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

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

In his first regular season appearance of the year — he’s got a 10 day contract with the Celtics — he played 13 minutes against the Lakers last night, scoring a deuce, grabbing 2 rebounds and committing 2 turnovers.

Meanwhile his former Cardinal mate Earl Clark, certainly a more self effacing fellow, not to mention a more successful one, scored 14, grabbed 16 boards, had a block, a steal and posted 0 turnovers in LA’s 113-99 W.

Francisco Garcia has been traded from Sacramento to Houston. Derrick Caracter was last spotted on the roster of Bnei HaSharon in Israel. Former future U of L superduperstar Sebastian Telfair is toiling for Phoenix, his 7th pro team.

All of which is just about enough play-for-pay foolishness. Consider yourselves suitably updated.

* * * * *

Yes, you kids on the Sunny Side of the Ohio, your candy-striped Hurryin’ Hoosiers are currently playing the best ball in the land.

But . . . one guy’s opinion . . . I just have a feeling that this college basketball season, the best I can remember in a long while, is going to produce a champion out of the blue. (It will not however be UK’s Big Blue.) The last time it happened was, oh, not so long ago, when the UConn Kembas won the ugliest title game ever played anywhere in any tournament in any sport at any level.

Last night I watched Kansas survive Okie State in double OT. And Vegas pull out a late W over Colorado State. All four of those teams are Final Four capable. And, with a proper draw, are teams that could sneak into the title game and even pull a UConn.

Don’t believe me. Fair enough. But stay tuned.

This March there will be such true Madness, you might want to stock up on a fresh supply of those meds Bradley Cooper and Ms. Jennifer Lawrence riffed about in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

There’s a large list of teams whose playbook might prove to be lined in silver come April 8. They all have flaws, but one of them is going to win. We may even be blessed with a Miracle Milan thing, like ‘Nova at Rupp over Georgetown.

It could be the Hoosiers, but what if they go cold from beyond the arc, and/or a Purdue fan slips some kryptonite in Victor Oladipo’s lunch? The Gators, but they sure have shown they can melt down, as they did at Mizzou. The Wolverines, but they’re awfully young. The Hurricanes, but that spotlight is going to get ‘em sweatin’. Sparty, unless Gary Harris’s back goes out. The Zags, though they always underachieve . . . until maybe this year.

Breath.

The Buckeyes, if they finally start winning some big ones? (And, yeah, I guess that’s true of all the schools.) The Badgers, if they can keep it slow? Georgetown, who nobody’s talking about? The Quack, who are playing almost as good as the football team? Syracuse, in Boeheim’s swan song? (Remember I wrote way back that this is likely to be his last season.) This year’s real Wildcats, the ones out Arizona way.

And, oh yeah, even my beloved, but flawed Louisville Cardinals.

It’s that kind of year.

Remember when the Orange jumped on Carmelo Anthony’s back all the way to One Shining Moment?

You tell me Marcus Smart can’t do the same thing, and I laugh in your face.

You going to discount Butler? That is, if they make it to the Dance. Or St. Louis, which has won 8 in a row in the A-10? Or, New Mexico, whose coach knows how to win the big one? Or, Vegas, featuring Anthony Bennett, the second best freshman in the land?

Some team you can’t now name will reign treys six games in a row. Some won’t. Some teams will inexplicably hit all key FTs. More teams won’t. Which contenda is gonna get jobbed by a woeful call?

I just see some strange doings ahead. Can’t wait.

Caveat: When you’re stocking up on chips, dip, DiGiorno and necessary meds, stay away from the Ablixa.

* * * * *

So, in anticipation of yesterday afternoon’s Champions League Round of 16 fixture between Barca and AC Milan, while heading in the cold to lunch with my pals, I donned my new FC Barcelona scarf the Film Babe brought me back from a recent sojourn to Europe.

It was to no avail. Lunch was much better than the match later in the afternoon.

Barca didn’t show up, especially superstar Lionel Messi. The good guys were waxed in Milan 2 nil.

Talk about an uphill climb to the quarterfinals. The way it works in the knock out rounds of the most splendid competition this side of the Big Dance, is the teams play home and home, total goals win and advance with away goals counting more than home goals. If Barca is up 2 zed at the end of 90 in the next match at Camp Nou, the two sides will stay on the pitch and keep playing.

If AC Milan scores a goal, Barca will need four to advance.

* * * * *

Okay, I’m not through talking about college hoops.

Given the cockamamie year that’s unfolding, I believe making FTs is more important than ever. IU won in East Lansing because Sparty missed some key charity tosses at the end which could have sealed the deal. Florida lost at Mizzou after missing 5 straight down the the stretch, including the front end of three 1+1s.

Allow me to beat a horse so dead, it’s already been turned into burgers at London McD’s.

Dickie V must go. Really. I’m serious. Immediately. Forever. No, not at the end of the season, NOW!!!

* * * * *

Before I’m outta here, I feel compelled to mention a couple of things you probably haven’t heard.

Michael Jordan turned 50.

Danica Patrick won the pole at Daytona.

– 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/2012/12/26/humpday-huzzahs-harrumphs-holiday-edition/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/12/26/humpday-huzzahs-harrumphs-holiday-edition/#comments Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:29:56 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8114 A recurring theme here during basketball season has been my continuing appreciation for the quality of Hoosier high school coaching. Just seems to me that most kids who have played prep hoops in Indiana and make it on to play in college know what they’re doing.

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

After Anthony Johnson knocked down Carolina’s 4th down hoping for a winning TD pass, U of L simply had to run out the minute and a half or so left on the clock (1:44 to be exact). Instead of simply having Teddy B, or Will Stein, take a knee on three plays, which would have run out the clock, since the Tar Heels had used up all their timeouts, Louisville handed the ball off.

Then did it again.

I was incredulous. The scribes sitting around me were incredulous. Fans still in the stands have advised they were incredulous.

And today at lunch, a friend who watched the game on TV said the announcers were, well, you know. And dumbfounded to boot.

I’m not sure what Charlie Strong was thinking or what his explanation for the egregious strategy was, but whatever, it was inexcusable.

* * * * *

It’s midweek and still not a peep from the NFL powers that be about cutting a deal with the real zebras.

Not that there needs to be another voice added to the media din decrying how awful, and deteriorating, the performance of the scabs has been, but I’ll bellow along.

Somebody’s going to get really hurt. Outcomes are going to be affected. You know.

So, yoo hoo, Roger, come down off your throne and do a deal with the refs union. Before kickoff tomorrow night.

* * * * *

Speaking of cutting a deal, that’s what Lance Thomas did with the NY Jeweler to the Stars. It appears the civil lawsuit has settled.

I’m so sure that nobody involved is going to say a peep.

There’s no doubt smarm is involved. But this one’s gonna fade away faster than Linsanity.

We’re all listening. Problem is, nobody’s talkin’.

* * * * *

The latest example of the old saw that excellence on the athletic field way more often than not wins out is taking place at the moment in Barcelona. It’s the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. Barca, heavily favored, fell behind 1-2 to Spartak Moscow.

Then the favorites, lauded often as the best club team ever, just took over. Lionel Messi, the world’s best player, tallied twice in the final twenty minutes to close it out.

It was close to a carbon copy of rival Real Madrid’s 3-2 comeback against Manchester City yesterday in the same tourney.

Defending champ Chelsea wasn’t quite as stalwart. They tied at home with Juventus.

I remain stunned by what those fellows do with their feet.

* * * * *

Is it my imagination, or does U of L have three point guards joining the roster next season to replace — hopefully — Peyton Siva?

* * * * *

Joker Phillips remains football coach at UK.

– Seedy K

With Charlie Strong at the helm, U of L had once again become “a football school.”Or, so we’d joke after a disappointing hoops L.

We knew — and still know — that it really isn’t the case. Nor will it ever be, though we’d all love our school to become a major playah on the national gridiron scene. Keeping our fingers crossed.

I thought about the prospect — U of L considered among the Crimson Tides and Buckeyes — while listening to Tony Vanetti, who was sitting in last Friday night on WHAS evening sports call-in show. A reporter was on the scene at U of L’s practice fields for an opening night report.

But, they talked almost as much about the Trinity scrimmage the same night, from which they were also going to file live on-the-air reports.

You think the media guys in Tuscaloosa and Ann Arbor were talking high school football during their reports from Alabama’s and Michigan’s practices?

Just wondering.

* * * * *

Whither Mangok Mathiang?

* * * * *

I haven’t been able to watch any of the Olympics today. So, there might have been more scintillating action from London.

I’ll stand by my Facebook post during the latter stages of regulation of USA’s stunning W over Canada on the ladies’ futbol pitch. It was as exciting a game as any I’ve viewed in any sport for a long time.

Canada up 1 nil. Yanks tie it early in the 2d. Canada retaliates a couple minutes later for a 2-1 lead. The red, white and blue respond to knot it. Just a few ticks of the game clock later, that Sinclair gal completes her hat trick. Canada, 3-2. Penalty kick after a questionable hand ball ties it again.

Two regulation OT periods. No score.

With 150 seconds of a three minute injury time extension gone, US heads in the winner.

The flip side of the coin — for America’s fans, that is — came in men’s volleyball.

The Yanks were up two sets to love in the best of five match. With match point. And the Russkies came back to win it.

Unfortunately, Major “King” Kong (Slim Pickens) wasn’t there to give our boys his pep talk from “Dr. Strangelove”:

Well, boys, I reckon this is it – nuclear combat toe to toe with the Roosskies. Now look, boys, I ain’t much of a hand at makin’ speeches, but I got a pretty fair idea that something doggone important is goin’ on back there. And I got a fair idea the kinda personal emotions that some of you fellas may be thinkin’. Heck, I reckon you wouldn’t even be human bein’s if you didn’t have some pretty strong personal feelin’s about nuclear combat. I want you to remember one thing, the folks back home is a-countin’ on you and by golly, we ain’t about to let ‘em down. I tell you something else, if this thing turns out to be half as important as I figure it just might be, I’d say that you’re all in line for some important promotions and personal citations when this thing’s over with. That goes for ever’ last one of you regardless of your race, color or your creed. Now let’s get this thing on the hump – we got some flyin’ to do.

Then he went out and took care of business made sure himself the job was done.

* * * * *

The word that comes to mind when considering Usain Bolt.

Fast.

Very, very fast.

– 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