The Reggie Bush civil suit brought against the Saint’s running back by one Lloyd Lake, a so-called sports marketing agent who claims he gave Bush close to $300,000 in money and gifts while Reggie was attending the University of Southern California, has been assigned a trial date. After the attorneys for both sides upset Superior Court Judge Joan M. Lewis with their quarrelling tactics, deposition dates were finally agreed upon. The Judge then set the trial date for March 19, 2009. It appears USC head football coach Pete Carroll and the Trojans’ running back coach, Todd McNair, will also be testifying as Lake’s attorney, Brian Watkins, states his client had several discussions with McNair and that he overheard a phone conversation between Bush’s stepfather and the head coach. Both Carroll and McNair have already been questioned by NCAA investigators who will be sure to closely follow these court proceedings. If it can be proven that USC was aware of Reggie Bush accepting benefits from Lloyd Lake, or even if the NCAA determines that USC should have known of any wrong doing, then the University’s football program could face sanctions that could include forfeiture of game wins during their 2004 National Championship season as well as during their 2005 season when they lost to Texas in the National Championship game. In a related event that may shed more light on this case prior to it going to court, Judge Lewis ruled the results of the depositions would be made public over the objections of Bush’s lawyers. We can expect this ruling to be revisited prior to the start of depositions scheduled to begin in June…
NCAA Academic Progress Report
NCAA President Myles Brand has made it clear that the nation’s collegiate athlete’s academic scores must improve. If the scores aren’t improving, then the NCAA’s harshest sanctions may come into play, those being the loss of scholarships, reductions in practice time and even postseason play bans. “Academic reform is here to stay, and those penalties resemble what we give for major infractions. So these are serious penalties and there are a number of teams that received those," Brand said after releasing this year's Academic Progress Report. "Yes, there are individual institutions who have seen a steady decline (academically) over the last four years, and for them, the situation is dire." The NCAA began monitoring academic scores back in 2003 and reports that 26 of 29 collegiate sports athlete’s score are up with a marked improvement made by baseball and football players. Scores increased by 12 and 11 points respectively in those sports. This raises graduation rates and whether it appears that way or not, isn’t that what these institutions of higher learning should be striving for without NCAA oversight?
NASCAR Earnings Statistics with Richmond Effect
Owner Total Tms Make Average Change
1 Joe Gibbs Racing $6,254,624 3 Toyota $2,084,875 $150,726 2 Penske Racing $6,068,522 3 Dodge $2,022,841 $105,610 3 Hendrick Motorsports $6,710,909 4 Chevy $1,677,727 $103,643 4 Richard Childress R. $4,873,461 3 Chevy $1,624,487 $157,206 5 Roush Fenway Race $7,688,340 5 Ford $1,537,668 $100,858 6 Chip Ganassi Racing $3,875,191 3 Dodge $1,291,73 0 $66,291 7 Dale Earnhardt Inc. $5,154,026 4 Chevy $1,288,507 $116,492 8 Yates Racing $2,569,907 2 Ford $1,284,954 $83,210 9 Robby Gordon Mtrs $1,263,743 1 Dodge $1,263,743 $92,608 10 Gillett Evernham $3,489,770 3 Dodge $1,163,257 $93,227 11 Petty Enterprises $2,173,820 2 Dodge $1,086,910 $97,435 12 Michael Waltrip Rc. $3,218,147 3 Toyota $1,072,716 $70,716 13 Haas CNC Racing $2,096,039 2 Chevy $1,048,020 $77,742 14 Hall of Fame Racing $989,580 1 Toyota $989,580 $74,250 15 Team Red Bull $1,633,865 2 Toyota $816,933 $67,838 16 Bill Davis Racing $1,112,468 2 Toyota $556,234 $45,192 17 Wood Brothers Racing $536,273 1 Ford $536,273 $0 18 Furniture Row Rac. $1,050,060 2 Chevy $525,030 $33,475 19 BAM Racing $331,454 1 Toyota $331,454 $0 20 Front Row Motorsprt $445,201 2 Chevy $222,601 $0 21 Phoenix Racing $174,095 1 Chevy $174,095 $67,975 22 SKI Motorsports $22,813 1 Chevy $22,813 $0 23 No Fear Racing $22,170 1 Ford $22,170 $0 24 E&M Motorsports $21,920 1 Dodge $21,920 $0 Totals / Averages $61,776,398 53 $1,165,592 $1,604,491
Dodge continues to extend it's lead in the average earnings per team standings through the first ten 2008 Sprint Cup Races!
Where Was Mark Cuban One Day After the Demise of His Dallas Mavericks?
April 30th Mark Cuban was spotted in a dugout box seat immediately behind the Chicago Cubs’ bench. Who was he sitting with? That would be the top executive of Tribune Broadcasting, Ed Wilson, one of Cubs owner Sam Zell’s right hand men. Cuban told a reporter, “I’m here to get a better feel. I’m certainly interested.” It’s about time for Zell to open the Cubs’ books to potential buyers, was Cuban the first to have a look? Wonder how Cuban’s unfettered interest in the Cubs sits with MLB Commissioner Bud Selig who seemingly has chosen a favorite and is going about professing the virtues of his crony, Chicago native John Canning, who owns a small percentage of Selig’s old team, the Milwaukee Brewers. Then there’s the owner of the south side White Sox, Jerry Reinsdorf who doesn’t want to face what would surely be stiff competition for Chicago fan’s allegiance with the very proactive Cuban. So what if, once the bidding begins, Cuban wipes out all the competition with a huge bid? Will Sam Zell stand back and allow Selig and his buddies to cut him out of what could be several millions more in profit from the sale? I can see Zell unleashing a tirade that could be heard across the country. Will the Commissioner bow his back? Remember, we’re talking about a certifiable wimp here… An interesting scenario indeed!
Cuban chillin' with Cubs fans last year in the bleachers...
In Another Baseball Note, A-Rod Goes Down in the Delivery Room!
Alex Rodriguez’ wife Cynthia told a television interviewer that her husband had actually hit the floor in the delivery room as she was in labor with their first daughter, Natasha Alexander Rodriguez, when she was born on November 18, 2004. The interview will air this evening on YES Network’s “YESterdays” program.
Cynthia Rodriguez said in excerpts released yesterday: “As tough and big as he seems, he is real wimpy around doctors or any type of medical situation,” Cynthia Rodriguez said, according to excerpts released Tuesday by YES. “I don’t know why I thought the birth of our child would be different. In the middle of the night, I realized that I needed to go to the hospital. I wake him up. The first thing that comes out of his mouth, ‘Can we call your mother?’
"A few hours later, I said, ‘I think you can call my mom now.’ Uh, and the color came back to his face when
I told him he could call my mom.”
Alex and daughter Natasha
A-Rod traveled from New York last week and arrived at a Miami area hospital about 10 minutes after the birth of his second daughter, Ella Alexander Rodriguez, on April 21. YOU DA MAN A-ROD!
NFL Notes
You NFL fans should be checking your favorite team’s latest signings since the Draft late last month as several good collegiate players passed over in the Draft have been signed as free agents…
Most of the NFL teams are now holding mini-camps where all the new faces from free agency and the draft are getting to eyeball each other. The Seahawks' Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck asked head coach Mike Holmgren if he could issue name tags to all the new guys on offense as he suddenly has three new running backs, a new guard, two new tight ends, a new quarterback coach, a new offensive line coach, a new running backs coach, along with a new assistant line coach and a new quality control coach... I can't say that I blame Hasselbeck.
The Seahawks latest draft picks at mini-camp... (L-R) RB Justin Forsett, California, LS Tyler Schmitt, San Diego State DT Joseph Bryant, Texas A&M DE Lawrence Jackson, USC TE John Carlson, Notre Dame FB Owen Schmitt, West Virginia and K Brandon Coutu, Georgia
Hope you enjoyed this capsule of the sports world in early May, 2008!
Dwindy,
good post mon'ami. Bush and USC just may be in for more than they bargained for. It's stupid wheteher I was guilty or not with all that money I'd have just paid this guy off under the table and been done with it.
Nice post Dwindy! I can totally identify with A-Rod's reaction in the hospital. All 5 of my kids were born when drug induced natural childbirth was the norn. No screaming; no threats of physical violence and no husbands in the delivery room. The good old days.
A testiment to a good blog is when I read the whole thing. I read all of this.
D-Man...The ARP that was released this week covers the academic years from 2003-04 through 2006-07. It measures retention, eligibility and graduation of athletes at D1 schools. It focuses more on academic performance than graduation rates.
Interesting scores on the ARP for football teams
#1.....Penn.............993
#29T...The U (Miami)....969
#41T...Florida..........962
#74T...Tennessee........948
#74T...Southern Cal.....948
As you know, I am a baseball purist. When Charlie Finley bought the A's in 1960 I was appalled at the things he was doing to baseball. In retrospect, I was wrong. Finley was great for baseball and somehow I think Mark Cuban might be just what the game needs.
Kinda makes you wonder if Lloyd is really a scam artist... Remember Bush's attorney wouldn't take his deposition a few months back without a body guard in the room. Maybe it was all for show... Maybe not. Bush seems to be resolved to fight. Next February the court will require both sides to meet and try and iron out a settlement before the trial... We'll see once all the cards are laid out on the table.
I was a good husband and went through the classes and the whole nine yards. It was interesting to me... My little girl didn't cry, she just looked around the room like she was saying "It's about time I got out of that hot little room!" Then they set her on the cold metal scale and all hell broke loose! lol Been that way ever since!
I'd really like to see Mark Cuban be allowed to purchase the Cubs. I'm thinking if there is any funny business he might be an unholy terror. Old Bud better use his head, but I think he has forgotten how!
I truly believe Cuban would be very good for the game.
I have to second JW comment, and say that this Bush thing is beyond getting old. Finally! A court date. After 60,000 motions for a continuance, we may be getting somewhere. Nice post! I was watching that Cubs game where Cuban was there. As a Cubs fan, I can't decide if I think it would be good or not for the Cubs. I guess right now I don't care as long as Fukudome Fever has an end at some point.
It oughta be interesting on what has become a real ordeal for USC. I wonder if it will go through the trial or if someone caves... Then where will that leave the NCAA? Worst case isn't very pretty...
I know Cuban is outspoken to say the least, but don't you think that MLB needs someone like that? I'm thinking it would sure put the fear in good ole Bud and there is nothing wrong with that based on past performance!
Dwindy 1
So A-Rod allegedly passed out at the birth of his daughter ? Well if it's a choice between him swing a punch at a rival player and seeing the afterbirth . I can well understand his reason for feeling nauseous.
As to the NCAA wanting to see academic standrards increase that's so farcical. Considering they're the very one that'd rather subjugate the student athlete rather than allowing them a stipend in order that they don't resort to other means of making money whilst in college. Myles Brand and his member ought to wake up and smell the coffeee.
As to the ongoing Bush saga that'll be a neverending story. It's not as if this hasn't happened with other college athletes ? It just happens to be that Reggie's been caught and he probably didn't expect Lake to rat him out after reneging on an agreement. But that's what happens when you get your family and friends involved in your so called business arrangements.
When Mark Cuban holds up two fingers, does that signify how many consecutive years his Mavericks have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs?
I must have hit some hot buttons with you! Alex was trying to be a good hubby, but went down for the count! Ya never know until you've been there...
Student athletes is the term they like to use. What you've stated is verified by the NCAA's need to monitor these "Students" progress. This shouldn't be necessary if the schools had the best interests of the students at heart...
It's looking like Reggie is in for some real hard times, but his stance of not giving in makes me wonder if he is the victim here... Time will tell.
I like Cuban for all his brashness and I think that's just what the good ole boy club that is MLB owners needs. Whether that happens or not is the question. The good ole boys better not mess with either Cuban or current Cubs owner Sam Zell...
BTW, I see where Avery might end up coaching the Chicago Bulls.
Husker you're right if Bush's attorney isn't successful in keeping the depositions under wraps. I assume the way the NCAA operates that that information would be enough for them to levy sanctions... We know the Rose Bowl carries a lot of weight around the BCS/NCAA, wonder how many of those guys are also influential when it comes to USC?
A fantasy criminal NFL league might be a big hit! lol
So when I'm old and senile SC might get sanctioned? Good grief, the NCAA is a joke. They let everybody else do their dirty work for them, because they are inept.
Cubs fans can only hope Cuban gets the team! Money means nothing to him. The Cubs will be the big dogs on the block in short order. They can get rid of their mascot too--Cuban will be on top of the dugout leading the cheers!!!
What's your gut feeling Lisa, is Bush standing on the high ground here? The accuser comes off as a real loser. Bush's willingness to fight sure makes me wonder. Anything less than exoneration in court will be perceived as guilt... Hope he's taking the right course. I get the feeling he might have known this man but his stance makes me think the guy is an extortionist... We'll see!
I think you're right about Cuban dancing on top of the dugout. Wouldn't that be a sight? Plus, I think it would be a real breath of fresh air in MLB. I can see Lou Pinnella looking up at him saying "Oh my God! Boys we better win this one!" LOL
A lot of folks hate on Cuban--I love the guy! He is a character with character. He would be good for the game! And the Cubs??? Well, they would have the highest payroll in baseball and the days of no glory in the fall would be over!! Bet on that!!!
I cant give up on my Boys--I tried the Lambs last year and almost lost my boots when they found out about it down in Texas! Besides--The soap opera about Jessica and Pacman is the best show on TV!!!!---LOL--Cboy
I'm into fowl myself... SeaChickens errr, Hawks! Never worn a pair of those Birkenstocks though... Can't get my stompers on since I tore up my foot dammit... But you'll never catch me in those shoes of the people! lol
Dwindy; you ever think of writing your own newspaper, how bout the Dwindy Chronicles? Dwindy Gazzette? And i dont think ive ever seen anyone line up the Nascar standings by money per manufacturer, you should call it the Richman effect. neat spin..
Cuban to the CUBS would be great. He would be an owner with passion to his team.
Hey what about the baseball great UNEMPLOYED Bonds...oh wait Unemployed. No sports..lol.
A Rod fallen..For his wife again. What a nice..Painfull story..LOL..Congrats on the kid.
I do believe the internet is going to be the death of the print media as we've known it.
I started tracking that a couple of weeks back and it made sense to me to look at earnings by car and team, then the manufacturer deal just flowed out of that... It's all based on average per team and with Dodge coming in first and second in Daytona, the richest race on the circuit, they've been in the cat bird seat ever since. Some have said it'll switch by the end of the season but so far Dodge keeps adding to their lead...
I hope the MLB owners allow him into their club and I guess that's what it's going to take, their approval. If he makes the right offer I can't see how they can exclude him, but who knows...
The Bonds deal is something else. I can live with it as it stands right now, but if Clemens comes back again, then I'll have to get back on my soap box about fairness...
I can see Rodriguez with his eyes rolled back going down while everyone else in the delivery room staring at him! lol
Good Morning Dwindy!! I like the Hawks also--Until they play my Boys--You guys cheat--You have two "W"s without ever suiting up.....You get the Lambs twice!!!....LOL....Cboy
lisa wait till you get to be my age??? i am so old i remeber when the guys went to the free throw line and shot underhanded!!!!!! also so old i recall when the university of oregon played football at hayward field now the venue only for track and field!!!
i know lots of people hate mark cuban!!! but i like his spark!!!! i cant see paul allen of the portland trail blazers act like cuban!!!!! maybe sometimes a team needs a little spark to get them motivated!!!!!!!!
Dwindy1 The only reason A-Rod passed out was because he thought the kid had took a swing at him. I've witnessed the birth of enough kids during the course of my life . My eldest niece to name but a few , however none of my own at this juncture. And I'd prefer it that way by choice.
The NCAA and 'student athletes' is now becoming something of a redundant term. The cost of college tuition is forever on the rise as to are scholarships. But yet the NCAA expects many of these athletes to exist on a mere pittance.
As to Reggie he and his family knew full well what he was getting into when he started dealing with Lloyd Lake. It's like dealing with a used car salesman or a lawyer. One way or another you're going to end up being screwed. In Bush's case he's screwed because he thought he'd have the upper hand when dealing with Lake and his associates. He should've known better !
I'm sorry man I came up a dime bag short. Bush's dealings with Lake are something akin to dealing with a dope dealer.
But in this case he's not been 'jacked up' and shot. Instead Lake wanted to deal with things via the legal system.
DWind, My only reservation on Cuban is that I don't want my Cubs to be turned into a Circus act. I'm not saying that would certainly happen, but there is the chance. To me, fanchises like the Yankees or the old Reds with old Marge signing the checks is not what I want from my Cubs.
I don't want Wrigley torn down. I don't care if we never win a World Series in my lifetime. I get almost the same feeling when I see the blue jerseys of the Cubs as I do with the Crimson ones of Nebraska. Almost. I can't handle too much change at once. I've had my fill. I must be getting really old. Oh heck! I'm turning into one of those crotchedy ol' coots.
oldskewler You needn't worry about that as billionaire owner Sam Zell doesn't want to do that as of yet.
As for Cuban I'd suspect that as of now he's got some more worrisome issues on his plate to deal with. Like actualy finding a backbone for his Dallas Mavericks' team.
............
Dwindy 1
I hear that 'Lefty' now wants the The Players' Championship to made the 'fifth major' of golf. It never ceases to amaze me the pompousity of these golfers nowadays. Perhaps he's only opining on this particular topic 'cause Woods isn't in the field this week ? And at the same time it'll create some awareness amongst the fans that are showing up just to say that they've been to Pointe Vedra.
My breasts are too big for the jacket Tiger. Do you think the that they've got a 42" XL that'll fit me ? That way it'll also cover my as*s as well
rampant' aka tophatal .........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on May 8th at 10:04 AM.
I'm a 57 year old sports fanatic living on the west coast of Florida. I'm a rare bird that moved here from the left coast a few months ago. I advocate an even playing field in all of life's endeavors.
best slot
he gave Bush close to $300,000 in money and gifts while Reggie was attending the University of Southern California, has been assigned a trial date. After the attorneys for both sides upset Superior Court Judge Joan M. Lewis with their quarrelling tactics, deposition dates were finally agreed upon. The Judge then set the trial date for March 19, 2009. It appears USC head football coach Pete Carroll and the Trojans’ running back coach, Todd McNair, will also be testifying as Lake’s attorney, Brian Watkins, states his client had several discussions with McNair and that he overheard a phone conversation between Bush’s stepfather and the head coach. Both Carroll and McNair have already been questioned by NCAA investigators who will be sure to closely follow these court proceedings. If it can be proven that USC was aware of Reggie Bush accepting benefits from Lloyd Lake, or even if the NCAA determines that USC should have known of any wrong doing, then the University’s football program could face sanctions that could include forfeiture of game wins during their 2004 National Championship season as well as during their 2005 season when they lost to Texas in the National Championship game. In a related event that may shed more light on this case prior to it going to court, Judge Lewis ruled the results of the depositions would be made public over the objections of Bush’s lawyers. We can expect this ruling to be revisited prior to the start of depositions scheduled to begin in June…
those being the loss of scholarships, reductions in practice time and even postseason play bans. “Academic reform is here to stay, and those penalties resemble what we give for major infractions. So these are serious penalties and there are a number of teams that received those," Brand said after releasing this year's Academic Progress Report. "Yes, there are individual institutions who have seen a steady decline (academically) over the last four years, and for them, the situation is dire." The NCAA began monitoring academic scores back in 2003 and reports that 26 of 29 collegiate sports athlete’s score are up with a marked improvement made by baseball and football players. Scores increased by 12 and 11 points respectively in those sports. This raises graduation rates and whether it appears that way or not, isn’t that what these institutions of higher learning should be striving for without NCAA oversight? 
tough and big as he seems, he is real wimpy around doctors or any type of medical situation,” Cynthia Rodriguez said, according to excerpts released Tuesday by YES. “I don’t know why I thought the birth of our child would be different. In the middle of the night, I realized that I needed to go to the hospital. I wake him up. The first thing that comes out of his mouth, ‘Can we call your mother?’ 
