A Boston Marathon Massacre Reflection

Apr 15, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston police commissioner Edward Davis (left) and Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick (center) address media after bombings near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

In a past life, I was a runner. Each weekend morning and most weekday evenings, I'd come home and pull off my best Mister Rodgers. I'd take off my dress shoes in exchange for my Brooks. I'd give up the pounding headache of the office for the pounding of shoes on the asphalt. I'd exchange office chatter for the sound of my breath breaking through the crisp cold air of winter. My habitat would change from the sight of a downtown metropolitan area to a quiet sereine park or some paved oasis of solitude where it was just me, my thoughts, and the occasional bug or bird flying by.

Running was something that was my foundation too. It was with me wherever I happened to be. Rather traveling through Australia, Poland, Belgium, the U.K., Paris, Germany, Singapore, or even some small or large city in the US. While I might be alone in a large city full of people, as long as I had my shoes, a comfortable pair of shorts, I had my run, I knew where I was.

Some people pray, some people meditate, I ran. Like for many, it just became my thing. Like most things that I venture into, if I spend the time, I do it right. I built up from the 5ks, to 10, to 1/2 marathons, but if you're doing half of something, that means you haven't done the whole thing right? So like most, I ventured into the upper end of the sport that requires the least amount of skill and athleticism, but the most amount of heart, self-motivation, and desire, the marathon.

Each day during my training, I joined the thousands of other athletes around the world in the quest of a goal of finishing a 26.2 mile race on foot. Each Saturday, I would set personal records for distance. 14 miles, 16 miles, 17, 18, the numbers grew. 19, a 20 mile run to work, who knew I had it in me? I didn't. Each time, proving I wasn't just that good, I could be better, and each day coming home with enough self esteem to power a boat down the Ohio River. "Yeah, from the south end to Iroquois park, to Bardstown Road, to downtown, a little detour to stretch it, but yeah, I ran into work today." Never thought I'd be able to say it, but hey, I could after that morning.

When that morning in Chicago came where my steps to the finish line were now somehow slightly measurable, I remember thinking, what an accomplishment this could be. For me, it'd be a little harder than I imagined, despite expectations of trying to carry a snowball to the center of the earth. Mile 17 an injury popped up, but heck, only 9 more miles right? I simply promised myself the world: an unthinkable month off from running, eating whatever i wanted, sleeping in, staying up late, and despite tearing that IT band, a feeling in which you can relate to if you envision someone prying your kneecap off with a screwdriver while you bend it over and over, I crossed the line.

Tears swelled up in my eyes and through the hazy glassy vision, I scoped for my girlfriend. The one person I knew at the finish line of thousands. When I found her, I stood happier than I've ever felt in my life - my medal, free beer, and a metallic cloth draped around my shoulders, staring out of the chain link fence, just needing a hug, support. I was happy it was over. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I knew I would get through it and I did. I might have finished behind some ungodly number of people, but I finished.

My goal accomplished and it wouldn't have mattered one bit if I didn't have anyone there to help me.

See, while running, you do the work. When you finish, it's the work of others to help you get to your hotel, car, or just a cold shower you forget about until you need them. You push yourself to unthinkable limits, and then sometimes beyond...someone has to be there when you break.

Yesterday morning's tragedy in Boston was nearly 1400 miles away from me and the closest I came to the race is that I have an employee in Boston visiting a friend running, but it doesn't take me reflecting with my shoes on to see how it could have been my loved ones that were victims. While my marathon was 4 hours, 34 minutes...the bombs in Boston going off 25 minutes prior... it is the same time my friends and family would be arriving to the finish line to be there to support me, had it been my race. It's the same time the average person will finish a marathon next weekend in Ohio, or the weekend after in Louisville. Its an act that is unthinkable. It will stretch our abilities to contain our fears. It will push our boundaries to find the ability to continue on, washing away blood, sweat, tears, and picking up the pieces.

It'll be Boston that has to do it. Those of us watching from our TV sets around the country and world just need to be there when they are finished.

UofL Extenz Pitino's Contract

There's a horrible country song that says rain somehow gets a guy laid. Basically rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey, whiskey makes Boogiewoogie's momma feel a little frisky or something like that.

Well, the same theory applies to college basketball. Wins make fans, fans make schools money, money makes athletic departments put out (in this case money).

But what defines winning? If you're Niagara, making the NCAA tournament is a victory. If you're Kentucky, Final 4 is successful. If you're Louisville - it's more along the lines of Charlie Sheen style "Winning!". Having your coach get caught in a sex scandal, losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament, and losing recruits left and right to an instate rival makes Tom Jurich shell out for your services.

Rick Pitino currently makes $3 million dollars a year. He received a hefty retention bonus last year that spread over installments pays Slick Rick $3.9 million a year. Tom Jurich says that in order to keep him at his current total salary, he'll be paid $3.9 million after the retention bonus is paid out in 2013. Thus, an increase to base salary of 30%... 30%!!!!

Working in compensation, I'll tell you no one gets a 30% increase except your top performers. Pay for performance. Performance = winning. My problem is that I'm not so sure that those accomplishments Pitino had this year (or the last two) warrant that 30% base salary.

But hey, in business it's not about what you do or what you know as much as who you know. I'm trying to figure out just what Pitino knows about Jurich.

Sad News for Steve Kragthorpe

Steve Kragthorpe has resigned his post as LSU offensive coordinator due to being diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Kragthorpe was generating excitement at LSU and was being praised by fans, coaches and players alike.

Kragthorpe coached the Louisville Cardinals for three years before being fired for lackluster performance. Here's to hoping the Kragthorpe jokes stop. Thoughts and prayers go to him and his family.

A Night With Walter McCarty

I am so glad Walter became a traitor and is now known as a Cardinal vs a Wildcat... but if you Card fans want your tickets...

"Dunkin' Donuts and the Lexus Store of Lexington present A Night Out with Walter McCarty Sunday, August 28 at 6:00pm

The pre-sale starts Thursday, August 4 at 10:00am and ends Thursday, August 4 at 10:00pm. To purchase tickets click the link and then enter the password WILDCAT"

And if you want to know what you're getting into, you can go to WalterMcCarty.com and hear his music.

Get Yo Popcorn Ready: Calipari Starts Movie Casting Call

Sure, the Dominican Nationals vs The UK All-Stars game has become a spectical to all Kentuckians. It's a hotter ticket to come by than the UL vs UK football game 1 month later (I have two uppers available if anyone needs some). However, what the fans don't realize is the opportunity the DR team and Calipari have.

The DR team has never made the Olympics, they're known for their love of baseball and beaches, not basketball. Yet, later this month they have a chance in an Argentina qualifying tournament to change all that. After watching an immediate resurrection of an NIT UK, A-10 bottom dwelling UMass, and C-USA whipping boy Memphis, this feat wouldn't be anything new for Calipari.

But seriously, what's in it for him? Sure there's a little salary involved and some publicity - but I think Calipari has seen further. As the marketing genius he is, he should be seeing saw past the stars on the court and  picturing the big screen.

If Cal fails with this team, no one will think twice - oh well, they stunk anyways. If he succeeds though and the team makes it to the Olympics, he adds a resume line. If Cal beats a big name team, he adds a legacy. If he somehow happens to win an Olympic Gold Medal - well, start thinking Kurt Russel or Jack Candy or Will Ferrell... he takes this rag-tag team with mid level professionals and lots of sub plots into the world spotlight. He see's 10 years later a ... "Cool Runnings", "Miracle", "Semi-Pro"... movie in the making. The skys the limit and in this risk/reward opportunity, why the hell not.

Either way, it should be fun and I'll certainly be there when the call for extras in. My only question, what will the movie be called?

Denny Crum is a Boss: News and Notes

"Laugh now, but one of these days, I'm going to get you back you turtleneck wearing S.O.B."-Denny Crum And isn't this a lovely morning? I am sure you have all heard the news that Denny Crum will be on the baseline for the UK Legends game at the Yum! Center on August, 16. I've really never had a problem with Denny Crum in the past, I've always kind of liked him but had that twinge of hate because of the team he coached. I, as a fan, was never threatened by him. By the time I really started to watch sports religiously,which was about the mid 90's, the Cards really sucked.

I wasn't even born when Louisville won their first title in '81 and I was only four when they one their last one in '86, so Denny Crum and his version of the Dirty Birds didn't offend me much.

But now Denny has elevated himself in my book. I really, really like Denny. He accepted this position to be honored, but he knows full well that John Calipari is doing this game as a big "F You" to Rick Pitino, Tom Jurich and the Dirty Bird Nation. Cal is saying to them all, "I've got your arena and I have your iconic coach, and I am going to do what ever I want with them. And there is not a damn thing you can do about it."

All over talk radio yesterday the Cardinal whining was at a level never before seen. "How could you do this, Denny?" was the collective lament. Denny did this, supposedly, because he has no love lost for Rick Pitino or Tom Jurich. Speculation is that Crum was unhappy of how Jurich unceremoniasly shoved the Hall of Fame coach out of town only to bring in a guy that Denny can't stand, Rick Pitino.

John Calipari and Crum are friends, and everybody knows that Denny and Joe B. are dear friends. Denny did what was in his best interest and is now being honored by people that appreciate what a good coach he is and what he means to college basketball.

In the end, Pitino and Jurich must be seething. John Calipari has done it again.

To the news:

-Darius Miller made the World University team's final cut and will be playing against talent all over the world. This means that Darius will be an even bigger beast when the Cats get started next season. Darius is getting lost in the hype, but by the end of the season, he will be the hype.

-It is official that Brandon Knight, Jorts and DeAndre Liggins will be a part of the Legends game in Louisville. Now I want tickets to this game.

-You have to read Eamonn Brennan's ESPN.com article about Cal stepping all over Pitino's face.

-The University of Louisville has a Legends game of their own featuring T-Will, Samardo Samuels and a few more of their all time degenerates. The game will be played in the Bullitt East High School Gym. I am not making this up.

That's all for now. Stay classy you crazy kids.

Pitino Mum on the Cats in YUM!

Watch live streaming video from cjcards at livestream.com

I rarely ever give Pitino props but I must give him some after watching his press conference today. The reporters at his press conference were dying to get Pitino to say something absurd or derogatory about Cal taking over Yum! Center, but he just didn't do it.

Pitino knew what they were doing, but refused to play. He said, at one point, "Not helping you, am I?" to a reporter trying to get him to same something news worthy. Pitino was very diplomatic, stated that the YUM! Center is city property, not UofL property, and said that this is a free country.

Pitino also slyly did not mention Calipari or the University of Kentucky. He just used "The Dominican Team" as his catch all to represent the afore mentioned.

Kudos to Pitino for keeping his cool. Lately it has been tough for the coach to do so and he sticks his foot in his mouth more often than not. Today, he seemed like he knew exactly what he was saying and the responses were well calculated as well as smart.

Jesco White's Birthday and the Cats Invade the YUM! Center: News and Notes

A lot of you probably don't know who Jesco White is but if you watch the above video then you will. Jesco is the Dancin' Outlaw from West Virginia and was made famous by the movie of the same title and another film entitled the "Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia". I have seen both movies and have become a "fan" of sorts. Not the type of fan that admires him, the type of fan that cannot look away from the train wreck that is his life.

Jesco was in Louisville, Kentucky this weekend at Headliners to celebrate his 55th birthday. I didn't find out about this until yesterday. I was very upset that I missed it. My wife also has the same type of weird curiosity about this fellow that I do and she was equally disappointed that we didn't get to see him go dance.

So here is to you Jesco. Happy birthday. I'm sure you don't have many left.

Onto the PACKED edition of News and Notes:

-There is a lot of news to get to, but the biggest is the rumor of a second UK Legends game that seems to more reality than it is rumor. A second Legends game is scheduled for the YUM! Center in Louisville on August 16, the day after the first one. The kicker is that Brandon Knight will be on the team and will be joined by none other than Jorts. Expect Jorts to have an epic night if he plays. History dictates that he gets a double-double every time he steps into the YUM! Center.

-Joe B. Hall has asked Coach Denny Crum to coach in the Legends game and Crum has expressed major interest. Not only will Kentucky be holding a UK Legends game in the YUM! Center but the Cats might be coached up by the Cardinals' most legendary coach. I can't stop the laughter.

-Rick Pitino is holding a press conference today. They will surely ask him about all the Big Blue traking over the YUM! Center and Denny Crum being part of the invasion. I will be watching like a hawk. Pitino is going to say some pretty stupid crap.

-Not only is it fun to watch UK have a Legends game, it is equally as fun to watch them do it in the Enemy's front yard. The Cats are going into Tom Jurich and Rick Pitino's Chicken Bucket to give the Millions, and Millions of Cats fans in Louisville a chance to enjoy their favorite team. The city of Louisville belongs to the Cats, make no mistake about it. Could the Cards pull this off in Lexington? Hell to the No. The Card fan reaction is going to be epic.

-Eloy Vargas is being given a chance to earn a spot on the Dominican National team. This is a great chance for him to show how much he has improved in the off season. John Calipari has issued a challenge to Eloy, he better step up and play like a pro if he wants to make this team.

-Bruce Pearl is coaching the NBADL Dallas team. Point and laugh.

-Joker Phillips one upped the "Greatest Recruiter and Coach in the History of the World" yesterday by pulling four recruits, one of them from the grasp of Chuck Strong. The Cats have 15 commitments for the 2012 class. I am getting excited about the direction of the program.

-The Big East press conference was held and nobody cared. Louisville was picked to finish 7th out of 8 teams. Of course, the fans are crying fowl (hahahahahahahahaha!). It still hasn't registered that they only went 6-6 last year, lost 25 seniors, lost their entire offensive line, and have a midget starting at quarterback.

-The Big East football title game might be held in Yankee Stadium in the future. It will be half full for the game.

All in all it was a great day to be a Cats fan. I told you there was a lot of news. I will be back later to fill you in on Pitino's press conference. I am hoping for some comedy.

Weekend Wrap Up: Smaki Walker joins the Cardinal Convict Club

The photo that Samaki Walker has submitted to the Yum! Center's Cardinal hall of fame. It goes right next to Terrence Jenning's and Jerry Smith's

It's time to finish up a busy weekend with a late Sunday night post. I'm going to be out the next two days due to business, so I leave you in the capable and caring hands of Monster Mash.

-The big news this weekend was the Joe B. Hall deal with the NCAA. As we all know by now the NCAA decided in it's infinite stupidity that Joe B. Hall coaching the UK Legends team would somehow violate some rule that the NCAA made up. Hall was very upset and hurt by the decision. Coach Cal stuck his middle finger up at the powers that be and let Hall become a member of his Dominican coaching staff. Check Mate, NCAA.

-The whole scenario of the NCAA meddling with this game smacks of conspiracy theories about how the organization hates UK and especially John Calipari. I'm not saying this is so, but I'm not sure the NCAA would have stepped in if Duke was having a game like this.

-Samaki Walker became the latest member of the Cardinal Convict Club. Walker got busted by cops for having pot and liquid steroids. Reenacting Cardinal Willie Williams, Walker decided to try and eat the pot instead of going quietly into custody. Walker was pulled over by a police officer in Arizona. Walker also tried to get off by saying that the steroids are legal in Syria, where he is now playing "professional" basketball.

-John Calipari is highlighting all of the incoming players, including Ryan Harrow. This week Cal takes a look at Kyle Wiltjer. Wiltjer is a movie buff, like yours truly, and has developed an old school game that includes a hook shot. Wiltjer is a basketball historian of sorts. He is a player that gets lost in the mix with the other stellar freshmen. I have a feeling Wiltjer is going to wow all of Big Blue Nation and will be very, very hard to guard. Just like Kyle Kuric.....NOT!

That's it from me for a couple of days. Another week of slow news and football season will break us out of the doldrums.

Where Does UK go from Here?

It's been an exciting day in the world of Kentucky basketball to say the least. Monster Mash has already highlighted the UK "Pros" game. Let's talk about the fact that John Wall and Rajon Rondon, among others, will enroll in classes this fall at UK while the NBA lockout continues and will be undergraduate assistant coaches on the basketball team.

What does this mean:

A). If you are a student at Kentucky you could sit next to John Wall in your Macro Economics class

B). College co-eds will be trying to figure out which classes the NBA guys will be taking

C). The NBA players will be able to participate in practice with Kentucky

D). The NCAA and all of Calipari's critics can shut it. Those that say that Calipari and his players don't care about education have just been silenced. These guys are millionaires and they don't have to go to school for any reason besides their love for education.

Marquis Teague will be practicing against John Wall and Rajon Rondo. This is going to take Teague to the next level in a HURRY. Recruits coming to visit UK will see all of these NBA guys at practice playing against the current team. Will they see this at any other school? I think not.

John Calipari has done more for Kentucky in the last two years than Tubby Smith and Billy G did, besides the National Title that Tubby won.

Other than a national championship, where does Cal take the Cats from here? The future is so bright for Kentucky it is absolutely insane. Being a UK fan right now is the greatest thing in the world and I am ready to debate anyone on that fact. Ball is in your court Dirty Birds.

Pro's vs Joe's (aka UK Lengends vs Dominican Republic National Team)

Boogie told us that we can't call it the "UK Legends Team" and Ticketmaster is complying instead calling the team the "The Pros" and they'll be facing The Dominican Republic National team. At 10:00 AM this morning the tickets went on pre-sale (and will run through 10pm tonight reopening Monday at 10:00 AM). You can still get your tickets using the Password NATIONAL when prompted. Here's the link to the site if you can't manage Ticketmaster

Reports have it that the lower level $35 tickets have sold out but upper level $15 tickets and the lowest Rupp tickets are still available ($100 and $1200).

It'll be an exciting time and the closest thing to a professional basketball game in the state of Kentucky since the Draft Cats took the court (unless you count the Harlem Globetrotters).

The best part about this game outside of 8 former Kentucky fan favorites? There will be a familiar opponent on the other side of the court in former UL Cardinal Francisco Garcia, who will be playing for Calipari on the DR squad - my only question, is it OK to boo him since Cal is coaching him?

I love basketball in August - it's the best thing since the teams trip to Canada last year!!!

The NCAA are Buzzkils: News and Notes

Nothing can stem my excitement for the fact that it looks like Sportsthat is for sure going to the UK Legends game, but the NCAA sure has thrown a wrench in the works.

UK has complied with the NCAA on this whole event and Cal has made sure that rules are not broken, i.e. Terrence Jones on the UK team or John Hood coaching with Calipari on the Dominican side. The NCAA still has to come in a assert it's "authority" and rain on the parade a little bit.

Here are the new NCAA rules:
-Joe B. Hall cannot coach in the game
-The UK Legends team cannot be called the UK Legends team
-No TV or radio broadcasts are allowed
-John Calipari cannot honor any of the old UK players

I can maybe see the radio and TV broadcast thing, but the rest of these rules are ridiculous. How are they breaking any real NCAA regulations? They aren't. This just continues to show the bias the NCAA has for some teams.

On with the News:

-I highlighted the Governor's Cup presser last night and came away with a feeling of confidence in Joker. He really is high on this team and he seems to think that they are just a few young guys stepping up from being a really, really good team. I hope you are right Joker.

-On the Louisville side of things, Charlie Strong seemed downright depressed. He pretty much stated that his team is going to be young, inexperienced and all around bad. This does not stop Louisville fans from continuing to insist that the game in Lexington will be a blow out win for the Cards. They are idiots.

-Dick Vitale Tweeted his disgust in the stupid NCAA rules for the UK Legends game. "NCAA rules r wacky-Joe Hall being denied to coach an all star team of ex UK players. Can't common sense be used! Hall is 82!" A lot of people don't like Dickie V because of his Duke obsession. I can look past that because he hates the NCAA and is a big time Cats cheerleader.

-Chad Ochocinco has joined Albert Haynesworth as the latest disgruntled malcontent that has joined the Patriots and will shine this season. NFL, you better watch out.

That's all for now! Enjoy your Friday.

Governor's Cup Presser Break Down

First and Foremost, Joker Phillps:
-Joker came out and said "We are going to be pretty damn good this season" in kind of a joking manner in response to his intro. I think he was serious when he said that they will be good if some young guys step up.

-He mentioned Rick Minter's name as the new defensive coordinator and received cheers. He mentioned Steve Brown's name as co-coordinator and defensive backs coach and there were crickets.

-He introduced the rest of the coaching staff. There were like 100 of them. It was quite boring.

-Joker said that there were some questions on the offensive side of things but there would soon be answers.

-The offensive line should be the strength of the offense as well as the tight end position.

-A lot of production was lost at QB, wide receiver and running back but he said that he feels really good about replacing those players with guys that are going to produce.

-Defense will be the strength of the entire team. 10 starters are returning on D including All SEC linebacker Danny Trevathan.

-Ridge Wilson moved from a linebacker to a defensive end to replace DeQuinn Evans.

-Winston Guy has been moved from safety to outs tide linebacker.

-The players switching positions was done to increase speed on the field.

-Joker said they signed "true receivers" instead of athletes that they had to teach the position to, like Cobb. This should help with production.

-He stated that the rivalry has elevated both programs to a higher level in competition.

Overall: Joker talked for over eight minutes and was very positive and up on his team the entire time. He seems to be more comfortable as the head coach this year and he has a lot of confidence in his guys.

And now, Charlie Strong...booooooo!!!!!

-First off, the guy that was introducing both coached must be a Louisville fan because he was kissing Strong's butt. He stated that Strong already turned the program around, will bring them to the top of the Big East and will soon compete for a national title. All these morons are in for a HUGE disappointment.

-I like Strong. He went up to the guy and laughed and said "National Championship?", like "Are you kidding me?" This guy isn't dumb. He knows where he is and what conference he is in.

-He said the Beef O'Brady's Bowl win set the foundation for the future of the program. That's a pretty lame foundation.

-The Cards lost 25 seniors, including 14 starters. Ouch.

-Strong used the "R" word a lot, as in "Rebuilding". According to Louisville fans and the douche that introduced him, the Cards are primed to take on Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, USC, LSU and Florida. All at the same time.

-The coach pointed out that his team has A LOT of weaknesses. The guy is making more and more sense with every word.

-The Cards rank 119 out of 120 teams in regards to returning experience. Ouch again.

-None of their 3 QB's have started. Weakness.

-Only one returning starter on the offensive line. Weakness.

-They have two returning running backs that can produce. Strength.

-4 starters return on offense. Weakness.

-Strong stated that the defensive line is their strength. If they have one.

-Nobody asked Strong any questions after he offered. I think everyone was depressed after he was done.

Overall: Strong was the exact opposite of Joker. He was down on his team and expressed concern of key positions. He did state that they are far away from where they want to be but they will get there.

I am getting close to a score for the game but I am going to wait to the week of to see how these two play early. I think UK might be mediocre or even better than expected. I truly think Louisville is going to be awful this year. Kragthorpe awful. I will hold to my prediciton that some UofL fans will be ready to toss Strong out on his butt because of the unfair expectations they have placed on him. More analysis as the game approaches.

Come back in the morning for a ton of news.

Joker Phillips Comes out Swinging

The hook up that the Courier Journal has for the Governor's Cup press conference is terrible and keeps cutting out on me. It's hard to listen to and I missed almost everything Charlie Strong had to say, which doesn't make me too sad at all.

What I did catch was Joker Phillips saying "We are going to be pretty damn good this year. If we get some young guys to step up, we are going to kick some people."

First off, I love Joker's confidence. That's about as inspiring and confident as I have ever heard him in a public venue. He either: A). Must like what he sees so far at practice; or B). He is trying to pump up a young group on offense. Either way, I bet Strong tickled in his Fruit of the Looms a little bit when he heard Joker say the "D" word.

I'll be back tonight with commentary on what both coaches said once the transcripts are made available online.

College football is around the corner and I'm damn glad of it.

UK's Legenda Game: News and Notes

Who else is excited to see these two reunite again?

If Kentucky basketball can ever find a way to take precedence over Kentucky football during training camp, it will. Well, it officially has. The final roster for the UK legends team vs. the Dominican Republic National team has been set.

UK Players:
John Wall
Eric Bledsoe
DeMarcus Cousins
Rajon Rondo
Keith Bogans
Jodie Meeks
Tayshaun Prince
Nazr Muhammed

The game will be at Rupp Arena on August 15. John Calipari, the genius mastermind behind this event, will coach the Dominicans while Hall of Fame coach Joe B. Hall and Sam Bowie will coach the UK Legends team. Cal has also promised to bring back more UK alumni to Rupp that night.

This is a once in a lifetime experience and Sportsthat plans on being there. Where other than UK can you see a an exhibition of this magnitude and grandeur during the off season? Not at Duke, not at Kansas, not at North Carolina and certainly not at Louisville. This is why we say we are the greatest college basketball program of all time.

Tickets are dirt cheap and range from $15 to $25. Get your popcorn ready. On to the News:

-The NFL free agent spree has been ridiculous. In short, here is what we have so far: Donovan McNabb to the Vikings, Albert Haynesworth to the Patriots, Tavaris Jackson to the Seahawks, Matt Hassellback to the Titans, Kevin Kolb is reportedly going to the Cardinals and Plaxico Burress will probably end up a Steeler or a Giant. Whewwwww!!! That's just to name a few and there will be more to come. Thank you, NFL.

-The saga of the Derrrick Locke to the NFL continued yesterday. Locke was initially signed with the Vikings. He then failed the physical and was then resigned by the Eagles. Did Locke do this on purpose in order to have a chance on a team in which he has a better chance of playing? Probably not but I would like to think he was smart enough to do that.

-Joker Phillips and Charlie Strong were both at the Governor's Cup cocktail party last night and will be live on the Courier Journal's website at 12:30. I will watch it and give you the details.

-The stars were out (sort of) at the cocktail party. The party was at the Henry Clay in Louisville. The celebrities representing the Cards were Lee Corso, Joe Jacoby and Tom Jackson. Tim Couch and Freddy Maggard were there for the Cats. Lee Corso is a big fan of the rivalry game and Tim Couch voiced that he wished the game was played as the first game for both teams every year.

-Couch also threw in a tid-bit of trivia that I had forgotten about. The Cats won the first ever game played in Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium in 1998. The score was a blistering 68-34. The Cats own the series 14-9, including 4 in a row. 51 Days until the game.

-The top quarterback prospect in the nation, yes the top prospect in the USA, has decided to go to Indiana to play football. Yes, Indiana. A team that has not made a bowl game in about 20 years. His name is Gunner Kiel and he is from Indiana but that does not excuse him from trying to ruin his college career by going to play for the dreadful Hoosiers. Kiel spurned Oklahoma, Alabama and Missouri to go to IU. To be fair, IU's new coach, Kevin Wilson, groomed QB's such as Sam Bradford at Oklahoma. At least Gunner didn't go to Louisville.

-Carlos Beltran was traded to the Giants. This made the World Series defending champs World Series contenders again.

That was a lot. I'm done for now. I just started watching Mad Men on Streaming Netfilx and I am adicted. I'm going to continue that now. I'll be back later to update the Phillips/Strong presser. Later dudes.

Terrell Pryor's Exile: News and Notes

Top 'O the Mornin' to Ya! We start today off with a bit of justice for Terrell Pryor. The shamed Ohio State quarterback has been banished by his football team and entire athletic program for five years.

OSU is trying to curb an NCAA smack down by being proactive and imposing it's own sanctions in the hopes that the NCAA does not take away scholarships or impose any further punishments. This all sounds noble and right. Wrong.

If one looks further at this, the reason the Buck Eyes are doing this to Pryor is so that he will be able for the NFL supplemental draft. A player is not allowed in the supplemental draft unless he has no chance of returning to the university. Pryor was only suspended for 5 games in the original punishment, which meant that he could return to Ohio State if he wanted. Now, OSU has made that impossible with the hopes that Pryor game finally get paid to play football. Legally.

On to the News:

-Let's start off with some NFL. The Vikings are losing a QB and gaining one. Word on the street is that Tavaris Jackson will sign with the Seahawks and that Donovan McNabb will sign with the Vikes. Minnesota lost an aging gunslinger in Brett Favre only to gain another with McNabb. If you recall, McNabb was shown the boot in Philly, went to the Redskins, benched for Rex Grossman (!), and routinely embarrassed by coach Mike Shannahan. McNabb has some football left in him, good pick up by the Vikes.


-Monster Mash and I are looking to buy tickets to the UK All Stars Vs. the Dominican Republic National team. It's been a while since we went on a road trip and this sounds like it will be a doozy. Stay tuned.

-A number of ex-football Cats were signed to NFL teams yesterday. Derrick Locke went to the Vikings, Ricky Lumpkin went to the Cardinals, Chris Matthews went to the Browns and Mike Hartline, Dequinn Evans is with the Bengals, the thorn in the side of every Louisville Cardinal, signed with the Colts. Keep that bench warm Mike, Peyton Manning is gunning to break Favre's all time consecutive starts record.

-Joker Phillips was all over ESPN yesterday with some other SEC coaches. Joker went on Sportscenter, College Football Live and Scott Van Pelt just to name a few. Joker brought the thunder.


-6-7 2011 recruit T.J. Warren narrowed his choices down to Kentucky and Louisville among others. Warren said he is expected to be at Big Blue Madness. He also said Louisville is like the ugly girl that asks a hot guy to the prom. He just doesn't want to hurt their feelings and is trying to be nice.

-I think one or two Louisville football players were picked up yesterday. I'm not sure. I really don't care, they suck and will get cut.

That's all for now. I will be back later in the evening with another post. But only if you are good.

Can Strong handle the Louisville fan Hype?

When Charlie Strong was hired on as Louisville's head coach there were cheers heard all through the city. Steve Kragthorpe, the coach who had taken a once tough program down the tubes, was gone and a new Sheriff was in town.

There were reasons for excitement. Strong was coming from Florida, a team where he orchestrated the defenses for a multi-time national champion and had recruited names like Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes. Louisville fans were looking to Strong to rebuild their once illustrious (this adjective can be argued) football program.

In year one the hype was big but subdued. Strong had a lot of seniors coming back, including two at quarterback and one big time senior running back, and had an easy schedule in the Big East. Fans expected a win in the first game against the Wildcats but were disheartened as the Cats took some of the shine off of Strong's suit of armor and defeated him in his first game as head coach.

As the season went on Louisville lost to every team that they were supposed to lose to, beat the teams they were supposed to beat, but they did not upset or surprise anybody. They were mediocre and eked out a come behind bowl victory against the Mighty Southern Miss Eagles in the illustrious Beef O'Brady's Bowl. The swagger was back in Duh Ville.

One would think that after the so-so season that the Cards had, and the loss of about 30 seniors, that Louisville fans would bring their expectations down a bit. Not so fast my friend. The fan base is more talkative than ever despite the fact that the Cards have no offensive line to speak of, 2 foot tall Will Stein at QB, questions on defense, and a young receiver core.

Many fans are pointing to Strong's recruits to become stars. Look, this is college football, not college basketball. It is much more difficult for a rookie to come in and make an impact on a team in football than it is in basketball unless that player is all world like Bo Jackson. Teddy Bridgewater is not going to be all world this year and not even next year. Please start him at Commonwealth stadium on September 17th. That would be a great idea.

As I look at the Cardinal football schedule I see them going 5-7 and missing out on a bowl game as well as losing to UK for a fifth straight year. The fact is that I do not see Strong as that great of a head coach. He made very questionable calls last year, like running the Wildcard even though they did not have the personell to do it and continuing to stick with Adam Froman despite the fact that he sucked awfully bad.

The question is, how will the Louisville fan base react when Strong's second year is a step back rather than a step forward? Their braggadocio will not be hindered, we all know that much. But will they continue to hype Strong as Lombardi, Bryant and Paterno all rolled into one? Will they still think he can walk on water?

The answer is no. Nobody will be calling for his job but many will start to question the man's invincibility. Strong will be given a pass this season because he is still "playing with Kragthorpe's guys." But time will be running out for using Kragthorpe as the whipping boy, something the fans love to do.

Even Strong's tough stance on academics and player conduct policies have already been tarnished. Louisville football was put on probation because of a horrendous grade report in the classroom. Of course that was Kragthorpe's fault even though he is no longer there.

We were also given the examples of Darius Ashley being arrested for a DUI twice under Strong's watch and being allowed to stay on the team in both cases as well as brothers Isaac Geffrad and Jacob Geffrad being charged with assault in November of 2010 for beating up a fellow teammate in the Louisville locker room. Looks like Strong's Cardinal Virtues are not taking effect like he wants them too.

This is not an indictment on Charlie Strong. I like him, he is a great recruiter, a great motivator, a great coordinator, and I think one day he might be a good coach. But Louisville fans have put some lofty expectations on him and I just don't see him delivering what they want to see.

This will be the year that the Charlie Strong Love parade will be rained on a little bit. If he does not produce what the fans think he can produce in year three, then watch for it to be rained out completely.

Locke, Matthews and Lumpkin are Pros

The long wait is over for former Cats Derrick Locke, Ricky Lumpkin and Chris Matthews. All three have signed with NFL teams.

Derrick Locke is running to catch up to Adrian Peterson with the Vikings, Chris Matthews is looking to catch some passes from Colt McCoy with the Browns and Ricky Lumpkin will be joining Darnell Dockett on the Cardinals D-Line.

Congrats to all of them and here is to hoping some more good NFL players from UK. I am especially excited to see Matthews in Cleveland, for I am a Browns fan. Don't judge me, jerks.

Desmond Allison: News and Notes

The News and Notes for today will start off a little somber as we remember former Wildcat Desmond Allison. Desomond was found murdered in Ohio and the details are still murky on what happened. There was an argument involving two women and that is about all we know.

Allison was a part of one of Tubby Smith's first big recruiting classes that included Tayshaun Prince. Allison was dismissed as a sophomore due to a DUI bust and marijuana possession. He was averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds at the time.

It's sad when anyone dies, especially a former Wildcat. On to the News:

-Dick Vitale released his preseason rankings. He has the Cats as #2 overall (UNC #1) and Louisville at #9. As far as conference rankings he has the Cats atop the SEC but has Louisville at #3 in the Big East behind Syracuse and UConn. See the rankings here. I find nothing wrong with these rankings except the fact that Louisville is in the top 10. Why the hell are they in the top 10?

-Jodie Meeks will be joining John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe in facing the Dominican National team in August. Where can I get tickets, where can I get tickets and where can I get tickets? This is going to be amazing.

-Rick Pitino continued saying dumb things. Not only did he say that Kyle Kuric is now "unguardable", but he also said that Peyton Siva will for sure go pro after this season because he is that good (John Wall and Brandon Knight beg to differ) and that Angel Nunez is the second coming of Francisco Garcia, only better. Pitino really needs to stop setting his players up for failure. Mike Marra is somewhere sighing with relief that his name wasn't mentioned in Pitino's lunatic rant.

-The Cats opened up as an 8 point favorite of Louisville in their showdown in Commonwealth stadium on September 17. I think this is a dead on spread. More on that in a bit.

-Our government is leading us headlong into an financial Apocalypse. It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.

-Joker Phillips will be all over ESPN today doing shows, interviews and a "car wash". I'm not sure what that entails but I am sure it will be entertaining. It is good to see Kentucky football getting some national publicity. Charlie Strong will be on MSNBC's "Lock Up: The Dirty Birds of Duh Ville" if anyone is interested.

Come back later when I explain why the Charlie Strong lovefest will take a major hit this year with Louisville fans. It's going to be a good one.

Terrence Jones is #4 and Jay Cutler is on the Market

Jay Cutler dumped this hot blond. Your move, Monster Mash.

Kentucky sophomore power-forward Terrence Jones checks in at #4 on the Basketball Prospectus list of the top 100 players in college basketball next year.

Jones is going to benefit from another year under Calipari, more talent, more experience and more muscle. Jones is going to have some big time help under the basket from Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

We all remember that Jones started off last season looking like the best player in all of college basketball before tapering off a bit. I think the reason for this is that Brandon knight became more familiar running the team and they did not have to rely on Jones as much. Plus, he stopped being a selfish Mother F***er and shared the ball with his team. Jones turned into a guy more concerned with defense and rebounding rather than scoring. I think he will have plenty of chances to mater all three this season.

In other news, Jay Cutler has broken off his engagement to talentless D list "celebrity" Kristen Cavalier (that's really not her last name). I think this is a good move for Cutler. Maybe now he can focus on playing football and not faking injuries in a HUGE playoff game so he can end the season early so that he can go on vacation with a smokin' hot blond.

Also, the Brett Favre rumors that he will play at Philadelphia in a back up role have begun. You've been warned.