Brandishing, another altogether.

Rick Pitino has used the former, advertising terminology, regarding his mission at U of L. As in “rebranding the program.” I hate such talk, but know what he means.

Brandishing is what former Cardinal baller Terrence Williams has been charged with. As in waving a gun about in a threatening manner toward the mother of his child.

The former might be a reprehensible concept as far as college athletics are concerned, but it’s accepted behavior, even the norm these days.

The latter is a crime.

T-Will’s pro career has been spotty at best. This development certainly can’t help his standing with the Celtics, who apparently can opt out of their contract with Williams anytime before Halloween.

The occurence, sadly, is not surprising. It was well known in and around the U of L community that Williams had a predilection for packing heat.

While he was one of the more popular U of L players of the Pitino Era, I found him to be a most disagreeable sort. Frankly, he’s my least favorite Cardinal of the Pitino Era, but that’s neither here nor there. I certainly don’t wish him ill. But do hope that justice is served. The charge against him is serious.

* * * * *

At the other end of the spectrum is Teddy Bridgewater.

Who, it is reported, has asked Charlie Strong and the U of L starmaker machinery to forgo any Heisman Trophy PR campaign.

* * * * *

An eagle-eyed reader sent me the latest Capital One Cup Standings.

Even that program’s web site doesn’t fully explain how the points are calculated. But the purpose is to measure the strength of the entire athletic programs of the nations’s colleges. Louisville’s male athletes rank 3d behind Michigan and Indiana, which are knotted at the top of the standings.

U of L’s female athletes rank 16th.

I know that national championships get you points. I’m not sure if how far a school advances in the post season is a factor? Or, if league titles count?

Whatever. Those lofty perches confirm what Louisville Cardinal fans have been saying to each other this entire school year: “It’s a great time to be a Cardinal fan.”

* * * * *

By the by, the U of L nine won the Big East regular season pennant with a sweep of Pitt last weekend.

* * * * *

Coming soon are some of the biggest events internationally in car racing.

Indy 500.

Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Coca Cola 600.

And the grandest event of them all, coming up on the 25th of the month right across the river on the hallowed asphalt of the Jeffersonville Sportsdrome.

School Bus Figure 8s.

To paraphrase someone more eloquent than myself, about a far lesser event, “You ain’t been nowhere, or ever done nothin’ til you been to the School Bus Figure 8s.”

There is no exhilaration in the world of sport quite like seeing a couple of big yellows t-boning at the crossroads.

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my Detroit Red Wings are up 2-1 on Chitown in the Western Division semis of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Black Hawks have been on cruise control all season after starting out unbeaten in something like their first 25 games. The boys from Hockeytown seem to have caught the Second City gang looking ahead.

* * * * *

While I’m on the subject of sports you could care less about, and to clear off the desk, did you notice what’s happened recently in the world of European soccer?

Of course not. Briefly . . .

Lowly Wigan upset Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

Athletico Madrid beat crosstown rival Real Madrid for the first time in like a quarter century to capture the Copa del Rey.

And Dortmund Borussia will face Bayern Munchen in all-German Champions League Final on the 25th. (Don’t worry the game at Wembley will be over in time for you to make it across the river to the Sportsdrome.)

As I’m sure you’re aware, this matchup is also totally unexpected. An all-Spanish final would have been chalk. Dortmund bested Real Madrid by aggregate score in the semis, while Bayern bashed Messi-less Barcelona, 4-0 and 3-0. (Each match has two games, one on each team’s pitch. Total score advances. Away goals trump home goals.)

* * * * *

Brett Favre is still retired.

Later.

– Seedy K

You local hoopaholics know what I’m talking about. With less than a shot clock to play, the Cardinals have the ball, game tied or one down. Four guys clear out, allowing Edgar or Russ or Peyton or Reece to tom tom the ball until there are about 6 or 7 ticks left, then they might drive, perhaps dish, or, more often than one might expect, stop and pop a long range jumper.

Sometimes it works. Like the time, Louisville tried to blow a UK game, but Sosa had his One Shining Moment as a Card. Often it does not.

It always causes consideration — Why don’t they run a regular play? — and too often, consternation. Especially when it fails. Like in all those OTs at South Bend.

Well, yesterday, proved it’s not just Cardinal fans forced to endure these half- and game-ending moments.

Mark Jackson went there with his Golden State squad in Game #4 of that NBA Western Division first round series with the Spurs.

The last time I considered Jarrett Jack, he was a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and Francisco Garcia and gang were eviscerating the Rambling Wreck in a 2d round NC2A game in Nashville. And here he was years later for the resurgent Warriors, tom toming the ball, score tied, with a chance to even the series against favorite San Antonio.

He jacked up that Sosa-ish threeball. (Pun absolutely intended.) Missed it. Overtime.

All’s well that ends well, one must suppose. The team from Cali ruled the extra time, evening up the most entertaining of the first round NBA playoff matchups.

* * * * *

Just when sitting at home on a beautiful if brisk late Sunday afternoon seemed justified, just when Johnny Miller was starting to salivate in the TV booth over the prospects of a scintillating mano a mano finish to the Players Championship, Sergio the Lesser (always the lesser) with a chance to grab Tiger by the tail, got in touch with his inner Roy McAvoy. (You remember, Kevin Costner in “Tin Cup.”)

At the world’s most famous golf hole, the 17th, he dropped his tee shot in the drink.

Then did it again.

Jeff Maggert got the wobbles.

David Lingmerth couldn’t drain a 150 footer on the 72d.

Meaning Tiger Woods and that blonde ski bunny of his had reason to celebrate last night.

Lachlan MaClean’s show ought to be interesting tonight.

* * * * *

Because I stayed up until 1:00 in the a.m., watching 7th seeded Detroit master the Mighty Ducks in a first round Game #7 on the ice in Disneyland, I feel compelled to mention it here.

So I have. Next up, the Black Hawks.

Have I mentioned before how Stanley Cup hockey is arguably, game in and game out, the most exciting of the professional post seasons? Yes, I have.

* * * * *

I have one suggestion for the Big Blue Nation today.

Breathe.

I know that Wiggins kid has announced that he will announce tomorrow where he’ll be matriculating academically next school year, where he’ll be taking his considerable basketball talents. He’ll do it at a “private ceremony.” Fellow students, family and but one media representative as a pool reporter.

I mean, really, why don’t these kids simply say where they’re going, then pick up their dates and go to the prom?

Breathe, BBN, breathe.

– Seedy K

Hope it got your attention, and you now realize after almost two weeks away that I’m baaaaaaaaaaack. Open for business.

One more caveat. I’m not totally on my game yet. And, apparently, Golden State didn’t have quite enough last night in San Antonio. I figured it was quite a game — and confirmed it this morning when I watched the highlights — when I was trying to sleep and my friend David kept texting me.

Which texts I ignored. I had an early wake up call this Tuesday morning — it’s movie review day — and was trying to get to sleep. Actually I think he was showing off, proving he could stay up late. Truth, probably, is that he fell asleep at 7:30 or so and woke up in time to relish the second half of the Western Division semi-final.

Nor did I see the OT of my Red Wings comeback against the Mighty Ducks in Game #4 of that first round Stanley Cup series. Same reason applies.

Buuuuuuut, I did watch the Bulls gutty W in Miami. And the Wings 3d period anschluss in Hockeytown to send that game into extra innings.

So, here comes some of the usual pithy blather from a pundit still in spring training mode.

* * * * *

For me, there’s no sporting “event” quite as inconsequential as the NFL draft. It all seems yet another World Wide Leader made for TV, made for Mel Kiper commercial op.

So, I was kind of dumbfounded when, last night, my first, relaxing with sports on the telly in almost two weeks, I kept clicking back to the 30 on 30 flick about the “famous” NFL draft with Elway & Marino & Kelly, etc. The back room machinations caught my attention, and proved interesting. Way more so than hour after hour after hour of bombast from Chris Berman and the aforementioned draft guru, Kiper.

Then again, maybe I’m just so off my feed, so in need of a sports fix, that my sense of what’s interesting and what’s not has been skewed and is in need of alignment.

I might have mentioned in my last blog how much I love that comedian’s pre-draft day impersonation of Kiper on coffee. Dead on. Hilarious.

* * * * *

The other moment that struck me recently was Magic Johnson’s reaction to LeBron’s MVP award.

He didn’t talk about the quality of his balling. Or his place the pantheon of previous winners.

Magic talked about how few TV endorsements James has. How he deserves more.

Huh?

Guess James hasn’t quite figured out how to take his talents to Toyota.

Bottom line is “King” LeBron’s misguided TV announcement of his move to Miami is still haunting him. Because the guy is as amazing a physical baller as has ever been. He’s a good and generous teammate. He’s articulate. He isn’t spotted with his homies on South Beach at 4:30 in the morning. He’s a champion.

Q Score doesn’t easily forget.

* * * * *

 No Kirk Hinrich.

No Derrick Rose.

No Luol Deng, who it is said, had a spinal tap. (The mention of which allows me to play this video which has only the slightest connection to the subject matter of the previous sentence.)

No problem. Because the Bulls played like banshees and they did play well. Stealing, as we have come to say it, the first game of the Eastern semis in Miami in front of a stunned crowd, most wearing white because somebody told them to.

Joakim Noah is simply relentless. Nate Robinson had one of those games, you know the kind where a guy grabs the tilt by the short and curlies, makes it his, despite a  lip gash requiring ten halftime stitches. And Jimmy Butler . . . uh . . . Jimmy Who? Oh yeah, the 2d year kid out of Butler.

Was Miami “rusty?” Whatever that means? Maybe. I dunno. Who knows? What I do know is the Heat are down a game, making Game Deux a must win.

* * * * *

I’d love to break down San Antonio’s comeback from way down at home against Golden State.

But, I didn’t see it, and my sense of propriety disallows me from opinionating about something of which I haven’t any first hand knowledge.

* * * * *

I know you could care less about hockey. So I’ll refrain there also.

Other than to say the Red Wings attacked the whole 3d period — and I assume in the OT which I didn’t see. Detroit deserved the W, tying the series at 2-2.

* * * * *

Perfunctory Kentucky Derby mention.

Orb won.

Just as my cohort Bill Doolittle said he would. (It’s his second correct Derby prediction in a row.)

* * * * *

Did you think I’d get outtahere without mentioning that little Monday Night W by the Louisville Cardinals a month ago?

Silly you.

At one point last week when I was at the Lagniappe Stage in New Orleans at JazzFest, waiting for what proved to be a searing set by Joe Krown, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Russell Batiste Jr., I was struck as if from nowhere with this thought: “My Louisville Cardinals won the national championship.”

A month after the fact, this one is still sinking in.

The first sports I watched upon my return to town from that 10 day holiday was . . . a replay of the hard fought semi-final W over feisty Wichita State. Twas a gutty victory.

The Cards were steely in their worst played game of the tourney. Luke Hancock’s three to put the Cards up 5 late was a stunner. No rebounding help. It’s the kind of shot that in the old days would have been extremely ill-advised. Frankly, it was ill advised against the Shockers.

But the Final Four MOP drained it, didn’t he?

Yes, he did.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/05/07/back-in-biz-sporting-scene-with-a-gangsta-lean/feed/ 2 http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/04/24/out-to-lunch-last-sports-thoughts-before-jazzfest/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/04/24/out-to-lunch-last-sports-thoughts-before-jazzfest/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:04:20 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8501 Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I haven’t been showing up here much for the last little bit.

Let’s just say I’ve been savoring that sublime national championship and leave it at that.

And, this is a last report before I head down on my annual pilgrimage to New Orleans JazzFest. I shall be blogging pretty much daily from the Crescent City on the music, food and general all around bon homie. You can follow me at my web site, which is here.

Links to those blogs shall also be posted on my Facebook page.

So, hey, stop in at those spots.

Obviously if there’s some major development in the world of athletics that needs my opinionization, I shall endeavor to do so. Caveat emptor, the page is likely to be spotted with crawfish strudel drippings.

* * * * *

Though I’ll be in New Orleans, rest assured I shan’t weigh in on the Zurich Open, which is being contested there this weekend. Could. Care. Less.

Nor shall you read a syllable about the NFL draft, because, well, because . . . who is their right mind really gives a shit. Sorry, Mel.

* * * * *

Cardinal fans are obviously pleased as punch that Russ Smith is coming back for his senior year. I know I am.

I expected that’s what he’d do, given his waffling, but had no inside info, so I didn’t weigh in before the announcement.

It is clear that this championship squad was a special group off the court as well as on. They are a tight gang. Russ is staying. Chane isn’t even messing with the draft.

Neat.

* * * * *

Because I’m a hoopaholic, I’ve been watching some of the NBA playoffs. The games can get mighty tense this time of year.

I meant to write a piece about the Nuggets, after they captured Game #1 against Golden State, behind Andre Miller’s boffo performance. No superstars. Under the radar. But deep and well coached.

Then they went and were crushed in Game #2.

So, I’m simply going to sit back and enjoy. And try to remember where the guys who played in college actually played? Without googling it up.

Didn’t he ball for a year at Ohio State? I remember that guy, he played against U of L, but who was it for?

* * * * *

While few of you have been paying attention, there’s been a couple of stunning developments in European soccer.

Yesterday, in the first leg of the Champions League semis, Barcelona was throttled by Bayern Munich. 4 zed.

As if that wasn’t surprising enough, Dortmund drew and quartered Real Madrid today. 4-1. Robert Lewandowski scored the hat trick +1.

Fans in Germany: Happy.

Fans in Spain: Not so.

Okay, kids, I’m outta here.

– Seedy K

Hey, I got the blog. I got the keyboard. I’ll do what I wanna.

My prognostication: If Indiana wins the NCAA basketball tournament, mentored by the brother-in-law of you know who and you know who, the Harbaugh Clan will be Sports Illustrated’s “Sports(man/men/persons/family) of the Year.”

Their whining and aggressive demeanor nothwithstanding, the success of Jim and John and Tom at the same moment is darn astonishing. The influence of former WKU football coach Jack Harbaugh and his bride is considerable and praise worthy. I’m not sure I can remember a similar situation.

* * * * *

Speaking of brotherhood, that version of the national anthem before the U of L game Saturday still resonates.

The Brotherhood Singers from Northern Kentucky are the deal.

So to honor them, brothers and sisters everywhere, and this truly special day in the history of our republic, a musical interlude.

* * * * *

Yesterday’s NFL games were certainly interesting.

The 49ers W in Atlanta was more exciting. The Ravens W in New England more stunning and exacting.

San Francisco has come back from considerable deficits two weeks in a row. It took a last moment Hail Mary for Baltimore to survive in Denver.

Unlike the BCS “Championship” Game, these teams earned their way to battle for the title.

* * * * *

Speaking of Indiana basketball, did you watch the Butler/ Gonzaga game.

A proverbial barn burner.

In case you haven’t seen the clip, or seen it enough, here’s Roosevelt Jones’ amazing play to win the game for the Hinkles.

Jones says he was eavesdropping on Mark Few’s instructions, and knew where the inbound pass was coming. So he stole it, took a couple of dribbles and floated in the winner.

College hoops. Love it.

* * * * *

One guy’s opinion: This could be the best NCAA tournament in years.

No school has started to separate itself from the pack like last year’s Wildcats. Though Rock Chalk Jayhawk is looking pretty steely.

The difference between #1 seeds, #2 seeds and #3 seeds will be miniscule. The luck of the draw is going to mean as much as it ever has. Matchups shall be very important, as we saw when Louisville couldn’t quite cope Saturday against Syracuse with its big guards.

So you got the Cards. And the Hoosiers. And the Jayhawks. And the Orange. And the Gators. And the Blue Devils. And the Wolverines. And the Wildcats (Arizona, though UK’s could spoil somebody’s dance.). And the Bulldogs (Take your choice.). And the Golden Gophers.

Plus the Spartans. And the Buckeyes. And the Runnin’ Rebels. And the Wolfpack. And the Badgers. And the Quack.

Oh, and those Shaka Smarts. And the Rams. And the Bearcats  . . .

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is still an asshole.

* * * * *

Did you see the very late extra time goal by Tottenham’s Clint Dempsey at White Hart Lane, which knotted Man U? Didn’t think so. Dempsey, a legit star in the EPL, is an American you know.

* * * * *

If you have trouble keeping your abode warm during this cold spell, tune into the Australian Open. There’s plenty of Celsius down Melbourne way.

* * * * *

As hard as I try — okay, truth, I’m not trying at all — I can’t feel sorry for the travails of the LA LA Lakers.

Nor those of that Manti doofus. Hope Katie Couric does to him what she did to Sarah Palin.

– Seedy K

Tell me true, you know you really want to know.

Thanks to eagle-eyed reader Doc, I can confirm that the former U of L head coach is now Assistant Head Coach/ Secondary Coach on Willie Taggert’s staff at South Florida.

Most recently, Cooper was on the staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after stints at LSU and South Carolina.

I am sorry to report I have no word on how much of that 50 strong bucket list of his Cooper has completed.

* * * * *

Tapping into his inner Bobby Petrino, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly flirted with the Philly Eagles last week. Confirming that he learned every nuance from the master, this came on the heels of Kelly calling Notre Dame, his “dream job.” He’s also on record as saying, leaving South Bend “wasn’t an option.”

Turns out the echoes aren’t rollin’ down in South Bend over the news. TD Jesus is none too pleased.

According to a story in the Chicago Tribune, one ND colleague of the Kelly asked, “What the hell was he thinking?”

According to the article, the descriptor being used most often when talking about Kelly’s move — at least the one that’s not a four-letter pejorative — is disingenuous.

It’s not like the guy wasn’t globbersmacked by Alabama, or anything like that.

Yo, Brian, two pieces of advice. 1) No motorcycles. 2) Don’t hire Katherine Webb as recruiting assistant.

* * * * *

The first college hoops poll since the undefeated were none is out.

Gary Parrish’s always thoughtful Top 25 (+1).

He still has Duke on top, based on the legit conclusion that the Blue Devils’s  body of work remains the best in the land. Good for you, Gary.

I’m on record as saying I only want my Cardinals #1 after that last Monday night of the season. My guess is the AP and “coach’s” poll will have U of L on top come this afternoon.

* * * * *

Louisville is a 6 1/2 point favorite tonight over UConn. I’d settle for a 68-67 W.

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is going to come clean on Oprah. Or, is that clear?

The question, of course, as any barrister would ask, “Were you lying then? Or, are you lying now?”

* * * * *

Yes, Peyton Manning threw a pick to end Denver’s chances against the Ravens.

But, the real culprit in the loss was safety Rahim Moore, who made a play an alum might expect from my JM Atherton HS Rebels. His sidekick, CB Tony Carter is also culpable. They handed the Ravens the game.

The Atlanta/ Seattle finish was great, right?

Glad the Falcons came back. Don’t know why, but I just don’t like Pete Carroll. Guess it’s the way he jumped ship at Southern Cal.

* * * * *

Speaking of dislike, I gotta smile at the travails of the LA LA Lakers.

If you don’t think their season is toast, think again.

Jack has left the building. (Along with his sidekick.)

– Seedy K

You know, Kentucky vs. Louisville?

Here’s the deal. I’m doing my best to try not to think about it.

By any measure, this would seem to be the Cardinals year to break their losing streak in this affair.

Louisville is better. Louisville is more experienced. Louisville is playing at home. Louisville is due.

I’ve used the term “window of opportunity,” given that next year, Coach Cal is liable to get on another roll, since he’s bringing in the greatest recruiting class since Zeus sent Hermes out to discover Greece’s best ballers.

So, I’m wicked scared, frankly, keeping my fingers crossed and anxiously waiting for dinner time to arrive tomorrow evening, when hopefully my gang will be supping somewhere while replaying a W, knowing we can go home and savor it again.

Let it be said, let it be done.

Buuuuuuuut, you know, they must play the game and, in this rivalry, anything can happen. Denny Crum’s worst team (12-20) won in Rupp in ’97. The Cats beat U of L in ’86, before the Cards went on to win their second national title.

Which is to say, I’m trying not to think about it.

Maybe my stomach will be calm enough tomorrow to consider the matchups. We’ll see if the Pepto Bismol works? Stay tuned . . . but don’t bet on it.

* * * * *

Here’s why Cincy is on the outside looking in, conference-wise.

Thursday night, the Big East school found itself in the same trick bag, Louisville was set to face next Wednesday. The basketball team had a big home game, which conflicted with the football team’s appearance in a bowl.

The Bearcats tipped off at home against feisty New Mexico, while the pigskinners were still battling Duke in the Belk Bowl.

I assume Cincy tried to either move up kickoff or move back tipoff to avoid a direct conflict. Couldn’t do it.

Louisville was scheduled to tip in the Big East opener against Providence at 7:00 pm on the 2d, to be televised on the league’s TV network, which is connected to ESPN Nation. Sugar Bowl kickoff is set for 8:30ish that night, to be telecast on the World Wide Leader’s flagship network.

The Cards were able to move the hoops start time up an hour to avoid direct conflict.

I wouldn’t want to be a pedestrian crossing Jefferson, Market or Main Streets after the basketball game is over, as fans sprint to their cars from the Yum! then redline it home for kickoff.

Still no word whether U of L might show the football game on the screens at the Yum!. It could be a fun evening, but that scenario is a long long long shot.

* * * * *

Speaking of Cincinnati, Mick Cronin has slowly and steadily built that basketball program back into a potential powerhouse. The Bearcats are going to be a test for any foe, even though they lost their first of the season last night to Steve Alford’s one-loss New Mexico squad.

The Bearcats aren’t much underneath, but their outside guys can dribble and shoot in Cronin’s dribble drive offense. Sean Kilpatrick (5/22 last night from the field) and JaQuon Parker (5/14) both have more than a little Russ Smith in them.

The school’s football team belked Duke in the last couple of minutes for a deceptive 2 TD win.

Which reminds me, haven’t heard much lately from Munchie LeGaux, since he declared, “I’m better,” when comparing his play to Teddy Bridgewater’s.

How’s that workin’ out for you, Munchie? Don’t think he played a snap last night.

One final Cincy note. Did you happen to see the interview with Tommy Tuberville during last night’s football game?

Dressed like a riverboat gambler and with a smarmy southern charm to match Calvin Candie in “Django Unchained,” the future Bearcat coach was the paradigm of prevarication when trying to rationalize why he left Texas Tech.

Something was obviously goin’ on in Lubbock, and he wasn’t about to say what it was.

* * * * *

Avery Johnson was NBA Coach of the Month in November.

Avery Johnson is out of a job in December.

He was fired yesterday by the Long Island/ New Jersey/ Brooklyn Nets.

Phil Jackson, come on down.

* * * * *

I love UCLA’s uniforms.

Their football game, not so much. Actually, they’re not so boffo on the hardwood either.

* * * * *

Finally, Mark Hollis was just too outré.

The Michigan State AD, who brought us tilts in military hangars in Germany and on aircraft carriers, finally went too far.

His latest cockamamie idea is dead in the water. Thankfully. He wanted to bring 8 schools to the JerryDome in Dallas to play four games simultaneously.

That russdiculous idea is now in the shredder. No TV networks, not even the World Wide Leader, bit on the idea.

– Seedy K

I was reminded of this at the end of Indiana State’s OT W over Miami (Fla) the other night in Hawaii.

The Sycamores’ leading scorer, Jake Odum, held the ball for the last shot, used a pick at the top of the key, juked right, went left skipping under the defenders’ outstretched arms, put up a running eight footer from straight away, which he purposely banked. It went in for the win.

What a heady play, I thought. The kid’s got to be from Indiana, right? Checking online, I discovered that Odum played his high school ball in Terre Haute, a hoops hotbed if ever there was one.

* * * * *

I watched a little of the NBA’s Christmas Day marathon. The end of the Lakers win over the Knicks, and a bit more of the LeBron vs. Durant show.

What I liked. Kevin Durant is simply a marvel. A guy that tall who can handle the ball so well. And who shoots the ball with such acumen I am dumbstruck when it doesn’t go in the basket.

What I disliked. Those league coordinated uniforms.

* * * * *

It certainly could simply be my ennui alone, but the NFL simply hasn’t grabbed my attention this season.

Hopefully it will get better now that the playoffs are upon us.

There are some fascinating story lines. Peyton Manning’s resurgence. The stellar QB play of rookies Oliver Luck, RGIII and Russel Wilson. The Tebow/ Jets soap opera. The late season surge by the Seahawks. Adrian Peterson’s big year after knee surgery.

But still . . . I just don’t know how to explain it. And it’s more than yet another awful season long performance by my underwhelming Detroit Lions.

In microcosm, I passively watched some of the Seahawks dismembering of the 49ers, realizing that one of them was coached by a Harbaugh, the other by Pete Carroll, neither of whom I care for because of past actions. Thus I couldn’t root for one or the other.

I am happy that both the Colts and Bengals have made the playoffs.

* * * * *

The big question of the week in these parts is whether Gorgui Dieng will play against UK on Saturday?

Even if he does, it’s hard to believe he’ll be much of a factor.

Of course, today I’m more worried about the players traveling back from their little holiday vacations. Will Wayne Blackshear make it back through the blizzard from Chitown?

* * * * *

Go Toppers. Scalp the Chippewas.

Which I know is a politically incorrect way of expressing my support for Western Ky, but I saw “Django Unchained” yesterday, and I’m still in Tarantino mode.

Let’s hope Central Michigan’s D is silent.

* * * * *

One great thing about becoming a johnny come lately soccer fan is that I can watch classic games on Fox Soccer, from even just three or four years ago, without having a clue who won.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/26/humpday-huzzahs-harrumphs-holiday-edition/feed/ 0 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/12/hump-day-harrumphs-petrino-redux-new-fave-unis-messi-more/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/12/hump-day-harrumphs-petrino-redux-new-fave-unis-messi-more/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:55:38 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8083 Okay, I’ve looked in my heart and consulted the rational me. I now realize that Western Kentucky didn’t make that egregious a mistake when it hired Bobby Petrino. Actually, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense . . . given the circumstances.

What I’d somehow forgotten when I kneejerked my negative reaction is the odious cesspool that college sports has become. There is but one standard: Win. Only rarely does any other consideration become part of the conversation. That’s a given.

I am sad about that. I am sad that Western Ky is but the latest school to co-opt its purported institutional values when making a decision regarding its athletic program. But it’s the name of the game.

If Petrino leaves after next season, the Toppers essentially get him for free. (And he will leave before a second season. I’ve set the over/ under on the length of his stay at 11 months, 21 days.) His buy out would more than compensate for his salary and any reasonable bonuses he might earn in the next annum. Plus he will sell seats, and increase TV revenue.

So, the hire is a financial no brainer.

There are these other considerations, which I failed to compute when bashing the hire. He will win. Petrino is one of the five best coaches in college football. How often does a school like Western get to have such proven talent on the sideline? Correct answer: You’re lookin’ at it. This is it.

His hire has generated more publicity for Western Ky football in the last 72 hours than all of that which came before. Don’t be surprised if Western’s game with UK is televised by The World Wide Leader. Perhaps the one against Tennessee also. The Toppers might become Mr. Tuesday Night Football.

Any other coach the school might have hired, who continued to generate a program uptick like Willie Taggert, would also jump ship for another job, just as Petrino is going to do. This is forever and always a stepping stone school in college pigskin.

Apparently, Petrino’s wife drinks the Kool Aid. She dutifully showed up at the introductory press conference.

What I also forgot, when railing against the hire, were my own words. When it looked like Charlie Strong might leave U of L, and rumors were murmured that Tom Jurich and Petrino were in contact and mending fences, I was among the many who said, “Hire him.”

So, there ya go. I stand corrected. Good work, Hilltoppers. For you, I hope there are many Ws. And that Bobby P keeps his fly zipped, his anger reasonably in check and he deals with those in the Western community with a respect heretofore not displayed as part of his repertoire.

A final note to the folks at Arkansas State. You snooze, you lose.

I know for a fact that said school, who lost Gus Malzahn to Auburn, was considering Petrino. I sat next to a member of the U of L athletic community over the weekend, while he was on the phone with a rep from that school, answering questions about Petrino and his character.

* * * * *

It’s Finals Week, so there’s not a lot of college hoops on the telly. After consuming a new episode of “Holmes on Homes,” my current favorite show on DIY, I caught the end of the Knicks vs. Brooklyn NBA game.

It was actually pretty exciting for a tilt this early in the pro season, the Spike Lees winning on a Jason Kidd trey. (Isn’t he about 50 now? Kidd, I mean.)

Anyway, what I really love are Brooklyn’s unis. Simple. Plain classic black lettering on white. Kind of old school. Classy.

* * * * *

I did watch some of the Big Five matchup between Villanova and St. Joseph’s. One of the laments of my life is that I’ve never experienced a Big Five doubleheader in the Palestra. Sigh. Not many of them played anymore.

These rivalry games are brutal. Blood baths.

Like many, this one was down to the wire. The Hawks goat was Halil Kanacevic. He made plenty of mistakes at the end, including throwing the ball off himself on an inbounds with seconds to play that sealed the deal.

Frankly, it was justice. The kid made only one FG during the tilt, a trey midway through the second half that gave his team the lead. After sinking the shot, he turned to the Nova student section and gave them a double bird salute. That’s right, he raised the middle finger of both hands.

It’s a forty minute game, son.

* * * * *

I’ve got to give a shout out to my man, Lionel Messi.

He’s undoubtedly the best soccer player in the world today. Arguably the best ever.

He set a single year scoring record in 2012 with 86 goals in all matches, playing for FC Barcelona in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League, and for his home country, Argentina, in international competition.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are all 86:

* * * * *

The Big East, on its last legs for absolutely sure, announced the home and away conference games for next season. (At least, until the next shake up.) The Cards have to travel to Boise State.

More important, the league no longer makes sense. It’s not a done deal yet, but the hoops-only schools will 1) either form their own basketball league, or 2) be absorbed by the busting at the seams A-21.

It’s inevitable.

Which means for the Memphis States and Tulanes and Houstons of the world: Back in the C, back in the C, back in the C-USA.

* * * * *

Finally, for your viewing pleasure, the worst FT ever shot.

– Seedy K

Which, assuming the Domino Effect is in play, means UConn will jump the Big East ship and head to the ACC.

And, emboldened by the Terps move, Florida State may also say, “Hey, it’s only $50 mill plus the entry fee, let’s see what life is like visiting Tuscaloosa regularly.”

Too many metaphors. Too much conference realignment.

Money talks. Everybody walks . . . if they get a chance.

It’s all pretty alarming if you’re a Louisville fan. Or a Cincy fan.

Unless the Big 12 takes on the stragglers, it’s goodbye NYC, howdy Hattiesburg.

* * * * *

It matters not a whit that Louisville is upper echelon in hoops, that it has an again rising football program with a solid coach, that it’s minor sports programs and facilities match any in the land.

It’s about TV sets. About how many are tuned in.

Money talks. Nobody walks . . . unless they get invited.

Get used to it, Cardinal fans. Louisville is the Odd School Out.

* * * * *

Notre Dame is undefeated. (So, too, the Buckeyes, who tatooed their way out of the conversation for this season.) Bama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Clemson, K State, Louisville, Rutgers, Kent State and Northern Illinois have lost but once.

By regular season’s end, at least 8 of that contingent, shall deserve a chance to see if they can win three in a row against the best competition to be a legit national champ.

It’s not going to happen. At least for another decade. By which time, because — all together now — Money Talks, the upcoming four team playoff will expand.

Money may not have won the election for Romney, but it sure is controlling colllege pigskin.

For this season, we’ll more than likely get The Fighting NBCs vs, Roll Houndstooth for the Ersatz Crown. Which will certainly please the network accountants, if not the college football public.

* * * * *

My two favorite games of the weekend:

Oklahoma 50, West Virginia 49. There were about five TDs in the last three minutes.

UCLA over Southern Cal. There was a real rivalry enthusiasm to the play. I’ve always loved those Cali blue and gold Bruin uniforms. And a Lane Kiffin defeat is always worth celebrating. Loved the post game interview with winning coach Jim Mora. After being asked several of the usually stupid questions, he asked, “What is it you want me to say?”

Wish the Trojans had more of a chance to blemish the Irish’s record this coming weekend. But without their starting QB, I don’t see USC pulling it off.

* * * * *

The first pretenda in college hoops has been unmasked.

North Carolina State sure looked like a team that doesn’t know how to win big ones. Oklahoma State, missing several key players, dismantled the Wolfpack with dispatch.

* * * * *

Hear me now and believe me later.

There will NEVER be an NBA team in Louisville.

Next . . .

* * * * *

Notwithstanding the conference and fiscal manipulations that are engulfing college football off the field, I love the game more than ever. Especially this enthralling season.

But I have found myself watching the NFL less and less.

I recently realized it’s due to the Rollerball violence. The hits are simply too vicious. The cut blocks too unnerving. The concussions too prevalent.

I cringe too much.

Last night, while waiting the start of “Treme,” I found myself tuned into the CFL semi between the victorious Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes.

It is a fast, exciting game. Longer field. Backs in motion toward the line before the snap. Three downs to make 10 yards. One point rouges.

But, sure enough, they carted a fellow off the field strapped to a gurney.

* * * * *

I also got a sense that such violence may be part of the reason why I’m more attracted to big time soccer than ever.

I really like the game a lot. At least at the highest levels.

Mo’ later.

– Seedy K

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