((HT: Islanders TV))
You've seen the promotion before... and, probably, been a part of it...
"Chuck-A-Puck"
Throw a rubber puck onto a bull's eye from your seat... closest to the center gets "something." In Islander fan Michael Mann's case, it was a shot at putting a puck into a very small hole from center ice to win "something."
That "something," Don Pardo, was a brand new car...
Here's Michael's winning wrister from the center circle...
Guess what, though...??? We bet he has to pay the taxes on it...
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Matt James: Saturday PM Update- A "Tragic Accident"
Panama City, Florida police held an afternoon press conference detailing the circumstances surrounding the death of Notre Dame signee Matt James.
Police did not use James' name during the presser. They only would refer to him as a "17-year-old from Ohio who had signed with Notre Dame."
The details given by police major David Humphries are disappointing if true...
"Witnesses and friends indicate he had become drunk and belligerent," Humphreys said. "He had leaned over the balcony rail, was shaking his finger at the people in the next room over. He fell over."
Naturally, Humphries said police would be interested in pursuing charges against those who interacted with James if it was learned who provided him with the alcohol that led to the death Friday.
"It appears to be a tragic accident," Humphreys said...
Here's morning coverage from our friends at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati...
Police did not use James' name during the presser. They only would refer to him as a "17-year-old from Ohio who had signed with Notre Dame."
The details given by police major David Humphries are disappointing if true...
"Witnesses and friends indicate he had become drunk and belligerent," Humphreys said. "He had leaned over the balcony rail, was shaking his finger at the people in the next room over. He fell over."
Naturally, Humphries said police would be interested in pursuing charges against those who interacted with James if it was learned who provided him with the alcohol that led to the death Friday.
"It appears to be a tragic accident," Humphreys said...
Here's morning coverage from our friends at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati...
Matt James: Saturday Update
((HT: WNDU-TV South Bend/Fox 19 Cincinnati))
Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly sent out the following statement on the death of incoming freshman Matt Kelly. Kelly died falling from a hotel balcony last night while on Spring Break in Panama City, Florida.
"The Notre Dame football program is in a state of disbelief and incredible sadness with the news of this tragic event,” Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Matt James in this most trying of times. “On a personal level, I got to know Matt quite well over the past few years and he was a wonderful young man from a great family. Matt was an extremely talented person who was very bright and possessed a great dry sense of humor. He could not wait to join the Notre Dame family.
“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the James family as well as the St. Xavier High School and Cincinnati communities.”
Here's local coverage from South Bend, thanks to our friends at WNDU-TV...
Maureen McFadden tosses to Angelo DiCarlo...
St. Xavier students gathered at the high school Friday evening. Candles were lighted and students shared their memories of Matt before saying prayers.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the James family," says Mark Motz, St. Xavier director of communications and publications. "The entire James family- immediate and extended- has always been good to St. X. We hope we can be comfort in their time of need. We are a faith community and this is certainly is a test of that faith, but we will get through it together. We are all devastated by the news, but grateful for the gift of having Matt as an Xavier man."
A Facebook group honoring James has over 3,200 members as of Saturday morning.
Here's Cincinnati coverage from our friends at WXIX-TV/Fox 19
Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly sent out the following statement on the death of incoming freshman Matt Kelly. Kelly died falling from a hotel balcony last night while on Spring Break in Panama City, Florida.
"The Notre Dame football program is in a state of disbelief and incredible sadness with the news of this tragic event,” Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Matt James in this most trying of times. “On a personal level, I got to know Matt quite well over the past few years and he was a wonderful young man from a great family. Matt was an extremely talented person who was very bright and possessed a great dry sense of humor. He could not wait to join the Notre Dame family.
“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the James family as well as the St. Xavier High School and Cincinnati communities.”
Here's local coverage from South Bend, thanks to our friends at WNDU-TV...
Maureen McFadden tosses to Angelo DiCarlo...
St. Xavier students gathered at the high school Friday evening. Candles were lighted and students shared their memories of Matt before saying prayers.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the James family," says Mark Motz, St. Xavier director of communications and publications. "The entire James family- immediate and extended- has always been good to St. X. We hope we can be comfort in their time of need. We are a faith community and this is certainly is a test of that faith, but we will get through it together. We are all devastated by the news, but grateful for the gift of having Matt as an Xavier man."
A Facebook group honoring James has over 3,200 members as of Saturday morning.
Here's Cincinnati coverage from our friends at WXIX-TV/Fox 19
Don't Pull April Fools Jokes On Kenyon Martin....
From the outside looking in, this is pretty funny. Apparently a former Denver Nuggets ball boy initiated an April Fools day joke on Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin and...well...it didn't go so well.The short version is this: the former ball boy went into the Denver locker room and got Martin's car keys. He then proceeded to go out to Martin's Range Rover and fill it up with buttered popcorn. Martin...well, once he found it was not very amused.
Harvey Levin and our friends at TMZ have the audio, which they have edited... all the naughty words were silenced...but you still get the idea that Kenyon was quite angry...
More from Chris Broussard and the 4-letter word, ESPN.com RIGHT HERE
(Kenyon Martin//Courtesy: nba.com/nuggets))
We get that Martin was less than happy someone went in the locker room and went into his clothes to get the keys. And we sort of get the fact that the white interior wasn't so white after the buttered popcorn. But, we also think that the ball boy had some huge cojones to pull it off. We also think that Martin has more than enough bank to get the interior cleaned, though the ball boy is paying for the cleaning himself.
The Nuggets are in need of something to lighten the mood, though we suspect this wasn't that something. They are struggling without their coach, George Karl who is still finishing a round of chemotherapy for his throat cancer. They have lost 5 of their last 7 games
Here is a video mashup of Martin, when he is healthy, doing what he does. Thanks You Tube:
Jurevicius Suit OK To Continue Against Browns
A federal judge says a lawsuit over a staph infection contracted by former Cleveland Browns receiver Joe Jurevicius can go forward in a state court against the team and the Cleveland Clinic.
Jurevicius sued back in June of 2009 saying the team "misrepresented the cleanliness of its training facility." He also claimed doctors were negligent over a 2008 infection in his right knee.
Judge Solomon Oliver, Junior ruled six of Jurevicius' eight claims should be decided in a Cuyahoga County court. The judge dismissed the other two claims and said they should be handled through arbitration with the team and the National Football League.
The Browns had argued all eight claims should be dismissed and handled through arbitration. The clinic and its representatives/lawyers are not commenting.
Jurevicius career with the Browns ended in March of 2009.
Here's some 2007 highlights of Jurevicius catching passes when he was, presumably, on two good knees...
((HT: KardiacKids2007))
Jurevicius sued back in June of 2009 saying the team "misrepresented the cleanliness of its training facility." He also claimed doctors were negligent over a 2008 infection in his right knee.
Judge Solomon Oliver, Junior ruled six of Jurevicius' eight claims should be decided in a Cuyahoga County court. The judge dismissed the other two claims and said they should be handled through arbitration with the team and the National Football League.
The Browns had argued all eight claims should be dismissed and handled through arbitration. The clinic and its representatives/lawyers are not commenting.
Jurevicius career with the Browns ended in March of 2009.
Here's some 2007 highlights of Jurevicius catching passes when he was, presumably, on two good knees...
((HT: KardiacKids2007))
BREAKING NEWS: Notre Dame Recruit Dies In Spring Break Fall
One of the country’s top high school senior football recruits died in a fall from a motel balcony during Spring Break.
17-year-old Matt James of Cincinnati died Friday night after falling from the third floor balcony of the Days Inn Motel on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Police said the initial indications are the teenager fell over the balcony railing of his motel room and, apparently, died instantly.
Police say they could not publicly confirm the identity of the teenager because relatives had not been formally notified. But WCPO-TV in Cincinnati indicates the victim was James.
He attended St. Xavier High School where he was a 6’7”, 280 pound offensive tackle. He had been recruited by Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, Florida State, Miami and North Carolina. He considered in-state schools, Cincinnati and Ohio State, before signing on with the Notre Dame on National Signing Day.
Panama City Beach police are investigating...
Here's Jerry Brown recapping the lead story for our friends at WMBB-TV in Panama City Beach...
Here's file video of James from his time at St. Xavier...
((HT: The Forbes Report))
17-year-old Matt James of Cincinnati died Friday night after falling from the third floor balcony of the Days Inn Motel on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Police said the initial indications are the teenager fell over the balcony railing of his motel room and, apparently, died instantly.
Police say they could not publicly confirm the identity of the teenager because relatives had not been formally notified. But WCPO-TV in Cincinnati indicates the victim was James.
He attended St. Xavier High School where he was a 6’7”, 280 pound offensive tackle. He had been recruited by Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, Florida State, Miami and North Carolina. He considered in-state schools, Cincinnati and Ohio State, before signing on with the Notre Dame on National Signing Day.
Panama City Beach police are investigating...
Here's Jerry Brown recapping the lead story for our friends at WMBB-TV in Panama City Beach...
Here's file video of James from his time at St. Xavier...
((HT: The Forbes Report))
Shaun Rogers Speaks: "Truly Remorseful"
((HT: WOIO-TV Cleveland))
Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers says he didn't mean to take a handgun into an airport and apologizes to his family, his team and his fans...
In that order...
Rogers was charged Friday with a fourth-degree felony- carrying a concealed weapon- then posted bond and was released from jail.
Authorities say he carried a .45-caliber Kimber semiautomatic with eight rounds in the chamber with his carry-on luggage while attempting to board a plane at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport.
Rogers told reporters that it was an accident and that it's "not something I would do."
He spent the night in jail after his arrest Thursday. Rogers attorney says he plans to plead not guilty...
Of course... but if Rogers didn't carry a concealed weapon, whose luggage was it and when was the gun ((not Rogers')) that was in the luggage in question...???
Even if it was his gun...
The HQ anticipates a plea deal of some description...
Here's Rogers outside the courthouse explaining his actions...
Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers says he didn't mean to take a handgun into an airport and apologizes to his family, his team and his fans...
In that order...
Rogers was charged Friday with a fourth-degree felony- carrying a concealed weapon- then posted bond and was released from jail.
Authorities say he carried a .45-caliber Kimber semiautomatic with eight rounds in the chamber with his carry-on luggage while attempting to board a plane at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport.
Rogers told reporters that it was an accident and that it's "not something I would do."
He spent the night in jail after his arrest Thursday. Rogers attorney says he plans to plead not guilty...
Of course... but if Rogers didn't carry a concealed weapon, whose luggage was it and when was the gun ((not Rogers')) that was in the luggage in question...???
Even if it was his gun...
The HQ anticipates a plea deal of some description...
Here's Rogers outside the courthouse explaining his actions...
Friday, April 2, 2010
Big Ticket, Small Fine...
For calling Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant "Michael F'n Jordan" the Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett was fined $25,000 for criticizing officials...
"Michael Foxtrot Jordan..."
Good work on live television... and the HQ is sure that Garnett had the money laying around in his locker...
Enjoy, but since it's not bleeped, Garnett is NSFW...
((HT: CSNNE/NBA))
"Michael Foxtrot Jordan..."
Good work on live television... and the HQ is sure that Garnett had the money laying around in his locker...
Enjoy, but since it's not bleeped, Garnett is NSFW...
((HT: CSNNE/NBA))
Colby Armstrong Gets 2 Games For Head Shot
Technically, it looks more like a forearm shiver... or an "attempted one," anyway...
As the NHL tries to cut down on the head shot, the Atlanta Thrashers Colby Armstrong looks like one of the poster children for the efforts of the League.
Last night in Washington, Armstrong led with his forearm leaning into the Caps' Mathieu Perrault. Perrault saw it coming, and the blow kinda glanced off his grill, but the Thrashers are down a man for the next two games.
From the League its own self...
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Armstrong will forfeit $24,870.47. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Armstrong was assessed no penalty for the hit, which occurred 12:40 into the second period. Perreault was injured on the play but returned later in the game.
Armstrong will miss Saturday’s game at Pittsburgh and Tuesday’s home game vs. New Jersey. He will be eligible to return April 9 at Washington.
Here's the hit, thanks to CSNDC...
As the NHL tries to cut down on the head shot, the Atlanta Thrashers Colby Armstrong looks like one of the poster children for the efforts of the League.
Last night in Washington, Armstrong led with his forearm leaning into the Caps' Mathieu Perrault. Perrault saw it coming, and the blow kinda glanced off his grill, but the Thrashers are down a man for the next two games.
From the League its own self...
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Armstrong will forfeit $24,870.47. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Armstrong was assessed no penalty for the hit, which occurred 12:40 into the second period. Perreault was injured on the play but returned later in the game.
Armstrong will miss Saturday’s game at Pittsburgh and Tuesday’s home game vs. New Jersey. He will be eligible to return April 9 at Washington.
Here's the hit, thanks to CSNDC...
Now Isiah Thomas wants in on the DePaul gig...
Because he's incredibly loyal, Chicago native and current Florida International Head Coach Isiah Thomas has publicly expressed interest in the vacant DePaul job.
Thomas, who has completed his 1st season as the coach at FIU, leading them to a robust 7-25 record in his rookie campaign. He appeared to be getting them on track and has a very highly rated class of recruits heading to campus. However, the reports say that he'd brings some of those recruits with him to DePaul (hmmmm? Illegal...don't think so, unethical...absolutely).
Check out more from chicagobreakingsports.com RIGHT HERE
((Isiah Thomas coaches//Courtesy: Josh Ritchie/Chicago Tribune))
We wouldn't be surprised if this happens...at all. DePaul has bungled its search and is desperately searching for an identity in the current college landscape. We don't think Thomas is the answer however, he's a horrible coach and really doesn't have the track record that says otherwise. But again, don't be surprised to see this soon. Very soon.
As a credibility check, we remind you of the FIU presser from last summer, where the school's president....um....didn't quite remember his coaches name. Thanks You Tube:
Holmes Investigation Powers...Activate!
It looks like the Spring of the Pittsburgh Steelers discontent will be continuing. Santonio Holmes, whose name hit the news wire earlier this week when he was served a civil suit for an "Incident" at an Orlando, Florida nightclub back on March 7th is still in the news for the same incident.
It seems as though the woman, a Anshonae Mills, at the time of the incident declined to file charges against Holmes who she says threw a glass of liquor in her face. She lawyered up and filed the civil suit, which she is entitled to do, however, without filing charges, it would be awfully tough to win said suit.
Fast forward to April 1. Mills returned to the Orlando Police Department and decided that she wants to prosecute. The OPD, has now...according to their spokeswoman..."The case has be re-activated".
More from the very busy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.com RIGHT HERE
Needless to say, there is a lot of "He Said-She Said" going on here. After the original incident, police were called, but there seemed to be a resolution to the "Situation" and nobody pressed charges and all moved on.
We don't know if Ms. Mills is just looking for a payoff or if Holmes really did what he is accused of, it isn't for us to say. We do know this looks even worse for the Steelers who up to this point had a very family friendly image at home and around the NFL. Between Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger, the Rooney family has a lot of detective and investigative work to do. These are two of their most important players and they don't want to be without either when the 2010 NFL Season commences later this summer.
For those of you who wonder what the heck we are talking about when we say "Wonder Twin Powers Activate", it's from the 70's cartoon the Superfriends. Check out this version of the Wonder Twins redone by the Cartoon Networks Adult Swim.
Thanks You Tube and Cartoon Network:
It seems as though the woman, a Anshonae Mills, at the time of the incident declined to file charges against Holmes who she says threw a glass of liquor in her face. She lawyered up and filed the civil suit, which she is entitled to do, however, without filing charges, it would be awfully tough to win said suit.
Fast forward to April 1. Mills returned to the Orlando Police Department and decided that she wants to prosecute. The OPD, has now...according to their spokeswoman..."The case has be re-activated".
More from the very busy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.com RIGHT HERE
Needless to say, there is a lot of "He Said-She Said" going on here. After the original incident, police were called, but there seemed to be a resolution to the "Situation" and nobody pressed charges and all moved on.
We don't know if Ms. Mills is just looking for a payoff or if Holmes really did what he is accused of, it isn't for us to say. We do know this looks even worse for the Steelers who up to this point had a very family friendly image at home and around the NFL. Between Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger, the Rooney family has a lot of detective and investigative work to do. These are two of their most important players and they don't want to be without either when the 2010 NFL Season commences later this summer.
For those of you who wonder what the heck we are talking about when we say "Wonder Twin Powers Activate", it's from the 70's cartoon the Superfriends. Check out this version of the Wonder Twins redone by the Cartoon Networks Adult Swim.
Thanks You Tube and Cartoon Network:
Barkley finds a Birdie in the TNT Studio
((Big Thanks to Fanhouse and Larry Brown Sports for this story))
We all have gotten a good laugh listening to Charles Barkley pontificate...or at least try to on TNT's Inside the NBA. We also know that Mr. Barkley does a lot of...well...uncensored kind of things that he gets sort of in trouble for and then he apologizes and everyone says "Awwww....it's just Charles being Charles".
We get that, really, we do. No, he really doesn't add tons of "Basketball" insight to the show anymore, but he is entertaining and a great foil for partner Kenny Smith and he keeps one of the best hosts in the business, Ernie Johnson Junior on his toes.
With that set up. Check out what Barkley kind of accidentally on purpose lets loose on the set of the the show the other night. We also think Ernie's attempt and playing it off was pretty funny too.
Video Courtesy: Twitter-@jose3030.
Round 3: PHX To WPG- Glendale Approves Lease Agreements
Thanks to Darren Pang for the heads-up on this...
Two lease proposals for the Phoenix Coyotes given to the Glendale City Council earlier this week have been approved- both from Ice Edge and Jerry Reinsdorf.
Ice Edge CEO Anthony LeBlanc also says they have hired former Arizona attorney general Grant Woods to finalize their lease agreement with the city of Glendale.
In an e-mail to The AP, LeBlanc quoted Mark Twain in saying, "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated"- alluding to the notion that Ice Edge's funding is shaky at best...
Sources close to the Coyotes' situation believe Glendale may run out of time before it can decide on a lease that works for the city and franchise since the NHL has said they're not renewing their lease agreement after June 2010.
Here's FOSG James Cybulski talking about the whole "Return of the Coyotes to The Peg" idea that The Bettman floated last summer...
((HT: TSN))
Two lease proposals for the Phoenix Coyotes given to the Glendale City Council earlier this week have been approved- both from Ice Edge and Jerry Reinsdorf.
Ice Edge CEO Anthony LeBlanc also says they have hired former Arizona attorney general Grant Woods to finalize their lease agreement with the city of Glendale.
In an e-mail to The AP, LeBlanc quoted Mark Twain in saying, "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated"- alluding to the notion that Ice Edge's funding is shaky at best...
Sources close to the Coyotes' situation believe Glendale may run out of time before it can decide on a lease that works for the city and franchise since the NHL has said they're not renewing their lease agreement after June 2010.
Here's FOSG James Cybulski talking about the whole "Return of the Coyotes to The Peg" idea that The Bettman floated last summer...
((HT: TSN))
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Adenhart Suspect Wants Trial Moved
((HT: MyFoxLA.com))
The man charged with killing Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart wants to move the murder trial outside of Orange County.
The HQ can't say it's surprised, and it took entirely too long for this predictable aspect of Gallo's defense to take place.
The attorney for 23-year-old Andrew Thomas Gallo says the publicity surrounding the April 9, 2009, crash will make it hard for Gallo to get a fair trial.
Shocker, there...
Gallo has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and other felonies in the crash that killed Adenhart and two friends. Police say Gallo had nearly triple the legal blood-alcohol level when he ran a red light and became involved in the crash.
All he did was run away from the scene... for starters...
Adenhart died hours after he made his season debut by pitching six scoreless innings.
Superior Court Judge Richard Toohey scheduled a May 28th hearing on the motion and also pushed back Gallo's previous April trial date to July.
Bob Decastro and Amy Murphy led team coverage on the morning of the accident...
((HT: KTTV-TV))
The HQ hopes Gallo rots in hell... allegedly...
And you still can't by an Adenhart jersey from mlb.com, but you can get a "Gallo-34" jersey if you want... we still try to see if they'll let you honor Adenhart...
MLB.com's response is upon preview: Your current entry cannot be processed. Some entries are prohibited due to guidelines for past and present player names. Please create a new entry.
What if the HQ specifically wants THAT ONE...???
The man charged with killing Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart wants to move the murder trial outside of Orange County.
The HQ can't say it's surprised, and it took entirely too long for this predictable aspect of Gallo's defense to take place.
The attorney for 23-year-old Andrew Thomas Gallo says the publicity surrounding the April 9, 2009, crash will make it hard for Gallo to get a fair trial.
Shocker, there...
Gallo has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and other felonies in the crash that killed Adenhart and two friends. Police say Gallo had nearly triple the legal blood-alcohol level when he ran a red light and became involved in the crash.
All he did was run away from the scene... for starters...
Adenhart died hours after he made his season debut by pitching six scoreless innings.
Superior Court Judge Richard Toohey scheduled a May 28th hearing on the motion and also pushed back Gallo's previous April trial date to July.
Bob Decastro and Amy Murphy led team coverage on the morning of the accident...
((HT: KTTV-TV))
The HQ hopes Gallo rots in hell... allegedly...
And you still can't by an Adenhart jersey from mlb.com, but you can get a "Gallo-34" jersey if you want... we still try to see if they'll let you honor Adenhart...
MLB.com's response is upon preview: Your current entry cannot be processed. Some entries are prohibited due to guidelines for past and present player names. Please create a new entry.
What if the HQ specifically wants THAT ONE...???
Oooey Poooey Phooey... IUPUI Lacks Institutional Control...
((HT: WTHR-TV Indianapolis))
When the NCAA drops the hammer, they really drop the hammer...
On little schools... never the big ones that need it...
The HQ's newest example is IUPUI- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis... or something like that...
The school, right under the NCAA headquarters' nose, was found to have major violations in 14 sports over a four-year period. That takes some doing...
97 infractions were cited in that four years, but 61 of them specifically were students making progress toward a degree who had not declared a major or made adequate progress toward that major, as required by the NCAA.
The school claims that the issue of advising and compliance came from the academic side of the school, not athletics since the two aren't even linked. And the ratio of advisor to student was 225:1...
No, that's not a misprint...
The school is on three years probation, faces scholarship reductions and forfeits wins in volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball.
Hey, if you're gonna do it, do it right...
Kevin Rader has the details from campus...
As does Julie Loncich for WXIN-TV/Fox 59 in Indianapolis...
When the NCAA drops the hammer, they really drop the hammer...
On little schools... never the big ones that need it...
The HQ's newest example is IUPUI- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis... or something like that...
The school, right under the NCAA headquarters' nose, was found to have major violations in 14 sports over a four-year period. That takes some doing...
97 infractions were cited in that four years, but 61 of them specifically were students making progress toward a degree who had not declared a major or made adequate progress toward that major, as required by the NCAA.
The school claims that the issue of advising and compliance came from the academic side of the school, not athletics since the two aren't even linked. And the ratio of advisor to student was 225:1...
No, that's not a misprint...
The school is on three years probation, faces scholarship reductions and forfeits wins in volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball.
Hey, if you're gonna do it, do it right...
Kevin Rader has the details from campus...
As does Julie Loncich for WXIN-TV/Fox 59 in Indianapolis...
April Fools Flashback: Kyle Kendrick Traded
((HT: Comcast Philadelphia))
Kyle Kendrick was traded from the Phillies to the Yomiuri Giants- and everyone was in on it... except for Kyle...
Charlie Manuel, Ruben Amaro Junior, Brett Myers, Kendrick's agent- everyone...
And he was traded for Kobayashi Iwamura... the hot dog-eating champion...
Leslie Gudel was at Spring Training...
Kyle Kendrick was traded from the Phillies to the Yomiuri Giants- and everyone was in on it... except for Kyle...
Charlie Manuel, Ruben Amaro Junior, Brett Myers, Kendrick's agent- everyone...
And he was traded for Kobayashi Iwamura... the hot dog-eating champion...
Leslie Gudel was at Spring Training...
NCAA Basketball Tourney is looking like the Final 96...
Well, it is all done but the official announcement at this point. The NCAA stopping short of saying that it is official, but is dropping some big hints that we are going to a 96 team tournament.
We would ask why, but we know the answer to the question. There is not a public groundswell for this. There is not a question that the best teams make the tournament. No, this is one thing...plain and simple, it is a quest for more money. Not from paying fans, from the TV Networks.
Read more from the Indianapolis Business Journal RIGHT HERE
Perhaps the funniest line in the story comes from the NCAA VP of Basketball and business strategies, Greg Shaheen who said that "Money isn't the only factor". Yeah...right.
The idea is generating pretty universal disdain, not only from the blogging community but most every mainstream sports person is against it as well.
Check out Jay Mariotti of aolfanhouse...RIGHT HERE
USA Today has 2 of their columnists debate it RIGHT HERE
An opinion from Dave George of the Palm Beach Post is RIGHT HERE
Here at the OSG we feel that the whole thing is stupid. Sure, we get the NCAA wants more money from their TV deal...doesn't everyone? No, there just aren't a whole lot of "Deserving" teams that are being left out. Really, it is true.
One door that they are opening is that the 1st round of the Tournament will become like the lesser College Football bowl games. Sorry, there just isn't a groundswell of support to see North Carolina A&T playing SW Missouri State in 1st round Tournament action. I would add that it would make conference tournaments completely meaningless which would be true except for the fact that the conferences and the NCAA make a lot of money off of them.
The other is purely a hypocritical argument. The NCAA has long taken the alleged high road in their explanation of no college football playoff saying that it would "Take too much time away from school", despite the fact that most colleges don't have school in December and most bowl games don't happen for at least 2 weeks after the regular season ends. If that were true, then how can you justify adding another week or round to this. The debate traces back to 1 issue and really it is the only issue...MONEY!
All the bitching in the world isn't going to change what is about to happen. It is inevitable. The NCAA is saying they "haven't decided", but in reality, it will be done. They will exercise their "
opt out" window in their TV deal with CBS and open bidding on a new deal. That new deal, will include an extra round of games and more than 1 broadcast partner. The NCAA will make Billions on the deal. The players....nothing.
So, enjoy this coming weekends Final Four. It will be the...or one of the last in its current form.
While you ruminate on this, here are the best dunks from the 2009 Final Four. Thanks CBS/NCAA and You Tube:
When Media Try To Relive Their Youth
((HT: WTVD-TV))
It's never pretty...
The Durham Bulls had their Media Day festivities the other day, and a few Durham-area personalities got their swings...
ABC11's Mark Armstrong, Joe Mazur, and Charlie Mickens show why they need to stick to charity softball...
Well, maybe, just Armstrong and Mazur...
It's never pretty...
The Durham Bulls had their Media Day festivities the other day, and a few Durham-area personalities got their swings...
ABC11's Mark Armstrong, Joe Mazur, and Charlie Mickens show why they need to stick to charity softball...
Well, maybe, just Armstrong and Mazur...
Football Player At Center Of Steroid Investigation
((HT: CTV-Southwest Ontario))
Yes, the HQ is well aware that this story takes place at the University of Waterloo. Save your Napoleon jokes... not funny...
A Waterloo Warriors football player, as of yet unnamed and suspended from campus, is at the center of the investigation, and AD Bob Copeland is naturally stunned.
Copeland said the school learned of a police probe last week. The information was passed on to CIS ((one of the Canadian versions of the NCAA)) given that banned substances were involved, and an additional round of testing was requested for the entire football team.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports conducted the tests Wednesday and will report any positive tests to the CIS, which in turn will make the findings public.
There have been 56 doping infractions -- 54 of which have involved male athletes -- from over 5,800 tests since the CIS began its doping control program in 1990.
Football has been the worst offender, accounting for 45 of the positive tests.
CTV's Melissa Durrell tried to get people to talk on campus...
Students were pissed...
Yes, the HQ is well aware that this story takes place at the University of Waterloo. Save your Napoleon jokes... not funny...
A Waterloo Warriors football player, as of yet unnamed and suspended from campus, is at the center of the investigation, and AD Bob Copeland is naturally stunned.
Copeland said the school learned of a police probe last week. The information was passed on to CIS ((one of the Canadian versions of the NCAA)) given that banned substances were involved, and an additional round of testing was requested for the entire football team.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports conducted the tests Wednesday and will report any positive tests to the CIS, which in turn will make the findings public.
There have been 56 doping infractions -- 54 of which have involved male athletes -- from over 5,800 tests since the CIS began its doping control program in 1990.
Football has been the worst offender, accounting for 45 of the positive tests.
CTV's Melissa Durrell tried to get people to talk on campus...
Students were pissed...
Letter Details Bellotti Exit From Oregon
((HT: KVAL-TV))
So, now there's a letter from Oregon general counsel Melinda Grier to the state conforming that there was no contract with Mike Bellotti and that his exit to the four-letter may have been accelerated by university president Richard Lariviere.
Bellotti is in the process of getting a $2.3-million green-and-yellow parachute from the school, and after a conversation where it was revealed Bellotti went to Lariviere with the idea that ESPN wanted him, the Prez apparently "determined that it was in the university's best interest to expedite this transition and find new leadership for the athletic department."
The Oregon Department of Justice is in the process of conducting a review of Bellotti's deal.
So, how in the green-and-yellow hell did Lariviere come up with the $2.3-million figure...???
Grier said that Lariviere, acting on the idea that Bellotti's contract was for three years, factored in compensation as part of a cut in pay he took when he went from being the coach to the AD.
"Although the sum paid to Bellotti is large, it represents an amount that is consistent with President Lariviere's best assessment of what would be due Bellotti. This is especially true for a longtime employee such as Bellotti who has served with such distinction and who is held in high regard," Grier wrote.
"Some have raised concerns that taxpayer funds will be used to pay this settlement. That is not the case, nor will Athletic Department operating funds be used," she added. "The UO will rely solely on donor funds for the payments to Bellotti."
At least the school has Pat Knight's numbers on speed dial for this one...
Here's the first part of Bellotti's exit presser...
Thanks to our friends at KVAL-TV...
So, now there's a letter from Oregon general counsel Melinda Grier to the state conforming that there was no contract with Mike Bellotti and that his exit to the four-letter may have been accelerated by university president Richard Lariviere.
Bellotti is in the process of getting a $2.3-million green-and-yellow parachute from the school, and after a conversation where it was revealed Bellotti went to Lariviere with the idea that ESPN wanted him, the Prez apparently "determined that it was in the university's best interest to expedite this transition and find new leadership for the athletic department."
The Oregon Department of Justice is in the process of conducting a review of Bellotti's deal.
So, how in the green-and-yellow hell did Lariviere come up with the $2.3-million figure...???
Grier said that Lariviere, acting on the idea that Bellotti's contract was for three years, factored in compensation as part of a cut in pay he took when he went from being the coach to the AD.
"Although the sum paid to Bellotti is large, it represents an amount that is consistent with President Lariviere's best assessment of what would be due Bellotti. This is especially true for a longtime employee such as Bellotti who has served with such distinction and who is held in high regard," Grier wrote.
"Some have raised concerns that taxpayer funds will be used to pay this settlement. That is not the case, nor will Athletic Department operating funds be used," she added. "The UO will rely solely on donor funds for the payments to Bellotti."
At least the school has Pat Knight's numbers on speed dial for this one...
Here's the first part of Bellotti's exit presser...
Thanks to our friends at KVAL-TV...
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