Final Report Given In Tampa Boating Accident

((HT: ABC Action News-WFTS))

An agency investigating a deadly boating accident involving two NFL players and their friends in the Gulf of Mexico has concluded it was caused when the vessel was improperly anchored and the boat capsized after one of them tried to throttle forward to pry loose the anchor.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's investigation also cited carelessness and operator inexperience as contributing factors. The combination of errors came at the time a storm front was moving in, making conditions on the water very rough.

Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith, and former University of South Florida players William Bleakley and Nick Schuyler departed from Clearwater Pass, Fla., early February 28 to go offshore fishing for amberjack.

Schuyler, found clinging to the boat two days later, was the lone survivor. The other three men have not been found.

In an in-depth interview with the agency, Schuyler gave this account of the accident:

Early that morning, the men went more than 50 miles offshore in Cooper's 21-foot vessel. It was loaded with two large coolers filled with ice, drinks, food and beer. All of the friends were dressed in warm clothes, sweat suits and jackets.

Around 5:30 p.m., they went to pull up the anchor and head back to port, but the anchor was stuck. Bleakley suggested they tie it to the transom and use the boat's motor to pull it loose.

When Cooper tried to thrust the boat forward, the vessel became submerged and capsized, tossing the men overboard. All four tried uprighting the boat by standing on one side of the overturned vessel. When that didn't work, Bleakley swam underneath and was able to retrieve three life vests, a large cooler and a portable, cushion-type flotation device.

Bleakley, who Schuyler has credited with saving his life, used the makeshift flotation device, which has been described previously as a cushion. The other three wore the vests.

The men appear to have tried everything in their power to rescue themselves: Schuyler told the agency they tried retrieving and using flares, but they were wet, agency Investigator Jim Manson said. They got their cell phones, which were in plastic baggies, but there was no signal.

They knew how many hours were passing because Schuyler had a watch with a light on and was able to keep track of the time. He said that around 5:30 a.m. the next day, Cooper became unresponsive. Schuyler and Bleakley tried to revive him without success.

Cooper's flotation device was removed and Bleakley put it on. The Oakland Raiders linebacker then became separated from the boat.

About an hour later, Smith started to show "possible extreme symptoms of hypothermia." He removed his flotation device and also became separated from the boat.

The two college teammates were the only ones left. They hung on together for about 24 hours, until Bleakley grew weak and removed his life vest as well.

Schuyler said that his friend appeared to die as he was holding onto him. He let his friend go and Bleakley drifted away.

Manson said moving the anchor line to the stern, or back of the boat, contributed to the vessel's instability and flooding when they tried to free it. He described it as a mistake that probably happens every day, but one that a more experienced boater would be aware of and could handle.

Manson recommended cutting the line if boaters are not able to easily free their anchor. The agency advises boaters to take a boating safety course and leave a detailed float plan with friends or family.

Cooper, the boat's owner, had more than 100 hours of boating experience but no formal education, and had been drinking, according to the report.

"Overall, it's just a mistake in anchoring," Manson said.

The Coast Guard released its records on the accident last week. According to the agency, Schuyler told them the boat capsized after their anchor got caught in a reef.

The accuracy of that account was somewhat unclear because Schuyler was suffering from hypothermia and spoke to them shortly after he was pulled from the boat. His doctor said he probably could have only lived another five to 10 hours.

The Coast Guard called off its search after three days of scouring 24,000 miles of ocean.
WFTS-TV Carson Chambers has the story...

Effing Hired: Des Moines Duo Paired In D-League

Tom Witosky of the Des Moines Register lets us in on the silver lining for Marty Tirrell, Larry Cotlar, and Geoff Conn after their firing.

Iowa Energy officials decided today to keep Marty Tirrell and Geoff Conn on their game-day staff, and add Larry Cotlar to the team’s radio color commentary — beginning Saturday ((pictured, thanks WHO-TV)).

The surprise move came after all three men were fired Wednesday from KXNO Radio as a result of a profane, on-air argument last week between Tirrell and Cotlar during which Tirrell used the “f-word” at least a dozen times.

Cotlar, who engaged Tirrell in the argument, was co-host of “Cotlar and Company” – a morning drive sports talk show. Conn was Cotlar’s co-host and assistant program manager at KXNO.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, the Energy has invited Geoff Conn to continue as the public address announcer. Marty Tirrell will continue to do play-by-play and Larry Cotlar will be hired as the color commentator for all remaining home games and the playoffs,” the team said in a statement issued this afternoon.

The club also said that neither Tirrell nor Cotlar would have any comment on the incident until the Energy’s game Saturday night against Fort Wayne when “both will be given a chance to address the fans.”

At the same time, the team’s statement said that their decision was based on the fact that the men had apologized to each other as well as listeners and individuals mentioned in the argument for their behavior.

“This acceptance of responsibility and accountability was not only key to retaining the affiliation with the Iowa Energy, but also necessary in order to move the local sports community beyond this unfortunate incident,” the statement says. Team officials said that their decision shouldn’t be interpreted as condoning the incident.

“Regardless of whether Tirrell and Cotlar believed that they were having a private conversation, the content and tone of the conversation were completely unacceptable,” the statement says.

Energy officials also said that any future conflicts would not be tolerated.

But let's go ahead and revisit the conflict in question, anyway...

UPDATE: Cotlar changed his mind...

From WHO-TV...

Channel 13's Keith Murphy learned that Cotlar has since changed his mind and will not be broadcasting for the Iowa Energy.

Cotlar released this statement to Murphy: "I want to thank the Iowa Energy for offering the opportunity to be color commentator for the remainder of the season. However, I must respectfully decline their offer. Since I accepted that offer, circumstances have changed. I am now considering other career opportunities, and I choose to look forward. I sincerely regret any inconvenience I may have caused the Energy and wish them continued success good luck with their season."

The Iowa Energy says former Hawkeye standout and NBA player Bobby Hansen will do color commentary at Saturday's game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Grant To Alabama

((HT: Jeff Goodman/FoxSports))

Just hours after his former boss, Billy Donovan, decided to remain at Florida, VCU coach Anthony Grant has accepted the Alabama job.

Grant made the decision early Friday night, sources close to Alabama's program told FOXSports.com.

Grant ((pictured, thanks al.com)), who took Virginia Commonwealth to two NCAA tournament appearances in three seasons, replaces Mark Gottfried, who was fired during the season. VCU was 24-10 this past season and lost to UCLA in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Grant, 42, met with Alabama officials in Richmond last weekend and then toured the campus Wednesday. According to sources, Alabama offered Grant a deal that was worth about $2 million per season.

Grant was in a holding pattern for a day or so because there was speculation that Donovan would leave Florida and go to Kentucky — thus leaving the door open for Grant to replace Donovan in Gainesville.

However, Donovan pulled his name from consideration and Grant opted to take the job in Tuscaloosa. The job with the Crimson Tide gives Grant a chance to coach on the other side of the SEC and not have to battle in the same division with Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News confirms:

Crimson Tide officials have agreed "in principle" with Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant for Grant to be the program's next basketball coach, Grant told The Birmingham News in a text message. No word on when a press conference will be held...

Westhead Heads West To Coach Oregon

((HT: KVAL/Tom Ward))

No, it's not what you're thinking... it's for the women's team there...
Paul Westhead is the only coach to win an NBA title as a head coach ((the Lakers)) and a WNBA title ((the Phoenix Mercury)). He was out when PJ Carlesimo was done in Oklahoma City.

So, what's next...? Pac-10 women's hoops...

"The single most thing that attracted me was, it was the women's game. I was smitten in Phoenix by the way they played," he said. "If I'm doing anything, I'm here to try and recapture that excitement for me."

Westhead, known for his run-and-gun teams, has never been head coach of a women's college team. He becomes the sixth coach in the history of Oregon women's basketball.

"Over the years, Paul Westhead coached teams are the epitome of exciting and entertaining basketball. He clearly has a reputation as one of the top teachers of the game on both the men's and women's side," outgoing Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny said.

Westhead was coach of the Mercury for two seasons before joining the Thunder. He was 41-27 overall in Phoenix. At the college level, Westhead coached the men's team at Loyola Marymount from 1985-90, taking the Lions to three straight NCAA tournaments. Loyola Marymount made the round of eight in 1990. Westhead has also coached men's teams at George Mason and La Salle.

Westhead's 1980 championship Lakers included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and rookie Magic Johnson. He was with the Lakers from 1979-82.

Westhead also was head coach of the Chicago Bulls during the 1982-83 season.

He has not met with Oregon's players, because they are on spring break, but they were all e-mailed.

"I can only say to you that I feel confident that I will be able to have our players very competitive and I will tell them this: I want our team next season, home and away, to show up in an arena and look at the opponents and say, 'I don't know if we're going to win or lose tonight, but I'll tell you one thing, you are going to be very tired at the end of the game. We're going to wear you out.' "

Smith, a former All-American as a player for the Ducks from 1978-82, was 123-121 in eight seasons as head coach at Oregon.

Here's KVAL's coverage...

UK Speaks On Gillispie Dismissal

Former UK men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie is set to speak tomorrow to give his side of the dismissal that the university addressed today.

Our coverage comes from our friends at WKYT-TV...
Rob Bromley quarterbacks from Memorial Coliseum with sound from AD Mitch Barnhart and President Lee Todd...

Barnhart addressed the "philosophical difference" and Dr. Todd "a lack of understanding." Both addressed the "memorandum of understanding" ((not a contract)) between the University and Gillispie. The coach served two years of an agreed-to seven and, from the university's point-of-view, the document went unsigned.

Buzz Baker also addresses the idea of the UK Athletic Association being a different entity from the University itself.

BREAKING NEWS: Billy Gillispie Gone At Kentucky

Billy Gillispie is no longer the head basketball coach at the University of Kentucky. A press conference is scheduled for 4:30pm. More details to come.

As The Bluegrass Turns

Here it is Friday and Billy Gillispie is still on the payroll at the University of Kentucky. WHAS-TV in Louisville, KY reported that UK has already pink slipped Gillispie. The University has denied that Billy G. is gone. Probably just a smoke screen that lawyers are negotiating a settlement. OSG still believes Gillispie will be unemployed soon.

Even more rumors are flying that Florida head coach Billy Donovan has already had back channel contact from Kentucky and that is on the way to Lexington. The Orlando Sentitial is citing sources saying that they aren't worrying about Billy the Kid leaving Gainesville. OSG's take is that Kentucky might like to trade one Billy for another but its not looking very likely. Once dollars get involved you never know.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News likes Villanova head coach Jay Wright as a possible successor. Wright is a PR guy, plays a style the kids today like and can recruit. He seems to have the qualifications at UK.

DeCourcy also lists Memphis head coach John Calipari & Texas head coach Rick Barnes. Good choices but why would that pair leave ideal situations. Calipari has Memphis in the palm of his hand and Barnes has great facilities and all the money in the world to spend plus no pressure.

Here at the OSG HQ we have our own list. We have mentioned Travis Ford and really like Jay Wright. Bob Knight? Let us be the first to mention the general.

Some other candidates:

John Voight - He can channel in Adolph Rupp since he played the UK icon in the movie Glory Road. The old guard would be so thrilled.

Ken Reeves - Had a successful high school career at Carver High School in South Central LA during the 70's but hasn't been heard from since. Coolidge and "Salami" would be his assistants.

Dick Vitale - It would be awesome baby.... not.

Dewey Defeats Truman: Is Gillispie Out Yet...?

According to WHAS-TV in Louisville and 840WHAS-AM, Billy Gillispie will not return as the head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Kentucky...

Here's a screen cap from the WHAS-TV 11:00 News...

((HT: aseaofblue.com))
WHAS-TV then removed the link to their Breaking News alert from their website...
Took them about a half-hour...

But, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader ((currently kentucky.com)), UK assistant coach Tracy Webster was seen packing up his stuff and leaving Craft Center Thursday afternoon.

UPDATE: WHAS-TV finagled the semantics of the situation... saying "he will not be coach next year."

Remember, there's a little issue of the $6-million on the table in Gillispie's contract if he is "fired." Those of us at OSG HQ will wager that there's a number AD Mitch Barnhart and Gillispie's representatives will approach somewhere in the middle between zero and six-million.

UK Sports Information released the following statement around 9:30 after WHAS, initially, went with the whole "firing" scenario":
“UK men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie has not been fired. There have been no meetings between Gillispie and UK officials today and there is no scheduled press conference for tomorrow.”

Reading between the lines 101:

Gillispie has not been fired...((Translation: He's not returning as head coach))

No meetings between Gillispie and UK officials...
((Translation: That doesn't mean our lawyers haven't talked...))

There is no scheduled press conference...((Translation: We're getting some sleep first, and we'll give you an hour's notice before we hold a presser...))

More when we know more...

Neighbors Of 7 Ready For His Return

((HT: WAVY-TV/Katie Collett))

As Hampton Roads waits for Michael Vick's return, his fiancee spoke briefly with WAVY.com. She says she speaks with Vick everyday and is ready for him to come home, so they can move on with their lives.

"I think everyone deserves a second chance," says Courtney Walter, one of Vick's neighbors.

Walter moved into her home in Vick's neighborhood a year-and-a-half ago.

"We picked it for the privacy for one."

In 2007, 10 On Your Side broke the story about Vick being arrested on federal dog fighting charges. He was indicted in 2007 and since that time his Hampton neighbors say their private road became a little more public.

"We've definitely seen some heavier traffic and the concern is for the kids who of course, play out in front of the house," says Walter.

Like Vick's fiancee, Walter is ready for her family's private life to get back to normal, and that includes the formal NFL star becoming her neighbor again.

"When he was here, he was always very quiet and a peaceful neighbor, so I guess or main concern is just people respecting his privacy and the privacy of his family," says Walter.

Newport News police are also preparing for Vick's return for his bankruptcy hearing.

"The security for the courts and for Michael Vick will be the responsibility of the US Marshals. Our responsibility will be outside," says Newport News Police spokesman Lou Thurston.

Thurston says they don't expect a rowdy crowd outside the courts, so they don't expect to need a massive police presence.

"Our intention is to use on duty personnel so we do not anticipate using any overtime money," says Thurston.

Here's Collett's coverage from WAVY-TV...

Buzz Talks To Billy... For The Last Time...?

((HT: WKYT-TV))

With everything going on in Lexington ((whether they want to admit it or not)), Billy Gillispie talked to Buzz Baker for his last time for the coach's show.

Whether it was the last time Gillispie actually talks to Baker remains to be seen.
Please enjoy this little piece of history...

Those of us at OSG HQ are still on the Billy Donovan bandwagon, but we also think that Travis Ford may have only spent one year at Oklahoma State by the time it's over with...

Colorado College Cuts 3 Sports

Football, softball, and water polo...

From the desk of President Richard Celeste...
The college’s decision is the culmination of hundreds of hours of research and evaluation by members of the athletic department, athletic board (including four faculty members), students, senior staff, and the Board of Trustees. It was not made in haste. It is intended to allow the athletic department to live within the available budget while providing the necessary resources to ensure that the remaining 17 programs are strong.

This move affects 76 students on campus, 54 men and 22 women. The choice of these three sports came down to competitive success, conference affiliation, available facilities, fundraising success (or endowment earnings), roster size, and recruiting success. It was also critical to follow all applicable federal regulations. This change actually will bring CC more closely into compliance with Title IX Gender Equity legislation, an important aspect of any decision involving athletic programs.

This step will be very upsetting for the young men and women affected, and they will need your support. We hope many will choose to continue their academic careers at Colorado College. We recognize, however, that some students may decide to transfer, and we pledge our full support in their efforts to select a new academic and athletic opportunity.

Colorado College is not the only school reducing the number of varsity offerings. In recent weeks schools including Johns Hopkins, Pepperdine, Quinnipiac, Wagner, Principia, Blackburn, and Agnes Scott have all announced cuts. This problem has also hit at the state school level: Western Washington, The University of Vermont, and Northern Iowa, among others, have announced significant cuts to their athletics departments. It is also clear from speaking with our colleagues at other schools that they are likewise considering reductions in programs.

Here's coverage from Lee Douglas and KOAA-TV 5/30...
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Dallas Cops Embarassed By Moats Situation

((HT: KDFW))

Dallas police Chief David Kunkle apologizes for a traffic stop at a local hospital that prevented an NFL player from seeing a relative before she died.

The incident happened earlier this month when Houston Texans' running back Ryan Moats was visiting his mother-in-law, who was dying at a Plano hospital. Moats and his wife, along with other family members, drove to Baylor Regional Medical Center on March 18 on word that Jonetta Collinsworth was dying.

Inside the hospital parking lot, 25-year-old Officer Robert Powell pulled over the family's sport utility vehicle for having rolled through a red light.

Despite pleas from Moats and his family about the dire situation, the officer refused to allow family members into the hospital and, according to Kunkle, "berated" Moats while demanding proof of insurance. The officer also repeatedly threatened to arrest him, Kunkle said.

Moats' wife ran into the hospital and was there when her mother died, but Moats missed the woman's passing.

On Thursday, Kunkle said he was "embarrassed" and "disappointed" by Officer Powell's behavior. Kunkle also issued a formal apology to Moats and his family.

"His behavior, in my opinion, did not exhibit the common sense, the discretion, the compassion that we expect our officers to exhibit," Kunkle said. "It just seems to be so unreasonable based on the circumstances … Hard to find the right words and still be professional in my role as a police chief," Kunkle said.

He also said the Moats' family exercised extraordinary patience and restraint dealing with the officer. Officer Powell will be placed on paid leave and that the department would file administrative charges against him. Possible disciplinary action could include dismissal, Kunkle said.

Officer Powell has been on the force for nearly three years.

Kunkle said the DPD learned about the incident via a tip from a Plano officer who witnessed the traffic stop.

Here's the cop camera video of the stop from the patrol car's point-of-view...
((HT: DPD/KDFW))

Gillispie Singing The Blues & Might Be Looking For Work

Kentucky's hoop season is over and the Billy Gillispie era appears to be coming to an end.

TrueBlueKentucky.com is already reporting that Gillispie has been fired by UK. Sources in Lexington have told OSG that their is nothing to report...yet.

Gillispie was asked after the Wildcats 77-67 loss to Notre Dame in the NIT quarterfinals about being judged after 2 years on the job he said "There's only one judgment that I will really ever be concerned about, and I hope I pass that judgment. That's the only one I will ever be concerned about, and I'm really proud that's the only judgment that will ever have a real effect on me, and I hope I pass that one with flying colors."

The Lexington Herald-Leader feels something is going down. John Clay from the Herald-Leader writes: The nearly foregone conclusion is that he hasn't passed UK's judgment with flying colors, that President Lee T. Todd Jr. and Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart will announce soon that a change is being made, that a 40-27 record and a differing interpretation of job description will cause the program to move in a different direction.

It is OSG's opinion that Billy Gillispie will be unemployed by this weekend. He never really won the hearts and minds of the blue bloods in Kentucky.

We will take our opinion a step further. Kentucky will offer the world and then some to Florida head coach Billy Donovan. I would bet Billy the Kid is ready for the Kentucky challenge. Donovan has probably realized that backing out of the Orlando Magic job was a mistake and he has maxed out the hoop program at Florida. You can bet Kentucky will come a callin'.

Photos Courtesy: Getty Images

30 Years Ago The Madness Began

March 26, 1979 is the date Larry Bird and Ervin "Magic" Johnson captured the country and sent college and pro basketball into the forefront of sports culture. As the late great Al McGuire was quoted in Seth Davis' book When March Went Mad: The Game That Transformed Basketball, "The college game was already on the launching pad. Then Bird and Magic came along and pushed the button." . By the way, that book is a must read in my opinion.

The game wasn't all that great but more than 35% of TV viewers watched it.

Here are a couple of clips (Thanks YouTube) from the game. You kids... see how basketball was played back in the day.

Beaver Fever In The CBI

Cinderella bypassed the NCAA Tournament but has found a home at the College Basketball Invitational. The nation is being swept by Beaver Fever and will be tuning in to the CBI's best of 3 Championship series as Oregon State (16-17) hopes to culminate their miracle run through the CBI taking on UTEP (22-12).

Should the Beavs take the series, they will win their first ever post season basketball championship and have a winning season too.

Oregon State survived and advanced to the CBI Championship Series with another thrilling overtime win in Gill Coliseum. This time Stanford fell victim to Beaver Fever 65-62 in OT. A 7-0 run at the start of overtime put the Beavs over the top and send 4,759 OSU fans into a frenzy.

“I almost needed an ambulance,” Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson said of the emotions he felt in the game. “We played such a gutsy game to get there. This was probably the gutsiest game and and gutsiest group of guys I’ve been a part of, including when I played. And certainly when I coached.”

"It's exciting. We're in the championship." Oregon State junior guard Seth Tarver said. "We know what we're capable of. We know that we can play well. We feel like we've been getting better all season and we're just playing well at the right time."
Timing is everything. You think Oregon State is an example of spreading the wealth like Criag Robinson's brother in law talks about?

UTEP is next for the Beavs in the CBI Championship Series. Game 1 is next Monday at Corvallis but for OSU to win the title, they have to win on the road. Games 2 & 3 will be played in El Paso, Texas.

You can tune in on HD Net to see what could be a classic series. Unfortunately the OSG HQ doesn't get it.

Photo Courtesy: Scobel Wiggins/Corvallis Gazette-Times

7 Leaves Leavenworth For Virginia

((HT: Yahoo Sports))

The U.S. Department of Labor filed complaints Wednesday accusing suspended NFL star Michael Vick ((pictured, thanks YahooSports file)) of illegally spending about $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying restitution ordered in his dogfighting conspiracy case.

The department filed the complaints in federal district and bankruptcy courts the same day Vick left a federal lockup in Kansas, apparently bound for Virginia to appear at a bankruptcy hearing next week. Vick was at the Federal Transfer City in Oklahoma City late Wednesday afternoon.

Mark Lichtenstein, one of Vick’s bankruptcy attorneys, declined to comment on both the Labor Department allegations and the details of Vick’s apparent temporary move to Virginia for the April 2 hearing.

The Labor Department said Vick made a series of prohibited transfers from a pension plan sponsored by MV7, a celebrity marketing company owned by the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback. The department alleges that Vick violated his duties as trustee of a pension plan that covered nine current or former MV7 employees.

“This action sends a message that the Labor Department will not tolerate the misuse of plan money and will take whatever steps necessary to recover the assets owed to eligible workers,” Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a prepared statement.

The department also accused two of Vick’s former financial advisers, Mary R. Wong and David A. Talbot, of participating in some of the transfers.

The filing further complicates Vick’s bankruptcy case, which has gradually moved along in Newport News while Vick serves a 23-month prison term in the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. The judge presiding over the bankruptcy case has ordered Vick to testify in person at next week’s hearing on confirmation of his Chapter 11 plan.

U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Felicia Ponce said Wednesday that Vick was at the Oklahoma transfer facility but added that she could not disclose the inmate’s ultimate destination until it he arrives. There was no indication of when Vick left Leavenworth or when he would arrive in Virginia.

Vick will likely be kept in a southeastern Virginia jail until the hearing, but it wasn’t known which one. Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan said he had not been notified that Vick would be staying in the city jail, but it was possible Vick and federal marshals could show up unannounced.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Santoro earlier this month rejected the idea of allowing testimony by video hookup, saying he needed Vick in the courtroom so he could assess his demeanor and credibility.

Vick’s plan for paying his creditors is based largely on his intention to resume his NFL career. Vick was suspended indefinitely after his 2007 indictment, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will review Vick’s status after he is released.

The Falcons still hold the contract rights to Vick but have said they will try to trade him. Vick’s bankruptcy plan would allow him to keep the first $750,000 of his annual pay. After that, a percentage would go to his creditors based on a sliding scale.

Vick is eligible to move into home confinement no earlier than May 21 and is scheduled to be released from custody July 20.

Here's coverage from Andy Fox and our friends in the WAVY-TV newsroom...

Effing Fired: The End In Des Moines

((HT: WHO-TV))

Three employees of a Des Moines sports radio station have been fired. KXNO has let go Larry Cotlar, Marty Tirrell and Geoff Conn ((pictured, WHO-TV)).

The firings relate to an incident at the station Friday morning. Hear the incident here...

A profanity-laced argument between Cotlar and Tirrell accidentally made it on the air. The argument happened during a commercial break when the men thought the studio microphone was not going out live on the air. The argument could be heard in the background of the commercials. Conn was reportedly running the audio board during the commercial break.

KXNO suspended Cotlar, Conn and Tirrell earlier this week.

They have not been on air since Friday.

Tirrell released a statement to the media on his termination. In part, it reads: "I have remained quiet for the past few days so Clear Channel could make their decision. That said, I have been eager to publicly apologize. Specifically, I would like to apologize to Larry Cotlar for the way I treated him. He deserved better, I would also like to apologize to anyone who heard the comments on the radio, to Bud Legg and the IHSAA and to Clear Channel for the embarrassment I have caused them."

Channel 13 has also confirmed Tirrell will no longer participate as a commentator on KCCI in the "Mouth of the Midwest" segment. Conn spoke with Channel 13's Keith Murphy and says he was fired for "violation of Clear Channel policy."

In a statement sent Wednesday afternoon, Conn wrote: "I am very sorry for what happened on the air Friday, I apologize to KXNO listeners. I am very thankful for the opportunity to work at Clear Channel Radio the past 14 years. Thank you to all my friends, colleagues and listeners who have been so supportive on this very tough day."

In a statement from Larry Cotlar, he apologized to KXNO listeners and also wrote: "I am saddened and deeply disappointed with Clear Channel's decision to terminate my employment after all my years of service over an unfortunate incident which I did not initiate nor had any knowledge was being broadcast over the airwaves."

Clear Channel senior VP Joel McCrea has confirmed the firings to Channel 13.Cotlar was host of Cotlar & Company, which Geoff Conn often contributed to. Conn was also the assistant director of programming at KXNO. Marty Tirrell was a co-host on Marty & Miller.

Oooops...U Conn in Trouble

Busted...

Well, it appears that the University of Connecticut basketball team may have a little bit more than playing in the Sweet 16 to worry about. A report has documented...well, lets just say a pretty serious recruiting violation concerning one Nate Miles. One that is serious enough that the school is probably going to be awash in NCAA visits over the next several weeks.

((nate miles photo, courtesy: Yahoo Sports))

Yahoo Sports, as part of their excellent series of reports on the evolving roles of agents not only trying to represent players for the pros but now college...has the whole story here .

Needless to say, we wouldn't want to be in Coach Jim Calhoun's shoes at the moment. U Conn has a press conference scheduled for later this afternoon, we can only assume to refute the charges. Read the story carefully though, it is documented pretty well, it will be interesting to see how the University will try and wriggle out of this one.

Calhoun's response is below from today's presser...

((HT: NCAA/ESPN))

Alabama Set To Offer Grant MBB Job...

((HT: Al.com/Mobile Press-Register))

Gentry Estes lets us in on one of the most-recent worst-kept secrets- The University of Alabama is set to offer their head coaching vacancy to VCU's Anthony Grant ((pictured, thanks Getty Images)).

Grant is expected on the UA campus for what would be his second meeting in the past week with Crimson Tide officials.

There is no guarantee of Grant's acceptance, but a source close to the situation said the VCU coach is leaning toward making the move to Alabama. His potential deal would likely be worth more than $1.5 million annually.

Alabama athletics director Mal Moore and executive director of athletics Dave Hart met Sunday with Grant in Richmond, Virginia, according to a report by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. No offer was tendered, but the understanding was that Grant was asked to travel to Tuscaloosa for a second meeting.

Grant, 42, has been targeted as Alabama's top candidate since VCU's Thursday night loss to UCLA in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Rams athletics director Norwood Teague granted UA permission to approach Grant after Moore's request Saturday night.

Georgia has also expressed interest in Grant for its vacancy, but VCU sports information director Chris Kowalczyk confirmed Tuesday that the Bulldogs have not contacted VCU about Grant.

Grant was at his office in Richmond on Tuesday afternoon, Kowalczyk said.
"His car is right outside," Kowalczyk said. "He's in his office today."

Grant is a Miami native and played at Dayton in the 1980s. He worked his way through south Florida high schools and held assistant gigs at Stetson and Marshall before in 1996 beginning a 10-season stay under Billy Donovan at Florida.

After helping the Gators to the 2006 national title, Grant received his first head coaching job at VCU, which has won at least 24 games each year and reached two of the past three NCAA tournaments.

This season's squad went 24-10 and attained a Number 11 tournament seed.

Grant was set to make around $850,000 this season, according to salary totals reported by the Times-Dispatch. Per an extension announced last year, Grant's deal runs through the 2013-14 season.

Marlins Face More Hurdles Before Thursday Vote

((HT: WSVN/Dianne Fernandez))

It ain't over yet...

Michelle Spence-Jones is one of the swing votes for approval of the financing plan on the new Marlins Stadium that is set to be built on the site of the old Orange Bowl property.

The District 5 rep is calling for employment of local residents for up to 50-percent of the construction, using local unions for the work force, giving preference to local businesses for construction, the establishment of a trust fund for baseball fields for local kids and matching programs, and implementation of stiff financial penalties if these demands are not met after she signs off on the deal.

Yep... that's what we thought, too...