Less Cowbell: Alabama man suing SEC and wants to include Mississippi State

((ht: jackson clarion-ledger))

Cowbell---'nuff said

Interesting. A man is allegedly beaten with a cowbell at the Egg Bowl (Mississippi St. vs. Ole Miss) in 2009 and files a suit against the guy who hit him, the SEC and now Mississippi State.

Hmmmm.

According to a story in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, William Matthew Brasher filed the suit because the SEC willingly didn't enforce its rule against artificial noisemakers. And apparently Mr. Brasher and his attorney decided to include the school after turning down their offer to resolve the matter....for $10 million.

The whole story from Brandon Marcello and the Clarion-Ledger RIGHT HERE

Supposedly, Mr. Brasher was "Knocked Out" after being hit. Apparently the two initial defendants, Brasher and Brent Vowell, were students at Miss. St. How much do you want to be that neither were sober? That part isn't brought up in the story.

This should be an interesting case to follow however. The SEC has claimed before they were trying to eliminate "Cowbell" from Mississippi State, they haven't been totally successful.

The case was supposed to go to trial in January, it didn't. Supposedly it will re-appear sometime this month. We'll keep an eye out to see if that actually happens.

Of course no story on Cowbell would be complete without this:

Broseph's Bits And The Tuesday Gospel

The real conference tournaments kick off this week as teams make their last second push to glory and a chance to be one of 68 in the NCAA tournament or one of seemingly hundreds who will play in a tournament that only gamblers will care about. With that, let's take a look and see who is going to make some noise.

ACC (3/10 - 3/13) -- It's a down year for the conference despite what their fans want to tell you. North Carolina and Duke are the cream of the crop with Florida State being the 3rd seed by default. They are a shell of themselves without Chris Singleton. It would be a major upset if Carolina and Duke didn't meet again this season for the 3rd time in the title game. If you are looking for a sleeper, it could be the winner of UVA and Miami. The Hoos grind it out and force you to play at a pace you just aren't used to while the Canes are the head scratching team with a ton of talent that just hasn't been put together. CHAMPION: North Carolina

Atlantic 10 (3/8 - 3/13) -- This is a conference that always seems to have upsets and intrigue. Xavier and Temple are the cream of the crop and definite tournament teams. The Spiders have the talent to knock off anyone in the conference. The Musketeers haven't exactly treated the tournament as life or death and that strategy has paid off in the NCAA Tournament. Temple should heed that and look to bow out gracefully as the Owls don't have the depth they had in past years. If Richmond can get past Rhode Island, a team they lost to at home this season, the Spiders will be your conference champion. CHAMP: Richmond

Big 12 (3/9 - 3/12) -- Plenty of intrigue with Texas sliding and Kansas State seemingly hitting their stride. The Wildcats are a dangerous team and a quarterfinal matchup against the Jayhawks will light up the Sprint Center. On the other half of the bracket, Baylor and Missouri will present problems for the two and three seeded squads from Texas. This conference is a tough one to call so I'm going to go chalk and take the Jayhawks. Their road isn't tough until the title game. CHAMP: Kansas

Big East (3/8 - 3/12) -- The best tournament in America gets underway this week in the historic Madison Square Garden. This one is WIDE open with a whole host of teams who could take it. We've seen the squads with the double bye fail last season so those teams aren't a guarantee to take it. The best matchup could be the eventual 4/5 game with St. Johns looking to wrest away the title "New York's team" from Syracuse. Ninth seeded UConn would win a lot of conferences, but they are playing in the first round in this monster. I don't think the double byes will be an issue this year. CHAMP: Pittsburgh

Big 10 (3/10 - 3/13) -- Yawn. I'll admit it...this conference is about as intriguing as paint drying in my eyes. I keep waiting for Michigan State to wake up and play like Tom Izzo teams do. They'll have to roll thru Iowa, Purdue and Wisconsin before getting to the title game. I don't see much intrigue out of this conference. Give me the chalk. CHAMP: Ohio State

Conference USA (3/9 - 3/12) -- This one is on UTEP's campus as the Miners get the benefit that Memphis had all those years it was in their town. The one seed is UAB. This conference is a one big league barring one of the bubble teams making an uber run. Remember UCF? Yeah, they fell down big time after their undefeated start. Homecourt rules in this one. CHAMP: UTEP

MAC Conference (3/8 - 3/12) -- Some may be asking why this is here. This conference has always provided excitement and fun as the teams battle on campus sites and then Cleveland. Kent State is the class of the conference, but Ohio may be the hottest team in there. Buffalo is about as dangerous an eight seed as there is in ANY conference in the country. They've had some good wins this season and could upset Kent State in the second round. We're going to take the team playing some of the best basketball right now. CHAMP: Ohio

Mountain West Conference: (3/8 - 3/12) -- It's Jimmer's world vs. UNLV's home court. This tournament will be intriguing to see if BYU can handle the step up in talent without Brandon Davies. UNLV gets a tough first matchup with Air Force who makes you work for every basket and takes time running their offense. Should they win that, they'll most likely face the Aztecs and their balanced attack. This is an underrated conference with Jimmer vs. the Running Rebs my final. CHAMP: UNLV

PAC-10 (3/9 - 3/12) -- The Staples Center will host this spectacular tournament as the PAC 10 tries to get more teams into the tournament. Washington and USC are on the bubble as well as UCLA. Arizona held on for dear life at home against the Huskies. U-Dub has way too much talent, but a first matchup with Wazzu could prevent any sort of run and a postseason bid. Still, I think Washington puts it together and gets help from USC who will knock off Arizona. CHAMP: Washington

SEC (3/10 - 3/13) -- Underwhelming. Outside of Florida and Kentucky, this conference has a lot of teams that you can mix and match. The one squad to keep a look out for is Mississippi State who has been a thru a ton with the problems of talented Renardo Sidney and Ravern Johnson. Still, when they want to play, they are going to beat a lot of teams. Mississippi State may have the most talent outside of UK and Florida. Tennessee and Georgia are also intriguing if they get past their first round matchups. Who knows what Volunteers team will show up on a day-to-day basis. CHAMP: Mississippi State

Broseph's Bits And The Weekend Gospel

Just the picks for this Saturday. We seem to be hitting a bit of a roll right now.

Arizona/UCLA Over 140 -- It's going to be a special day at UCLA when they host Arizona at Pauley Pavilion. It will be the last game at the building for some time while it undergoes renovations. School officials are calling for a "Blue Out," which means there will be a lot of emotion. The Bruins have won 11 of their last 13 while Arizona has won 12 of their 15 PAC 10 games. The Wildcats have scored 77.6 points per game this season. Arizona has scored at least 75 points in six of their last eight contests. The first time these two met up on January 27th, Arizona won 85-74. They are led by Derrick Williams (19.3 ppg), Lamont Jones (9.6 ppg) and Kyle Fogg (8.3 ppg). UCLA has more balance with five players scoring at least 10 points per game. They put up 71 as a team while giving up 66.3. The stats show that this team has played a lot of low scoring close games, but they were against teams who tried to play at that pace. UCLA's games with California and Washington State were both played at a higher pace because their opponents didn't mind running.

Mississippi State/Tennessee Over 135.5 -- A topsy turvy eventful season continues for Mississippi State who is in Tennessee on Saturday. MSU is coming off a stunning two point loss to LSU 84-82 at home. The Bulldogs defense has deserted them this season giving up over 70 points in three of their last five contests away from home. Offensively they've scored 71 or more in three straight contests and have no problems getting up and down the court. The team has multiple weapons led by Ravern Johnson (17 ppg), Dee Bost (16.4 ppg), Renardo Sidney (14.3 ppg) and Kodi Augustus (11.6 ppg). Tennessee has also had a long eventful season dealing with Bruce Pearl's issues and some questionable losses. Still the Vols are 17-11 and are putting up 70.8 points per game. They are led by Scotty Hopson (17.4 ppg) and Tobias Harris (14.2 ppg). Tennessee's defense has abandoned them from time to time although they haven't given up more then 70 in four straight games. With a total like this, we don't need an explosion of scoring. Mississippi State's defense will let them down again in this one.

San Jose State -6.5 -- Louisiana Tech's offense took a blow when DeAndre Brown was suspended for the rest of the season. They have failed to crack the 60 point mark in four of their last five games. The team has also lost every road game since December 14th when they played at Houston Baptist. The first time the Bulldogs took on San Jose State, they lost 79-74 on January 13th. They have lost 12 of their last 15 games. La Tech now relies on Olu Ashaolu and his 14.4 points per game for offensive production. The Spartans have two players who score more then that themselves including Adrian Oliver who scores 24.4 points per game. He has help in Justin Graham (15.2 ppg) and Keith Shamburger (11.8 ppg). San Jose State has won three straight after losing the first game of their six game homestand. They knocked off New Mexico State in overtime last time out and got a great effort from Oliver in that win. The Spartans have taken care of business at home against teams they should beat. They'll do it again on Saturday.

BREAKING: Sidney Staying, Bailey Leaving The Hump

Renardo Sidney is the one who is staying.
Elgin Bailey is the one who's leaving.

See if that makes any sense...???

When the two Mississippi State basketball players slugged it out in the stands in Honolulu two days before Christmas, the immediate result was that both players were to be suspended indefinitely.

Here's your refresher...
((HT: ESPNU/Rivals/Youtube))


Indefinitely translation: 11 days...

Both players were reinstated today, but... according to an MSU release...

“Elgin told me of his plans to transfer, and we wish him the best as he moves on,” head coach Rick Stansbury said. “Elgin has had to deal with some very tough injuries, but he’s worked very hard to get to where he is now. Wherever he ends up, I hope he’s able to have a lot of success.

“As for this team, it’s time to move on and learn from these mistakes. Hopefully, by sending Sid and Elgin home following the incident, a strong message was sent that this type of behavior is unacceptable.”

As for Sidney, who is hoping to build on his two-games-in-two-years career in Starkvegas... from the same MSU statement...

“I’m very embarrassed about what happened,” said Sidney. “I know how bad it looked on TV and the embarrassment it caused for everyone associated with Mississippi State. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, and I will learn from this mistake, move forward and become a better man.”

The HQ claims it remains to be seen...

Renardo Sidney gets in fight....with a teammate watching a game

((ht: biglead.com))

Yeah, Sidney plays for Mississippi State and is not the brightest light on the Starkeville campus. He proved it last night while sitting in the stands in Hawaii after his teams game in the Diamond Head Classic. Mind you, Mississippi State won, beating San Diego. Sidney, while not a Diamond Head, probably could be classified as a "Blockhead"

For whatever reason, he appears to get into an argument with teammate Elgin Bailey and before you know it, the fists, they be a flyin'.

Needless to say, Sidney was asked to leave the building...and we suspect his coach, Rick Stanbury will be asking him to leave the team sometime in the near future.

Here is your video, courtesy of the YouTube:



1545 UPDATE: Sidney and Bailey have been suspended indefinitely.

The school said both players were sent home from Hawaii and would miss Saturday's game vs. Hawaii and Wednesday's game vs. St. Mary's in Las Vegas.

"In my 13 years as a head coach, we've never had anything like this happen before," coach Rick Stansbury said in a statement. "I am very disappointed in the actions of Elgin Bailey and Renardo Sidney and in no way does it reflect the overall picture of our program. It is not how we want our men's basketball team to be viewed nationally, and it is certainly not the conduct we expect of teammates in our program, nor will it be tolerated on any level."

The Jackson Clarion-Ledger's Brandon Marcello catches up with ESPN's John Buccigross


The HQ suggests waiting until a key point in the SEC schedule for everyone at The Hump as to when the decision is made...

Just wait for it...

TWTW: Razorbacks Need Six Quarters For Win Over Miss State

((HT: KTHV-TV Little Rock))

Ryan Mallett threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner to Knile Davis in the second overtime, as 13th-ranked Arkansas beat 22nd-ranked Mississippi State 38-31 in a game a lot of folks wanted "mutually assured destruction" as their favorite outcome.

The Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game in the second overtime, but Chris Relf was hit hard as he tried to complete a fourth-down pass.

Davis rushed for 191 yards and two scores as Arkansas (9-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) won its fifth straight. Vick Ballard rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns for Mississippi State (7-4, 3-4).

Here's your highlights with a lot of color commentary...

NEW: Rogers Admits Texts Were "Stupid Decision", Newton Attorney Speaks...

Embattled MSU alum/agent Kenny Rogers admits that he made "a stupid decision" when he sent Bill Bell a text of Cecil Newton's alleged payment plan to make sure Cameron Newton would attend Miss State.

Doug Zeit says Rogers sent the text after Cecil Newton told him to do it. Zeit says Rogers sent the text to Bill Bell requesting the 80/50/50 plan we talked about yesterday.

Zeit, however, also says no money ever changed hands.

Thus, the rub... or one of them...
What's that old question our mothers used to ask us about jumping off a building...???

The Newtons' family attorney, George Lawson, told Atlanta's WSB-TV that he is "one million percent" certain Cam Newton - who signed with Auburn - did not take any money. Lawson says if Cecil Newton discussed money, his son "knew nothing" about it.

The HQ admits that while that may be all fine and good, Cameron Newton's eligibility may still be in question by the letter of the law if Cecil Newton can be found to have solicited the moneys in question from MSU.

Here's the interview Secret Squirrel, aka Auburn grad Mark Winne, had with Lawson.
It's Winne at his best...

More later... we have more to talk about...

DEVELOPING: Bell Texts Allegedly Set Newton Payment Plan

((HT: ESPN/Forde, Low, Schlabach))

According to the three-headed monster at the four-letter, Miss State mega-booster Bill Bell received a text from someone claiming to represent the interests of Cameron Newton that laid out a payment plan to securing Newton's services for the Bulldogs.

Bell, apparently, told this to the FBI when interviewed by them.

The man in question is believed to be Kenny Rogers...

During an alleged three-way telephone conversation, Rogers laid out the terms to Bell with Cecil Newton on the line as well. Newton, however, to Bell's recollection made no inferences or demands.

From the article:

"[Cecil Newton] didn't come out and say, 'I want $180,000,'" Bell said. "He inferred it and talked about it, but not directly. Kenny would talk about it in front of him, and [Cecil Newton] never corrected him or said, 'No, that's not what we're doing.'"

The text message claimed that Cecil Newton was requesting $80,000 the day after Cam Newton signed, $50,000 30 days later, and another $50,000 30 days after that. Bell admits the text messaged was saved on a cell phone that was damaged by water. He's trying to have it retrieved by the cell phone provider.

Bell had other conversations with Cecil Newton where Newton intimated that it would take more than the perceived Newton-Mullen kumbaya to get the QB to play in Starkville. Bell says he's coming forward to reiterate the idea that MSU did nothing wrong in the recruitment of Newton...

The HQ would like to add that while that may not necessarily be the case, Bell isn't talking about how any of this information came to light in the last few weeks, either.

That whole "breaking federal laws" thing...

Both Rogers and Bell are admitting that this is strictly having to do with the relationship Cecil Newton had with MSU. Auburn is not in play, and neither knows ((or seemingly cares)) whether or not Auburn has done anything wrong in bringing Cameron Newton to campus.

More when we know more...

TWTW: The State Of Alabama Sweeps

((HT: WVTM-TV Birmingham))

Not that the first game was any surprise, as Alabama took out what frustrations they had left over from the LSU game out on Dan Mullen and Mississippi State 30-10.

MSU was ranked in the alphabet soup, not so much anymore...

Here's Chris Pollone's wrap from T-town...


Auburn, traditionally a slow starter this season, didn't disappoint either. TBH knew that there would be an inability to hear once a certain QB's name was mentioned for starting lineups.

We know this to be true since she got a cell signal out and some of the HQ listened to said intros from McKenzie, Tennessee...

They were down 21-7 before coming from behind to win 49-21 over the University of Georgia on the Plains. Having an experienced offensive line these days is HUGE!!!

Time for another visit from Don Hawes who didn't get the short end this week...

Thursday Newton Update: Rogers Still Says Newtons Wanted Cash, SEC Didn't Get MSU Info

((HT: ESPNDallas/KESN-FM))

In direct contradiction of an interview a week earlier on KESN-FM in Dallas, Kenny Rogers now says that Cecil Newton was asking between "$100,000 and $180,000" to make sure that Cecil's son, Cameron, would decide to go to school in Starkville after his time at Blinn ((TX)) Junior College.

In conversations, Kenny Rogers said Cecil Newton told him "it's not gonna be free this time." The first time they hooked up was after the 2008 season.

Rogers said he only was involved with Cecil Newton in regards to Mississippi State.

Rogers said at the 2009 Egg Bowl, Newton asked him: "What do you think is going to happen? You think it's going to go through?"

Rogers said he was referred to MSU booster Bill Bell. Rogers said he left Bell a telephone message telling him he was with Cecil Newton, who wanted to know if the deal was going to happen.

Bell, obviously, has not commented publicly on the allegation.
This is the first we've heard of him...

Rogers said he didn't know if Cam Newton knew about the pricetag allegedly on his head, and that he did not meet Cam Newton until that game in Mississippi.

Here's the interview between Rogers and ESPN 103.3's Ian Fitzsimmons...


Also, the Southeastern Conference notified any and all folks willing to listen that they did not get any second notice from Mississippi State about any alleged violations they were bringing to light during the Newton investigation.

John Zenor of the AP:

SEC spokesman Charles Bloom said Wednesday evening that there was also no mention of the reported conversations in either of the school's reports to the league.

So, then the four-letter reporting was wrong on the last few days...???
And the HQ is still wondering which version we are supposed to believe- Schad or Forde-Low-Schlabach...???

Wednesday PM Newton Update: Miss State Narc'd After All...

((HT: al.com/Goldberg))

Here's Miss State's statement on the whole thing:

"Due to MSU dealing with ongoing and time-consuming eligibility issues involving non-football matters in the winter and spring of 2010, the specific SEC request went unfulfilled. Some additional information was provided to the SEC during July of 2010. Once the NCAA enforcement staff became involved, Mississippi State University cooperated fully with its investigation. MSU is confident the SEC office has managed this process consistent with its established procedures and the university is committed to the conference's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with SEC and NCAA rules."

So, they waited six months after all... nice work...

Matt Kelly of The Sporting News pulled this quote from Mullen's interview with Sirius College Sports ((we're guessing the Arute-Leach Show))...

"I'm a big fan of Cam Newton," Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen told Sirius Sports Radio. "I was very close to him and his family."

Same with Oswald and Kennedy, right...???

Kelly also found this exchange...

When asked on Sirius Radio if he was saddened by the onslaught Newton has endured, Mullen said, "Oh, yeah, it's a tough thing to deal with."

An hour later, when asked about Newton on the SEC weekly teleconference, Mullen said, "We deal with players on our program that are on our team. Nothing else."

Think this goes to bed, now...???

And how do you think the Miss State and Florida games against Auburn game will go down on the Plains next season...???

Jus' axin'

Wednesday Newton Update: Has MSU Done Themselves In...???

((HT: al.com/Scarbinsky))

Kevin Scarbinsky's morning column raises some interesting questions about Miss State and their handling of the whole Cameron Newton-to-StarkVegas saga...

And it's the four-letter giving the rope...

Joe Schad's opening paragraph:

Two sources who recruit for Mississippi State said that Cecil Newton and his son, quarterback Cam Newton, admitted in separate phone conversations to a pay-for-play plan while Newton was being recruited late last year.

Only coaches can recruit- legally. If it isn't an MSU coach that is a Schad source, that's an NCAA violation.

Schad's Paragraph 3:

"... one of the recruiters said Cecil Newton told him it would take "more than a scholarship" to bring his son to Mississippi State, a request the source said the school would not meet. Cecil Newton also referred the recruiter to a third person that would provide more specifics, the source said."

From Scarbinsky:

The third person is unidentified, as are the specifics, but the implication is clear in the wake of last week's ESPN story that former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers was allegedly representing the Newton family and asking for money for him to sign with State.

The implication is that Cecil Newton was working with Kenny Rogers to pimp Cam Newton to the highest bidder. God help the Rev. Newton if that's true.

Item last...

Schad's Paragraph 2:

"Mississippi State compliance officials relayed the alleged conversations to Southeastern Conference compliance officials in January, according to two other sources close to the football program."

The original story from November 5th written by Forde, Low, and Schlabach, Scarbinsky points out, has this information from the SEC their ownselves...

SEC associate commissioner Greg Sankey, who oversees conference compliance, said the league received "specific information" regarding the Newton allegation in late July of this year.

"When we get information, we share it with the institution when it is involved," Sankey said.

So, Kevin Scarbinsky has just shot down the lead of Joe Schad's most recent efforts to advance the Cameron Newton story.

Now to ask: Who is withholding information ((or ignoring it))...??? Certainly the four-letter isn't implying that the SEC offices have misremembered when the MSU compliance officials gave them their initial information from investigating.

And, if the SEC had known something was fishy about Cameron Newton as far back as January, then why not pursue it...??? Let Auburn hang themselves...??? Or did Auburn ignore an initial shoulder poke by the conference office about Newton's eligibility and any questions surrounding it...???

AD Jay Jacobs and head coach Gene Chizik just went ahead and said: "To hell with all of you and what you say. We're playing the kid anyway for that all-important Arkansas State game."

And we now have four-letter reporters saying two separate tracks of information. Are we to believe the Schad track or the Forde-Low-Schlabach gambit...???

Or neither...

"This is a character assassination attempt," Cecil Newton told AuburnUndercover.com Tuesday. "Who stands to profit in the smearing and character assassination? Who is going to profit and why are they are going to profit? We sure don't. Any logical thinking individual should stand back and say 'what is really going on here?' "

"I think there is a group of people who have a hidden agenda and don't want to see him as a Heisman nominee, let alone the Heisman winner. All of a sudden, all this starts leaping out of the corner and out of the dark.

"I'm going to use every waking breath in my body to contradict that."

The HQ is showing this again, because frankly, it's too cool not to...

Auburn's Gene Chizik defends Cam Newton

We haven't seen solidarity like this since the dock workers strikes in Poland.
There is no truth to the rumor that Lech Walesa is now going to be the Newton's attorney...
((HT: Youtube))


PM UPDATE: Dan Mullen was asked about the Schad-backing of his information in the Cameron Newton saga...

From Charles Goldberg and al.com:
When asked if anybody recruited at Mississippi State besides coaches, Mullen said, "No."

Mullen steered cleared of at least three questions about Newton.

"I'm much more concerned about beating Alabama," Mullen said.

Again on Newton, Mullen answered: "We deal with players on our program that are on our team. Nothing else. That's what we deal with at Mississippi State University."

So, then to follow Schad's identification of sources through logic, it was an MSU coach that told Schad that the academic issues at Florida were coming to the fore as a reason he left...

There are 14 individuals "listed" as coaches currently on the MSU staff. Five of those individuals have ties to schools that were, in one way or another, interested or active in the recruitment of Cameron Newton at one stage or another- three from the University of Florida, one from Auburn, and one from Oklahoma. The other nine coaches are in very short tenure runs, to date, with Mullen and the MSU staff.

Once again, make of the information whatever you like...
Jus' puttin' it out there...

TUESDAY PM UPDATE: More Newton Charges From MSU "Sources"

((HT: ESPN/Schad))

Here's Joe Schad's attempt at a late update on the four-letter's flagship news and information program late Tuesday night...


For those of you that don't want to watch the whole thing, the gist of the back-and-forth with SVP is: Two sources who recruit for Mississippi State said that both Cecil and Cam Newton, admitted in separate phone conversations that they would play wherever they could get paid the most for their services.

Mississippi State compliance officials relayed the alleged conversations to the SEC in January, according to two other Schad sources.

From Schad:

After Newton committed to Auburn, another source said an emotional Cam Newton phoned another recruiter to express regret that he wouldn't be going to Mississippi State, stating that his father Cecil had chosen Auburn for him because "the money was too much."

In other posts here at OSG, we have relayed the notion that Florida head coach Urban Meyer has denied being the leak of anything resembling an academic record from Newton's time at the University of Florida.

Sources close to OSG have conveyed that it is a violation of federal law to have those kinds of academic records and/or questions about same exposed to the public. Newton, it is said by some, was up on some sort of academic cheating charges at UF and was set to appear in front of a student-faculty review. He then withdrew from school and transferred to Blinn ((TX)) Junior College.

You know the rest...

Since Newton never did appear, the topic should be irrelevant and/or moot. Meyer may very well deny he was the leak, but it could very well lead to former individuals associated with Meyer who are at other jobs at present- and could still have very close ties to Gainesville.

Make your own conclusion there...

Our same sources relay that since those involved with the academic council on the Florida campus admitted that since the Newton issue never came up and the case never came before them- that can only mean one thing. Someone close to the athletic department, with direct knowledge of the allegation, would have to have been the person who sent material where they deemed fit.

Again, draw your own conclusion as to the "who"... the number of individuals there are very scant in number. And it's a safe bet the same individuals, or associates of those individuals, were the same ones that may have allowed the Newton situation to get out of control at the University of Florida- allowing Newton the opportunity to get in trouble more than once within the same class instead of ceasing the alleged behavior after one report of an academic violation.

TMZ's Sports wing is reporting that the FBI now wants to speak directly with John Bond to determine the answer to the following inquiry:

"We are interested in whether young men are being shopped to colleges."

You'll have to excuse them. The HQ thinks they're just catching up to the realities of college athletics...

Two journalistic issues before we go: Chris Low of the four-letter credits a recent Cecil Newton quote addressing the situation to a visit to the Paul Finebaum Radio Network... problem- it never happened...

It was a two or three-day old sound bite from the beginning of the fray...

Second: The Thayer Evans/Fox Sports piece, highlighted earlier in the day by OSG, has the following quote from a "source" to the cheating gambit being played by sour-grapers...

The committee could have levied sanctions against Newton that included suspension and expulsion from the university.

“He knew that he was facing a bad outcome,” the source said.

But, once again, the HQ re-emphasizes the committee never saw it. So, technically, it never happened. It's an un-story...

As is 130-percent of all of this to date... although we do like the show of
Solidarity by women's hoops coach Nell Fortner ((photo, thanks al.com)) during her media day.

Charles Goldberg and al.com caught up with her...

"I think he has represented this university well,'' Fortner said. "At Auburn, this is our athletic family. It's our family, and it's time to step up and it's time for everybody else to start stepping up and say, 'Hey, man... I think this story, it has no legs, and it's just ridiculous that is has gone on this far. So that's my opinion, and I'm just ready to step up and say enough's enough."

Either this is one of the largest frauds perpetuated in recent memory that EVERYONE in Auburn is in on, or point your collective noses toward Starkville for your answers until further notice...

Oh, and Thayer Evans...???

Two words: Jamarkus McFarland...

Look it up...

Could there be no more cowbell?

A Mississippi St. Cowbell/courtesy: autumnspectacle.com

It appears that Mississippi State's tradition of ringing cowbell's in appreciation...or distraction during football games may be coming to an end.

Apparently the school and the SEC came to some sort of agreement this summer putting restrictions on when the bells could be used. Mississippi State apparently did not stick to the agreement and the SEC is going to heavily fine the school for it.

Read more from the Jackson Clarion-Ledger RIGHT HERE

While we understand the SEC's position on this, we think the whole argument is just plain stupid. And un-necessary. The league has and should be all about its traditions...and like it or not, that's one of them. The teams understand it.

Are they a distraction? Sure. So is a really loud band and crowd. And amplified music. Pretty much every SEC stadium has speakers to amplify cheerleader calls, band music and internal stadium music. Trust us, we've been to almost all of the stadiums. My ears rang for a week after being on the field at South Carolina's Williams-Brice stadium. Not from the crowd noise. From the giant speakers in the corner of the end-zone amplifying the noise.

In the end Mississippi State will lose this argument. They can say all they want that they'll teach fans the proper time for "More Cowbell". But that won't work. Fans will do what fans want to do when they want to do it. The only solution if the SEC considers it a problem, is the one they are headed towards...banning them completely.

Here is some home video of the cowbells from the Auburn/Miss.St. game from September. Thanks YouTube:



And we'd be remiss, if we didn't post the classic SNL Skit....Thanks Funnyordie.com:

More Cowbell! - watch more funny videos

DEVELOPING: Newton Encouraged To Sit Vs UGA

Dateline: The Plains

The latest in the Cameron Newton "Did he or didn't he" saga is now leading to this...

According to FOSG Chuck Oliver, via his Twitter account, the NCAA has encouraged Auburn University to sit Newton for the south's oldest rivalry- kickoff set for 3:30 eastern time on CBS.

From Yahoo!Sports: NCAA has made Auburn aware of potential eligibility issue. Now Auburn decides whether to risk playing him. Their risk.

Newton travelled to Montgomery to the team's away hotel with the rest of the squad last night. The team, traditionally, stays away from campus for home games.

Here's coverage from our friends at WSFA-TV in Montgomery...

Prevailing and conventional wisdom is leading to a shenanigan involving Cecil Newton and his involvement with Mississippi State boosters and/or personnel. The knowledge that Cameron newton may have had of his father's alleged activities is unknown at present.

More when we know more...

Stark-Raving Mad...? Mullen To Miss State

According to the four-letter's Pat Forde, University of Florida Offensive Coordinator Dan Mullen will take over the football program at Mississippi State succeeding Sylvester Croom.

And if it one thing Miss State needs, it's offense...

Apparently, it came down to Mullen ((pictured, thanks gainesvillesun.com/Rob C. Witzel)) and Oklahoma's Kevin Wilson. But Mullen's familiarity with the Southeastern Conference was the tipper. It is unclear whether or not Mullen will stay with the University of Florida through its preparations for the BCS Title Game.

Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun reports that the replacement for Mullen could be wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales. he currently game plans the gator offense.

Kyle Veazey of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports that a flight from Gainesville, Florida is scheduled to land in Starkville within the hour ((3:54 EDT)) according to flightaware.com. There is a basketball game scheduled tonight for the Humphrey Coliseum at 7:00 EDT .

The Bulldogs play Charlotte. Connect the dots as you see fit...
Carry on...

Who Will Be The Top Dog At Mississippi State

Whoever gets the gig in Starkville, it's going to be a tough job to replace Slyvester Croom. Say what you want about his won-loss record (21-38) but he inherited a program coming off 3 straight losing seasons, wounded by NCAA probation and at the bottom of the SEC. All he did was stay the course, return respectability to the Bulldog program and lead them to a bowl game in 2007. 2008 was a huge disappointment yes but hadn't Croom earned a pass, I guess not so he resigned.

So the powers that be at Mississippi State are looking for a new head coach. Don't look for any hot commodities to come knocking at the door. Yes it's an SEC head coaching job but Mississippi State is tough place to win consistently. Recruiting is hard, their are a limited in-state recruits and what little quality high school football players there are divided with Ole Miss and Southern Miss.

Mississippi State would be though a perfect place for a former head coach to rehabilitate their career which is why it wouldn't be surprising if athletic director Greg Byrne contacted Tommy Bowden. Bowden's tenure at Clemson ended badly but he did put together consistent winning seasons, just no championships. This would be a good opportunity for Bowden to get back on his feet.

Other names are starting to surface as possibilities on Greg Byrne's short list. Tommy Bowden has been mentioned. A Memphis TV station reported that Louisiana Tech head coach Derek Dooley was the expected choice for the job. According to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger Dooley has yet to be contacted.

Other names reportedly on Mississippi State's wish list include University of Buffalo head coach Turner Gill, East Carolina head coach Skip Holtz and Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.

Boise State head coach Chris Peterson worked with Greg Byrne years ago at Oregon and the 2 are good friends but it doesn't appear Peterson will pack his bags and leave Boise for Starkville.

Peterson told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger: "Greg and I have been friends for a long time. We talk often. He knows how happy we are at Boise and that's where we're going to be." Peterson said.

I guess Bulldog fans can cross Peterson off the list.

Croom Out At Miss State

Surprising no one, really, after the 45-0 shut out in the Egg Bowl yesterday Miss State Head Coach Sylvester Croom has resigned his post after five years with a 21-38 record. The 45-point loss was the most lopsided in 37 years in the series.

A lot was made of Croom being the SEC's first black head coach, but his tenure in the conference as a solid assistant and brain helped in getting the gig. Last season, the Bulldogs went 8-5 and made an appearance in the Liberty Bowl. Croom took over the program while it was under NCAA sanctions and made the defense the team's calling card.

The offense, however, was another story. In Croom's five years the team was never better than 103rd in the NCAA in scoring. The team finished 4-8 this year and the loss to Louisiana Tech did him no immediate favors.

"Five years ago, Mississippi State gave me the unprecedented opportunity to be a head football coach in the Southeastern Conference and to build a program based upon a strong foundation," Croom said in a statement.

"We have tried to build a program the right way that can compete for conference championships. I believe the foundation has been set for those goals to be reached under the leadership of someone else, and it was my decision to resign."

AD Greg Byrne is set to make an appearance to 'splain himself later Saturday.
We return you to happier times in Starkville...
((HT: Lincoln Financial Sports/SEC))

College Football Week 3: Ohio State Dominated Again

Once again the Ohio State Buckeyes wet the bed in a big game in front of a national TV audience as top ranked Southern California dominated 35-3 in front of 93,607, a record crowd at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

Just like the Florida and LSU BCS title games, the Buckeyes couldn’t handle a team that is loaded with speed at the skill positions. The Trojan receivers got separation which enabled Mark Sanchez to torch the Ohio State secondary with 4 touchdown passes, 2 went to Damien Williams in the 3rd Quarter while Joe McKnight gained 105 yards on 12 carries.

Does this hurt Ohio State’s national championship hopes? Probably so because this loss is sure to linger especially when you couple this with the Buckeyes lackluster showing last week against Ohio U who they barely beat.

Next up for Ohio State is Troy at the Horseshoe which might be a tougher game than you might think. Then it’s Minnesota before an October 4th showdown against Wisconsin at Madison.

Since the Badgers won at Fresno State Saturday night, Wisconsin’s stock is up, Ohio State’s is down.

Sun Devils Done In

How could Arizona State lose in overtime to UNLV at Sun Devil Stadium? You get the feeling the Sun Devils thought they would cruise over the Rebels and were looking ahead to Georgia next week. Only problem is UNLV bit them in the backside.

“It starts with me. I didn't have them ready to play and I'll take the blame. But we have to play better as a group. There are a lot of guys in that locker room that understand that." Arizona State Head Coach Dennis Erickson said.

“I just want to say that obviously, UNLV, we have to give all the credit to them. They played a great game, and they're the reason why we lost. They played a great game, so we lost. Other than that, we practiced fine, but we just didn't execute it in the game. We didn't score, we turned the ball over, and we didn't do well in all three aspects of the game, and when you don't, you're going to lose."
Said Quarterback Rudy Carpenter who threw for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

UNLV head coach Mike Sanford sensed all week the Sun Devils weren’t taking his Rebel team seriously with the Georgia Bulldogs stepping on the Sun Devil Stadium turf next week. So he played that up as the Rebels prepared for the Sun Devils.

"Yes we did, of course. We were out to gain respect." Sanford said.

Now after this unexpected loss, can Arizona State regroup and get up for the Bulldogs?

Here's how the word got out in Vegas... thanks to our friends at KTNV/ABC 13
((We remember weekend anchor Bryan Salmond when he was just a mere pup in the biz... and we agree with him about the Phillip Payne catch, by the way...))


SEC Time Warp

Those who have been to Starkville, Mississippi sometimes feel this small town is behind the times. Well time went back 50 years when Auburn and Mississippi State game ended in a 3-2 with the Tigers prevailing. That’s right, a field goal and a safety were all the points scored. Rumor has it that single bar facemasks were worn. This was a dirty low down defensive battle.

This is the kind of game that’s to the liking of Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville.

“I am an old defensive coach so I was liking it a little bit but I wish we had scored a few more points. We just wasted a few opportunities. That was a true defensive game.”
Tuberville said.

Auburn’s defense was outstanding not giving up a first down to Mississippi State.

“It is all about defense when you go on the road. Our guys came to play today. We gave up zero first downs today on 14 chances and only 116 yards total offense. You can win a lot of games that way. Our guys played hard and played with enthusiasm.”
Tuberville said.

Mississippi State’s promising season is now stuck in the mud at 1-2 and it just gets harder for the Bulldogs. Next up is a trip to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech.

Ohio State/USC Photos Courtesy: AP

UNLV/Arizona State Photos Courtesy: AP
Auburn/Mississippi State photo courtesy – Mansel Guerry

The SEC, West this time

SEC West Preview

The Southeastern Conference as usual will be one of the, if not the best football conference in America this season. From top to bottom, this conference plays some of the best football in the land. Just look at the past several National Champions, and you can see just what we're talking about.

This week, I will look at the Western Division, next week, I'll take a look at the top heavy SEC East.

Auburn

Offense- This year brings a different look on the plains. Well, not just different, dramatically different. The Tigers bring in Spread Offense guru Tony Franklin to change what was already a pretty good team.

Gone is long-time starter QB Brandon Cox and in comes QB Kody Burns. Burns took some snaps late last season, including quite a few in the Tigers 23-20 victory in last seasons Chick-Fil A Bowl over a tough Clemson squad.

Other returnees include Senior Running Back Brad Lester and a whole host of offensive lineman. The key to this unit, this year will be how fast they pick up and cohesively run the new offense.

Defense- The defense is also sporting a new coordinator. Gone is longtime Coach Will Muschamp and in his place comes Paul Rhoades, the former Defensive Coordinator at Pitt.

As always, this defense is full of standouts, such as Defensive Lineman Sen'derick Marks. It's a veteran unit that will again be only as good as the adjustment to a new coordinator makes them.

Outlook- The Tigers, I feel will be the team to beat in the SEC West. Though they certainly will have a hard time getting to Atlanta, I think they will be successful. Tommy Tuberville is a smart coach who knows what needs to be done to survive the usual viscous schedule. Look for the Tigers to be a 10-2 team and be playing in Atlanta come the beginning of September. (Prediction 1st in the West, 10-2 overall)

LSU Tigers-

Offfense- This part of the Bayou Bengals looks to be the biggest question mark. Gone is Ryan Perriloux, who had he learned how to behave, would have been the starter on a team that may have contended for another national title. The probable starter now, Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch, though true freshman Jordan Jefferson is certainly waiting in the wings.

Also gone from this team, Jacob Hester and wide receiver Early Doucet, both huge contributors on the National Championship team. The cupboard in Baton Rouge is hardly bare. Running Back Keiland Williams is back, along with receivers Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd.

Defense- The D in de tiger stadium will be just fine. Coach Les Miles still has a gumbo bucket full of defenders on whom to count on this season to carry the team. Gone of course is Glenn Dorsey, along with Safety Craig Steltz and Linebacker Ali Highsmith. Returning for the Tigers is Dorsey's counterpart, Ricky Jean-Francois and Linebacker Darry Beckwith.

Outlook- As always, this will be a very good team. At this point, there are enough question marks to wonder if this will be a great team. A lot of there success hinges on the battle at Quarterback. So goes the QB, so go the Tigers (Prediction- 2nd in the West, 9-3 overall)

Mississippi State Bulldogs-

Offense- Few teams grew more over the course of the 2007 season than Sylvester Croom's Bulldogs. All of a sudden this became a very dangerous team. Now Sophomore Quarterback Wesley Carroll seemed to figure things out last year as the season drew on. With a full year under his belt and the extra big Running Back Anthony Dixon to hand off to, this looks to be a year where Miss. State will not be able to surprise anybody.

Defense- On defense, Senior Derick Pegues and Linebacker Jamar Chaney headline a blue collar, hard hitting unit. This group much like the Offense was grossly underrated last season and thus the Bulldogs shocked quite a few teams. This was a young unit last season, look for them to improve even more this year

Outlook- I like this team. I like where Coach Croom has them going. Beating Auburn and Alabama last season did wonders for this groups confidence. Look for them to do well this year and again reach a bowl game. (Prediction 8-4, 3rd in the SEC West)

Alabama Crimson Tide-

Offense- This should be a good starting unit, the only question will be depth. Quarterback John Parker Wilson is in his 3rd year as a starter, should be a good SEC quarterback. He has the arm, but hasn't had the success that many thought he would. Running Back Terry Grant provides Wilson with a great run option and all the folks in Tuscaloosa have been raving about incoming Freshman Julio Jones at Wide Receiver. If Jones is half as good as the hype than this offense should not have too much to worry about

Defense- The D is another story. This group has been hit hard with offseason legal problems. That combined with the lack of depth mean one thing. This could be trouble.

Outlook- I'm not sure anyone really knows what to expect from this team, this season. Any team coached by Nick Saban will probably be good, but we don't know how good. The probation and loss of scholorships the past few years has really begun to hurt the Tide. It will take everything Saban has to coax a Bowl Game out of this bunch. (Prediciton 7-5, 4th in the SEC West)

Ole Miss Rebels-

Offense- This team also is a very intriguing one for 2008. In comes Texas transfer Jevan Snead and out goes the chaos that has passed for the QB position in Oxford. Snead has the ability to put up big numbers and open up a lot of options for a team that has been offensive in many ways for the past several years.

Defense- The "D" may be a bit shakier this year for incoming coach Houston Nutt, but that won't last for long. With defenders like Jamarca Sanford holding things down, the hope is that these guys will keep the Rebels in ballgames.

Outlook- This is another up and coming team in the SEC. With Coach Nutt, they may not be great "this" season, but as he puts his players in place, they will only get better in the seasons to come. (Prediction 6-6, 5th in the SEC West)

Arkansas Razorbacks-

Offense- No team in the SEC was hurt more by graduation than this bunch. Gone is All-World Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis and Marcus Monk. Returning however is Casey Dick at QB and new Coach Bobby Petrino has to find someone who can make plays for Dick and the Razorbacks to be successful

Defense- On defense this team will be OK, but not spectacular. Defense has never been a strong point on a Bobby Petrino team and don't expect this group to change that. The good thing they have going for them is they are young and will get better as the season goes.

Outlook- Don't expect much from these guys in 2008. Everything for them was geared for 2007 and it didn't work out the way they hoped. With a new coach comes a lot of rebuilding, if Petrino sticks around (big "IF"), they will get better, but don't expect anything for the next 2 years. (Prediction 3-9, last in the SEC West)

Overall- The teams here are all for the most part young and will improve. I don't feel any of them will walk away the winner in Atlanta in December, but during the 2008 season, you don't want any part of the top 3 teams in the West.