Wednesday, October 5, 2011

BREAKING: Hulsizer And The Blues In Pencil

According to FOSG Scott Burnside, through his Twitter account, it appears that Matthew Hulsizer (one-time Phoenix pursuer) is now locked into a purchase of the St. Louis Blues in a verbal manner...

We are able to confirm Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer has made a verbal agreement to buy the Blues. Still lots of work to be done.

This now means that the Coyotes are back on the clock with Jerry Reinsdorf as your number one pursuer all over again...

According to PuckDaddy and Jeremy Rutherford of STLToday, Hulsizer would be keeping Dave Checketts along for the future. Checketts was looking for a fee in the neighborhood of US$190M and had turned down US$167M in the past.

As an unrelated aside, FOSG Paul Newberry put together a piece on the hockey void left at HQ... required reading...

Monday, September 19, 2011

Our Main Site Has Moved!

Dear Everyone,

Just so you know, we've changed sites, albeit, just slightly. Our latest news and information will be at www.osgsports.blogspot.com. Please make sure you bookmark it.

You can still access the vast OnlineSportsGuys archives by coming here. This site won't be going away anytime in the near future. It just won't get updated as much.

SO PLEASE BOOKMARK THE NEW SITE AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

www.osgsports.blogspot.com

As always, we are eternally grateful for your patronage and hope you'll keep looking for the insight, commentary, humor and most importantly the latest on what is going on in the world of sports.

Thanks and we'll just have Les Miles express our thoughts.




Much love,

The OnlineSportsGuys

Your Morning Conference Realignment Update

((ht: statesman.com))

Well, the next dominos to fall in the "Galactic Realignment" of College Football should fall if not today (Monday), then sometime in the next couple of days.

We, along with the rest of the universe, reported both Texas and Oklahoma regents would be meeting today to discuss their options. Those options, at least from their perspective got a bit clearer this weekend when Pitt and Syracuse committed to the ACC.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, substantive talks between Texas and others with the Pac-12 occurred this weekend. Made more convenient due to Texas playing UCLA in Los Angeles. This despite Pac-12 commish Larry Scott saying just last week, "We're happy where we are". And we will say, these schools are coming to the Pac-12, not the other way around.

Statesman reporter Kirk Bohls reports Texas would prefer to stay in the Big 12, but that may not be possible.

Read the entire story RIGHT HERE

What it appears will happen is this: Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Texas Tech and Texas appear all but certain to head to the Pac-12. Scott is doing his best to try and accommodate/fold in, the Longhorn Network. We are reasonably certain, that will work out.

The only question really is when?

In light of this weekends moves, we expect this all to go down this week. There has been speculation that the Big 12 will try and absorb some schools from another conference. (The Big East football schools?).

Initially, we thought it would be the Big East and ACC who would have to combine to make their own super-conference, we don't think that now. It will end up being the remnants of the Big 12 combined with the Big East. It has to be. There's no other choice for any of the remaining schools to survive in the new landscape.

There are still questions out there. There is no guarantee Missouri or Kansas will sit for a combined conference. Though they certainly could and be just fine.

The other wild card is West Virginia. There's been a lot of speculation they want in the SEC. In a bad way. They question is: "Does the SEC want them?". And really, nobody knows the answer to that.

A Sports-Talk radio host in Pittsburgh tweeted Sunday that the Mountaineers have already sent their paperwork to the SEC. And the interest is mutual.

We could go on forever discussing the repercussions of all this. There are a lot of teams and a lot of people who are anxiously awaiting the fallout. The seismic shift is coming and while Saturday's announcement was big and in some ways, very surprising, it won't be the biggest. That friends, is a rose that has yet to be delivered.

We don't watch this show, though the Lovely Bride does, and don't totally understand this, but it is the best analogy would could think of visually to go along with this story, because these schools and conferences are essentially doing the same thing.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

John Schmitt Has His Super Bowl Ring...

40 years later...

He went surfing in February of 1971. The Jets O-Lineman took his first surfing lesson in the waves off Waikiki Beach. He paddled out in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel... and...

"I never thought about the fact that if you stay out in the water for 5 or 6 hours, your hands shrink and the ring fell off about a quarter mile out from the shore," Schmitt told Hawaii News Now.

A lifeguard discovered the ring, gave it to his mom- who filed it away...

HNN has the update from there...
((HT: HawaiiNewsNow))

Nightowls Rejoice: Tulsa-OSU Finishes At 3:35

In the blessed AM...

After a three-hour weather delay, Oklahoma State beat Tulsa 59-33, but that's not the kicker in all of this...

The game was scheduled to start shortly after 9PM, but didn't kick off until 12:17AM central time ((1:17 Eastern time)) because of three hours' worth of lightning and strong storms.

The NCAA requires a 30-minute cushion to let lightning clear the area before starting the game, and the teams were almost ready to stop the game period, but went ahead and started and finished in front of a few thousand die-hards...

Which does raise the question about: When is too late actually too late...??? And when do you cancel for the sake of cancelling...???

We've seen the MLB folks know when to put in curfews, but should the NCAA put this stuff in play as well...???

Here's the wrap from our friends at newsok.com

Mayweather decks Ortiz, clean or not?

Mayweather vs. Ortiz
((ht: usatoday))

This question may be debated for awhile, particularly if you are a fan of either boxer.

Let's set the scene:

4th Round of Saturday nights big boxing showdown, Floyd Mayweather versus Victor Ortiz for the WBC Welterweight championship. Late in the 4th round, Ortiz is pummeling Mayweather on the ropes and for some unknown reason head-butts him. Ortiz tries to apologize while being penalized a point for the head-butt. Ortiz steps away and tries to apologize again, when Mayweather clocks him.

The move enraged the crowd at the MGM Grand Hotel, and replays showed Ortiz wasn't looking at Mayweather when he got hit.

Read more from USAToday RIGHT HERE

The question is...was it clean? It's somewhat hard to tell and may be a question for a long time. Ortiz, should have known, that while the fight is still going, don't turn away from your adversary. Ever. And yet he did. And while Mayweather may or may not have taken advantage of a questionable period of time, it doesn't appear he did anything illegal.

We might also mention after the fight, Mayweather let loose a profanity filled tirade against HBO Boxing Analyst Larry Merchant. We won't go into too much detail there other than to say, Floyd has a few image problems and that probably won't help them.

Mayweather pocketed a cool $25 million for the fight and we suspect the fight will help rejuvenate his career which had stalled a bit due to several legal issues.

It also, in our opinion will help marginalize boxing, a once proud sport that has support in some circles and still manages to pull of big payday's somehow for it's fighters. It has appeal in certain circles and it works. But when push comes to shove, is it any different these days than professional wrestling?

Your video:

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Oregon, You're On The Clock

And you have Willie Lyles and Lache Seastrunk ((among others)) to thank for this go-round...

The NCAA relayed the official "Notice of Inquiry" in a telephone call to Oregon President Richard Lariviere this week. The school announced this development before Oregon's game against Missouri State.

The inquiry is the result of reports that surfaced this spring concerning payments Oregon made to recruiting services, including a $25,000 payment to Willie Lyles and Houston-based Complete Scouting Services.

Most of the info Lyles and CSS gave Oregon was outdated and even included information on players that were playing against the Ducks in bowl games.

"This notice has been anticipated and is simply the next stage of the process," UO athletic director Rob Mullens said in a University release. "The University of Oregon football program, from Head Coach Chip Kelly through the entire organization, has tremendous respect for the NCAA's important role in monitoring collegiate athletics and, to this end, continues to fully cooperate with the NCAA 's ongoing examination.

"The Athletic Department, Coach Kelly and the entire staff remain committed to operating the athletics program consistent with the highest standards and ensuring our program follows best practices."


Of course, you will...

Lyles has admitted that he made a mistake in this and that CSS, for all intents and purposes, is a dead business nowadays...

Interesting to see who comes out alive in this one...

ACC increases buyout and getting applications for membership

((ht: espn/dinich))

It appears the ACC has taken some measures to keep themselves from being brushed aside during the "Galactic Realignment" of college sports.

The conference presidents apparently...and quietly, have increased the buyout for schools wanting to leave from $13 million to $20 million. And while it may not stop it from happening it will certainly make anyone looking to defect to think twice about it.

The other ACC news is this: The New York Times, Friday night reported that both Pittsburgh and Syracuse from the Big East. Heather Dinich from ESPN.com confirmed that report. Dinich also reports that the ACC has received at least 10 applications for membership.

You can read her report RIGHT HERE

This is interesting. Certainly adding Pitt and Syracuse makes more sense than adding say, Texas, but it is even more intriguing that so many schools have inquired. And while we fully anticipate that global shift of the continents, we, like everyone else don't really know how that shift is going to play out.

We reported Thursday night that Oklahoma intends to have a regents meeting on Monday to discuss whether or not they are going to leave, now, Texas and their board is meeting too.

At some point there one of these schools will be forced to take the plunge and go. The guess as to who is first is anyone's guess. We think it will be Oklahoma, but we wouldn't put money on it. Once one of the majors takes the plunge, the rest of the domino's will fall into place.

In the meantime, this is the only video that makes sense to attach to this story right now:

Friday, September 16, 2011

What If World B. Free Met Metta...???

((HT: LA Times))

It's now official... but haven't we been here before...???
Just ask Lloyd...
((HT: NBA/NBAE))


The World was a better scorer, but will Metta World Peace take hold- especially on the road...???

Ron Artest's name change is officially official...
An LA Superior Court commissioner okayed the move from Artest since his outstanding traffic tickets had been addressed...

Apparently, his 8-year-old daughter, Diamond, may be close behind in the name change department...

This may be the only case where a diamond could bring world peace...???
And what happens when Metta goes on tour...??? The world could become one after all... "Peace in the Middle East" sounds pretty solid for starters...

Any ideas, everyone...???

NASCAR Probing Menard Spinout After All

((HT: NASCAR/NASCARImages/ABC/youtube))

After Jeff Gordon raised the radar of NASCAR officials eveywhere by intimating that Paul Menard's tire issue with 17 laps left was a bit of a shenanigan...

They're investigating...
Witness below...


There's unsubstantiated evidence that Menard's team went to an encrypted channel just before the crash... in a race that RCR teammate Kevin Harvick went on to win...

"In light of the suspicions, we're going to look into it and see if there is anything," NASCAR president Mike Helton said Friday at Chicagoland Speedway to David Newton of ESPN and others. "And a lot of it is going to be interpretation. Certainly, it is on us to understand exactly what all we can find as far as facts are concerned."

The "ethics of racing" discussion begins anew...

OSG High: Crazy Or Crazy Like A Fox...???

That's our question for today...

We focus on Kevin Kelley of Pulaski Academy out of Little Rock, Arkansas...

He never punts, doesn't want his kids to field them, and almost always onside kicks after his own scores...

His school of 1,500 played Cabot- a school five times his size Friday...

Here's the preview...
((HT: KATV-TV Little Rock))


And the highlights... yes, the video title is correct...
((HT: PulaskiAcademySports))


What say you on all of this...???

Stars Get Gagliardi As New Owner, Probably...

The Dallas Stars have signed an agreement to sell the team to Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi and have filed a prepackaged bankruptcy plan to help facilitate the transaction.

The Stars said Thursday that the deal is subject to a court-approved auction and NHL approval. The other team once owned by Tom Hicks, the Texas Rangers, pulled the same track to expedite the sale of the baseball team when Hicks declared the same financial fate with them...

"Today's filing culminates months of cooperative effort by the League, the Club, the Club's lenders and Dallas Arena LLC," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. "It represents an extremely positive step toward what we expect will be an orderly transition to new ownership for the Dallas Stars."

Gagliardi has tried to get the Stars before, but it hasn't worked out until now. He's a co-owner of the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League and is big in the hotel and restaurant industry in Canada.

A court hearing is scheduled for Monday, when the Stars are expected to present customary motions for court approval.

George Riba of WFAA-TV says his sources are calling the Gagliardi bid a "stalking horse bid."

From Riba...

That means any individual who wishes to get involved in the bidding must up Gaglardi's bid for the team by at least $10 million. The source said Gaglardi's agreement would allow him to buy the team for around $230 million from the Hicks Sports Group, which defaulted on loans in 2009.

More when we know more...

Tebow turmoil now on billboard

Tim Tebow
((ht: denverpost))

Apparently Denver Broncos fan Jesse Oaks of Independence, Kentucky has seen enough. Or at least enough of Kyle Orton.

Oaks is adding even more fuel to the Denver quarterback fire by telling the Denver Post that he and seven friends intend to spend $10,000 to buy space on two billboards in downtown Denver that will say Tim Tebow should replace Kyle Orton as the teams QB.

Really?

Coach John Fox was asked about it after Thursday's practice, he told the Denver Post, "I've seen a lot of billboards and can't remember one that really influenced me".

Read the Post Story RIGHT HERE

Our question is, why is someone in Independence, Kentucky which is well over 1,000 miles from Denver weighing in on this at all?

Sure, we get that fans have no boundaries. And we get that they all have a right to their opinion, but could Mr. Oaks and his friends not find something better to do with $10,000?

This whole Tim Tebow argument in Denver is, at least to us, stupid. We aren't nearly as polarized about it as so many so-called experts and the fans are. Right now, he doesn't need to get a chance, the Broncos are "1" game into the season.

If, 5 weeks from now, they are 0-5 and heading nowhere, then yeah, the Tebow should get his shot. At some point, he should get the opportunity. No, talking ESPN heads, he isn't a "Traditional" quarterback and he may or may not be successful, but if his team is in the tank then yeah, why not? Give the guy a chance to see what he can do. Despite what the talking ESPN heads think, and yes, I know most are former players and coaches, we don't subscribe to the theory that you must fit into a specific category to be successful. Football is one of those things that you either get it....or you don't. And there is no way to know if Tebow "Gets" it, if he doesn't get the chance.

Click on the link for a TV story from KDVR/Fox 31 in Denver RIGHT HERE


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Jerry Kill out of hospital, will coach U of Minnesota Saturday

((ht: kstp-tv))

University of Minnesota head football coach Jerry Kill has gotten the ok to coach his team on Saturday against Miami University (Ohio). He showed up at his teams practice Thursday afternoon.

You'll recall that Kill suffered a seizure at the end of the Gophers loss against New Mexico State this past Saturday. He was taken from the field on a stretcher, straight to the hospital.

According to KSTP-TV in Minneapolis, Kill's doctors gave him the all clear and said he could continue with his life as normal.

KSTP gives us the TV version of this story:

Change in the air: Oklahoma regents talk realignment on Monday

((ht: newsok.com))

Could the conference realignment dominoes start falling on Monday? It's possible.

According to multiple published reports, the University of Oklahoma board of regents will meet on Monday and one of the topics of discussion: Conference realignment. Word is they will try and figure out which conference situation is best for them.

Read the story from NewsOK.com RIGHT HERE

As most of you know, despite Texas A&M handing withdrawl papers to the Big 12/10, the chips won't fall...or move in any form until Oklahoma does something.

A&M can't do anything due to the SEC's no legal action stipulation. One brought on by most of the remaining Big 12 teams to protect themselves. They've threatened to file a suit to stop them from moving. Oklahoma didn't make that threat. 

The general consensus is that Oklahoma will go to the Pac12, despite commissioner Larry Scott saying they aren't "Looking" to do anything. Oklahoma State will go with them. That in turn will be the death knell for the Big 12, who'd be left with Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa State. It would be the sad end, to a once proud conference.

We'll spare you are rant as to why this is happening, we agree with OutKickTheCoverage's Clay Travis that ESPN has become the root of all this.

The funny thing is, it all came about due to Texas and their "Longhorn Network" had they not done that, we may not be having this discussion. Now Texas is a "Major" program with limited options. They too can't do anything until Oklahoma decides too. And yes, we join the chorus of pundits who are highly amused at the thought of Texas being placed in the "2nd Class Citizen" category in all of this.

Senser Charged In Hit-And-Run Accident

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

The wife of former Minnesota Viking, and current Vikes broadcaster, Joe Senser was formally charged on "criminal vehicular homicide or operation – driver who causes accident leaves scene" – a felony count – by the Hennepin County ((MN)) attorney's office.

Amy Margaret Senser’s bail was set at $150,000. If she's convicted, there's a maximum penalty of ten years incarceration and a $20,000 fine.

The medical examiner's report was released in the death of local chef Anousone Phanthavong. Phanthavong's family is suing in a wrongful death proceeding and is asking for several questions to be answered during the discovery phase including if anyone else was in the car with Amy Senser.

Here's the report from the night of the accident...

Charges Filed in Senser Hit & Run Case: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Moore-Bertuzzi Civil Case Set For 2012

((HT: CBC Sports))

A civil case former NHL'er Steve Moore has against Todd Bertuzzi and the Vancouver Canucks could be in court late next year.

The target date for the Ontario Superior Court trial to begin ((if there is no settlement)) is September 24th, 2012 if Bertuzzi is still an active player. If he's not, it's set for October 22nd if he's not.

Court-ordered mediation between the sides has failed to lead to a settlement.

Shocker, there...

Moore suffered three fractured vertebrae and said back in 2007 that it was not possible to undertake strenuous exercise for long stretches.

Here's the hit...
((HT: NHL/FSN/youtube))


And the presser immediately after Bertuzzi returned from the Toronto NHL offices...
He's sorry...
((HT: NHL/BCTV-GlobalTV/youtube))


Should be interesting come 2012...

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Spirit Settles Lawsuit With Their Lawyers

Surprising no one, what's left of Atlanta Spirit settled their lawsuit with their local lawyers at the King and Spalding firm over what ASG called poor representation over their legal malpractice lawsuit against former ASG partner Steve Belkin.

Steve Collins, who represents the firm, said Wednesday that King & Spalding and Atlanta Spirit settled the US$195-million.

Spirit said in a January lawsuit that the firm negotiated a "fatally flawed contract" to end the Belkin dispute.

Collins said the terms of the settlement were confidential. The Atlanta Spirit did not immediately comment.

The HQ thinks it was aomething along the lines of recovering legal fees in the process- and that's about it... the sooner that Spirit is away from sports, the better off we all are...

Booster Falls On Sword For 3 tOSU Players

Robert "Bobby" DiGeronimo told The Columbus Dispatch that he played a key role in the $200 payments given to Jordan Hall, Travis Howard and Corey Brown at a charity run in February for a charity run by DiGeronimo's son-in-law.

Hall, Howard and Brown were suspended for Ohio State's first two games before being reinstated. They are eligible to play Saturday against Miami.

DiGeronimo told The Dispatch that former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor provided the money to his teammates, adding that the payments were reimbursement for travel expenses to the event.

"However Mr. Pryor got the money, I take responsibility," DiGeronimo told the newspaper. "I am responsible for those kids coming up here from Columbus. I handled it wrong. I should not have handled it the way I did."

DiGeronimo cooperated with the NCAA the whole time, and said no one from the charity organization knew about the payments.

More when we know more...

The HQ finds it interesting that Pryor's name came up- again...

Federal Fraud Charges Now On Schlichter

Former tOSU QB Art Schlichter was charged with bank and wire fraud in connection with a scam that involved scalping college football tickets, including the 2011 Sugar Bowl. He was also charged with filing a false tax return, according to the U.S. District Court.

Back in April, a Franklin County ((OH)) grand jury indicted Schlichter on 13 counts with, at least, 12 different victims. He has been in jail since February, and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

He was in prison in Indiana from 1994 to 2006 for fraud and forgery related to gambling, and has never been able to shake the demons that got him in trouble in the first place- even with all of the different tours of prison he has had.

Here's the story from the time of the original indictment, thanks to our friends at NBC4 in C'bus...

BREAKING: Arena Deal Reached For CBJ To Stay

((HT: WBNS-TV))

The Blue Jackets have agreed to remain in Columbus after a deal was reached between the city, state and Franklin County ((OH)) to buy Nationwide Arena, according to WBNS-TV.

The arena, which will still be called Nationwide Arena, will be managed by the Franklin County Facilities Authority.

The Blue Jackets said that the franchise was losing $12 million ((and has reportedly lost close to US$80M since the lockout ended six years ago)). Part of the blame is pointed at the lease agreement on Nationwide- which is privately financed to begin with.

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce released a report in late 2009 that the Blue Jackets' continuing financial losses could result in the team's departure from the city.

Considering the current climate, that would have been an easy thought. But the location for relocation is, and always will be, the question as the only markets ready to support hockey regularly are Canadian markets.

The HQ would like to congratulate the powers that are to keep CBJ around...

More when we know more...

Return of the Dirty Dozen and Your Bottom of the Barrel

You know it is the highlight of your college football season. It's the thing you anticipate the most. You're eager, anxious and a bit on the edge--because you know that it is coming.

Yes, that's right friends, it's the return of everyone's favorite segment. The best college football ranking system ever...it's none other than "The Dirty Dozen and the Bottom of the Barrel"--our look at the best, and the worst in College Football. Oh, and we'll give you some early picks for the week too.

With that in mind, we must re-introduce our characters in case you aren't familiar with the cast or movie:



So...to quote Kasey Kasem--"On with the countdown":

The Dirty Dozen:

1) Oklahoma 1-0. For now. We should know what they are this week. Thus far, they look the most complete and based on write-ups, they win this spot by default. This Week: at Florida State. Our Pick: FSU 34, Oklahoma 31 UPSET!


2) LSU 2-0. We also like the Tigers here. For now. They get this by virtue of beating the Ducks out of Oregon. Unless Jordan Jefferson returns this season, they probably won't stay. This Week: at Miss. St. Our Pick: Miss St. 27, LSU 23 UPSET!


3) Boise State 1-0. They won their biggest challenge. With ease. Short of a Kellen Moore injury, they won't lose this season. Face it SEC people, they are that good. This week: at Toledo. Our Pick: Boise St. 41, Toledo 17


4) Alabama 2-0. I'm not sold here, but they just keep winning. We still think they have more holes than in past years. Maybe we are right, maybe we aren't. This Week: vs. North Texas. Our Pick: Alabama 38, North Texas 6.


5) Florida St. 2-0. I like the premise of this team. It may be the best they've had in years down in Tally. We'll see if the choker label they earned the past few years sticks. It won't this week. Our Pick: See #1


6) Wisconsin 2-0. They always start strong. And then lose a game they shouldn't. I'm loathe to put them this high, but there aren't many options right now. This Week: at Northern Illinois. Our Pick: Wisconsin 41, N. Illinois 13.


7) Stanford 2-0. As long as Andrew Luck is there, they'll be a Top 10 team. Period. We aren't convinced they are better than this though. We'll find out soon. This Week: at Arizona. Our Pick: Stanford 34, Arizona 23


8) Texas A&M 1-0. They may soon be without a home, but they are SEC worthy at least this season. Ryan Tannehill is the real deal. This Week: vs. Idaho. Our Pick: Texas A&M 37, Idaho 10.


9)Oklahoma St. 2-0. An offensive juggernaut. Take that however you want. They can score. A lot. But they always can, it's just whether or not they can stop anyone. This Week: at Tulsa. Our Pick: Oklahoma St. 41, Tulsa 23.


10) Virginia Tech 2-0. They just keep on keepin on. A much better start this year, though they struggled with East Carolina last week. They and FSU are the class of the ACC, by a large margin. This Week: vs. Arkansas St. Our Pick: Va. Tech 37, Ark.State 23.


11) Nebraska 2-0. They haven't been stellar, but they haven't had to be. They've scored a ton, but haven't really been challenged. We like them in the Big 10 a lot, the rest of the conference may regret it. This Week: vs. Washington. Our Pick: Nebraska 37, Washington 31.


12) South Carolina 2-0. We may regret this. While they certainly can score, they haven't exactly stopped anyone yet. And they were lucky to win both their games. We will be surprised if they keep escaping. This Week: vs. Navy. Our Pick: S.Carolina 31, Navy 17. 


The Bottom of the Barrel: 


5) Oregon State 0-2. Losing at Wisconsin can be excused. Losing to Sacramento State, not so much. They have problems. Injuries and poor performances have doomed them. This Week: vs. Bye. Our Pick: Bye 31, Oregon St. 21(haha!)


4) Akron 0-2. Nothing "Zippy" about this team. They've sucked for years. And so far, they are ranked almost last in every category. Awesome! The Ohio loss run continues. This Week: at Cincinnati. Our Pick: Cincinnati 45, Akron 10


3) San Jose St. 0-2. Do you know the way to San Jose? No, neither do we. Though it appears that Dionne Warwick may be good enough to start for these guys. Anyway, unless you are old, you won't get that. This Week: vs. Nevada. Our Pick: Nevada 25, San Jose St. 17


2) New Mexico 0-2. Hello Mr. Locksley. You are truly the single worst coach in the history of college football. And there is now proof. 2-23 in the past 2 seasons. And it isn't going to get better. Though you have won a game...well 2. So you've got that to look back on. This Week: vs. Texas Tech. Our Pick: Texas Tech 48, New Mexico 13.


1) Memphis 0-2. Mike Locksley gives thanks to this team every day. Because they truly are college football's worst. And yet they don't realize it. Though they are supposedly active in conference realignment talks. Why? So they can drop to D-II? This Week: vs. Austin Peay. Our Pick Austin Peay 3, Memphis 2. (Note--anyone who attempts to watch this should have their college football fan license revoked--permanently!)


And there you go. We won't remind you of our consistent 75-plus percent success rate in picks over the past couple of years. At least not until next week. Until then...enjoy your football!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Scary Nike uniform trend continues.

Mich.St. Uni's./courtesy: msuspartans.com
((ht:freep.com))
((ht:ohiostatebuckeyes.com))

Can we just go on record here and say we hate Nike? We'll, hate may be a strong word, but we wonder about why, in the chase for the ever elusive merchandising dollar, they've managed to come up with all of these bizarre looking uniforms.

It started this year with Georgia and Boise State, now the trend is just growing.

Michigan State now gets the "Pro Combat" treatment with the uniform you see on the right. And while no, it isn't hideous looking, it looks an awful lot like the University of South Florida. We ask "When did Michigan State add gold to their team colors?"

And there's more.

Ohio State, not wanting to be left out of the mix adds their won "Pro Combat" look. And while not as odd as Michigan State, the helmet looks strikingly similar to what Georgia used.

Their new uni's will make their debut October 29th against Wisconsin. The Buckeye's call it a way to mark the 50th anniversary of their undefeated 1961 championship season.

Like we said at the beginning, we get this is the wave of the future. And more importantly it is a way for Nike and the schools to make a lot more money on merchandise. And we also get that many schools desperately need to update their looks. And we get that alumni and others are not going to like the change in tradition, thought it may be necessary.

We just hope that more of that tradition stays in the new looks (MSU--we're talking to you). We wish that Nike would consider that more when putting these together, but we supposed they don't have to. After all, it's their sandbox, they can do whatever they want.

Ron Jaworski says a curse word on TV

((ht: larrybrownsports))

Ooops.

He didn't "mean" to say. But he did. And no, we don't think he was doing it maliciously, but it was kind of funny.

4th quarter of last nights Dolphins/Patriots game--Chad Henne of the Dolphins tries completing a pass but misses. Jaworski said "Shit, you have to get rid of this ball".

Jaws has already apologized for it and we hope he doesn't get in serious trouble because he is one of the best TV game analysts in the business.

You video in question...thanks to RoachRadioTube/YouTube:



Manny, still being Manny, gets arrested

Booking photo/Courtesy: nbcmiami-broward co. sheriffs
((ht: nbcmiami))

Former all-star and World Series MVP Manny Ramirez has resurfaced. Unfortunately it isn't as a baseball player, rather it is as an arrestee.

Ramirez was arrested Monday night and charged with domestic battery after his wife allegedly told police he hit her during a domestic dispute. She called police

Ramirez, who was living in the Weston area of Broward County in South Florida, was booked at the county Sheriff's office and has since been released.

More from NBC Miami RIGHT HERE

By now, most of us know Ramirez retired from baseball after repeatedly testing positive for steroids. He started this baseball season with the Tampa Bay Rays, but retired in April rather than face another suspension due to issues the MLB's drug prevention and treatment program.

Bobby Bowden: I was treated for Prostate Cancer in 2007

Bobby Bowden
((ht: usatoday))

The soon-to-be Hall of Fame former Florida State coach made it public this morning in an interview on Good Morning America. He's a cancer survivor.

Bowden said he was able to keep it hidden from everyone but family since the diagnosis in 2007. He says he was afraid it would be used against him in recruiting.

 Bowden won 377 games in a 33-plus year career and retired, albeit forcefully in 2009. He was diagnosed at age 77.

According to USA Today, Bowden was diagnosed during a routine physical and after undergoing a procedure to help root out the cancer, he has been cancer-free since.

Read the entire USA Today Story RIGHT HERE

We applaud Bowden for finally coming out about what happened, which corresponded with a role as a spokesperson for a national cancer education initiative. It is also amazing in this day and age of instant information, that he was able to keep it quiet for 4-years.

We truly hope he can reach people who wouldn't normally check or get treated for a potential prostate problem to at least get a check up. It's a problem that doesn't take care of itself and far too many people die from it.

The GMA interview is here:

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Monday, September 12, 2011

Spirit the Eagle wants Club seats

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!
((ht: saturdaydownsouth.com))

We've been waiting for this video to surface all weekend.

The eagle known as "Spirit" who fly's through the air with the greatest of ease to start Auburn's football home games, made a little detour in this weeks flight.

"Spirit" appears to either be distracted by his own reflection, looking for air conditioning or maybe has something out for one of the scribes in the Press Box as he bangs into the window sealing it off, before continuing on his way.

Honestly, though we don't particularly harbor any love for Auburn football, we've seen "Spirit" fly in person and really, it is pretty damn cool.

We looked, albeit briefly for this video on Saturday, we are glad to see it finally surface. And yes, because he wasn't hurt, we can make fun of this.

And yes, it is funny. And no, he wasn't hurt.





DEVELOPING: Yaroslavl Withdrawing From KHL

((HT: RussiaToday))

It appears that the season for the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl franchise and their affiliation with the league is on hold...

Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said Yaroslavl would be demoted to a lower league, the Major Hockey League, as part of a gradual rebuilding program.

Lokomotiv president Yury Yakovlyev says the team might begin playing in December...

Here's video from the ceremonial mass in Minsk- where Lokomotiv was to play their KHL season opener...


In other news, the lone player that survived the plane crash has died from his injuries in hospital. Alexander Galimov suffered burns over 90-percent of his body and was a local product of the Lokomotiv system...

MLB passes on allowing Mets to wear tribute hats

Hat in question
((ht: nydailynews.com))

We don't get this and we suspect the rest of America won't either.

Without having to explain too much of the backstory, the New York Mets asked Major League Baseball to allow them to wear NYPD and FDNY hats for their Sunday night baseball game.

As you all know, Sunday was the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and it was, to say the least, a very emotional day for almost everyone.

MLB said no.

They said no, 10-years ago when the Mets proposed the same thing in the return to baseball against the Atlanta Braves, the Mets wore them anyway.

Nobody complained.

But due in part to MLB's extra large contract with New Era caps, which wouldn't see their product being worn that day. The league did the wrong thing. They explained it with a quote saying "We wanted it to be consistent around the league." And according to several Mets players, the tribute hats worn in Batting Practice, were collected and taken away after BP.

Read the entire story, which includes interviews with former Mets from that time period, from the New York Daily News RIGHT HERE

For what it is worth, the Mets lost the game Sunday night to the Cubs 10-6. And while they didn't get to wear the hats for the game, most of the players did wear them for batting practice.

Take a look at the tribute produced by ESPN, who can really do some great things when they so choose:

Serena Williams has etiquette issues

And she doesn't seem to get it. Rather, she seems to be convinced that the umpire has something against her.

Here is the set up. Williams, in the process of losing to 9th Seeded Samantha Sosur in the U.S Open finals, tries to psyche herself up in the 2nd game of the second set.

So she hits a strong forehand attack shot and as Sosur attempts to make a return, Williams screams out "Come On!".

And yes, while there are far worse things she could have done, it is a huge etiquette violation and as we found out shortly after, it cost her a point. And we later found it, it cost Williams, her composure..again.

Watch the video here. After she drags out the argument with the umpire, she goes back to playing, only at the 3:00 mark, do we hear her really start going all in on the woman in the umpire chair saying some not-so-nice things about her.

Your video is right here, take a look:

Dress up day for the Tampa Bay Rays

((ht: tbo.com))
The Rookies/Courtesy: TBO.com-Tampa Bay Rays

Mostly because this is funny. And it is we guess a baseball tradition. The Tampa Bay Rays, one of the currently hot teams in baseball swept the Boston Red Sox this weekend.

After the game, the team had to catch a flight to Baltimore. And that...is when the teams rookies, of which there are plenty, got to experience hazing...at a major league baseball level.

Check out the photo as they posed for a picture before getting on the airplane. And yes, they had to wear the outfits to check into their Baltimore area hotel too.

We aren't sure who got the worst of this, there are some really scary looking outfits here.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

OSG High: NY Hoops Star Killed In Possible Mistaken Identity Case

((HT: MyFoxNY))

Tayshana "Chicken" Murphy was a top-20 guard in high school recruiting circles in the country and was showcasing her abilities out of the Harlem projects.

At a little after 4AM, she was shot and killed as she was apparently mistaken for a boy who had gotten into a fight with boys from a neighboring housing project.

According to witnesses, Murphy was pleading for her life with the shooter claiming she had nothing to do with what happened. The shooter is still on the loose and is being sought after by the NYPD...

Here's the rundown...

Basketball Star Killed In Manhattan Apartment: MyFoxNY.com

OSG High: Gulf Coast HS Remembers Fallen Teammate

((HT: WLOX-TV Biloxi))

Last Friday night, D'Iberville ((MS)) high running back Fred Dunbar died after collapsing on the field during their game with Gauthier ((MS)) High. Dunbar was taken from the field during the game and the coaching staff gave his teammates the choice of postponing or playing...

They played, played from behind, and eventually won... as it was later disclosed that Dunbar died of a cardiac episode...

Here's the look back from D'Iberville...

UCF Fans Wear Red Bandanas Vs BC

((HT: MyFoxOrlando))

The story of Welles Crowther became more well known as we got closer to the anniversary of the 9-11 tragedies...

His post-Boston College career as a lacrosse player took him to one of the World trade Center towers in a carer in finance. He always wanted to do something more instead of sit behind a desk.

He rescued somewhere close to a dozen people from his tower before he lost his life when the buildings collapsed. When a story came out in the New York Times about someone wearing a red bandana doing this duty, Crowther's parents knew it was Welles.

As a tribute this weekend, UCF students got behind the idea of wearing bandannas like Crowther's in memoriam...

They did exactly that... here's the genesis of the idea...

Fans will wear red bandanas to honor 9/11 victims: MyFoxORLANDO.com


Very cool, guys... very cool...

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Gophers Coach Kill Collapses Near End Of Game (UPDATED)

((HT: Big10Network/youtube))

Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill suffered a seizure on the sidelines with 20 seconds left in today's game against New Mexico State- rolling around on the ground as paramedics tried to hold him down.

The Gophers were down 28-21 and driving for what could have been a game-tying score when Kill collapsed. Kill's wife Rebecca was by his side as doctors worked on the coach.

The game ended after a delay of approximately 15 minutes on an incomplete pass, after Kill was taken off the field on a cart.

Here's the play...


Kill missed a week as head coach at Northern Illinois after suffering another episode like today's...

Obviously, the HQ's thoughts are with the Kills and the Gophers...

More when we know more...

2015 UPDATE: Minnesota's team doctor says Kill is in stable condition at a local hospital. Team doctor Pat Smith says Kill "was at no time under any risk in any way."

Smith says the temperature coupled with dehydration might have played a role in the seizure.

Pac 12 to Oklahoma: Not right now

Pac 12 Logo
((ht: orangebloods.com))

It appears, at least from the perspective of Pac-12 conference commissioner Larry Scott, that conference expansion is not currently on the table.

Scott told reporters at Friday night's Arizona State/Missouri game that he's happy where the Pac-12 is. Though he qualified it by adding if the SEC grew, he'd certainly have to look at keeping up with them.

The esteemed Chip Brown of Orangebloods.com takes it a step further, quoting sources who say that Scott has told Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to cool there heels, they aren't expanding right now.

Which of course, comes on the heels (and reported here as well as other places), of Oklahoma president David Boren saying he expects to make a decision within the next couple of weeks about changing conferences.

Read the Orangebloods.com report...RIGHT HERE

Ok.

Pure and simple, we fully believe this is Scott calling Texas A&M and the SEC's bluff. Without making Oklahoma have to play the bad guy...for now.

If you parse words, Scott only said "Right Now" he didn't say next week, next month or next year. This will happen, it is just a matter of when.

What has happened is nobody wants to be the one everyone blames for the collapse of the Big 12. Texas A&M went all in on the poker game by announcing they are leaving. Oklahoma essentially raised the pot. And yes, that also means Baylor, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State have all said "Call".

So, you can consider your expansion talk on hold--for now. Now we play chicken. We wait to see who blinks first.

With the amount of money involved here--and Oklahoma poised to lose some by the Big 12's proposed equal revenue split. Our money goes on them. And yes, they'll go to the Pac-12.

Coastal Carolina Coach: Be more like a dog

This has already made the rounds, but we haven't had an opportunity to post it here. And yes, if you haven't seen it, it's really funny.

Coastal Carolina football coach David Bennett goes "Animal Control" talking about what his players need to do to be more successful...

Enjoy your YouTube moment Coach Bennett: (Thanks WPDE-TV)

Friday, September 9, 2011

Lot of anger over NCAA's suspension of Florida DT

Sharrif Floyd
((ht: orlandosentinel.com))

The reaction to the NCAA suspending Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd for two games has been interesting to say the least.

Floyd has been ruled ineligible for the two games and ordered to pay $2700 to a charity of his choosing after disclosing to his coaches that he accepted $2500 from a board member of the Student Athlete Mentoring Foundation in Delaware.

The NCAA, in a press release said Floyd admitted using the money for living expenses, transportation and other life expenses. At no time did they say Florida gave him any impermissible benefits.

Read the initial story from the Orlando Sentinel RIGHT HERE

For those unfamiliar with Floyd's story (including us), he was raised in Philadelphia without his parents. He spent most of his life living with his grandmother, high school coach, guidance counselor or whomever could help him.

Heck, his high school coaches and guidance counselor held a bake sale to raise money for Floyd to travel to San Antonio for a High School all-star game.

The Sentinel also talked to people in Floyd's life about his character, read it RIGHT HERE

The whole situation royally pissed of Florida coach Will Muschamp, and we have to say, even without knowing Sharrif Floyd, we agree.

Said Muschamp: "The NCAA stated that he (Floyd) received preferential treatment; there is nothing preferential about his life."


"He grew up with only his great grandmother and still sends her Pell Grant money so she can pay her bills. How many kids do you know that would do that? I know one--Sharrif Floyd."


"I want to make it clear that this issue is not about sports agents, Florida boosters or his recruitment to Florida or anywhere else. The issue is about his survival and the only reason the NCAA, the SEC and the University of Florida were aware of these issues is because he brought them to our attention last February. He came forward because he is honest and because of his integrity."


"The toughest day that I have had as a head football coach at Florida was the day I had to tell Sharrif that he could not play in our game against FAU. I took away part of his family."


The NCAA's response was that some of the benefits he did receive were improper, that the penalty could have been four games, but due to mitigating circumstances, they reduced it to two.

More detail on this debate from gatorsports.com RIGHT HERE

Ok. We get why the NCAA felt the need to step in but by their own definition, they said there were "Mitigating Circumstances". And arguably, to be consistent in what they do, you could make a case for the game suspension.

But.

We have two big problems, much like everyone else, with all this. One, do they really think the kid is going to be able to manufacture $2700 in the next few days? He by all accounts barely has enough money to stay in school. It's not like he has any expense money, athletes aren't allowed to.

Two, everyone involved, including the NCAA don't debate that the benefits caused him to choose or go to Florida. What should it matter? Yeah, we get that every case is different and again we go back to the NCAA verbiage stating they knew that. How exactly do they think Floyd could've been able to get to the schools interested in him? How could he possibly afford to pay his own way to anything?

We think this is an over-enforcement of a rule that isn't totally wrong. But really, can't we all read the case and determine whether or not a penalty is needed. Come on, do they really think Sharrif Floyd is going to find $2700 when he doesn't have the money to buy sheets to put on his bed?

OSU Denying Any 12/10/9 Shenanigans

((HT: KWTX-TV Waco, Newsok.com))

Mike Sherman's Open Mike blog at Newsok.com has the newest angle in all of this eventual Texas A&M moving to the Ess-E-Cee despite protestations of a school (probably Baylor) and possibly the addition of other schools in some nebulous lawsuit that has no bearing and wouldn't hold up in any court of law...

Oklahoma State's Gary Schutt released the following statement... since they played Arizona and he knew everyone was going to ask...

"Speculative reports using unnamed sources implying Oklahoma State University would join others in a lawsuit against the SEC and Texas A&M were incorrect."


Here's team coverage on Baylor's blocking of the whole deal- it's all about looking out for number one, yo...


Jenni Carlson talks to Travis Haney about Oklahoma's angle in all this...

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Sacramento Unveils Arena Plan

((HT: News10 Sacramento))

Okay... here's the first salvo from Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson in his desire to keeping the Kings in town and not having them move to Anaheim and become the Royals...

Nick Monacelli has the details before they change due to more politics...


While this looks good and all, the HQ isn't holding its collective breath on this one...

Fox cancels worst football show idea ever

((ht: dr.saturday))

Holy crap! When we first saw this, we thought it was a joke. Or something done by the Onion. But it actually aired on Fox Sports.

The show that aired the story "The College Experience" was immediately canceled after this video leaked out. (Guessing very few people actually saw it on TV). Allegedly, it was a show that aired on Friday's to give an "Offbeat, irreverant" preview of Saturday's football action. (We still don't think anyone would watch this)

Yet strangely, it felt like something that would air on a Fox Network.

The premise was a story done by alleged "Investigative Reporter/supposed comedian Bob Oschack trying to get an "All-American" welcome to the newest teams in the Pac 12, Colorado and Utah.

Oschack went to the USC campus to solicit those welcomes and strangely, everyone in the video was Asian. And they struggled with what he wanted him to say.

Anyway, here's the offending video and let's hope FOX Sports continues to apologize for this because quite honestly, it is offensive.

Big 12 vs. SEC--Legal action takes the lead

The impetus of Change
((aol.sportingnews.com))

This is getting uglier by the hour.

The tectonic shift of college football teams has been put on hold--because of the threat of legal action.

And while we aren't big fans of the potential "Mega-Conferences" that are expected to form when the shift does finally occur--and it will, the current battle between the SEC and the Big 12 over Texas A&M is just getting stupid.

By now, we all know the SEC agreed to offer A&M membership in their league, so long as nobody in the Big 12 would sue. Early yesterday, the only one who didn't agree to this was Baylor.

That changed.

You can now add Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Missouri and Oklahoma State to that list.

Put simply, what you are seeing now is not so much a protest against the SEC or Texas A&M, you are seeing schools trying to cover their collective asses. Because if the A&M leaves, Oklahoma is right behind them. And if Oklahoma goes, OK State is right behind them...and suddenly you no longer have a Big 12 and all the above schools have to find a home.

And yeah, they have all said they would be willing to waive those claims if Oklahoma agrees to stay. Something the Sooners have "Said" they will decide in the next two weeks, but now could drag out as long as they feel like.

In the meantime, now Texas A&M is pissed at Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe and most of their soon to be former conference mates. Though Beebe insists the conference won't do anything to stop A&M. The SEC isn't pissed at anyone (we think), they are just shaking their collective heads. And the rest of us are quickly tiring of all this.

In reality, there are no lawsuits that could be filed against anyone here that could hold up in a court. But that isn't the problem. It's all image right now. Nobody wants to be perceived as being the the bad guy and yet everyone involved really is. It's a shame to see the landscape of college football change like it is about to, but it is going to happen. Apparently it won't today, but it will happen and happen in the next couple of months.

It's become a battle for money and it is getting more and more competitive by the day. Everyone wants a piece of the ESPN pie, because truly, as Clay Travis has so eloquently put it in his OutKickTheCoverage.com blog, that is what now drives college football. It has nothing to do with what is best for the fans. It has nothing to do with what is best for the players and it has nothing to do with what is best for the alumni. It's all about the greenbacks and the only one's waving those things around right now (see Longhorn network--which is what started all this) is the folks in Bristol.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

DEVELOPING: KHL Yaroslavl Franchise In Plane Crash, 36 Reported Dead

A Yak-42 passenger jet carrying members of the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl crashed on takeoff with the majority of players from the roster on board. Numbers from 43 to 37 were reported on board- presumably including crew and officers. The lone survivor is said to have critical injuries.

A handful of former NHLers were on Yaroslavl's roster, including Ruslan Salei, Pavol Demitra, and head coach (and former Atlanta Thrashers assistant) Brad McCrimmon. No word on who and how many from the roster were on board the plane itself, but there is talk that the plane was packed with the entire roster... details below...

According to Puck Daddy, the franchise was heading to its KHL season opener in Belarus.

From Puck Daddy:

Lokomotiv official tells Sovetsky Sport 'everyone from the main roster was on the plane plus four players from the youth team.' Lokomotiv official said the entire team was on the plane because they were traveling for the 1st game of the season, a celebration.


More when we know more...

Here's Russian news coverage from Russia24 and youtube


"People were drawn to Demo. He was a great friend and great teammate," Matt Keator, Demitra's agent, told Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He was always the type to bring people together. This is just awful. He was such a popular guy with everyone he has ever played with."

Here's crash scene video, thanks to youtube again...


"We have no team anymore," Vladimir N. Malkov, the team spokesman, said in a telephone interview with The New York Times. "All our starting players, and all the service people, they all burned in the crash."

Coach Brad McCrimmon, forward Pavol Demitra, defenseman Ruslan Salei, forward Josef Vasicek, defenseman Karel Rachunek, forward Jan Marek, forward Alexander Vasyunov, defenseman Karlis Skrastins and goalie Stefan Liv are among the confirmed fatalities.

As of 1400 HRS, the only survivor in the crash is one of the crew...

DEVELOPING: Offer made to Texas A&M and 14th team being lined up






Texas A&M Football
((ht: Saturdaydownsouth.com))

Well, to the surprise of nobody, the presidents of the SEC, meeting in semi-secretness, agreed late Tuesday night to extend an invitation for Texas A&M to join the conference.

A press conference is expected sometime during the day today (Wednesday) where A&M prez R. Bowden Loftin will say pithy words and use lots of descriptive adjectives to describe his warm, fuzzy feelings for now being a part of the SEC.

And....supposedly SEC commissioner Mike Slive has been given the go ahead to find team 14. And according to Saturday Down South, West Virginia and Missouri are the two teams he's been permitted to extend a dance card to.

The Saturdaydownsouth.com story RIGHT HERE

The ever diligent Chip Brown at Orangebloods.com reports the invitation had a stipulation to it. The stipulation is that the agreement is good, as long as no Big 12 team or the conference decides to sue the SEC. Brown says the conference has agreed to this, the member schools. Well, that decision hasn't been made clear.

Read Brown's story RIGHT HERE

We also found something humorous about the Baylor University pledge to "Don't mess with Texas Football". The first part being: Baylor Who? Don Baylor?

The school is asking fans to make a pledge to tell the schools in the state to clear-headedly think about the state's future. They should be loyal first and foremost to Texas and the citizens.

Unfortunately, Baylor is the school that may hold this all up. It appears everyone else is willing to waive the legal action claim, Baylor hasn't decided. Really? Baylor?

Uh...sorry. Loyalty will only get you so far in football. And this is Baylor trying to rally the troops. Of all schools and all teams to be the sticking point....Baylor?

Read the Baylor "Pledge" RIGHT HERE

Anyway, be on the lookout for team 14 and expect that announcement sometime after the football regular season ends. We don't expect team 14, no matter who it is, to go through this while playing.

We do raise a furrowed eyebrow to the suggestion that it might be West Virginia for the simple reason...why? There is not enough T.V eyeballs for that to feasible in our humble opinion. Yes, they have a decent football tradition and yeah, the Big East isn't exactly known for its football prowess. But why them?

Look for Missouri to be the team. They have to protect themselves and if the projected defection of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech from what is left of the Big 12 happens, they are on an island by themselves, the SEC would be a nice rescue boat to jump aboard.

UPDATE:

Here a statement released by the from Dr. Bernie Machen, Chair, Southeastern Conference Presidents and Chancellors:

"After receiving unanimous written assurance from the Big 12 on September 2 that the Southeastern Conference was free to accept Texas A&M to join as a new member, the presidents and chancellors of the SEC met last night with the intention of accepting the application of Texas A&M to be the newest member of the SEC. We were notified yesterday afternoon that at least one Big 12 institution had withdrawn its previous consent and was considering legal action. The SEC has stated that to consider an institution for membership, there must be no contractual hindrances to its departure. The SEC voted unanimously to accept Texas A&M University as a member upon receiving acceptable reconfirmation that the Big 12 and its members have reaffirmed the letter dated September 2, 2011."

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

DEVELOPING: Ess-E-Cee Meet In Atlanta... Wonder Why...???

Might have something to do with that whole expansion thing...

Here's your proof... thanks to our friends at WAGA-TV and MyFoxAtlanta
FOSG Ken Rodriguez sits at the adult table...

SEC Officials Meet in Atlanta, Texas A&M Announcement Expected: MyFoxATLANTA.com


There's also talk via Big 12/10 writer Brent Zwerneman's twitter feed that the Zone Club at Texas A&M has been reservedfor the next few days...

Now, all that is next is figuring out who Dance Partner #14 is...
Speculation begins anew...

Flyers GM injured in bike crash

Paul Holmgren
((ht: philly.com))

Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is resting in a Camden, New Jersey hospital after he was significantly injured in a bike accident in Avalon, NJ on Monday. Holmgren is said to be in stable condition with multiple fractures and cuts.

Details and a cause have yet to be released in the accident.

More from Philly.com RIGHT HERE

We wish Holmgren the best, though we wonder why no details are being released as to what happened. According to CSN Philly, Holmgren has "Fractured Ribs" and some other injuries. They also say they spoke to the police up there who don't know anything either.

Interesting.

Here's your TV report from myfoxphilly.com:


Monday, September 5, 2011

61 Year-Old Kicker Makes Faulkner Roster

((HT: CBS News))

Admittedly, the HQ is hip-deep in coverage of the NAIA during most of the football season...

And Faulkner is right in the wheelhouse...

As it happens, the Eagles have a 61-year-old placekicker...

And he's a straight-on kicker, too...
Head Coach Gregg Baker is down with the idea of having Alan Moore around...

Here's the story...


The HQ will see Faulkner first-hand in early October...
We'll update you, then...

Edgar Sosa's Leg Goes Directions It Shouldn't

((HT: SportsGrid/youtube/FIBA))

FIBA is hosting the only basketball right now...

And the Dominican Republic lost guard Edgar Sosa in the game against Panama. The game was in hand, but Sosa had a drive to the bucket late in the game and the landing didn't go well...

Here's the break... and it ain't pretty...

Lee Roy Selmon passes away

Lee Roy Selmon
((ht: tbo.com))

This is very sad. Pro Football Hall of Famer, University of Oklahoma legend, the greatest player in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the driving force behind the growth of the University of South Florida football program, all apt descriptions of one Lee Roy Selmon.

Selmon died Sunday at a Tampa area hospital, just two days after suffering a massive stroke at his Tampa area home. Lee Roy Selmon was 56-years-old.

More from TBO.com RIGHT HERE

Lee Roy Selmon was an all-american football player at the University of Oklahoma. He went there and followed in the footsteps of his brother Luscious. He played on the same team as his brother Dewey.

Lee Roy was the #1 pick of the 1976 draft by the Buccaneers. He never played for another team. Six Pro Bowl nods, the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he was just that good.

Selmon retired in 1986 but remained an active part of the Tampa Bay area. He had a restaurant, he was a banker and he helped raise the money to start the USF football program in the early '90's.

Lee Roy Selmon lived a full life. He accomplished more in his 56 years than most people do in 80. There is and has never been a person who could say anything bad about the man. He did what you are supposed to do. Be successful, be open, be personable, give back and help others.

Lee Roy Selmon, we salute you. We salute your family and we salute everything you accomplished. Peace to you and your family.

WFTS-TV has the TV story:



If any of you want to know the history of Lee Roy Selmon, check this out: