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

In all sports except football. Of course. Because the Fighting Irish, for some unfathomable reason, remain a singular, untouchable presence that is hard to imagine even in an out of kilter sport like college pigskin.

The move will come sooner or later, depending on variables including moves by the Catholic 7, Rutgers, Maryland, television networks, Louisville and the outside looking in schools that comprise the Big East, such as it is.

I’ve never, the Gipper and Knute Rockne notwithstanding, understood the deference afforded South Bend. By the BCS muckety mucks. By the Big East. Whomever. Somebody, please, tell me why?

But, today, I read something new, to me anyway, that just about trumps all those other perks.

While Syracuse and Pitt and Louisville and Rutgers and West Virginia, you know the Big East ship jumpers — Am I missing anyone? — all have exit fee responsibilities to the league that have already been paid, or are still owed. (Owed to somebody or other, to be determined after the lawyers get their hands on most of the bounty.)

But, Notre Dame, by contract with the league, owes no exit fee. Zero. Nuttin’, honey.

Riddle me that one, Batman?

What was the Big East thinking when they contracted with Notre Dame? An afterlife in purgatory if they didn’t provide some papal indulgence to the Fighting Irish?

* * * * *

Now we bid a sad adieu to the Angel Nunez Era at U of L.

The sophomore sharpshooter, as has long been rumored, is announced to be transferring. Destination is currently unknown.

So the innuendo circulating around when Nunez was nowhere to be seen for weeks in the Yum! turned out to be true.

I also believe the official story of “severe concussion” was also true. School SID Kenny Klein, as honorable a guy as there is in college sports, told me to my face that Nunez indeed had a concussion.

So, both explanations turn out to be correct.

Such situations however unmask The Rick at his least likeable. Another recruit with potential who didn’t immediately dazzle the coach means the kid is cast aside.

I just don’t like it.

* * * * *

On the other hand, I’m disinclined to give Pitino too much grief these days. And it has nothing to do with the progress of this season’s national contenders.

Did you hear his pre-game radio interview before the Memphis State game?

The no nonsense, always focused coach took five minutes to talk compassionately about the Connecticut shootings. More important, he spoke passionately, forcefully, unequivocally and eloquently about the need for gun control. It was stunning really.

My estimation of the man increased exponentially.

* * * * *

That said, I write this while watching “Around the Horn,” during which, Boston scribe Jackie MacMullan just called on Pitino to explain why he “faxed in his resignation to the Celtics.”

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/18/tuesday-tidbits-irish-angel-the-rick-on-gun-control/feed/ 7 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/02/sunday-morning-qb-strong-rumors-rampant/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/02/sunday-morning-qb-strong-rumors-rampant/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:26:13 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8052 Frankly I found it odd that U of L’s football team and Coach Charlie Strong weren’t paraded onto the court at one of the many timeouts yesterday at the Yum! during the Illinois State basketball game.

Actually, disconcerting is a more apt descriptor.

The rumor du jour is that Strong interviewed for the Tennessee job. Again, as with the Auburn situation, Strong has told a member of the media, this time a reporter for Fox Sports, that the Rocky Top rumors are false. Or, so says the reporter.

So, here we go . . . again.

I’m on record as opinionating my take on Strong is that he feels a sense of loyalty to Tom Jurich and U of L above and beyond the norm for his ladder climbing profession. Louisville, with Teddy B and a defense totally returning, is sure to be pre-season Top 10, or better, next campaign.

I would be flummoxed if Strong jumped ship now.

That said, the rumors are that Tennessee is offering Strong more money per year than Alabama pays Nick Saban. And he’s won three BCS crowns, with another in the offing come January. $5 mill per year, the figure floating about, is, as they say, mucho dinero.

That’s enough to turn anybody’s head, even the most loyal person.

Hell, for that I’d go on Fox News every night and let Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly beat me up.

I’m sure Tom Jurich will sweeten Charlie’s pot. It’s the nature of the game, most recently played by Les Miles.

Deep Pockets Owsley Frazier is no longer with us. Steve Trager, come on down.

* * * * *

One last thought on yesterday’s Cardinal hoops W.

Illinois State played that tough without its starting point guard, Kaza Keane.

I’m impressed. They’ll be my team come Arch Madness.

* * * * *

There have been better athletic days in the history of Nicholls State than yesterday.

The Southland Conference school was nudged on the hardwood by Michigan State, 39-84.

On the gridiron, the Colonels were tripped up by Oregon State, 3-77.

Composite score: Nicholls State 42, Opponents 161.

* * * * *

James Quick played for Trinity in its title romp over PRP.

He played with two broken ribs.

Impressive.

You ever had a broken rib? I have. It hurt a lot. For a long time. I had to sleep in chair for 6 weeks.

* * * * *

I’m sure my fellow Kentuckians are as proud as I am of a new record recently set in the commonwealth.

During hunting season, a record 92.737 whitetail deer were, what’s the proper term? Harvested? Slain? Killed?

* * * * *

UK and U of L women’s hoops this evening at 6:00.

Both teams are in the top ten, adding zest to the rivalry.

I’ll be in the house. You?

* * * * *

While I watched nary a play of Florida State’s slog over Georgia Tech in the ACC title game, I did surf through the pre-game, when Brent Musburger and Herbie were setting up the game against a backdrop of empty seats.

The announced attendance in Charlotte was 62,000+. Didn’t know they’d hired the UK stat crew for the game.

Truth is the only leagues that can fill a neutral site for this type of affair are the SEC and Big Ten.

The ACC needs to adopt the PAC-12 way of doing things. Play it on one of the participant’s fields. Figure out a fair formula to determine the most deserving school, and it becomes host.

* * * * *

I know the show must go on and all that razzmatazz.

It’s still hard to believe they’ll be playing pro football in Kansas City today.

– Seedy K

“There are but three cities in the United States. New Orleans, New York and San Francisco. All the rest is Cleveland.”

Thinking of New York because of the justified hullabaloo about Hurricane Sandy and all the mess going on in the northeast. Not to mention the Giants comeback over a comeback against those Cowboys.

Thinking of New Orleans because Sunday night is “Treme” night, no matter what else is going on. Last night, Davis actually went to Fats Domino’s house. Cool.

Thinking of San Francisco because The City’s magnificent Giants sliced and diced my Tigers to win the World Series in a four game sweep.

Actually thinking of Cleveland too because the Browns eked out a 7-6 W over woeful San Diego. (And aren’t we all on pins and needles until Thursday night’s boffo Chargers vs. Chiefs NFL-TV battle?)

* * * * *

Were Detroit’s conquerors anybody besides those irrepressible Giants, I would surely be much sadder than I am.

Don’t get me wrong. I still can’t figure out why the Tigers decided to mimic against SF what the Yankees had done in the ALCS? Which was to allow their bats to sleep to sleep through the games.

But Bochy’s crew got timely hitting and great pitching. And, by all accounts, it’s a fun gang of guys. I don’t know that I have ever seen as loose a dugout in the Bigs as the Giant’s.

Good for them.

* * * * *

The NBA starts play this week.

Which makes at least one reader of mine really happy. (Because all I get from him are emails, demanding more coverage of the play for pay boys.)

Here’s what struck me while previewing the rosters of the teams. I didn’t recognize very many of the players.

I’m a reasonably obsessed viewer of college hoops, tracking players around the country, not only those who play around here or on Big Monday. But the NBA rosters are filled with foreigners and one & doners. Which makes it hard for the casual fan to relate to those he’s seeing on the court.

Jonas Jerebko? Mirza Teletovic? Larry Sanders?

Then there are the guys of whom there are faint recollections. Kosta Koufos. Didn’t he flame out at Ohio State, but left after one season anyway? Steve Novak. Isn’t he that lanky guy who used to reign threes on the Cards? Sebastian Telfair. He’s the paradigm of former future U of L stars, right? Unless it’s Amir Johnson.

Terrance Williams? Name nowhere to be found.

* * * * *

Notre Dame, sad to say, apparently has a really good football team. Especially on the defensive side.

Even though it’s clear to me that Oregon has the second best team in the country and should get a crack at ‘Bama, make no mistake. If the Irish win out, they will play for the BCS. I’m pretty sure it’s in the Bible somewhere. Early on too, like in Genesis.

* * * * *

If Louisville wins the Big East and qualifies for the BCS, the Cards now seem destined for New Orleans’ Sugar Bowl.

Here’s why. After all the arrangements are taken care of, and schools have been slotted where the place cards put them, there will be two squads left. Louisville and future league mate Boise State, which will automatically qualify if it finishes in the top 16 of the standings. Fiesta gets first choice and, as things stand now, it’s going to match the two of the following trio that don’t get slotted with the Crimson Tide: K State, Notre Dame and Oregon. Sugar is next, and the general feeling is that the Cards are a more attractive opponent for the SEC team than Boise.

All that said, if U of L wins out, it will be, as they say, some kind of miracle. With Halloween coming up, it’s appropriate to note that Louisville has been playing Beat The Reaper all year. And winning . . . so far.

* * * * *

The NBA isn’t the only hardwood game tipping off this week.

U of L welcomes the Pikeville Elishas to the Yum! on Thursday.

Kentucky plays its first exhibition that same evening against something called Northwood, a school with campuses in Michigan, Texas, Switzerland and Florida. I believe the Cats are balling against the Seahawk team that resides in West Palm Beach. That would be in Florida.

IU also plays Thursday. Against Indiana Wesleyan. Which foe, when it comes to number of campuses, trumps those Northwood folks many times over. IW has 17 campuses. Including one out there off Blankenbaker Parkway near I-64. And a few in Ohio. ??????

* * * * *

Look who is back on top in NASCAR?

That Jimmie Johnson fella.

* * * * *

In the UK/ Mizzou “football game,” there were 7 fumbles in the battle’s first 20 minutes of action.

* * * * *

I think the Breeder’s Cup is this coming weekend.

Yawn.

* * * * *

Don’t be surprised if this is Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim’s last season.

Seems like a lot of his players have been more than one toke over the line through the years, but the coaching staff has looked the other way.

Frankly, that behavior, which seems very familiar personally, has never bothered me. College kids smoke pot. Basketball players are ostensibly college kids.

Apparently the NCAA frowns on schools that make rules then don’t follow them.

* * * * *

Around here all the gridiron talk is whether Charlie Strong will be gone after this season?

I have no information whatsoever. I haven’t even heard any innuendo.

But my observations of Strong tell me he wasn’t just woofing when he told Jim Rome he’s not cut like that. I’d be very surprised if Strong were coaching somewhere besides Louisville next season. Hopefully with a new assistant for special teams.

* * * * *

There is one benefit from the World Series being over so soon. Don’t have to listen to Tim McCarver anymore.

Stay classy, sports fans.

– 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

Which U of L team will be the next to win a national championship?

Men’s soccer is a good bet. It came oh so very close last year, but took a little step back this season. That said, Ken Lolla’s boys are still alive in the post-season after a double OT W yesterday.

Women’s soccer is on the uptick. The program had its best season ever, which included two NCAA Ws.

Know this about the volleyball program. Anne Kordes will get it done here. This is one determined coach.

Charlie Strong’s football program is a longer shot, but it’s certainly headed in the right direction.

As for hoops, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that Jeff Walz will get it done before Rick Pitino or his successor does. I went to the Xavier game yesterday, and one thing was clearly evident. There is a lot — and I mean a lot — of young talent on this team. Freshmen. Sophs. The distaff Cards will be a constant playah on the national scene.

It appears obvious that the men’s team will never make it all the way to the upper echelon during the current regime. There may be another Final Four in the next season or so, but that appears to be the ceiling.

* * * * *

Speaking of Charlie Strong’s pigskinners, it is almost incomprehensible that they could actually play in the Orange Bowl this season.

The scenario for that to happen is not unfathomable. U of L must beat South Florida. Though the Cards have never won on the Bulls turf, it is not an impossible task. West Virginia must beat Pitt. Very doable. And Cincy needs to lose one of its final two games. The Bearcats travel to Syracuse, then close the season with UConn at home. Without Zach Collaros, Butch Jones team is not nearly as strong as with him. They were manhandled by Rutgers Saturday.

While the Cards’ L to Pitt would have made the path a little easier, it wouldn’t have made that much difference. Except for the team’s final overall record, which would be more respectable. It would only have eliminated the necessity of a West Virginia W over the Panthers.

We don’t have to wait long to see if the part the Cards can control pans out. Louisville kicks off 11:00 a.m. Friday morning.

* * * * *

The Cats hoopsters had a relatively tough game against ODU in the Hall of Fame Tip Off tourney.

It seems to me there are a few things to be taken from the W.

1) The team will struggle as long as Marquis Teague struggles. You’ve got to have a point guard. Especially in Calipari’s offense.

2) There’s nothing quite like experience. Darius Miller will be a major factor in how much this squad succeeds.

3) Extreme talent — which this team has in abundance — will overcome a lot of ills. At least until it plays teams which also have extreme talent.

* * * * *

As I watched Okie State destroy its chances to play for the BCS “championship” Friday night, I couldn’t help but think of one of Denny Crum’s favorite aphorisms, mentioned when one of his teams would be upset by a lesser foe. (Something that happened, sadly, with increasing regularity as his career wound down.)

“You’ve got to have a healthy respect for your opponent.”

Okie State never thought it could lose to Iowa State. And thus it did.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t heard, Mike Krzyzewski now has more Ws than any other major college coach.

* * * * *

Oregon’s chances for a BCS “championship” were derailed by one of the best teams money can buy, Southern Cal. But, my oh my, did they make the game breathlessly fascinating to watch.

The Ducks fell behind 38-14 with 3:28 to play in the 3d.

They ran the ensuing kickoff back to cut the deficit to 38-20. (Why they went for 2 at that juncture remains a mystery.)

They scored again early in the 4th on a fast break drive that covered 75 yards in 2:12. The kicked point after was good. 35-27.

They scored another TD on an expeditous 60 yard drive that t00k 1:27.

Then, after recovering a fumble at its own 14, the Quack ran 15 plays in 3:13 to get in field goal range. I was out of breath, sitting in my recliner watching. The FG was wide right. Disappointing. But it is truly fascinating to watch Oregon’s fast break football.

* * * * *

Obviously I have mixed emotions about Bobby Petrino and Arkansas. If the coach had stayed at U of L, I’m certain the Cards would have played at least one more and probably several more BCS games.

But he’s gone. And his offense remains innovative and a marvel to watch.

I would love to see the Razorbacks beat LSU Friday and throw the charade that is the BCS into total chaos. (Thanks Baylor for doing your part against the Sooners.)

I don’t know how it’s all going to play out, but I’d sure looooooove to watch a Razorbacks vs. Ducks match up. And I don’t care where they play.

* * * * *

Is Western Ky the best football team in the state?

I dunno. But the simple fact that you didn’t flinch when I asked the question means it’s not so off the wall.

Willie Taggert’s Toppers are bowl eligible — in their case, a most legit goal — and getting better by the week.

Plus, Bobby Rainey is the LEADING rusher in the land with 1,468 yards. He’s 32 yards shy of becoming the only the 8th rusher of the millennium to have back to back 1500 yard seasons.

* * * * *

South Carolina’s hoopsters followed their dumbfounding L to Elon with another to Tennessee State.

Say buh bye, Darrin.

* * * * *

Okay, enough for now. I need to get out of here before another U of L baller gets injured.

– Seedy K

Yesterday it was widely reported that West Virginia’s membership was not a done deal, and that the selection process was on hold until Missouri confirmed its intentions. It was also reported that the Big 12′s “change of mind” was a result of “heavy lobbying” by and on behalf of U of L. It is reported that Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, Louisville alum, lobbied former congressman Kent Hance, now Texas Tech chancellor, and former senate colleague David Boren, now president of University of Oklahoma.

Hance has confirmed the contact. Neither Boren nor McConnell has issued a statement.

One can only imagine the gist of the conversation between such inveterate politicos as David Boren and Mitch McConnell.

“Hello, President Boren speaking.”

“David, Mitch McConnell.”

“Welll howdy there Mr. Minority Leader. To what do I owe the honor of a call this fine day from the Honorable Senior Senator from the great commonwealth of Kentucky?”

“David, you know I’m a Louisville alumni . . . ”

(Laughing) “Mitch, of course. How could I forget the red Cardinal tie you wore in the chambers the morning after you all beat Duke in 1986? You wouldn’t let us take up any other business until you got your proclamation on the record. And we sure did share some joy when you all slammed the Longhorns, back in, what, ’93? I remember you telling me how they packed ol’ Bevo up sometime in the third quarter. Wish I’d a been there. Hell, if that ol’ blowhard Howard Schellenberger hadn’t won that one so big, I might never have let my AD hire him here. Supreme Commander, Sooner Nation. The guy could coach, but sometime he was too big for his britches.”

“Uh, sorry about all that. We weren’t’ so happy when you snatched him away. But you all landed on your feet when you got Stoops. Anyway, David, you know that I love my Cardinals the way you love your Sooners. Tough loss, by the way, last weekend, my condolences. We’ve been taking our lumps on the gridiron lately, but we’re on our way back.”

“You got a good one in that Charlie Strong, Mitch. Jurich did a good job nabbing him. That Kragthorpe guy sure left the cupboard bare, didn’t he?”

“Indeed. And he landed at LSU, of all places. Anyway, David, here’s why I called. You know this Big East were in is falling apart faster than Obama’s economic plan. And, well, I’ll just say it. We’d love to join you all in your league. We got a great athletic department, you know?”

“I understand you got things going there. But, you know, Mitch, it’s really out of my hands. I’m not the decision maker.”

“Come on, David. You’re talking to me. I know you are going to have your say in this. You haven’t gone soft on me, have you?”

“Okay, sure. But those bastards in Austin are swinging those big ass horns around like the own the whole pen. Plus there are some folks out here that think West Virginia will be a better fit. State school and all. Better football.”

“I hear you, David. But, I sure do need your help on this one. Remember back when the senate was considering that tornado relief measure? Oklahoma was hit pretty hard, if I recall. And you wanted to throw in that extra $3 million or so, for some social program your wife loved in Pushmataha County. I’d always kid you about the name. But you needed some help to get it through from across the aisle.”

“I do remember, Mitch. And I’m much obliged. You helped get that thing passed. And helped calm things down at home. Much appreciated.”

“Well, David, I’m calling in my chits. I really need your help getting Louisville into the Big 12. You understand how important this is for my alma mater.”

“I do, Mitch. And I hear what you’re saying. Lord amighty, I’m glad ol’ Robert Byrd, may he rest in peace, isn’t still around. If he knew what we’re talking about, that ol’ Mountaineer would call us into his office for a whipping.”

(Smile) “Yes, indeed he would. But Robert’s passed on now. It’s Rockefeller and Manchin, and I can take care of them. David, I’m counting on you. You’ve got to help us on this.”

“Mitch, all I can promise is, I’ll do my best.”

“David, you’re a mighty persuasive guy. If you give it your best, we’ll be in fine shape. Thanks. I’ll check back with you tomorrow, if that’s okay?”

“Sure, Mitch, anytime. Give my best to Elaine.”

“Thanks, David. We’ll be in touch.”

– Seedy K

Lost Weekend.

In one quarter — the 3d, I believe — Louisville had more penalty yards than offensive yards. Forget the numbers, the Cardinals had four legit chances to tally in the first half and came up squadoosh. The defense on Carolina’s second TD was as U.G.L.Y. as it gets.

Indiana, where football is truly an afterthought, was throttled yet again, this time by surprising Illinois.

Basketball Practice. Starts Friday. Which, to be honest, isn’t soon enough.

The Future. U of L president James Ramsey said this to a friend the other day, “The one good thing about the conference situation is that nobody’s talking about the hospital merger.”

Got that right.

At a time when the economy is still tanking, two doofuses are running for governor, interstate traffic is at a standstill and our autumnal allergies are raging out of control, all Louisville fans can talk about is conferences. As in which one will U of L be playing?

So I went to my guru, Dr. Future, whom I trust implicitly. (At halftime of the U of L/ West Virginia regional final, he insisted, in a zen like manner worthy of the Lama, that the Cards would prevail. Dr. Future is also a golfer and fan. Big Hitter, the Lama.)

Last night, I asked him this: “Is there a better chance U of L gets in the Big 12, or Tiger Woods wins another major?”

If his innate prescience remains intact, Cardinal fans should breathe easy. He believes — though has no inside info — the Louisville will soon be visiting Austin for home and home league tilts.

PonyUp is even more sure. He advises that he received an email from a source yesterday, assuring that Louisville to the Big 12 is a done deal. Caveat emptor: PonyUp has never before fallen into my “reliable source” category.

Texas tames Tigers. When Detroit was at bat in the ALCS opener, the base paths looked like the bus stop at Eastern Parkway and Bardstown Road during rush hour. Loaded with the stranded.

Rangers won 3-2, in a another taut 1 run post-season nailbiter.

Terry Francona proved yet again that significant baseball knowledge does not necessarily a good color announcer make. Joe Buck proved yet again that a big head, good hair, a better than average sense of humor, a melodious voice and a legacy from a Hall of Fame papa do not a great play by play announcer make.

At least we didn’t have to listen to Tim McCarver. So we must accept small doses of solace when they arrive.

The Holy Trinity. And I’m not talking about the Shamrocks, though a pal posed a legit query yesterday. Could Trinity beat U of L or Western?

I am talking about Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma. Wisconsin Badger and Clemson Tiger fans have reason to be optimistic. So too, I suppose, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, Boise State and Stanford supporters.

But hear me now and believe me later. The Sooners, Tigers and Crimson Tide are a cut above.

That said, what could be better than 4 or 5 undefeated schools at the end of the season?

That Other Tiger . . . is toast. 34th in the Never Heard Of It Open. Sayonara, Messiah.

Speaking of Our Favorite Has Beens . . . isn’t it about time the Vikings gave You Know Who a call?

Schoolboy Spat. Isn’t it time for Little Ricky Pitino and Little Johnny Calipari to shut the fuck up?

– Seedy K

That is the traditional, transliterated greeting for today, Rosh Hashonah, the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, the beginning of a new year.

Ten Days hence will be Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

It can’t come soon enough for the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. Lots of guys on those nines have some serious atonin’ to do.

In a time frame of less than ten minutes last night, the record for September futility for a purported playoff-bound team was broken, then broken again.

One way of looking at it is that the Braves are the lucky ones. Six days into September, they were 8 1/2 games ahead of rival St. Louis for a spot in the post season. By losing to the Phillies last night in extra innings, they became the first team ever to blow an 8 game advantage in September.

Boston’s tale is more sordid, something conjured up by superfan Stephen King. On September 3, the BoSox had a nine-game advantage in the Wild Card chase. They lost 20 of 27 during the month. Last night, they held a 3-2 lead with two outs and two strikes in the bottom of the 9th. Then ace reliever Jonathan Papelbon gave up 3 hits, two runs and the Red Sox chances for a 2011 post season. While the Rays, with whom the Beantowners were tied, came back from that nine-game disadvantage, came back from an 0-7 defecit in the 8th, came back from a one run defecit in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and two strikes, and beat the Yankees in overtime to secure a future this season.

It is apropos that underachieving Carl Crawford, a former resident of Tampa Bay for heavens’ sake, was the last of the Red Sox to wear goat’s horns. Had he caught Robert Andino’s liner, Fenway wouldn’t be on suicide watch.

If you aren’t a Boston or Atlanta fan, last night’s games, covered pretty well by ESPN, were compelling TV. If you live or die with the Sox or Braves, try to remember this mantra: “It’s only a game.”

I personally would have loved to see Texas lose to the Angels. In that case, my Tigers would be opening the playoffs at home against the Rays, instead of their current fate: journeying to the House that Ruth Built.

But, hey, it’s the post season. You only play who(m) you play. Bring on the pin stripes.

* * * * *

There are any number of reasons why NBA basketball doesn’t appeal to me . . . at least until the playoffs.

Not the least of which is how some players are coddled by the league and league refs. That such is the case was “confirmed” by defrocked zebra Tim Donaghy, who spoke at last week’s scintillating Idea Festival. Donaghy’s talk centered on his gambling addiction and how it got him in trouble with the mob, then the league and FBI.

But he had no kind words for David Stern. And he indicated that grudge-carrying refs do change the outcome of games.

Well, Stern has thrown down the gauntlet, admonishing the NBA player’s union that this weekend’s labor talks better be fruitful or the season is more in peril than ever. (Keeping with our theme, know that the talks took a day off for observance of Rosh Hashonah.)

It’s reported that on Wednesday, Stern made a new offer on behalf of management that was somewhat softer than previous positions.

But, hey, I’m not getting into all that folderol.

And, though I don’t watch much regular season pro ball, I know there are a lot of fans that love it, and a lot of families throughout the NBA world that depend on it. So I hope they get matters resolved.

I wouldn’t be counting on it.

* * * * *

Speaking of negotiations, I can say for sure that Louisville is still a member of the Big East.

And for sure that, as of 4:30 this afternoon, the Big East still exists.

I’m not quite as sure that U of L AD has been lobbying Big 12 schools and officials relentlessly. Public proclamations notwithstanding I have to surmise Tom Jurich has tapped into his inner lobbyist..

Louisville would jump to that league with neutrino-like speed, were the opportunity to present itself.

As for on the field stuff, I guess we’ll be watching the South Florida/ Pitt game tonight, now that there are no meaningful baseball play in playoff games.

Go Bulls.

* * * * *

While I’m so very very very sure Rick Pitino could care less what I think, I’ve got one thing to offer U of L’s hoops mentor.

Stop pontificating and just coach.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2011/09/29/thursdays-balls-base-basket-foot/feed/ 1 http://score.leoweekly.com/2011/08/15/aggies-left-at-altar-dufner-turns-fluffner-mmqb-0815/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2011/08/15/aggies-left-at-altar-dufner-turns-fluffner-mmqb-0815/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:12:59 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=6743 I suppose in this day of incessant bloggery — Guilty, Your Honor — it’s hard for any public entity to keep a secret. Still, you’d think Texas A & M would have been a little more evasive about their plans to begin to try to jump into the SEC’s arms.

The school obviously pissed off some Texas legislators, who weren’t consulted in advance of the school’s desires. Those politicos want in on the decision.

And, they might have made sure there was gas in the tank and the reservation was confirmed before turning on the ignition.

Instead, the the Aggies betrothal is melting in the park, all the green icing flowing down,. The cake’s been left out in the rain. And it took so long to bake it.

The 12th Man is left holding the ring.

* * * * *

There was a message on my phone, Friday, I guess it was.

“Remember where you heard it first. Louisville is going to the ACC.”

When I finally reached this “source,” who resides in Georgia, I learned it was nothing but supposition. He based his belief on the SEC raiding that conference along with the Big 12(10), and that when the smoke cleared, the Cards would end up playing Duke home and home every winter.

Frankly, that would be a sweet scenario.

But, nobody, including my “source” has a clue how all the college conference reshuffling is going to shake out.

Most wags, including Coach Cal, have the whole mess ending up like Orwell’s “1984″ with just a few super powers. Hello, Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia.

Actually, it would be more like: Southeastern Conference, BEast, PAC 24 and Heartland.

Heck, the Haves might jump the NCAA altogether. Hello, ESPN Athletic Association.

It would be a most sad situation. I love the regionalism. I love the arguments that ensue over which areas are the best. Kentuckiana vs. Tobacco Road in hoops. SEC vs. Big 10(12) vs. Big 12(10) in football. (Thought that’s not much of an argument these days.)

It sure gives us something to talk about.

* * * * *

I wanted to see Jason Dufner win the PGA yesterday.

Not only had this guy with the Publinx paunch not won a tourney ever, but he hadn’t made a cut in months.

But he did what 99.8% of us do when under pressure. I needn’t say what that is. But I do know it’s time to cue up Toots & The Maytals.

That he’s displayed some disarming perspective in the wake of his fall is sweet. He may never win, but he’ll be a lot healthier.

* * * * *

The Coach Cal In-Your-Face-Rick Summer Tour actually looks interesting.

Wish those games were on the tube.

They gotta be more watchable than those U of L scrums last week from the Bahamas.

* * * * *

Kickoff is just 17 days away. Not that I’m counting days or anything.

In keeping with today’s Orwellian theme, I’m reminded of what happened in 1984. U of L opened at home against Murray. The Racers won 26-23. It won’t happen this year . . . I don’t think.

– Seedy K