BREAKING: 31 Warrants Issued In TCU Case

(((HT: NBCDFW/NBC5 Dallas))

The drug investigation at TCU has actually led to 31 different people getting charged. Police are looking at arresting, possibly, another 10.

That number comes from a memo obtained by NBC5 from the police themselves...

Two weeks ago, initial numbers were put at close to 20...

The police memo is an "after action" report written five days after the raid. Police also picked up weapons, almost $50-grand in cash, drugs, and cars.

Officers found a half-ounce of marijuana, a digital scale and five drug pipes in a search of Tanner Brock's house just off-campus, the memo said.

Starting LB Tanner Brock had marijuana, a scale, and drug pipes in his possession when he was arrested. Brock was one of four TCU football players arrested in the first sweep.

Here's raw video of the original drug bust on campus...
((HT: NBCDFW.com))

View more videos at: http://nbcdfw.com.

AJ Burnett Gets Rude Welcome Back To NL

((HT: ESPN))

He got to bunt a ball off his face while taking BP in the cage today...
Not the welcome back he was looking for...


As Ravvy says, Burnett is heading back to Pittsburgh to have his eye looked at...
The HQ, naturally, hopes everything is okay after the shiner disappears...

Could Be-Be Bring A Mistrial...? Not Yet...

((HT: KDVR-TV Fox31 Denver/PFT))

Former Georgia Tech and current Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius "Be-Be" Thomas testified in the rape trial of former Broncos teammate Perrish Cox- and his answers on the stand gave Cox's lead attorney the notion to ask for a mistrial.

According to Fox 31's Greg Nieto, through his Twitter feed, the alleged victim in the case testified early this morning and went through her recollections of the night in question.

Thomas was then called to the stand and he "testifies tht cox said: "i think she's ready."

Thomas was dating the woman at the time that Cox allegedly took her to a bedroom in order to have sex with her.

So, then Thomas knew what Cox had on his mind...???
With a woman he was apparently dating...???

Excellent...

Here's the story from the time of opening arguments...

Angry Tiger Gives Alex Miceli Lasers

((HT: TheBigLead/ESPN))

And anything else he can try to do with death-rays in a collegial press conference setting...

Here's Tiger at the Honda...


You're a beauty, you know that...???
Awesome way to start a week...

Braun Sample Taker Fires Back

((HT: Fox6now.com Milwaukee))

The gentleman's name is Dino Laurenzi...

And he isn't going to take being accused of a felony lightly...

At his welcome back press conference, Milwaukee Brewers reigning Emm-Vee-Pee Ryan Braun basically intimated that Laurenzi was the one who tampered with both of Braun's samples to give the "false positive."

On both...

With exactly the same reading...

Laurenzi has fired back, going through the step-by-step process of something he's done over 600 other times... and he ain't quiet about it...

Here's Henry Rosoff in the newsroom...


So, the HQ thinks it knows who went through six different seals to get to the sample...


Hans, boobie...

Indiana H.S Buzzer Beater: Oh My!

Nothing like dropping a 40 foot 3-pointer for the win in a Sectional Playoff game.

Gary Harris of Hamilton Southeastern H.S in Indiana is money at the buzzer, his 3 pointer gives his team the 86-83 win over North Central in the opening round of sectional play last night.

Really there is much else to say...and yeah, the crowd thing looks a bit scary.



The refined, edited TV version from WISH-TV in Indianapolis is here:

HSE wins with astounding buzzer beater: wishtv.com

Chris Draft's Story Of Love, Loss, And Challenge

((HT: 11Alive.com))

Full disclosure, the HQ has known and covered Chris Draft as a Falcon and an NFL'er for a while... stand-up guy, cool guy, great soundbite, 6th-rounder who has made a living hunting people down...

A year-and-a-half ago, Chris' wife Keasha was diagnosed with lung cancer- and, no, she wasn't a smoker...

They were married just after Thanksgiving and she passed after Christmas...

But Chris wants to make sure everyone remembers Keasha and their fight...

FOSG Randy Waters sat down with Chris...


Here's Team Draft's website... and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Draft family in this hard time...

OSG High: Sabbath Conflict Knocks School Out Of TX Playoffs

((HT: MyFoxHouston))

TAPPS stands for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools and one member, Beren Academy, has had to withdraw from the playoffs because of the date of a playoff game falling on the Sabbath.

Rita Garcia catches up with "Team Star..."

Religious Conflict Could Blow Team's Title Shot: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

TAPPS claims that they told the school that the playoffs games fall on Fridays and Saturdays, so the school's appeal hasn't worked to date even though they have precedent for soccer...

Your Daytona 500 recap: Fire, Rain and Matt Kenseth for the win

You could arguably call this the Mayan Apocalypse edition of the Daytona 500.

Why?

Well, you had the 1st rain delay in 54-years, you had a big crash on the second lap that took out some big names, a fire and a race that ended at 1 a.m.

And in the end, your winner: Matt Kenseth.

Okay, stop with the wild applause.

No, seriously, Kenseth led the last 38 laps to win his second Daytona 500 title...or as they say in racing land..."The Super Bowl of Motor Sports".

Kenseth was easily able to fend off perennial non-winner Dale Earnhardt Jr, who finished second. And rather than get into the details here, we probably should just go to the video, because quite honestly, there is very little that we can say, that would do what happened justice.

Here's the most bizarre incident of the night, the one where Juan Pablo Montoya loses control of his car on a yellow flag lap as he tries to catch the field. He slides and plows right into the jet dryer trying to clean the track from the previous incident.

((Video from NASCAR.com))



Here are your final couple of laps.

((Thanks NASCAR.com))

Trade Deadline Day: Vancouver Makes Moves, Nash Does Not...

((HT: TSN/youtube))

It looked like the Columbus Blue Jackets really were going to get rid of Rick Nash. But, at the end of the day, they didn't get rid of Rick Nash- and will be now stuck with a hostile environment with a star that they thought they'd get rid of but didn't after all...

Make any sense...???

We thought so...

A lot of people think that the Canucks moves were more preparing for another Stanley Cup Final... so be it...

They add Zack Kassian from Buffalo and Sami Pahlsson from CBJ while getting rid of Cody Hodgson- since he wasn't going to get much playing time in the first place...

Here's how TradeCentre detailed the Hodgson deal..


Nashville adds Hal Gill early and get Andrei K. From MTL along with Paul Gaustad from Buffalo...
Mike Commodore goes from DET to TBL...

Interesting to see who gets where now...
Except Nash, of course...

DEVELOPING: Sac-Town Gets Arena Deal

((HT: News10 Sacramento))

Looks like the Kings and the Maloofs are staying for now...
Pending, of course, city approval of all the dotted I's and crossed T's...

The bigger issue was the up-front by the Maloofs toward a new arena and it looks like something in the neighborhood of US$70-million...

The city of Sacramento puts $240 million toward the estimated $387 million venue, and arena operator AEG is penciled in for $40 million to $60 million.

Here's the early returns from Sacramento...


Here's the statement from the Downtown Partnership on the deal itself...

"I think it's great for our community. I'm glad that it's finally coming to an end," Gavin Maloof said after the deal was reached...

The Player Is Indoors

((HT: IFL/youtube))

Terrell Owens made sure that everyone in the Indoor Football League took the first quarter to get their popcorn ready...

The first play of the second quarter was his first career IFL catch...


He ended his day with three catches, all for scores, and 53 yards receving in his "business opportunity" with the Allen Wranglers. The home team beat Wichita 50-30...

And so it starts...
The HQ wonders how long it will last...

ECHL Craziness: Coach waves white flag at officials

((ht: yahoo.com/puckdaddy))

Oh, those crazy ECHL'ers, they love to have huge brawls and do wacky things.

And last night, Colorado Eagles coach Chris Stewart continued that tradition.

Stewart did what Roger Neilson did many years ago in the NHL, he was so upset at the officiating that he waved the "White Flag" of submission.

Stewart's action may be justified. Why? Because the game between the Eagles and the Ottawa Reign finished 9-8 in a shootout and was highlighted by 106 minutes of penalties.

Because we're all-about the video, take a look at what happened:

Danica's Daytona Experience Doesn't Start Well...

((HT: NASCAR/ESPN))

It's not cool when a teammate does it to you...

And that's what JR Motorsports' Cole Whitt did on Lap 49 of the Saturday race at Daytona. Danica Patrick started on the pole and got some seat time with owner Dale Earnhardt, Junior in draft behind her for the first few laps.

But as is the want of the race and the track, she sorted drivers out and shuffled them every which-a-way. Patrick was no different drifting as far back as the mid-20's in the pack.

And, then, depression set in, thanks to Whitt...

Here's the spin out from and the aftermath...


Sufficed to say that in-car communication had to be bleeped and edited for content... thanks, MotorSportsCentral and TSN2

Marquette Buzz: Coach Goes Dancing On Rival Floor

And the dance by Warriors Golden Eagles head coach Buzz WIlliams after being down to West Virginia in Morgantown didn't go over well with the home folks...

See for yoursself...
((HT: ESPN))


Williams held out four starters for the ever-popular "undisclosed violation of team rules" for the first half in Morgantown before coming from behind in the one-point win.

The HQ knows Huggy Bear will remember this one...

OSG Buzzer Beater: Best Finish In College Basketball This Year

Perhaps the best finish in college basketball of the year happened at the Kellogg Gym in Pomona, California in a rivalry game between Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal Poly Pomona.

Cal State Dominguez Hills' hit a three point shot with .6 seconds left to give the Toros a one point lead.

Then on the inbound Cal Poly Pomona's Mitchel Anderson did a catch and shoot from three quarters court and nailed it giving the Broncos an impropable win.

Here's the highlights with the game winner. (Thanks cppbroncos)



"I've seen games like this on TV but never been a part of one until now," Cal Poly Pomona head coach Greg Kamansky said after the game. "I'm happy for our seniors since this was their night."

Mitchel Anderson led the Broncos in scoring with 17 points.

That finish is going to be hard to top.

Danica, Shawna... Shawna, Danica...

((HT: ESPN/NASCAR))

For the first time since Shawna Robinson picked up the pole at Atlanta MOtor Speedway in 1994, Danica Patrick knocked Sam Hornish, Junior off the top spot for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona.

Here's your analysis from the desk...


She is scheduled to drive 10 Sprint Cup races for Stewart-Haas Racing and run every Nationwide race for JR Motorsports ths year- talk about having a split ownership loyalty...

She makes her Sprint Cup debut in the Daytona 500 after eating the wall at 180-miles per hour in the Twin 150's races Thursday afternoon.

She has three top-10 finishes in 25 Nationwide races over two years, so now that she's up front it'll be interesting to see who plays ball with her and if she has any friends on the track - AT ANY TIME...

Jus' sayin...

McLovin Breaks Glasses On Live TV

((HT: dp101directv/Patrick Seton O'Connor))

Andrew Perloff, aka "McLovin'" from the "Dan Patrick Show" is set to play the Harlem Globetrotters tonight as part of their exhibition in New England.

Except for one thing...

He did this on live TV today...


The evidence of the game will be an interesting case study for someone who had trouble reading his computer terminal during the remainder of the show...

Friday Administration Update: Rangers Owe More Than They Thought

((HT: STV))

And one of the managing partners feels "duped" for having brought Craig Whyte on in the first place...

According to our friends at STV, the bill on outstanding tax debt is more in the neighborhood of 15-million pounds instead of the originally-thought 9-million.

Rangers director Andrew Ellis has now come forward and is claiming that he didn't know the extent of Whyte's resume (the bad part) and has apologized to the club and its supporters.

Ellis said in an interview with Press Association Sport, released by STV:

"I took Craig to meet Sir David Murray in the south of France and that's when talks began and I'm distraught that it has ended up like this. My interest in buying the club had ended due to the potential cost of the impending tax case but I had met Craig via the Cadbury family and was told by people that he was a very successful and wealthy businessman who was interested in buying Rangers.

"He appeared to have the money, he showed me proof of funds and told me about the numerous companies he owned. I was absolutely devastated last week to see the club go into administration with jobs at risk."

Ellis also said that he had an agreement in principle to pick up just under a quarter of the Rangers ownership, but Whyte kept dodging him when asked.

In other Rangers news, they now have an official bill with the local police since they haven't paid for their protection from their first game back in administration.
The local po-po is going to take it on a case-by-case basis...

And manager Ally McCoist was asked about the revelations about the leveraging of the ticket broker, Ticketus, their front money and the retiring of a debt using future funds.

"My reaction was shock but not surprise. Shock because it's obviously not a good situation, but not a surprise because all of the journalists and newspapers were heading in that direction. That kind of took the surprise element away."

Here's your early recap from BBCNews Scotland and johngreig...

Pat Knight channels dad and goes off on team

Okay, maybe this is a case of like father, like son...or maybe it isn't.

Lamar basketball head coach Pat Knight is the son of legendary coach Bob Knight. And he's got some of his fathers temper and like Bob, apparently doesn't have much of a filter.

After his team lost last night to Stephen A. Austin, Knight proceeded to go on for a long, long time about the apathy of his seniors, the lack of effort by his team and pretty much rail about everything they do...on and off the court.

And while he may not be wrong, we also need to add that sometimes its the coach's job to get his players to perform or be motivated. And judging by the lack of success that the younger Knight had a Texas Tech and apparently is having at Lamar, that may be a legitimate issue too.

Here's your video (courtesy: lamar1video)

Graham James Sentenced In Canada March 20

((HT: GlobalNational))

Victim statements were heard in open court for the sentencing hearing for disgraced junior hockey coach Graham James.

James pleaded guilty in December to sexually abusing two junior players between 1983 and 1994.

Crown attorney Colleen McDuff gave details of the crimes James committed against Theo Fleury and another former junior player, Todd Holt. Both men agreed to have their names publicized.

Holt read an emotional victim impact statement in court, describing how James ruined his life.

"Graham James took away every part of me that my family had brought me up to be. I will always be left picking up the pieces."

"What that man did to me and many others is the cruellest form of abuse. I want peace, and justice."

James attorney is asking for the equivalent of house arrest while crown attorneys are looking for another six years or so behind bars.

Here's extended interviews with Sheldon Kennedy, one of the first abused by James...


An alleged third victim, Greg Gilhooly, was also in court. But the case against Gilhooly was dismissed in order to get a secured conviction of James.

James had been living in Mexico but agreed to turn himself in to Canadian authorities in late 2010 after Fleury, Holt and Gilhooly went to police. James also had been given a controversial pardon in 2007, but public outcry forced the government to re-examine the pardons guidelines...

Here's CBC's Bob McKeown with one of the best gotchas ever...
Finding James in Mexico...

Duerson Family Suing NFL

((HT: WLS-TV))

Former NFL defensive back Dave Duerson made a point to shoot himself in the stomach when he committed suicide. It was his wish that, from there, his family would donate his brain to science to determine whether or not he was suffering from CTE at the time he killed himself.

The Duerson family has now filed a wrongful death suit against the NFL for not informing him or his family that he should be treated for his injuries.

Here's the latest out of Chicago...


Helmet manufacturer Riddell is also part of the suit...

The HQ is fairly certain that Duerson and the other 11 players that have gathered for their suit against the NFL will not be the last to do so.

BU Creating Task Force To Examine Culture

((HT: WHDH))

In light of two arrests of Boston University hockey players for alleged sexual assaults, the school is making sure they examine the environment.

Here's the analysis...


The school is claiming they are going to do what they feel they need to and make sure the environment is corrected...

The HQ isn't holding its breath on this one...

Daytona: Danica Gets Crashed In 150-Miler

((HT: MT89MotorsportMedia/NASCAR/NASCAR Images/Speed))

Welcome to auto racing, and thank NASCAR for putting in SAFIR barriers when Danica Patrick needed them...

Here's the last part of the race where Danica got introduced to them...


Aric Almirola was bumped by Jamie McMurray and it all led to Patrick's hard crash. But the HQ will give the driver credit for taking her hands off the wheel- using her open-wheel prowess to keep from getting her wrists broken...

The 500-miler is Sunday in Daytona...

Huguely Could Face 26 Years

((HT: MyFoxDC))

The second-degree murder and grand larceny charges on former University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely are yielding a possible 26-year sentence come the April sentencing phase in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The timing is set of the 16th...

The jury deliberated for nine hours in the case involving Huguely's former girlfriend, Yeardley Love. Late last night, the possible 60 years from the charges were whittled down to the current 26.

Paul Wagner is outside the courtroom...

Former U.Va. Lacrosse Player George Huguely V Faces 26 Years for Murder of Yeardley Love: MyFoxDC.com

The judge does not have to keep the jury recommendation by the latter, but the term can be adjusted or adhered to as is.

Thursday Administration Update: Rangers Have Redundancy

((HT: STV/SkySports))

And, as a result, Chief operating officer Ali Russell and Gordon Smith, director of football, are leaving their roles with Rangers.

Smith said he was "undermined" through his association with owner Craig Whyte...

Here's Smith statement from the Rangers website:

"It was a great thrill to be offered the Director of Football role at Rangers. As a fan it was a wonderful experience to play such a big part in our treble winning season of 77/78. However like my transfer in 1980 my leaving at this time comes as a tremendous wrench.

"I admit that under the current circumstances it has not come as a major surprise to me. I was brought in by Craig Whyte but because his control and reputation has been damaged by recent disclosures, I feel my own position has been undermined by association.

"However, I would make the point that I was very frustrated in my job as I was unable to fulfill the job specification which was originally outlined for me. This was to control the major aspects of the football department outwith the first team operations.

"These were to include recruitment, scouting, transfer negotiations and youth development. I wasn't in control of any of these activities despite constantly making it clear to Craig Whyte that this was to be my remit. I outlined my medium to long term strategies for the Club on numerous occasions to no avail.

"There's no point in being a Director of Football unless you can control these areas, so, in that respect I'm totally comfortable with being made redundant at this time.

"The main thing for me is that Rangers survives and continues to operate as a great football club and I offer my full support going forward to ensure this happens."

Both are staying until the end of the month to finish up their jobs and administrators Duff and Phelps are handing over findings to local police for their own investigations.

And it now appears that the tax liability may be more into the neighborhood of 15-million pounds instead of 9-million...

Here's looking back at the preview of game one after administration, thanks johngreig...
((HT: SkySports))

BREAKING: Braun Suspension Overturned (UPDATED WITH PRESSER)

MVP and Milwaukee Brewers all-everything Ryan Braun has had his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test overturned by an arbitor...

More when we know more from Milwaukee...

Here's early reaction from Milwaukee and our friends at WTMJ-TV

"Today the arbitration panel announced its decision, by a 2-1 vote, to sustain Ryan Braun's grievance challenging his 50-game suspension by the commissioner's office," a statement from the players' association said. Braun was found to have an elevated testosterone level in October.

Discussion on national levels revealed that the elevated level may have come from a health-related issue Braun is (or was) going through although there has been no confirmation of that theory.

This is the first time that there has been a reversal of a finding through an arbitor.

Here's the early part of the statement released by Braun, thanks Fox6Now Milwaukee:

“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision.

“It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances.

“I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year."

Here's your standard fan piece, thanks to our friends at CBS58


Friday UPDATE:

Braun had his presser in Arizona and attacked anything in sight...
((HT: ESPN))

Blake Griffin dunks over everyone

((ht: cbssports.com))

Ouch!

Periodically, we feel the need to show you highlights of possibly the greatest power dunker ever in the NBA.

Blake Griffin of the L.A Clippers has been featured more times than we can count, dunking over pretty much anyone who gets in his way.

Last night, it appears that at least 3 Denver Nuggets tried to get in his way.

The result...was inevitable.

NBA Buzzer Beater: Luke Ridnour for the win

There really isn't much to say here. It's pretty simple actually, Minnesota and Utah, tied at 98, the ball ends up in the hands of guard Luke Ridnour.

Ridnour finds a gap in the Utah defense, takes it to the hole and puts up a floater.

Buzzer goes off, ball goes in and the Timberwolves win...thank you very much.

Binghamton's Losing Streak Is Over At 27

((HT: WBNG-TV))

Binghamton is bad...
0-26 bad with a losing streak of 27...

Remember all the shenanigans after the program was shwon to be a little less than honest with itself and the university...???

Former Temple gunner Mark Macon is the head coach and they knocked off top America East team Vermont for their first win of the season...

Here's Brendan O'Reilly with the highlights...


Way to go, Bearcats!

Mikhail Prokhorov Raps- And It's Pretty Damn Funny...

((HT: The New Yorker))

He's the Russian Eminem...

And it was on a state-run show called "Projector Paris Hilton"- which, on it's own, should draw a laugh since there a joke in there somewhere...

The HQ cannot thank Julia Ioffe enough for the levity at the end of the 9-to-5 day...

Wednesday Administration Update: Rangers and Pompey

((HT: STV/SkySports))

The news is better for Rangers than Portsmouth...

So, which would you like first...???

Okay... the bad news...

Portsmouth may run out of cash within months and they face this financial problem (or "new" financial problem) after not making any moves in the transfer window. Portsmouth Chief Exec David Lampitt has left the building (like, now)...

Administrator Trevor Birch released more information on the Portsmouth website this afternoon...

“We have had no choice but to take the difficult decision to make a number of redundancies across all levels and departments within Portsmouth Football Club.

“Additionally, we are asking certain employees to defer wages on an ongoing basis and are asking several members of staff to move from a full-time to a part-time role.

“These measures are painful for everyone involved with the club, but they are essential for Portsmouth’s survival, which is our main objective."

The bottom line is that the team needs a buyer.

The administrators are also saying that Pompey are running a triple-a squad on a major league budget- something they really can't do...

On the Rangers front, manager Ally McCoist and director Dave King met with Duff and Phelps adminstrators earlier today at Ibrox Stadium. The comments from David Whitehouse, joint admin from D&P, outline the obvious...

"Right now, it is quite simple - income now will help secure the future of Rangers.

"Our focus is on generating income for the Club but there is also a focus on costs and the steps we are taking in terms of the cost base of the Club will evolve during the next week.

"On a daily basis we are talking to department heads and seeing where there is capacity for cost savings but being very mindful of the need to both to preserve the performance on the pitch and retain the efficiency of the club off the pitch as well.

"Overall, I would describe the situation as positive. Everybody recognises the plight that the club is in and have come to the table to help and assist where possible."

There are more talks of a takeover by groups involved in the Rangers day-to-day, and there is also the prospect of further investigation into Craig Whyte and the finances that are missing...

And here's the BBC1 Scotland in-depth report on Whyte...
Yes, the HQ knows we've directed you to this before...

Huguely With The Jury (UPDATE: Huguely Found Guilty)

((HT: MyFoxDC))

At a little after 9AM, the two alternates were dismissed and the jury in the George Huguely murder trial is under deliberation.

The first thing the 12-person jury asked for was a monitor to review the police interview Huguely gave to police the day after the murder.

There are a lot of options the jury can process...

Paul Wagner is outside the courtoom...

Jury Begins Deliberations in Murder Trial of UVA Lacrosse Player: MyFoxDC.com

The defense is looking for an involuntary manslaughter verdict and a 10-year prison sentence while the prosecution has the six options ready for discussion.

2030 UPDATE: Huguely has been found guilty on second degree murder and grand larceny charges.

The second degree murder charge "implies a killing that involves malice, defined as the desire to inflict injury or harm on another person, but not premeditation or intent." In the state of Virginia, it carries a possible sentence of five to 40 years in prison. The grand larceny charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years.

Here's Paul Wagner and team coverage after the verdict came down. The jury deliberated nine hours before the sentencing phase had begun- which, in the state of Virginia, is an immediate process.

George Huguely Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in UVA Slaying Case: MyFoxDC.com

Maryland relents on transfer restrictions

((ht: baltimoresun.com))

This is somewhat bizarre.

The University of Maryland and head coach Randy Edsall have apparently decided that they will allow transfers Danny O'Brien, Max Garcia and Mario Rowson that the can transfer to Vanderbilt if they want to after first denying that option.

If it sounds weird, that is because it is.

The trio announced and we reported February 13th. (you can read the story HERE)  that the three wanted to leave the Terrapin program. When that happened they were told they could transfer anywhere in the SEC they wanted to...except Vanderbilt.
There was also a no transfer to upcoming ACC opponent clause put in there too.

Read more from the Baltimore Sun RIGHT HERE

But wait. It gets better.

Maryland is filing a complaint...stating that Vandy and head coach James Franklin, a former offensive coordinator for the Terps, tampered.

They believe Franklin made contact with the players, O'Brien specifically, were contacted by Franklin before being granted his transfer.

So...to summarize...we've got the makings of a Soap Opera here. Or at the very least a "He said, he said" argument.

Is it possible Franklin contacted O'Brien, sure. And yes, Franklin is a relatively new head coach, but surely he knows better than to do that. Could O'Brien be interested in Vandy because his former coach is there...absolutely.

In the meantime, the SEC will investigate this. We'll keep an eye out and let you know if and when something else happens.

Because its fitting (and we love us some Cee-Lo):

Mardi Gras float is not kind to LSU and Les Miles

Mardi Gras float

((ht: throwtheflagblog.com))

Haha! This is pretty funny.

Though probably not-so-much if you are a fan of LSU football.

Apparently a group sponsoring a float in this weekends Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans had a message for LSU and its head coach Les Miles over the teams lack of offense in the BCS Championship game this past January.

The group, according to the post, is named "Le Krewe d'Etat". They put together a float that covers just about everything that went on from the beginning of the game until the barrage of stories that appeared at the end.

You can see an entire battery of photos from our friends at throwtheflagblog.com RIGHT HERE

From the "Put me in coach" quotes to Bobby Hebert references (he ripped Miles in the post-game presser)...and others, this was inspired humor.

And targeted.

Unless you are a hardcore fan of LSU Football...

Administration Update: Whyte Standing Down After Rangers Sorted Out

((HT: SkySports/STV))

The Duff and Phelps administrators in charge of looking at the shaky finances of Glasgow Rangers have come up with the discovery that current owner Craig Whyte used 18-million of the 25-million pounds sent from ticket broker Ticketus to complete his deal in the first place.

Whyte claimed he is "personally on the line" for 27.5-million pounds in guarantees and cash" for the deal, and now D&P is trying to figure out where the balance went.

Whyte, then, released a statement in regard to his future:

"I will not continue as Rangers chairman post-restructuring.

"Regardless of administration and irrespective of the tax case, the club had serious long-term structural problems financially and they needed to be addressed with some urgency.

"I knew that when I stepped up to the plate and, despite the accusations and abuse that I have suffered over weeks and months, I was determined to see things through.

"I will admit there have been times when I have wished that I had never entertained the idea of taking over Rangers.

"But I am a Rangers fan, and, like other Rangers fans I don't do walking way [sic]."

Here's a story BBC1 Scotland did on Whyte before all this started catching pace...

Georgia State Commissions Look To FBS Football

Georgia State University has commissioned Collegiate Consulting to conduct a study to see how good an idea it would be to move to Division I for football.

Currently, the school is coming off a Division I-AA season where they're moving into the Colonial Athletic Association after a 3-8 year. The only opponent from the CAA the Panthers played last year was Old Dominion who they lost to 40-17.

From the Georgia State University folks their own selves:

“We are performing our due diligence to fully understand potential opportunities in the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics and particularly college football,” said Georgia State Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick. “We will evaluate the information in the feasibility study to determine the best course of action for Georgia State.

“No decisions have been made, and Georgia State has not received an invitation from any conference,” she added.

GSU turns full-fledged Colonial next year with 8 conference games along with games against South Carolina State, Tennessee, and Texas-San Antonio.

Here's the highlights from the GSU-ODU game from last year...
((HT: CAAFootball))


The logical place for GSU to go would be the Sun Belt Conference since the new commissioner, Karl Benson, is going to want to make a splash of some degree. South Alabama is becoming the 10th member this season and adding the Panthers long-term would give them 11 and a huge increase of households and market size.

Right now, Miami, Dallas, and Nashville are the three largest markets that have Sun Belt attachments. The Colonial was doing the same thing when they decided to add Georgia State after time in the Atlantic Sun and TAAC before that to give the league a footprint from Boston to Atlanta.

Interesting to see how this will play out...

Shabazz Napier finishes crazy 10 seconds of UConn/Villanova game

If there was ever a 10-second span that encapsulated a game...this might be it.

UConn and Villanova went to overtime Monday night in Philadelphia and with 10-seconds left, it was 70-68 Huskies.

In the ensuing 10-seconds, Villanova gets a driving layup to tie it with 5-seconds left.

And from there, UConn's Shabazz Napier took over. From 30-plus feet, with about 1-second left.

Nothing but net.

UConn wins 73-70.

Video courtesy: UConnHuskies/YouTube--

Photobomb guy strikes again

Hmmm....(from BuzzFeed)

This is just weird. And kinda funny.

Have you seen this guy at a basketball game before? He shows up with a GIANT photo of his face that he shows off.

Amazingly, it always seems to match what his actual face looks like when the photo is taken.

Yeah, pretty coincidental isn't it?

His first claim to fame was at the Alabama/Florida basketball game a week ago (Feb14th).

He showed up last night (Feb 20th) at the Knicks/Nets game...sporting a Jeremy Lin jersey.

Play-by-play guy loses his stool

((ht: awfulannouncing))

No silly, not that kind of stool.

Over the weekend, the CBSSports Network sent James Bates and Steve Wolf to work the Xavier/Dayton game in Cincinnati.

In most game broadcasts, the announcers sit on stool before the game to give a brief preview before tip-off. But those stools usually hold up.

Not on Saturday.

Check out what happens to Bates as his poorly made stool collapses sending him to a date with the floor. But props to him as he handles it really well and never misses a beat.

And for those into such things, our friends at Awful Announcing say Bates was a former linebacker and team captain at Florida in 1996 and his dad and brother have and do coach in the NFL.

Hmmm. Sounds like a pretty good feature story.

Here's your video:

BU Hockey Player Up On Sexual Assault Charges

((HT: MyFoxBoston.com))

Max Nicastro is the player for the Terriers who was charged late Sunday night on an alleged sexual assault of a female student on campus...

Here's the early returns from BU...

Boston Univ. hockey player charged with sexual assault: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Nicastro has been suspended from the hockey team pending the resolution of the charges...

Rondo Gets Two Games For Ball Toss

And, of course, Tommy Heinsohn gets bent out of shape on it...
((HT: CSNNE.com))


The HQ thinks that if Rondo had been a little more judicious in his toss, it wouldn't have gotten to this point. But, he threw the fastball and got what he got...

Rondo will serve his suspension tonight when the Celtics play the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas and Wednesday when Boston plays the Oklahoma City Thunder in OKC...

Junker Accepts Plea Deal...

((HT: ABC15 Phoenix))

Looks like, if you pay attention to the attorney for former Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker, that the guy is going to take a plea deal for his involvement in the budgetary shenanigans in and around the bowl game that he once was boss for...

As far back as 2000, it was alleged that Junker made a point to reimburse other bowl game workers for their political donations out of the bowl coffeurs...

That and the whole idea of Junker taking other non-bowl folks on junkets is apparently resulting in the guilty plea on one federal charge.

Here's the video version...


The HQ knows that there are some bowl games that do, in fact, do some good with their budget overages and the like- charity donations and such. But until further notice, the HQ thinks bowl games are rackets for those who put them on and inventory for the networks that air the games on the telly.

And we don't think it'll change all that much...

Huguely Deliberations Start Wednesday

((HT: Newsplex.com))

We've hit that stage...

Here's your wrap-up from closing arguments in the George Huguely murder trial...


The jury in the case elected to spend Saturday night at home and start deliberations Wednesday- after the President's Day holiday.

The jury spent close to 8 hours listening to either witnesses or closing arguments Saturday. Huguely is up on six separate charges in the murder of his former girlfriend, fellow UVa lacrosse player Yeardley Love.

NASCAR Shootout Ends Up With People On The Roof Again...

And this time it was Jeff Gordon...

When you only have 25 cars going after a big purse and there are only a few laps left in the event- you know that all bets are off, your friend is not your friend and you better drive for you and everyone else...

The remaining guys in last night's 75-lapper from Daytona didn't get the message...
Here's the short version of the whole thing...
((HT: NASCAR Images/NASCAR on Fox))


And here's the last "big one" from the evening...
((HT: Foxsports.com/NASCAR on FOX/NASCAR Images))

Post Fight Fight steals show from Klitschko/Chisora fight

Does the headline make sense to you?

No, well, neither did what happened after the Vitali Klitschko/Dereck Chisora fight. A fight already highlighted by Chisora's attempt at slapping Kiltschko during the weigh-in.

Klitschko got the win, a unanimous decision. But it was the post-fight press conference where the fun began.

That's when David Haye, another heavyweight contender who allegedly was at the fight as an analyst for a British Network, called out Klitschko.

But it gets better.

Somehow, Chisora gets involved, they go back and forth, with Haye insulting Chisora and Chisora saying something about wanting to "shoot" Haye. Haye then tells Chisora to say something to his face...which he does. That's when Haye throws an elbow....

And the chaos begins. Boxing continues its de-evolution and heads towards being the WWE

Oh...by the way...Chisora was taken into custody by German police early Sunday morning while trying to get on a plane back home, police are apparently looking for Haye.

Take a look at the video (courtesy: bokser.org/YouTube)

OSG Buzzer Beater: Penn With A Creative One To Defeat Columbia

Penn head coach Jerome Allen drew up a great inbounds play for the Quakers with 1.5. seconds left. Penn excuted that play perfectly. You expect that with Ivy Leaguers.

Here's Penn's buzzer beater. (Thanks Penn Sports Network)



The win puts Penn in second place in the Ivy League at 7-2, 15-11 overall.

OSG Buzzer Beater: UOP's Trevin Harris Shoots Down Idaho State At The Buzzer

In the final 15 seconds of overtime Pacific's Trevin Harris shot down Idaho State with two three point shots including the game winner a the buzzer. An off balance three that was nothing but net.

Here's Harris' game winner against Idaho State. (Thanks GoPacificTigers)



"I saw a defender running at me, so I knew it wasn't going to be a steady-jumper base," Harris said in a press conference after the game. "I glanced up at the clock and saw there was a second left, so I jumped off one foot. When I let go of it, it felt straight. Luckily, that thing was perfect."

OSG Buzzer Beater: Dorenzo Hudson's 3 Wins It For Virginia Tech In OT

It's been an awful season for Virginia Tech, not any better for Georgia Tech.

Saturday at Cassell Coliseum the two "Tech's" battled and went overtime.

It the OT Dorenzo Hudson became a hero in Blacksburg, VA nailing a three pont shot as time expired to give Virginia Tech a 74-73 win over Georgia Tech.

Here's a report from the gentlemen that called the game for Fox Sports South, FOSG Mike Hogewood and Eddie Fogler. (Thanks ACC Digital Network)



“I didn’t see it go in,” Hudson said after the game. “I actually thought I got fouled. Then my teammates started jumping on top of me, so I knew then that the ball had gone in.”

“We brought Jarell [Eddie] off to the corner, and curled Erick [Green] to the top, with three seconds to drive into a gap and to look to the corner, and we stepped the inbounder in." Virgina Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said.

"I subbed in Dorenzo, not because I thought he was going to make that shot, but because he is our best inbounder. It was good to see him make a shot.”

Really good for Greenberg who needs all the positive mojo he can get.

Erick Green led the Hokies with 14 points. Virginia Tech is now 15-12, 4-8 in the ACC.

Dereck Chisora Spits At The Other Klitschko

Chisora, obviously, didn't learn from the fine he got for open-handing Vitali Klitschko at their official weigh-in...

He decided to go all Triple-H on Vitali's brother during the introductions...
((HT: youtube/Russia2))


Looks like Chisora will survive the fight, but will he make it out of town alive...???
That's the question...

Scorch And Googs Ejected- As Fans

Okay...

The HQ will admit that it has been a few long days for the NCState men's hoops team...

First, blowing a 20-point lead at Duke before losing, and now having two alums ejected as they were sitting in their own seats as the Pack are losing to Florida State...???

Here it is... thanks Karl Hess...
((HT: ACC/theacc.com))


How stupid is that...???
Pretty stoopid... and, apparently, neither Chris Corchiani nor Tom Gugliotta said anything worthy of getting tossed...

And they got tossed out of a public building...
Hash tag: WTF

Saturday Administration Update: Pompey And Rangers

((HT: SkySports/johngreig))

First, here's the Sky live shot before the Rangers game against Kilmarnock...


But Killie got the 1-0 win at Ibrox to put Rangers 14 points behind Celtic in the SPL ladder. Manager Ally McCoist said he would not surrender the league title at this point, and he would not make any finger-pointing toward the front office at present.

It was a packed house and the supporters were in full throat...
((HT: youtube))


Craig Whyte chose not to show at Ibrox for the loss, and there seems to be some movement on the issues of "visibility" when it comes to some finances... 24-million pounds worth of "visibility" that had come from a deal on future season ticket sales with the firm Ticketus.

Duff and Phelps administrator Paul Clark said before the game to BBC News:

"We have received some information overnight in relation to various monies and various transactions in relation to Rangers Football Club.

"We're going to be looking at all of that information over the coming days and we expect to give some form of announcement during the course of next week.

"But, at the moment, from the financial side of things, we are still working so that we can prepare a proper statement for delivery next week."

"It's in relation to several transactions in relation to the takeover and other issues in relation to the financial affairs of the football club over the past few months."

Portsmouth lost 2-0 at Barnsley... combined with the Nottingham Forest win against Coventry City, they are now in a relegation battle with Coventry City and Doncaster with Forest three points clear...

Administration Update: Pompey And Rangers

For the second time in three years, it's official...

Championship squad Portsmouth is in administration all over again...
Which means the immediate 10-point deduction happens after a 7-day appeals process... which also means that Pompey is now in a relegation battle with

The team issued a statement, some of which is below:

Trevor Birch, Bryan Jackson and Ian Gould of accountancy firm PKF, have been appointed administrators to the club.

Commenting on their appointment, Trevor Birch said: “Portsmouth Football Club is a vital part of the local community and its fans, players and staff have been unswerving in their support despite the club’s recent difficulties. We will do all we can to secure the club’s long term future and ensure that this loyalty is rewarded.

“We will work with everyone involved with Portsmouth Football Club – directors, staff, players and creditors – to attempt to resolve the financial issues facing the club.

“Our aim is to achieve an outcome that helps ensure the club’s long term survival, preferably by finding a suitable buyer.

Manager Michael Appleton and striker Marco Futacs comment on the current state of affairs...
((HT: PortsmouthFC))


And the guys from SportsTonightLive discuss as well...


The 10-point deduction puts them in a fight for survival with Nottingham Forest, Coventry City, and Doncaster. The only thing saving Pompey at present is their goal differential of +2 versus Coventry's -16 and Nottingham's -25

Portsmouth's situation is so bad that electricity was threatened to be turned off at Fratton Park...

On the Rangers front...

Ally McCoist is preparing his team for their match Saturday...
((HT: SkySports/johngreig))


BBCNewsnight Scotland had a discussion on the idea that the team has not been paying their dues- and THAT's the reason the tax man is coming calling...


The Scottish Football Administration is having their own investigation into the actions of current President Craig Whyte and his new admission that he was given previous disqualification as a company director.

Huguely Day 10: Trial Resumes After Illness

((HT: Newsplex.com))

Rhonda Quagliana, out yesterday with an undisclosed illness, is still out during the defense part of the trial of former UVa lacrosse player George Huguely.

Her co-defense attorney, Fran Lawrence, said that he is fairly confident that he can proceed with the defense case in the murder trial. Both sides are looking to wrap their cases up by the weekend- and they'll work late into the night to get this done.

Here's the pick-up with Rachel Ryan outside the courtroom...


The main idea for working so late is that the judge, Edward Hogshire, doesn't want any lingering thoughts from jury members over a holiday weekend that may hinder their deliberations in the future if things dawdle until early next week.

Dereck Chisora Slaps Klitschko During Weigh-In

((HT: SkySports/youtube))

This might be one of those "spitting on Superman's cape" things...

Vitali Klitschko is squaring off against Britain's Dereck Chisora in the heavyweight division this weekend in Munich, Germany...

But why not do something to drum up interest in a fight, right...???

Chisora open-handed the bigger guy on the playground during the weigh-in...
Here's the blow... and the blow-by-blow...


The HQ doesn't see this as a really smart move...
At...
All...

Vikes Stadium Done By Next Week...???

((HT: KARE-TV))

But just because everyone likes the idea, doesn't mean it will pass the City Council...

And, then, if it goes through the City Council then and only then will it go back to the Capitol for a vote...

The site...??? Actually, close to the original Metrodome site...
Jana Shortal is very cold outside...


The team wants to limit playing at the University of Minnesota as much as possible since logistics will be a pain in the butt to shoehorn an NFL franchise into a college facility...

More when we know more...

You Can't Keep Duke Down, NC State Found That Out

Their seems to be no lead large enough to beat down the Duke Blue Devils. Thursday night the N.C. State Wolfpack dominated the Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium from the opening tip. The Wolfies had a 20 point lead with about 11 and a half minutes left in the game.

Then Seth Curry got hot, NC State was in major foul trouble and the Cameron Crazies were turning up the noise.

What happened was a tremendous comeback by Duke overcoming the large N.C. State lead and prevailing 78-73.

Here's a game report by the gentlemen who called the game for the ACC Network Tim Brando and Mike Gminski. (Thanks Raycom Sports)



Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski admits the Blue Devils were outplayed for a while. (Thanks WRAL-TV)



NC State was in foul trouble most of the second half which according to Wolfpack head coach Mark Gottfried suppressed their aggressiveness.



Duke's Seth Curry scored 21 of his game high 26 points in the second half. Lorenzo Brown lead the Wolkpack with 19 ponts.

New Seattle Arena Calls For No Government Funds

((HT: KING5 Seattle))

But this has a major hook to it by Chris Hansen...

Hansen will front US$300-million to get the project started if the city kicks in taxes for the remainder of the bonds and there have to be BOTH NBA and NHL franchises lined up...

Here's Hansen's paperwork...

It's really easy to say that the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes would be the two teams on Hansen's and the city of Seattle's radar for this. But where will the parent leagues of these troubled franchises go first...???

Marcel Aubut is already announcing that he'll build an arena in Quebec City for an NHL franchise and one is already in place until then- Le Colisee.

The HQ apologizes for the lack of accent marks from our American computer.

And if the city can't support the Thunderbirds, how can they support big-boy hockey...??? The Kings are a different issue, but the deal with Harry Samueli may be revisited after this season if there isn't an arena deal in place for the second year in a row with Sacaramento mayor Kevin Johnson.

Samueli, surely, would want a do-over to bring another NBA franchise to Southern California.

Here's team coverage from SoDo...

Rangers Day Four: Folding Not Likely

And it would be somewhat unrealistic as an idea to fold a club that has some assets that could counteract the debt so it can be managed...

It would be the equivalent of folding the New York Yankees...

Here's some of the presser with the D&P administrators to explain...
Thanks, BBCNews and johngreig...


The biggest revelation here is that a settlement with creditors (CVA) is being looked into by D&P...

After the presser, Scottish PFA Chief Exec Fraser Wishart addressed the normal notion associated with most businesses in trouble that the employees have- fear for their jobs
((HT: SkySports))


And an interview with manager Ally McCoist
((HT: SkySports))

BREAKING: Gary Carter Passes At 57

The 11-time all-star was the first player to go into the Hall of Fame with a Montreal Expos cap on his plaque.

Carter was diagnosed with four brain tumors last May. Back in January, the family revealed that doctors found several new tumors on Carter's brain. And his last public appearance at the beginning of February, going to Opening Day for the college baseball team he coached in Florida at Palm Beach Atlantic College.

Carter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 after retiring in 1992. He finished his 19-year career with a .262 average, 324 home runs and 1,225 RBI...

"When you think of the great baseball field generals, you think Gary Carter," Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said in a statement. "He ran the game from behind the plate with strong leadership and passion. The Kid's contribution to our national pastime is big, but his heart was even bigger. We'll always remember his caring way, ever-present smile and strong devotion to family, community and the Baseball Hall of Fame."

Here's how WPTV Sports covered Carter's charity golf tournament... one of his last public appearances...


And the last hit of his career- the way to go out...
((HT: MLB.com))

OSG Buzzer Beater: Boise State On The Marks To Beat Colorado State

You think of Boise State as a football school but they play basketball their too. This year the Broncos aren't very good.

Boise State did make it entertaining Wednesday night against Mountain West rival Colorado State. Down by one with time running out Bronco freshman Derrick Marks dribbled the length of the court and scored the game winner.

Here's the highlights including the game winner. (Thanks KTVB Boise, ID)



"Coach told me to get the ball and make a play,” Marks told the Idaho Statesman after the game. “I saw that the left side was open, so I drove the ball and made the play. It was great.”

Boise State is now 12-12 on the year, 2-7 in the Mountain West Conference

OSG Buzzer Beater: Denver Holmes Is Evansville's Ace In Win Over Northern Iowa

Evansville's Denver Holmes hit a pair of three pointers including the game winner at the buzzer to give the Purple Aces a 63-62 win over Northern Iowa.

Here's the highlights including the game winner. (Thanks evansvillesports)



“It was a great play and a great pass,” Holmes said after the game. “I had a little too much muscle on it, but it banked in.”

Holmes finished with 14 points.

The win puts the Purple Aces at .500. 8-8 in the Missouri Valley Conference and 13-13 overall.

SMU Scores Only 28 Points In Loss To UAB

That's right, the SMU Mustangs couldn't get out of the 20's Wednesday night as UAB defeating the Mustangs 47-28.

It's the lowest scoring output ever in a Conference USA game.

SMU couldn't hit the broad side of a barn against UAB converting on 8 of 46 shots and shooting 17 percent. No Mustang scored in double figures, Robert Nyakundi led the Mustangs with nine points.

The Mustangs really lowered the bar in basketball futility. SMU scored 12 points in the first half, setting a school record. The Mustangs' 28 points is the lowest point total since 1956 when SMU scored 26 points against TCU, those were the days of the two handed set shots and no shot clock.

Here's SMU head coach Matt Doherty's explaination. (Thanks SMUMustangsAthletics)



And just how long will Doherty be employed by SMU.

Officially 1,582 witnessed what many believe is a new low point in SMU basketball at ancient Moody Coliseum.