Rams list rookie Tinoisamoa as starter
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Nearly three months into his professional football career, former University of Hawai'i football player Pisa Tinoisamoa speaks proudly of his two prized possessions: a BMW 745 and a place atop the St. Louis Rams' depth chart.
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The car was his only major purchase since his selection in the second round of the 2003 National Football League draft. The car, paid through a loan, features a vertebra-crunching sound system and a multi-purpose driver's seat that provides heat, coolness or a massage.
The Rams gave Pisa Tinoisamoa the No. 50 jersey and nickname, "Hawai'i Five-O." "I love it," he says.
"It cost as much as a house," said Tinoisamoa, who used a 10-speed bicycle as transportation at UH. "I might as well live in there."
Still, Tinoisamoa has changed little since deciding to forgo his fourth UH season and apply for the draft. UH coach June Jones said he recently left a message on Tinoisamoa's answering machine, requesting a donation for next month's auction benefitting the Warriors' program.
A few days later, Jones said, "there was a FedEx on my desk." Inside the package was Tinoisamoa's No. 50 St. Louis jersey. The inscription read: "Tinoisamoa, Hawai'i Five-0."
Tinoisamoa said he had forgotten Jones' work address. "I think I sent it to 'June Jones, Hawai'i,' " Tinoisamoa said, laughing. "I knew it would reach him."
Tinoisamoa said he keeps in frequent contact with his former UH coaches and teammates. He regularly follows news reports on the Internet.
"Hawai'i is still part of me," Tinoisamoa said. "If it wasn't for Hawai'i, I wouldn't be in the NFL. That's how I feel. That's why it was special when I first got to (the Rams' training facility) and the equipment manager gave me No. 50. He called me 'Hawai'i Five-0.' He said, 'From now on, that's your nickname.' I said, 'all right.' I love it."
Tinoisamoa has made a smooth adjustment to the pro game. At the Senior Bowl in February, Tinoisamoa weighed less than 220 pounds, and many scouts questioned whether he had the girth to play linebacker in the pros. He bulked up to 230 pounds for the NFL combine in March, while retaining his quickness, and now he is being asked to lose some weight. He said he expects to weigh 225 pounds for the start of training camp next week.
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Tinoisamoa has not signed a contract, although he expects to reach an agreement soon. The Rams also are confident of a settlement, having listed Tinoisamoa as their No. 1 strong-side linebacker. Unlike most defensive systems, the Rams' scheme does not align the strong-side linebacker across from the tight end.
St. Louis Rams rookie Pisa Tinoisamoa (10), celebrating a sack with UH teammate Travis Laboy, says he keeps in contact with his former teammates and coaches. "Hawai'i is still part of me," he said.
"The first game," Tinoisamoa said of the Sept. 7 opener against the New York Giants and their All-Pro tight end, "I don't have to cover (Jeremy) Shockey."
Tinoisamoa, a San Diego resident who never left California until enrolling at UH in August 1999, said he is learning to adjust to the Midwest, although the bigger question is whether the region is ready for him.
"I love the hospitality, even though they crunch up my name," Tinoisamoa said. "They have a lot of problems. You're not going to get the Jim Leahey pronunciation. They don't even attempt to say my last name. As for my first name, a lot of people call me 'Pizza.' I'm all right with that. I always tell them, 'Hey, it's a start. At least you're trying.' "
• Ready to board: Former UH offensive lineman Lui Fuata is expected to reach an agreement this week with the New York Jets.
Fuata, who is recovering from knee surgeries in December and January, estimated his health at 80 percent. Fuata said he was told he would be placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list, meaning he would draw a salary and train with the Jets but not be eligible to play this season.
After that, Fuata said, "they'll probably send me to Europe to get playing experience."
Under the arrangement, Fuata will learn the Jets' blocking schemes while rehabilitating.
"I couldn't ask for a better deal," he said. "The Jets are where I want to be. I think that's where I have the best chance of making a difference."
Fuata played every position on the UH offensive line. He also can long-snap.
• No musical chairs for volleyball: UH associate athletic director Tom Sadler said it is unlikely the school will allow men's volleyball fans admitted with student tickets to sit in vacant seats in the reserved section at the Stan Sheriff Center.
UH volleyball coach Mike Wilton had said that was one of the options being considered to increase student involvement at Warrior volleyball matches next season.
