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Humbug! Santa Act Irks Tomlin

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The Associated Press

Published: December 24, 2008

PITTSBURGH - Santa Claus' visit to Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference Tuesday didn't elicit a "ho, ho, ho" from the less-than-amused Steelers coach.

Bill DiFabio, a sports announcer from Washington, Pa., traditionally dresses up as Santa for the pre-Christmas press gathering and often pokes fun at the Steelers coach for a few moments.

Former coach Bill Cowher often went along with the gag.

Tomlin also played along initially, asking, "What have you got for me, Santa?" and inviting DiFabio to join him at his desk in front of the room.

But when DiFabio commandeered the news conference for more than five minutes, passing out gifts and cracking jokes about fellow sportscasters, the Browns and Cowboys, nose tackle Casey Hampton's weight and the woebegone Pirates, Tomlin became impatient.

To end the unrehearsed skit, Tomlin - who could be heard sighing several times throughout the comedy bit - grudgingly agreed to toss a football to the fake Santa.

"If that will get you out of here," Tomlin said.

Later, the Steelers announced there would be no future appearances from Santa at any of their news conferences.

BROWNS: Running back Jason Wright was placed on injured reserve. Wright hurt his ankle in Sunday's 14-0 loss to Cincinnati, the Browns' fifth straight and the fifth game in a row they failed to score an offensive touchdown.

JAGUARS: Personnel chief James "Shack" Harris resigned, taking the fall for a franchise that flopped this season. Team owner Wayne Weaver promoted Gene Smith to the position.

Smith previously served as the team's executive director of college and pro personnel.

JETS: Defensive end Shaun Ellis was fined $10,000 by the NFL for throwing snow at fans following the team's loss at Seattle on Sunday.

Several fans threw snowballs at New York players and staff as they walked off the field after the Seahawks' 13-3 victory. As he approached the walkway leading to the locker room, Ellis reached into a pile of snow, picked up a large chunk and tossed it into the stands at Qwest Field, appearing to hit at least a few fans. No one was believed to have been injured.

PANTHERS: Placed defensive tackle Gary Gibson on injured reserve with a hand injury, further depleting the most banged-up position on the team.

The Panthers filled the roster spot by signing J'Vonne Parker, who had been on Atlanta's practice squad.

The 6-foot-4, 325-pound Parker has appeared in 11 games with Cleveland, Dallas and Baltimore since 2005.

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