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:

Metrodome Repairs Could Take Til August

The new head of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Ted Mondale, said that replacing the roof of the Metrodome would likely take the next five to six months to complete.

Vikings VP Lester Bagley said the team wouldn't talk about next season until the team has a better idea about the progress of the repairs. He said the team and the NFL have hired their own engineer to help with the process.

The Vikings could be back at TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota if repairs aren't done by the beginning of the season...

Here's the collapse, thanks to our friends at MyFoxTwinCities...

VIDEO: Inside View of Metrodome Collapse: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Zygi Wilf Wants 2011 Vikings Outside...?

((HT: ESPN, Mortensen))

Sources tell Mortemer Spice that the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is kicking the tires on the idea of playing the 2011 season outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota.

The decision should come in late January or early February. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf will make a decision consulting with the league office on whether to play the 2011 season at the Metrodome or TCF Bank Stadium.

The Monday night game was the Vikings' first outdoor home game since moving into the Metrodome for the 1982 season.

Here's what it looked like playing outdoors in 1980...
((HT: NFL/NBC/Youtube))


Last week, Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, said it's still not clear how long total repairs would take, including whether it would involve replacing just pieces of the roof, or replacing it entirely, and how much the repairs would cost.

But he also said the stadium would be ready for the 2011 season.
Here's what they're fighting...
((HT: WLUK-TV))


Actually, the HQ thinks this is Wilf's power play to get a new barn once and for all.
And, if you were Zygi, wouldn't you make the same play...???

It's going to be a Snowy Night in Minnesota

Vikings Players on field Sunday/Courtesy: jerry hold/Star Tribune.

And really, the only reason this game will be interesting is because of the weather conditions.

We all know about how cold it's been in a good chunk of the Midwest, South and Northeast this month and we've all seen the pictures of the Minneapolis Metrodome.

Also, we know the Bears and Vikings are playing tonight (Monday) on the University of Minnesota's field. A field that up until a couple days ago was completely snow covered and frozen. Well, it's now defrosted and at least for the time being, sans snow.

Brother Jon reported Sunday about Vikings punter Chris Kluwe tweeting that the field appeared "Unplayable". However, he's a punter, he doesn't "Really" play on it.

Now comes word that along with the cold, you should expect snow Monday night. In fact, up to 8-inches of snow is expected, with a half-inch per hour coming down during the game. Hehehehe....

Your morning update from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, is RIGHT HERE

We think the whining player part of this story is hilarious. We would ask if any of them realize that the Vikings played outdoors for a long, long time, but we suspect they've been told that this week.

Really, the bigger story, is going to be how people sitting in chairs trying to watch will deal with it. At least the players will be moving and have heaters. Yeah, the field is going to be hard. No argument there, but it is part of it. You've got pads guys, deal with it.

Here is your Monday/Tuesday weather forecast from the folks at myfoxtwincities.com :

Winter Storm Warning for Monday into Tuesday: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

For a reminder of football at Metropolitan Stadium, where the Vikings used to play. Here is a clip of the Browns/Vikings game from 1980

DEVELOPING: Vikes Punter Says TCF is "Unplayable"

((HT: Star-Tribune, Zulgad))

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe is sending a shot across the NFL's bow for scheduling the Monday night game with the Chicago Bears outdoors at a facility that, apparently once and for all, was nowhere near ready in the first place...

Via Kluwe's Twitter account... some samples:

"Serious time - All respect to the people that cleared the field and got it ready, you did an amazing job. That being said, it's unplayable. The field is as hard as concrete an hour and a half after they took the tarp off, and anyone that hits their head is getting a concussion. I find it interesting that the NFL can claim an emphasis on player safety, and then tell us the field is fine. It's beyond hypocritical. I can only hope, however unlikely, that no one gets catastrophically injured at the trainwreck that's about to take place tomorrow night."

Oops...

Here's the latest on the hurried renovation and heating as the Vikes held a practice and walk-through...
((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

Vikings Practice Walk Through at TCF Bank Stadium : MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

30,000 cubic yards of snow still gets you this...
Enjoy... and don't think for a minute that the Player's Association isn't going to watch this game with a magnifying glass, either...

Tickets For Vikes-Bears General Admission

((HT: KARE-TV Minneapolis))

The HQ hopes this doesn't end up like The Who concert in Cincinnati...

All ticket holders who use their Vikings-Bears game tickets will have seating by general admission in the upper and lower levels.

This is a first-come, first-served event.

Yikes...

Having a valid ticket does not guarantee admittance into TCF Bank Stadium. If you're turned away ((meaning one of the 15,000 that could show but won't be able to show)), only the original ticket account owners will receive a full refund.

The Vikings and the University of Minnesota have agreed no alcoholic beverages will be served at this game.

Double yikes...

No outside food or beverages will be allowed into the stadium.

"This is a difficult situation with no easy solution, so we greatly appreciate our fans' patience in this process," said Steve LaCroix, Vikings Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer, in a news release. "We are making every effort to accommodate as many Vikings fans as possible and play a home game here in Minnesota. We're excited about celebrating the 50th season with a return to outdoor football."

The league likes what they're seeing so far, thanks to our friends at KARE-TV


This just smells bad all over... just how bad remains to be seen...
The Bears are already thinking protest...

The HQ is all for having the game in the city limits of the southern bureau...
Any takers...??? Probably, the Bears...

Metrodome Repair Timeline Unknown

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

The diagnosis on the Metrodome is critical, and the prognosis is a long one for the building to become its old self again...

Here's what's wrong...

The triangular panel on west side of the building was severely damaged. All three Teflon panels need to be replaced. A quick patch job just won't work. The snow and ice still on the sagging Dome are complicating the repairs.

During an inspection last April, Birdair, the company made the Metrodome, said overall it was in good condition, except for the interior, which was in poor shape. But even on the outside of the Dome, crews had to replace patches that were coming loose.

Oops...
Here's the lastest from Fox9 in the Twin Cities...


Now, they're trying to get TCF Bank Stadium in line for the next home game- five days from now. If you're interested in the clean-up... the info is courtesy of the Vikings...

Volunteers will be accepted at 8 a.m., Noon and 4 p.m. beginning Thursday. Volunteer help will be accepted at those times on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No volunteer help is being requested or accepted for Wednesday.

Volunteers should gather outside the Lincoln County entrance to TCF Bank Stadium at the times listed above.

Volunteers must be 18 years of age and are encouraged to wear proper outdoor attire. Shovels will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own shovel if they wish.

If this interests you, or you know a friend that could use the work, please contact the Minnesota Sports Turf Managers Association office at 952-473-3722. Below are the available shifts.

Note: Once the project is completed the shifts will end – potentially before Sunday.

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – THURSDAY, DEC. 16 - $10 per hour
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – THURSDAY, DEC. 16 - $10 per hour
7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – THURSDAY, DEC. 16 - $13 per hour
1:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – THURSDAY, DEC. 16 - $15 per hour

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – FRIDAY, DEC. 17 - $10 per hour
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – FRIDAY, DEC. 17 - $10 per hour
7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – FRIDAY, DEC. 17 - $13 per hour
1:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – FRIDAY, DEC. 17 - $15 per hour

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – SATURDAY, DEC. 18 - $10 per hour
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – SATURDAY, DEC. 18 - $10 per hour
7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – SATURDAY, DEC. 18 - $13 per hour
1:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – SATURDAY, DEC. 18 - $15 per hour

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – SUNDAY, DEC. 19 - $10 per hour
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – SUNDAY, DEC. 19 - $10 per hour
7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – SUNDAY, DEC. 19 - $13 per hour
1:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – SUNDAY, DEC. 19 - $15 per hour

Minnesota doesn't "Kill" with the hiring of Jerry Kill

Jerry Kill/Courtesy: star-tribune.com

Though the Minnesota boosters and alumni are insane if they think they could have done better. The school announced on Sunday they have hired Jerry Kill, now formerly of Northern Illionis to be their next head coach. Oh by the way, Northern Illinois beat the Gophers 34-23 earlier this season.

More from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune RIGHT HERE

Kill, for his part has never had a losing season as a head coach. This years Northern Illinois squad, they are heading to Boise in a couple weeks, they are playing in the Humanitarian Bowl.

Strangely, the folks in Minneapolis think they could have done better. We laugh at that thought. Do they really believe that they are worthy of a "Top-Flight", major conference coach? Bwahahahaha!

Read this column by the Star-Tribune's Patrick Reusse RIGHT HERE

Come on guys, you're lucky to get a coach like Kill. You had no chance at Chris Peterson, Randy Edsall, Brady Hoke or any other "Big Name" coach out there. You are a bottom level Big 10/12 team. Moving from another "BCS" level school to Minnesota is a step down. Really. A big step down.

Enjoy your new coach. Hope that he "Kills" and gets you closer to respectability. Hope that if he does that and you finally get tired of him that maybe the next time...a "Big Name" coach will be interested in your job.

Kill gets to meet his adoring new fanbase today at 2pm.

1500ESPNTwinCities actually sent a camera to record Jerry's arrival:

DEVELOPING STORY: Ex-Coach Awarded $1.2M In Tubby Smith Case

((HT: WCCO-TV Minneapolis-St. Paul))

A man Tubby Smith once considered hiring as an assistant coach has won a lawsuit against Smith and the University of Minnesota after he claimed he was offered a job but ultimately was never hired.

Jimmy Williams has been awarded ((officially)) $1,247,293 by a Hennepin County ((MN)) judge. Williams was suing Smith and the University of Minnesota after he said Smith offered him a $200,000 a year job as an assistant coach and then, under pressure from the University's athletic director, changed his mind.

Williams, according to Rochelle Olsen's piece in the Star-Tribune, says WIlliams was chasing $1.7-million.

The judge determined that Smith did not use "reasonable care" when offering Williams the job and that he was relying on the representation of Smith as a head coach.

Smith testified on Monday ((video below)) that said the job offer was never final and that Athletic Director Joel Maturi vetoed Williams because Williams had been guilty of NCAA infractions 30 years earlier when he worked at the University. Williams was actually guilty on two separate occasions...

Williams maintains Smith offered the job and that's why he quit his job at Oklahoma State.

The judge did said Williams was "harmed by the actions of the University of Minnesota and Smith."

Esme Murphy was in the newsroom for Tubby's testimony...


Look for the university to appeal... post haste...

More on Tubby Smith...the College Carousel begins...

Along with the NCAA Tournament, apparently the College Basketball Coaching Carousel is beginning to spin a little bit faster today.

The OSG reported earlier about a report from Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com stating that Auburn is seriously considering hiring one Tubby Smith, currently coach at Minnesota and formerly coach at Kentucky and Georgia. We've been doing some homework on this story and while we think Auburn is seriously interested, it is still to be determined if Tubby is.

Check out this story in the Columbus Star-Ledger RIGHT HERE.

According to CBS/Sports Illustrated's Seth Davis on Twitter "Per source close to Tubby...Auburn believed to be interested but there have been no substantive conversations, even indirectly"

((Tubby Smith//Courtesy:Chicagonow.com))

We may be wrong, but it sounds an awful lot like Minnesota AD Joel Maturi expects someone to make an offer to Tubby that he won't be able to refuse and Maturi won't be able to match. The OSG also knows that Smith's name has been dropped in regards to the Oregon job, but we think that his heart will keep him from heading to the great Northwest. We also take Davis' comment to mean that Auburn has talked about it internally, but maybe not externally...yet. Now that Minnesota has lost their NCAA game...all bets are off.

OSG sources say that the Auburn Board of Trustees would have to sign off on any coach, but they are fully aware that in order to get a "Big Name" to help open up their new arena, it is going to cost them some money. Smith, who is being paid $3 million a year at Minnesota, will not be able to get a raise due to a state pay freeze. Auburn, who paid Jeff Lebo $750,000 a year is looking at any and all options to increase their visibility in hoops. While the $3 million a year figure would make Tubby one of the highest paid coaches in the SEC, if you consider his track record it may be worth it for the War Eagles/Tigers.

As for the other Carousel tidbits. We reported yesterday on Bobby Gonzalez and earlier today on Norm Roberts being fired. There is a lot of speculation there as well. We mentioned that Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt, barring a deep NCAA run, will at least check out his options in light of the heat he is getting in Atlanta. We also have read that former St.John's Point Guard and current NBA Analyst Mark Jackson has expressed some interest. Stay tuned.

And finally, Oregon after jettisoning Ernie Kent, the joke/rumors are that they will pursue a big name coach already sponsored by supporter/program runner Nike. That doesn't narrow things a lot, but makes for a good punchline.

For those who get the Carousel references...it has to do with a cheesy movie from the 1970's...Logan's Run. It would take too long to set up, so here is a clip. Thanks You Tube:

Tubby to Auburn?

We came across an interesting tidbit while scanning the Internets for news this morning. Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com is reporting that Auburn is "Close to hiring" current Minnesota Basketball Coach Tubby Smith. This should be interesting as Smith prepares his Gophers to play in the NCAA Tournament.

Dodd's story on cbssports.com is RIGHT HERE

((Tubby says "Whoa!"//Courtesy: drugcalledtradition.com))

If this is true, it would be "Interesting". The Tigers, who fired coach Jeff Lebo after their season ended may be looking to make a splash to open up their new arena. Smith, who has plenty of history in the SEC at Georgia and Kentucky would probably be a good fit in an SEC that ain't what it used to be in Basketball.

Normally, we try to avoid rumors but this one is pretty intriguing. The OSG will be canvassing our sources down on the Plains to see if there really is something to this and let yet know when we do.

Here is some video of Tubby at the beginning of his current job in Minnesota. Thanks mndailyonline/You Tube:

Another Vicious Hockey Hit

((HT: PuckDaddy/HockeyWebcast))

And another question as to when vicious is "too vicious...?"

WCHA first-round playoff series between Minnesota and North Dakota...

The Sioux's Matt Frattin levels the Gophers' Kevin Wehrs... Frattin gets a five-minute major while Wehrs gets knocked out and knocked out of the game. Frattin's last 12 months have been a real blast to watch: a disturbing the peace incident that got him a suspended sentence and probation, and a DUI that got him kicked off the team- only to be reinstated just before New Year's...

Frattin now is the proud owner of a one-game suspension...

So, the HQ asks the "Goldilocks" question: too hard, too soft, or just right...?

Here's the shot, thanks again to HockeyWebcast and FSND...

Hoops Silly Season: Monday Update

With most of the teams out of any kind of title contention, it's time ((for those who want)) to look at hiring new head coaches for your college basketball teams.

Here's what we have so far...

Virginia- VCU's Anthony Grant is not in their picture at present.
Those of us at OSG HQ think that there is some ACC snobbery in play...
Tubby Smith is being considered heavily since he's turned Minnesota around. If Smith says no, then they wait for Oklahoma's Jeff Capel's tournament to finish.
The wild card at Virginia is UK's Billy Gillispie- if he is forced out, or if he leaves on his own.

Alabama- VCU has given permission for Bama to speak to Grant. Georgia has not, as of yet, but it is expected that UGA will get in the queue.

But be forewarned, contrary to current publishing, Grant is NOT the first choice of Georgia.
We figure AD Damon Evans is in the mood to make a big-money splash, but whoever the coach is will be fighting the football team for attention. Don't be surprised if they make a play for Capel as well, but we question why Capel would want to walk away from OU and head to Georgia in the first place.

The Grant issue will not come down to money. He makes $900K at VCU right now, and has some parts of a Top-20 recruting class headed his way. Don't be surprised if Grant stays where he is before all is said and done.

Good luck with that one...

Kafka-esque Victory for Northwestern

Nothing like a fill-in at QB to get you an upset over nationally-ranked Minnesota...
Mike Kafka had runs for 53, 38, and 30 yards in the 24-17 win over the Golden Gophers.

Kafka totalled 217 yards- a new record for quarterback rushing for the Wildcats...

But it took a Brendan Smith pick returned for a score to get the duke and send the home team um, well... home... with a loss...with less than 30 seconds left in regulation...

Here you go...Dave Pasch and Andre Ware upstairs...
((HT:ESPN/the youtube))