College Football Crime Spree
The conduct of some college football players during the off season is becoming the equivalent of letting the GITMO terrorists loose in Tulsa. Or maybe it's not that bad but just the results of the off season and the 24 hour news cycle that we live in.
There's a lot of talk about the subject. The DUI and assault charge having writers for the sports web sites need to make a deadline and that's really all they can come up with. No insight. No analysis. Just some college kid who got charged with assault. If it weren't for that fact that they play college football and it's on the internet, we wouldn't hear about it. But the insistors say that "these kids are going to school on our dime." So are all of those kids on PEL grants and other scholarships. You would need a daily blotter to keep track of their escapades.
While I don't agree with the obsession over these 20 year old kids and their judgment, I appreciate the Washington State University school bird cage liner's approach to the problem.
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/28938
I'm not sure about you, but I'm ready for some football.... Q
Old School by The Buck
It's not very often that I don't have any commentary on someone's post. And on this one, I don't have a dog in the fight. I was sitting in my mom's brown 2 door chevy in front of United Supermarket in Enid during "The Play." Miami Hurricanes are still part of the Axis of Evil. I knew Bobby Proctor. I went to football camp and was coached by Bobby Proctor. Bobby Jack, You are no Bobby Proctor.
Well done "The Buck!!!!" Take notice.
http://www.windmilltilting.com/buck/old-school
Old School
Warning: Things are about to get real.
If you’re an OU fan under 30, I’m calling you out.
To my generation of Sooner Nation⎯it’s time to know your roots.
Seven is not a movie with Brad Pitt or the jeans you paid too much for.
47 is not your average score on the back nine, the Big-8 is not your top friends on MySpace and half-a-hundred is not your favorite rapper.
Mex is not what you ate last night and Little Red never precedes Riding Hood.
The Game of the Century is not your epic beer pong match in college, the Wishbone is not something you break apart after Thanksgiving dinner and the Option has nothing to do with your side order at Wendy’s.
Your uncle’s trucker hat with the slanted OU logo is not ugly⎯it is vintage and demands your respect.
Owens does not come after Terrell and Vessels is not part of your circulatory system.
You do not think of Barry Switzer as a Dallas Cowboy or Dunkin’ Donuts spokesman.
“Little Joe” is not your morning cup of coffee.
Keith Jackson is not a sportscaster, JC Watts is not just a former Congressman and Billy Sims is not just some guy who likes to yell “Booma!”
Nebraska is not irrelevant. Miami is not to be taken lightly. Notre Dame is not to be pitied.
Mack Brown is no Tom Osborne.
This is a call to action. To my fellow Stoops-era Sooners⎯time to man up. To study up on your Sooner heritage. To take responsibility for your fanhood.
Sure, you were a toddler when Switzer won No. 6 in 1985, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know where you were when it happened.
Where were you getting your diaper changed when this was happening?
You never witnessed the Sooner greats of old or the birth of Sooner Magic, but that doesn’t mean you don’t ask questions.
How would you like it if your son didn’t know about Rocky Calmus, Quentin Griffin and the “Strip n’ Score?” How would you take it if he drew a blank on Roy Williams, Teddy Lehman and “Superman?” What if he couldn’t tell you about Josh Heupel, Adrian Peterson and Sam Bradford?
If you know more about the 5-star recruit out of Plano West than the careers of The Boz, the Selmon Brothers and the Godfather of the Wishbone, then you’ve got your work cut out.
When your Dad is talking about Switzer, you shut up and listen. He is called the King for a reason.
When your Grandfather is talking about Wilkinson, you take notes. You take thorough notes, and not on your laptop, either. You write them down old school, with a pen and paper.
In fact, stop what you’re doing right now and Google Bennie Owen. You know what? Don’t. Go find a book about him⎯the kind with ink and paper. And read it old school too, from cover to cover.
For the love of God, have an intelligent response when someone asks you what a Sooner is.
Can you name this Sooner great? You should⎯he’s in the NFL Hall of Fame and never lost a game at OU.
I’m not just picking on you, because I’m starting with myself. My friend recently told me that his favorite play in OU history was “The Catch” from November 22, 1986, a 41-yard strike from Jamelle Holieway to Keith Jackson with a spectacular one-handed grab against Nebraska with 9 seconds left in a 17-17 game (Tim Lasher converted on the ensuing field goal, vaulting the Sooners over Nebraska on the way to a Big-8 title and a berth in the Orange Bowl.)
I hadn’t the slightest idea what he was talking about. Sure, I was three years old when it happened, but I still wanted to go sulk in a corner.
That sort of bush league behavior is reserved for Texas, LSU and the like.
I was suddenly on a mission to become a student of Sooner football history, dedicating myself to my studies, and I recommend each of you do the same.
It’s a matter of pride. A challenge to your fanhood is a challenge to your manhood. Don’t put yourself in a position to have either one called into question.
This isn’t some dog and pony show like Colorado, Arkansas or Oregon. You’re not some Poke or Aggie. You’re a Sooner, and this is Oklahoma football. Be worthy of the program you were blessed to be born and bred into.
The Gators and Wolverines of the world would kill to lay claim to half the records you do. The Horns want you and the Pokes want to be you. You take a back seat to no Domer, Bammer, Trojan or Buckeye, but it didn’t happen over night. You sit in your rightful place on the throne⎯Kings of College Football. It’s time to start acting like it.
Go make your Father’s proud.
Know yOUr roots.
Boomer Sooner.
Send Lawyers, Guns and Money... Love Urban
The Urban Renewal has turned into Urban Warfare. Andy Staples lays the case out against his Alma Mater. No bad blood here, just the blotter but they did fire the S&C coach. Something about "it said "8 laps" not "8 balls." Here's the smack...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/06/15/mailbag/1.html
Dennis "don't call me Deloss" Dodd is at it again. This time I'm not correcting the stats from his drive-by butt kissing of Bobby Jack Wright. Nope. This time he's taking a shot at of all people ....bloggers. We could definitely use some real JOURNALISTS covering sports. When you meet one Dennis (if you happen to recognize it) , give me a shout. And as far as your ridiculous comment about bloggers being "nameless" and not having to take accountability, all web site registration has a name requirement and you can look it up. Now back to our regularly scheduled douchebaggery...
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270202/15585614
Now comes a little bit of Horn Hate from our friends at Every Day Should Be Saturday. Nothing wrong with a little double entendre in the morning. It's the smell of mental superiority (if you don't understand what I just said, go to espn.com).
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2009/06/17/hi-im-mack-brown-would-you-like-a-unicorn-to-sit-on/
In honor of the women's softball season and all things summer, I give you Jenny Finch.
Glory Days, yeah they'll pass you by - Texas Aggie Football
This is an effort by John Lopez (who clearly has too much time on his hands) to explain away the Texas A&M football woes because of the Ag program, pandering big money schools and tough academics. Well, first of all Mr Lopez, your logic is flawed because we all know that Bermuda does not grow in Texas. We also all know that it is not a coincidence that RC Slocum left around the same time as the suckage commenced.
I do however completely agree with you on one point. The common knowledge of regular chicken choking is a pretty good reason for a young athlete to not want to go to College Station.
And on the bright side, I'm picking you to beat Baylor this year.
http://www.texags.com/mwr/articles.asp?issue_id=808
What happened?
From the days of glory, when you could pencil in the Aggies at or near the top of the conference and consider them a lock to be a top-10 contender nationally, the Aggies now are universally picked last in the Big 12 South for 2009.
 |
|
Mike Sherman / TexAgs.com |
Since, with a few notable exceptions of good spurts and one Big 12 title, Aggie football has been passed.
It seemingly made no sense.
In the early-'90s, the Longhorns were wallowing in mediocrity. The Sooners were average at best. The LSU Tigers were just plain awful.
So, what happened?
Why couldn't Aggie football use the momentum of being the premiere football program in the state and launch itself into Big 12 dominance?
Some folks point to the probation that led to a bowl-less 10-0-1 season in 1994 as what derailed momentum.
Some have said the Southwest Conference did not help the Aggies gain national footing because the SWC was weak.
Many mention a dearth in talent during that era, pointing to the best players going out-of-state.
But if that really was the case, the NFL must not have gotten the memo. Some 33 Aggies got drafted from 1990-1994 -- including seven first-rounders.
In truth, there was a simple reason for the fall. There's a simple way to recovery, too.
I call it the Aggie Bermuda Triangle (and, no, you trollers out there, an Aggie Triangle does not mean it was square or a hexagon).
To the north, Oklahoma. To the east, LSU. To the west, Texas.
The Aggies are locked in, trapped, wallowing in tumultuous waters, by three well-funded, hungry, major players. It is almost a perfect triangle of big-time programs now taking away many of the great players that once should have belonged to the Aggies.
Coinciding with the change in the football power structure was entrance into the Big 12, where recruiting immediately got much more vicious.
The Sooners, Tigers and Longhorns all passed the Aggies because they all had one thing in common:
Easy majors.
Whether "communications," "education" or any name they wanted to slap on those majors -- "Bengal Tiger Grooming?" -- athletes could enroll more easily, take general studies-type courses and an abundance of easy electives.
Since a major could be declared, degree plans also could be groomed with easier courses and heavy electives, all the way through a player's junior years.
Most important, they could stay eligible.
 |
|
Mack Brown / ESPN.com |
At the same time, most A&M football players who could not get into business school, or education, or anything, found the easiest degree plan to be in the Ag College.
Show me an inner-city athlete who dreams of someday getting an Ag degree, and I'll show you something more rare than Paris Hilton going stag.
The Aggies have since rectified this problem. Degree plans now are more realistic and workable for special admission students or GPAs not strong enough to get into other colleges.
There now are options other than, as R.C. Slocum -- the unfortunate victim of this impossible recruiting task -- once told me, "choking chickens."
The next step is to catch up on the recruiting trail and break through the triangle once and for all.
It is not impossible.
It is, however, imperative to out-recruit every other school in the triangle.
Hiring Tim Cassidy was a big step in the right direction and Mike Sherman has done nothing if not impress despite the three other huge programs getting an equally huge headstart.
Here's something just as important: Every Aggie should support repealing the top 10-percent regulation for automatic admissions into Texas A&M.
The more top 10-percent students get admitted automatically, the less room there is for special admissions. And let's just be honest here: That means fewer top-tier athletes admitted.
Neither would this be sacrificing A&M's academic standards or reputation.
In fact, if it is diversity and "whole students" the university wants, some of the brightest and most creative minds often fail to make it into the top 10-percent of their high school classes.
Some really kick-ass linebackers do, too.
Top 25 Projection
Here is a top 25 projection from Southernpigskin.com. This is clearly the result of hours of in depth research, analysis of signees and waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy too many recreational drugs during his gestation period. Unfortunately I didn't see a "Parody. Not to be taken seriously" disclaimer. And that's all I have to say about that.
http://www.southernpigskin.com/index.php/site/national_top_25/
FBJ's Top 25 will come out at the tail end of lake season, as it should.
Pokes please strike up the "this is our year" song and keep playing it until October.
The Top 25
1. Florida
Two words, Tim Tebow. The Gators return the greatest player in college football history and the fastest defense in America. They have an SEC schedule that sets up nicely. At LSU on October 10th will be a test. But anything less than another BCS Championship will be a shocker. The Gators are loaded. 
2. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys return quarterback Zac Robinson, tailback Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryant. Defensively they will be vastly improved. A win over Georgia early will set in motion a memorable season for “The Man” Mike Gundy. Yes you are reading this correctly. It’s an Oklahoma school, but a different one. With Georgia, Texas Tech and Texas all at home this could be a year they won’t soon forget in Stillwater. 
3. Texas
Quarterback Colt McCoy is on a mission. The talented and vocal quarterback needs a ground game to take some of the pressure off him and receivers Jordan Shipley and Malcolm Williams. True freshmen running back Chris Whaley must make an impact. Texas verses Oklahoma State at Stillwater October 30th will be a war with the winner looking good down the stretch. 
4. Southern Cal
The Trojans will be breaking in a new quarterback and they have to replace eight starters on defense including linebackers Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews. At Ohio State September 12th is early enough that if they take a loss they could win out and be sniffing around for a title chance at season's end. 
5. Alabama
Rebuilding an offensive line takes some time. Especially when breaking in a new quarterback. But after watching the Tide’s spring game I saw a defense that will take over games. Defense, a quarterback who can’t make mistakes and Nick Saban. By season's end, Alabama could be the second best team in the country and SEC. 
6. Virginia Tech
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor now has big game experience and the athleticism to take over games. A strong defense returns and of course in Blacksburg special teams will win at least one game. The opener is a killer but a win could send the Hokies flying high all season. With a win over Alabama the Hokies could be the team to beat in the ACC. A loss could take weeks to recover from in a competitive ACC. 
7. LSU
Nobody is talking about Les Miles’ Tigers. Knowing Les, that’s a good thing. The Tigers are fast, skilled and have a young freshmen quarterback coming in that could have the nation a buzz by mid season. Tailback Charles Scott and receiver Brandon LaFell are elite. At Georgia on October 3rd , at Alabama on November 7th and at Ole Miss on November 21st. Ouch! But winning two of those could have the Tigers looking good at BCS time. 
8. Ohio State
In a weak league Ohio State is one team that has the skill to compete nationally and will get to prove that early against Southern California in Columbus. The Buckeyes have an improved offensive line returning and a physical defense led by an experienced defensive line. With one in conference challenge this year November 7th at Penn State look for the Buckeyes to again be in the discussion for a title match-up if they come out of State College with a win. 
9. North Carolina
The Tarheels return the best defensive line in the country. Their defensive tackles are ready for the Sunday league now. If quarterback T.J. Yates can stay healthy, look out! The schedule is feisty.. at Georgia Tech on September 26th, at Virginia Tech on October 29th and at NC State on November 28th all will pose a challenge. But don’t discount Butch Davis’ gang. These guys are skilled and under the radar nationally. 
10. Mississippi
The Rebels are good folks. Real good. Led by quarterback Jevan Snead, receiver Shay Hodge and multi-talented Dexter McCluster, and returning most of their offensive line, the score board will be lighting up in Oxford. Defensively they are good enough to exploit a weak non-conference schedule competitive enough to take every game down to the wire. And, with the experienced Snead behind center look for the Rebels to take up where they left off last season. Yes, they are for real! 
11. Oklahoma
Last year's Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Sam Bradford and the Sooners will be as good as their new offensive line. And new they will be. The Sooners are replacing four starters across the front. Bradford has playmakers in his arsenal, but it’s hard to throw when your running for your life, or on your back. November 28th at home against Oklahoma State will be interesting and equally fun will be Longhorns in Dallas October 17th. 
12. Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets return nine starters on offense, including quarterback Josh Nesbitt and running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones. The schedule is interesting having Clemson on September 10th, North Carolina on Sept 26th, Virginia Tech on October 17th and Wake Forest on November 7th all at home. But they play three games in the first 12 days of the season. GT is a decent schedule away from contending for the BCS title. 
13. South Florida
Senior quarterback Matt Grothe is posed to lead the Bulls to their first Big East championship. The gutty senior has weapons all around him on offense and a defense led by arguably the nation’s best edge rusher in George Selvie. USF travels to Tallahassee September 26th and entertains Miami November 28. Both sexy games with conference chest pounding ramifications at stake. However their season will come down to October 30th when West Virginia arrives in Tampa for the Big East championship.
14. Boise State
Boise State returns starters six starters on offense and six on defense from a team that ran the table last year finishing 12-0. Quarterback Kellen Moore and talented receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young will create havoc for opposing defensive coordinators. At Fresno State on September 18th and at Tulsa on October 14th will either break or make their BCS positioning. 
15. California
Perhaps the nation’s best tailback Jahvid Best will lead Cal who is flying undetected nationally. Best, who ran for 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns last season can single handedly take over games for the Golden Bears. A rugged schedule could make things interesting with games at Minnesota, Oregon, UCLA and Arizona State. 
16. Nebraska
The Cornhuskers are replacing a lot of production on offense, mainly at quarterback. But tailbacks Roy Helu Jr. and Quentin Castille and new quarterback Zac Lee's running will be enough. Defensively Nebraska is skilled, fast and talented. September 19th at Virginia Tech could be one of the best games on the entire season. Two manageable conference road games at Missouri and Kansas, However Texas Tech and Oklahoma visit Lincoln. If the Huskers start strong and start believing in themselves, they could make BCS noise. 
17. Penn State
Quarterback Daryll Clark returns and is a playmaker. However Clark will only go as far as his young and inexperienced offensive line takes him. Additionally, the receiving core must also be replaced. Defensively they must develop their defensive line and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The good news is Penn State plays Ohio State and Iowa at home. 
18. Georgia
Quarterback Joe Cox will replace the NFL’s top pick Matt Stafford in Athens. Cox has game experience and he has a solid group of ball carriers lining up behind him. Caleb King, Richard Samuel and elusive Carlton Thomas give the Dawg’s talented ball carriers. Thomas is super quick and gives Cox a player outside to drop the ball off to. Georgia entertains Arizona State at home on September 26.
19. Kansas
Senior quarterback Todd Reesing returns for his final season. Reesing is one of those players that seems like he’s been the Jayhawk quarterback forever. Also returning are running back Jake Sharp and receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier. Replacing their linebacker core from last year is the key. Kansas entertains Oklahoma at Lawrence but will travel to Texas Tech and Texas.
20. Florida State
Christian Ponder returns and for the first time in the past few seasons there isn’t a quarterback battle in Tallahassee. This is Ponder’s team and with an experienced offensive line in front of him the Noles are hoping their return is imminent. One big question on offense is finding a go to receiver. Defensively FSU is loaded led by an NFL type secondary. With the opener at home against instate and hated rival Miami, a win here could get the Seminoles rolling. 
21. Wake Forest
Senior quarterback Riley Skinner is one of the most underrated players in the nation. All he’s done at Wake is win and nothing this year is available to prove that trend won’t continue. Skinner will have eight other offensive starters returning. The question is defense. The Deacons lose seven starters on defense including a couple early draft picks. 
22. Oregon
The Chip Kelly era has officially begun for the Ducks. One of the hottest names over the past couple of years when head coaching positions would open, Kelly takes over an offense that must develop an offensive line. Skill position wise, Oregon has the athletes to compete. The defense will be lead by experienced linebackers Spencer Paysinger, Casey Matthews and Eddie Pleasant. 
23. West Virginia
Life in Morgantown without Pat White started in the spring with a bang when new starting Mountaineer quarterback Jarrett Brown completed his first 16 passes in the WVU spring game. Brown is big, talented, athletic and offer’s an NFL arm. Noel Devine and his fellow super small but equally super fast running backs and slots all return. Seven defensive starters are back along with 2007 Fiesta Bowl MVP Reed Williams who missed '08 due to injury. The WVU season could come down to a trip to South Florida. 
24. East Carolina
ECU returns quarterback Patrick Pinkney and a whole host of starters on offense. Some feel Kentucky transfer running back Brandon Jackson will impact. WR Patrick Bowman is talented and offers Pinkney a go to receiver. September 12th at Morgantown and WVU and November 5th at home against Virginia Tech will tell the tale. 
25. NC State
Quietly NC State has one of the nation's premier quarterbacks in Russell Wilson. The two sport star is a big time athlete and after throwing for almost 2,000 yards last year and 17 touchdowns, look for a bigger season this coming fall. Defensively the Pack must get better defending the pass. The season opener September 3rd against rival South Carolina will be a war.
Three years later and no punishment by NCAA for USC and Reggie Bush
From the LA Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/allthingstrojan/2008/01/bush-book-upon.html
"If half of what the new Reggie Bush book claims is true, he will lose his Heisman Trophy.
That's saying a lot, considering it sits side-by-side with O.J. Simpson's in the lobby of USC's Heritage Hall.
Don Yaeger's new work, Tarnished Heisman, is the most detailed account of the Reggie Bush scandal we've seen to date. It's doubtful there'll be anything more conclusive unless (or perhaps until) the NCAA releases the results of its investigation.
If this were a work of fiction, it'd still be some good pulp.
The book's case against Bush is built heavily on the testimony of one man, Lloyd Lake, who is at the center of the controversy. Lake, a convicted felon whose past in examined in the book, allegedly provided or arranged for hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits for Bush and his family, much of which went directly to into the hands the USC football star. Lake goes so far as to claim that Bush was the one lobbying to further the partnership, in clear violation of NCAA regulations. He says Bush had to persuade him to follow through, urging, "Let's do it," in a face-to-face meeting.
But wait -- there's more. There are numerous examples of other improper benefits Bush allegedly received, backed by receipts and bank records. Some were from another party -- agent Mike Ornstein (himself a convicted felon). While in college, Bush was an intern at Ornstein's office and, according to the book, both he and his family were well taken care of by the man who would eventually handle the player's marketing as a pro.
The good news for Trojan fans is that there is limited evidence showing that USC had knowledge of any impropriety. As NCAA Executive Director David Price pointed out to the authors, "Charles Woodson of University of Michigan received benefits from an agent. That all became known publicly sometime after he had left the institution. We had no information that there was any institutional knowledge; therefore, we did not take any action against the institution or even bring charges."
Among the worst the book has on USC:
- A USC coach, Todd McNair, was apparently present in San Diego when Bush was staying in a hotel room that he couldn't have afforded on his own. The book says, however, "There is no evidence that McNair knew about the payment."
- The book cites a rumor, emphasis on rumor, that circulated about head coach Pete Carroll receiving an anonymous e-mail that would have tipped him off to inappropriate dealings by Bush's parents.
- A memorabilia dealer reported to the NCAA that he left a message for both Carroll and Athletic Director Mike Garrett about the possible impropriety in the Bush-Ornstein relationship.
- Lake claims that he was in the same room as Bush's stepdad during a call with Carroll discussing the family's questionable housing arrangement.
- Bush's parent got an all-expense paid trip for a game in Hawaii, which might have stood out had people realized Bush wasn't from a wealthy family. While there are also receipts for a flight taken by the family to a game in Berkeley, it's doubtful anybody would have noticed since the town is just a few hours drive from USC.
The book discusses another one of Bush's suspected big perks:
In February 2005, Bush asked for and was given $13,000 -- by Lake -- for the purchase of a car, a 1996 black Impala SS. The car was considered trendy in the neighborhood where Bush grew up ... Bush wanted to upgrade the car and received another $4,000 from Lake to 'pimp' the car with a new stereo, tinted windows, and high-performance tires and rims.
That story is corroborated by Lake's mother.
Of course, a car valued under $40,000 wouldn't have stood out on a campus where parking lots are crammed with top-of-the-line BMWs, Mercedeses and Porches.
Though the evidence against USC isn't that strong, the evidence against Bush appears downright damning. Copies of records used are scheduled to appear soon on www.tarnishedheisman.com.
Additional observations on "Tarnished Heisman:"
- If a $12,000 cash gift was given to Bush to purchase a car, shouldn't that have been reported to the IRS (which, if memory serves, tracks all transactions above $10,000)? Then again, Lake has admitted to not paying taxes in the past.
- The book implies that Bush's situation prevented him from being taken as the #1 pick in the NFL draft.
- Rap mogul Suge Knight and actor Faizon Love were called in to mediate during the scandal. Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.
- Reggie Bush and his stepdad exchanged 484 calls with Lake in a nine-month period.
Lake claims that Bush's stepdad quoted the Heisman winner as saying, "Oh, Dad, when I go to the NFL, I am going to leave all those people alone and get rid of them."
So much for that. As the book reports in its closing pages,
A dozen Heisman voters, interviewed for this book, were unanimous: If it is true that Reggie Bush took hundreds of thousands of dollars from Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels and the NCAA sanctions Bush, "It would make a great statement if we the Heisman voters said enough is enough," said the Orlando Sentinel's Mike Bianchi."
For more go to www.tarnishedheisman.com
This Just In..."Longhorns will Award Vince Young Heisman Trophy*"
The University of Texas has replicated the Heisman Trophy and will present it to Vince Young who defeated Matt Lienart and Reggie Bush head to head.
They will also present another replica Heisman to Colt McCoy because Texas won the RRS vs Sam Bradford the real Heisman winner.
Both replica's will have an asterisk inserted in the bottom corner of the trophy stand.
Texas also has claimed the 1996 and 2008 B12 Championships, because they defeated both participants of the B12 Championship game those years.
Texas coach Mack Brown says "Head to head is all that matters to us, we are sick and tired of awards and championships being given to teams and players we have defeated". "If we have to create our own awards and trophies, then by Bevo, we will, because Texas is big enough to do whatever we want to do" Brown said.
The asterisk placed on McCoys replica Heisman and on the 2008 B12 Championship stands for " ACTUAL TROPHY RESIDES IN NORMAN, OK" according to Brown.
I have had the replica Heisman trophy idea for several years since VY beat the 2 Trojans head to head, in order to keep the trophy idea a secret, the coach claims to have had the replica trophy "keistered" for over a year.
"It was difficult to walk around with that thing in there" Brown stated, "Gosh it's so much bigger than any of the players or referees who have violated me in the past, but I got used to it, because I knew it would be worth it one day"
University officials are also looking into other B12, SWC, and other national awards and championships Texas can claim dating all the way back to 1800.
"If we beat a team head to head and the other team won a championship or a trophy, then because we are Texas, we will claim our own replica trophy with an asterisk" Brown stated, he went on to say, "I can't compete with Bobby Stoops and OU when it comes to B12 championships or award winning players, but now with these replica's bearing an asterisk, I don't have to worry that any longer!"
Brown said predetermined and agreed to rules of the B12 or other loses Texas may incur to cause them to lose B12 championships or individual trophies are "as insignificant as Texas Tech and that foolish former OU assistant Mike Leech."
"It's a tremendously wonderful day to be a longhorn" and added "at least I don't have to keep the trophies top secret any longer, thank God for that" Brown exclaimed with a mixture of joy and relief in his voice.
One reporter asked Brown, "With Texas manufacturing their own unrecognized trophies and championships will it drastically cut down all the whining and crying you and your fans are noted for"?
"Absolutely not" said Brown," if this goes as smoothly as expected, we may drop out of the B12 and start the all new SWC, consisting of teams within the confines of Texas, where our trophies will be recognized".
Courtesy of LexusSooner on OUinsider.com
FBJ's take on Oklahoma Players in the NFL Draft 2009
Duke Robinson, OG (Offensive Guard not Over Gold)- Earned the nickname of Duke "the killer" Robinson during his tenure at Oklahoma for his propensity to make several bad decisions on the same drive. His size is great and you barely have to break out the sun dial for his 40 time (5.27). Project that he goes very late 1st round or 1st 5 in the 2nd round.
Phil Loadholt, OT - The Round Mound of put down depending on what game film you watch. On the good side, he's huge and you have to into a different area code to get around him. His 5.45 wears the sun dial out. Solid 2nd round pick.
Juaquin "After Midnight" Iglesias, WR - Has had a private work out wit da bears which for some reason seems to be a magnet for Oklahoma players. Scouts are saying he's a big tough receiver who gets open by great route technique. Solid 2nd round pick.
Nic Harris, S - Nic Harris demonstrated that he can man up and cover or take someone's head off. Whoever gets him is going to be pleased with the pick. Some people call his play overly aggressive for a safety and I don't think that's bad. There's been talk that he might be a good linebacker convert. His size hurts him for safety at the next level. He's a solid 2nd round pick in my book but might fall to the third because unimaginitive GMs can't put him in one of their boxes.
Daniel Holtzclaw, LB, E Mich - Enid, Oklahoma's favorite son is a huge sleeper in this draft. He's bigger than Laurinaitis, faster than Maualuga and Benched 10 more reps than both of them. Unfortunately Holtzclaw was not invited to the made for TV event called the NFL combine. During his career, Holtzclaw had 60 more tackles than Laurinaitis and almost 200 more than Maualuga. He finished her career 11th in career tackles in NCAA history. NEVER missed a game. Drawbacks are that they say he didn't play the best competition. My opinion is that he's easily top 10 and probably top 5 linebackers on the board. Most likely will go 5th or 6th round but will see playing time and meaningful contribution faster than most of the day 1 guys. For more, go here.
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2009/3/23/807108/daniel-holtzclaw-had-a-ter
141 Days until kickoff and...The asterisk is gone.
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/
[REDACTED] The asterisk is coming down, per Tim Griffin’s reporting. The bonuses, however, will stay. Mack Brown claims to have known nothing about this, and may not have–given his status as crusin’ CEO-type coach, it’s probably shocking how many things go on every day that he doesn’t know about. For example? No clue about Will Muschamp’s man-on-bear fighting pit beneath the covered practice facility. Shhhhhhh!
http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/the-asterisk-will-be-history-at-ut.html
"You know that asterisk, the one attached to the 2008 season and listed under Big 12 champions in the Texas team meeting room? The asterisk that set off a mini-firestorm on blogs in the last 24 hours after the media discovered it Sunday?
Apparently, it's all a mistake, the result of misunderstanding at Texas or perhaps a joke in a staff meeting.
Anyhow, when asked about the asterisk on Monday, coach Mack Brown expressed surprise. If Texas was making a statement, it was news to Brown, according to officials in Austin. Brown said the mistake would be corrected. So expect the "2008*" to be erased soon under the Big 12 champions heading.\
It was fun while it lasted."
Bonuses for assistants, but not Brown
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4050161
In a related story from the koolaid drinkers at OUinsider.com, Jim "Traibor tired of the upside down Whorn signs?? " Jim Trabor is a buffoon who once had a chance at a lucrative career in the bigs, but like so many blew his money trying to prove to everyone back in Oklahoma how "Big Time" he was. Trabor's only purpose in life besides being the butt of his wife's jokes is to rile up OU fans on that joke of a radio station "The Sports Animal." Every day we should say a little thank you in our prayers for Satellite Radio. Trabor might be a little upset that we don't reciprocate the obsession that the Votech in Stillwater has for beating OU. Such a dilemna. sigh.....
Oh, the best thing about Jim Trabor other than when he signs off is his drinking game courtesy of the lost ogle.
http://www.thelostogle.com/2007/08/14/the-jim-traber-drinking-game/
Now, here's the actual picture from Austin:
155 days until we strap 'em on
Seriously???? The = United States of America Senate has nothing = better to do than hold BCS anti-trust hearings? =
I can see Barney Frank wanting to play special teams in a little bar stool football at the Old Ebitt. “BLOCK THAT = KICK!!!” Did you guys know we have a financial crisis, we’re selling our = future to Russia and = China by borrowing to pay = for your overspending and we have a president who is revoking the = 1st and 2nd amendment one day at a time?
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4015667</p>
What’s happening on OU message boards?
- Still grousing about = Florida = cheating to win the MNC
- Complaining about how = bad Mel Kiper sucks (while I agree, I wouldn’t lose sleep over = it)
- Lots of concern about = 2012’s recruiting class. Not sure that I care about which one = is on Clearasil and who is taking someone’s milk = money
Actually, these sites like Soonerfans.com are filled with the biggest bunch of koolaid drinking OU fans who refuse to believe that anyone associated with OU football can do no wrong. Criticizing a coach? Out of the question.
And in other news
Neuheisel says that betting on NCAA brackets is bad
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/58163/index.html?ereffromSI
Dennis Dodd or Dennis “the guy = who never lets facts get in the way of a good story” Dodd has some = serious thoughts on the irrelevant spring top 25. =
http://w ww.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/11543024
And here I am at OU Texas at the Cotton Hole errr Bowl Questions?
