No I'm not talking about basketball. Hoosier football spring practice is in full swing, and with a new offense nonetheless.
The new Hoosiers, for now without starting quarterback Kellen Lewis, have switched to a no-huddle scheme. New QB Ben Chappell led the team in the first spring scrimmage, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The team ran 60 plays, according to IUHoosiers.com.
Is this a good thing? Well if Lewis is not coming back for a while, the Hoosiers need an offense that can fit a non-mobile quarterback with a suspect offensive line. The virtue of the no-huddle is it makes defensive substituting difficult. And if the Hoosiers can keep those big defensive ends off balance just a little bit, they should have a slight advantage.
Lewis always was a threat to run, especially if the pocket broke down. Now the Hoosiers need something else to keep the defense honest. We'll see if this works.
Another scrimmage is scheduled for Friday.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Did anyone really NOT expect this?
The Indianapolis Star reported this morning that IU star Eric Gordon will enter the NBA draft. Their sources were unidentified, but the story indicated IU will distribute information about the upcoming announcement today.
Maybe I held out a little hope that Gordon would stick around for another year, if for no other reason because he fizzled toward the end of the season. The injury to his left hand really affected him, and by extension, the team.
I also thought Gordon had some issues he needed to work on that would make him a better pro. He really had a tendency to commit way too many turnovers. Many of them killed scoring bursts and some came when IU was trying to get back into a game. He averaged 3.6 turnovers a game, by far the worst on the team. That was more than 26 percent of the per game turnover average for the entire team.
But the scoring was impressive, at 20.9 points per game, including almost 34 percent from 3-point range. And the 83-percent free-throw shooting also helped down the stretch.
Gordon deserved first-team all Big Ten and freshman of the year honors. But I think if he took another year and dominated college basketball, his draft stock would rise even more. And who knows what Tom Crean could do with him back.
Maybe I held out a little hope that Gordon would stick around for another year, if for no other reason because he fizzled toward the end of the season. The injury to his left hand really affected him, and by extension, the team.
I also thought Gordon had some issues he needed to work on that would make him a better pro. He really had a tendency to commit way too many turnovers. Many of them killed scoring bursts and some came when IU was trying to get back into a game. He averaged 3.6 turnovers a game, by far the worst on the team. That was more than 26 percent of the per game turnover average for the entire team.
But the scoring was impressive, at 20.9 points per game, including almost 34 percent from 3-point range. And the 83-percent free-throw shooting also helped down the stretch.
Gordon deserved first-team all Big Ten and freshman of the year honors. But I think if he took another year and dominated college basketball, his draft stock would rise even more. And who knows what Tom Crean could do with him back.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tom Crean takes over
Tom Crean, sporting a "Crean and Crimson" T-shirt, took over as IU basketball coach yesterday. He said the reason he left Marquette was because "It's Indiana." Apparently the name on the door still means something in a lot of coaching circles, even though the Hoosiers' post-season record over the last decade has been less than stellar.
Press conference photos are here.
There was an interesting story in the IDS, linked to its basketball blog, about Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, who were dismissed by now former coach Dan Dakich. Ellis said he quit the team and wanted to get his academics in order. He also said the two didn't see eye-to-eye with Dakich on some issues. He told the IDS, while playing a pick-up game at the HPER, he hoped to return to the team.
We'll see if that happens. Media reports about Crean's meeting with the team indicate the two were not invited.
Press conference photos are here.
There was an interesting story in the IDS, linked to its basketball blog, about Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, who were dismissed by now former coach Dan Dakich. Ellis said he quit the team and wanted to get his academics in order. He also said the two didn't see eye-to-eye with Dakich on some issues. He told the IDS, while playing a pick-up game at the HPER, he hoped to return to the team.
We'll see if that happens. Media reports about Crean's meeting with the team indicate the two were not invited.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Finally, a defender gets the radio
The NFL decided at its owners' meetings today that a defender will get a radio speaker in his helmet beginning next season.
The rule allows the defense to have one player on the field with a radio link to the coaches, similar to the quarterback on offense. Only one player on the field can have the defensive radio link and no more than two defensive players can have the radio total.
I blogged about this issue earlier on Lake Affected.
The defensive substitution issue came up again, but I don't see it as a big deal. I'm sure there are defensive players that are on the field all the time that can have the radio and call the plays. And if there is a substitution, make the defensive call the old-fashioned way. The offense has the same problem if they substitute.
If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off the field because (now former) receiver Antawn Randle El was going to play quarterback on a gadget play, then someone else had to get the play signed in to the huddle. It didn't happen often, and I think defenses will find their trend is the same.
The important thing is the temptation for teams to steal defensive signals has been all but eliminated.
The rule allows the defense to have one player on the field with a radio link to the coaches, similar to the quarterback on offense. Only one player on the field can have the defensive radio link and no more than two defensive players can have the radio total.
I blogged about this issue earlier on Lake Affected.
The defensive substitution issue came up again, but I don't see it as a big deal. I'm sure there are defensive players that are on the field all the time that can have the radio and call the plays. And if there is a substitution, make the defensive call the old-fashioned way. The offense has the same problem if they substitute.
If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off the field because (now former) receiver Antawn Randle El was going to play quarterback on a gadget play, then someone else had to get the play signed in to the huddle. It didn't happen often, and I think defenses will find their trend is the same.
The important thing is the temptation for teams to steal defensive signals has been all but eliminated.
A new regime and a new team, too?
IU will announce tomorrow Marquette coach Tom Crean is its new coach, according to ESPN.com, he likely will have to rebuild almost the entire starting line-up.
Before the coaching news came out, the unfortunate news that starters Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett had been kicked off the team by interim coach Dan Dakich. The two apparently missed mandatory team meetings and then didn't run the laps Dakich put on them as punishment.
That means potentially all of the regular starters from this season will be gone. Eric Gordon is expected to enter the NBA draft, D.J. White and Lance Stemler are graduating, and now Ellis and Bassett have been dismissed.
Ellis led the team in assists, Bassett led the team in three-point shooting, Gordon lead in scoring and White led in rebounding and field goal percentage.
I like hiring Crean. He put Marquette back on the basketball map and has a Final 4 appearance, although it was forgettable. The Golden Eagles lost to Kansas by 33. He is a good coach moving to an elite program, similar to Bill Self going from Illinois to Kansas. There is nothing wrong with Illini basketball, but in terms of tradition and quality, it doesn't compare to the Jayhawk program.
Crean better leave the press room tomorrow and head straight for the recruiting trail. He has a lot of work to do. Jordan Crawford is the Hoosiers' top returning scorer. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season. He's also the leading rebounder returning.
That's assuming he stays at IU.
Update: ESPN.com has updated its Crean story. The Indianapolis Star also has a story on the news.
Before the coaching news came out, the unfortunate news that starters Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett had been kicked off the team by interim coach Dan Dakich. The two apparently missed mandatory team meetings and then didn't run the laps Dakich put on them as punishment.
That means potentially all of the regular starters from this season will be gone. Eric Gordon is expected to enter the NBA draft, D.J. White and Lance Stemler are graduating, and now Ellis and Bassett have been dismissed.
Ellis led the team in assists, Bassett led the team in three-point shooting, Gordon lead in scoring and White led in rebounding and field goal percentage.
I like hiring Crean. He put Marquette back on the basketball map and has a Final 4 appearance, although it was forgettable. The Golden Eagles lost to Kansas by 33. He is a good coach moving to an elite program, similar to Bill Self going from Illinois to Kansas. There is nothing wrong with Illini basketball, but in terms of tradition and quality, it doesn't compare to the Jayhawk program.
Crean better leave the press room tomorrow and head straight for the recruiting trail. He has a lot of work to do. Jordan Crawford is the Hoosiers' top returning scorer. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season. He's also the leading rebounder returning.
That's assuming he stays at IU.
Update: ESPN.com has updated its Crean story. The Indianapolis Star also has a story on the news.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Red Sox-Dodgers at the Coliseum
According to the Boston Globe, the Dodgers sold more than 115,000 tickets to the exhibition game against the Red Sox, which was played at the L.A. Coliseum. It was part of the celebration of the Dodgers' 50 years in L.A. and featured a left field fence 201 feet from home plate. The right field foul pole was 440 feet away.
The Red Sox won the game 7-4. Here is a link to the Boston Globe's photo array from the game. The L.A. Times photos are here.
The Coliseum is a football, track and Olympic facility. The attendance was impressive, but the stadium was not designed for baseball. And it was clear from the odd-ball configuration of the field that this idea should remain a novelty used during spring training. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as playing a hockey game outside at a football stadium.
The MLB season opens on American soil in about an hour (its 7 p.m. in Fort Wayne). Here's to the games counting and the beginning of the 7-month marathon. The White Sox open Monday along with just about everyone else. They begin a 3-game series against the Cleveland Indians, followed by a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, the Sox may end up starting 2-4 or worse, 0-6. Is April too early to be counted out of the pennant race?
The Red Sox won the game 7-4. Here is a link to the Boston Globe's photo array from the game. The L.A. Times photos are here.
The Coliseum is a football, track and Olympic facility. The attendance was impressive, but the stadium was not designed for baseball. And it was clear from the odd-ball configuration of the field that this idea should remain a novelty used during spring training. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as playing a hockey game outside at a football stadium.
The MLB season opens on American soil in about an hour (its 7 p.m. in Fort Wayne). Here's to the games counting and the beginning of the 7-month marathon. The White Sox open Monday along with just about everyone else. They begin a 3-game series against the Cleveland Indians, followed by a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, the Sox may end up starting 2-4 or worse, 0-6. Is April too early to be counted out of the pennant race?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hoosier coaching rumors
It's difficult to tell whether this story is true or not, but Foxsports.com is reporting IU offered the men's basketball coaching job to Tony Bennett of Washington State.
This seems difficult to believe since the Cougars just lost to Carolina just a couple days ago in the Sweet 16. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think Bennett would be in extended talks with IU during a tourney run and I don't think it would have been kept secret that IU got permission to talk to him.
Terry Hutchens, the IU beat reporter at the Indianapolis Star, wrote a great blog post today about the rumor. He said he talked to several people who seemed to indicate the story was false and that Bennett hadn't talked to anyone.
It seems unlikely that the IU search committee will get to talk to anyone before their teams are eliminated from the tournament. And the interview process likely will take some time.
Everyone just needs to calm down and be patient.
This seems difficult to believe since the Cougars just lost to Carolina just a couple days ago in the Sweet 16. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think Bennett would be in extended talks with IU during a tourney run and I don't think it would have been kept secret that IU got permission to talk to him.
Terry Hutchens, the IU beat reporter at the Indianapolis Star, wrote a great blog post today about the rumor. He said he talked to several people who seemed to indicate the story was false and that Bennett hadn't talked to anyone.
It seems unlikely that the IU search committee will get to talk to anyone before their teams are eliminated from the tournament. And the interview process likely will take some time.
Everyone just needs to calm down and be patient.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Don't worry about opposite-field homers
When the Red Sox play the Dodgers in a pre-season game Saturday, March 29, there will be no reason for right-handed hitters not to look to pull that inside pitch. The game will be played in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, where the Dodgers spent their first four seasons in California.
The stadium was not built for baseball -- the left field "fence", I mean screen, will be a paltry 201 feet from home plate. A pop-up to short could be in danger of falling in the seats. Fans sitting in the first few rows will have to be on the look-out for line drives.
To even things out, right field is where fly balls will go to die. That fence is 440 feet from the plate. The NYT story I linked above has a great quote from Dodgers likely starting left fielder Juan Pierre. He likely will get the best view of the ball coming off the bat that he has ever had from the outfield. He just will have to be careful to call off the shortstop and third baseman every time he makes a play.
This exhibition is part of the Dodgers' 50th anniversary in L.A. More than 100,000 are expected with standing-room tickets included.
It's hard to believe the Dodgers hosted the the 1959 World Series against the White Sox at the Coliseum under nearly the same conditions. By the way, the Dodgers won that series in six games.
Photo found at www.ballparkwatch.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
Reflections on the NCAA first round
Am I the only one that has a nervous feeling about IU's first round game tonight versus Arkansas? Not because the Razorbacks are a good team that won 22 games this year. Not because they like to run the floor and score a lot of points, which could cause IU problems.
It's because tonight could be an embarrassing loss. The kind of loss that makes potential recruits go somewhere else.
The Hoosiers are in a mini-slump. They have played two games in a row where they looked a good high school team could beat them. The players have been accused of giving up on the season by at least one pundit. For some reason, I have images of the 1997 first-round loss to Colorado dancing in my head. The team didn't look interested throughout the game and lost 80-62. I sat in my frat house room and watched the debacle on my little 15-inch television, wondering why the players even made the trip.
Another disappointment comes to mind: the 2000 first-round loss to Pepperdine 77-55. Same problem, the team didn't seem to be ready or in the proper mindset for the game. Luckily I was on a plane and missed that one.
Will I be praying for something to throw at the wall tonight? I hope not. But this is setting up to be a classic Hoosier give-up moment. I want this game to be a season re-start and this weekend to be a proper send-off for D.J. White, and likely Eric Gordon as well.
The talent is there to beat Arkansas and even give North Carolina a good game in the second round. Dan Dakich needs to find the confidence and attitude the Hoosiers displayed in victories over Kentucky, at Illinois and Michigan State. All they need is a spark.
It's because tonight could be an embarrassing loss. The kind of loss that makes potential recruits go somewhere else.
The Hoosiers are in a mini-slump. They have played two games in a row where they looked a good high school team could beat them. The players have been accused of giving up on the season by at least one pundit. For some reason, I have images of the 1997 first-round loss to Colorado dancing in my head. The team didn't look interested throughout the game and lost 80-62. I sat in my frat house room and watched the debacle on my little 15-inch television, wondering why the players even made the trip.
Another disappointment comes to mind: the 2000 first-round loss to Pepperdine 77-55. Same problem, the team didn't seem to be ready or in the proper mindset for the game. Luckily I was on a plane and missed that one.
Will I be praying for something to throw at the wall tonight? I hope not. But this is setting up to be a classic Hoosier give-up moment. I want this game to be a season re-start and this weekend to be a proper send-off for D.J. White, and likely Eric Gordon as well.
The talent is there to beat Arkansas and even give North Carolina a good game in the second round. Dan Dakich needs to find the confidence and attitude the Hoosiers displayed in victories over Kentucky, at Illinois and Michigan State. All they need is a spark.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Speaking of the Cubs...
Here is my offering (right).
In case those of you reading this blog don't follow the Cubs, here is the issue. New Tribune Co., Cubs and Wrigley Field owner Sam Zell is considering selling the naming rights to the ballpark. It would be a crime to change the name, which is as classic as the structure, even though the brand of baseball played on those hallowed grounds has been lousy for most of the last century.
Our friend T.J. has written extensively on the issue. It turns out the State of Illinois also could purchase the stadium, just as they own the former Comiskey Park.
Changing the name of Wrigley Field would be similar to changing Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium to something else -- it's just unthinkable. Maybe they should consider a naming rights deal similar to what Rose Bowl officials negotiated: The Rose Bowl Game presented by (insert sponsor here). How about this: Welcome to Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs, presented by (insert sponsor name here).
No that would be just as bad.
Sox-Cubs issues
Our friend T.J. is correct, as is Hire Jim Essian, in surmising that Sox fans still feel animosity toward Cub fans. Would I trade the 2005 World Series victory for a guarantee the Cubs would never win a title again? No.
This is my problem with Cub fans and pretty much most of Major League Baseball when it comes to the White Sox. The Sox don't get any respect. They never get the benefit of the doubt, they never attained that lovable quality the Cubs have a monopoly on. The Sox win the World Series, and they don't get the cover of Sports Illustrated. SI instead puts Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the cover to push its preview of a regular season NFL game. As many south siders pointed out, that was a true measure of where the White Sox rank in baseball lore. You can guarantee that when the Cubs win the World Series, they will get the cover of EVERY major sports magazine and even mainstream news magazines like Time.
In the end, it seemed MLB and pretty much no one outside the south side of Chicago cared about the Sox breaking an 88-year drout. The team has about as much pull as the Anaheim Angels: 'Way Good for you. But we're more interested in the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers or Cubs winning the World Series.'
This is my problem with Cub fans and pretty much most of Major League Baseball when it comes to the White Sox. The Sox don't get any respect. They never get the benefit of the doubt, they never attained that lovable quality the Cubs have a monopoly on. The Sox win the World Series, and they don't get the cover of Sports Illustrated. SI instead puts Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the cover to push its preview of a regular season NFL game. As many south siders pointed out, that was a true measure of where the White Sox rank in baseball lore. You can guarantee that when the Cubs win the World Series, they will get the cover of EVERY major sports magazine and even mainstream news magazines like Time.
In the end, it seemed MLB and pretty much no one outside the south side of Chicago cared about the Sox breaking an 88-year drout. The team has about as much pull as the Anaheim Angels: 'Way Good for you. But we're more interested in the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers or Cubs winning the World Series.'
Friday, March 7, 2008
Two steps forward, two steps back
On the heals of IU football potentially turning the corner with a successful Pro Day, the team suspended quarterback Kellen Lewis.
No specific reason was given, according to various media reports, other than he violated team rules. Lewis is gone indefinitely and will not participate in spring practice. After losing their best offensive player, James Hardy, to the NFL draft, now the team's second-best player is now gone.
It seems Hoosier football can't get a break. They take a step forward, followed by another back.
No specific reason was given, according to various media reports, other than he violated team rules. Lewis is gone indefinitely and will not participate in spring practice. After losing their best offensive player, James Hardy, to the NFL draft, now the team's second-best player is now gone.
It seems Hoosier football can't get a break. They take a step forward, followed by another back.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Turning the corner?
The NFL season never truly ends. After the final gun sounds at the Super Bowl, talk begins about the upcoming free agency period and the draft. Since coverage of the draft and the preceding NFL Scouting Combine has become so intense, media now are descending on college "Pro Days" where players can work out for scouts at the practice facilities where they had spent so much time during the previous three or four years.
So it's no surprise at this time of year to read about the Ohio State, Michigan or USC Pro Days, where future millionaire running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers run through drills for drooling NFL scouts and coaches.
But I was really surprised to read today that IU had a Pro Day yesterday in Bloomington. Coverage from the IDS is here. The football program may have scheduled them in the past, but I don't remember them. It seems the day was mostly about receiver James Hardy, who has been mentioned as a first-round pick, but for other graduating players it was a nice opportunity to maybe get on some teams' draft boards for the later rounds.
Does this mean IU football is turning a corner toward long-term respectability? I'm not sure yet. I would like to see some sustained excellence first.
So it's no surprise at this time of year to read about the Ohio State, Michigan or USC Pro Days, where future millionaire running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers run through drills for drooling NFL scouts and coaches.
But I was really surprised to read today that IU had a Pro Day yesterday in Bloomington. Coverage from the IDS is here. The football program may have scheduled them in the past, but I don't remember them. It seems the day was mostly about receiver James Hardy, who has been mentioned as a first-round pick, but for other graduating players it was a nice opportunity to maybe get on some teams' draft boards for the later rounds.
Does this mean IU football is turning a corner toward long-term respectability? I'm not sure yet. I would like to see some sustained excellence first.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Enjoy your non-Packers life Brett
As most of you now know, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Brett Favre, who torched the Chicago Bears on seemingly every occasion, decided to retire.
As everyone is giving their favorite Favre moments, I'll toss in mine. It was the re-opening of Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Bears were fully expecting to finally beat the Packers after what seemed like forever. But alas Favre, once again was better. The all-telling image from the game was the 99-yard touchdown bomb. He just wound up and heaved it, hit the receiver in stride, who promptly scored. UGH. I said that too many times during Favre's career.
I suspect the rebirth of the Packers in some ways drove the Bears get out of the NFC basement in the late 90s and early 2000s. Lovie Smith's first of three priorities was to beat the Packers. As the Bears improved in the last few years, it actually seemed like a rivalry again.
Favre was known for his durability. He had started every Packer game since late September 1992, while the Bears had seemingly every college quarterback that was healthy starting opposite him. This is a great post from the Rumors and Rants blog. They combined all the Bears starting QB stats during Favre's tenure and found they didn't measure up.
Enjoy your retirement, Brett. You were one of the best, there's no question about it. But speaking as a Bears fan, your departure couldn't come soon enough.
As everyone is giving their favorite Favre moments, I'll toss in mine. It was the re-opening of Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Bears were fully expecting to finally beat the Packers after what seemed like forever. But alas Favre, once again was better. The all-telling image from the game was the 99-yard touchdown bomb. He just wound up and heaved it, hit the receiver in stride, who promptly scored. UGH. I said that too many times during Favre's career.
I suspect the rebirth of the Packers in some ways drove the Bears get out of the NFC basement in the late 90s and early 2000s. Lovie Smith's first of three priorities was to beat the Packers. As the Bears improved in the last few years, it actually seemed like a rivalry again.
Favre was known for his durability. He had started every Packer game since late September 1992, while the Bears had seemingly every college quarterback that was healthy starting opposite him. This is a great post from the Rumors and Rants blog. They combined all the Bears starting QB stats during Favre's tenure and found they didn't measure up.
Enjoy your retirement, Brett. You were one of the best, there's no question about it. But speaking as a Bears fan, your departure couldn't come soon enough.
Friday, February 29, 2008
In Memorium Redux
Our friend T.J. Brown is lamenting the recent death of conservative columnist William F. Buckley. Like he mentioned in the post, he attended a lecture Buckley gave at IU in 1994. I also was there, a lowly freshman who had no idea who the man was.
His death also reminded me of a blog argument T.J. and I had after the death of Hunter S. Thompson. I said, rightly, that Thompson was among the most influential writers in recent memory, while Brown argued Buckley was a better writer and significantly more important. Then he threw salt in my wounds, after claiming I lost the battle, by sending me copies of Buckley's "Lexicon" and "Miles Gone By."
The jury is still out. May both rest in peace.
His death also reminded me of a blog argument T.J. and I had after the death of Hunter S. Thompson. I said, rightly, that Thompson was among the most influential writers in recent memory, while Brown argued Buckley was a better writer and significantly more important. Then he threw salt in my wounds, after claiming I lost the battle, by sending me copies of Buckley's "Lexicon" and "Miles Gone By."
The jury is still out. May both rest in peace.
Friday, February 22, 2008
It may be over
ESPN now is reporting that IU and Kelvin Sampson have reached a settlement. It stipulates that Sampson cannot sue the university for wrongful termination.
According to the report on SportsCenter, Dan Dakich will be named the interim head coach. A press conference is upcoming sometime tonight. A link to the Indianapolis Star's video feed of the press conference is available here. Right now its kind of boring, because it is video of a bunch of reporters hanging around the room waiting for IU officials to show up.
Several players, according to the Star and other sources, did not show up for practice today. But the Star is reporting Sampson wants all his guys to play against Northwestern tomorrow.
My own thoughts ... this may not be the best way to reach a solution in this matter. But I think IU needed to nip this one in the bud. The last thing the Hoosiers needed was for this issue to nag them through the rest of the season and into the NCAA tournament. And if the school did nothing and faced additional sanctions later, that would have been much worse.
It just may be better to get this over with so the team can move on. And the players better move on. Those players apparently skipping practice need to think about what they're doing. If they want to play at the next level, they have to be on the court NOW. Scouts are watching them in the games they are about to play. I don't think draft statuses will improve because they stood up for their coach.
According to the report on SportsCenter, Dan Dakich will be named the interim head coach. A press conference is upcoming sometime tonight. A link to the Indianapolis Star's video feed of the press conference is available here. Right now its kind of boring, because it is video of a bunch of reporters hanging around the room waiting for IU officials to show up.
Several players, according to the Star and other sources, did not show up for practice today. But the Star is reporting Sampson wants all his guys to play against Northwestern tomorrow.
My own thoughts ... this may not be the best way to reach a solution in this matter. But I think IU needed to nip this one in the bud. The last thing the Hoosiers needed was for this issue to nag them through the rest of the season and into the NCAA tournament. And if the school did nothing and faced additional sanctions later, that would have been much worse.
It just may be better to get this over with so the team can move on. And the players better move on. Those players apparently skipping practice need to think about what they're doing. If they want to play at the next level, they have to be on the court NOW. Scouts are watching them in the games they are about to play. I don't think draft statuses will improve because they stood up for their coach.
They report, you decide?
The circus surrounding Indiana basketball and the fate of its coach is reaching nightmare proportions. Reports have ranged from Kelvin Sampson has been fired to no decision has been made. Another suggests players have threatened to quit if Sampson is removed.
Here are the media reports I've come across. Read them and decide for yourself. As of this posting, no IU press conference has been scheduled or an announcement made that I've seen.
Here are the media reports I've come across. Read them and decide for yourself. As of this posting, no IU press conference has been scheduled or an announcement made that I've seen.
- WTHR's story stating Sampson is out
- Fox Sports.com story that Sampson is gone for this year
- ESPN.com story that a decision has been made on Sampson's future
- CBS Sports.com story about the players standing up for their coach
- Indianapolis Star story saying a decision is coming. The Star's IU blog posting about all the media reports.
- IDS story about the issue.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Another tragedy
Another school shooting, this time at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. -- my brother's and many friends' alma mater. It usually is a quiet campus and a quality institution of higher learning.
God bless you NIU.
The slain will not be forgotten.
God bless you NIU.
The slain will not be forgotten.
Feb. 22 is the day of reckoning
IU President Michael McRobbie said today the athletic department has a week to investigate the allegations against men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.
I agree with what was said on ESPN this afternoon. This time probably is going to be spent figuring out not what to do, but how to do it. I think IU knows Sampson's future with the Hoosiers, but will spend most of the time figuring out how it will be done. It is only a matter of time now.
McRobbie said during a press conference he cannot pre-judge what will happen.
In the meantime, the team is facing its two biggest games of the season. After the home loss to Wisconsin Wednesday, IU needs a win Saturday at home against Michigan State. Next week's game against Purdue may be for first place in the Big Ten. Hopefully, D. J. White, Eric Gordon and Co. will fight through the huge distraction.
I agree with what was said on ESPN this afternoon. This time probably is going to be spent figuring out not what to do, but how to do it. I think IU knows Sampson's future with the Hoosiers, but will spend most of the time figuring out how it will be done. It is only a matter of time now.
McRobbie said during a press conference he cannot pre-judge what will happen.
In the meantime, the team is facing its two biggest games of the season. After the home loss to Wisconsin Wednesday, IU needs a win Saturday at home against Michigan State. Next week's game against Purdue may be for first place in the Big Ten. Hopefully, D. J. White, Eric Gordon and Co. will fight through the huge distraction.
On IU, coaches and phone calls
I expect a little more from Indiana University.
As an alumni, it is one of my duties to uphold the good name of the school that educated me. And the school has a responsibility to me to maintain its good name. That includes the athletic department, probably its most visible and recognized program.
As most of you know, IU men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is facing big trouble after the NCAA alleged major violations involving the phone call scandal. They involve serious acts, making improper phone calls to recruits, and also deceiving the administration about it.
These aren't minor issues. These are major violations. Things that are not tolerated by the rest of the world. Indiana University should not tolerate it either. There are a litany of reports now calling for Sampson's dismissal.
Us IU fans and alums are trying not to long for the "good ole' days" when Bob Knight was the head coach, the team had a spot reserved for it in the NCAA tournament every year, and we expected to win Big Ten and national championships. But I suspect one other characteristic of the program we took for granted was no NCAA investigations. Not violations. Investigations. That means there was never any evidence to SUGGEST the NCAA should look into problems.
Knight taught us that we could demand academic, front office, and athletic excellence and get all three. It is alleged lack of integrity that most concerns me in this case. We're all innocent until proven otherwise, but if Sampson did lie about making improper phone calls, that cannot be tolerated in any way. Indiana University is not the type of school that will take its sanctions and just move on. We expect and demand better.
I want a respectable basketball team playing in Assembly Hall. But ultimately, I want a respectable coach and athletes in the community. I want someone running the team that I can be proud of.
In spite of his personality, I was proud of Bob Knight and the program he built. I'm proud of Kelvin Sampson's team, but I'm not sure I'm proud of Sampson.
I expect a little more from Indiana University.
As an alumni, it is one of my duties to uphold the good name of the school that educated me. And the school has a responsibility to me to maintain its good name. That includes the athletic department, probably its most visible and recognized program.
As most of you know, IU men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson is facing big trouble after the NCAA alleged major violations involving the phone call scandal. They involve serious acts, making improper phone calls to recruits, and also deceiving the administration about it.
These aren't minor issues. These are major violations. Things that are not tolerated by the rest of the world. Indiana University should not tolerate it either. There are a litany of reports now calling for Sampson's dismissal.
Us IU fans and alums are trying not to long for the "good ole' days" when Bob Knight was the head coach, the team had a spot reserved for it in the NCAA tournament every year, and we expected to win Big Ten and national championships. But I suspect one other characteristic of the program we took for granted was no NCAA investigations. Not violations. Investigations. That means there was never any evidence to SUGGEST the NCAA should look into problems.
Knight taught us that we could demand academic, front office, and athletic excellence and get all three. It is alleged lack of integrity that most concerns me in this case. We're all innocent until proven otherwise, but if Sampson did lie about making improper phone calls, that cannot be tolerated in any way. Indiana University is not the type of school that will take its sanctions and just move on. We expect and demand better.
I want a respectable basketball team playing in Assembly Hall. But ultimately, I want a respectable coach and athletes in the community. I want someone running the team that I can be proud of.
In spite of his personality, I was proud of Bob Knight and the program he built. I'm proud of Kelvin Sampson's team, but I'm not sure I'm proud of Sampson.
I expect a little more from Indiana University.
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