Requiem For A Touchstone: Stuart Scott Passes At 49

When you look up the word in the dictionary, the word is listed like this- and, for the sake of argument, we'll focus on the second and third definitions from Merriam-Webster:

2: a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of a thing

3: a fundamental or quintessential part or feature : basis

Stuart Scott was a touchstone... on a few levels- as an anchor and as a father...

The HQ will admit that, at first, we didn't "get" him. We didn't get his "schtick" on the air. It took a while and it took the reinforcement of a quote we saw that reminded us why he was what he was- as a person and as an anchor.

From Steve Wulf's piece on ESPN.com this morning:

And one of his best moments off the air came when a producer suggested he change a reference on his NBA show from Omega Psi Phi, the fraternity of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, to something more universal, like Animal House.

"I have friends who have no idea what that movie is about," Stuart told him. "That movie was made two decades ago, and black fraternities have been around since 1906."

And, with that, we are reminded that our styles are our own- and they should be always...

Emulation should always be encouraged, but not to the point of repetition and carbon-copy. Unfortunately, we see that a lot these days on television. People, instead of being themselves, try to be someone they're obviously not and end up being caricatures.

Stuart was never a caricature and he came at us all from a different place with a different look, approach, angle, and output. And, for that, we all should be thankful and grateful for widening our perspectives on story-telling.

Now, for the fighter...

We have seen his public battle and, in the end, we lose the physical representation. But we get to hang on to the memories, the style, and the impact that someone has had on our lives- lost to us too soon at 49.

I think it occurs every generation or so... there are people who cross your path that you remember for one reason or another. When our comtemporaries were half the age we are now, it was the Jim Valvano speech at the ESPY awards that reminded us never to give up and also reminded what the value of a full day should be.
((HT: ESPN))


Now, this time around as some of us get a little gray in the temples, we are reminded of what Valvano and his approach meant through a sports anchor that will now live on through far different and just as important means...
((HT: ESPN))


For those who fight and those who have fought...
For those who remember and are remembered...
For those who love and are loved...
The words are simple: Be yourself and make your mark your way...
Don't stop loving. Don't stop fighting.
Don't stop and don't give up...
#StuStrong

Is The NHL Heading To Vegas...? It May Be Being Shot As We Write...

((HT: VegasChatter))

This isn't the first time that the HQ has floated this story, but the idea is that the WorldWideLeader is already looking at the story and may be shooting a "30 for 30" with the Maloof Brothers.

Without an arena and a team...

But...

Vegas Chatter is saying that the "Birth of a Franchise" story is already being shot with the development of the new AEG arena front and center. The arena, set for opening in spring of 2016, would be the apparent home for a new sports franchise- when its completed.

Two weeks ago, NHL Number Two Bill Daly was asked about Vegas by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

Las Vegas is intriguing, Daly admits. In fact, out of curiosity, Daly queried a bunch of service industry folks — bartenders, waiters, drink servers, dealers, pit bosses — last weekend about whether they felt a professional sports team could thrive there.

“I got a variety of different responses,” Daly said. “The demographics of the market are pretty good in terms of average annual income. Las Vegas natives earn good salaries, good livings. I think they genuinely like sports. It’s a nighttime city, so it would have to be uniquely scheduled in terms of focusing maybe on industry nights as opposed to your typical Thursday-Saturday nights where everybody would be working.

NESN's "The Instigators" think Seattle and Quebec City are better ideas...

Morning Wrap: Daniel Tosh is NOT Happy With ESPN

This headline might be one of the sports worlds biggest understatements.

Comedian Daniel Tosh used his TV show on Comedy Central, Tosh.O to express...um...his displeasure with the Worldwide Leader essentially stealing one of his regular segment ideas.

In Tosh's world, the "Web Redemption" is a segment where he invites someone who experiences a huge web blooper to relive the moment in a funny, but successful way.

ESPN recently tried to do a similar segment with the Canadian anthem singer who tripped while skating and singing the anthem at the same time.

Tosh voiced his anger in the BEST way a comedian could.

By attacking ESPN....and piece by piece destroying everything those of us who hate what they've become...hate about them.

Watch...please watch:

Tosh.0
Get More: Comedy Central

Ha! West Virginia and the Eat #$%! Pitt Version of Sweet Caroline

((ht: thebiglead.com))

Oh, this is rich....those wacky West Virginia Mountaineers had a little fun when the ESPN College Gameday cameras stopped rolling this past Saturday morning before their game with TCU.

While in the midst of a rollicking/large crowd version of that perennial Neil Diamond fan favorite, "Sweet Caroline"...a few words got changed.

And it made reference to the Mountaineers arch rivals from just up the river---The Pittsburgh Panthers.

The Gameday crew also seemed to get a good laugh at it....

Today's Best Sports Feature: SVP and Dana Holgorsen Talk Hair and Kingpin

((ht: espn.com))

This is a great, fun feature story. We laughed, quite hard while watching it. Partially because of the Kingpin references and partially because we enjoyed West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen's self-depricating humor about his hair.

Watch and enjoy Holgorsen talk hair with the hairless Scott Van Pelt of ESPN:

Could Mack Brown Take SMU Job?

((ht: dallasnews.com))

Huh? Sure, $4 million is a lot of money to coach a football team, but SMU? Why would you put yourself through that?

According to a report in Friday mornings Dallas Morning News, SMU is floating a $4 million a year offer to former University of Texas head coach Mack Brown to take over the team.

Brown is currently a College Football analyst/coach-in-waiting at ESPN, where he apparently is enjoying the time away. He's stated that he won't do anything until he finishes the season there.

Read the DallasNews.com report, which includes an awfully optimistic list of potential head coaches RIGHT HERE

Why would you hire a coach like Brown who essentially is going to have to rebuild the entire program? Yeah, sure, the Mustangs had some good years under former coach June Jones who got them to some bowl games. But his best year was an 8-5 season.

Throwing around that kind of money would indicate SMU AD Rick Hart is willing to play with the big boys, sure. We get that.

But that part of this that nobody--at least nobody in Texas is talking about is that this is SMU. The Mustangs are, in every aspect, the WORST team in College Football this season.

Outside of one game where they erupted for 21 points (and they lost), they've not scored more than 6 points in any other game.

Maybe Brown will take the job, find the fountain of youth and return SMU to their 1980's glory. Though according to the story, that wouldn't happen until Brown finishes the season as fired coach/analyst for ESPN.

We wish SMU luck. But remember who you are. There is nothing wrong with shooting high, but remember that you should probably aim low...

((P.M Update--Hart Tweeted out Friday afternoon that to his knowledge, nobody from SMU or the search committee has reached out to Brown or his reps. In some respects it would make sense because this is such a surprising story. But, someone has at least floated the idea--or there wouldn't be people throwing it out there to reporters))

The Ponders: Just Good People

((HT: WCCO-TV))

A grieving family is out on a shopping trip to get their minds off losing a wife and mother...

They go into their favorite store, see a local sports star and his wife, get a picture, and you think that's just a nice thing to do.

But Sam and Christian Ponder went a step further to reach out...

John Lauritsen takes over from there...


Like the HQ said: Just good people...

Your Daily Keith Olbermann Rant On AP And The Vikes

((HT: ESPN/Olbermann))

This opening rant was so incisive that the network cut it in two...
Both parts are electric...


And the HQ reminds everyone that KO hasn't been this fired up since he was on Bush 43's daily messes...


He's on a roll and we'll keep posting as long as he is on fire...

Haha! Washington Football Players Videobomb ESPN

((ht: cbssports.com))

Okay, admittedly, this is pretty funny.

Check out a handful of Washington's NFL team players as they videobomb an ESPN live TV report early Monday.

In the 1st Instagram video, you can hear...and see Pierre Garcon telling DeAngelo Hall, Brian Orapko and Stephen Bowen to run outside. Garcon then pans up to the TV showing the guys in the background of the double box live shot.

The hilarity ensues:



And there's more. While this was going on, Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson rolled on the same thing from the training room.

Oh those wacky NFL guys....

ESPN: Rice Told Goodell He Hit Fiancee In June

((HT: ESPN))

Which would immediately contradict the interview he gave Norah O'Donnell Tuesday night for CBS.

Which would NOT be good...

Here's Don Van Natta with John Anderson


Former FBI chief Robert Mueller is now leading an independent inquiry of how the Rice situation has been handled to date overseen by New York Giants owner John Mara and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney.

No word on a timetable for the investigation to be completed, but it does appear that Ray Rice is going to appeal his suspension early next week. The HQ figures that Rice's legal team will argue that the suspension is a direct violation of the NFL by-laws that state the Commissioner can not suspend someone for the same violation twice.

Meanwhile, CBS Sports James Brown got to ask Ravens owner Steve Biscioti about the surveillance tape as well...

Your Daily Keith Olbermann Rant On Roger Goodell

((HT: ESPN))

And it's worth your time on how the NFL Commissioner should now just give up on the idea of resigning and should just be fired


Two in a row...

Wanna go for three...???

Another Example Of Keith Olbermann At His Best

((HT: ESPN))

When Keith Olbermann is allowed to blend his thoughts together long-form, it is a shining example as what opinion can give us...

Today can be added to the file in his opinions on the Ray Rice release and suspension


Told you...

SEC Network Launches: Millions of Southerners Won't Leave Home Til January

As many of you know to us who live in the Southeastern U.S, College Football is a fairly big deal. It's truly a year around sport and anywhere from Texas to South Carolina, you'll find a ton of people who don't now how to converse about anything other that football.

And Thursday evening with great fanfare in some places and zero fanfare in others, ESPN launched their SEC TV Network.

The "Network" will deliver non-stop SEC sports to hungry masses clamoring for all things gymnastics.

Here's your opening segment:



And yes, they'll have a few football games.

Heck, they even have their own "Gameday" crew. And it will be really interesting to see what happens on the day the big "College Gameday" crew shows up at the same place the "SEC" crew does.

Admittedly we got some laughs based on the Social Media posts of some of our friends lauding the launch quite possibly without knowing they'll have an endless run of Paul Finebaum quotes and smiling Tim Tebow as the faces of their so-called network. And perhaps not realizing that the better SEC games will still appear on CBS or on ESPN the Mothership. But that's another story for another day.

And for the rest of you who are not quite so enthused or don't talk SEC football 24/7, 365 days a year just remember when your cable or satellite bill goes up at the end of the year, you can thank your friends on "The Network". And never forget our friends at the 4-letter also are the creators of the incredibly popular Longhorn Network.

If you are wondering about the stellar-ific programming, look no further than this SEC feature on stadium renovations:

Chris Paul Thinks Clips Boycott Is Still An Idea (Reax)

((HT: ESPN.com/Goodman))

It's still on the table if the Los Angeles Clippers have Donald Sterling as owner when the new season rolls around...

When asked in Las Vegas during an AAU competition if Chris Paul and his teammates would still think about not playing, the answer seemed pretty solid to Goodman:

"That's something me and Doc are both talking about," Paul said Thursday after coaching his AAU program, CP3. "Something has to happen, and something needs to happen soon -- sooner rather than later."

"We're all going to talk about it," Paul said. "We're all definitely going to talk about it. Doc, Blake [Griffin], DJ [DeAndre Jordan]. It's unacceptable."

Frankly, the HQ thinks they should but the notion probably won't fly long term.

Reaction was understandable:

Dana, Tiki, and Brandon
((HT: CBS Sports Radio/CBSSN))


First Take Skip
((HT: ESPN))


First Take SAS
((HT: ESPN))


Closing arguments in the first Sterling v. Sterling lawsuit start Monday.

Soccer Breakdown In 3,2,1

((HT: Spence Vermeer/Dan Patrick Show))

As an homage to the beginning of the soccer tournament in Rio and the rest of Brazil...

Here's how the sport can completely cripple sports announcers- like Gary Miller...

The one tape that DP got to take out of Bristol was this


And let the tournament begin...

Report: Browns To Ban National Media from Mini Camp

((ht: sportingnews.com))

This should be interesting.

It appears there's rumblings of a national media ban at Cleveland Browns HQ for Rookie Camp. And that ban would keep the national media types away from newly crowned darling Johnny Manziel.

Already "Johnny Football" has become the apple of ESPN's eye, with him getting Tebow-like airtime on the endless parade of Sports Center reruns. And if the ban is true, we wonder what happens next.

New York Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch was told by the Browns PR department to not waste his time coming to camp:

Browns PR director told me: "We don't want this to be a Tebow situation. It's not going to be Johnny Football Mania out there."
— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) May 13, 2014

This should be interesting, to say the least.

Read more from The Sporting News RIGHT HERE

So...we think this has the makings of a PR disaster. Not because the Browns are doing the wrong thing mind you. But rather because we think the league will get involved on behalf of it's "Partners".

And while Mr. Football may very well turn out to be a huge star who reinvigorates the moribund Browns franchise, he still has yet to take an NFL snap. He could also turn out to be Tim Tebow.

The Browns should shield him from the wall-to-wall, breathless, nonsensical coverage that an ESPN would give him. Already they devoted a large chunk of "Outside the Lines" once a source of quality journalism to debating whether Manziel should have been told he's the "Backup" QB.

Until he plays and competes, that's exactly what he is. This should not be a "Groundbreaking" moment for anyone. Rookies in the NFL are not given jobs before the season starts. He's going to have to earn it.

So we applaud the Browns for at least making the attempt to quell the circus. The national guys will get there opportunity in July when Training Camp starts. Let the guy breathe. Let the team get acquainted with him. And give the local guys a break.

We can tell you from 1st hand knowledge, the national media creates nothing short of chaos when they show up to cover someone. They change the rules, the dictate the ability of everyone else to tell a story. They ask questions the local have been asking for weeks. They don't get time with the guys they want. And that ain't right. If you are there covering the team day in and day out, you should always get the 1st shots. It doesn't matter who you are or who put you on a plane to get there, you (national guys) shouldn't get the chance to walk over the locals.

Just our 2-cents--

For starters---the introductory presser:

Girardi Defends Moving ESPN Camera

((HT: ESPN))

After the Michael Pineda ejection last night, the cameras decided to get a look at the "after..."

Yanks manager Joe Girardi wanted nothing to do with the after...


And, then, he went after the network and their big-brotherness

"I think MLB's going to have a problem with ESPN going into our tunnel," Girardi said. "I didn't break the camera, all I did was keep it from going into our tunnel. You guys are acting like I ripped it apart. The camera worked the rest of the game, didn't it? All I did was turn it so it was on the field or the dugout."

The HQ sides with Girardi here...

ESPN Analyst Keyshawn Johnson Facing Charges

((ht: sportingnews.com))

Ooops.

Former NFL wide receiver and current ESPN NFL Analyst Keyshawn Johnson finds himself in a bit of hot water to start the week..

According to reports, Johnson was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery on his girlfriend at his home in the Hollywood Hills. He reportedly smashed her cell phone, cutting her hand.

"Key" was apparently detained before posting his $20,000 bond. His current employers in Bristol, Connecticut are looking into the matter, but haven't commented.

Mark Emmert Defenses The Indefensible

((HT: ESPN))

It appears that Mark Emmert, the head of the NCAA, decided to go go Bristol this morning to do some kind of media tour dressed in Casual Friday fashion...

And, as the gentleman that has to defend the presidential stances of the NCAA, he has to tow the party line- no matter how silly the presidential party line is...

Like this run on the new meal standing even invoking Shabazz Napier by name


The #askemmert hashtag the "Mike and Mike" show used made for some interesting fodder...
Search the Twitter machine on your own for amusement- it would take us too long to post the great questions...
But Awful Announcing has a great recap
As does Deadspin...

And when stuff like this gets re-tweeted, you know it was another bad idea:

From Jay Bilas: NCAA President says athletes are "taking seats from a paying student." Wow.
ESPN actually put this out on their own: "If I can hire someone to play football for me why would I hire an 18 year old? Why not someone who plays in the CFL?" Emmert on unions

Here's the interview in full with Golic and Sedano

Someone DID tell Emmert he didn't have to do this, right...???

Can Ian Darke Call Everything from Now On...???

((HT: ESPN))

The promotion is running for the world soccer competition in Rio this summer...
Providing there will actually be stadia to play in...

The four-letter network is ramping it up with their main play-by-play guy...
As they should...


Who is writing this stuff, indeed...