My original question was about whether Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens were of different species. If they could ‘bross-breed’ with resulting offspring, then, they were of the same species.
I wholeheartedly agree. Also, the fact that Neandertal DNA has been sequenced now and has shown the overlap is substantial, and despite the relatively few specimen sequences, turns out many of us have detectable Neandertal variants -- generally as plentiful as the genes we get from our g-g-g-g-grandcestors.
Every once in a while the angry arrogant crackpot Ted Holden shows up under yet another FR nick and pushes the "Neandertal was halfway between humans and chimps" BS, and/or the Australian comic book that claims that Neandertal was a demon-like ape that hunted our ancestors until they finally killed 'em off. No movie deal (yet) for that ridiculous crap.