Durzblog

the great triumphs -- 2008 year in photos

Over the holidays, some family and I had a look at some of the best press conference meltdowns in the world of sports. The Calhoun and Kinnear rants are by no means work or child safe, as a matter of fact if you are no into the c or f word -- I might steer clear.

But for the rest, enjoy it -- I was in stitches...



4) Jim Calhoun, jumps all over a reporter in Hartford when asked about Ryan Gomes. Apparently Jimmy had grown tired of people wondering why he let the Providence standout leave the state, he f'd up, ok? watch it

3) Oklahoma State Head Football Coach, Mike Gundy, goes bonkers after a game versus Texas Tech last season. Upset about a reporters writing about one of his players, he really unloads on the female reporter. I'm a man..I'm 40

2) An all time classic. Jim Mora and playoffs..playoffs?? No further introduction needed.

and the winner is....
1) Newcastle's new manager, Joe Kinnear, goes wild on a group of reporters who he feels are having a go at him shortly after his surprise appointment -- I think he says the f-word 52 times, audio -- Follow the transcript here for the full package, click

hope you enjoyed, please leave me any good ones you have in my comments.

be good.

Alot of buzz currently surrounds the Rutgers Athletic Department regarding some possible behind the scenes mischief. The initial reaction, "faghettaboutit," from Bob Mulcahy apparently is not going to work out -- now RU president Richard McCormick (who is feeling some major heat) has announced a planned "full review" of the athletic department. Lots of rumors of no-bid deals, under funded expansion and hidden salary for Greg Schiano are chief behind the need for a look into the situation. Its nice to be a State U and have all the resources that go along with that, but it becomes more and more difficult during economic times like these -- at the end of the day its the taxpayers paying for most of the budget and not all of them are rabid sports fans. Hopefully everything works out, as a successful Scarlet Knight program (in the shadows of the Big Show) is good for the league. NY Post

Or lose you to a summer love?

I was wondering what to do around my 100th post...what type of blowout extravaganza should I create? As the time went by a realization struck me -- Nobody reads this bloody thing!

I posted a poll last Monday that three people have voted in, considering I voted at work and at home, that leaves one person! Who was it? Keicher, Rago, Manson, Vin, Grey?? I suspect it may have been Cappelli actually, since the vote was for Pat the Bat...In any event, I think I am hanging them up for a bit. I will reserve the right to pull a Favre once the Husky Hoops/Football season begins, but for now -- this will do it.

Enjoy the rest of your summer. Be well. Check in on me from time to time.

update, as a modification to my very short lived retirement, I will be keeping the side column updated with Uconn notes from Borges and Anthony's blogs.

Ever wonder who is going to play Man U striker Carlos Tevez in his autobiographical film?? I submit to you Adam Sandler (I am not saying that "Waterboy" is anywhere near as ugly as Tevez -- but still...he can do it!)

Billy "the jerk" Wagner has got to be the worst teammate in baseball. This is at least the second time this season (usually Bill does not lose his cool soo early in the year -- typically waiting until late June) that he has decided to complain to reporters about teammates instead of keeping it behind closed doors. Pat Burrell will always be one of my all time favorites for calling this baby what he is three years ago..."a rat"

from today's Courant:
"But at least they made some noise. Billy Wagner connected with their only big hit of the day, a verbal broadside at teammates after a deflating 1-0 loss to the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium. Wagner was surrounded by reporters, most of whom wanted to get perspective on the Subway Series with the Yankees that begins tonight in the Bronx. He spoke about how the Mets simply have to do better than they did in losing three of four to the last-place Nationals. Suddenly, the relief pitcher's mood took an icy turn. "Somebody tell me why the ... the closer is being interviewed and I didn't even play." Then he pointed across the clubhouse to where many of the position players dress. More specifically, he seemed to motion to the lockers of Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. "Why are they over there and not being interviewed? Wagner asked rhetorically. "Oh, I've got it. They're gone ... shocker." Later, during his appearance with Michael Kay on 1050 ESPN radio, Wagner said the air will be cleared in the Bronx today. "There needs to be other guys that are accountable," he said. It all was reminiscent of an episode last year involving Paul Lo Duca. Wagner's postgame comment could add either extra tension or extra adrenaline to the cauldron that always exists in Mets-Yankees games.

There has not been so much finger pointing going on in New York since Tiki Barber left the Giants

# 17 Uconn 84 - # 18 Notre Dame 76
Last night at the Gampel Pavilion the two best players in the Big East squared off. Luke Harangody put on a show, 32 points and 16 rebounds, and is quietly cementing himself as the favorite for conference Player of the Year honors. AJ Price, the other contender, wasn't too shabby himself once again leading the resurgent Huskies (19-5, 8-3) with a career high 26 points and chipping in 9 assists. Price is on his way to becoming perhaps the best PG in Uconn history, obviously he will need a load of March wins to be considered as such, but it wasn't long ago that people were ready to give the ball to Jerome Dyson. Calhoun stuck by his man and is receiving dividends ten fold.

Hasheem Thabeet was shown last night that another year maybe not such bad idea -- but overall he is still is making a big difference. Austrie, Wiggins, Robinson and even Gavin Edwards played strong supporting rolls last night and the Huskies captured their 8th straight and got a bit of revenge. Austrie pestering of ND's sharpshooter, Kyle McAlarney was one of the biggest factors in deciding what was a very well played basketball game (from what I gather, ESPNU last night, don't get me started -- DON"T EVEN GET ME STARTED). Notre Dame is a good team and that was a very nice win for Uconn last night.

With 7 games to go the schedule does get easier, the Huskies will need to continue with their business like efforts to avoid any let down. This team is putting itself in position for some nice seedings in the BE tournament (looks like a bye) as well as the NCAA's (surely Mase can't still think this is an 8/9 seed?), now its time to finish the job. With the memories of last year still at the forefront, its making this trip back to the spotlight all that much sweeter for Calhoun, his players and all the fans (those who stuck by the team and the other fair weather "fans" who abandoned ship).

"That was one hell of a basketball game," Jim Calhoun said. "Everybody chipped in, and A.J. took over."

Irish HC Mike Brey commented after, "That was a great college basketball game in a fabulous atmosphere. My first time here. What a great atmosphere in this place. My hats off to Connecticut, they made big shots and big plays at key times, little bit of the reverse of what happened in South Bend. But I love how our team played. We went for it, we were going for it, we were fearless, and I think we got better playing in this atmosphere playing against a good team even though we didn’t win the game. "

Saturday a noon tip in Tampa against USF (11-14, 2-10 Big East) is next, the Bulls are coming off a win over, the now NIT bound, Syracuse Orangemen last night.

Remaining Schedule:

2/16	@ USF	12:00 PM
2/19	DEP	7:00 PM
2/23	@ VILL	12:00 PM
2/26	@ RU	7:30 PM
3/01	WVU	12:00 PM
3/06	@ PROV	7:00 PM
3/08	UC	4:00 PM

Misremembering the good ol days
Really Rocket? What an absolute nightmare this entire ordeal is. I mean its amazing how horrifying the entire experience has been for a viewer and sports fan. For gods sake its not, who is lying? Rather it is, who is lying more? Clemens made an absolute fool of himself yesterday and everyone involved made a mockery of Congress. Somehow this is a republican v democrat issue (read here for a good one)? Good thing Canseco said Clemens never did steroids, his word is real strong. Why exactly is that Pettitte would say that Roger used HGH and then Rocket is going to say under "oath" that he was mistaken. Bizzarro.

To classic quotes and I am going to stop, writing about it just makes me ill:

"It's hard to believe you, sir," Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., told Clemens. "I hate to say that. You're one of my heroes. But it's hard to believe." one of your heroes????

"Andy Pettitte is my friend. He was my friend before this. He will be my friend after this and again. I think Andy has misheard," Clemens said. "I think he misremembers." Clemens miscrapped his pants

The megaproject that rerouted I-93 through the heart of Boston via a tunnel under the city is complete. Seems like just yesterday this project got underway..not really! The little roadwork project has taken about 17 years and a zillion dollars to complete, but with the end in sight -- I thought it might be a good time to look at the landscape of New England sports then (1991) and now...

New England Patriots, then the Pats were the worst team in the NFL and there seemed to be constant chatter about moving the team out of Foxboro and possibly to St Louis and even at one time to Hartford. In 1994 stability came when Bob Kraft gained control of the franchise. After improvements under Bill Parcells and Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick was hired in 2000 and has brought on success not often seen in the NFL. since It looks as of the Pats are on their way to a 4th Super Bowl in 8 years and have asserted themselves as one of the best teams in the hisotry of American football. How far have the come? In 1991 in the coming off of a 1-15 campaign, the Patriots were thrown into the middle of a sexual harassment scandal when reporter Lisa Olson was sexually and verbally assaulted by several Patriots players in the team's locker room and was later labeled a "classic bitch" by owner Victor Kiam. They may be cheaters now, but they don't verbally assault. ZINGGG

Red Sox, then Sox were in their 73rd year of the curse (with 13 to go) and rarely making appearances in MLB playoff games. since there have been 7 playoff appearances with the unthinkable happening in 04 and yet again in 07. the 91 Sox featured Boggs at 3rd, Gator in left and the Rocket on the hill.



Uconn Basketball, then an up incoming regional basketball program was coming off their first Big East title ever and first elite 8 appearance in nearly 30 years (and only 2nd ever). since Calhoun and Co have rattled off 6 more Elite 8's, two final fours, 13 more Big East titles and two national championships. the 91 Huskies would knock off Shaq and LSU on their way to a second straight Sweet 16 before losing to the eventual national champs Duke (the team who stunned UNLV in the national semi)

Uconn Football, then a middle of the road Yankee Conference (A-10) 1-AA football team was playing to in front of very modest crowds at Memorial Stadium in Storrs. since Uconn has transitioned in to D-1 football, joined the Big East, opened a 40,000 seat stadium in East Hartford, built two state of the art training complexes for $30 million, qualified for 2 bowl games and were crowned co-Big East champs for the 2007 season. In 1991 Randy Edsall was the defensive backs coach at Boston College under Tom Coughlin.

Hartford Whalers, then the 91-92 Whaler club qualified for the playoffs for the 7th straight time, sadly it would their last in Hartford. On March 4, 1991, Whaler GM Eddie Johnston traded Ron Francis and Ulf Samuelsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins in arguably the most one-sided trade in NHL history. The Whale was was sold to Peter Karmanos in 1994 and the pony tailed pig had them headed to Carolina by 1997 since in 2006, with one player from Hartford still on the roster, the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. Somehow my father actually roots for them.

Other highlights since the dig began... -- in 1996 Calipari and Camby led the Umass Minutemen to the NCAA final Four
-- Golf, in 1991 current New England PGA members: Andrade was a 4th year pro, Faxon an 8th, Petrovic was on the mini tours, Quigley was finishing up as a Gamecock and JJ was playing hoops at Fairfield High School. Since this group has represented the US in numerous Walker, Ryder and Presidents Cups while winning 15 PGA titles and may more world wide.
-- Chris Drury has gone from Fairfield Prep to Boston University all the way to a Stanley Cup Champion in 2001 with Colorado
-- There have been four New England Frozen Four Champions (Maine 93,99), BU (95) and BC (01)
-- 5 NCAA titles for Connecticut Women's Basketball (95, 00, 02-04)
-- Larry Bird retired in 1992
--1993 Reggie Lewis died
-- the Bruins lost in the Stanley Cup finals in 1990 and have not gotten past the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs since 1993
-- the Boston Garden closed in September of 1995
-- it has not been a memorable era for a proud Providence basketball program
-- BC Athletics moved from the Big East to the ACC in 2004



let me know what I left out.

Chatter during the last hours of the winter meetings...
Blowin' Smoke
Johan Santana looks to be staying put, for now at least. The "we won't trade Jose Reyes, but we will give you a large number of average pitching prospects" Mets have thrown their hats in the ring for this winter's most prized free agent. Looks like the AL East might not be the destination after all, Minnesota was not interested in getting Hughes, Kennedy and Cabrera in exchange for Johan and the Sox are unwilling to give up any combo of Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester or Jacoby Ellsbury. Yankee GM Hank Steinbrenner (that is his job right?) may not want Santana after his "deadline" but Beckett and Johan in Boston would pose a problem and that is why everyone is monitoring the situation rather closely. It's clear that neither the Yanks or Sox would mind if he signed with Mets or Mariners, just as along as its not with their chief rival.

Andruw Jones heads West
The 10 time Gold Glove former Brave center fielder and the Dodgers reached an agreement Wednesday night on a $36.2 million, two-year contract that would give him the fifth-highest average salary in the major leagues. The guy hit .222 last year..he must have a pretty good agent.

$13 Million Baby
Lil' Scotty Rolen got his feelings hurt again...this time its the Cardinals who he is demanding a trade from. When healthy the guy is a great player, but he is not and is coming off of an 8HR year. His latest nemesis, Tony La Russa, is saying not to trade him because they can't get anything for him. In Philly the thought was that if he could get to the more laid back Midwest he would be alright, apparently he is high maintenance in any region of the country. Oddly enough the Dodgers are the leaders to get the 3B if he leaves St Louis, one of Torre's coaches just happens to be old Rolen bud Larry Bowa.

Pigskin Pix
1 game over 500 (39-38) looking for some room, no college -- only 4 picks...
Giants getting 3.5 from the Birds
Cleveland giving 3.5 to the Jets
New England giving 10.5 to Pitt
Tampa giving 3 to the Texans
home team bold

Jerkbury
Stephon Marbury returned some jeers to the fans after a Knicks' rare win over Utah, saying the crowd at the Garden gets on him out of ignorance!

"If people feel like they need to come here and do that, then that's what they're going to do," the Coney Island product said. "I don't even think they know why they're booing."

perhaps Steph they are expressing some anger with:

• being 7 games out of the division 13 games into the season
• skipping games in the midst of an 8 game skid because you might not start
  
• the fear of having you and your absurd contract for 2 more years ($41 million)
  
• cheating on your wife with a Knick staffer
  
• embarrassing the franchise with your asinine commentary on the Vick scandal this summer
• running Larry Brown ($20 million cost) out because you are such a child you can't get along with any coach and forcing Isiah on us -- who you also bicker with constantly
  

or what about this

• the team is 89-157 (.360) and haven't contended for the playoffs in the 3 full seasons you have been here
  

Dad always told me that you can play bad golf -- just do it quickly. Along those lines Stephy, if you are going to play terrible hoops at least have the decency to do it quietly.

The only thing better than Stephon leaving the Knicks would be if "Starbury" took Isiah with him..Oh and if I woke up tomorrow and James Dolan had also sold the Garden to a non idiot. Pipe dreams, the lot of em, however today's action in Phoenix could be a step in the right direction. According to sources in the know, Steph and Mr Groper had a bit of a falling out this morning because Zeke told his PG that he was not getting the start tonight.

Current National Headlines
-Market Plunges 270 points
-GM Loses $39 Billion
-Oil Climbs Towards $100 per Barrel
-Scott Boras Seeks $300 million for A-Rod




Rodriguez
The Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim, Orange County, Disney or whatever they are called this month), New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and Florida Marlins are all still in the mix to sign Alex to a long term deal. The Red Sox and Yankees appear to be staying out of the mix completely -- though the pinstripes will offer arbitration so they can receive a couple of draft picks in return for losing his services. With $cott Bora$ at the wheel we can assume two things: this could take a while and somebody is going to pay. I would call the Angels the current front runner.

Phils get Lidge from Stros'
The NL East champs have bolstered their pitching staff on Wednesday by acquiring former all-star closer Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros. The move allows the Phils to add a closer capable of finishing 30-40 games while strengthening their starting staff by sending Brett Myers back to the rotation. In a weak market, a smart movie by Philly brass. The Astros pick up utility OF Micheal Bourn, reliever Geoff Geary (king of the 3-run shot) and a minor league 3B prospect.

Predictions: Bonds to Oakland, Lowell stays in Boston, Cabrera would then go to the Yanks, Santana will stay with the Twins until next year's trade deadline, Glavine to Braves and Adam Eaton will take Freddy Garcia's vacated spot and eat 11 mil on the DL next year.

Thin pitching market: Kyle Lohse a pitcher that has won just 45 percent of his decisions in the major leagues and is coming off of a 9-12 campaign with a 4.6 ERA (I will admit he has very good stuff and I would like him back), is looking for a 5 year deal worth 55 mil. Guess who Kyle's agent i$?

Golden Boys: Congrats to locals Rollins, Rowand, Youkilis, Beltran and Wright for being recognized as gold glove winners. First time for all but Carlos.

Parting Shot: Wouldn't it be easier to just announce those players that did not use HGH who played in the last 3-7 years??

Fantastic piece below, certainly worthy of a Really Dude, but I still feel as if the player getting kicked of his basketball team (also know as the Nevada triple homicide) deserves a day or two in the sun. First and foremost you cannot test positive for cocaine and not have taken it, right? Second, and the best part IMO, cocaine takes about 12-24 hours and a glass of water to get out of your system! So we can reasonably assume that she was prepping for the "All England Lawn Tennis Championships"(Wimbledon to Americans) ala Brittany getting ready for the VMA's.

Lastly what does this say about former boyfriend Sergio, el nino = el farino??

Hingis admits positive drug test
BBC 11/1

Martina Hingis has retired from tennis after revealing she tested positive for cocaine at this year's Wimbledon. The Swiss star denied ever taking drugs and said the accusations against her were "horrendous and monstrous".

"I have tested positive, but I have never taken drugs and I feel 100% innocent," said the 27-year-old former world number one in a statement. "The reason I have come out with this is because I do not want to have a fight with anti-doping authorities." Hingis, a five-time Grand Slam champion and former Wimbledon winner, lost in the third round at the All England Club to Laura Granville.

She then underwent a routine drugs test, carried out under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Her statement continued: "When I was informed I had failed my 'A' test following my defeat at Wimbledon I was shocked and appalled. "I have no desire to spend the next seven years fighting doping officials. I'm frustrated and angry, and accusations such as these don't provide me with the motivation to continue.

"Because of my age and my health problems, I have also decided to retire from professional tennis." In a statement, WTA Tour chief executive Larry Scott said his organisation knew nothing about any drugs test failure by Hingis.

"We have not received any official information regarding the positive doping test result referred to by Martina Hingis, and as a result we are not in a position to comment on the matter," he said.

"However, it is important to remember that in the area of anti-doping, all players are presumed innocent until proven otherwise." A spokesperson for the Swiss tennis association told BBC Sport: "Our association makes it very clear that drugs is not, in any way, part of our sport.

"It is sad to hear this news, but we have yet to have been informed of the details from the tests." The ITF have also "been told nothing", a spokesman told BBC Sport.

A few observations from last nights MNF tilt..Poor Joey Harrington, ouch -- that offensive line and receiving core are making an already poor NFL QB look horrible. As for the Giants it was great to see Toomer have a good night and for Shockey to get involved early, the game should have been about 80-10, but you are not going to see ANY complaining over here with a 4-2 record. One month ago today, the G-men where staring down the barrel of a 4-12 season it seemed and the Mets were 3.5 games up in the NL East, my how things have changed..

Now if I can get a little Mushnick on ya,

Tony Kornheiser and Ron Jaworski are flat out *&^#$*^ terrible. Joe Theismann was a fantastic announcer (perhaps because he actually knew what he was talking about) and just listening to these two bumble around for three hours is flat out infuriating. I wanted to smash my remote and vomit simultaneously at a few different points in the broadcast, what is worse Tony's weird jokes or Jaw's goof ball laughter in response?? Call it a push.

Who is driving this ship in Bristol?? They are making the Golf Channel execs seem on the ball.

I do like Tony (for the record) just fine with Michael Wilbon and think that he is a pretty clever guy, but this is football and did you really fire Theismann (a HOF QB) in favor of Tony!? Forget longing for the days of Gifford, Michaels and Dierdorf, I'll take Dan Fouts and Dennis Miller for peet's sake. Mike Tirico belongs in a tower behind the 18th green at Kapalua with Andy North sporting a Tommy Bahama, but this is not on him he is the innocent bystander.

Nice of Jimmy Kimmel to come in and use some of the great "shock" comedy he and his loser girlfriend share and then he even throws a low blow at my man Joe. Tough night in the booth, it has made me forget Mr "hello friends" Jim Nantz for the time being, but he'll get his turn.

PEREIRO WINS THE TOUR DE FRANCE

What an incredible finish, man i love cycling. Oscar Pereiro is scheduled to receive the final yellow jersey in a ceremony in Madrid this evening!! Just because the actual race ended and a champion was crowned in July 2006 that does not dimish the win at all in my book. Hopefully Sportscenter leads with Oscar flying down the Champs-Élysées on that warm Paris afternoon in 06'.


In a related news item, Bud Selig is holding a press conference tomorrow afternoon to announce that Greg Vaughn will actually be named the 1998 National League Home Run King (although he finished third behind Big Mac abd Sosa). Exciting times indeed.







This all got me thinking and I decided to create a top 10 list of the biggest frauds of the year thus far:

10) OJ Simpson -- recent brush with an odd armed robbery or whatever it was simply serves as a reminder that the Juice always belongs on the list, he is the incumbent

9) Marion Jones -- the tears have resulted in some leniency from me here. Coughed up 5 medals recently after admitting she lied to federal prosecutors about taking steroids, or cream or whatever it is that athletes take these days

8) Kelvin Sampson -- basketball coach who, just last year, managed to parlay getting nabbed by the NCAA in recruiting violations at Oklahoma to a raise and one of the best jobs in the country as the head coach at IU. This week he apparently gets caught making improper phone calls to recruits -- can't say the that the Hoosiers didn't know what they were getting though

7) Steve Downie -- this months flavor of the month in giving hockey a bad name by acting like a total goon. This Flyer gets a 25 game ban for an awful behind the net hit on Ottawa's Dean McAmmond , IN AN EXHIBITION!

Just terrible..

6) Bill Belicheck -- great rack, bad guy. Not bad enough that he cheats his stones off -- but the smugness and arrogance in which he does it in really gets my goat. Plus I simply can't let my hatred for the Patriots and Bob Kraft go.

5) Tim Donahgy -- NBA ref gets involved in the mob and plays favorites during games for profit. The no traveling and defense thing is rather annoying -- but this is a bit much.

4) Floyd Landis -- not malicious and really didn't hurt anyone. However to decide to cheat in a sport that you simply can no longer do it in, what gives? I'm sure the appeal process will vincdiacte him though (by that time i may have tennis start nikolay davydenko to substitute in). Seemingly the strongest drug testing in the world in cycling and you still do it? Even Lance had the decency to pass a test here and there.

3) Pacman Jones -- this former NFL and current "TNA wrestler" has been interviewed a dozen times by police for various matters and arrested 6 times all in the last couple of years for his antics. All of the incidents reportedly happen in or in the parking lot of strip clubs, Patrick Ewing watch your back.

2) Barry Bonds -- not violent once again -- but breaking long standing records involving America's past time with a neck 6 times the size that it was when you broke in with the buccos is in poor taste. Plus Barry is a total jerk.

1) good old Ronald Mexico, Vick's exploits are just incredible..no words for what he has done.

Insult to Injury
Lot of nerve coming out of the Garden these days. As if it is not offensive enough to have Zeke still running the show, and all the groping and b#tch calling that it entails, today was a new low for the organization. Allen Houston HANDICAPPED the Knicks seemingly forever while collecting a $17 million a year salary and now after a quick two year retirement the Knicks decide to add him to a roster of Stephon (born again -- athough he supports Vick and has been known to hoop interns outside of stripclubs), a center with serious heart ailments and a reputed weeder at the 4. Luckily we have former Red Fox star Jared Jordan to step up -- first NBA star out of Kingswood Oxford I would imagine (Marist you ask, we now have 2!)

The Devil
The Joe Torre saga, likely to end by Monday, is very interesting and Mariano is adding some good back page fodder. However I just can't get enough of Scott Boras, what an absolute pig this guy is. 30-40 million per for A-rod, on what basis? This Alex is going to play until he is 45 and thus top Pete Rose's hit mark while hitting 1,000 home runs and thus generating powerful regional cable networks ratings that would actually make 40 a year a bargain. So what are the Kansas City Royals waiting for? Maybe the Marlins??

Who can afford his salary other than the Yanks, Sox, Mets -- perhaps the Dodgers or Angels? Its my hope that the Yanks call the bluff on Boras and give A-rod 150 for 6 years..see Boras has done its (his) job, suddenly it seems reasonable to pay 25 a year for a guy who can't bring the yanks a ring. I'm not mad at Alex though, i'm just saying.......

Hey Ralph Willard,
Why not just take the trip to Oklahoma?? Kids have laptops (as we know...) -- they can do work on the road. As far as I can tell, there aren't that many Patriot league schools dictating the OOC schedules of Big East schools these day, are there? This whining was very Norm Robertseasque in my humble opinion.

Granted Calhoun in showing no regard once again to any PR skill set and could have played it a bit better, but come on now -- just take the trip to Oklahoma and quit your moaning. It almost reads as a bit of reach to toss in the academics card on the part of Holy Cross -- a great school for sure (never one to disrespect the institution that my own sister matriculated at), but this is D-1 and the Saders are not in the business of turning down NCAA invites and such -- so why here...

Lastly shame on the writer from the Worcester paper and to Hoops Weiss (and no not for Hoops' hair piece and for blatanly siding with Willard for his equally brutal do) -- you guys are going to crow about helping out cancer and how tragic the decision is. How much dough is 2ksports actually going to raise for cancer treatment with 1,500 showing up for a much anticipated Holy Cross vs. Tennessee-Martin Thursday night cap at the worlds most famous arena? not much

Really Dude 10/15

WACO, Texas -- A Baylor assistant football coach cited by police for urinating on the bar at a tavern was suspended indefinitely Tuesday.

Eric Schnupp, Baylor's offensive line/tight ends coach, was not arrested but was issued a citation at 2:20 a.m. Sunday for disorderly conduct-reckless exposure at Scruffy Murphy's, Waco police spokesman Steve Anderson said.

The citation is a Class C misdemeanor carrying a $258 fine, according to Waco Municipal Court.

Coach Guy Morriss said Tuesday during his weekly news conference that he suspended Schnupp indefinitely, but did not comment further.

Schnupp, 30, had traveled Saturday with the team to Lawrence, Kan., where the Bears lost to Kansas 58-10. The team was back in Waco by 9 p.m.

Bartender Danny Severe said in Tuesday's editions of the Waco Tribune-Herald that the incident happened around closing time and that Schnupp apparently thought no one was watching him as employees were moving patrons out of the building.

Severe said an employee witnessed Schnupp urinating on the bar, and a manager told police officers who were there for an unrelated matter.

Severe said Schnupp had taken several shots of hard liquor, most bought for him by other people.

Schnupp, in his first year as a coach at the world's largest Baptist university, played football for the University of Miami from 1995-2000 and previously coached at West Texas A&M.

10/23 World Series Preview

Game 1: Wed, 10/24 in Boston -- Beckett vs Francis
Game 2: Thu, 10/25 in Boston -- Schilling vs Jimenez
Game 3: Sat, 10/27 in Denver -- Fogg vs Matsuzaka
Game 4: Sun 10/28 in Denver -- TBD
Game 5: Mon 10/29 in Denver -- TBD**
Game 6: Wed 10/31 in Boston -- TBD**
Game 7: Thu 11/1 in Boston -- TBD**

Keys:
-- How much can Beckett pitch? If he could pitch in games 1,4 and 7 -- you have to like the Boston's chances, but is that too much?
--Will the long layoff hurt Colorado and put an end to this crazy run they have been on?
--Who will get the most production from the back of the order?
--What is the weather going to be like in Denver? Does that help either team if it gives pitchers more rest do to postponements?
--How will Ortiz play at first? Can Francona find a use for Youkilis on the road?
--Will the Rocks' starting pitchers come back to earth a bit?
--How will a team with no WS experience handle playing on baseball's largest stage?

pick: Boston in 6

finally the Sox can put a stop to those "2004" chants

10/31
5-3, I'll take it coming off my maiden (2-6) voyage.

NCAA take...
Virginia Tech giving 3 to BC
(L)
WVU giving 6.5 to Rutgers
(W)
Ohio State giving 3.5 to Penn State
(W)
UNC getting 5.5 from Wake Forest
(L)

NFL take...
Birds giving 1 to the Vikings
(W)
Steelers giving 3.5 to the Bengals
(W)
Skins getting 16.5 from the Pats
(L)
Green Bay getting 3 from Denver
(W)
home team bolded

11/7 PICKS

Iowa getting 1 from Nwestern Y
Notre Dame giving 3 to Navy X
Florida State getting 7 from BC Y
Nebraska getting 20 from Kansas X
Seattle giving 1 to Cleveland X
Birds getting 3 from Dallas X
Vikings getting 7 from whale's v Y
Ravens getting 9 from the Pitt X

Dur takes a step back, thanks "fighting" Irish

3-5 on the week, 10-14 overall