The Times' Sports Free for All

Early's right on time

2008-05-24T22:53:00.001-05:00

Former LSU star Early Doucet was in town today, signing autographs for Alltel.

If anybody on LSU's national championship team had a gripe with life it may have been Doucet. A groin injury cut into his senior season. Another injury kept him out of the Senior Bowl. When the NFL draft came, he lasted until the third round when the Arizona Cardinals finally picked him. This for a guy who many thought would be a first-round pick heading into his senior season.

Yet you won't hear any complaining from Doucet.

"It was tough,'' he said today, "but things happen for a reason. God has a plan for me. He never puts you in challenges in life that you can't overcome. That was just one challenge in my life that helped me grow as a person and helped me understand and appreciate the game a lot more. When it's taken away from you, you appreciate a lot more.''

And for the rest of us,you appreciate the attitude Doucet has shown. Actually, falling to the Cardinals may be a good thing with Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner at quarterback. While the team hasn't been a consistent winner in a lifetime or two, Doucet could be part of a team that is about to turn things around.

Come see us here!

2008-04-24T13:27:00.002-05:00

We're moved the Sports Free for All blog to a new location....check us out here!

Of Astros and NBA playoffs

2008-04-20T13:21:00.004-05:00

Greetings from Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston, where the 2005 National League champion Houston Astros are playing the 2007 NL champion Colorado Rockies.

More on the Astros in a minute. First, a little on the NBA playoffs.

HORNETS
How 'bout them Hornets? They just won't quit. Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler and David West are too much for the Mavericks to handle.

The Hornets will move on to play the winner of the San Antonio-Phoenix series.

ROCKETS
The Rockets had a terrific regular season, but it's a bit much to expect them to beat a Utah Jazz team that beat them WITH Yao AND Rafer Alston last season...

I talked to former Tech star Paul Millsap after last night's game, and he was feeling pretty good after the Jazz took one from the Rockets on the road.

SUNS, SPURS PUT ON A SHOW
The Suns-Spurs game is an example of what makes the NBA playoffs so exciting. Double overtime. Shaq. Tim Duncan. Steve Nash. It doesn't get much better.

KING JAMES
And what about LeBron's performance yesterday? Think he's overrated, DeShawn Stevenson?
James did what superstars do; he put his team on his shoulders and carried them to victory.

ASTROS
Back to the Astros.

They're riding a three-game losing streak, but think about this: they're in the NL Central.
This division won't be decided until the last two or three weeks of the season - I'm talking September. Five months from now!!

Until then, everybody's a contender in the NL Central.

Greetings from NBA playoffs

2008-04-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Toyota Center in downtown Houston, where the Rockets will host the Utah Jazz tonight in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round matchup.

Rockets star Tracy McGrady has been to the playoffs six times and failed to advance to the second round on each occasion.

Former Louisiana Tech star Paul Millsap isn’t shedding any tears for McGrady, however.

Millsap, a forward with the Jazz, will do all within his power to make sure McGrady comes up short again.

Millsap and the Jazz sent McGrady packing in the first round last season.

NBA predictions

2008-04-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

OK, I'm not the biggest NBA fan, but in this job, you have to keep up, so here are my first-round picks.

East
Boston over Atlanta in 4
Detroit over Philly in 6
Orlando over Toronto in 6
Cleveland over Washington 6

West
Lakers over Denver in 5
New Orleans over Dallas in 6
Phoenix over San Antonio in 7
Houston over Utah in 7

We'll see how I do.

Hornets and Mavs oh my

2008-04-16T22:38:00.002-05:00

Well, well, well.Looks like the Ark-La-Tex will have an NBA playoff series to watch.

Since we don't have a team on the radio here anymore (thanks Hornets) and Shreveport gets the Mavs on TV and Bossier City gets the Hornets, this should be a rather interesting series.

No, it's not Saints-Cowboys or Cowboys-Saints. But it's better than, say, Warriors-Mavs a year ago.

You have the same people who equate geographical boundaries with loyalty. (Although considering state dollars go to the Hornets maybe that should be a factor.) You have the same people who go with the team they loved first.

Should be interesting.

Great meals at prep games

2008-04-15T21:26:00.004-05:00

I don't have to tell you that I likes me some ball park groceries. You can tell that by looking at me.

Centenary's Glenn Evans makes a pretty mean hotdog at the concession stand for home softball and baseball games. If you want a great ball park hamburger, check out the grilled delicacy at the Byrd softball field.

I found another great one at Evangel on Tuesday. I sauntered up to the concession stand and ordered a hamburger. "We don't have hamburgers," the matron'd said. "We have barbecue sandwiches."

After telling them I'd had a great burger the day before at the Byrd playoff game, the Evangelistas scoffed, saying their barbecue sandwich was better. I decided to give it a try. I downed the first one in about four bites so I went back for a second.

"How does it matchup with those Byrd hamburgers?" the concessionaire asked.

"I'd have to call it a draw," I said, while considering a third.

Little League goes big league

2008-04-14T15:36:00.002-05:00

Improv Everywhere is a comedy troupe out of New York that performs skits and stunts in public, letting bystanders become part of the joke.

For one of its latest bits, Improv Everywhere turned an afternoon at a Little League game into a big-league experience.

On the Gents' hire

2008-04-13T23:52:00.002-05:00

It may not have been the smoothest hire in college basketball history, but I think Centenary may have gotten the best candidate for the job when naming Greg Gary as the head coach.

Gary has experience in Louisiana (Tulane) both coaching and playing. He has coached with Perry Clark at Miami and Ron Everhart at Duquesne. He understands coaching at a private school, yet he also has some experience at a higher level.

Nothing against any of the other candidates, but Gary seems to be the best fit for a program in dire need of some enthusiasm and confidence.

Astros on a roll

2008-04-12T18:51:00.002-05:00

Lance Berkman just uncorked a two-run homer to put the Astros up 5-0 in the second inning. He provided a perfect example of what this offense can do.

Beware, National League Central. These guys mean business.

Cheer up, Astros fans

2008-04-12T17:53:00.004-05:00

Greetings from Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston, where the Astros tonight will take on the Florida Marlins.

It's a gorgeous evening and fans are streaming in.

The Astros are off to a 3-8 start, their worst in 25 years, but I see a LOT of reasons for fans to be optimistic about this season.

The Astros' offense, off to its typical slow start, is going to explode sooner rather than later. The team's 3-4-5 hitters (Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada) are All-Stars capable of doing bad things to opposing pitchers.

Hunter Pence is off to a slow start, but he has excelled at every level and there's no reason to think he won't have another outstanding season. Remember, he hit .322, smacked 17 homers and drove in 69 runs last season - as a rookie.

Center fielder Michael Bourn, who's tied for the Major League lead in steals (6), closer Jose Valverde and a starting rotation that has collected five quality starts should also give Astros fans reason to smile this season.

Spring flings

2008-04-11T22:44:00.005-05:00

Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State football fans will get to see their teams play in their annual spring games on Saturday.

Tech coach Derek Dooley is correct when saying fans should take these games with a grain of salt.

Here's why: A lot of starters don't always play because of injuries. And some of the players who will star on Saturday won't get on the field in the fall.

Still, the weather should be great and optimism reigns supreme for next season. So if you're going to the games, enjoy and it's OK to dream about next season.

Centenary's McCann steps up to the plate

2008-04-10T15:03:00.003-05:00

Centenary's Ed McCann isn't just a big time Division I baseball coach -- he's also willing to pitch in as a part of the community.

Dining in Strawn's original restaurant for lunch on Wednesday after his Gents defeated Northwestern 8-7 on Tuesday night, McCann and two of his players, Matt Clark and Justin Kraft, spotted an elderly gentleman getting ready to load his wife's electronic wheelchair into the back of a pickup.

Despite a deluge that hit the area about 11:15 a.m., the trio of Gents helped get the chair into the truck. The 50 or so diners in the restaurant were impressed with the unselfish efforts of the men who returned to the eatery soaking wet.

McCann may take some hits for not always producing quality outings on the diamond, but he deserves kudos for being a man of action for someone in need.

Centenary needs to stop the bleeding

2008-04-09T23:11:00.005-05:00

Centenary needs to find a men's basketball coach -- and fast.

Players are bailing out of the coachless program fast, according to various sources at the school. Already, starting point guard Chase Adams has asked for and received his release from the school. Freshmen Justin Glenn and Jemere King are reportedly headed back to their hometown of Tulsa.

Then on Wednesday came word that two of The Summit League's best players and seniors-to-be Tyrone Hamilton and Nick Stallings may be considering a transfer to LSU-Shreveport. If that happens, it will be disastrous for the program and will leave a newcomer starting from scratch.

Job candidate Steve Payne was at Wednesday's Gents baseball game against NSU with his family, while another candidate, Duquesne assistant Greg Gary(pictured in this blog), was being interviewed on campus.

Mavericks' move

2008-04-08T10:18:00.002-05:00

Give the Dallas Mavericks credit, just when I'm ready to bury them and give them a lottery pick, there they come.

The Mavericks have finally gotten hot -- and at the right time.

Does that mean they're a legitimate contender in the NBA West when the playoffs start? Who knows?

There are still a lot of people who don't believe in the New Orleans Hornets. And when they throw up a clunker like they did at home against Utah, you start to understand a little.

Still, if seven months of basketball means anything, you have to like the Hornets' chances better than the Mavericsks.

Wrong kind of stealing

2008-04-06T00:18:00.002-05:00

In baseball, stealing is a good thing.

In the parking lot of The Times, not so much.

So whoever stole my XM radio today out of my truck, you're a real genius. Guess you didn't know that it won't work without the $13 a month charge, did you big boy?

Now, that being said, XM radio is worth replacing. Heck, they carried the LSU spring game on Saturday not to mention every baseball game all season.

So I'll take this is as a small hurdle.

Can we please get a good game?

2008-04-05T22:11:00.002-05:00

When did the NCAA Tournament become the Super Bowl and the Super Bowl become the NCAA Tournament?

I mean the Super Bowl this year was great. It was competitive. It was thrilling. It came down to the very end with the New York Giants upsetting the New England Patriots.

One month later the NCAA Tournament has produced a few upsets, a few competitive games, but mostly blowouts.

About the only thing intriguing today was whether Kansas was capable of blowing a 28-point lead. The Jayhawks weren't. They won by 18.

Memphis won its game by 15 points.

Can we please have a competitive title game on Monday. The tournament certainly doesn't suggest that happening.

Life is just a fantasy

2008-04-04T23:54:00.000-05:00

OK, so the fantasy basketball league season is winding down here at The Times. It got so confusing I quite playing and made it to the semifinals of the playoffs before getting knocked out.

Now we have baseball going. It's only been a week and already I've had to buy Baseball Prospectus to scout for upgrades on players.

It's not that I think you can judge players on a week. It's just that I have some holes I need to fill -- soon.

Kudos to Josh Porter

2008-04-03T23:40:00.002-05:00

LSUS senior guard Josh Porter will be at the Final Four this weekend. He is set to receiver the United States Basketball Writers' Association's Most Courageos Award.

Porter's story is well-documented in these parts. But it is good to see him get some national attention. His story is nothing short of miraculous and is one that should be told.

A first at GSU?

2008-04-01T22:56:00.001-05:00

I've been in the sports writing business for 24 years now and I think today is something of a first.

Grambling fired its men's and women's basketball coaches on the same day.

I don't think I'v ever seen that before in my 24 years in the business. Such symmetry is rare.

In all seriousness, it's hard to argue against Grambling making the changes. The Tigers have a new facility and little excuse for being as disappointing as they were on both the men's and women's sides this year.

Still, when you're firing longtime coaches, there is a bit of sadness for those particular coaches. Rusty Ponton and Larry Wright certainly were stable figures for GSU basketball.

Worst tourney ever?

2008-03-31T22:59:00.003-05:00

Being on vacation last week, I had the chance to watch a lot of the NCAA Tournament. And let me say, I wasn't impressed.

I was hoping for some good basketball games. I got a couple of close games and a bunch of blowouts.

In fact, with all four No. 1 seeds making it to the Final Four, you could make a case that this is the worst tournament ever since the team we expected to still be playing are still playing.

I know there is a sentiment that this champion will be the strongest because it will have to go through two No. 1 seeds.

But for a viewer with the rare opportunity to watch last week, the tournament fizzled.

Chad McDowell makes wise decision

2008-03-28T17:10:00.005-05:00

I've been flipping through one of my Christmas gifts in the last couple of weeks, reading about some of former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler's coaching philosophies. The book mostly details Bo's experiences in building the Wolverines program in the late 60s and early 70s.

In one chapter, Bo talks about when to recognize the right opportunity for you. Just because a higher paying job is offered doesn't mean it's the right place for you. Several athletic directors approached him when he was an assistant at Miami-Ohio about heading up their football programs, but he turned them down. Then Michigan came calling.

Why do I mention Bo? Because LSUS men's basketball coach Chad McDowell faced one of those decisions this week. Centenary athletic director Tom Tallach approached McDowell this week about the Gents' available position. The two talked for five hours on Tuesday, and McDowell was considered one of the candidates for the job.

Instead, McDowell decided to remain at LSUS instead of pursuing the Gents job further.

Sure, jumping to a Division I program from the NAIA would be a fantastic move, but Centenary has been a program in flux for years. McDowell's decision came down to one factor - where did he and his family feel most at home? Using that criteria, there was only one logical selection.

It was the right one.

Yo beerman!

2008-03-26T16:30:00.004-05:00

Lost in the fervor of Opening Day in Japan comes this amazing discovery from Tokyo. This AP photo shows a beer vendor in the upper deck of Tokyo Stadium serving customers with a mini-keg strapped to her back.

The Japanese beat Americans in making electronics, cars and now lead the way in developing beer distribution. How come no major league parks in America have this technology?

I'm sure there are some LSU fans out there that would love one of these.

LeBron's Vogue cover drawing criticism

2008-03-25T21:33:00.004-05:00

The Associated Press had a story today, reporting that the recent Vogue magazine cover of LeBron James with supermodel Gisele Bundchen is drawing criticism from some that say it is racially insensitive.

I don't see it from glancing at the cover, but opponents argue that the photo reinforces racial stereotypes. Their argument is the photo features a young, athletic black male in an aggressive manner, clutching a young, beautiful white female.

In the AP story, magazine analyst Samir Husni says the photo "screams King Kong".

Did that image cross anyone else's mind?

Jemele Hill of ESPN.com wrote:

In case you haven't seen the cover, LeBron has Gisele in one hand and a basketball in the other. LeBron is dressed in basketball gear, with his muscles flexing, tattoos showing and bared teeth. Gisele, on the other hand, is wearing a gorgeous slim-fitting dress, and smiling.
She looks like she's on her way to something fashionable and exciting. He looks like he's on his way to a pickup game for serial killers.

Pickup game for serial killers? Really? I know Hill is trying to make a point, but come on. What part of his appearance gives the impression he's going to a pickup game for serial killers? The tattoos? His scowl and yell? How is LeBron's appearance/outfit different from what he'd be wearing at an NBA game?

To make the quantum leap that this photo is a reminder of King Kong climbing the Empire State Building with Fay Wray clutched in his hand is ludicrous.

Proof that the WAC is a bad women's league

2008-03-24T22:58:00.000-05:00

Got any guess how bad the WAC is as a women's basketball league?

Fresno State, which was clearly the best team in the conference and which hammered the Lady Techsters three times this season, got blown out 88-67 by Baylor in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

You can listen to the rhetoric about how much improved the WAC is, but the facts don't back up the talk. There are at least 19 conferences ranked ahead of the league that the Techsters finished fourth in.

Enough said.

Let's see more of these sights

2008-03-24T22:45:00.002-05:00

It was a scene that you probably won't see in any other NCAA sport in any other league around the country.

Following their 3-0 sweep of the Oakland Grizzlies on Saturday afternoon, the Centenary Ladies and their vanquished opponents were treated to a barbecue at the Centenary softball complex by a group of Centenary parents. Sure, there wasn't a lot of intermingling between the two squads, but it was refreshing to see the opponents sitting around in close quarters on a beautiful afternoon enjoying a great meal.

It seems that the Summit League has asked the home team to provide a meal at the game site after each conference series to save the visiting team the time and money it takes to go to a restaurant. It's a great idea that should promote relationships between the squads.

Oakland coach Glenn MacDonald walked over and hugged Melody Montgomery, wife of Centenary coach Mark Montgomery, and stood around visiting with the Montgomery family. It was a scene that you don't see every day in college athletics, but it's one we should see more of.

Strong bond between LSUS coach, AD

2008-03-24T21:13:00.007-05:00

On Monday, LSUS athletic director Doug Robinson granted Centenary athletic director Tom Tallach permission to talk with LSUS coach Chad McDowell about the Gents' men's basketball coaching position.

Robinson doesn't know when Tallach plans on contacting McDowell, but he expects it some time this week. Tallach better be ready to make a good presentation because Robinson is ready to ensure McDowell's future at LSUS.

"He’s going to come back to me, and we may not have the last say, but we want Chad at our university," Robinson told me on Monday.

Robinson said he had relationship with McDowell that's very much like a father-son one and was on the verge of tears when talking about his coach.

It's evident the two have a bond that extends beyond the traditional employer-employee relationship. The Centenary offer is going to have to be very, very enticing to lure McDowell away from LSUS.

What the heck is the CBI?

2008-03-23T23:00:00.002-05:00

Wasn't it enough to have the NIT as Loserville?

Now we have something called the CBI for Loserville's losers. Heck, I'm surprised some of our loser state school teams didn't get invited to that.

Seriously, the NCAA has already dwarfed the NIT to the point of irrelevance. Why would anyone want to add to it?

And I understand people wanting to make money and coaches and players wanting to play games. But they shouldn't expect to ever be more than an off-Broadway production.

'Tis the season

2008-03-22T23:52:00.002-05:00

After Barack Obama and John McCain put their March Madness picks on their Web sites (you know, you've got to look like the common man to be voted president), Bill Clinton went on XM radio to talk hoops with James Carville and Luke Russert on 60/20.

(Shameless plug, we love us some James Carville here at The Times. You may notice that Carville wrote the foreword to "Bayou Bliss.'')

Anyway, Bill Clinton, who as best I can tell seems like he's running for president too, told the guys at 60/20, he likes North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA and Georgetown for his Final Four. Clinton still has all four of his teams alive, although UCLA struggled with Texas A&M. He also said his heart is with Georgtown but he figures Carolina or Memphis will win it all.

Obama's Final Four picks were North Carolina, Kansas, Pittsburgh and UCLA. He lost Pitt today. He has Carolina winning it all.

McCain's Final Four picks were North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis and UConn. He lost UConn on Friday. He also has Carolina winning it all.

Don't know what that's worth.

Best. Web site. Ever

2008-03-21T21:25:00.004-05:00

In the immortal words of Comic Book Guy, one of the greatest Simpsons characters, www.hulu.com may be the best Web site ever.

The site has 50 networks and film studios contributing TV and movie clips and even entire episodes and films - all free of charge.

Want to watch last night's episode of The Simpsons or The Office? Check them out at hulu.

What does this mean to sports fans? Try this. Classic NHL or NBA games, like....

"But, Brian," you say. "This is SEC country. There ain't no way I'm watching the 1977 Stanley Cup Finals."

Fine. Try this instead...

Happy now?

So long, Pilots

2008-03-21T21:03:00.002-05:00

LSUS may have been the No. 4 seed in the national NAIA Tournament, but the Pilots won't get past the second round -- again.

A team that was supposed to be built for Kansas City faltered just like all of the rest.

The defense wasn't as bad as it has been in some years. LSUS allowed 83 points to Azusa Pacific this morning.

It was just the offense never got going in scoring 69 points.

It's enough to make you wonder if LSUS will ever break through in Kansas City.

I know the Theo Epstein theory of just wanting to get into the tournament/playoffs enough that sooner or later you win one.

But after yet-another LSUS letdown, you're certainly allowed your doubts.

Techster foe ousted from Arizona

2008-03-20T22:50:00.003-05:00

Surprising women's baksetball news came out of Arizona today when Joan Bonvicini, one of the most recognizable faces in the women's game, was fired after 17 seasons at the school.

Lady Techsters fans will remember Bonvicini from her Long Beach State coaching days, when she took that team to two NCAA Final Fours. The veteran coach was one of just three coaches to defeat Leon Barmore's Techsters during that club's 30-3, National Finalist season of 1986-87. Bonvicini defeated the Techster 99-95 in overtime that year.

Bonvicini got Arizona in the NCAA Tournament seven times, but her last three teams were a combined 29-63.

Arizona's opening is one of nine women's division I openings currently listed. Other vacancies are at Nicholls State, North Texas and UCLA.

Josh Porter getting national attention

2008-03-20T15:04:00.002-05:00

LSUS guard Josh Porter has been an amazing story, recovering from a near-fatal accident during a game last season.

Now that the Pilots are in Kansas City for the NAIA Tournament, he's getting recognition from the national media too.

Panella plays blind man's bluff

2008-03-19T21:31:00.003-05:00

Newly arrived Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings quarterback Steve Panella might want to get his eyes checked before taking the field and looking for defensive backs.

According to Wings' General Manager Butch Bellah, Panella stopped by the Battle Wings office on Wednesday and asked where the (CenturyTel) arena was.

"Look out that window there. See that big building across the field. That's it," Bellah said.

Granted, Panella's Amarillo Dusters didn't play in the arena during the 2007 season, but the CTC is a lot easier to find than is the Battle Wings office.

Sign of the Apocalypse

2008-03-19T21:08:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or does New Jersey legislator Sen. Robert Singer have very little to do?

Singer has introduced legislation asking the NCAA to look into the clock management situation in a Feb. 11 game in Knoxville won 59-58 by Tennessee amid a dispute over whether the clock expired.

According to the Associated Press, Singer's non-binding legislation calls upon the NCAA to investigate the game at the Thompson-Boling Arena in which the game clock seemed to pause for more than a second just before reaching zero, giving Tennessee time to make two foul shots to win.

Game and SEC officials reviewed tape of the incident and found nothing amiss. But that hasn't stopped Singer, whose legislature is reportedly battling severe budget woes.

"Some can say there's a lot more important things," Singer told the AP. "You're right. This is not the most pressing issue, but it's something to me that's an issue that we can take care of and we can send a resolution. Not a big deal to do, but it sends a message the state would like to take a look at it."

Hopefully, the NCAA will tell Singer take a hike.

Two more Centenary candidates emerge

2008-03-19T20:46:00.005-05:00

In addition to LSU-Shreveport's Chad McDowell, a couple of other names have surfaced as potential candidates for Centenary's vacant men's baskeball coaching position.

Northwood High School coach Larry Bagley, who was Tommy Canterbury's second assistant during a time when the Gents went 36-49, apparently has his name in the hopper, as does Northwestern State assistant coach Mark Slessinger. An Indiana native, Slessinger has been on coach Mike McConathy's staff for nine seasons.

Also in the running are coaches at Tarleton State and Texas A&M Commerce, both schools where Centenary Athletic Director Tom Tallach served in the athletic administration.

Other names will undoubtedly surface in the search. Coach Rob Flaska came out of the blue as an Arkansas assistant coach three years ago when he took the job.

Whomever gets the Centenary job, will have a bevy of talent to build around. Leading scorers Ty Hamilton and Nick Stallings return, along with contributing freshmen Justin Glenn, Anthony Gatlin and Tim Price. Steady point guard Chase Adams will be back for two more seasons.

No excuses at NSU

2008-03-18T22:58:00.002-05:00

The Northwestern State Demons announced their 2008 football schedule today.

This is a schedule that leaves no excuses for the Demons next season.

They have seven home games for only the second time in school history.

They play only one BCS team and even that is not a powerhouse. Baylor is much closer to NSU's level than Texas Tech, Kansas and Ole Miss have been in recent years.

And there is the open date before the start of SLC play that will give NSU two weeks to get ready for Nicholls State.

This is a schedule designed for success.

The only drawback is three of four games on the road to end conference play, but that's a small price to pay for that kind of schedule.

Centenary talk

2008-03-17T22:51:00.002-05:00

His name has been ciruclating all weekend in regards to the Centenary men's basketball coaching job. Now comes word that Centenary has asked permission to speak with LSUS coach Chad McDowell.

McDowell is on the Gents' candidate list. But he doesn't figure to talk to the school until after LSUS' run in the NAIA national tournament.

It's easy to see why Centenary would be interested in McDowell. He has ties here. He has built a successful program at LSUS.

While Centenary is a Division I job and would be considered a move up, there is more to that job than meets the eye. Funding has always been an issue. Fan support is lacking. Academic standards are, we're told, higher. So it could be more of a challenge than the next Gents coach realizes.

Don’t count Rockets out

2008-03-17T14:57:00.002-05:00

As the Houston Rockets’ winning streak gets longer, so does the list of naysayers who say they can’t win it all this year.

Jeff Van Gundy, who preceded Rick Adelman as Houston’s head coach, said Sunday the Rockets couldn’t win an NBA title this year without Yao because of the grind of the playoffs.

But Jeff, they’ve done well under the grind of a playoff-like atmosphere, haven’t they? Like in the playoffs, the Rockets get the opposing team’s best shot every night. Each team wants to be the one to end the streak.

“Will this team win the West?” asked ESPN’s Jalen Rose. “No, because the regular season is about health, chemistry, and the discipline to get it done over an 82-game schedule. The playoffs is about matchups and four-out-of-sevens. And I don’t think they can match up very well with a handful of teams.”

But Jalen, they’ve adjusted pretty well over the last 22 games, with and WITHOUT Yao Ming, haven’t they?

There’s something extraordinary about a team that can win 22 straight games – no matter whom or where they play. Only once in the history of the NBA has a team won more consecutive games than the Rockets.

And now, few give the Rockets a chance of even winning the Western Conference, which they lead after knocking off the West’s previous No. 1 team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Sunday.

After all the Rockets have accomplished this season, I’m not about to write them off. Never underestimate the role of confidence; I’ve talked to these players, and they genuinely believe they can win each time they walk onto the court.

And over the last 22 games, who could argue with them?

Demons' time? Not

2008-03-16T23:45:00.002-05:00

No matter how you want to look at it, Sunday's SLC Tournament outcome was a disappointing one for the Northwestern State Demons.

You can talk about how they team fought its way into the tournament finals. But the bottom line is the 82-79 loss to UTA is disappointing.

It's disappointing because this was supposed to be a tournament type of team for NSU.The Demons weren't. It's disappointing because NSU was a better seed than UTA. And it's disappointing because it's three losses in the tournament title game in the last four years.

It's not time to panic. But it might be time to re-evaluate the way these championship games have gone.

Demons' time?

2008-03-15T23:42:00.002-05:00

Northwestern State will find itself in a rare position on Sunday.

The Demons will be carrying the banner for Louisiana. That's right, NSU is the only hope for the state to have a team playing in March Madness.

And to do that, NSU must defeat Texas-Arlington today in the Southland Conference Tournament championship.

Even with a win, the road figures to be tough for NSU. You've got to figure that with a sub-.500 record, NSU would be in the play-in game. And even with a win in that game, the Demons' reward would be going up against a No. 1.

But that worry can wait. For now, NSU is Louisiana's hope.

Quick on the trigger

2008-03-14T23:43:00.002-05:00

Centenary athletic director Tom Tallach has been on the job less than a year, but apparently he saw enough to let men's head basketball coach Rob Flaska go.

Flaska coached at Centenary for only three seasons and never saw a recruiting class go through a full four-year cycle.

On the surface, that seems a bit unfair.

But here is the real issue for Centenary: Who wants this job?

Oh, you'll hear the Centenary folks talk on and on about candidates wanting to coach Division I basketball. But if you don't fund the program at the same level as the teams you compete against and if you start demanding progress in,oh let's say three years, then your pool of candidates isn't going to be nearly as good as you might think.

Centenary is on the clock.

Don't forget your mace

2008-03-13T16:41:00.005-05:00

Nothing says soccer, er football, like a massive riot breaking out in the stands. This happened earlier this month in Colombia between two rival clubs.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences might want to retabulate its votes in the best actor category after one club's coach elbows the other team's, sending the coach "flying" backward.

And, as far as the injury report, how about more than 80 people injured, including 18 with stab wounds. Makes going to Yankee Stadium seem like a day at the park.

Can someone explain to me what makes soccer fans the biggest lunatics? The sport is a kindergarten class compared to the on-field aggression in football and hockey. Yet, throngs of fans don't start slugging the other during a Cowboys-Giants game.

LSUS has great chance at playoff run

2008-03-12T20:28:00.003-05:00

Pilots head coach Chad McDowell points out that his 2005-06 squad that advanced to the NAIA Tournament was probably his most talented from top to bottom in five seasons. The 2006 Pilots were upset in the first round though.

This year's Pilots are seeded No. 4 for the NAIA Tournament that begins next week. They are a talented group too, but lately, they've been a more balanced group. In a word, it's about defense.

The 2005-06 squad had the talent (i.e. Fredericko Payne) to drill 25-footers from around the court. It's hard to do it when you're constantly working to get open looks and there's a hand in your face however.

The 2008 Pilots have a collection of senior talent that doesn't rely on one scorer. One night, it's Josh Porter. The next night it could be Jamon Morris or Travis Cash or J'Quincy Jones.

If there's one stat the Pilots need to improve on, it's free throws. Amazingly, they're shooting 64 percent from the line. That's an incredible stat for a team that's 30-2. If a game comes down to the free throws, LSUS may be in trouble and looking at another early exit.

A lot at stake

2008-03-11T23:54:00.002-05:00

Several area college basketball teams have a lot at stake this weekend.

-- Lady Techsters coach Chris Long needs a strong showing in the WAC Tournament to take some of the sting away from what it has been a 15-14 season.

-- LSU men's coach Butch Pierre needs a strong SEC Tournament showing to help him either get the Tigers' job or position himself for his next job.

-- NSU needs to win the SLC Tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament. This was a team with high hopes to begin the season and never really reached the heights it was hoping for in 2007-08.

Should be a fun weekend for hoops fans.

LSUS heading to Kansas City

2008-03-10T22:53:00.003-05:00

Chad McDowell has worked wonders down on E. Kings Highway with LSUS.

In the span of five years, he's turned the Pilots into one of the premier NAIA programs in the nation. The Pilots won their third conference tournament title on Monday, getting a solid overall defensive effort to do it.

LSUS is heading back to Kansas City, the site of the NAIA's national tournament, for the fourth time in five seasons.

This year's club may have the best shot of any of McDowell's previous teams of a long run through the tournament for one reason - defense.

The Pilots have concentrated their efforts on shoring up its defense after a couple of games where they allowed 97 and 100 points to Southern-New Orleans and Spring Hill, respectively. Since those games defense has been the Pilots' forte. Monday's win illustrated the point.

The Pilots will need to play even better defense in Kansas City. That's been their one Achilles Heel in seasons' past. LSUS has the talent to win one or two games, but for it to take the next step, the defense will have to come through.

Local MMA rivalry heats up

2008-03-09T15:40:00.001-05:00

Shreveport's Municipal Auditorium was abuzz with mixed-martial arts action again Saturday night. Ring Rulers’ 13-fight card featured a little bit of everything -- including some extracurriculars between a couple of rising local fighters.
Shreveport’s Blake Franklin was up against Frank Barragan in the event’s main event. However, it was apparent Franklin had his mind on someone else. Bossier City’s Brandon Rondon was in the house, serving as a judge. The event nearly became the Franklin-Rondon show despite the fact the two weren’t fighting.
Hours before Franklin was to fight Barragan, Rondon stepped into the ring and issued a challenge to Franklin while Franklin and Barragan were brought to center stage for some fight poses.
Franklin ended up suffering a second-round loss to Barragan, who took the fight on two days notice, and clearly didn’t appear on top of his game. He admitted he may have been distracted by the night’s side show.
After the defeat, some trash talking turned into a scuffle ringside.
These two, assuming they stay healthy, will fight some day. It needs to happen. It’s clear neither fighter can mentally further their careers before settling this dispute.
The only problem right now is that Rondon is an amateur and Franklin is a professional. Rondon plans a few more amateur fights before the summer, so expect a Franklin-Rondon showdown to take place in the late summer or early fall.
You’ll want to be there.
Kudos to Ring Rulers regarding that situation. Although allowing Rondon to enter the ring before Franklin fought, the MMA promoters made the correct call by not allowing Rondon to judge the Franklin-Barragan bout – something the fans likely didn’t notice, but in the interest of fairness and with Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission chairman Alvin Topham in attendance, it was a very heads-up move.

For an extensive photo gallery from Saturday’s show, log onto shreveporttimes.com

FULL RESULTS
Amateur
James Crow (1-0, 143 pounds, Tyler, Texas) def. Jacob Teague (1-7, 150, Nashville, Ark), 2:41 of first round (strikes).
Justin Cassedy (1-0, 145, Dallas) def. Michael Honey (0-1, 147, Hot Springs, Ark.) 1:52 of first round (rear-naked choke).
Quaint Kempf (1-0, 161, Dallas) def. Jamie Driskell (0-1, 153, Longview, Texas) :48 of first round (doctor’s stoppage due to cut).
Dan Melander (2-3, 180, Marshall, Texas) def. Brandon Green (0-1, 180, Dallas) 1:50 of second round (strikes)
Daniel Warrick (1-0, 132, Silsbee, Texas) def. Eric Velasco (1-1, 134, Tyler, Texas) :39 of first round (guillotine choke)
Brian Cox (1-0, 180, Dallas) def. Will Hesler (0-1, 185, Dallas) :42 of second round (strikes)
David Barringer (1-0, 156, Dallas) def. Kaleb Britt (0-1, 157, Silsbee, Texas) by rear-naked choke)
Jeff Hammond (3-0, 152, Tyler, Texas) def. Chad Fullmer (4-2, 156, Conway, Ark.) :22 of first round (guillotine choke)
Mitchell Thelen (5-1, 168, Marshall, Texas) def. Joey Freid (4-2, 170, Shreveport) 1:19 of second round (arm bar)
King Gladney (6-1, 265, Bossier City) def. David Bernal (0-3, 300, Searcy, Ark.) 1:47 of second round (arm bar)
Ring Rulers Texas Middleweight Championship: Roy Spoon (5-2, 169, Dallas) def. Derrick Krantz (12-6, 169, Marshall, Texas) :48 of second round (rear-naked choke)
Professional
Mike Wessell (5-1, 250, Little Rock, Ark.) def. Mark Bier (1-2, 257, Fort Smith, Ark.) :45 seconds of first round (KO)
Frank Barragan (1-1, 139, Dallas) def. Blake Franklin (1-2, 141, Shreveport) 2:08 of second round (tapout, strikes).

Rockets continue to soar

2008-03-08T23:09:00.002-06:00

Greetings from Toyota Center, where tonight in downtown Houston, the Rockets extended their winning streak to 18 games after knocking off the New Orleans Hornets 106-96.

The Hornets, who trailed by 13 points at halftime, were constantly kept off balance as the Rockets connected on a season-high 14 three-pointers.

Tracy McGrady and Chris Paul were spectacular. McGrady scored 41 and Paul collected 37 and a game-high 11 assists.

“For the most part,” said Rockets forward Shane Battier, “we eliminated what they wanted to do.”

Forget about the Rockets’ winning streak; what they talked about in the locker room after the game was gaining ground in the rough Western Conference.

The Rockets and Hornets now have identical 42-20 records, and they trail the Los Angeles Lakers by two games.

Mavs in trouble?

2008-03-06T23:46:00.002-06:00

Has it really been two years since the Dallas Mavericks played in the NBA Finals?

It sure doesn't seem that way.

The Mavericks look like they'll be doing good just to make the playoffs. Yet, when you listen to some Metroplex sports talk radio shows, you'd think this team was a contender. Heck, a couple of DFW sports talking heads talked about the Mavericks getting into the top four of the playoffs earlier this week.

Hello?

The Mavericks are in seventh place in the Western Conference and just two games ahead of the ninth-place team.

Of course, these are the same people talking about what a great deal the Jason Kidd trade was. The Mavs are 4-5 since getting Kidd.

Here's what it looks like from here: The Mavs finish in the bottom half of the top eight and get bounced again in the first round.

Summit League slights Ladies

2008-03-05T21:56:00.005-06:00

Centenary women's basketball coach Steve Curtis was steaming on Wednesday night -- and with good reason.

The veteran coach was upset that his fresham forward Anne Farrell wasn't selected as the Summit League Newcomer of the year and that former Loyola standout Ashley Jackson didn't make the team at all.

Western Illinois’ Katy Davenport captured the honor after averaging 10.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Farrell averaged 12.2 points and 6.8 boards despite being the focus of opposing defenses. Farrell also had the best field goal percentage (.445) of anyone who made the Newcomer team.

Jackson didn't make the squad despite having the second best scoring average (10.6 ppg) and the third best rebound mark (5.6) of the 14 nominees.

So long Favre

2008-03-04T23:37:00.002-06:00

Brett Favre is hanging them up.

Favre has a few connections to Shreveport. He played here in the Independence Bowl for Southern Mississippi.

Actually, LSU fans should hold a bit of a grudge against Favre. He not only put USM on the map (unless you're counting Ray Guy) but he also made Curley Hallman a hot coach commodity.

And Favre shared part of his time in Green Bay with Calvary coach Doug Pederson who was Favre's backup.

Area Cowboys fans fondly remember beating Favre in an NFC title game.

But all football fans should remember for the way he played the game -- taking chances and playing with a swagger.

Postseason fever?

2008-03-03T23:57:00.001-06:00

Maybe if we had a team from,oh, a three-hour radius, going to the NCAA Tournament I could get jacked up for March Madness (and I'm not including the women in this one).

Instead, we're surrounded by bad basketball.

The only March Madness around here we'll be watching is LSU's coaching search.

Me, I prefer it when there are teams from around here in the NCAA Tournament.It gives you a reason -- outside of your office pool -- for watching. As it is, I've got about two weeks to get fired up for the tournament.

Saints staying busy

2008-03-02T23:34:00.003-06:00

The Saints had a busy day Sunday.

Let's see there was the re-signing of running back Aaron Stecker. That's probably a nice insurance policy against a hurt Deuce McAllister or an underachieving Reggie Bush.

They signed a free agent defensive end in Bobby McCray and are set to sign former LSU and New England Patriots cornerback Randall Gay on Monday.

The McCray signing and soon-to-be Gay signing are good signs. Add these players to the Jonathan Vilma trade and the Saints seem to be aggressive in shoring up their defense. Still,it probably wouldn't hurt to use the draft as another means to help improve the defense.

Kudos to LSUS

2008-03-01T22:36:00.001-06:00

The LSUS Pilots wrapped up the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference basketball championship today. That's three titles in five years for the Pilots under coach Chad McDowell.

You've got to hand it to McDowell and LSUS athletic director Doug Robinson. Not only have they built a men's basketball program from scratch. But they have built the kind of program that is a consistent winner.

While I still have my questions about their free throw shooting and, at times, their defense, tonight is a night when Pilots fans should appreciate what they've got in a men's basketball program.

Shockey a Saint?

2008-02-29T11:17:00.003-06:00

Driving in to work today, I caught ESPN's Chris Mortensen talking on a New York sports talk radio show.

The question was about the New York Giants' situation at safety, then Mortensen dropped this morsel.

He said the Saints have talked to the Giants about tight end Jeremy Shockey. And that the Giants would be interested in a safety in return.

For the New York audience, that suggests Gibril Wilson might be leaving as a free agent.

For the Louisiana listeners, wow.

First of all, isn't the Saints' biggest problem on defense? I realize they could upgrade the tight end position with a healthy Shockey. And maybe the desire to add him says something about what they got from their receivers on the outside last year.

It's just that I would target defense before I would worry with the offense.

Mortensen went on to say that the Giants aren't shopping Shockey. And that other teams have also inquired about him.

Still, it's an interesting idea for Saints fans to ponder if nothing else.

SRSA aids Magnet soccer title

2008-02-28T23:46:00.003-06:00

Overlooked in last week's state soccer championship by Caddo Magnet was the work of the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority and Mary Ann Tice.

When the SRSA announced last spring that it had won the tournament for Shreveport, it received just a blip on the radar screen in the local media. But by hosting the event in Independence Stadium, Caddo Magnet didn't have to travel to win their state title. They were well-rested in their own beds, which must have given them an advantage over their opponents.

There were also a lot more Magnet supporters in the stands due to the short drive.
Additionally, the team received more extensive media coverage from playing within an easy drive of all the local media outlets.

The Mustangs may have won the state title, even if it had been played in Baton Rouge, New Orleans or Lafayette. But kudos should be given to the SRSA for letting them play in their own backyard.

LIVE BLOG: Shaq's back in La.

2008-02-27T17:55:00.026-06:00

HORNETS WIN 120-103 Great game, great crowd. SHAQ'S RETURN SO-SO Shaquille O'Neal had a monster slam or two, but didn't do much to impress. O'Neal finishes with 15 points and seven rebounds. Amare Stoudemire had 32. HORNETS TIGHTEN THINGS UP FURTHER New Orleans will win big to move to 38-18 and pull into a virtual tie with Phoenix (39-19). Chris Paul and David West were incredible tonight, but Jannero Pargo was exceptional. The kid from Arkansas came off the bench to break the 20-point mark and ignite the crowd several times. Tonight's game is why the Hornets continue to fly under the radar in the NBA. West, Paul, Pargo, Chandler, Stojakovic -- they are names well respected around the league, but not ones that people jump off their couch to turn on and watch. Maybe they're missing something, because tonight's game was incredibly entertaining. SELLOUT! The announced crowd is 17,931, a sellout. The crowd filled in nicely after the opening tip -- it was a 7 p.m. start -- and the Hornets need more nights like this to raise their attendance toward 14,000. MVP! MVP! MVP! The electric crowd is chanting for Chris Paul, who has 18 points and 15 assists midway through the fourth quarter. The Hornets' lead is still 19. HORNETS MAKING THIS A LAUGHER It appears New Orleans' three-game losing streak is going to come to an end tonight. David West is on fire and the Hornets are showing incredible balance as they take a 97-77 lead into the fourth quarter. After West's 25, there are already FIVE Hornets in double figures (Chris Paul 16, Jannero Pargo 16, Peja Stojakovic 13, Morris Peterson 11 and Tyson Chandler 10). HORNETS HEAT UP, LEAD Peja Stojajovic’s 3-pointer with 3:22 left in the first half sent the crowd into a tizzy here and gave the Hornets a 53-51 lead. After a Suns timeout and a turnover, Tyson Chandler threw down a monster slam that sent everyone in the building onto their feet. New Orleans hits the locker room with a 59-55 lead. 3-POINTERS PUT SUNS ON TOP AFTER ONE Back-to-back 3s in the final moments of the first quarter helped the Suns take a 29-25 lead after one period. Shaq has played about 6 minutes. Amare Stoudemire leads the Suns with 10 points while David West has 13 for New Orleans. Phoenix shot 4-of-5 from long distance in the opening quarter while the Hornets missed both their attempts. LITTLE DISAPPOINTED BY THE ATTENDANCE There are plenty of seats to be had at New Orleans Arena tonight, which is a bit disappointing. Remember, if the Hornets don't average near 14,700 this season, they have an out in their contract here and could leave after a financial penalty. Currently, New Orleans averages in the mid-12,000 range. SHAQ NOT DOING MUCH EARLY; SUNS LEAD BY A BUCKET We're halfway through the first quarter and the Suns have a 14-12 lead. Shaq has been strong on the defensive board, but hasn't been involved in the offense. He one opportunity heavily contested in the paint, but missed the shot. AS EXPECTED, SHAQ GETS BIGGEST OVATION Time to tip this one off. SHAQ'S FIRST GAME IN NEW ORLEANS SINCE ... Tonight will be Shaq's first game PLAYING in New Orleans since April 2, 2005. He was injured when the Miami Heat played here in January and last year's Hornets-Heat game was played in Oklahoma City -- Shaq was injured then, too. The teams also played at Ford Center in the 2005-06. The last time O'Neal played here, he had 34 points and 15 rebounds as the Heat pounded the Hornets 111-99. WHY WE'RE HERE Greetings from New Orleans Arena where the Hornets are set to face Shaq Daddy and the Phoenix Suns. The atmosphere should be pretty special tonight as the former LSU star has made a huge splash with the Suns and of course people here absolutely adore him. From a writer's point of view, there is no better quote in all of sports than Shaquille O'Neal. The guy has dealing with the media down pat and always provides the best anyone in our business could ask for. I've taken a small break from the Girls Top 28 tourney in Hammond to come down here and work on a piece about the Hornets. Be on the look out for the story in the near future. The Hornets have been a pleasant surprise in the NBA this season and led the tough Western Conference until last week. While the Hornets are fighting for a playoff spot in the NBA, they are also fighting to stay in New Orleans. Check in all night for details on the Hornets-Suns game as well as Shaq.

When an upset is not an upset

2008-02-26T23:54:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of talking heads going on about Vanderbilt upsetting Tennessee on Tuesday night.

Which brings me to my annual point. Just because a higher-ranked team loses in college basketball doesn't automatically make it an upset.

In this case, I had already told people in the office,'Watch Tennessee lose at Vanderbilt.''

That's not being negative. That's having covered SEC basketball on the road in the 1990s.

It's not always travel that makes winning on the road. It's playing in a different gym without fan support. And, in the case of Tuesday's game, Vanderbilt is pretty good. The Commodores are No. 18 in the country.

So to me, that's not so much of an upset.

Big catch

2008-02-25T23:37:00.001-06:00

We haven't touched on it much, but Shreveport-Bossier City landing the Bassmasters Classic next year is a big catch.

The event will bring national media coverage. The events surrounding the Classic are big unto themselves.

Shreveport has done a good job hosting big events (I-Bowls, NFL preseason game) and I'm sure this will be no different.

Combine talk

2008-02-24T23:22:00.002-06:00

Just some tidbits from the NFL Scouting Combine on NFL Network.

For some reason, maybe it's because he's smaller, I always thought Felix Jones was the faster of the two running backs at Arkansas. It turns out I'm wrong. Darren McFadden ran a 4.33 40-yard dash. Jones turned in a time of 4.47.

Tulane running back Matt Forte may have boosted his stock with an impressive time of 4.46, faster than that of Jones.

For what it's worth, USC quarterback John David Booty ran a 4.82. I say what it's worth because Booty is a drop-back quarterback and won't need to win any foot races in the NFL. Booty will need to be able slide around the pocket more than he'll need to win any north-south races.

Jacob Hester has gotten a lot of attention from Chicago area media. Several media outlets are running with Hester's story of wanting to switch jerseys with Devin Hester after LSU and Miami played in the Peach Bowl. The postgame brawl negated that fact.

LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey's knee has become the center of much speculation. My thought,the guy never missed a game. Isn't that enough?

Defenseless

2008-02-23T23:44:00.002-06:00

I had just about come around to the thought of LSUS going deep into the NAIA tournament, maybe even winning a national championship this season.

I saw a potent offensive team. I thought they had improved defensively. They had beaten three NCAA D-I teams. Free throw shooting was my main concern.

Now, I am reconsidering those lofty thoughts. Oh, the free throw shooting is still a concern.

But it's the defense that has gone back to looking like the defense that was always the Pilots' downfall in the NAIA tournament.

They allowed 100 points on Saturday in a 100-80 loss. They never could get a stop when they needed to against Spring Hill.

You could say it's just one game. But just two days before, they won a game when they allowed 97 points. The game before that they allowed 86. All of this comes after their best defensive effort of the season on Feb. 14 when they allowed 55.

Look, I understand the Pilots play a fast-paced style that leads to lots of points. But if you are going to win a championship, particularly on the national level, there will be times when you have to have stops. And on Saturday, LSUS couldn't do it.

There's still time to shore up the defense before the national tournament. And I'll be glad to change my opinion. But as this team is playing defense on Feb. 23, I don't see a long run in the national tournament.

Combine crazy

2008-02-22T23:57:00.002-06:00

Call me crazy, but I am looking forward to the NFL Network's Combine coverage starting Saturday.

I know a lot of people think it's a bunch of hype. And I hear Glenn Dorsey isn't working out in Indianapolis, making his Pro Day at LSU that much bigger.

Still, it's kind of fun to see how guys stack up against each other. And that's what the Combine is all about -- competition.

Future of ballparks

2008-02-21T12:42:00.007-06:00

Here it is folks. The future of major league ballparks.

Architects embraced the nostalgic look when building new stadiums over the last decade or so. Baltimore's Camden Yards provided the blueprint for the next generation of major league ballparks.

It looks as if ballparks are going in the direction of the Jetsons instead of the turn of the 20th century look.

The Tampa Bay Rays revealed their plans for their $450 million stadium they hope will be opened by 2012.

The stadium has a "sailboat" look to it that incorporates a translucent roof that will allow sunlight into the stadium, but protect it from the elements.

The St. Petersburg Times has a great slideshow giving different angles of the stadium and what the roof looks like from inside.

Compared to Tropicana Stadium, long regarded as one of the worst ballparks in the majors, this new stadium looks amazing.

Where's the Hornets love?

2008-02-20T23:51:00.000-06:00

While I don't follow the NBA closely, I have noticed this much.

National media pundits like to talk about the West being stronger than the East (although the East has the team with the best record.) And when they talk about the West the talk usually is about the Spurs, Suns, Lakers and Mavericks.

No one talks much about the New Orleans Hornets.

Listening to a talk show out of Dallas-Fort Worth, you wouldn't even figure the Hornets were in the NBA Western Conference.

Yet on Wednesday, there were the Hornets running the Mavericks right out of New Orleans Arena.

Maybe that's the way it's going to be this year. Me? I'm a believer.

Trade talk

2008-02-19T23:12:00.003-06:00

Man, all you hear out of DFW these days is about the Jason Kidd trade.

Amazingly, a vast majority of media and Mavericks fans think this is a good deal.

Hate to be the one to disagree here, but Jason Kidd isn't getting the Mavericks over the hump this year and certainly trading for him isn't good for the future.

Yes, he's the point guard Avery Johnson wanted. But Kidd is making less than 40 percent of his field goal attempts so he better be getting a whole lot of assists per game.

Did I mention Jason Kidd is getting older?

Look, I understand the need to make a move. I understand the need to shake some things up. And maybe Kidd was the best fit for what they were looking for. And at least they didn't trade away so many players.

Still, I prefer trading for youth and not guys in the "twilight of their career'' as former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette once said of Roger Clemens.

Early draft thoughts

2008-02-18T23:12:00.003-06:00

The NFL Combine begins this week in Indianapolis and it's a big week for several players with ties to the area.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock has former Evangel star Jacob Hester ranked as his No. 1 fullback in the draft. Unfortunately for Hester, fullback translates into mid-round draft pick.

Mayock has LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith ranked as his No. 5 outside linebacker in the draft. Early Doucet is the No. 5 wide receiver according to Mayock and Glenn Dorsey is the No. 2 defensive tackle.

USC quarterback John David Booty of Shreveport isn't ranked among the top five quarterback prospects by Mayock.

Greetings from New Orleans

2008-02-17T17:50:00.005-06:00

Greetings from New Orleans Arena, site of the 57th NBA All-Star Game.

More on tonight's game and the city of New Orleans in a minute.

When you visit New Orleans (and I really encourage you to make the trip) don't leave without going to Brennan's . For dessert, try their Bananas Foster. Fantastic food. Great atmosphere. If you go on weekends, ask for Paul. He’ll make you feel right at home.

The NBA couldn’t have picked a better city to host this year’s All-Star Game. New Orleans is still on the mend, to be sure. But the city hasn’t lost its flair. Hornets guard Peja Stojakovic told me that New Orleans’ laid back attitude reminds him of cities in Europe.

The locals I talked to desperately want tourists to frequent the area, and they go to great lengths to make tourists feel at home.

Last season, NBA players association director Billy Hunter expressed concern about the players’ safety.

But here's what he said yesterday:

“I can assure you that any concerns I previously had have been fully allayed. I think the city has done an excellent job. I think it’s been a great weekend, and I think we’re going to have a great All-Star Game.”

The French Quarter has been lively and festive this week, but I’ve yet to hear of any major problems – OR minor ones, come to think of it.

Keep up the good work,, New Orleans!

Dunk Contest on its way back

2008-02-16T22:48:00.004-06:00

For several years now, the NBA's All-Star Slam Dunk Contest has been a miss.

The lack of big names has been compounded by the lack of creativity among the dunkers.

Not so Saturday in New Orleans and, if you're an NBA fan, that's a good thing. The dunk contest usually is the highlight of All-Star Weekend. Thus, a bad dunk contest usually meant a bad weekend.

This year, Gerald Green (pictured) and champion Dwight Howard took the bar and raised it. Not necessarily to the 12 feet Howard and fellow competitor Rudy Gay wanted the basket raised to.

Green's second dunk may have taken the (cup)cake. The defending dunk champ placed a cupcake on the bracket behind the rim, lit the candle then blew it out while throwing down a vicious two-hander.

Howard, not to be outdone, broke out a Superman cape and perhaps the most jawdroppingly powerful dunk of the night as teammate Jameer Nelson threw the ball over the backboard. Howard caught the ball over his head in midflight and threw down a tomahawk jam in one violent motion.

Say what you will about the NBA regular season, for one night, the league's best put on a worthy display of entertainment.

Big Ten finally No. 1

2008-02-15T14:57:00.003-06:00

For all the slamming the Big Ten gets here in SEC country, I thought I'd post something that defends the conference's honor.

Forbes.com, why Forbes.com did this research instead of SI.com or ESPN.com is beyond me, looked into which schools produced the most professional athletes among the five professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, major league baseball, NHL and major league soccer).

The top-two schools? Michigan and Ohio State. Michigan climbs to the top of the list for two sports - football and hockey. Don't think LSU, Florida or Tennessee (which also made the top-10) crank out hockey players like Michigan.

Still, this gives me some verbal ammo in debates with zealous SEC fans.

Mavs desperately need Kidd

2008-02-14T23:59:00.002-06:00

I'm no NBA sage. About this time last year, in an office conversation I decried the San Antonio Spurs as "too old" to be true title contenders.

Looks like I'm bad at picking everything, not just baseball postseason winners.

But after watching Dallas play Phoenix on Thursday night it's clear the Mavericks need to make a move. And that move is obtaining Jason Kidd.

Now if Dallas can only find a way to make Devean George happy about leaving Big D for the Jersey swamp.

George is holding up the trade, refusing to report to New Jersey if he is indeed traded. The Mavericks need a spark, especially after the Lakers and Suns landed All-Stars or former All-Stars in the last two weeks.

Right now the Mavericks are staring at a hump they cannot clear without Kidd's wizardry. Without Kidd, Dallas may once again move past the first round of the NBA playoffs, but without Kidd, it's hard to fathom the Mavericks hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

A whole different world

2008-02-13T23:51:00.000-06:00

It's interesting to see the difference in markets.

Here in Shrevesburg, the big basketball story is the LSU coaching search and prep playoffs.

Listening to Randy Galloway's show out of Dallas on XM, all anyone could talk about was a potential Jason Kidd trade.

I guess we're so far removed from the "big" city that we don't realize the popularity of the NBA in those places. Here, it's a college/prep town and the NBA doesn't get nearly as much run.

Uno is No. 1

2008-02-12T23:35:00.002-06:00

Yeah, baby. Uno is No. 1.

Congratulations to Uno, the people's champion at the Westminster Kennel Club's dog show. Uno won Best in Show on Tuesday night, making history along the way.

Unlike the other dogs that occupy Madison Square Garden (the New York Knicks),Uno was a fan favorite. He received a standing ovation after winning. And fans chanted his name throughout the show.

For once dog lovers -- real dog lovers -- got to see a real dog and not some puffed up poodle win the title of Best in Show.

Who let the dogs out?

2008-02-11T23:08:00.000-06:00

I've got to be honest here, I've never watched a second of the Westminster Dog Show.

But I may this year.

There is actually a dog I'm rooting for -- Uno.

Uno isn't some fancy dog. Uno is a beagle from South Carolina.The hope here is that Uno wins on Tuesday night and sends the poodles packing.

Uno is a dog of the people. (Well, sort of. Even his owners admit he wouldn't know what to do in the woods which makes him a pseudo beagle, I guess). And I'm a fan of dogs of the people.

Heck, I've had three mixed breeds (OK, mutts) and the oldest, Ouiser, could have kicked all kind of hind quarters at Westminster.

So fight on Uno, bring home the Westminster for all of your everyday dog friends.

The shortest season

2008-02-10T23:36:00.000-06:00

College basketball is getting squeezed out and I for one don't like it.

Back in day -- OK, back in the 1970s and 1980s -- college basketball was a big deal from the day the bowl games ended until the NCAA championship.

Now the bowl games are creeping toward mid-January. The NFL playoffs have pushed the Super Bowl into February. And suddenly, you're looking at a three or four week season when people care.

The NCAA has only itself to blame for part of this. By not being able to control college football, college basketball is getting diminished.

College basketball may have a better postseason than college football. But the college basketball season is being diminished each year it seems.

Super heroes?

2008-02-09T23:41:00.000-06:00

The Sporting News looked at each NFL team's chances of making the Super Bowl for next season.

And if you live in northwest Louisiana, there's good news.

The Sporting News lists both the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys as teams that could reach the Super Bowl next season.

Obviously after last season, the Cowboys will be considered a better bet. But with an improved defense, the Saints could be in a line for a bounce back season.

Pro Bowl

2008-02-08T23:49:00.000-06:00

The Pro Bowl is this weekend.

Does anyone other than a Dallas Cowboys fan care?

Yes, there are 13 Cowboys in the Pro Bowl and only one New York Giant. Do you think the Giants would trade places?

Actually, the Pro Bowl would be better left unplayed. Just name the Pro Bowlers and let the game go away.

Give me a break

2008-02-07T23:43:00.000-06:00

So I'm listening to a sports talk radio show out of New York and Michael Kay is going on about how he can't believe Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is staying in New York and not taking the head coaching job in Washington.

Kay keeps going on and on about how he's never not wanted to do better, never not wanted to make more money and how he can't understand Spagnuolo's decision.

I'm thinking -- MAYBE HE DOESN'T WANT TO WORK FOR DAN SNYDER.

You know, sometimes the grass isn't greener. Sometimes you may have a good working situation.

I understand he may never be a hotter coaching candidate than he is now. I understand that few, if any, coaching jobs in the NFL are ever good ones.I understand all of that.

I just don't see how you get all over a guy for making a decision he thinks is best.

A long signing day

2008-02-06T23:43:00.000-06:00

Today was a long signing day.

You've got kids signing with schools. Colleges signing players. Papers getting faxed in.

It starts before 8 a.m. because some of the athletes involved are on the East Coast so you have a different time zone.

For the coaches involved, tonight is nothing but relief. Sure there are some who got away. But you'll have a hard time finding a coach who doesn't like his recruiting class.

There's a war on, you know.

2008-02-05T14:07:00.000-06:00

Sen. Arlen Specter is ready to hold public hearings, using taxpayer money, to investigate why the NFL destroyed the Patriots' Spygate videotapes of the New York Jets during their game.

Fantastic delegation of taxpayers' money. Specter doesn't have more important issues to do with as a senator, like say our involvement in Iraq. This is his most pressing engagement??

His involvement goes deeper as revealed here.

Bye bye, Bobby: Before John Feinstein detailed the inner workings of Bobby Knight's Indiana program, legendary Sports Illustrated writer Frank DeFord dissected Knight in his great story for SI back in 1981.

There's tremendous insight to Knight, who was 41 years old and ready to take the Hoosiers to their second NCAA crown with guard Isiah Thomas.

Would you do it?

2008-02-05T13:25:00.000-06:00

I was listening to Randy Galloway's radio show out of Dallas last night (don't you just love XM radio) when the questioned was posed: "Would you trade Tony Romo straight up for Eli Manning?''

Galloway said he would. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current Cowboys radio hack Babe Laufenberg said he wouldn't.

Me, I'd do that deal if I were the Cowboys. And here's why:

It has nothing to do with Manning coming off of a Super Bowl win. It has to do with a couple of other things. Manning has classic quarterback height and Romo doesn't -- which makes a difference with bigger defensive linemen. Manning also has shown a knack -- since his days at Ole Miss -- to play better late in the game than he does early.

Those are the reasons I'd take Manning over Romo at this point.

What about you?

Best of them all? Eh, don't think so.

2008-02-04T21:50:00.000-06:00

Mike Lupica, heralded columnist for the New York Daily News, comes right out and says it in his Monday column:

"The best Super Bowl of them all really ended in the left corner of the end zone at University of Phoenix Stadium, one last ball in the hands of Plaxico Burress, who called this one the way Joe Namath called one once."

Really? The best Super Bowl of them all? The ratings showed the public tuned in (Sunday's game was the most watched event in television history, behind the M*A*S*H swan song). But to call this the best of them all is an overstatement. For three quarters, the game was hideously dull. Tom Petty's halftime show from 1990 was looking to be the highlight of the game. If you like defensive stalemates, Sunday's game was for you. Super Bowl XLII came down to two drives.

Would Lupica really say it was the best of them all if a New York team wasn't involved? Probably not. The guy's got to sell papers and draw hits to the Daily News' web page. And, it's kind of a weak lead to write if you label the game as one of the best. You might as well crown it the ultimate victory, right?

The Daily News has an online poll asking readers if the game was the greatest upset in NFL history? Eighty percent said yes. Not Super Bowl history, but NFL history. I think there's a quarterback from Beaver Falls, Pa., that wore No. 12 for the Jets that would argue that.

There were some people out there who did pick the Giants to win this one. The Giants nearly beat the Pats during the regular season, remember? Who gave the '69 Jets a snowball's chance to beat Don Shula and his Colts? Joe Namath. That's why it was a big deal when he guaranteed the win.

Ah, but New York media is fickle, and if ain't the biggest, the grandest or most sensational, then it doesn't belong in print or TV, especially in the Big Apple.

Glad to be wrong

2008-02-03T23:53:00.000-06:00

I was wrong about the Super Bowl and couldn't be happier about it.

I thought the Giants had a good defense, I just didn't know it was that good. Holding the Patriots to 14 points? Are you kidding me?

I thought Eli had authored some nice comebacks, but one when it really mattered?

Congratulations to the Giants.

While I don't like the '72 Dolphins getting off the hook, the Patriots weren't the team to be going unbeaten. Not with Spygate.

On the big game

2008-02-02T23:54:00.001-06:00

Look, I like the New York Giants. I liked their chances against Tampa, Dallas and Green Bay. I only picked them to win against Tampa. But still, I like the Giants.

That being said, I can't possibly see the New England Patriots winning 18 straight games only to stub their toe on the last one.

I can't see it.

Can the Giants win Sunday's Super Bowl?

Sure.

Anything can happen.

I have a feeling about the Giants that is just the exact opposite of the one I had about LSU in the national title game.

In the LSU game, I figured if LSU played a clean game, there was no way the Tigers would lose. Even after falling behind 10-0, LSU wasn't playing sloppy. Sure enough, LSU rolled after that.

With the Giants, I think they could play a perfect game and will still need some help from the Patriots -- whether it's turnovers or penalties or special teams mistakes, just some kind of help. Otherwise, I think you're looking at a 19-0 Super Bowl champion.

London calling

2008-02-01T19:56:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I didn't realize the Saints' trip to London next season to play the San Diego Chargers was going to be a SAINTS HOME GAME.

Do the people in the NFL office just have something against the Saints?

You may recall after Katrina hit, the Saints played their "home'' opener in Giants Stadium against -- the Giants. That's a real home-field advantage.

Now, three years later, the league -- in the interest of "helping'' with tourism for New Orleans by bringing the Saints across the big pond -- has the Saints giving up one of their eight home dates.

So while other teams have eight home games, your New Orleans Saints will play seven at home in the Dome.

With friends like these, who needs enemies.

No-win situation out West

2008-01-31T23:57:00.001-06:00

So Baron Davis doesn't make the NBA All-Star Game as a reserve and everyone is up in arms.

Well, everyone on the West Coast.

The only problem with trying to wiggle Davis onto the team is who are you going to leave off?

Chris Paul? Nuh uh. Paul is THE biggest reason New Orleans has the best record in the West. David West? He's slightly behind Paul in that category.

Steve Nash? His two league MVP trophies beg to differ. Brandon Roy? Do you think we're talking Trail Blazers' playoff hopes without the reigning Rookie of the Year?

Any All-Star Game worth its salt -- that is all of them except the Pro Bowl -- has snubs. Heck, even the Pro Bowl has snubs. It makes for great debate, but I'm sure Baron Davis would much rather be playing in New Orleans in late April or early May than in mid-February.

Tech recruit attracts national attention

2008-01-30T20:32:00.000-06:00

The Louisiana Tech football team may have secured a real find in Mississippi quarterback Bret Jefcoat, who committed to the Bulldogs early in the recruiting process and has stayed true so far.

Rivals.com recruiting analyst Barry Every lists Jefcoat as one of his five "Super Sleepers" in the nation. Here's what Every has to say about the cousin of Tech linebacker Chris Lowery:

"Don't be fooled by Jefcoat's pro-style quarterback label. He not only has great pocket presence, but has the ability to tuck the ball and run as he showed during his senior season running for 480 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also is a very competent punter and kicker as he displayed these talents at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic practices. He then led the Mississippi squad to a 26-7 victory while passing for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

"It is hard to believe that Ole Miss or Mississippi State have not offered this quarterback. He will be someone that has the ability to put up big numbers at Louisiana Tech with his arm or legs. Like most freshman quarterbacks, I expect him to redshirt next season then vie for the starting spot," continued Every.

Emery's remaining super sleepers in the 2008 class include Jeff Brinson RB, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Northeast (Iowa), Willie Bohannon, DE, Mobile (Ala.) Blount (Tennessee), Ricky Pemasa, LB, Orange (Calif.) Lutheran (Fresno State) and Alfred Jenkins, WR, Jacksonville (Fla.) Terry Parker (Illinois).

National signing day is on Wednesday.

Battle Wings ink former Eagles lineman

2008-01-29T23:24:00.001-06:00

The Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings apparently got a boost to their offensive line this week with the inking of a mountain of a man in DeJuan "Little Man" Skinner.

Skinner stands 6-foot-6 and weighs in at a robust 335 pounds. The former West Texas standout made it to the final cut with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006 and has been waiting on another NFL contract since then.

The af2 rookie should provide ample protection for whichever Battle Wings quarterback wins the starting nod between local favorite Gary Cooper, af2 veteran Steve Panella and recent signee Dane King.

If nothing else, he'll keep the team's center from getting sunburned during preseason drills at Independence Stadium.

What do you want?

2008-01-28T23:54:00.000-06:00

The New Orleans Hornets won their ninth straight game tonight.

They are ranked No. 1 in the entire NBA by NBA.com's power poll.

And yet there are two reasons to ask this question: What do you want?

To the people of New Orleans and south Louisiana: What do you want? This team is as hot as any team in the NBA and 15,000-plus showed up. Now, granted on a Monday, that's probably not all bad, but when your franchise's fate is tied to attendance figures, you have to wonder what the Hornets' fan base wants.

And then to Denver coach George Karl: What do you want? After Monday's game, Karl said, "I'm not ready to jump on their bandwagon. But they're pretty good and I'm not sure what weakness they have.''

What do you want, George Karl?

Sign of things to come?

2008-01-27T22:52:00.000-06:00

It's well-documented that the New York Giants and New England Patriots are in the Super Bowl after having played in the last regular season game. It's also well-documented that both teams played their starters in that season finale when the playoffs were already assured for both teams.

The Patriots, of course, had a perfect record to play for that night. The Giants had only the integrity of the game to play for then.

Both teams did the right thing and played as if it was Week 1.

Now with both teams in the Super Bowl, we're left to wonder if some coaches (Sean Payton and Tony Dungy come to mind) will change their philosophy after wrapping up playoff spots.

Because you can certainly make the case that the Giants wouldn't be in Phoenix on Monday if not for the momentum and confidence they gained by slugging it out with the Patriots on that late December Saturady night.

Hopefully this will spark a change of heart in some.

At halftime, it's still close

2008-01-26T20:36:00.001-06:00

The Spurs lead the Hornets 43-42 at halftime.

It's been type of game you would expect between two of the NBA's top teams. One team grabs the lead, the other quickly bounces back.

Neither team has led by more than four points.

David West leads the Hornets with 12 points. Tim Duncan tops the Spurs with 12.

The second half should be very interesting.

Hornets off and running

2008-01-26T20:10:00.000-06:00

The Hornets lead the Spurs 28-27 as the second quarter begins. Forward David West led the Hornets with 1o first-quarter points. Peja Stojakovic had eight.

Greetings from the Alamo City

2008-01-26T19:15:00.000-06:00

Greetings from AT&T Center in San Antonio, where the Southwest Division-leading (that's right, Southwest Division-leading) New Orleans Hornets take on the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.

Before I get to the importance of tonight's game, let me tell you that no trip to San Antonio is complete until I visit to mi tierra.

Wow!

If you like Mexican food, you'll LOVE mi tierra!!

Back to the game.

New Orleans has soared to the top of the division, leading San Antonio by 1 1/2 games. But the Hornets, one of the NBA's top road teams, have lost six straight games in San Antonio dating back to 2004.

A road win over the defending champs would give the Hornets, who're riding a seven-game winning streak, a tremendous boost.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hornets forward Melvin Ely, who played with the Spurs last season, was awarded his championship ring before the game.

Early Super Bowl thoughts

2008-01-25T20:57:00.000-06:00

The NFL had a media conference call today with several members of the '72 Miami Dolphins and former Dolphins coach Don Shula.

I'm old enough to remember the '72 Dolphins. I used to remember them rather fondly until they began celebrating when the last team lost its first game of the season each year. That bitter act gets old fast.

So I come into Super Bowl week next week as a man playing on house money.

If the New England Patriots do finish the season unbeaten with a win over the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, the '72 Dolphins will go away, having been trumped 19-0 to 17-0 by the Patriots.

But if the New York Giants somehow manage to win, I can revel in knowing that Tom Brady won't have that smug smirk on his face.

I can't lose.

My newest addiction

2008-01-24T23:29:00.000-06:00

Hi, my name is Scott and I'm an NFL Network-aholic.

It's not that I watch the NFL Network all the time -- just when I'm walking on a treadmill.

And it's not that I watch the NFL Network always on the treadmill, it's just during the "draft season'' that I'm hooked.

Sorry, I like watching the Senior Bowl workouts. I can't believe that Mike Singletary doesn't have a head coaching job after watching him for two years now working with Senior Bowl linebackers.

I learn a lot watching these practices. I learn things like Shreveport's John David Booty may be the most accurate passer in the draft. I learn some question his arm strength which came as a surprise to me after having seen him in high school. But hey, they're going to find something wrong with everyone.

Call me a draft nerd, but I actually enjoy the NFL Network at this time of year.

No money for Leon Barmore

2008-01-24T19:10:00.000-06:00

Texas A&M women's basketball coach Gary Blair was very complimentary of former Lady Techsters coach Leon Barmore on Thursday ... but he isn't sending him a check.

Blair talked about how much he, Baylor's Kim Mulkey, Auburn's Nell Fortner, Texas Tech's Kristy Curry and Oklahoma State's Kurt Budke owe Barmore and Louisiana Tech for helping them attain their lofty, well-paid positions.

"All of us owe him a residual for what he did for us," Blair said. "But on second thought, I'm not gonna send him anything because he's won so much money off me on the golf course. I feel like we're probably even. I tell you what, though. The next time I play him I'm gonna win no matter what I have to do."

Hey, Gary, just be sure you spell his name right on the check.

Tech's Simoneaux jokes at Tech TAG event

2008-01-23T22:05:00.000-06:00

Louisiana Tech baseball coach Wade Simoneaux was quite the entertainer during Wednesday's Northwest Louisiana Tech Advancement Group luncheon at the University Club in downtown Shreveport.

Simoneaux, who has quietly built the Bulldog baseball team into a WAC power, will serve as the WAC host coach for the WAC baseball tournament on May 22-25. He has set about raising approximately $130,000 for stadium renovations in preparation for that event.

And he hopes Tech fans respond by filling the stadium to cheer for his Bulldogs, if they qualify for the tournament as expected.

"We need to have a lot of people there to offset the 450 drunks in grass skirts that Hawaii has or the 6 year olds who cuss us by our dugout in Nevada," Simoneaux said tongue-in-cheek."

Simoneaux also told a joke about former President Bill Clinton and his Presidential candidate wife, Hillary, but we'll let you ask him about it.
"I can say that now because (Athletic Director) Jim Oakes (a staunch Democrat) is on his way out," Simoneaux said chuckling.

Geiggar to play in inaugural AAFL season

2008-01-23T21:45:00.000-06:00

Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings fans hoping to see former Evangel standout Phillip Geiggar back in uniform this spring are likely to be disappointed.

Arguably the team's best defensive player over the past two seasons, Geiggar has signed to play with Texas in the All-American Football League. He'll be making $50,000 for the season in the AAFL instead of about $4,000 in the af2. Can't blame the man for that.

Strangely, his bio on the team's Web site talks about his playing days at UT and at Evangel, but makes no mention of his ever having played for the Battle Wings. Since their seasons will run almost simultaneously, it's a safe guess that the AAFL doesn't want to promote af2.

The thing to remember, however, is that the af2 has been around for nine seasons, the AFL for more than two decades, while the AAFL has had a lot of similar predecessors that tried and failed.

A little late or early

2008-01-22T23:42:00.000-06:00

This is either real late or real early. It's either late talking about the NFC Championship Game or early talking about the Super Bowl.

Anyway, kudos to Eli Manning and Corey Webster of the Giants. Both of these players were pretty much left for dead at various points this season. Webster, a former LSU star, was even in a worse spot than Manning, losing his starting job and actually being inactive at times.

But there was Webster with the interception to set up the game-winning field goal.

Manning's travails are well-documented. The former Ole Miss star was ripped during the season and is now being praised by those same critics.

Give Webster and Manning credit for fighting through adversity to have great postseasons.

No more change at No. 1

2008-01-21T23:32:00.000-06:00

I know it's late January. I know there's still six weeks in college basketball's regular season. I know the college football season was crazy.

Yet, I now believe we have seen our only change of the year atop The Associated Press Top 25 men's poll.

That's because I don't think anyone in Conference USA is going to beat the Memphis Tigers, who took over the top spot Monday after then-No. 1 North Carolina's loss to Maryland on Saturday.

When everyone and their brother expanded a few years back, C-USA was stripped of its identity as a basketball league. What used to be a competitive high-major conference has been reduced to Memphis and a bunch of dwarfs.

So go ahead and pen, not pencil, in Memphis as your No. 1 team for the rest of the season. Well, assuming the Tigers get past those two real roadblocks (Gonzaga, Tennesee) they have left on their schedule.

IUPUI coach makes disappointing remark

2008-01-20T21:35:00.001-06:00

An extremely distuburing phrase rumbled through the Gold Dome on Saturday afternoon in the heat of the action. The foul mouth didn't belong to a player, rather a coach. The coach of the IUPUI Jaguars women's basketball team.
Shann Hart, a 12-year coaching veteran (four at IUPUI), was arguing a foul call in the first half of the Jaguars game at Centenary. She wasn't arguing the call itself, but which Ladies player should go to the line to shoot free throws.
As Centenary freshman Ashley Jackson stepped to the line, Hart went crazy, saying Jackson wasn't the player who was fouled. Jackson was clearly the player fouled -- look at the tape Ms. Hart -- but this was not Hart's most egregious error at that moment.
As Hart continued to argue, she uttered (paraphrasing) "it wasn't 34 that got fouled, it was the Chink." After a second, when she obviously realized what she had said, she quipped, "I mean, it was 52."
A direct reference to Centenary freshman Sarah Weiler, who was born in China.
Since the Gold Dome was practically empty, the outburst was easily heard from press row. Who knows how many fans, and players and coaches from IUPUI heard it. Since Centenary's bench was on the other end of the court, no members of the Ladies caught it. Or at least I assume they didn't. If they did, it's likely they would have gone bonkers.
I nearly went bonkers.
I'm not perfect. I'll be the first to admit I've chuckled at an off-color joke and likely told a few. However, I hold no grudge or ill-will against any group. Friends know I'll pick apart myself in gest as much as anyone else.
But this was different. This wasn't a joke. This was a completely irresponsible statement from a woman who's supposed to be leading young adults -- of all races, backgrounds and colors.
However, I'm not the type who's radical and will call for Hart's dismissal -- unlike the situation Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman ran into after her comment about "lynching" Tiger Woods.
A simple apology is in order -- to Centenary, its players (especially Sarah Weiler) and coaches and the players and coaches of IUPUI.
I thought long and hard about whether to even post this thread. Not much good can come of it, but it is my job. I thought about Sarah Weiler -- if this makes it to her, she will be disappointed. I thought about IUPUI women's basketball coach Shann Hart, knowing she'd catch a lot of flak if word of this got out.
Obviously, I thought a lot more about the siutation than Shann Hart.