I’m drinking a Tuesday morning cup o’ joe, in a city that took its coffee seriously way before Seattle told us we must. Along with it, I’m enjoying a cinnamon scone, which contains significantly less than an ounce of cinnamon, much to my relief.

I would love to be reading the Times-Picayune to enhance the experience, and learn which local pol shook down which local contractor and in whose home was found stashed enough cash to save the economy of Greece.

But, no, it’s Tuesday. Apparently this is not one of the three days each week that absentee owner Advance Publications now allows the 175 year old newspaper to hit the stands. One would hope that the spirit of longtime T-P columnist Edgar Allen Poe would infest the Advance offices with some sort of pox or another.

So, I’ve decided to do what I do pretty well. Which is comment on affairs of sport without really knowing what’s going on.

* * * * *

As usual I have no tips on that little horse race coming up this weekend.

I refer you to my pals Bill Doolittle, Rick Cushing and Billy Reed for that.

My one observation of Derby is that, from the photos, there has been a maximization of millinery. The hats which ladies are sporting around the Downs now seem as large as beach umbrellas.

I doubt it will affect the performance of any of the contestants. Unless one blows off and tumbles across the track like sagebrush as the horses thunder down the stretch, thereby spooking a potential winner.

* * * * *

Just want to give a shout out to the two most beleaguered pro jocks of the moment.

Jason Collins. Good for you, dude. Long may you run. (Chris Broussard, find a deep hole, crawl down, cover yourself with dirt.)

Tim Tebow. Not sure what you’ve done to piss off so many people.

Sure, the guy’s a little too religious, wears it sometimes like a badge. But he’s never been anything but decent. And a winner. Denver couldn’t wait to get rid of him. The Jets just threw him under the bus.

Maybe he’s simply a tweener, with no defined spot to play in the NFL. He wouldn’t be the first.

But why all the hatin’?

* * * * *

I see where my Detroit Red Wings slipped into the Stanley Cup playoffs as a #7 seed.

Cool as Hockeytown ice. It’ll give me something to watch with a rooting interest when I get home from JazzFest.

* * * * *

If you haven’t been reading Eric Crawford’s most excellent profiles of each of the national champion Louisville Cardinals, shame on ya.

Here’s a link. Check them out.

* * * * *

Like most other Cardinal fans, I’m still glorying in the school’s third NCAA crown. I’ve been wearing colors around New Orleans, and receiving periodic “Go Cards” acknowledgments.

Yesterday, while listening to Los Po-Boy Citos at the Louisiana Music Factory, a guy was hanging next to me, wearing a Michigan cap.

“You go to school at Ann Arbor?”

“Hopefully, I’ve applied.”

Pointing to my cap, I said, “The Wolverines just played a game against my team.”

“How’d we do,” he asked?

“Not bad. Maybe next year.”

There seems to be a buzz building about what mayy happen next campaign. I refuse to make conjecture about next season’s possibilities. It’ll play out one way or another.

This one just past is too sublime to let go of.

* * * * *

If you’re looking for some interesting reading, peripheral to the world of sports, I’ve got a recommendation.

“Over Time: My Life as a Sportswriter” by Frank Deford.

The guy can write. (One of his quirks is that he likes to end sentences with prepositions. Miss Walston would be aghast.)

And has a penchant for relaying the most fascinating of conversations from the past with athletes and cohorts.

* * * * *

For those who have inquired: No, I have not and do not intend to get a Louisville Cardinal tattoo.

– 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

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/2013/01/18/teo-armstrong-syndrome-the-amends-process/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/01/18/teo-armstrong-syndrome-the-amends-process/#comments Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:09:00 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8200 Bicyclist/ cancer survivor Lance Armstrong and Notre Dame linebacker Monti Te’o are in the news.

For personal conflagrations that have captured the public’s attention.

Their situations are not dissimilar.

Because their situations transcend the world of sports, I have weighed in at my web site, rather than here at Score.

You can read my perspective here.

– Seedy K

Tsouris translates as trouble, distress, heartburn from the outcome of a stressful situation.  It’s a feeling to be avoided at all costs.

Well, it’s what those hallowed Tobacco Road superschools are feeling these days. At least that’s what right minded observers of the sports scene and any college hoops or pigskin fan who hates that duo of ACC powers is hoping for. There are times when schadenfreude is legit. This is one.

Duke and North Carolina, come on down. It’s your moment on the hot seat. Let’s pray the register is cranked to 11.

Before we get into the generalities of these rule-breaking situations, a musical interlude to set the scene. Cue the lip-syncing Nashville Teens.

Okay, where were we? Oh yes, breakin’ the rules in Durham and Chapel Hill. I know, it is hard hard hard to believe, but, as Lilly von Shtupp confirmed in “Blazing Saddles,” “It’s twu, it’s twu.”

Seems they made up courses at Carolina. Athletes got grades for classes they never had to attend. Classes that never actually existed. 54 of them. Etc, etc. Need I be more specific? Well, I could, but I won’t. Pretty egregious stuff. Somebody mentioned that the NCAA investigator was a Tar Heel grad. That one of the “advisors” in the school department where these fake classes existed was football star Julius Peppers’ agent.

Yes I know, pretty nasty stuff. Which means that North Carolina Asheville best be aware. Your tennis team is about to be gobsmacked for giving the players a couple extra bucks to eat at McD’s after an away match.

And now it seems that the Holiest of the Holy — Coach K’s always clean as a freshly scrubbed baby’s tush Duke Blue Devils — may not have washed behind the ears. (Where did that Maggette kid go?) Lance Thomas, a member of Duke’s last NCAA title team decided in advance that some baubles, bangles and beads would be appropriate to celebrate. So he put down $30 Large on a a hundred grand’s worth of bling.

Then, he couldn’t come up with the rest, so the jeweler to the stars sued Thomas for the balance on the loan, which might not have been available to normal students at the university. Which means the rest of us now know of his affection for black diamonds. And that he was surely getting some carry around cash from somewhere way in excess of the sanctioned meal and laundry moolah allowed.

So those of us taken to disliking Carolina and Duke because of their inherent sanctimonious ways, and how Dickie V slobbers over them like a new grand baby, are just pleased as punch to see those schools squirming.

Oh yes, a warning to North Carolina Central. The NCAA is going to be put in a box, forced to come down hard because of Duke’s transgressions. Be afraid, NCC. be very afraid.

I love how the article in Sporting News about the UNC situation refers to the man who went on national TV to come down with terrible swift sword on Penn State — NCAA prexy Mark Emmert — as Mr. Big Stick.

So, yeah, Mr. Big Stick, it seems like it’s time to start swingin’ that thang.

Did I mention there’s stuff goin’ down at NC State. Does the name Rodney Purvis sound familiar? Hmm, may be more carcinogens along Tobacco Road than even the Surgeon General suspected.

* * * * *

Tip o’ the ballcap to Andy Murray. He stayed the course despite adversity in the wind-riven US Open final and bested Novak Djokovic in 5 sets over 5 hours for his first Grand Slam W. The first for a tennis player from the British Isles since Fred Perry in ’36.

A month ago, he won the Olympic gold medal at centre court Wimbledon.

So, it seems fair to say he’s had the most wonderful summer of his life. Which phraseology allows me to link in one of my guilty favorite songs. Robin Ward, sing it girl.

* * * * *

The NFL is back. And we football fans love that, right?

But I gotta admit. I’m having a hard time watching these LBs and DBs launching themselves like missiles at guys carrying the ball and receivers who have just caught a pass and, most especially, receivers who didn’t just catch a pass. There was a lot of head to head contact this weekend.

Gratuitous on field violence doesn’t sit well with me.

Then again, these are rollerball gladiators who play with torn spleens.

* * * * *

Finally, kudos to my NASCAR fave, Jeff Gordon. He slipped into The Chase after a second place finish at Richmond.

– Seedy K

I’ve been blindsided by the commencement of Olympic competition . . . without my requisite cache of beverages, chips, dips and DiGiorno in the freezer or Delivery on speed dial or both. Woe is me.

Soccer has started. Yesterday, the US Women Soccer team bested France after a slow beginning. (With Brandi Chastain in the booth, wearing her blouse, I assume.) Japan has upset Men’s Soccer favorite Spain, 1 nil in Group play. I’m currently enthralled with Switzerland vs. Gabon in a contentious futbol match, tied 1-1 in the second.

Thus the games of this 2012 London Olympiad, the first there since ’48 — when The Baron’s Wildcats plus a couple of guys battered France 65-21 for the hoops Gold — have begun.

And I thought nothing started before Bob Costas’ cloying commentary during the Orange Bowl halftime-ish Opening Ceremonies, which the Peacock will replay in prime time tomorrow night.

Guess I’ll have to slip out for my cache of refreshments later this evening during a break in the action.

I hope the Peacock, with all its participating stations, televises the minor sports we never see. Those are the ones I crave. Even if the U.S. of A. hasn’t qualified. Like Team Handball. Plus there’s Badminton, Table Tennis and Trampoline. And, soccer, for which the Americans are nowhere to be found.

If you want to see the daily TV schedule, you can find it here.

* * * * *

Harvey Araton in the New York Times has written an interesting piece, comparing the football situation at Penn State to that at Kentucky when Rick Pitino was hired by C.M. Newton to resurrect the basketball program.

As Araton correctly points out, it’s far less onerous to revive hoops where one or two five-stars can immediately provide fresh oxygen, but his comparison of the two situations is legitimate.

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that my Detroit Tigers have won 8 of their last 10 and have caught the ChiSox atop the AL Central. Ace Justin Verlander takes the mound today in a series closer with Cleveland.

I happened to catch the end of last night’s Reds’ game, in which Cincy yet again came back in the 9th to win their 7th in a row to maintain a 2 1/2 lead over Pittsburgh’s surprising Pirates.

Have I mentioned that Jim Kelch, former Louisville Bats and U of L Women’s Basketball announcer, has a great baseball voice and is a really good announcer? Probably so.

* * * * *

Dwight Howard, shut up and go away.

* * * * *

Speaking of Penn State, the utterance of which name shall now resonate like Watergate or Chappaquiddick, here’s the surest sign yet that things are just the same as they ever was.

LSU has offered a scholarship to a prospect who, at its football camp, ran an impressive 4.46 forty.

Dylan Moses is his name.

In a few weeks he’ll be entering the 8th grade.

So it goes.

– Seedy K

So obsessively packed full of information is this, it allows me to actually write as if I know something.

$14.25 and cheap at twice the price.

Which is to say, despite this summer’s heat wave, I’m gettin’ ready for some football. (Though, while walking my pooch today, and shvitzing through my clothes after about two hundred yards, I was reminded of the abysmal Fahrenheit at the opening game at Papa J’s. Hopefully, this summer’s heat will have abated by UK/ U of L kickoff.)

* * * * *

U of L’s hoops season turned a little more sketchy today when it became clear that PG Terry Rozier didn’t qualify. Given Peyton Siva’s propensity to reach in for stupid fouls, a backup at point is paramount.

Russ Smith, come on down.

* * * * *

The debate over Penn State’s sanctions is ranging from one extreme to the other.

Too little.

Way too much.

I don’t know that I have anything new to add. Something needed to be done. And so it has been. A lesson needed to be taught, a statement made. And so it has been.

I am somewhat bemused by the position that the NCAA is all of a sudden proving its power. If it were so powerful in college football, there would be a 16 team playoff. But it ain’t gonna happen until Mike Slive says it can happen. And he ain’t talkin’ like that.

* * * * *

The reflections on JoePa are also skittish. So many swallowed his Kool Aid for so long, it’s stunning for those to believe that, when confronted with a situation where character shows, he proved not to have nearly as much as he would have us believe.

That said, as Bob Ryan mentioned one night on PTI, who knows how we’d react were we in the same situation. Or how would Bear Bryant or Coach K or John Wooden or Nick Saban or . . . you get my drift?

* * * * *

All of which chatter makes me think of Charlie Strong, who is, by all accounts and observation, the man we thought Joe Paterno was.

So decent does Strong appear to be, I pray it to be true.

* * * * *

I’m not sure I care so much about USA basketball in the Olympics.

That said . . . I am here late on a sunny July afternoon watching them play Spain in an exhi in my favorite city in the world, Barcelona.

The Uncle Sammies are down 13-2s as I write. Spain has hit three wide open dunks in a row then a long jumper.

– 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

Golfer Webb Simpson.

The reigning U.S. Open champ, at the height of his career, is passing on the British Open at Royal Lytham. Seems his bride is in the family way, expected to come to term in a couple of weeks. Instead of heading across the sea, hiring a jet to be at the ready if he needed to return, he’s being a good husband.

It seems like a no-brainer, right? Yeah, but it’s far from a given.

The most recent example of the usual sports-first-family-second mindset is Fabian Cancellara. The Swiss bicyclist wore the yellow jersey for a few days at the beginning of this year’s Tour de France. Then, before Stage 11, he abandoned his quest.

Because, well, his wife is pregnant. And, well, because he was out of the chase to win the sport’s premier event.

Cancellara’s statement: “I am also a husband and father with another baby on the way. It is my personal wish to be present when my wife Stefanie gives birth to our second child. I already need to thank my wife for her patience with me during the last month in her pregnancy that has been difficult at times. The least I can do is to assist her in these difficult days.”

Uh, yeah, Fabian, I’d say so.

* * * * *

The NCAA is an easy target, so many are the mistakes of the collegiate sports ruling body.

But it may have topped itself this week. Were it not the truth, I’d swear the announcement was written by Firesign Theater. (Too young to understand the reference, ask your older brother.)

Seems the ever meddlesome NC2A (except when it’s a matter of significant import) has handed down strongly for penalty and repentance, a “lack of institutional control” for “academics” citation to  . . . Division III California Institue of Technology.

Cal Tech’s family has won 32 Nobel Prizes.

Among the glossy records of its athletic teams, according to the New York Times, is a 227 game losing streak by its baseball team. A women’s volleyball program that has lost all 168 of its conference games. The water polo team had a 7 year losing streak, finally snapped in ’11. And, at one time, the b-ball squad had a 310 game league losing skein.

Apparently the sanctions have something to do with the premier institution’s academic system. Which, one would suppose, the NC2A might have considered before acting the fool.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the sporting spectrum, life goes on as usual as Alabama and Auburn alums battle over the hearts of the next great D lineman.

* * * * *

Apparently Jared Swopshire is dazzling future Northwestern teammates and coach Bill Carmody with his talent, leadership qualities and work ethic.

Imagine our surprise?

How cool would it be for the former Cardinal, were he to lead the Wildcats next season to their first ever NCAA tourney birth?

Way cool.

* * * * *

If only U of L’s basketball team had as many national titles as it has fan web sites following its fortunes. The trophy collection has stood at two since ’86.

Now with a reshuffling, there are three major sites — and I’m sure several more — specifically dedicated to following and fawning over the Cardinals.

There’s Card Chronicle. And the old/new Inside The Ville, where recruting maven Jody Demling now resides. And super sleuth Mike Hughes has a new site, apparently also known as Inside The Ville.

Being a lifelong fan of U of L’s Cards, I also weigh in often on the state of the school’s teams. But, being old and lazy and not nearly as “connected” as any of the folks who run those sites, I rarely break the kind of scoops they can. Which doesn’t mean I don’t skulk around their places, picking up scraps of info I’ll pass on. With impunity. But also with attribution.

– Seedy K

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