Rutgers Can't Get Out Of Their Own Way (UPDATED: LeGrand Speaks After All)

((HT: NJ.com/Duggan))

This is really classy... and the HQ hopes you can sense the sarcasm dripping from the text...

Condoleezza Rice was set to give a commencement address on campus, but that idea was getting blowback. SO the school does an amazing thing- comes up with the idea of Eric LeGrand to give the speech...

Fantastic idea... unbelievable kid...

So, what does the university do...??? Cancel LeGrand telling him that they "decided to go in another direction for political reasons."

What in the blue hell does that mean...???

"I just want an explanation," LeGrand told NJ.com in a phone interview. "I wish somebody would have given me a call tonight and explained to me why. Then I can understand, but don't just leave me hanging."

Athletics Director Julie Hermann calls and tells him that Governor Tom Kean was selected instead...

Great going, Rutgers...
You had an issue with this...
((HT: ESPN))


PM UPDATE: This release came from the university this afternoon... an amazing backpedal...

Eric LeGrand will speak at our Commencement and personally receive his degree from me as a representative of the Class of 2014.

It was never our intention that Eric would be the only speaker. We have resolved that miscommunication and are delighted to have him participate.

Eric holds a special place in the hearts of the Class of 2014 and the entire university community. We are thrilled that he will be joining us on stage to make this special occasion even more memorable.

Unbelievable... but not...

Give 'em hell, Eric...

Reports: Condoleezza Rice Among Many on New CFB Playoff Committee

Interesting.

Leave it to the group formally known as the BCS to find a way to make everyone raise an eyebrow about the way a college football champ is selected.

Multiple reports say former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will join West Virginia AD Oliver Luck, Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez, USC AD Pat Haden, Clemson AD Dan Radakovich and others as the "All-Knowing" group who will decide who gets in the new College Football "Playoff" system.

That system will replace the current BCS which goes away after the 2014 season.

It appears the representatives will primarily come from the (Surprise) power conferences: ACC, Big 10, Big 12, PAC 12, and SEC along with a former NCAA vice president and a former Lt. General from the Air Force.

No really.

On one hand, it's good, no longer will the title be in the hands of a series of secret computer polls. Humans will decide.

But, with the "Power Conferences" being pretty much the only representatives, what does it say for the Mountain West and other FBS conferences like the Sun Belt, Conference USA, the AAC and a handful more, who....weren't invited.

Just wondering....

And yes, we know the answer.

DEVELOPING: Augusta Admits First Two Women Members

The Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters golf tournament, has admitted its first 2 women members: Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore.

Moore is the vice president of Rainwater, Incorporated, a private investment company and is involved in non-profit work in the state of South Carolina as well...

Augusta national chair Billy Payne issued a statement that read in part:

"This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club. We are fortunate to consider many qualified candidates for membership at Augusta National. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleezza and Darla was no different.

"These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership. It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their Green Jackets when the Club opens this fall.

"This is a significant and positive time in our Club's history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family."

Here's early returns from our friends at WRDW-TV in Augusta


More when we know more...