Jim Tressel: Playing The NCAA Like A Fiddle

Photo Credit: Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer

Listen to this: Jim Tressel has decided to increase his suspension from the paltry, pathetic, and laughable two games that he initially felt was fair to five—like his players.

For those of you who don't remember the story, here's the recap: in January, five of Ohio State's football players were suspended by the NCAA for the first five games of the 2011 season for accepting tattoos in exchange for signed memorabilia. Tressel, at the time, feigned ignorance and said he had no knowledge of what his players were doing. He admonished them for their actions and moved on from the matter with no further commentary.

However, it was recently discovered that not only did Tressel know what was going on with said players, but he hid what he knew from the public as best he could by lying. His reasoning for doing so, he "feared" for the safety of his players.

Ohio State's response to finding out what Tressel did was to suspend him for two-games and fine him $250,000.

Well, obviously, the NCAA isn't looking for anymore criticism from the college football pundits of the world because they told Ohio State and Tressel to shove that two game suspension and come up with something better. Tressel's response, get this, he'll accept five games. The hell you say?...You'll accept five?!? Is that a joke? Surely, Tressel has to understand that his punishment, by virtue of his stature and crime, should be worse than that of his players.

After all, he did lie to the NCAA. Quite frankly, in my humble opinion, anything less than the a season-long suspension isn't worth talking about.

There should be no mercy for him or Ohio State because this isn't a case of, "aw, man, I had no idea". Tressel's actions were committed with full-knowledge of the consequences and he should be held to the fire for his actions.

Now, before we get the folks who'll scream, 'Hey, Lady, you think college football is a clean sport? You think Tressel is the exception and not the rule', let me make this clear, I don't care about the perception of college football. Perception is not the point.

We all understand that coaches break rules, teams cheat, and players can be bought—this isn't me living in a Utopian paradise where those kinds of things never happen. But, if the NCAA doesn't address this situation more forcefully, then why bother having the rules in the first place?

You have to start making an example of coaches at some point and, if that lesson begins with Jim Tressel—so be it.

Tressel should be forced to sit out the season for what he did, anything less is a joke.

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Inez Sainz: Is Lance Briggs An Idiot or Just Speaking The Truth?

UPDATE: This link was offered by a commenter and clears up the question of whether or not men are allowed into the locker rooms of women. The article specifically states that the WNBA does allow such access—at designated times. While the information does slightly alter my opinion of the matter, it does not change the fact that "women in men's locker rooms" is something that will always be debated. That said, in the interest of full-disclosure, the article below has not been altered in any way. 

Lance Briggs, a professional football player for the Chicago Bears, has recently come under fire for some comments he made regarding the issue of female reporters conducting post-game interviews in male locker rooms. Said Briggs:

"I don't think women should be allowed in the locker room...A lot of times I'm asking the media to wait until I'm dressed" (Grizzly Detail, 9/16/10)

His comments have come on the heels of the Inez Sainz incident which, unless you have been hiding in a galaxy far, far, away, you have heard about in much detail by now. If not, feel free to read about it here.

However, the purpose of this article isn't to support her efforts nor is it to spew vitriol at Lance Briggs for his statements...there's plenty of hand-wringing and political toe-tapping going on about both of those issues already.

The point of this article is to ask this simple, yet completely glossed over, question: are men allowed
into the locker rooms of female sports teams?

In all of the furor over the treatment of Inez Sainz, treatment that was immature but not unexpected—considering the circumstances—people seem content to leave out the fact that male reporters are not allowed into the dressing rooms of professional female athletes either (at least not to my knowledge).

And, why aren't they?

 

The obvious, short-sighted, is likely because it is assumed that women have a better ability to control their hormones and their actions than men would if put in a similar situation. Women wouldn't be as likely to give in to their urge to stare, comment, or objectify the person standing, half-naked, in front of them, as a man might be.

Translation: men are dogs and, if taken off the leash, they will make a mess of such a situation. 

While the argument could be considered a valid one, based in part on the comments made both in the media (Rush Limbaugh called Sainz "bootylicious") and on some message boards, regarding the Inez Sainz issue, it doesn't change the fact that there is a double-standard in play—most women would not be comfortable allowing a male reporter to interview them, if the only piece of clothing they had on was a towel. 

Should women be allowed to have access to the players? Absolutely! However, why is it so important that the locker room be a part of that access? Isn't there just as much information to be gleaned from the post-game press conference?...No?

Oh, yeah, that's right, it's impossible to truly get a feel for the emotional distress or disappointment a player is feeling if he has too much time to compose himself. The viewing public wants the gritty stuff—the reality bite. The viewing public wants to be able to see things like this:

Uh-huh...because that interview had so much to do with the game that was played.

Listen, this is a blog written by, and from the perspective of, a lady sportswriter so, I get it, I do. That said, I also know that this is an issue that can easily be solved by allowing no reporters in the locker room whatsoever.

Why does anyone, male or female, have to be there? There are certainly more than a handful of men who share Lance Briggs' desire to be able to shower, relieve, and dress himself without some media type shoving a mic in his face.

Even more, if the need for a quick sound bite is the driving force behind conducting an interview in such an informal and intrusional way, then there is reason to believe that the opportunity for that is every bit as probable in the conference room—just ask Jim Mora, Dennis Green, Allen Iverson, or, my personal favorite, Mike Gundy how easy that can be:

No locker room access needed for that gem, folks—just saying.

 

Women are worthy of equal treatment—across the board—no one is arguing that point here. However, is this really the issue that women want to tout as important? And, if so, are you preparing for the day when the inevitable, yet obvious, question is finally asked about men being allowed to do the same?

Be prepared because the day that question gets asked with more conviction is not only coming, but it's here, and it's valid—whether you think so or not.

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Joe Montana to Daniel Ruettiger: You Really Weren't That Special, Dude

Joe Montana, the current NFL Hall of Famer, and former Notre Dame great, has decided to take a gigantic crap on one of the most storied tales in college football lore: the story of Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger.


We all recall the movie, right? The one where the undersized, moderately talented, blue-collar kid from Indiana works his tail off to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The movie, Rudy, etched this story into the mindset of just about every college football fan in America because of the message the movie promoted: if you work hard enough, sometimes dreams really do come true. The most lasting image from the film was that of the entire Notre Dame football team carrying Rudy off the field—the act brought tears to the eyes (admit it, you cried a little, too).


Well, now the great Joe Montana is saying: Not so fast, my friend.

According to Montana, no one was chanting the diminutive players name, and that whole "carrying him off the field" thing, that really wasn't as heartfelt an act as it appeared—the team was just "playing around"said Montana.


After reading this story, the one question that comes to mind is this: why is Montana trying to corrupt the treasured memory of a beloved Notre Dame football player—one he, admittedly, played alongside? Surely he realizes that this won't fare well with some of his fellow teammates or Irish alum who consider the story of Rudy to be an inspiration—one likened, in some respects, to that of George Gip (the tragic figure behind Knute Rockne's famed "win one for the Gipper..." speech).

Gip also was immortalized on film by the late  Ronald Reagan (yes, that Ronald Reagan) in Knute Rockne: All American (1940):




But back to Joe, why is he so salty?

I mean, honestly, those of us who could care less about the validity of the "Rudy" story don't see the point of tearing down the message—just because you can. It seems a little bitter and ill-timed by Montana. Perhaps he's mad that the story of Rudy has usurped the story of Joe?...Just saying.


Did the crowd chant, Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!...not likely, but, who cares? (see video of actual sack by Ruettiger, against Georgia Tech, below):





Joe needs to just do what he does best these days: pitch sneakers and weight-loss products; don't turn into the bitter, old, washed-up, football player—that's not a good look.


Shape up, Joe.

Urban Meyer Looks To Curb The ebay Trolls—Good Luck

Urban Meyer decided to lay the smack down on those who might be seeking to get rich off the current popularity of his Florida Gators football team.

The prickly coach recently announced that practices would be closed to the fans this summer so that his players could concentrate on football and not have to deal with the pesky autograph hounds who intend to sell their wares on ebay.

Said Urban, "...you walk across and people just maul you and bother you and Internet people grabbing helmets, 'Sign this,' and we don't have security saying, 'Get the heck out of here.' You'll see a lot more 'get the heck out of here' from now on and let the kids go practice and concentrate on football." (ESPN, 8/8/2010).

"Internet people"?...that's a lovely choice of words, Urban—is that like some weird cult or something? It sure sounds scary...should we all be on the lookout for this treacherous group of people or what? Just want to know if I should hide the kids.

Anyway, I guess he's grown a little tired of all the extra attention that comes from putting his players on display. A curious thought when you consider he pimped the heck out of his last star player (ahem, Tim Tebow, cough, cough—promise speech) and his own little Brett Favre moment when he both retired and unretired within a span of 48-hours.

He turned that unnecessary spectacle into one heckuva recruiting haul for 2010.

In all seriousness, though, I can understand Urban's problem with the "Internet people" who are looking to make a quick buck off a hot signature but, the player doesn't have to sign the item—does he? I mean, surely the Gators can afford to hire some security to keep the blood hounds at bay, right?... Just a question.

Urban isn't breaking the mold by closing practices. Many coaches decide to shut out the media and the casual viewer and no one makes a big fuss about it, so, why did he have to come out and make a big spectacle of himself by throwing all those adjectives around?

It sounds to me like he just bought another ticket to drama-ville by calling out the ebay trolls and "Internet people". Good luck keeping them at bay now, Urban, you just made the value of those autographs go up by making them so much harder to get—tsk...tsk...tsk.

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Reggie Bush Still Doesn't Quite Seem To Get It

"...I can't dwell on the negatives because I do have a job to do and I have a whole organization and a city riding on my back, not necessarily my back, but the team's back."(ESPN, 7/31/2010)

Reggie Bush is moving on from the scandal that recently brought his former alma mater to its knees. Even though he has all but been erased from the visual memory of his days as USC's star running back, he isn't allowing it to effect his current responsibility as a New Orleans Saint.

While I can understand that the past is the past, I am bothered by the, seemingly, lackadaisical attitude that Bush continues to display about this matter. It's as if he's silently saying, "I did it. It's done. Too bad it amounted to all this but, I can't fix it so, I'm over it".

Really Reggie?

If you think I am exaggerating his emotions too much, just take a look at his last comment  in regards to rebuilding his relationship with USC, "I hope someday at some point it can be repaired," Bush said. "We'll see what happens. That's all I can do."

Umm, yeah. So, you all but decimate one of the most dominant runs in USC's history, this decade, you handcuff the program for the next two seasons (via scholarship limitations and bowl bans), you brought shame to the football program, and, you may very well be responsible for the departure of countless veterans from the team (since the sanctions allowed juniors and seniors to exit without penalty), and you honestly think the relationship isn't severed—permanently?

Again, I say, Reggie Bush doesn't get it.

I know there are many who will say, he was lured by the money and the opportunity to help his family get ahead. He was struggling, despite the money USC was making off his presence, what was he supposed to have done?

Well, that answer is easy, he was supposed to say "no", move on, and await his shot in the NFL...LIKE EVERY OTHER PLAYER.

While I do not agree with USC's over-the-top response to the situation, I can understand the philosophy behind the actions they have taken. They don't want to glorify the man who essentially has crippled them and they wish to send a stern message to any player who might be thinking of following in his footsteps.

However, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the hypocrisy in removing his jersey and returning his Heisman copy while still allowing the trophy and jersey of disgraced former star, O.J. Simpson to remain—just saying.

Yet, I digress.

Reggie Bush made a poor decision. A decision guys he never played with will have to suffer through for the next two seasons. It's not just an "outside distraction" that "is what it is". It's the principle of the thing. He made a huge mistake and, honestly, he's gotten off easy.

Sure, USC will remove his jersey and his Heisman but, no matter what they do, most people will still respect Bush as one of the greatest college football players—ever.

Reggie Bush will still be Reggie Bush no matter what USC or the media does to vilify him—like it or not. He likely knows that and perhaps that is why he can be so philosophical about the whole thing. He just doesn't get it.

I doubt he ever will.

Jeremiah Masoli Says Perception Isn't Reality Where His Image Is Concerned

Jeremiah Masoli wants to remake his image. It's understandable given all he's gone through in the last four months, but can he do it? Can he change the public's perception of him?

His road to recovery has started with the launch of a new website that is dedicated to painting as pretty a picture of him as possible. The site, appropriately named JeremiahMasoli.net, offers, among other things, a resume of his accomplishments, detailed accounts of media mistakes, and a timeline of events.

The timeline covers Masoli from birth to his dismissal from the University of Oregon football program after being charged with robbery. Curiously, Masoli states that he was never guilty of any crime but, rather, pleaded guilty to avoid serving any jail time.

Sports Illustrated writer, Michael McKnight, has taken on the challenge of retelling the story of what really happened on that fateful night–the hope being that people will see Masoli in a less-menacing light.

After reading the article, listening to the 911 call, and perusing the police report, it is clear that the events of that night, as translated by the media, could have been slightly over-exaggerated.

For one, the belongings of both victims were never found. In fact, the only item that was visibly seen was a projector that was returned by Garrett Embry (Masoli's teammate). The victim, Max Wolfard says that he confiscated the item, which he identified as his, from Embry after a brief chase.
Wolfard stated that he didn't see Masoli with any of the missing items but alleged that Masoli's baggy clothing could have hid them from view.

Secondly, Wolfard acknowleged that entry into his residence and his room required the proper key and code. Masoli nor Embry were residents of the house, so in order for either of them to have gained access to Wolfard's belongings, they would need help. Did they have any?

Even more, how could Wolfard be certain that one of the guests of the house or one of his fraternity brothers in general didn't steal the items? It's a valid question given the fact that none of the items were ever recovered.

That said, it would have been easy for an investigation of the crime to net nothing more than a finger-pointing at one guy from another. The chance that Masoli would have served one day in jail based on circumstantial evidence seems unlikely—I'm not a lawyer, but I just don't see where anything in the police report damages Masoli...until, of course, he lied.

Masoli's decision to try and disconnect himself from the events of that night by proclaiming to have been somewhere else was a dumb move. He admits as much in the SI article. The problem is, the fact that he admits it now, doesn't erase the perception it created in the minds of everyone else back then—he lied once, why should I believe he isn't lying now too?

His reason for the deception was understandable, given all he had to lose, but what he needs to understand is that the impression he gave is one that isn't flattering. He wants people to understand that he only lied because he didn't wish to be associated with the negativity that such an allegation would have placed upon him but, honestly, did he expect that lie to hold up given his popularity?

If he had told the truth, things may not have turned out nearly as badly as they did for him. As it were, even with the lies, his coach was willing to keep him on at Oregon. His suspension didn't come until after he made another poor decision to drive with marijuana in his possession—again, he seems to have trouble making good decision.

While I can understand what Masoli is trying to do by offering a new account of an old story, the fact that he initially lied makes it difficult to believe he didn't have some measure of involvement in the crime. If nothing more, he had to know that his former teammate, Garrett Embry was doing something wrong so why didn't he stop him or, if nothing else, refuse to leave the scene with him?

Again...poor decisions. 

The story that McKnight paints may appear to make Masoli look like a misunderstood victim, but truth be told, it makes it look like Masoli lacks leadership ability or the proper maturity to know when to stand tall and when to back down.

He could finally be on the right track with his recent positive media blitz, but unless he starts making the right decisions, no matter the circumstances, he will falter again—hopefully, he finally has his act together.

Bryce Brown...The Very Definition of Unclassy

Bryce Brown just joined the ranks of his former coach and, coincidentally, the man who lured him to Knoxville in the first place, Lane Kiffin, by exiting the Tennessee football program via text message.

Brown, who abruptly departed the Vols football program in late March, was given quite a bit of leeway by new coach Derek Dooley. No pressure was applied to Brown as the Vols awaited his decision to either finish out his career at Tennessee or transfer out. However, the longer the decision took to be made, the more apparent it became that Brown would not be returning—by the end of spring, it was clear both Dooley and the team had moved on. 

In hindsight, though, Dooley may have been better served to approach Brown and alert him that he needed to make a choice sooner rather than later. The reason for doing so would have been simple, to take pressure off both the team and himself in answering the question of whether Brown was going to remain or not.

Why continue to allow that kind of a distraction? Especially since it was clear that Dooley knew Brown's fate long before the end of spring practice. I mean, most of the fans and players had moved on from this soap opera, but the waiting was the kicker—Brown continued to drag out his request for a release, why?

In the end, not only did Brown not show up to meet with Dooley about his situation but he decided the best way to say goodbye was through a text message.

Unbelievable.

It always seems like poor form to talk negatively about a 19-year old kid who, presumably, still has a lot of growing up to do, but come on—seriously?!? A text message? Considering the amount of respect that Brown was given by Dooley, I would think he would have thought to at least give him as much respect in return. The fact that he didn't says a lot about him as a player and a man—right now.

According to at least one report, his parents weren't too happy about his decision to exit the program in this manner either—his father was vocal in stating that he didn't feel it was the manly thing to do. Well, I can definitely agree with daddy Brown on that one, but, at the same time, look at the example Brown toiled under during his first season in Knoxville.

Former Vols coach, Lane Kiffin, scurried out of town, under the cover of night, on short notice, with no explanation other than he was taking his "dream job". After which, he tried to pilfer what was left of the Vol's 2010 recruiting class and then proceeded to make statements to the effect that he never promised Tennessee a rose garden.

I guess Bryce picked up on the wrong man's cues for how to do things the right way.

Vanderbilt Coach, Bobby Johnson, Retiring For "Personal Reasons" (Video)

Bobby Johnson has officially retired from college football as the head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores—his longtime assistant, Robbie Caldwell, will take over as interim head coach.

Johnson did not site health reasons as the cause for his decision but rather a desire to spend more time doing "other things". He also stated that he just didn't feel he was able to give his all any longer and didn't feel it would have been fair to return for the 2010 season knowing as much.

It sounds to me like his wife may have finally decided that she'd had enough of being a coaches' wife and simply wished for him to do something else.

You be the judge:

Johnson explains that this was a "personal decision", not made without considering everyone who was involved. Vice Chancellor David Williams stated that he was "shocked" and "saddened" by Johnson's decision and he tried to "talk him out of it". Robbie Caldwell is introduced as interim head coach:



Johnson explains that it was a "hard decision" and the health of neither himself, nor his wife, had anything to do with his decision. He just felt it was time to live his life and do "other things"...Furthermore, he did not know at the end of last season that he wanted to retire.



Johnson is asked if he will return after a time, he replies "I don't think so". He alluded to the rigors of being an SEC coach as a factor in making this decision. He also feels that he's leaving the program in good hands—is looking forward to the "uncertainty" that his retirement offers him...he will not remain in Nashville.

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SEC Media Days: A.J. Green Expected To Be In Attendance For Georgia

SEC Media Days will be held in Hoover, AL from July 21-23rd at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, AL. The yearly event has instituted one major change as there will now be three player representatives from each team as opposed to two.

The Georgia Bulldogs will send A.J. Green (WR), Drew Butler (P), and Shaun Chapas (FB)—three of the nicest, most personable, and least inflammatory guys you will likely ever meet.

It's obvious that Georgia isn't looking for too much spotlight at this point—they've had quite enough of the media's negative spin on their recent troubles.

So, no Washaun Ealey or Caleb King means no questions about the recently suspended, Dontavius Jackson.

No Aaron Murray or Logan Gray means little possibility of Zach Mettenberger's name floating to the surface again. 

The lack of a defensive player means there will be less questions about the 3-4, Todd Grantham, or the progress of the 3-4 scheme thus far.

Just keep it simple and get the heck out of dodge without too much hoopla being stirred up again. 

A.J. Green will probably have some level of tense questioning, but it's likely to revolve around the possibility that this could be his last season at Georgia. Some may also ask about the progress of Aaron Murray but I don't expect those questions to be overly controversial or intrusive. 

Otherwise, expect all eyes and most questions, to be reserved for coach Mark Richt. No doubt he will get his fair share of inquiries about his job, the program, and the state of his football team for 2010—luckily he won't have time to answer every question.

Below are the other teams and the players who will be in attendance. The flashbulbs will probably be the brightest around Alabama as Saban will trot out not only LB, Dont'a Hightower but Heisman winner, Mark Ingram, and quarterback Greg McElroy.

SEC MEDIA DAY ATTENDEES:

Alabama: 

RB Mark Ingram
LB Dont’a Hightower
QB Greg McElroy
 
Arkansas: 

QB Ryan Mallett 
TE D.J. Williams 
DE Jake Bequette
 
Auburn: 

OT Lee Ziemba
LB Josh Bynes
DB Aairon Savage
 
Florida: 

C Mike Pouncey
DE Justin Trattou
S Ahmad Black
 
Georgia: 

WR A.J. Green
P Drew Butler
FB Shaun Chapas
 
Kentucky: 

WR-QB-PR-KOR Randall Cobb
DE DeQuin Evans
TB-KOR Derrick Locke
 
LSU:

QB Jordan Jefferson
LB  Kelvin Sheppard
CB Patrick Peterson
 
Ole Miss:

DT Jerrell Powe
DE Kentrell Lockett
OT Bradley Sowell
 
Mississippi State:

DB Charles Mitchell
QB Chris Relf
OL Quentin Saulsberry
 
South Carolina: 

FB Patrick DiMarco
LB Shaq Wilson
DE Cliff Matthews
 
Tennessee: 

TE Luke Stocker
 DE Chris Walker
LB Nick Reveiz
 
Vanderbilt: 

LB Chris Marve
RB-RS Warren Norman
LB John Stokes

The Recent UGA Arrests Highlight a Bigger Problem in College Football

On Saturday morning, two more Georgia Bulldog players landed in hot water because of alcohol. Georgia wide receiver Tavarres King was charged with underage possession and will receive a mandatory one game suspension.

His teammate, Dontavius Jackson—a spring game standout at running back—was charged with a DUI, underage possession, leaving the scene of an accident, and several other traffic violations. He is suspended for a minimum of six games.
 
Both players are suspended indefinitely from team activities.

The natural response to this most recent development is, what is with the Georgia Bulldogs football team this off-season? It's a fair question. After all, did King and Jackson not learn anything from the dismissal of Zach Mettenberger and Trent Dittmer—both of whom were kicked off the team as a result of using poor judgment whilst under the influence of alcohol?

I mean, it’s not rocket science, right? Even the disgraced former AD, Damon Evans, understood the concept—You Drink...You Lose.

So, again, what’s the problem in Athens, GA? Honestly, the problem goes a lot deeper than a few bad apples.

The knee-jerk reaction is to blame the coaches, blame the culture, and blame the lack of discipline for everything that has gone wrong so far. However, I would contend that you don’t have to look very far in Athens, Knoxville, Iowa City, or Ann Arbor to find a football player with a drink in his hand—most of whom are underage.

I would also argue that the boosters, fans, bar owners, and bar patrons in these places are every bit as guilty as the players themselves because, in many cases, they put that drink into their underage hands. However, little attention is usually given to how a player obtained the alcohol or entry into an establishment that only serves alcohol.

That said, I feel confident in saying that for every player that ends up in the police blotter, there are scores of others who won’t and, likely, never will. Some will last their entire career at Georgia and no one, outside of Athens, GA, will ever know just how bad a reputation they truly had off the field.

As for the ones who won’t escape trouble, they can hardly feel too bad about being caught. We live in an age where social media (Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc.) rules and few places offer shelter from the 24/7 public scrutiny you will receive as an athlete.

30-years ago, if a football player got into trouble, there was only that team’s lone beat writer to tell his story. In many cases, the tale was relegated to the local paper and it never went to the state level—much less the national one.

These days, anyone with a camera-phone and a swift network connection becomes an instant reporter—even worse if they are on Twitter. Tennessee beat writer, Wes Rucker, just happened to be at Bar Knoxville when the fight between the football players and the police officers broke out. He immediately let people know about it—on his Twitter feed.

The co-owner of Bar Knoxville, where the infamous brawl took place, spoke of giving the football team the “VIP” treatment. That “VIP” treatment included players not having to pay a cover charge for entry into the establishment.

Do you honestly think that Knoxville is the only College Town, U.S.A where that goes on?

Accountability needs to be had by all responsible if the culture of underage drinking in athletic programs is going to be contained even the slightest bit. Neither Dontavius Jackson, Tavarres King, nor their companions that night were old enough to drink—who bought it for them?

I won’t discount the possibility of fake I.D.’s and off-campus parties where alcohol is freely available—I am not naive to the fact that there are many ways to obtain alcohol even if you are underage.

However, I will say that athletes are more likely to be given special privileges by local bars and restaurants because they want the business, the prestige, and the honor of saying that they have a relationship with the Georgia football team and its players.

For some, that is enough to overlook an alcohol sale here and there. Especially when no one is likely to report the violation when it happens.

This off-season at Georgia, and many other university towns, has seen far too many of the same story lines. How much more has to happen before we start to understand that the overall repercussions to the program, its players, and the surrounding community is far more important than the points gained on the infamous “Fulmer Cup?”

In the end, the football players who are stepping outside the lines and behaving badly are not above reproach. They deserve to be punished and they are responsible for their own behavior—no question.

However, at what point does the at-large-community (bar owners, patrons, etc.) start to take some of the responsibility for fostering this sense of entitlement and allowing it to continue?

Your comments and insights are always welcome—even if you completely disagree—share your thoughts.

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Thursday Evening Links: A Best of The Web Nightcap

LenDale White did a radio interview in which he says he finds it "unbelievable" that Pete Carroll and AD, Mike Garrett had no idea that Bush was doing dirty deeds while at USC—so do I.

T Kyle King of DawgSports.com predicts a South Carolina win over Georgia this season. I don't see it that way, of course, but I can understand the argument.

Lawrence Taylor is in a lot of trouble after being indicted on charges that he raped a 16-year old girl—tragic.

Ben Roethlisberger is trying to recoup his tarnished image but Hines Ward thinks he needs to start by explaining his actions to the guys he leads onto the field first.

I expect big things for Georgia OLB, Justin Houston, too this season under Todd Grantham.

The 3-4 defense is gaining steam in college football as 14 Division I schools will use the scheme in 2010.

The Sporting News has published the full Nick Saban interview in which he discusses his plans for the future and whether or not he thinks Alabama can go undefeated in the SEC again in 2010.

Barbara Dooley, mom of new Vol coach Derek Dooley, is making her way around the Orange Nation with pride and lots to say—much to her son's dismay.

The SEC offered both Texas A&M and Oklahoma at the height of the expansion madness.

The Atlanta Falcons Michael Turner was too big for his britches last season. He admits he was a step slower and the weight, although not a factor, didn't help much in his struggles to get to 1,000 yards last season. 

I don't know if it's a good idea for the Oregon Ducks to bring in players who have a nose for trouble but I guess Chip Kelly is okay with having the D.A. on speed dial just in case he needs to get another guy out of jail.

The NCAA has invited 20 coaches to it's 2010 Expert Academy. The program is meant to assist coaches in career advancement through mentoring, networking, and exposure opportunities. Some of this year's invitees include Duke associate head coach, Ronald Middleton and Miami (OH) assistant football coach, Kijuan Ware.

2010 Trojan commit, Seantrel Henderson, is back to his drama queen ways again. Seriously, why does anyone want this kid anymore? He's becoming more of a head case by the day and his father is obviously enjoying all the attention too.

I don't know that Joe Pa will ever retire from his post as Penn State head coach. He's 83 and doesn't seem to be in any hurry to ride off into the sunset.

The AMC network is in talks with The Blind Side director to develop a new television series that revolves around a college football coach who's trying to turn a flailing program into a winner.

The Lingerie Football League is reason numero uno why women can't get any respect from football players as professional journalists. I cannot begin to tell you how offended I am by the venture—please.

The Georgia Bulldogs Are Selling A Dream—Haters Be Damned!

It seems that not everyone is enamored of the Georgia Bulldogs and their “Dream Team” approach to recruiting prospects for 2011. More and more, there are those who are taking issue with the idea as they wonder if it’s really something that they want Georgia to be hanging its future success upon.

The first issue is believing in the notion that one recruiting class is going to be the answer for Georgia football—fair enough. I mean, after all, it takes more than one group of players to transform a program from good to great, right?

Even if this class does end up being championship caliber, there is no guarantee that it will come together immediately. That’s an important point to consider when you think of the sensitive position that Mark Richt is currently under at Georgia—his seat may not be hot but, after 2011, it will get substantially warmer if the program regresses or experiences another sub-par season.

Which leads to the other issue posed by the naysayers, why put that much expectation on one group of players, on the Georgia football program, heck, on Mark Richt?!? Does he really need to see the consequences of his “Dream Team” idea backfiring on him?

The magnifying glass is close enough without adding fuel to the fire.

Now, while I can certainly understand both sides, all the vitriol has led me to one very simple question, why is anyone bothering to take this approach so seriously?

Mark Richt has offered the concept of a "Dream Team" to help fire up the in-state talent’s interest in Georgia, as well as infuse the fans with a little more enthusiasm for the future of Georgia football—that's it.

Honestly, anyone who believes a recruit will sign, based solely on the possibility of being a part of the "Dream Team", is not being realistic. Even more, they aren’t giving Georgia or Mark Richt much credit as a program. If a prospect signs with Georgia, he will ultimately do so as a result of how well he fits in at Georgia.

All Georgia’s staff has done is offer the excitement of, possibly, being a part of something special at Georgia in 2011. They could be a part of building Georgia into a champion. They might be the missing piece of the championship puzzle.

It’s that pitch that could pique the interest of a potential prospect enough to allow a Georgia coach his shot at selling the merits of playing in a red and black uniform—is that a crime?

After all, in the recruiting game, part of the process entails gaining an ‘edge’. If a particular concept can give you one, then you take advantage of the opportunity. The “Dream Team” sounds good to some of the guys it’s being presented to, others maybe not as much, but all any coach can ask for is a chance to make his pitch and so far, "Dream Team" or not, the coaches are selling the program.

Will they get everyone? No, they will miss a few, and I have no doubt that the coaches and Richt know as much.

That said, if the staff fails to close on a guy, it will have less to do with an inability to  sell the “Dream Team” concept, than with Georgia failing to promise something the recruit values (i.e. playing time, location, or position).

You simply can’t sign everyone.

Georgia has received 12 solid commitments—11 of whom are in-state—none of whom actually cite the "Dream Team" as their reason for choosing Georgia. So I am forced to, wonder again, why anyone has a problem with the coaches using this idea as a tool in recruiting?

For now, the “Dream Team” is nothing more than part of an effective sales pitch and, in the end, the coaches still have to sell the program.  So far, they have done a good job of that.

The Big East Wants Coaching Staff Sizes To Be Smaller

An article published in USA Today states that the NCAA cabinet is looking into introducing legislation that would limit the support staff allowed in college football programs.

Currently, the NCAA places a limit on the number of coaches that can be involved with assisting the players—on or off the field. That number, currently, is capped at 12 (the head coach, nine assistants, and two graduate assistants).

However, it gets a little sketchier when discussing non-coaching personnel. There are no limits to that number and, just a quick browse of some of the more well-known programs in college football will attest to that; Ohio State (41), Rutgers (36), and Michigan (33) all boast large amounts of non-coaching staff on their payroll.

The latter was recently forced to impose a self-sanction on their football program when it was discovered that inappropriate actions were being executed by the non-coaching staff hired by head coach, Rich Rodriguez. The report was stated as such:

The school said two main problems - too many people acting as coaches and too many hours being put into football by the players - occurred in part because of "inattention by the football staff."

After his hire from West Virginia, Rodriguez filled all five quality control positions in the program - essentially assistants to assistants who were paid $17 per hour to "run errands for the coaches, check on student-athlete class attendance and academic issues, and chart plays."

The school said the staff "crossed the line in specific situations and engaged in 'coaching activities"' as defined by the NCAA.