Sagote talks trips, new offer

By Scott Eklund
JCFootball.com
Date: Mar 2, 2012

Things continue to heat up for College of San Mateo LB Justin Sagote (6-2, 225). This weekend he will visit a Big 10 school and recently he was offered by a Pac 12 school who is looking to add an experienced player to their thin linebacking corps...

Finau gets offered and commits to KSU

By Scott Eklund
JCFootball.com
Date: Mar 3, 2012

It took a while, but finally, Cerritos DE Alauna Finau (6-2, 255) has found a home as he was offered by Kansas State earlier this week and decided to become a Wildcat right away...

2012 OL Fanaika picks LSU over Florida

March, 15, 2012

By Derek Tyson
The LSU Tigers added one more player to an already solid 2012 recruiting class on Thursday, as San Mateo (Calif.) College of San Mateo offensive tackle Fehoko Fanaika signed his letter of intent to play for the Tigers next season.

Fanaika's defensive coordinator at San Mateo Tim Tulloch confirmed the decision late on Thursday night via text message.

"Fehoko signed with LSU," Tulloch said. "It was a very hard decision for him. He said he loved coach Muschamp and Jon Halapio, but he met with his family and somehow felt LSU was the right fit. He didn't say much more than that."

Fanaika now becomes the 24th player to sign with LSU for the 2012 class.

Fenumiai is a rock inside for Riverside

By Scott Eklund
JCFootball.com
Date: Mar 29, 2012

Last season, Riverside's run defense was one of the best in the state, allowing just 60 yards per game on the ground and a big contributor inside was DT Lawrence Fenumiai (6-4, 277). With his non-stop motor and natural strength, the talented interior defensive lineman is one to watch this offseason and could see lots of offers before the start of the 2012 season...

Rey Maualuga Has A Lot To Prove In 2012

Commentary:

by Jason Garrison on Mar 31, 2012 2:30 PM EDT

3 months ago: Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga runs an interception against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tony Tribble)


I remember watching the 2009 draft. In the first round the Cincinnati Bengals selected Andre Smith and then, when the Bengals went on the clock in the second round, Rey Maualuga, an inside linebacker from USC that I, and everybody else, figured would be gone, was still on the board. He seemed too good to pass up and everybody cheered the Bengals for getting the steal of the draft.

However, three years later, Bengals fans have lost a lot of patience with Maualuga and even though he's still one of the fan favorites on defense and there are a ton of Maualuga jerseys, he is on a lot of fans' bad side, including mine.



Maualuga started his career at SAM linebacker while Keith Rivers was at WILL and Dhani Jones was at MIKE. While playing outside linebacker, Maualuga showed that he had a lot of talent, but he played undisciplined at times and could be a liability in coverage. However, in both of those two seasons, Pro Football Focus gave him positive grades for his overall seasons (6.7 in 2009, 9.1 in 2010).

Heading into the 2011 season, it was clear that the Bengals were going to move Maualuga to his natural MIKE position after they chose not to re-sign Dhani Jones. Many felt that Maualuga would have a break out year as he would be playing where he was more comfortable, but even though he had the most tackles in 2011, he struggled badly. He would have one good game and then two or three terrible ones. His PFF grade dropped from 9.1 in 2010 to -6.3 in 2011.

While there needs to be an adjustment period for Maualuga to get used to playing at middle linebacker, and even though he is showing flashes of what could be, more often than not, he has showed that there was a reason he fell to the Bengals in the second round and that he may not be that big of an upgrade over Dhani Jones at middle linebacker. At least with Jones, you knew what you were getting and you consistently got it.

And then there's the off-field issues. Maualuga was arrested and charged with a DUI in January of 2010 and after that he swore he was a changed man. However, he was recently charged with assault after he allegedly punched a bar employee when he was intoxicated in February. Even though the case went to mediation, it's unclear what the NFL's punishment will be, if there is one. It's kind of apparent that the DUI charge didn't hammer the point home enough.

Maualuga is entering a contract year in 2012. If he plays the same way he did in 2011, the Bengals may bring him back, but not at the price that he'll want and maybe not even as a starter. If he proves to the team and to all the fans that he is a natural middle linebacker and he was the steal of the 2009 draft, things could be very different for him. As of right now, though, I'm of the opinion the Bengals would be better off with a guy like Luke Kuechly or Dont'a Hightower in the middle running a defense and I'll continue to feel that way until Maualuga proves me wrong.

He hasn't so far.

Details About Miami Dolphins Linebacker Koa Misi's Battery Charges by Kevin Nogle on Mar 30, 2012 9:00 PM EDT in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

Earlier today, Miami Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi was arrested by the Broward County Sheriff's Department for charges of battery. At the time, that was the only word released about Misi, along with his listed $10,000 bond.

Now, an NFL.com report has a little more information about Misi's arrest. According to the report, the Sheriff's Office spokesman said the arrest was made without incident, at Misi's home in Weston, Florida. The charges, according to the Sheriff's Office, stem from a bar fight several months ago in California.
Related: Miami Dolphins Official Statement Regarding Koa Misi Arrest

The arrest was made at the request of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office in California. Misi plans to waive his extradition hearing, and will plead not guilty to the charges, according to his attorney. The charges on Misi include battery with serious bodily harm.



According to Misi's lawyer, Misi and a group of his friends were walking through a Santa Barbara neighborhood back in June. The group, men and women, had an "unfortunate situation" with a member of the neighborhood - not the bar fight the Sheriff's Office reported.

"He's never had any problems with the law [before now]," Misi's attorney stated. "He's never had any history of being aggressive with people, or run-ins with law enforcement or bars or anything."

Misi, a California native, has spent two seasons with the Dolphins after being drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft . He has tallied 75 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his career, starting 20 of 28 games in which he has appeared.

Final Four 2012 | Peyton Siva's maturity on floor honed at early age 12:13 PM, Mar. 31, 2012

NEW ORLEANS — Peyton Siva jokes that his father has gotten more air time than he has during Louisville’s run to the Final Four.

Far from being resentful, it gives Siva a thrill every time he catches a glimpse of the “300-pound Samoan guy” wearing his jersey.

“To see him in the stands is really great, because I know he’s not out somewhere else,” the younger Siva said. “It’s a good feeling to have him at your games and see that he’s doing well right now.”

Fourth-seeded Louisville (30-9) faces top-seeded Kentucky (36-2) in the Final Four on Saturday night in large part because of Siva and his steadiness, a maturity he came by the hard way.

Siva’s father, Peyton Sr., led a troubled life when his son was younger. Struggling with a toxic mix of drugs, alcohol and depression, the elder Siva was an on-and-off presence. When he was gone, the family had to fend for itself. When he was around, there was no guarantee the kind of shape he’d be in.

It was a confusing time for Siva, who was too young to understand the battles his father was waging.

“It was tough,” the younger Siva said Friday. “But it helped make me the person I am.”

And the son helped make the father the person he now is.

When Siva was 13, his father became so despondent he considered committing suicide. Even got himself a gun.

Despite being three years too young for a driver’s license, the younger Siva borrowed a car and went looking for his father. When he found him, Siva begged his dad not to end his life, to be a regular part of Siva’s instead.

“When I sit back and think about that, how blessed I’ve been to have such a wonderful kid in my life,” the elder Siva said, breaking down in tears.

The episode was a turning point for Siva Sr. He cleaned up his life, getting sober and becoming an active presence in his son’s life.

When Siva led the Cardinals to the Big East tournament title, averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and earning most outstanding player honors, his father was in the stands to see it.

SAMOAN VILLAGE BESTOWS MATAI TITLE ON NFL PLAYER Reagan Maui‘a honored to receive chiefly Tuioti title

By Etevise Fidow
APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Jan. 10, 2012) - A Samoan who has played American football for top NFL teams like the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals has been bestowed the ultimate honour. Reagan Maui’a was bestowed the Tuioti title from Falelima, Savai’i, where his mother comes from.

Tuioti Reagan is the son of TagiifoSefo Maui’a, of Lepea and Falelima and Pili Maui’a of Faleniu, American Samoa. This is Tuioti Reagan’s first time in Samoa. He told the Samoa Observer he has been hugely impressed by the amount of respect accorded to him since he was given the title.

Mr Tuioti said he didn’t expect to become a matai. "But I believe it is a blessing from God," he says.

Tuioti says he wants to show his family and village that he is fully committed to his title and whatever responsibility it brings.

"I want to serve my family, village as well as my church with pride," he says. "Whatever my family, my village or my church asks me for, I’ll just have to do it. I’m keen to help them in any way I can."

The football star thanked his family for the honour. "I promise myself I’m going to make use of it and assist my family the best I can."

TuiotiMaui’a was born on July 6 1984 in American Samoa.

He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft and had played college football at Hawaii. Maui’a has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals. He attended Tokay High School in Lodi, California, and was a four-year letterman in football and track and field athletics.

In football, he was an All-League and an All-Area selection.

In track and field athletics, he broke the school record in the shot put with a throw of 52 ft 8 in (16.05 m). Maui’a graduated from Tokay High School in 2002.

NFL Kukui nuts

These are Kukui Nuts made by a Samoan company working hard to create more jobs for people left unemployed after the tuna factories left the island. NFL connection: there are 30 players from Samoa currently playing in the NFL.

Junior Seau Inducted Into Chargers Hall Of Fame Seau Graduated From Oceanside High School; Was Chargers Linebacker From 1990 To 2002 POSTED: 9:48 am PST November 27, 2011 UPDATED: 5:47 pm PST November 27, 2011

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego native Junior Seau was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame as part of Alumni Day ceremonies at Sunday's sold-out game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium.
"I can't even describe it with a word," said Seau. "All I can say is I'm honored. My family's honored and we're happy to

be here."


In front of a crowd of nearly 71,000 fellow Chargers Hall of Famer Dan Fouts introduced the 42-year-old.

Seau wore a Samoan money lei and watched highlights of his career with his friends and family.

Former teammates said Seau was a one-of-a-kind talent.

"He was the most talented player that actually acted like he had no talent at all," said former Chargers teammate Marcellus Wiley.

Another former teammate, Gary Plummer, told 10News, "He's a passionate guy and passion is just a part of you whether it's in your career as a football player or him in the community."

Seau was a Pro Bowl selection a team-record 12 times in his 13 seasons with the Chargers, including 12 consecutive seasons, the third-longest streak in NFL history.

Seau, a Chargers linebacker from 1990-2002, was a six-time first-team All-Pro selection by The Associated Press and a second-team selection two other years. He was named to the Pro Bowl for 12

Seau led the Chargers in tackles for eight seasons. His 200 regular-season games played are tied for the second most in team history with tackle Russ Washington.

Seau has also shined off the field. He established the Junior Seau Foundation in 1992, which supports child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and educational programs.

Seau was born in San Diego on Jan. 19, 1969, graduated from Oceanside High School, where he was the San Diego Section Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 1986.

Before starring in the NFL and college, Seau had to sit out his freshman year of college because of academic reasons. Seau said it was a tough time but said everything happens for a reason.

"The journey in which I had to endure is the reason I'm here today," he said.

Seau went on to play two seasons at USC, where he was an All-American in 1989 and the Chargers first-round choice in the 1990 NFL draft, the fifth player chosen overall.

After leaving the Chargers, Seau played for the Miami Dolphins from 2003 to 2005 and the New England Patriots from 2006 to 2009.

"From the day we drafted Junior, we knew he was special," said Chargers Chairman of the Board-President Dean Spanos.

"He's such an energized, charismatic person. He attacks life the same way he attacked ball carries. It's that passion that turned him into the Hall of Fame player he is.

"His athletic ability speaks for itself, but it's his passion and energy that separate him from the rest of the league.

"It's that passion for life that has made him an icon in San Diego. He is San Diego in so many ways, in how he has represented himself on and off the field and how he has been there to help and support the community when and where it's needed."

Islanders put family first in wrestling business By BLAINE VAN DER GRIEND - SLAM! Wrestling

The professional wrestling business is certainly a lot more family friendly these days, with all wrestlers essentially belonging to the same extended family. Perhaps the greatest examples of a true wrestling brotherhood are the Pacific Islanders of the business.

"Polynesians always take care of each other, no matter if they're from the Samoan islands, or I'm from the Fiji islands," said WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. "We've always been close to each other."

Ever since professional wrestling cannonballed into international waters, it seems like the islanders of the business have been influenced the most. And as much as the business rubbed off on them, they may have had the same impact on the business as well.

"Our family is very blessed with good genetics and athletic ability, along with the talent to perform with all of our hearts," said former WWE Tag Team Champion Afa Anoa'i. "We owe who we are to the Hart family, who gave us our start, and Vince McMahon and his family, for giving us the opportunity for several generations to showcase our God-given talent. I've always told Vince McMahon himself to just let my kids get into the ring and show (him) what they have, and if (he's) not happy with them, they can go home. I'm happy to say that they all passed the test, and I'm confident that there will be Samoans in the WWE for many years to come."

The image that most people associate with Jimmy Snuka is his incredible leap off the top of a steel cage onto a prone Don Muraco. But what sometimes goes overlooked are the contributions of Snuka, and other islanders to the wrestling business. Men like Snuka helped paved the way, not only for minorities, but for all future wrestling superstars.

"Some of us might not be blood brothers, but we're all like one family," Snuka said.

Al Lolotai had experienced years of success in the NFL in the 1940s, before ever trying his hand at professional wrestling. He will always be remembered as not only the first Samoan, but the first non-white man to play in the modern NFL. He would then make wrestling his career in 1950 as Alo Lolani. Lolani became the NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion and NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Champion within five years. He would later win the NWA North American Heavyweight title.

When most current fans think of Samoan wrestlers, perhaps the most common names that comes to mind are Maivia and Maiava. Prince Neff Maiava entered the wrestling scene in 1950. Like Lolani, he also had great success in the NWA, as a Hawaii Heavyweight and Hawaii Tag Team Champion with his partner Lord James Blears. Neff also had a unique move, where he would use his own hair to cut his opponents' hands.


Sika and Afa Anoi'a in Stampede Wrestling. Photo by Bob Leonard

Then along came the High Chief Peter Maivia, who debuted in the early 1960s, and won titles in just about every territory he worked. Actually, before his grandson The Rock ever appeared on the silver screen, Peter himself had some acting experience, as he appeared in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. He wasn't in any starring role, but it didn't really make a difference, as he was a huge wrestling star anyway. Peter eventually moved on to the WWWF, where he had notable feuds with Superstar Billy Graham and Bob Backlund.

"It all started out with my uncle High Chief Peter Maivia, who helped train me, and handed the torch to me to continue the Samoan legacy," Anoa'i said.

Fast forward to the year 1996, where one of the biggest stars in wrestling history debuted at that year's Survivor Series. He might be known as Dwayne Johnson in Hollywood, but all wrestling fans know him as The Rock. Initially the fans hated him, but The Rock used his incredible talents and natural charisma to turn those fans around in the blink of an eye, or maybe the raise of an eyebrow. He became the first man in history to hold the WWE title seven times, which was a big deal at the time, especially considering that he did it within six years.

The Rock's ancestors often feuded with another great wrestling family, the Anoai's. The patriarch of that family was Afa, who teamed with his brother Sika, whom he also trained, to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships on three occasions.

"We were one of the few real brother teams in the sport," Afa said. "We trained our sons and nephews, which included Samu, Yokozuna, Tonga Kid, Rikishi, LA Smooth, Dwayne Johnson, Afa Jr., Umaga, Rosey, Reno the Black Pearl, Leakee and Sean Maluta; also great-nephews The Usos and grandson Lance Anoa'i, niece Tamina, and there are more in the workings!"

And apparently acting may run in the family, as Afa has starred in several wrestling-related movies, as well as an episode of Miami Vice in 1987.


Meng in WCW.

Another island great was Tonga Fifita. Some knew him as Meng, most knew him as Haku or King Tonga, but everybody agrees he was one of the toughest guys in the history of the business -- although he was equally acknowledged as one of the nicest.

"I came over from Japan to the WWE, and I learned from everybody I watched," Fifita said. "They keep telling you to watch every match. It was a great experience for me. I always looked up to those who came before us and tried to follow them."

Fifita was mostly recognized as a tag team wrestler. Before spending years in WCW, teaming with The Barbarian as The Faces of Fear, Fifita's early years with the WWE were spent teaming with Afa's nephew Samuel (Tama), as The Islanders. The duo was managed by Bobby Heenan, and was involved in a heated rivalry with the British Bulldogs (The Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith), which reached its boiling point when Heenan dognapped the mascot of the Bulldogs, Matilda.

"WWE put us together, and I thought it was a good experience," Fifita said. "Even though I was older, I kind of felt like Tama had more experience."

Perhaps Fifita's greatest claim to fame was winning the WWE Tag Team Championships with the late Andre the Giant; it was the only WWE title that either of them ever held.

Prior to becoming Rikishi, Solafa Fatu Jr. teamed with Afa's son Samula Anoa'i as The Headshrinkers. The team followed in the footsteps of their father/uncle and became the WWE Tag Team Champions. Rikishi also had some success as a singles competitor, winning the WWE Intercontinental title, and also participated in a huge angle, involving the company's top star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

"My uncles didn't mess around when it came time to train. They were always hard on us -- bumps after bumps after bumps," Fatu told Fighting Spirit magazine. "They wanted to teach us to be safe and protect our body at all times as well as the body of the wrestler you're working with; always safety. Then came the study of tape after tape, to watch for mistakes and other important things in the match. Then the business part; learning what to expect from promoters and how to talk to them and work together. We lived by our three words: training, studying, working!"

Islanders have also experienced their share of royalty. The late King Curtis Iaukea used to get the people of Australia to bow at will in the 1970s. Iaukea was also a co-holder of the WWWF Tag Team Championships with Baron Mikel Scicluna. Fifita also sat on the throne as King Haku.

There are also those wrestlers who are of Polynesian heritage, but were announced as hailing from another country altogether. Maybe the most famous example of this is former WWE Champion Yokozuna, who was actually an islander, but was billed from Japan. And then there are some wrestlers who were announced as being from Hawaii, but were not of Hawaiian descent, such as Ricky Steamboat and Mr. Fuji (originally).

Unfortunately for some, success doesn't always come easy. There are those such as Afa and his brother Sika, who have had to overcome hardships to pave the way for future generations.

"Back in the 1970s, there was a lot of discrimination," Afa said. "My particular story, while negative at the time, ended up becoming something very positive. My brother Sika and I were in Louisiana, and went into a barber shop for a haircut; back in the day, Sika and I were clean-shaven and had short hair. When we went in, a black man was sweeping, and silently signaled for us to leave the shop. We didn't pay any attention to it, and continued to stay there. Then the barber, a white man, asked us, 'Can I help you?' I said, 'We're here for a haircut.' The barber said, coldly, 'We don't cut your kind of hair.' From that point, we were so offended, that we decided we would never cut our hair again, which turns us into The Wild Samoans, and our careers took off!"

On an episode of Piper's Pit in the 1980s, Snuka appeared as a guest, and was infamously battered over the head with a coconut and humiliated. Some may consider this kind of thing questionable, but Snuka had no problem with anything he was involved in, and always thought very highly of the company and the people he worked with. He saw it as just another wrestling angle, and was happy to do something for the good of the business.

"I never looked at it as discrimination. There is jealousy in every business. I was very relaxed and did not pay attention to that stuff. I just wanted to do my job," Snuka said. "I always did what I thought was the right thing to do for business. I just wish it (the feud with Piper) could have ended. Our thing wasn't even over with and I was disappointed that we couldn't finish it."

Continuing the tradition of islanders in wrestling is Samoa Joe (Joe Seanoa), who may be the most famous islander of the new breed, even though he is from California. TNA has also signed Zema Ion from The Philippines.

Not to be outdone, the WWE has its own batch of island talent. This includes the Uso brothers, who hang from the branches of the Anoa'i family tree as well; they are the twin sons of Rikishi. And hoping to make her father proud is Snuka's daughter Tamina. Snuka's son Sim also had a brief run in the WWE as Deuce.

"I love seeing my daughter there, just like my son was," Snuka said. "I always take every chance to watch her. I always tell them (children) to take care of number one."

Snuka was always very proud of his heritage and his family. He always treats everyone as his equal and expects nothing less in return. Other islanders may have similar opinions.

"The Samoan families were brought up to be very close and tight-knit, and respect each other," Afa said. "We have always been close, and always will be, regardless of wrestling. Love, loyalty to each other, and respect, are the center of the Samoan culture."

Mo Isom is Trying Out for Kicker at LSU Today

March 6th, 2012 by Bunkie Perkins
Not Polynesian but they refer to Polys at the end of article. I thought it humorous to note. Interesting story if this girl actually makes it.

That attractive young lady towering over Tyrann Mathieu above is LSU Soccer goalie and star of YouTube’s “Meaux vs.” (which is kinda like “Shaq vs” except you can actually understand what she is saying) series is set to try out as a kicking specialist on the LSU football team today. Isom, who claims to have kicked field goals as far a 51 yards in practice and who once dropped in a modest 90 yard goal in a real live soccer match, has been planning this endeavor for a while now.

I’ve been training since January of this year! I had it in my mind, and I approached some of the players I know, and they were so enthusiastic. And then I talked to some of the coaching staff, because of course I wanted to be in their good graces. I was expecting to see some resistance but all the doors were open to me, and everybody has been so excited, which is so great. I started working out with the team some this summer, which wound up helping as some cross-training for soccer, and I kept working on my kicking in my spare time. Then this fall I went through the walk-on tryouts, just to kind of see what it was like, and I kicked a 51-yarder. Obviously I was going to finish up in soccer, but I will be back to try out again this spring.

It would just be a fantastic way to spend my last year as a Tiger. And I love the guys on the team. I just think it would be a really special experience.

Should she make the team, look for Les Miles to follow protocol and recruit a large mulletted Samoan to monitor Isom during the post game showers.

Haloti Ngata Training with Joe Henderson

Koa Misi arrested in Florida on battery charge

Posted: 1:24 pm March 30, 2012

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL Blogger

Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi has been arrested by Broward County, Fla., police on a charge of battery with serious injury. He was arrested Friday, and his bond has been set at $10,000.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Misi is wanted in California on the battery charge, and he was arrested without incident at his home in Weston, Fla.

"We are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering information," Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said in a statement to CBSSports.com. "As a result, we will refrain from any comment."

In his two seasons in the league, Misi has combined for 75 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

"Misi is a guy that obviously has played very well on the line of scrimmage at the point of attack," coach Joe Philbin said at the owner's meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., this past week. "He's a guy that can hopefully give us continue in certain rush situations to add. He's a guy that we'd like to see in as a third year guy; we'd like to see him emerge a little bit more and be a little more productive and make some maybe more impact plays."

COD football player arrested in burglary that led police to kill teammate Friends say Roman Tausaga lived with Frank Tanuvasa, who was killed 12:49 AM, Feb. 25, 2012 |

College of the Desert football player Frank Tanuvasa was shot and killed by Palm Desert police Thursday. / Erik Hill, Anchorage Daily News
Written by
Kate McGinty
The Desert Sun

COD football player Roman Tausaga, arrested Thursday in the burglary the led police to shoot and kill one of his teammates, plays against Mount San Jacinto in a Sept. 19, 2009 game in Palm Desert. / Richard Lui, Desert Sun file photo
Related Links
Police arrest third suspect in burglary that left COD football player dead
Preliminary hearing set in burglary that left COD football player dead
Authorities: COD student killed committing burglary

PALM DESERT — A second College of the Desert football player was implicated Friday in the burglary that led police to shoot and kill an athlete.

Roman Tausaga, 22, was arrested on felony burglary and robbery charges Thursday night, Riverside County Sheriff's Department spokesman Angel Ramos said Friday.

Tausaga was one of three suspected burglars spotted running from the Desert Fountains apartment complex in the 77-800 block of Michigan Drive just after midnight Thursday, investigators said.

One of the other men — Frank Tanuvasa, 20, a sophomore on the football team — struggled with a deputy, who pulled out his gun and shot him, Ramos said.

Tausaga and the third man got away and Ramos declined to say Friday whether investigators know his name.

Friends say Tausaga lived with Tanuvasa in Palm Desert. Tausaga was the team's leading tackler in 2009 but sat out last year.

College of the Desert Athletic Director Dean Dowty, who is also head coach of the football team, referred questions Thursday to spokeswoman Pam Hunter.

Hunter did not return a phone message late Friday, but said earlier that it was too soon to discuss any concerns about the program.

In the hours after Tanuvasa was shot and killed, dozens of friends flooded Twitter with messages about the “gentle giant.”

That he was killed during a burglary attempt seemed uncharacteristic for the young man from Anchorage, Alaska, friends said Friday. They said he was known for his impressive afro, his politeness and the hint of his Samoan heritage in the way he talked.

Most of all, though, Tanuvasa was famous for his size: At 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 370 pounds, he had earned the name “Frank the Tank” for his bulldozing of opposing linemen.

At 16, he could bench 325 pounds, according to a 2007 story in the Anchorage Daily News that described Tanuvasa as “bone-crushing,” “colossal” and “gargantuous.”

“Frank Tanuvasa was a good man with a big heart who helped anybody with anything that they needed help with,” said childhood friend Joshua Afatia of Anchorage. “He was a gentle giant and was a heck of a football player.”

Rugby Streaker Tackles Samoan Player During Match in New Zealand Posted on 02/06/2012 by Bob Reno

Yes, you read that right, the shorts-wearing streaker grabbed and tackled a Samoan rugby player during a match this past week. Using these guys are just out for a drunken run across the field and a chance to delight the crowd as they run away from overweight security guards. But not this time. We are starting to see something new here friends: fans running out onto the field to attack opposing players. And security forces don’t seem able to stop it.

Is it part of our “I’m famous because I was on TV for five seconds” culture, or is fan angry getting so ratcheted up that we can’t tell the difference between being FOR our team and AGAINST their rivals?

Peyton Siva Story

Navy lines up new defensive coach

By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer
Published 03/29/12

When Ken Niumatalolo took his son out to Brigham Young University last spring, he never imagined spotting Navy’s next assistant coach.

Va’a Niumatalolo, a first team All-County linebacker at Broadneck, was invited to walk-on with the BYU football program and the trip to Provo was a chance for father and son to check out the program during spring camp.

The elder Niumatalolo, about to enter his fourth season as head coach of Navy football, was watching BYU practice and found himself closely observing a giant graduate assistant by the name of Shaun Nua.

“I saw Shaun when I went to BYU spring practice and was very impressed with him. He had high energy with the defensive linemen and I liked the way he interacted with the players,” Niumatalolo said. “He left a strong impression on me. I knew if an opening came on defense this was a guy I’d like to hire.”

That vacancy was created this offseason when Napoleon Sykes left Navy for North Carolina-Charlotte. Niumatalolo shifted assistant Justin Davis to outside linebackers and hired Nua to work with the defensive line.

That was clearly the appropriate spot for the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder, who played four seasons in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.

“Shaun played nose guard so he really understands that position, which is a plus. The fact he played at the highest level brings an added dimension to our staff,” Niumatalolo said. “I was just impressed with his overall wealth of knowledge. He’s a young, energetic coach with a lot of potential.”

That was certainly the opinion of BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, who gave Niumatalolo a glowing recommendation for Nua, who spent three years as a graduate assistant at his alma mater.

“When I talked to Coach Mendenhall, he told me he would hire Shaun if he had an opening. In fact, he said if something does open up he may try to steal him back,” Niumatalolo said. “Shaun has been better than advertised. He’s a knowledgeable coach, gets along great with our staff and will definitely help us recruiting-wise. He’s got a humility and a hunger that I’m looking for.”

Niumatalolo and Nua have one major thing in common: both are of Samoan heritage. Niumatalolo grew up in Hawaii while Nua is a native of Pago, Pago, American Somoa. Niumatalolo is the first Samoan to become a head coach at any level of college football, but this hire was not about helping a fellow Polynesian advance in the business.

“It’s always cool to hire someone with the same ancestry, but what caught my eye was the way Shaun coached and interacted players. I don’t care if he’s white, black, oriental or Polynesian, I just felt he would fit in well with our staff,” Niumatalolo said.

Interestingly, Nua visited Navy along with the rest of the BYU defensive staff three years ago to learn more about the option. Nua not only discovered that a Samoan was head coach in Annapolis, but came away with a better understanding of what the Naval Academy was about.

“I got to learn a little about the Naval Academy on that trip, learn about the Midshipmen and what they do and just the mission of the institution. I gained an immediate respect for this place,” he said.

Nua was a second team All-Mountain West Conference selection as a senior at BYU after leading the team with six sacks. He was a seventh round draft pick of the Steelers and was a member of a Super Bowl championship club as a rookie.

When his NFL career concluded, Nua returned to BYU to earn a graduate degree while also breaking into football coaching. While one would think he was hoping to earn a full-time position with the Cougars, Nua said he actually was looking to leave Provo, Utah.

“I wanted to get out of there. I wanted to expand my horizons and learn from different coaches. I love BYU, but I didn’t want to stay there forever,” he said. “I wanted to coach at a different school and I couldn’t think of a better place than the Naval Academy.”

Nua’s coaching education is continuing under the tutelage of Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green and defensive line coach Dale Pehrson, who have a combined 60 years of college coaching experience.

“They’ve both got a lot of years in the business so I try to pick their brains as much as I can. Buddy is obviously a great defensive mind and a real fiery guy while Dale is a great teacher of the fundamentals and technique. I am learning so much from both of them,” Nua said.

Nua has only been in Annapolis a few months, but has already fully grasped the culture of navy football.

“This is a blue-collar program with blue-collar players. These kids have a lot on their plates with all the military and academic requirements and yet they still devote a ton of time to football, which shows great commitment,” he said. “What sticks out the most about the players here is that they are fighters and workers. There is no question they have the heart and desire that is needed. I’ve only been here two months, but I can already tell that we can win with these types of kids.”

Nua admitted it is special to work for someone who comes from a similar background and shares his heritage.

“I’m straight from the islands and he’s straight from the islands. To be the first Samoan to become a Division I head coach takes a lot of hard work, a lot of knowledge and is a tremendous accomplishment,” he said. “Parents, players and high school coaches in Samoa always talk about Kenny. He’s like a hero and a role model for a lot of people back home.”

Nua said he and Niumatalolo have something in common beyond being of Samoan descent.

No question. He’s very passionate. He’s very quiet off the field, but he does get very fired up on the field. That’s how I am too. I’m quiet for the most part, but there are times when you need to get passionate and fired up. I love his energy and the way he treats people. He’s a first-class individual. I feel fortunate to have an opportunity to work for him.”

To University of Louisville guard Peyton Siva, assists are a way of life 12:27 AM, Mar. 29, 2012

Yvette Gaston wondered why in the world an extension cord would be running from her house into her garage. As she followed the cord from the power outlet outside to her older son’s Chevrolet Impala, she became more incensed.

Crumpled up bags from McDonald’s, empty potato chip sacks and candy wrappers led to a PlayStation portable console. Then she noticed the pillows and blankets in the car’s back seat.

It wasn’t just litter from her kids hanging out. It was someone’s living quarters.

“PeyPey!” Gaston yelled, calling the nickname of the youngest of her three children and waiting for his guilty face to emerge.

Peyton Siva came forward, knowing his mother wasn’t pleased but not exactly feeling that he did something wrong.

Assists have always been Siva’s specialty, and this was just an off-the-court example.

He had persuaded his mother to let a troubled high school teammate move into their home. When she found out the teammate was still involved with a gang, she said he no longer could stay in the house.

Siva knew why his mother had to take a stand, but he also knew that kid was homeless.

“Trouble always seemed to find him,” said Siva, a self-proclaimed momma’s boy who’s now the University of Louisville’s junior point guard. “Even though my mom said he couldn’t stay with us, he still had no place to sleep. He was like a little brother to me. I was just trying to get him off the streets and keep him safe.”

Gaston couldn’t really be mad at her son. He had watched her do the same thing countless times herself.

She constantly opened her home to those who needed help. There was the mother in her early 20s who had a 7-year-old daughter and was trying to stay clean after kicking a drug habit. There were two sisters, ages 3 and 10, whose mother was in prison and whose father’s girlfriend didn’t want them around.

Gaston even opened her doors to Peyton Siva Sr. and his girlfriend. Gaston had divorced him when PeyPey was 6 months old, but they needed a place to stay for about a month.

“You do what you can to help people,” she said. “God has blessed me, so if I can help somebody I do.”

Her son clearly embodies that same spirit. U of L coach Rick Pitino calls Siva one of the five best people he has ever coached. A former AAU coach, Daryll Hennings, recalled someone writing that Siva is a pied piper who leads others down the right path. He wears No. 3 for the Holy Trinity, and he’s been involved in Bible study since high school.

“He’s not fake in any way. He’s always true to himself and his beliefs,” said older brother Michael Siva. “I look at him like Tim Tebow — people look for flaws, but I don’t see any, and I’m his brother.”

Michael credits his brother with helping his turnaround from a fast life that eventually led to incarceration. Peyton Sr., who has dealt with depression, addiction and suicidal thoughts, calls his youngest son an inspiration.

Siva credits his mother’s love as the reason he emerged from his less-than-ideal surroundings without falling into the traps that had doomed generations of his family. His maternal grandfather battled addiction. Siva’s father did, too.

Peyton Sr. said he was molested as a child and didn’t have the proper tools to cope with it, so he turned to drugs and alcohol. When Michael Siva got caught up in selling drugs, it wasn’t an odd sight for him to see his father at spots notorious for users.

Although Peyton Sr. didn’t live with his children, they were familiar with his pattern of drifting into bouts of deep depression, when he would talk about ending his life. During one such episode he had a gun.

Peyton Jr., barely a teenager, borrowed the keys to his brother’s car and went looking for his father. No one knows what would have happened if he hadn’t found him.

“He was telling me he wanted me to be a part of his life. He kept telling me, ‘I need you, Dad,’ ” said elder Siva, now a fixture at U of L games. “Just seeing his face just blew me away. I just thank God for putting this kid in my life. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be now.”

The young Siva saw the pain from his father’s battles. He witnessed his father, brother and sister each spend some time in jail. He easily could have followed in their footsteps, but he did not want that life for himself.

“It definitely made me who I am, just because seeing what they went through changed my life,” he said. “I know what not to do. I’m not curious to try drugs or anything because I’ve seen what it does to people, and I’m just not influenced by that type of thing.”

Besides, he knows it would break his mother’s heart, and he isn’t about to do that after the sacrifices she made for him.

Gaston said she always believed her youngest son would do great things from the first time she rocked him in her arms and whispered, “My little superstar.”

But Gaston, then a single mother of three, needed to find something better than working at a grocery story. She had begun taking classes at Seattle Central Community College through a YMCA program while pregnant with Peyton. When daycare was closed and she couldn’t find a babysitter, she took her kids to class with her.

Sometimes she’d keep Peyton in her lap. At other times he’d be in a stroller, with her daughter assigned the task of holding his bottle so Momma could take notes. Another woman in the class complained about the childrens’ presence.

“I looked at her and said, ‘I’m going to sit here with my kids whether you like it or not,’ ” Gaston recalled. “You just did what you had to do. You made it happen. It was very hard.”

Gaston transferred her credits to the University of Washington and graduated in five years with a degree in sociology, which is Siva’s major at U of L. Now 43, she works for King County Superior Court and is a probation counselor for its drug program.

When Siva returns home to Seattle, it’s not unusual for him to go back to Franklin High School or the Boys and Girls Club — where he first honed his basketball skills — and take kids out to lunch.

He feels a connection to those youngsters who battle the gravitational pull of street life on a regular basis. He’s seen firsthand what it’s like.

“I hear it all the time that you can’t save everybody,” Siva said. “But it doesn’t hurt to try.”

Polamalu Update

 Posted: March 28, 7:35 pm |

Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo said freshman fullback Maika Polamalu suffered a knee injury during Monday's pratice, but it is not believed to be too serious. Polamalu underwent a magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) exam and the results were encouraging.

"It's actually better than we thought. It came back that he doesn't have any tears. He might have some strains," Niumatalolo said. "I thought it was worse than that. He might come back at the end of the spring."

History of Polynesians in the NFL Draft and More

History of Polynesians in the NFL Draft



Here is a list of Polynesians that have been drafted by the NFL, also included is a list of undrafted free agents and Canadian Pro Football Players. The list is still being updated if there is anyone that I may have missed please let me know. The list shows the highest drafted Polynesian in order of round and overall pick. The players I have listed are of mainly Samoan and Tongan Polynesian ancestry.

Polynesians 1st Round

Jack Byron Thompson Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1st round (3rd overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft.

Tiaina Baul Seau Jr. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 1st round (5th overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft. 12-time Pro Bowler & 6-time First-Team All-Pro

Tyson Asi Alualu Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1st round (10th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Etuini Haloti Ngata Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 1st round (12th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. 3-time Pro Bowler & 2-time First-Team All-Pro

Troy Aumua Polamalu Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1st round (16th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Michael Iupati Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1st round (17th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Manu'ula Asovalu Tuiasosopo Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1st round (18th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft.

Luther John Elliss Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1st round (20th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft. 2-time Pro Bowler

Elmer Wilson Faumuina Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1st round (20th overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the Second Round

Esera Tavai Tuaolo Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2nd round (35th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft.

Saousoalii Poe Siavii, Jr.is an American football defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2nd round (36th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.

Rey Maualuga Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Toniuoleviavea Satele Fonoti Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 2nd round (39th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. 

Koa Lisiate Foti Analeseanoa Misi Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round (40th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Taitusi Lutui Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round (41st overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Anthony "Tony" Lamar Banks Banks was drafted in the 2nd round (42nd Overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams and soon found himself the starter. Three years of inconsistent play led to his trade to the Baltimore Ravens.

Pisa Donald Tinoisamoa Drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 2nd round (43rd overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Lofa Tatupu Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round (45th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. 3-time Pro Bowler & 1-time First-Team All-Pro

David Fao'tusia Veikune Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2nd round (52nd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Anthony Lee Weaver is an American football defensive end who is currently a Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2nd round (52nd Overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft. Weaver played high school football for the Saratoga Springs High School Blue Streaks in Saratoga Springs, NY. He played college football at Notre Dame. Weaver has also played for the Houston Texans.

Stephen Paea Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 2nd round (53rd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Fili Toutoupau'u Moala Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round (56th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Marques Tavita Tuiasosopo Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 2nd round (59th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Samson H. Satele Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round (60th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 3^rd Round

George Achica Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 3rd round (57th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft.

Olin George Kreutz The Chicago Bears drafted Kreutz in the 3rd round (64th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. Over this nine year career, Kreutz has been selected to six Pro Bowls, and one of the team's most consistent offensive lineman. Kreutz has been a member of the Bears organization longer than any of his current teammates. In an incident eerily reminiscent of his college days, Kreutz drew controversy during the 2005 NFL season after breaking the jaw of fellow offensive lineman Fred Miller during an off-practice outing. The NFL fined both players $50,000. On October 2006, Kreutz was signed to a three year contract extension through the 2010 season.

Siupeli Malamala Drafted by the New York Jets in the 3rd round (68th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft.

Alapati Noga Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 3rd round (71st overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft.

Vincent Keoni Manuwai Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 3rd round (72nd overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Wayne Hunter is an American football offensive tackle for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round (73rd Overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Timote Taliai Manoa Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 3rd round (80th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft.

Daniel Te'o-Nesheim He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 3rd round of the(86th Overall) 2010 NFL Draft.

Sione Sonasi Pouha Drafted by the New York Jets in the 3rd round (88th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Shawn Sisifo Lauvao Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 3rd round (92nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft

Don Sasa Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round (93rd overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft.

Anthony Aseli Moeaki Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 3rd round (93rd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft

Mike Fuimaono Ulufale Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 3rd round (95th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft.

Sione Fua Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 3rd round (97th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Alai Kalaniuvalu was drafted in the 3rd round (99^th overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Polynesians in the 4th Round

Charles "Charley" Teetai Ane, Jr. Ane played his entire National Football League career for the Detroit Lions. In 1953, Detroit made him the franchise’s 4th-round selection (49th overall) in the NFL Draft. He was elected to the Pro Bowl in 1956 and 1958. He helped the Lions to three division titles, two NFL championships and was voted team captain from 1958-59. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft, but did not make the active roster.

Junior Burton Ioane Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 4th round (107th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft.

Toto'a Frank Manumaleuga Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 4th round (85th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft.

Pio Alika Sagapolutele Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round (85th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft.

Isaac Sopoaga Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round (104th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Kaiula Kawahalama Maiava Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round (104th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Roy Helu Drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 4th round (105th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Joe Fagaone Salave'a Drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the 4th round (107th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Paul Fuapapa Soliai Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 4th round (108th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Domata Uluaifaasau Peko Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 4th round (123rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Louis Murphy Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 4th round (124th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. mixed Samoan and African-American descent

Christian Netane Maumalanga Drafted by the New York Giants in the 4th round (128th overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft.

Nicky Sualua Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (129th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.

Brandon Michael Manumaleuna Drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 4th round (129th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Edwin Moliki Mulitalo Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 4th round (129th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.

Ed Taʻamu He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 4th round (132nd overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 5th Round

Mario P. Fatafehi Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 5th round (133rd overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Si'ulagi Jack Palelei Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 5th round (135th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft.

Falemao Tosi  is a former defensive tackle in the National Football League. He played two years for the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 5th round (136th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft.

Gerardus Mauritius Tuatagaloa Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 5th round (138th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft.

Fenuki Tupou He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round (159^th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Frank E. Summers Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 5th round (169th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 6th Round

Mekeli Tolufale Ieremia Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 6th round (158th overall) of the 1978 NFL Draft.

Itula R. Mili Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 6th round (174th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.

Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala He was selected in the 6th round (178th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of Utah

Reagan Maui'a Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 6th round (181st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Lauvale Sape Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 6th round (187th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Mataifale Aigafaimeaso'o Toeaina Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 6th round (188th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Al Afalava Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 6th round (190th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Melila Purcell, III is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Browns in the 6th round (200^th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii.

Marvin Philip He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th round (201^st overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Uikelotu Christopher Kemoeatu Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th round (204th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 7th Round

Dan Saleaumua Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 7th round (175th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. 1-time Pro Bowler

Vilami Akau'ola Maumau Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 7th round (196th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Pauliasi Fanaika Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round (213th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Fred Matua He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 7th round (217^th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Fui Vakapuna He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 7th round (215^th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Siitupe Marcus Peko Drafted by the New York Jets in the 7th round (217th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Matthew Mark Maleafou Anesi MacKenzie  Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 7th round (218th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Kili Lefotu is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 7th round (230th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona.

Jonathan David Fanene Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 7th round (233rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Nate Ilaoa is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round (236^th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Charles Sale Ah You Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 7th round (239th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Stanley Havili Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 7th round (240th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Harvey Unga He was drafted by the Bears with a 7th round pick in the 2010 Supplemental Draft.

Polynesians in the 8^th Round

Stanley Mataele Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 8th round (197th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft.

Falaniko Noga Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 8th round (201st overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft.

Maa Junior Tanuvasa Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 8th round (209th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft.

Mosiula Faasuka Tatupu Drafted by the New England Patriots in the 8th round (215th overall) of the 1978 NFL Draft. 1-time Pro Bowler

Polynesians in the 9^th Round

Bob Apisa Michigan State

James Burton "Jim" Nicholson, Jr. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs (1974–1979) and the San Francisco 49ers (1981). NFL Draft: 1973 / Round: 9 / Pick: 219

Tumua Tuinei Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 9th round (223rd overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft.

Robert Apisa out of Michigan State was drafted in 1968 by the Packers in round 9 (#245 overall)

Sinatausilinuu Faaola Drafted by the New York Jets in the 9th round (245th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft.

Lakei Heimuli Drafted: 1987, Round 9, Pick 26 (249 Overall) by Chicago Bears.

Polynesians in the 10^th Round

Vai S. Sikahema Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round (254th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft. 2-time Pro Bowler & 1-time First-Team All-Pro

Taivale Tautalatasi Jr. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 10th round (261st overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 11^th Round

Raymond Frederick Schoenke Jr. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 10th round (73rd overall) of the 1963 AFL Draft. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 11th round (146th overall) of the 1963 NFL Draft.

Manase Jesse Sapolu Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 11th round (289th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft. 2-time Pro Bowler

Glen Allen Kozlowski Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 11th round (305th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 12^th Round

Sitiveni P. Kaufusi Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 12th round (319th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft.

Polynesians in the 13^th Round

Terry Lynn Tautolo is a former professional American football linebacker who played nine seasons in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. He played college football at UCLA and was drafted in the 13th round of the 1976 NFL Draft.

Polynesians 16th round

Tuufuli Uperesa Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 16th round (396th overall) of the 1970 NFL Draft.

Mr. Irrelevant Tag:

Tevita Lotoatau Ofahengaue (born July 9, 1975 in Laie, Hawaii) was the 246th and last pick in the 2001 NFL Draft

Polynesian Undrafted Free Agents

Pago F. Togafau is an American football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Idaho State.

Mark Pulemau Tuinei (March 31, 1960 – May 6, 1999) was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. Known as a "gentle giant", his career lasted for 15 years (1983–1997) and his ability to protect quarterback Troy Aikman and to run-block for running back Emmitt Smith helped them win Super Bowls in 1992, 1993, and 1995 and the NFC East Division in 1985 and 1992-96. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl in 1994 and 1995.The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Tuinei signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1983 as a rookie free agent and made the team as a defensive tackle

Dane Uperesa is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Hawaii. Uperesa has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

Lawrence Wilson Wilson signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens in May 2007 from the University of Hawai'i. On January 26, 2008, he was selected 39th overall by Team Texas in the 2008 AAFL Draft.

Joshua Mauga  is an American football linebacker who is currently a member of the New York Jets in the National Football League. He was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Nevada.

Michael Marquardt is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Arizona State. Marquardt has also been a member of the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins.

Brian Soi is a free agent American football defensive tackle of the National Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Utah State.

Nu'u Tafisi  is an American football defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at California.

Palauni Ma Sun Ma Sun signed a free agent contract with the National Football League Washington Redskins in May 2007.

Enoka Lucas (born April 29, 1984 in Honolulu, Hawaii) is an American football center for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2007.

Will Ta'ufo'ou He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

William T. Tukuafu He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2010.

Naufahu Anitoni Tahi He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

Vaka Manupuna He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

Malcom Floyd  He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wyoming. Floyd is the first half Samoan, half African-American wide receiver in the NFL.

Ropati Pitoitua He was signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

Gabriel "Gabe" Reid He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Brigham Young University.

Steve Fifita He was originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

Leimoni "Ray" Feinga He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

Marcus Anthony Mailei was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles on April 27, 2009.

Manase Tonga He was signed by the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2010, cut at the conclusion of the preseason, and subsequently signed to the Practice squad.

Leati Joseph (Joe) Anoa'i After going undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. Upon being released by the Vikings, he was signed by the Eskimos, and accepted a spot on the team's practice roster.

Tui Alailefaleula He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Washington, where he played mostly offensive line, by the New York Giants.

Tala Erik Esera He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007.

Leonard Peters  is an American football safety and a rugby player. He was originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and was on the Chicago Bears practice squad.

Jason Rivers is a free agent wide receiver. He formerly played college football for the Hawaii Warriors, and was a favorite target of record-setting quarterback Colt Brennan. He was not selected in the 2008 NFL Draft but was signed by the Titans as a free agent but was subsequently released.

Blaine Saipaia [Sy-puh-EE-uh]  is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Colorado State.

Michael Tauiliili (pronounced /taʊˈiːliˈiːli/, taw-EE-lee-EE-lee) is an American football linebacker. He played college football for the Duke Blue Devils at Duke University, where he led the Atlantic Coast Conference in total tackles during his senior year. He was not selected in the 2009 NFL Draft, but was subsequently signed as a free agent by the Indianapolis Colts.

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Under pressure: Peyton Siva at the point

Michael Rogner Mar 27, 2012, 6:10 PM EDT

Peyton Siva has handled the pressure of being a Rick Pitino point guard, and helped lead the Louisville Cardinals to eight straight wins and a trip to the Final Four. But there was a time when pressure reduced him to tears.

George Dorhmann – in his excellent chronicle of AAU coach Joe Keller – described the scene. Keller’s team had been in the midst of destroying the team Siva played for (Rotary Select, from Seattle), and would eventually win the game by 67. Joe Keller employed a press he called “the Fist,” and the Fist had made it impossible for Siva to bring the ball up the court. Eventually, the young Siva broke down in tears. Keller’s response? He implored his team to jump on Siva even more.

Fast forward several years and Siva is now in the Final Four. And ironically, he plays for a coach who puts tremendous pressure on the opposing team’s ballhandler. Siva applies the pressure on one end of the court, and then gets handed the ball and is asked to lead the offense on the other.

Siva’s career at Louisville has been an interesting one. He’s been in the starting lineup for his sophomore and junior seasons, and has averaged a bit over 9 points and 5 assists each of those two years. He’s not a good 3-point shooter (29% for his career), and he can be turnover prone, but he’s the player Rick Pitino has chosen to run the show. In the past two games he’s had 17 assists. For the NCAA tournament he’s averaging 7 a game.

When Kentucky and Louisville last met on December 31st, Siva pressed and only made 2-13 shots. Just once all season would he put up more field goal attempts. After that loss Siva struggled. In the next six games he averaged just 5 points and 3.7 turnovers.

But he shook that off in late January with a 16 point, 5 assist and 1 turnover performance against Villanova. Since then the Cardinals have gone 15-4, won the Big East tournament, and won their regional. And Siva has been at the controls, playing the best basketball of his career.

Siva has proved that he can handle the pressure of running the point. Now he faces a much bigger task: handling Kentucky.