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.
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 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.
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?
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."
At least the Rice band has a sense of humor. At Saturday's game versus the University of Texas, they of the now "Longhorn Network, the band had a message.
During their show at halftime, they decided to spell out S-E-C...with a dollar sign on the "S". Nobody is really sure if it was a dig at Texas for their greed or at Texas A&M for bailing out of the Big 12...which I'm pretty sure Rice isn't in.
Either way, it's funny, so like everyone else, we'll post it.
The Razorbacks totaled 466 yards to Missouri State's 163. Head coach Bobby Petrino is now 4-0 in season openers at Arkansas and 8-0 for his coaching career.
Joe Adams tied an Ess-E-Cee record for two punt returns for scores... the first time the feat occured in a game since 2002.
Here's your highlights...
The HQ was at the Plains for the rough season opener for Auburn. Utah State only lost to Oklahoma by 7 last year, and was this/close t beating Auburn as they led by two scores with 3:30 left...
Chris Pallone tells you what happened from there...
((HT: WVTM-TV Birmingham))
Chad Sabadie got the privilege of a late newscast, so we have LSU-Oregon highlights for you... the game exposed Oregon's defensive issues that may keep them from repeating in a Bee-Cee-Ess title game. That'll happen when Cliff Harris isn't around...
LSU converted three of Oregon's four turnovers into 20 points and won its 34th consecutive nonconference game.
In other scores, Connor Shaw started and Stephen Garcia finished in their comeback win over East Carolina 56-37. Alabama had no problems with Nick Saban's Alma Mater, Kent, and Boomtown was happy for a day as the Florida Gators beat Florida Atlantic 41-3.
The Texas A&M to the SEC courtship has reached another level.
Thursday Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin sent a letter to Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe informing Beebe that the University is exploring its options.
Here's the letter:
Dear Commissioner Beebe:
As you know, the Texas A&M Board of Regents has authorized me to take action relating to Texas A&M University's ("Texas A&M") conference alignment. While this letter is not a notice of Texas A&M's withdrawal from the Big 12 Conference (the "Conference"), we are exploring our options. There has been a great deal of speculation and comment in the media about Texas A&M leaving the Conference, including discussions of other institutions joining the Conference.
If Texas A&M withdraws from the Conference, we want to do so in a way that complies with the Bylaws and is supportive of your efforts to seek a new member of the Conference. We would appreciate your conferring with the other member institutions and outlining for us the process to be followed by Texas A&M should it withdraw from the Conference.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
R. Bowen Loftin
President
This is the strongest indication yet that Texas A&M has no interest in staying in the Big 12 Conference. While president Bowen did not say that Texas A&M is withdrawing from the Big 12 the administration wants information on the process.
Nebraska sent a similar letter to Commissioner Beebe before they left for the Big Ten Conference.
Texas A&M has not applied for membership into the SEC but you have to think the application is on president Bowen's desk. The SEC has not extended an invitation either and doesn't seem to be in any hurry to accept Texas A&M into the conference.
The drama in College Station, TX continues
As does Dallas, since SMU AD Steve Orsini now thinks his 'Stangs are ready to play in a Bee-Cee-Ess conference- and would like to explore the idea with the folks in the 12/10...
Craig James discusses that, but does not discuss the EDSBS claim of offing people when he was on campus... *wink*
((HT: ESPN))
But that doesn't mean that it won't be in the future...
The conference big-wigs with the Ess-E-Cee voted to stay 12 for the moment
University of Florida president Dr. Bernie Machen said the conference's presidents and chancellors met on Sunday and "reaffirmed our satisfaction with the present 12 institutional alignment."
"We recognize, however, that future conditions may make it advantageous to expand the number of institutions in the league," Machen said. "We discussed criteria and process associated with expansion. No action was taken with respect to any institution including Texas A&M."
So, that leaves the door open...
The four-letter's Joe Schad introduces us to the issues with an immediate exit if both A&M and the Ess-E-Cee agreed to one...
((HT: ESPN))
All of which the HQ completely gets...
Texas head football coach was a guest on ESPN Radio with Amy Lawrence and FOSG Adnan Virk and sayrh quote:
"A lot of people are worried about that," Brown said. "Texas will be fine. I think the Big 12 will be fine regardless of what comes out of this, and we'll move forward."
"Number one, it's been a great rivalry with Texas and Texas A&M, so I hope it stays," Brown said.
Next up: The Board of Regents Meeting tomorrow...
UPDATE:
Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin released this statement after the decision from the SEC Presidents:
"As we have seen over the past several days, there has been a considerable amount of misinformation regarding these discussions and any associated timelines. The chairman of our board has indicated that the regents will proceed with tomorrow’s agenda item, which authorizes the president of Texas A&M to take all actions related to athletic conference alignment. I will also accept Chairman Branch’s invitation to participate in his committee’s hearing on Tuesday. These are extremely complex issues, and it is imperative that we proceed methodically and in the best interests of Texas A&M.”
Let's start where it all began earlier today...
Doug Gottlieb and David Lloyd setting the world on fire...
((HT: ESPN))
Now, life as we know it...
Texas A&M's Mike Sherman knows nothing- he's focused on football...
((HT: KBTX-TV))
There are conflicting reports on whether or not Ess-E-Cee officials are actually meeting secretly Sunday as a set-up to the Regents meeting for A&M Monday and the discussion of Item 15 on the Agenda...
Let's take stock...
From Tallahassee...
FSU head Coach Jimbo Fisher said Saturday the only things he's heard about schools leaving for the SEC is from the media. University President Eric Barron said that no one affiliated with the school has had any discussions about leaving the ACC.
Clemson University President James Barker said that the school is not changing leagues, despite reports the Tigers might head to the Ess-E-Cee.
"We are committed to the ACC," he said in a statement. "We have had no contact with the SEC."
But the OBC would dig it if they showed up...
((HT: WLTX-TV Columbia))
Missouri, Kansas, and Virginia Tech are all waiting to be heard from now... and the HQ is not surprised that the Hokies have been silent this entire time...
The 12/10 sent out a press release Saturday night saying they'd like the Aggies to stay, but if they don't the league will expand themselves...
The HQ thinks Houston and SMU are on the clock at that point...
The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors conducted a teleconference meeting today to discuss the future of the Conference given recent developments regarding Texas A&M University. The Board strongly conveyed to Texas A&M its unanimous desire that it remain a Big 12 member, and acknowledged its value to the Conference. The Board noted that Texas A&M expressed concerns about institutional networks and that the athletics directors worked together and took actions, which the Board has approved, to adequately address those concerns. The other nine members reaffirmed their long term, unconditional and unequivocal commitments made to each other and the Conference last summer. Although the Board hopes Texas A&M remains in the Conference, the Board is prepared to aggressively move forward to explore expansion opportunities. In doing so, the Board recognizes the strength of the Big 12 Conference national brand and the opportunity to capitalize on it.
"Goodbye to Texas Uni-ver-sity
goodbye to the Big twelve---elve----elve----elve."
That appears to be the case in College Station Texas.
Monday at 3pm the Texas A&M System's board of regents will meet and with the final agenda of the meeting is "Authorization for the President to Take All Actions Relating to Texas A&M University's Athletic Conference Alignment, The Texas A&M University System."
It appears to that the A&M board of regents could vote as early as Monday to authorize a move into the SEC.
Their has been no confirmation from Texas A&M or the SEC that any discussions have been conducted between A&M and the SEC.
OSG favorite Chip Brown of Orangebloods.com cites a source indicating the nine member board of regents will vote to leave the Big 12 for the SEC.
The SEC remains very quiet on this subject however, rumors are flying about the domino effect Texas A&M's move to the SEC would create.
Florida State, Clemson, Missouri and Virginia Tech have been rumored to be on the SEC's short list should the conference feel the have to expand now.
Before Texas A&M votes to leave the Big 12 for the SEC consider this, Do you really want to make the move?
Does Texas A&M feel like it could challenge on a yearly basis for the SEC West title? Here's the Aggies record against the SEC West:
Texas A&M has an all-time record of 53-72-4 against the current six members of the SEC West.
24-40-3 all-time vs Arkansas
20-26-1 all-time vs LSU
1-3 all-time vs Alabama
2-0 all-time vs Auburn
4-0 all-time vs Mississippi
2-3 all-time vs Mississippi State
(Thanks FOSG Tony Barnhart of CBS Sports.com for those numbers.)
Keep in mind the NCAA favors Texas A&M's beef against Texas and the Longhorn Network as far as airing high school games and receiving the competitive advantages that go with it.
We will find out Monday if Texas A&M is moving on to the SEC and collectively says "To Hell With Texas."
Its a forgone conclusion now, Texas A&M will bolt the Big 12 for the SEC.
The powers that be that includes Texas A&M alum Rick Perry, the Governor of Texas, are in full "To Hell With Texas" mode and ready to separate from their rivals in the burnt orange.
All because Texas has gone into bed with ESPN to launch the Longhorn Network in a few weeks.
The Aggie fateful have cited competitive balance in their flirtation with the SEC. You have to think ego plays a role in this.
A&M's biggest rival is guaranteed millions of dollars from their brand new TV network and a recruiting advantage with a 24/7/365 infomercial on cable systems throughout the state of Texas.
How can Texas A&M counter? Join the best conference in college football and enjoy a financial windfall from the SEC's lucrative media deals.
The SEC has been tight lipped saying they have no plans to expand but Texas A&M would be mighty attractive. Arkansas would finally have a natural rival in the league and the SEC would have in-roads in the state of Texas plus inherit the Houston market.
Would this permanently kill the Big 12? I don't think so. Should Oklahoma remain on Texas' side the Big 12 will survive.
The Big 12 could beg and plead TCU to resist their Big East invite and join their league. Houston and SMU have stepped up their football programs and could be targeted to join too.
Before you know it you almost have a reunion of the Southwest Conference.
As for Texas A&M they've got to go, the Aggies have huffed and puffed to much to remain in the Big 12.
The man who knows everything Longhorns, Chip Brown, is of the feel that on the aforementioned date, the folks over at Texas A&M may go ahead and vote on their future in the Big 12/10 and start the process on moving to the Ess-E-Cee...
The A&M folks are denying anything and everything- of course. No comment could be grabbed from former A&M yell leader, and current Texas Governor, Rick Perry since he was tied up with seven other master debaters in Iowa.
From Brown's piece:
An A&M source told Orangebloods.com the Aggies are having their lawyers look at everything, including the exit fees A&M would have to pay to leave the Big 12.
Under the current bylaws, Texas A&M would be required to relinquish 80 percent of revenues over a two-year period if the Aggies left with only a year's notice.
Nebraska and Colorado were able to pay substantially less than that by settling with the Big 12.
Sources said Thursday the SEC would be interested in adding Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech in addition to Texas A&M to form a 16-team super conference. Florida State has also been mentioned as a possible target of the SEC, according to Big 12 sources.
((HT: Dallasnews.com/Carlton))
Not that this is a shock or anything, but it seems Texas governor Rick Perry is up-to-date on the whole A&M to the Ess-E-Cee thing...
From Carlton's piece when beat reporters asked the guv about the idea this morning in Austin...
"I'll be real honest with you. I just read about it the same time as y'all did. ... As far as I know, conversations are being had. That's frankly all I know. I just refer you to the university and the decision makers over there."
Perry is a former "yell leader" at A&M... soyaknow...
And when the university was pressed on the idea, they really didn't give a denial...
"President Loftin is committed to doing what is best for Texas A&M not only now, but also into the future. We continue to have wide-ranging conversations regarding all aspects of the university, including both academics and athletics."
So, is this what the Ess-E-Cee West is getting sooner ((oops)) rather than later...
((HT: AggieAthletics))
Uh, yeah...
Meanwhile Big 12 Commissioner Dan Bebee is keeping an eye on things in College Station and taking it seriously.
Beebe told the Austin American Statesman"I'll put it this way, I'm taking it very seriously. I've been talking to a number of people. Obviously, there are a significant number of Aggie supporters who are interested in going in that direction."Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin released this statement Wednesday:
President Loftin is committed to doing what is best for Texas A&M not only now, but also in the future. We continue to have wide-ranging conversations regarding all aspects of the university, including both academics and athletics.
When you read between the lines of Loftin's statement you get the impression the SEC is on the table.
Former MLB all-star Doug DeCinces has settled insider trading charges with federal regulators on over $1.7 million in illegal trades.
The Securities and Exchange Commission says DeCinces received an insider tip in late 2008 that the Advanced Medical Optics firm would be acquired by Abbott Laboratories, Incorporated. The SEC asserted DeCinces bought shares of AMO and told three friends- who also traded on the deal.
DeCinces agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle the case without admitting anything and his three friends also settled.
Here's video of DeCinces from a new "Jay Johnstone Show" pilot that looks a lot like the old show Johnstone had...
((HT: mimimarije))
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
Cecil and CamNewton/Courtesy: Vasha Hunt-Opelika-Auburn News
Brother Jon's better half isn't going to like this story, but we have to ask the question. Everyone else is.
No. We aren't making eligibility questions or saying that there was a payment involved. And no, we aren't saying that a father should be able to take in his son's great achievement.
But. Considering what's gone down with the NCAA. Considering that Auburn essentially "Promised" that Cecil Newton would have limited access to Cam Newton comes some interesting questions.
They come courtesy of the photo you see here. It appears Cecil Newton, despite being "Asked" not to come to the BCS Championship game, was actually there. Not only was he there, he was on the field. And miraculously, Cam found Cecil for a celebratory hug. That was caught on film.
For their part. Auburn is claiming they didn't provide Cecil with a ticket. Which would be believable if Cecil wasn't spotted....on the field. Most ticket-holders don't get to come out...on the field.
Again, we aren't making accusations here. But for some reason, Cecil's attorney, George Lawson opened his mouth to Christine Brennan of USA Today and is now making it worse. Said Lawson "Mr. Newton viewed the game from an off-site location and came to the stadium after the game when everyone was leaving to personally congratulate his son" He made it worse by adding..."He probably was at some sports bar or something like that. I don't know". George, if you are going to make a declarative statement like this, you need to have some facts...or "A" fact to back it up.
Read Brennan's full column in today's USA Today RIGHT HERE
Like we said, this under normal circumstances would be a touching, emotional moment. However, the circumstances make it a bit odd. We consider it newsworthy because of the big hullabaloo made over Cecil Newton being found guilty of trying of shopping Cam Newton to Mississippi State for $180,000.
It's also an issue because as a result of that, Auburn has gone on record, repeatedly, saying that Cecil Newton will not be allowed around their program. And while there are no "Specifics" as to what that means, the fact that the school went out of their way to say Cecil wouldn't be at the game makes someone look stupid. We aren't going to speculate as to who looks stupid, but do the math. Someone or some group isn't being real honest here and though we don't want to spoil the glory that the Auburn folks are basking in right now, we question how sincere that someone or group is in upholding their words.
Here is a video of your BCS Champs, courtesy of ESPN:
From the other side:
Okay... who turned you in to Thayer Evans or Pete Thamel...???
Admittedly, TBH is pretty hot over the above assertions... even though, yes, it does make the school look bad...
But let's go with the facts as we know them...
Cecil Newton, the SEC, and Auburn agreed to disassociate. What that has to do with an independently-produced football game is beyond me. The game is, technically in the eyes of the NCAA, an exhibition put on by a third-party.
The Fiesta Bowl Committee has as much stroke in stopping anyone from dropping by their game as I do. And remember the report from Glendale as to how well the ticket-stripers were handling crowd control...???
Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan wanted the "Tattoo 5" to play for Ohio State in his game against Arkansas. The Razorbacks had as much say in that as the SEC did. Notice how much commenting Commissioner Mike Slive had in that issue...???
Answer: None...
Anyone can grab a ticket by any number of different means and pass through the frisk line as anyone else- reputable or otherwise... The only way we could stop getting in the door is if my picture is up with a red circle with a line through it at the gate.
If Auburn didn't want me to go, they couldn't stop me, either...
And, if we take Cecil Newton's attorney at his word, Newton found his way to his son after the game itself was over. Once again, if you're looking at someone to point fingers at- go after the yellow jackets who, probably, took the man at his word in his 15-minute window... and if Cecil Newton was in the ballpark, you don't think the four-letter network wouldn't be all over that fact ALL GAME LONG???!!!
If facts in evidence eventually point at the university and AD Jay Jacobs, who would be downright stupid to thumb his nose at the NCAA in light of everything going on right now, then I'll be the first to say I was wrong...
You want things to change...??? Have the relationship between bowl games and the NCAA altered so CEO's can't dictate rules of engagement to the building in Indianapolis- instead of the other way around...
Next thing I know, Phil, you're going to lump Bobby Lowder and Milton McGregor into all of this stuff...
Since, after all, they paid for the Newton's trip to Phoenix in the first place...
Rebuttal to Jon's rebuttal:
Dude, it's a legitimate question. You could be spot-on right and it all could have been an odd run of coincidences and yes, you were there and the security was lax...at best.
I would maintain he could've easily been in a luxury suite or made to wait in the tunnel. It's not always "that" easy to pick someone out of a 70,000-plus crowd. Either way, I don't buy...for a minute that "Nobody" knew he'd be there. If you are standing behind Cecil's "Attorney" statement, you ain't got much to stand on. Even he doesn't seem to believe what he's saying.
As for the "Third Party" exhibition. Again, not germane. The point is Auburn said Cecil would be kept away from the program. Period. Him being on the field is not being "Kept" away. You and I both have been on the field at the end of a bowl game. While the crowd does get on the surface. They are...always able to sort out the people with passes from the fans. And if Cecil was "Just a fan" with a ticket, he wouldn't have been able to get where he was.
Don't go Bobby Lowder or Milton McGregor on this. That is a lame-ass excuse that an alum would use to get away from the actual debate. This is the Newton's rubbing everyone's face in all that happened. No, there won't be any sanctions for this. Nor should there be. Heck, they aren't the first one's to pull one over on the NCAA and won't be the last. I don't hate them or Auburn. They did what they felt they needed to do. It's only an issue if you get caught. They were the best team in College Football this year. Hands down. No argument. And Cam was head and shoulders better than anyone else.
Just don't be accusing me...or anyone else of being naive and thinking that everyone is on a crusade against Auburn and the Newton's. We aren't. They played the rules and used them to their advantage. To that I say "Bravo"...
Rebuttal to the Rebuttal Squared:
Actually, a lot of folks are on a crusade against Auburn- our prime examples being Messrs. Thamel and Evans... and we jam on their lack of journalism all the time here at the HQ...
As we should... and should never stop...
We really should be focusing a lot of our attention back on Miss State and Florida- either or both of whom committed a felony in releasing the academic record of Newton in the beginning. The story should have been an un-story about his Gainesville activities and he has acknowledged he screwed up.
Where's the hue and cry over guys like Kenny Rogers and John Bond...? And where does the investigation from that standpoint where money WAS ACTUALLY DISCUSSED stand- a point currently unproven from an Auburn view as we know the facts in evidence today...
And, dude, other people not named Newton got onto the field after the game that were civilians... Hell, TBH and I sat behind the Auburn band and could have just as easily been there with Cecil. We'd have been easier bench presses for Cam then...
I'm just going with facts in evidence until it's told otherwise. The Duke Lacrosse case taught ((or, really, re-taught)) me something... present the facts as we know them and proceed accordingly. If facts change, then the story can change as well... If Jay Jacobs, Gene Chizik, and the rest of the Loveliest Village are guilty of being accomplices in this as we go, then throw the book at them...
I don't have a problem doing that at all- and neither, for the record, does TBH: a died-in-the-wool alumna...
Let Auburn enjoy their title- everyone pissing on it is doing the sport a disservice until we have reason to do so...
Oh, and the Lowder-McGregor reference was done exactly for the reason you said... it doesn't have a damn thing to do with anything...
Ryan Mallett threw for 320 yards and three TD's as 12th-ranked Arkansas won 31-23 over 6th-ranked LSU.
Mallett was 13 of 23 passing and had touchdown passes of 85, 80 and 39 yards for the Razorbacks (now 10-2/6-2 in the SEC). They won their sixth straight game and finished second in the SEC West.
Mallett now has 60 touchdown passes in two seasons at Arkansas.
LSU (now 10-2/6-2), which was outgained 462-299 by Arkansas, never led. Jordan Jefferson passed for 174 yards and ran for 39 for the Tigers.
University of Tennessee Mens' Basketball Head Coach Bruce Pearl is suspended for the first eight games of the 2011 Southeastern Conference season.
In a press release from the SEC, the violations that led to the suspension were discovered during the recent investigation by the NCAA into his basketball program. The results were reported to the SEC by the institution.
"The suspension from coaching duties has been imposed after a careful review of the facts established during the NCAA's investigation and reported to the SEC office," said Slive. "I am extremely disappointed in the nature of the violations involving Coach Pearl and the Tennessee men's basketball program. The penalty applied to this circumstance is significant, which is consistent with the directive approved by the SEC membership in 2010 granting the Commissioner authority to act in such cases."
Pearl is suspended from all team activities on the dates of the following games:
Jan. 8, 2011 Tennessee at Arkansas Jan. 11, 2011 Florida at Tennessee Jan. 15, 2011 Vanderbilt at Tennessee Jan. 18, 2011 Tennessee at Georgia Jan. 26, 2011 LSU at Tennessee Jan. 29, 2011 Tennessee at Ole Miss Feb. 3, 2011 Tennessee at Auburn Feb. 5, 2011 Alabama at Tennessee
"Team activities" means practices, meetings, pre- and post-game activities and the games.
Associate head coach Tony Jones will take over while Pearl is sitting on the sidelines, and his first game back is February 8th against Kentucky.
Pearl is still working without a contract...
Here's your reminder from Steve Phillips when that went down...
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...???
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:
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