The Esso Club

Our first entry in the Thirst and 10 contest is a strong one. Check out the Esso Club in Clemson, celebrating its 75th year of satisfying thirsty customers. (Click the images for a closer look.)

It started as a gas station in the 1920s and possesses the oldest beer license in town, dating to Dec. 5, 1933. The good times started mere hours after the end of prohibition and the business actually pumped gas until 1985, according to Wikipedia. We can imagine it took some customers several hours to fill their tanks. ...

The main bar is topped with the original wooden seating from Clemson's Memorial Stadium. As legend has it, Brent Musburger stops in for a cold one when he's in town.

Ryan of the site, Gobbler Country, paid a visit to the Esso Club last October for Virginia Tech's game against the Tigers. But despite the tradition and uniqueness of the Esso, he was not all that impressed.
"I would be surprised if the Esso Club loses the vote," he writes. "It has the history and the name recognition. However, I was a little disappointed when I went there last year. I think it's because I had it built up in my mind."

Have something to say about the Esso? Fire away in comments.

Girls, Girls, Girls

Social networking sites have absolutely no redeeming value. You certainly don't want to waste time on the Wiz Facebook page and the new photo album, "Good Cheer." It's Monday and work is already piled up on the corner of your desk. So just move along.

Another Heisman Close Encounter?

Florida's Tim Tebow and Missouri's Chase Daniel shared this — dare we say — touching moment at last year's Heisman Trophy ceremony. Let's hope they had some privacy later to really express their feelings for each other. ...

Now if things go according to plan this fall, Tebow and Daniel will be back on the big stage in New York for the Heisman ceremony. They are among the early favorites to win the award, according to odds posted at Bodog.

Tebow is 7/2 and Daniel is 8/1 (at the time of this post). Ohio State's Chris Wells is a sparkling 5/1, the same odds given to a pick on the field.

The following players are 10/1: Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) and Pat White (West Virginia).

Others of note: Colt McCoy of Texas and Percy Harvin of Florida are 25/1. Ian Johnson of Boise State is 35/1. Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame (he of seven touchdown passes and six interceptions in 2007) is 50/1. Armanti Edwards of Appalachian State is 100/1.

Edwards Shows Rich Rod Who Is No. 1

Braylon Edwards has solved his No. 1 problem.

To refresh, the Cleveland Browns receiver endowed a $500,000 scholarship for the Wolverine player who wears No. 1. That jersey number has been given to a receiver since 1979, and Edwards was one of the players to proudly wear No. 1.

Then word leaked that freshman defensive back J.T. Floyd was spotted wearing No. 1 this spring. Edwards expressed his displeasure with Rich Rodriguez in a radio interview.

But on Saturday night, Edwards spoke with Rich Rod at the "Champions for Children's Hearts" dinner gala at Crisler Arena.

Said Edwards: "Everything has been taken care of ... You don't break tradition. I don't care who you are or what school it is, you don't break tradition. You could come in here and completely revamp everything, change the coaching staff, you could change the uniforms, change a lot of stuff, but you don't change tradition. The No. 1 is one of our oldest, most storied traditions here — don't change it."

OK, then. Glad we got that settled.

Rich Rod also addressed Crewcut Charlie Weis' "to hell with Michigan" comment.

"We've taken a lot of shots in the last few months," he said. "If you want to take another one, you're going to have to stand in line. But I don't get caught up in that stuff too much."

Time for Rooney Rule in College Football?

There are 120 head coaching jobs in Division I-A and only six African Americans head coaches.

"In this day and age, it's a shame and an embarrassment," Washington's Tyrone Willingham said. "We've gone too long with the numbers the way they are. We have to change what we're doing. The good ol' boy network is alive and well."

In the NFL, where the Rooney Rule mandates that teams interview minority candidates for head coaching opportunities, five of 32 head coaches are African American.

"We need to find a way to get qualified minority coaches in front of the search committees, the athletic directors, the presidents," Willingham said.

"It's not so much about hiring; it's about creating opportunities. And it's about hiring the right people."

Thanks to Image of Sport.

Reporters' Notebooks

The Big Lead: Despite the recent arrest of standout receiver Preston Parker, Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden doesn't sound ready to institute a gun ban for the players in his program.

Alan Schmadtke, Orlando Sentinel: East Carolina and Memphis are not going anywhere, certainly not to the Big East in the immediate future. And conference realignment is not on the horizon.

Suzanne Halliburton, Austin American-Statesman: Penn State's Joe Paterno was his feisty self Friday night during a fundraiser in Austin. "Yesterday, I didn't think this event was getting enough press," he said. "I decided to go to the hospital and see if I could spruce it up a bit. I feel good."

Ian R. Rapoport, Birmingham News: All is well in the world of Alabama football. Crimson Tide Sports Marketing has reached a 10-year deal with Coca-Cola for it to be the official soft drink of the Crimson Tide.

Dennis Dodd, CBS Sports: Florida State president T.K. Wetherell has it right. College football will have a playoff.

Michael Murphy, Houston Chronicle: UCLA and Houston have agreed to a three-game series beginning in 2010, with two of the games at the Rose Bowl.

Brian Bennett, Louisville Courier-Journal: Senior running back George Stripling was dismissed from the Louisville team because of an undisclosed violation of team rules. He played in 34 career games for the Cardinals, finishing with 1,338 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Kyle Tucker, Virginian-Pilot: Peter Rose, a star quarterback and recent Virginia Tech signee, is facing felony drug charges after being busted in an undercover police investigation.

Ryan Finley, Arizona Daily Star: Arizona's Mike Stoops supports the new sideline rule and vows he will not be penalized for it.

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Is Nick Saban "getting around" the rules? Far from it. And have you had enough of the Rich Rodriguez story yet?

Paul Finebaum, Mobile Press-Register: Jacksonville State coach Jack Crowe has just sold his soul for a quarterback.

Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinal: NFL referee Bill Carollo, who has officiated two Super Bowls and was an alternate for a third, is the new Big Ten coordinator of officials.

Detroit Free Press: Michigan State backup quarterback Connor Dixon has been granted a release from his scholarship.

Brian Dohn, L.A. Dialy News: Kai Maiava, who was a fullback at Colorado, is transferring to UCLA, where he will become an offensive lineman.

Craig Smith, Seattle Times: Jailed Washington State safety Xavier Hicks has lost his chance for early release because he violated work-release rules.

A.J. Carr, Raleigh News & Observer: North Carolina linebacker Wesley Flagg has been kicked off the team.

Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle: A Q&A with NCAA president Myles Brand.

Safety Wanted to Expand His Coverage

An embarrassing incident for Purdue safety Torri Williams, who was arrested Wednesday and charged with theft in connection to a shoplifting incident at a Lafayette grocery store.

His alleged crime? Stealing condoms from a Pay Less Super Market on May 7.

Williams, a senior, is due in court June 9 to answer to the misdemeanor charge. In the meantime, he has been suspended by Boilermaker coach Joe Tiller "for conduct detrimental to the squad."

This is not the first time Williams has been in trouble. In December he pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was sentenced to 364 days of unsupervised probation, terms of which require that he maintain good and lawful behavior.

Introducing Thirst and 10

Simply put, we're looking for the best bars to get a buzz on before (during?) and after games. This is a bar-only category and there are ground rules. The establishment must be within crawling distance of the stadium (because as we all know, it's not cool to drink and drive). It must feature cheap booze, hot looking waitresses (or waiters if that's your thing), bathrooms and indoor plumbing.

You can send your nominations to dawizofodds (at) aol.com, or post them in the comments below. Tell us why an establishment is worthy of entry. We're looking for places of character (no corporate shops). If the joint has a layer of grime, even better.

And once again, it must be within a reasonable distance of the stadium. We will post entries that qualify and when finished, our panel of experts will cut the field to 10. Then you, the voting public, will select a winner. The bar crawl begins Monday. Cheers!

Airing It Out

Join your humble webmaster early Saturday morning on "Sports Overnight America," which can be heard over the Sports Byline USA Radio Network. The fun starts just after midnight in the Pacific time zone. Listen to the show live by clicking here and give us a call at 800-878-7529.

Reporters' Notebooks

Phil Stukenborg, Memphis Commercial Appeal: That talk about Memphis joining the Big East is just that — talk. Tiger athletic director R.C. Johnson said, "I have had no meetings with the Big East."

Dave Hickman, Charleston Gazette: Unless Notre Dame is in the process of leaving the Big East, Memphis won't be joining anytime soon.

Jeff McLane, Philadelphia Inquirer: Joe Paterno was taken to a hospital after complaining of nausea, weakness and fatigue. It was determined that the 81-year-old coach was suffering from dehydration.

Michael Rothstein, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: Crewcut Charlie Weis continues to have his name dragged into Spygate. It appears he was a key player the New England Patriots' illegal taping practices.

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Why can't the Atlantic Coast Conference play its title game in the Georgia Dome? The Southeastern Conference is the main reason. Plus, the NCAA puts bowls on notice. There might not be enough 6-6 teams to go around.

Randy Kennedy, Mobile Press-Register: The ACC is severing its ties with the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise after the 2008 season and is looking to land a spot in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile beginning in 2009.

Brian Davis, Dallas Morning News: About 70% of coaches favor an early signing date, according to a survey by the American Football Coaches Association.

Michael Grant, Louisville Courier-Journal: Rising costs have forced Louisville to scale back its expansion of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

Jerry Hill, Waco Tribune-Herald: Baylor's opener at home against Wake Forest was moved from Aug. 30 to Thursday, Aug. 28.

Craig Smith, Seattle Times: Jailed Washington State safety Xavier Hicks has violated terms of his work-release agreement.

Here is today's mystery link. Thanks to Gordon Keith.

Rich Rod Wanted Wife to Write Features

More goodies from Rich Rodriguez's deposition, thanks to the efforts of Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press.

Rich Rod said he planned an expansion of his website at West Virginia to provide "inside information" as a fundraiser for projects that were not getting the support that the coach wanted. The idea appeared similar to Dennis Franchione's VIP Connections newsletter, which paved the way for Fran's ouster at Texas A&M.

Rich Rod wanted to charge $90 a year for the inside information, which would have included goodies such as human interest features written by his wife, Rita.

The coach also dodged repeated attempts to find out if someone from Michigan would fork over the $4 million to West Virginia if Rich Rod were to lose the lawsuit. Rodriguez was instructed not to answer those questions by his attorney, Marv Robon.

Report: Memphis, Big East Are Talking

Memphis officials have been "in serious talks with the Big East about joining the conference," according to Matt Stark of WHBQ-TV in Memphis.

Stark's report is based on unnamed sources and offers no other details. Earlier this week, a column by Desmond Conner of the Hartford Courant suggested that East Carolina had expressed interest in joining the Big East, which has only eight football playing members but a full slate of 16 teams in basketball.

Memphis, like East Carolina, is a member of Conference USA, the league the Big East raided in 2003 after losing Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida were the football playing members of Conference USA that jumped to the Big East.

Will Perrilloux, Ray Ray Be Teammates?

Former Louisiana State quarterback Ryan Perrilloux made it official Wednesday, announcing that he would be transferring to I-AA Jacksonville State, where he will be eligible to play this fall.

Perrilloux also said he had been in contact with former Clemson running back Ramon "Ray Ray McElrathbey, pictured above, and former Texas El Paso and Florida State receiver Fred Rouse about joining him at the Alabama school. Jacksonville State coach Jack Crowe said he had received releases that would enable him to talk with both players and that he would do his "due diligence" to investigate both.

McElrathbey, who gained national fame for taking custody of his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr in 2006, did not have his scholarship renewed by Clemson's Tommy Bowden. McElrathbey has two years of eligibility remaining.

In Tennessee, This Is How They Roll

The driver of this truck patterns their life after the Volunteers. Thanks to Losers With Socks.

Reporters' Notebooks

Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fresno State has turned down an offer to play Wisconsin in 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Instead, the teams will play at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

Michael Rothstein, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: Crewcut Charlie Weis had his name dragged into the New England Patriots' illegal taping practices.

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN.com: Big Ten coaches hope to spearhead a proposal that would add a two-week dead period each summer to the NCAA's recruiting calendar.

Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune: Illinois' Ron Zook has found his own way around the "Saban Rule." He is speaking at high school coaching clinics — six in all. "It's one-stop shopping," the Zooker said.

Kevin Tatum, Philadelphia Inquirer: For the first time since it expanded to 12 teams and split into two divisions in 1997, the Mid-American Conference will go by overall league records to decide its divisional championships.

Mike Casazza, Charleston Daily Mail: West Virginia quarterback Patrick White has apparently thrown his support behind Barack Obama.

Steven M. Sipple, Lincoln Journal Star: The bruised relationship between Frank Solich and Nebraska could be on the mend.

Andrew Logue, Des Moines Register: Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said his home was vandalized three times last year after he recommended hiring Kevin Lykins, a Baptist pastor from Texas, as a life skills assistant.

Scott Dochterman, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Iowa State's preliminary renovation timeline for Jack Trice Stadium was released accidentally to the public.

Frank Dascenzo, Durham Herald-Sun: Nobody should question the number of good players in the Atlantic Coast Conference. But it seems perfectly legitimate to question how many really good teams the league has.

Tim Stephens, Orlando Sentinel: Five years later, remembering the raid of the Big East by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times: USC has reached an agreement to play home games at the L.A. Coliseum for at least the next 25 years.

Chris Foster, Los Angeles Times: Osaar Rasshan will become the third UCLA quarterback to have surgery in the past month. He will have his left knee worked on, but is expected to be ready for fall camp.

Craig Smith, Seattle Times: Xavier Hicks, the Washington State safety who put rubbing alcohol in the contact lens case of former teammate-roommate Grady Maxwell after a dispute over an unpaid cable bill, will be suspended for the first three games of the season.

Terry Bannon, Chicago Tribune: Former Illinois player Jody Ellis pleaded guilty to felony theft in Champaign County Circuit Court and was sentenced to 120 days in jail and 30 months of probation.

Ryan Autullo, Toledo Blade: Former Bowling Green captain Loren Hargrove and a former Falcon teammate were arrested on felony drug trafficking charges.

To bypass registration, go to Bug Me Not. Here is today's mystery link. Thanks to SI On Campus.

Arkansas, Kentucky Also Called Rich Rod

Some juicy tidbits were made public Tuesday with the release of Rich Rodriguez's deposition in the lawsuit brought against the Michigan coach by his former employer, West Virginia.

The lengthy document, which you can review by clicking here, makes note of a conversation Rodriguez had on Dec. 11 with Arkansas about its opening. Rich Rod dismissed the school after a brief phone conversation.

There is also mention of his rejection of Alabama in December 2006 and an earlier conversation he had with Kentucky.

Previously, it was thought Rich Rod's first contact with Michigan came during a face-to-face meeting on Dec. 14 in Toledo. But according to the coach, Wolverine athletic director Bill Martin was in the Toledo area on Dec. 12 to meet with Rodriguez's financial adviser, Mike Wilcox.

Rich Rod also talked about his call to Terrelle Pryor on Dec. 16 to tell the prep quarterback that he was taking the Michigan job. Rodriguez said the call was actually placed by Tony Gibson, his recruiting coordinator, and that he got on the phone "two minutes before the team." Rodriguez said the call was made on behalf of West Virginia and that it wasn't a recruiting call for Michigan.

Leak Sells Off His Title Feat

The shoes quarterback Chris Leak wore in the 2007 Bowl Championship Series title game have been put up for auction on eBay, with a buy it now price of $10,000.
A memorabilia company purchased the shoes from Leak. The quarterback signed each shoe and wrote "Game Worn BCS Title Game 2006" on the each toe. Leak is pictured below wearing the shoes in the game.
The memorabilia company also purchased the helmet Leak wore during the Army All-American game in 2003. This item has a buy it now price of $2,500.
Leak, who was the MVP of the game, also signed the helmet.
It has been a bizarre couple of weeks in Gainesville, starting with word that Leak's successor, Tim Tebow, recently helped circumcise impoverished children in the Philippines.

Last Friday, Florida safety Jamar Hornsby was kicked off the team after he was charged with credit card theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. The card in question belonged to a Florida student who died in an October 2007 motorcycle accident that also claimed the life of walk-on defensive back Michael Guilford.

Last weekend, offensive lineman Matt Patchan was shot in a shoulder during an incident at a park in Tampa. Patchan's injury is not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Thanks to Losers With Socks and Swamp Gas.

Andrews Talks About Those Creepy Blogs

A couple of clips from Erin Andrews' appearance on CNBC's "The Big Idea With Donny Deutsch." In the top clip, Andrews talks about blogs and the creep factor. In the bottom clip, she discusses how she got her first broadcasting break with TBS. Thanks to the Sports Point and Awful Announcing.

Average Margin of Victory on Rise in BCS

The Big Lead has posted additional statistical analysis backing the claim that the Bowl Championship Series is falling far short of its stated goal "to match the two top-rated teams in a national championship game and to create exciting and competitive matchups between eight other highly regarded teams in four other games."

Max Wasserman, a student at Cornell, compared the margin of victory of every Rose, Fiesta, Sugar and Orange bowls from the past 30 seasons, the last 10 of which have been under the BCS system. Outside of the Fiesta Bowl, the average margin of victory has increased by at least two points in the 10 years under the BCS.

Crappy games equal crappy TV ratings. No wonder there was a sharp decline in viewership of four of the five Bowl Championship Series games this past season.
The Rose Bowl had a 32-point margin of victory and saw a ratings drop of 20%. The Sugar, with a 31-point spread, dropped 25%. The BCS title game (spread of 14) dropped 17% and the Fiesta (20-point margin) dropped 8%. Only the Orange Bowl, a competitive game with a three-point spread, saw an increase in its rating at 6%.

Wasserman also compared the average margin of victory in the 10 BCS title games to the average from the past 30 I-AA title games. The BCS games averaged 14.5 points and the I-AA games 12.87.

Wasserman writes: "Just goes to show that if you want the best chance of having the truly best teams play for the championship, have a playoff. It’s better for everyone and everything. Except the Rose Bowl."

Thanks to Image of Sport.

Reporters' Notebooks

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times: A USC "spoof" video featuring Brennan Carroll, son of USC coach Pete Carroll, has been pulled off YouTube. UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel reportedly was showing the video to recruits because he thought it reflected negatively on USC's program.

Jake Schaller, Colorado Springs Gazette: The U.S. Army is reviewing its "Alternative Service Option" program that allows West Point graduates to play professional sports immediately after graduation. The program is not in place at the Naval or Air Force academics.

Ken Tysiac, Charlotte Observer: The Atlantic Coach Conference said no to a proposal to add a ninth conference game. Coaches were firmly against the proposal.

Get the Picture: If you want to watch the 1947 Sugar Bowl between Georgia and North Carolina or the 1943 Rose Bowl between Georgia and UCLA, those games are now online.

Dennis Dodd, CBS Sports: Trickle-down economics appear to work in the coaching fraternity. Coordinators are cashing in and salaries of other assistants are on the rise as well.

Marc Morehouse, Cedar Rapids Gazette: You think it's easy putting together a cushy nonconference schedule featuring Maine and Florida International? An Iowa official explains how it's done.

Drew Edwards, Knoxville News-Sentinel: Junior receiver Kenny O'Neal is leaving Tennessee.

Mike Kern, Philadelphia Daily News: This is the most anticipated season for Temple since, well, feel free to fill in the blank.

Here is today's mystery link (not safe for work).

No Limit to This Roster

Although the NCAA limit of 85 has been met on the Wiz Facebook page, it doesn't mean the fun has come to a grinding halt. Far from it. We subscribe to the Nick Saban school of thinking and will simply add as many people as possible. If one of the 85 happens to pull a hamstring or — worse yet — a groin, it's next man in. So join us in this growing corner of cyberspace. You could soon find yourself on a full-ride Facebook scholarship.

Is East Carolina Knocking on Big East Door?

A few years ago after a raid by the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big East's membership in the Bowl Championship Series country club was being questioned.

Now the eight-member Big East is snubbing its nose at teams that want to join its BCS party. Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese said outside of a few coaches wanting to add a ninth member, conference presidents and athletic directors are against expansion.

"Schools aren't talking to me and I'm not talking to anybody," Tranghese said. "People [from schools interested in joining] call me and I tell them I'm not talking because I'm not authorized. Plus our people have no interest. You get your board members, fans, it's incredible. I have told anybody and everybody it's not happening. Don't bother me."

So who has expressed an interest in joining the Big East? East Carolina and coach Skip Holtz, according to Desmond Conner of the Hartford Courant. And the Pirates would be willing to take extreme measures to gain entrance:

• Play a conference football schedule with zero compensation from the Big East so current members don't have to give up any of their share of revenue.

• Be responsible for negotiating a television contract for home games until the league wants the school to be a part of its package.

• Not expect any of the league's BCS revenue until earning a BCS bid of its own representing the conference.

• Come in as a football member only. Other sports would play in another league in order to not interfere with the league's current 16-member setup for all other sports.

• Show a solid track record of putting fans in the seats at home, on the road and at bowl games — all on a trial basis for a few years.

"We would agree to all of that and others," one prominent East Carolina supporter told Conner.

Thanks to the Business of College Football for sending this item our way.

They're Drinking the Kool-Aid at SMU

Forget about June Jones the football coach. June Jones the salesman has them buying at Southern Methodist.

Then again, coming off a 1-11 season, what are the options?

"Everybody that's come to practice talks about how much fun everybody's having," freshman quarterback Logan Turner said. "Guys want to be out there. We're having fun and we're learning at the same time. We know these guys have been successful."

Junior receiver Emmanuel Sanders said he told Jones, "You play college football like a video game."

"It's just very complex, and it's very fun," Sanders told the Dallas Morning News. "He plays a mind game with the opposing defense. They'll never figure out what he's throwing at them."

The positive vibes start with Jones. "I've noticed a change from day one to now," he said. "They're getting used to what we're about and how we coach. I'm confident the way we do it works."

Reporters' Notebooks

Ken Tysiac, Charlotte Observer: A team from the Atlantic Coast Conference hasn't played in the Bowl Championship Series title game since 2000, but officials point to the recent NFL draft for a validation of the quality of play in the league. Miami athletic director Paul Dee says the Hurricanes' move to the Orange Bowl should help revive the program, which is a disappointing 12-13 the past two seasons.

Jeff Call, Deseret News: Running back Manase Tonga, who was Brigham Young's second-leading rusher in 2007, has been ruled academically ineligible for 2008.

Tom D'Angelo, Palm Beach Post: Florida State's Preston Parker could be back on the field this fall if his attorney can get a felony charge for carrying a concealed firearm reduced to a misdemeanor.

Greg Wallace, Anderson Independent-Mail: Clemson showed clear confidence in Tommy Bowden by extending his contract after Arkansas came calling last fall. But, if he can’t get the job done with this group, many will wonder why.

Joseph Person, Columbia State: Steve Spurrier on his team: "We're like our mascot. The gamecock is an animal ... that fights until it's dead. The Gamecocks, we dang sure aren't dead yet. We have a lot of fight in us going to next year."

Nick Williams, Tampa Tribune: Florida offensive lineman Matt Patchan was shot in a shoulder during an incident Friday night. He is expected to make a full recovery. Thanks to the Bull Gator.

Tennessean: Sales of season tickets for Vanderbilt games are up nearly 18% from this time last year.

Ryan Finley, Arizona Daily Star: Arizona's Mike Stoops plans to move fall training camp out of Tucson for three or four days to give his team a break and generate interest in nearby towns.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Sophomore receiver Tray Herndon has been granted his release by Minnesota. He had 22 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown in 2007.

Gutty Little Bruins: Video of Slick Rick Neuheisel schmoozing recruits at UCLA's spring scrimmage.

Eleven Warriors: Jason Simmons, a former captain at Ohio State who was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of sexual battery.

Andrew Martin, Ohio State Lantern: Ohio State fans need to get a life.

To bypass registration, go to Bug Me Not. Here is today's great mystery link. Thanks to Randball.

And this note: If you've been touched by the devastating cyclone in Myanmar, the tornadoes in Oklahoma, Missouri and the Midwest, storms in the Southeast, wildfires in California & Florida and earthquakes in China, not to mention the everyday needs in our own communities, please check FanBlogs or EDSBS for the Charity Bowl, where you can show your team colors.

Coaching Salaries Are Ridiculous

Little wonder that Americans think spending on college sports is out of control. California coach Jeff Tedford, for example, had a .500 team in 2007 that earned a berth to the insignificant Armed Forces Bowl, where it squeaked past Air Force, 42-36, to finish 7-6.

Despite the disappointing season, Tedford cashed in, earning $2.8 million.

Back in Berkeley, the university continued its struggles to maintain academic programs.

Daniel Borenstein of the Contra Costa Times writes:

"Yet, the university continues to subsidize intercollegiate sports at Cal, last year by $6.4 million.

"If athletic departments can afford such rich salaries, perhaps it's time to eliminate the subsidy, or even reverse the flow and use some of the sports profits to offset the cost of badly needed programs elsewhere on campus.

"The subsidy, for example, could pay for roughly 45 full-time Cal instructors."

Although Tedford is the highest-paid employee in California's educational system, he has friends at the top. Ben Howland, UCLA basketball coach, pulled in $1.41 million in 2007. Ben Braun, former Cal basketball coach, had a salary of $1.07 million. And Karl Dorrell, ousted as UCLA football coach, had a salary of $961,687. The four were the top earners in the California system.

Thanks to Image of Sport.

Building of Hayes Statue Is Stalled

Woody Hayes is an Ohio State legend, having won three national championships and 13 Big Ten titles in 28 seasons as coach. Although the university dedicated the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in his memory, a movement by students to build a statue of the coach is stalled.

Over a year ago, a ballot measure to build the statue — estimated at more than $30,000 — was approved by students, but completion of the project seems unlikely because of the expense.

"Just because a proposal is passed does not mean it is going to be a top priority for the [student] administration in charge," said Pete Steele, former Undergraduate Student Government vice president.

USG Sen. Patrick Sprinkle said: "We have not been able to get additional support from various campus groups. In future years, I would like to see USG, the Alumni Association, the Department of Athletics and the Class Gift Committee collaborate to see this statue idea get off the ground."

A Cover Curse for NCAA Football?

You've likely heard of the Madden Curse, where an NFL player that appears on the cover of the video game suffers a subpar performance the following season. Is there such a hex for NCAA Football?

The blog Bears With Fangs tackles the question, rating covers from 1998 (Danny Wuerffel) to 2008 (Jared Zabransky).

Reporters' Notebooks

Bob Hertzel, Times West Virginian: Rich Rodriguez's decision to give the revered No. 1 jersey at Michigan to a defensive back comes as no surprise. He controlled everything at West Virginia, except the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh.

Pat Harty, Iowa City Press-Citizen: Have Iowa officials gone too far by approving a social networking policy that will force student-athletes to adhere to guidelines on public networking sites?

Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News: Joe Paterno on his future and how it impacts recruiting: "If a kid asks, 'Are you going to be there?,' I tell him exactly how I feel. I say, 'Look, I don't know if I'm going to be here the three, four or five years you're going to be here. But I feel great and I intend to coach as long as I feel good.' ''

Greg Stoda, Palm Beach Post: The "head coach in waiting" arrangement at Florida State might not go as smoothly as advertised should Bobby Bowden decide to coach beyond 2008.

Jake Trotter, Oklahoman: Former Oklahoma coach John Blake is hoping he'll be offered another shot to lead a college program.

Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News: Is Louisiana State better without quarterback Ryan Perrilloux? Maybe one day, but in the short-term, the Tigers are in for a world of hurt.

Mitch Vingle, Charleston Gazette: Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese explains why he was opposed to the plus-one system for the Bowl Championship Series. "Our view is we're open to talking about anything. But the plus-one idea is just a disguise for a playoff."

Gutty Little Bruins: UCLA's Rick Neuheisel is reportedly using a profanity-laced video featuring Brennan Carroll, the son of USC coach Pete Carroll, as a recruiting tool against the Trojans.

Smoking Trees in Belize: When it comes to redesigning uniforms, perhaps old school is best.