Michael Vick is returning to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA to play his former team, the Atlanta Falcons as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Matt Ryan replaced Vick as the starting quarterback of the Falcons after Vick was convicted for a dog fighting ring, and has played great, now in his fourth year in the NFL.However, if I was a Falcons fan, I'm not sure which one I would prefer on my team. Vick or Ryan? How about you, who would you prefer?
Michael Vick is one of the most electrifying players in the National Football League. He is a threat to score a touchdown whenever the ball is in his hands. He was the first pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. In six seasons with the Falcons, he led them twice to the playoffs and made the Pro Bowl three times. Vick next spent two years out of the NFL due to involvement with a dog fighting ring. After spending time in prison, Vick was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. In 2010, he led the Eagles to the playoffs and made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time. This season, however, the Eagles are struggling and some of the blame belongs to Vick. It is doubtful the Eagles make the playoffs this season. However, the question is about the future. Does Vick have the skills as a quarterback to ever win the big game. There is no doubt he has the running ability, but is he good enough to fulfill the traditional role of quarterback too?Is Michael Vick capable of winning a Super Bowl?
I love the hire of Brian VanGorder by Auburn Tigers coach Gene Chizik. The last month has been tough for the Auburn Family. We lost both of our coordinators, our top recruit to the Alabama Crimson Tide, our best player, Mike Dyer, has left the team, and Bama won the BCS National Title. The perception of the program and overall direction seemed to have been in a downward spiral. We really needed to change the momentum heading into National Recruiting Signing Day by making a big splash, and I think hiring a coach with NFL pedigree as our defensive coordinator did just that. I also like the timing of announcing the new defensive coordinator by Coach Chizik. It was not coincidental the announcement came on the same day two of Auburn's Rivals, the LSU Tigers and Bama, were playing in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. Instead of being completely forgotten during tomorrow's media coverage of college football because a rival won the Title, the Tigers new hire will also be discussed and will steal some of the press Bama would have gotten in-state and in the SEC. His timing, in my opinion, was brilliant. The only other time of making the announcement that might have been better would have been the day after the BCS Title game.VanGroder has about 30 years of coaching experience, including a four year stop as the defensive coordinator in the SEC at Georgia. He has coached in various levels of college football and in the NFL as linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, and head coach. Coach Chizik said he was looking for a great coach and recruiter, and I believe VanGroder fits that billing. Here is a glance of VanGroder's bio: Central Florida defensive coordinator (1996-97)Central Michigan defensive coordinator (1998-99)Western Illinois defensive coordinator (2000)Georgia defensive coordinator (2001-04)Jacksonville Jaguars line backers coach (2005)Georgia Southern head coach (2006)Atlanta Falcons line backers coach (2007)Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator (2008-11)As defensive coordinator with the Georgia Bulldogs, Phillip Marshall of Auburn Undercover reports the following (bullets added):In 2001, the Bulldogs allowed 18.9 points per game, No. 5 in rushing defense and No. 17 in scoring defense. In 2002, led the Southeastern Conference in scoring defense at fewer than 15 points per game as Georgia won the league championship and finished No.3 in the polls.In 2003, VanGorder's defense was No. 3 nationally in scoring defense, No. 4 in total defense and No. 6 in passing defense. He won the Frank Boyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach.In 2004, VanGorder's final season, the Bulldogs were No. 8 nationally in scoring defense.Those are damn impressive statistics and are directly relevant for evaluating his potential at Auburn. He has had success in the South Eastern Conference and with the talent currently at Auburn, he should be able to produce better results and have more success than Auburn's former DC, Ted Roof. Adding NFL experience should make him even better. What do you think? Was VanGorder a great hire by Auburn head coach Gene Chizik?
So far the wife and I have lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Morgantown, West Virginia, and now in Eugene, Oregon. We are contemplating moving again, but can't decide where we should go. I grew up in Georgia and would love to finally go back home. I haven't lived in GA in over ten years. So Atlanta is one of our current choices.The other option we are considering is San Diego. I have family in San Diego and my wife and I both like the thought of trying out a new city that seems cool to live in. Here are the pros and cons, as I see them, of our two choices:San DiegoPros:WeatherFamilyNight LifeOceanLarge Arab and Muslim CommunityConsExpensiveFamily...lolFar from AuburnTrafficAtlantaProsLots of friendsNightlifeI know the cityOnly 1 hour and 15 minutes from AuburnWeatherCost of LivingSocial Life nod goes to ATLLarge Arab and Muslim CommunityConsNeither I nor my wife have family in the areaFar from wife's familyWife knows nobodyTrafficI'll add to the pros and cons as I think of them. But where would you live if given the choice? San Diego or Atlanta?
With Chris Singleton's 18th overall selection Thursday night, Florida State became the only NCAA program this year to have an NBA, NFL and MLB first-round draft pick. June 24, 2011 By: Brandon Mellor, Seminoles.com TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - When David Stern called Chris Singleton's name Thursday night on ESPN, he did more than announce the Washington Wizards' second first-round selection of the 2011 NBA Draft. Like Babe Ruth stepping to the plate with his bat purposefully aimed in the direction of the cheap seats, Stern, the NBA's commissioner, may have well called a "triple" for the Seminoles: three major professional sports, three FSU first-round draft selections. Leveling his 6-foot-9 frame out on stage as he posed for pictures in his new Wizards hat, Singleton achieved not only a personal dream of making it to the NBA but a new achievement for the entire Florida State athletics department. By earning a No. 18 overall selection, the NBA draft's best defensive prospect joined former 'Noles Christian Ponder (NFL/12th/Minnesota Vikings) and Sean Gilmartin (MLB/28th/Atlanta Braves) in making FSU the only NCAA program in the entire country this year to have a first-round selection in each of those professional drafts. Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time the Seminoles have connected on this type of "triple." Singleton's selection marks the fourth time in school history that the NFL, MLB and NBA have taken an FSU student-athlete in the opening round of their respective drafts. Florida State's "Triples" Year NBA MLB NFL 2011 Chris Singleton (Washington Wizards) Sean Gilmartin (Atlanta Braves) Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) 1995 Bob Sura (Cleveland Cavaliers) David Yocum (Los Angeles Dodgers) Jonathan Johnson (Texas Rangers) Derrick Alexander (Minnesota Vikings) Devin Bush (Atlanta Falcons) Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) 1994 Charlie Ward (New York Knicks) Paul Wilson (Cincinnati Reds) William Floyd (San Francisco 49ers) 1993 Doug Edwards (Atlanta Hawks) Sam Cassell (Houston Rockets) John Wasdin (Oakland A's) Marvin Jones (New York Jets)
With Chris Singleton's 18th overall selection Thursday night, Florida State became the only NCAA program this year to have an NBA, NFL and MLB first-round draft pick.
June 24, 2011
By: Brandon Mellor, Seminoles.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - When David Stern called Chris Singleton's name Thursday night on ESPN, he did more than announce the Washington Wizards' second first-round selection of the 2011 NBA Draft.
Like Babe Ruth stepping to the plate with his bat purposefully aimed in the direction of the cheap seats, Stern, the NBA's commissioner, may have well called a "triple" for the Seminoles: three major professional sports, three FSU first-round draft selections.
Leveling his 6-foot-9 frame out on stage as he posed for pictures in his new Wizards hat, Singleton achieved not only a personal dream of making it to the NBA but a new achievement for the entire Florida State athletics department. By earning a No. 18 overall selection, the NBA draft's best defensive prospect joined former 'Noles Christian Ponder (NFL/12th/Minnesota Vikings) and Sean Gilmartin (MLB/28th/Atlanta Braves) in making FSU the only NCAA program in the entire country this year to have a first-round selection in each of those professional drafts.
Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time the Seminoles have connected on this type of "triple." Singleton's selection marks the fourth time in school history that the NFL, MLB and NBA have taken an FSU student-athlete in the opening round of their respective drafts.
Chris Singleton (Washington Wizards)
David Yocum (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Jonathan Johnson (Texas Rangers)
Derrick Alexander (Minnesota Vikings)
Devin Bush (Atlanta Falcons)
Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Doug Edwards (Atlanta Hawks)
Sam Cassell (Houston Rockets)
By Doug Roberson The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Tech's Guillermo Gomez will play Georgia's Wil Spencer for the right to compete in the main draw at the Atlanta Tennis Championships. Both players were given wildcards into the tournament, an ATP World Tour event will be played July 16-24 at the Racquet Club of the South. The winner will move on to the main draw. The two have played earlier this year, with Gomez defeating Spencer 7-5, 6-3 on Feb. 12. Gomez, who holds the school record for singles wins (119), led the No. 13 Yellow Jackets to the third round of the NCAA championships. Spencer and Georgia also reached the third round of the NCAA's. “We are excited to have additional local flavor in the Atlanta Tennis Championships,” tournament director Bob Bryant said in a statement. “Between former Georgia superstar John Isner, and these four talented collegiate players representing two excellent universities, we will showcase the best tennis players with an affiliation to Georgia.” The doubles side will also feature some local flavor. Georgia's Drake Bernstein and Tech's Kevin King will pair up and also compete as wildcards. A victory will move them into the main draw.
By Doug Roberson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech's Guillermo Gomez will play Georgia's Wil Spencer for the right to compete in the main draw at the Atlanta Tennis Championships.
Both players were given wildcards into the tournament, an ATP World Tour event will be played July 16-24 at the Racquet Club of the South.
The winner will move on to the main draw. The two have played earlier this year, with Gomez defeating Spencer 7-5, 6-3 on Feb. 12.
Gomez, who holds the school record for singles wins (119), led the No. 13 Yellow Jackets to the third round of the NCAA championships. Spencer and Georgia also reached the third round of the NCAA's.
“We are excited to have additional local flavor in the Atlanta Tennis Championships,” tournament director Bob Bryant said in a statement. “Between former Georgia superstar John Isner, and these four talented collegiate players representing two excellent universities, we will showcase the best tennis players with an affiliation to Georgia.”
The doubles side will also feature some local flavor. Georgia's Drake Bernstein and Tech's Kevin King will pair up and also compete as wildcards. A victory will move them into the main draw.
June 17, 2011 CLEMSON, SC - The Atlanta Falcons announced today that they have promoted former Clemson football player DeJuan Polk to Coordinator of Pro Scouting. Polk is entering his sixth season with the organization after beginning in 2006 as a pro personnel assistant. He served in that capacity until 2008, when he became a college scout covering the Midwest region and conferences such as the Big Ten and MAC. The Clemson graduate played for the Tigers under Tommy Bowden from 2000-03. He played on four bowl teams, including the 2000 and 2003 teams that finished the season in the final AP top 25. In 2009, Polk moved back into pro scouting, where he has been responsible for scouting all professional leagues, 16 NFL clubs and advanced scouting of upcoming opponents. "DeJuan has a done a fantastic job for us during his time here," General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "He has a tremendous work ethic and an acute eye for talent. He is a value to our organization and I am proud to promote him to Coordinator of Pro Personnel. We believe he has a bright future and we are happy to have him part of our personnel team."
June 17, 2011
CLEMSON, SC - The Atlanta Falcons announced today that they have promoted former Clemson football player DeJuan Polk to Coordinator of Pro Scouting.
Polk is entering his sixth season with the organization after beginning in 2006 as a pro personnel assistant. He served in that capacity until 2008, when he became a college scout covering the Midwest region and conferences such as the Big Ten and MAC.
The Clemson graduate played for the Tigers under Tommy Bowden from 2000-03. He played on four bowl teams, including the 2000 and 2003 teams that finished the season in the final AP top 25.
In 2009, Polk moved back into pro scouting, where he has been responsible for scouting all professional leagues, 16 NFL clubs and advanced scouting of upcoming opponents.
"DeJuan has a done a fantastic job for us during his time here," General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "He has a tremendous work ethic and an acute eye for talent. He is a value to our organization and I am proud to promote him to Coordinator of Pro Personnel. We believe he has a bright future and we are happy to have him part of our personnel team."
All Times EDTFIRST ROUND(Best-of-7)EASTERN CONFERENCE Boston vs. New YorkSunday, April 17Boston 87, New York 85Tuesday, April 19Boston 96, New York 93Friday, April 22Boston 113, New York 96Sunday, April 24Boston 101, New York 89, Boston wins series 4-0---Miami vs. PhiladelphiaSaturday, April 16Miami 97, Philadelphia 89Monday, April 18Miami 94, Philadelphia 73Thursday, April 21Miami 100, Philadelphia 94Sunday, April 24Philadelphia 86, Miami 82Wednesday, April 27Miami 97, Philadelphia 91, Miami wins series 4-1---Orlando vs. AtlantaSaturday, April 16Atlanta 103, Orlando 93Tuesday, April 19Orlando 88, Atlanta 82Friday, April 22Atlanta 88, Orlando 84Sunday, April 24Atlanta 88, Orlando 85Tuesday, April 26Orlando 101, Atlanta 76Thursday, April 28Atlanta 84, Orlando 81, Atlanta wins series 4-2---Chicago vs. IndianaSaturday, April 16Chicago 104, Indiana 99Monday, April 18Chicago 96, Indiana 90Thursday, April 21Chicago 88, Indiana 84Saturday, April 23Indiana 89, Chicago 84Tuesday, April 26Chicago 116, Indiana 89, Chicago wins series 4-1---WESTERN CONFERENCEL.A. Lakers vs. New OrleansSunday, April 17New Orleans 109, L.A. Lakers 100Wednesday, April 20L.A. Lakers 87, New Orleans 78Friday, April 22L.A. Lakers 100, New Orleans 86Sunday, April 24New Orleans 93, L.A. Lakers 88Tuesday, April 26L.A. Lakers 106, New Orleans 90Thursday, April 28L.A. Lakers 98, New Orleans 80, L.A. Lakers wins series 4-2---Dallas vs. PortlandSaturday, April 16Dallas 89, Portland 81Tuesday, April 19Dallas 101, Portland 89Thursday, April 21Portland 97, Dallas 92Saturday, April 23Portland 84, Dallas 82Monday, April 25Dallas 93, Portland 82Thursday, April 28Dallas 103, Portland 96, Dallas wins series 4-2---Oklahoma City vs. DenverSunday, April 17Oklahoma City 107, Denver 103Wednesday, April 20Oklahoma City 106, Denver 89Saturday, April 23Oklahoma City 97, Denver 94Monday, April 25Denver 104, Oklahoma City 101Wednesday, April 27Oklahoma City 100, Denver 97, Oklahoma City wins series 4-1---San Antonio vs. MemphisSunday, April 17Memphis 101, San Antonio 98Wednesday, April 20San Antonio 93, Memphis 87Saturday, April 23Memphis 91, San Antonio 88Monday, April 25Memphis 104, San Antonio 86Wednesday, April 27San Antonio 110, Memphis 103, OTFriday, April 29Memphis 99, San Antonio 91, Memphis wins series 4-2---CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS(Best-of-7)EASTERN CONFERENCEMiami vs. BostonSunday, May 1Miami 99, Boston 90Tuesday, May 3Miami 102, Boston 91Saturday, May 7Boston 97, Miami 81Monday, May 9Miami 98, Boston 90, OTWednesday, May 11Miami 97, Boston 87, Miami wins conference semifinals 4-1---Chicago vs. AtlantaMonday, May 2Atlanta 103, Chicago 95Wednesday, May 4Chicago 86, Atlanta 73Friday, May 6Chicago 99, Atlanta 82Sunday, May 8Atlanta 100, Chicago 88Tuesday, May 10Chicago 95, Atlanta 83Thursday, May 12Chicago 93, Atlanta 73, Chicago wins conference semifinals 4-2---WESTERN CONFERENCEL.A. Lakers vs. DallasMonday, May 2Dallas 96, L.A. Lakers 94Wednesday, May 4Dallas 93, L.A. Lakers 81Friday, May 6Dallas 98, L.A. Lakers 92Sunday, May 8Dallas 122, L.A. Lakers 86, Dallas wins conference semifinals 4-0---Oklahoma City vs. MemphisSunday, May 1Memphis 114, Oklahoma City 101Tuesday, May 3Oklahoma City 111, Memphis 102Saturday, May 7Memphis 101, Oklahoma City 93, OTMonday, May 9Oklahoma City 133, Memphis 123, 3OTWednesday, May 11Oklahoma City 99, Memphis 72Friday, May 13Memphis 95, Oklahoma City 83Sunday, May 15Oklahoma City 105, Memphis 90, Oklahoma City wins conference semifinals 4-3---CONFERENCE FINALS(Best-of-7)EASTERN CONFERENCEChicago vs. MiamiSunday, May 15Chicago 103, Miami 82Wednesday, May 18Miami 85, Chicago 75Sunday, May 22Miami 96, Chicago 85Tuesday, May 24Miami 101, Chicago 93, OTThursday, May 26Miami 83, Chicago 80, Miami wins conference finals 4-1---WESTERN CONFERENCEDallas vs. Oklahoma CityTuesday, May 17Dallas 121, Oklahoma City 112Thursday, May 19Oklahoma City 106, Dallas 100Saturday, May 21Dallas 93, Oklahoma City 87Monday, May 23Dallas 112, Oklahoma City 105, OTWednesday, May 25Dallas 100, Oklahoma City 96, Dallas wins conference finals 4-1---FINALS(Best-of-7)Miami vs. DallasTuesday, May 31Miami 92, Dallas 84Thursday, June 2Dallas 95, Miami 93Sunday, June 5Miami 88, Dallas 86Tuesday, June 7Dallas 86, Miami 83Thursday, June 9Dallas 112, Miami 103Sunday, June 12Dallas 105, Miami 95, Dallas wins finals 4-2
All Times EDT
FIRST ROUND
(Best-of-7)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston vs. New York
Sunday, April 17
Boston 87, New York 85
Tuesday, April 19
Boston 96, New York 93
Friday, April 22
Boston 113, New York 96
Sunday, April 24
Boston 101, New York 89, Boston wins series 4-0
---
Miami vs. Philadelphia
Saturday, April 16
Miami 97, Philadelphia 89
Monday, April 18
Miami 94, Philadelphia 73
Thursday, April 21
Miami 100, Philadelphia 94
Philadelphia 86, Miami 82
Wednesday, April 27
Miami 97, Philadelphia 91, Miami wins series 4-1
Orlando vs. Atlanta
Atlanta 103, Orlando 93
Orlando 88, Atlanta 82
Atlanta 88, Orlando 84
Atlanta 88, Orlando 85
Tuesday, April 26
Orlando 101, Atlanta 76
Thursday, April 28
Atlanta 84, Orlando 81, Atlanta wins series 4-2
Chicago vs. Indiana
Chicago 104, Indiana 99
Chicago 96, Indiana 90
Chicago 88, Indiana 84
Saturday, April 23
Indiana 89, Chicago 84
Chicago 116, Indiana 89, Chicago wins series 4-1
WESTERN CONFERENCE
L.A. Lakers vs. New Orleans
New Orleans 109, L.A. Lakers 100
Wednesday, April 20
L.A. Lakers 87, New Orleans 78
L.A. Lakers 100, New Orleans 86
New Orleans 93, L.A. Lakers 88
L.A. Lakers 106, New Orleans 90
L.A. Lakers 98, New Orleans 80, L.A. Lakers wins series 4-2
Dallas vs. Portland
Dallas 89, Portland 81
Dallas 101, Portland 89
Portland 97, Dallas 92
Portland 84, Dallas 82
Monday, April 25
Dallas 93, Portland 82
Dallas 103, Portland 96, Dallas wins series 4-2
Oklahoma City vs. Denver
Oklahoma City 107, Denver 103
Oklahoma City 106, Denver 89
Oklahoma City 97, Denver 94
Denver 104, Oklahoma City 101
Oklahoma City 100, Denver 97, Oklahoma City wins series 4-1
San Antonio vs. Memphis
Memphis 101, San Antonio 98
San Antonio 93, Memphis 87
Memphis 91, San Antonio 88
Memphis 104, San Antonio 86
San Antonio 110, Memphis 103, OT
Friday, April 29
Memphis 99, San Antonio 91, Memphis wins series 4-2
CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Miami vs. Boston
Sunday, May 1
Miami 99, Boston 90
Tuesday, May 3
Miami 102, Boston 91
Saturday, May 7
Boston 97, Miami 81
Monday, May 9
Miami 98, Boston 90, OT
Wednesday, May 11
Miami 97, Boston 87, Miami wins conference semifinals 4-1
Chicago vs. Atlanta
Monday, May 2
Atlanta 103, Chicago 95
Wednesday, May 4
Chicago 86, Atlanta 73
Friday, May 6
Chicago 99, Atlanta 82
Sunday, May 8
Atlanta 100, Chicago 88
Tuesday, May 10
Chicago 95, Atlanta 83
Thursday, May 12
Chicago 93, Atlanta 73, Chicago wins conference semifinals 4-2
L.A. Lakers vs. Dallas
Dallas 96, L.A. Lakers 94
Dallas 93, L.A. Lakers 81
Dallas 98, L.A. Lakers 92
Dallas 122, L.A. Lakers 86, Dallas wins conference semifinals 4-0
Oklahoma City vs. Memphis
Memphis 114, Oklahoma City 101
Oklahoma City 111, Memphis 102
Memphis 101, Oklahoma City 93, OT
Oklahoma City 133, Memphis 123, 3OT
Oklahoma City 99, Memphis 72
Friday, May 13
Memphis 95, Oklahoma City 83
Sunday, May 15
Oklahoma City 105, Memphis 90, Oklahoma City wins conference semifinals 4-3
CONFERENCE FINALS
Chicago vs. Miami
Chicago 103, Miami 82
Wednesday, May 18
Miami 85, Chicago 75
Sunday, May 22
Miami 96, Chicago 85
Tuesday, May 24
Miami 101, Chicago 93, OT
Thursday, May 26
Miami 83, Chicago 80, Miami wins conference finals 4-1
Dallas vs. Oklahoma City
Tuesday, May 17
Dallas 121, Oklahoma City 112
Thursday, May 19
Oklahoma City 106, Dallas 100
Saturday, May 21
Dallas 93, Oklahoma City 87
Monday, May 23
Dallas 112, Oklahoma City 105, OT
Wednesday, May 25
Dallas 100, Oklahoma City 96, Dallas wins conference finals 4-1
FINALS
Miami vs. Dallas
Tuesday, May 31
Miami 92, Dallas 84
Thursday, June 2
Dallas 95, Miami 93
Sunday, June 5
Miami 88, Dallas 86
Tuesday, June 7
Dallas 86, Miami 83
Thursday, June 9
Dallas 112, Miami 103
Sunday, June 12
Dallas 105, Miami 95, Dallas wins finals 4-2
AUTO RACING3 p.m. NASCAR, Sprint Cup, Toyota/Save Mart 350. TNT GOLF2 p.m. PGA, PGA Professional Championship. TGC3 p.m. PGA Tour, Travelers Championship. CBS, WLTX-194 p.m. Wegmans LPGA Championship. TGCMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL2 p.m. Colorado at N.Y. Yankees. TBS2 p.m. Washington at Chicago White Sox. WGN4 p.m. Atlanta at San Diego. Fox Sports8 p.m. Cleveland at San Francisco. ESPNSOCCER8:45 a.m. Women’s World Cup, Nigeria vs. France. ESPN211:30 a.m. Women’s World Cup, Germany vs. Canada. ESPN2 p.m. MLS, New York at Chicago. ESPNTRACK AND FIELD5 p.m. U.S. Outdoor Championships. NBC, WIS-10WNBA3 p.m. San Antonio at Atlanta. SPSO
AUTO RACING
3 p.m. NASCAR, Sprint Cup, Toyota/Save Mart 350. TNT
GOLF
2 p.m. PGA, PGA Professional Championship. TGC
3 p.m. PGA Tour, Travelers Championship. CBS, WLTX-19
4 p.m. Wegmans LPGA Championship. TGC
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
2 p.m. Colorado at N.Y. Yankees. TBS
2 p.m. Washington at Chicago White Sox. WGN
4 p.m. Atlanta at San Diego. Fox Sports
8 p.m. Cleveland at San Francisco. ESPN
SOCCER
8:45 a.m. Women’s World Cup, Nigeria vs. France. ESPN2
11:30 a.m. Women’s World Cup, Germany vs. Canada. ESPN
2 p.m. MLS, New York at Chicago. ESPN
TRACK AND FIELD
5 p.m. U.S. Outdoor Championships. NBC, WIS-10
WNBA
3 p.m. San Antonio at Atlanta. SPSO
It’s not actually a whole cemetery determined by the sexuality of the interred, but a section of a standard cemetery reserved for LGBT individuals, their partners and their families. One of the employees at the cemetery where they will be sectioning off this corner for gay people explained the logic: “John Suggs of Dignity Memorial said the idea of having a gay section in a cemetery seemed like a natural progression as gay men and lesbians gather more acceptance in mainstream society.” Some people have objected to the idea that “more acceptance” should lead to separate, divided-off resting places. That doesn’t sound like an especially inclusive concept. BITCH media wrote about the news, listing a number of problems with the plan. Others have chalked it up to a marketing ploy, nothing more thoughtful or malicious than a draw for customers. What do you think?
It’s not actually a whole cemetery determined by the sexuality of the interred, but a section of a standard cemetery reserved for LGBT individuals, their partners and their families.
One of the employees at the cemetery where they will be sectioning off this corner for gay people explained the logic: “John Suggs of Dignity Memorial said the idea of having a gay section in a cemetery seemed like a natural progression as gay men and lesbians gather more acceptance in mainstream society.”
Some people have objected to the idea that “more acceptance” should lead to separate, divided-off resting places. That doesn’t sound like an especially inclusive concept. BITCH media wrote about the news, listing a number of problems with the plan. Others have chalked it up to a marketing ploy, nothing more thoughtful or malicious than a draw for customers. What do you think?
Urban Meyer has won at every school he has ever coached at in college football. He began his career as head coach at Bowling Green. He immediately turned the Falcons around by going to a bowl in both his two seasons and had a total record of 17-6. Meyer's next stop on the coaching carousel would be with the Utah Utes. In two seasons, he was 22-2. He led the Utes to the first BCS Bowl game for a non-BCS school and beat the Pittsburgh Panthers in the Fiesta Bowl. After having so much success, he got his big call and shot from the Florida Gators.In 2005, Meyer became the head coach for the Gators. At Florida, Meyer won two BCS National Championships and coached one Heisman Trophy Winner. He left the Florida job after the 2010 season with a 66-15 record in six seasons.It is possible that Meyer will become head coach of The Ohio State Buckeyes next season. His overall coaching record is 104-23.Can Urban Meyer win at Ohio State?
If ticket sales and optimism count, the former Thrashers franchise is going to do a whole lot better in Winnipeg than it ever did in 13 years in Atlanta. What was all but inevitable after the team changed hands a few weeks ago became reality on Tuesday when the sale of the Thrashers and the relocation of the club to Winnipeg were unanimously approved by the NHL's board of governors. "They deserve it," New Jersey Devils president Lou Lamoriello said. "Another team in Canada, everyone is excited about it. I think it's going to work out fantastic." The Thrashers' move makes seven teams north of the border. That reverses a recent trend in which teams shifted to the United States from Canada. The last time a club relocated into Canada was 31 years ago when Atlanta's first NHL team, the Flames, moved to Calgary. Seven of the NHL's 30 franchises are located in Canada. With two failed hockey teams, Atlanta isn't likely to get another chance anytime soon. "It's going to be tough," said Thrashers president Don Waddell, who has been with the team since the beginning but won't be joining it in Winnipeg. "Sports in general have been tough in Atlanta. I can't say it's finished forever, but they've had two tries at it now and it's been difficult for all ownership groups to make it work." From general manager to coach to team president, Waddell endured the ups and downs _ mostly downs _ as the franchise struggled on and off the ice. After only one playoff appearance that produced no wins, Tuesday was the day for Waddell and Atlanta to say goodbye to its hockey team. Again. "We've been through the emotions and the frustrations the last few weeks, but when I look back and being there 13 years, it's been a great run," said Waddell, who served as the team's first GM until the 2009-10 season. "Since '98 when I got hired, there are only four general managers that are currently with their teams. "You've got to look at the positives. To be able to stay in one place for so long, it's been tremendous for me." The same can't be said of the team that once featured star players such as Dany Heatley, Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa, but couldn't keep them for one reason or another. True North Sports and Entertainment bought the team last month and announced it was bringing the Thrashers to Winnipeg, which lost the Jets to Phoenix after the 1995-96 season. "Everybody is sorry and distressed and unhappy that we found ourselves in the circumstance where our franchise was leaving Atlanta," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We're particularly sorry for the fans that are there, but obviously based on the reception that we've gotten, everybody is extremely excited about the opportunities in Winnipeg for our return." The sale is reportedly for $170 million, including a $60 million relocation fee that will be split by the rest of the owners. The Thrashers are the fifth NHL team to move since Bettman became commissioner in 1993. "It's a sad day for hockey fans in Atlanta, but the franchise is going to a good place and run by good people," Waddell said. The NHL is giving up an American market that has more than 5 million people in the metro Atlanta area and heading to Winnipeg, which will be the league's smallest market with the smallest arena. The team will play in the 15,015-seat MTS Center, but in a wave of enthusiasm, the club sold-out 13,000 season tickets in a matter of minutes earlier this month when they were made available days after the sale was announced. Still, the team will have to win if that excitement is going to be sustained past the first few years. "Winnipeg could've sold the building out three times," Toronto general manager Brian Burke said. "It's not a sprint, owning and operating and supporting a professional sports franchise. The first five years aren't your challenge. There is always a rush of euphoria, there's a rush of patriotism that we're going to support this team. "I believe in the marketplace, but everyone in Winnipeg has to support this team. It's far from over." In other news from Tuesday's meeting, the board approved two amendments to rules regarding player safety. The year-old Rule 48 will now apply to all hits that target the head of an opponent, and not only those from the blindside. Also, boarding infractions will be treated more severely. Players must let up on hits into the boards that might not necessarily be violent, but are deemed dangerous _ including pushes. Bettman said next year's salary-cap figure still needs to be finalized with the players' union, but it is expected to rise from $59.4 million to about $63 million or $64 million. It has increased every year since its inception of $39 million after the 2004-05 lockout. The Thrashers made the playoffs in 2007, but were swept in four games by the New York Rangers. Atlanta had only one season in which it won more games than it lost. Now the Thrashers will be a footnote in hockey history. Although the Winnipeg franchise has yet to pick a name, it will not be the Thrashers. The club will bear no resemblance to the one that briefly called Atlanta home. Waddell, general manager Rick Dudley and coach Craig Ramsay won't make the move to Manitoba. Dudley completed just one year of a four-year deal after he replaced Waddell, and Ramsay was one year into a two-year contract. The Thrashers' ownership dealt with major financial problems and declining attendance in recent years. The team had the league's third-worst attendance last season, averaging fewer than 14,000 a game. "They certainly made every effort they possibly could to have it work. It didn't work," Lamoriello said. Winnipeg had set its sights on the troubled Phoenix Coyotes, hoping to bring back the former Jets, but that team was saved last month for at least another season in the desert after the city of Glendale, Ariz. _ where the club's arena is located _ voted to subsidize the team as it seeks a new owner. Canadian billionaire David Thomson, who heads the Winnipeg ownership group along with Mark Chipman, went hard after an NHL team when the Coyotes and the Thrashers fell into serious financial trouble. Thrashers co-owner Michael Gearon and the rest of the Atlanta Spirit group came under heavy criticism for the way they ran the team, especially when it was revealed in court documents they were looking to sell the club almost as soon as they acquired it in 2004. Gearon said they have lost $130 million since taking over the franchise _ including $20 million in 2006-07, the year the Thrashers won the Southeast Division and made the playoffs. This season, the Thrashers were in contention for a playoff spot but faded down the stretch. Now they have faded to black. ___ AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry contributed to this report.
If ticket sales and optimism count, the former Thrashers franchise is going to do a whole lot better in Winnipeg than it ever did in 13 years in Atlanta.
What was all but inevitable after the team changed hands a few weeks ago became reality on Tuesday when the sale of the Thrashers and the relocation of the club to Winnipeg were unanimously approved by the NHL's board of governors.
"They deserve it," New Jersey Devils president Lou Lamoriello said. "Another team in Canada, everyone is excited about it. I think it's going to work out fantastic."
The Thrashers' move makes seven teams north of the border. That reverses a recent trend in which teams shifted to the United States from Canada. The last time a club relocated into Canada was 31 years ago when Atlanta's first NHL team, the Flames, moved to Calgary.
Seven of the NHL's 30 franchises are located in Canada. With two failed hockey teams, Atlanta isn't likely to get another chance anytime soon.
"It's going to be tough," said Thrashers president Don Waddell, who has been with the team since the beginning but won't be joining it in Winnipeg. "Sports in general have been tough in Atlanta. I can't say it's finished forever, but they've had two tries at it now and it's been difficult for all ownership groups to make it work."
From general manager to coach to team president, Waddell endured the ups and downs _ mostly downs _ as the franchise struggled on and off the ice.
After only one playoff appearance that produced no wins, Tuesday was the day for Waddell and Atlanta to say goodbye to its hockey team.
Again.
"We've been through the emotions and the frustrations the last few weeks, but when I look back and being there 13 years, it's been a great run," said Waddell, who served as the team's first GM until the 2009-10 season. "Since '98 when I got hired, there are only four general managers that are currently with their teams.
"You've got to look at the positives. To be able to stay in one place for so long, it's been tremendous for me."
The same can't be said of the team that once featured star players such as Dany Heatley, Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa, but couldn't keep them for one reason or another.
True North Sports and Entertainment bought the team last month and announced it was bringing the Thrashers to Winnipeg, which lost the Jets to Phoenix after the 1995-96 season.
"Everybody is sorry and distressed and unhappy that we found ourselves in the circumstance where our franchise was leaving Atlanta," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We're particularly sorry for the fans that are there, but obviously based on the reception that we've gotten, everybody is extremely excited about the opportunities in Winnipeg for our return."
The sale is reportedly for $170 million, including a $60 million relocation fee that will be split by the rest of the owners. The Thrashers are the fifth NHL team to move since Bettman became commissioner in 1993.
"It's a sad day for hockey fans in Atlanta, but the franchise is going to a good place and run by good people," Waddell said.
The NHL is giving up an American market that has more than 5 million people in the metro Atlanta area and heading to Winnipeg, which will be the league's smallest market with the smallest arena.
The team will play in the 15,015-seat MTS Center, but in a wave of enthusiasm, the club sold-out 13,000 season tickets in a matter of minutes earlier this month when they were made available days after the sale was announced.
Still, the team will have to win if that excitement is going to be sustained past the first few years.
"Winnipeg could've sold the building out three times," Toronto general manager Brian Burke said. "It's not a sprint, owning and operating and supporting a professional sports franchise. The first five years aren't your challenge. There is always a rush of euphoria, there's a rush of patriotism that we're going to support this team.
"I believe in the marketplace, but everyone in Winnipeg has to support this team. It's far from over."
In other news from Tuesday's meeting, the board approved two amendments to rules regarding player safety. The year-old Rule 48 will now apply to all hits that target the head of an opponent, and not only those from the blindside. Also, boarding infractions will be treated more severely. Players must let up on hits into the boards that might not necessarily be violent, but are deemed dangerous _ including pushes.
Bettman said next year's salary-cap figure still needs to be finalized with the players' union, but it is expected to rise from $59.4 million to about $63 million or $64 million. It has increased every year since its inception of $39 million after the 2004-05 lockout.
The Thrashers made the playoffs in 2007, but were swept in four games by the New York Rangers. Atlanta had only one season in which it won more games than it lost. Now the Thrashers will be a footnote in hockey history.
Although the Winnipeg franchise has yet to pick a name, it will not be the Thrashers. The club will bear no resemblance to the one that briefly called Atlanta home.
Waddell, general manager Rick Dudley and coach Craig Ramsay won't make the move to Manitoba. Dudley completed just one year of a four-year deal after he replaced Waddell, and Ramsay was one year into a two-year contract.
The Thrashers' ownership dealt with major financial problems and declining attendance in recent years. The team had the league's third-worst attendance last season, averaging fewer than 14,000 a game.
"They certainly made every effort they possibly could to have it work. It didn't work," Lamoriello said.
Winnipeg had set its sights on the troubled Phoenix Coyotes, hoping to bring back the former Jets, but that team was saved last month for at least another season in the desert after the city of Glendale, Ariz. _ where the club's arena is located _ voted to subsidize the team as it seeks a new owner.
Canadian billionaire David Thomson, who heads the Winnipeg ownership group along with Mark Chipman, went hard after an NHL team when the Coyotes and the Thrashers fell into serious financial trouble.
Thrashers co-owner Michael Gearon and the rest of the Atlanta Spirit group came under heavy criticism for the way they ran the team, especially when it was revealed in court documents they were looking to sell the club almost as soon as they acquired it in 2004.
Gearon said they have lost $130 million since taking over the franchise _ including $20 million in 2006-07, the year the Thrashers won the Southeast Division and made the playoffs.
This season, the Thrashers were in contention for a playoff spot but faded down the stretch.
Now they have faded to black.
___
AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry contributed to this report.
Former Notre Dame football player Andre Jones South Bend Tribune Staff Report 3:27 p.m. EDT, June 22, 2011 Former Notre Dame football player Andre Jones, a member of the 1988 national championship team, died Wednesday morning in Atlanta after suffering a brain aneurysm on Tuesday. He was 42.Jones' son, TJ, is a sophomore wide receiver at Notre Dame. Andre Jones, a Washington, D.C., native, played at ND from 1987-90. He appeared in 42 games with 23 career starts, finishing his career with 147 tackles.A four-time monogram-winner, Jones played outside linebacker for former Irish coach Lou Holtz. His top season came as a senior in ’90 when he recorded 58 tackles (second on the squad behind team leader Michael Stonebreaker), after making 49 as a junior in ’89.A seventh-round selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1991 NFL Draft, Jones was the 185th overall selection. He played for the Detroit Lions in 1992 and also for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.Jones was serving as CEO of APR Sports Management, an athletic representation business based in Atlanta, at the time of his death.Jones is survived by his wife Michele and five children. TJ (a 5-11, 187-pounder from Gainesville, Ga.) played in 12 games as a freshman for the Irish in 2010, starting on seven occasions. He finished with 23 receptions (five each versus Navy and Tulsa) for 306 yards, including scoring catches against Purdue, Michigan and Navy.Funeral arrangements are pending.
Former Notre Dame football player Andre Jones
3:27 p.m. EDT, June 22, 2011
Jones' son, TJ, is a sophomore wide receiver at Notre Dame.
A four-time monogram-winner, Jones played outside linebacker for former Irish coach Lou Holtz. His top season came as a senior in ’90 when he recorded 58 tackles (second on the squad behind team leader Michael Stonebreaker), after making 49 as a junior in ’89.
A seventh-round selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1991 NFL Draft, Jones was the 185th overall selection. He played for the Detroit Lions in 1992 and also for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
Jones was serving as CEO of APR Sports Management, an athletic representation business based in Atlanta, at the time of his death.
Jones is survived by his wife Michele and five children. TJ (a 5-11, 187-pounder from Gainesville, Ga.) played in 12 games as a freshman for the Irish in 2010, starting on seven occasions. He finished with 23 receptions (five each versus Navy and Tulsa) for 306 yards, including scoring catches against Purdue, Michigan and Navy.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
COLUMBUS -- Columbus police interviews conducted during an investigation of the Parks and Recreation Department reveal that director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter may have jeopardized the amateur status of two Georgia athletes who played on the Georgia Blazers, their city-funded, Nike-sponsored AAU basketball team.Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver-Columbus who played football for one season at Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville.NCAA rules do not allow amateur sports organizations to provide expenses for athletes in excess of actual and necessary travel, room and board, apparel and equipment for competition and practice. Columbus police chief Ricky Boren said the NCAA was “aware of the investigation, allegations and actions of the individuals we had under investigation.”It is NCAA policy to refrain from discussing an ongoing investigation.Asked if Georgia has had any contact with the NCAA regarding the status of Caldwell-Pope or Jones, Georgia director for compliance Eric Baumgartner said, “I have not received or heard of anything.”Jones signed a football scholarship with USC in February 2009. He sprained his neck during his freshman year and was not cleared medically by the USC training staff, prompting his transfer to Georgia last June. He redshirted in 2010 but is a projected starting outside linebacker for the Bulldogs this season.Caldwell-Pope is a McDonald’s All-America shooting guard considered Georgia’s best basketball prospect in years. He recently qualified academically and is reportedly already in school. The NCAA has recently punished players for extra benefits provided by AAU coaches. In the spring, Baylor basketball forward Perry Jones was declared ineligible after an investigation determined that while he was in high school an AAU coach provided his mother with three 15-day loans that did not total more than $1,000. The loans were repaid in a timely manner, but the NCAA also determined that the coach paid for the player to travel to a professional preseason football game in San Diego, a trip valued at $4,100.Perry Jones was suspended from Baylor’s first-round Big 12 tournament game, a loss to Oklahoma, and must sit out the first five games of the 2011-2012 season to complete his suspension.On June 1, 2010, police interviewed Shelley Stephens, a Parks and Recreation employee for 10 years. Jones, whose mother lived in Richland, had lived with Stephens after his mother gave her power of attorney. Stephens told police investigators that after Jones signed with USC in 2009, Adams used the Georgia Blazers’ credit card belonging to Porter to pay for four different flights between Atlanta and Los Angeles for her and Jones: From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 1 at a cost of $339.20. From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 17 at a cost of $144.60. To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at a cost of $175.00. To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Oct. 9 at a cost of $169.60. The total cost of the flights was $828.40.Stephens chose not to comment on the issue. Jones could not be reached.Also during the investigation into the Georgia Blazers, investigators attempted to speak to Caldwell-Pope on Aug. 3, 2010. According to police reports, he wasn’t at his mother’s house in Greenville, but his older brother had a contact number to reach him. Kentavious, who was at his father’s house in Atlanta, spoke on the phone with police officers. When they tried to set up an appointment to speak in person, he hung up the phone.During the investigation of the Parks and Rec Department, police subpoenaed Verizon for information about a cell phone bill paid for by the unauthorized Blazers bank account. It belonged to Rhonda Caldwell, Kentavious’ mother. One of the four numbers on the account was the same number given to police as Kentavious’ cell phone number.The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwell’s phone bill using Porter’s credit card and money from the Blazers’ bank account.Caldwell-Pope, Adams and Porter could not be reached for comment. A message left for Adams’ attorney, Shevon Sutcliffe Thomas, was not returned.Porter’s attorney, Manny Arora, said, “I think the government investigated into every aspect and if there were other issues, I’m sure they would have come up, as contentious as the case was. But we really just want to put everything behind us. We’re on misdemeanor probation for a little while and we just want to get it over with and move on.”
COLUMBUS -- Columbus police interviews conducted during an investigation of the Parks and Recreation Department reveal that director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter may have jeopardized the amateur status of two Georgia athletes who played on the Georgia Blazers, their city-funded, Nike-sponsored AAU basketball team.
Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver-Columbus who played football for one season at Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville.
NCAA rules do not allow amateur sports organizations to provide expenses for athletes in excess of actual and necessary travel, room and board, apparel and equipment for competition and practice.
Columbus police chief Ricky Boren said the NCAA was “aware of the investigation, allegations and actions of the individuals we had under investigation.”
It is NCAA policy to refrain from discussing an ongoing investigation.
Asked if Georgia has had any contact with the NCAA regarding the status of Caldwell-Pope or Jones, Georgia director for compliance Eric Baumgartner said, “I have not received or heard of anything.”
Jones signed a football scholarship with USC in February 2009. He sprained his neck during his freshman year and was not cleared medically by the USC training staff, prompting his transfer to Georgia last June. He redshirted in 2010 but is a projected starting outside linebacker for the Bulldogs this season.
Caldwell-Pope is a McDonald’s All-America shooting guard considered Georgia’s best basketball prospect in years. He recently qualified academically and is reportedly already in school.
The NCAA has recently punished players for extra benefits provided by AAU coaches.
In the spring, Baylor basketball forward Perry Jones was declared ineligible after an investigation determined that while he was in high school an AAU coach provided his mother with three 15-day loans that did not total more than $1,000. The loans were repaid in a timely manner, but the NCAA also determined that the coach paid for the player to travel to a professional preseason football game in San Diego, a trip valued at $4,100.
Perry Jones was suspended from Baylor’s first-round Big 12 tournament game, a loss to Oklahoma, and must sit out the first five games of the 2011-2012 season to complete his suspension.
On June 1, 2010, police interviewed Shelley Stephens, a Parks and Recreation employee for 10 years. Jones, whose mother lived in Richland, had lived with Stephens after his mother gave her power of attorney.
Stephens told police investigators that after Jones signed with USC in 2009, Adams used the Georgia Blazers’ credit card belonging to Porter to pay for four different flights between Atlanta and Los Angeles for her and Jones:
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 1 at a cost of $339.20.
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 17 at a cost of $144.60.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at a cost of $175.00.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Oct. 9 at a cost of $169.60.
The total cost of the flights was $828.40.
Stephens chose not to comment on the issue. Jones could not be reached.
Also during the investigation into the Georgia Blazers, investigators attempted to speak to Caldwell-Pope on Aug. 3, 2010. According to police reports, he wasn’t at his mother’s house in Greenville, but his older brother had a contact number to reach him. Kentavious, who was at his father’s house in Atlanta, spoke on the phone with police officers. When they tried to set up an appointment to speak in person, he hung up the phone.
During the investigation of the Parks and Rec Department, police subpoenaed Verizon for information about a cell phone bill paid for by the unauthorized Blazers bank account. It belonged to Rhonda Caldwell, Kentavious’ mother. One of the four numbers on the account was the same number given to police as Kentavious’ cell phone number.
The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwell’s phone bill using Porter’s credit card and money from the Blazers’ bank account.
Caldwell-Pope, Adams and Porter could not be reached for comment. A message left for Adams’ attorney, Shevon Sutcliffe Thomas, was not returned.
Porter’s attorney, Manny Arora, said, “I think the government investigated into every aspect and if there were other issues, I’m sure they would have come up, as contentious as the case was. But we really just want to put everything behind us. We’re on misdemeanor probation for a little while and we just want to get it over with and move on.”
Columbus police interviews conducted during an investigation of the Parks and Recreation Department reveal that director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter may have jeopardized the amateur status of two University of Georgia athletes who played on the Georgia Blazers, their city-funded, Nike-sponsored AAU basketball team.Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver High School who played football for one season at the University of Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville High School.NCAA rules do not allow amateur sports organizations to provide expenses for athletes in excess of actual and necessary travel, room and board, apparel and equipment for competition and practice. Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said the NCAA was aware of the investigation, allegations and actions of the individuals we had under investigation.It is NCAA policy to refrain from discussing an ongoing investigation.Asked if Georgia has had any contact with the NCAA regarding the status of Caldwell-Pope or Jones, University of Georgia Director for Compliance Eric Baumgartner said, I have not received or heard of anything.Jones, a former Ledger-Enquirer All-Bi-City Player of the Year in both football and basketball, signed a football scholarship with USC in February 2009. He sprained his neck during his freshman year and was not cleared medically by the USC training staff, prompting his transfer to Georgia last June. He redshirted in 2010 but is a projected starting outside linebacker for the Bulldogs this season.Caldwell-Pope is a McDonalds All-American shooting guard considered Georgias best basketball prospect in years. He recently qualified academically and is reportedly already in school. The NCAA has recently punished players for extra benefits provided by AAU coaches. In the spring, Baylor basketball forward Perry Jones was declared ineligible after an investigation determined that while he was in high school an AAU coach provided his mother with three 15-day loans that did not total more than $1,000. The loans were repaid in a timely manner, but the NCAA also determined that the coach paid for the player to travel to a professional preseason football game in San Diego, a trip valued at $4,100.Perry Jones was suspended from Baylors first-round Big 12 tournament game, a loss to Oklahoma, and must sit out the first five games of the 2011-2012 season to complete his suspension.On June 1, 2010, police interviewed Shelley Stephens, a Parks and Recreation employee for 10 years. Jones, whose mother lived in Richland, had lived with Stephens after his mother gave her power of attorney. Stephens told police investigators that after Jones signed with USC in 2009, Adams used the Georgia Blazers credit card belonging to Porter to pay for four different flights between Atlanta and Los Angeles for her and Jones: From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 1 at a cost of $339.20. From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 17 at a cost of $144.60. To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at a cost of $175.00. To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Oct. 9 at a cost of $169.60. The total cost of the flights was $828.40.Stephens chose not to comment on the issue. Jones could not be reached.Also during the investigation into the Georgia Blazers, investigators attempted to speak to Caldwell-Pope on Aug. 3, 2010. According to police reports, he wasnt at his mothers house in Greenville, Ga., but his older brother had a contact number to reach him. Kentavious, who was at his fathers house in Atlanta, spoke on the phone with police officers. When they tried to set up an appointment to speak in person, he hung up the phone.During the investigation of the Parks and Rec Department, police subpoenaed Verizon for information about a cell phone bill paid for by the unauthorized Blazers bank account. It belonged to Rhonda Caldwell, Kentavious mother. One of the four numbers on the account was the same number given to police as Kentavious cell phone number.The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwells phone bill using Porters credit card and money from the Blazers bank account.Caldwell-Pope, Adams and Porter could not be reached for comment. A message left for Adams attorney, Shevon Sutcliffe Thomas, was not returned.Porters attorney, Manny Arora, said, I think the government investigated into every aspect and if there were other issues, Im sure they would have come up, as contentious as the case was. But we really just want to put everything behind us. Were on misdemeanor probation for a little while and we just want to get it over with and move on.
Columbus police interviews conducted during an investigation of the Parks and Recreation Department reveal that director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter may have jeopardized the amateur status of two University of Georgia athletes who played on the Georgia Blazers, their city-funded, Nike-sponsored AAU basketball team.
Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver High School who played football for one season at the University of Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville High School.
Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said the NCAA was aware of the investigation, allegations and actions of the individuals we had under investigation.
Asked if Georgia has had any contact with the NCAA regarding the status of Caldwell-Pope or Jones, University of Georgia Director for Compliance Eric Baumgartner said, I have not received or heard of anything.
Jones, a former Ledger-Enquirer All-Bi-City Player of the Year in both football and basketball, signed a football scholarship with USC in February 2009. He sprained his neck during his freshman year and was not cleared medically by the USC training staff, prompting his transfer to Georgia last June. He redshirted in 2010 but is a projected starting outside linebacker for the Bulldogs this season.
Caldwell-Pope is a McDonalds All-American shooting guard considered Georgias best basketball prospect in years. He recently qualified academically and is reportedly already in school.
Perry Jones was suspended from Baylors first-round Big 12 tournament game, a loss to Oklahoma, and must sit out the first five games of the 2011-2012 season to complete his suspension.
Stephens told police investigators that after Jones signed with USC in 2009, Adams used the Georgia Blazers credit card belonging to Porter to pay for four different flights between Atlanta and Los Angeles for her and Jones:
Also during the investigation into the Georgia Blazers, investigators attempted to speak to Caldwell-Pope on Aug. 3, 2010. According to police reports, he wasnt at his mothers house in Greenville, Ga., but his older brother had a contact number to reach him. Kentavious, who was at his fathers house in Atlanta, spoke on the phone with police officers. When they tried to set up an appointment to speak in person, he hung up the phone.
During the investigation of the Parks and Rec Department, police subpoenaed Verizon for information about a cell phone bill paid for by the unauthorized Blazers bank account. It belonged to Rhonda Caldwell, Kentavious mother. One of the four numbers on the account was the same number given to police as Kentavious cell phone number.
The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwells phone bill using Porters credit card and money from the Blazers bank account.
Caldwell-Pope, Adams and Porter could not be reached for comment. A message left for Adams attorney, Shevon Sutcliffe Thomas, was not returned.
Porters attorney, Manny Arora, said, I think the government investigated into every aspect and if there were other issues, Im sure they would have come up, as contentious as the case was. But we really just want to put everything behind us. Were on misdemeanor probation for a little while and we just want to get it over with and move on.
Larry King
March Madness
Natasha Fame Leslie
Ryan Seacrest
Sanu Dellafiore
John Armstrong
Fred Hanna
Georgia Hester
