In case you haven't heard, one of OJ's longtime friends and ex-agent Mike Gilbert has written an autobiography account of his dealings with his one-time friend OJ Simpson.
Quoting a comment from this attached site (Gilbert quote) is a pretty specatacular comment to say the least......, much less shocking. Supposedly, weeks after the double homicide of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, OJ confided in Mr. Gilbert with the following quote:
"He said Simpson had smoked pot, took a sleeping pill and was drinking beer when he confided at his Brentwood home weeks after his trial what happened the night of June 12, 1994. Simpson said he went to his ex-wife’s condominium, but did not bring a knife with him. Simpson told him Nicole Brown Simpson had one in her hand when she opened the door. In a soft mumble, Simpson told him: “If she hadn’t opened that door with a knife in her hand … she’d still be alive.” “Nothing more needed to be said,” Gilbert writes. “O.J. had confessed to me. There’s no doubt in my mind.” "
WOW!
This evening on my local sports radio show here in Lincoln, NE, ESPN 1480 members interviewed Mr. Gilbert on his relationship with Mr. Simpson, and his eventual book that he has recently published. The show in Lincoln is called "The Spread". For info on this program click this site. (I will give credit at the end, but can only comment on what I can retell from listening to this evenings show on the radio.)
In one of the questions that was asked, they said (non-verbatim): "What was the final straw that made you cut your ties with OJ."
Mr. Gilbert's response? (also non-verbatim) "It was when he was 53 years old. OJ has been the only person in my lifetime who has ever offered me cocaine or ecstasy. I asked OJ, "Hey man, we gave you a second lease on life. You are 53 years old, doing cocaine and ecstasy and you have two beautiful children who can consume your life that you can make a difference with." OJ's supposed response? "My daughter is just like her mother, and I can't wait until she is old enough to be out of my house."
Supposedly after that comment, Mr. Gilbert alleges he has since dropped all ties with Mr. Simpson. From his comments, Mr. GIlbert acknowledged that Mr. Simpson has tried to contact him on several occasions, but he has not returned his calls.
In the end, Mr. Gilbert claimed that he has no doubt in his mind that OJ was guilty of the heinous crime he was charged and suspected of.
Like I said, don't blame the messenger. I'm just here relating some shocking stuff that seems to be extremely interesting............ and then some.
NOTE: I am simply giving you some very interesting news. I personally have not given any quote of my own other than the afformentioned....WOW!. Do I believe in what Mr. Gilbert is saying? Personally, I'm not sure. But in the least, it is quite intriguing.
Well, I just had one of the greatest weekends in my life.
I attended this year's 134th running of the Kentucky Derby, and what a treat it was. The fans and hospitality were great, and the scenery was simply breathtaking. Never in my life have I seen so many beautiful 30 and 40 something year old women dressed to the nines and bombed out of their skulls on Mint Juleps. Three seats down from me was an absolute knockout 42 year old woman who was passed out by the 4th race. When her husband went to get another cocktail and wager on the 5th, she was left on the bleachers to lay down her weary head. Keep in mind it was a VERY windy day in Louisville. Every Tom, ####, and Harry in section 222 could tell you the number of polka dots on her backside by the time Hubby came back from the cocktail bar. (By the way it was 132........or at least that is what my buddy told me. He also indicated that the curtains and the carpet were a match. Whatever the hell that means.)
Anyway, I got to thinking (which probably isn't a good thing since I only have about 4 brain cells left after that 3 day bender). I got to thinking about some oddities that we have in our little world of sports. I'll list some of the oddities, go ahead and add some of your own.
Why is it when I order a Grand Slam at Denny's at 3:00 in the morning it really isn't a good thing. But when my favorite player on my baseball team hits a Grand Slam I'm elated and actually still feel good about it 3 hours after it happens without having to pop 14 Rolaids.
Who ever came up with the shape of a football? Essentially it is a small basketball with two Madonna 'pointies' on each end.
Why is kicking a Madonna basketball between two uprights in football called a Field Goal? Shouldn't it be called an Air Goal?
Why does a Fullback line up in front of a Halfback? Or is the whole Quarterback, Halfback, Fullback thing about a preferential weighting system?
Why do they call it the Bowl Championship Series when each team only plays 1 game? Doesn't the word 'series' indicate that there is more than 1 'round' much less 1 game?
Why does the NBA Playoffs take longer to complete than the gestation period of an elephant?
How do we know that a 'batter' is a threat simply by the way he stands at the plate?
Why is PETA outraged with Horse Racing? Should they not be outraged with Boxing or MMA? Or do #### sapiens rank lower on their scale in the 'animal' world?
Why do all the great QB's lick their 3 predominant fingers on their throwing hand while exiting the huddle and heading towards the line of scrimmage?
If a Center in football has an infatuation with Chicken Wings and Burritos, does it have an impact on his relationship with his Quarterback?
Why is the 40 yard dash considered the 'it' factor when determing speed in football? Wouldn't a 10 or 20 yard dash make more sense?
Does anyone other than an MIT graduate truly understand the QB rating system? Also, they tinker with the BCS formula every year, shouldn't they tinker with this rating system as well?
Why is it that you either like Kobe or LeBron? And on the flip side why do we have to 'hate' the other guy? Can't we just enjoy the incredible talents of both?
Why do we always root for the underdog?
Why do negative stories about our beloved sports heroes grab headlines way before all the positive stories that our sports heroes perform? We can all weave a tale about Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens sordid problems, but yet we have a hard time grasping the great things that many of our 'heroes' do through charities and time spent with our youth? Do we expect them to be 'better' than us? Or are we simply jealous?
And lastly, why do we blog? Much less blog about sports?
On a lighter note, yours truly was a pony away from a $30K Superfecta in the Kentucky Derby. I had Recapturetheglory in the 4 hole instead of Tale of Ekati. Recapture finished 5th while Tale finished 4th. A simple movement of Recapture into the 4 hole would have made a great weekend all that much better. Such is the life of a degenerate horse racing gambler.
Next up.............. The Preakness. Enjoy your weekend all, and a very Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful fillies in our blogosphere.
During the NCAA Tournament's final game, many shot's from the CBS camera crew skewed over to one Mr. Roy Williams. And what was he wearing?
A Jayhawk emblem. Be it a sticker or patch or button. It was a Jayhawk.
Blasphemy!
In retrospect, you would be lucky to find 2% of the fan bases of either North Carolina or Kansas that were happy with this decision. (Alright, I may be exaggerating here a bit.)
You will not find 2 schools that are more proud of their basketball legacy than Kansas or North Carolina (Sorry Kentucky, UCLA, and Duke fan, but that is reality.). Kansas claims James Naismith as the inventor of the great game. North Carolina fans claim that they have perfected it. Such is the wicked web that we weave when dealing with these two fine universities.
Throw in the ultimate wrench. Roy Williams. Roy was a former player and assistant at North Carolina under the awe-inspiring presence of Dean Smith. Mr. Williams was brought onto the Carolina staff in 1978 after some stints at the High School level. He stayed there until 1988 when he took over the reins as head basketball coach of Kansas after Larry Brown left town after the Hawks won their 2nd NCAA Basketball title. Roy simply didn't want to wait any longer for the great Dean to retire.
Roy Williams brought a rejuvenated influence into the Kansas program. In his 15 years at Kansas they enjoyed an 80+% winning mark and rolled on to 4 Final Four appearances. Most notably was the first in 1993 when they beat his alma mater in North Carolina and Dean Smith. Kansas fans thought they had found their man that would lead them to glory. 3 Final Fours later, and through much heart break......., there was doubt. Roy couldn't win the big one. KU fans kept their faith.
After the 2000 season, Dean Smith stepped down as head coach at North Carolina. Speculation was, that good ol' boy Roy would step in after his absence. After a long deliberation, Roy pledged his allegiance to Kansas and stayed on board. In 2002 and 2003 he led the Hawks to 2 more Final Fours. For your beloved Kansas fan, things were great. Roy was there, and eventually he will lead 'us' to glory.
But then.........
After a three-year disastrous try-out held by Matt Doherty at North Carolina, he was given the boot. North Carolina, then again, came calling for Roy. This time he buckled under the immense pressure and returned to his roots as coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Jayhawks had just completed 2 of their most successful 3 years in the history of the program in 2002 and 2003, and had just lost a heart-breaker in the finals of the NCAA Tournament game to Syracuse. Kansas fans weren't ready for more disheartening news. The man that claimed he was a 'lifer' as long as they would have him in 2000, was now bolting for the same program calling for his wares a mere 3 years earlier.
This one hurt. This one hurt bad.
Roy had come close so many times before, and had them on the brink of greatness, and when he was nearing his pinnacle.........poof.......he was gone. Nary a title. No bragging rights. Nothing.
Fast forward to 2005. The Roy Williams 'led' Tar Heels ran roughshod through the NCAA Tournament and took the '####' off of said coaches back by winning his 1st NCAA Championship. At the same time earning Carolina their 4th Championship in their illustrious basketball history. All the while Bill Self and a 3 seeded Kansas team got beat in the 1st round by the lowly Patriot League Champion, Bucknell.
For a Kansas fan, that was like getting sand kicked into your face on the beach by the 250 pound bully. All the while you were merely the 98 pound weakling who could do nothing about it. Not once, but twice. Roy tooled in relative obscurity for 15 years leading the hopeful Jayhawk faithful down a bitter road of bridesmaid's and 'could of beens'. In 2 short years at mighty Carolina he was hoisting that elusive trophy......... right in front of your face.
Fast forward to 2008. The ultimate Final Four of all Final Fours. Finally we had all 4 #1 seeds advance. But to the consummate Jayhawk fan, they were staring into the face of their once sworn friend, and now enemy, leading the nemesis of the Jayhawk faithful. Surely this would be another dagger in the heart. Maybe even the knockout blow. Surely Roy and his McDonald's All-Americans, #### Vitale, and the rest of the nation would gloat in their victory over the Hawks and their 2nd rate coach Bill Self. Surely it would happen.............
Saturday:
But such is the irony. Such is the irony of College Basketball.
40-12 later and the Self-led Hawks were putting away much of the disturbing past. They were the bully kicking the sand, and WOW did it feel good. They beat 'the guy' that left them, and at the same time beat their nemesis in Carolina. All was 'good' but not great. They still had to take that final leap. That final leap even the great 'Roy' could not bring them. The all-deserving championship leap.
Monday:
Down 9 points with less than 3 minutes to go, it didn't look good for the Beaks. But turnabout has some fair play.
In the past Kansas fans have seen collapses. Just not by the OTHER team. This time they were the ones with the higher powers that be on THEIR side. 4 missed free-throws, a miracle 3-pointer, and a dominating OT later.......THEY were National Champions. Talk about a ####. That was a #### off of the Kansas faithful's back.
All the while, their ex-coach, and 'lifer' sitting in the arena wearing a Kansas sticker. Supposedly cheering them on and wishing them good will. Thanks for the effort coach, but we know better.
And if I'm a Carolina fan, I have to question it as well. Take off the iron-on button coach. We know where your allegiances lie. And that is a self-portrait on a corporate letter head with a few exclamation points and some flowers.
At least in the end, Roy has made both fans happy. He has 'led' both teams to National Championships. And both of them he should never take credit for.
In the end.....congratulations to the Kansas Jayhawks AND Jayhawk fans. This was a long-time coming. And to Roy.......... well........... you are in Caroina. Do you like sand? How about some sand in YOUR face?
Congratulations to the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions. The Kansas Jayhawks.
Whilst in due haste of finishing up my recruiting rankings for all of the NCAA BCS College Football conferences (yes, I'll post them soon), a simple thought popped into my head. What if College Football had a draft much the same as their Professional brethren have in the NFL?
At first I started laughing. Then........... I started to really think about it.
What IF?
Imagine David Stern stepping to the podium on February 6th this year amid 300,000 fans and specatators at the MGM Grand in Vegas, and then announcing:
"With the 1st selection of the 2008 NCAA College Football draft....The University of Idaho selects: Terrelle Pryor, quarterback from Jeannette, PA."
As crazy as it sounds, it would be quite interesting and entertaining to say the least. All 120 teams stockpiled into a huge Convention Center, and all of them sitting at their proverbial 'table' waiting for their next selection. It would take AT THE VERY LEAST an entire week to accomplish. The NFL draft has 32 teams and 7 rounds. Every year, most College Football teams will dole out around 25 scholarships (draft picks).
You do the math................................OK, I'll do it for you.
The NFL draft has roughly 225 selections. A collegiate draft would have roughly 3,000. For starters, we might have to implement a 24 second 'draft' clock, just to keep 'em on their toes.
Pete Carroll and staff, along with every other coaching staff, would have to amass a body of 'possible' selections like they have never seen before. You think the NFL Combine this past week was crazy with 320+ athletes showing up to show their wares? How about 10,000 high school kids 'trying out' for their collegiate lives at a Collegiate Combine? Heck, I would have attended in my 'prime'. (Then again, did I have a 'Prime'?)
First off, we would 'departmentalize' each section based upon conference allegiance. Imagine SEC boys Urban Meyer, Steve Spurrier, Les Miles, Nick Saban, and Phil Fullmer literally sitting within arms reach of one another trying to hide their next round steal. (Urban: Hey Phil that's my donut!") All the while waiting for Idaho, Florida International, Western Kentucky and the like drafting away their golden nuggets that they so very much cherish.
How about Urban Meyer and Florida trading away Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow in a 27 team deal to garner 7 first round selections? Or Idaho picking up 36 future draft picks for the rights to the 1st pick in the entire draft?
Maybe we would have to bring in Howie Mandel and his "Deal or No Deal" staff to make these trades official. Better yet, bring back Monty Hall to reside over the festivities from "Let's Make a Deal" fame.
Ahhhhh........ the possibilites.
On a very much lighter note (if this blog can get any lighter), if you can name this movie quote you get #### points, an apple, and a Blogger of the Month Award.
Actor A: "You'd make a fine little helper. What's your name?"
The Sky is Falling......The Sky is Falling! The ever famous words of Chicken Little are screaming mightily in Husker Nation as we speak.
After Saturdays humbling 41 - 40 victory over lowly Ball State, Husker Nation critics are coming out of the woodwork. The proverbial call for the heads of Bill Callahan, Kevin Cosgrove, and Steve Pedersen (AD), are starting to gain some momentum statewide.
Your Uncle Nostradomus is here to set you straight with the REAL state of Husker Nation.
In January of 1998, Tom Osborne was finishing out his illustrious College Football head coaching career with his 3rd National Championship. Nebraska football had NEVER been better over the short 5 years in which the Huskers were the best team in College Football. A 17-16 loss to Florida State in the 1994 Orange Bowl National Championship game (#1 vs. #2, pre-BCS), and as a 22 point favorite loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship game were the only blemishes that kept the Huskers from the unheard of feat of 5 STRAIGHT National Championships. (Note: A 19-0 loss to Arizona State to start the 1996 season, was overcome, and the Huskers were ranked 2nd going into the 1996 Big 12 Championship game. A win would assure them a game against Florida State in the National Championship game. Instead, the loss sent Steve Spurrier, Danny Weurffel and the high-flying Gators to a repeat engagement with the Seminoles who upset them in the season finale. So, Gator Nation, you owe us Husker faithful a bit of reprise as well.)
After Tom Osborne's retirement after that 1997 National Championship, he self-appointed his successor: Frank Solich. Frank Solich had been a long-time assistant under Doctor Tom, and not many a Husker faithful would question his guidance in his selection. Bill Byrne (AD at the time) would have been run out of the state if he did not honor coach Tom's direction.
Thus ensued the downfall of the Huskers as we know them today.
During the '98, '99,'00, and '01 seasons, Frank had some successful seasons utilizing the players that Tom Osborne had recruited. Eric Crouch came to Nebraska simply for the fact that he was an option QB and was an Omaha native. He HAD to go to Nebraska, because he wouldn't have been able to be successful anywhere else. Frankie enjoyed some success over those 4 years with TO's recruits compiling seasons of 9-4, 12-1, 10-2, and 11-2. However, it was the losses on that margin that were becoming the most disturbing.
Sure, Nebraska was taking care of business against the also-rans on their schedule, but they were struggling mightily against opponents who could match up with them on any given Saturday. In 1998, Nebraska lost to an inferior Texas A&M team on the road in a 28-21 loss. They lost as 16 1/2 point favorites to Texas. And they were beaten by Kansas State for the first time in over 30+ years, 40-30. In 1999, the Huskers had a very good season, but again were stymied as 9 point favorites against Texas. We were able to exact revenge on the Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship, but any National Title hopes were dashed by the earlier defeat. In 2000, the chinks in the armour started to really show themselves. Sure a 10-2 record was nice, but a 31-14 loss to Oklahoma, and Franks new found losing record of 1-2 against Kansas State, started to rear its ugly head. Losing to Kansas State is simply unforgivable in Nebraska. We can take losses to Colorado, Oklahoma, or Texas. Not K-State. A top 5 finish to end the 2000 season bred hope in Husker Nation, and an 11-0 start and a #1 ranking in the polls only added fuel to that hope. Eric Crouch won the Heisman Trophy that year, and the Huskers seemed destined to be in the National Championship game.
Then it happened...........it REALLY happened. The #1 Huskers travelled to Colorado as a 9 1/2 point favorite against a pretty decent Colorado team. A 62 - 36 loss later, and Husker Nation was crushed. Add more fuel to the fire, the Huskers were inexplicably placed in the National Championship game, even though they were NOT Conference Champions. Colorado held that honor. The Huskers rolled into the Rose Bowl as 8 1/2 point underdogs. I still remember to this day absolutely laughing my arse off about that line. The inept Husker squad was about to play one of the greatest College Football teams of all-time and were ONLY getting 8 1/2 points. My thoughts were precise. Miami rolled to a 34 - 0 haltime lead, and in all actuality could have named the score that night. The final score of 34-14 was nowhere near indicative of how mismatched this game was. Husker faithful got our 1st true picture of just how far our mighty Huskers had fallen. In 2 short games.
I only presumed, that without TO's recruits, it would get worse. I couldn't have been more right. A 7 - 7 season ensued after an appearance in the National Title game. Amongst those 7 losses included 7 - 40 to Penn State, 14 - 36 to Iowa State, 21 - 24 to Oklahoma, 24 - 27 to Texas, 13 - 49 to Kansas State, 13 - 28 to Colorado, and the one that took the cake a 23 - 27 loss to Mississippi in our bowl game.
The road to mediocrity was complete. When Frank took over the Husker program they were fresh off of one of the greatest dynasties in College Football history. In his 1st year with HIS recruits the Huskers had fallen to a 7 - 7 record. The 1st non-9 win season in 40 years. Not too mention he held a 2-3 record against a Kansas State team that we had not lost to since 1969. Colorado and Kansas State had surpassed us as the best teams in the newly formed Big 12 North , and Texas and Oklahoma were light years ahead of us. No longer were we recruiting from the talent rich states of Texas and California, but were trying to win with 2 and 3 stars, and an occasional 4 star athlete. That doesn't get it done in major College Football.
Steve Pedersen, the newly appointed AD at Nebraska demanded changes in Frank's coaching staff. He obliged Mr. Pedersen by hiring Bo Pelini as Defensive Coordinator and Barney Cotton as Offensive Line and Offensive Coordinator.
I'm sure many people remember Frank getting fired after the supposedly successful 10-3 season that the Huskers had that year. But records can definitely be deceiving. The Huskers only played 2 ranked teams all year. 2 of the losses were 24 - 41 to Missouri, and 9 - 38 agasinst Kansas State. Furthering his abyssmal record against Kansas State to an embarrassing 2-4. In the 38-9 loss to Kansas State, our 'star' Defensive Coordinator rushed the field after the contest to complain to the Kansas State staff for "RUNNING UP THE SCORE!" of all things. Frank Solich was fired after the Colorado game, and Bo Pelini was left to coach the Huskers in their Bowl Game against an inferior Michigan State team. Once again, Bo Pelini could not handle his emotions, and made a mockery of himself during the game. In Nebraska we look for cooler heads to prevail.
The search for the new Husker head coach began after that bowl game victory, and through many let downs the Huskers finally settled on Bill Callahan, the ex-Oakland Raider coach. Bo Pelini thought that the head coaching position should have been handed to him, even after he embarrassed the entire state with his antics over 2 of the last 3 games in which he was involved in. Not too mention, that was the 1st year we had ever seen Mr. Pelini on a sideline in Nebraska.
The entire nation was giving Nebraska grief for firing a guy who had just finished a season with a 9 -3 record. Salty stuff for many teams across the country, but in retrospect, it was very average considering the schedule and the way that we were getting beat. 39-8 pastings at home against Kansas State just don't fly very well in Lincoln.
In 2004, the Bill Callahan era was ushered in at Nebraska. To this day, I believe that this was the right decision, and we have a solid head coach. The West Coast offense was to be unveiled in Lincoln that year, and the Husker faithful were to be introduced to balls being chucked around all over the field.
Not so fast my friend. Mr. Callahan was still operating a West Coast Offense with Option Offense players. Talk about oil and vinegar. Sure Bill could have gone down the same road as his previous Nebraska brethren, but he was intent on advancing the Huskers into the new millenium of spread offenses, and multiple wide receiver sets. Heck, Oklahoma won a National Championship in 2000 with a new coach, and a complete scrapping of the Wishbone attack for more of a Spread-Read offense that they run still to this day.
Callahan endured the 1st losing season in over 40 years at Nebraska, while finishing with a 5-6 record and no bowl game appearance. The end of the longest bowl streak in College Football history, still to this day. In 2005 Callahan knew he had to bring in a QB that could run his offense. Zac Taylor ended up being the JUCO recruit of choice. The Huskers improved to 8-4 that season with an Alamo Bowl victory over a much better Michigan squad.
Needless to say, hopes were high in 2006, and some people were talking of competing for a Big 12 Championship. Callahan's JUCO recruited QB ended up as the Big 12 offensive player of the year, and 1st team All-Big 12. They made it to the Big 12 Championship game in which they lost to Oklahoma in a game that was much closer than the 21-7 final. They then travelled to the Cotton Bowl to take on 9-2 and 10th ranked Auburn team. The Huskers were the better team on the field that day, only to lose a heart-breaker 17-14. The Huskers finished at 9-5 and many people said that we had not improved solely because our record was the worse than the year before.
As I've said before, records can be deceiving. In 2005 the Huskers won their last 2 games to finish 9-4. In 2006 they lost their last 2 games to finish 9-5. They played better teams in 2006, thus a worse record.
Now we have our introduction into our 2007 season. The Husker Nation was expecting a return to National Prominence. I wasn't so sure. They still had to play USC, and Texas on the road, all the while losing their entire front 4 off of the Defensive side of the ball, and introducing a new QB as well. Sam Keller has been good. But he has also had some struggles as well. There is no doubt that the Huskers are a ways away from competing with the big boys, but the signs are still there.
The biggest problem facing the Huskers this year, is their much-maligned defense. I can't argue in any form or fashion that we have taken a step back on the defensive side of the ball. There are many things that lead to this problem. 1st we lost Carriker and Moore off of our defensive front 4. In order to run a successful 4-3 defense you MUST have solid DE's. We don't have them this year. The lapse of our front 4 also leads to productivity problems at LB and the entire secondary. Unless LB's are allowed to run free to make tackles in the run game, you will have problems. If the front 4 are unable to put pressure on the QB, your secondary will be exposed regardless of how good they are. But, they aren't making plays when they have the opportunity either. Players have been in position to be successful, they just aren't doing it.
Thus leads me to my final observation of the current status of the 2007 Huskers and beyond. Callahan has been recruting very well, and we are seeing some of the most talented athletes to ever walk through our Husker program. However, if we do not shore up our defensive front 4 we will struggle, and we will struggle mightily. Injuries and losing out on top recruits to other schools have no doubt hampered our success of the front 4 on defense. This has to improve, or we will not.
Frank was given 6 years to dig our program into the ground. We should at the least, give Callahan 6 years to reverse that trend. Whatever you may say about Solich, he has set our program back an entire decade. If you really think we were competitive with him, while he was coaching HIS players, then you are sadly mistaken. Not too mention the worst thing we could do right now as a program would be to fire our head coach. If Cosgrove does not improve his defensive schemes and adjustments over the course of the rest of the season, then I have no problem letting him go, heck, Wisconsin is glad he left anyway.
If we were to fire Bill Callahan after this years season, then we will have likely stuck a fork in the entire history of our program that we will never recover from. The elite coaches in the country would have a hard time coming here, unless they knew they had the undeniable support of the AD and the entire staff at Nebraska.
At the very least, give Bill his 6 years, just like the drunk midget received. If we have not seen improvement towards 10 win seasons, then I might be right along with you in searching for a new coach. Until then, Bill Callahan has my undenying support as a Husker fan. Sure I'm a little flustered right now, but patience is what we all need to pracitce right now.
By the way, if we do end up firing Billy C in 2009, well, you can pretty well kiss our program into mediocrity for quite a long time. All the great teams have had their down points as well. This is ours. We were lucky enough not to have one for over 40 years.
So all I ask of the Chicken Little's in Husker land right now is to practice some patience. The same patience I practiced when Frank was in charge. I'll only assure you that the ending results will be much better this time around. Give your Huskers the most support you can, in a time when our entire program needs it the most.
Many times when athletes, players, or coaches pass away there is little fanfare behind it. They had simply passed their time, and the man above considered it their time. BIll Walsh's time was definitely cut short by a ridiculing disease known as Leukemia.
Leukemia is a crippling disease. A deadly disease. And sadly, after a 3 year battle against it; one of the greatest coaches, and men, has passed his time.
Bill Walsh was the innovator of the famed West Coast Offense. He was also the architect of the legendary San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl run of victories. But he was much more than that.
First of all, Mr. Walsh was a true man. An honest man. A guy you loved, even if you played against him. Most likely the most respected coach/man in the last 40 years of NFL football. Nobody has ever said a bad word about Bill Walsh. He was a man of true honor, patience, and character.
So after a good cry this morning when I heard the news, I started to do some introspect on what Bill Walsh really is/was.
Bill Walsh is:
Most likely one of the greatest football coaches in the history of football. Like I said before, he is probably the greatest coach in the NFL over the past 40 years. The lineage of great coaches he has left behind speaks for itself. I believe you can go to SocalSports blog to find his understudies. It is virtually a Who's Who list of great coaches in the NFL right now.
He was a mastermind. No one in the history of the NFL has ever brought about an offense that absolutely changed the way the game was to be played. His influences are still in play. His genius is still being portrayed on every Sunday in the NFL.
His theories of actually throwing to your fullback and halfback out of the backfield are as prevalent today as ever. It has changed the face of football.
Buddy Ryan's famed 46 defense was entirely built behind the simple attempt to stop a West Coast Offense. Buddy's entire scheme was to put as much pressure at the line of scrimmage as he could with the shere assemblence that he WASN'T putting that much pressure on a team. Buddy developed his scheming around the simplicity of stopping the dump off pass, and the deep post that the 49ers made legendary. Buddy's incredible defense that the Bears played in their famed '85 season was more a credit to Walsh's genius as it was Buddy's time in motion.
After that, Mr. Walsh changed speeds. He quickly realized that with the teams that played a zone blitzing scheme, they were also susceptible to the quick hitting routes that left fleet WR's and capable TE's open in the middle of the field. Still the soft spot of any 46 defensive scheme, althought Jeff Fisher at Tennessee shored that weakness up for a bit in the early 2000's. But the story still remains the same. There is not a team in the NFL that does not run some kind of West Coast offensive scheme, whether you think they do or not.
There are a few teams left in the NFL that run a pure West Coast Offense. Few run it as efficiently as Bill Walsh and company. Don't kid yourself, if it wasn't for Bill Walsh we may never have heard of a lowly touted QB out of Notre Dame known as Joe Montana if it wasn't for Mr. Walsh. Mr. Montana owe's his entire career to Mr. Walsh. Maybe even the great Jerry Rice as well.
This was a man with a legendary plan that set the NFL on it's proverbial ear for over a decade. The 49er offense was the best that there was for over a decade. It was the cream of the crop, and everybody was simply playing catch up.
When Mr. Walsh left the NFL game, he was asked a question by the ever present Brent Musberger. "How does it feel to leave the49ers, in your final game?"
Mr. Walsh simply was caught in the emotion, and broke down in tears. He never ellicited a response because the moment was even too large for him to take in.
Now it is our time to take Mr. Walsh in. First as a coach. But primarily as a legend, a friend, a mastermind, a changer, and an evolver of the greatest game in America.
It is our time to respect a man who has meant more to the game he left, than it was before he arrived. It is our time to respect a GREAT man. Mr. Bill Walsh.
My serious condolences to your family and all you have left behind, Mr Walsh.
To Bill Walsh: A man who left this place better than when he came. And that is all a man can ever ask for.
Thank You Bill. We'll never forget you.
The only credit I can give to, to this post is: BILL WALSH
Recently some strange events have been occuring in our sports world, that just don't seem to have any logic or validity in their reason. I'll preview just a few of them for you.
NHL Salaries: The NHL season is over, and without much fanfare. However, after some big trades, and, most importantly, some big contracts , it makes one wonder how the heck these teams pay these guys? The Stanley Cup Playoffs received lower ratings than the Food Channel. Go ahead, and look it up. A cooking show featuring how to cook great hamburgers on the grill during the summer received better ratings than the Stanley Cup Finals. And what do NHL players get for their reward? Cuts in contracts? A shortened season? Fines for poor play? No. They get to sign outrageous and lucrative contracts.
Paul Kariya just signed a 3 year deal with the St. Louis Blues worth $18 Million. Yep, that is $6 Million dollars a year (and no, I don't think he is Lee Majors either) for a player that plays in a league with less viewership during their championship series than the Food Channel network. To put this into perspective, Marc Bulger, QB for the St. Louis Rams made $549,500 last year. Ed Reed, one of the best Safeties in the NFL made $581,800, and last years league MVP, LaDanian Tomlinson made $5,001,320, still shy of Kariya's latest contract. With the NFL having the most viewership of any sport in the USA, and the most viewership of any event in the world (The Super Bowl), how does a pretty good hockey player make more money than the NFL MVP? This is just plain ridiculous. I've often said that athletes salaries are off the charts, and that no one deserves to be paid more than $1 Million a year regardless of what they do.
There are CEO's of forturne 500 companies that don't make salaries of $1 Million. Question is, why do our athletes get paid that much? And why do athletes of sports nobody cares to watch, get paid so much?
If you want to check out the salaries, you can find them on the Fox Sports website.
Andrew Bogut: Mr. Bogut, the former #1 pick in the NBA draft made some comments to a paper in his home country of Australia. I'll leave his quote and let you figure it out:
"The public's image of NBA players is true. A lot of them get caught up in the hype and do video clips with rappers and all that ####. They want bling bling all over themselves and drive fast cars. But that's just the way the culture is in America - if you've got it flaunt it and if you don't, you can't."
"I'm not into jewellery. I've got some earrings but they're not too expensive. There are guys who drop a hundred grand for a chain. The public's got it right - a lot of NBA stars are arrogant and like to spend lots of money and have lots of girlfriends and all that."
If this was America's Funniest Home Videos, then Mr. Bogut just gave the US a grand ol' kick in the groin. All the stories of players living the life in the NBA aren't just stories. This is a guy who plays with these guys night in and night out. He see's this #### on a regualar basis, and all he pretty much has to say is how ridiculous the lifestyles that many of these players lead. And we wonder why we can't compete in the Summer Olympics and garner even a visit to the medal stand?
Barry Bonds and the MLB All-Star Game: Barry Bonds will be playing in this years MLB All-Star game, in his own hometown and ballpark. He received over 300,000 votes in the final days to achieve this status. You can check out some of the following links to get the stats, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Barry+Bonds+ MLB+all-star+game+votes, but the sad story is Barry will be playing, regardless of what you think of him and his chase for the all-time home run record in MLB. Giants fans must have been logged on and voting with a passion over the final days to get their 'hero' into this contest. Oh well, I guess it makes LaRussa's job of finishing out this year's selections of who should be playing a lot less controversial. But in the end, does it really matter? Nobody will watch this game anyway; just like the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Professional All-Star games are a joke. But that is a whole 'nother post to get into in and of itself.
A-Rod's Wife: Supposedly she showed up at a recent Yankess game with a t-shirt/tank top with the words #### YOU written in bold letters on the back. (I'll let you figure out what it said.) And no, it wasn't in small print, it was very viewable. Some fans left their seats with their children to get away from such nonsense. I'm not a big fan of gossip in any sport, but I have to wonder, maybe Alex has a reason to hang out with hookers and at strip clubs. At least they are more mature than a 12 year old.
I-Phone: If you were standing in line, and in some places sleeping in line to get an I-Phone, you need to get an I-Life. The I-phreaks, I guess, were out in masses to get the latest in geek-technology. One has to wonder why one would spend $600 on a phone. But then again, maybe I'm too simplistic in my nature, and don't understand the technology wiz of this contraption. But then again, I'll wait for 2 years and buy one for $100. Probably another reason why America is I-phat, and throw that in with the PS3 craze when that thing came out, and I have some serious problems with the intellect and social structure of our great nation. These kinds of events scare the holy I-#### out of me. Get off the couch America, there is a world out there for you to enjoy, and most of it doesn't entail a computer, phone, or dvd player. It is real people and real events such as a softball game, a golf match, or your kids soccer game. Get in tune with what really matters.
Well, that is my simple rant for the past week. But I'll leave you all with a good thought. College Football is only 59 days away before a slew of games kick off on August 30th. I'm sure there will be people actually watching these games, and no one will be wearing a $100K gold chain, whilst we enjoy watching amateurs (if you want to call them that) play our favorite game in the grand ol' US of A.
That has been the huddle talk all year for LeBron and company in Cleveland. LeBron has raised the spirits of his team to believe. Not in him. But in themselves.
Kobe, on the other hand is in another off-season crying for better players and crying to be traded........not traded........... I love this team..........I need to go. I don't know, I'm 5 years old mentally. What do you expect of me?
The difference between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James is more than you can see in their individual play. It is more about the love of the game, and most importantly the love for their teeammates.
LeBron LOVES his teammates, regardless of their plusses or minuses. He LOVES playing basketball at its highest level with 11 other players. He has made it his passion to take Daniel Gibson under his wing and make him believe. Make him believe that he is better than DANIEL thinks he is. THAT is why Mr. Gibson scored 31 points in the decisive victory over Detroit.
Would a teammate of Kobe's ever step up in a game that mattered? DOUBTFUL. Kobe does not stand behind his teammates. He doesn't go to war for them, he doesn't back them up. Most likely they are scared of him and the repercussions of when they do something wrong. They are simply on board to do whatever Kobe does. Win or Lose.
And in those situations, it usually means lose unless 'Joe Superstar' can perform unbelievable unhuman events. Kobe didn't do that this year. Probably never will again. The 81 points was nice. During a regular season game against nobody that mattered. Gee Kobe, that was great.
After Game 2 of the Detroit series, LeBron said, "No Excuses". He made a statement to his team that they don't have excuses for losing, regardless of what hand they have been delivered.
LeBron made a statement that whoever makes the mistake, it is a TEAM effort that lost the game. He made "No Excuses".
What happened next? Four straight, and a decisive game 6 victory in Cleveland before all the Witnesses.
So if you really want to know the difference between Kobe and LeBron. Well, it is pretty simple. One guy has a TRUE desire to win. A TRUE love to win, regardless of who gets the hype. The other guy just wants the headlines. One guy loves his teammates with a true passion, the other guy still just wants headlines.
One guy wants to win, period. The other guy just wants to be better than Jordan.
I've played a lot of sports in my lifetime. Jr. High, High School, and College. The guys, the leaders that made me play the hardest were the ones that believed in me. When I became a senior I instilled that belief in my fellow players. We were a unit. We would play our guts out for each other regardless of who was the star that night. It was about winning. It was about the TEAM.
LeBron is that guy. He is about the TEAM. Kobe. He is about Kobe. I've seen a lot of those guys in my lifetime as well. All they do is complain. All they do is lose to better TEAMS with better leaders.
LeBron is a leader. Teams follow a TRUE leader. Kobe and Wilt? They just fade away.
Hmmmmm..... Kind of sounds like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, doesn't it?
Sorry I cut this one short all. I could go on and on. But there is a reason why people IDOLIZE Kobe, and there is a reason why people LOVE LeBron. To me, it is that plain and simple.
We were all witnesses tonight. We all saw the best player in the league pour in 48 points. On the road when it really mattered. A game the Pistons had to win. A game the Pistons were SUPPOSED to win. A game......well, quite simply, LeBron won.
Thank You King. Thanks for letting everybody know that you are not overrated. Thanks for letting everybody know that this league, the NBA, is now YOUR league for the next 15 years.
Ladies and Gentleman, you were just witnesses to the changing of the guard. In more ways than one. LeBron, as I have said all along, IS the best player in the league.
After a disastrous first 2 games in The Palace, LeBron has put his Cavs on the middle of his back. He has now carried them to a home victory away from displacing their Eastern Conference nemesis, and a game away from The Finals.
Now, I'm not counting my chickens. No, No, No. Detroit still has the swagger of a team that has been to the Eastern Conference finals for many a year. I'm not kidding myself. This thing is FAR from over. The Pistons have won an NBA Championship. They are a veteran ballclub with a ton of fight. They have been the team to beat in the East for quite some time. Don't let me confuse you with my earlier indication. I'm just here to prounounce that the King has made his statement, and he has ARRIVED. Regardless of how this series may end up, LeBron is here. LeBron is now. Now it is time for you to deal with it.
He has had many naysayers. He has had many non-believers. Consider me a person who has NEVER been part of that group. I remember the ESPN games when he was in High School. I remember the hype. Heck, I was part of it. He was the most talented player I had ever seen. He was going to be the next..........LeBron.
Yep, thats right. To, me he had no comparison. Nor should he. There has never been a player with more raw athleticism and a straight up gift for the game than LeBron when he entered the league at a meager 18 years old.
Balk if you will, I posted a blog about game 1 asking for LeBron to show us. I posted a blog about him begging to show us the here and now. I posted saying that it was his time. It was time for LeBron to be LeBron.
He has answered. And mightily mind you. Welcome to the next 15 years of the NBA. The here is now. The HERE is HERE, and it is NOW.
Thanks for responding LeBron. Now make me even more proud, and put those Pistons out to their misery. I'm not a PIstons hater. I'm just not a Piston's fan. There is no doubt that I have much respect for the Pistons. We all should. They have had their run. Can the Pistons respond? I have no doubt that Game 6 in Cleveland will be an outright brawl. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pistons showed their moxy and beat The LeBron's.
It was just nice to see, my boy. The new NBA Superhero, show his mettle tonight. Thank You LeBron. Thank You, for showing me the future I knew that you had.
It is time for you all to jump on his bandwagon. I have a comfy front seat if you like. Enjoy the ride.
I usually don't post twice in the same day, but I have to make an exception in this case. Roger Clemens, the $20 Million Dollar Man, is going to make a 3rd start in the Minors. Yes you heard that correctly, the saving grace of the Yankees has been demoted to making a 3rd start for the Trenton Thunder before being allowed to enter the rotation of the hallowed New York Yankees.
The New York Yankees GM, Brian Cashman recently announced that their new Ace-in-the-Hole, Roger Clemens, will need to make a 3rd appearance in the Minor Leagues to shake off the rust.
In case you missed it, the Rocket, has pitched two very uninspiring Minor league games. His fastball has only been clocked in the upper 80's, lower 90's and his splitter just doesn't have that awe-inspiring movement that made him his generations most dominant pitcher.
His Minor League pitching efforts have obviously not inspired Mr. Cashman either, and he is inclined to have Roger make a third start at the lower level, further delaying his 1st appearance with The Evil Empire.
This should not come as a shock to most Major League baseball fans. Roger Clemens is 44 years old and will turn 45 this year in August. He is far from a spring chicken, and by most baseball pitching standards would have retired about 10 years ago. However, his loss of velocity on his fastball is extremely alarming. A guy who has thrown in the mid-90's throughout his career is now only throwing in the high 80's. Major League hitters gobble up 88 mph fastballs, regardless of movement. His fastball is no longer rising and is often times sitting in the middle of the plate ready to be teed off on. His control is also a little shaky as he is not finding the corners like he has throughout his dominant stint in the Majors.
For a guy who was paid $20 Million (pro rata) to supposedly salvage a rather dismal Yankees start, this is a very disturbing situation.
Maybe age has finally caught up with the "I'll play on my terms" Mr. Clemens. Maybe it is said justice for a man who thinks the league should come begging for him to play, as well as pay him like an everyday player. This may well be a preview to an 'Ace' with a 5+ ERA and more losses than victories.
Most likely I'm premature. I should probably never doubt a man with the credentials that a bonafide HOF like Mr. Clemen's possesses. But it just seems like old father time has finally caught up with Mr. Clemens afterall.
This story should start to get really interesting if Mr. Clemens continues to struggle.
Tired of some of the #### that gets spewed on this site? Sick of some of the unobjectionable idiots that run around here? Well, your friendly mastermind Notradomus is here to set you straight. Maybe even set you free.
There have been some comments made in the public, the media, and this godforsaken blogsite as well, that quite simply just don't make any sense. Your best buddy and friend, Nostradomus, is here to set you straight. As your friendly host I'm here to get you back on the course of being a sensible and reasonable fan; let alone blogger.
The points that I will address to you are the following:
The Suns and Spurs series
The SEC
Phil MIckelson vs. Tiger Woods
The Detroit Pistons
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs
The Suns Vs. Spurs Series:
Everyone pretty much knew that this would be a great series. Two unmovable objects moving against each other. The BEST DEFENSE in the league vs. the BEST OFFENSE in the league. The reigning MVP vs. Tim Duncan and company. The question everyone had is: Could the Suns FINALLY beat a quality team when it really mattered? This question has yet to be answered. But I see signs that they can and WILL compete. After a 1st game loss at home they responded with a 20 point victory. They then fought, somewhat, in game 3.
Speaking of game 3, I have a lot of problems with this one. The Suns complained all game about reffing. You know how I feel about reffing. Don't let it affect your game. Move on, become a man, and step up for your own destiny. Never rely upon someone else to make YOUR destiny. The Suns fell into that role. They kept complaining. Kept whining. Kept blaming someone OTHER THAN THEMSELVES for being beat. I have also heard that #### from bloggers all over this site as well. QUIT IT!!
I'm here to be your friend and mentor. Complaining about the refs shows weakness. Get back up off the floor, or field, and show that you have the determination to win. DO NOT, blame your failures on anyone OTHER than YOURSELF. Once you start doing that you have already lost. This is a lesson I learned A LONG TIME AGO!
With that said. The Suns have a huge obstacle to overcome. The Spurs are playing inspired basketball, and Tony Parker is more of a threat than anyone would have thought. He is almost playing as the equal to Steve Nash's hero. I'm not saying he is better, but it is definitely closer a challenge than I ever thought. The Suns have some definite questions to answer in game 4. The biggest question is how much HEART do the SUNS HAVE?
The SEC:
Yep, the SEC again. A month and a half removed from the Gators National Basketball championship, and 4 plus months since the Football championship. And what do we STILL HEAR? How great the SEC is.
Congratulations. Seriously, I give you a HUGE pat on the back. But enough is enough. Celebrate amongst yourselves, the rest of the country really doesn't give a ####. Not to mention our conferences have achieved AS MUCH if not MORE than your beloved SEC. You still don't have a team ranked in the top 10 as far as National Championships won, or victories earned (except for Alabama). You can complain and argue all you want, but the simple fact remains, you JUST AREN"T AS GOOD AS YOU THINK YOU ARE.
We respect you. We just don't fear you.
Phil Mickelson vs. Tiger Woods:
This is going to get good. At least as far as the media is concerned. Phil has won a meaningful tournament (The Players this Sunday) since his meltdown in last years US Open.
The media is now going to be focused on the fact that Tiger and Phil are now ranked 1 and 2 in the World Golf Rankings. Problem is, Phil is so far UNsuperior to Tiger that it just doesn't matter. They can talk and jibe all they want it to be, but the simple fact remains: Tiger is the best player on the planet, and HAS been for 10 YEARS. Thats right, 10 YEARS. I wish I could have made my bed for 10 years let alone being recognized as the BEST golfer on the planet for that long of a period in time.
Don't let the media fool you. They will try as they may, but TIger is STILL the MAN, and always will be until: Oh lets just say Phil wins another 9 major championships? Thats right, Phil would need the NEXT 9 Majors to surpass Tigers already standing accomplishment. Call me when he catches him. By that time it will be 2010, I'm sure I'll have changed my number anyway.
The Detroit Pistons
Can these guys just go away? Please? I hate this team. Every single one of them. Not a player on this squad that any other team in the league really wanted, or wants for that matter. But collectively, they play as well as anybody; especially when it matters. Chauncey, Rasheed, Tayshaun, and Rip, play with such unselfishness the rest of the NBA is embarrassed. Even the Spurs.
This is the matchup I don't want to see. The Spurs vs. The Pistons? Sure it would be a tough, hard fought, close series, but do you really want to see a 79 - 76 final score in any NBA Finals game? That just may well happen if these two defensive stalwarts square up.
I have no reason to hate the Spurs and the Pistons. I like the Suns, the Cavs, and the Mavs. Maybe I only like teams with a 4 letter nickname. Maybe I just don't like defense. Who knows. It would just pain me to see the Spurs and Pistons in the Finals. Problem is; that very may well happen, and most likely will (60% chance). I have no problems with Detroit, it is just a tough team to like if you don't live in the Motor City.
The Cleveland Cavaliers:
Now here is a team I can like. A city that the rest of the world gives grief to. They haven't won a championship in anything since Jim Brown roamed the sidelines in the NFL. And I'm sure none of us can remember that, much less have been alive to witness it.
Cleveland is the brunt of every bad city joke on the planet. If I lived in Cleveland I would probably move because of it. (Just kidding.) But I have started to love this town because of that rap. AND, because a man by the name of LeBron James is playing ball there. To me, LeBron is the greatest talent I have EVER seen come into the NBA. I wasn't old enought to witness Wilt or Kareem come in, but outside of those guys, this is the most hyped introduction ever.
For that, I kind of feel sorry for the guy. The hopes and aspirations of 2 million people lay on his 21 year old shoudlers. And broad they are. Smile Cleveland. You are home to THE BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA. Yep you heard it here, from your buddy Nostra. LeBron IS the best player in the NBA. The real question is, can he guide his mates to an NBA FInals appearance and a shocking NBA title. Let me be the first to say that he can. The question is: When?
Dirk and The Mavs
So the MVP is done with his season they tell me. The MVP is a choke artist. The MVP is a joke? DOUBTFUL .
Dirk Nowitzki is 7'0'' tall. Dirk does not run the point. Dirk does not control when and where he will get the ball. He can only demand it. Shaq has run into this problem many times in his career. But Shaq being a Center, gets away with it. Unfortunately for Dirk he will not get the public sympathy because he doesn't play on the block. (Honestly they gave the MVP to Dirk because Kobe played on an inferior team and they couldn't make a case for making Nash a three-peat winner.)
What a joke America. Dirk just led, THE BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE, to the best record in the league. They fell on their faces in the 1st round to a much inferior team. We should be praising Golden State and Baron Davis more than ridiculing Dirk and The Mavericks. Job well done Warriors. Shame on you Dirk and Dallas.
Dirk deserved the MVP. He, as they say in the commercials, EARNED IT. Until the day that Dirk gets a worthy point guard to merit his services, I will not blame him. Dirk is one of the best 5 players in the league, bar none. Bring Jason Kidd to Dallas, no matter what the price, and then we can argue if he doesn't get it done. Until then, give the guy some respect as one of the best players in the league. At least you don't hear him cry like some baby in Los Angeles wearing a Laker uniform.
Well, thats my pedestal. I'm off it now. Let me hear your rant, cause mine is done. I just hope that you are smarter now than when you first stopped by. My guess is: UNDOUBETEDLY!.
Yes fans, it is that time of year again. Non-football season. Here in Huskerland there are only 3 seasons. Football season. Spring Football Season. And the woeful "I can't wait till" football season. Unfortunately right now is that dreaded non-football season.
All a serious college football fan hopes for during the non-football season is that the players stay healthy, out of trouble, and make grades. The rest will always fall into place for us eternal optimists.
Every new college football season is like Spring. It breathes a fresh breath of air into the lungs of all college football fans. A new beginning, a fresh start, and optimism runs abound. In Huskerland, optimism has not been this high since the great Tom Osborne roamed the sidelines for Dear Old Nebraska U. A high profile transfer in Sam Keller, and a bevy of receivers and speed have sprung some new life into a decade long drought of mediocre football.........................
Until this past week..........
Maurice Purify, our stud receiver, is rumored to have gotten into a bar brawl. Typical stuff that happens on college campuses across the nation. If a player gets into a fight, I can see a game or two suspension as being rightful justice. Kids make mistakes. You punish them, lay down the law, and set the stakes much higher if they get in trouble again. Much like you would punish and ground your own kid. Make them realize the difference between right and wrong, and hope they learn their lesson.
However, this one seems to be a little more than that. Maurice has been a good guy since arriving on campus last spring as a Junior College transfer. He has said all the right things, and for the most part, has done all the right things as well. (I'm not with him 24/7, but the guy seemed like your average student/athlete.) The bar brawl I can deal with. However, it sounds like Maurice was ticketed with 3 charges including resisting arrest, and 2 counts of assault, including a woman. The charges are disturbing and the assault of woman is very disturbing. There is also no place for disrepect of the law, no matter what your claim may be.
Bill Callahan, our current head coach, has been known to be a strict disciplinarian. Harrison Beck, our big 5 star QB recruit from a few years ago, often complained about not getting all the attention that he deserved. Harrison balked, fled to Florida, and Billy C gave him his walking papers. Harrison has since transferred to North Carolina. Mr. Callahan prides himself on running a tight ship, and makes no qualms about who is running the show. If the rumors are correct, I'm sure Billy C will be very strict in his discipline regarding Mo Purify. If Mo is guilty of resisting arrest and striking a woman, I would not be surprised if he was dismissed from the team.
If these rumors are true, and Billy does kick Mo off of the team, I am all for it. We don't need that #### here in Lincoln, NE. I harken back to the days when the legendary Tom Osborne was very lenient in his discipline of his star players. I'm sure you all remember the episodes of Lawrence Phillips. The one-time stud tailback and Heisman hopeful who beat up his ex-girlfriend and 'new' boyfreind. TO gave Lawrence every chance to right himself, and eventually allowed him to play in our bowl game that year. LP encountered many more troubles after that, and was eventually kicked out of the NFL for his constant run-ins with the law. A definite black-eye for the Nebraska football program.
This was Tom Osborne's lone fault as a coach. He has such strong Christian values that he will always forgive and forget and give people 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances. He always wanted people to succeed and believed he could mold them into being people with character as strong as his own. He always found good in everyone, no matter how bad they seemed to be, or whatever actions they may have performed. It was his achilles heel. You can't fix everyone, and sometimes people are beyond repair.
Mr. Bill Callahan has a different view. My way or the highway. Play by his rules, or he will find somebody else who will, no matter how many stars are next to your name.
Maurice Purify is a much needed aspect to the Huskers hopes of a Big 12 Championship, and a longshot National Championship. WIth Sam Keller, and Marlon Lucky, the pieces at QB and RB are there. We need Maurice to be the receiver who spreads the field and demands double coverage respect from every team we face. Without Maurice, we don't have that big time receiver that can do that. Without Maurice, we will likely be a bit better than last year, but not contenders like we could be with him.
As you can see, the events surrounding Maurice Purify can have some drastic effects on the Huskers football team this year. With games against USC, Wake Forest, Texas A&M, and Texas, we need his services to win these type of games. We need him in order to compete at the highest of levels in college football.
With that said, will I respect Bill Callahan if he dismisses Mr. Purify from the football team? Absolutely, moreso than if he took this years team to a Big 12 or National Championship. Morals should be a higher standard than championships. Afterall there are more important things in life than a winning football team.
But of course I will hold onto that glimmer of hope that all of us college football fans do, and say that the rumors are false, and Maurice was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is that eternal optimist season isn't it? Please Mo, say it ain't so. Say it ain't so.
Thanks for reading, and good luck in your 'off-season' as well.
Yes fans, it is that time of year again. Non-football season. Here in Huskerland there are only 3 seasons. Football season. Spring Football Season. And the woeful "I can't wait till" football season. Unfortunately right now is that dreaded non-football season.
