Fourteen teams in the Top 25 lost last week. And that doesn’t include not-in-Top-25 Wisconsin, who gave a Top 10 performance in Bloomington before going Bottom 150 in a loss to Iowa.

It’s conference play time. So much fun it is.

* * * * *

Loyal reader CookieMan called me on the carpet this morning for not mentioning in my blog on U of L/ Syracuse that the Cardinal football team — at least about 1/3 of it — was introduced. To the expected, raucous Standing O. The intro came during the fist media timeout of the 2d half. When, sigh, the Cards were up 48-40.

Five time MLB All-Star Fred McGriff was also in the house yesterday.

* * * * *

Manti Te’o spoke yesterday. Or, so it is said. To Jeremy Schap in a non-videoed conversation.

Apparently he said he “embellished” his romance, but was still the victim there.

Okay, Manti, whatever you say.

Truth, even I have had enough of this “scandal.”

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t use the bully pulpit the refresh your memories about a real tragedy in which Notre Dame football is involved. Not so valiantly either.

I’m talking about the suicide of Lizzy Seeberg, a young woman who really existed. And who is now really dead. She took her own life after allegedly being intimidated by Fighting Irish pigskinners after reporting a sexual assault by one of their teammates.

You can read more details here.

Dave Zirin, the Thomas Friedman of sports columinsts (usually astute, but always arrogant and self righteous) weighed in even more heavily here.

So, tell me Athletic Director Swarbick, does Lizzy’s tale bring you to tears like that of your hallowed linebacker?

* * * * *

Charles Barkley was in full form last night during the UK/ Auburn game.

He called pro agents, “scumbags.”

* * * * *

Now falling near the top of the list of Teams That Will Probably Make The NCAA Tournament That You Don’t Want Your Contender To Face: Colorado State Rams.

Larry Eustachy’s team is 15-3 after last night’s W over Vegas.

Eustachy could always coach. Now that he’s been clean and sober for awhile, he can really coach.

Also perched to prey in that category: Dana Altman’s Oregon Quack.

* * * * *

Atlanta and the 49ers are getting read to kick off.

I sure hope today’s games are exciting. Because I could care less who wins.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t noticed, and I’m sure you haven’t, the NHL opened play this weekend.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t noticed, and I’m sure you haven’t, Part Deux. FC Barcelona lost yesterday in La Liga. They blew a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 at Real Sociedad.

They now stand 18-1-1 on the season.

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is still an asshole.

* * * * *

Earl Weaver was such the grouch, he never got quite as much respect as a manager as he deserved.

The same fate came upon his passing.

He bought the farm on the same day as all-time all-star, all time Hall of Famer, all-time good guy, Stan Musial. How cool was the former St. Louis Cardinal who had one of the most unique batting stances ever? He alway carried a harmonica in his sportcoat pocket.

May you both rest in peace.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/01/20/sunday-sound-off-the-full-manti-much-more/feed/ 1 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/08/26/sports-sunday-clearing-off-the-desk-before-kickoff/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/08/26/sports-sunday-clearing-off-the-desk-before-kickoff/#comments Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:29:41 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7771 Yes, friends, we are but days away from that time of year that SEC commish Mike Slive likes to call Moneyball.

College football, and soon thereafter the game played by the play for more pay guys, are bout to kickoff. Not soon enough if you ask me. (Though my Tigers are neck and neck with the ChiSox for the AL Central title. So I’ll be keeping an eye on the “national pastime.”)

So let me get a few things off my chest, so we can put the brats on the grill.

* * * * *

My pal David, who apparently is avoiding real life as much as possible these days, called yesterday all excited.

“Are you watching the Little League World Series?”

“Uh, no.”

“Well, going into the last inning, Tennessee was up 15-5 and California scored ten to tie it . . . “

“Well . . . “

“You should be watching.”

“Well . . . I could care less.”

“Really, turn it on. Goodbye.”

I understand that as a sports fan, I’m supposed to do what the World Wide Leader tells me to do. But . . . I don’t do Little League on the telly. I played Little League. I loved it. Every game day I’d wake up and pray it didn’t rain. I still remember specific game situations.

Heck, my dad was the Commissioner of the League.

But those kids shouldn’t be playing on national television.

Period.

* * * * *

A few thoughts on Lance Armstrong.

I think if the guy wasn’t such an asshole, the organizations that say they run international cycling wouldn’t be so adamant about bringing down the multi-time Tour de France winner. The guy’s a putz. Nobody much likes him. Ask Sheryl Crow.

That said, as much as I dislike the use of performance enhancing drugs — Lord, I hate the visions of Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire hitting cheap chemically induced taters — I could care less if Armstrong was on steroids or not. For one, everybody was apparently doing it at the time. (Maybe still.) And, I’ve been watching a lot of the Tour the last couple of years, and that sport is so arduous, it wouldn’t matter to me if he had a motor implanted in his legs.

Fifteen mile climbs at a 12% grade. Let ‘em put whatever they want in their systems.

* * * * *

Tiger choked it up again yesterday.

All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

* * * * *

Speaking of the World Wide Leader, ESPN ranked the Top 50 college hoops programs of the past 50 years.

Caveat: Before I continue watch out for flying objects and enraged fans wearing a dark shade of blue.

Kentucky only came in 3d. Behind Carolina and UCLA in that order.

Remember Cats fans, I’m only the messenger, I didn’t do the rankings.

I like that Louisville was ranked 6th, one spot ahead of the Hoosiers.

Three of the top 7 within miles of each other. That’s why any claims that Tobacco Road is the epicenter of college basketball is bogus at best, fraudulent at worst. Hoopsylvania uber alles.

* * * * *

Coming Soon to a computer near you: Round Uno of Seedy K’s Pithy Pigskin Prognostications 2012.

– Seedy K

Unfortunately for members of the English Speaking Union, those who long for the days of guys in khaki in charge in India and a vast empire, Adam Scott spit out the bit in “The Open.” Which is the euphemism for the British Open Golf tournament.

But Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish and Christopher Froome conquered Gaul in unprecedented fashion in the Tour de France.

The Open. Ernie Els shot 2 under and overcame a seemingly insurmountable 6 stroke deficit to capture the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham.

Adam Scott lost it really. Choked to be honest. He bogeyed the final four holes with a four stroke lead. Didn’t even make it to a playoff.

Could it have been that bad Stevie Williams karma? Perhaps.

Though Williams former boss fared even worse. He Who Would Be Tiger was only 5 back as he teed off for the final round. But he was three over for the day, including a devastating triple bogey 7 at the 6th. All together now . . . Awwwwwwwww!

While the Aussie Scott was proving he’s not ready for prime time, Els fired a 4 under 32 on the back nine. Including a bold, go for broke birdie putt on the 72d to steal the deal.

What I loved about today’s TV coverage was the absence of those smug homie announcers, whose fawning makes Jim Nantz sound positively objective.

The Tour. Unlike, of course, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin, the Brits who do such a splendid job describing the world’s most arduous sports event.

Bradley Wiggins is the first Brit to win the Tour de France. Christopher Froome, also from that island just a chunnel’s ride a way, finished second. They both ride for the same team, Sky Procycling. I believe it’s the first time that teammates have finished first and second in the race. Plus teammate Mark Cavendish, a/k/a The Missle, won three stages. Including today’s finale along the Champs Élysées for the fourth time . . . in four attempts.

Sky dominated the three week race, but technically lost the team title to RadioShack Nissan. Even though that squad lost its two stars during the race. Frank Schleck was sent home for doping violations. Fabian Cancellara went home for dope violations. He started the Tour even though his wife was seriously preggers, and dropped out to be with her only after he faltered in the race and it became apparent he wasn’t going to contend.

Meanwhile in State College . . . JoPa’s statue is coming down. It’s the right thing to do. The former Nittany Lion coach did a lot of things right during his career, but, when faced with a situation that sets apart those with true character from those without, he failed miserably.

And, if today’s reports are correct, the NCAA is going to turn its attention tomorrow from the heinous situation at Cal Tech, to level “corrective and punitive measures” against Penn State. The word is: No Death Penalty. Though the carcass is likely to be drawn and quartered and left by the side of the road for the vultures to descend.

. . . and in Chapel Hill . . . there is more trouble brewing. Seems as if this ACC power has been keeping jocks eligible with dummy courses. Like courses with no classroom meetings, and only jock enrollees.

Stay tuned you Tar Heel bashers, big smiles are on the horizon, but . . .

. . . Fans of Other Schools best not Look in the Mirror. Bunny courses to keep athletes eligible have been part of the scene since before Bo McMillan and a bunch of mercenaries went C6-H0.

When I was at U of L, one favored class was Athletic Training, taught by a football assistant. In which, attendees had to design a training room for the final. Then there was Trees and Shrubs, where the class studied flora along Eastern Parkway.

Much has been made through the years of the decline of Louisville’s basketball program in Denny Crum’s final years. A lot of the blame has been directed toward the institution of the three point shot, which Crum didn’t embrace soon enough or heartily enough. Or, so the argument goes.

Another major factor, rarely mentioned, was the demise of University College. It was essentially a night school program with easier profs and classes, in which a lot of premier athletes were enrolled.

Which is to say, no school’s fans should ever feel pleased with themselves. It’s everywhere, it’s everywhere.

– Seedy K

It reads “Death Penalty @ Penn State?”

And, of course, while I procrastinated, the ever professional, more vigilant than myself, Rick Bozich weighed in this afternoon on the topic. With essentially the same thoughts that I have.

Which boil down to this: Despite the heinous disregard for the victims of Jerry Sandusky’s predatory sexual advances, despite the cover up by the school’s power structure of the former assistant coach’s known transgressions, despite the gnawing duplicity of Saint JoePa, shutting down the football program in State College, Pa. doesn’t seem the appropriate thing to do.

Take away schollys. Take ‘em off TV. Don’t let them share in Big Ten’s TV revenue.

But let ‘em play. One guy’s opinion.

Actually, at least two. Bozich and I agree.

* * * * *

One more thing. I understand the emotions and love for the patriarch that has the Paterno family scrambling to debunk all the negative facts coming out about JoePa.

But, really, folks, it’s time to fade away and shut up.

* * * * *

My bad. In a previous post, I mentioned there are now three major fan sites dedicated and devoted to U of L sports. Actually there are four.

I’m not sure how I could have forgotten Louisville Sports Report. Sorry, guys.

So now there’s Rivals and Scout and Fox and 24/7 and Card Chronicle battling it out for your attention and bucks.

Which is not to mention yours truly’s musings.

* * * * *

Probably not a whole lot of bicycle road racing fans reading this.

But those of you who are know that what I’m about to say is true. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen are the best announcers currently working in any sport. (I guess I should say in the English language, since those are the only ones I know.)

They know the sport. They are fans of the sport, but they don’t let it get in the way of serious, listenable reporting. Their observations are keen and appropriate. Their interaction is seamless. They are engaging and entertaining and illuminating without losing the focus of their purpose. They speak real sentences, literate sentences.

You spend one morning watching the Tour and listening to these guys at NBC Sports and you will have an understanding of strategies, good and bad, and the whole majesty of this incredible sporting competition. Hopefully it will be on one of the remaining mountain stages, which are way more fascinating than the others.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is an off day.

* * * * *

Elvis Dumervil, what the fuck were you thinking?

* * * * *

And, yes, in case you were wondering, Dwight Howard is the new Brett Favre.

– Seedy K

How come you keep the roof you built for just such instances open when it’s going to rain on center court? Or, like now when it is, uh, raining as I write with the Men’s Championship tied at a set a piece between Roger Federer and homie Andy Murray?

Brits invented Stiff Upper Lip, or so it would seem. Fortitude in the face of adversity, as Wiki would define it. Self restraint. No display of weakness, a trembling upper lip at times of tension.

Yeah, well it’s real admirable and all that, a generally favorable trait to display. But this is the championship of the premier tournament of an entire sport. The whole world is watching. And anybody with even the least intelligent smartphone can see rain was coming. So why didn’t they take the time with the match tied at a set for each to close the roof?

Well they’re finally doing it as a write late this Breakfast at Wimbledon Sunday. So we’re stuck with listening to Mike Tirico, and watch some hushed tone, television poetic remembrance of a Columbine disaster that occurred in Murray’s Scottish home town. Sweet, poignant, but we turned in for tennis, not “60 Minutes.”

As for the match, well, it shall recommence after they get the roof closed, which takes about as long as it did for British troops at the direction of Margaret Thatcher to ship from the homeland to save the Falkland Islands from usurpation by Argentina.

(Time marches on.) Neither player has taken charge of the match as play has just restarted.

* * * * *

Speaking of Rule Britannia, how about Bradley Wiggins. The Brit, a pre-Tour de France co-favorite holds a ten second lead after the first week over defending champ, Aussie Cadel Evans. Lots of riding ahead and opportunities for both — and others — with time trials and men-from-the-boys defining moment mountain stages ahead. Plus the contenders need to stay out of harm’s way, given all the crashes this Tour.

The French are happy this day. Countryman Thibaut Pinot, in his first Tour at 22 years old, won the stage.

* * * * *

Before I rag on the sad state of the Courier-Journal yet again, let me be clear.

I make a lot of mistakes in this blog. And in the pieces I post at culturemaven.com. Misspelled words. Typos. Even the occasional incorrect fact. I do try. Run spell check. Proof things. But I miss stuff. It happens. I’m a one man operation, just trying to entertain.

You can read me for free.

The Courier-Journal, once one of the great American newspapers, an institution of community pride, now costs $23 a month. The mistakes are mounting by the day.

The last straw for me may be what’s happening to the sports page. No sign of columnists to replace Rick Bozich and Eric Crawford. No sign of copy editing.

In the article about the Calipari-coached Dominican Republic’s 1/4 final W in the Olympic hoops qualifying tourney, there was reference to U of L “senior to be” Edgar Sosa.

Really? I could have sworn his eligibility ran out two seasons ago.

Like I said, I make mistakes. But, even when one of my periodic brain farts and all too familiar senior moments arrive at the same time, I rarely blow it quite that badly.

It is just sooooooooooooo sad.

Let’s see $23 x 12 months is $276 for the year.

Can somebody tell me what I’m getting for that which is unavailable somewhere else?

– Seedy K