Rich Rod and Michigan WILL BE FINE.

Okay, everyone settle down. The 2009 season is over for Michigan Football.

Long time fans, like myself, aren't quite used to not anticipating our bowl matchup. We're used to planning our exact location when we plan on being hungover and not moving for hours on end, on New Years Day. But, just like last years fate, we now have to patiently wait for 10 months before we can yell at our TVs and furiously argue with state fans about how we hate each other.

We're used to 8 or 9 win seasons, year after year (state fans call this 'arrogance', we call it tradition). We're used to having a very good team (not great), that competes for a Big Ten title every year. To sum it up, we're used to winning football games, plain and simple.

Then Rich Rodriguez comes in and "ruins" the tradition of UM Football, and loses a combined 16 games in two years of work.

This, most Michigan fans would say, is a problem. But I'm one of the optimistic few that think Michigan Football is going to be just fine. And actually, I'd bet that they will be better than fine, competing for Big Ten titles as soon as next year, and National Titles by the 2012 season.

Why so optimistic you say? I'll start with the facts. The 2009 roster was 70% Freshman and Sophomores. There were many Sophomores and a few Freshman to actually play a lot of downs in Big Ten games this year. (this obviously doesn't count the redshirt freshman players who are lifting and practicing every day during the season, and were part of RR's first complete recruiting class)

Next year, UM returns 9 of 11 starters on offense AND defense.

All of this equates to experience. And this is most crucial for a Rich Rodriguez coached team. He started off with players remaining from a traditional "pro-style" offensive system. The switch to a spread offense isn't going to be easy for players who have played their whole lives in a traditional offense. It takes time, coaching, and experience actually playing within the new system.

This season showed glimpses of how good this offense can be with the type of players necessary to run it. Even with multiple catastrophes throughout the season (TURNOVERS GALORE), they were one of the better offensive teams in the Big Ten. Tate Forcier obviously has the potential to be a good, possibly great quarterback for this team. He, along with the rest of the youngsters, will only get better. That makes me happy, because that offense is really fun to watch when it's 'on'.

Defense is another story. With three different coordinators in three years, there is obviously not much consistency on this side of the ball. The defense looked solid for parts of the season this year, but the second half was horrible. The only game they looked good (minus Delaware State...) was the ohio state game. If they give Robinson three years of coaching with this young team, they could be solid. I'll need to see some improvement next year first, but for now, I'll trust his experience.

All I know is this, the new staff is recruiting very well for their system, and I can see things getting better on the field. The only thing holding this team back is lack of experience, and they're going to get a lot of that next year. With more and more players graduating early and coming to UM in January, spring practices are very helpful for a young team like this. Another point to make with recruits, when they come to see a UM game, or watch one on TV, they're seeing playing time.

I'm calling for 8 wins in 2010, and continual Big Ten Championships afterward, with a few National Titles sprinkled in there (obv).

So, like an msu or a Lions fan, I'll leave you with this:

"There's always next year."

JSR COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLLS

1. Florida Gators (10-0)
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (10-0)
3. Texas Longhorns (10-0)
4. TCU Horned Frogs (10-0)
5. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-0)
6. Boise State Broncos (10-0)
7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-1)
8. Pittsburgh Panthers (9-1)
9. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-2)
10. Oregon Ducks (9-2)
11. LSU Tigers (9-2)
12. Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2)
13. Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-2)
14. Clemson Tigers (7-3)
15. Virginia Tech Hokies (8-3)
16. Stanford Cardinal (7-3)
17. Iowa Hawkeyes (9-2)
18. Wisconsin Badgers (8-2)
19. USC Trojans (7-3)
20. Miami Hurricanes (7-3)
21. Oregon State Beavers (7-3)
22. North Carolina Tar Heels (7-3)
23. BYU Cougars (8-2)
24. Utah Utes (8-2)
25. Houston Cougars (8-2)

Honorable Mention
Arizona Wildcats
Navy Midshipmen
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
West Virginia Mountaineers
Ole Miss Rebels
California Golden Bears
Boston College Eagles

2009 JSR College Football Poll

1. Florida Gators (7-0)
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0)
3. Texas Longhorns (7-0)
4. TCU Horned Frogs (7-0)
5. Cincinnati Bearcats (7-0)
6. USC Trojans (6-1)
7. LSU Tigers (7-1)
8. Oregon Ducks (7-1)
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (8-0)
10.Boise State Broncos (7-0)
11. Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1)
12. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-1)
13. Houston Cougars (6-1)
14. Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1)
15. Pittsburgh Panthers (7-1)
16. Virginia Tech Hokies (6-2)
17. Miami Hurricanes (5-2)
18. Utah Utes (6-1)
19. West Virginia Mountaineers (6-1)
20. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-2)
21. Arizona Wildcats (5-2)
22. South Carolina Gamecocks (6-2)
23. Mississippi Rebels (5-2)
24. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-2)
25. Central Michigan Chippewas (7-1)


Honorable Mention
California Golden Bears
BYU Cougars
Wisconsin Badgers
Clemson Tigers

2009 JSR College Football Poll

1. Florida Gators (5-0)
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)
3. Texas Longhorns (5-0)
4. Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1)
5. TCU Horned Frogs (5-0)
6. Cincinnati Bearcats (5-0)
7. USC Trojans (4-1)
8. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-1)
9. Miami Hurricanes (4-1)
10.LSU Tigers (5-1)
11.Boise State Broncos (5-0)
12.Oregon Ducks (5-1)
13.Iowa Hawkeyes (6-0)
14.Penn State Nittany Lions (5-1)
15.Houston Cougars (4-1)
16.Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1)
17.BYU Cougars (5-1)
18.South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1)
19.Kansas Jayhawks (5-0)
20.Georgia Tech Yellow Jackests (5-1)
21.Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1)
22.Utah Utes (4-1)
23.Pittsburgh Panthers (5-1)
24.South Florida Bulls (5-0)
25.Auburn Tigers (5-1)


Honorable Mention
Oklahoma Sooners
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Wisconsin Badgers
Missouri Tigers
Oregon State Beavers
Central Michigan Chippewas

Harwell, 91 has incurable Cancer

From Detnews.com

He'd been waiting for test results.

His voice last week sounded strong -- as strong as always. By the end of the conversation, however, it didn't.

Ernie Harwell, the treasured voice of the Tigers for all those years, has incurable bile duct cancer. In comments to the Detroit Free Press on Thursday, he said he won't undergo surgery.

But in those same comments, he said he's ready for the next adventure.

It's been no secret lately that Ernie -- as nearly everyone knows him -- hadn't been feeling well. He was in the hospital, then out. There'd been speculation about pneumonia. But most of all there'd been speculation something was wrong.

"Just feeling a little weak at times," he said when called by The Detroit News recently. "We'll see where this takes us. I know I'll be in good hands."

Now he also knows what was wrong.

"We don't know how long this lasts," Harwell, 91, told the Free Press. "It could be a year. It could be much less than a year, much less than a half year. Who knows? Whatever is in store, I'm ready for a new adventure."

That's Ernie for you.

Life always has been an adventure for him. From his boyhood days in Georgia, to serving in the Marines, to broadcasting Bobby Thomson's famous home run for the New York Giants-- to becoming a Hall of Fame broadcaster with the Tigers.

Life's challenge will be an adventure as well.

"I'm ready to face what comes," he told the Free Press, "whether it's a long time or short time. It's up to my Lord and savior."

Spartans to Wear State of Michigan Helmet Decal

Michigan State football players will wear a decal of a silver outline of the state of Michigan on the backs of their helmets as a show for the down economy and struggling auto industry.

MSU coach Mark Dantonio came up with the idea, and athletic director Mark Hollis made the "Silver Lining" campaign a reality.

The state symbol is a take-off on the round "ANF" -- American Needs Farmers -- stickers affixed to Iowa's helmets in the 1980s as a show of support for that state's beleaguered agriculture industry.

"Given the challenging economic conditions that we face in the state of Michigan, we wanted to show support for the residents and businesses in our home state and encourage everyone to unite for our common good," Dantonio said in a statement issued by MSU.

Forcier to Start at QB for Wolverines

Freshman Tate Forcier, who enrolled early and got valuable practice time during the spring, will be the starting quarterback when Michigan opens its season against Western Michigan on Saturday at Michigan Stadium.

Forcier will be the third freshman since Rick Leach in 1975 to start at quarterback his freshman year. Chad Henne started in 2004.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez revealed his decision during his weekly radio show Thursday night. He reiterated what he has said for more than a week -- that all three quarterbacks, including junior Nick Sheridan and freshman Denard Robinson, will play.

Lions Punked by Browns, Fall to 1-1 in Preseason

The Cleveland Browns hadn't scored an offensive touchdown in seven consecutive games, but they needed less than four minutes to score a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Saturday's preseason game at Browns Stadium. The Browns, who were blanked in the final six regular-season games last year and the first preseason game this year, beat the Lions 27-10. Both teams are 1-1 in the preseason.

Detroit rookie Matthew Stafford struggled. Stafford got the start and was picked off on his first pass, and the Lions went three-and-out on the following two possessions.

Stafford finished the game 5-of-13 passes for 34 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Stafford, who had a passer efficiency rating of 14.6, played in six possessions and did not lead a scoring drive.

The first overall pick in the draft had problems with his accuracy, missing some receivers high and throwing behind others. On one pass, he had a pump fake to Jennings, who came wide open downfield and Stafford fired a rocket several feet over Jennings' head.

Culpepper finished the game by completing 10-of-16 passes for 86 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Kangas Signs Overseas

Former Oakland University men's basketball standout Erik Kangas signed a contract to play professional basketball in the LEB Silver League in Santiago, Spain for Rosalia.

"This is a once in a lifetime experience, not many people can say they've done this," said Kangas. "I get to go to a great country, where there are a lot of neat cities to visit and I'm getting paid to play basketball. You can't really get much better."

Kangas, a native of DeWitt, Mich., led the Golden Grizzlies to a 23-13 record during his senior season. He was named All-Summit League first team after breaking the conference record with 135 treys made. Kangas finished third in the nation with 3.9 treys made per game and finished his career with 1,540 points, 11th all-time in OU history.

"Since I got to play a lot and showcase myself at OU, that really helped out," continued Kangas. "The coach over there watched my games from OU and really liked me. Going through, learning all our offenses and the toughness our coaches taught here have prepared me to go over there."

Charles Rogers, Weed & Pain Killers, Oh My!

From Deadspin.com

If you ever wondered how former Lions #2 overall pick Charles Rogers turned out to be such a bust, Jemelle Hill of ESPN got the answer from him: Construda. Construda AY-DAY.

In the sneak peek of the interview released by ESPN, Rogers tells Hill he smoked marijuana on a daily basis, then became addicted to painkillers after breaking his collarbone twice, in 2003 and 2004. Wow, weed AND painkillers? Just call him Ricky Favre.

In 2005, Rogers flunked his third drug test with the NFL, and was obligated to return $10 million of his $14.2 million signing bonus to the Lions. Rogers was cut by the Lions in 2006 and never played in the NFL again, going to jail last December for violating probation stemming from a domestic violence arrest. Watch this interview even casually, and it would appear as though Rogers is STILL baked.

Lions Waive Daniel Bullocks

The Detroit Lions on Wednesday confirmed they placed safety Daniel Bullocks on the waived/injured list. The Lions signed free-agent linebacker Robert Francois to take his place on the roster.

Bullocks, who has been troubled by knee problems since a major injury two years ago, was a second-round pick in 2006. First-round pick Ernie Sims is now the only player on the Lions roster who remains from that draft.

Awesome H-O-R-S-E Shot

Wolverines Will Host UConn in 2010 Opener

The Michigan Wolverines have confirmed they will open their 2010 football season against the Conneciut Huskies. The Sept. 4 game will open the newly renovated Michigan stadium.

Not exactly a huge opponent for the big event, but at least its a BCS school. Schools are becoming more and more afraid to put legitimate teams in their schedule as one loss can ruin a team's title hopes.

Lions Pettigrew Remains on Injured Reserve

Lions rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason game at Cleveland and may be out for a while after that. Head coach Jim Schwartz all but said Tuesday that the Lions are shutting Pettigrew down because of his lingering quadriceps injury.

"We've done a lot of tests on it," Schwartz said. "We've consulted a lot of different people. It's been a nagging thing. It hasn't responded as well as we would have hoped. I don't want to declare anybody out, but it's unlikely he would play vs. Cleveland and then probably, rather than taking a day-to-day approach with it, maybe take a little bit longer-term approach with the idea of trying to get him back."

With all of the Lions injuries this pre-season, their injured reserve list looks more talented then their starting lineup.

Tigers Sign Top Draft Picks

The Detroit Tigers have signed first-round pick Jacob Turner for a deal worth $5.5 million and second-round pick Andy Oliver for $1.495 million.

The team also confirmed the signing of their sixth-round pick, shortstop Daniel Fields, the U-D Jesuit star and son of former Tiger Bruce Fields. Fields had committed to play at Michigan if he hadn’t signed with the Tigers.

With those three signings, the Tigers signed their top seven picks in the draft.

Grizzlies Add Big Schools to Schedule

Oakland University announced the first part of its men's basketball schedule with participation in the Hall of Fame Showcase tournament. As part of that, the Golden Grizzlies will travel to Tennessee Tech (Nov. 23), Kansas (Nov. 25) and Memphis (Nov. 30), while hosting Central Arkansas (Nov. 28) as the final game of the showcase.

This year's Showcase has been modified into a round-robin event, as the four teams (Memphis, Kansas, Louisville, Arkansas) host three home games against other opponents in November.

The Grizzlies are coming of a 23-13 season and a quarterfinal appearance in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

Lions Kicker Hanson Underwent Knee Surgery

Detroit Lions place kicker and the franchise's only consistent scoring threat for the last decade, Jason Hanson had minor knee surgery this morning. The Lions wanted to get the small issue taken care of rather than let it linger and turn into something that was going to nag him all season. Head Coach Jim Schwartz would not disclose which knee was involved and was not definite about when the injury occurred.

Hanson, who is entering his 18th season, kicked two field goals, including the winning 47-yarder in Saturday’s exhibition, but he had some trouble with kickoffs.

The Lions better hope this is only a minor injury, otherwise an already below average offense could become even worse!

NEWS FLASH: Pro Wrestler Busted for HGH

Kurt Angle, former Olympic gold medalist and current Total Nonstop Action pro wrestler was busted with HGH after police stopped his vehicle on Saturday. Angle also allegedly violated a protection order from his girlfriend for abuse after he stopped at the coffee shop where she worked.

Well I am sure you are all as shocked by this story as I am. I mean a professional wrestler on PEDs with an abusive streak?? Wow, who would have thought!

Maybe the strangest part of this story though is that this woman is STILL HIS GIRLFRIEND. Makes alot of sense to continue to date a guy you have a protection order against right?

Old Man Favre Back Again

Reports are out that quarterback Brett Favre is expected to sign with the Vikings today.

Favre is on currently on his way to Minneapolis and is expected to sign with the team this afternoon, WCCO-TV's Mark Rosen is reporting.

Looks like we can all expect another 3 months of Brett Favre coverage on ESPN. Hope you aren't interesting in hearing about anything else in the world of sports.

Tigers Add Huff to Lineup

While trying to fend off the Chicago White Sox coming down the stretch in a tight AL Central divison race, the Tigers acquired left-handed hitter Aubrey Huff from Baltimore. GM Dave Dombrowski had to do this, to help fill a void in the Tigers lineup which has been terrible at hitting with runners in scoring position and at just hitting period at times.

Huff, 32, is only hitting .253 but has 72 RBIs, more than any Tiger. Most impressive, he's hitting .324 with runners in scoring position. After the Tigers went 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position and lost to Kansas City on Sunday.

Dombrowski was quoted as saying "It's been a tough offensive year for our ballclub, and (Huff) can drive in runs. He's a guy we've tried to acquire numerous times in the past. He's a left-handed bat that's a threat, and those guys are hard to find."

Out on Bail, Fresh Outta Jail

Michigan State Spartans Head Coach Mark Dantonio has reinstated sophomore running back Glenn Winston who was recently released from jail four months after seriously injuring a Spartans hockey player with a sucker punch to the head. For his actions Winston was originally sentenced to 180 days in jail, how ever that sentence was reduced and he was released in July.

However, now Dantonio believes Glenn has paid for his actions and will be allowed to rejoin the Spartan football team.

Dantonio was quoted as saying "Glenn has done everything that he's been asked to do from a judicial and a team standpoint. He has paid the penalty for his actions -- publicly, legally and athletically -- and he worked hard to maintain his academic eligibility while doing so. We regret the entire incident, however at this time, it is important that we support Glenn socially, academically and athletically. He still has a lot of work to do."

I think this is an absolute crock. So let me get this straight, this guy goes and sucker punches a fellow Michigan State athlete, gives him a closed head injury, could have possibly killed him.... and you want him back on the team??? This is pathetic. Whether he has paid for his actions or not according to the judicial system, there are plenty of great athletes who have not committed a henious crime that would love to play for a Big Ten team.

Has the need to advance the program really come to this? Pathetic.

Grady Jackson Faces Suspension?

From: Pro Football Talk.com

When lawsuits were filed against the NFL to block the suspensions of five players who had tested positive for the potent diuretic secretly included in the over-the-counter supplement known as StarCaps, defensive tackle Grady Jackson also had been suspended four games. However, his internal appeal before the Commissioner’s office had not been resolved.

But Jackson’s appeal was not rejected by the league. Instead, the matter was “deferred pending additional information.” (Sounds like the initial outcome of Newman’s mail fraud investigation.)

Still, it’s clear that Jackson took StarCaps, given that he filed a class action against the manufacturer of the product. So now that the path has been cleared for the suspension of Saints defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant and free-agent running back Deuce McAllister, the league could soon reopen Jackson’s case and formally suspend him, too.

With Jackson now a member of the Lions, his lawyers should be researching Michigan law for the kind of protections that apply in Minnesota. Georgia law should be examined, too, given that Jackson was a member of the Atlanta Falcons when he tested positive.

And Jackson’s case introduces a new twist — can one employer impose a suspension arising from conduct occuring while the player was employed by another team?

ESPN Restricts it's Broadcast to Two Stories

In a bold move, ESPN has decided to stop reporting any sports information this spring and summer other then the on-going sagas of whether Brett Favre is un-retiring (again) and the never-ending story of whether Roger Clemens did or did not take steroids. Despite the general public as a whole not really caring about either story, ESPN has decided to stick with it's plan.

Chuck Daly's Memorable Moments

From Detnews.com

Written by Terry Foster

Restaurant owner John Ginopolis is one of Chuck Daly's best friends. He roomed with him during the 1988 NBA Finals. Daly frequently came to his Farmington Hills restaurant.

Like many of Daly's friends, he believed Daly was invincible. You always thought Daly would be around. That is why the news of Daly's death after a battle with pancreatic cancer was so tough on Ginopolis.

"You never thought anything would happen to him," Ginopolis said. "This thing that's got him is awful. You never think of Daly getting sick. I mean he looked so good before this happened. I can't believe it."

Ginopolis sentiments were shared throughout the NBA. Newspapers often reported his age 10 years his junior. Players who played for him and the media that covered Daly during his days as Pistons coach often believed he was invincible.

But he was human, just like everybody else.

That was evident during a road trip to Portland. A curtain accidently opened to a training room and Daly lay on a table getting a back massage. It was a frequent routine for Daly, who had chronic back pain, and he didn't want anybody to know about his vulnerability to a back that sometimes caused him to lean over when he walked.

Daly looked upset when his secret was blown. The curtain closed quickly and Daly's massage continued.

Daly's bad back made for news inside the dressing room, but I never wrote about it. It was not worth the grief.

Daly appeared younger than he was. He had the best hair in the dressing room and he loved his image of being a cool dude even though he was often the oldest guy in the room.

Moments that stand out:

• The Pistons had just played a tough game against the Boston Celtics at the old Boston Garden. During a time-out, Daly and forward Adrian Dantley got into the most horrific argument I've ever seen during my years of covering the NBA. It seemed to last forever. Daly and Dantley screamed and cursed within inches of one another.

Later that night the Pistons remained at the team hotel because of a flight curfew at Logan Airport. I ran into Daly in the hotel bar and he was still livid.

"We've got to get rid of him," Daly said.

Daly's words were much spicier, but you get the point.

I was stunned because players and coaches often kept private matters from the media. I promised not to write about our meeting then. But it was still interesting to see the anger still boiling in his soul.

He believed that Dantley slowed the offense and caused the four other players to stand around while Dantley went through his routine of posting up his man and trying to set up a slow drive to the hoop.

A few weeks later Dantley was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Mark Aguirre. Everybody assumed that point guard Isiah Thomas orchestrated the trade behind the scenes. Maybe he did push for the trade. But Daly was also a proponent.

• Daly always wanted to be cool. His suits were his trademark, and he got many of them from a Southfield clothier. But he had his favorite places to shop in New York, Seattle and Chicago. Once Daly became so agitated with a call that he slipped and fell to the floor at The Palace. His assistants came over to help him up and he shook them off.

He would help himself up.

People saw the replay nationwide and everybody got a good laugh out of it. Here is what people don't know. Daly also split his pants.

I could see it from press row and sent word that there was a large rip in his seat. Daly was careful how he walked during the rest of the half and it was sewed at halftime.

• Daly was good with the media, but he sometimes became agitated with us and walked away from press conferences. Once Dennis Rodman was acting up and he stormed out of the dressing room following a game. The media had to make a decision. Do we run after Rodman and see what his problem was? Or do we stick around and listen to Daly's post-game press conference outside the dressing room.

Many of us chose to follow Rodman who didn't have much to say as he drove off. We ran back to try to catch Daly. As soon as he saw us he cut off the press conference with the media who remained behind.

Hey I was here, he said as he walked off.

• Daly was called the Prince of Pessimism because he always pointed out tough stretches of the season and often feared that the Pistons would not win a game. During critical playoff games he often said if we don't win this game its "Katie bar the door."

That was one of his favorite catch phrases, meaning that the Pistons would face grave danger if they did not win a game.

He would often run his finger through a stretch of the schedule and gripe: I don't know how we are going to win a game.

Of course they almost always found a way to win.

Chunk, Deep to Sloth.....TOUCHDOWN!

So the Lions decide to go Hollywood this time around.  Up to this point, college players with relevant football quarterback experience have not panned out for the Lions (Long, Ware, Harrington).  Why not change the strategy and start drafting former child actors?  Enter Jeff Cohen, who played "Chunk" in the 1985 hit "GOONIES."  

Cohen was actually taken #1 overall in the 2009 entry draft a couple of weeks ago by the Detroit Lions.  To avoid another first round blunder, the Lions decided not to actually draft Matthew Stafford, but to draft the one person in the world who looks most like him.

At this point, nobody is sure about his arm strength, his mobility, or his ability to read defenses.  But let's be honest.  None of that has ever mattered before, so what's the difference?  He has as good a shot as anybody before him, and he's actually going to be learning under a legitimate offensive mind in Scott Linehan.  Linehan should be able to tutor him in the areas of timing, out routes, and check downs.  He'll be fine.  He has Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew.  Kevin Smith is a workhorse runner.  Just get the ball to somebody.  Manage the game.

The chances of this plan working aren't any worse than the old way of doing things.  Come on, how excited will we be when we see the first 'Chunk' (Sorry Daunte, that's Cohen's name) to CJ TD?  There won't be a Daunte Culpepper Arm rolling dance, there will be a TRUFFLE SHUFFLE in the endzone.

Mel Kiper Wrong Again

Every year we are led to believe Mel Kiper is the one and only draft expert and is divine in his draft predictions.

Well, for scoring purposes this year, Deadspin.com gave - 1 point when Kiper correctly predicted the pick exactly; .5 points was given to him if he had Tampa taking QB Josh Freeman, even though he went at 17 instead of 19, as many predicted.

So what was the God of NFL Drafting's score?

8.5 points out of a possible 32.

LAME! This is all he does all year long and he didn't even come close to getting 50% correct.

They've Done It Again!

I see the Lions have adopted a new method of acquiring players in the off season. Drafting for talent and not need. Sounds like a great idea right? If you suck at defensive tackle, who cares? The best player on your board is a tight end. Pick him up! Need a linebacker? Pish posh, take a safety! Desperately need an offensive lineman? This is a no-brainer, take a high priced QB who will sit on the bench most of next year.

If they continue with this methodology, ignorance and putrid game play through 2009, expect them to get the first pick of next year's draft as well .....and draft another QB, most likely Sam Bradford since he'll be most likely the best player available next year.

Sound silly? It is. But it's how this group of brainiacs think apparently.

Dear Lord... Why?

Why on Earth would the Lions draft a quarterback with their first pick in the 2009 draft??

Did Matt Millen leave some of his LSD in the front office or what?

What is a rookie quarterback going to do with the excuse of an offensive line that the Lions currently utilize?

One of the worst defenses in all of football history just got... nothing. Joey Harrington all over again.

Thanks a ton Lions.

If Stafford gets us a Super Bowl in the next five years, I will personally thank him.

If not, it's the same old draft I'm used to.

I'll just wait another... 50 years or so, for a Super Bowl.

Lions are doomed...

Blue Devil in the Big House

DURHAM, N.C. (AP)—Greg Paulus’ next home could be the Big House.
The Blue Devils point guard visited Michigan to explore the possibility of transferring there to play football, Duke spokesman Art Chase said Wednesday.
Paulus’ visit came Tuesday, the same day word leaked that he worked out for the Green Bay Packers in advance of the NFL draft.
Paulus thought about resuming his football career at Duke, but coach David Cutcliffe’s team is set at quarterback with Thaddeus Lewis preparing for his fourth year as the starter. Paulus hasn’t taken a snap in a game since 2004, when he was a high school quarterback in New York.
He would seem to fit better in Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez’s read-option scheme than in the pro-style system favored by Cutcliffe, who considered trying Paulus at slot receiver.
“He’s a quarterback at heart, but there was no way he was going to be able to compete and play quarterback for us,” Cutcliffe said.
Paulus, who played four years of basketball at Duke but never played football there, would have one season of football eligibility.
Michigan spokesman David Abluaf declined comment and Rodriguez has repeatedly said he only talks about players on his roster.
The quarterback situation at Michigan has been a question mark ever since Rodriguez was hired in December 2007.
After freshman quarterback Tate Forcier enrolled early to practice this spring with the Wolverines, Steven Threet announced he was transferring and Nick Sheridan was sidelined with a broken leg after sharing snaps last season for the Wolverines.
Rodriguez insists Forcier will have to continue to compete with Sheridan and the speedy Denard Robinson when he gets to Ann Arbor this summer.
If Paulus ends up in the mix, it wouldn’t be the first time Rodriguez found a quarterback playing another sport.
His third-stringer at West Virginia in 2005 was J.R. House, a minor-league catcher seven years removed from his record-setting passing days as a high school star in Nitro, W.Va.
House backed up then-freshman Pat White and threw four passes in two games, then quit the team to return to pro baseball.

Iverson is Rude, Surprised?

Allen Iverson has been reportedly banned from two different Detroit casinos, because of his obnoxious behavior. Wow, what a surprise! The Answer not conducting himself appropriately. That is about as shocking as aCincinnati Bengal getting arrested.

Reportedly Iverson loses alot of money while gambling and is really rude to the Casino staff . He must be horrible if a casino kicks you out considering the amount of money he is losing.
[Detroit News]

Isiah to FIU

Former Detroit Piston legend / New York Knicks embarrassment, Isiah Thomas was hired as Head Men's Basketball Coach at Florida International University.

After being a disaster of a GM and Coach, its hard to imagine anyone would want him running their team! Especially after his legal problems in New York.

But FIU could benefit with better recruits from Isiah's status as a Hall of Famer. This could be a good move for FIU all in all, but this also could blow up in their faces.... to be continued

Kelvin Grady to Transfer from UofM

On Thursday, Michigan Wolverine reserve point guard Kelvin Grady has announced he will transfer to another program.

During his two years at Michigan Grady averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Regarding his departure Grady commented: "It's been a wonderful experience both as a student and as a player here at the University of Michigan, but I feel I need a fresh start. I love this university and want to thank the coaching staff, my teammates and everyone else who has supported me over the past two years. However, I have decided to explore other academic and playing opportunities at this time."

Not a big loss for the Wolverines, but he was good at pushing the ball up the floor and running in an up-tempo style game. No word on where he will be transferring to, but I would assume its a small DI school or possibly DII.

Rasheed Recieves 16th Tech of Season

Well it was nice having Rasheed Wallace back while it lasted.... I guess.

Rasheed finally returned from an 11-game absence due to a left calf strain, but now won't be able to play tonight against New Jersey. No, no, he didn't re-injure himself again, but he did pick up his 16th technical foul of the season, which is an automatic one game suspension.

Wallace picked up the foul in the third quarter of Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rasheed opened his yap after teammate Tayshaun Prince was whistled for a blocking foul against LeBron James.

Rasheed's comments regarding the call: "Tayshaun was already there, and he (James) charged him," Wallace said. "Y'all know it's stupid-star calls, too."

Wallace also was upset James was not whistled for any fouls in last night's game.

Wallace commented: "Y'all know what it is. I ain't even got to say that (bleep)."

While Rasheed is right about Lebron obviously getting "superstar calls" last night and just about any other game he plays in, why can't he just keep that yap shut???

Tigers Release Sheffield, Eat $14 Million

The Detroit Tigers have released designated hitter / broken down outfielder Gary Sheffield and as a result they will eat the $14 million they owe him for 2009.

Not that Gary is much use to us now with his declining ability to stay healthy and slumping stats, but how do you just eat $14 million? The Tigers traded a minor league pitcher last night for Atlanta outfielder Josh Anderson. I'm assuming they had to release Sheffield to make room for Anderson, but fiscally this seems like a bad move.

When healthy last season, Gary had a batting average of .225 and only 19 home runs with 57 RBI. He was injured much of last year with missed portions of the season with right shoulder problems.

Sheffield is just one home run shy of 500 for his career. Overall he has 1,633 RBI with a career batting average of .292.

UofM QB Nick Sheridan Injures Leg

Nick Sheridan, UofM's Junior QB suffered a small fracture in his right leg during spring practice and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks to heal..... oh wait.... no one cares because Nick stinks at QB and incoming Freshman Tate Forcier will take his spot regardless.

Verlander Named Opening Day Starter

I think we all saw this one coming, but I suppose its newsworthy anyways. Tigers' Skipper Jim Leyland named Justin Verlander as the opening day starter for this year. Opening day this year is April 6 at the Toronto Blue Jays.

2009 Mr. Basketball of Michigan: Derrick Nix

Nix, a senior center at Detroit Pershing, was awarded the Mr. Michigan basketball trophy on Monday afternoon as Michigan's best high school boys basketball player. Nix averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Pershing Doughboys this year.

Nix dropped 40 pounds over the summer in preparation for this year. He was playing at around 335 pounds last year, the weight loss clearly gave him greater stamina on the court and has helped him become a consistent force for Pershing’s star-studded team. Derrick is now playing at about 293 pounds on his 6-foot-9 frame.

Nix joins the likes of NBA stars like Jason Richardson, Shane Battier, Chris Webber and Glen Rice on the Mr. Michigan trophy and will be headed to play his college ball at Michigan State University.

George Kell Passes at the Age of 86

George Kell, died at the age of 86 this morning at his home in Swifton, Ark.

Kell was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 and was a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers for 37 years before his retirement in 1996.

Prior to his career in the booth, George Kell was equally as great a baseball player as announcer. George was a career .306 hitter with 2,054 hits and had won the batting title back in 1949 over Ted Williams.

George always carried himself with class both on and off the baseball diamond and was the voice of the Tigers for many many years, he will be truly missed by the Detroit community.

Vintage Baseball: The Rochester Grangers

Want to experience a simpler time in baseball? No steroid scandals, no players holding out for multi-million dollar contracts and no ESPN highlights...

The Oakland Press wrote the below article about the Rochester Grangers. Its a vintage baseball club in Rochester, MI who play at Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills. They play by the rules followed from 1864-1867 and wear authentic period uniforms.

To read The Oakland Press article: Click Here

OU Grizzlies Receive Tourney Invite

Oakland University for the second time in three years has lost in the conference tournament championship game, this time it was a veteran North Dakota State team who denied the Grizzlies a seed in the Big Dance.

Despite the loss, this was OU's most successful season in Division I posting a record of 22 wins and 12 losses. The Golden Grizzlies were rewarded for that record when they recieved and accepted an invite over the weekend to the inaugural CollegeInsider.com tourney. OU will host Kent State at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the O’Rena in the first round of the tournament.

Coach Kampe explains the CollegeInsider.com tourney:
“It’s a tournament for the mid-majors,” Kampe said. “It looks toward teams that had really good years, but didn’t get in the NIT or NCAA (tournament). They are deserving, but didn’t get in. A lot of times the NIT will look the other way when it comes to mid-majors because it wants to make money. This tournament is not about making money. It’s about rewarding student athletes at the mid-major level. It’s really a great concept and I’m really excited to be part of it.”

Kent State (19-14) finished tied for third place in the MAC and will have its streak of 20-win seasons on the line against Oakland Tuesday.

Lions Trade Redding for Julian Peterson

Ideally the Detroit Lions' defense would like to put a lot of pressure on the opposing team's quarterback (something they haven't been able to do in past seasons) and now they have got a better weapon to do so.

Julian Peterson, the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, was acquired by the Lions on Saturday in a deal that sent defensive tackle Cory Redding to the Seattle Seahawks. Also as part of the deal, the Lions also sent their fifth-round draft pick to the Seahawks.

Peterson had five sacks last year and has a total of 46 for his 9 year career. He had a career-high 10 sacks back in 2006. While Julian does not fit the young talent core that the Lions are hoping to build around, he does fill a gaping hole in their defense and can contribute immediately.

Detroit Pistons owner William Davidson Dies

From Mlive.com A. Sherrod Blakely

Detroit Pistons official confirmed late Friday night that team owner Bill Davidson has passed away.

He was 86.

"We are all deeply saddened by the news of Mr. D's passing," Pistons coach Michael Curry said. "He's a great owner who genuinely cared for players, coaches and employees. He will not only be remembered as a great owner but also as a person who made a difference in many people's lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. D and the entire Davidson family."

Davidson has owned the team since 1974, a span that includes NBA championships in 1989, 1990 and most recently, 2004.

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

During the 2003-2004 season, Davidson became the first professional sports owner to win championships in three professional leagues. In addition to the Pistons, Davidson owns the WNBA Detroit Shock and during the 2003-2004 season, he was the owner of the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

While he owned multiple professional teams, the Pistons always seemed to hold a special place in his heart.

"I want to tell you that I love the Pistons and I will be with them until my grave," Davidson said in a 2005 interview.

Davidson, who was born in Detroit, received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan and earned a Juris Doctor's Degree from Wayne State University.

He spent three years practicing law, and decided to give it up to take over a wholesale drug company. After turning the company around in three years, he performed a similar feat with a surgical supply company.

After that, he took over the family business, Guardian Glass Company, which has since become Guardian Industries Corp. and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of automotive glass.

At his alma mater, the University of Michigan, Davidson's contributions to the school total more than $55 million.

The William Davidson Institute was created at Michigan's Ross School of Business after a gift of $30 million from Davidson.

Davidson is survived by his wife, Karen, and two children, Ethan and Marla.

What the Lions Should Do - In My Opinion

The Detroit Lions have so many needs and holes to fill on their roster, it's ridiculous. But the Lions have signed some good, not great talent such as Grady Jackson, Philip Buchanon and Antonio Bryant. Which is the wise thing to do, if you ask me. Go after young good players with potential, instead of pricey veterans who have past their prime.

Some fans ask why not go after the stars like Ray Lewis, T.O. and Albert Haynesworth?? They would help the team immediately! The reason is simple, this is not a video game. When your team stinks, the great players don't want to come to your team. Also, just to get a top notch player to a consider your crappy franchise, you have to pay a steep premium. It's not worth it.

For the draft this year I'd like to see the Lions pick Aaron Curry (LB from Wake Forest) with the first pick. He is a solid linebacker that could play along side our best defensive player Ernie Sims, not to mention he is widely considered the safest pick in this year's draft. Many people predict the Lions will take Matt Stafford. It's just my opinion, but I think Stafford is a good QB who happens to be in a weak pool of QBs, not necessarily a great prospect like Matt Ryan was. I have a feeling Stafford compares more to Alex Smith then Matt Ryan and we all know how that turned out. The Lions should just ride out Daunte Culpepper for another year and then go after Sam Bradford next year.

With the 20th pick, depending who is available, I'd take one of these guys in this order of preference: Vontae Davis (CB - Illinois), Jerry Peria (DT - Mississippi) or Michael Oher (OT - Mississippi). I would be happy with any of these picks. Each one of them could make an immediate improvement and impact on the Lions roster. No "project players" in this bunch.

0-16 Lions Cartoon

From Bangcartoon.com

Check out the link below. It celebrates the Lions accomplishment of being the first team to not obtain a single win in a 16 game season.

Click Here!

State of Michigan Power Rankings

Best NCAA Basketball Teams in the State of Michigan in Order

Michigan State
(14-3 Big Ten, 24-5 Overall)
RPI: 6
Strength of Schedule: 7
Key Wins: Oklahoma State, Texas, Kansas, Minnesota, Illinois
In-State Wins: Oakland, @ Michigan
In-State Losses: -


Michigan
(8-9 Big Ten, 18-12 Overall)
RPI: 48
Strength of Schedule: 9
Key Wins: UCLA, Duke, Illinois, Purdue
In-State Wins: Eastern, Oakland
In-State Losses: Michigan State


Oakland
(13-5 Summit, 20-11 Overall)
RPI: 130
Strength of Schedule: 286
Key Wins: Oregon, @ Wisc - Green Bay, North Dakota State
In-State Wins: @ Eastern
In-State Losses: Michigan, Michigan State


Detroit
(2-16 Horizon, 7-23 Overall)
RPI: 277
Strength of Schedule: 145
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Eastern, @ Central
In-State Losses: Western


Western
(6-8 MAC, 9-19 Overall)
RPI: 292
Strength of Schedule: 269
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Detroit, @ Central, @ Eastern, Eastern
In-State Losses: -


Central
(5-9 MAC, 9-18 Overall)
RPI: 300
Strength of Schedule: 275
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Detroit
In-State Losses: Detroit, Western, @ Eastern, Eastern


Eastern
(4-10 MAC, 6-23 Overall)
RPI: 329
Strength of Schedule: 240
Key Wins: -
In-State Wins: Central, @ Central
In-State Losses: @ Detroit, @ Michigan, Oakland, Western, @ Western

Lions Still on the Hunt

The Detroit Lions have three new prospects on their free agency radar...

The first player is the mammoth Defensive Tackle Grady Jackson who is listed at 345 pounds and played for the Atlanta Falcons last season. Grady is a 12-year veteran and is expected to sign with the Lions as long as he passes a physical today.

The second player is Daniel Loper a 320 pound offensive tackle who played a reserve role with the Tennessee Titans the last four years.

The third player is L.J. Smith, who spent last year with the Philadelphia Eagles as their Tight End. L.J. is a skilled Tight End, however, there are questions regarding his durability, as he has had trouble staying healthy as of late.

Buchanon to Detroit?

Word on the street is that free-agent cornerback Philip Buchanon has told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he wants to play for new head coach Raheem Morris.

However, the Bucs have not yet been able to get Buchanon re-signed and now he’s looking around the league for other suitors. A league source has said that Buchanon will land in Detroit for a visit on Monday with the Lions.

Buchanon was drafted by the Raiders in 2002 and then also had a stop in Houston and most recently in Tampa Bay.

Detroit Lions on the Prowl in Free Agency

The Detroit Lions are on the move in free agency so far this off season signing back-up running back Maurice Morris yesterday, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks to help carry the load with Kevin Smith in the backfield. Additionally, today they have also signed former San Francisco 49er wide receiver Bryant Johnson to a 3 year, $8 million dollar deal to be their #2 receiver behind Calvin Johnson.

Lastly, it also has been reported the Lions have traded veteran back-up QB Jon Kitna to the Dallas Cowboys for what has been described as "late round picks".

So far so good for Detroit's new front office regime in off season acquisitions.

Nationally Ranked Detroit Country Day High Drops First Game

The Detroit Country Day Yellow Jackets of Birmingham, Michigan had their 18 game wining streak snapped last week in Bloomington, Ind.

DCD lost to ESPN RISE ranked Bloomington South, 73-67. Jordan Dumars scored 18 points, making four 3-pointers against South. The Yellow Jackets were previously ESPN RISE ranked 15th and have now fell to 21st. Bloomington was previously ranked 19th and have now jumped up to 15th after the win.

Greatest Basketball Players from the State of Michigan

Great State Debate: Michigan
From ESPN.com

This is a video from ESPN.com that discusses the greatest basketball players to ever grow up in the state of Michigan: Magic Johnson, Chris Webber, Shane Battier and Jason Richardson.

No You Dih-Int Cleveland!!!

Has Shaun Rogers already worn out his welcome with the Browns? Apparently he's asking to be released due to multiple acts of "disrespect" by new coach Eric Mangini.

From nfl.com

"Browns Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is so disgruntled with new coach Eric "Mangini and the new regime that he’s asked the team not to pay his guaranteed $6 million option bonus next month, nfl.com’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday night.[...]

Rogers is reportedly miffed about two off-season incidents in which he feels Mangini snubbed him. The first time, Mangini walked into the Browns’ training room and didn’t say hello to Rogers, the source said. The second time, Mangini and Rogers were together in the media room at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Jan. 23 and neither acknowledged the other."

Fab 5 to Reunite

From Mlive.com
by Jeff Arnold

Jalen Rose stood at center court in Crisler Arena a year ago, vowing that he would one day reunite the Fab Five.

In time, Rose said, one of the most celebrated collections of talent in college basketball history would return to the University of Michigan to celebrate their accomplishments.

Now, 16 years after Michigan's famed fivesome helped lead the Wolverines to their second straight national title game and more than a decade after the NCAA vacated both of the seasons the Fab Five spent together, they will again come together.

Just not in Ann Arbor.

Rose, along with former teammates Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson, will appear together at a charity event at the Motor City Casino in Detroit on April 4, the event's planner said Tuesday.

The event will benefit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. It is part of a weekend of festivities surrounding the Final Four, which will be held at Ford Field.

Ticket prices for the event haven't yet been finalized.

The reunion will mark the first time the former Michigan starting five has been together since they all played together in 1992 and 1993.

The NCAA erased the Fab Five's achievements after learning that former Michigan booster Ed Martin gave Webber $280,000 in illicit loans and another $336,000 to three other Wolverines' players.

And, while most believe the Fab Five's legacy was forever tarnished by the controversy surrounding the group, Rose believes, in time, all will be forgiven.

King, who serves as a Michigan basketball color commentator, said Tuesday night he is helping to organize the event.

He said at last year's ceremony involving Rose that he looked forward to a time when he could once again be together with his former teammates.

"I know everybody wishes (the rest of the Fab Five) was here," King said. "Just because I'm the only brother who's here supporting (Rose), it doesn't mean that everyone else isn't here in spirit."

Ummm Why?

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Detroit Lions have re-signed guard Stephen Peterman. Detroit fans, you might be asking yourself why?

Well, I don't have the answer for you. You would think the Lions would want to clear out all of the tackling dummies they called an offensive line last season, but instead have given Peterman a five-year, $15 million deal, with $5.5 million in guaranteed money.

WHYYYY???

Threet Leaving UofM

Steven Threet was the most experienced quarterback on the University of Michigan roster until he announced that yesterday that he will be once again transferring (he transferred to Michigan from Georgia Tech). Threet obviously saw the writing on the wall with the two new "mobile Quarterback recruits (Forcier and Robinson) coming to Michigan, that he would at some point be phased out, if not immediately.

Threet was quoted as saying: "I have requested and received my release. I do not yet know where I will continue my collegiate career and will have no further comment until that decision is made."

Last fall, the 6-foot, 6-inch, 230-pound Threet started eight games for the Wolverines. He completed 102 of 200 passes for 1,105 yards, with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Threet at his best was average, and when not at his best was a sub-par QB in Rich Rod's system or I would venture to guess any system.

See ya Steve, we won't miss ya.