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Remembering A Legend; Calvin Johnson Comes Close To NFL Record; World Series Rivalry Heats Up; News of the World Phone Hacking Trial Begins

Aired October 28, 2013 - 06:30   ET




Let's get straight over to Indra Petersons keeping track of the forecast for us this morning.

Hey, Indra. What's the latest?


Yes, we are definitely talking about a cold front starting to make its way across the country again. Still looking at just these cool temperatures, not really a lot of rain with this. Temperatures finally feel like they're moderating today in the Northeast, but no, we're getting a hint of average, by Tuesday, Wednesday, notice Boston will be a good 10 degrees below average again.

Now, that's just for the first half of the week. By the second half of the week, finally all this warm air that's in the South will eventually make its way up. We're going to have a nice pattern change. And look at these temperatures, almost a good 10 degrees above formal in the Southeast. That's what we're going to start feeling as that warm air makes it to the Northeast. And instead, were going to see that cold air slip into the Pacific Northwest.

But they are actually dealing with heavy snow today. We're talking Montana, Wyoming, anywhere, even up to 18 inches of snow in Montana, some showers in the West Coast and California today. That will be the system that will make its way across the country by Wednesday, looking for severe weather on the plains. And by the end of the week, we're going to be talking about into the Northeast, yes, some rain for Halloween.

But more importantly, of course, we have the game. Boston at St. Louis tonight looking at a temperature of 61 degrees, 7:00 Central. I keep saying earlier, do we go with Berman here? Do we want Berman to win or Nischelle Turner?



PETERSONS: I can't look you in the eyes.

RACHEL NICHOLS, CNN SPORTS: You don't know why it's a question either.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR, "EARLY START": Of course, you're on my side.



CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: There are no sides, there is only controversy. Why this year's World Series? It's good. Two power houses playing well, games ending with shocking endings that spark controversy.

Witness last night, a kickoff at 1st base to end the game. Did the guy make the tackle? I don't know, we'll talk about it.

It is this play from Saturday that will be debated for years to come. The third baseman, obstructing the runner. The rulebook says, yes, cost the Sox the game. Was it right?

Let's bring in Rachel Nichols the host of "UNGUARDED WITH RACHEL NICHOLS," and "EARLY START" anchor, not with John Berman, but he is here, and the die hard Red Sox fan, hello to both of you.

Let's begin with last night. We'll do it in the order of occurrence. Do you think you made the tag at first?

NICHOLS: I think it's the first World Series to end on a pick off, with the first World Series game the night before to end on an obstruction call. And the best part about that is you have no idea what is going to happen tonight.

CUOMO: Notice my body language is changed? Not at all because I'm still asking. Do you think he made the tag last night? Did he make the tag?

NICHOLS: I think it's OK.

BERMAN: I think no one thinks he made the tag.


BERMAN: It's a controversy.

NICHOLS: You are asking the wrong question.

BOLDUAN: Could it be the uninitiated? Maybe I don't watch Major League Baseball all the time. Why is the call from Saturday to controversial?

NICHOLS: Because intention is not the issue. He said he didn't mean to do it. That doesn't matter. It's in the rulebook.

The reason why people are so upset about that is that he fell making the play. So people said, what was he supposed to do? He was going for the ball. Then he was in the way. And it's obstruction once the ball goes past.

So the question is, what was he supposed to do with himself? And the answer is, it doesn't matter. He got in the way.

Now, people say he needs to change the rules. But they did follow the rule. The umpires did follow the rules.

BERMAN: I can speak on behalf of the outrage.

CUOMO: Hold on, hold on, hold on. You see his legs?

BERMAN: Chris Cuomo, you are speaking about an issue that does not matter. The legs going up has no effect. Being in the pace pack, it didn't matter. He was there.

The minute the ball went by him there, he was obstructing the runner and the man scored.

CUOMO: I'm saying if he's going to play the victim the way fans like to play the guy had his legs up. All I'm saying his legs up.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: But the fact is the onus is on him to get out of the way, correct?



But there was no way to get out of the way. It was the correct ball. It is a rule without nuance. They definitely made the right call.

It's like the tough rule. Patriot fans, football fans, of course, we all remember, the Patriots advance to the playoffs in 2001 against the raiders, Tom Brady, they called it not a fumble but he was tucking the ball back in. The refs made the right call then, just like they made the call Saturday night. But the rule may not cover everything and change the top rule.


CUOMO: They called to determine a game. That's what makes something a controversy.

NICHOLS: Well, here's the question. In the NBA, you may notice, towards the end of every NBA finals game, traveling doesn't exist. There's no fouls that exist.

The idea is just one play. Nobody wants if game decided by a referee. There is a move here of saying, hey, how come these umpires are deciding the game. Certainly in game three.

And the answer is in baseball, it's a much different culture. Everything is regulated. Every single real moment --

BERMAN: Can I say two things as you watch these two plays? Saturday night, a game is never ended that way in a World Series. Last night never ended.

NICHOLS: I start --

BERMAN: And another thing, though, those were two big play -- listen, this is the way it is --


BERMAN: There were two plays at the end of those games that were absolutely historically ethically bad decisions by players. (INAUDIBLE) home plate, should never throw to third.

NICHOLS: Should have never made the throw to third.

BERMAN: It's such a bad move. And Kolten Wong getting picked off first base last night. That runner does not matter.

PEREIRA: Can I point something out? For you who might not have seen the video, I want you to zoom in on the (IANUDIBLE) John Berman. I've never seen it so -- I'm actually concerned we might need to get Botox in there.

BERMAN: There's no sleep.

PEREIRA: You're wearing it on your face.

BERMAN: There is no sleep.

BOLDUAN: But we're getting what we asked for, which is a great series.

NICHOLS: This conversation obstructs the point that there is some great stuff happening. Before the controversial ending of last night's game, you had a great hero moment. Jonny Gomes, who was not supposed to be there, you know, he wasn't even supposed to be playing. Ninety minutes before the game finds out that another player is injured. He's going to be able to start.

He's the guy that his manager always says, what Johnny gives us is way beyond the numbers. Usually, he doesn't give them very many numbers. Well, last night, he gave them numbers. They were behind. He delivered. He hit this amazing home run.

And just before that, all of the players on the field have come and done a presentation about standing up to cancer. They held cards saying who they were standing up to cancer before. He held up the name of his coaches along with a young girl from Massachusetts. He said it inspired me.

How much do you love that story? Come on.

PEREIRA: Guaranteed, everybody is going to be watching this game.

CUOMO: You see it in the ratings. The ratings are going up. You can watch.


NICHOLS: I'm concerned about John Berman --

PEREIRA: Generally.

BOLDUAN: Congrats on the launch of the show.

NICHOLS: Thank you very much. Thank you.

CUOMO: Good luck. Big game tonight, J.B., I can't wait to tweet you.

Be sure to catch Rachel's show "UNGUARDED WITH RACHEL NICHOLS," Friday nights 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

BOLDUAN: Coming up next on NEW DAY: he changed music really forever, influencing countless artists and setting the stage for rock and punk for generations to come.

We're remembering Lou Reed, coming up.

PEREIRA: It was a nod to our anchorman. Here's a listen -- be careful when you are showing off a prize catch, someone else might want it a little more than you do. Wait for it. It's your must see moment. We'll show it to you after the break.


BOLDUAN: Let's go around the world now, starting in London. A major trial underway today involving journalists accused of hacking the cellphones of celebrities.

Max Foster has more on that.


MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: There are eight defendants on trial, including Rebekah Brooks, former News International chief of executive, and Andy Coulson, former "News of the World" editor, both accused of hacking voice males, both accused of conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office.

Since allegations of wrongdoing first surfaced in 2001, the cases rocked the British establishment. The trial is expected to last for months and all eight have denied the charges against them.

Back to you, Kate.


BOLDUAN: All right. Max, thank you so much for that.

The southwestern part of England is being hit with its worst storm in recent memory.

Erin McLaughlin has more.


ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Lots of rain and gale force winds kept residents awake into the small hours of the morning. Wind speeds recorded as strong as 93 miles per hour in some parts and this morning, commuters having a tough time getting to work with the road closures, rail delays, flight cancellations at Heathrow and Gatwick; 40,000 homes without power this morning.

But as can you see, storms pretty much passed in this part of the country. Now, the priority of cleaning up the debris and getting people to work.

Back to you, Kate.


BOLDUAN: All right. Erin, thank you so much for that.

And, there was a scary crash in one of China's most well-known attractions in Tiananmen Square. David McKenzie is in Beijing.


DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There's a heavy police presence here. There normally is. But right now, it's clearly escalated. Apparently, this car drove up from this road down this way crashed through a barricade. And you see the pictures of this SUV of some kind burst into flame right outside the entrance to the Forbidden City opposite Tiananmen Square.

This area is possibly one of the most sensitive in China. Right now, if I look, you can see there are no tourists here in this area. Normally, it's absolutely jam-packed.


BOLDUAN: All right. David, thank you so much for that.

PEREIRA: Well, the music world is remembering a legend this morning. Lou Reed, rock 'n' roll pioneer, a member of the Velvet Underground, died Sunday this morning at the age of 71. His death prompted reaction from all over, including from Russell Simmons who said, quote, "New York lost one of our greatest gifts today."

Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler called Reed a great friend tweeting, "From maxes to the masses, you made the world sing." Reed has been called a profound influence on a generation of musicians. Here to talk about Lou Reed's legacy is Simon Vozick-Levinson. He's the senior editor at "Rolling Stone" magazine. Good morning to you. Thank you for coming and joining us on NEW DAY.

SIMON VOZICK-LEVINSON, SENIOR EDITOR, ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE: Good morning. PEREIRA: You're looking at a tremendous legacy. The guy experimented with sound. He wrote lyrics involving taboo topics of the day. The influence that he really weighed over music was incredibly profound.

VOZICK-LEVINSON: Yes. That's absolutely true. Lou Reed was certainly one of the most influential figures in history of rock music. He was a revolutionary. He was someone who refused to compromise. He made art on his own terms and the -- on the second terms --

PEREIRA: He didn't really care about the commercial success either, did he?

VOZICK-LEVINSON: That's true. Yes. He constantly challenged conventions. Whether it was experimenting with guitar feedback or giving a voice to gay people and transgender people and (INAUDIBLE) taboo.

BOLDUAN: Why is he so influential? Where do we see his influence?

VOZICK-LEVINSON: You can see Reed's influence on a number of artists who cited him specifically as an influenced people like Patty Smith, REM, The Strokes. But beyond that, you can really see his influence on virtually anyone today who we considered to be Indy rock, punk rock, all rock, the way that he started challenge (ph) conventions and do things in different ways. A huge example for generation --

CUOMO: And transcended music also. I mean, one of the things that will set Lou Reed apart, and I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with him over the years, because he was very politically active is that he was more than music. Steven Tyler in his tweet referenced Maxes. That's Maxes, Kansas City. It was a salon effect. It was a bar here in New York City that artists made into just like an idea factory.

And a lot of partying as well. But Lou transcended music. And he would often say that the music has to mean something, that when it stops meaning something, when it's just about entertainment, then really, it loses its value and becomes a commodity. And that's rare. That's rare.

VOZICK-LEVINSON: Yes. That's absolutely true. Lou Reed was certainly an activist, an outspoken activist. He was also an artist. As you mentioned, he was someone who is very close to Andy Warhol in the early part of his career. And you know, he was one of the first examples that someone who showed that rock music and high art could kind of be one in the same.

PEREIRA: And also, the longevity, too. Not just of his musical career, but as you said, the philanthropy, the activism that lasted all the way through until, you know, recent days. I understand he was a big fan of our guy, of Kanye.

VOZICK-LEVINSON: That's right. Yes.

PEREIRA: Which is interesting, because that's such a juxtaposition in a way yet not.

VOZICK-LEVINSON: Yes. Actually, that's right. Just a couple of months, Lou Reed wrote (INAUDIBLE) about why he loved Kanye West and his recent album, and that might have surprised some people. And I think it actually made sense. Like Lou Reed, Kanye is someone who challenges convention and something does things in his own way. And I think that's, you know, Lou Reed -- kindred spirit there.

BOLDUAN: What was -- we know his influence on music, but what has he been doing later in life? Was he in failing health for a long period of time, do we know?

VOZICK-LEVINSON: Well, he had a liver transplant this may. So, we know that his health wasn't great. But he actually made -- like I said, he published that Kanye West review just a couple of months ago. He made public statements. So, this is certainly a surprise and a shock.

PEREIRA: It was really great for you to join us, remembering a legend. Certainly, Lou Reed's influence will be felt for many generations. It's going to be interesting to see how his influence will still be felt in music. Simon Vozick-Levinson, "Rolling Stone" magazine senior editor, got up early for us, rock n' roll in the morning.

BOLDUAN: Love it.

CUOMO: Not usual for this --



BOLDUAN: Some sources say. Thanks, Simon.

VOZICK-LEVINSON: Thanks for having me.

PEREIRA: All right. Now, it's time for our "Must-See Moment." And my friend, this is no fishtail. You see, we're going to show you a couple of guys probably showing off today's catch.


PEREIRA (voice-over): No idea what's about to happen. Oh, that did not happening. It sure did. That is a swindling sea lion by the name of Poncho. He is so known in the area because of his reputation for filtering fish. Two professional fishermen were in --


PEREIRA: -- apparently filming an episode of the reality show, "Chef on the Water." Poncho went in and made off with a beautiful mahi- mahi. I've never seen one except on the plate. They're beautiful.

CUOMO (voice-over): That's a dolphin fish as opposed to -- did that seal grab the tail you think and avoid the hand on purpose? BOLDUAN (voice-over): Yes.

PEREIRA: I don't know if it was on purpose.

BOLDUAN: I don't know why.


BOLDUAN: The other guy, of course, was like --


PEREIRA: No. This is all me.

BOLDUAN: We're not sharing.

PEREIRA: This is all me.


CUOMO: I don't know how old that guy is, but he might as well be seven (ph).

PEREIRA: He might have lost his ice cream cone. Exactly.


CUOMO: First, he was angry, then he was like, wow, did you see the size of that thing, it could have pulled me in.



PEREIRA (on-camera): I had no idea there's vividly --

CUOMO (on-camera): They are, and they have some kind of one of those weird bioluminescent things where like they shimmer.

BOLDUAN (on-camera): Yes.

CUOMO: They're really beautiful.

PEREIRA: There you go. That was for you. Happy Monday.

CUOMO: Mahi-mahi.

Coming up on NEW DAY, the White House is reacting amid the latest accusations of wiretapping. Dozens of world leaders reportedly being monitored. What did the president know? One provocative question. We're going to have the latest.

BOLDUAN: And another football player is now tied up in the investigation into Aaron Hernandez, but what do prosecutors want to know from him?



UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If the regular English site isn't working, try signing up in a different language like, say, Icelandic. And then choose one of four simple plans (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)


UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now, that's fun. And if our site keeps freezing, we've also provided links to other helpful websites such as --


UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: -- where you can purchase airline tickets to Canada and buy cheaper prescription drugs.



CUOMO: It was funny. It was funny. People may not like the message, but it was funny. All right. Listen to this one. Are we watching football? I hope so. Because Lions' wide receiver, Calvin Johnson, he's known as Megatron, right, because he can transform games. That's why they call him. They can't say it, but he can do it. 329 yards receiving gives the Cowboys second greatest game ever by a receiver judging by the numbers.

Let's bring in Andy Scholes for this morning's "Bleacher Report" to talk about it. It's just huge plays. I mean, we haven't seen anything like this in decades.

ANDY SCHOLES, BLEACHER REPORT: That's right, Chris. And we might not see another game like this for a very long time. It was just an incredible performance by Megatron. And his effort helped the Lions make an improbable comeback. Jonathan (INAUDIBLE) got Lions down to the one yard line with under 15 seconds left.

And check out Matthew Stafford like everyone get to the line. We're going to spike the ball. But then, he treats everyone, even his own teammates, and jumps in for the touchdown. The Lions win in the shocker 31-30. It was a crushing defeat for the Cowboys.

And check out Dez Bryant; he is not happy about it on the sideline. He went off and had to be restrained by his teammates. After the game, Dez said his tirade was a result of positive hashing.

Turning on today, the Minnesota Vikings, they got off to a quick start against the Green Bay Packers last night. Rookie, Cordero Patterson, took the opening kickoff 109 yards for a touchdown. That broke the previous record of 108 yard. The Vikings may have won the battle on the play, but they lost the war to the Packers. Final score of the fame was 44-31 Green Bay. And NBA season, believe it or not, tips off tomorrow night with a double header on our sister network, TNT. The Bulls and Heat get things started at 8:00 eastern. That's followed by the Clippers and Lakers at 10:30.

And guys, we all know Halloween is this Thursday night. And if the World Series ends up going to seven games, we would have baseball, NBA basketball, football and hockey. A quad sports --

BOLDUAN: That will be an aggressive piece or awesome.

PEREIRA: Or we never get a phone call from my --

BOLDUAN: Thanks so much, Andy.


CUOMO: Leave the boyfriend alone, Michaela.


BOLDUAN: For now, it's the top of the hour, which means, it's time for the top news.


BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As you may have heard, the site isn't working the way it's supposed to yet.

CUOMO: Crashed. The worst Obamacare glitch yet. Absolutely no one able sign up for health care coverage last night. We'll tee up (ph) the tough questions Kathleen Sebelius will face from Congress.

BOLDUAN: With friends like this. New accusations the U.S spied on key allies, another country named, millions of phone calls intercepted, and conflicting reports of what the president knew and when.

PEREIRA: Breaking overnight, Conrad Murray, the doctor convicted in the death of Michael Jackson, released from jail early. But now, his lawyer wants his medical license reinstated. Does he have a chance?

CUOMO: Your NEW DAY starts right now.

ANNOUNCER: What you need to know --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing matters more than an energized, and active and vocal grassroots America. That's how you win elections.

ANNOUNCER: What you just have to see --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The next push on the hand cycle to the next push on the wheelchair, all I cared about was finishing.



CUOMO: Good morning. Welcome back to NEW DAY. It's Monday. Yey! October 28th, seven o'clock in the east.

New this hour, Hillary Clinton isn't saying if she's going to make a run for the White House. But I got to tell you, it's starting to look like it with the series of speeches that we'll tell you about. And she's not the only one. On the other side of the aisle, Texas senator, Ted Cruz, new Jersey governor, Chris Christie, Louisiana governor, Bobby Jindal, all out on the, quote, the" campaign trail." So, the question is obvious, a preview of 2016? We'll break it down for you.

BOLDUAN: Then, this is also ahead, singer, Chris Brown, tangled up yet again with the law, facing new assault charges. And, he's still on probation for attacking his former girlfriend, musician, Rihanna. So, could he be facing jail time?

PEREIRA: And, you'll remember the young Florida girl who committed suicide after she was bullied. Two classmates are facing charges. Jose Baez represented Casey Anthony is now taking the case of one of those young girls. He'll join us live with a preview of his defense.

CUOMO: But first, as if it could get any worse. There's been another setback in the Obamacare roll-out. The website's data center crashed Sunday. It brought enrollment in all 50 states to a screeching halt. Athena Jones is following the developments for us from the White House this morning. Good morning, Athena.

ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Chris. This is more bad news for the administration when it comes to Obamacare. The man that president put in charge of fixing the website says it will be running smoothly by the end of November. So, this is another major meltdown that's raising questions about that.