gatordude_1

" Lack of institutional control, impermissible inducements,  extra benefits, exceeding coach staff limits, and unethical conduct by an assistant football coach "

The violations, which span almost four years, primarily involved "agent and amateurism issues for a former football student-athlete and a former men's basketball studen-athlete," the NCAA wrote in its report.  Reggie Bush and his family took improper benefits.  A tennis player used an athletics long distance access to make 123 phone calls, valued at over $7000.00.  O.J. Mayo and Tim Floyd contributed to the basketball fiasco........

Scholarship reductions in football and basketball, two year ban on postseason football, cash penalties, forfeiture of over $200,000.00 in postseason winnings, vacating of regular and postseason wins..........


The question for USC fans is:

Was it worth it ? 


And now, Lane Kiffen is faced with this.........couldn't have happened to a nicer coach.

1900 - James J. Jeffries KO's James Corbett in the 23rd round for the Heavyweight Boxing Title.

1919 - Cincinnati Reds Hod Eller throws his 1st no hitter, against the St. Louis Cards.

1946 _ Boston Braves hosted it's first night game, losing to the Giants 5-1.

1959 - Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees ended his streak of 148 errorless games.

1977 - Ted Turner managed an Atlanta Braves game.

1985 - In a soccer match in Bradford England, 56 people died when a fire engulfed the main grandstand.

1963 - Sonny Liston KO's Floyd Patterson in the 1st round for the Heavyweight Boxing Title.

1963 - Sandy Koufax of the LA Dodgers throws his 2nd no hitter, this one against the New York Giants, 8-0.

1990 - The New York Yankees trade Dave Winfield to the Angels for Mike Witt.

1996 - Al Leiter threw the first no-hitter in the Florida Marlins history.

The Mets swept a doubleheader from the grasp of the Dodgers.  First time in over three decades.  What in the world came over these players from New York these past games ?  Starting out the year looking very much like the over the hill gang they were perpetuated to be this season, they've found pitching from the Holy Grail of baseball Gods.  Sporting a tidy ERA from their starters just over 3.10, they have personally derailed some of my fantasy baseball hitters recently.  Shame on these Mets.........

Will it last ?  Who can predict the future, certainly not I.  But for the fans of the other team in the Big Apple, enjoy the ride.....


As for my Royals, Zach Greinke has zero wins.  As in nada.  As in 0.  O for the wish of a competent bullpen.........

Allen Iverson has made 97 million dollars in his NBA storied career.

He's now playing for $ 600,000 in this one year contract, give or take a couple of quarters.  Apparently Mr Iverson needs more money.  You know, the pitfalls  of divorce settlements, inapproriate financial planning, and probably a few trips to who knows where........

Granted his daughter is ill, and I'm sure we all wish her a speedy recovery.


But, 97 MILLION DOLLARS.........

And what does he have to show for it...........

It would seem Mr Iverson would make a fine politician.

It is perplexing to observe how Mike Hamilton has deflected the media, and loyal fan, firestorm away from him like a non-stick skillet bought on isle 11 during a blue light special.

Mike Hamilton negotiated a deal with Lane Kiffen that, in the corporate business world I was part of many years ago when younger, would have Mike looking for another site of employment.  No need for an exit interview by a subordinate staffer.  No questions asked.  Security escort to the door, with personal belonging being carried inspected.  Oh, and don't bother using us as a reference.  Ever.  In fact, you can expect an unnamed source to leak details of your poor judgement and negotiating skills.

Lane's buyout is, was, to the tune of $ 800,000. 

Lane's contract payout in the unfortuanate situation of being fired, or as some say, relieved of duties, was, is, to the tune of $ 7,500,000.

From a simplistic business analysis, the checks and balances were, are, seriously flawed.

Lane's assistant coaches are, were, signed to multiyear agreements.   Any wonder on the hesitation of coaches approached ?  You're relegated to using coaches you don't know.  Probably don't want.  And who knows if the assistant coaches care any more.  And what of the emotional baggage these assistant coaches present to current players and those recruited by Lane's staff ? 

Mike Hamilton has napalmed the Vols football program

hmmm........

My Chiefs have picked up Charlie Wies off waivers.  Conditions of the contract are still pending, but it has been leaked that the Arrowhead Charter for team travel is removing two first class seats for accomodations.  Imagine if Romeo Crennel is brought aboard, could both be seated togther ?

Dwayne Bowe needs to go. 

The hammer is being lifted out west in the sun drenched beaches of California.  Mike Garret is bumbling around seaching for Pete Carrol's shadow, could it be the one and only Jack del Rio of the bumbling Jacksonville Jaguars ?  Garret's track record for football hiring has more blemishes on it than a computer screen being corrected by a blonde with whiteout.  Yet, Jack is a Trojan man, and he wore it well many years ago.   But, the hammer is being lifted....

Dwayne Bowe needs to go.

Pete in the land of Starbucks and Seahawks seems interesting.  Two first round picks in the first 14.  His division foes have QBs that include Alex Smith of the 49ers, Matt Lienart, and whoever that other guy is.  Future Hall of Famer from the Cardinals will be retiring.  It's a division that can be won with some luck and fortune.  Then again, the Seahawks need a franchise RB, a franchise WR, a franchise TE, and a defensive makeover that would make Hollywood starlets blush.  Seems like a much nicer place to be as the hammer is lifted.....

I am not a fan of the Raiders.  That being said, Tom Cable should get at least another year.

I am not a fan of the Broncos.   That being said, they deserve the HC they hired.

I am not a fan of the Chargers.  That being said, it would be nice to say our division included the Super Bowl Champions.

Dwayne Bowe needs to go.  Of course, history tells us that wherever he lands, he'll be All-Pro within a year.



Did I mention something about a hammer being lifted.............

Coach Meyer is in limbo.  Coach Strong is in temporary limbo. Gator Nation is in limbo.

Bearcats are a very very formidable top level football team in college football.

Do my Gators come out and stink up the Dome ?

Do my Gators come out and play with passion, emotion, and heart ?

How will Tim Tebow play ?  What's going on in Meyer's head ? 

We'll certainly know in a few hours...........