Tuesday, February 28, 2012

TECHNO RUBBERNECK by ST

The mess at Daytona yesterday had me doing the check in. Could not help thinking about folks who just can't look away from a car wreck. Imagine 43 cars going 180, in the rain, with the occasional explosion? Weird, wild stuff. Odd that the winner, Matt Kenseth, also won a rain shortened 500 back in 2009. Even odder that I'm spending time on this blog writing about it.
Thank heavens the NBA gets back to work tonight. Watching repeats of weekend games on ESPNU or playing Wii tennis drinking wine can only cause trouble.
The Rams looking to deal the #2 pick is about as cut and dry as you can get in a crap shoot like the draft and sports in general. If St. Louis is committed to Sam Bradford at QB for the next 2-3 years, gotta make a move to acquire as many legit front liners as possible. Factor in a guy like Robert Griffin III who might be a home run selection and the opportunity is too great to pass up. Now let's see who wants RG3 enough to pony up some value.
Wow is this a huge game for the Ducks on Thursday. Biggest tilt in Eugene since the victory over Arizona nearly 4 years ago iced a trip to March Madness. Was pleased the U of O put together a "Men's Basketball Finale Package" giving fans a shot at a discount for these last 2 games to wrap the regular season. In essence two of you can attend both Colorado and Utah for just over $50 bucks. Wise to make sure the Matt is rocking with so much at stake.

Monday, February 27, 2012

RECENT PERFECTION INTACT by ST

I can't confirm, but I think the last time I watched the NBA All Star game was 1998. I figured it would be Jordan's final season so I caught a bit. I can't even recall the last time I saw any of the slam dunk contest. Had to be the early 90's. It bores me beyond tears. I watched the final 3 trophies given out at the Academy Awards. My wife and I actually went to see The Descendants yesterday so I was kind of rooting for Clooney to take best actor, or maybe Brad Pitt for Moneyball. Had no interest in the foreign guy in a silent film I'll never see. Always happy to see my pick for the greatest ever, Meryl Streep win the statue. I worship at the altar of Streep.
Really pleased with the Oregon victory at Corvallis. That's a pretty sad state of affairs up there. Their basketball program was once a standard setter in this region. Now it's awful. Not this particular team but the state of Beaver hoops. This will mark 22 seasons since Gary Payton took them to the Big Dance. Of the major programs, only Northwestern has never made the big NCAA Tournament. I believe OSU has now gone the longest aside from the Wildcats in qualifying for the field. Considering how close football came to the Rose Bowl in 2008 & 2009 only to fall on their faces since, it's not a glorious era of Oregon State athletics at the highest level. The basketball team has no one to blame but themselves. This team has been horrible in close, thus winnable games. They're 3 & 7 in games decided by 5 points or less. Blown opportunities. The Ducks are teetering around 50th in the important RPI rankings. If they hold serve at home against Colorado then Utah, it locks up 3rd place in the Pac 12 for the regular season. Gotta believe with the bye in the conference tournament followed by a win pushes their record to 23 & 8 and should be good enough for an at large bid. Get to the finals and you can lock it in. Now let's see if they take care of business.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Spring Training, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. Spring training has officially begun, but the league looks a lot different than it did last spring. One of the best players in the game, Albert Pujols, has moved from the NL to AL and is now playing in the Cactus League. The Florida Marlins have moved to Miami with a whole new roster that is sure to contend. They added All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes from the Mets and closer Heath Bell from the Padres. Miami also picked up Mark Buehrle and Aaron Rowand off of free agency. Not to mention, Prince Fielder decided to take his talents to Detroit and is now a Tiger. A big focal point coming out of Scottsdale, is the rehabilitation of Giants catcher Buster Posey who experienced a season ending injury after a collision at the plate with Scott Cousins last year. Bruce Bochy has already told him not to block the plate anymore, but to me if it is in the right situation, there is no other option except to block the plate and keep the run from scoring. Another thing that is coming out of the Grapefruit League, is the "Chicken and Beer" collapse by Boston last season. People were making a big deal about players drinking beer in the clubhouse while the game was being played, and that's just not how I see it. Although it didn't help their cause, they didn't lose a nine game lead in September because they were eating chicken, they lost that lead because they performed poorly on the field. They to step up this season and put all of those off the field issues to rest and just play some ball.
The Ducks basketball team is officially on the bubble. After a tough loss to Cal (a game that many people said would have sealed the deal if won) they picked up the pace against the Stanford Cardinal. It was a close game throughout, but they were able to pull through at the end, thanks to the clutch play of E.J Singler. This is now crunch time for the Oregon basketball team, as they look to pick up a first round bye in the conference tournament. If the Ducks can make a deep run into the Pac-12 Tourney, they have a good shot at making the dance.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

STOP! STOP! PLEASE STOP! by ST

I can't even focus on my job. I nearly drove off the road. Last night and again this morning on the tube I saw this horrifying insurance commercial. A guy talking to an agent accidentally recited lyrics from some garbage Journey song. Then they acknowledged a "Journey" moment and the horrifying song played behind a voice over. What happened to my America? When did weenie music and morons and no talent hacks hijack their way into the fabric of our lives? Naturally I blame reality TV, Will Farrel and lame rock music program directors who refuse to take a stand and regurgitate awful music that passes for classic rock. It's the same mentality that allows that terrible "Hey" song to be played at college sporting events even though it's the brainchild of a kiddie porn addict and child molester like Garry Glitter. Standards people! Standards!
So now a group of fans in South Florida have begun a campaign to get management to lure Peyton Manning to the Dolphins. Really?? It's called "Manning to Miami". So sign the guy even if the medical community isn't sure he can play quarterback in the NFL? As mentioned earlier, MORONS!
Media and fans here in the west need to stop acting like their fantasy idea of East Coast bias has anything to do with how bad the Pac 12 is in hoops right now. You can make a case that in the recent history of major basketball conferences, the Pac in 2012 has reset the standard, in the wrong direction. Again, none of the dozen has a victory over a team that's either currently or was ranked in the top 25. Find me another case that matches this & I'll get off my soapbox. I'm not holding my breath!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

CRUEL WORLD OF TALKING SPORTS by ST

It's been less than 6 weeks since I'm watching Charles Barkley on TNT telling NBA fans he thinks Portland is as good as any team in the West. This morning on 2 different national radio shows talk used a mocking tone to try to determine which was a worse draft pick, Sam Bowie in 1984 or Greg Oden in 2007. With a head coach on the pretty warm seat to manage just 7 points in the 1st quarter last night is a train wreck. They showed some resolve with a 36 point outburst in the 3rd but merely put off the inevitable as they never cut the deficit to single digits. This team won their first three games of the year. On Valentine's Day they were just a game above .500 but have split the last 4 to remain right there. A loss to the Spurs at home tonight sends them into the All Star break at 17 & 17. As we speak the Blazers are 9th in the West which of course makes them a post season spectator. They miss the playoffs, no question Nate McMillian is gone. They sneak in as a lower seed and get run again in round one and he's gone. 32 regular season games left to sort this out or it's back to the drawing board for a franchise who has failed to advance in the playoffs since the Spring of 2000.
The first night of the week might have the title "Big Monday" but today is way larger on the college hardwood. Ohio State is in bounceback mode after falling at Ann Arbor to a Michigan team who has yet to lose at home. Buckeyes square off with the very disappointing Illini to get the evening rolling at 4pm on ESPN. The Deuce brings us a team I think can cut down the nets, Missouri. They're home for Kansas State Tigers must avoid that "look past" trap with a trip to Phog Allen Fieldhouse to play Kansas, in essence for the Big 12 regular season. The 6 o'clock game on ESPN is top ranked Kentucky in Starkville for Mississippi State. Since losing their lone contest at Indiana back on December 10th, the Cats have elevated above everyone. Of the 18 consecutive wins, just 4 have been by single digits. They've only allowed more than 70 points once over the roll.

Monday, February 20, 2012

ACTUAL POLLING by ST

I crack up when folks blog, call or speak out against the hype. We've heard for years how people are sick of Tiger Woods or Yankees versus Red Sox. Then when another group is in the hunt for a major or teams other than NY or Boston are on, the TV ratings take a hammering. Same thing with Jeremy Lin. Lot of out cry regarding over exposure. Then you read the downloads of stories on various sports sites get 5 times more than the second choice. It's like when you speak with someone who talks about the books they read or shows they watch. While the topic of Masterpiece Theater might surface, secretly they watch Pawn Stars or The Kardashians. Just admit it, you pay attention to the latest be it Tebowmania or Linsanity. For the record, Knicks & Mavs yesterday was the 3rd highest rating ever for ABC for an NBA game that did not take place on Christmas Day.
Good win for the Ducks in Palo Alto. Consider the hell hole Maples Pavillion has been for a quarter century, this is not to be taken for granted. Had they swept the Bay Area schools you'd find Oregon on the good side of the NCAA bubble. Now if they win the Civil War in Corvallis and sweep at home against Utah and Colorado they'll enter the Pac 12 tournament with a shot a making a move and perhaps grabbing an at large. Thanks to Stanford for a paint chipping performance from the line missing half their 22 attempts.
I read that Manny Ramirez has a deal with the Oakland A's. He still has to serve a 50 game suspension. He'd be eligible to return on June 2nd. I'm thinking he's 50/50 to ever see the field. Let's just say I don't trust this guy.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Lin-sanity, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. It looks that the hype is for real and so is Jeremy Lin. With 171 points, Lin sets the record for most points in his first seven starts since the NBA - ABA merger in 1976. If his first three starts didn't impress you enough, dropping 38 on Kobe and the Lakers should have caught your attention. Even people across the border are buying into Lin-sanity. I was amazed to see the reaction from an opposing crowd after a player just made a shot to beat your team. Not even when Kobe Bryant dropped 61 against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden, did an opposing crowd go crazy like when Jeremy Lin shoots the ball. He showed that he can shoot and he can pass with 13 assists against the Kings on Wednesday. What is really impressive to me is the way he can take a team from the cellar to .500 and a huge threat in the playoff race. Before Lin became a starter, New York was 8-15 and near the bottom of the division. Now they have won seven straight and are now 15-15. Once Melo gets back and healthy, it will be interesting to see how Lin's game will change. I think his assist numbers will improve but he won't attempt the same amount of shots. Anthony has already said he expects to be the "last shot guy," but I'm not sure if that would be the best thing for the team. Sure, Carmelo is the seasoned veteran and has made some clutch shot in his days but let's face it, Jeremy Lin is the guy in New York right now.The only thing to be concerned about, is that Lin has turned the ball over nearly 6 times per game since becoming a full time starter.
Not long after leaving the game, Randy Moss has decided to come out of retirement and take the field again. The only problem is finding a team. The Vikings have already said they don't have any interest in bringing Moss back. There are a lot of teams that are looking to rebuild for years to come, and that doesn't include signing a 35 year old receiver past his prime. Don't get me wrong, back in his hay-day, Moss was one of the best players in the game. I just don't see him being a huge asset to a team next year.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

JUST LIKE...WHAT?? by ST

This whole Jeremy Lin situation reminds me of...and the sentence trailed off as the credits began to roll. I've been racking my brain for a couple days and can not draw a parallel. The Tebow thing is stupid. How about a mid season call up in baseball? There have been some who've made a splash but not taken over the planet. As a rule we get the rookie who might come out of nowhere to become a prime time player but in the NFL or NBA the waiver wire can provide help, not usually a front and center guy. I remember in 1975 the Mets called up a kid who'd been the International League player of the year. Hit safely in his 1st 23 games. Ever hear of him? I bet you haven't. His name is Mike Vail. As a Knicks fan here's hoping Lin doesn't flame out in a similar fashion.
Nice story from TCU. 4 players arrested in a drug sting. One, DJ Yendrey was honorable mention all Mountain West as a defensive tackle. I love the quote from head coach Gary Patterson "there are days people want to be a head football coach, but today is not one of those days". Simple, but it says it. Sure inspired the basketball team who rallied from a 17 point deficit to knock off conference co-leader UNLV last night.
Getting geared up for the biggest Oregon basketball game since the 1st round of the Big Dance against Mississippi State on March 21st, a 76-69 loss. California poses a problem. They buried the Ducks at Matt Knight Arena back on January 8th. The Bears had been unbeaten at home until 2 weeks ago when Arizona beat them in a tight one 78-74. Tip off time is 7:30 on Comcast Channel 37.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

HAPPY....WELL YOU KNOW by ST

For years I've been unable to get my head out of the 12 year old gutter. I always do a show on this day and ask people if they catch the irony of the initials of this day of love?? Sure it's sophmoric but consider the source. For today we have many questions to ask you. What are your sports loves?? What about sports do you love to hate? Who were and are some of your sports crushes? I'm calling on our female listeners in particular. This is your day. Time to make your contribution.
I used to preface segments like this with "I can't believe". No more. Unfortunately it appears we're failing to grow as a society. From reporter Jason Whitlock to boxer Floyd Mayweather, their blatant racist comments about the Knick's Jeremy Lin. Insinuating his attention if soley based on his Asian descent. Morons. The kid was born in LA and raised in Palo Alto. Mayweather is a Hall of Fame talent but has also taken shots at Manny Pacquiao. In anticipation of the only fight we want to see but might not he went off on a youtube rant. Said he was gonna make Manny make him a sushi roll and some rice. One catch. Pacquiao is from the Phillipines and not Asian. Once again we find ignorance knows no racial, social, or economic boundaries. It just shows up and the best among us rise above it.

Monday, February 13, 2012

WAY WORSE BEFORE A RESOLUTION by ST

Was reading some of what went down in State College related to the Sandusky child molestation case. If sleaze bothers you this case is your worst nightmare. It's going to get much more revealing and disgusting before the dust settles. Already the mouthpiece for Tim Curley, disgraced former athletic director has asked the case to be tossed against his client. Says Joe Paterno's was vital to the prosecution and of course Paterno just died. Basically their M.O was look the other way at repeated child rape then hope a key witness drops dead. The judge also asked Sandusky to stay inside as neighbors felt uncomfortable with his sitting on his deck watching children at a nearby elementary school. They've set a tentative trial date for the middle of May. That should add a charming touch to the merry, merry month.
Very nice win by the Ducks Saturday afternoon against Washington State. On the heels of the top to bottom demolition of the Dawgs, you might have anticipated a slight let down. There was. Early. I thought the guys were a bit sloppy with the ball and on defense got lost a few times leading to some easy Coug buckets. The continued outstanding shooting kept them at or near the lead all 1st half long and sent them to the break on top. About midway through the 2nd half, Wazzou's Abe Lodwick, a Bend area kid, dropped a three to put WSU up by 3. Here I'm thinking they best not fall into one of those extended offensive droughts they've been prone to. They didn't and it was due to terrific effort. Both Devoe Joseph and EJ Singler followed misses with tip ins. A trey by EJ off a nice find by DJ gave them the lead at the 6 minute mark they would not relinquish. Well done and it positioned them for this critical road trip to the Bay Area. On today's show I'll share some of what I experienced in the far reaches of section 105 as far as volume, distractions and my continued confusion over a horrifying song.
Gotta throw out an R.I.P to Whitney Houston a Jersey girl from Newark who was as gifted a singer as I've ever heard. Unfortunately she was never able to shake the demons that chased her via various substances. She will be missed.

Friday, February 10, 2012

New York Love, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. The people of New York don't have much to complain about these days. The Giants just pulled off a great playoff run to make it to Super Bowl XLVI. Once they got there, they weren't going to go down easy. It was classic Eli Manning in the clutch. You could just tell that when they had the ball during that last drive, they had full confidence that they were going to win. Well, it took a great throw and catch to Mario Manningham to do it but they were able to take home the trophy. I would just like to say that the ball that Wes Welker "dropped" wasn't exactly the best throw in the world. I think Wes makes that catch 7 times out of 10, but if that ball is a little better thrown, it would be New England who would be crowned as Super Bowl Champs. The Giants have some decisions to make as to who they want to sign back next year. Mario Manningham, who made the great catch in the final drive, is a free agent along with breakout receiver Victor Cruz. I think that they will only bring back one of those players, and I think it will be Victor Cruz. Last season Cruz set a Giants franchise record with 1,536 receiving yards in the regular season. Cruz also had 269 yards in the postseason.
As for the Knicks, phenom Jeremy Lin has taken the league by storm. Before last Saturday, Lin scored 32 points all together. But after becoming a starter for New York he has averaged over 25 points over the last three games. Lin and the Knicks take on the Lakers tonight in MSG. When asked, Kobe and Mike Brown said they didn't know what Jeremy Lin has done in the past few days. Not sure if this is a plot to get inside his head, but if Lin can keep this up, maybe Kobe and the Lakers will finally know who he is, along with the rest of the country.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

EARLY MADNESS AND THE CHARACTER ISSUE by ST

A trio of marquee games on the college hardwood with 2 more than living up. Kansas reached into the past to remind Baylor about their place in the game. At tip off the Bears were ranked 6th, KU sat 10th. Both packed identical 8 & 2 records in the Big 12, tied at the top with #4 Missouri. It was tight at halftime when the Jayhawks ripped off a 19-4 run in the first 5 minutes and that was all she wrote.
Second ranked Syracuse rode a 29 point show from Kris Joseph to take an overtime decision against Big East rival Georgetown but the thriller of the evening took us to Chapel Hill. I think North Carolina coach Roy Williams flat out blew the game. They owned Duke all night long with their athleticism and willingness to ignore the clock and push the pace. Then with about 4 1/2 minutes left he took the air out of the ball. The foul shots began to clang. The advantage shrunk and shrunk. Duke ball down 2 with 13 seconds left. Super frosh Austin Rivers dropped a trey as the buzzer sounded and the Blue Devils ripped out the hearts of the Heel faithful at the Dean Dome.
Huge game for the Ducks hosting Washington at the Matt tonight. I'll make this simple. Unless they win the Pac 12 tournament at grab that auto bid to the Dance, they can not afford to lose any more home games. The heartbreaking loss at Colorado eliminated just about any room for error. The Dawgs know this win pretty much knocks the Ducks out of the regular season race and keeps them on the conference lead. They've won 8 of 9.
The most recent NFL Hall of Fame balloting has been revealed. Chris Carter, 4th on the all time catch list, did not make it. He had a well documented cocaine problem during his career. There have been whispers his induction is being delayed because of that. My question is should character count among voters?? Look forward to your response on today's shows.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

JUST NOT TRUE by ST

Ever hear someone say there are two sides to every story or everything is debatable? I never bought that. Some loser walks into a drug store late at night and shoots the cashier on sight for the cash with no warning they're a murdering scumbag. I don't want to hear about their childhood or financial troubles. A player takes a performance enhancing steroid so they can play better they're a cheating pig. I don't want to hear about the culture or how "everyone" is doing it. The fans and media members still today using words like "taint" attached to Tom Brady are complete and total idiots.
With Kobe Bryant passing Shaq on the NBA all time scoring list I've heard lot's of talk about his place in history. Oddly many are pooh poohing the accomplishments of Kareem Jabber. I think he's easily in the all time Top 5. His credentials are off the charts. Not many have been a key cog on championship winners for two different teams. He won a Finals MVP with the Bucks in 1971 and the Lakers later in his career in 1985. All time leading scorer. 10 times he was either 1st or 2nd team on the all-NBA defensive team. I grant Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain their due but Kareem battled Hall of Fame centers his entire career. Nate Thurmond, Bill Walton, Willis Reed, Robert Parrish, Moses Malone, Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes or Walt Bellamy. The way media and fans take what he accomplished for granted is ridiculous.
I find it wonderful timing that Baseball's Hall of Fame will now offer a drug education program for students and young adults. Think it has anything to do with the fact that Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa will make their 1st appearance on the Hall Ballot this year??

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

BITTER BEANTOWN by ST

So Patriot fans are hammering Tom Brady for a less than stellar performance in Super Bowl 46? Wow! What would their attitude be if they didn't even qualify for the big game, pitch forks and torches. Not surprising as over my 4-plus decades the Boston fans have always had that turncoat, the world is ending, mentality. Philly fans are nuts. New York fans are mean. Notre Dame football fans are deluded. Boston fans have always been self-righteous and entitled. I think it stems from the Celtics, perhaps the biggest whiners of all. New England has a legit shot to get back to the biggest stage in sports in a year. Why? Tom Brady.
What's with the high profile basketball teams from the state of Oregon and the officials. Saturday night the dunderhead refs in Boulder call a phantom foul on EJ Singler as time expires to gift wrap a game winning free throw by Colorado. Last night in Portland the Blazers are up 2 on Oklahoma City with time winding down in the 4th. Kevin Durant drives to the rack but LaMarcus Aldridge makes a sweet block, smacking the rock off the glass with 6 seconds left. Of the 3 officials, the clown farthest from the bucket calls goaltending. It wasn't. This is not a debate, just an atrocious call. The Thunder won in overtime. It's not bad enough the Trailblazers and their fans have to look at Kevin Durant and think about what might have been if they called his name instead of Greg Oden. This was just cruel.
The Mariners are the team with the earliest reporting day for pitchers and catchers. Saturday. Most others begin filtering into their respective Cactus & Grapefruit League locations starting on the 18th, a week from Saturday. It's a beautiful thing!

Monday, February 6, 2012

SUPER SUNDAY. ANGRY SATURDAY by ST

I know fans are miserable about the way the Duck loss at Colorado ended. It was a horrible, gutless call by the officiating crew. For the 8-millionth time I'll emphatically state that referees do not determing the outcome of games. They don't turn their back on defense, committ turnovers or brick foul shots. Those issues put teams in a position to be victimized by attrocious officiating.
As for Super Sunday. Wow! The first half was not well played. You got the sense the title would be awarded by default. Things got a tad snappier in the 2nd. If I hear another fan or media type call what happened late in the game on an attempt from Brady to Wes Welker a flat out drop I'm gonna lose it. Sure, Welker usually hauls that in but it was far from Tom Terrific's best. Ball was not on the money. End of story. Put it this way, Mrs. Brady aka Giselle, was heard ripping the receivers after the game. Classy!
Did you hear about Alberto Contador getting stripped of his 2010 Tour De France title for doping? What sets the dirty record? MLB from the mid 90's thru the Mitchell report? Cycling? Weightlifting? Pro Wrestling? It's all charming.
I can not wait to get your thoughts on the array of issues lighting up the sports pages today!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Cleared, by Casey Mitchell

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. We all know the toughness of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, but there was some question as to weather or not he would play this Sunday. The Gronk was able to practice limited Friday morning. Bill Belichick said that he thought Gronkowski had a good practice, and didn't suffer any setbacks. It is still not for sure if we will play this week or not, but he is moving in the right direction. Unless there is something they are not telling us, I just can't see Rob Gronkowski sitting on the sidelines of Super Bowl XLVI. I expect him to play and I expect him to be effective this Sunday against the Giants. Gronk isn't the only player this week to get good news on their injury. Peyton Manning has been medically cleared by two doctors to play and resume his career, even if it isn't in Indianapolis. Even though he has been cleared, Jim Irsay's tweet said otherwise. Irsay tweeted that manning did not pass the physical required to play for the Indianapolis Colts. You can just get the feeling that the Colts aren't going to bring Manning back for another year. I think the smart thing for them to do would do something similar as to what the Packers did with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. But maybe they are thinking that Andrew Luck is already NFL ready, and doesn't need to be molded like Rodgers was. I'm not sure if he will be wearing a horseshoe again, but I'm pretty sure Peyton Manning isn't done playing football.
After a tough loss to the Beavers a few days ago, the Ducks hoops team was able to pick it up again and take care of the Utes 79-68 and improve to 16-6 overall and 7-3 in the conference. They are now only one game out of first place in the Pac-12 conference. Senior guard, Devoe Joseph was able to pick up the slack on Thursday and drop 20 in a winning effort. There is still a lot of basketball to be played for the Ducks this season.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

THE LIST by ST

21 names. A reason to get excited about Oregon football after the Rose Bowl and before the start of Spring practice. Once upon a time a 5-star, nationally pursued talent might take a peek in the direction of Eugene then land in Columbus, LA or Gainesville. The times are not changing, they've already changed. I'd say there are more blue chippers in the last 2 Duck recruiting classes than existed from the beginning of time until say the arrival of Haloti Ngata in 2003 combined. Now we'll wait and see if these successes will continue the roll that has placed this program among the nation's elite.
Must acknowledge the passing of Angelo Dundee, the guy who trained Ali. All those years. All those legendary moments. The controversy. The entertainment. Always at the side of The Champ. It was magical just to hear Howard Cosell say his name. A couple of weeks back at age 90 he mustered the energy to be in attendance at Ali's 70th birthday party. He also trained Sugar Ray Leonard. Just as importantly he had credibility and lacked that sleazy Don King element that too often dragged boxing through the mud. You'll hear the word "integrity" attached to Dundee, a terrific tribute to this Hall of Famer.