I-Rod to the Yanks

First off, I was wrong. I told my brother earlier tonight that there were probably about 20 guys with the last name 'Rodriguez' in the Major Leagues. I was half joking. Turns out, there are 24 according to mlb.com.

One of those, Ivan Rodriguez, A.K.A. I-Rod, is headed from Detroit to the Yankees.

Isn't Detroit in a pennant race? They're six games back right now. Considering the expectations they came into this season with is it really white flag time? It seems a little bit puzzling but what do I know?

As for the Yankees, consider the following:

- They have money to burn, so throwing some extra dough at I-Rod is no big deal.

- Jorge Posada is done for the season.

- Posada's backup, Jose Molina seemed to be a serviceable player but after looking at the stats, it's obvious I-Rod is the better hitter this season and over the last ten games.

Again, I'm never going to say that I know more about baseball then the Yankees.

I do find it interesting that the Yankees now have these three guys on their roster; Ivan Rodriguez, Andy Pettite and Jason Giambi. What do those three have in common? Performance-enhancing drugs. The interesting thing is that these three players find themselves sprinkled across the doping spectrum.

Andy Pettite straight-up confessed to using HGH while recovering from injury. Guess what? No one ever mentions it anymore and he has gone on with his career practically without repurcussion.

Jason Giambi admitted to "something" but never actually answered to taking juice even though everyone knows goddamn well what he was talking about. Now people are wearing mustaches to Yankee Stadium to honor this clown. Again, no repurcussions.

And now you add I-Rod to the mix. I am still trying to figure out how I-Rod has been given a free pass while Barry Bonds has been exiled from baseball. If ever there was a guy that was quite obviously juiced up to the point that he'd been turned into some sort of freak, it's I-Rod.

The Yankee catcher was on the same team as Jose Canseco. He was fingered by Canseco in his book. More damning, he lost 22 lbs. in one offseason and attributed it to Atkins. Sure buddy, sure.

I understand that there were many baseball players on the sauce over the last ten years. You'd think at some point there would be some consequences for those actions, especially in obvious cases like I-Rod.

Apparently baseball has more important things to do though, like deciding whether or not to use video when determining what's a home run and what isn't.

Are you kidding me? Tennis has figured out how to call a ball in or out without the human eye. You think we can't do the same with a baseball?

My former co-worker with some thoughts on the Buckeyes

I promise this will eventually tie back to Ohio State.

In the meantime, no one out there will care about this except me. Guess what? That's why it's called 'Level 6 Sports' and not 'Douchebag Avenue'. Although I'm sure there are some that think the latter is more apropos.

Anyway, turns out a guy I used to work with at the Sycamore Public Library in suburban Cincinnati back in high school worked his way up the ladder and is now the senior college football writer for Sports Illustrated's website. Stewart Mandel went to Sycamore High School, thus the 'Aviators' helmet pictured to the right.

Stewart also wrote Bowls, Polls, and Tattered Souls which will be released on paperback August 18th. The book gives a comprehensive look at the current state of college football and how we got here.

Stewart isn't the only Sycamore Public Library alum to go onto bigger things that would garner much attention.

Another one of my former co-workers, Malar Balasubramanian, also graduated from Sycamore High, went to Case Western, became a doctor, then murdered her own mother with her bare hands. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison in January 2006 after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Unfortunately that is a true story.

And then of course, there's me. I'm...doing this.

Back to Stewart though, he runs a weekly mailbag that I always find interesting and objective. I can honestly say that's not because I once knew the guy. I actually read his stuff for at least a year before I realized that he and the Stewart Mandel from Cincinnati were one in the same.

Enough memory lane though, here's the meat.

I don't know if it's because Stewart Mandel went to Northwestern and thus has some allegiances to the Big Ten or what. He always seems to have a level head when it comes to Ohio State. You can check out the rest of this week's mailbag here, but this is by far the most interesting entry (the one concerning OSU).


Mr. Mandel: In 2001, the "computers" sent Nebraska to the Rose Bowl to play Miami for the national championship. For the most part, the media was outraged by the egregious miscalculation and demanded the computers be reduced in importance or eliminated altogether. Eventually, the BCS listened. So, here we are several years later and how has the media responded to their newly acquired relevance? By choosing Ohio State not once but two years in a row to go get spanked in the championship game. It was clear, even up here in Alaska, that Ohio State was just as outmatched in the last two championships as Nebraska was in 2001. So where is the outrage?
-- Mike, Juneau, Alaska

You know, it recently occurred to me that I could probably include an Ohio State backlash-related query in every single Mailbag, were I so inclined. In fact, I could probably run an entire Mailbag devoted exclusively to the topic, that's how many of these type of e-mails I receive.

A point-by-point rebuttal to Mike's e-mail:

1) In both the Nebraska season you're referring to, as well as with Oklahoma two years later, the computers elevated a team to the BCS title game that had been both destroyed in its final regular-season game (Nebraska 62-36 to Colorado, Oklahoma 35-7 to Kansas State) and failed to win its own conference's title. Hence, the uproar over the computers.

2) Two years ago, when Ohio State got clobbered by Florida, the Buckeyes had gone 12-0 in the regular season. They had beaten the defending national champion (Texas) on the road and beaten an 11-0 opponent (Michigan) in their final game. While it's easy to look back now and claim that the Buckeyes were an "unworthy" choice, a) I don't agree, and b) I don't remember hearing even the slightest peep along those lines prior to the game.

3) While there's certainly a better case to be made that Ohio State was not a deserving participant last year, I fail to see how its 38-24 loss to LSU was anywhere remotely as galling as that Miami-Nebraska game, in which the Huskers trailed 34-0 at halftime. The 2000 Oklahoma-Florida State game, in which the Seminoles' only points came on a safety, was far more one-sided as well. Want to take a guess how FSU got into that one?

4) Finally, if we had in fact gone with the computers' top two teams last season, do you know what the national-title matchup would have been? LSU vs. Virginia Tech. That's right -- a rematch of a regular-season game in which the score was 48-7. Given the choice, I think I'll take the Ohio State backlash over what that one would have caused.

Voice of the SEC picking Buckeyes

There are plenty of guys running around the internet that will crank out 3,000 words explaining to you why this team is better then that team. If you want hard-hitting, in-your-face analysis that cuts through all the bullshit though, you've got to go with Kige of YouTube Sports.

What's YouTube Sports? I'm not sure exactly. And I'm not sure Kige is either. It appears to be some dude in Kentucky that's missing a chromosome and recording himself in his basement.

And you know what? I love him! No one breaks it down like Kige.

It's quite obvious that he's a University of Kentucky fan (although this time around he's also supporting WKU as well). Since we know that all fans of SEC schools consider incest more of a guideline then a sin, I'd say it's safe to assume that Kige is speaking for the entire SEC when he gives his in-depth breakdown of the Big Ten.

Check out the best 2008 preseason Big Ten analysis produced to date.

Huggins getting program up to speed at WVU

Any excuse to throw out the mustard colored suit again is a good one.

It's totally unfair to make the following connection but I'll do it anyway.

Looks like Huggins is finally getting the players he needs to succeed at West Virginia. Two of his guys were arrested at at Pirates game according to ESPN.

PITTSBURGH -- Two West Virginia University basketball players were charged with scuffling with police and underage drinking after a fight at a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Joe Mazzulla and Cameron Thoroughman were arrested Monday at PNC Park, where the Pirates were playing the Colorado Rockies.

The 20-year-old players began arguing with police when they refused a request for identification, according to a criminal complaint. The officers said the two smelled of alcohol.

Thoroughman said he did not have ID, according to the report. Police said he lied about his age and threatened a security guard. Police said officers brought Thoroughman to the ground when he refused to put his arms behind his back. While Thoroughman was struggling with the officer, Mazzulla tried to grab his teammate and punched a police sergeant.

Assaulting a police officer. Always a really, really good idea. Moron!

Of course, that's nothing compared to one of Huggin's former protege's, my main man Art Long. Mr. Long (as he's known around Clifton) got himself thrown in the slam briefly for allegedly punching a police horse four times. Assaulting a police horse or police dog is essentially the same as assaulting a police officer in the eyes of the law if I'm not mistaken.

Incidentally, Art Long was acquitted of those charges after his lawyer told the jury he was merely petting the animal.

Also from the "Incidentally File", Cody the police horse was "assaulted" again eight years later by an anti-war protester according to the Cincy Enquirer. That's one equine officer that's earning his oats.

Buckeyes getting into game shape.

The Buckeyes are hitting their stride at just the right time. First it was Eugene Clifford getting into a bar fight. Now the Columbus Dispatch reports that starting defensive tackle Doug Worthington was picked up this past weekend under suspicion of DUI.

I am far less worried about the trend. Ever since Maurice Clarett set all kinds of records for law-breaking following his dismissal from Ohio State, it would seem that the rest of the herd has been "scared straight".

We simply have not seen a lot of lawlessness out of the Buckeyes lately. The few things that show up on the police blotter are frankly, silly. Prime example would be Antonio Henton's dalliance with a "lady of the night" who was actually a wolf in whore's clothing.

It should be pointed out by the way that both Henton and Clifford have matriculated elsewhere for various reasons. Certainly the dreaded 'Tressel doghouse' was a factor in those moves.

Here's hoping that the same doesn't happen to Doug Worthington. We are in desperate need of vast improvement from DW.

There are two positions that need to pick it up if the Buckeyes are going to make a run for all the marbles. The first is QB, and I've already gone over in detail the shortcomings of Todd Boeckman.

A close second in the 'desperately needs improvement' category is the defensive tackle position. There simply has not been much production out of those guys over the last two years.

A great example of this is Doug Worthington himself. The guy played in all 13 games last season, starting all but one. He recorded an unremarkable 24 tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble.

I mean c'mon! Does that stat sheet really say 24 tackles? That's less then two per game. That's pathetic for a starting defensive lineman. I'm guessing that out there somewhere is a punter that made 25 tackles last season.

Part of the problem is that Doug Worthington is playing in the wrong position. He's not even a DT. At 6'7", he's far better suited to defensive end, or tight end for God's sake.

Yet the Buckeyes are woefully thin when it comes to tackle along the interior of the defensive line. So guys like Worthington that look big enough to play tackle and aren't quite as talented as the Lawrence Wilson's and Vernon Gholston's of the world get moved to the middle.

Here's all you need to know about Doug Worthington and his ability to play defensive tackle. He's 6'7". He has "put on 10 lbs." in the offseason according to the Dispatch and hopes to play at 285 or 290 this fall.

That certainly sounds beefy enough but consider this, the best DT in the nation last year was LSU's Glen Dorsey. He clocked in for the NFL Draft at 6'1", 295 lbs. That's a totally different type of body clogging up the middle.

Guys that are in the neighborhood of six feet tall and around 300 lbs. and athletic are exactly what OSU is missing right now, and it's a problem. Fast and fat, that's what we're in need of.

Here's the time and temp for the last few productive Buckeyes at the DT position (I'm using the numbers currently being provided by the NFL):

Quinn Pitcock - 6'2", 299 lbs.
Tim Anderson - 6'3", 304 lbs.
Darrion Scott - 6'3", 289 lbs.
Kenny Peterson - 6'3", 285 lbs.
Ryan Pickett - 6'2", 322 lbs.

And on and on and on.

The point here is that I'm sure Doug Worthington is a superstar on the pick-up basketball circuit. He has about as much business playing defensive tackle as Paul Hamm in my opinion.

Doug Worthington should be a back-up defensive end, or trying to shift to tight end. He should not be a starting DT for a national title contender. Granted, DW is a special case and not entirely indicative of the Buckeyes' issues at this position. He does illustrate what we're working with here.

In the last week I have seen statistical analysis from collegefootballnews.com that shows the vast disparity that exists regarding defensive tackles entering the pro's out of the SEC. They have statistically significantly advantages when it comes to defensive tackle talent. It's legit, and it's real.

I also read this from the Sporting New's Matt Hayes from an interview with current UCLA coach and March Madness fan Rick Neuheisel in the last few days. From sportingnews.com...

I sat in Rick Neuheisel's office earlier this spring, watching highlights of elite high school players on national signing day. UCLA had just landed a top-10 class, and hope was on the horizon. Then a highlight of heralded defensive tackle Omar Hunter, who signed with Florida, rolled across the screen.

"You want to know why the SEC is so good?" Neuheisel said. "Guys like that. They're all over that league."

And on and on and on.

Guys like Glenn Dorsey can change games, and they do. The good news though is that the SEC's superiority in the middle of the defensive line is no secret. You can bet the rest of the country is looking for the next Glen Dorsey already.

In the meantime, we'll see if the Doug Worthington's of the world can try and hold the line at Ohio State. That is of course, if they're sober enough to see the line at all.

More SEC vomit...

Had you forgotten that the SEC put America on the moon? You idiot.

Here's more evidence that the SEC is not just a great college football conference, it's also the driving force behind political and social improvement around the globe. Aren't we all lucky?!

First we have heir to the papal throne Tim Tebow! Sports Illustrated gushes over the greatness of "The Tebow" and his inability to do wrong. Many nations! Many wind sprints!

Tebow will unify Jews and Muslims under one great Gator! This is why coach Urban Meyer proclaims Tim Tebow, "the greatest player of our era."

Seriously, he said that shit.

I'm sure by "era", he means, since the dinosaurs roamed the earth. And I'm sure by "greatest" he means, somewhat better then Michael Vick in general.

What an asshole.

Oh, but SI is not alone in their love of all things SEC.

You've also got Sporting News' Matt Hayes telling everyone that, "While other conferences talk, SEC shows it's the best".

Really Matt? You want to rethink that statement while you're reporting from a fucking preseason press conference?

While it's true that almost every single one of the BCS conferences had their media days in the past week, I think it's a bit of stretch to suggest that even the mighty SEC "showed it's the best" during a bunch of luncheons and puffed-up press conferences.

For fucks' sake, this is the type of outrageous bullshit that makes me want to drive my car into the Hudson River.

Hayes' starts out his SEC blowjob by getting on his knees and quoting Florida head coach Urban "The Urban Meyer" Meyer.

"I was thinking as I walked in here," Meyer said. "There are nine teams that can win this conference championship. Nine. How do you even comprehend something like that?"

HOLY SHIT URBAN!? HOW DO YOU COMPREHEND THAT SHIT?!"

Well first of all you take a deep breath and remind yourself of just how fucking ridiculous that notion is. That's right Urban, you're a fucking moron!

Here's the conference roster real quick:

South Carolina
Auburn
Alabama
Georgia
Vanderbilt
Kentucky
Florida
Arkansas
Mississippi
LSU
Mississippi State
Tennessee

Here's the teams that actually have a shot at the SEC conference title:

Auburn
Georgia
Florida
LSU
Tennessee

That means that Urban Meyer is vastly overestimating four out of the following seven teams:

Mississippi
Kentucky
Arkansas
Mississippi State
Alabama
South Carolina
Vanderbilt

Any of those look like a potential SEC conference champ to you? Nope.

And what happens if one of those teams does win the conference? Do you think that makes the conference weaker then we all thought? ON THE CONTRARY! That makes the conference STRONGER then we all thought! Right!?

Other evidence from Matt Hayes regarding the greatness of the SEC?

There are five coaches who have won national championships, another who should have had the opportunity to play for one, and eight coaches whose salaries meet or exceed $2 million a year.

Should have! The great equalizer. That's pathetic.

Anyway, I love the fact that coaches' salaries are somehow evidence of their greatness. As if you couldn't pay any old shithead a great sum to coach your team and proclaim him worthy.

Oh wait, Notre Dame has already used that manuever.

And finally, from the one SEC coach we thought had his head on straight we get the ultimate in out-of-control hyperbole:

"It does include the NFL." said Rich Brooks, when asked if his statement that "The SEC is the most competitive league I've been in" included the NFL.

There you have it, I rest my case. If you doubt the SEC is superior to the United Nations or the Peace Corps, please write a letter to the great and powerful Rich Brooks.

Stoops = Cooper?

Yes, that Stoops and that Cooper. The NY Times brings us an interesting piece on current Oklahoma Sooners football coach Bob Stoops.

Apparently some have started comparing Stoops to former Ohio State coach John Cooper. The comparison is born from Stoops habit lately of producing outstanding teams in the regular season that can't produce in the postseason. To put Bob Stoops and John Cooper in the same sentence right now is not really fair in my opinion.

Coop' is one of the more successful coaches in the history of college football if you throw out bowl games and the last game of the regular season (which unfortunately for Coop was always against Michigan). Even when you include those games Cooper still has the second highest winning percentage behind Woody Hayes at Ohio State.

Unfortunately for John Cooper, the games I'm asking you to 'throw out' are the two most important of the season. Essentially, the reason that John Cooper is no longer the coach of The Ohio State University football team is simple. Five wins, 18 losses and one tie in bowl games and against Michigan as a head coach. End of story.

Furthermore, the reason that I have no lingering affinity towards former OSU Athletic Director Andy Geiger is because Geiger canned Cooper while citing reasons other then 5-18-1. There was no need to talk about anything else, whatsoever.

PLEASE! As if anyone gives a shit about grades or sportsmanship when you're losing the last two games of the year, every year. No one gave a crap about all of the miscreants Bobby Bowden was squeezing through his program when he was winning multiple national titles in the '90's!

Anyway, here is what Bob Stoops had to say when asked about comparisons to John Cooper:

“Did he win a national championship?”

No Bobby, I guess he didn't. I also don't think in general that pointing out the faults of other coaches to prove your worth is generally the most classy way to conduct yourself.

I would also remind you that your national title came eight years ago. For better or worse, this is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business. Phil Fulmer is still trying to ride out the national title he won ten years ago. The difference between Fat Phil and Bob Stoops is that Phil wins bowl games. Not all of them, but some.

Here's more spin from Stoops...

"It’s what’s your perspective?” he said. “If the Big 12 championship game isn’t a big game anymore or beating Texas isn’t a big game and winning Big 12 championships isn’t significant, we’ve done pretty well if that’s how everybody looks at it.”

Stoops brings up a good point. The main difference between John Cooper and Bob Stoops is that while both have been futile in bowl games, at least Oklahoma has taken care of their chief rival, Texas. That in and of itself is why you can't put Cooper and Stoops in the same sentence.

His comments refer to a larger issue in college football. Sure, winning the conference and beating your rival are important. Crossing those two items off your list every year should keep you in the head chair for quite some time. Eventually though, people expect more.

At some point, losing to Boise State and West Virginia does not sit well. It's that simple.

And to digress slightly, it is amazing to me that some are now projecting the Big 12 as perhaps heir to the throne. I do not doubt for a second that the Big 12 is a very strong conference.

What I question is why Ohio State losing in the title game means that the entire Big 10 stinks while Oklahoma losing in their BCS bowl game is not considered a knock on the Big XII?

'Little Animal' at Media Days

"Win a national championship or the WWE title belt? Boy.......that's a tough call.....let me think about it for minute."

Malcolm at Media Days

"I figured a really bad suit-tie combo was the only way to keep this shit interesting."

Big Ten Media Days

"If you ask me about those title games again I'm going to grab your testicles and squeeze until you pass out."

Rivals Roundtable

The slamming of the SEC will take a quick hiatus while I take a shot at my other favorite target, Charlie Weis.

The latest Rivals Roundtable asks, "Which fallen power will be the first to rise?"

The candidates are, Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame and UCLA. Not surprisingly, four out of the five panelists selected Notre Dame from that group. The Irish are a consensus pick by the national media to be "Most Improved" this year, including by the venerable Phil Steele. That is strictly a combination of 'they can't be any worse' and what appears to be a much easier schedule.

However, what I found curious were some of the comments regarding Head Coach Charlie Weis (and his impressive gunt). First from David Fox (Rivals.com writer):

Say what you want about Charlie Weis, but he's still a good coach. Weis still has a lot to learn about being a college coach, but his decision to give up play-calling and concentrate on the program as a whole shows he's heading in the right direction.

Still a good coach?

Really?

Also from the round table, Olin Buchanan (senior writer for Rivals):

Like him or not, Charlie Weis is a good coach and the problems that occurred in '07 might even make him a better one.

I am a little surprised that people who spend as much time watching college football as these two would consider Charlie Weis a 'good coach'. I am EXTREMELY biased on this one but I just don't see it.

To his credit, Weis went to a BCS bowl game in his first two seasons. Cancelling out that accomplishment is the fact that Notre Dame was crushed in both of those bowl games.

To his credit, Weis' 2005 team nearly beat #1 USC at home in the 'Bush Push' game. Cancelling out that accomplishment is the fact that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The sad footnote to Weis' career at Notre Dame thus far is that his greatest 'win', was in fact, a loss.

Also cancelling out anything Charlie Weis has ever accomplished as head coach of Notre Dame is the 2007 season. Straight from Wikipedia, here's the recap:

The 2007 season (3-9) included various negative milestones: the most losses in a single year (9); two of the ten worst losses ever (38-0 losses to both Michigan and USC); and the first 6-game losing streak for home games. Its losses to Navy and Air Force marked the first time Notre Dame has lost to two military academies in the same season since 1944, and the first time in the BCS era that Notre Dame went winless against mid-majors. The Naval Academy recorded their first win over the Irish since 1963, breaking the NCAA-record 43-game streak.

Now, the Weis apologists will insist that they saw this coming. They'll insist that it was Ty Willingham (who'd alread been at another school for several years) who was somehow responsible for this mess. The more specific explanation is that Ty Willingham's lousy recruiting was to blame for a 3-9 season three years after he'd been fired.

Here's my question to those people. The worst recruiting class that Ty Willingham produced was ranked somewhere in the 40's. If you've got a 49th ranked recruiting class sandwiched in between Top 25 recruiting classes, then where does that put your team exactly in terms of talent?

Here's a better question. Where do you think Air Force and Navy generally finish in terms of recruiting rankings? Do you think they pulled in Top 50 recruiting classes? Somehow, I doubt it.

The Weis apologists can piss and moan all they want to about Ty Willingham. You will never convince me for a nano second that TW's lousy recruiting is an excuse for losing to two service academies in the same season.

Anyway, so as not to completely discredit this panel of experts, I'll also include the comments of veteran Sporting News writer Tom Dienhart. He had this to say about Weis:

Charlie Weis is still a work-in-progress as a college coach.

I would say that is the most accurate assessment you could make of Thick Chuck at this point.

New Nike ad...

I think it's safe to say that 30-something white guys from the suburbs aren't the target demographic of Nike's new Hyperdunk marketing campaign.

All the same, this picture gives me the hee-bee-jee-bees.

There are a whole bunch of other social and moral issues that can be discussed in conjunction with this advertisement. You don't have to look very far on the inter-web to find various discussions.

I'll skip all that for now though as I have some SEC-bashing to get to.

EDSBS.com's Spencer Hall scopes out the Saban 'art' at the SEC media days...

$$$ for play?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes another look at an ongoing debate. Should college athletes be paid for their services?

I'll weigh in on this only because I'm sick of media days and Brett Favre. If anyone knows how to speed up time please contact me at the email address in the sidebar, pronto!

Anyway, the debate begins as follows...

Like some of his Boston College teammates, Ron Brace has played the new "NCAA Football 09" video game. Many of the animated players look and play a lot like the players they're patterned after.

Brace has one thing in common with every player depicted: he's not getting a nickel from the NCAA or game maker EA Sports.

Images from the EA Sports 'NCAA Football 09' game are derived from actual players, none of whom receive revenue from EA Sports.

He has a problem with that.

Brace, and others, take issue with the fact that college athletes are not paid beyond scholarships and aid even as their efforts earn millions of dollars for the NCAA, schools and coaches at the Division I level. Since the players are the reasons for the revenue, they say they should get a cut.

"It's like a job. We get up early, work out, meetings, class and practice," Brace said. "We're giving up a big chunk of our life. I see no reason we shouldn't be paid."

At face, I'll disagree with nothing Mr. Brace told the AJC. It is indeed ridiculous that the NCAA puts restrictions on an athletes' ability to earn income off his own likeness while at the same time allowing companies like EA Sports the privilege of making millions using those same images.

However like many issues, it's complicated. Sure, it's easy to say, "Yeah, those guys should be paid since they're making millions for their schools." If you really try to break it down I think you'll find it's infinitely more complicated then that though.

First of all, I don't think it can ever be discounted just how valuable the scholarships these athletes receive really are. Their residence, meals, books, classes and every other fee a university throws at its students to nickel and dime them is paid for. Over the course of four years, even at a modest university, that's a whole lot of money.

Show me a parent that's footing the bill for their kids' tuition. I'll show you someone that would willing sign away every ounce of their kid's spare time and physical well-being for a scholarship in a heartbeat.

Anyone that wants to tell me that these guys/girls don't get the same education as everyone else, I beg to differ. I understand completely that the amount of time they need to spend doing "athlete stuff" makes them a lot busier then a regular student. Isn't that why they're going to school for free though?

Myron Rolle is a starting safety for Florida State. He is a legitimate Rhodes Scholar candidate. Ohio State's own Anthony Gonzalez was in a similar situation not too long ago. Don't tell me you can't be a great athlete AND a great student if you want to.

Next question, how do you decide who gets paid what if you're going to pay athletes? Is it all athletes? Or only those in revenue-generating sports?

Let's say you go only with male college basketball players and college football players. They're the ones generating the monster TV ratings, right?

Since college basketball players (or potential college basketball players) have figured out how to get paid without being subjected to NCAA bullshit (check out Brandon Jennings, Italy), I'll keep this debate to college football players.

There are approximately 10,000 dudes playing FBS (Div.-1A) football on scholarship in the United States. Are you going to pay them all the same?

That doesn't really seem right does it? You're telling me the third-string safety at San Jose State should be paid the same amount as the starting QB at the University of Georgia? Those guys aren't really generating the same amount of revenue are they for their respective schools? In fact, it's unlikely that the entire athletic department at SJSU is even breaking even.

I could break this down 37 different ways. You'll find that very quickly you get into questions of "fair" that are hard to answer. You can go further then FBS (Div.-1AA) football too, how about FCS (Div.-1AA) teams? Their 16-team tournament is shown on ESPN every year which clearly generates some revenue. Do we have to pay those guys too?

It's easy to say, "Yeah, college football players should be paid." My answer to that is, they are. Let me put it to you this way, if playing college football is such a shitty gig, why are tens of thousands of kids competing for that opportunity every year? By the way, they're doing so with full approval of their parents and other relatives.

How many college football players have you ever heard say this? "You know what, this sucks, I'm going to renounce my scholarship and pay my own way so I don't have to play football anymore."

Here's a little secret great, young athletes. Play something other then football. It's the worst gig in sports, and yet for some reason the most popular.

More solid Bengaldom...

In a bit of a pre-training camp shocker, the Bengals waived their 2007 2nd round draft pick, Kenny Irons. The move gets the Bagels down to the league mandated 80-man camp roster. This is indeed the Cincinnati Bengals so this sort of ridiculous horse-shit is expected.

Irons has had a solid career with the Bengals thus far. That is of course if you consider zero yards and zero games solid.

Kenny Irons was drafted out of Auburn just like (former) teammate Rudi Johnson. The speedy running back was supposed to provide depth at the running back position. Instead, he did his best KiJana Carter impersonation.

Irons blew out his ACL during one of the first carries of his career in the initial preseason game of 2007. He missed the entire 2007 season. Irons was also expected to miss part of training camp this year at minimum. Instead, it appears he may be in danger of missing the NFL almost entirely.

The young running back failed a physical earlier this week so it certainly seems that this is entirely an injury issue and not a talent or attitude issue. The Bengals have had plenty of problems with both of the latter in terms of their draft picks historically.

There is a slim possibility that this is a shrewd move on the part of the Bagels. If Kenny Irons clears waivers (which means no other team is interested in him, a distinct possibility), the Bengals could re-sign the kid and put him on injured reserve while potentially saving some money on a player that will clearly not give them anything anytime soon.

Why do I get the impression that the Bengals have already thrown in the towel on Kenny Irons though? Maybe it has something to do with all their other shitty draft picks as of late.

The Bengals are reportedly deep at the running back position right now. I'll believe that when I see it though. Just because you have a bunch of guys on your roster with "RB" next to their name doesn't mean you are deep at that position.

Rudi Johnson, the presumed starter at running back has had some injury problems, although what pro ball carrier hasn't? Chris Perry, the Bungles' first round draft pick in 2004 out of Meeeechigan has played in only a third of the games since he was drafted due to injury. He makes Kellen Winslow Jr. seem like an ironman by comparison.

The Bengals woes surrounding their draft picks recently have been well documented. My personal favorite draft would have to be the 2005 selections. The first rounder David Pollack was forced to retire after injuring his neck during his second season. Second rounder Odell Thurman missed two entire seasons while suspended. Odell managed to stay on the Bengals roster for those two seasons only to be cut before he could return after failing another league drug test.

And then there's Chris Henry. Henry has been arrested roughly 100 times since being drafted and was finally waived this offseason after yet another incident. Ironically, Henry was recently acquitted of the charges that brought on his release.

Marvin Lewis has stated the Bengals will not bring back Henry despite the comments of his agent. That means that the next time the Who Dey gang sees Henry, he'll be lighting them up from the opposing sideline.

The Bengals circus/training camp, starts on Monday.

Dick Rod hates the youth of America

Colossal douchebag and current Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez thinks that the underpriviledged kids in Michigan are totally and completely irrelevant compared to one morning of sprints. Nice Dick Rod, real nice.

According to MLive.com, University of Michigan football players will not be able to participate in former Wolverine Lamarr Woodley's charity golf event in Saginaw, MI. Why? The team has a workout scheduled for that day.

Larry Preston, one of the directors of the event which raises money for Saginaw youth recreation, said he learned today that no University of Michigan football players are able to take part in Wednesday's benefit. Preston said U-M officials told him first-year U-M football coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff have scheduled a mandatory strength and conditioning workout for the players on Wednesday.

"It's a big disappointment for all of us," Preston said. "The (U-M) players always have said how much they enjoy Heroes For Kids, and the strength and conditioning coach (Mike Barwis) said he wants to work with us on this next year.

"But this workout is mandatory, and all players must attend. It's coach Rod's call on that. This is his first year (at U-M), and he's doing everything he can to make sure his team is successful."

I understand and respect the fact that Dick Rod is trying to get his team ready for a grueling season of Big Ten football. What I'm a little surprised by is Dick Rod and his staff telling the local media outlet that they can't participate in a charitable event because they have a mandatory...shuttle run, or whatever the fuck they're doing.

If I'm not mistaken you are not allowed to make anything this time of year "mandatory". Sure, it's understood that if you don't show up, it will get back to the coaches and you'll find yourself at the bottom of the depth chart.

However, the NCAA has setup this nice charade where workouts are supposedly 'voluntary' and you have a choice to attend or not attend as the case may be. Ass Rod's comments seem to suggest that there is nothing remotely voluntary about this particular round of organized jump rope.

Excuse me, I have to place a call to Miles Brand...

Hot naked chicks? No thank you! - Tim Tebow

I knew this guy was a nerd but good gracious.

The Florida Today website has a story about Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow asking to keep his name off the nomination list for the Playboy All-American Team. Timmy wouldn't want a seedy photo shoot infringing on his chance to remove another baby's foreskin.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I know, that's a little rough around the edges.

My question is if Tim Tebow played for Ohio State would I still think he's a nerd of the highest order? Do we want our "stars" to be "wholesome" or "cool"? I don't think you can be both, can you?

In a related note, the Bear Bryant tattoo set might be getting some competition from Tebow. You can check out more assholish Tebow worship at the Tim Tebow Zone.

Media Days! Media Days!

Nothing simultaneously screams "Football's coming, football's coming" and "MASSIVE WASTE OF TIME" like conference media days. The Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten are both having their respective luncheons/press conferences/gab fests this week. Clearly though, the SEC media days are better then the Big Ten media days. They just are, c'mon folks.

For more clarity on why the SEC Preseason Media gala is the best preseason media gala in the land, we go to another blog entry from the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Tony Barnhardt, A.K.A. "Mr. College Football."

"I have had the pleasure of attending media days for several different conferences over the course of my career including the ACC, the Big East, the Big Ten and of course, the SEC. I can now say without a doubt that the SEC media days are clearly superior to the media days of any other conference.

Here are just a few reasons why the SEC media days rule the land.

- The SEC media days are faster then those of the other conferences. Sure, the Southeastern Conference preseason media event takes two days while most other conferences only need one to complete their meetings and press conferences. The two days at the SEC event just seem faster though.

- Two words, Tim Tebow. Any excuse to have a conversation with the Heisman Trophy winner is a good one as far as I'm concerned. You should see the way he walks from one meeting room to another. It's impressive. What's not to like about this kid?

- The food. The SEC is unique in that they don't have their event catered by some fancy restaurant the way other conferences do. Instead, credentialed media are issued vouchers for the Denny's across the street. Yes! You can have your crepes and egg white omelets, give me the Grand Slam breakfast! And if you don't have time to run across the street to Denny's, they have a corn dog stand in the lobby.

- The location. The Big Ten has their annual event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Chicago. The Big East setup shop at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square. The SEC goes for more "down home" locations. This year for example, the SEC media days are being held at the Motel 6 off Baker Avenue on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama.

- I got to talk to Tim Tebow about performing circumcisions while on a mission to the Philippines during the offseason.

- The groupies. The SEC fans are really the best fans. The SEC media days always attract an impressive number of middle-aged men with giant Bear Bryant tattoos on their backs.

- All the coaches and players at the Big Ten media days seem to want to talk about their schools. It makes it kind of hard to keep everything straight. It's much easier to follow along with the comments made at the SEC media days because they're mostly about how great the SEC is.

- Reporters are a comical bunch. They like a good laugh as much as the next guy. It sure seems like all my jokes that disparage minorities and women get a lot more laughs at the SEC media days.

- Tebow. Of course.

Wow. That's impressive Tony. You make quite an argument.

Here are a few more highlights from the first day of SEC media days. Unfortunately I don't have any of the jokes Tony told there.

- Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer was subpoenaed! From ajc.com...

Just moments after Fulmer arrived at the Wynfrey Hotel he was served with a subpoena reportedly to give a deposition in the lawsuit of Alabama booster Wendell Smith against the NCAA. Early in the day Fulmer denied receiving such a subpoena. But when he was asked about it in the large room of print media, he said:

"I have not looked at it. This is not the place for this thing of thing," Fulmer said. "The fans of the Southeastern Conference are passionate about their sport and they are not interested in this kind of BS."

Oh on the contrary Phil, I think this is EXACTLY the kind of BS SEC fans are interested in. Incredibly, this is not the first time Fulmer has had to deal with this.

Fulmer did not attend the SEC media days four years ago because university attorneys advised against it for this very reason. The Mobile Press-Register reached the lawyers for Smith, whose lawsuit against the NCAA accuses Fulmer of being an informant for the NCAA in the investigation against Alabama.

You see folks, that's the difference between the SEC and everyone else. The NCAA investigates Ohio State, people complain and wait to see what happens. The NCAA investigates Alabama, and some asshole with too much spare time takes it upon himself to sue the NCAA while trying to paint a coach from another SEC school as a snitch.

Meanwhile, the sanctions the NCAA handed down have long since been endured and completed by Alabama. So essentially the only thing that this lawsuit will accomplish at this point is potentially embarrassing Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer.

Clearly the money being spent on this lawsuit could be better spent if it was allocated to the Bear Bryant Tattoo Charitable Fund.

There will likely be more to report from SEC media days. That is of course assuming we don't have more major developments in the Brett Favre story.

Favre Update

Another update following today's shareholders meeting at Lambeau Field.

Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre fans Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre #4 Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre retire Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Buccaneers Favre. Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre cell phone Favre Favre Favre Favre.

Sal Palantonio also had this to say, "Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett retire. Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Dunkin Donuts Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre loser fans Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre. Lambeau Field Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre."

So following these most recent developments, it's obvious that Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre.

There are no words...

WTF?

Clown Camp

Sports Illustrated's Peter King kicks off his NFL training camp tour in Berea, OH at the training facilities of the Cleveland Browns. According to Peter, over 2,500 pathetic losers joined him at the practice field chanting "Superbowl" while the team stretched and ran around in short shorts. Get a fucking life people.

Expectations are high for the Clowns coming off a 10-6 season. The folks that run the league and the magic boxes in your living rooms think the Browns might have something to. Cleveland's crappy orange helmets will appear in prime time more then any other team in the league this season.

The Browns added big-money-fat-man Shaun Rogers to the defensive line and speedy Donte' Stallworth to the receiving corps. Plus, Derek Anderson will presumably start out the season under center.

This is where the problems will start for the Clowns and their fans this season. Derek Anderson went to the Pro Bowl last year. For some reason though, there is a vocal minority of Browns fans out there that think Brady Quinn should be taking snaps. I would say that belief is largely based on the misguided sports axiom, "the grass is always greener."

Personally, I think Brady Quinn has bigger problems to worry about. That's another story though.

As soon as DA struggles, the cries for Brady will get louder. If Romeo Crennel pulls the trigger and names BQ the starter, you can pretty much bank on not making the playoffs. It is asking a little much for a guy with no experience to come in and lead a team (even one with this much talent) to the postseason.

One other item to keep an eye on is Kellen Winslow Jr. This guy's got 'shithead' written all over him.

It all started of course with him dismissing the Buckeyes prior to the 2002 national title game in Tempe, AZ. You didn't even win the game, much less dominate Mr. Fuckball.

Then there was the epic "I'm a #$%^@! soldier" rant. Then he claimed he should be paid #1 money even though he was picked 6th. Then he gimped out of the second game of the year and had to shut it down. Then he lost another entire season and damn near killed himself while doing his best Evel Knievel. Then he put himself in the same sentence as Antonio Gates before he had produced much of anything at all on the field.

To his credit, he has worked his way back from his injuries and is a quality TE. However, after four years in the league, he's only actually played in half the games while being paid first round money. Of course, that means it's time to bitch about my contract. I understand that the NFL is a rough business and that player's have to get what they can when they can. How about showing just a speck's worth of loyalty to the organization that could have jettisoned your stankin' ass and taken back your fat signing bonus? Asshole.

I fuckin' hate that guy. If I was in a room with K2, Charles Woodson and had a gun with one bullet it'd be a tough call.

For the record, I'd put the slug in the lucky guy's leg. I'm not a violent person, come on!

The Browns for whatever reason have a penchant for blowing it. Even last season a playoff berth appeared to be within their grasp but they couldn't get past a shitty Bengals team that ended up with a losing record late in the season. That basically ended any hope for extra games. Certainly that was not as spectacular as "The Drive" or "The Fumble" but it was the same general theme.

So clearly, the Browns have that going against them. They also are staring down the barrel of one of the toughest schedules in the league. Plus, the aforementioned expectations will make things a bit more dicey.

My guess is the Browns will be a disappointment this season. No playoffs! Better luck next year Cleve-burg. You'll have plenty of time to start bitching about the Indians in January.

ESPN REPORTS: Brett Favre

The latest from ESPN on the ongoing Brett Favre saga.

Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre cell phone Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Vikings Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett tampering Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Minnesota Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre.

ESPN's Ed Werder is on the scene in Green Bay:

"Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Commissioner Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre May June July Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre retiring Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Packers Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Tom Wolf Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre."

Also today, we learned that Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre NFL Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre sham-a-lamma-ding-dong Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Green Bay.

More later as the story develops.

Rough start for Troy Smith

Baltimore Ravens training camp opened yesterday and the biggest story will be a three-way battle for the starting QB position. Former Heisman Trophy winner and Ohio State standout Troy Smith is in the midst of the competition along with Kyle Boller (Cal) and rookie Joe Flacco (Delaware).

If there was a game today, Troy would probably be the starter. His hold on the position is very tentative though and he didn't get off to a very good start to training camp. From the Baltimore Sun...

The former Heisman Trophy winner was 1-for-5 passing, throwing three interceptions and fumbling the first snap. One of Smith's passes was picked off by 47-year-old secondary coach Chuck Pagano, who was filling in as a defensive back.

Ouch.

My guess is Troy really only needs to beat out Flacco. Kyle Boller is entering his seventh season in the league and is a known quantity at this point. My professional assessment of Boller? He's dogshit.

He's completed just under 57% of his passes. He's thrown 45 TD's and 44 INT's. He's also been sacked 102 times. His career passer rating is 71.9.

For comparison, the spectacularly terrible Rex Grossman has a career passer rating of 70.9. Hmmmmmm...

The rest of the team and the fans will have almost no patience with Boller under center. Just one screw-up and they'll be getting out the hook.

So the question then is how long can Troy Smith hold off Joe Flacco?

My guess is you'll see Troy at the top of the depth chart at the start of the season. The Ravens will struggle to stay out of the division's cellar though, and eventually this season they'll throw Flacco into the fire.

Training camp starts early for a couple Bengals

Buckle up, this could be a long and winding road. I'm going to address the relative douchebaggery of a couple Bengals and I'm going to take my sweet time.


Most of the Cincinnati Bengals won't report for about a week. Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer are already getting warmed up though. They both showed up today in the media, in full reverse, backpedaling like crazy. What a couple of boobs.

First you've got Chad Johnson telling the Cincinnati Enquirer that he "apologizes to the fans" and said he'll report on time and won't be a malcontent.

"I was going through a situation where I felt a change was needed. It didn't work out. Hey, I'm back. Get ready for the show."

Here's the read-between-the-lines version of that statement.

"My agent, Lucifer, excuse me, Drew Rosenhaus, thought that my current contract would take me deep enough into my career that another monster contract might not be possible. So in order to get out of my current, horrendous situation, which includes having passes thrown to me by a future Hall of Famer, I pissed and moaned like a five-year-old. I told the world I was not going to play for the Bengals anymore under any circumstances even though I have three years on my ludicrous contract that merely makes me one of the highest paid receivers in the game.

Much to my surprise, the Bengals did not roll over and trade me to Washington or Miami or whoever. I mean come on, Miami would have been a great place for me to play. I love Miami. Who doesn't? Plus, they've got a great team. They won a game last year. And their quarterback is...wait...who is there quarterback anyway?

Whatever, how about the Redskins? The 'Skins were even willing to give the Bengals a first round draft pick in this year's draft and a third round pick in next year's draft! Who wouldn't take that deal?

I mean, who wouldn't want multiple first round picks? They're some of the highest paid players in the league and totally unproven in the NFL! The Bengals have gotten almost nothing out of recent first round picks David Pollack and Chris Perry but that doesn't mean there aren't other college stars out there to piss money away on, right?

Plus, a rookie drafted in the first round this year and a rookie drafted in the third round next year are clearly equal value to one of the best WR's in the league, right? You know what I'm sayin'? What's the problem here people? We can't make this shit happen?

So for some reason, the Bengals didn't take the motherfuckin' bait. Marvin Lewis stood up in front of the whole world and called my bluff. You believe that shit? Here I am, Ocho Cinco, being called out by my own damn coach! Doesn't he know the first name's 'Ocho' and the last name's 'Cinco'!?

Ain't that a bitch. The Bengals told me to take my holdout and shove it up my ass. DAMN!

I wish Lucifer, I mean Drew, would have told me that when I signed that contract that put that fat signing bonus in my pocket that it meant I had to honor the terms. Yeah, the Bengals can cut me anytime they want to, but I've got to live up to the terms of my contract. That's just how this shit works.

I guess if I really didn't like the way it's all goin' down that I would go start my own business or run a hedge fund or somethin' or maybe become an astronaut! You know I'm not going to do that shit though. I'm going to stay right here and keep my pockets fat by acting like a clown after I catch these here touchdown passes.

Speakin' of that, listen to this shit right here, this is, this is some shit man. When I catch a touchdown pass this year, I'm going to take my helmet off after I catch the pass. That's not even the best part though. I know I get fined for taking off my helmet, but I don't care, I don't need all this money I'm cryin' about anyway.

Listen though, when I take my helmet off, I'm going to have my hair done up like Bozo the Clown! That's right! Bozo the motherfuckin' Clown! All red and picked out to the sides all wide! Damn that shit is gonne be tight! OCHO CINCO bitches! OCHO CINCO!

Anyway, so thanks Cincinnati Bengals fans, for laughing at me and rolling your eyes knowingly when I was throwing my temper tantrum a few months ago. I know you'll forgive me after I dust some sorry-ass Browns DB en route to the endzone."

Uhhh...right. I'd say that about sums it up.

On to Mr. Carson Palmer.

As noted previously, Carson Palmer is no fan of the Buckeyes. That's not surprising really. If my Alma mater was winning the Rose Bowl every year after mind-numbing losses to AWFUL also-rans like Stanford I'd probably be annoyed with Ohio State too.

Anyway, much like his partner in pathetic, Chad Johnson, Carson Palmer and his band of spin doctors sprung into action today. Having realized that Carson's comments to an LA radio station denigrating Ohio State and its fans had made its way back to Buckeye Nation HQ, the suits began to spin their web of lies. Subsequently, Carson Palmer released the following statement through the Bengals' PR department:

"I'm a Trojan all the way, and I was talking to a Trojan audience in California. I guess I got a little fired up, as all good fans will do. But I really do respect the Buckeyes, and I know their fans are passionate, too. I hope they all understand I'm just looking forward to a big game for my school against a very tough opponent, and that it's all in the good fun of a rivalry. You don't have a real rivalry unless both sides are great teams."

FUCK YOU CARSON PALMER YOU FUCKING PUSSY. What a lame-ass thing to do. I had no problem WHATSOEVER with what Carson Palmer said about Ohio State. The guy went to USC, I'm sure he thinks Southern Cal is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'm sure he thinks, as many do, that Ohio State is a joke and overrated and will be absolutely trounced by the Trojans.

To see Carson Palmer cave and backpedal and pander is beyond pathetic. You obviously said what you believe to be true Carson, STAND BY YOUR FUCKING WORD. OWN IT!

I'm sure the Bengals' corporate infrastructure let Carson Palmer know that hey, guess what? Ohio State is the largest university in the country with one of the largest followings and you live a stone's throw from the epicenter of that happening. So while you're comments were honest and not mean-spirited, it's not necessarily the best idea from a marketing perspective to insult some of the people that allow you to live better then 99% of the population. That's just a guess on my part.

The most pathetic aspect of this whole episode is that Carson began his rant by saying, "No, I don't watch what I say around here when it comes to USC or Ohio State." Oh really Carson? If you don't give a shit what people here you say then why did you issue some bullshit "retraction" through the Bengal's PR group? PUSSY! Stand up for what you believe you asshole!

Damn is that shit annoying.

For the record, Carson Palmer is STILL...my guy. Who Dey!

And finally, in other Bengals news, Marvin Lewis thankfully told the media that previously released WR Chris Henry 'ain't playin' in Cincinnati on my watch'.

"I'm not interested," Lewis told reporters Tuesday, before the team's annual preseason luncheon. "I don't think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there's responsibilities to being an NFL player. It's a privilege, it's not a right. There's a lot that comes with being an NFL football player."

Amen!

Cautionary Recruiting Tale: Vol. 165

We have a Willie Williams sighting! Rivals.com recently tracked down Williams and found that he will play out his final year of college football eligibility at Glenville State in West Virginia. If you can find Glenville State without the help of our good friends at Google it might be time to get a life.

At this point, most will no longer remember the great and stupid Willie Williams. His story bears mentioning though as it is both terrific and terrible all at the same time.

You have to go back to high school to understand the outrageous ride Willie has been on for the last five years. So where to start exactly with this guy? How about with some stats?

- Willie Williams was a Parade High School All-American and received dozens of scholarship offers from major college football programs. He was perhaps the most heavily recruited player in his class.

- Willie Williams was arrested 11 times before he ever sat foot on a college campus. ELEVEN TIMES. ELEVEN!

The Terrelle Pryor's of the world that are no longer being whisked around the country on private jets, being put up in nice hotels, and generally treated like visiting heads of state have only Willie Williams to thank for ruining the good time they missed out on. It was Willie's recruiting diaries that appeared in the Miami Herald that finally forced the NCAA to address the outrageous behaviour schools were displaying when it came to big-time recruits.

You can no longer find the actual Miami Herald diaries online to my knowledge but you can find subsequent stories by, among others, the New York Times. Here's a sample:

''Dinner was tight,'' he told The Herald. ''The lobster tail was like $49.99. I couldn't believe something so little could cost so much. The steak didn't even have a price. The menu said something about market value. I was kind of embarrassed so I didn't order a lot. But then I saw what the other guys were ordering, I was like, 'Forget this.' I called the waiter back and told him to bring me four lobster tails, two steaks and a shrimp scampi.''

The uber-recruit also made a trip to Gainesville which was fairly uneventful. That is, if you consider punching a guy in the face in a nightclub, hugging a girl that would later file a criminal complaint and discharging fire extinguishers in a dorm uneventful. Willie was subsequently charged with those crimes which he was able to tally on his underage offenses tote board next to his bunkbed.

Personally, given the number of fire extinguishers I've unloaded, I have to cry BS on that one. Fire codes are just screaming out to be violated aren't they? I park my car in front of alarmed exits sometimes just for fun. Don't you?

Not surprisingly, Willie received the best treatment from his hometown school, and later opted to matriculate there as opposed to his other suitors. Another sample from the NY Times:

He was given a room at the Mayfair House Hotel in Coconut Grove -- it was called the Paradise Suite and had a Jacuzzi on the balcony -- and was ferried around in the Cadillac Escalade belonging to the head coach, Larry Coker. ''When I saw he was driving the Escalade,'' Mr. Williams said in his diary, ''I was like, 'Dang, coach got some taste.'

When the recruits left for a tour of Miami's stadium, the Orange Bowl, they blazed through traffic lights with a police escort. Even the Miami coaches had been reading Mr. Williams's diaries; knowing his fondness for seafood, they were ready with shrimp and crab claws.

Needless to say, Willie Williams is to horrendous overindulgence of high school recruits what Jackie Robinson was to pro baseball, in a bizarre and ridiculous way. Following the publication of Williams' recruiting diaries, the NCAA stepped in a created strict rules about what can and can't be done around these 'official' visits.

There are no more private planes, no more police escorts, and you can't even put a guy's name on the locker you hope he will habitate or on the scoreboard you hope he will light up. It's gotten a lot more vanilla, which is not a bad thing in my opinion.

Incredibly, that's only half the story.

Willie Williams (did I mention that's a great name?) committed to Miami University, his hometown school. He played in a several games but never came close to living up to the hype during his first year.

He was labeled a "third-string linebacker" by head coach Larry Coker just before his second season and subsequently transfered to West Los Angeles Community College. After a season at good ol' WLACC he moved on to the University of Louisville and brand new coach Steve Kragethorpe (sp?). He played in three games there.

Then it was an arrest for marijuana possession. The LPD's finest caught Willie eating the rest of his dub sack, which is gross. Weed smells nice wafting through the room. It tastes like peet moss in between your mandibles.

So now it's Division II Glenville State for Mr. Williams. The next time you want to piss and moan and rail over the school of choice of a high-profile recruit, remember what Willie Willams was and what is he is. Nada.

A few quick (or not-so-quick) hits for Monday...

- The film 'Dark Knight' utterly and completely lived up to the hype in my opinion. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. While I'll admit I was no Heath Ledger fan prior to his passing, I now feel a little bummed that we won't get a chance to see him in more of this role (as the Joker). He was that good.

The 'Dark Night' set the opening weekend record by the way, edging out 'Spider Man 3'. Quick, what's your favorite scene from 'Spider Man 3'? Mine was the one where they sneak the horse into Dean Wormer's office.

- The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Bill Livingston had a great column yesterday discussing the potential of the 2008 Buckeyes. His general thesis is that we should pay less attention to QB's Todd Boeckman and Terrelle Pryor and more attention to OSU's defense.

The OSU defense has been exposed against top teams as stat-padders, feeding off weaklings. The defense fell apart in the final games against Michigan and Florida in 2006 and crumbled again against LSU last season. How were LSU tight ends 10 yards open for touchdowns?

This somewhat echos the previous post. Essentially the argument here is that while OSU's defense is statistically very good, when they face strong competition they are outmatched lately. As I said, one or two more high-caliber bone crushers need to emerge from that side of the ball to ensure this trend does not continue.

- ESPN's daily college football program 'College Football Live' returned to the airways today for those of you that care. Personally, I've never seen a network turn less actual content into a 30 minute show. Especially given that training camps don't open for a few more weeks, it's amazing they're able to air this thing every day.

The highlight of today's show was Jim Tressel doing an Inspector Jacques Clouseau (a character from the Pink Panther) impersonation in studio. For the normally buttoned-up 'Senator' Tressel it was odd, out-of-character and definitely good for a chuckle.

We also had former Penn State QB and current ABC announcer Todd Blackledge defending the "enthusiasm" of Ohio State fans following Carson Palmer's ill-thought-out remarks to the contrary. That's going to cost you a few fans Carson, not that you care.

And don't even get me started on those stupid-ass, online comments, polls and what-not they incorporate into the show. I'll give them points for making the show interactive. I can't be the only person that doesn't give a shit what the opinions of these people are though. And by 'these people', I mean the segment of college football fans that go out of their way to "participate" in the show. Back away from the computer and do some sit-ups folks.

- Greg Norman showed up at the British Open 53-years-old and having only played pro golf sparingly lately as he was way too busy making hoardes of cash doing other things. Don't believe me? Check out his $70 million yacht. It makes Tiger's boat look like a cheap runabout.

Anyway, after damn near winning the British Open (he ended up tied for third after entering Sunday's round with a two shot lead) he has let us know that this is nice and all, but he's got more important shit to do, like run my empire.

I'm going to play the next two weeks, the Senior British Open and the Senior U.S. Open, and that's it," said Norman, whose tie for third earns him a spot in the 2009 Masters. "I don't plan on playing any more golf after that for a while. … I have a lot of other work to do."

- And finally, football season unofficially started yesterday as the Washington Redskins reported to camp. Things got off to a great start for the 'Skins when they lost not one but two defensive ends for the season (including projected starter Phil Daniels) during their very first practice. OUCH!

The Redskins front office moved very, very quickly and managed to turn a major minus into a major plus by trading for perennial Pro Bowler Jason Taylor. Taylor previously "brought down the house" for the Miami Dolphins, the Akron Zips and ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'.

Dominating D?

The Columbus Dispatch's Ken Gordon defends his assessment of Ohio State's defense in his latest blog entry.

Essentially Ken's thesis is that while Ohio State's defense was extremely stout last season, they weren't A+. My gut tells me to buy that notion. And my gut is ample.

Unless I'm utilizing the inter-web incorrectly, the 2007 Buckeyes held opponents to fewer points and fewer yards then any other team in the country. If you think that's not accurate, let me know. According to Yahoo!, through the regular season, that was the case.

Ken Gordon breaks it down further though and suggests that when Ohio State's defense faces a strong quarterback and strong running back that they are not as successful. You know, that's an interesting thought, because when I drive my car through a toll plaza as opposed to a brick wall, I usually register better results too.

My off-the-cuff assessment of the Buckeyes' defense is that while they have some extremely talented football players (Malcolm Jenkins, James Laurinaitis), they lack the vicious killer that every signature unit possesses. I don't see any Mike Doss on the roster at the moment. Hopefully I am way off on this one and someone will emerge who is willing to separate running backs and wide receivers from the rest of their body.

Not flashy, but classy.

I just read an interview with Archie Griffin conducted by a Florida Today reporter who mainly discussed Tim Tebow's chances of winning a second Heisman Trophy. As most of you know, Archie Griffin (current president of the Ohio State Alumni Association) is the only man to ever win the prestigious Heisman twice.

There is nothing remotely provocative about the interview, other then the fact that for once you don't get some once-great athlete trying to explain how what he accomplished was somehow more significant then what present-day athletes can. On the contrary, Archie is respectful of Tebow's talent and chances for a second Heisman. Additionally, he gives significant credit to his teammates, which in my opinion is the most important aspect of a Heisman Trophy winner's legacy.

There is no doubt that everyone that wins the Heisman Trophy is a talented football player. There is also no doubt that those individuals would not have achieved that award without talented players surrounding them.

Way to be Archie! Now fix that alumni association ticket situation!

Loyalties tested again.

Usually when I'm forced to choose sides that means that Ohio State is playing the University of Cincinnati in basketball or football. Rarely have I run into instances where my allegiance to the Buckeyes have been challenged by my incredibly lame affinity for the Cincinnati Bengals.

That all changed today when I received an email from a friend entitled, "Carson Palmer has Syphilis‏". Ironically, the email did not contain the results of a blood test.

The email did contain however a sound bite from an interview Bengals' QB Carson Palmer recently did with a Los Angeles radio station. The person conducting the interview asked Palmer what it was like living in Ohio a couple hundred miles from The Ohio State University and if he was looking forward to the OSU-USC games that will be played this year and next year.

Needless to say, Carson Palmer is not all that enamored with the Buckeyes or their fans. He invokes the dreaded "those people" reference that clearly indicates he's inherently "better" then others for some ill-defined reason.

Palmer's comments are neither surprising or all that scandalous in the grand scheme. They do confirm what I have always known about the Pro-Bowl QB. He is an outstanding individual on the field, and for the most part a big, dumb animal off of it. That's my guy.

You can listen to the audio here, which for some reason is linked through some Cleveland Cavaliers blog or something? Whatever. It's good for a chuckle.

TMZ.com scoops ESPN, again!

The Worldwide Leader really needs to evaluate their operation. Respected media heavyweights like TMZ.com are leaving 'The Mouse' in their dust.

First it was the 'Shaq attack', otherwise known as the world's largest lame-ass rapper laying down smack on Kobe Bryant. Then it was A-Rod's marital status. Now ESPN has been beaten to the punch again.

Current Cleveland Brown's benchwarmer and Heisman Trophy also-ran Brady Quinn has asked a gay men's dating website to stop using his likeness in their advertisement.

When asked about the ad, Brady Quinn's response was, "I don't like guys."

You're on a pro football team Brady, don't you shower with a bunch of guys?

"No. Yes. I like guys. Wait, no...I don't like guys. Showering with a bunch of grown men is cool, but...dammit, why didn't Miami just pick me 9th?"

Kosta Koufos is so...last year.

Move over bacon, here comes something...Greekier?

Whatever.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises tells us about the latest addition to the Ohio State men's basketball roster.

The Buckeyes announced today the addition of Zisis Sarikopoulos (ZIZ-is SAR-uh-cope-uh-liss), a 7-foot, 265-pound center from Athens, Greece. Sarikopoulos played last season at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He will sit out the 2008-09 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules and will have three seasons of eligibility beginning with 2009-10.

Calm down, you've got a year and a half to figure out how to say his last name correctly.

More importantly then size or skill, Zisis (who I am formally dubbing 'Big Z' for the sake of simplicity) has had his picture taken with Spike Lee. Nothing screams potential like getting your picture taken with the director of great motion pictures like 'Clockers'.

We can only hope Big Z lives up the legacy of massive OSU underachievers like the aforementioned Kosta Koufos and Cobe Ocokoljic.

More great haircuts in Europe!

I'll never miss an opportunity to show off Brandon Jennings' badass 'Kid'N'Play' high-top, fade haircut. There's just not enough of that around these days, PERIOD.

And as you can see from the Tressel picture (posted two nights ago), I won't be sprouting that 'do' anytime soon. Too bad, I could definitely pull it off.

Anyway, Brandon Jennings (arguably the best point guard in the country coming out of high school this year) has signed with an Italian pro team instead of heading to Arizona University.

Good for him, I'm rooting for this guy. One semester of college ball before heading to the NBA Draft is an absolute joke. Be a student, or be a pro, there shouldn't be some lame go-between that turns major universities into sneaker pimps.

There's an interesting interview regarding Brandon's future in the New York Times with a former Penn University player that you might want to check out. Or don't. Your choice!

"I've had it with Ohio State!"

Here's my question, will playing Southern Cal eliminate this bullshit "plug and play" aspect of the anti-Ohio State mantra?

Evan from the ATL (that's Atlanta) writes:

I'm really tired of seeing Ohio State in the top 5. They haven't proved anything except that they can win in a weak conference. Every time they have played a decent team, the score has proved to be brutal, AKA Florida, LSU. So can we please put them where they belong, out of the top 5 or even 10?


Lifted that one from the espn.com Big Ten college football blog too by the way.

Evan unfortunately seems to have some issues with the verb, "to prove."

This is what is so damned annoying about the inter-web. Respond to idiots without a grasp of the King's English or take the high road and assume the 'Evans' of the world are struggling to attain their GED?

It's a tough call.

My guess is even if the Buckeyes beat USC (and that's a big if folks), it won't take long for morons to fall back on this tired argument. Somehow the Big Ten has become dogshit mainly over two games, both of which involved Ohio State.

You want to look at 2007? You'll get no argument from me. The Buckeyes did almost nothing to distinguish themselves from the pack. Of course, neither did anyone else, including eventual national champ LSU.

Go back to 2006 however, and you'll find (AMAZINGLY!) that the Buckeyes dropped #2 Texas and #2 Michigan on their way to Glendale. You're right though Evan from the 'ATL', we haven't "proved" anything. Nor do we need to "proved" anything.

Fucking idiot. I am tired of this BS and I thank Woody Hayes every day that it's not much longer until we straighten all this bullshit out.

OSU - Miami (FL), THE REMATCH, 2008

OK, so it's not what you think.

It is highly unlikely that the Hurricanes and Buckeyes will meet at the end of the 2008 college football season.

It's certainly not outside of the realm of possibility that Ohio State will find itself in a third consecutive BCS title game. However, for the 'Canes to get there will take a near miraculous ascension.

To more accurately assess the state of the Hurricanes, consider this. Miami didn't go to a bowl game last year (they finished 5-7) for the first time in...well it's been awhile. They couldn't even limp into the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, ID (which is where they spent the previous New Year's Eve). And the 'Canes finished the 2007 season with an impressive four game losing streak.

The low point? In the Orange Bowl finale, with numerous former and decorated Hurricanes on the sidelines, Miami managed to give up FORTY EIGHT points to visiting Virginia. The 'Canes battled to the end however and put an impressive ZERO on the scoreboard in response. Wow.

The Miami offense was WAAAYY shitty last year and doesn't appear to be on the cusp of greatness for 2008. Head coach Randy Shannon is saying they will play not one, but two first year starting QB's in the coming season. That doesn't smell like 'National Title soup' to me.

So what's this rematch talk all about anyway?

Well, the Ohio State basketball team will visit Miami during the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008. Don't worry, no bullshit Big Ten Network, this one will be on the Worldwide Leader.

As for the gridiron rematch, you won't have to wait all that long for that one either, relatively speaking. The Hurricanes come to Columbus during the 2010 season. Ohio State returns the favor the following year.

I can't wait to see scarlet and gray bumpkins invading the Delano and other posh South Beach hotels. It's a Mo-HEE-Tow people, not a Mo-Jee-Tow.

For the time being Miami and Ohio State will remain linked within the grand scheme of college football greatness. You might not realize it but Hurricane dominance died that night in Tempe, AZ. The "U" mystique is still lying there in the Sun Devil Stadium parking lot next to most of the cartilage from Willis McGahee's knee. A once proud nation has never recovered.

Although let's face it, 'nation' is probably exaggerating. You show me four UM alums watching a college football game together outside of Dade County and I'll show you the four most unsuccessful lawyers in Tampa.

You think the 'Cane's fans' aren't still bitter about losing to Ohio State? Picture this...

About six hours before the kickoff to the 2007 National Title game in Glendale, AZ (the one where the Buckeyes got pounded by the Gators), I ran into a guy that wasn't a Florida fan, wasn't an Ohio State fan, but rather a Miami Hurricanes fan.

"I'm not even a Florida fan, I'm here for revenge."

Really? Let me get this straight. My team lost to Ohio State in one of the greatest collegiate bowl games of all time. I didn't like the outcome so I:

- Waited for the hated Buckeyes to get to the national title game (thank God for him it was only four years, what if his nemesis had been Vanderbilt?!)

- Flew to Arizona

- Bought a ticket to the title game (they were going for about $1200 the day of the game)

- Openly rooted for one of my team's chief rivals (Florida)


Holy jeebus. Get a life dude.

What if Ohio State had won? Would you shell out to get to New Orleans the following year? Are the Buckeyes your albatross for all of eternity?

That's a true story by the way, I met a Miami fan who was "there for revenge" hours before the national title game in Glendale, AZ. I have to hand it to him, that's way more effort then 90% of the Miami Hurricanes "fans" offer up most of the time.

Point being here, until Miami regains a fraction of once they once were, you can expect extreme vitriol towards the Ohio State Buckeyes that took it all away from them. And to them I say...

"Suck it Trebek!"

Another Boeckman conundrum...

Ran across this stat on espn.com's Big Ten blog.

The popularity of the spread offense has dramatically changed the QB spot in the Big Ten, but big numbers don't always correlate to the best players, and quarterbacks are heavily judged on their team's performance.

Ohio State's Todd Boeckman, for example, ranked 10th in the league in passing average (182.5 ypg) but led in passing efficiency (148.9 rating) and took his team further than any other signal caller (the BCS title game).

Hmmmm...

Strange. Tenth in average yards per game? Really? I would not have guessed that at all.

Totally unrelated, I find it incredible that at one point last season Todd Boeckman did a piece for ESPN comparing him to previous Ohio State Heisman Trophy winners while he was being considered for that same award. Then again, who would have thought Troy Smith would have pulled down college football's most prestigious honor after his junior year?

I'm not sure specifically what "10th most yards-per-game" but "most efficient" QB in the Big Ten says about Todd Boeckman. Maybe it says that he wasn't asked to do much since the Buckeyes were almost always ahead against inferior competition last season.

Also, we should consider that the top four passers in the conference (I'm assuming based on yards-per-game, the writer doesn't specify) were on teams that finished in the bottom half of the standings. Perhaps it's as simple as "your team stinks so you must pass more because you're behind.

Additionally from espn.com which ranks Boeckman the #2 QB in the conference behind Indiana's Kellen Lewis:

2. Todd Boeckman, Sr., Ohio State --If Boeckman trims his interceptions total, he'll likely vault to the top of the list. After waiting his turn, the 24-year-old helped Ohio State return to the BCS title game, completing 63.8 percent of his passes for 25 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. He ranked 13th nationally in pass efficiency and seems ready for a stellar senior season, though he might have to share time with Terrelle Pryor.

As always, I could be wrong. However, until someone convinces me otherwise, I will remain adamant that the key to Ohio State's 2008 season is somewhere between Todd Boeckman's ears. I believe he has the physical tools to become an elite QB, it's all about making it happen in the moment.

My guess is TB will be one of the most scrutinized college football players of the 2008 season.

Level 6 sighting in Jersey City

We're taking over.