Terwilliger's WNBA Dream Over...???

((HT: AJC/Vivlamore))

Atlanta Dream owner Ron Terwilliger ((pictured, thanks Ben Gray/AJC)) has informed the WNBA that he no longer wants to be sole owner of the franchise.

Terwilliger intends to remain an investor in the franchise, according to Bob Hope, who is part of an informal group from Atlanta charged with finding a new lead owner.

“His heart was in the right place, but life changed on him,” Hope said.

A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, a downtown business group, also is part of the group searching for a new owner. Hope and Robinson were part of the original 12-person group that aggressively pursued a WNBA team for the city. Last season the Dream made their debut and finished a league-worst 4-30, but they currently are 10-10 this season.

Since 1986, Terwilliger has been chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Trammell Crow Residential, one of the nation’s largest developers of apartments and condominiums. Commercial real estate has been hard hit by the economic recession.

Calls to Bill Bolen, president and CEO of the Dream, and to the WNBA were not immediately returned.

Buick Leaving Golf Sponsorships

((HT: ESPN))

Buick ended more than 50 years of PGA Tour sponsorship Tuesday when it announced that it no longer will sponsor golf tournaments in Michigan and California because of the court-ordered restructuring of parent General Motors.

The decision came two days after Tiger Woods won the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Mich. ((pictured, thanks Rebecca Cook/Reuters)) Woods acknowledged the end of the tournament, which he won for the third time, by heaving his golf ball toward a massive gallery after his final putt.

The additional blow came with the end of the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, where Woods has won a record six times. The Buick Invitational is among the top tournaments in the early part of the PGA Tour schedule because it typically is the first event on network TV and has the highest TV rating because of Woods.

"While this is disappointing news, both the PGA Tour and Buick remain in discussions regarding future sponsorship possibilities," Buick and the tour said in a statement.

The Buick Open will be replaced on the schedule next year by a new tournament at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, according to two officials with knowledge of the deal. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the tour does not plan to announce the new event until Wednesday. Golfweek was the first to report on The Greenbrier getting a tournament.

Buick was the oldest, continuous corporate sponsor on the PGA Tour and once had its name on four tournaments -- the Buick Classic in New York, the Buick Challenge in Georgia, the Buick Open and the Buick Invitational. It also took over the Buick Championship in Connecticut for three years after its Georgia event folded.

It also had an endorsement contract with Woods, who carried its logo on his golf bag. As it headed for bankruptcy, Buick and Woods agreed last November to cut off the final year of a five-year endorsement.

The tour said it remains "very interested" in keeping a tournament in Michigan and was exploring opportunities.

One of the officials said General Motors was trying to put together a consortium of sponsors to keep a tour event in Michigan, but the tour signed off on The Greenbrier before that could be pulled together.

The PGA Tour now has lost four title sponsors this year -- Buick's two events, U.S. Bank in Milwaukee and Stanford Financial in Memphis, which was played in June without a sponsor.

It has extended contracts with Zurich (New Orleans), Accenture (Match Play) and Travelers (Connecticut) through 2014, and found a new title sponsor for Kapalua in SBS, which has signed up through 2020.

At least 10 other tournaments have title sponsorships that expire after 2010.

Buick had been the title sponsor at Torrey Pines since 1992. Woods missed the tournament this year -- won by Nick Watney -- while recovering from knee surgery.

The tournament is run by The Century Club of San Diego, and president Tom Wornham said he was optimistic about finding a new sponsor. He also said the 2010 tournament would he played regardless.

"Our Torrey Pines tournament has been fortunate to enjoy many great moments and relationships throughout its history," Wornham said in a statement. "We look forward to many more in the future. Golf is a game most enjoyed with a great partner. We have been blessed with several in our past. We look forward to announcing our next partner soon and teeing it up with you in January."

Pitcher Convicted In Dayton Base-Brawl Case

((HT: Dayton Daily News/Grieco))

Julio Castillo, the former Peoria Chiefs pitcher who beaned a fan at Fifth Third Field last summer((pictured, thanks Dave Munch/Dayton Daily News)), was convicted of one count of felonious assault Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Castillo, 22, who is from the Dominican Republic, appeared before Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Connie S. Price, who presided over his trial from July 21 to 23. Since Castillo waived his right to a jury trial, Price rendered the verdict.

Castillo was charged under two statutory definitions of felonious assault. One requires proving that he did “serious physical harm,” which Price convicted him of. She found him not guilty of the charge that he used a “deadly weapon.”

Both charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to eight years in prison, though the charges could have merged for sentencing purposes should he be convicted of both.

Price set his sentencing for Aug. 6.

Defense attorney Dennis Lieberman declined to comment as he left the courtroom with Castillo.

Assistant county prosecutors Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Jon Marshall said they were disappointed by the split verdict, but happy that Castillo was convicted of one of the two felony counts.

“This paves the way for a sense of accountability,” Tangeman said.

They declined to comment on the prosecution’s position on sentencing. Tangeman said Castillo could be eligible for probation.

Castillo was on the mound at Fifth Third Field on July 24, 2008, when a brawl started on the field. Castillo ran off the mound, then hurled a baseball toward the Dayton Dragons’ dugout. The ball went high and struck spectator Christopher McCarthy, 25, of Middletown, giving McCarthy a concussion.

Prosecutors contended that Castillo threw the ball at an unidentified Dragon with the intent to hurt him.

Here's Holly Samuels report from the courtroom, thanks to our friends at WDTN-TV

Defense attorney Dennis Lieberman told Price during the trial that Castillo aimed at netting in front of the dugout, to warn the Dragons to stay back as the two teams’ managers were pushing each other. Castillo did that because he does not speak English and had no other way to communicate, Lieberman said. Because he had no intent to harm anyone, he could not be found guilty of felonious assault, Lieberman told Price last week.

Castillo remains under contract with the Chicago Cubs, who are paying his legal bills, but has not played since the incident at Fifth Third.

Here's the brawl that got Castillo the conviction...the audio, and some of the video is NFSW...

Joe DiMaggio In The Raw

[HT/New York Post]

WHERE have your clothes gone, Joe DiMaggio? A full-frontal nude photograph of Joltin' Joe is hanging in a San Francisco art gallery, part of an exhibition, "Hunted and Gathered," of photos from the collection of museum curator Robert Flynn Johnson. The image shows DiMaggio, circa 1940, before he became intensely private, in a postgame shower, wearing a goofy grin. Asked how he obtained the photo, Johnson joked to the San Francisco Chronicle, "I have friends in low places." The nude Joe is not for sale. "It's too interesting a photo," Johnson says.

Makes sense that a dude named "Johnson" is the curator of the museum. It's actually being displayed at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco.

Those of us at the OSG HQ are really creeped out about this. It's one cultural experience we think we will pass on.

Photo Courtesy: NY Times

APD: Arrest Expected By Week's End In Forrest Murder

((HT: AJC/Boone, Hartstein))

Atlanta police say they anticipate issuing arrest warrants for the murder of boxer Vernon Forrest by week’s end, aided by clear surveillance footage and an abundance of tips from “America’s Most Wanted” viewers.

Police suspect the man who appears on the video, captured outside a southwest Atlanta apartment complex near where Forrest, 38, was shot multiple times in the back, has a previous criminal record.

Lt. Keith Meadows, commander of the APD’s homicide unit, stopped short of naming anyone a “person of interest.”

“We have a couple of names that we’ve identified,” he said. Investigators believe there may have been as many as four men involved in the July 25th slaying of the former welterweight champion.

“I think we’re getting close,” Meadows said.

And police are just beginning to sift through leads generated from a segment on Saturday’s “America’s Most Wanted,” which featured the Forrest murder.

“The response has been huge,” said “AMW” correspondent Angeline Hartmann. “Usually by Monday the calls start to die down, but not with this case.”

Forrest’s funeral, held Monday at a Lithonia megachurch ((pictured, thanks Yahoo!News/John Bazemore)), attracted more than 1,000 mourners, including four former boxing champions.

“Whatever it takes to get justice for you, legally ... we’ll get it done,” said his brother, Alfonso Forrest, fighting through tears. “I promise you. I promise you.”

Hartmann said Forrest’s fame has contributed to the high volume of calls but believes another factor is at play.

“This has pushed the community over the edge,” she said. “They’re just sick and tired of what’s been happening in Atlanta.”

Here's your update from our friends at WAGA/MyFoxAtlanta

Georgre Franco has the new sound from The Edge

Urban Meyer Receives A Nice Raise

SEC football fans if you are keeping score at home, Urban Meyer is now the highest paid coach in the SEC.

Meyer agreed to a 6 year contract extension that pays him $24 million. He will make $4 million per year.

"Coach Meyer has certainly proven to be one of the top college football coaches in the country and should be compensated as such," UF athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement released by UF on Monday. "We are proud he is our coach and we appreciate all that he has done for the Gators."

The money that will fund coach Meyer's salary will come from the University Athletic Association which is a private foundation, no state funds are used. This is big because the University of Florida recently announced $42 million in budget cuts, layoffs of nine faculty members and 49 staff employees, and an expected 15 percent tuition increase.

Coach Meyer is living large. 2 national championships in 3 years will do that.

Meyer's new deal makes him the 3rd highest paid coach in college football behind USC's Pete Carroll ($4.4 million) and Notre Dame's Charlie Weis ($4.2 million).

This move also escalates the financial arms race in the SEC between Meyer and Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who is negotiating a contract extension too. How long will Meyer keep the highest paid title?

Give Meyer props for giving back. $1 million over the duration of his contract is committed to the Florida Opportunity Scholars Program. This program was created by University of Florida President Bernie Machen to provide financial help to first-generation, financially disadvantaged students.

Photo Courtesy: Gator Sports.com

Balsillie Bid "Highest and Best," Auction September 10th

((HT: GlobeSports/Shoalts))

Jim Balsillie’s $212.5-million (all currency U.S.) bid for the Phoenix Coyotes survived more attacks from the National Hockey League and the city of Glendale Monday thanks to a U.S. bankruptcy court judge who declared it the “highest and best” of the three offers for the team.

Judge Redfield T. Baum also kept in the game a bid from a group of Canadian and American businessmen known as Ice Edge Holdings LLC when he agreed to postpone the auction sale for bidders who want to keep the Coyotes in suburban Glendale, Ariz., from Wednesday to Sept. 10.

Both of the local Glendale bidders – Ice Edge and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf – wanted more time to negotiate a new arena lease with the city and new deals with creditors. The sale will now be held on the same day as an auction for Mr. Balsillie and any other bidder seeking to relocate the team if neither of the Glendale bids are accepted. His offer is conditional on moving the team to Hamilton.

The judge said he will rule on what will happen with the relocation auction by Wednesday, musing in the hearing that he might hold one auction for all bids. The judge also recognized the legal fight over the team will probably get even nastier, saying lawsuits are likely to follow from the losing parties on Sept. 10.

The NHL formally rejected Mr. Balsillie as an owner last week but could be overruled by the court.

“We … note that the judge acknowledged the fact that Jim Balsillie’s bid is ‘the highest and best’ bid for the Phoenix Coyotes,” said Bill Walker, a spokesman for Mr. Balsillie. “We agree. That is the reason why the court is not ruling out the relocation auction despite the NHL’s request for it to do so.”

The NHL, which earlier in the day charged that Mr. Balsillie, the co-CEO of Research In Motion Ltd., “lacks the good character and integrity required” by the league’s constitution and bylaws, declined to comment. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said there would be no comment until Judge Baum rules on the relocation auction.

Both the Reinsdorf bid ($148-million) and Ice Edge’s ($150-million) involve relatively little cash for the creditors and are conditional on negotiating new deals with the team’s creditors and a new arena lease with Glendale.

Mr. Balsillie received another boost yesterday when a lawyer for the Coyotes’ largest creditor said it was only interested in being paid in full and in cash. A lawyer for SOF Investments, a fund owned by computer tycoon Michael Dell, told Judge Baum that only Mr. Balsillie’s bid would do that, although the fund had issues with all three bids. Lawyers for SOF Investments reserved the right to agree to any of the bids if negotiations with either Mr. Reindsorf or Ice Edge produced an acceptable result.

The City of Glendale and the NHL started throwing punches even before the emergency hearing began. The city asked the court to find Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes and his lawyers in contempt of court for disclosing confidential information and the NHL launched its attack on Mr. Balsillie in court filings.

However, shortly after the hearing began, Judge Baum waved off the demand to find Mr. Moyes and his lawyers in contempt. He later called on the lawyers for all parties to meet and discuss the situation.

As a result of Mr. Moyes revealing some of the concessions the Reinsdorf group is seeking from the city – a demand for subsidies of $23-million a year from 2010 until 2014 and $15-million a year after that plus an escape and relocation clause – lawyers for Glendale claimed that attempts to negotiate a lease with Mr. Reinsdorf and Ice Edge were badly damaged.

The declaration said Mr. Reinsdorf threatened to withdraw his bid after he learned that the concessions he was demanding from Glendale city officials were revealed in a court filing last Friday by Mr. Moyes and his lawyers.

“Glendale is absolutely outraged that Moyes and the Jennings Strouss firm would intentionally disclose confidential information produced in discovery and willfully violate the court’s confidentiality order,” the document said.

Glendale city manager Ed Beasley, who is leading the negotiations with Mr. Reinsdorf, said in a declaration filed with the court that efforts to agree on a new lease were “severely compromised.”

The Moyes filing said the $23-million subsidy was to be raised by creating a special district around the Jobing.com Arena and the neighbouring Westgate City Center in Glendale. There would be “voluntary” surcharges to retail sales in the district, as high as 11.5 per cent, although no details were given as to how this would be accomplished.

The Arizona Cardinals made it known on the weekend they are not happy with the idea of the surcharges. The NFL team’s stadium would be in the special district and team president Michael Bidwell was quoted in local media reports as saying it was not fair that Cardinal fans should have to pay for the Coyotes’ problems.

In addition, if the surcharges failed to raise the required amount, the city itself would have to pay the Coyotes. The Coyotes would also get the right to move after 2014 if the team operated at a net cash loss (it lost more than $60-million in the 2008-09 season) and the city refused to pay it $15-million per year. The document also said Glendale officials had so far refused to agree to the demands.

Daryl Jones, one of the leaders of the Ice Edge group, said they are not seeking the same kind of subsidies from Glendale, nor do they want an escape clause to let them move the team.

“We aren’t looking for concessions,” Mr. Jones said in an e-mail message. “We are looking for an enhanced long-term partnership with the city. We have also not contemplated an escape clause.”

FSU Can't Use Law Firm To Keep Papers Secret

((HT: CBSSports))

Florida State cannot use a law firm as a go-between to keep documents on an academic cheating scandal secret, media lawyers wrote Monday in an appeal to have the papers released publicly.

An appellate court in 1990 ruled against a similar move by St. Petersburg and the Chicago White Sox to hide an agreement for moving the team to Florida, lawyers said in court papers.

The argument is over documents on the school's appeal of an NCAA plan to remove wins from the individual records of coaches and athletes in 10 sports regardless of whether they were involved in the cheating.

The NCAA sent the information electronically to law firm GrayRobinson rather than to Florida State. The media motion argues they became public records when GrayRobinson received them on behalf of the school. They also argue the agreement between Florida State and GrayRobinson to keep them confidential is illegal. GrayRobinson and the NCAA earlier asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

"The records relate to the official business of FSU in connection with educating students and running a student athletic program," the media lawyers wrote. "Consequently, the records then meet the definition of 'public records."'

Longtime football coach Bobby Bowden stands to lose 14 victories that would make it difficult for him to overtake Penn State's Joe Paterno in their race to be major college football's winningest coach. Paterno holds that title with 383 victories, just one more than Bowden.

The law firm contends the NCAA alone has custody of the records because they were placed on a website that can be viewed with a secret password but not downloaded. The media lawyers contend GreyRobinson has the password and ability to provide public access to the site, making it possible to capture screen shots of the documents.

Circuit Judge John C. Cooper on Thursday will consider motions in the lawsuit filed by the Associated Press and other media against the NCAA, Florida State and the law firm.

The media lawyers referred to the White Sox case in their written response to the GrayRobinson motion to dismiss.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal found the baseball team and St. Petersburg had violated Florida's public records law by keeping documents out of the city's physical possession. St. Petersburg's lawyers and managers, instead, could review the papers at the office of a local law firm hired by the White Sox. The deal fell through when Illinois agreed to finance a new stadium in Chicago.

Arena Football League Done, Declaring Bankruptcy

((HT: Orlando Sentinel/Limon))

The Orlando Predators have played their final game.

The Arena Football League, which includes the Predators, is folding.

Brett Bouchy, majority owner of the Arizona Rattlers who was trying to regain ownership of the Orlando Predators, confirmed in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel the AFL is poised to announce it will be suspending operations indefinitely. Bouchy expects the league to declare bankruptcy, going into Chapter 7 liquidation.

The AFL and the players' association have yet to announce the league's demise, but numerous publications, including the Columbus Dispatch, are quoting unnamed sources confirming Bouchy's statements. The Albany Times-Union also reports Tampa Bay Storm owner Jim Borghesi posted on his Facebook page Sunday night, "The AFL will be having a press conference to announce that the league will not be returning."

Bouchy said he was deeply saddened and surprised by the owners' decision to shutter the league.

"It's just unfortunate we're in this situation," Bouchy said. "Everyone knows myself and Arizona fought hard to avoid this day. The league was divided into two groups and factions. You had one group of committed owners who contributed capital and willing to do whatever it took to bring the league back in 2010 I have been in that group the entire time. Then there was another group that just wasn't willing to make the investment. We could never get a consensus."

The AFL opted to suspend operations for the 2009 season December 15, promising to use the year off to resolve major financial problems. One of the big sticking points was swelling player salaries approved shortly after the AFL reached a television agreement with ESPN.

AFL salaries range from a minimum of $30,000 to $189,000 for marquee players. Most of the top franchise players were making six-figure salaries. The players union agreed in December to take a 25 percent pay cut and numerous Orlando Predators players said they thought the move would allow them to play the 2009 season, but it wasn't enough to avoid the suspension of play or the decision to permanently shut down the league.

Bouchy, who has been affiliated with the Predators from 1996-2007 and was trying to buy back Orlando majority ownership after one year in Arizona, had high hopes the league would survive.

"I am as shocked as anyone," he said. "If you had asked me 90 days ago, I would have told you there was a 98 percent chance that the league would be back and playing in 2010. I am so upset. I have dedicated 12 years of my life to arena football and it's a shame to see it slip away."

Since the AFL has not approved Bouchy's purchase of the Preds, he says he isn't sure how season-ticket refunds will be handled.

He said it is too soon to tell whether the small faction of owners who were trying to restart the AFL will be able to break away and form their own league.

"I don't know how it happen, but I think there is still a chance the Orlando Predators will be back in some shape in 2010," he said. "I still believe it isn't over."

Here's the highlights from the last Arena Bowl between the Philadelphia Soul and the San Jose SaberCats. The Soul won 59-56...
((HT: ESPN/ABC/AFL))

Even The Bidwills Are Against The Reinsdorf Plan

((HT: 12 News Phoenix/Brahm Resnik))

The Arizona Cardinals are firing shots at a bailout plan for the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes that could force Cards fans to pitch in with tax dollars.

"I've heard from quite a few fans that have told me, 'Why would they do that on the backs of Cardinals' fans to finance the hockey problem?'" CEO Michael Bidwill told 12 News Flagstaff.

A potential Coyotes buyer group led by Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, says the hockey team won't survive unless the group gets up to $23 million a year in revenue from the Coyotes' arena lease with the City of Glendale, according to new court filings.

One of the potential cash-generators proposed by Reinsdorf: a special taxing district including Jobing.com Arena, Westgate City Center and the unbuilt Main Street development. The taxing district would assess "voluntary surcharges" of up to 11.5 percent on sales. It's not clear how "volunteers" would be found.

Westgate is across the street from the Cardinals' University of Phoenix Stadium, and is a popular pre- and post-game destination.

"It's a bad idea, we're not for it," Bidwill said.

Information on the Reinsdorf plan is contained in a document that was filed Friday by attorneys for Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes, but was later pulled back because attorneys said it was confidential.

The document indicates Glendale officials have not agreed to the concessions proposal.

But the filing does give the first glimpse of the dollar value of lease concessions being discussed by the city.

The city has fought a lawsuit filed by the Goldwater Institute seeking documents that would shed light on negotiations. Goldwater has threatened to sue the city if it hands out tax dollars to a buyer.

The document also underlines what several experts have said in court: the money-losing Coyotes are a very tough sell.

Court documents show the Reinsdorf group, the NHL's apparent favorite to buy the team, has not lined up any financing for a purchase. And the dollar value of the bailout plan suggests his group has little intention of putting much money down.

Other elements of the Reinsdorf group's concessions plan:
• The taxing district would yield an estimated $23 million in payments the first year, and $15 million by the fifth year, in 2014. The court filing says those payments could continue after 2014.
• If the team was losing money after five years, the Reinsdorf group could demand an additional $15 million a year from the city.
• If the city refused, the Reinsdorf group could sell the Coyoyes and move them, without paying a penalty.

Back in mid-July, when reports of Reinsdorf's desire for $15 million a year in concessions surfaced, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs told 12 News: "That's far beyond anything we would be willing to do regardless of our means."

City officials could not be reached for comment Sunday.

All this comes as the court-ordered auction of the Coyotes scheduled for Wednesday has run off the rails.

At an emergency hearing Monday afternoon, the National Hockey League and the City of Glendale will ask Bankruptcy Judge Redfield T. Baum to delay the auction until mid- to late-September.

The city and league argue, in part, that there has not been enough time for potential bidders to negotiate with the city or large creditors. Court documents show the Reinsdorf group has been talking to Glendale for at least six months.

But attorneys for Moyes and the Coyotes respond that the Reinsdorf group and a Canadian-led group that also wants to keep the team here have failed to qualify as bidders under court rules.
They want to move now to an open auction that could allow the re-entry of Blackberry billionaire Jim Balsillie, who wants to move the team to Hamilton.

The most significant player Monday is a name known largely to insiders: MSD Capital, the investment arm of Dell computer founder Michael Dell.

Bankruptcy court is all about putting money back in the hands of creditors, so creditors have the most clout. MSD is the Coyotes' largest secured creditor -- owed more than $80 million. On Friday, MSD's attorneys spoke for the first time, in a court filing.

MSD agrees none of the bidders has qualified under court rules. It is open to a Balsillie bid, which promises MSD the most cash upfront. And MSD is willing to give the potential bidders more time -- but it wants the auction held no later than Sept. 10.

Here's Resnik's package on the delay of the auction...thanks to our friends at News 12...

Vick "Celebration" Postponed

((HT: New York Times))

Michael Vick's hometown celebration was postponed Monday because of a conflict, an organizer said.

The ''Michael Vick Community Celebration'' scheduled for Saturday will be held later because the job-hunting former NFL quarterback has an event that day in Atlanta with the Humane Society of the United States, organizer Andrew Shannon said. Vick informed him of the conflict, he said.

A spokesman for the Humane Society did not immediately return a telephone message left by The Associated Press. Shannon did not know the nature of the Atlanta event or whether it was open to the public.

Vick has been conditionally reinstated in the NFL after completing a 23-month federal sentence for running a dogfighting ring. The Newport News celebration was to be his first announced public event since his freedom.

Shannon, president of the Peninsula chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said organizers were committed to celebrating Vick's return to the community and would not be swayed by negative public opinion.

After the event was publicized late Friday, Shannon said he received calls early Saturday from supporters and ''from people who love animals'' who were critical of the celebration.

''We want to say as an organization we're not intimidated and we won't waiver in our support of Michael Vick,'' Shannon said. ''We believe in forgiveness and we believe in redemption so we believe that Mr. Vick should be able to move forward with his life and make a livelihood.''

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said Vick can sign with a team and begin playing by week six of the NFL season.

Several NFL teams have said they're not interested in signing the 29-year-old.

Urban Legend: Now The Highest Paid Coach In SEC

((HT: Gainesville Sun/Andreu))

Florida football coach Urban Meyer's ((pictured, thanks Gainesville Sun file)) reward for winning a second national championship in three years is a new six-year contract that will pay him $4 million annually.The agreement makes Meyer the highest-paid coach in the SEC and third-highest in college football.

"Coach Meyer has certainly proven to be one of the top college football coaches in the country and should be compensated as such," UF athletic director Jeremy Foley said in a statement released by UF on Monday. "We are proud he is our coach and we appreciate all that he has done for the Gators."

UF president Bernie Machen said in the spring that Meyer would be getting a new contract after leading the Gators to their second national title in the last three years. He said at the SEC Spring Meetings that Meyer was the best coach in college football and deserved to be compensated accordingly.

"I believe that Urban Meyer is the best at what he does," Machen said in a statement released by UF on Monday.

"He demands excellence of his players on the field and in the classroom. Not only did the University of Florida win a national championship in January, but all 13 seniors received degrees and the 2008 football team tied an SEC league record with 37 players named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. We're proud he's a Gator."

Meyer's new contract runs through the 2014 season, which should put an end to recent rumors about Meyer possibly leaving UF for Notre Dame after the 2009 season. He had four years left on his previous contract that was worth $3.25 million per year. Meyer made $375,000 in bonuses last season for winning the BCS national and SEC titles and finishing in the top 10.
UF's assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Charlie Strong — who made $290,000 last season — also are expected to receive raises. Their contracts are still being reworked for the upcoming season.

Meyer shot down the rumors earlier this summer when he said he loved it at Florida and was not going anywhere.

"I continue to be very thankful and appreciative for everything the University of Florida and the athletic program has done for me and my family," Meyer said in a statement released by UF. "Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and the community make this a special place and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Meyer will be the highest-paid coach in the SEC, just slightly ahead of Alabama's Nick Saban ($3.9 million a year) and LSU's Les Miles ($3.8 million a year). Southern California's Pete Carroll is college football's highest paid coach at a reported $4.4 million per year, followed by Notre Dames Charlie Weis ($4.2 million).

In his four seasons at UF, Meyer has compiled a record of 44-9 and led the Gators to two SEC titles and two national championships. He is the first coach to win two BCS National Championships. Meyer is 12-1 against UF's biggest rivals — Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee and Miami.

Since 2005, the University Athletic Association has contributed $17.3 million to the University of Florida, including logo revenue.

Meyer co-chairs a campus charge to raise $50 million for UF's Florida Opportunity Scholars Program. The program was created by Machen to provide financial assistance to first-generation, financially disadvantaged students working toward a bachelor's degree. Meyer has made a $1 million commitment to FSO that will be paid over the course of his new contract.

Here's video from that last National Championship. Major Wright's HIT OF THE YEAR!!!

((HT: BCS on Fox/NCAA))

2009 Davey O'Brien Watch List

Released by the O'Brien folks themselves...

Commence stat tracking and gnashing of teeth post-haste...

Sam Bradford-Oklahoma
Jarrett Brown-West Virginia
Daryll Clark-Penn State
Jimmy Clausen-Notre Dame
Aaron Corp-USC
Robert Griffin-Baylor
Matt Grothe-South Florida
Max Hall-BYU
Tim Hiller-Western Michigan
Jordan Jefferson-LSU
Colin Kaepernick-Nevada
Case Keenum-Houston
Dan LeFevour-Central Michigan
Jake Locker-Washington
Ryan Mallett-Arkansas
Jeremiah Masoli-Oregon
Colt McCoy-Texas
Kellen Moore-Boise State
Josh Nesbitt-Georgia Tech
Tony Pike-Cincinnati
Taylor Potts-Texas Tech
Terrelle Pryor-Ohio State
Todd Reesing-Kansas
Kevin Riley-California
Zac Robinson-Oklahoma State
Riley Skinner-Wake Forest
Rusty Smith-Florida Atlantic
Jevan Snead-Ole Miss
Tyrod Taylor-Virginia Tech
Tim Tebow-Florida
Adam Weber-Minnesota
Juice Williams-Illinois
Russell Wilson-North Carolina State

WAC Reprimands McMakin

From the WAC its ownself...

"The Western Athletic Conference has reprimanded University of Hawai‘i head football coach Greg McMackin for comments he made last week during the WAC's annual football media preview in Salt Lake City. His comments included a gay slur that he used while discussing the University of Notre Dame football team.

In addition to the reprimand, McMackin has been warned that any further violations of the WAC Sportsmanship Code will result in an automatic one-game suspension, at the minimum.

"I greatly appreciate the quick and decisive actions by UH Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and Athletics Director Jim Donovan as it has made my job in processing this very unfortunate situation much easier," WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said. "Coach McMackin's comments were clearly offensive, violated the WAC Code, and are not condoned by either Hawai‘i or the WAC."

Glendale Wants Moyes Held In Contempt

((HT: GlobeSports/Shoalts))

The City of Glendale and the NHL served notice that Monday afternoon’s emergency hearing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will be a major brawl, with the city asking the court to find Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes ((pictured, thanks Arizona Republic file)) and his lawyers in contempt of court for disclosing confidential information and the NHL calling into question Jim Balsillie’s character.

In its declaration, the NHL said the league’s governors found Balsillie, the co-CEO of Research In Motion, “lacks the good character and integrity required” by the league’s constitution and by-laws. Earlier, the Balsillie camp charged that this was a charade created by the league because it did not want to see the Coyotes relocated to Hamilton and that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has a personal bias against Balsillie.

As a result of Moyes revealing some of the concessions the Jerry Reinsdorf group is seeking from the city – a demand for subsidies of $23-million (all currency U.S.) per year from 2010 until 2014 and $15-million a year after that plus an escape and relocation clause – lawyers for Glendale claimed in a court filing Monday morning that attempts to negotiate a lease with Reinsdorf and Ice Edge Holdings LLC, the other group interested in keeping the Coyotes in Glendale, were badly damaged.

The declaration said Reinsdorf threatened to withdraw his bid after he learned that the concessions he was demanding from Glendale city officials were revealed in a court filing last Friday by Moyes and his lawyers. Judge Redfield T. Baum, who will hear requests from the NHL and both Glendale bidders to postpone an auction sale scheduled for Wednesday, was asked to find Moyes and one of the law firms representing him in contempt of court because they knew the information was subject to a confidentiality agreement.

“Glendale is absolutely outraged that Moyes and the Jennings Strouss firm would intentionally disclose confidential information produced in discovery and willfully violate the court’s confidentiality order,” the document said.

Glendale city manager Ed Beasley, who is leading the negotiations with Reinsdorf, said in a declaration filed with the court that efforts to agree on a new lease were “severely compromised.”

Judge Baum was asked to bar Moyes and his lawyers from the sale process, in which an auction for bidders wishing to keep the team in Glendale will be held first, followed by one for bidders who want to relocate the team if both the Reinsdorf and Ice Edge bids are rejected.

“I believe that this disclosure has had and will have a chilling effect on the Glendale negotiations with Reinsdorf and potentially Ice Edge Holdings LLC,” Beasley said. “Reinsdorf has indicated that it might withdraw from the negotiations and the Glendale sale process.”

The Moyes filing said the $23-million subsidy was to be raised by creating a special district around the Jobing.com Arena and the neighbouring Westgate City Center in Glendale. There would be “voluntary” surcharges to retail sales in the district, as high as 11.5 per cent, although no details were given as to how this would be accomplished.

In addition, if the surcharges failed to raise the required amount, the city itself would have to pay the Coyotes. The Coyotes would also get the right to move after 2014 if the team operated at a net cash loss (it lost more than $60-million in the 2008-09 season) and the city refused to pay it $15-million per year. The document also said Glendale officials had so far refused to agree to the demands.

Daryl Jones, one of the leaders of the Ice Edge group, said they are not seeking the same kind of subsidies from Glendale, nor do they want an escape clause to let them move the team.

“We aren’t looking for concessions,” Jones said in an e-mail message. “We are looking for an enhanced long-term partnership with the city. We have also not contemplated an escape clause.”

Both the NHL and Glendale once again asked Judge Baum to postpone the first auction until early September to give the Reinsdorf and Ice Edge groups time to finish negotiating a new lease and new deals with creditors.

The NHL followed the Glendale accusations with a filing that responded to the accusations of a personal bias by Balsillie, who has offered $212.5-million for the team on the condition it be moved to Hamilton.

The NHL’s filing denied this and said Balsillie was rejected as a potential team owner last week because the league’s governors determined he lacked the proper character. Balsillie said Bettman’s resentment of him stemmed from an attempt to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006 that fell apart after a disagreement about a clause in the deal that said the team could not be moved for seven years. Balsillie said this was inserted at the last minute, which the NHL denied, and withdrew his offer.

Moyes also took some shots from the NHL, which said he appears to be doing everything he can to scuttle the two Glendale bids in favour of Balsillie’s. Last week, Moyes and Balsillie both accused the league of stalling in order to subvert Balsillie’s bid.

In its filing on Monday morning, the NHL agreed the Penguins dispute played a role in Balsillie’s rejection. But the league also said the governors were angry about Balsillie’s conduct in a subsequent attempt to buy the Nashville Predators and for other dealings with league owners.

The NHL declaration said it would not use the word “grudge” in describing its rejection of Balsillie but “he is correct in that several of the owners formed an unfavourable opinion of him as a potential business partner well before his current attempt to buy the Coyotes. Those opinions were based largely on the owners’ personal dealings with Mr. Balsillie since the more favourable reception he received from the [governors’] executive commitee in 2006.”

During Monday’s hearing, lawyers for Balsillie are expected to ask Judge Baum not to postpone the relocation auction, which is set for September 10, even if he grants the requests to postpone the Glendale auction. They will also be seeking permission to examine Bettman and NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly about the decision to reject Balsillie’s ownership application.

Canucks Burrows Facing Misconduct Allegations

((HT: TSN/RDS))

Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows ((pictured, thanks Getty Images file)) could be facing charges stemming from an on-ice incident in a Montreal summer hockey league game.

According to a report on RDS.ca, an investigation is underway in response to a complaint filed on July 21 that states Burrows violently struck the face of a goaltender with his stick during a game at the Excellent Ice Arena in Kirkland, Que.

The report said the family of the goaltender, 19-year old Koray Celik, would not comment about the incident on the advice of lawyers.

"Police went to the arena, but there are no charges right now," Burrows' agent Paul Corbeil told The Globe and Mail. "[Police arrived] because some people called the police. They spoke with Alex but nothing more than that."

The summer league, also known as the PHL (Pond Hockey League), is described by Corbeil as a summertime circuit for professional, minor pro and college players.

Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman told The Globe that the team was "gathering all the facts" but would make no further comment.

Burrows signed a four-year contract extension with the Canucks in March, which will pay him $2 million per season. The 27-year-old set new career highs with 28 goals, 51 points and 150 penalty minutes in his 2008-09 campaign.

Harris Smith Indicted, Pierce Luckier Than Plax

((HT: NYPost))

Plaxico Burress, who caught the winning touchdown pass for the Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl, was indicted today on gun possession charges. Linebacker Antonio Pierce was let off the hook.

The former giants wide receiver ((pictured, thanks Chad Rachman/NYPost)) was indicted on two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, class C violent felonies.

He also was indicted on a reckless endangerment charge in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor.

He faces as many as 15 years in prison.

"At the time the defendant shot himself, he was not licensed to carry or possess that pistol in either New York or New Jersey, where he had a home," Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau said in a statement.

"In this case, we conducted a thorough investigation and then presented the evidence to the grand jury, which evaluated the facts under the applicable law," he added. "The case required a more protracted investigation than does a typical weapons possession case given the number of witness and the need to investigate events both before and after the shooting."

The charges stem from a November incident when Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg in a Manhattan nightclub.

Officials say Pierce was at Burress' side the night of Nov. 29 in the VIP vestibule at Latin Quarter. When the gun went off, Pierce sprang into action to save his teammate's life -- driving the bleeding, trembling Burress to the hospital, said his lawyer, Michael Bachner.

Both men testified before the grand jury last week.

Burress spent three hours in front of the 23 grand jurors, saying he was sorry about bringing his loaded, unlicensed Glock into the nightclub.

"I was truthful. I was honest," Burress said after his testimony. "And I'm truly remorseful for what I've done, for what happened, for what I did."

Giants President John Mara expressed support for Pierce but was noticeably silent on Burress.
"We certainly agree with the grand jury's decision," Mara said.

"We said last week we felt strongly that Antonio's actions did not warrant criminal charges, and obviously the grand jury, having heard all of the testimony, felt the same way."

Coach Tim Coughlin echoed Mara.

"As I said yesterday, we are anxious to start the new season, nobody more than Antonio," he said. "Today's decision allows him and this team to move forward and focus on our preparation for the season."

WAVY-TV in Newport News has local coverage of the indictment.

Sports Director Bruce Rader is in studio...

Male Boxer Now Fights Like A Woman

[HT/Foxsports.net]

Boxer Rob Newbiggin is preparing for his final bout, but all of his friends are no longer in his corner.

That's because they've all deserted him since learning of his plans for a sex change, he says.

The 44-year-old Southport resident says he'll soon become "Mercedes," as he admitted in an English tabloid.

"The way The Sun treated my story was the complete opposite to what I expected. Maybe I was being naive, but they made me out to be some kind of freak. I should have just spoken to the Visiter," he told the Southport Visiter.

"I have lost every friend I have ever had in the world in this town."

Newbiggin, who has boxed for 20 years and is a former sparring partner of Ricky Hatton, has said he hopes to continue his career in the women's ranks.

Newbiggin says though he has the physical characteristics of a man, he was born with high levels of estrogen that make his gender identity less than clear.

He says that was the reason his adoptive father pushed him toward boxing to begin with.
"My dad said that I had to act like a man because people wouldn't accept me as anything else, so I started boxing at the YMCA at about the age of 12.

"He was trying to protect me. I didn't find out I was adopted until I was 16 and then about how I was born, but then it all starting making sense to me."

In addition to boxing, Newbiggin says he hopes to work as a model after the transformation is complete.

Photo Courtesy: Southport Visiter

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: Western Athletic Conference

Boise State Broncos

2008 Record: 12-1 Overall, 9-0 In The WAC
Lost To TCU 17-16 In The Poinsettia Bowl

Boise State’s run during this decade is off the charts. The Broncos are 54-2 vs WAC opponents since 2002. Boise should get noisee again this year. A BCS bowl might be in the plan for 2009.

Things To Like About The Broncos:

Head Coach Chris Petersen: It’s time to start mentioning Petersen in the same sentence with Nick Saban, Urban Meyer and Bob Stoops. Heading into his 4th year at Boise State, Petersen is 35-4 but look deeper into the numbers for a more intense “wow” factor. Petersen is 23-1 vs WAC opponents, 1-0 vs a Top 10 team, 3-1 vs BCS teams and has led the Broncs to 2 unbeaten seasons.

Secondary: The WAC likes to sling it but offensive coordinators and QB’s will be uneasy challenging Boise State’s defensive backfield. All 4 starters return from a secondary that ranked 2nd in the country in pass efficiency. CB Brandyn Thompson and FS Jeron Johnson are darn good.

Quarterback: Kellen Moore isn’t big or has an NFL arm but he just gets the job done. Moore also won’t make mistakes which is critical at that position.

Things Not To Like About Boise State:

Offensive Line: They are young and have injury issues. There will be pressure on this group to protect Moore.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Same ole same ole for the Broncos. Double digit wins, a WAC title and a big bowl, maybe a BCS one for Boise State. BSU opens with Oregon after that they can cruise.

Phil: These guys always win. Ian Johnson is gone now, isn’t he? They will be good…they always are, that won’t change. They won’t be undefeated though.

Nelson: I’m actually thinking that Boise will be one of those interlopers that will give the BCS trouble slotting everyone this year. They’ll be that #6-seed that gets to go to the last pick-BCS bowl game. They’ll get to square off against the Big East winner or Notre Dame. Fun times on the smurf turf…

Fresno State Bulldogs

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-4 In The WAC

Has college football’s annual flavor of the year starting to go stale? 2008 was a rough year for the Bulldogs. Is head coach Pat Hill backside feeling a little warm right now?

Things To Like About Fresno State:

Running Backs: The entire unit is awesome. Ryan Matthews could be one of the nations elite RB’s but must stay healthy. Lonyae Miller isn’t bad either but is injury prone. Anthony Harding was Fresno State’s most consistent back last year and is back. That RB rotation could be on of the best in the country. All three have the potential to run for 1,000 yards.

Offensive Line: Fresno State always has good O-line’s and this one will be to. This group will be a rock this year.

Things Not To Like About Fresno State:

Defense: They were just bad last year finishing near the bottom against the run and in sacks. The Bulldog defense must make some plays, force some turnovers and stop the run.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Pat Hill will take on anyone, anywhere. The Bulldogs have racked up some nice wins on the road vs BCS foes which gets some attention but just what has Fresno State accomplished? They don’t win their league and their talent level is there and maybe better than Boise State. Hill enters his 13th year in the valley and 2009 is a critical year for him and the Bulldogs.

Phil: I agree. This is the year they get Boise. They will run run, run and run some more and dare people to stop them. It’s a big contrast to the rest of the WAC. If they can stop anyone they could be very good. They will be good enough to win the WAC this year.

Nelson: I don’t think they’ll be 7-6, but I don’t think they’ll be 12-1 either. One other item to consider- the Fresno State athletic department is having to go through severe cutbacks just instituted by President Welty. This means that they will be furloughing coaches just like everyone else on campus. Look for Coach Hill to jet after this year- regardless of the amount of success.

Nevada Wolfpack

2008 Record: 7-6 Overall, 5-3 In The WAC
Lost To Maryland 42-35 In The Humanitarian Bowl

Nevada has always been that team nobody wants to play in the WAC but could never get that big win to win the conference. This Wolfpack team just might get the job done. Mark down November 27th when Nevada plays at Boise State, that might be for the WAC title.

Things To Like About Nevada:

In The Trenches: The Wolfpack has one if not the best offensive lines in the WAC. They do a great job protecting their QB. The defensive line is aggressive and has one of the best pass rushers in the country. Nevada’s defensive ends Kevin Basped and Dontay Moch are terrific.

Quarterback: Colin Kaepernick is special. He ran for over 1,000 yards last year and threw for 2,500 yards as well. He will be one of the most exciting players in the nation.

Things Not To Like About Nevada:

Secondary: That was a big weakness last year. The DB’s were picked apart. That can’t happen for the ‘Pack to make a major move.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: If Nevada can get past Notre Dame at South Bend (and it might happen) then stay up late and watch this team when they are on TV. The Mizzou Tigers come to Reno so there’s another shot to make an impression. This team might be a team to watch as a potential BCS buster.

Phil: Wilkie said the QB is “Special”. This may be your surprise WAC team of the year. They are always pretty good and with Kaepernick running the show, they could be “Special” (I said it too). They could beat N.D…but that will be it. A WAC runner up.

Nelson: Their game with Boise should decide the conference champion. The organized chaos that Kaepernick controls is really fun to watch. It’s high-risk, high-reward. I think there will be more rewards than risk this year.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

2008 Record: 8-5 Overall, 5-3 In The WAC
Defeated Northern Illinois 17-10 In The Independence Bowl

La. Tech is the team moving up in the WAC. Derek Dooley is proving to be just as good as a head coach as his dad Vince.

Things To Like About La. Tech:

Solid Lines: La. Tech will win most of the battles in the trenches. The Bulldogs return all their big fellas on the O-Line and D-Line.

Things Not To Like About La. Tech:

Schedule: It’s a tough one. La. Tech opens on the road at Auburn and at Navy. Later in the year the Bulldogs play 4 of 5 on the road with a home game against Boise State sandwiched in between.

Secondary: The glaring weak link in the La. Tech defense. They allowed way too many short and mid-range throws to be completed last year to keep the chains moving. That has to change.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: From October 24 through November 21 La. Tech plays 4 of 5 games on the road with Boise State sandwiched in between. Who did the Bulldogs piss off? After Boise State La. Tech goes to Death Valley to battle LSU then head out to Fresno. La. Tech will be a better team on the field but probably wins 6-7 games. Should make a bowl too.

Phil: Derrick Dooley has this team rolling. These guys have gotten some attention and they have earned it. I still don’t get the whole WAC thing…but whatever. The schedule may be what does them in this year. It will be hard to be very competitive within the conference with such a tough out of conference schedule. 4th place, though the bottom line improves…a lot.

Nelson: Look for another tour of the southeastern second-tier bowl this year for Coach Dooley. The home game in Shreveport last year did wonders for the karma of the program. Interesting to see if there’s some carry-over…

San Jose State Spartans

2008 Record: 6-6 Overall, 4-4 In The WAC

Believe it or not Dick Tomey is building a program at San Jose State. The Spartans have gone from getting the paddles to a near full recovery.

Things To Like About San Jose State:

Defense: They are good. When he’s not double or triple teamed DE Carl Ihenacho will make plays and disrupt the opponent’s backfield.

Things Not To Like About San Jose State:

Offensive Line: They were not very good last year and had a tough time protecting their QB. Their will be pressure on the O-Line to improve for the Spartans to have a special year.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: A tip of the hat to Dick Tomey for making football matter at SJSU. San Jose State opens at USC, a loss, then host Utah, possible win, then at Stanford, pick’em. This is a team that could be the surprise of the league is things fall into place.

Phil: Do you know the way to San Jose? The hurdles are large and I’m not sure they are up to the task. They will be OK and they will scare some folks. Don’t look for the record to be any better than last year.

Nelson: Dick Tomey, really, deserves Coach of The Year consideration. But people want success of ungodly proportions to think about it instead of going from “dead” to “relevant.” If the Spartans catch a break here or there, they could be in Louisiana Tech’s place in the bowl picture.

Utah State Aggies

2008 Record: 3-9, 3-5 In The WAC

Things To Like About Utah State:

Depth: The Aggies return 18 starters and 48 letterman and can go 2-deep in every position.

Things Not To Like About Utah State:

Not Very Big: The Aggies are one of the smallest teams in the country. They will have to rely on quickness than hand to hand combat.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: They say Utah State should be the most improved team in the WAC. I’ll take their word on that. 4-5 wins in 2009.

Phil: Yawn. Not impressed. They are the 3rd best team in Utah. They won’t be a threat this year unless they get bigger and stronger and deeper. Don’t look for much if any improvement.

Nelson: : Baby steps here… I agree with the 4-5 win idea, but any kind of tangible success is still a bit off.

Hawaii Warriors

2008 Record: 7-7 Overall, 5-3 In The WAC
Lost To Notre Dame 49-21 In The Hawaii Bowl

Things To Like About Hawaii:

Big Plays: The Warriors live by that. Greg Alexander is no Colt Brennan but he’s getting there. Hawaii’s receivers have playmakers. They may torch some of the league’s weak defensive backfields

Things Not To Like About Hawaii:

Defense: It has to be totally rebuilt. The Hawaii defense only has 2 returning starters. It will be a work in progress.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I just don’t see how Hawaii makes it back to a bowl. To many questions on defense and the offense will have pressure to put 40 points on the board.

Phil: They haven’t been the same since June Jones left. No depth on “D” will kill them; they aren’t good enough to make up for it. Bottom 1/3rd of the league.

Nelson: Rebuilding when you have as technical an offense the Rainbows have is never a good recipe. There will be a dip from 7 wins and a return to the middle of the pile…

Idaho Vandals

2008 Record: 2-10, 1-7 In The WAC

Things To Like About Idaho:

Deonte’ Jackson: One of the best running backs in the WAC. Unfortunately his talents are rarely displayed because the Vandals are out of games early. Jackson will get his share of carries this year. He’s all Idaho has.

Things Not To Like About Idaho:

Where Do I Start: The Vandals couldn’t score last year or could stop their opponents from scoring. One if not both of those issues must improve for Idaho to begin to move up.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: It won’t be fun to watch at the Kibbie Dome this year.

Phil: Again, sorry. Not feeling it. While they may be a bunch of good kids, they don’t have the horses to run with the big boys. There really isn’t much else that I can say here.

Nelson: Next....

New Mexico State Aggies

2008 Record: 3-9 Overall, 1-7 In The WAC

Things To Like About New Mexico State:

The Hal Mumme Experiment Is Over: They would chuck it in Las Cruises but it didn’t translate into touchdowns or even wins. DeWayne Walker takes over and is a coup for NMSU. Walker has BCS program written all over him so if Walker moves the program up the WAC food chain he might be gone. Enjoy him while you can Aggie fans.

Things Not To Like About New Mexico State:

Everything: This isn’t a good football team so don’t expect a turnaround.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Another year in the WAC basement for New Mexico State.

Phil: They’ve got “A long, long way to go”. I agree with Wilkie, coach Walker will help, but they are going to need time. A lot of time. There is always 2011.

Nelson: Is there any place lower than last…???

OSG'S Take On The WAC

2009 WAC Champion
Wilkie: Boise State
Phil: Fresno State
Nelson: Boise State

Best Offensive Player:
Wilkie: Colin Kaepernick – Nevada
Phil: Ryan Thompson- Fresno State
Nelson: Colin Kaepernick - Nevada

Best Defensive Player:
Wilkie: Kyle Wilson – Boise State
Phil: Kevin Basped, Nevada
Nelson: Jeron Johnson - Boise State

Seattle's Voices of The Game

The Seattle Times' Percy Allen got one of the best interview sessions we could ever dream of- the five voices that have shaped Seattle sports over the last 50 years.

Each is a credit to the business and worth learning from and listening to...

The Mariners Dave Niehaus
The Seahawks Steve Raible
Wazzu's Bob Robertson
U-Dub's Bob Rondeau and
Former Sonics and current Sounders FC Kevin Calabro

He turned the sit-down into a five-part series...
Here's the segment where they all describe where they got their catch phrases...