What is it that people say about ACC Football? Soft? Horrible?
How about just plain lost. That is the only way to describe how Vanderbilt so utterly dominated a horribly self-destructive team from North Carolina State.
And the funny part of it. At some point NC State believed they could hire Vandy's James Franklin to be their head coach after they fired Tom O'Brien. Oh, Franklin got a contract extension in Nashville instead.
No, not an SEC coach in their right mind, with a winning record, would ever leave the SEC for the ACC in football, never.
That being said, Vandy rode 2 Jordan Rodgers TD passes and 5 NC State turnovers to a relatively easy 38-24 win in the Music City Bowl Monday afternoon. Zac Stacy added 107 yards and Vanderbilt finishes this season with a solid 9-4 record
Your highlights from the Bowl leader, ESPN:
Monday, December 31, 2012
DEVELOPING: Boise Staying In Mountain West (UPDATED With $$$ Details)
((HT: Brett McMurphy))
And, because of that, San Diego State won't have to pay an exit fee if they decide to leave the Big East Conference and return west themselves...
Until we have more info on this whole thing, here's highlights from Boise State's win over Washington in Las Vegas...
((HT: KTVB-TV))
McMurphy also says that Boise will still have to pay their $10-million exit fee. Maybe, they can go halfsies with the Aztecs... We have more from the Mountain West their own selves... MWC Commish Craig Thompson, in Hawai'i for the Diamond Head Classic, told Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune when asked about SDSU: “It’s not by any particular design that we haven’t talked to San Diego State,” Thompson said. “Maybe it’s a cat and mouse kind of deal. Boise State has been more active in this. It’s not obstinance on anyone’s part. Whenever it’s time, if it’s time, it will happen … I would have no issue talking with San Diego State if something were to develop. “To be honest, we’re just trying to figure all this out. Schools have their reasons for leaving for the Big East. Maybe they’re still valid today, maybe they’re not. But I think some schools – maybe not only Boise State – are re-evaluating that decision.” And, according to Brian Murphy at the Idaho Statesman and his Twitter: Boise State will remain in Mountain West. League will guarantee the rights to Boise State home FB games that are sold as separate package.
And, because of that, San Diego State won't have to pay an exit fee if they decide to leave the Big East Conference and return west themselves...
Until we have more info on this whole thing, here's highlights from Boise State's win over Washington in Las Vegas...
((HT: KTVB-TV))
McMurphy also says that Boise will still have to pay their $10-million exit fee. Maybe, they can go halfsies with the Aztecs... We have more from the Mountain West their own selves... MWC Commish Craig Thompson, in Hawai'i for the Diamond Head Classic, told Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune when asked about SDSU: “It’s not by any particular design that we haven’t talked to San Diego State,” Thompson said. “Maybe it’s a cat and mouse kind of deal. Boise State has been more active in this. It’s not obstinance on anyone’s part. Whenever it’s time, if it’s time, it will happen … I would have no issue talking with San Diego State if something were to develop. “To be honest, we’re just trying to figure all this out. Schools have their reasons for leaving for the Big East. Maybe they’re still valid today, maybe they’re not. But I think some schools – maybe not only Boise State – are re-evaluating that decision.” And, according to Brian Murphy at the Idaho Statesman and his Twitter: Boise State will remain in Mountain West. League will guarantee the rights to Boise State home FB games that are sold as separate package.
More Reaction From Black Monday: Philly, Cleveland, And Arizona
Here's Jeffrey Lurie's announcement on the dismissal on Andy Reid...
((HT: CSNPhilly))
Sources close to OSG Sports are telling us that the Eagles are interviewing all three coordinators for the Atlanta Falcons- OC Dirk Koetter, DC Mike Nolan, and Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong. Armstrong's interview satsifies the Rooney Rule...
The Cleveland Browns blew it all up- insert conspiracy theories about Tuscaloosa here- and want to take the Steelers mentality that new owner Jimmy Haslam III saw as a minority owner there and install it in Cleveland...
((HT: Newsnet5.com))
Cardinals Team President Michael Bidwill addressed the issue of his team before Week 17 and, finally, answered his own question... ((HT: KTVK-TV)) According to Adam Schefter, Chicago and Arizona are asking for permission to talk to Denver Broncos OC Mike McCoy- and received it.
((HT: CSNPhilly))
Sources close to OSG Sports are telling us that the Eagles are interviewing all three coordinators for the Atlanta Falcons- OC Dirk Koetter, DC Mike Nolan, and Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong. Armstrong's interview satsifies the Rooney Rule...
The Cleveland Browns blew it all up- insert conspiracy theories about Tuscaloosa here- and want to take the Steelers mentality that new owner Jimmy Haslam III saw as a minority owner there and install it in Cleveland...
((HT: Newsnet5.com))
Cardinals Team President Michael Bidwill addressed the issue of his team before Week 17 and, finally, answered his own question... ((HT: KTVK-TV)) According to Adam Schefter, Chicago and Arizona are asking for permission to talk to Denver Broncos OC Mike McCoy- and received it.
Early Reaction From Black Monday...Chicago, Buffalo, Kansas City (UPDATED)
Okay...
Here we go...
Here's Chicago...
((HT: WLS-TV))
Jay Cutler seems to have fallen on the sword a little bit, but admits change might be good for the long term...
According to Adam Schefter, Chicago and Arizona are asking for permission to talk to Denver Broncos OC Mike McCoy- and received it.
Here's the noon lead in Buffalo after the firing of Chan Gailey and his staff...
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
And, now, Kansas City and Crennel... ((HT: KSHB-TV Kansas City)) According to Bill Maas, Atlanta Falcons OC Dirk Koetter will be interviewing with the Chiefs tomorrow in Atlanta... and, at the same time, Clark Hunt is introducing a new structure where the new head coach reports directly to him and not to GM Scott Pioli. Apparently, Pioli is down with that for now... From Adam Teicher at the Kansas City Star: "That will really be my role, finding the right path for the Chiefs and helping them make decisions together."
Here we go...
Here's Chicago...
((HT: WLS-TV))
Jay Cutler seems to have fallen on the sword a little bit, but admits change might be good for the long term...
According to Adam Schefter, Chicago and Arizona are asking for permission to talk to Denver Broncos OC Mike McCoy- and received it.
Here's the noon lead in Buffalo after the firing of Chan Gailey and his staff...
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
And, now, Kansas City and Crennel... ((HT: KSHB-TV Kansas City)) According to Bill Maas, Atlanta Falcons OC Dirk Koetter will be interviewing with the Chiefs tomorrow in Atlanta... and, at the same time, Clark Hunt is introducing a new structure where the new head coach reports directly to him and not to GM Scott Pioli. Apparently, Pioli is down with that for now... From Adam Teicher at the Kansas City Star: "That will really be my role, finding the right path for the Chiefs and helping them make decisions together."
Black Monday Is Off And Running...7 Teams Makes Moves... (UPDATED... Now 11)
It's not quite a national holiday, but it's a day that pro football fans look at for guidance and renewed optimism... in some places, it's expected...
Others, not so much...
Like Chicago...
The Bears started out 7-1 and now Lovie Smith is fired after the team went 3-5 after the half-way point... Ian Rapoport over at NFL.com gets the HT for that one...
The appropriate amount of early discussion is hyah... on the NFL Network... and they've already asked the Broncos for permission to talk to OC Mike McCoy- which they can do since the Broncos are in a bye week...
Apparently, Bears QB Jay Cutler found out via text during his own radio show. He was, understandably, a little choked up.
The Buffalo Bills, mired in mediocrity, firedGrizzly Adams Chan Gailey... back-to-back 6-10's in three years... but how does GM Buddy Nix still have a job...???
Gailey released a statement through WGR-AM55 radio:
"I understand this is a business. We didn't get the job done. I've been called two other times to get things turned around, was able to do it, we weren't able to get this one soon enough and I understand that completely. I want to thank the fans, great Buffalo fans, great football town. These are loyal, loyal fans and I understand that. I think that the next staff will have a great opportunity for success and to make this another great football franchise. This'll probably be, and I say probably, but I think it will be the first place that's ever fired me that I'll pull for. Thank you."
The Kansas City Chiefs, stuck in one of the worst seasons on and off the field anyone can remember, fired Romeo Crennel... the HQ thinks the team mercifully put him out of his misery...
Crennel texted Rapoport, the response through on Rapoport's Twitter: "It has happened. Going home to watch it snow. Happy New Year."
According to Bill Maas, Atlanta Falcons OC Dirk Koetter will be interviewing with the Chiefs tomorrow in Atlanta...
The New York Jets fired GM Mike Tannenbaum and kept head coach Rex Ryan- for now... The Philadelphia Eagles fired Andy Reid after 14 seasons
- and the San Diego Chargers aren't interested... the HQ slams it's collective palm against its forehead...((Owner Jeffrey Lurie gives Reid a game ball for his time in front of Eagles employees on the right, thanks to the Eagles))
The Cleveland Browns, not surprising the HQ, fired both head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckart... Heckart told the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot: "I knew I'd be gone..." when new CEO Joe Banner came in...
And the Jacksonville Jaguars fired their GM, Gene Smith, after a 2-14 season... head coach Mike Mularkey says he's safe for now... “Until I’m told otherwise, I’m the coach of this team,” Mularkey told the Florida Times-Union. 1240 UPDATE:
According to Jim Wyatt, over at the Tennessean and others, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams is keeping head coach Mike Munchak. Executive Vice President Mike Reinfeldt wasn't so lucky...
From Wyatt:
“He has two more years to go on his contract but I think we’d be better off without him," Adams said. 'I don’t think he was getting the job done. Mike Reinfeldt is out.”
That should fix the problem right there...
1330 UPDATE: Someone must have found the pictures that San Diego Chargers head coach and GM AJ Smith had of the Spanos family, because they're now both gone as well...
Turner knew it in his postgame presser yesterday, and now it's official...
"My only goal is the Super Bowl, and that is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and general manager positions," Spanos said in a statement. "I am committed to our great fans, and we will do whatever we possibly can to achieve that goal.”
1345 UPDATE: Add Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves...according to Adam Schefter...
Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves have been fired after a 5-11 season, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Whisenhunt, 50, was 45-51 in six seasons with the Cardinals after being hired in 2007. Graves couldn't find a replacement for Kurt Warner and will be known for trading for Kevin Kolb...
The Cardinals, who started the season 4-0, lost their next nine games.
The team also fired the following assistant coaches: Russ Grimm (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line), Mike Miller (Offensive Coordinator), Chad Grimm (Offensive Quality Control), John McNulty (Quarterbacks), Frank Reich (Wide Receivers), and Tommie Robinson (Running Backs).
1430 UPDATE: Once again from Rapoport...
#Raiders coach Dennis Allen announce the firing of OC Greg Knapp, ST coach Steve Hoffman, OL coach Frank Pollack, LB coach Johnny Holland.
Others, not so much...
Like Chicago...
The Bears started out 7-1 and now Lovie Smith is fired after the team went 3-5 after the half-way point... Ian Rapoport over at NFL.com gets the HT for that one...
The appropriate amount of early discussion is hyah... on the NFL Network... and they've already asked the Broncos for permission to talk to OC Mike McCoy- which they can do since the Broncos are in a bye week...
Apparently, Bears QB Jay Cutler found out via text during his own radio show. He was, understandably, a little choked up.
The Buffalo Bills, mired in mediocrity, fired
Gailey released a statement through WGR-AM55 radio:
"I understand this is a business. We didn't get the job done. I've been called two other times to get things turned around, was able to do it, we weren't able to get this one soon enough and I understand that completely. I want to thank the fans, great Buffalo fans, great football town. These are loyal, loyal fans and I understand that. I think that the next staff will have a great opportunity for success and to make this another great football franchise. This'll probably be, and I say probably, but I think it will be the first place that's ever fired me that I'll pull for. Thank you."
The Kansas City Chiefs, stuck in one of the worst seasons on and off the field anyone can remember, fired Romeo Crennel... the HQ thinks the team mercifully put him out of his misery...
Crennel texted Rapoport, the response through on Rapoport's Twitter: "It has happened. Going home to watch it snow. Happy New Year."
According to Bill Maas, Atlanta Falcons OC Dirk Koetter will be interviewing with the Chiefs tomorrow in Atlanta...
The New York Jets fired GM Mike Tannenbaum and kept head coach Rex Ryan- for now... The Philadelphia Eagles fired Andy Reid after 14 seasons
The Cleveland Browns, not surprising the HQ, fired both head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckart... Heckart told the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot: "I knew I'd be gone..." when new CEO Joe Banner came in...
And the Jacksonville Jaguars fired their GM, Gene Smith, after a 2-14 season... head coach Mike Mularkey says he's safe for now... “Until I’m told otherwise, I’m the coach of this team,” Mularkey told the Florida Times-Union. 1240 UPDATE:
According to Jim Wyatt, over at the Tennessean and others, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams is keeping head coach Mike Munchak. Executive Vice President Mike Reinfeldt wasn't so lucky...
From Wyatt:
“He has two more years to go on his contract but I think we’d be better off without him," Adams said. 'I don’t think he was getting the job done. Mike Reinfeldt is out.”
That should fix the problem right there...
1330 UPDATE: Someone must have found the pictures that San Diego Chargers head coach and GM AJ Smith had of the Spanos family, because they're now both gone as well...
Turner knew it in his postgame presser yesterday, and now it's official...
"My only goal is the Super Bowl, and that is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and general manager positions," Spanos said in a statement. "I am committed to our great fans, and we will do whatever we possibly can to achieve that goal.”
1345 UPDATE: Add Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves...according to Adam Schefter...
Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves have been fired after a 5-11 season, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Whisenhunt, 50, was 45-51 in six seasons with the Cardinals after being hired in 2007. Graves couldn't find a replacement for Kurt Warner and will be known for trading for Kevin Kolb...
The Cardinals, who started the season 4-0, lost their next nine games.
The team also fired the following assistant coaches: Russ Grimm (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line), Mike Miller (Offensive Coordinator), Chad Grimm (Offensive Quality Control), John McNulty (Quarterbacks), Frank Reich (Wide Receivers), and Tommie Robinson (Running Backs).
1430 UPDATE: Once again from Rapoport...
#Raiders coach Dennis Allen announce the firing of OC Greg Knapp, ST coach Steve Hoffman, OL coach Frank Pollack, LB coach Johnny Holland.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Arrest Made In DC-Area Football Player Murder
((HT: NBCWashington/ABC7))
An arrest has been made in the murder of a Division III NCAA football player in the Washington, DC area.
Zavier Stringfellow was found stabbed to death in his minivan after it was found crashed Friday night in suburban Washington. He was an all-state high school player at Battlefield ((VA)) High, where he was part of a state-title winning team as a senior in 2010. He went on to see time as a defensive end at Ferrum (VA) College.
Police arrested Johnny Bonilla Saturday afternoon after members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Prince William County (VA) and Fairfax County (VA) officers and arrested the suspect in the Stringfellow murder at his own home.
Police details are somewhat limited, but apparently Stringfellow and Bonilla were set to meet each other (having never met), one thing led to another, and Stringfellow was stabbed in a struggle.
Here's the report on the murder when it broke...
A candlelight vigil was held at Battlefield High on Sunday evening.
An arrest has been made in the murder of a Division III NCAA football player in the Washington, DC area.
Zavier Stringfellow was found stabbed to death in his minivan after it was found crashed Friday night in suburban Washington. He was an all-state high school player at Battlefield ((VA)) High, where he was part of a state-title winning team as a senior in 2010. He went on to see time as a defensive end at Ferrum (VA) College.
Police arrested Johnny Bonilla Saturday afternoon after members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Prince William County (VA) and Fairfax County (VA) officers and arrested the suspect in the Stringfellow murder at his own home.
Police details are somewhat limited, but apparently Stringfellow and Bonilla were set to meet each other (having never met), one thing led to another, and Stringfellow was stabbed in a struggle.
Here's the report on the murder when it broke...
A candlelight vigil was held at Battlefield High on Sunday evening.
Sepp Blatter Thinks MLS Hasn't Caught On...
((HT: Al Jazeera))
In a long-reaching interview with the folks at AJE, FIFA President Sepp Blatter gave the folks over at Major League Soccer hell for not catching on fast enough...
Whatever the hell that means...
Here's the chit-chat with Marwan Bishara for their "Empire" program...
The money quote:
"There is no very strong professional league," Blatter said. "They have just the MLS, but they have no professional leagues which are recognized by the American society."
Define "recognized..." and that's the rub in this whole thing...
Attendance is up 10-percent from year-to-year on average with the additional franchises from Montreal and Vancouver coming on line...
Blatter also wants the league to adopt the August-May schedule instead of what they have now.
The HQ would suggest that league attendance would plummet since they would be competing with college football in LA, Denver, Columbus OH, Dallas, Houston, Portland, Salt Lake, San Jose, and Kansas City... Chicago and New York- not so much...
What Blatter doesn't know is that the other football is all over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday- key broadcast dates for futbol in the United States...
So, good luck on competing instead of maintaining your own identity...
In a long-reaching interview with the folks at AJE, FIFA President Sepp Blatter gave the folks over at Major League Soccer hell for not catching on fast enough...
Whatever the hell that means...
Here's the chit-chat with Marwan Bishara for their "Empire" program...
The money quote:
"There is no very strong professional league," Blatter said. "They have just the MLS, but they have no professional leagues which are recognized by the American society."
Define "recognized..." and that's the rub in this whole thing...
Attendance is up 10-percent from year-to-year on average with the additional franchises from Montreal and Vancouver coming on line...
Blatter also wants the league to adopt the August-May schedule instead of what they have now.
The HQ would suggest that league attendance would plummet since they would be competing with college football in LA, Denver, Columbus OH, Dallas, Houston, Portland, Salt Lake, San Jose, and Kansas City... Chicago and New York- not so much...
What Blatter doesn't know is that the other football is all over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday- key broadcast dates for futbol in the United States...
So, good luck on competing instead of maintaining your own identity...
Norwegian Kicker Gets Jets Look, Thanks To Youtube
((HT: CNN))
Considering they need all the help they can get, it's all about promotion these days...
And Havard Rugland certainly gets the idea of self-promotion...
Trick shots, accuracy, and the left foot... it's all there...
And, when you put something on the Youtube, anything's possible...
Evidence below...
Very cool evidence below...
Let's hope the guy gets a deeper look along the line, and maybe, gets a gig out of it...
If not on this coast, back home...
Considering they need all the help they can get, it's all about promotion these days...
And Havard Rugland certainly gets the idea of self-promotion...
Trick shots, accuracy, and the left foot... it's all there...
And, when you put something on the Youtube, anything's possible...
Evidence below...
Very cool evidence below...
Let's hope the guy gets a deeper look along the line, and maybe, gets a gig out of it...
If not on this coast, back home...
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Another Ridiculous Shootout Goal
((HT: Sportsnet.ca))
This time it's from Austrian hockey...
Mike Ratchuk completely schools HC Orli Znojmo goalie Filip Landsman...
Ratchuk's Olimpija Ljubljana team got the 3-2 shootout win and Ratchuk admitted on his Twitter feed that the move was an homage to New York Islanders winger Kyle Okposo...
Still, putting on the brakes for the pullback was pretty sweet...
This time it's from Austrian hockey...
Mike Ratchuk completely schools HC Orli Znojmo goalie Filip Landsman...
Ratchuk's Olimpija Ljubljana team got the 3-2 shootout win and Ratchuk admitted on his Twitter feed that the move was an homage to New York Islanders winger Kyle Okposo...
Still, putting on the brakes for the pullback was pretty sweet...
OSG High: East Boston Hoops 80-Foot Basket For The Win
((HT: MyFoxBoston))
The HQ stumbled across this one in our quest to bring you the important and the equally cool...
This is your average, garden variety, 80-footer that went from one end of the floor to the other... and, you know what this means... it means you get interviewed on morning shows...
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston
The skinny from Dan Duquette, Junior at NESN.com:
Pat Santos' East Boston (MA) squad was down two to Madison Park (MA) with one second remaining. Santos rebounds an intentionally missed free throw and the shot went in- giving East Boston a 43-42 win.
Very cool...
The HQ stumbled across this one in our quest to bring you the important and the equally cool...
This is your average, garden variety, 80-footer that went from one end of the floor to the other... and, you know what this means... it means you get interviewed on morning shows...
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston
The skinny from Dan Duquette, Junior at NESN.com:
Pat Santos' East Boston (MA) squad was down two to Madison Park (MA) with one second remaining. Santos rebounds an intentionally missed free throw and the shot went in- giving East Boston a 43-42 win.
Very cool...
Stage One Underway For Saban To Browns...? Shurmur and Heckert Going...?
((HT: Cleveland Plain Dealer/ESPN))
There has been talk for the past few weeks that Alabama head coach Nick Saban may have been laying the ground work for his return to the National Football League...
In no order...
In an interview with Dan LeBatard on his radio show in Miami on 790AM The Ticket as recounted by the Sun-Sentinel's Michael Casagrande, Saban apologized for his exit:
Saban acknowledged his conversation with owner Wayne Huizenga in which he said he was leaving was among the hardest he’s ever had.
“That’s always been a thing with me that I’ve never ever really felt good about,” he told LeBatard.
The interview, from the 17th of December, is hyah...
Then, back on the 11th, Coach Saban's wife, Terry (or "Miss Terry" as the coach refers to her) told Kevin Scarbinsky in an interview on 97.3FM in Birmingham:
"A victory does not feel quite as happy, as joyous. It's just relief and let's get ready for the next game. And that's unfortunate...The expectations are at the point now that everyone expects you to win and expects you to win it all."
In the same interview, she endorsed Kirby Smart as a "great fit" to be head coach at Alabama.
So, dear reader... taking those elements into whatever context you want...
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper and the always-plugged in Mary Kay Cabot, Browns head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckart are gone as soon as "Black Monday" or "Black Tuesday" next week after the season-ender with the Steelers.
Conventional wisdom has been that new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III wants "his guys" and "his stamp" on the team. Mike Holmgren's departure was the first part of this transition. Shurmur and Heckart's removal would seem to be Part II.
From Cabot's piece when she got in touch with Shurmur:
"Listen, I get this, and my concerns are for my team and making sure that we do all the right things during the game to give our guys the best chance to win. That's where I'm at. We have not won enough football games, and I know that's the way this thing works, but in our situation I see improvement and I'll leave it at that."
NFL Network insider Mike Lombardi is the focus of chatter as Heckart's replacement, and he would in turn bring in one of his bestest buddies to be the new head coach- Saban. Saban would also get a monster salary and, possibly, a piece of the team.
Saban has always been about challenges and the idea of building something from the ground up could be that next "big challenge."
As your flashback, here is the Saban Welcome Presser in Tuscaloosa to remind us all about how he got to where he is today...
((HT: NBC6/youtube))
There has been talk for the past few weeks that Alabama head coach Nick Saban may have been laying the ground work for his return to the National Football League...
In no order...
In an interview with Dan LeBatard on his radio show in Miami on 790AM The Ticket as recounted by the Sun-Sentinel's Michael Casagrande, Saban apologized for his exit:
Saban acknowledged his conversation with owner Wayne Huizenga in which he said he was leaving was among the hardest he’s ever had.
“That’s always been a thing with me that I’ve never ever really felt good about,” he told LeBatard.
The interview, from the 17th of December, is hyah...
Then, back on the 11th, Coach Saban's wife, Terry (or "Miss Terry" as the coach refers to her) told Kevin Scarbinsky in an interview on 97.3FM in Birmingham:
"A victory does not feel quite as happy, as joyous. It's just relief and let's get ready for the next game. And that's unfortunate...The expectations are at the point now that everyone expects you to win and expects you to win it all."
In the same interview, she endorsed Kirby Smart as a "great fit" to be head coach at Alabama.
So, dear reader... taking those elements into whatever context you want...
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper and the always-plugged in Mary Kay Cabot, Browns head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckart are gone as soon as "Black Monday" or "Black Tuesday" next week after the season-ender with the Steelers.
Conventional wisdom has been that new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III wants "his guys" and "his stamp" on the team. Mike Holmgren's departure was the first part of this transition. Shurmur and Heckart's removal would seem to be Part II.
From Cabot's piece when she got in touch with Shurmur:
"Listen, I get this, and my concerns are for my team and making sure that we do all the right things during the game to give our guys the best chance to win. That's where I'm at. We have not won enough football games, and I know that's the way this thing works, but in our situation I see improvement and I'll leave it at that."
NFL Network insider Mike Lombardi is the focus of chatter as Heckart's replacement, and he would in turn bring in one of his bestest buddies to be the new head coach- Saban. Saban would also get a monster salary and, possibly, a piece of the team.
Saban has always been about challenges and the idea of building something from the ground up could be that next "big challenge."
As your flashback, here is the Saban Welcome Presser in Tuscaloosa to remind us all about how he got to where he is today...
((HT: NBC6/youtube))
Another Donnybrook In The SPHL
((HT: Puckdaddy/brett959))
The HQ admits that we take in the every-once-in-a-while ECHL game to see the fight night...
We also know that the lower you get on the professional totem, the more fighting there is since guys feel more compelled to prove their overall worth for promotion up the chain.
The Southern Professional Hockey League could be considered Single-A in baseball vernacular...
And the fights are a level above double-a... think inverse proportionality...
The Huntsville-Mississippi fight from the other day is a good example of how things can get out of control since the level of officiating matches the lack of professional play...
129 minutes of penalties alone...
Here's the rundown...
Huntsville - Aaron McGill - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Aaron McGill - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Chapen LeBlond - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Chapen LeBlond - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Bill Baker - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Bill Baker - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Sam Cannata - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Sam Cannata - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Corey Fulton - (Leaving Players Bench) (Game Misconduct) (70.3), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Reid Edmondson - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Reid Edmondson - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Anthony Collins - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Anthony Collins - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Spearing) (Double Minor), 4 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Throwing Equipment) (Match) (53.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
The HQ is really fond of the "continuing altercation" rule...
The rematch, for those of you who want to travel to Biloxi, is January 20th...
The HQ admits that we take in the every-once-in-a-while ECHL game to see the fight night...
We also know that the lower you get on the professional totem, the more fighting there is since guys feel more compelled to prove their overall worth for promotion up the chain.
The Southern Professional Hockey League could be considered Single-A in baseball vernacular...
And the fights are a level above double-a... think inverse proportionality...
The Huntsville-Mississippi fight from the other day is a good example of how things can get out of control since the level of officiating matches the lack of professional play...
129 minutes of penalties alone...
Here's the rundown...
Huntsville - Aaron McGill - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Aaron McGill - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Chapen LeBlond - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Chapen LeBlond - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Bill Baker - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Bill Baker - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Sam Cannata - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Sam Cannata - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Huntsville - Corey Fulton - (Leaving Players Bench) (Game Misconduct) (70.3), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Reid Edmondson - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Reid Edmondson - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Anthony Collins - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Anthony Collins - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Fighting) (Major), 5 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Continuing Altercation) (Game Misconduct) (46.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Spearing) (Double Minor), 4 MIN, 15:03
Mississippi Surge - Branden Kosolofsky - (Throwing Equipment) (Match) (53.5), 10 MIN, 15:03
The HQ is really fond of the "continuing altercation" rule...
The rematch, for those of you who want to travel to Biloxi, is January 20th...
OSG Prem: Arsenal Puts 7 On Newcastle
((HT: FoxSports))
Admittedly, the HQ was attending a wedding and didn't see how this one got away from Newcastle United... Demba Ba had scored to make the game tied at threes with twenty minutes to go...
And then all blue hell broke loose...
Theo Walcott ended up with a hat trick and the Gunners scored three times in the last five minutes...
Evidence below...
Newcastle has, seemingly, under Alan Pardew decided to outscore opponents and not play defense- as evidenced by the back and forth with United last time around and the game today. That was, until, the meltdown in the last five minutes...
Olivier Giroud seems healthy after his bout with the sniffles...
Walcott is still looking for a new contract... and Newcastle is in real trouble...
Admittedly, the HQ was attending a wedding and didn't see how this one got away from Newcastle United... Demba Ba had scored to make the game tied at threes with twenty minutes to go...
And then all blue hell broke loose...
Theo Walcott ended up with a hat trick and the Gunners scored three times in the last five minutes...
Evidence below...
Newcastle has, seemingly, under Alan Pardew decided to outscore opponents and not play defense- as evidenced by the back and forth with United last time around and the game today. That was, until, the meltdown in the last five minutes...
Olivier Giroud seems healthy after his bout with the sniffles...
Walcott is still looking for a new contract... and Newcastle is in real trouble...
Friday, December 28, 2012
Could Bollywood Head To Blackburn...???
If the HQ was an investor in Blackburn Rovers, we would explode if this turned out to be true...
But there are reports, mainly from SkySports, that Blackburn advisor Shebby Singh may be...
"May be..."
...having talks with former Arsenal trainee, and former Bollywood actor, Judan Ali to take over for the recently sacked Henning Berg. Berg, you'll remember, lasted only 57 days and 10 games as Rovers dropped to 17th in the Championship table.
Here's what went down when Berg got booted...
((HT: SkySports/youtube))
Berg took over for Robbie Kean, who was at the helm when Rovers were relegated last season from the Premier League- and was in charge of the team for the first part of this season in the Championship.
Here's what Ali is trying to become on the pitch...
((HT: slenkyshots))
Former Aston Villa youth-team boss Kevin MacDonald is the favorite to replace Berg, though ex-QPR manager Mark Hughes, a former Rovers boss, and Phil Brown are also in the frame. Brown, the former Hull and Bolton boss, has confirmed he has applied for the job.
The HQ is waiting for the subsequent rebellion if Ali gets the gig...
More when we know more...
But there are reports, mainly from SkySports, that Blackburn advisor Shebby Singh may be...
"May be..."
...having talks with former Arsenal trainee, and former Bollywood actor, Judan Ali to take over for the recently sacked Henning Berg. Berg, you'll remember, lasted only 57 days and 10 games as Rovers dropped to 17th in the Championship table.
Here's what went down when Berg got booted...
((HT: SkySports/youtube))
Berg took over for Robbie Kean, who was at the helm when Rovers were relegated last season from the Premier League- and was in charge of the team for the first part of this season in the Championship.
Here's what Ali is trying to become on the pitch...
((HT: slenkyshots))
Former Aston Villa youth-team boss Kevin MacDonald is the favorite to replace Berg, though ex-QPR manager Mark Hughes, a former Rovers boss, and Phil Brown are also in the frame. Brown, the former Hull and Bolton boss, has confirmed he has applied for the job.
The HQ is waiting for the subsequent rebellion if Ali gets the gig...
More when we know more...
U of L Being Sued By Ex-Football Player
((HT: WDRB-TV))
A former University of Louisville football player has filed a lawsuit claiming he was asked to cover up an attack on him by two of his teammates.
Patrick Grant also charges that the school and the football coaching staff didn't live up to what Grant says he was promised by them after the attack occurred.
Grant asserts on October 24th, in the U of L locker room at Papa John's Stadium, Jacob and Isaac Geffrad attacked him. Grant was beaten so badly that the lawsuit states, according to WDRB-TV:
"...he (Grant) required immediate, urgent care and nearly lost his left eye, the bones around it being fractured."
"His injuries to his left eye area were severe. Several of the bones surrounding it were broken and he was internally bruised. In other words, Patrick had sustained a 'blowout fracture' caused by a blunt trauma to the head. These are generally caused from personal altercations. His eye was bulging too. His treating physician was required to probe around the eyeball without any anesthesia in order to determine the extent of Patrick's injuries."
Grant had reconstructive surgery and the Geffrads were charged with assault and kicked off the team.
Grant's lawsuit also claims that, on the way to the hospital, university trainers told him to lie and not divulge the true source of his injuries.
His scholarship was, apparently, revoked January 4th of this year. When Grant called head coach Charlie Strong, Grant alleges that Strong refused to address the issue and hung up the phone. Grant is now suing for breach of contract, and asking also for compensatory damages of an unknown amount because if his injuries.
Here's Grant on special teams when he was a player at U of L
More when we know more...
A former University of Louisville football player has filed a lawsuit claiming he was asked to cover up an attack on him by two of his teammates.
Patrick Grant also charges that the school and the football coaching staff didn't live up to what Grant says he was promised by them after the attack occurred.
Grant asserts on October 24th, in the U of L locker room at Papa John's Stadium, Jacob and Isaac Geffrad attacked him. Grant was beaten so badly that the lawsuit states, according to WDRB-TV:
"...he (Grant) required immediate, urgent care and nearly lost his left eye, the bones around it being fractured."
"His injuries to his left eye area were severe. Several of the bones surrounding it were broken and he was internally bruised. In other words, Patrick had sustained a 'blowout fracture' caused by a blunt trauma to the head. These are generally caused from personal altercations. His eye was bulging too. His treating physician was required to probe around the eyeball without any anesthesia in order to determine the extent of Patrick's injuries."
Grant had reconstructive surgery and the Geffrads were charged with assault and kicked off the team.
Grant's lawsuit also claims that, on the way to the hospital, university trainers told him to lie and not divulge the true source of his injuries.
His scholarship was, apparently, revoked January 4th of this year. When Grant called head coach Charlie Strong, Grant alleges that Strong refused to address the issue and hung up the phone. Grant is now suing for breach of contract, and asking also for compensatory damages of an unknown amount because if his injuries.
Here's Grant on special teams when he was a player at U of L
More when we know more...
Remember The Alamo: Longhorns Have 2 Under Sexual Assault Investigation (UPDATED and UPDATED again)
((HT: KHOU-TV))
For the 5,000th time...
Nothing good ever happens after 1AM...
Our new example is from San Antonio...
2 University of Texas players are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault along the Riverwalk in San Antonio- a little before 3 this morning...
An unidentified woman went to local police after saying that she met two Longhorns players and invited them back to her hotel room. She, then after what happened in their meeting, went to police with the allegation. Coaches have been notified of the incident and it appears that one of the players may be a starter on the two-deeps.
Further questioning should occur later today, along with the coaches press conferences...
Here's the overnight report...
More when we know more... 1400 UPDATE: We know more... Mack Brown addressed the media, but did not go into any specifics... He did say, however, the two players were suspended... The HQ is aware just how stunned you are... ((HT: KXAN-TV Austin))
For the 5,000th time...
Nothing good ever happens after 1AM...
Our new example is from San Antonio...
2 University of Texas players are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault along the Riverwalk in San Antonio- a little before 3 this morning...
An unidentified woman went to local police after saying that she met two Longhorns players and invited them back to her hotel room. She, then after what happened in their meeting, went to police with the allegation. Coaches have been notified of the incident and it appears that one of the players may be a starter on the two-deeps.
Further questioning should occur later today, along with the coaches press conferences...
Here's the overnight report...
More when we know more... 1400 UPDATE: We know more... Mack Brown addressed the media, but did not go into any specifics... He did say, however, the two players were suspended... The HQ is aware just how stunned you are... ((HT: KXAN-TV Austin))
Sex assault allegations made against Longhorn players before Alamo Bowl
1445 UPDATE: Two sources tell Hookem.com that Case McCoy and Jordan Hicks have been ordered home from Alamo Bowl. That can't be good... 1600 UPDATE: San Antonio police are telling various sources that there is only one suspect... even as Mack Brown sent two players home...DEVELOPING: NHL Offers New Proposal As Clock Ticks
((HT: Sportsnet.ca))
The National Hockey League is in, what "Puck Daddy" is calling, Day 104 of Stupid...
And he's right...
But, during a traditional time of not doing anything, someone did something...
The NHL has presented a new proposal to the Players' Association.
The league's offer, apparently, calls for player contract limits of six years- boosting the max length by all of one year...
Teams can also, in the new idea, buy out one guy on their roster outright- which is similar to the move in the NBA for really overpriced contracts for players who are either old, underperform, or both... but it still would count against the revenue share...
There are no plans for the two sides to meet, and it's been two weeks since both sides sat down at the same table to break bread (or each other's skulls).
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is saying that "sources" are wanting to open camp on January 12th, but Michael Grange, through his Twitter sayeth quote:
It is really hard to take seriously that the latest proposal from #NHL as 'movement' -- two sides have been inches apart for months
The guys from Sportsnet and "Hockey Central" discuss the drop-dead date for the season and the lack of urgency from both sides in the whole deal...
Here's Daren, Mayday, and Nick...
Bill Daly gave out this statement early this afternoon: "In light of media reports this morning, I can confirm that we delivered to the Union a new, comprehensive proposal for a successor CBA late yesterday afternoon. We are not prepared to discuss the details of our proposal at this time. We are hopeful that once the Union's staff and negotiating committee have had an opportunity to thoroughly review and consider our new proposal, they will share it with the players. We want to be back on the ice as soon as possible."
The National Hockey League is in, what "Puck Daddy" is calling, Day 104 of Stupid...
And he's right...
But, during a traditional time of not doing anything, someone did something...
The NHL has presented a new proposal to the Players' Association.
The league's offer, apparently, calls for player contract limits of six years- boosting the max length by all of one year...
Teams can also, in the new idea, buy out one guy on their roster outright- which is similar to the move in the NBA for really overpriced contracts for players who are either old, underperform, or both... but it still would count against the revenue share...
There are no plans for the two sides to meet, and it's been two weeks since both sides sat down at the same table to break bread (or each other's skulls).
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is saying that "sources" are wanting to open camp on January 12th, but Michael Grange, through his Twitter sayeth quote:
It is really hard to take seriously that the latest proposal from #NHL as 'movement' -- two sides have been inches apart for months
The guys from Sportsnet and "Hockey Central" discuss the drop-dead date for the season and the lack of urgency from both sides in the whole deal...
Here's Daren, Mayday, and Nick...
Bill Daly gave out this statement early this afternoon: "In light of media reports this morning, I can confirm that we delivered to the Union a new, comprehensive proposal for a successor CBA late yesterday afternoon. We are not prepared to discuss the details of our proposal at this time. We are hopeful that once the Union's staff and negotiating committee have had an opportunity to thoroughly review and consider our new proposal, they will share it with the players. We want to be back on the ice as soon as possible."
Today in Vague Reporting: Alleged Uproar over Braves Practice Caps
Granted the choice is a bit odd, but we, like many others are trying to figure our where the uproar that is being reported over the new Atlanta Braves batting practice caps are coming from.Major League Baseball announced yesterday their newest marketing gimmick. New BP caps. The reason: Simple, another product to sell to fans.
Read more from ESPN.com RIGHT HERE
Some of them are fairly interesting, some fairly drab and some just kind of ugly. And, well, to be honest, the Braves hat is kind of the latter. And before you ask, there are already allegations that the Braves chose this look. The "look" came from MLB Properties. Ask a pro sports team when they had final say on anything such as this....
For those unaware, the logo is the "Screaming Brave" logo the team used during the 70's and 80's. It went away when the "Politically Correct" sentiment went into full effect and people began being allegedly offended by anything they saw that didn't fit with their beliefs. It's been called "offensive", "derogatory" and a "racist insult". And yeah, maybe you can call us "Insensitive" but we don't get it.
But that isn't what we are wondering about.
The part we are wondering about is this: USA Today wrote a story that vaguely references an uproar by people over the caps.
The problem.
There are no actual people in the story. The writer just raises the specter of an "Uproar" and outcry and that massive amounts of fans are offended by this. Yet doesn't actually cite an example of anyone who is upset about it.
Read the Chris Chase/USA Today allegation RIGHT HERE
We're betting they aren't.
Will they buy these hats, yeah, sure, some will. Die Hard MLB fans will buy anything with a new look for their team on it. And no, we don't pretend to see any kind of "Nostalgic" tilt or even a chance for something different. It's a marketing (Dollar) grab, plain and simple.
I'm an unabashed Braves fan and have made no secret about it. But I'd never buy one of these. And yeah, there may be a few odd members of the PC police who will be "Offended" by this. But only if reporters tell them they are supposed to be. We are quite sure that almost nobody would even notice...or care had a couple odd writers not brought it out.
Think about it. With the gazillion people who live here, chances are if you look hard enough you can find SOMEONE who is actually offended by any logo currently in existence. And yes, the PC Police normally cries the loudest, whether they speak to the majority (which they normally don't) or not.
And yes, we get that is what reporters do, and if you want to report on it and raise the question...then raise it. But don't make vague accusations and assume the masses are offended, unless you are prepared to quote someone who actually is.
**Note**--We are quite sure that this will quash the sale of these hats before the sale ever gets started. While MLB probably won't see mass pickets and protests either, the fact that reporters are quoting panic in the streets, will be enough to stop this before it ever gets started.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
So Much For Avery Johnson's Employment
And for the patience of Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov in his new building...
14-14 doesn't guarantee New Year's work for the Brooklynets...
Avery Johnson...
Or... how 'bout this way...???
You get the idea...
Johnson's Nets have lost 10 of 13 games after starting out a lot differently...
"We don't have the same fire now than we did when we were 11-4," general manager Billy King said at a news conference in East Rutherford. "I tried to talk to Avery about it and we just can't figure it out. The same pattern kept on happening."
Assistant P.J. Carlesimo will coach the Nets on an interim basis... and, presumably, not get the gig full-time next season...
There was no comment from King about an idea that Phil Jackson has been contacted or that the Nets have interest in bringing him in to Brooklyn...
14-14 doesn't guarantee New Year's work for the Brooklynets...
Avery Johnson...
Or... how 'bout this way...???
You get the idea...
Johnson's Nets have lost 10 of 13 games after starting out a lot differently...
"We don't have the same fire now than we did when we were 11-4," general manager Billy King said at a news conference in East Rutherford. "I tried to talk to Avery about it and we just can't figure it out. The same pattern kept on happening."
Assistant P.J. Carlesimo will coach the Nets on an interim basis... and, presumably, not get the gig full-time next season...
There was no comment from King about an idea that Phil Jackson has been contacted or that the Nets have interest in bringing him in to Brooklyn...
The Year in Sports Profanity....
((ht: cosbysweater.com))
Because you know you want to listen.
And, oh, if you do, just be advised you might want to put on your headphones or earphones or privacy device of your choice.
Bwahahahahaha!
Because you know you want to listen.
And, oh, if you do, just be advised you might want to put on your headphones or earphones or privacy device of your choice.
Bwahahahahaha!
"Mongo" McMichael to run for Mayor of Chicago Suburb
((ht: suntimes.com))
Please excuse us for finding this a bit amusing, but former Chicago Bear and Professional Wrestler Steve "Mongo" McMichael is running for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois.
And while he may very well be a rational, well-thought and efficient politician, it doesn't make the thought any less funny.
Mongo, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, will run against former mayor Fred Dewald (former cause he lost the job due to a DUI) and incumbent John Noak.
McMichael has settled in the community, with a Sports Bar bearing his name being one of the city's marquee attractions.
You'll recall, the former defensive lineman was one of the more visible members of the 1985, Super Bowl Champion Bears team. He also spent several years in WCW (World Championship Wrestling)
Here's Mongo, headlining in a match vs. WCW hero (and former NFL'er) Goldberg.
Enjoy your new mayor (haha)
Please excuse us for finding this a bit amusing, but former Chicago Bear and Professional Wrestler Steve "Mongo" McMichael is running for mayor of Romeoville, Illinois.
And while he may very well be a rational, well-thought and efficient politician, it doesn't make the thought any less funny.
Mongo, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, will run against former mayor Fred Dewald (former cause he lost the job due to a DUI) and incumbent John Noak.
McMichael has settled in the community, with a Sports Bar bearing his name being one of the city's marquee attractions.
You'll recall, the former defensive lineman was one of the more visible members of the 1985, Super Bowl Champion Bears team. He also spent several years in WCW (World Championship Wrestling)
Here's Mongo, headlining in a match vs. WCW hero (and former NFL'er) Goldberg.
Enjoy your new mayor (haha)
BUZZER BEATER: J.R. Smith Wins It For Knicks At The Buzzer
Here’s a buzzer beater from the NBA. J.R. Smith with a catch and shoot to defeat
the Phoenix Suns (Thanks NBA-TV)
"It was premeditated," Smith said. "I was walking around the court going, `You are going to make it, you are going to make it.' I was trying to get my form ready before I even thought about taking it. I was trying to go through my mechanics in my head, get my shoulders square to the basket and just let it fly."
Smith stat line against the Suns was impressive. 27 points, six rebounds, 5 assists and according to the New York Post, countless hustle plays.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Cowboys Brent Indicted On Manslaughter Charge (UPDATED w/BAC)
((HT: NBCDFW.com))
A Dallas grand jury has indicted Cowboys nose tackle Josh Brent on the one charge of intoxication manslaughter in the death of teammate and passenger Jerry Brown.
The case will be tried in Dallas County Criminal Court by Judge Robert Burns. There is no date known for the first date for jury selection.Brent does not yet have a trial date.
Brent is out on $100,000 bond, and he has been ordered to wear a monitoring device to ensure he doesn't consume alcohol. Brent is also not allowed to drive.
Here's early coverage from our friends at NBCDFW
12/28 UPDATE: Brent has punched with a .189 blood alcohol at the time of his test after the December 8th crash...
The crash report also says Brent was driving with an expired and suspended driver's license obtained in Illinois, where he pleaded guilty three years ago to DUI...
A Dallas grand jury has indicted Cowboys nose tackle Josh Brent on the one charge of intoxication manslaughter in the death of teammate and passenger Jerry Brown.
The case will be tried in Dallas County Criminal Court by Judge Robert Burns. There is no date known for the first date for jury selection.Brent does not yet have a trial date.
Brent is out on $100,000 bond, and he has been ordered to wear a monitoring device to ensure he doesn't consume alcohol. Brent is also not allowed to drive.
Here's early coverage from our friends at NBCDFW
View more videos at: http://nbcdfw.com.
12/28 UPDATE: Brent has punched with a .189 blood alcohol at the time of his test after the December 8th crash...
The crash report also says Brent was driving with an expired and suspended driver's license obtained in Illinois, where he pleaded guilty three years ago to DUI...
iCYMI: Clips Christmas look sets Christmas look back decades
((ht: danwoikesports))Yikes!
Yeah, sure, we get one of the things people do during the holiday season is wear ugly Christmas sweaters.
The photo to your right, that's Los Angeles Clipper guard Chris Paul and Clipper forward Blake Griffin.
And yes, if they are competing in some sort of "Ugly Sweater" competition, one of them, if not both probably will win.
No, for us it is the shirts underneath the "Sweater Vests".
Take a good, close look. And if the retinas in your eyes are now burning, see a doctor, they have medication for that.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Andruw Jones Booked On Assault Charges
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
A team in Japan, the Rakuten Eagles of the Pacfic League, just dropped US$3.5-million on the 36-year-old (wink) outfielder after he spent the last two years with the New York Yankees.
So, Jones now will have to answer to assault and battery charges on his wife early this morning off an alleged domestic dispute- according to published reports from various sources. ((His booking photo is on the right, thanks Gwinnett County Police Department/MyFoxAtlanta))
He is out on bond...
Recoirds at the Gwinnett County (GA) Detention Center in Lawrenceville have Jones was booked into the county jail around 3:45AM Tuesday and released on $2,400 bond by 11AM...
What is it that the HQ says about nothing good happening after 1AM...???
Here's what the Japanese League thinks-slash-hopes they're getting...
((HT: MLB/youtube))
Provided the Eagles front office even lets him play after this...
More when we know more...
A team in Japan, the Rakuten Eagles of the Pacfic League, just dropped US$3.5-million on the 36-year-old (wink) outfielder after he spent the last two years with the New York Yankees.
So, Jones now will have to answer to assault and battery charges on his wife early this morning off an alleged domestic dispute- according to published reports from various sources. ((His booking photo is on the right, thanks Gwinnett County Police Department/MyFoxAtlanta))
He is out on bond...
Recoirds at the Gwinnett County (GA) Detention Center in Lawrenceville have Jones was booked into the county jail around 3:45AM Tuesday and released on $2,400 bond by 11AM...
What is it that the HQ says about nothing good happening after 1AM...???
Here's what the Japanese League thinks-slash-hopes they're getting...
((HT: MLB/youtube))
Provided the Eagles front office even lets him play after this...
More when we know more...
Colton Yellow Horn Goes Next Level In The Shootout...
((HT: Ontario Reign/ECHL))
Just watch... that's all we're going to say...
Jaromir Jagr started the whole spin-o-rama craze...
Colton Yellow Horn has added level of difficulty...
Okay, 68...
It's up to you now...
And, by the way, the HQ just likes saying "Colton Yellow Horn..."
Just watch... that's all we're going to say...
Jaromir Jagr started the whole spin-o-rama craze...
Colton Yellow Horn has added level of difficulty...
Okay, 68...
It's up to you now...
And, by the way, the HQ just likes saying "Colton Yellow Horn..."
Monday, December 24, 2012
No, Butch Davis is not the New Coach at FIU--Today (UPDATED)
Interesting reports circulating out of Miami that banished former UNC football coach Butch Davis will be the new head coach at Florida International University.The Miami Herald's David O'Neal posted a story saying there may or may not be an announcement next week.
You can read that RIGHT HERE
But, if you read it closely, in the next paragraph, he begins to back track on that statement.
And, in the "Next" blog post, says that he spoke with FIU AD Pete Garcia who says the rumors are totally false.
And yet the rumors are flying all over the Interwebs. Most are saying that the report was never true.
But...
Remember THIS story from just three weeks ago
Yes, Davis could be resurfacing. But if so, it's being handled as awkwardly....as well, Garcia's firing of now former head coach Mario Cristobal.
In the meantime, Davis continues getting paid from North Carolina and if he were to take said job at FIU, the Golden Panthers would then be on the hook for the UNC money. And as much as Garcia needs a new coach, we suspect he does not quite have the budget for that.
But...
We would not be surprised in the least to see this happen. FIU is one of the few jobs left open on the carousel and there don't seem to be a lot of takers. Stay tuned campers, this story probably has more to go.
12/28 UPDATE: From Alex Marvez at Fox Sports...
The dispute centers on almost $1.8 million that Davis is owed from the settlement he signed upon his dismissal as UNC’s head coach in July 2011. The source said that UNC doesn’t want to pay the money if Davis accepts another coaching position, which is a stumbling block that also complicated his hiring earlier this year by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
FIU is set to sign Davis to a multiyear contract averaging roughly $500,000 a season, the source said.
Well, now we know...
Sunday, December 23, 2012
OSG Prem: Chelsea Lights Up Villa For 8
((HT: SkySports/youtube))
Here's the full list of the assault on Aston Villa by Chelsea today at Stamford Bridge...
Fernando Torres (3)
David Luiz (29)
Branislav Ivanovic (34)
Frank Lampard (58)
Ramires (75, 90+1)
Oscar (PK 79)
Edin Hazard (83)
But eight goals...??? Eight...???
American goalie Brad Guzan was certainly shell-shocked and Aston Villa looked like they were, completely, outclassed the whole day. The end result gives Villa the worst goal differential of all the clubs near relegation (-17), one worse than Reading and QPR.
Chelsea is now tied in goal differential with both City and United at (+19), two points clear of Arsenal for third place.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was really honest about it: “We were second best. We have to hold our hands hold our hands up, we never turned up; at this level we can't play like that. We always learn, it will certainly be a wake-up call its been going fine for us and it is only Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs that have turned us over, we will bounce back."
The whole notion of offense at Chelsea was somewhat foreign to fans under the new Rafa Benitez administration, and the move of David Luiz to midfield seemed to be something of a catalyst today.
Here's all eight goals, while it lasts...
((HT: FoxSoccer))
Next games are the day after Christmas...
Here's the full list of the assault on Aston Villa by Chelsea today at Stamford Bridge...
Fernando Torres (3)
David Luiz (29)
Branislav Ivanovic (34)
Frank Lampard (58)
Ramires (75, 90+1)
Oscar (PK 79)
Edin Hazard (83)
But eight goals...??? Eight...???
American goalie Brad Guzan was certainly shell-shocked and Aston Villa looked like they were, completely, outclassed the whole day. The end result gives Villa the worst goal differential of all the clubs near relegation (-17), one worse than Reading and QPR.
Chelsea is now tied in goal differential with both City and United at (+19), two points clear of Arsenal for third place.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert was really honest about it: “We were second best. We have to hold our hands hold our hands up, we never turned up; at this level we can't play like that. We always learn, it will certainly be a wake-up call its been going fine for us and it is only Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs that have turned us over, we will bounce back."
The whole notion of offense at Chelsea was somewhat foreign to fans under the new Rafa Benitez administration, and the move of David Luiz to midfield seemed to be something of a catalyst today.
Here's all eight goals, while it lasts...
((HT: FoxSoccer))
Next games are the day after Christmas...
Sir Alex Calls For Ban After Williams-van Persie Incident
((HT: SkySports/youtube))
And, usually, what Sir Alex wants... he gets...
Watch what happened with 15 minutes to go in regulation Sunday against Swansea...
((HT: FoxSoccer))
Ashley Williams is now on ManU's hit list...
Sir Alex told SkySports:
"I think the FA has got to look into it. Irrespective of him having a yellow card he should be banned for a long, long time. It's the most dangerous thing I've seen on a football field for many, many years.
"(It was) absolutely deliberate. the whistle's gone, the game has stopped and he's done that a foot from the player. He could have killed the lad - it's a disgraceful act and he should be banned for a long, long time."
Williams sluffed it off and Swans boss Michael Laudrup hasn't even been quoted at present. But pay attention to any rematches down the line- regardless of level of competition...
Swansea grabbed a key point in the standings and trimmed the Reds lead over ManCity to four points in the Prem table...
And, usually, what Sir Alex wants... he gets...
Watch what happened with 15 minutes to go in regulation Sunday against Swansea...
((HT: FoxSoccer))
Ashley Williams is now on ManU's hit list...
Sir Alex told SkySports:
"I think the FA has got to look into it. Irrespective of him having a yellow card he should be banned for a long, long time. It's the most dangerous thing I've seen on a football field for many, many years.
"(It was) absolutely deliberate. the whistle's gone, the game has stopped and he's done that a foot from the player. He could have killed the lad - it's a disgraceful act and he should be banned for a long, long time."
Williams sluffed it off and Swans boss Michael Laudrup hasn't even been quoted at present. But pay attention to any rematches down the line- regardless of level of competition...
Swansea grabbed a key point in the standings and trimmed the Reds lead over ManCity to four points in the Prem table...
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Ragin' Cajuns win the New Orleans Bowl
This made The Lovely Bride's day.....
Lousiana-Lafayette (her alma mater) won their second straight bowl game Saturday afternoon, holding off the East Carolina Pirates 43-34.
For those who didn't watch this, it was actually a pretty good game, with the Ragin' Cajuns getting out to an early 21 point lead before the Pirates clawed their way back.
The game came down to a 4th down play with just over 2:30 left when Melvin White knocked down Pirate QB Shane Carden's pass to WR Andrew Bodenheimer.
Once again, Ragin' Cajuns QB Terrance Broadway was the star, going 21-31 for 316 yds and a TD along with running for 108 yds and a TD.
The win game La.Laf it's second straight 9-win season and more than likely assures head coach Mark Hudspeth as being a hot coaching commodity for next seasons version of the Coaching Carousel.
Here's one of the highlights, Broadway hitting WR Javonne Lawson for the TD late in the 3rd qtr.
Lousiana-Lafayette (her alma mater) won their second straight bowl game Saturday afternoon, holding off the East Carolina Pirates 43-34.
For those who didn't watch this, it was actually a pretty good game, with the Ragin' Cajuns getting out to an early 21 point lead before the Pirates clawed their way back.
The game came down to a 4th down play with just over 2:30 left when Melvin White knocked down Pirate QB Shane Carden's pass to WR Andrew Bodenheimer.
Once again, Ragin' Cajuns QB Terrance Broadway was the star, going 21-31 for 316 yds and a TD along with running for 108 yds and a TD.
The win game La.Laf it's second straight 9-win season and more than likely assures head coach Mark Hudspeth as being a hot coaching commodity for next seasons version of the Coaching Carousel.
Here's one of the highlights, Broadway hitting WR Javonne Lawson for the TD late in the 3rd qtr.
Sac. Kings suspend DeMarcus Cousins...again
((ht: sacbee.com))
It's not always good to be King. Or a Sacramento King. Or DeMarcus Cousins Just ask the management of the woeful NBA Basketball team who were forced to suspend their "Tempermental" center yet again after getting into a shouting match with head coach Keith Smart.
The incident, this time, happened at the half of Friday nights loss vs. The Los Angeles Clippers. And while Cousins is now saying all the contrite things after the fact. It just adds to the specter he may be more trouble than he is worth.
Cousins told the Sacramento Bee: "What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room but I was wrong." he added "I messed up. I'm apologizing to all my teammates for it, for responding the way I did and we'll move on from it. I grow from all of my mistakes."
Hmmm....
Let's see. So he goes for the nut shot on Mavericks Guard O.J Mayo just over a week ago. Earlier in the season, he sat out two games for trying to go after Spurs broadcaster Sean Elliot and last year his confrontations with former head coach Paul Westphal led to Westphal being fired.
But that behavior is accepted and will not too adversely affect his career because he's 22, he's 7-feet tall and has some modicum of talent. Never mind that his peers seem to think he's insane, he argues with his coaches and doesn't seem too concerned about.
Here's some video of Cousin's jab to Mayo's nether regions some 10-days ago...
It's not always good to be King. Or a Sacramento King. Or DeMarcus Cousins Just ask the management of the woeful NBA Basketball team who were forced to suspend their "Tempermental" center yet again after getting into a shouting match with head coach Keith Smart.
The incident, this time, happened at the half of Friday nights loss vs. The Los Angeles Clippers. And while Cousins is now saying all the contrite things after the fact. It just adds to the specter he may be more trouble than he is worth.
Cousins told the Sacramento Bee: "What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room but I was wrong." he added "I messed up. I'm apologizing to all my teammates for it, for responding the way I did and we'll move on from it. I grow from all of my mistakes."
Hmmm....
Let's see. So he goes for the nut shot on Mavericks Guard O.J Mayo just over a week ago. Earlier in the season, he sat out two games for trying to go after Spurs broadcaster Sean Elliot and last year his confrontations with former head coach Paul Westphal led to Westphal being fired.
But that behavior is accepted and will not too adversely affect his career because he's 22, he's 7-feet tall and has some modicum of talent. Never mind that his peers seem to think he's insane, he argues with his coaches and doesn't seem too concerned about.
Here's some video of Cousin's jab to Mayo's nether regions some 10-days ago...
Boise Back To Mountain West...???
That's the conventional wisdom, and for them, it would make the most sense...
The dissolving of the Big East Conference in basketball with the planned exit of the so-called "Catholic 7" is creating some discord with the inbound football-playing schools- and now it looks like Boise State is thinking about jumping back to where they were.
Why...???
Under the new post-season system, the Mountain West has as much stroke as the Big East does. The Big East's TV deal is in a large amount of doubt and discussion since it would take place starting in 2014- the season in which a lot of the schools are looking to leave, relocate, and/or not hang out with the Big East anymore.
Evidence of concern is hyah...thanks, KIVI-TV in Boise...
At the same time, it appears that the Big east is reaching out to UNLV and Fresno State to join if the western additions turn into abstentions. The idea of them joining seems somewhat far-fetched since there doesn't seem to be any kind of added benefit. San Diego State is still in play since they haven't decided to go back to where they were or not at present.
Meanwhile, when was the last time you heard about Boise and Washington squaring off in a defensive battle in Las Vegas...???
((HT: KBOI-TV))
The dissolving of the Big East Conference in basketball with the planned exit of the so-called "Catholic 7" is creating some discord with the inbound football-playing schools- and now it looks like Boise State is thinking about jumping back to where they were.
Why...???
Under the new post-season system, the Mountain West has as much stroke as the Big East does. The Big East's TV deal is in a large amount of doubt and discussion since it would take place starting in 2014- the season in which a lot of the schools are looking to leave, relocate, and/or not hang out with the Big East anymore.
Evidence of concern is hyah...thanks, KIVI-TV in Boise...
At the same time, it appears that the Big east is reaching out to UNLV and Fresno State to join if the western additions turn into abstentions. The idea of them joining seems somewhat far-fetched since there doesn't seem to be any kind of added benefit. San Diego State is still in play since they haven't decided to go back to where they were or not at present.
Meanwhile, when was the last time you heard about Boise and Washington squaring off in a defensive battle in Las Vegas...???
((HT: KBOI-TV))
Friday, December 21, 2012
NY Jets a team only Benny Hill could love
((ht: bob's blitz))
Okay, this is pretty funny. And yes, we are suckers for anything with the Benny Hill theme involved (we've mentioned this before)
Check out this video that someone with lots of time on their hands made of ESPN's favorite NFL team, the Ultra-Pathetic New York Jets.
Laugh along at such plays as "The Butt-Fumble" and "Mark Sanchez throws another Pick 6". You too will laugh in amazement that a team this BAD actually gets more play on ESPN than, well, just about every team that is playoff eligible.
Okay, this is pretty funny. And yes, we are suckers for anything with the Benny Hill theme involved (we've mentioned this before)
Check out this video that someone with lots of time on their hands made of ESPN's favorite NFL team, the Ultra-Pathetic New York Jets.
Laugh along at such plays as "The Butt-Fumble" and "Mark Sanchez throws another Pick 6". You too will laugh in amazement that a team this BAD actually gets more play on ESPN than, well, just about every team that is playoff eligible.
Johnny Football Courtside at Mavs game TNT guys wonder why?
((ht: sports.yahoo.com))
It's good to be king. Or a Heisman Trophy winner. How else can you afford to put yourself in a court side seat at an NBA Basketball game?
Yes, it may be totally innocent, but it was kind of funny to listen to TNT's NBA analyst Steve Kerr roundly call out Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel and how he could afford a high-priced seat to the Dallas Mavericks/Miami Heat game Thursday night.
For his part, after hearing of the question, Manziel tweeted the following: "Bought myself a little birthday present tonight stop hating! #HEATvsMAVS."
Read the Yahoo Sports story RIGHT HERE
All kidding aside, it does raise a bit of an eyebrow. Sure, more than likely Manziel isn't lying and he splurged on a gift for himself. And no, Kerr probably didn't need to go there with the accusation.
But it does make you wonder.
There aren't a lot of college kids who can afford the most expensive seat in the house for an NBA game. Particularly as an impulse buy. We are quite sure that there won't be anyway to prove evil-doing here, but it does make you wonder.
**--Note--** We learned after publishing this story that Manziel's parents can easily afford such an indulgence which explains quite a bit.
Heck, we make a decent living and while it wouldn't break our bank to buy a court side ticket for an NBA game, it would make a significant dent in our bank account. But then again, we didn't win the Heisman this year either.
It's good to be king. Or a Heisman Trophy winner. How else can you afford to put yourself in a court side seat at an NBA Basketball game?
Yes, it may be totally innocent, but it was kind of funny to listen to TNT's NBA analyst Steve Kerr roundly call out Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel and how he could afford a high-priced seat to the Dallas Mavericks/Miami Heat game Thursday night.
For his part, after hearing of the question, Manziel tweeted the following: "Bought myself a little birthday present tonight stop hating! #HEATvsMAVS."
Read the Yahoo Sports story RIGHT HERE
All kidding aside, it does raise a bit of an eyebrow. Sure, more than likely Manziel isn't lying and he splurged on a gift for himself. And no, Kerr probably didn't need to go there with the accusation.
But it does make you wonder.
There aren't a lot of college kids who can afford the most expensive seat in the house for an NBA game. Particularly as an impulse buy. We are quite sure that there won't be anyway to prove evil-doing here, but it does make you wonder.
**--Note--** We learned after publishing this story that Manziel's parents can easily afford such an indulgence which explains quite a bit.
Heck, we make a decent living and while it wouldn't break our bank to buy a court side ticket for an NBA game, it would make a significant dent in our bank account. But then again, we didn't win the Heisman this year either.
Buffalo Bills to stay in Buffalo for awhile
((ht: buffalonews.com))Scratch one more team from the potential "Move to L.A" theory in the NFL.
State lawmakers and the Buffalo Bills announced Friday morning they've come to an agreement that will keep the football team playing in Buffalo, for more than likely at least the next 10-years.
The deal all but locks the team in, by stipulating any relocation would trigger a $400 million relocation penalty. Except---in year 7 of the deal. (odd-but not explained)
In return, the state will spend a good chunk of money to renovate the somewhat antiquated Ralph Wilson stadium, which will add to what the team and the city/county will add.
Read the entire story from the Buffalo News RIGHT HERE
This is a pretty strong statement for a team considered high up on the potential relocation list. There was a lot of concern that when team owner Ralph Wilson passes away, his heirs would move the team to a more profitable location.
That won't happen.
It leaves some interesting speculation as to whether anyone will actually leave and move to L.A. Certainly teams like The Jaguars and The Rams will be candidates. The Jaguars have attendance and quality issues, the Rams are trying to get a major renovation in St. Louis.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Rodney Garner To Auburn
Phillip Marshall at Auburn Undercover gets this one...
And, for new head coach Gus Malzahn, it's a good get...
Garner gets the title of Assistant Head Coach, D-Line coach, and recruiting coordinator... Actually, that's a lot of titles and the chance for Garner to "come home."
More when we know more...
We know more:
It's official, with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn releasing the following statement last night:
"We are excited to announce Rodney Garner as our assistant head coach and defensive line coach. Rodney is one of the top defensive line coaches in college football who has had great success in the Southeastern Conference. We're excited to welcome an Auburn man back home."
Garner will work with incoming defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson on a totally revamped Auburn staff that may struggle a bit early, but suddenly looks like they have the potential to resuscitate a program that had pretty much fallen flat on its face under former coach Gene Chizik.
And, for new head coach Gus Malzahn, it's a good get...
Garner gets the title of Assistant Head Coach, D-Line coach, and recruiting coordinator... Actually, that's a lot of titles and the chance for Garner to "come home."
More when we know more...
We know more:
It's official, with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn releasing the following statement last night:
"We are excited to announce Rodney Garner as our assistant head coach and defensive line coach. Rodney is one of the top defensive line coaches in college football who has had great success in the Southeastern Conference. We're excited to welcome an Auburn man back home."
Garner will work with incoming defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson on a totally revamped Auburn staff that may struggle a bit early, but suddenly looks like they have the potential to resuscitate a program that had pretty much fallen flat on its face under former coach Gene Chizik.
Chuck Pagano medically cleared to coach Colts
((ht: indystar.com))Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has been given clearance by his doctors to return to the sidelines whenever he sees fit.
You'll recall Pagano went through a serious round of chemotherapy in his battle with leukemia. The leukemia was diagnosed back in September and Bruce Arians has coached the Colts for most of the season.
According to the Indianapolis Star, Pagano's doctor says the coach is "99 percent recovered from his standpoint".
The Colts are 9-5 on the season and are closing in on a playoff berth. They have games left Sunday at Kansas City and finish at home vs. Houston.
Mankato FB Coach Not Happy With 20-Day Suspension
((HT: KEYC-TV Mankato))
The head football coach of Minnesota-Mankato, Todd Hoffner, was cleared on child porn charges back on December 1st and is now having to fight a 20-day suspension delivered despite the decision.
The initial charges came from two videos that Hoffner recorded on his university cell phone of what he called "family moments" that were considered, by prosecutors, to be sexual in nature...
Here's the story at the time of the dimissal...
((HT: KARE-TV))
Hoffner has not been reinstated by the school as they maintain that there is an investigation still pending on another complaint. The 20-day suspension comes from what the school considers "improper use of a university cell phone."
The head football coach of Minnesota-Mankato, Todd Hoffner, was cleared on child porn charges back on December 1st and is now having to fight a 20-day suspension delivered despite the decision.
The initial charges came from two videos that Hoffner recorded on his university cell phone of what he called "family moments" that were considered, by prosecutors, to be sexual in nature...
Here's the story at the time of the dimissal...
((HT: KARE-TV))
Hoffner has not been reinstated by the school as they maintain that there is an investigation still pending on another complaint. The 20-day suspension comes from what the school considers "improper use of a university cell phone."
The Mayan Apocalypse: ESPN's coverage of the Jets
Okay, let's see a show of hands.Who, outside of people who live in North Florida or in Bristol, Connecticut is tired of hearing non-stop endless stories about Tim Tebow?
And, if you aren't tired of it, I'd love to hear an explanation why....
For those of us who used to enjoy watching Sports on TV, this has now become a topic of conversation. And for the life of me, I have no idea why....
Sports has gone from a business of talking about the wins and losses, the big stories and crazy stories to ones that are now largely irrelevant to anyone outside a major TV market. Like a backup QB who is confused because he's still on the bench. Or the daily soap opera of a 5-8 NFL Team that nobody really cares about.
And there is one entity to blame for it all
ESPN.
No, I'll be critical of them, because at my age, I have no chance of them ever offering me a job. Plus, considering their fascination with things that don't fascinate fans outside of (a) New York, (b) Boston, (c) Los Angeles, (d) Chicago, (e) Miami or (f) Philadelphia, I'd probably be out of place.
What I'm having a hard time understanding is actually rather simple. Why do they KEEP talking about Tim Tebow or...The New York Jets. I turned on SportsCenter Thursday morning, and got 10-plus minutes worth of both.
Mind you, they were babbling on and making every analyst talk about a backup QB who is not of the ability to be a successful NFL QB and a team that is NOT in the playoff picture and is...well...just plain horrible.
But yet it tops Oklahoma City's NBA team winning 12 straight games. It tops the wind down of the NFL season. It tops Notre Dame's head coach winning coach of the year. It tops an ESPN analyst accusing Robert Griffin III of being too white.
Really, I guess you can't blame them for pandering.
Oh wait, yes I can.
Because that's exactly what they are doing. They are assuming that most of the audience is in New York or in the Northeast and will buy whatever they sell them. They also are well aware that when people like me get pissed and post rants such as this, it's free publicity. They know very well when Rob Parker or Skip Bayless make asinine statements on an obscure TV show, it's free publicity. And they know even if they don't source stories that came from someone else, nobody outside Twitter will care. And if they do and post something---again---free publicity.
When you are an "All-Powerful" entity who is basically unchallenged in the business, you get to dictate what is or isn't news. You get to dictate who is a "Big-Time" team and who isn't. You go to the teams or players where you believe "The Ratings" are. Or "The Advertisers".
Which is all well and good if it were something all of America was interested in. But lately, with them, it's not. You'll have to show me the research that says "Tebow" means ratings. I don't totally blame Tebow for this, but ESPN seems to have anointed him as some sort of "God-Like" figure even though he hasn't actually done anything.
Just ask now CBS radio host Doug Gottlieb about that.
And it isn't just ESPN. I know that. Heck, I get pissed off because Good Morning America (owned by same company) is 2 hours long and does 15-minutes of News before we get the latest on Lindsay Lohan. Or whatever other celebrity they deem "Newsworthy".
And, yeah, before you say it, I know I'm being unrealistic.
But am I?
I just don't understand how somebody who hasn't actually done anything warrants the attention that ESPN pays to Tebow? They had (forced) their NFL analysts to sing "Happy Birthday" to the guy. Seriously, it was on NFL Live, they did it. It was the first block of SportsCenter.
Am I being too harsh or cynical here?
Do you really care that much about who the starting QB is for the New York Jets this week? Do you want to know that badly why Jets owner Woody Johnson signed Tebow to a contract? Do you really want to listen to douche-bag extrordinaire Skip Bayless troll on-and-on about how great Tebow is? Is it worth mentioning at all? Arguably. But no more so than any other story of changes on any other football team.
Oh, and I forgot the daily live Sal Palantonio report during training camp. Because by god--the Jets were going to the "Playoffs". That worked out real well, didn't it?
Somehow I've missed the lead story on the collapse of the Bears. Or how the Chiefs are recovering from the Jovan Belcher incident. Or how the Cowboys are handling the Jerry Brent story.
Maybe it is just me. Maybe I am that "Out of Touch". Maybe I am too "Old-School". Or maybe I have a vendetta? Or maybe I just "Don't get it?" After all, TV can't report on stories that interest everyone, right?
It's just really hard for me to get past the "We're ESPN, we'll tell you what you like" mentality. As much as I don't want to watch them, there's nowhere to turn. They own the BCS. All of it. They own NBA hoops, a percentage of it anyway. Thank god I don't have to watch them for NFL or baseball coverage.
Oh, did we mention they are behind all the college football teams changing conferences? Eh...that is another rant for another day....
((NOTE---I'm a 24-year veteran of the TV business. I was a Sports Producer and Photographer for 12 of those years. Just in case you were wondering))
UNC: Report says Academic issue not just athletes
((ht: newsobserver.com))So...The University of North Carolina commissioned a former governor and a consulting firm to investigate NCAA allegations of academic fraud involving the football team.
And the big take away seems to be "It wasn't the athletic department's fault?"
If the results found by former Governor Frank Martin are true, the athletic department problems are the least of the issues in Chapel Hill. However, a cursory reading of the findings and a little homework kind of questions some of the results.
The results looked at enrollment in what has been classified as an "Athlete Friendly" course, African and Afro-American Studies. According to the investigation, grades were altered or not fair for most of students. Both athletes and students.
Martin placed the blame on a former department chairman and his assistant.
And while the results, at least preliminarily don't state enrollment in the course over the years Martin investigated 1997 to current, they do say in 2011, there were 19 students taking a particular course, 18 football players and 1 former football player.
Draw your own conclusions.
Read the full story from the Raleigh News-Observer RIGHT HERE
Yes, the NCAA is conducting their own investigation and we have a sneaky suspicion their findings may not be totally in line with this. Because quite honestly, this doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
The motivation behind this: Simple. North Carolina is trying to look proactive and that they are trying to "Root Out" the problem. And while they may very well be doing that, it doesn't eliminate what appears to be the fact that it occurred.
And while you can look at it and say it was the work of a "Rogue" professor, it seems like a bit of stretch. There does seem to be cursory evidence the players...or academic advisors were very aware they could put players in a course at that department to prop up the grades. And that is not only against NCAA rules, it's borderline criminal.
And if Martin's report is spot on. Well, the school has more than just an athletic problem and one can only hope it's one they are actually willing to address.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Sid The Kid Plays Hockey... No, Not What You Think...
((HT: Sportsnet.ca))
It was something called "dek hockey..."
Whatever that is... even the HQ has no idea what the folks in Ohio were talking about...
He snuck on the ice to play with a buddy of his, but really the only way to "sneak" onto the ice if you're Sidney Crosby is to be the goalie...
He was and he won, 4-0...
Here's Kacie Hollins with the scoop...
Howyoulikemenow...???
Actually, we'd like you a whole lot better if the owners would get smart and let you come back to work... bu we know that's not quite happening any time soon...
It was something called "dek hockey..."
Whatever that is... even the HQ has no idea what the folks in Ohio were talking about...
He snuck on the ice to play with a buddy of his, but really the only way to "sneak" onto the ice if you're Sidney Crosby is to be the goalie...
He was and he won, 4-0...
Here's Kacie Hollins with the scoop...
Howyoulikemenow...???
Actually, we'd like you a whole lot better if the owners would get smart and let you come back to work... bu we know that's not quite happening any time soon...
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
OSG High: Friday Night Lights Coach Retires
And, no, we're not talking about either Billy Bob Thornton
((HT: Movieclips))
Or Kyle Chandler...
The real head coach at Odessa-Permian HS, Gary Gaines, is retiring from being the head coach of the Panthers because he's only been around .500 the last few seasons...
And, to him, that's unacceptable...
Here's Whitney Harding with the news...
((HT: KWES/KOSA, Midland-Odessa TX))
It will be interesting to see who the new head coach is because, as is said, you want to be the guy who replaces the guy who replaces a legend...
Not the guy who replaces the legend...
((HT: Movieclips))
Or Kyle Chandler...
The real head coach at Odessa-Permian HS, Gary Gaines, is retiring from being the head coach of the Panthers because he's only been around .500 the last few seasons...
And, to him, that's unacceptable...
Here's Whitney Harding with the news...
((HT: KWES/KOSA, Midland-Odessa TX))
It will be interesting to see who the new head coach is because, as is said, you want to be the guy who replaces the guy who replaces a legend...
Not the guy who replaces the legend...
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