Two for the Show

Two more big rigs we stumbled across. Not sure how current either of these photos might be, but there is no mistaking the Wisconsin trailer, decked out in bold red with huge white lettering. The Texas rig is surprisingly understated, but in fairness the image is not the greatest. If any Longhorn fan has a better one stored in the depths of their computer, we'd be happy to display it.

Harbaugh's Remark Pisses Off Pete

Not a good start for Jim Harbaugh, Stanford's new coach. Harbaugh, left, was quoted this week as saying that USC's Pete Carroll would be gone after this season.

"Perhaps the reason it's been up and down here [at Stanford] is that no one has stayed here 20 years," Harbaugh told Dennis Dodd of CBS Sportsline. "… Charlie Weis is going to do that at Notre Dame. [Jim] Tressel at Ohio State. Pete's doing it. He's only got one more year, though. He'll be there one more year. That's what I've heard. I heard it inside the staff."

Carroll told Gary Klein of the L.A. Times: "If he's going to make statements like that, he ought to get his information right. And if he has any questions about it he should call me."

The teams meet Oct. 6 at the L.A. Coliseum. Thanks to Trent!

Texas Tech's Sweetheart Deal

It turns out that Texas Tech has not one, but two rigs — one for the football team, above, and one for the band, below. How much did this cost? Absolutely nothing.

James Kinsey, owner of a Western Star dealership in Lubbock, loans two brand new trucks each year to Texas Tech. Willis, a former Red Raider player, drives the rigs to road games and provides the fuel, insurance, an additional driver and all of the necessary paperwork and authority needed to haul 40,000 pounds of football equipment and 30,000 pounds of band equipment to road games. All at no cost to the university.

Willis, owner of Willis Moving and Storage in Lubbock, has been driving the gear to games for nearly 10 years. Willis started the practice in a mismatched green cab and black trailer. Then he contacted Kinsey, an avid Texas Tech fan, and he set Willis up with the Western Star trucks with eye-catching graphics and matching trailers.

The inside of the cabs contain top of the line features such as a dinette sleeper seating package, burl Elm wood dash and cabinets, leather seats, a full gauge package and factory-installed CD radios.

Kinsey resells the trucks at season's end, then orders two more. The Texas Tech team and the band keep the trailers.

We would like to thank reader Clint for this.

Join Us Friday Night on the Airwaves

Chuck Culpepper of the Los Angeles Times will be our guest Friday night on "Sports Overnight America" on the Sports Byline USA Radio Network. Chuck is a veteran writer and columnist, with stops at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, the National Sports Daily, the Lexington Herald-Leader, the Oregonian and Newsday. Quite a resume. The Virginia graduate is currently living in London and working on a book.

The show starts at 10 p.m. Pacific, and the Wiz joins John Woolard and Fred Wallin at 11:30. Chuck is scheduled to join us in the midnight hour.

You can hear "Sports Overnight America" worldwide over the Internet at Sports Byline. Just click on "Listen Live." The show is also available on the American Forces Network, which can be heard in 177 countries and U.S. territories as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea, or on one of the Sports Byline affiliates.

Keeping an Eye on the Videoboard Race

The latest rage for athletic departments flush with money? Videoboards. Texas' Godzillatron, above, is the current leader at 55 feet tall and 134 feet long and costing $8 million.

On Tuesday, Auburn announced plans for a high-definition unit that will be approximately 30 feet tall and 74 feet wide and costing $2.9 million. Now Oklahoma is set to approve a plan to upgrade its videoboards and sound systems at Memorial Stadium and Lloyd Noble Center. The cost: $10.3 million.

Oklahoma State also plans to go digital, reports George Schroeder of the Oklahoman. Among teams with improved videoboards: Texas A&M's 12th Man TV (54-by-74) and Nebraska's unnamed board (33-by-117). Thanks to Greg! Some registration.

Alabama's Tim Tebow Bill

Tim Tebow Mania is sweeping the south, including of all places, Alabama. House bill No. 440 — nicknamed the Tim Tebow Bill — is currently working its way through the Alabama legislature.
The bill calls for allowing home-schooled students equal access to sports and extracurricular activities at public schools.

The bill is named after Tebow because he was a home-schooled student who played football at Florida's Nease High. A bill similar to the Alabama measure was passed in Florida in 1996, clearing the way for Tebow and other home-schoolers to play for public high schools.

Tebow Mania doesn't stop there. Andy Staples of the Tampa Tribune reports that a website has been created titled Tim Tebow Facts, "which are essentially an homage to a popular Internet tribute to actor Chuck Norris with Tebow's name substituted for Norris'." Among the facts: "Tim Tebow once got Blackjack with one card."

Big Wheels Keep on Turning

We're not sure where this road is taking us, but with no weigh station in sight, we continue our big rig journey. Erik of Deep South Sports sent shots of the Mississippi rig parked outside of Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium in 2004. Back then, the Rebels were coached by David Cutcliffe, and he was prominently displayed on the rear of the "Rebel Express."

Of note here is that the Mississippi rig has Tennessee plates. What is up with that? And guess where Cutcliffe is coaching these days? Tennessee, of course, where he is Phillip Fulmer's offensive coordinator. Hopefully the rig has gotten a makeover since these photos were taken.

Without question, the Army rig below is among the finest we've seen. It was sent to us by Cadet John, who writes, "The Army football team has had it's ups and downs recently, but to me this truck is as good, if not better, than the others on the site." John, as any true cadet would say, closes with, "Beat Navy!"

Back to our poll. Wednesday saw a stunning turnaround, with Louisiana State surging ahead of Penn State for the best rig. The Nittany Lions were taking it on the chin left and right, including this shot from AOL's NCAA Fanhouse.

Keep the rigs coming. If we get enough images for a second poll, we will have one. Then a runoff to determine the champion.

Reporters' Notebooks

Ray Melick, Birmingham News: Why did Alabama and Auburn raise ticket prices for the coming season? Because they can.

Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser: The Colt Brennan Factor: Nearly half of Hawaii's games could shown on network cable television, three of them on Fridays.

Randy Peterson, Des Moines Register: Ticket demand is expected to exceed supply for Iowa's opener against Northern Illinois in Chicago's Soldier Field.

Darryl Slater, Daily Press: Virginia receiver Kevin Ogletree is likely out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Michael Vega, Boston Globe: Boston College players are having to adjust to the tempo of new coach Jeff Jagodzinski's pro-style practice template.

Jeff Wilson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: A violation of university policy has cost running back Detrick James a spot on the Texas Christian roster.

We Have a New Worldwide Leader

This site might not be around today without the help of Ben Maller. When we started 19 months ago, Maller of Fox Sports Radio was one of the first to give our traffic a healthy boost. His site is one of the best, and last fall Fox incorporated BenMaller.com into its Internet lineup. Wise move.

Last week, Nielsen Net Ratings announced that FoxSports.com had passed ESPN.com in unique visitors in February. Fox registered 15.2 million unique visitors for the month and ESPN 13.2 million. It ended ESPN's decade-long run of dominance.

It came as no surprise that Maller's site was one of the factors credited with putting Fox Sports in the lead. Having an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into putting a site together, we're elated to see Maller's efforts paying off.

The Wheels Keep Rolling

Responses continue to pour in for our truck feature and so do pictures of big rigs. Dan of College Football Tour Guide sent us a picture of the Oregon and Oklahoma trucks at the 2005 Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Gotta love the "Keep On Duckin' " on the side of the Oregon trailer.

Jason of Big Red Network sent us a shot of the Colorado trailer parked outside of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium, and Rory sent us a glimpse of Nevada's rig outside Fresno State's Bulldog Stadium. Unfortunately, we had to disqualify these two images from our poll because we couldn't see enough of the rigs.

Iowa fans are also pounding us with emails about their rig. The photo used in the poll came from the 2005 Iowa-Iowa State game in Ames, but Hawkeye followers — Brady and Matthew among them — said the rig is an impostor. The 18-wheeler pictured on the bottom is said to be the official rig.

There's still time to vote in our poll, but Penn State fans are already proclaiming victory.

Do Synthetic Fields Cause Global Warming?

Synthetic fields are all the rage, but opponents in Massachusetts are lining up against the surfaces in the name of global warming.

Several high schools in the state are considering installing artificial surfaces, but Newton attorney Guive Mirfendereski is critical of synthetic fields, which are made of polyethylene fibers simulating grass stabilized with rubber pellets.

Mirfendereski tells the Boston Globe that the surface gives off much more heat than grass and — if used widely — could contribute to global warming. He also expressed concern that the materials used to make and clean the turf could leach into local water supplies. Mirfendereski also questioned how the turf would be disposed of once it wears out.

"Any one of these on its own poses a danger to the environment and public health," Mirfendereski wrote in a letter last month to the state environmental secretary. Massachusetts officials have yet to take a position on the issue.

Darren Gill, a marketing director for FieldTurf, acknowledged that turf is "a little warmer than grass," but said the surface does not contribute to global warming. He also said runoff from the field is not a concern and likened the products used to clean it to household fabric softener.

"Nothing we put on the field has any harmful materials in it," Gill said.

FieldTurf is most popular in the Mid-American Conference, where eight of the league's members will play on the surface this fall.

Thanks to Gary of Steroid Nation.

Texas El Paso's Helmet Cam

Texas El Paso's Mike Price has turned to technology this spring to help find the successor to quarterback Jordan Palmer. The coach is having a selected quarterback wear a helmet cam during practice, and after only three sessions, it's clear Price is enamored with his new toy.

"I love it," he told Bret Bloomquist of the El Paso Times. "Isn't it just amazing? You look from the stands and say, 'That guy was wide open. What's wrong with that idiot?' You look at it through [the helmet cam] and you understand. And the other quarterbacks are learning from it."

The camera is affixed to the top of the helmet with tape. You can see a picture of it on the El Paso Times site by clicking here. Thanks to Greg for the tip!

Lowering the Bar at T. Boone U.

More developments at Oklahoma State, home of college football's biggest booster, T. Boone Pickens.

A dramatic increase in the number of alternative admissions given to student-athletics at the university has caught the attention of officials.

Oklahoma State's alternative admissions program "allows a certain percentage (currently 8%) of each new freshman class to attend OSU without meeting all the regular admissions requirements, but who meet minimum criteria and show potential for success," according to the university's website.

In 2001-02, athletics accounted for 6.7% of all students enrolled through alternative means. This year, 11.2% of Oklahoma State's alternative admissions were student-athletes, according to university data provided to the Daily O'Collegian.

Although there is no written policy limiting the number of alternative admissions, former president James Halligan decided to keep alternative admissions athletes at about 9%.

"By lowering admissions standards, you enlarge your recruiting pool and have a chance to bring in more skilled players, which in turn generates wins and generates revenues for a team and a school," said Robert Brown, a Cal State San Marcos professor and expert on the economics of college athletes.

Oklahoma State is not alone in lowering the bar. A 2006 study by the Knight Commission revealed that at the University of Georgia, 21 of 119 student-athletes admitted through alternative means for the 1999-2000 academic year had failed out of college or been kicked out within two years.

Welcome to College Football Tour Guide

Meet Dan, who is living every man's dream. Last season, he traveled the Pacific 10 from his home base in L.A., meeting people, eating their food, going to games and slowly draining his bank account. You only live once, right?

Dan also kept a video chronology of his adventures.

"I did the Pac-10 this season because it was the easiest to do geographically from L.A., and also because it seems like the Pac-10 isn’t as represented as it probably should be, as far as gameday atmosphere is concerned," he writes on his website, College Football Tour Guide.com.

"That said, what I really want to do is film a southern tour of schools and hit the Big Ten. While the West Coast is better than I would’ve imagined, I’m pretty sure some good footage would come out of the South, where it is, by all accounts, insane."

The video we feature is a compilation of his journeys, but here are links to each of his seven trips: Arizona State, California, USC, Arizona, UCLA, Oregon and Stanford.

NCAA Gets Tough on Combines

The NCAA crackdown on scouting combines has started. No longer will Division I coaches be allowed to attend combines, which have become increasingly popular and serve as a means for players to showcase their skills to coaches in an attempt to land a scholarship.

The governing body added bylaw 13.1.8.9.4 to the Division I manual, and it prohibits college coaches from attending any activity devoted to "agility, flexibility, speed or strength test for prospective student athletes."

In a strange twist to the rule, coaches from Division II and Division III teams will be allowed to attend combines. Their banned Division I counterparts will be given a handout of combine results.

Combines have come under fire because they often charge players a fee to participate despite the fact many of the combines are sponsored by major shoe companies. There has been speculation the NCAA wanted to limit the profits of Internet recruiting services, but Hampton University coach Joe Taylor, a member of the Football Issues Committee, told Jami Frankenberry of the Virginian-Pilot that simply was not the case.

"This was a way to take the pressure off of forcing coaches to go" to combines, Taylor said. "If you were asked to work the combine, and this is your vacation time, you felt compelled to do so because you didn't want your competition to get the upper hand."

Hanging Out on the Internet Street Corner

A spokesman for the Drake Group, a collection of academicians who help faculty and staff defend academic integrity in the face of the burgeoning college sport industry, has criticized the decision by the University of Iowa to purchase seven domain names that could be used to criticize athletic department officials.

"This situation at Iowa is, in my opinion, farcical and tells me the Iowa A.D. must spend way too much time monitoring these sites," Richard Southall, Assistant Professor, Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Memphis, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"They must protect their power and will do just about anything to control messages. Staying on message and controlling the dialogue is widespread in college sport.

"Iowa's A.D. and the athletic department figure that if you prevent rabble-rousers from hanging out on the Internet street corner, they won't be able to build any critical mass. Messages, as any marketer will tell you, have the potential to change people's behaviors and affect their buying decisions. Evidently, they must think it's safer to just throw some money at the problem and it'll go away."

Some registration. Thanks to Marty of cfbstats.com.

Best Show on the Road

Carrying gear from stadium to stadium is a dirty job. Looking good when you're doing it is half the battle. Two weeks ago, we asked readers to send images of equipment trucks and now it's time to vote. Below are the 11 rigs, in alphabetical order. (Alabama was left out because we could not get a suitable image.) Which rig would you take on the road?

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Best big rig:

California Iowa LSU Michigan Nebraska N.C. State Ohio State Oklahoma Penn State Texas A&M Texas Tech

California

Iowa

Louisiana State

MichiganNebraska

North Carolina State

Ohio State

OklahomaPenn StateTexas A&M

Texas TechPrevious polls:

Classless Acts of the 2006 Season
Cheapest Shots of the Year
And remember to check out the rest of the site.

How Pickens Came Up With His Plan

More details on Oklahoma State's controversial "Gift of a Lifetime" program that will generate an estimated $250 million for the athletic department.

T. Boone Pickens, the most powerful booster in college athletics, came up with the idea about three years ago after a doctor judged him to be young and healthy enough to qualify for additional life insurance. Pickens later learned that some churches were generating revenue from life insurance policies that had been purchased for aging members, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Pickens, 77, floated the idea to Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder and the plan took about a year to put together.

Mark Mallady of Collegiate Financial Services expects the plan to spread to other universities. "Their thinking is that 'we've got donors giving us millions of dollars each year,' " Mallady told the Times. "But what happens when the donors die? Is there a plan or a policy to replace what they've been giving?"

Said Pickens: "You will see other [similar] deals in the near future" at other nonprofit organizations.

Crewcut Says New Trial to Begin July 16

Another indication a settlement is unlikely in Crewcut Charlie Weis' medical malpractice lawsuit against Massachusetts General physicians Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin, accused of botching Weis' gastric-bypass operation in 2002.

Weis told Michael Rothstein of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on Saturday that the new trial is scheduled to begin July 16, just weeks before the Notre Dame coach gathers his troops for fall drills.

"It just had to be on my vacation," Weis said. "So it wouldn't be disruptive."

Reporters' Notebooks

John Heuser, Ann Arbor News: Michigan has dismissed three players from the team. Coach Lloyd Carr did not address the status of receiver Adrian Arrington.

Sam Ross Jr. Tribune-Review: Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany talks about possible adjustments that would be required to increase the number of conference games.

Kevin Gorman, Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt is trying to restore order in his program.

Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times: USC athletic director Mike Garrett says he honored a request by the NCAA to deny a sideline pass to Reggie Bush for the Rose Bowl.

Ian R. Rapoport, Birmingham News: Nick Saban's first practice at Alabama: No nonsense, no messing around, no wasting time on factors he can't control. Just football.

Paul Finebaum, Mobile Press-Register: Alabama fans were so easy on former coach Mike Shula it was embarrassing.

Alex Abrams, Morning News: Arkansas coach Houston Nutt is still deciding how to punish defensive end Antwain Robinson, who was arrested for shoplifting.

How the Tigers Prowl the Roadways

Check out the Louisiana State big rig. Reader Amit send along this image of the 18-wheeler parked in front of Tiger Stadium. We especially like the tiger graphic that adorns the trailer. Certainly no mistaking this rig when you see it rolling down the road.

Previous featured rigs: Oklahoma, North Carolina State, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Penn State, Michigan, Iowa and California.

Alabama Couple Names Son Saban

It's 161 days until Alabama coach Nick Saban's troops play host to Western Carolina in a packed Bryant-Denny Stadium, but the big news this week occurred off the field.

In a sign that Sabanmania is completely out of control, a couple in Hartselle, Ala., has marked the birth of their second son by naming him Saban. Tim and Hannah Witt welcomed Saban Hardin Witt into the world Tuesday. Their first son, now 23 months old, is named Tyde Timothy Witt.

Saban and Tyde. We kid you not.

Hannah said she thought her husband "was crazy in the beginning. I told some people. They said it was unique and it grew on me." So what happens if Nick Saban doesn't succeed as Alabama coach? "We'll tell our son he was named after one of the highest-paid coaches in college football," Tim said.

And what if Saban Witt becomes an Auburn fan? "We'll put him up for adoption," the father said.

Coach Saban's team begins spring practice Saturday, but the team will be without receiver Tyrone Prothro, whose playing days might be over. If Prothro is finished, he will always be remembered for his sensational catch against Southern Mississippi in 2005. You can see video of the catch on the Prothro website.

Thanks to EDSBS.

Nebraska's Keller Disturbing the Peace?

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller, pictured during better times at Arizona State, was cited Thursday for disturbing the peace during an incident on campus.

The paper reports that "Keller was allegedly trying to park his car in a public parking stall near Memorial Stadium at approximately 11:30 a.m. when someone else reached the spot ahead of him. According to the woman who filed the complaint, Keller allegedly got out of his car, yelled profanities and threw a plastic cup at the victim’s car."

Keller reportedly left the area only to be hunted down later by police. He was cited for disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine. Keller will appear in court April 26.

Keller, you may recall, left Arizona State under bizarre circumstances. He had been named the Sun Devils' starter last fall, then two days later coach Dirk Koetter announced he had changed his mind and replaced Keller with Rudy Carpenter. Keller then stormed off to Lincoln and became a Cornhusker.

Koetter said his switcheroo had nothing to do with what happened on the practice field, leading to speculation that Keller was having too much fun late at night. One thing is clear: Keller was not a popular teammate. Arizona Republic columnist Paola Boivin described the scene when Carpenter was being interviewed moments after being named the starter. "Several teammates walked by and shot their fists in the air as a show of support."

Thanks to Sports By Brooks for the photo.

Crewcut Charlie's Retrial Scheduled for July

The Boston Herald reports that Crewcut Charlie Weis' medical malpractice lawsuit against Massachusetts General Hospital physicians Charles Ferguson and Richard Hodin has been scheduled for retrial July 13 — if the sides don't settle before then.

The wildly colorful first trial — Weis claimed Ferguson and Hodin had botched his gastric-bypass operation in 2002 — had a bizarre ending when juror Tony Perry collapsed while listening to testimony. Ferguson and Hodin rushed to Perry's aid.

After Perry was taken by ambulance to Massachusetts General, Weis attorney Michael Mone filed a motion for a mistrial. Defense attorney William Dailey argued unsuccessfully against a mistrial and expressed afterward that his side was winning. "We thought the case was going very well for the doctors and we were confident," Dailey said.

What are the chances of a settlement? Our legal expert for the case, Houston attorney Tom Kirkendall, called it a "who knows" proposition.

"Weis' attorneys are almost certainly working on a contingency fee, so Weis doesn't have much financial risk in teeing it up for another trial.

"From the defense perspective, the insurers for the doctors — who are probably the ones calling the shots in regard to settlement from the defense side — will be analyzing the probable spread between Weis' current settlement demand and the amount of damages that they think they can limit Weis to during a retrial. If that spread gets too large, then the insurers have a financial incentive to give it another go."

We're hopeful of getting a comment from Weis in the next couple of days. Word is that Weis was not asked about a possible retrial during his press conference Wednesday.

As for juror Perry, if anybody has an update, please let us know. His daughter told Boston TV station WHDH shortly after her father's hospitalization that Perry had taken his jury duty seriously and regretted what happened.

Thanks to Steroid Nation for the Weis update. Here are links to our complete coverage of the first trial.

The Weis Trial:
Day 5: Mistrial of the Century
Day 4: Brady's Hail Mary
Day 3: Weis' hired hand
Day 2: Weis testifies
Day 1: Opening statements
Preview: A legal perspective
The Story: Weis' chronic obesity

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

We have a big Friday night/Saturday morning planned on "Sports Overnight America" on the fine Sports Byline USA Network. Joining us at 11:40 p.m. (Pacific) will be Michael Rand of the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. How in the world did Minnesota land Tubby Smith as its new basketball coach? Michael will give us the scoop. And be sure to check out RandBall, his excellent blog.

Shortly after midnight, Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette will be our guest. Iowa lost basketball coach Steve Alford to New Mexico, and university officials are stuck with SteveAlfordMustGo.com, one of the domain names Iowa owns that we first told you about on Monday. We just checked, and SteveAlfordMustGo.com was still redirecting you to HawkeyeSports.com, the main site of Iowa athletics. Now that Alford has taken the URL's advice and split, is it fair for Iowa to send fans to HawkeyeSports.com? Doesn't seem right to us.

Mike is also into the blogging business. He's asking Hawkeye fans to help secure the next coach at The Hlog. And if you're into politics, check out A Year in Iowa, which chronicles the run-up to the first in the nation presidential caucus.

You can hear "Sports Overnight America" worldwide over the Internet at Sports Byline. Just click on "Listen Live." The show is also available on the American Forces Network, which can be heard in 177 countries and U.S. territories as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea, or on one of the Sports Byline affiliates.

Crewcut: 'Tradition Never Graduates'

Year Three of the Crewcut Charlie Weis experience kicked off Wednesday in South Bend, and the No. 1 question facing the big guy was the health of quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reported that Weis interrupted a questioner to say Clausen is "full go, too, contrary to recent reports. ... By the way, just so we can clear that one up, the only one who will answer for the health of our players will be me. So next time, we can just keep it that way."

Reporters later headed to the Loftus Sports Center to catch a glimpse of practice. Michael Rothstein of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported that "when the media was allowed in, most flocked right to where Clausen was standing and began snapping photographs and filming. That didn't even happen when Brady Quinn was still around."

How did Clausen look throwing the ball? According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Vaughn McClure, who reported that Clausen has an injured throwing arm, the quarterback only threw briefly during 20 minutes of light drills that were open to the press. Clausen will not be made available to the media during spring practice.

Weis did little to lower expectations in South Bend, reported Pete DiPrimio of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, even though the Fighting Irish return only three starters on offense. "Tradition never graduates," Weis said.

Added Weis: "It's easy for everyone to say, 'This is a transition year. This is a rebuilding year.' You can't ever think like that. I can’t think like that. Players won’t think like that. Not happening."

Oklahoma Takes Pride in the Ride

Take a look at Sooner One, a 53-foot big rig that holds up to 60,000 pounds of Oklahoma gear. Readers Rob and Keith each contacted the Wiz about this 18-wheeler, which was first put to the test in 2003.

The trailer's backside features a crisp graphic of Sooner players holding helmets aloft. The rig was prominently featured in a 2004 piece by ESPN's Wayne Drehs.

You can see more images of Sooner One, including a look at the interior, by going to Sooner Sports.

At the conclusion of this feature, we plan to conduct a poll to decide the best rig of the bunch. If you want your team represented, send us a link or photo.

Previous featured rigs: North Carolina State, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Penn State, Michigan, Iowa and California.

Reporters' Notebooks

Tom Luicci, Newark Star-Ledger: Rutgers coach Greg Schiano matter-of-factly announced a handful of unexpected coaching changes.

Anthony Gimino, Tucson Citizen: Arizona, which finished 115th in offense last season, is installing the spread offense.

Ryan Callahan, Tennessean: Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge's knee surgery turned out better than expected, and he will miss only three-to-six weeks.

Andrew Logue, Des Moines Register: New Iowa State coach Gene Chizik on spring drills: "There's going to be a lot of contact."

Ryan Thorburn, Boulder Daily Camera: Count Colorado coach Dan Hawkins among those who are celebrating the return of the "old" clock rules.

Scott Carter, Tampa Tribune: This spring is unlike any other for Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who dismantled his coaching staff in the offseason.

Ed Miller, Virginian-Pilot: Virginia's Jameel Sewell, expected to be the starting quarterback this fall, is recovering from wrist surgery to his throwing arm and his status remains uncertain.

Angelique S. Chengelis, Detroit News: The playing futures of several Michigan players are in limbo because of legal issues.

Damaged Goods?

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame's can't-miss quarterback recruit, might be missing Wednesday when the Fighting Irish start spring drills.

Clausen, who graduated from high school early and enrolled at Notre Dame in January, has an undisclosed injury to his right (throwing) arm, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. An earlier report in the Miami Herald said Clausen has bone spurs in the elbow, but Notre Dame coach Crewcut Charlie Weis, no stranger to the world of doctors (and lawyers), dismissed the claim in February.

Still, officials aren't saying exactly what is wrong with Clausen and Weis kept Clausen from throwing during winter drills.

Clausen's father, Jim Sr., said his son completed his final year of high school ball with the injury and that "at the end of the season, he started to lose some velocity."

"I'm not a doctor, so I can't really tell you much about it. But it's going to be monitored,'' he said.

The younger Clausen also has a website that you can view by clicking here. Thanks to Kevin of We Are Penn State.

Ferentz Domains Now a Hot Item

Thanks to our network of correspondents and various acts of espionage, we've been monitoring coverage and fallout from the Wiz's world exclusive on Monday that the University of Iowa had purchased domain names that could be used to criticize athletic department officials, including coach Kirk Ferentz.

Given developments since the story broke, Iowa's decision to snap up seven domain names appears to be backfiring. Interest in other cyberspace combinations have sparked a new round of domain name staking. We heard from one individual who purchased Fire-Kirk-Ferentz.com. A check also showed that FireFerentz.com had been secured in the previous 24 hours. We'd love to hear from others who have purchased domains, and we promise to keep your identity a secret.

This leads one to ask why Iowa would embark on such a cyberspace venture, especially considering the endless supply of domain name possibilities.

"If you're trying to sleep in the Puerto Rican rain forest, will snuffing one of the thousands of chirping frogs make it a quiet night?" wrote Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Iowa's move is drawing more jeers than cheers. Check out the messages left on the Des Moines Register's story.

Iowa associate athletic director Rick Klatt explained the decision to secure the seven domain names.

"In one sense, we're attempting to provide some level of protection to the individual," Klatt told the Associated Press. "On a much smaller scale, because they are all dot-com extensions, they could be commercial web sites where people could make money off that web site ... it just seems wrong that someone could benefit from that."

By the way, FireRickKlatt.com is available in case anybody wants to try and profit off it....

We'd also like to thank those who properly credited the site with breaking the story. Among this distinguished group are Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, Will Leitch of Deadspin, Scott Dochterman and Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, Ron Maly and Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

N.C. State's King of the Road

Here's a look at the North Carolina State big rig parked outside Clemson's Memorial Stadium in October 2004 sent to us by Jeff. Certainly not the most flashy rig, but seeing it cruising down the road would no doubt elicit a honk of the horn from a passing Wolfpack motorist.

Once again, we'd like to thank all of our readers — the best college football fans on the Internet — for their contributions to this feature. Keep those photos coming!

Previous featured rigs: Texas Tech, Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Penn State, Michigan, Iowa and California.

Home Away From Home

Welcome to the latest trend in college football: luxury condominiums for fans wanting a second residence near their alma mater or favorite team.

Developments are springing up in several college towns to answer the demand, with GameDay Centers having already established its sports-themed buildings in Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Tallahassee (pictured) and Athens. Centers are under development in Knoxville, South Bend, Austin and College Station.

According to the GameDay site, "The condos, which range from tailgate suites and one-bedroom/one-bath units to three-bedroom/three-bath penthouses, include a wide variety of amenities such as premium parking spaces, private clubrooms, meeting facilities and an on-site rental management team."

Most owners only occupy their condominium on game days or other special events and rent out the units in the offseason.

Some colleges are sponsoring or partnering with developers on building college-linked communities. According to the South Bend Tribune, Michigan, Penn State, Purdue and Stanford are universities already offering such facilities.

Back in Black

How would you like to take this big rig for a spin around the block? Texas Tech is in it for the long haul with this beauty, sent to us by John, Melody and Mabry. A larger image is available by clicking here.

Reader James also emailed and said that Ohio State, not Nebraska, was the first team to use a big rig to transport gear, starting the practice in 1982 for the Buckeyes' appearance in the Holiday Bowl. And he adds, "I can remember seeing rigs with Michigan, Iowa, Penn State and other big schools dropping off equipment at [Ohio Stadium]. I graduated in 1995, so all of these would predate the 1996 Husker truck."

Previous featured rigs: Nebraska, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Penn State, Michigan, Iowa and California.

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Dochterman, Cedar Rapids Gazette: The University of Iowa said it has purchased seven domain names in a proactive move to prevent negative Internet chatter regarding prominent athletic department employees.

Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: Boise State is hoping to generate about $10 million by selling the naming rights to its stadium.

Ken Hambleton, Lincoln Journal Star: Nebraska officials are keeping an eye on possible tax-law changes that could impact demand for skyboxes at Memorial Stadium.

Robbi Pickeral, Raleigh News & Observer: Joe Dailey, a former Nebraska quarterback who transferred to North Carolina, is trying to find playing time at receiver (registration).

Gordon Monson, Salt Lake Tribune: A losing season could lead to an early exit for Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.

Iowa Purchases FireKirkFerentz.com

Is it right for an athletic department to purchase a domain name that could be used to criticize a coach? Last month, the University of Iowa Athletic Department purchased the domain FireKirkFerentz.com, which was previously owned by Redshirted.com, a site that sells fireyourcoach domain names.

Ferentz, the Iowa coach, is the highest-paid employee in the state with an annual salary of $2.7 million. His teams won 31 games during a three-year span from 2002-2004, but his past two squads have struggled to 7-5 and 6-7 records. FireKirkFerentz.com now redirects you to HawkeyeSports.com, the main site of Iowa athletics.

Redshirted is reportedly operated by a technology worker in Austin and last August had fireyourcoach domain rights to 27 coaches. That list has dwindled to 20 and the site lists FireKirkFerentz.com as one of nine domains sold.

To the best of our knowledge, Iowa is the first athletic department to take the proactive move of purchasing domains that could be used to criticize athletic department officials. Iowa also has rights to FireLisaBluder.com, the women's basketball coach, and FireGaryBarta, the athletic director. Those two URLs also redirect you to HawkeyeSports.com.

Up to this point, such purchases have been made by fans, the most notable coming in 2002 when a Florida fan purchased FireRonZook.com shortly after he was named Gator coach.

A Clear Sign We're Going to the 'Dogs

Nothing upsets the well-heeled like the lack of parking for recreational vehicles on a game day. Instead of firing up the grill and enjoying the festivities, one must navigate busy city streets in a 45-foot gas-guzzling RV in search of parking.

Yes, rich people have problems, too.

Fortunately, there is a solution for upscale Georgia fans, who are lining up to pay $30,000 to own a guaranteed parking spot for their RVs in Athens. BullDog Park, a 250-spot, 18-acre RV lot four miles from Georgia's Sanford Stadium, is scheduled to open in June 2008.

BullDog Park will be open year-round, and space owners can park their RVs for up to 30 days at a time. The 30-day limit complies with local laws banning trailer parks from most locations.

Amenities like TVs, live music, restrooms, picnic pavilions and a shuttle to campus come with the spaces. The owners will have to pay property taxes in addition to an annual upkeep fee, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.

Former Georgia players Kevin Butler, David Greene and David Pollack are involved in the project. The concept is similar to Tailgate Station, which allows Georgia fans to own a parking space in a gated, landscaped facility on game days. Butler is also involved in that project.

The Big Red Machine

Jason of Big Red Network sent us this photo of Nebraska's big rig, which is operated by Selden Trucking of Shelby, Neb. Big Red Nation has several other images you can view by clicking here. The photos were taken last September at the Lincoln airport, where the truck was used to unload gear from an Allegiant Air flight carrying the Nicholls State team. After unloading the gear, the Cornhuskers tattooed the Colonels, 56-7.

Jason said drivers for the truck told him that Nebraska was the first team to have its own dedicated equipment truck for road games. The Cornhuskers started the practice in 1996.

Keep those equipment truck pictures coming! Previous featured rigs: Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Penn State, Michigan, Iowa and California.

Don't Fumble This Opportunity

It should be obvious by now that we have our hands full doing this site. If you see a story that might be of interest to our savvy college football audience and will help make our life easier, please send a link to dawizofodds (at) aol.com. YouTube, message boards, college newspapers, websites, radio talk shows ... it's all in play here. This is your blog as much as ours, and we appreciate and value your contributions.

War Eagle!

Auburn held its spring game Saturday and our man Greg was among the 31,757 at Jordan-Hare. Let's start from the top. Not only do the Tigers have to replace four starters on the offensive line, they suffered deep losses on the cheerleading squad. Fortunately, capable replacements are available. Next, a look at the scene on the field, where the first-team Blue squad rolled to a 27-7 victory. It wouldn't be an Auburn game without Aubie the Tiger, left, who patrolled the sideline and kept young fans entertained (three frames below). Afterward, players were available to sign autographs, and Montez Billings, who caught four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, was front and center, as was defensive back Walter McFadden, bottom. ... We'd love photos of your team's spring game. Send them to dawizofodds (at) aol.com.

Final Insult

Here's an example of a football equipment truck being used to move something other than helmets and shoulder pads. A month after Nick Saban left the Miami Dolphins to become coach at Alabama, an 18-wheeler arrived outside his Fort Lauderdale home to pack his belongings for the trip to his new digs in Tuscaloosa. You'll have to click through to see video that was shot by the Sun-Sentinel. Thanks to Ian!

Senator Questions Pickens' 'Death Pool'

The controversial "Gift of a Lifetime" program that will generate $280 million in life insurance commitments to Oklahoma State athletics has caught the attention of a U.S. Senator.

Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, wants to know more about the program being pushed by Oklahoma State booster T. Boone Pickens, according to a report in Congressional Quarterly. Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, is noted for keeping an eye on abuses of the nation's tax system.

"Senator Grassley is generally interested in how tax-exempt entities such as universities are using their tax-exempt status or being used for their tax-exempt status," spokeswoman Jill Gerber told the Tulsa World.

Oklahoma State spokesman Gary Shutt told the newspaper that the university is looking at expanding the program and that the school has received calls from other universities asking about the program.

Critics have labeled Pickens' program a "Death Pool."

Pickens is the most powerful booster in college athletes and we've spent considerable time chronicling his maneuvers, including the university's plans to use eminent domain to seize a number of homes and property north of campus to build an athletic village after a "gift" of $165 million from Pickens. The site OK State Expansion has been following those developments.

Thanks to Hester Graphics for the logo.

Former UCLA Linebacker Sues NCAA

Ramogi Huma's crusade to change NCAA rules and help "student-athletes" will lead him to court in June, and if his Collegiate Athletes Coalition is victorious, athletes could receive another $2,500 to $3,000 each year for incidental expenses, which the NCAA eliminated in 1973 to cut costs.

Huma, a former UCLA linebacker and the founder of group, saw firsthand had damaging NCAA rules were to athletes. Teammate Donnie Edwards was suspended when he accepted groceries after his scholarship money ran out.

Huma experienced difficulty himself. Although the former linebacker's scholarship paid for tuition, books, food and housing, it didn't cover toothpaste, travel expenses or phone bills. He applied for credit cards to help pay the bills and planned to work in the summers to pay off the debt. "But when I was playing, I wasn't allowed to work because the NCAA didn't allow it," he told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

When Huma graduated in 1998, he owed $6,000 at 19% interest.

This led to Huma forming CAC, and last year it filed a federal lawsuit against the NCAA on behalf of 20,000 current and former Division I-A football and major Division I basketball players. The suit has the backing of the Pittsburgh-based United Steel Workers, which once described the NCAA as a "sweatshop."

NCAA president Myles Brand declined comment on the lawsuit in an interview with Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune, but he defended the NCAA's tax-exempt status and spending growth in athletics.

"I don't want to take away the tax breaks we get in athletics, because that doesn't solve any problems as far as I'm concerned," Brand said. "[Schools] have to learn how to spend smarter, not necessarily spend more. That's the key."

Thanks to reader Mike and The Sports Economist.

Arrington Done at Michigan?

Indications are that Michigan coach Lloyd Carr has booted No. 2 receiver Adrian Arrington from the team. Arrington, along with tight end Carson Butler and defensive limeman Eugene Germany, will not be with the Wolverines when they begin spring drills Saturday.

Carr said little about the status of the players other than to indicate they are not injured. Carr said the return of the players in the fall is "possible but not probable."

However, a media release about returning starters listed Butler but not Arrington, leading to speculation the talented receiver is no longer a member of the team.

Arrington has had run-ins with Carr. Last year he was charged with domestic violence, a case that was dismissed.

Thanks to Kevin of We Are Penn State.

This Is How the Bucks Roll

Continuing our series of college football equipment trucks. Take a look at the Buck Truck, Ohio State's big rig that carries the team's gear. The rear of the rig — we'll call it the Buck Tail — carries a message to those who follow the 18-wheeler down the road. We want to thank reader James for sending us the images. If you have a photo of your team's big rig, send it to dawizofodds (at) aol.com. We'll be happy to post it.

Progressive Sports Talk

If you enjoy the website, give the radio show a listen. Every Friday night/Saturday morning you can catch us on "Sports Overnight America" on the Sports Byline USA network. The show starts at 10 p.m. Pacific, and the Wiz joins John Woolard and Fred Wallin at 11:30. No shortage of topics to discuss this week, so give us a call at 800-878-PLAY, or 800-878-7529.

And here's the easy part. You can catch the show over the Internet at Sports Byline USA. Just click on "Listen Live." We're also available on the American Forces Network, heard in 177 countries and U.S. territories, or on one of the Sports Byline affiliates.

MAC Dashes Brennan's Heisman Hopes

It's March 15, but we can tell you that Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan is not going to win the Heisman Trophy. He is a victim of the Mid-American Conference's scheduling disaster we told you about two weeks ago.

Brennan, considered among the Heisman frontrunners after throwing an NCAA record 58 touchdown passes in 2006, in all likelihood will face two I-AA teams this fall, all but dooming his chances.

Hawaii had hoped to fill an Oct. 20 opening with a game against Wisconsin, but the Badgers filled that date with a game against Northern Illinois. The Big Ten and MAC have an agreement for a series of nonconference games, and it is believed that the Big Ten stepped in and helped arrange the Badgers-Huskies game to help its MAC partner, just as it did by arranging a Michigan State-Bowling Green game.

In this bizarre and roundabout way, the MAC's scheduling issues have cost Brennan a shot at the Heisman.

Unfortunately, the perception will be that Hawaii is trying to pull a fast one by playing two I-AA teams. That is simply not the case. Hawaii's scheduling issues, a spinoff from the MAC's problems from the start, have become so desperate that the team asked ESPN for help.

Now Hawaii is looking for another I-AA opponent to fill the schedule. Hawaii has already scheduled Charleston Southern. Think any Heisman voter will take Brennan seriously with two I-AA teams on the schedule?
As for the rest of the MAC fiasco, the two games Kent State had scheduled for Oct. 27 against Illinois and Vanderbilt? Unfortunately, it's not going to happen. As you can see, Miami of Ohio will now come marching into Vanderbilt Stadium on Oct. 27.

The MAC announced Wednesday that it had finalized its schedule in a press release, which quoted commissioner Rick Chryst saying, "We welcome Temple into full conference play this year, and are looking forward as well to the great non-conference opportunities that our programs have developed."

Hours later, the conference issued a second release to make corrections to the first. The corrections included clarifying the date of Buffalo's game at Rutgers (Aug. 30) and adding the Kent State at Temple game on Nov. 17 (oops). We kid you not.

The "scheduling issues" might be resolved this year for the MAC, but at least one other team besides Hawaii is having trouble filling out its schedule. Boise State, which can play 13 games this season because of a game at Hawaii, is looking to fill a Sept. 22 opening after Bowling Green had to pull out of a game against the Broncos for the second year in a row.

The headaches might be over for MAC officials, but problems remain for other teams.

$4 Million Reasons to Stay in Berkeley

Meet California's Jeff Tedford, who could join Alabama's Nick Saban as a member of the $4-million-a-year coaching club. A new contract that the UC Board of Regents is expect to approve Thursday could pay Tedford $4.285 million in 2013 if he reaches outlandish incentives, which include winning national championships and receiving national coach-of-the-year recognitions while keeping the team's cumulative grade-point average at 2.8 or better, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The average salary of a coach in the Pacific 10 Conference is $960,312, not including USC's reported $3 million it pays yearly to Pete Carroll. Tedford's new deal would include 20 vacation days, 12 sick days, two courtesy vehicles, 30 season tickets, five parking passes, a country club membership and travel expenses for his wife to required events.

Hurricanes Moving North?

Is the end near for the Orange Bowl? The University of Miami is considering moving its home games up I-95 to Dolphins Stadium unless Miami-Dade County commissioners vote to spend $175 million to renovate the 70-year-old Orange Bowl. If the renovation plans fall through, then the Orange Bowl could be demolished to make way for a new Marlins Stadium. The drawback in all of this? Dolphins Stadium is considerable distance from Miami's campus, whereas the Orange Bowl is only six miles away. Hurricane fans are divided on which course of action to take (some registration).

Wheels of Misfortune

More evidence that we have the best readers in cyberspace. Shortly after we asked if anybody had photos of their team's equipment truck, several of you responded, including Jason, who sent us the above photo of the Texas A&M rig. Upon closer inspection, we noticed that the Aggie truck appeared to be having mechanical difficulty, evidenced by the hood being up on the engine.

Jason wasn't the only one to see the rig that day. Two Texas Tech fans also took note of the rig's troubles, proudly displaying their approval with their "Guns Up." They gleefully hung around to see help arrive for the Aggie rig.

Cashing In on the Lottery, Iowa Style

The NCAA goes to great steps to warn its "student-athletes" about the dangers and problems of gambling (our view is that gambling is not a problem, unless, of course, you lose). But it appears the NCAA has a different set of rules for at least two of its member institutions.

Check out the Iowa Lottery commercial that features a Victory motorcycle adorned in Cyclone colors. "The paint design includes the Iowa State Cyclone logo; an image of Cy, Iowa State's mascot; vintage Iowa State University Cyclone logos; and the Iowa State University seal," the Iowa Lottery site says.

How about that, a university and its athletic department in bed with the lottery! Iowa State is not alone. Rival Iowa has also been enjoying the fruits of its cozy relationship with the lottery. Here is ad sent to us by Gary of Steroid Nation.
According to the Iowa Lottery site, the Hawkeye Dodge Caliber SXT "is accessorized to meet the needs of even the most ardent Hawkeye fan." Included on this beauty are the Hawkeye Tiger Hawk and a custom grill featuring the registered trademark. "The interior has extras like a Hawkeye blanket to help out during cold football games and a special Hawkeye logo cup for your favorite beverage," according to the lottery site.

Iowa even went as far to allow the use of the "Iowa Fight Song" in lottery ads. That campaign continued for several months until a cease-and-desist e-mail arrived to lottery and university officials from Beverly Hills lawyer Tom Camp, who represents Meredith Willson Music and Rosemary Willson, the widow of Meredith Willson, author of the "Iowa Fight Song."

The University of Iowa Presidential Committee on Athletics is now reviewing the arrangement and is expected to cut ties with the lottery next month.

Hats Off to Nick Saban

We've been busting on Nick Saban for some time, but the Alabama coach (yes, that's him in a Texas sweatshirt next to Mack Brown) did a kind deed recently and is to be commended. In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that hit Enterprise, Ala., Saban contacted the football coach of the high school team. He reportedly told the coach to buy anything necessary to conduct spring practice and to send the bill for the equipment to Tuscaloosa care of Nick Saban.

The Walls Come Tumbling Down

It was the biggest implosion in Las Vegas since the Sands came down in 1996. The Stardust stood for 48 years and it came down in a matter of seconds Tuesday morning. It was supposed to be a low-key affair, but when has that ever been the case in Las Vegas?

First came four minutes of fireworks. Then a unique countdown began in lights on the side of the hotel, followed by the blast. The Stardust crumbled to earth in a cloud of dust.

When the Stardust opened on July 2, 1958, it was largest hotel in Las Vegas. The Stardust sports book set the lines on games and the book's uncanny pointspread accuracy resulted in huge profits. Six years in a row, the sports book never sustained a losing month. Yes, some people were no doubt happy to see the place come down.

You can see video coverage of the event at KLAS, including a report on the cleanup that includes video from cameras stationed inside the structure as it came down. And KVBC has a video report on the top 10 Las Vegas implosions available on its site. Replacing the Stardust will be the $4.4 billion Echelon Place, with construction scheduled to begin in June.

If the BCS Ran College Basketball

Imagine if conference commisssioners ran college basketball the way they run football. Instead of the NCAA tournament, there were a rankings system to determine the national title-game participants. Chris Dufrense of the Los Angeles Times offers this fictional account of how final selections might have turned out. Highly recommended. Thanks to the great TV Tan Line for the image.

Keep on Truckin'

Kevin of We Are Penn State send us this image of Penn State equipment truck and it we were quite impressed with the graphic that adorned the exterior. That sent our active little mind into motion and resulted in a search of our personal stash of photos. If anybody wants to join in and send us a photo of your team's equipment big-rig, we'd be happy to post it. To get things started, here's a look at trucks from Michigan, Iowa and California.

How to Goof Off Today at Work

This has absolutely nothing to do with college football. Consider this a public service message to members of our audience who are locked in an office cubical. In case you missed it Monday night on VH1, we bring you the video link to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2007 Induction Ceremony. So hijack the corporation's bandwidth and take in this entertaining show. That report can wait. We now resume normal programming.

Remembering Woody Hayes

Twenty years ago today, former Ohio State coach Woody Hayes died. Hayes' coaching career came to an end in the 1978 Gator Bowl, when he punched Clemson's Charlie Bauman after the linebacker intercepted a pass, securing the Tigers' 17-15 victory. The next day, on Dec. 30, Hayes was fired.

It was an unfortunate ending to Hayes' tenure at Columbus, but he rehabilitated his image before his death. His legacy lives on, and the Columbus Dispatch has put together some remembrances of Hayes.

As a footnote, Bauman eventually moved to — of all places — Ohio. He was never angry at Hayes. "He made a mistake. He made other mistakes, and so have I. Everybody makes mistakes."

The Disturbing Images

After much debate, we decided to post these two images that are said to be from the racist Facebook group that was created by USC linebacker Clay Matthews. The images appeared on Sports By Brooks this weekend. Trojan players David Buehler, Brian Cushing, Dan Deckas and Dallas Sartz — all white — also were named as members of the group.

Sports By Brooks points out that the graphic of a black baby in handcuffs actually came from a T-shirt that was the focus of a 2005 story on Black America Web.

USC announced that none of the players involved will be punished. Michael Jackson, USC's vice president of student affairs, told the L.A. Times: "While the group was evidently created as an offshoot to joking between races among teammates at USC, this joke was clearly taken to an improper length."

As stated Friday, we were disturbed the players were not disciplined. After seeing the images, we are stunned by USC's no-discipline stance.

Reporters' Notebooks

C.L. Brown, Louisville Courier-Journal: Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has suspended three players and three other players have left the team.

Paul Finebaum, Mobile Press Register: A book about Nick Saban's championship season at Louisiana State will give Alabama fans at look at what to expect from their new coach.

Larry Bowen, Bryan-College Station Eagle: Texas A&M offensive linemen Cody Wallace and Chris Yoder put on a display of power during the team's Night of Champions.

Corey Long, Tampa Tribune: Among policies instituted by Miami coach Randy Shannon: players must maintain a 2.5 grade-point average to stay eligible.

Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser: The Hawaii Bowl will be played on Dec. 23, the earliest date yet of its six seasons.

Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: Boise State, only 10 weeks removed from its Fiesta Bowl victory, begins spring practice on Monday.

Reporters' Notebooks

Geoff Grammer and Ryn Gargulinski, Tucson Citizen: Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama has entered a diversion program after an alcohol citation.

Brian Dohn, Daily News: Eight prep players gave non-binding commitments to be part of UCLA's 2008 recruiting class.

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News: Meet Cody Hawkins, son of Colorado coach Dan Hawkins and the future of Buffaloes football.

Kimball Perry and Bill Koch, Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati has suspended an unnamed player for lying during an investigation into allegations of videotaped sex after officials could prove no other wrongdoing in the case.

Paul Strelow, Columbia State: Academic troubles at Clemson, where Ray Ray McElrathbey, who is burdened with raising his younger brother, will miss time this spring.

Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune: More chatter about the Big Ten making adjustments to its schedule after embarrassing postseason losses.

Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune: Minnesota coach Tim Brewster says the team needs more receivers, but it's full-speed ahead with plans to install the spread offense.

Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, who was courted by the Dallas Cowboys, is getting top dollar to stay with the Badgers.

Associated Press: Former Idaho player Tone Taupule has been charged with armed robbery and aggravated battery after allegedly stealing $1,000 from a student.

Ryan Callahan, Tennessean: The knee injury to Erik Ainge will sideline the Tennessee quarterback for up to three months.

Mankind's Greatest Invention

We bring you the Beer Launching Fridge, and the remote controlled device will fire a beer from its refrigerator unit to a college football couch potato 13 feet away. Is life great or what?

This beauty is the brainchild of John W. Cornwell, 22, who graduated from Duke last year and had the time on his hands to create this engineering marvel.

"Have you ever gotten up off the couch to get a beer for the umpteenth time and thought, 'What if instead of ME going to get the BEER, the BEER came to ME???' Well, that was how I first conceived of the beer launching fridge," he writes on his site. ... Matter of fact, we've had this very thought countless times!

The good news is that Cornwell is planning to market the device. The one on display in this video holds 10 beers and would cost around $1500. But Cornwell has plans for a unit that would hold close to 20 beers in its magazine and would cost around $3000.

Feat of Clay Another Embarrassing Incident

Was it a good-natured joke, as USC officials want you to believe, or is there racial tension in the nation's preeminent program?

USC linebacker Clay Matthews, left, was named as the person who created a racist Facebook group that featured a graphic of a black baby in handcuffs with the caption, "arrest black babies before they become criminals."

Facebook is a social networking website popular among college students, and the story about the racist site was first reported by Elizabeth Geli of the Daily Trojan. Teammates David Buehler, Brian Cushing, Dan Deckas and Dallas Sartz — all white — were named as members of the "White Nation" group.

At the very least, this is another embarrassing incident for USC football, which remains under a microscope for a series of off-field incidents, the most prominent being Reggie Bush's alleged involvement with a failed sports marketing firm.

When USC officials first learned about the site is unclear, but what is clear is that everybody had their stories straight when the press came calling, suggesting that officials have known about this for some time.

Joke or not, what we find disturbing is USC's response. Coach Pete Carroll told the L.A. Times that he had no plans to discipline the players. It's not as if this is the first time this has happened. Last year, a Times review of USC players with Facebook pages found some underage players holding what appeared to be alcoholic beverages. That should have been warning enough.

Also alarming is the response by many Trojan fans. The Daily Trojan story is littered with disturbing comments. "This is retared (sic) ... why even write an article about this," says a reader identified as Matt. "C'mon, are you serious? This is some self-righteous bull shitezah. Unnecessary pseudo-PC whistle-blowing." writes Erik Ta.

Yes, these people live among you.

Our thanks to Image of Sport for the shot of Matthews.

Drawing Plays in the Sand

If you've ever had the desire to listen to an evening of unscripted and unpredictable radio, tonight is the night. Our precious few seconds of free time have been snapped up this week by a series of unfortunate incidents, namely work.

Yes, we will be winging it on "Sports Overnight America" on the fine Sports Byline USA Network, but sometimes the best gameplan is no gameplan, right? So you might want to catch this very special evening of radio. The fun starts Friday night at 11:30 (Pacific) and runs into Saturday morning at 1.

Listen to the show worldwide over the Internet at Sports Byline or through the American Forces Network, which can be heard in 177 countries and U.S. territories as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea. Also check the list of Sports Byline affiliates.

Jim Tressel Explains Photosynthesis

Confused about photosynthesis? Join the crowd. Fortunately, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is here to break it down in terms that college football fans can understand. Speaking of breaking it down, it's obvious the Buckeyes had a photosynthesis breakdown in the BCS title game. We're still waiting to hear what happened. Past classic coaches videos: Bear Bryant, Woody Hayes, Hayden Fry, Lou Holtz, Bobby Ross, Dan Devine, Gary Barnett, Pat Dye and Terry Bowden.

Reporters' Notebooks

Eric Hansen, South Bend Tribune: Tom Zbikowski's exhibition boxing match had plenty of glitches, including the suspension of opponent Ken Murphy, but a replacement was found and the Notre Dame safety dazzled the fans with his fistic fury. Photo package.

Risa Polansky, Miami Today: Florida International is planning to build a $50 million stadium and student center that will be ready for the start of the 2008 season. In the meantime, the Golden Panthers are expected to play this fall in the Orange Bowl. Thanks to Steve!

Marcus Nelson, Palm Beach Post: Florida Atlantic is exploring options to set up a temporary stadium on its Boca Raton campus as early as this fall in case the team gets booted from Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium.

George Hostetter, Fresno Bee: Fresno State, for one, is cashing in on Boise State's appearance in the Fiesta Bowl.

Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman: Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson says the league's schedule will be released Monday.

Randy Kennedy, Mobile Press-Register: Alabama coach Nick Saban's popularity continues to soar. He will pack them in next month at a charity even in Mobile.

Scott Wolf's blog, L.A. Daily News: Former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart recently got turned down by actress Scarlett Johansson in Miami.

A Blow to Internet Radio

We once again venture down the slippery slope of an off-topic post. If you listen to Internet radio — an estimated 72 million do — a ruling released Tuesday by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board significantly increased the royalties paid for streaming digital songs online. Bad news, because this is likely to mean an end to independent webcasting — the terrific Pandora, for instance — and Internet radio, including simulcasts by National Public Radio stations like KCRW. The ruling is explained in detail by Save Internet Radio, and although the decision is being slammed on Capital Hill, overturning it will be an uphill battle (write your lawmakers!). Kurt Hanson, who runs AccuRadio and publishes the Radio and Internet Newsletter, told the L.A. Times the decision threatens to "shut down the entire medium."

On Surface, It's FieldTurf for Mid-American

The Mid-American Conference is a mess when it comes to scheduling, but the league's teams have no trouble picking a playing surface. Ball State is set to become the eighth member of the league to play on FieldTurf, replacing the natural grass that has been the surface of choice at Scheumann Stadium since it opened in 1967. Although FieldTurf's popularity is skyrocketing, no another conference has more FieldTurf surfaces than the MAC. FieldTurf officials are so giddy about the news that they have put up turf cam in Scheumann to view the construction project. What goes into the surface? The FieldTurf graphic above breaks it down. You can click on it for an enlarged view.

Reporters' Notebooks

Jay G. Tate, Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn receiver Tim Hawthorne said he's lucky to be alive after a one-vehicle accident Sunday morning. One of his friends was not so lucky.

Molly Yanity, Seattle Post Intelligencer: Running back Michael Houston, who allegedly stole a taxi after being picked up from a strip club in October, has left the Washington Huskies.

Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: West Virginia's Steve Slaton on recovering from surgery to repair his right wrist: "I'll be 10 times better without [the broken bone]."

Bill Koch, Cincinnati Enquirer: An analysis found that nearly 40% of Cincinnati boosters who bought football tickets didn't use them. Bearcat home games averaged 20,373 fans last season. Only Duke (19,580) ranked lower among teams affiliated with the BCS.

Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune: Illinois coach Ron Zook might be trying to change the perception he is lax in disciplining players. He just booted two players off the team (registration).

Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald: New Miami coach Randy Shannon is laying down the law in regard to firearms. Any player caught with one is done playing for the Hurricanes (registration).

Rick Scoppe, Greenville News: Troubled South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia won't be participating in spring drills.

John Ryan Casey, Arizona Daily Wildcat: Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama has a court date Friday on a charge of minor in possession of alcohol. Thanks to EDSBS.

Eric Peterson, Ames Tribune: Iowa State will honor its 1977 Peach Bowl team and wear throwback uniforms in its game against Iowa. Game-worn helmets, jerseys, pants and socks will then be sold in online auctions.

Mike Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says he is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback, but freshman Keith Nichol, who is already enrolled, is in the mix.

Rich Kaipust, Omaha World-Herald: A year ago, quarterback Harrison Beck was the future of Nebraska football. Now he's gunning for the starting job at North Carolina State.

Joe Drape, New York Times: When facing the NCAA, the best defense is a legal team. Thanks to the Sports Economist.

Associated Press: The Southeastern Conference reached a five-year deal with XM Satellite Radio to air football and basketball games.

Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman: Idaho has finally filled out its schedule with a game against Northern Illinois. The Vandals will also install a new playing surface in the Kibbie Dome.

The Mid-American's Scheduling Disaster

Mark your calendar for Oct. 27 because history is going to be made. Look at the above schedules posted on the official sites of Illinois and Vanderbilt and you will see that each team is playing host to Kent State that day.

Start times for the Golden Flashes' doubleheader in cities 377 miles apart have yet to be announced.

This is one of the "scheduling issues" facing Mid-American Conference teams for the second year in a row. You might recall last year when Buffalo broke contracts with West Virginia and Rutgers to play games against Auburn and Wisconsin that resulted in bigger payouts.

This year's mess is being blamed in part on Temple becoming a full-fledged member of the MAC. Word is that Temple at one point had scheduled five nonconference games. Only four are allowed.

A tipster who wishes to remain anonymous said the MAC's scheduling issues might eventually result in repercussions for the league: "I'm not so sure that other conferences aren't looking at this and telling league members not to work with the Mid-American because of this mess."

There's more. A lot more. Here is a sampling of what you can find regarding the MAC's scheduling issues:

On Feb. 14, the Idaho Statesman reported that Eastern Michigan was trying to get out of a game at Idaho and that Boise State's schedule could be impacted by schedule problems involving MAC teams.

On Feb. 17, the Honolulu Advertiser reported that Western Athletic Conference teams Hawaii and Boise State had unresolved scheduling issues involving MAC teams. Gary Richter, associate commissioner of the MAC, said his league was expected to announce its schedule "sometime next week." It didn't happen.

On Feb. 21, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Kentucky's game at Temple had been dropped in favor of a home game against Kent State. The scheduling switch was done at the request of the MAC to resolve scheduling issues. Kentucky now has eight home games.

On Feb. 27, the Detroit News reported that Bowling Green had been added to Michigan State's schedule and Western Michigan had been dropped. The Lansing State Journal reported the move was made "at the request of the Big Ten and to assist conference officials in resolving other scheduling issues between league institutions and other Mid-American Conference opponents."

On Feb. 27, the Idaho Statesman reported that "another scheduling mishap in the Mid-American Conference" had resulted in Boise State agreeing on a home-and-home series with Southern Mississippi. The Broncos, eligible for a 13-game schedule because of a game at Hawaii, may play only 12 games because a game against Bowling Green was in jeopardy.

On Feb. 28, the Muncie Star Press reported that Ball State's 2009 game at Indiana had been moved to 2007. The teams will play Nov. 3 at Bloomington.

On Feb. 28, the Honolulu Advertiser reported that a planned announcement of Hawaii's schedule a day earlier did not materialize, further delaying a campaign to launch ticket sales. The report said Hawaii, with three open dates, had asked for help from ESPN to fill its schedule.

On March 2, the Spokesman Review reported Idaho was replacing a dropped game against Eastern Michigan with another team from the MAC, Northern Illinois.

On March 4, the Honolulu Advertiser reported that Western Athletic Conference officials were preparing to move ahead with its 2007 despite three openings on Hawaii's schedule. The story says that league hangups with the MAC had been resolved.

Death to SMU, Death to the SWC

Doak Walker, Kyle Rote, Don Meredith and the Pony Express of Craig James and Eric Dickerson, above. Southern Methodist's football tradition was a source of pride, but it came tumbling down 20 years ago when the NCAA used its most severe punishment, the Death Penalty, shutting down the Mustang program in 1987. SMU was already under two-year probation when the NCAA discovered that payments to 13 players had continued out of a $61,000 slush fund. Southern Methodist would lose its program for two years and fade, likely forever, from the ranks of the national elite.

Six days after the NCAA announced the death penalty, Texas governor Bill Clements, barely into the second of his two split terms and only weeks after stepping down as chairman of SMU's board of governors, dropped another bombshell. He and other university officials had approved a secret plan to continue illegal payments to players even after the team had been put on probation for paying players in 1985.

It became the scandal of scandals in the Southwest Conference and it helped lead directly to the conference's demise in May 1996. Only Arkansas, Baylor and Rice escaped sanctions in the 1980s, and with the conference's market share and television coverage dwindling, Arkansas was the first to bolt, joining the Southeastern Conference in 1992. A year later, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Baylor joined the Big Eight, creating the Big 12.

Would the NCAA ever use the death penalty again? Unlikely. Said former University of Florida president John Lombardi: "SMU taught the committee that the death penalty is too much like the atomic bomb. It's like what happened after we dropped the [atom] bomb in World War II. The results were so catastrophic that now we'll do anything to avoid dropping another one.”

Reporters' Notebooks

Alex Abrams, Springfield Morning News: Arkansas coach Houston Nutt and his mother were unhurt when the private plane they were aboard had to make an emergency landing.

Joseph Person, Columbia State: South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday after he allegedly vandalized a car belonging to a professor.

Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State defensive end Kevin McNeil suffered a fractured right foot and a concussion in a one-car accident that killed a passenger.

Courtney Linehan, Daily Illini: Two Illinois players have been suspended from the team after they were charged with obstructing justice and possessing stolen property.

Ken Gordon, Columbus Dispatch: It appears officials from Michigan and Ohio State are split about playing their annual slugfest in December.

Mitch Sherman, Omaha World-Herald: Here is how Nebraska got five players from the Arizona desert to come to Lincoln.

A Week With Terry Bowden

Terry Bowden didn't leave on good terms at Auburn, but unlike many coaches, he wasn't afraid to let the cameras in as his team prepared to play a rival, in this case Alabama in 1995. As you can see Bowden, who quit as coach midway through the 1998 season, has always been comfortable around the camera. Past classic coaches videos: Bear Bryant, Woody Hayes, Hayden Fry, Lou Holtz, Bobby Ross, Dan Devine, Gary Barnett and Pat Dye.

Pickens Again at Center of Controversy

Oklahoma State, in a move that will likely change the landscape of fund raising for "amateur" athletics, has announced a "Gift of a Lifetime" program that will generate $280 million in life insurance commitments.

Here's how it works: Twenty-eight individuals in age from 65 to 85 have been selected. They are under no financial obligation and only needed to pass a physical exam. OSU Athletics, Inc. took out a $20 million loan to pay the premiums, and each time an individual in the program dies, Oklahoma State will be paid $10 million. When all 28 have died, Oklahoma State will have been paid $280 million.

Yes, Oklahoma State owns the proud distinction of being the first NCAA program to use life insurance policies as a fund raiser. Texas Tech and Texas reportedly are already making inquiries about following Oklahoma State's lead.

The insurance company also plans to profit. It will take the estimated $357,000 premium per individual and invest it to where it becomes worth more than the $10 million policy.

We're not an expert in this type of money making, but considering that the NCAA's tax-exempt status is under question, it now appears we can charge NCAA president Myles Brand with loss of institutional control.

All this is the brainchild of T. Boone Pickens, the most powerful booster in college athletics. Pickens donated $165 million to Oklahoma State on Dec. 30, 2005, and the New York Times later reported that the money spent less than an hour in a university charity account before it was transferred to a hedge fund that is controlled by — you guessed it — Pickens. In six months, Pickens parlayed another $50 million onto the $165 million.

Marcus Owens, a lawyer who formerly headed the division of the I.R.S. that oversees tax-exempt groups, told the Times: "Sadly, it's another case of a rich man manipulating charity for his own benefit."

Since Pickens' $165 million "gift," several maneuvers by the university have ticked off fans. Early last year, the university announced plans to use eminent domain to take an estimated 41 homes north of campus to make space for an athletic village. A group started the website Boone State in an attempt to stop the bullying tactics, but that effort failed. And ticket prices for football games went up 27% last year to help raise the athletic operating budget by at least $3 million, a move that seemingly passed the revenue demand onto the rank and file.

Last June, Pickens' son, Michael, was charged with burglary after he was found hiding under a desk inside the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop in Cornwall, Conn., several hours after closing. A year earlier, Michael Pickens was indicted on federal securities fraud allegations in New York. The prosecution of that case is still pending (some registration).

Granny Holtz, Parseghian, Crewcut, Pizza

Notre Dame's April 21st intrasquad scrimmage that completes spring drills will embrace the past, with former Fighting Irish coaches Lou Holtz and Ara Parseghian serving as guest coaches. This should help take some of the pressure off all-world freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who will be getting his first extended exposure under the Golden Dome. The spring game will be presented by Home Run Inn Pizza, an interesting choice of sponsors considering Crewcut Charlie Weis' battle with obesity. We're still waiting to see if Weis, whose recent medical malpractice case ended in a mistrial, has decided to go back for seconds and give his legal chances another try. Thanks to Kevin of We Are Penn State.

Birmingham Could Be Site of SEC Hall

A proposed expansion of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex could include a museum devoted to the Southeastern Conference, writes Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News. Although the Hall of Champions remains in the conceptual stages, officials have discussed it in some detail with SEC commissioner Mike Slive. All of this makes a lot of sense, though, especially considering that the SEC office has been located in Birmingham since 1948. "I think the concept is worth exploring. But as you would expect, the details are really what's important," Slive said. "For any Hall of Champions, it has to have a long-term plan and has to be run in a first-class way." The Atlantic Coast Conference also has plans to build a museum in Greensboro, but that project is currently stalled over a real estate purchase.

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Carter, Tampa Tribune: New Florida State assistant Jimbo Fisher will be paid $425,000, with $210,000 of that coming from Seminole Boosters, Inc. Coach Bobby Bowden remains highest-paid state employee at nearly $2.1 million.

Mike Prater and Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman: Former Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky will grace the cover of the immensely popular EA Sports NCAA Football 2008 video game.

Matthew Futterman, Newark Star-Ledger: In yet another sign football has become big business at Rutgers, prime parking spots will go to the biggest athletic donors.

Jeff Metcalfe, Arizona Republic: New Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson will be guaranteed only $500,000 for 2007, but will earn $5.6 million over the five years of his deal. If Erickson leaves to take another job, he must pay Arizona State $750,000.

Nick Martin, East Valley Tribune: Former Arizona State running back Hakim Hill offered a Scottsdale police officer a wad of cash before he was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct last weekend.

Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News: It appears the partnership between the Cotton Bowl and the Big 12 will be tested when the postseason game makes a planned move to crack the Bowl Championship Series lineup (registration).

Mark Janssen, Manhattan Mercury: From assistant coaches to the equipment manager, there is little left of the Bill Snyder era at Kansas State (registration).

Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche Journal: Texas Tech coach Mike Leach says "Nobel Prize quality intellect and intelligence" went into the changing the clocks rules, but he's upset with timeouts being shortened from 65 seconds to 30 seconds.

Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch: Meet Jim Tressel's new brain trust: Earl Bruce and John Cooper.

Mark Anderson, Las Vegas Review-Journal: Nevada Las Vegas defensive end Robert Travers, who started the last four games of the 2006 season, died in his garage from carbon monoxide intoxication.

Wilner and White Join the Discussion

We're privileged to have two outstanding guests Friday night/Saturday morning on "Sports Overnight America." Joining us will be Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News and Lonnie White of the Los Angeles Times.

Jon, who has been covering the college sports scene for 17 years, will join us at 11:35 p.m. (Pacific) to talk about March Madness. Check out his College Hotline blog, which also can be found under a new category of links we've created titled Journalist Blogs.

Lonnie, the UCLA football beat writer for the Times, will join us after the midnight hour. Lonnie brings his unique perspective on college sports, having been a former standout player at USC. He's also author of "UCLA vs. USC: 75 Years of the Greatest Rivalry in Sports."

Listen to the show worldwide over the Internet at Sports Byline or through the American Forces Network, which can be heard in 177 countries and U.S. territories as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea. Also check the list of Sports Byline affiliates.

Bringing Up the Rear

Here is our third chart detailing how states ranked in producing Division I-A recruits this year in relation to their population. This is the set grouping states that ranked 31st to 46th. North Dakota, South Dakota, Rhode Island and Vermont did not produce a I-A recruit. The complete list, which was provided by Map Game Day, is available by clicking here. Our previous two charts represented the top 15 states and states that ranked 16th through 30th. It's remarkable to see states such as Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Michigan grouped in this middle third considering some of the successful teams that have emerged from these areas. You can click on the chart for a closer view.

On the Frontline of News Gathering

We're venturing off topic again today to alert the journalists in our crowd (a substantial portion of our audience) about a terrific piece of work by the PBS public affairs program Frontline. Lowell Bergman, who might be best known for his investigation of the tobacco industry for "60 Minutes" that was chronicled in the 1999 Academy Award-nominated feature file "The Insider," investigates the media today in a three-part series titled "News War." Bergman's report is troubling, especially when you consider 85% of the grunt work of gathering news is done by newspapers. The beauty of Frontline is that then entire 270-minute program is available online, so you can watch this at your leisure. The link is available by clicking here, and you will see that the show is divided into three parts with video segments ranging from seven to 12 minutes. Of particular interest is part three, starting with chapter 21, which details with the financial future of newspapers, the L.A. Times in particular. It's disturbing stuff if you work at a newspaper.