Online Sports Guys

Danica's Daytona Experience Doesn't Start Well...

2012-02-25T15:33:00.001-05:00

((HT: NASCAR/ESPN))

It's not cool when a teammate does it to you...

And that's what JR Motorsports' Cole Whitt did on Lap 49 of the Saturday race at Daytona. Danica Patrick started on the pole and got some seat time with owner Dale Earnhardt, Junior in draft behind her for the first few laps.

But as is the want of the race and the track, she sorted drivers out and shuffled them every which-a-way. Patrick was no different drifting as far back as the mid-20's in the pack.

And, then, depression set in, thanks to Whitt...

Here's the spin out from and the aftermath...

Sufficed to say that in-car communication had to be bleeped and edited for content... thanks, MotorSportsCentral and TSN2

Marquette Buzz: Coach Goes Dancing On Rival Floor

2012-02-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

And the dance by ~~Warriors~~ Golden Eagles head coach Buzz WIlliams after being down to West Virginia in Morgantown didn't go over well with the home folks...

See for yoursself...
((HT: ESPN))

Williams held out four starters for the ever-popular "undisclosed violation of team rules" for the first half in Morgantown before coming from behind in the one-point win.

The HQ knows Huggy Bear will remember this one...

OSG Buzzer Beater: Best Finish In College Basketball This Year

2012-02-25T09:23:00.003-05:00

Perhaps the best finish in college basketball of the year happened at the Kellogg Gym in Pomona, California in a rivalry game between Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal Poly Pomona.

Cal State Dominguez Hills' hit a three point shot with .6 seconds left to give the Toros a one point lead.

Then on the inbound Cal Poly Pomona's Mitchel Anderson did a catch and shoot from three quarters court and nailed it giving the Broncos an impropable win.

Here's the highlights with the game winner. (Thanks cppbroncos)

"I've seen games like this on TV but never been a part of one until now," Cal Poly Pomona head coach Greg Kamansky said after the game. "I'm happy for our seniors since this was their night."

Mitchel Anderson led the Broncos in scoring with 17 points.

That finish is going to be hard to top.

Danica, Shawna... Shawna, Danica...

2012-02-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

((HT: ESPN/NASCAR))

For the first time since Shawna Robinson picked up the pole at Atlanta MOtor Speedway in 1994, Danica Patrick knocked Sam Hornish, Junior off the top spot for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona.

Here's your analysis from the desk...

She is scheduled to drive 10 Sprint Cup races for Stewart-Haas Racing and run every Nationwide race for JR Motorsports ths year- talk about having a split ownership loyalty...

She makes her Sprint Cup debut in the Daytona 500 after eating the wall at 180-miles per hour in the Twin 150's races Thursday afternoon.

She has three top-10 finishes in 25 Nationwide races over two years, so now that she's up front it'll be interesting to see who plays ball with her and if she has any friends on the track - AT ANY TIME...

Jus' sayin...

Oregon Admits NCAA Investigation

2012-02-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

((HT: KATU-TV Portland))

The Albert Lyles-Lache Seastrunk stuff is finally coming to the fore as an own admission of a "failure to monitor."

Now it will be interesting whether or not Oregon self-polices themselves in the USC/Ohio State manner and how much they sit and take when it comes to the NCAA investigation.

Here's the KATU story...

And here's the released information from Oregon to KATU

And, now, we're back to the 90-day appeals process, which puts the timetable at the late May/early June/time to almost start practicing point in the calendar.

Then the NCAA can come up with a decision within a few weeks after that and the school will learn its punishments in time for the first weeks of the regular season.

And Oregon joins the list...

McLovin Breaks Glasses On Live TV

2012-02-24T16:38:00.000-05:00

((HT: dp101directv/Patrick Seton O'Connor))

Andrew Perloff, aka "McLovin'" from the "Dan Patrick Show" is set to play the Harlem Globetrotters tonight as part of their exhibition in New England.

Except for one thing...

He did this on live TV today...

The evidence of the game will be an interesting case study for someone who had trouble reading his computer terminal during the remainder of the show...

Friday Administration Update: Rangers Owe More Than They Thought

2012-02-24T14:27:00.000-05:00

((HT: STV))

And one of the managing partners feels "duped" for having brought Craig Whyte on in the first place...

According to our friends at STV, the bill on outstanding tax debt is more in the neighborhood of 15-million pounds instead of the originally-thought 9-million.

Rangers director Andrew Ellis has now come forward and is claiming that he didn't know the extent of Whyte's resume (the bad part) and has apologized to the club and its supporters.

Ellis said in an interview with Press Association Sport, released by STV:

"I took Craig to meet Sir David Murray in the south of France and that's when talks began and I'm distraught that it has ended up like this. My interest in buying the club had ended due to the potential cost of the impending tax case but I had met Craig via the Cadbury family and was told by people that he was a very successful and wealthy businessman who was interested in buying Rangers.

"He appeared to have the money, he showed me proof of funds and told me about the numerous companies he owned. I was absolutely devastated last week to see the club go into administration with jobs at risk."

Ellis also said that he had an agreement in principle to pick up just under a quarter of the Rangers ownership, but Whyte kept dodging him when asked.

In other Rangers news, they now have an official bill with the local police since they haven't paid for their protection from their first game back in administration.
The local po-po is going to take it on a case-by-case basis...

And manager Ally McCoist was asked about the revelations about the leveraging of the ticket broker, Ticketus, their front money and the retiring of a debt using future funds.

"My reaction was shock but not surprise. Shock because it's obviously not a good situation, but not a surprise because all of the journalists and newspapers were heading in that direction. That kind of took the surprise element away."

Here's your early recap from BBCNews Scotland and johngreig...

Pat Knight channels dad and goes off on team

2012-02-24T09:17:00.001-05:00

Okay, maybe this is a case of like father, like son...or maybe it isn't.

Lamar basketball head coach Pat Knight is the son of legendary coach Bob Knight. And he's got some of his fathers temper and like Bob, apparently doesn't have much of a filter.

After his team lost last night to Stephen A. Austin, Knight proceeded to go on for a long, long time about the apathy of his seniors, the lack of effort by his team and pretty much rail about everything they do...on and off the court.

And while he may not be wrong, we also need to add that sometimes its the coach's job to get his players to perform or be motivated. And judging by the lack of success that the younger Knight had a Texas Tech and apparently is having at Lamar, that may be a legitimate issue too.

Here's your video (courtesy: lamar1video)

Graham James Sentenced In Canada March 20

2012-02-24T00:07:00.000-05:00

((HT: GlobalNational))

Victim statements were heard in open court for the sentencing hearing for disgraced junior hockey coach Graham James.

James pleaded guilty in December to sexually abusing two junior players between 1983 and 1994.

Crown attorney Colleen McDuff gave details of the crimes James committed against Theo Fleury and another former junior player, Todd Holt. Both men agreed to have their names publicized.

Holt read an emotional victim impact statement in court, describing how James ruined his life.

"Graham James took away every part of me that my family had brought me up to be. I will always be left picking up the pieces."

"What that man did to me and many others is the cruellest form of abuse. I want peace, and justice."

James attorney is asking for the equivalent of house arrest while crown attorneys are looking for another six years or so behind bars.

Here's extended interviews with Sheldon Kennedy, one of the first abused by James...

An alleged third victim, Greg Gilhooly, was also in court. But the case against Gilhooly was dismissed in order to get a secured conviction of James.

James had been living in Mexico but agreed to turn himself in to Canadian authorities in late 2010 after Fleury, Holt and Gilhooly went to police. James also had been given a controversial pardon in 2007, but public outcry forced the government to re-examine the pardons guidelines...

Here's CBC's Bob McKeown with one of the best gotchas ever...
Finding James in Mexico...

Duerson Family Suing NFL

2012-02-23T23:39:00.000-05:00

((HT: WLS-TV))

Former NFL defensive back Dave Duerson made a point to shoot himself in the stomach when he committed suicide. It was his wish that, from there, his family would donate his brain to science to determine whether or not he was suffering from CTE at the time he killed himself.

The Duerson family has now filed a wrongful death suit against the NFL for not informing him or his family that he should be treated for his injuries.

Here's the latest out of Chicago...

Helmet manufacturer Riddell is also part of the suit...

The HQ is fairly certain that Duerson and the other 11 players that have gathered for their suit against the NFL will not be the last to do so.

BU Creating Task Force To Examine Culture

2012-02-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

((HT: WHDH))

In light of two arrests of Boston University hockey players for alleged sexual assaults, the school is making sure they examine the environment.

Here's the analysis...

The school is claiming they are going to do what they feel they need to and make sure the environment is corrected...

The HQ isn't holding its breath on this one...

Daytona: Danica Gets Crashed In 150-Miler

2012-02-23T18:05:00.000-05:00

((HT: MT89MotorsportMedia/NASCAR/NASCAR Images/Speed))

Welcome to auto racing, and thank NASCAR for putting in SAFIR barriers when Danica Patrick needed them...

Here's the last part of the race where Danica got introduced to them...

Aric Almirola was bumped by Jamie McMurray and it all led to Patrick's hard crash. But the HQ will give the driver credit for taking her hands off the wheel- using her open-wheel prowess to keep from getting her wrists broken...

The 500-miler is Sunday in Daytona...

Huguely Could Face 26 Years

2012-02-23T17:48:00.000-05:00

((HT: MyFoxDC))

The second-degree murder and grand larceny charges on former University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely are yielding a possible 26-year sentence come the April sentencing phase in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The timing is set of the 16th...

The jury deliberated for nine hours in the case involving Huguely's former girlfriend, Yeardley Love. Late last night, the possible 60 years from the charges were whittled down to the current 26.

Paul Wagner is outside the courtroom...

Former U.Va. Lacrosse Player George Huguely V Faces 26 Years for Murder of Yeardley Love: MyFoxDC.com

The judge does not have to keep the jury recommendation by the latter, but the term can be adjusted or adhered to as is.

Thursday Administration Update: Rangers Have Redundancy

2012-02-23T17:40:00.001-05:00

((HT: STV/SkySports))

And, as a result, Chief operating officer Ali Russell and Gordon Smith, director of football, are leaving their roles with Rangers.

Smith said he was "undermined" through his association with owner Craig Whyte...

Here's Smith statement from the Rangers website:

"It was a great thrill to be offered the Director of Football role at Rangers. As a fan it was a wonderful experience to play such a big part in our treble winning season of 77/78. However like my transfer in 1980 my leaving at this time comes as a tremendous wrench.

"I admit that under the current circumstances it has not come as a major surprise to me. I was brought in by Craig Whyte but because his control and reputation has been damaged by recent disclosures, I feel my own position has been undermined by association.

"However, I would make the point that I was very frustrated in my job as I was unable to fulfill the job specification which was originally outlined for me. This was to control the major aspects of the football department outwith the first team operations.

"These were to include recruitment, scouting, transfer negotiations and youth development. I wasn't in control of any of these activities despite constantly making it clear to Craig Whyte that this was to be my remit. I outlined my medium to long term strategies for the Club on numerous occasions to no avail.

"There's no point in being a Director of Football unless you can control these areas, so, in that respect I'm totally comfortable with being made redundant at this time.

"The main thing for me is that Rangers survives and continues to operate as a great football club and I offer my full support going forward to ensure this happens."

Both are staying until the end of the month to finish up their jobs and administrators Duff and Phelps are handing over findings to local police for their own investigations.

And it now appears that the tax liability may be more into the neighborhood of 15-million pounds instead of 9-million...

Here's looking back at the preview of game one after administration, thanks johngreig...
((HT: SkySports))

BREAKING: Braun Suspension Overturned (UPDATED WITH PRESSER)

2012-02-23T17:10:00.005-05:00

MVP and Milwaukee Brewers all-everything Ryan Braun has had his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test overturned by an arbitor...

More when we know more from Milwaukee...

Here's early reaction from Milwaukee and our friends at WTMJ-TV

"Today the arbitration panel announced its decision, by a 2-1 vote, to sustain Ryan Braun's grievance challenging his 50-game suspension by the commissioner's office," a statement from the players' association said. Braun was found to have an elevated testosterone level in October.

Discussion on national levels revealed that the elevated level may have come from a health-related issue Braun is (or was) going through although there has been no confirmation of that theory.

This is the first time that there has been a reversal of a finding through an arbitor.

Here's the early part of the statement released by Braun, thanks Fox6Now Milwaukee:

“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision.

“It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances.

“I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year."

Here's your standard fan piece, thanks to our friends at CBS58

Friday UPDATE:

Braun had his presser in Arizona and attacked anything in sight...
((HT: ESPN))

Blake Griffin dunks over everyone

2012-02-23T09:04:00.001-05:00

((ht: cbssports.com))

Ouch!

Periodically, we feel the need to show you highlights of possibly the greatest power dunker ever in the NBA.

Blake Griffin of the L.A Clippers has been featured more times than we can count, dunking over pretty much anyone who gets in his way.

Last night, it appears that at least 3 Denver Nuggets tried to get in his way.

The result...was inevitable.

NBA Buzzer Beater: Luke Ridnour for the win

2012-02-23T08:55:00.003-05:00

There really isn't much to say here. It's pretty simple actually, Minnesota and Utah, tied at 98, the ball ends up in the hands of guard Luke Ridnour.

Ridnour finds a gap in the Utah defense, takes it to the hole and puts up a floater.

Buzzer goes off, ball goes in and the Timberwolves win...thank you very much.

Binghamton's Losing Streak Is Over At 27

2012-02-22T21:44:00.000-05:00

((HT: WBNG-TV))

Binghamton is bad...
0-26 bad with a losing streak of 27...

Remember all the shenanigans after the program was shwon to be a little less than honest with itself and the university...???

Former Temple gunner Mark Macon is the head coach and they knocked off top America East team Vermont for their first win of the season...

Here's Brendan O'Reilly with the highlights...

Way to go, Bearcats!

Mikhail Prokhorov Raps- And It's Pretty Damn Funny...

2012-02-22T17:37:00.000-05:00

((HT: The New Yorker))

He's the Russian Eminem...

And it was on a state-run show called "Projector Paris Hilton"- which, on it's own, should draw a laugh since there a joke in there somewhere...

The HQ cannot thank Julia Ioffe enough for the levity at the end of the 9-to-5 day...

Wednesday Administration Update: Rangers and Pompey

2012-02-22T16:06:00.000-05:00

((HT: STV/SkySports))

The news is better for Rangers than Portsmouth...

So, which would you like first...???

Okay... the bad news...

Portsmouth may run out of cash within months and they face this financial problem (or "new" financial problem) after not making any moves in the transfer window. Portsmouth Chief Exec David Lampitt has left the building (like, now)...

Administrator Trevor Birch released more information on the Portsmouth website this afternoon...

“We have had no choice but to take the difficult decision to make a number of redundancies across all levels and departments within Portsmouth Football Club.

“Additionally, we are asking certain employees to defer wages on an ongoing basis and are asking several members of staff to move from a full-time to a part-time role.

“These measures are painful for everyone involved with the club, but they are essential for Portsmouth’s survival, which is our main objective."

The bottom line is that the team needs a buyer.

The administrators are also saying that Pompey are running a triple-a squad on a major league budget- something they really can't do...

On the Rangers front, manager Ally McCoist and director Dave King met with Duff and Phelps adminstrators earlier today at Ibrox Stadium. The comments from David Whitehouse, joint admin from D&P, outline the obvious...

"Right now, it is quite simple - income now will help secure the future of Rangers.

"Our focus is on generating income for the Club but there is also a focus on costs and the steps we are taking in terms of the cost base of the Club will evolve during the next week.

"On a daily basis we are talking to department heads and seeing where there is capacity for cost savings but being very mindful of the need to both to preserve the performance on the pitch and retain the efficiency of the club off the pitch as well.

"Overall, I would describe the situation as positive. Everybody recognises the plight that the club is in and have come to the table to help and assist where possible."

There are more talks of a takeover by groups involved in the Rangers day-to-day, and there is also the prospect of further investigation into Craig Whyte and the finances that are missing...

And here's the BBC1 Scotland in-depth report on Whyte...
Yes, the HQ knows we've directed you to this before...

Huguely With The Jury (UPDATE: Huguely Found Guilty)

2012-02-22T13:58:00.001-05:00

((HT: MyFoxDC))

At a little after 9AM, the two alternates were dismissed and the jury in the George Huguely murder trial is under deliberation.

The first thing the 12-person jury asked for was a monitor to review the police interview Huguely gave to police the day after the murder.

There are a lot of options the jury can process...

Paul Wagner is outside the courtoom...

Jury Begins Deliberations in Murder Trial of UVA Lacrosse Player: MyFoxDC.com

The defense is looking for an involuntary manslaughter verdict and a 10-year prison sentence while the prosecution has the six options ready for discussion.

2030 UPDATE: Huguely has been found guilty on second degree murder and grand larceny charges.

The second degree murder charge "implies a killing that involves malice, defined as the desire to inflict injury or harm on another person, but not premeditation or intent." In the state of Virginia, it carries a possible sentence of five to 40 years in prison. The grand larceny charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years.

Here's Paul Wagner and team coverage after the verdict came down. The jury deliberated nine hours before the sentencing phase had begun- which, in the state of Virginia, is an immediate process.

George Huguely Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in UVA Slaying Case: MyFoxDC.com

Maryland relents on transfer restrictions

2012-02-22T09:37:00.001-05:00

((ht: baltimoresun.com))

This is somewhat bizarre.

The University of Maryland and head coach Randy Edsall have apparently decided that they will allow transfers Danny O'Brien, Max Garcia and Mario Rowson that the can transfer to Vanderbilt if they want to after first denying that option.

If it sounds weird, that is because it is.

The trio announced and we reported February 13th. (you can read the story HERE) that the three wanted to leave the Terrapin program. When that happened they were told they could transfer anywhere in the SEC they wanted to...except Vanderbilt.
There was also a no transfer to upcoming ACC opponent clause put in there too.

Read more from the Baltimore Sun RIGHT HERE

But wait. It gets better.

Maryland is filing a complaint...stating that Vandy and head coach James Franklin, a former offensive coordinator for the Terps, tampered.

They believe Franklin made contact with the players, O'Brien specifically, were contacted by Franklin before being granted his transfer.

So...to summarize...we've got the makings of a Soap Opera here. Or at the very least a "He said, he said" argument.

Is it possible Franklin contacted O'Brien, sure. And yes, Franklin is a relatively new head coach, but surely he knows better than to do that. Could O'Brien be interested in Vandy because his former coach is there...absolutely.

In the meantime, the SEC will investigate this. We'll keep an eye out and let you know if and when something else happens.

Because its fitting (and we love us some Cee-Lo):

Mardi Gras float is not kind to LSU and Les Miles

2012-02-22T09:22:00.000-05:00

Mardi Gras float

((ht: throwtheflagblog.com))

Haha! This is pretty funny.

Though probably not-so-much if you are a fan of LSU football.

Apparently a group sponsoring a float in this weekends Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans had a message for LSU and its head coach Les Miles over the teams lack of offense in the BCS Championship game this past January.

The group, according to the post, is named "Le Krewe d'Etat". They put together a float that covers just about everything that went on from the beginning of the game until the barrage of stories that appeared at the end.

You can see an entire battery of photos from our friends at throwtheflagblog.com RIGHT HERE

From the "Put me in coach" quotes to Bobby Hebert references (he ripped Miles in the post-game presser)...and others, this was inspired humor.

And targeted.

Unless you are a hardcore fan of LSU Football...

Administration Update: Whyte Standing Down After Rangers Sorted Out

2012-02-21T17:30:00.000-05:00

((HT: SkySports/STV))

The Duff and Phelps administrators in charge of looking at the shaky finances of Glasgow Rangers have come up with the discovery that current owner Craig Whyte used 18-million of the 25-million pounds sent from ticket broker Ticketus to complete his deal in the first place.

Whyte claimed he is "personally on the line" for 27.5-million pounds in guarantees and cash" for the deal, and now D&P is trying to figure out where the balance went.

Whyte, then, released a statement in regard to his future:

"I will not continue as Rangers chairman post-restructuring.

"Regardless of administration and irrespective of the tax case, the club had serious long-term structural problems financially and they needed to be addressed with some urgency.

"I knew that when I stepped up to the plate and, despite the accusations and abuse that I have suffered over weeks and months, I was determined to see things through.

"I will admit there have been times when I have wished that I had never entertained the idea of taking over Rangers.

"But I am a Rangers fan, and, like other Rangers fans I don't do walking way [sic]."

Here's a story BBC1 Scotland did on Whyte before all this started catching pace...

Georgia State Commissions Look To FBS Football

2012-02-21T15:52:00.000-05:00

Georgia State University has commissioned Collegiate Consulting to conduct a study to see how good an idea it would be to move to Division I for football.

Currently, the school is coming off a Division I-AA season where they're moving into the Colonial Athletic Association after a 3-8 year. The only opponent from the CAA the Panthers played last year was Old Dominion who they lost to 40-17.

From the Georgia State University folks their own selves:

“We are performing our due diligence to fully understand potential opportunities in the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics and particularly college football,” said Georgia State Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick. “We will evaluate the information in the feasibility study to determine the best course of action for Georgia State.

“No decisions have been made, and Georgia State has not received an invitation from any conference,” she added.

GSU turns full-fledged Colonial next year with 8 conference games along with games against South Carolina State, Tennessee, and Texas-San Antonio.

Here's the highlights from the GSU-ODU game from last year...
((HT: CAAFootball))

The logical place for GSU to go would be the Sun Belt Conference since the new commissioner, Karl Benson, is going to want to make a splash of some degree. South Alabama is becoming the 10th member this season and adding the Panthers long-term would give them 11 and a huge increase of households and market size.

Right now, Miami, Dallas, and Nashville are the three largest markets that have Sun Belt attachments. The Colonial was doing the same thing when they decided to add Georgia State after time in the Atlantic Sun and TAAC before that to give the league a footprint from Boston to Atlanta.

Interesting to see how this will play out...

Shabazz Napier finishes crazy 10 seconds of UConn/Villanova game

2012-02-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

If there was ever a 10-second span that encapsulated a game...this might be it.

UConn and Villanova went to overtime Monday night in Philadelphia and with 10-seconds left, it was 70-68 Huskies.

In the ensuing 10-seconds, Villanova gets a driving layup to tie it with 5-seconds left.

And from there, UConn's Shabazz Napier took over. From 30-plus feet, with about 1-second left.

Nothing but net.

UConn wins 73-70.

Video courtesy: UConnHuskies/YouTube--

Photobomb guy strikes again

2012-02-21T08:57:00.001-05:00

Hmmm....(from BuzzFeed)

This is just weird. And kinda funny.

Have you seen this guy at a basketball game before? He shows up with a GIANT photo of his face that he shows off.

Amazingly, it always seems to match what his actual face looks like when the photo is taken.

Yeah, pretty coincidental isn't it?

His first claim to fame was at the Alabama/Florida basketball game a week ago (Feb14th).

He showed up last night (Feb 20th) at the Knicks/Nets game...sporting a Jeremy Lin jersey.

Play-by-play guy loses his stool

2012-02-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

((ht: awfulannouncing))

No silly, not that kind of stool.

Over the weekend, the CBSSports Network sent James Bates and Steve Wolf to work the Xavier/Dayton game in Cincinnati.

In most game broadcasts, the announcers sit on stool before the game to give a brief preview before tip-off. But those stools usually hold up.

Not on Saturday.

Check out what happens to Bates as his poorly made stool collapses sending him to a date with the floor. But props to him as he handles it really well and never misses a beat.

And for those into such things, our friends at Awful Announcing say Bates was a former linebacker and team captain at Florida in 1996 and his dad and brother have and do coach in the NFL.

Hmmm. Sounds like a pretty good feature story.

Here's your video:

BU Hockey Player Up On Sexual Assault Charges

2012-02-21T00:16:00.000-05:00

((HT: MyFoxBoston.com))

Max Nicastro is the player for the Terriers who was charged late Sunday night on an alleged sexual assault of a female student on campus...

Here's the early returns from BU...

Boston Univ. hockey player charged with sexual assault: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Nicastro has been suspended from the hockey team pending the resolution of the charges...

Rondo Gets Two Games For Ball Toss

2012-02-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

And, of course, Tommy Heinsohn gets bent out of shape on it...
((HT: CSNNE.com))

The HQ thinks that if Rondo had been a little more judicious in his toss, it wouldn't have gotten to this point. But, he threw the fastball and got what he got...

Rondo will serve his suspension tonight when the Celtics play the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas and Wednesday when Boston plays the Oklahoma City Thunder in OKC...

Junker Accepts Plea Deal...

2012-02-20T00:44:00.000-05:00

((HT: ABC15 Phoenix))

Looks like, if you pay attention to the attorney for former Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker, that the guy is going to take a plea deal for his involvement in the budgetary shenanigans in and around the bowl game that he once was boss for...

As far back as 2000, it was alleged that Junker made a point to reimburse other bowl game workers for their political donations out of the bowl coffeurs...

That and the whole idea of Junker taking other non-bowl folks on junkets is apparently resulting in the guilty plea on one federal charge.

Here's the video version...

The HQ knows that there are some bowl games that do, in fact, do some good with their budget overages and the like- charity donations and such. But until further notice, the HQ thinks bowl games are rackets for those who put them on and inventory for the networks that air the games on the telly.

And we don't think it'll change all that much...

Huguely Deliberations Start Wednesday

2012-02-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

((HT: Newsplex.com))

We've hit that stage...

Here's your wrap-up from closing arguments in the George Huguely murder trial...

The jury in the case elected to spend Saturday night at home and start deliberations Wednesday- after the President's Day holiday.

The jury spent close to 8 hours listening to either witnesses or closing arguments Saturday. Huguely is up on six separate charges in the murder of his former girlfriend, fellow UVa lacrosse player Yeardley Love.

NASCAR Shootout Ends Up With People On The Roof Again...

2012-02-19T14:20:00.000-05:00

And this time it was Jeff Gordon...

When you only have 25 cars going after a big purse and there are only a few laps left in the event- you know that all bets are off, your friend is not your friend and you better drive for you and everyone else...

The remaining guys in last night's 75-lapper from Daytona didn't get the message...
Here's the short version of the whole thing...
((HT: NASCAR Images/NASCAR on Fox))
<a href='http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=faa73baa-9b0e-4808-9b0d-43afe889e098&src=v5:embed::' target='_new' title='Highlights: Budweiser Shootout' >Video: Highlights: Budweiser Shootout</a>

And here's the last "big one" from the evening...
((HT: Foxsports.com/NASCAR on FOX/NASCAR Images))
<a href='http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=3051fe78-0d70-41e8-86fe-e3890d98adb6&src=v5:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='Budweiser Shootout: Laps 60-74' >Video: Budweiser Shootout: Laps 60-74</a>

Post Fight Fight steals show from Klitschko/Chisora fight

2012-02-19T09:48:00.001-05:00

Does the headline make sense to you?

No, well, neither did what happened after the Vitali Klitschko/Dereck Chisora fight. A fight already highlighted by Chisora's attempt at slapping Kiltschko during the weigh-in.

Klitschko got the win, a unanimous decision. But it was the post-fight press conference where the fun began.

That's when David Haye, another heavyweight contender who allegedly was at the fight as an analyst for a British Network, called out Klitschko.

But it gets better.

Somehow, Chisora gets involved, they go back and forth, with Haye insulting Chisora and Chisora saying something about wanting to "shoot" Haye. Haye then tells Chisora to say something to his face...which he does. That's when Haye throws an elbow....

And the chaos begins. Boxing continues its de-evolution and heads towards being the WWE

Oh...by the way...Chisora was taken into custody by German police early Sunday morning while trying to get on a plane back home, police are apparently looking for Haye.

Take a look at the video (courtesy: bokser.org/YouTube)

OSG Buzzer Beater: Penn With A Creative One To Defeat Columbia

2012-02-19T09:01:00.003-05:00

Penn head coach Jerome Allen drew up a great inbounds play for the Quakers with 1.5. seconds left. Penn excuted that play perfectly. You expect that with Ivy Leaguers.

Here's Penn's buzzer beater. (Thanks Penn Sports Network)

The win puts Penn in second place in the Ivy League at 7-2, 15-11 overall.

OSG Buzzer Beater: UOP's Trevin Harris Shoots Down Idaho State At The Buzzer

2012-02-19T08:45:00.003-05:00

In the final 15 seconds of overtime Pacific's Trevin Harris shot down Idaho State with two three point shots including the game winner a the buzzer. An off balance three that was nothing but net.

Here's Harris' game winner against Idaho State. (Thanks GoPacificTigers)

"I saw a defender running at me, so I knew it wasn't going to be a steady-jumper base," Harris said in a press conference after the game. "I glanced up at the clock and saw there was a second left, so I jumped off one foot. When I let go of it, it felt straight. Luckily, that thing was perfect."

OSG Buzzer Beater: Dorenzo Hudson's 3 Wins It For Virginia Tech In OT

2012-02-19T08:23:00.001-05:00

It's been an awful season for Virginia Tech, not any better for Georgia Tech.

Saturday at Cassell Coliseum the two "Tech's" battled and went overtime.

It the OT Dorenzo Hudson became a hero in Blacksburg, VA nailing a three pont shot as time expired to give Virginia Tech a 74-73 win over Georgia Tech.

Here's a report from the gentlemen that called the game for Fox Sports South, FOSG Mike Hogewood and Eddie Fogler. (Thanks ACC Digital Network)

“I didn’t see it go in,” Hudson said after the game. “I actually thought I got fouled. Then my teammates started jumping on top of me, so I knew then that the ball had gone in.”

“We brought Jarell [Eddie] off to the corner, and curled Erick [Green] to the top, with three seconds to drive into a gap and to look to the corner, and we stepped the inbounder in." Virgina Tech head coach Seth Greenberg said.

"I subbed in Dorenzo, not because I thought he was going to make that shot, but because he is our best inbounder. It was good to see him make a shot.”

Really good for Greenberg who needs all the positive mojo he can get.

Erick Green led the Hokies with 14 points. Virginia Tech is now 15-12, 4-8 in the ACC.

Dereck Chisora Spits At The Other Klitschko

2012-02-18T18:08:00.000-05:00

Chisora, obviously, didn't learn from the fine he got for open-handing Vitali Klitschko at their official weigh-in...

He decided to go all Triple-H on Vitali's brother during the introductions...
((HT: youtube/Russia2))

Looks like Chisora will survive the fight, but will he make it out of town alive...???
That's the question...

Scorch And Googs Ejected- As Fans

2012-02-18T16:58:00.000-05:00

Okay...

The HQ will admit that it has been a few long days for the NCState men's hoops team...

First, blowing a 20-point lead at Duke before losing, and now having two alums ejected as they were sitting in their own seats as the Pack are losing to Florida State...???

Here it is... thanks Karl Hess...
((HT: ACC/theacc.com))

How stupid is that...???
Pretty stoopid... and, apparently, neither Chris Corchiani nor Tom Gugliotta said anything worthy of getting tossed...

And they got tossed out of a public building...
Hash tag: WTF

Saturday Administration Update: Pompey And Rangers

2012-02-18T16:24:00.000-05:00

((HT: SkySports/johngreig))

First, here's the Sky live shot before the Rangers game against Kilmarnock...

But Killie got the 1-0 win at Ibrox to put Rangers 14 points behind Celtic in the SPL ladder. Manager Ally McCoist said he would not surrender the league title at this point, and he would not make any finger-pointing toward the front office at present.

It was a packed house and the supporters were in full throat...
((HT: youtube))

Craig Whyte chose not to show at Ibrox for the loss, and there seems to be some movement on the issues of "visibility" when it comes to some finances... 24-million pounds worth of "visibility" that had come from a deal on future season ticket sales with the firm Ticketus.

Duff and Phelps administrator Paul Clark said before the game to BBC News:

"We have received some information overnight in relation to various monies and various transactions in relation to Rangers Football Club.

"We're going to be looking at all of that information over the coming days and we expect to give some form of announcement during the course of next week.

"But, at the moment, from the financial side of things, we are still working so that we can prepare a proper statement for delivery next week."

"It's in relation to several transactions in relation to the takeover and other issues in relation to the financial affairs of the football club over the past few months."

Portsmouth lost 2-0 at Barnsley... combined with the Nottingham Forest win against Coventry City, they are now in a relegation battle with Coventry City and Doncaster with Forest three points clear...

Administration Update: Pompey And Rangers

2012-02-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

For the second time in three years, it's official...

Championship squad Portsmouth is in administration all over again...
Which means the immediate 10-point deduction happens after a 7-day appeals process... which also means that Pompey is now in a relegation battle with

The team issued a statement, some of which is below:

Trevor Birch, Bryan Jackson and Ian Gould of accountancy firm PKF, have been appointed administrators to the club.

Commenting on their appointment, Trevor Birch said: “Portsmouth Football Club is a vital part of the local community and its fans, players and staff have been unswerving in their support despite the club’s recent difficulties. We will do all we can to secure the club’s long term future and ensure that this loyalty is rewarded.

“We will work with everyone involved with Portsmouth Football Club – directors, staff, players and creditors – to attempt to resolve the financial issues facing the club.

“Our aim is to achieve an outcome that helps ensure the club’s long term survival, preferably by finding a suitable buyer.

Manager Michael Appleton and striker Marco Futacs comment on the current state of affairs...
((HT: PortsmouthFC))

And the guys from SportsTonightLive discuss as well...

The 10-point deduction puts them in a fight for survival with Nottingham Forest, Coventry City, and Doncaster. The only thing saving Pompey at present is their goal differential of +2 versus Coventry's -16 and Nottingham's -25

Portsmouth's situation is so bad that electricity was threatened to be turned off at Fratton Park...

On the Rangers front...

Ally McCoist is preparing his team for their match Saturday...
((HT: SkySports/johngreig))

BBCNewsnight Scotland had a discussion on the idea that the team has not been paying their dues- and THAT's the reason the tax man is coming calling...

The Scottish Football Administration is having their own investigation into the actions of current President Craig Whyte and his new admission that he was given previous disqualification as a company director.

Huguely Day 10: Trial Resumes After Illness

2012-02-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

((HT: Newsplex.com))

Rhonda Quagliana, out yesterday with an undisclosed illness, is still out during the defense part of the trial of former UVa lacrosse player George Huguely.

Her co-defense attorney, Fran Lawrence, said that he is fairly confident that he can proceed with the defense case in the murder trial. Both sides are looking to wrap their cases up by the weekend- and they'll work late into the night to get this done.

Here's the pick-up with Rachel Ryan outside the courtroom...

The main idea for working so late is that the judge, Edward Hogshire, doesn't want any lingering thoughts from jury members over a holiday weekend that may hinder their deliberations in the future if things dawdle until early next week.

Dereck Chisora Slaps Klitschko During Weigh-In

2012-02-17T11:29:00.001-05:00

((HT: SkySports/youtube))

This might be one of those "spitting on Superman's cape" things...

Vitali Klitschko is squaring off against Britain's Dereck Chisora in the heavyweight division this weekend in Munich, Germany...

But why not do something to drum up interest in a fight, right...???

Chisora open-handed the bigger guy on the playground during the weigh-in...
Here's the blow... and the blow-by-blow...

The HQ doesn't see this as a really smart move...
At...
All...

Vikes Stadium Done By Next Week...???

2012-02-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

((HT: KARE-TV))

But just because everyone likes the idea, doesn't mean it will pass the City Council...

And, then, if it goes through the City Council then and only then will it go back to the Capitol for a vote...

The site...??? Actually, close to the original Metrodome site...
Jana Shortal is very cold outside...

The team wants to limit playing at the University of Minnesota as much as possible since logistics will be a pain in the butt to shoehorn an NFL franchise into a college facility...

More when we know more...

You Can't Keep Duke Down, NC State Found That Out

2012-02-17T08:34:00.004-05:00

Their seems to be no lead large enough to beat down the Duke Blue Devils. Thursday night the N.C. State Wolfpack dominated the Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium from the opening tip. The Wolfies had a 20 point lead with about 11 and a half minutes left in the game.

Then Seth Curry got hot, NC State was in major foul trouble and the Cameron Crazies were turning up the noise.

What happened was a tremendous comeback by Duke overcoming the large N.C. State lead and prevailing 78-73.

Here's a game report by the gentlemen who called the game for the ACC Network Tim Brando and Mike Gminski. (Thanks Raycom Sports)

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski admits the Blue Devils were outplayed for a while. (Thanks WRAL-TV)

NC State was in foul trouble most of the second half which according to Wolfpack head coach Mark Gottfried suppressed their aggressiveness.

Duke's Seth Curry scored 21 of his game high 26 points in the second half. Lorenzo Brown lead the Wolkpack with 19 ponts.

New Seattle Arena Calls For No Government Funds

2012-02-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

((HT: KING5 Seattle))

But this has a major hook to it by Chris Hansen...

Hansen will front US$300-million to get the project started if the city kicks in taxes for the remainder of the bonds and there have to be BOTH NBA and NHL franchises lined up...

Here's Hansen's paperwork...

It's really easy to say that the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes would be the two teams on Hansen's and the city of Seattle's radar for this. But where will the parent leagues of these troubled franchises go first...???

Marcel Aubut is already announcing that he'll build an arena in Quebec City for an NHL franchise and one is already in place until then- Le Colisee.

The HQ apologizes for the lack of accent marks from our American computer.

And if the city can't support the Thunderbirds, how can they support big-boy hockey...??? The Kings are a different issue, but the deal with Harry Samueli may be revisited after this season if there isn't an arena deal in place for the second year in a row with Sacaramento mayor Kevin Johnson.

Samueli, surely, would want a do-over to bring another NBA franchise to Southern California.

Here's team coverage from SoDo...

Rangers Day Four: Folding Not Likely

2012-02-16T20:04:00.002-05:00

And it would be somewhat unrealistic as an idea to fold a club that has some assets that could counteract the debt so it can be managed...

It would be the equivalent of folding the New York Yankees...

Here's some of the presser with the D&P administrators to explain...
Thanks, BBCNews and johngreig...

The biggest revelation here is that a settlement with creditors (CVA) is being looked into by D&P...

After the presser, Scottish PFA Chief Exec Fraser Wishart addressed the normal notion associated with most businesses in trouble that the employees have- fear for their jobs
((HT: SkySports))

And an interview with manager Ally McCoist
((HT: SkySports))

BREAKING: Gary Carter Passes At 57

2012-02-16T17:33:00.001-05:00

The 11-time all-star was the first player to go into the Hall of Fame with a Montreal Expos cap on his plaque.

Carter was diagnosed with four brain tumors last May. Back in January, the family revealed that doctors found several new tumors on Carter's brain. And his last public appearance at the beginning of February, going to Opening Day for the college baseball team he coached in Florida at Palm Beach Atlantic College.

Carter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 after retiring in 1992. He finished his 19-year career with a .262 average, 324 home runs and 1,225 RBI...

"When you think of the great baseball field generals, you think Gary Carter," Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said in a statement. "He ran the game from behind the plate with strong leadership and passion. The Kid's contribution to our national pastime is big, but his heart was even bigger. We'll always remember his caring way, ever-present smile and strong devotion to family, community and the Baseball Hall of Fame."

Here's how WPTV Sports covered Carter's charity golf tournament... one of his last public appearances...

And the last hit of his career- the way to go out...
((HT: MLB.com))

OSG Buzzer Beater: Boise State On The Marks To Beat Colorado State

2012-02-16T08:20:00.003-05:00

You think of Boise State as a football school but they play basketball their too. This year the Broncos aren't very good.

Boise State did make it entertaining Wednesday night against Mountain West rival Colorado State. Down by one with time running out Bronco freshman Derrick Marks dribbled the length of the court and scored the game winner.

Here's the highlights including the game winner. (Thanks KTVB Boise, ID)

"Coach told me to get the ball and make a play,” Marks told the Idaho Statesman after the game. “I saw that the left side was open, so I drove the ball and made the play. It was great.”

Boise State is now 12-12 on the year, 2-7 in the Mountain West Conference

OSG Buzzer Beater: Denver Holmes Is Evansville's Ace In Win Over Northern Iowa

2012-02-16T08:10:00.002-05:00

Evansville's Denver Holmes hit a pair of three pointers including the game winner at the buzzer to give the Purple Aces a 63-62 win over Northern Iowa.

Here's the highlights including the game winner. (Thanks evansvillesports)

“It was a great play and a great pass,” Holmes said after the game. “I had a little too much muscle on it, but it banked in.”

Holmes finished with 14 points.

The win puts the Purple Aces at .500. 8-8 in the Missouri Valley Conference and 13-13 overall.

SMU Scores Only 28 Points In Loss To UAB

2012-02-16T07:41:00.003-05:00

That's right, the SMU Mustangs couldn't get out of the 20's Wednesday night as UAB defeating the Mustangs 47-28.

It's the lowest scoring output ever in a Conference USA game.

SMU couldn't hit the broad side of a barn against UAB converting on 8 of 46 shots and shooting 17 percent. No Mustang scored in double figures, Robert Nyakundi led the Mustangs with nine points.

The Mustangs really lowered the bar in basketball futility. SMU scored 12 points in the first half, setting a school record. The Mustangs' 28 points is the lowest point total since 1956 when SMU scored 26 points against TCU, those were the days of the two handed set shots and no shot clock.

Here's SMU head coach Matt Doherty's explaination. (Thanks SMUMustangsAthletics)

And just how long will Doherty be employed by SMU.

Officially 1,582 witnessed what many believe is a new low point in SMU basketball at ancient Moody Coliseum.

Mike Tyson Knows He's On Cable

2012-02-15T21:01:00.001-05:00

((HT: MSG/youtube))

Until it gets pulled...
Here's Q-and-A with the champ at tonight's Knicks game...

Gotta love him...
Now only if he would sing at a wedding or something...

Oh, wait...

Glasgow Rangers Asking For Bankruptcy Protection

2012-02-15T20:48:00.002-05:00

((HT: SkySports/youtube))

Overseas, it's called "administration..."
Either way, it's not good...

The 140-year-old Glasgow Rangers are seeking bankruptcy protection which, in turn, leads to a 10-point deduction in the Scottish Premier League standings. For those of you who follow those kinds of things, it means that the SPL title goes to rival Celtic.

Rangers have tax debts of £9-million (US$14-million) in only nine months of Craig Whyte's ownership. But the club is also awaiting the verdict of a tax case that could tack on up to £75-million more that needs to be settled.

Rangers is now being run by financial advisers Duff and Phelps, which has the task of saving the club from liquidation.

Whyte pledged to pay off debts of £18-million left over from the tenure of former majority shareholder David Murray. But Whyte could now be stuck with the extra £75-million if a judgement goes against Rangers- the numbers dating back over a decade.

Here's live coverage as it aired from our friends at SkySports...

Here's the STVNews version when the story rose...

And analysis from the STV's "Scotland Tonight" program...

Let's tack on additional coverage from BBC News...

Rangers have won 54 SPL titles in their existence- a world record.

Here's analysis from BBC2 Newsnight...

But they may not be the only one heading that way...
Portsmouth, in the Championship league, may be going back into administration after only a year out of it...

If they go back into administration, they would be in danger of dropping to League 1- the soccer equivalent to double-A baseball if you need a reference point...

This ain't over...

5 NLL'ers Suspended Indefinitely After TGIFridays Fight

2012-02-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

((HT: Minnesota Swarm/KARE-TV))

The National Lacrosse League has suspended five Rochester Nighthawks players indefinitely after their alleged part in a brawl at the TGIFriday's restaurant near the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota earlier this week.

The Nighthawks lost the game they were in town for against the Minnesota Swarm and got into it with other patrons ((details below in the TV report)). The fight ended up involving as many as 30 people from inside the restaurant and caused a reported US$1,600 in damages.

Tyler Burton, Cody Jamieson, Sid Smith, Jordan Hall, and Travis Hill and were all arrested. Smith was charged with one count of gross misdemeanor- obstructing the legal process; gross misdemeanor- obstructing the legal process with force, and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Hill and Jamieson were charged with misdemeanor obstruction charges, and Hall and Burton were charged with misdemeanor- obstructing the legal process, and disorderly conduct.

Got all that...???

The players all had court appearances Tuesday before getting to return back to New York state.

Here's the second half highlights of the game- before the Nighthawks got in trouble
But they're very quiet highlights of the second half...

No sound... Swarm won 9-6...

"Players in the NLL are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct themselves in a way that promotes the values upon which the league is based," NLL commissioner George Daniel said in a statement. "The players involved in this incident that were arrested failed to live up to this standard and are subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself may not ultimately result in conviction of a crime."

The suspensions are bad news to Rochester as Jamieson is the team's top scorer.

Here's the story from our friends at WHEC-TV in Rochester

Here's the official statement from the team, through their Facebook page...

According to media accounts, up to 30 people were involved in an altercation at a TGI Fridays in Bloomington, Minnesota on Monday. According to the police report on the incident, 7 people were taken into custody after the altercation. We can confirm that four Knighthawks players required medical treatment and spent the night in the hospital. We can also confirm that five of the people taken into custody were Rochester Knighthawks’ players.

The 5 players were released on their own recognizance with no bail required after appearing in court on Tuesday and are home now. We are conducting our own investigation of the incident. As there is now an ongoing legal proceeding, we will not be issuing any further comment at this time.

Huguely Trial Day 8: Prosecution Rests

2012-02-15T18:58:00.000-05:00

((HT: Newsplex.com))

After the questioning of roughly 50 witnesses on the prosecution side, that end of the George Huguely murder trial is now over...

Huguely's lawyers asked the judge to dismiss five of the charges against their client, including first-degree murder and felony murder, but that motion was overruled.

The expert witnesses on the defense are maintaining, initially, that the bleeding in Yeardley Love's brain came from CPR administered by first responders and not from any kind of blunt force trauma.

Here's your preview from the defensive side...

OSG High: East Ga. High School makes statement over coaches beating

2012-02-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

((ht: wrdw.com))

And the battle continues.

We first told you back in October about an incident between Hancock County and Warren Co. (GA) High Schools that resulted in Warren County's coach getting seriously injured in a skirmish.

Now comes the latest salvo.

Warren County has decided to make a stand in Basketball when the team decided they'd rather forfeit their playoff game against Hancock County than play it.

And the school, the school district and others are totally in agreement, with Warren County's Superintendent saying she is concerned about safety.

The story from Augusta's WRDW RIGHT HERE

The TV story is here:

You'll recall the incident that started things back in October of 2011. After the two teams played in football, both teams retreated to the locker areas, which are close by. Warren County coach David Daniel's face was hit, and hit hard by a football helmet.

The injury shattered the bones in Daniel's face. Two surgeries later, he's O.K, but his face will never be the same.

And then on January 25th, the trigger for the protest.

A Hancock County grand jury refuses to bring charges against the football players accused of Daniel's beating.

The moral of this story is a lot of trash talking in rural places can lead to incidents like this. These two schools are the only Sports teams of note in their respective areas and consequently, they take things way too seriously at times.

We aren't saying anyone in particular is to blame over this, they aren't. But it is an incident that could have never happened had the self-control most should be exercising had exercised.

4 Football Players among 17 arrested in TCU Drug Bust

2012-02-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

((ht: nbcdfw.com))

Uh...it's never a good thing to have a significant drug bust on your campus. It's worse when not only students, but athletes are involved.

That being said, 17 students, 4 of whom play or we should say "Played" on the football team were arrested early Wednesday morning on and around the Fort Worth, Texas campus of Texas Christian University.

According to the report on Dallas TV station KXAS, the drugs in question were marijuana, cocaine, powdered and pill ecstasy, Xanax, Hydrocodone and other pain drugs.

The 4 football players include DT David Yendrey, DB Devin Johnson, LB Tanner Wilson Brock and OT Ty Horn.

TCU Football coach Gary Patterson was not pleased, saying "There are days people want to be a head football coach, but today is not one of those days. As I heard the news this morning, I was first shocked, then hurt and now I'm mad"

The school also released a letter to students and others from Chancellor Victor Boschini. You can read the entire letter RIGHT HERE

Read the NBCDFW.com story on what happened RIGHT HERE

Uh...this is not good. We aren't going to dwell on the students here since we are a blog primarily about sports.

So we'll mention this.

The football players, they are in serious trouble. Considering what their coach had to say, it would be tough for them to "reappear" on the team, never mind the campus. But, they haven't been proven guilty yet, so we won't say anything in absolutes.

Here's a statement/Presser with TCU's police chief Steve McGee:

View more videos at: http://nbcdfw.com.

Jeremy Lin for the win: Legend or Flash-in-the-pan?

2012-02-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

((ht: nydailynews.com))

Jeremy Lin

Six games does not a "Mega-Star" make.

But in the case of New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, it's a pretty good start.

Six games as a starter, six wins, lots of points and assists and six straight wins.

Number six was a pretty big one.

Lin dropped a 3-pointer with less than one second to go Tuesday night, leading his Knicks to a 90-87 comeback win over the Toronto Raptors in Toronto. For the game, 27 points and 11 assists.

Read about the legend from the New York Daily News RIGHT HERE

And your game story RIGHT HERE

By now, you know the story, it would be hard not to. Hardscrabble Harvard grad gets cut from 2 teams, ends up in New York, buried on the bench. He gets his shot due to injuries and all of a sudden he can't be stopped.

And its a really good story.

But will it last?

We can't answer that but we will say this: While we respect what he has done and the fact that in this day of mega-scouting and high-profile colleges, its hard for someone like him to excel, we still wonder if its in part due to where he is playing.

Picture him playing in Cleveland or Toronto or Sacramento. Do his efforts get the same attention if he's playing there?

No, they don't.

We are 100% sure that this will level off. There is no way he averages 25-plus a game with double figure assists the rest of the year. And the Knicks will NOT win the rest of their games.

The question is this: Will the ESPN's and NY Tabloids still blow up the coverage when that happens? The Knicks, while a decent team, are hardly a favorite to win the NBA title and as much as the 4-letter would like to breathlessly hype it; Jeremy Lin doesn't change that status.

We wish Mr. Lin all the best and hope he can continue being successful. It's great for the game, its great for the fans and its a great "Underdog" story. But we also hope that he...and those covering him realize that he's human just like everyone else.

But in the meantime, yeah, sure, enjoy the ride.

OSG Buzzer Beater: George Mason Gets By VCU

2012-02-15T08:11:00.002-05:00

This was a big game in the Colonial Athletic Association and the finish was better. George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth are battling at the top of the CAA. Tuesday night Mason got the upper hand thanks to a buzzer - beating three pointer by Sherrod Wright.

Here's a full report including sound from the GMU hero Sherrod Wright plus head coach and FOSG Paul Hewitt. (Thanks CSN Washington)

Wright finished with 11 points, Ryan Pearson led Mason with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

WVU to Big 12 Official, 'Cuse and Pitt still stuck in Big East

2012-02-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

((ht: cbssports/mcmurphy))

West Virginia's exit from the Big East is now done.

CBSSports.com's Brett McMurphy reports that the school and the Big East have reached a settlement and the conference has agreed to allow the Mountaineers to leave July 1st of this year.

Of course...there was a financial price to be paid...roughly $20 million.

McMurphy says half will come from the school, the Big 12 will float a $10 million loan to the school for the other half.

Read the full report on cbssports.com RIGHT HERE

Good thing West Virginia has all that money just lying around to pay for the move. Of course none of it will have an impact on the cost of going to school there for non-football students now...will it?

The move now leaves Pitt and Syracuse as the Big East's "Lame Ducks". Both schools have announced their intention to play in the ACC as late as 2014. And the Big East is trying to extort the same amount of money from both schools.

Don't expect them to pay it.

Yeah, they'll pay some money to the conference...though again, it is a form of extortion. And unfortunately, it will be funded by we are guessing a combination of an increase in student fees and tuition increases.

But they'll get to play in the ACC so that makes it all worth it.

While we understand parts of Galactic Realignment, we just think it's wrong...especially in this current economic climate where schools and states are pleading poverty on a regular basis...to dole out tens of millions of dollars just so they can play in what they "Perceive" to be a better sports conference.

Just our 2-cents.

"Fast" Freddie Solomom passes away

2012-02-14T09:04:00.002-05:00

Freddie Solomon

If you are a football fan born after 1985, you may not know who this guy is. He wasn't a "Hall of Famer" and he wasn't a perennial All-Pro.

But for a few years in the mid to late 70's and early 80's, Freddie Solomon was a pretty darn good wide receiver.

Solomon passed away on Monday after a long battle with colon and liver cancer.

His story from TampaBay.com RIGHT HERE

If you were a sports fan/geek growing up in Central Florida during the above mentioned time period, you knew who Freddie Solomon was.

He was the ulta-fast Quarterback at the University of Tampa (pre-Universtiy of South Florida) who made them into at least a regional power for a couple of years.

He was a local guy who got drafted by the Miami Dolphins. And though he didn't excel in Miami, he became a solid role player for the San Francisco 49ers in the early 80's. Because of his work, he got 2 Super Bowl rings to show for his efforts.

And he saved his best contributions for last.

Solomon spent his retirement years working for and with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's outreach program, affecting and influencing the life of kids all over the Tampa Bay area.

And really, athletic accolades aside, it sounds like Solomon had a pretty darn fulfilling life.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Some video of Solomon catching a long TD pass from Joe Montana:

For you hockey fans: BC wins Beanpot...again

2012-02-14T08:44:00.001-05:00

It was a battle between the #2 and #3 ranked teams in College Hockey this year. But more importantly, it was a battle in the 60th annual Beanpot game.

And #3 won.

Boston College won their 3rd straight trophy that is supposed to hold Boston Baked Beans in overtime on a goal by center Bill Arnold with only 6.4 seconds to go in the free period. That gave them a 3-2 win over Boston U.

Read more on the tourney, from the Boston Herald RIGHT HERE

For those of you unfamiliar, the tournament features 4-hockey teams from around the Boston area. Along with Boston College, Boston U, Northeastern and Harvard all participated in the tournament.

We'd post highlights, but it appears no actual video was shot to document the game... but we do have postgame sound...
((HT: CSNNE.com))

Sandusky Tries To Run Down Reporter

2012-02-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

Not that one... the other one...

WPXI-TV reporter Courtney Brennan was trying to tape a stand-up in front of the family home when the wife of the former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, Dottie, decided to go for a little target practice...

The defense attorney for the family was very nice in his off-the-wall explanation- which wouldn't be the first time...

The plot thickens... as it always does...

OSG High: Soph Hits 3 Buzzer-Beaters In One Game

2012-02-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

((HT: WFAA-TV Dallas))

The HQ can say with great certainty that the only time we hit a buzzer-beater was in our backyard or our driveway growing up- never in open competition...

Kaelen Malone, a junior at McKinney Christian Academy in suburban Dallas, hit three last-second shots in one game...

The odds on this...???
Ask Kevin Kennedy...

NBC Sports Network Has Inked A Collegiate Conference, The Colonial Athletic Association

2012-02-13T15:09:00.005-05:00

Now that the NBC Sports Network, which was launched January 2, 2012, is up and running they need programming.

You can only show so much of hockey and hunting and fishing shows.

Monday NBCSN and the Colonial Athletic Association announced an new five year agreement to air CAA games.

“We are thrilled to be associated with the NBC Sports Group,” CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager said in a press release by the conference. “The NBC Sports Network now provides a national platform to elevate the conference in conjunction with the relationship we’ve had with the Comcast SportsNets, which have been the foundation of our television package for almost three decades.”

The five year agreement calls for 12 national telecasts of CAA men’s basketball games, including national television coverage of the semifinals and finals of the CAA Men’s Basketball Championship for the first time. Five national telecasts of CAA Football games for the first time in conference history and other CAA games and championships on NBCSports.com.

How much of a financial windfall this is for the CAA is not known, no financial numbers were released.

The CAA is the best football conference in the Football Championship Subdivision. Since 1998 the CAA has produced five NCAA national championships in football.

How that will translate nationally remains to be seen. The FCS is the old 1-AA and not on the big time scale for football.

As for college basketball the CAA has become the darlings of the mid-majors with George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth making memorable NCAA Final Four runs the last six years.

The member institutions in the CAA are: Delaware, Drexel, George Mason, Georgia State, Hofstra, James Madison, UNC Wilmington, New Hampshire, Northeastern, Old Dominion, Rhode Island, Towson University, Virginia Commonwealth and the College of William & Mary. The football only schools in the CAA are Villanova, Maine, Rhode Island and Richmond.

Keep in mind cable networks only care about size of TV markets and the CAA does deliver some major ones. With Georgia State you have the Atlanta market. Towson the Baltimore, Maryland market. Northeastern delivers the Boston market. Drexel the Philadelphia market and George Mason the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. market. That's impressive.

Congrats to the CAA for inking a big time cable deal.

Report: North Texas football coach hospitalized

2012-02-13T14:57:00.002-05:00

Dan McCarney/Courtesy: meangreensports.com

((ht: desmoinesregister.com/billfennelly-twitter))

We are a little leery of this story because of the Twitter report, and quite honestly, we hope we are wrong.

According to a tweet by Iowa State women's hoop coach Bill Fennelly, his friend, former Iowa State and current North Texas Football Coach Dan McCarney has suffered a stroke.

Here's what Fennelly's Twitter said: "Please keep Dan McCarney in your thoughts and prayers after a recent stroke-no better people than he and his wife Margy"

The Des Moines Register reported on Fennelly's Tweet. You can read that RIGHT HERE

The Denton, TX Record-Chronicle did report McCarney went to the hospital yesterday (Sunday) and was able to confirm it was for a series of tests. They went on to say the school would release a statement Monday afternoon.

Read that story RIGHT HERE

The University just released a statement as we write this story. Athletic Director Rick Villarreal saying the following:

"Yesterday afternoon after returning from Miami, I spoke with Margy McCarney who said that her husband, Dan, had experienced some medical difficulties significant enough that he was taken to the hospital."

"The details that we know at this time are that he was admitted and is undergoing a batter of tests and will continue to be under observation. The exact cause and nature of the symptoms of his illness are not immediately known by us at this time. The family has asked until a complete diagnosis and a course of treatment is established that their privacy be respected. We can't comment any further at this time and will release information as it becomes available and approved by the family."

Though nobody references the word stroke in this statement, there is a significant health issue here it appears. We wish McCarney well and hope he is not incapacitated in anyway from the "Illness and Treatment".

Mr. Fennelly may be 100% correct here, but officially he isn't...which is why we are going to classify this as McCarney being hospitalized only.

DEVELOPING: C-USA and Mountain West To Merge Soon

2012-02-13T14:37:00.000-05:00

According to Brett McMurphy at CBS Sports and his Twitter, the dissolving should happen of their two conferences to form one...

The new conference will start in the 2013-14 academic year.

The new league should is have Southern Miss, Marshall, East Carolina, UAB, Tulsa, Rice, UTEP and Tulane from C-USA and Wyoming, Air Force, Colorado State, UNLV, New Mexico, Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii from the MWC. Hawaii would be a football-only member, making a 15-team all-sports conference and a 16-team football conference.

CBS Sports also is reporting that Temple could move over to make a 16-team football league since they got jobbed from the Big East expansion last week...

Here's the next-to-last ConfUSA title game with Southern Miss and Houston
((HT: ESPN on ABC/ConferenceUSA/youtube))

Memphis ABA retro jerseys: Some ideas are best left in closets

2012-02-13T12:52:00.001-05:00

Grizzlies/Tams Jerseys

Why?

That of course is a rhetorical question, one we know the answer to.

The Memphis Grizzlies for the second time this season trotted out the old ABA Memphis Tams jerseys...complete with the Green, White and Gold "Tam O'Shanter". That's the tuk like thing on their heads in case you are wondering.

The jerseys didn't help them win, they lost 98-88 to Utah, but it really begs several questions.

Yeah, sure, we know, they are wearing them because the NBA is hoping to cash in with people rushing out to buy the retro jersey's.

But really, would you want to be seen wearing one of these?

They kind of remind us, what the old Washington Generals used to look like (team Globetrotters used to play).

But come on...really...these are just plain-ass ugly.

Let the Maryland transfer tally begin

2012-02-13T12:32:00.001-05:00

((ht: collegefootballtalk.com))

Randy Edsall

Yeah, before you say it, we know. Maryland plays football in the ACC which is essentially like talking about Conference USA football.

But this is somewhat significant.

The tally for defections out of fairly new Maryland coach Randy Edsall's program now stands at 24 since the beginning of last year. 12 of whom bailed after this past season.

The latest casualties...former starting QB Danny O'Brien, Tackle Max Garcia and LB Mario Rowson. And while O'Brien didn't end the year as the starting QB in 2011, he began it there.

Read more about what is going on from CFT.com RIGHT HERE

The rumors of unhappiness have been flowing non-stop from the Maryland campus and it is starting to all point in the same direction. The Terp alumni have made no secret of their desire to achieve football prominence, something under former coach Ralph Friedgen they were close to achieving.

But the defections don't look good.

According to CFT, O'Brien may end up with his former coordinator, James Franklin, who is now in charge at Vandy...and he'll have 2-years of eligibility left that he can use beginning tomorrow.

The others, we don't know.

Keep your eye out on Maryland, its our position that if the Terps don't have a banner year in 2012, they'll be one of the earlier riders to take a seat on next years Coaching Carousel.

OSG Prem: Suarez Apologizes, No Further FA Action

2012-02-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

((HT: SkySports/ESPN))

After the Luis Suarez apology for not shaking the hand of Manchester United's Patrice Evra before this weekend's game against Liverpool, the FA folks have decided that there won't be any more discussion or punishment from the shenanigans before, during, and after the game...

Here's analysis and discussion from former Red John Barnes and others...

Huguely Trial Day 5: Videotaped Statement Played In Court

2012-02-11T15:54:00.000-05:00

((HT: Newsplex.com))

The first week of the George Huguely murder trial ended with the video tape testimony of Huguely to local police on the morning of his arrest during questioning by Charlottesville, Virginia police.

Police went on to describe the scene to jurors and the condition of Love's body when police and responders found her...

Jessica Jaglois was in front of the courtroom to start team coverage...

The HQ thinks it's interesting that the judge instructed the jury not to visit the crime scene- we would have thought they would have been sequestered knowing the nature of the case...

OSG Prem: Liverpool-ManU Has More Suarez Shenanigans

2012-02-11T14:21:00.000-05:00

((HT: PremierLeague/SkySports))

Remember when Liverpool's Luis Suarez was banned for 8 matches after a supposed racial slur directed at the Reds' Patrice Evra...???

This was Suarez' first match back, and guess what happened in the handshake line...???

Wayne Rooney scored twice to give ManU the 2-1 win over Liverpool, and here's the coach's reactions...
((HT: SkySports))

Ferdinand got props and Dalglish is, probably, going to have the house fall on him fairly shortly... and we didn't even look at what happened at the half when Evra and Suarez may have gone at it in the tunnel.

No cameras...

Really? Jacksonville hoops team scores 211 in a game

2012-02-10T10:09:00.000-05:00

((ht: jacksonville.com))

Forgive us for missing this one...but we didn't know such a team even existed (sorry Jacksonville friends).

Apparently, this past weekend (Feb.4th to be exact). The Jacksonville Giants broke their own ABA scoring record by dropping 211 points in a game.

Yes, that's right, the Giants beat the dreaded Columbus Riverballers 211-84. That includes a half-time score of 108-26.

Stunned? Yeah...so are we.

The team plays in the ABA. No, not the ABA of the 1970's, though we guess the comparison could be made.

This ABA has somewhere close to 100 teams and believe it or not, the Giants actually drew some 2,500 fans to their game.

We can't vouch for the quality of play, though we suspect it varies..wildly. The budgets, miniscule, but the players take it seriously.

We don't know...yet if there is an ABA Championship or anything like that, but we certainly will look into it.

In the meantime, if you like minor league hoops, check out the leagues website ABAlive.com. Chances are there is a team near you.

For proof, Fox 30, WAWS gives us some highlights (must have been a ton of them):

Chad Ochocinco to bring back his inner Johnson

2012-02-10T09:39:00.001-05:00

((ht: aol.sportingnews.com))

Yeah, the headline drew you in...didn't it...

It appears Internet favorite but not necessarily Tom Brady's favorite wide receiver is changing his name...again.

And according to the folks at the Sporting News, its so he can get married.

If you remember the back story, then Chad Johnson changed his name to Ochocinco to note his jersey number (85), back in 2008 when he played for the Cincinnati Bengals.

And yes, we took Spanish in school. Senora . Rarey would be proud of this, to be truly 85, his name would've had to be Ocho y Cinco, the way the Spanish say it.

But that's another story.

Read what the Sporting News had to say RIGHT HERE

Most of you "Pop-Culture" folks know Chad, who we actually like and think is a pretty good dude, appears to be prepping to marry reality TV person Evelyn Lozada. And for that we say "Congrats". Sure, a lot of people are turned off saying he is a self-promoter and to an extent they wouldn't be wrong.

But we also know that Ocho, while in Cincinnati would often host movie nights at a local theater and pay for anyone who came with him. And he also hosted "Tweetup" dinners at various towns that he traveled to.

How can that be considered a "Bad guy"?

Ocho the football player had a rough 2011, signing a free-agent deal to play for the New England Patriots and struggling...mightily.

He may not be with the Patriots next season, but we wish him and his apparent new bride-to-be luck wherever they end up.

Reports: West Virginia, Big East and Big 12 agree to allow move

2012-02-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

It appears the legal action between the Big East Conference and West Virginia over the Mountaineers move to the Big East is over.

According to multiple reports, West Virginia is agreeing to pay the Big East $11 million to leave this summer. In addition, the Big East will get another $9 million from the Big 12 to facilitate the move, with the money coming from Missouri and Texas A&M's move to the SEC.

Got that?

Here's the original story on this from the Charleston Daily-Mail RIGHT HERE

Well...quite honestly, the big winner here is the Big East. Not only do they get $20 million that they didn't have, they've already replaced West Virginia. Keeping them would have amounted to holding them hostage. With the additions of UCF, Navy, Memphis, Boise State and others, the Big East really doesn't need the Mountaineers anymore.

The move also allows the Big 12 to take a deep breath. There was a lot of concern about how the conference was going to do its schedule. It puts the league at 9 teams after the departure of Missouri and Texas A&M and while that is not ideal, it gets them closer to the 10 teams they desire than they were just yesterday.

And oh...by the way, the Big 12 is set to release its football schedule for the upcoming season...this afternoon (Friday).

Tennessee State Ends Murray State's Undefeated Season

2012-02-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

The mid-major darling this college basketball season is Murray State. The Racers had run off 23 straight wins to open the 2011-12 season and ranked in the Top 10. Murray State is #9 in this weeks Associated Press poll.

Thursday night the Racers looked to keep the undefeated run alive taking on Tennessee State on Murray State's home court.

TSU was up for the challenge and shocked the Racers 72-68 to end Murray State's hopes of an undefeated regular season.

Here's a full report from Murray, KY. (Thanks WSPD-TV)

"I'm very proud of our young men to be able to come here and win on the road," Tennessee State head coach John Cooper said in a press conference after the game. "It is certainly not an easy place to play, a packed house and a team that just stuck to it. There was a point where we were down 12 points in the second half but yet, and still for whatever reason, we hung in there."

It was the first time the TSU Tigers had defeated a nationally ranked program. The win also ensured Tennessee State would have their first winning season since 1995.

As for Murray State, expect the Racers to take a significant fall in the polls, such is life as a mid-major losing the a conference rival.

It also puts pressure on the Racers to defeat Saint Mary's February 18th. Saint Mary's has a high RPI and that would make an impression on the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee should the Racers stumble again, especially in the OVC post season tournament.

The rest of Murray State schedule features teams with low RPI's.

After the recent Final Four runs by mid-majors Butler and Virginia Commonwealth a run by a middie receives more attention.

Is Murray State that mid-major that will capture the nations attention in March? The Racers 23 game winning run put them in the spotlight.

OSG Buzzer Beater: Expect A Miracle And ORU Got One, Pearson's Jumper Wins It For Golden Eagles

2012-02-10T08:32:00.004-05:00

Oral Roberts University faced Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Thursday night at the Mabee Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the game was a Summit League classic.

In the overtime period, Roderick Pearson running jumper falls as the buzzer sounds and ORU defeated IUPUI 76-74

Here's the highlights and post game sound of the game. "Big" Al Jerkins does the honors. (Thanks KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK)

"I'm obviously happy we won. When you win a bunch of games you are going to have games like that," ORU head coach Scott Sutton said after the game.

Pearson finished with six points, none bigger than the game winner. ORU was led by Dominique Morrison with 23 points.

OSG Buzzer Beater: Liberty's Burrus Long 3 Wins A Thriller For Flames

2012-02-10T08:02:00.002-05:00

Liberty and Charleston Southern met Thursday night in a Big South game. The final three minutes had 5 lead changes so a buzzer beater seemed likely and it was.

With 1.6 seconds left and down 74-72 Liberty had to go the length of the floor to win or tie. The David Minaya, who led the Flames in scoring with 20 points, threw the long pass to Antwan Burris who from 40 feet nailed the 3-pointer to win it for the Flames.

Here's the highlights of the game including the game winner. (Thanks WCSC-TV Charleston, SC)

Huguely Trial Day 4: Prosecutors Building Timeline

2012-02-09T11:18:00.000-05:00

((HT: Newsplex.com))

Thursday is day 4 in the George Huguely murder trial in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Prosecutors in the case are in the process of calling over two-dozen witnesses to the stand to establish the timeline in the murder of Huguley's ex-girlfriend and UVA lacrosse player Yeardley Love.

Day 3 saw Love's mother, sister, and roommate to the stand to establish what the scene was when Love's body was discovered in her apartment after Huguely allegedly beat her to death.

The crime scene itself is purported to be the focus Thursday...

Our friends at the Newsplex are very busy these days...

More when we know more...

OSG Buzzer Beater: Austin Rivers sinks Carolina

2012-02-09T08:48:00.004-05:00

Another Duke vs. North Carolina game. Another opportunity for breathless hyperbole from Dickie V. Another "Classic Rivalry" game.

And though they may not be the very best teams in the land, Wednesday night, they easily had the best game.

Carolina led for most of the game and late in the 2nd half was still up by 10-points, at home. And then something strange happened.

Duke took over.

They quickly chipped away, but still trailed by 2 with just a few seconds to play.

That's when freshman Austin Rivers (Doc's son), dribbled around, stepped back from the 3-point line and drilled the game-winner.

Duke beats Carolina...at Carolina...at the buzzer...85-84.

Here's a full report from ACC Network's Tim Brando and FOSG Dan Bonner. Dan has a great interview with Austin Rivers and plenty of reaction shots from Austin's dad Doc Rivers.

Austin Rivers talks about the big shot to shoot down North Carolina. (Thanks WRAL-TV Raleigh, NC)

And Mike Krzyzewski talks about another classic game in the "Battle Of The Blues." (Thanks WRAL-TV)

Duke's win over North Carolina ended the Tar Heels 30 game winning streak at the Dean Smith Center.

Yes, Will Ferrell introduced the Chicago Bulls last night

2012-02-09T08:39:00.003-05:00

He was there, supposedly, to introduce the Chicago Bulls. And the game was promoted as 80's night.

Last nights Chicago Bulls at New Orleans Hornets game featured a "Guest" P.A announcer....comedian Will Ferrell.

Ferrell known for some great comedy movies and some "duds"...stepped out to center court and let the crowd in New Orleans know who was playing.

In the case of the Hornets, it was kind of needed.

Anyway, here's your video: (thanks CSN Chicago)

It's Official: Memphis to the Big East

2012-02-08T10:08:00.001-05:00

And we would make the snarky comment that the Big East is saddled with the Tigers god-awful football team...except they are going to the Big East, a conference not known for its depth of quality football.

There is an official announcement scheduled for Noon on Wednesday on campus for what the Tigers website says is: "A huge announcement on the Future of Memphis athletics."

Congratulations Memphis and Big East. This makes the Big East very comparable with the ACC in Basketball and arguably better. And it makes up for the eventual departure of Syracuse and Pitt.

Are the folks in Memphis exicted? Yeah, you can say that.

Read this column from Geoff Calkins of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal RIGHT HERE

Okay, now that we are past the excitement thing, let's take a practical look at this.

It gets Memphis to a BCS Football conference. Congrats. However....the Memphis football team is years, if not a decade away from being able to compete on that level.

It gets the Tigers to a prestige basketball conference. True. And the Big East with Georgetown, Louisville, UConn and others is only better in that respect.

We would say this is a solid move that really, has benefits for both parties. And it can be done by the 2013 season (next year). Unlike West Virginia's move, which is being held up in court or the Syracuse and Pitt defections to the ACC which don't appear to be happening for another 2-years, this will happen during the next season. And though the move hurts Conference USA, it doesn't kill them either.

We say congrats to the Memphis Tigers, just be careful what you wish for, your basketball team will be competitive, even at this level, your football team...well....good luck with that.

Pawnshop publicity stunt mocks Wes Welker's drops

2012-02-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

((ht: necn.com))

Arguably when a company wants to do a "Publicity Stunt", they do it with the intent of driving people to their business.

In this case, we're pretty sure that isn't going to happen.

A Denver based internet pawn shop company thought they were being funny Tuesday by placing some 900 lbs of Butterfinger candy bars in Boston's Copley Square.

The reason: to allegedly poke fun at New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker who dropped what debatably was a key late game pass, though he would have had to contort his body to do it.

The pawn company's owner released a statement saying "Following the Super Bowl game we at ----- thought Boston fans deserved a little something in return for their heartbreaking loss in the form of a great candy! Sometimes there is a light side to sports and we thought Boston fans might at least get a laugh out of it."

Uh...they didn't find it so funny. ((**note**--we didn't name the company because we didn't find it funny either))

Are The Fighting Sioux Becoming The Fighting Sioux...??? 2/8 Update

2012-02-07T19:24:00.001-05:00

UPDATE 2/8/12--

It appears the University of North Dakota is planning on challenging the NCAA. They decided Wednesday morning that they are going to keep the "Fighting Sioux" nickname in part because of the 17,000 plus signatures gathered to repeal a law passed in November that required the school to change their name and make the NCAA happy.

An explanation from Inforum.com is RIGHT HERE

And our friends at Valleynewslive decided to spend a lot of time on the issue- naturally, so that discussion starts hyah...

The original story from Tuesday--below
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

((HT: Valleynewslive.com))

All over again...

In the on-again, off-again quest to see whether or not the University of North Dakota is going to stay the Fighting Sioux or something else altogether seems to be reverting to the old nickname.

Again...

Here's the latest in the Siouxing game...

The next move happens when the signatures on the petition are verified. If they are, then it's game on all over again with the NCAA, the Big Sky, and anyone else who wants to hold the school and its athletics hostage.

DEVELOPING: Memphis To Big East...???

2012-02-07T16:04:00.000-05:00

((HT: CBSSports/WMC-TV/WREG-TV/MyFoxMemphis))

It looks like outgoing Memphis AD RC Johnson may get his wish- sorta...

And he's been wanted to not have the door hit him on the way out...
Remember this...???

Fans Fed Up with Tiger Football: MyFoxMEMPHIS.com

Memphis has been aware of the discussions of the Big East to expand as far back as November of 2010, and has been somewhat non-committal...

Or is it more of a non-denial denial...

Now, it appears that they're moving to the Big East in all sports- perhaps as early as 2013. The exit fee from Conference USA for 2013-14 is $500,000 plus Memphis' share of television rights revenue, which is a little over US$6-million, according to a league spokeswoman through ESPN.

The first word on this comes from CBS Sports' Brett McMurphy...

"The Tigers would join the Big East with three other Conference USA members – Houston, SMU and UCF – for the 2013-14 school year. The Big East also will add Boise State and San Diego State as football-only members in 2013 and Navy in 2015."

More when we know more...

Huguely Trial Day 2: Jury Selection

2012-02-07T15:41:00.000-05:00

((HT: WHSV-TV Harrisburg, VA))

The murder trial of George Huguely is underway in Charlottesville. He is charged with the murder of his former girlfriend, UVA lacrosse player Yeardley Love.

The jury pool is currently at 150 to start and the idea is to get 12 plus a satisfactory number of alternate jurors from a final number of 27.

Here's the morning update from CBS19's Carter Johnson...

Forty-one potential jurors were scheduled to appear Tuesday morning, but six were absent.

Nine of the first group of 15 were asked to stay for more questioning by both groups of attorneys, but they were all eventually dismissed. One other potential juror was sent home for undisclosed medical reasons.

More as we know more...

UGA Players race to see who is fastest

2012-02-06T17:15:00.003-05:00

We wonder what Georgia head coach Mark Richt thinks about this...

On one hand its great to see the camaraderie and team building by having prized soon-to-be freshman recruit Keith Marshall race against your fastest player, Malcolm Mitchell with teammates Chris Conley and star QB Aaron Murray there to document it.

On the other hand...it would be really hard to explain what happened if either of them blew out a knee or hamstring while they raced.

Long story short, the two did a best of 3 race to see who was the fastest guy on the team...and according to the video here...it appears that young Mr. Marshall is the victor.

We also wonder how long before UGA Sports Information politely asks this video be removed from the YouTube's...

Contador Banned For 2 Years

2012-02-06T14:43:00.000-05:00

And he also had his 2000 Tour de France title stripped from his dossier for doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Contador blamed contaminated steak for his clenbuterol finding, and to avoid a doping ban, he needed to prove how the anabolic drug entered his body and convince the panel that it wasn't his fault that it got there.

"The Panel found that there were no established facts that would elevate the possibility of meat contamination to an event that could have occurred on a balance of probabilities," CAS said in their finding. "Unlike certain other countries, notably outside Europe, Spain is not known to have a contamination problem with clenbuterol in meat. Furthermore, no other cases of athletes having tested positive to clenbuterol allegedly in connection with the consumption of Spanish meat are known."

Here's part of the race that Contador won, but now hasn't...
((HT: Tour de France/worldcyclingarchives))

And here's reaction from Fabian Cancellara on the ban...
((HT: cyclingnews))

The ban carries through the five-ringed circus...

Super Bowl 46: Hits and misses on the Broadcast

2012-02-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

It will go down as a "Great Game" because of the finish, not because of the way most of the game was played. Though the now ever-present "Hype Machine" will help that too.

Sure, by now, most of the free-civilized world knows the Giants held off the Patriots and won the Galactic Championship 21-17. And for the most part, for those of us at home it was a decent broadcast.

Before we start our broadcast breakdown, we'll admit we didn't watch the 5-hour pregame show...anyone who did needs to seriously consider making some changes in their lifestyle.

But we did see the last 90 minutes or so...and though long and repetitive, there were things we liked. One- the Steve Gleason feature that Brother Jon mentioned and a solid story on Giants WR Victor Cruz. We did see one blatant act of self-promotion when the "Voice" hosts showed up on a side stage before the Lenny Kravitz song (where's Lenny been the past 5-years?).

The game broadcast was good. Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth were solid and didn't try to over do it on a game that was chock-full of mistakes and sloppy play early on. And most importantly we didn't get an endless parade of stars for the network shows like FOX does when they have the game. Thank God!

The halftime show was surprisingly good. Madonna was much better than expected and we are always a mark for Cee-Lo. Still have no idea who this M.I.A person is, why she was on stage and what possessed her to give a middle finger salute...

What was seriously disappointing during the broadcast....the commercials. The 1st two were just plain awful, and it didn't get much better.

Sure, there were a few that were cute...(see VW, Doritos Dog) one at the half that we really liked (Chrysler with Clint Eastwood) but by and large, they were overhyped and underperforming wastes of money.

But there were some that just left us scratching our heads. It's like...ok...somebody got paid a ton of money to come up with this idea...and then the company spent a fortune to put it on the Super Bowl broadcast?

This was neither funny nor something that would get me to buy an Audi:

And gosh, we like Seinfeld, but this just isn't funny...at all or an enticement to buy this Acura. And having Jay Leno at the end made it even less funny...

Then this...from Cars.com. Somebody collected a paycheck for coming up with this? And they paid a couple million to air it on the "Big Game"? Seriously? Nothing about this says funny or encourages me to use the product..at all.

So...here's what we think about Super Sunday.

NBC Pre-Game: B+. Solid, didn't go the tacky FOX route and stuck to telling stories and breaking down the game. We grade it down because it was incredibly long and repetitive. Even the 90 minutes worth we watched has us screaming for them to get on with the game already.

NBC Game: A-. Very well done for the most part. Collinsworth still has a tendency to state the obvious and can be a bit goofy, saying things that make no sense, but we like the team. No major mistakes...at all.

Halftime: A. Madonna was excellent. Never been a huge fan, but light years better than anybody since McCartney or Prince.

Commercials: C-minus. Just awful. Maybe the bar was raised too high the past few years, but overall this crop of commercials sucked. Not funny, not creative and in many cases...had nothing to do with the product.

So, we come to an end of this years NFL football season. At least until April and the draft. Honestly, once they got past the labor lockout it was a season much like any other. Some good stories, some bad stories but very typical of any other NFL season.

For those of you suffering withdrawls, go take a vacation, go play golf, go to a beach...do something to get out of your house and experience life, you might find you like what's out there.

Tom Brady's wife blames receivers for loss

2012-02-06T09:32:00.001-05:00

((ht: theinsider.com))

Yeah, I know, we're crediting a stupid Hollywood gossip show for a video on a Sports website, but it is pretty good video.

In it, Mrs. Tom Brady, supermodel Giselle Bundchen is heading towards her husband in the Super Bowl losing New England Patriots locker room. On her way there, she gets heckled by some New York Giant fans who essentially say "Eli owns your husband".

She didn't like that.

If you watch, as she gets near the elevator, she fires back saying in effect, it wasn't her husbands (F***ing) fault the Patriots lost, he can't throw it...and catch the ball at the same time. "I can't believe they dropped the ball so many times"

Uh...not good. Way to throw Brady's teammates under the bus..

She's already done a great job of essentially putting Brady's balls in the freezer and sissifying him...this is gonna make it 1000-times worse.

Team Gleason And Indianapolis

2012-02-05T23:42:00.000-05:00

((HT: NBC Sports/NFL))

Full disclosure...
The HQ supports Team Gleason and an ALS Chapter here at home base since we're very close to someone who suffers from Lou Gehrig's Disease...

Peter King does a great job on catching up with Steve and his wife Michel as they battle the disease form two fronts- their very private front and the public front we all see with Steve as his fight is now in the 13th month.

Until this gets pulled or NBC comes up with a longer version that includes the intro and a longer outro from Bob Costas...

Enjoy...
And support causes that mean everything to you...

OSG Prem: ManU Down 3, Ties At Chelsea

2012-02-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

((HT: FoxSoccer))

The HQ tried to explain the Premier League to TBH- even as she knows that it is the new toy in the toy box.

The matchup between Chelsea and Manchester United is like Alabama playing Florida if they had their best teams and they never graduated them.

The game played earlier Sunday was distinctly two halves- and CBSSports writer Bryan D. Fischer had the line of the day when he wondered when Mike Sherman started coaching the Blues.

Chelsea was up 3-0, but ended up drawing 3-3 thanks to the help below...

Here are the two Rooney PK's to draw the Reds to within one...
<a href='http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=440faea5-cc92-49f2-a796-a0b6aac05b24&src=v5:embed::' target='_new' title='Two gift goals for Man Utd?' >Video: Two gift goals for Man Utd?</a>

ManU is still two points behind ManCity at the top of the table. Chelsea is now in a fight for fourth with surprising Newcastle who beat Aston Villa 2-1 behind goals from Cisse and Demba Ba.

Cold Blooded: Pats Cut Tiquan Underwood

2012-02-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

It's fairly normal for any Shield team to cut someone the week of a game, and maybe even the day before...

But the day before the Roman Numeral Classic...???

Yup...

The Pats cut WR Tiquan Underwood in favor of activating a fellow Rutgers grad- DL Alex Silvestro- off the practice squad. It was a move that was strictly bid-ness as the team needed more D-lineman and special teams help with the lingering effects of Rob Gronkowkski's high ankle sprain.

Underwood has been surprisingly upbeat about the whole thing Tweeting:

Good Luck To The New Enland Organization, The Coaches, & All My Teammates... #PatsNation

Underwood will get his game share, win or lose... and a ring if the Patriots win. This means that Eight-Five will be active as one of the receivers for the game in Indy.

Ed Werder has more...
((HT: ESPN))

Kevin Love stomps on Luis Scola

2012-02-05T09:38:00.002-05:00

Or more specifically, Luis Scola's face.

Last night during the Houston Rockets/Minnesota Timberwolves game in Minnesota, there was a somewhat ugly incident.

Timberwolves forward and star player Kevin Love gets tangled up with Rockets forward Luis Scola. You can see on the wide shot, Love appears to hip toss Scola to the ground...which is bad.

It gets worse as Love steps over Scola...and plants his foot in Scola's face.

And no, at least on video, it doesn't look like an accident.

OSG Buzzer Beater: UNI's Anthony James Shoots Down #13 Creighton At The Buzzer

2012-02-05T08:24:00.002-05:00

A great Missouri Valley Conference game Saturday in Cedar Falls, Iowa. #13 Creighton got all it could handle at UNI's McLeod Center and then some as the Panthers Anthony James nailed a 3 point shot at the buzzer for a 65-62 win.

Here's the game winner. (Thanks unipanthers.com)

James led Northern Iowa in scoring with 16 points, 14 coming in the second half.

National player of the year candidate Doug McDermott totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds.

Class Of 2012: No Receivers, But Linemen This Time...

2012-02-04T18:45:00.001-05:00

The winners are:

Running back Curtis Martin, the 4th-leading rusher in NFL history and four linemen were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Martin is joined by Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler.

Good to see the linemen getting some love, but there are wideouts that are missing- Andre Reed, Cris Carter, and Tim Brown.

Defensive ends Kevin Greene and Charles Haley, defensive back Aeneas Williams, and former 49ers owner Ed DeBartolo Jr., as well as former commissioner Paul Tagliabue are still looking...

The HQ is still hot that Ray Guy is still on the outside looking in...
Wanna talk injustice...???
That's one... and a big one...

SI.com's Jim Trotter follows in on the topic the HQ just addressed- who didn't get in...

OSG Prem: Arsenal Blows Out Rovers 7-1

2012-02-04T18:38:00.000-05:00

((HT: FoxSports/FoxSoccerChannel))

One of the sports websites is running one of those "pick and win" contests. And their morning selection had to do with the Arsenal-Blackburn match. Would Arsenal win by two or would Rovers lose by one, tie, or win outright...?

A lot of folks (HQ not included) went on Blackburn...
And they were way wrong...

The Gunners put 7 on the table with RvP getting a hat trick, 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netting his first two, and Thierry Henry getting in on the act.

Here's analysis with the guys from Fox...
<a href='http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=33ad1859-be2f-4a55-a4c9-4aa900145817&src=v5:embed::' target='_new' title='FSMD: The Gunners' Revival'>Video: FSMD: The Gunners' Revival</a>

The Gunners are back in the fight for the top four spots, but they need some help getting past Spurs.

There is also talk that Arsenal are looking at extending Henry's stay on campus...

Interesting... for someone who plays, maybe, 30 minutes a game...

Whoa! Ilya Kovalchuk drops Brayden Schenn

2012-02-04T16:41:00.002-05:00

Who says scorers can't fight in hockey?

Early Saturday afternoon the Philadelphia Flyers and the New Jersey squared off on the ice, with the Devils winning 6-4.

At one point, there was a fairly big scrum on the ice after Devils forward Zack Parise appears to get tripped by the Flyers Zac Rinaldo.

Lots of square dancing began and at least initially it appeared to just be some wrestling.

But away from the pile, Mr. Schenn and Mr. Kovalchuk ended up dropping the gloves. And well...let's just say, it wasn't the smartest thing Schenn has ever done.

Check out the video from HockeyFights.net:

Three Kicked Off UGA Football Team- Marshall, Sanders, Seay

2012-02-03T19:13:00.000-05:00

For alleged theft of money from other players...

The HQ is working to confirm that...

But two of the names are Georgia heavyweight high schoolers...

Special teamer Nick Marshall from Wilcox County High and Chris Sanders from Tucker High, along with Lee County grad Sanford Seay are all gone.

CMR sent out his standard release that said in part that "It's a privilege to play college football and to be a part of this team and University.

"Along with that privilege comes certain responsibilities. Mistakes were made and part of our job is helping them learn from mistakes. Going forward, we are committed to assisting them find opportunities where they can continue their education."

Wilcox County head coach and FOSG Mark Ledford told WMAZ-TV in Macon that Marshall "had a great opportunity, made a mistake and he's going to have to try and learn from it."

Ledford did not say what the cause for the dismissal was. He did say to WMAZ-TV that other schools have already contacted him about Marshall. Lee County head coach Dean Fabrizio told WALB-TV in Albany that he thinks Seay will go to a junior college.

Here's some old highlights of Marshall from his Wilcox days...
((HT: wilcoxpatriots))

Sam Gagner's Fantasy Value Explodes

2012-02-03T18:56:00.000-05:00

((HT: NHL/TSN))

The Edmonton Oilers' Sam Gagner did something that hadn't been done since some guy named Gretzky did it... and a guy named Coffey as well...

A 4 and 4 night for 8 points...
Witness the piece of history...

Mario Lemieux had done it in a playoff game (the five goals, five different ways game) and the Leafs Darryl Sittler had 10 points in a game. But the HQ thinks Gagner is good for now...