2012 College Football Offseason - Only two more weeks left of this thread!

[Chief Rum]

I wonder which of these guys ate more ribs.

http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/football/college/img19345483.jpg

:D

Going left to right, my money on consumption volume runs 3, 2, 1, 4. :)

[RomaGoth]

Hmmm. Didn't Mr. Meyer have similar issues with players at Florida?

Ohio State removes Stoneburner and Mewhort from scholarships for the summer - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/19376284/ohio-state-removes-stoneburner-and-mewhort-from-scholarships-for-the-summer)

[gstelmack]

This isn't your usual run-of-the-mill "fight in a bar" or "smoking pot" or "DWI" arrest:

Report: Georgia RB Isaiah Crowell arrested on two felony weapons charges | SI Tracking Blog – Tracking MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA On Twitter (http://tracking.si.com/2012/06/29/georgia-bulldogs-isaiah-crowell-arrest-weapons-charges/?sct=hp_t2_a9&eref=sihp)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This isn't your usual run-of-the-mill "fight in a bar" or "smoking pot" or "DWI" arrest:

Report: Georgia RB Isaiah Crowell arrested on two felony weapons charges | SI Tracking Blog – Tracking MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA On Twitter (http://tracking.si.com/2012/06/29/georgia-bulldogs-isaiah-crowell-arrest-weapons-charges/?sct=hp_t2_a9&eref=sihp)

At this pace, Georgia is going to have 11 guys playing both sides of the ball for their SEC opener against Mizzou.

[digamma]

Nah, Crowell will serve his one game suspension against Buffalo.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm sure UGA fans will be comforted by the fact that newcomer Keith Marshall should be able to step in for Crowell on the field.

They'll probably be less comforted by this little tidbit "According to the police report, four other Georgia football players were also in Crowell’s vehicle, including three 2012 freshman signees. Those persons were LB Josh Harvey-Clemons, WR Blake Tibbs and DB Sheldon Dawson. Also present was sophomore DB Quintavius Harrow. None of the four were charged."

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Nah, Crowell will serve his one game suspension against Buffalo.

Is that the going rate for two felonies in the SEC?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Is that the going rate for two felonies in the SEC?

Eh, this one -- assuming it sticks -- might be a different deal.

Conviction on the altered ID charge carries a mandatory sentence
A person convicted of the offense of criminal use of an article with an altered identification mark shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

The "in a school zone" adds the possibility of a $10k fine and/or 2-10 years.

[digamma]

Ed Tolley will make this a misdemeanor before all is said and done.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ed Tolley will make this a misdemeanor before all is said and done.

Now that is a reasonable expectation.

But how could this face be anything less than honest?
http://www.cntblaw.com/images/EdwardTolley.jpg

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2012-06-29/uga-running-back-kicked-team-after-arrest-gun-charges

Isaiah Crowell has been dismissed from the Georgia football team after an early Friday morning arrest on weapons charges.

[Logan]

Bruce Feldman ‏@BFeldmanCBS

Of ESPN's top 7 RBs in last yr’s signing class, only 2 are still where they signed-Texas Malcolm Brown & RU's Savon Huggins.

[cartman]

Pitt is going to have the most unfortunately named kicker in the history of the sport.

Chris Blewitt - Yahoo! Sports (http://rivals.yahoo.com/pittsburgh/football/recruiting/player-Chris-Blewitt-142437)

[Matthean]

http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2012-06-29/uga-running-back-kicked-team-after-arrest-gun-charges

Isaiah Crowell has been dismissed from the Georgia football team after an early Friday morning arrest on weapons charges.

Going to Alabama St.

[Poli]

I'm pretty excited about the upcoming season.

Weis taking over at Kansas led to Darrian Miller to transfer. Sims was suspended for the first three games of the season, so Brandon Bourbon has as good a shot as he ever has to show off.

I'll be going to their season opener with his family hoping Brandon can do something special. He had a 100 yard rushing game last year in his limited opportunities before getting injured and missing the rest of the season.

I may make a follow up trip to the TCU game two weeks later.

I'm also taking my brother for his first Vols game. It's the home opener against Georgia State. We'll be a few rows back behind the bench. Last year my wife and I sat in the front row for our first game ever.

We'll be planning an Arkansas State game as well. Looking forward to seeing David Oku play again...and to see the Red Wolves for Gus Malzahn at the helm. I played against Malzahn in high school. My school beat his, 3-0. It was Malzahn's first year as a head coach.

Finally, I'm going to watch UT play Mississippi State in Starkville as well. I went to the Egg Bowl last year and had a blast. My close family friends are MSU grads and now live there. We'll go stay with them for the night, tailgate with them, and then beat em.

Having the baby may keep me from coaching but I do get to be a fan this year :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

So a UGA LB, upset with the dismissal of Crowell & subsequent reaction to it, decides he'll get online & go off on the fans.

One fan puts him in his place about as eloquently as I've seen. Brings a tear to the eye, it's a long response but I'll share my favorite part here

You're blessed with health, superior athletic ability, and keen minds.. every advantage possible. Free school, a huge support system, the adulation of fans everywhere.. and somehow, we just don't understand?

Understand what, that you're a freaking moron? That some of you waste these gifts and then whine like a bitch because instead of giving you a 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th chance we dare wonder what'n the hell is the matter with you? ... Are you idiots eating lead paint sandwiches between all the bong hits you're apparently doing?

Worth noting here is that it was a diehard UGA fan who sent me the story, and the linked article appears in the campus newspaper.

Bulldog player's vent about reaction to Crowell gets scathing response (http://m.redandblack.com/mobile/blogs/bulldog-player-s-vent-about-reaction-to-crowell-gets-scathing/article_2b0be33a-c6c0-11e1-9696-0019bb30f31a.html)

[tarcone]

If your team was a drug, what would it be?

YOUR BCS TEAM AS A DRUG - Every Day Should Be Saturday (http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2012/7/6/3138945/your-bcs-team-as-a-drug#storyjump)

[jbergey22]

ERROR: The requested URL could not be retrieved (http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2012-06-29/uga-running-back-kicked-team-after-arrest-gun-charges)

Isaiah Crowell has been dismissed from the Georgia football team after an early Friday morning arrest on weapons charges.

Wow, nice way to screw up a promising career. I was sensing Georgia was getting sick of him from November on. If I remember correctly he didnt play much in the SEC Championship and didnt he get suspended for the bowl game?

[Matthean]

I wonder which of these guys ate more ribs.

http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/football/college/img19345483.jpg

:D

Easy. The cooks won't eat much if any since they always have access to it and have tasted it countless times. Meyer looks like he's just seeing if he's in view long enough to take the picture and bolt. Hoke, he going to town on those things and the cooks are getting a kick out of it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If I remember correctly he didnt play much in the SEC Championship and didnt he get suspended for the bowl game?

You remember correctly but his sparse use in the title game was attributed solely to a bad ankle (http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/uga-notebook-crowells-only-1250361.html)(one of five injuries that caused him to miss action during the year, not including a one game suspension).

Re-injured during the bowl & left after just three carries & 1 catch.

As you might suspect, there were serious questions about his mental & physical toughness throughout the season & into the off-season.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nothing all that unusual, the standard traffic stop + misdemeanor possession charge story.
Greg Reid of Florida State Seminoles arrested, charged with possession of marijuana - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8156868/greg-reid-florida-state-seminoles-arrested-charged-possession-marijuana)

What went through my mind is "how the hell is this guy still in school"? Seems like he's been playing at FSU since the 90's or something.

[HomerSimpson98]

So a UGA LB, upset with the dismissal of Crowell & subsequent reaction to it, decides he'll get online & go off on the fans.

One fan puts him in his place about as eloquently as I've seen. Brings a tear to the eye, it's a long response but I'll share my favorite part here



Worth noting here is that it was a diehard UGA fan who sent me the story, and the linked article appears in the campus newspaper.

Bulldog player's vent about reaction to Crowell gets scathing response (http://m.redandblack.com/mobile/blogs/bulldog-player-s-vent-about-reaction-to-crowell-gets-scathing/article_2b0be33a-c6c0-11e1-9696-0019bb30f31a.html)


This may be one of the most badass things I have ever read on Al Gore's Net. Thanks for posting.

[Swaggs]

Hearing that Notre Dame's tie-in with the Orange Bowl gives them a spot with a 9-win season (and they are under consideration with 8 wins) and they will get a cut of the Orange Bowl money every year, whether they sit at home or make the tournament.

Some ACC teams are not pleased.

[Poli]

Bourbon's sister tagged me in this photo yesterday. I thought that was pretty nice of her to do. Can't wait to see the home opener. I hope he gets a chance to shine in it.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/600088_3845880619069_2065340741_n.jpg

[Noop]

So Penn State is going to get the death penalty? I find it hard to believe that the NCAA would actually do that with all the money involved in college sports.

[sterlingice]

So Penn State is going to get the death penalty? I find it hard to believe that the NCAA would actually do that with all the money involved in college sports.

Where are you seeing that? I don't suspect so, but I could be wrong.

Also, any idea when Miami's ruling comes down?

SI

[Noop]

Where are you seeing that? I don't suspect so, but I could be wrong.

Also, any idea when Miami's ruling comes down?

SI

Listening to local radio and they brought a yahoo writer to discuss the Penn State situation and college football. He thought the idea of Penn State getting the death penalty increases as more stuff comes out.

No idea about Miami. Probably in August if I had to guess.

[Logan]

I doubt it would actually happen. The cover up would need to be tied into protecting the football program more than the actual university, and they would probably also need to tie it to all the arrests of Penn State players in recent years (saw a list of 68 players since 2002). Then you have the thought of Paterno having full control and there possibly being many more crimes that went unreported.

[dawgfan]

Listening to local radio and they brought a yahoo writer to discuss the Penn State situation and college football. He thought the idea of Penn State getting the death penalty increases as more stuff comes out.
I have yet to see anything about this disgusting scandal that falls within NCAA rule-breaking - it's strictly a civil, criminal matter. Which is not to say that the school (or conference) might decide it's best to shut the program down for a year or more to re-focus priorities at the school in the wake of all of this.

The NCAA usually doesn't get involved in criminal issues unless those issues are related to NCAA rules, i.e. the criminal behavior led to some competitive advantage.

[Ben E Lou]

As I mentioned in the Sandusky thread, I think trying to predict what the NCAA (or the Big 10) is going to do here based on past precedent is a waste of time. This is unprecedented. I'm not sure the NCAA or the Big 10 want to negative PR associated with slapping them on the wrist or doing nothing. They're probably hoping Penn State will voluntarily shut down football for a year, but if they don't, the two organizations may feel compelled to respond.

[Passacaglia]

So Penn State is going to get the death penalty? I find it hard to believe that the NCAA would actually do that with all the money involved in college sports.

Does the NCAA really stand to lose any money if Penn State no longer played football?

[Matthean]

I don't see the Big Ten simply kicking out a team even if there was a replacement and that list is mighty short right now.

[Swaggs]

Looks like the Big Ten/Pac 12 scheduling alliance fell through:Pac-12, Big Ten conferences call off football partnership - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8163297/pac-12-big-ten-conferences-call-football-partnership)

Sounds like a handful of Pac schools didn't want to choose between playing a Big Ten school in addition to a traditional rival AND 9 conference games.

[dawgfan]

Looks like the Big Ten/Pac 12 scheduling alliance fell through:Pac-12, Big Ten conferences call off football partnership - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8163297/pac-12-big-ten-conferences-call-football-partnership)

Sounds like a handful of Pac schools didn't want to choose between playing a Big Ten school in addition to a traditional rival AND 9 conference games.
Yeah, unless/until they both decide to drop back to 8 conference games per year, this alliance was going to result in schedules that were too difficult for a lot of programs given existing long-time OOC rivalries.

[MacroGuru]

Looks like the Big Ten/Pac 12 scheduling alliance fell through:Pac-12, Big Ten conferences call off football partnership - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8163297/pac-12-big-ten-conferences-call-football-partnership)

Sounds like a handful of Pac schools didn't want to choose between playing a Big Ten school in addition to a traditional rival AND 9 conference games.

Yeah, we lost our Rivalry game for the two years that Utah is playing Michigan because they don't want to play 11 "tough" games a season. That statement was uttered by the Utes AD and seconded by their HC.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good news for Mizzou fans. Looks like Franklin will be ready for Game 1. Also has a good update on Josey and his recovery.

Franklin's rehab is on target (http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/franklin-s-rehab-is-on-target/article_5de49ad5-c225-5e81-b7c9-5540e20c26ae.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

For those that missed it yesterday, the SEC media got a pretty good kick out of TJ Moe's interview. I'm guessing he'll have his head removed from his body over the middle a couple times this year after his comments.......

InsidetheGators.com - Media Days: Missouri receiver steals the show (http://florida.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1386405)

[Logan]

He wasn't the only Tiger to cause a stir at media day:

Pinkel offers defense of Paterno at SEC Media Days | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri (http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/jul/17/pinkel-offers-defense-paterno-sec-media-days/)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

He wasn't the only Tiger to cause a stir at media day:

Pinkel offers defense of Paterno at SEC Media Days | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri (http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/jul/17/pinkel-offers-defense-paterno-sec-media-days/)

Yeah, that was obviously a pretty bad misstep by Pinkel. I was told privately that he didn't know the details of everything that happened and felt like and idiot afterwards when Alden had a chat with him about it. Rather than say nothing (which is what he should have done), he said something in ignorance. He's a 'coaching fraternity' defender in general, but he should have taken a different path in this instance.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ah, it appears Mr. Richt has rethought his suspensions. Per 810 AM here in KC, all Georgia players that are currently suspended will be eligible to play the Mizzou game on Sept. 8th.

[digamma]

"Rethought"? This is the standard Richt playbook.

[Ksyrup]

"Rethought" as in, just looked at the depth chart and the schedule.

[ISiddiqui]

"Rethought"? This is the standard Richt playbook.

Indeed. Welcome to the SEC!

[bronconick]

Now you know why Spurrier was so disappointed to lose the early game vs. the Bulldogs.

[Young Drachma]

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Hakeem Nicks was ineligible; records get asterisk, report says - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8183058/former-north-carolina-tar-heel-hakeem-nicks-was-ineligible-records-get-asterisk-report-says)

[BYU 14]

Yeah, we lost our Rivalry game for the two years that Utah is playing Michigan because they don't want to play 11 "tough" games a season. That statement was uttered by the Utes AD and seconded by their HC.

Fuck 'em, we get Wisconsin now :)

[Atocep]

This probably isn't going to help Miami's case. Al Golden kept the shady recruiting practices alive after being hired at Miami by using Nevin Shapiro's "right hand man" as a runner.

Hurricanes coach Al Golden's staff used booster's associate in potential recruiting violations - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--hurricanes-coach-al-golden-s-staff-used-booster-s-associate-in-potential-recruiting-violations.html#)

[MacroGuru]

So, only BYU 14 and maybe a few others on here might care about this, but BYU has announced a H-H with Wisconsin and that starts in 2013. Right now, the 2013 schedule for BYU is looking a little brutal, especially since we will have a new QB and a bunch of new faces on defense...

Understand there is a home game with Utah and a road game with Washington State to be determined in all this. Which I think the road game will be 8/31 and the home game with Utah will be either 9/14 or 9/28

<table class="cfb-sch"><tbody><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
08/31/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
09/07/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/t-z/texas1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/big-12/2013-texas-longhorns-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">Texas Longhorns (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/big-12/2013-texas-longhorns-football-schedule.php)
LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
09/14/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
09/21/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/a-g/boise_st1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/wac/2013-boise-state-broncos-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">Boise State Broncos (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/wac/2013-boise-state-broncos-football-schedule.php)
LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
09/28/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Friday
10/04/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/t-z/utah_st1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/wac/2013-utah-state-aggies-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">at Utah State Aggies (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/wac/2013-utah-state-aggies-football-schedule.php)
Romney Stadium, Logan, UT</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
10/12/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/a-g/georgia_tech1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/acc/2013-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/acc/2013-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets-football-schedule.php)
LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
10/19/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/h-m/houston1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/conf-usa/2013-houston-cougars-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">at Houston Cougars (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/conf-usa/2013-houston-cougars-football-schedule.php)
Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
10/26/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
11/02/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
11/09/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/t-z/wisconsin1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/big-ten/2013-wisconsin-badgers-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">at Wisconsin Badgers (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/big-ten/2013-wisconsin-badgers-football-schedule.php)
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
11/16/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/n-s/notre_dame1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/indep/2013-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/indep/2013-notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-schedule.php)
Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
11/23/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
11/30/13</td><td class="cfb2h">---</td><td class="cfb2">TBA</td><td class="cfb1">---</td><td class="cfb1">---</td></tr><tr><td class="cfb1">Saturday
12/07/13</td><td class="cfb2h">http://cdn.fbschedules.com/images/helmets-ncaa/h-m/hawaii1.gif (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/wac/2013-hawaii-warriors-football-schedule.php)</td><td class="cfb2">at Hawaii Warriors (http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-13/wac/2013-hawaii-warriors-football-schedule.php)
Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI</td><td class="cfb1">TBA</td></tr></tbody></table>

[britrock88]

Going to Hawaii, are they going to try to play 13? I love seeing Indy schools challenge themselves.

[MacroGuru]

Going to Hawaii, are they going to try to play 13? I love seeing Indy schools challenge themselves.

They usually do when they go to Hawaii..But I don't know if they will next season because of the new QB situation. But I can see Bronco and Tom trying to schedule 13

[Matthean]

At Wisconsin and ND late in the season will be interesting.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Arkansas loses three players for the year.......

Arrested Arkansas Razorbacks Marquel Wade, Maudrecus Humphrey, Andrew Peterson won't be on team this year - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8204288/arrested-arkansas-razorbacks-marquel-wade-maudrecus-humphrey-andrew-peterson-team-year)

[BYU 14]

Going to Hawaii, are they going to try to play 13? I love seeing Indy schools challenge themselves.

It took a couple of seasons to get here, but independence is looking good right now. This would have been Heaps senior season, too back he is at Kansas and we will either be starting a RS frosh or a true soph with only mopup experience at QB.

They usually do when they go to Hawaii..But I don't know if they will next season because of the new QB situation. But I can see Bronco and Tom trying to schedule 13

I think they could skip a 13th this year and add a couple of decent MWC/WAC teams for the other 2 games like Nevada/Fresno St or Wyoming. That would give them a breather between some of those tough games. Hopefully Van Noy and Hoffman both stick around for their senior seasons too!!

[Ksyrup]

I wish I didn't have to type this but FSU has kicked Greg Reid off the team. I like that Jimbo is taking some of this stuff more seriously than other other coaches/teams, though (*cough*Richt*cough*).

On a happier note, this "offseason" thread can shortly be retired.

[bronconick]

Eh, I have a feeling there's a lot of schools where Presidents/ADs are taking a bit more interest in how many "strikes" their football players are getting right now. Two arrests, one with weed, one with dropped charges and what sounds like a failed drug test or two probably isn't going to get you the benefit of the doubt anymore.

[tarcone]

Iowa lost ANOTHER RB. De'Andre Johnson was arrested twice in 3 days. He was suspended from the team.
That leaves Iowa with one RB. Of course we do have 2 freshmen coming in. One who was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia this summer.
I hope PsU RB Akeel Lynch transfers to Iowa.

[miami_fan]

Wisconsin Badgers RB Montee Ball victim of 'unprovoked attack' - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8222009/wisconsin-badgers-rb-montee-ball-victim-unprovoked-attack)

Wisconsin senior running back Montee Ball was the victim of what police are calling an "unprovoked assault" early Wednesday in Madison, Wis.

Ball suffered head injuries after being attacked by five men near Wisconsin's campus around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday. Witnesses told police the men knocked Ball to the ground and began kicking him. Ball, a 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist, was taken to a hospital. A team spokesman said Ball spent two hours in the hospital before he was released. It is not known if he can practice Monday when camp opens. Wisconsin opens the season Sept. 1 at home against Northern Iowa.

"My concern right now is for Montee's health and well-being," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said in a prepared statement. "Montee has been released from the hospital and is under the care and supervision of our sports medicine staff. We will continue to evaluate him as we approach the start of fall camp this weekend. I do expect Montee to make a full recovery."

According to an incident report, Ball didn't appear to know his attackers.

Ball was walking with two friends on the 500 block of University Avenue. The two friends were walking ahead of Ball, and turned around to see five men jump him, knock him to the ground and begin kicking him in the head and torso. Several people came to Ball's aid, including a man walking on the other side of the street, and ran off the attackers.

"We believe this is an unprovoked attack. We're trying to determine if this victim was targeted for who he is," said Joel DeSpain, the public information officer from the Madison police department. He added that this area of Madison has had a lot of crime lately, and police have devoted additional officers to patrol it.

There was no indication from the original interviews that the attack was a robbery. Ball's cell phone is unaccounted for, but police aren't sure whether or not it was taken by one of the attackers. If so, the incident will be investigated as a "substantial battery and robbery."

Detectives are expected to interview Ball again Wednesday, as well as talk to witnesses at the scene.

Police are looking at surveillance video both inside and outside some of the bars and establishments on University Ave.

In a post to his Twitter account Wednesday, Ball tried to assure his fans that he was OK.

"I appreciate the support and thank you for the concerns.I will be okay! See you guys in September! #WiscONsin," he wrote.

[cartman]

Sounds like K/P Anthony Fera is going to transfer to Texas from Penn State for his senior season. He's from the Houston area, and will be a good pickup for the team. They were planning to go with a couple of freshmen at the kicking spots, so this will be a nice bridge. He was a candidate for both the Lou Groza and Ray Guy awards.

[Atocep]

Zeke Pike already found a way to get himself dismissed from Auburn.

[Matthean]

Sounds like K/P Anthony Fera is going to transfer to Texas from Penn State for his senior season. He's from the Houston area, and will be a good pickup for the team. They were planning to go with a couple of freshmen at the kicking spots, so this will be a nice bridge. He was a candidate for both the Lou Groza and Ray Guy awards.

Since it's August, I wonder how many more will transfer.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2012-08-02/bulldogs-no-6-preseason-usa-today-poll

Preseason USA Today poll

1. LSU (18), 13-1 — 1,403
2. Alabama (20), 12-1 — 1,399
3. Southern California (19), 10-2 — 1,388
4. Oklahoma (1), 10-3 — 1,276
5. Oregon , 12-2 — 1,258
6. Georgia, 10-4 — 1,061
7. Florida State (1), 9-4 — 1,055
8. Michigan, 11-2 — 1,023
9. South Carolina, 11-2 — 981
10. Arkansas, 11-2 — 948
11. West Virginia, 10-3 — 833
12. Wisconsin, 11-3 — 743
13. Michigan State, 11-3 — 717
14. Clemson, 10-4 — 598
15. Texas , 8-5 — 549
16. Nebraska, 9-4 — 501
17. TCU, 11-2 — 499
18. Stanford, 11-2 — 497
19. Oklahoma State , 12-1 — 476
20. Virginia Tech, 11-3 — 461
21. Kansas State, 10-3 — 398
22. Boise State, 12-1 — 271
23. Florida, 7-6 — 250
24. Notre Dame, 8-5 — 166
25. Auburn, 8-5 — 66

Washington (7-6) 64; Louisville (7-6) 46; Georgia Tech (8-5) 35; Cincinnati (10-3) 32; Texas A&M (7-6) 28; Baylor (10-3) 23; Utah (8-5) 22; Mississippi State (7-6) 21; South Florida (5-7) 12; N.C. State (8-5) 11; BYU (10-3) 10; Louisiana Tech (8-5) 10; Virginia (8-5) 9; Houston (13-1) 7; Southern Mississippi (12-2) 6; Central Florida (5-7) 5; Rutgers (9-4) 5; Florida International (8-5) 3; Missouri (8-5) 3; Tennessee (5-7) 3; Northern Illinois (11-3) 2; Texas Tech (5-7) 1.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://onlineathens.com/sports/college-sports/2012-08-02/uga-lb-chase-vasser-suspended-two-games-after-dui-arrest-atlanta

Junior outside linebacker Chase Vasser must sit out the first two games of the season after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and for driving in an improper lane in Atlanta on May 11.

“Chase Vasser will serve a two game suspension as per our Athletic Association policy,” head coach Mark Richt told the Athens Banner-Herald through a spokesman.

Georgia opens the season against Buffalo and plays its second game at Missouri.

Vasser was stopped by Georgia State Patrol at 2:33 a.m. on May 11 after a trooper saw Vasser’s red pickup weaving on Piedmont Road at Peachtree in the Buckhead section of Atlanta.

He pulled Vasser over and administered a sobriety test and breathalyzer after smelling alcohol in the car, according to an incident report obtained Thursday by the Athens Banner-Herald.

Vasser told Trooper S. Tarpley of the Nighthawk DUI task force, “I’m not intoxicated at all.”

The report said he appeared nervous with bloodshot eyes and was sweating in a stained shirt and disheveled clothing that appeared “slept in.”

“Mr. Vasser was visibly emotional and stated that he was sorry and please let him go,” according to the report. Tarpley arrested him, impounded the truck and booked him at the Atlanta jail where he submitted to a second breath test. ... Vasser, from Gainesville, is listed as a starter at outside linebacker opposite Jarvis Jones on Georgia’s preseason depth chart. He started three games last season, making 16 total tackles in 12 games.

Cornerback Sanders Commings is already suspended two games after his January arrest on a domestic violence charge. Cornerback Branden Smith, safety Bacarri Rambo and inside linebacker Alec Ogletree are also facing as yet unannounced suspensions.

Smith was arrested on a possession of marijuana charge in Alabama on a spring break trip. Rambo had his second violation of Georgia’s drug testing policy, according to his high school coach.

[Ksyrup]

I'm sure Coach Richt will change his mind after much thoughtful deliberation.

[Poli]

Not a lot of eligible players at UGA.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not a lot of eligible players at UGA.

If things hold as they currently stand, Georgia would be without its entire secondary (both starting CB's and both starting safeties) and two of its starting LB's for the SEC opener against Mizzou.

I won't hold my breath on those suspensions.

[Matthean]

http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2012-08-02/bulldogs-no-6-preseason-usa-today-poll

As much as I would like to think otherwise, 'Bama and Michigan are overrated in that poll. While I don't think it will happen, Michigan can put up four losses this year.

If things hold as they currently stand, Georgia would be without its entire secondary (both starting CB's and both starting safeties) and two of its starting LB's for the SEC opener against Mizzou.

I won't hold my breath on those suspensions.

I just want Georgia to put any sort of schedule together that doesn't have them avoiding as many of the top SEC teams as possible. They were so gifted the East last year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well Dabo certainly seems to send a discipline message with this.
Clemson Tigers' Sammy Watkins suspended two games to start season - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8232108/clemson-tigers-sammy-watkins-suspended-two-games-start-season)

[JonInMiddleGA]

I just want Georgia to put any sort of schedule together that doesn't have them avoiding as many of the top SEC teams as possible. They were so gifted the East last year.

Much as I loathe them, that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. The teams can't control how the conference schedule falls, nor which teams suddenly fall off a cliff.

[Ksyrup]

Zeke Pike already found a way to get himself dismissed from Auburn.

So he can be a TE at Louisville!

[Matthean]

I won't hold my breath on those suspensions.

Don't.

Georgia coach Mark Richt announced after Saturday morning's practice that cornerback Branden Smith will be available for the Bulldogs' season-opening game against Buffalo. Smith was arrested for marijuana possession during spring break, but Richt said after examining the details of the case, he will not face game punishment.

[Matthean]

PSU OL transferring to Illinois.

Penn State offensive lineman Nowicki is transferring to Illinois - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and BCS Rankings (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/19719163/penn-state-offensive-lineman-nowicki-is-transferring-to-illinois)

[Ksyrup]

SBN College Football‏<s>@</s>SBNationCFB
Mark Richt has lost control of having lost control. RT <s>@</s>TeamSpeedKills (https://twitter.com/TeamSpeedKills): Georgia CB Smith Won't Be Suspended After All

[molson]

PSU OL transferring to Illinois.

Penn State offensive lineman Nowicki is transferring to Illinois - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and BCS Rankings (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/19719163/penn-state-offensive-lineman-nowicki-is-transferring-to-illinois)

Good, now he'll have the opportunity to compete for championships.

[Ksyrup]

This made me laugh:

http://dougorama.net/images/hempfrogs.jpg

[Atocep]

Anyone remember Latwan Anderson? He'll be playing for East Mississippi Community College this fall.

[tarcone]

Article on the SEC adding aTm and Mizzou.

Welcome to the SEC, Nobodies | Saturday Down South (http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2012/sec-feedback-bad-conference-expansion/)

[MacroGuru]

WR Inoke Lotulelei decommitted from UCLA and committed to BYU. That is a big win for us.

[Ksyrup]

Anyone interested in a full 2012 weekly college schedule with team helmets? It's an Excel spreadsheet.

I have the file, but it's too big to upload and I don't have a server to put it on. Does someone have server space to make the file available here?

[MrBug708]

WR Inoke Lotulelei decommitted from UCLA and committed to BYU. That is a big win for us.

A bigger win for us lol

[Chief Rum]

WR Inoke Lotulelei decommitted from UCLA and committed to BYU. That is a big win for us.

Heh... like Bug said, we have been figuring this would happen for a month or two nowm, after he got his offer.

And it seems strange for us to be down on a solid three star WR who wanted to come to UCLA, but, no, UCLA fans were not excited about the Lotulelei commitment from the start. It's a solid year for WRs out west and there are better ones who are from SoCal on which to use our scholies.

Good luck to Lotulelei, who I am sure will be a good receiver for BYU.

[cartman]

Petrino has given his first interview since the motorcycle crash.

Bobby Petrino, fired Arkansas Razorbacks coach, apologizes in interview with ESPN - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8251166/bobby-petrino-fired-arkansas-razorbacks-coach-apologizes-interview-espn)

[MacroGuru]

Heh... like Bug said, we have been figuring this would happen for a month or two nowm, after he got his offer.

And it seems strange for us to be down on a solid three star WR who wanted to come to UCLA, but, no, UCLA fans were not excited about the Lotulelei commitment from the start. It's a solid year for WRs out west and there are better ones who are from SoCal on which to use our scholies.

Good luck to Lotulelei, who I am sure will be a good receiver for BYU.

I don't think the win for us was because he left UCLA and is coming to BYU but that he didn't end up at the University of Utah with his future NFL DL cousin.

We have a lot of tall big receivers now and have a few smaller guys, I think Lotu will be a nice change of pace for us, a lot like Mahe was.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Petrino has given his first interview since the motorcycle crash.

Bobby Petrino, fired Arkansas Razorbacks coach, apologizes in interview with ESPN - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8251166/bobby-petrino-fired-arkansas-razorbacks-coach-apologizes-interview-espn)

That felt very Bill Clinton-esque. Sorry he got caught, not sorry for the actual act.

[GrantDawg]

That felt very Bill Clinton-esque. Sorry he got caught, not sorry for the actual act.


He is never sorry for what he does. He blames others.

[GrantDawg]

Faux John Madden ‏<s>@</s>FauxJohnMadden (https://twitter.com/FauxJohnMadden) Bobby Petrino has first interview with ESPN since scandal. This is surprising, I figured he'd just leave a note.

[Logan]

Hey SI, it's been confirmed. Kansas at Rutgers in 2015, Rutgers returning the visit in 2018. Bring it on!

[sterlingice]

That felt very Bill Clinton-esque. Sorry he got caught, not sorry for the actual act.

Bill Clinton? I dunno- maybe he popularized it but that's every apology you hear nowadays. It's not "I'm sorry I did X". It's "I'm sorry you misinterpreted me doing X" or "I'm sorry you're disappointed I did X" or "I'm sorry about the misunderstanding of X". Just stop doing X, you moron. And when you fake apologize for it, it's that much more insulting

SI

[sterlingice]

Hey SI, it's been confirmed. Kansas at Rutgers in 2015, Rutgers returning the visit in 2018. Bring it on!

Sounds like fun. :)

SI

[bronconick]

Bill Clinton? I dunno- maybe he popularized it but that's every apology you hear nowadays. It's not "I'm sorry I did X". It's "I'm sorry you misinterpreted me doing X" or "I'm sorry you're disappointed I did X" or "I'm sorry about the misunderstanding of X". Just stop doing X, you moron. And when you fake apologize for it, it's that much more insulting

SI

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa344/spurred4life/petrino.jpg

[spleen1015]

Honey Badger kicked off LSU.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Honey Badger kicked off LSU.

Not much in the way of details yet, but here's some early linkage.
LSU All American Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu dismissed from team | NOLA.com (http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2012/08/lsu_all_american_tyrann_honey.html)

[tarcone]

Im sure he will be back for the start of the SEC season.

[Ksyrup]

Im sure he will be back for the start of the SEC season.

Who do you think his coach is, Mark Richt?

[Ksyrup]

TomahawkNation.com ‏<S>@</S>TomahawkNation
Who is third? RT <S>@</S>Mengus22 (https://twitter.com/Mengus22): Phil Steele's All-America Punt Returners: 1st team Tyrann Mathieu, 2nd team Greg Reid.

[Solecismic]

It's interesting how far we go to protect the illusion that college athletes somehow represent colleges.

Maybe he'll go out and get Jonathan Vilma's judge and be back on the team tomorrow, but the statement from Miles makes it look like Mathieu is done.

[Matthean]

Who do you think his coach is, Mark Richt?

Miles had no problem bringing back guys who were suspended last season.

[Ksyrup]

Gabe Feldman ‏<S>@</S>SportsLawGuy
The only logical solution for this crazy college football offseason is to allow Tyrann Mathieu to transfer to Penn State.

[bronconick]

Honey Badger don't give a shit about no drug test.

[Noop]

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110429012804/glee/images/9/90/Honey-badger.gif

[Atocep]

Hopefully this means I won't have ESPN trying to convince me that a guy that gives up nearly 9 yards per target is the best defensive player in the nation this year.

With 3 failed drug tests in 2+ years it will be interesting to see where he lands.

[Ksyrup]

Rash of dismissals in college football enough to field All-Castoff Team - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/19769558/rash-of-dismissals-in-college-football-enough-to-field-all-castoff-team)

[Matthean]

Hopefully this means I won't have ESPN trying to convince me that a guy that gives up nearly 9 yards per target is the best defensive player in the nation this year.

With 3 failed drug tests in 2+ years it will be interesting to see where he lands.

'Bama just threw high on him in the title game. He's at best a S in the NFL, but this pretty much cost him a bunch of money for where he gets drafted.

[Chubby]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/gary-pinkel-shoos-exercising-coeds-away-mizzou-practice-151740178--ncaaf.html

As Missouri prepares for its first season in the SEC, it's all about minimizing distractions.
So when two coeds were running the stadium steps while Mizzou was practicing at Faurot Field, the Tigers' coaching staff had to put an end to that fitness regimen immediately.
According to sports reporter Eric Blumberg of KOMU-TV in Columbia, Mo., the two women were nicely asked to come back later to finish their exercise. Of course, Blumberg managed to get a photo of the coeds before they were ushered out of the stadium.
If the Missouri coaching staff thinks those two girls are going to be a distraction, they have no idea what their team is in for when they visit an SEC stadium. Sundresses as far as the eye can see, people. If anything, coach Gary Pinkel should welcome all coeds into the stadium during practice to run the stairs, jump up and down and cheer, sip mixed drinks in tents with chandeliers, yell "Hotty Toddy," whatever. It would be as much preparation for the SEC as any of the Tigers' on-field drills.
- - -

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Mizzou shoos exercising coeds away from its practice | Dr. Saturday - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/gary-pinkel-shoos-exercising-coeds-away-mizzou-practice-151740178--ncaaf.html)

As Missouri prepares for its first season in the SEC, it's all about minimizing distractions.
So when two coeds were running the stadium steps while Mizzou was practicing at Faurot Field, the Tigers' coaching staff had to put an end to that fitness regimen immediately.
According to sports reporter Eric Blumberg of KOMU-TV in Columbia, Mo., the two women were nicely asked to come back later to finish their exercise. Of course, Blumberg managed to get a photo of the coeds before they were ushered out of the stadium.
If the Missouri coaching staff thinks those two girls are going to be a distraction, they have no idea what their team is in for when they visit an SEC stadium. Sundresses as far as the eye can see, people. If anything, coach Gary Pinkel should welcome all coeds into the stadium during practice to run the stairs, jump up and down and cheer, sip mixed drinks in tents with chandeliers, yell "Hotty Toddy," whatever. It would be as much preparation for the SEC as any of the Tigers' on-field drills.
- - -

For a poster who complains about the amount of Mizzou posts, you sure do post a lot of Mizzou posts.

[Chubby]

For a poster who complains about the amount of Mizzou posts, you sure do post a lot of Mizzou posts.

yup, a LOT. I mean, I can count them on one finger they are so many!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

yup, a LOT. I mean, I can count them on one finger they are so many!

I'll try to post a lot of posts about Syracuse going 3-9 in the ACC to make up for it. Thanks for your support.

[bronconick]

If he hadn't linked it, I would have. Your coach acted like a moron. Again. That's worthy of mockery.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tough day in the SEC, although at this point I don't know that there's anything to point at Auburn about. The initial stink of this one seems to rest with the HS, and I'm not sure how many schools couldn't have been caught up in the same mess.

NCAA reviewing prep transcript of Auburn Tigers' Jovon Robinson - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8257979/ncaa-reviewing-prep-transcript-auburn-tigers-jovon-robinson)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

If he hadn't linked it, I would have. Your coach acted like a moron. Again. That's worthy of mockery.

Yes, it's just downright scandalous..........

[Atocep]

LSUfreek's take on Tyrann Mathieu.

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1155458/Splendor_in_the_Grass.gif

[Ksyrup]

This sounds pretty damn bad - especially since it implicates basketball, too.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/19794788/north-carolina-cheated-and-prospered-now-its-time-for-reckoning

UNC officials didn't want to know what was happening, so they stuck their heads in the dirt -- and it just got worse. How bad?

Maybe the ugliest academic scandal in NCAA history.

This one is worse than what happened in 2007 at Florida State. (http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-400_162-3303979.html) I mean, it's not even close. Florida State had some numbers that looked bad -- 61 athletes from 10 different teams -- but this UNC scandal dwarfs it.

FSU had 61 tainted players, almost all from the same class.

North Carolina has at least 54 tainted classes.

[MrBug708]

UNC should get a worse penalty than the one PSU got IMO

[molson]

In turns out Julius Peppers is not an algebra wiz.

[spleen1015]

This is awesome on so many levels for me.

[sterlingice]

That story is a bit light on facts as is. He said there were tainted classes but what does that mean? It's no secret that practically every major school across the country has fluff majors and dumb athletes tend to gravitate towards them. At most schools, it's Communications or American Studies where you can watch tv for grades or whatnot. But what's being alleged here? That they didn't actually go to class and got grades or that the grades are really easy? The story doesn't say at all.

SI

[molson]

Seriously though, when is the NCAA going to do anything about Miami?

And didn't North Carolina already get a slap on the wrist for the academic stuff earlier this year?

[Radii]

Seems like this has been coming for a long time. The stuff where you have classes invented for just one basketball or football player is just unforgivable. I mean, all of it is, I didn't attend UNC but I've lived in this area most of my life and I'm really sad to see how deep the academic fraud goes here, just as someone who is proud of the level of education available in the triangle area.

[sterlingice]

Seriously though, when is the NCAA going to do anything about Miami?

And didn't North Carolina already get a slap on the wrist for the academic stuff earlier this year?

Haven't we pretty much established that Miami will get about what USC got and maybe a little more. But it can't be too harsh because you can't say "but that's worse than Penn State and they were molesting kids there". It doesn't matter that they're two different issues and Miami should get the death penalty for what they did, it will never happen.

SI

[dawgfan]

Haven't we pretty much established that Miami will get about what USC got and maybe a little more. But it can't be too harsh because you can't say "but that's worse than Penn State and they were molesting kids there". It doesn't matter that they're two different issues and Miami should get the death penalty for what they did, it will never happen.

SI
Which is the downside to the NCAA placing penalties on Penn State - the comparison game. Not that the NCAA has ever been very good about consistency...

[molson]

Haven't we pretty much established that Miami will get about what USC got and maybe a little more. But it can't be too harsh because you can't say "but that's worse than Penn State and they were molesting kids there". It doesn't matter that they're two different issues and Miami should get the death penalty for what they did, it will never happen.

SI

Ya, I just wonder what year even that's going to happen. Any value of "deterrence" goes down the more years go by before you penalize whoever's left at the school. Why shouldn't coaches cheat if nothing will happen for 5 years when they're long gone anyway, and when they know the penalties won't follow them?

[Radii]

But what's being alleged here? That they didn't actually go to class and got grades or that the grades are really easy? The story doesn't say at all.

Officially I'm not quite sure. There has been talk locally for months now about the African American Studies department, I don't really follow this as close as one might expect, but the impression I get is that the head of the department is directly and deeply involved, that classes were created with no lectures/instruction/class time, just a final paper that was never read, passing grade! I believe there are supposed to be minimum requirements about class sizes as well, there aren't supposed to be classes with 1 student in them, but that was being allowed to happen from time to time with a football player (and apparently basketball too now) in this department.

Again I am not following this intimately but its felt like a "where there's smoke, there's fire" situation for a very long time around here.

[Ksyrup]

Which is the downside to the NCAA placing penalties on Penn State - the comparison game. Not that the NCAA has ever been very good about consistency...

Eh, maybe the average person won't see the difference, but as a former regulator, we'd have inconsistent penalties all the time. Just depends on the circumstances. Here, the main one being with PSU that they agreed to the penalties without requiring a formal fact-finding and administrative process. You could argue the penalty would have been death but for the agreement to do away with the formalities and any challenges.

[sterlingice]

Ya, I just wonder what year even that's going to happen. Any value of "deterrence" goes down the more years go by before you penalize whoever's left at the school. Why shouldn't coaches cheat if nothing will happen for 5 years when they're long gone anyway, and when they know the penalties won't follow them?

It seems almost certain to come down this fall from everything I've seen. I don't think it'll be another year but the compliance department had their hands a bit full recently and all

SI

[MrBug708]

Rumors of the Oregon stuff leaking out. From an Oregon board
--------------------------------------
Welp.

Just heard from my guy today, who's been spot on with just about everything, from DeAnthony Thomas to Arik Armstead, to Darron leaving early, and the latest with Lyerla.

NCAA is close to delivering their verdict, and it's not nearly what we were hoping for, or what we thought we'd see 2 months ago. The lowlights:

4 years probation
2 year bowl ban
30 scholarships over 3 years
No off campus recruiting for Campbell or Pellum in 2013
And there are questions, regarding DATs eligibility, but that is not resolved, and will be rolled into a separate investigation.
Announcement was supposed to come today, but will likely not be released by the NCAA or UO until later in the week.

All I know for now.

[Matthean]

30 total scholarships over 3 years? That's worse than what USC got. Seems kind of off. In fact, as a whole that seems worse than what USC got.

[Buccaneer]

Seems like this has been coming for a long time. The stuff where you have classes invented for just one basketball or football player is just unforgivable. I mean, all of it is, I didn't attend UNC but I've lived in this area most of my life and I'm really sad to see how deep the academic fraud goes here, just as someone who is proud of the level of education available in the triangle area.

I did go to UNC and can relate to academic/athletics games as I was directly involved in some of them (like giving MJ a free pass so he can tell his mom he got a degree and giving As to hoop players just for showing up to take a test).

[Atocep]

30 total scholarships over 3 years? That's worse than what USC got. Seems kind of off. In fact, as a whole that seems worse than what USC got.

The NCAA has said they're going to step up the punishments for this sort of stuff so that it's more of a deterrent.

When you look at what Penn State got and then look at what Oregon is getting (assuming this is true), Miami has to shitting their pants right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

30 total scholarships over 3 years? That's worse than what USC got. Seems kind of off. In fact, as a whole that seems worse than what USC got.

USC got 30 scholarships for 3 years and a 2 year bowl ban as well. It is very similar to the level of sanctions USC got all around.

[tarcone]

The way this is going, we are going to see Northern Illinois vs. Arkansas St. in the 2017 BCS game. Or whatever the name of that cashcow will be called then.

[CU Tiger]

That story is a bit light on facts as is. He said there were tainted classes but what does that mean? It's no secret that practically every major school across the country has fluff majors and dumb athletes tend to gravitate towards them. At most schools, it's Communications or American Studies where you can watch tv for grades or whatnot. But what's being alleged here? That they didn't actually go to class and got grades or that the grades are really easy? The story doesn't say at all.

SI


According to our rivals board, the major issue is this.
19 Athletes eithe rhad declare majors or claimed majors and 14 students have DEGREES in majors never offered by UNC in any academic calendar or enrolment book. Further some 50+ classes have not been able to be confirmed as to when or where they would have met. 50 entire classes never happened, and supposeldy in every case not a single student was enrolled who was not on an athletic scholarship.

Public Ivy, not likely.

[Wolfpack]

I did go to UNC and can relate to academic/athletics games as I was directly involved in some of them (like giving MJ a free pass so he can tell his mom he got a degree and giving As to hoop players just for showing up to take a test).

I hope this comes across as genuine curiosity and not hostile or accusatory, but why?

[Buccaneer]

I hope this comes across as genuine curiosity and not hostile or accusatory, but why?

Fair question. There were several reasons. Geography was an undergrad jock major, so lots of basketball and football players in the classes. Almost none of them were there to learn but to play. They (the department, school and athletic department) needed these athletes to remain eligible and the word from the athletic department (specifically Dean Smith) was that if an athlete showed up regularly to class and took the tests (regardless how well they do or how much they copied off of others), that was all the effort that was expected of them academically. It pissed me off but the old fogey professors were more than glad to go along with the game since that meant more prestige and bonuses for them.

I guess that was a credit in Carolina's favor (at the time) since they did require their athletes to regularly attend classes, unlike other schools in the region. Jordan was an exception. I came in after he had declared but he came back to Chapel Hill during the summer to "pass" his last two classes (which I TA'd for) so he can get the degree. He showed up the first day and the last day and played golf between. I told him he was a slacker and he just laughed for he knew our department (and the school) wanted him as an alumni so he can contribute part of his wealth to the department and school. They gave him the degree and they got money in return.

[sterlingice]

According to our rivals board, the major issue is this.
19 Athletes eithe rhad declare majors or claimed majors and 14 students have DEGREES in majors never offered by UNC in any academic calendar or enrolment book. Further some 50+ classes have not been able to be confirmed as to when or where they would have met. 50 entire classes never happened, and supposeldy in every case not a single student was enrolled who was not on an athletic scholarship.

Public Ivy, not likely.

Well, that is a bit of a problem, then. Making joke classes that people barely have to attend or do much effort for is one thing. But just forging transcripts is another.

I went to the same 300 or 500 person 100-level Geology class as Kenny Gregory at KU and while he didn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed the couple of times I overheard him talking, he was there most of the time. I was in a programming class that started after a computer basics course- I got the impression it was how to use Excel and light programming in VB- basically computers for non-majors. Saw Eric Chenowith in there quite a bit and a couple of us went up to him a week or two after the lost in the tourney one year and told him it was a rough loss and how it'd go better next year or something like that. So at least some of the KU starters went to classes while I was there.

For the record, tho, my favorite at KU was after I left. Sasha Kaun got a Computer Science degree (which is what I got). WTF, Sasha? They don't just hand those out and none (or very few) of those profs were going to let an athlete just slide by- you actually have to work your rear end off for that. So that's pretty cool :)

SI

[Ksyrup]

I don't recall the specifics, but this sounds more like Clem Haskins/Minnesota-bad than FSU-bad.

[gstelmack]

Officially I'm not quite sure. There has been talk locally for months now about the African American Studies department, I don't really follow this as close as one might expect, but the impression I get is that the head of the department is directly and deeply involved, that classes were created with no lectures/instruction/class time, just a final paper that was never read, passing grade! I believe there are supposed to be minimum requirements about class sizes as well, there aren't supposed to be classes with 1 student in them, but that was being allowed to happen from time to time with a football player (and apparently basketball too now) in this department.

Again I am not following this intimately but its felt like a "where there's smoke, there's fire" situation for a very long time around here.

The non-atheltic part of this is that the head of the African-American Studies department was paid to teach classes that he didn't actually teach, so he was either scamming UNC as part of this or getting a kickback. The SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) is investigating the situation for criminal activity. But yes, lots of "independent study" classes that just required a short paper at the end to pass. The Julius Peppers transcript issue is making things interesting as well, since they can link his taking of these classes to times where he was in danger of failing to qualify academically, and these classes helped keep him eligible.

Local talk radio is also going after the chancellor, who is trying to paint this as "head of departments have lots of autonomy, so none of us knew", shortly after firing Butch Davis, who was never directly linked to any of the issues, for being in charge when it happened. Not to mention that UNC keeps saying "we did a thorough investigation", only to have more stuff come up, then they do another "thorough investigation", and more gets dug up. The local media are having a field day with Freedom of Information Act requests.

But yes, my guess is something similar happens everywhere, the agent scandal just gave folks a reason to dig into UNC and find this stuff. Here in NC with the Duke/UNC/NC State rivalry, there is incentive for the media to dig in and find dirt on one or the other. My guess is down in SEC country they have a tighter lid on their media digging and circle the wagons better.

[Ksyrup]

I can't be the first person in America to think of this connection, but....



May 19, 2001
By CHRIS SHERIDAN
AP Basketball Writer

Vince Carter plans to attend his graduation at the University of North Carolina on Sunday morning and then fly on a private plane to Philadelphia for Game 7 against the 76ers.


If all goes as planned, he'll receive his diploma around 10 a.m. EDT and arrive in Philadelphia by 1 p.m. Tipoff for the Toronto Raptors-76ers game is 5:30 p.m.

"It's a difficult decision, but nevertheless it's made and it's over," Carter said Saturday. "I'll go there, say my thank-yous, smell the city one more time and then I'm gone to Philly."

After scoring 39 points Friday night to lead Toronto to a 101-89 victory that tied the series at three games apiece, Carter spent two hours with team officials discussing his desire to attend his graduation.

He will be traveling to and from Chapel Hill, N.C., on team owner Larry Tanenbaum's private plane, and university officials have agreed to accommodate Carter by awarding him his diploma in African-American studies at the beginning of the ceremony.


:eek: :lol:

[Ben E Lou]

This could really stink for the 3rd-string offensive lineman who got no "help" from the scandal and earned his degree from UNC on his own merit. Fairly or not, his academic achievement is going to get called into question by any future employer paying attention...

[Ksyrup]

Paulie Pabst‏<s>@</s>PaulPabst
Talked to someone in the Oregon football program and they said Oregon has not been informed of any NCAA penalties yet.

[CU Tiger]

Why SEC Isn't As Great In Football As You Think | ThePostGame (http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201208/better-without-em-northern-manifesto-southern-secession-chuck-thompson-sec-bcs)

An interesting take on SEC dominance.

[Ksyrup]

Ha! Funny how this talk has died down the past month or two.

Barrett Sallee‏<s>@</s>BarrettSallee
RT <s>@</s>ChaddScott (https://twitter.com/ChaddScott): WAIT! Today is August 15th! FSU & Clemson will be submitting paperwork to ACC that they are leaving, right?

[JonInMiddleGA]

by any future employer paying attention...

That's probably a minute enough occurrence that the damage is minimal.

That's ostensibly a ;) wiseass remark but there's probably a reasonable amount of :banghead: to go with it.

[cschex]

Why SEC Isn't As Great In Football As You Think | ThePostGame (http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201208/better-without-em-northern-manifesto-southern-secession-chuck-thompson-sec-bcs)

An interesting take on SEC dominance.

I think there is an interesting discussion to be had on this topic, but that article is agenda driven and factually misleading.

[bhlloy]

So as expected USC is the #1 in Y! Sports long ass preseason countdown. Apparently nobody has noticed that the defensive line might be the thinnest in the country and the offensive line is nothing to write home about either. No matter how good your skill players are its not going to make a damn bit of difference if you are running with true freshmen and scrubs in the trenches.

I'd be stunned if this team doesn't end up losing at least two games and it could be more disappointing than that

[Eaglesfan27]

I think you are far too pessimistic. The defensive line is inexperienced and could be our downfall, but there is a lot of talent there. They are far from the thinnest in the country. I think our offensive line will be very solid although LT is definitely a concern, but I really like the other 4 starters.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I see the reason for EF27's optimism. Jordan Webb was named the starting QB for Colorado.

:eek:

[MrBug708]

???

[Ksyrup]

Assume that means there won't be much competition in the Pac12?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

???

You obviously haven't seen the kid play. Good percentages on completion, but loves to throw to the other team in clutch situations.

[Ksyrup]

Was Colorado going to put up much of a challenge to USC this year? I can think of 4 other P-South teams I'd rate on the upset alert meter before them.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Was Colorado going to put up much of a challenge to USC this year? I can think of 4 other P-South teams I'd rate on the upset alert meter before them.

No, they weren't. Now they've moved that percentage from 99.9% to 100%.

[mauchow]

I just realized that I will be in mid-flight during the Badgers opening game this year.. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCK!

I am so unbelievably upset right now(maybe not so unbelievably, but still). WE will be landing at 2:45 the following Saturday and the Badgers start at 3:00. I think I will need to remind myself to set that to record.

[cartman]

The FOFC Top 25 Poll will be opening up this weekend. So those who are interested, start getting your info gathered.

[Matthean]

I just realized that I will be in mid-flight during the Badgers opening game this year.. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCK!

I think they'll do OK. :D

[cartman]

Webb is also a transfer from Kansas, but I'm sure that doesn't factor into MBBF's decision making at all.

[cartman]

Was Colorado going to put up much of a challenge to USC this year? I can think of 4 other P-South teams I'd rate on the upset alert meter before them.

Most media outlets have the Buffs finishing dead last in their division.

[MrBug708]

You obviously haven't seen the kid play. Good percentages on completion, but loves to throw to the other team in clutch situations.

Colorado sucks, but I don't hold past performances against a player too badly

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Colorado sucks, but I don't hold past performances against a player too badly

We'll look at the good in the situation. Colorado is better than Kansas.

[Kodos]

Why SEC Isn't As Great In Football As You Think | ThePostGame (http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201208/better-without-em-northern-manifesto-southern-secession-chuck-thompson-sec-bcs)

An interesting take on SEC dominance.

:thumbsup:

[tarcone]

Good for Webb.

Im ready for some foiotball.

[kingfc22]

ND's special uniform is truly "special". Damn they are UGLY.

[dawgfan]

Rumors of the Oregon stuff leaking out. From an Oregon board
--------------------------------------
Welp.

Just heard from my guy today, who's been spot on with just about everything, from DeAnthony Thomas to Arik Armstead, to Darron leaving early, and the latest with Lyerla.

NCAA is close to delivering their verdict, and it's not nearly what we were hoping for, or what we thought we'd see 2 months ago. The lowlights:

4 years probation
2 year bowl ban
30 scholarships over 3 years
No off campus recruiting for Campbell or Pellum in 2013
And there are questions, regarding DATs eligibility, but that is not resolved, and will be rolled into a separate investigation.
Announcement was supposed to come today, but will likely not be released by the NCAA or UO until later in the week.

All I know for now.

The most connected guy that posts on the Dawgman.com boards (mid to high level booster, longtime friends with Dan Beebe, lots of NCAA connections) is saying that Oregon & the NCAA are currently at odds over whether they should be considered under "repeat offender" status from their last major incident in 2004 where RB coach Gary Campbell forged an LOI. Given the way that repeat offender rule is written, Oregon really doesn't have a leg to stand on - they are repeat offenders.

This could explain why Oregon hasn't yet self-administered penalties - they and the NCAA are too far apart in their interpretations of the violations and the appropriate penalties.

[tarcone]

Iowa loses another Running Back.
Barkley Hill injures a knee and is carted off in practice.


This is getting real old.

[mauchow]

Badgers have four legit D1 starting caliber backs. No we won't share!

[MacroGuru]

Could say I made the pilgrimage to Lavelle Edwards Stadium today...snapped some pics of the kids by the Cougar Statue out front, a nice side picture of the stadium.

The stadium is getting two new 60' Video Boards. One on the north end zone and the other on the south endzone plus a ribbon board around both sides. There is a lot of grief that they "only" upgraded to 60's (from 1 25 on the south). From where I was they looks huge and I wish I was going to be here for a few home games this season.

[Desnudo]

The non-atheltic part of this is that the head of the African-American Studies department was paid to teach classes that he didn't actually teach, so he was either scamming UNC as part of this or getting a kickback. The SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) is investigating the situation for criminal activity. But yes, lots of "independent study" classes that just required a short paper at the end to pass. The Julius Peppers transcript issue is making things interesting as well, since they can link his taking of these classes to times where he was in danger of failing to qualify academically, and these classes helped keep him eligible.

Local talk radio is also going after the chancellor, who is trying to paint this as "head of departments have lots of autonomy, so none of us knew", shortly after firing Butch Davis, who was never directly linked to any of the issues, for being in charge when it happened. Not to mention that UNC keeps saying "we did a thorough investigation", only to have more stuff come up, then they do another "thorough investigation", and more gets dug up. The local media are having a field day with Freedom of Information Act requests.

But yes, my guess is something similar happens everywhere, the agent scandal just gave folks a reason to dig into UNC and find this stuff. Here in NC with the Duke/UNC/NC State rivalry, there is incentive for the media to dig in and find dirt on one or the other. My guess is down in SEC country they have a tighter lid on their media digging and circle the wagons better.

I'm sure there's a math explanation somehow, but how do you get a 1.82 and remain in school, never mind eligible?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

DUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDEEEEEE...........

Former Michigan player: "Nearly half the team was stoned during A | ChatWolverines.com (http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Former-Michigan-player-Nearly-half-the-team-was-stoned-during-Appalachian-State-loss-10-2-3043)

[dawgfan]

DUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDEEEEEE...........

Former Michigan player: "Nearly half the team was stoned during A | ChatWolverines.com (http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Former-Michigan-player-Nearly-half-the-team-was-stoned-during-Appalachian-State-loss-10-2-3043)
I'll bet this kind of thing happens a fair amount.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'll bet this kind of thing happens a fair amount.

Must have rolled a bale of the stuff onto campus the night before.

[miami_fan]

Eh, I will wait for the source to reveal himself before I make any judgement.

If the source "refused to name individual players", who the hell put all of those names in the article? Or was he not revealing the names of the players who were high?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Da'Rick Rogers suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules » GoVolsXtra (http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2012/aug/23/darick-rogers-suspended-indefinitely-violation-tea/)

[Ksyrup]

In other news, Lance Bass is a wide receiver.

[Atocep]

WVU loses one of out its 2012 recruiting class. Roshard Burney got his test score on his last attempt and the test score was then rejected by the NCAA...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Pretty fired up. Just picked up some tickets to the Georgia-Mizzou SEC opener. Going to be a great atmosphere. MizzouRah, you going?

[General Mike]

Rutgers suspended DE Michael Larrow for 4 games. He started 5 games for Rutgers last year before getting hurt, and was listed as a co-starter on the depth chart before training camp, but really fell down the depth chart. Not sure if that's related to the suspension or not.

[Logan]

More details out now that he was arrested for disorderly conduct stemming from a fight with his girlfriend. He's alleged to have "pushed" her face away after she pushed him during an argument where she claimed he was cheating on her. Have fun riding the pine, loser. It actually was a surprise to me as my sister in law was pretty good friends with him and always talked about how good of a guy he was.

[Logan]

In other news, Sheldon Royster was granted his release from South Carolina. He was a 4* Safety in 2011. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and it's looking like he'll end up at Rutgers in order to be close to home. We finished as runner up during his recruitment.

[lungs]

3 arrests made in the Montee Ball assault. It's hard telling what actually happened. Arrested were at least two students so it wasn't just random street thugs. College fight pretty much. Local media will likely paint these guys as thugs when the football players were probably acting like football players at a house party. For all I know Ball had it coming but it would've been better for these guys to exact their revenge outside the confines of a public place. And if Ball wasn't involved it was pure stupidity on these guys' part for going after a Heisman candidate running back. I dare anybody to tell me that there would've been this big of an investigation if the fourth string outside linebacker was involved in this.

[bronconick]

Students? Montee railed a girlfriend, as his right as the starting RB and she brought it up to the boyfriend in a fight, leading him to get his friends together and beat his ass.

[Suicane75]

Monte Ballin?

[Passacaglia]

I could have told you there was a 2/3 chance of this happening before the season started.

[mauchow]

One more Fuckin day!

[flounder]

This sounds pretty damn bad - especially since it implicates basketball, too.

North Carolina cheated and prospered, now it's time for reckoning - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and BCS Rankings (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/19794788/north-carolina-cheated-and-prospered-now-its-time-for-reckoning)

UNC officials didn't want to know what was happening, so they stuck their heads in the dirt -- and it just got worse. How bad?

Maybe the ugliest academic scandal in NCAA history.

This one is worse than what happened in 2007 at Florida State. (http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-400_162-3303979.html) I mean, it's not even close. Florida State had some numbers that looked bad -- 61 athletes from 10 different teams -- but this UNC scandal dwarfs it.

FSU had 61 tainted players, almost all from the same class.

North Carolina has at least 54 tainted classes.

And the NCAA says no rules were broken (http://tracking.si.com/2012/08/31/unc-academic-scandal-ncaa/).


The NCAA has found that no rules were broken in the academic scandal at the University of North Carolina that reportedly involved football players taking no-show classes in the school’s African and Afro-American Studies department, according to a statement from the university.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And the NCAA says no rules were broken (http://tracking.si.com/2012/08/31/unc-academic-scandal-ncaa/).

If that's the case then the rules themselves are broken.

[molson]

And we made it to the season without any word on Miami or Oregon, despite that "insider" report going around a few weeks back that the Oregon announcement was imminent, and despite all the NCAA talk that they were going to move quickly on Miami. I suppose that means they're both off the hook for another year.

[Easy Mac]

MU wins one SEC game in their home stadium??? I'll take that bet. $50 in Steam credit to the winner?

Did anyone take this bet?

They're winless in the SEC and have 1 home game left.

[Matthean]

Bah. Reread it to see I misread it.