picks, instead of all low rounders.
by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 8, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Crabtree falls out of the top-ten
I will cry myself to sleep on April 25th. He could have been a Cowboy.
by DoomsdayD75 on Apr 8, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if he falls out of the top 10...
The chances of him being a Dallas Cowboy would still be megaslim. There is no way that he would fall to 20.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 9, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree Airforce.....
I still think he will be in the top ten especially if Cincy ends up trading Ocho Cinco as rumored.
by texstar on Apr 9, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't seem too upset
that we cut TO.
by foyesboys on Apr 8, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either Eminem
a. Is actually making fun of Aikman (he’s wearing #8 in the vid, not #9) or
b. Is too stupid to have noticed the difference
Anybody hear the song? know the context?
by Johnny Cage on Apr 8, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Aikman eye black and number 8.
If we bomb out offensively and RW sucks make no mistake about it, it will feel like the worse trade of all time. I dont think that will be the case. I expect our offense to be humming along by Nov.
by squidlo97 on Apr 8, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A small clip. It's his usual sarcastic assasination of the current pop culture icons.
There’s a whole montage of people he’s shooting at but it was definitely aimed at Romo and Simpson. Jersey# is either a foul-up or clever tactic to keep the lawyers at bay.
by Benthere on Apr 8, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I read that the jersey number was changed so he couldnt be sued
Red and Black!! Red and Black!! Red and Black!! Congrats boys first time in team history over .500
by aussie_cowboy on Apr 8, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah its on RW's shoulders now, if
he bombs and we lose Austin, TO will look like a saint to me
by dcfanz on Apr 8, 2009 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What did Crayton say that was so bad?
He’s 100% correct, and that’s exactly what Jerry did, he took away Romo and Garrett’s excuses. Last year, he got them the speed back that they said they wanted and another versatile TE. This year, he cut TO. If you have a young VP that you are expecting to turn the company over to, you need to make sure that he has what it takes. Jerry has given these 2 guys all of the tools that they have asked for, and taken away the supposed distraction. If we don’t win a playoff game this year, I don’t see either one of them sticking around.
It’s classic management. If you have top level employees who claim that something is preventing them from doing their jobs to the level you expect, you take away their excuses. If they still can’t perform, you replace them.
by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 8, 2009 10:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It really depends
Garretts job for sure is on the line. No more games liek the one against washington where we just didn’t use felix jones. Without TO, playcalling will need to be more creative.
Romo’s proven a lot more than garrett has. It is not easy to find capable qbs in this league. If we don’t make the playoffs entirely because of romo (not like this past year) then i wouldn’t be absolutely shocked if we look to grab a qb early in the draft in 2010 for developmental purposes. But otherwise….its not happening.
by foyesboys on Apr 8, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bigrigga31
Kudos on your first ever FRONT PAGE post!
Great work!
by BishopWest on Apr 8, 2009 11:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gracias, Bishop.
Maybe WingStop should have stopped Aikman from exaggerating. Would he still have as much credibility with bbq sauce on his face?
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 8, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree BishopWest
Congrats on your first post Bigrigga31! Thanks for coming on board.
by Dave Halprin on Apr 8, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey thanks, Grizz!
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 8, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Grizz
I’ve been wanting to ask you something -
How many different bloggers frequent BTB in a given month?
How many hits on the website in a week? month? or whatever?
Just curious to know how big our “family” is
by BishopWest on Apr 10, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Sitemeter
We are getting around 7,000 visits a day and around 14,000 page views a day. But those aren’t unique visits a day. People get counted more than once in a day. It fluctuates with the season. Right now is kind of slow but the influx of Yahoo and SI.com readers has helped out. The draft will drive traffic up.
by Dave Halprin on Apr 11, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very encouraging
thanks for the reply
by BishopWest on Apr 11, 2009 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to lie...
I feel personally responsible for your success bigrigga, only because snakeeyes wouldn’t have lived up to the fro.
Haha
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 8, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he never talks.
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 8, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep Up the GOOD work
And Congrads Bigrigga
by Nink on Apr 8, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Nink!
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 9, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crayton
needs to STFU and focus on his game. Seriously, where does a mediocre WR find the time to get into a pizzing contest with a media sleaze like Galloway?
Just shut up and play, Crayton.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Apr 8, 2009 12:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lions to pick Stafford...
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/08/lions-locking-in-on-stafford/
Risky. Given the uncertainty of 1st round QB picks, I would have thought they would go with another position. Alex Smith or Matt Ryan? Who knows.
by Boundforbeach on Apr 8, 2009 12:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think if they really like Stafford
Then definitely take the potential franchise QB. Especially with Rogers in GB and Culter in CHI, they’ll need to start grooming a guy ASAP. DET might get by with Culpepper this season, but he’s not the long term solution.
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 8, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they have to go with the QB
they have to make a statement to the fans just like the Falcons did last season with Ryan.
Stafford is no Alex Smith, he’ll be a good solid NFL at the very least.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Apr 8, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please....
You have NO idea about that.
He could be, but what I’ve watched of Stafford(alot) is that he’s got a cannon but is SUPER inconsistant.
I like the pick, but Stafford doesn’t do anything special in college. In fact, I think Sanchez is going to end up being better in the long run.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 8, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, just my opinion, and its obviously the Lions as well
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Apr 8, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 8, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would take Sanchez
If I were the Lions.
by DoomsdayD75 on Apr 8, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me2.
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 9, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kiper's chat
John (Austin): What are the chances of Louis Delmas slips to the Cowboys at the 51st overall pick?
SportsNation Mel Kiper: (1:12 PM ET ) I have Delmas going to the Cowboys in the second round. If you check out my projection tomorrow, you’ll see that. He’s not that big and I think people were concerned about his durability. He only checks in at 5-11 and 202. When you’re a safety and have to make those big hits and taking on those big guys, durability is an issue. Size is definitely a concern.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Apr 8, 2009 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kiper is a looney, how on earth he keeps his job!!!
if Delmas is what Kiper is saying what is the rational of Cowboys drafting him?
by dcfanz on Apr 8, 2009 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
because he has a chance to be a very good safety
Kiper is just saying durability will keep him out of the first rd however, at #51 you have to take him. Actually, I’d love to see the Cowboys trade up to get him early in the 2nd as it would only cost us a 4th.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Apr 8, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always respect Aikman's opinions
But he seems to be going out of his way to take shots at Roy W. I know his job is to be an unbiased analyst for Fox, but jeez, he needs to back off a little. There appears to be an undercurrent of true dislike for Roy. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see what the point of trashing the guy at this point does except keep a minor controversy brewing.
Is he trying to motivate Roy to prove him wrong? I don’t get it.
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 8, 2009 1:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's a little early to judge the RW trade. Why bother. We'll know soon enough if he's the
right guy to go with. He has a real chance to do well. I’m sure Romo wants to get him the ball. His hands look super at times. I hope he has far less drops than Owens, but will he do those across the middle routes Owens made look easy. It looks to me though, that the Cowboys will be a 55/45 running team this year. Our talent in the backfield looks awesome with Barber, Jones, Choice, and Anderson.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
by CowboyMan on Apr 8, 2009 2:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I posted on two of these stories!
I posted on two of these stories (Aikman, Tank).
No hat tip love for the penniless Texas lexicographer?
Texas slang in a Big Apple minute, by a friendly OED consultant. http://www.barrypopik.com
by barrypopik on Apr 8, 2009 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
owens
i like what aikman said on the whole to fiasco. too much drama. and irvin wanted ball on every play but he understood why if he didn’t get it. aikman didn’t have to worry about reading it in paper next day. from a man who knows what it takes. he said there’s no place for that in the league. whining. for all anyone knows it could have been to as ed werder’s source.
by maxdout on Apr 9, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Respond to me, Aaron!
I did the Aikman story as a fanpost. No mention of that.
I did the Tank story as a fanshot. No mention of that.
Someone else did a fanshot on Eminem. He got a “hat tip.”
This is pretty insulting to a longtime BTB reader. Maybe you’re just new at this, but your behavior is inexcusable.
It could, perhaps, be excused if you responded to my comment above, but you did not.
The message is clear—you’ll respect some BTB readers and disrespect some others!
This won’t make me any richer, or you any poorer. It’s called common courtesy in the BTB community! Think about doing it!
Texas slang in a Big Apple minute, by a friendly OED consultant. http://www.barrypopik.com
by barrypopik on Apr 9, 2009 11:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow
That escalated quickly.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 10, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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