DEVELOPING: And The Aggie GA Is Fired

That didn't take long...

In a two-paragraph apology, Texas A&M head football coach Kevin Sumlin has dismissed grad assistant Michael Richardson for his two shots on West Virginia players in yesterday's Liberty Bowl in Memphis:

From George Schroeder's Twitter:

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin has permanently dismissed student assistant Michael Richardson for striking WV player. pic.twitter.com/qaxaop3zt9

— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) December 30, 2014

For those of you under a rock, here are the two plays that got Richardson in hot water

DEVELOPING: Black Monday Begins: Ryan and Idzik Fired

((HT: NJ.com/SNY))

Surprising no one, really, Black Monday begins with a dual firing in New York with both head coach Rex Ryan and GM John Idzik being shown their walking papers.

Owner Woody Johnson has long been known for wanting to clean house and he went two levels on a team that seemed ill-fitted to compete in the AFC- until yesterday with their fun performance and win over the Miami Dolphins

Here's his game ball presentation


And his addressing the media after the game


The HQ anticipates their will be further action in Chicago, Atlanta, and the actions in San Francisco

More when we know more...

Sports Talk Station Shuts Down, Host Find Out On The Air...

((HT: Deadspin/Youtube))

This is NOT the way to find out you're out of a job...

Over Twitter...

While you're on the air...
It happened while 87.7 The Game's "Quigs and Finfer" show was going on in Chicago on Thursday.

Here's Quigs and Finfer's response while they were on the air...

And it's uncomfortable...


The next six weeks will be very interesting on the air up there...

The HQ gives respect to them for not cussing while their discussion was ongoing...

DEVELOPING: Coach Boom Gets Lowered At Florida

The only thought was: WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG, JEREMY FOLEY???!!!

What the entire world thought was going to happen after the Missouri fiasco finally happened after the South Carolina fiasco...

Here's the sheer, shocking end to the game that gifted the Gamecocks the win...
((HT: SDS/SEC Network))


Which led to this...
((HT: GoGamecocks))


And this postgame commentary...


Now, the next questions are twofold:

Does Jeremy Foley even survive this...???
And, as put forth by TBH: Would Muschamp like to be Auburn's defensive coordinator...???

Will Muschamp had proven himself to be a solid Number Two, but a Shaky Number One...

What happens with his resume next will be an interesting subplot to the shenanigans in Gainesville...

And the irony that the Ess-E-Cee Network is showing the Sakerlina-Florida game right now has not escaped the HQ...

Hey, Florida, we know someone who can fill the opening for a few weeks...

"The Fixer" for Florida's Problems...???

Charles Grant Fired From Bowie State For Alleged Incident With Student

((HT: TMZ Sports))

Here's the video just so you see what now-former Bowie State LB Coach and Assistant DC Charles Grant was getting in trouble over


Grant was fired...

“The Department of Athletics has zero tolerance of behavior that violates the University’s core values and jeopardizes the welfare of student-athletes,” the school said in a statement.

The incident occurred on October 30th and had been under investigation by Bowie police since.

LenDale White Doesn't Like Pat Haden Now, Either...

((HT: Larry Brown Sports))

Former USC running back LenDale White has made no secret through his very vocal Twitter feed that he is not a fan of the administration at his alma mater and some of their coaching in the past few games...

White wanted to have USC fire defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox after the near melt-down in the close win last week against Arizona (28-26).

That anger was reinforced and amplified after yesterday's incident when he was escorted out of the locker room after the 56-28 win over Colorado.
((HT: USCFootball.com))


Now, he wants AD Pat Haden fired and went on another Twitter rant...

I can't believe @ADHadenUSC kicked me out of #thecoli shook my hand then had me escorted out. I'm still at a loss for words!!!

And then, there's this (redaction from LBS)

LenDale White may now be a must-read on the Twitters just because of entries like these...

There's a Difference Between "Coach Boom!" And "Coach, Boom!"

((HT: Saturday Down South))

Missouri is making some kind of a point tonight in Gainesville in their blowout of the Gators on Homecoming!

The HQ doesn't quite know what it is- whether they REALLY need help with their offense as they go forward or Florida is just GAWD AWFUL!

It came to this, however, when a defensive touchdown sent people flooding out into the streets...


According to some of OSG's sources, Muschamp is going to be fired on Monday morning. Some folks might like to see Athletics Director Jeremy Foley to go after Muschamp as well.

But the other issue is Mizzou's offense...

Florida picked up 200 yards of offense in the third and fourth quarter when the game was out of hand, but the Tigers only had 119 yards of TOTAL offense- relying on a pick 6, a kickoff return, a punt return, a fumble recovery, a rushing score and 2 field goals...

So there's that...

So, How Turbo-Fired Is Brady Hoke NOW???!!!

((HT: BTN))

Minnesota got the "Little Brown Jug" back from Michigan for the first time since 2005 with a win in Ann Arbor. For the first time in the 135-year history of the program, the Wolverines have three losses before the end of September.

Brady Hoke fired Al Borges after the collapse last season and hired Doug Nussmeier- and that hasn't gone well. Michigan was 12th in the Big Ten in scoring, ninth in total offense, 12th in passing, and sixth in rushing GOING INTO SATURDAY...

The team has lost to Notre Dame, Utah, and now Minnesota.

Here's the highlights (if you're a Minnesota fan, anyway)


The larger issue that really deserves everyone's attention is the shoddy handling of QB Shane Morris' obvious concussion. Morris had to be helped off the field by a lineman, was out for a handful of plays, and then was put back in.

And he shouldn't have when Morris was already 7-for-19 and was trailing 30-7
((HT: DrewCHallett))


Here's some truncated Hoke postgame where he claims he didn't hear the boos and the demand that he be fired
((HT: WXYZ-TV))


The HQ thinks that Hoke might last a while (in the sense of weeks, not seasons), and the firing of Charlie Weis probably didn't help Hoke and his Career Dissipation Light in Ann Arbor.

Charlie Weis Fired at Kansas

The Charlie Weis era at Kansas is over.

The former Notre Dame head coach, University of Florida offensive coordinator and former offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots was fired Sunday morning after compiling a 6-22 record at Kansas in 3 seasons.

The school announced Defensive Coordinator Clint Bowen will be the interim coach for the rest of the 2014 season.

From athletic director Sheahon Zenger; "I appreciate what Coach Weis did with several facets of our football program," Zenger continued.  "But we have not made the on-the-field progress we believe we should.  I believe new leadership gives our coaches and players the best chance to make a fresh start."

Read the entire press release from the school RIGHT HERE

This is likely the end of Weis' head coaching career. He's considered by most a pretty decent guy, but not someone capable of being successful running a top tier D-1 program.

Though we should add he struggled in Gainesville at Florida as offensive coordinator as well. He's got 2-years left on his deal with the struggling Jayhawks who have been one of college football's worst teams over the past 5 years.

Weis is also officially the 1st coach fired this season.

Has Brady Hoke Reached Turbo-Fired Status Yet...???

((HT: Pac-12 Network))

So, just how fired is Brady Hoke right now...???

We ask because after a 26-10 loss to UTAH... yes, UTAH!!!

Rich Rodriguez is 4-0 and Michigan is not...

Here's the big story from the Big House


So, the HQ guesses you could say both the weather and Utah stopped the Wolverines.

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...???

Wojcik Fired From College of Charleston After Abuses Investigation

((HT: WCIV-TV Charleston))

College of Charleston head coach Doug Wojcik was fired from his position after two separate investigations centered around alleged abuses of basketball players during practices and games.

The college had suspended Wojcik for the entire month of August and required him to undergo counseling and behavior monitoring.

"I am writing today to let you know I have made the decision to terminate Head Men's Basketball Coach Doug Wojcik's employment at the College of Charleston for just cause, pursuant to the terms of his contract, effective immediately," school president Glenn F. McConnell said in a statement.

Wojcik, in a statement through his attorney, thought the school didn't go about their investigation in a proper manner:

"The College became so desperate to invent a reason to fire Coach Wojcik that it had some of the young men on the basketball team sign sworn affidavits, which we believe contain materially false statements. The College even got one of the incoming freshmen, who has never even played for Coach Wojcik, to swear under oath that he was physically abused by Coach Wojcik. The College's so-called second investigation was so focused on finding a way to avoid its contractual obligations, that the College completed the investigation and began termination proceedings against Coach Wojcik without even looking at the video of the incidents of alleged physical abuse. We were forced to release the video to the public to show that there was no physical abuse. There are many other examples of the College's attempt to create a reason to avoid its contractual obligations. They will come out at the appropriate time."

Here's Scott Eisberg with defense from Wojcik and his attorneys before today's dismissal
WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Sounds like Wojcik is far from done in a legal sense...

AD Joe Hull will be responsible for the program for the foreseeable future.

OSG High BREAKING: Dallas ISD Fires 15 After Recruiting Scandal

((HT: DallasNews.com/Haag-Hobbs))

The Dallas Independent School District’s Professional Standards Office launched an investigation into possible illegal recruiting practices after the March 24 death of Wilmer-Hutchins basketball player Troy Causey. Madison basketball player Johnathan Turner has been charged with killing him during a fight.

They were living under the same roof, but neither were living in the district of the school that they were attending to play high school basketball.

In May, DISD officials placed the two head coaches — John Burley, from Wilmer-Hutchins High School, and Roderick Johnson, from Madison High School — on administrative leave during the internal investigation.

After the Causey death, his mother came forward to explain how this all came to be.
Brett Shipp investigated
((HT: WFAA-TV))
This afternoon DISD Superintendent Mike Miles announced a boat-load of firings as a result. 11 employees in total- coaches, assistant coaches and staff from the schools were fired after the investigation. 10 of the employees were terminated for falsifying documents. The eleventh employee was fired for "improperly obtaining and sharing student records." Four members of the central office with "direct responsibilities in the area" were also "relieved of their duties." The names were not released by Miles at the time of his presser because the firings were still happening- this being the last day of the school year. "... the district is submitting a letter to the University Interscholastic League today to self-report the findings of the investigation." Miles said in a release. "Players at two of our schools were ineligible to participate in UIL-sanctioned games but still played. It will be up to the UIL State Executive Committee to determine any action, including the possible forfeiture of games that may be required of us."
The HQ thinks both schools are in trouble in that regard...

More when we know more...

BREAKING: Jim Rutherford Hired, Dan Bylsma Fired

((HT: Louis Jean's Twitter via TVA))

That didn't take long...

The same day that Jim Rutherford was hired as the new General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dan Bylsma was fired as head coach. It was an odd set from the end of the season when the Pens ownership group decided to fire GM Ray Shero and not Bylsma when the team was bounced from the playoffs prematurely by the Montreal Canadiens.

Three weeks ago...
Here's the talk at the time with TSN's Bob McKenzie
((HT: NHL.com))


So, Bylsma got to twist in the wind and not have the opportunity to look for other work...

Nice work, y'all...

More when we know more, but it now looks like Bylsma becomes the front runner for the Florida Panthers job.

DEVELOPING: Shero Blown Out In Pittsburgh, Bylsma Staying For Now...

((HT: NHL.com))

The Penguins ownership group, led by Mario Lemieux, has decided that the front office and coaching staff need a change after the semi-finals loss to the New York Rangers.

Head coach Dan Bylsma and his staff get to stay and be observed by whomever the new GM is- since GM Ray Shero is now on the street. The ownership group feels a change was needed and it was done. Shero leaves after 8 seasons.

Assistant GM Jason Botterill will be the interim GM while the team looks for a new boss and he will also be in charge of the scouting operations in the mean time.

Here's the Game 7 involving the Pens losing their 3-1 series lead to the Rangers


There was talk that Dan Bylsma would be heading out the door as well, but he and his staff are now on a one-year short leash under whomever the new GM is during next year's season- which turns into an on-ice audition for all coaches and players to keep their jobs.

“Ray is a good person who made a positive impact on the Penguins and the Pittsburgh community,” Lemieux and co-owner Ron Burkle said in a joint statement released by the Pens organization. “We thank him for his contributions to our organization, and especially for his key role with our 2009 Stanley Cup championship team. We wish all the best for him and his family.

“We feel it is time to move our franchise in a new direction,” Lemieux and Burkle said. “We share the disappointment of our fans that we have not had success in the playoffs over the past five seasons. We believe that new leadership in the general manager’s office will bring a new approach and new energy, and help us return to championship form.”

Torts Fired In Vancouver After One Year

((HT: Sportsnet))

Surprising no one, really, John Tortorella was fired after one year coaching in Vancouver...

But the "Hockey Central" guys think that one night against the Flames may have done the deal...

And the HQ would agree...
It's all on Trevor Linden now...

DEVELOPING: Washington Capitals Fire Coach and GM

Big changes are afoot for the floundering Washington Capitols hockey team.

The Caps, who feature one of hockey best players, Alexander Ovechkin, did not make the playoff this season.

And the casualties for that underachievement, team G.M George McPhee and coach Adam Oates were fired Saturday morning by team owner Ted Leonsis.

McPhee ran the team for 17-years and the team did have some success, winning some conference titles and making the playoffs 10-times.

As for Oates, he coached the team 2-seasons. This year the team was 38-30, but that was only enough to get them to 9th in an 8-team playoff system.

It seems to be the beginning of the new "next round" of changes to benefit Alex Ovechkin and the group of entertaining underachievers. Chuck Gormley and Jill Sorenson discuss the future...
((HT: CSNWashington))

Hoffner Wrongfully Terminated, Will Return To MN-Mankato

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

In August of 2012, Todd Hoffner was escorted off the practice field at Minnesota-Mankato and placed under arrest for having child pornography images on his school-issued cell phone.

Three months later, a judge dismissed the charges saying the videos were nothing more than images of his children playing in their house after a bath.

That didn't change Mankato's mind. The school suspended Hoffner for 20 days and then reassigned him to a desk job before firing him in May of 2013. He had been hired as the coach at Minot State, but after an arbitration, he will return to Mankato to coach his old school and old team.

Minot understands Hoffner's decision:

Here's the latest on Hoffner returning to Mankato
KMSP-TV

Mankato, obviously, didn't say a lot with the arbitor's decision, but they did put out a statement:

"We extend our apologies to Mr. Hoffner and deeply regret the difficulties he and his family have experienced.
"It is our sincere hope that all concerned can now find ways to move forward."

Moving forward may include a civil response by Hoffner, but that isn't know at present...

DEVELOPING: Trotz Dismissed In Nashville

((HT: NHL))

The only head coach the Nashville Predators have ever had has been let go...

After fifteen seasons, but not making the playoffs in the last couple Barry Trotz was dismissed from the position. He was offered a position in hockey operations for the franchise.

From the team:

“Our organization has high expectations and we have not met them in the past two seasons,” Poile said of making the most difficult decision of his 30-plus year general manager career. “As a result, it is my decision and determination that we need a new voice and a new direction. Our change in direction began over a year ago as we have made several personnel changes, including trading of long-time veteran players and a change to our coaching staff last offseason. Our goal is to return to the playoffs with the ultimate goal of contending for the Stanley Cup. We know that once we get into the playoffs, anything is possible.

“I also want to thank Barry for everything he has done for our franchise. He has been the face and voice of our team for 15 years. He created, developed and lived The Predator Way – on the ice, in the office and in the community. There could be no finer ambassador for the Predators or Nashville than Barry Trotz. He has laid a foundation and culture that will benefit the next coach of the Nashville Predators.”

The Preds only made it past the first round of the playoffs once, and it will be interesting to see who the team chases after for the head coach opening.

Ironically, here's a little feature that the league itself put together on Trotz about a month ago describing what his life is like as a coach in the National Hockey League...


The team could lose up to six players to free agency- Spaling, Eaves, Ellis, del Zotto, Ekholm, and Hutton. They were within 4 million or so of the salary cap and it will be a good barometer on the franchise as to how they bring players in with the new head coach...

Philosophy will be everything to see how the team moves forward...

OSG Prem: Arsenal Slide Continues, Liverpool Wins Grinder (BREAKING: Hughton Sacked At Norwich)

((HT: BPL/NBCSN))

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners...

The team had only won 3 of their last ten, and needed to do something... ANYTHING!!! at Goodison Park against Everton to keep their tenuous hold on 4th place and the last Champions League spot for 2014-15. But it didn't work out that way...

At all...


In the other Sunday game, it's the response that your team has when you're not at your best that may decide your drive at the end of a very long road...

It was obvious that Liverpool didn't have it all Sunday, But what they did have was enough good fortune- whether given by the officials or not- to get a hard-fought 2-1 win at West Ham United.


Here's the table to date

1 Liverpool 33 74
2 Chelsea 33 72
3 Man City 31 70
4 Arsenal 33 64
5 Everton 32 63

BREAKING: And in, possibly, one of the dumbest ideas ever in the history of ever...

Norwich, who really should be worried about being relegated, decided to sack manager Chris Hughton with immediate effect:

Neil Adams, the team's under-18 manager, is now in charge for one of the nastiest gauntlets to finish a season the HQ can think of in any kind of memory- recent or otherwise...

"...the Club would like to place on record it's sincere thanks to Chris Hughton, Colin Calderwood and Paul Trollope for all of their hard work on behalf of the Club since they took over in June 2012.

Chris's achievement in guiding City to an 11th-place finish in the Premier League last season was an excellent one and he has represented the Club with dignity throughout his tenure.

However the recent run of four defeats in our last six Premier League games and six consecutive away league defeats, left the Club with no choice but to act, with five games still to play in the current campaign.

Those five games...???

Fulham at Craven Cottage, home to Liverpool, at Man United, at Chelsea, and home to Arsenal
Yeah... good luck on that...