Recently Republican Presidential Nominee contender Herman Cain has been accused by several females of sexual harassment. Will this kill his 2012 Presidential Campaign?
Herman Cain attempted to clarify a statement he made concerning asking Muslims their "loyalty" to the Constitution of the United States in order to be hired for a position in his campaign. He attempted to clarify himself in the recent CNN debate in Manchester, New Hampshire. Was he successful, or did his position still sound like open discrimination against Muslims?
As can be seen in the video, Velasquez takes a punch like a beast. He doesn't even flinch, and then he finishes his opponent with a left cross. Could you do that? Could you take a punch like Cain Velasquez and follow it by dropping your opponent?
On June 13, 2011 CNN held the second Republican Primary debate in Manchester, New Hampshire. Seven GOP presidential hopefuls gave their positions on policy and exchanged jabs over their differences with President Barack Obama. The participating candidates included: Michele Bachmann, Congresswoman of MinnesotaMitt Romney, former Governor of MassachusettsRich Santorum, former Senator of Pennsylvania Ron Paul, Congressman of TexasHerman Cain, Businessman and Talk Show HostNewt Gingrich, former Speaker of the HouseTim Pawlenty, former Governor of MinnesotaDid any of the candidates separate themselves in the debate?
Brock Lesnar will face off against Cain Velasquez at UFC 121 on October 23 in Anaheim, CA. Lesnar is the Heavyweight Champ. He is 5-1 and coming off a second-round submission win over Shane Carwin at UFC 116. Velasquez is undefeated (8-0), most recently knocking out Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 110. Vegas has Lesnar as favored to win. What do you think?
Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain has recently unveiled his 9-9-9 Tax Plan which calls for a 9% flat corporate tax, a 9% flat income tax, and a 9% flat federal sales tax. Cain's campaign website states the following about the plan:Phase OneOur current economic crisis calls for bold action to truly stimulate the economy and Renew America back to its greatness. The 9-9-9 Plan gets Washington D.C. out of the business of picking winners and losers, using the tax code to dole out favors, and dividing the country with class warfare. It is fair, simple, transparent and efficient. It taxes everything once and nothing twice. It taxes the broadest possible base at the lowest possible rates. It is neutral with respect to savings and consumption,capital and labor, imports and exports and whether companies pay dividends or retain earnings.9% Business Flat TaxGross income less all purchases from other U.S. located businesses, all capital investment, and net exports.Empowerment Zones will offer deductions for the payroll of those employed in the zone9% Individual Flat Tax.Gross income less charitable deductions.Empowerment Zones will offer additional deductions for those living and/or working in the zone.9% National Sales Tax.Unlike a state sales tax, which is an add-on tax that increases the price of goods and services, this is a replacement tax. It replaces taxes that are already embedded in selling prices. By replacing higher marginal rates in the production process with lower marginal rates, marginal production costs actually decline, which will lead to prices being the same or lower, not higher.Economic ImpactAccording to former Reagan Treasury official Gary Robbins, of Fiscal Associates, the 9-9-9 Plan will expand GDP by $2 trillion, create 6 million new jobs, increase business investment by one third, and increase wages by 10%.9-9-9 Plan: SummaryRemoves all payroll taxes and unites all tax payersProvides the least incentive to evade taxes and the fewest opportunities to do soLifts a $430 billion dead-weight burden on the economy due to compliance, enforcement, collection, etc…Is fair, simple, efficient, neutral, and transparentEnds nearly all deductions and special interest favorsFeatures zero tax on capital gains and repatriated profitsExports leave our shores without the Business Tax or the Sales Tax embedded in their cost, making them world class competitive. Imports are subject to the same taxation as domestically produced goods, leveling the playing field.Lowest marginal rates on productionKills the Death TaxAllows immediate expensing of business investmentsEliminates double taxation of dividendsIncreases capital formation which aids capital availability for small businessesIncreased capital per worker drives productivity and wage growthFeatures a platform to launch properly structured Empowerment Zones to renew our inner citiesThe pro-growth, pro-job, pro-export economic policies of the 9-9-9 PLAN equals a strong dollar policyPhase 2 – The Fair TaxAmidst a backdrop of the economic renewal created by the 9-9-9 Plan, I will begin the process of educating the American people on the benefits of continuing the next step to the Fair Tax.Ultimately replaces individual and corporate income taxesEnds the IRS as we know it and repeals the 16th AmendmentThe 9-9-9 tax plan replaces the current tax code. It eliminates the current individual income tax, corporate income tax, payroll tax, and estate and gift tax and places his three 9% tax proposals in their place. Analysis by the Tax Policy Center, an independent Washington think tank, says the tax plan will increase taxes on 84% of Americans, including creating huge tax increases on those making less than $50K a year, while cutting taxes for millionaires. However, Cain has refuted the study's finding. Perry Bacon Jr. of the Washington Post says "Cain has long rejected such criticisms, saying his plan includes 'opportunity zones,' which he formally discussed for the first time on Friday.Under Cain’s plan, the federal government would designate for exemption from the 9-9-9 plan special areas with high unemployment and poverty. In these areas, businesses could deduct their entire payroll from their income subject that would normally be subject to the business tax. People who live or work in these zones would also get tax benefits, although Cain did not detail them.And to address the criticism he is raising taxes on the poor, Cain would exempt people all over the country who are at or below the federal poverty line (about $22,000 for a family of four) from the tax on income.And while Cain said the opportunity zones would create jobs in cities across the country and help the poor, his proposals were so vague it would be difficult to measure their actual impact. Cain did not define the exact criteria under which these zones would be designated, how many would be created, how large they would be and how much taxes would be reduced in them for individuals who live or work inside them"What do you think? Is Herman Cain's 9-9-9 Tax Plan the answer for our economy?
Phase OneOur current economic crisis calls for bold action to truly stimulate the economy and Renew America back to its greatness. The 9-9-9 Plan gets Washington D.C. out of the business of picking winners and losers, using the tax code to dole out favors, and dividing the country with class warfare. It is fair, simple, transparent and efficient. It taxes everything once and nothing twice. It taxes the broadest possible base at the lowest possible rates. It is neutral with respect to savings and consumption,capital and labor, imports and exports and whether companies pay dividends or retain earnings.
9% Business Flat Tax
Gross income less all purchases from other U.S. located businesses, all capital investment, and net exports.Empowerment Zones will offer deductions for the payroll of those employed in the zone
Gross income less all purchases from other U.S. located businesses, all capital investment, and net exports.
Empowerment Zones will offer deductions for the payroll of those employed in the zone
9% Individual Flat Tax.
Gross income less charitable deductions.Empowerment Zones will offer additional deductions for those living and/or working in the zone.
Gross income less charitable deductions.
Empowerment Zones will offer additional deductions for those living and/or working in the zone.
9% National Sales Tax.
Unlike a state sales tax, which is an add-on tax that increases the price of goods and services, this is a replacement tax. It replaces taxes that are already embedded in selling prices. By replacing higher marginal rates in the production process with lower marginal rates, marginal production costs actually decline, which will lead to prices being the same or lower, not higher.
Economic Impact
According to former Reagan Treasury official Gary Robbins, of Fiscal Associates, the 9-9-9 Plan will expand GDP by $2 trillion, create 6 million new jobs, increase business investment by one third, and increase wages by 10%.
9-9-9 Plan: SummaryRemoves all payroll taxes and unites all tax payersProvides the least incentive to evade taxes and the fewest opportunities to do soLifts a $430 billion dead-weight burden on the economy due to compliance, enforcement, collection, etc…Is fair, simple, efficient, neutral, and transparentEnds nearly all deductions and special interest favorsFeatures zero tax on capital gains and repatriated profitsExports leave our shores without the Business Tax or the Sales Tax embedded in their cost, making them world class competitive. Imports are subject to the same taxation as domestically produced goods, leveling the playing field.Lowest marginal rates on productionKills the Death TaxAllows immediate expensing of business investmentsEliminates double taxation of dividendsIncreases capital formation which aids capital availability for small businessesIncreased capital per worker drives productivity and wage growthFeatures a platform to launch properly structured Empowerment Zones to renew our inner citiesThe pro-growth, pro-job, pro-export economic policies of the 9-9-9 PLAN equals a strong dollar policyPhase 2 – The Fair TaxAmidst a backdrop of the economic renewal created by the 9-9-9 Plan, I will begin the process of educating the American people on the benefits of continuing the next step to the Fair Tax.
Ultimately replaces individual and corporate income taxesEnds the IRS as we know it and repeals the 16th Amendment
Ultimately replaces individual and corporate income taxes
Ends the IRS as we know it and repeals the 16th Amendment
"Cain has long rejected such criticisms, saying his plan includes 'opportunity zones,' which he formally discussed for the first time on Friday.Under Cain’s plan, the federal government would designate for exemption from the 9-9-9 plan special areas with high unemployment and poverty. In these areas, businesses could deduct their entire payroll from their income subject that would normally be subject to the business tax. People who live or work in these zones would also get tax benefits, although Cain did not detail them.And to address the criticism he is raising taxes on the poor, Cain would exempt people all over the country who are at or below the federal poverty line (about $22,000 for a family of four) from the tax on income.And while Cain said the opportunity zones would create jobs in cities across the country and help the poor, his proposals were so vague it would be difficult to measure their actual impact. Cain did not define the exact criteria under which these zones would be designated, how many would be created, how large they would be and how much taxes would be reduced in them for individuals who live or work inside them"
During the Republican Primary Debate, the candidates received a question via twitter that asked: "How do you explain the Occupy Wall Street movement happening across the country? And how does it relate with your message?" CNN's Anderson Cooper opens this question with Herman Cain because "two weeks ago, [he] said 'Don't blame Wall Street, don't blame the big banks. If you don't have a job, and you're not rich, blame yourself.' That was two weeks ago. The movement has grown. Do you still say that?"Herman CainCain quickly answered, "Yes, I do still say that. And here’s why...They might be frustrated with Wall Street and the bankers, but they’re directing their anger at the wrong place. Wall Street didn’t put in failed economic policies. Wall Street didn’t spend a trillion dollars that didn’t do any good. Wall Street isn’t going around the country trying to sell another $450 billion. They ought to be over in front of the White House taking out their frustration. So I do stand by them." (See 1st paragraph under Paul before reading the 2nd paragraph under Cain.) In response to Paul's first paragraph below: "All I want to say is that representative Paul is partly right, but he’s mixing problems here. It’s more than one problem. Look, the people — the banks — yes, the banks and the businesses on Wall Street, yes, the way that was administered was not right. But my point is this: What are the people who are protesting want from bankers on Wall Street, to come downstairs and write them a check? This is what we don’t understand. Take — go and get to the source of the problem, is all I’m saying. And that's the White House"Ron PaulPaul immediately followed Cain saying "I think Mr. Cain has blamed the victims. There’s a lot of people that are victims of this business cycle. We can’t blame the victims. But we also have to point — I’d go to Washington as well as Wall Street, but I’d go over to the Federal Reserve. They create the financial bubbles. And you have to understand that you can’t solve these problems if you don’t know where these bubbles come from. But then, when the bailout came and supported by both parties, you have to realize, oh, wait, Republicans were still in charge. So the bailouts came from both parties. Guess who they bailed out? The big corporations of people who were ripping off the people in the derivatives market. And they said, oh, the world’s going to come to an end unless we bail out all the banks. So the banks were involved, and the Federal Reserve was involved. But who got stuck? The middle class got stuck. They got stuck. They lost their jobs, and they lost their houses. If you had to give money out, you should have given it to people who were losing their mortgages, not to the banks." (Read paragraph two under Cain now)Yes, the argument is it’s — the program was OK, but it was mismanaged. But I work on the assumption that government’s not very capable of managing almost anything so you shouldn’t put that much trust in the government. You have — you have to trust the marketplace. And when the government gets involved, they have to deal with the fraud. And how many people have gone to jail either in the government, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, that participated in this heist? And nobody suffers the consequences. All these investigations, and yet the people who lose their jobs and lose their houses, it’s their fault, according — that’s why they’re on Wall Street. And we can’t blame them. We have to blame the business cycle and the economic policies over the last 10 years that led to this disaster"Mitt RomneyAfter allowing Cain and Paul to go back and forth, Cooper tells us Romney had "originally called the protests 'dangerous'...[and] 'class warfare,'" but "recently sounded more sympathetic." Cooper asks Romney "Where do you stand now? What is your message to those people protesting?"Romney responds saying "we can spend our time talking about what happened three years ago and what the cause was of our collapse. But let’s talk about what’s happened over the last three years. We’ve had a president responsible for this economy for the last three years, and he’s failed us. He’s failed us in part because he has no idea how the private sector works or how to create jobs. On every single issue, he’s made it harder for our economy to reboot. And as a result, we have 25 million Americans out of work or stopped looking for work or in part- time work and can’t get full-time employed. Home values going down. You have median income in America that in the last three years has dropped by 10 percent. Americans are hurting across this country, and the president’s out there campaigning. Why isn’t he governing? He doesn’t — he doesn’t have a jobs plan even now. This — this is a critical time for America. And I — and I can tell you that this is time to have someone who understands how the economy works, who can get America working again. Instead of dividing and blaming, as this president is, let’s grow America again and have jobs that are the envy of the world. And I know how to do it."Of the three GOP Hopefuls, Who Do you agree with concerning their impression of Occupy Wall Street?
One big issue discussed in the GOP debate on 10/18/2011 in Las Vegas, NV was how the candidates would deal with illegal immigration. CNN's Anderson Cooper opened the first question of this series to Herman Cain by simply asking if Cain would attempt to build a border fence across the entire border between the US and Mexico? Herman Cain"Yes, I believe we should secure the border for real, and it would be a combination of a fence, technology, as well as possibly boots on the ground for some of the more dangerous areas. I don’t apologize at all for wanting to protect the American citizens and to protect our agents on the border, no. Secondly, the second thing that I would do — see, I believe in let’s solve the whole problem. We must shut the back door so people can come in the front door. Secondly, promote the existing path to citizenship by cleaning up the bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.Thirdly, enforce the laws — the immigration laws that are already on the books. And here’s another one of these bold ideas by the non-politician up here. Empower the states to do what the federal government is not doing in terms of enforcing those laws."Rick PerryAfter Cain's response, Cooper asks Governor Perry whether it was "possible to build a fence...across the entire border" of Texas? Perry replied that you could build a fence, "but it takes anywhere between 10 and 15 years and $30 billion. There’s a better way, and that’s to build a virtual defense zone...along that border, which...you can do it with strategic fencing in the obvious places where it matters. But the way you really stop the activities along that border that are illegal...is to put boots on the ground...You use Predator drones to use that real-time information to give those boots on the ground that information, and they can instantly move to those areas. And that is the way to shut that border down, to secure that border, and really make America safe."Michele BachmannNext, Cooper asks Congresswoman Bachmann agreed with Governor Perry? Bachmann replied saying "last Saturday, I was the very first candidate that signed a pledge that said...I will build a double-walled fence...with an area of security neutrality in between...on the entire border, and I’ll tell you why. Every year, it costs this country $113 billion in the costs that we put out to pay for illegal aliens. It costs the state and local government of that amount $82 billion. For every household of an American citizen, it costs us $1,000 a year...I will build the fence. I will enforce English as the official language of the United States government. And every — every person who comes into this country will have to agree that they will not receive taxpayer-subsidized benefits of any American citizen...I think there’s a very real issue with magnets in this country. And I think the issue...is the issue of anchor babies. And that’s an issue that...the state is very concerned, because when someone comes illegally across the border, specifically for the purpose of utilizing American resources for having a baby here, then all of the welfare benefits then attach to that baby."Mitt RomneyFormer Governor Romney just sort of jumps in with his opinion saying "in terms of how to secure the border, it’s really not that hard. You have a fence, you have enough Border Patrol agents to oversee the fence, and you turn off the magnets. And that’s employers that hire people who they know are here illegally. That’s why you have an E-Verify system so they can know that. And, number two, you turn off the magnets like tuition breaks or other breaks that draw people into this country illegally. It is not that hard. We have to have the political will to get the job done."Ron PaulCongressman Paul says "when we approach this immigration problem, we should look at the incentives and that — or the mandates from the federal government saying that you must educate, you must give them free education. You have to remove these incentives. But I don’t think the answer is a fence whatsoever...But I might add about the border control...is we lack resources there. I think we should have more border guards on it, a more orderly transition, and run it much better. But where are our resources? You know, we worry more about the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We need to bring the guard units home and the units back here so we can have more personnel on our border."Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum did not answer this question during the debate.Which of the stated Border Fence Policies do you support the most?
The first question of the night asked of the candidates was "What's your position on replacing the federal income tax with a federal sales tax?" After asking the general question to all the candidates, CNN's Anderson Cooper specifically asked Congresswoman Michele Bachmann why she believes Hermain Cain's 9-9-9 plan, which calls for a 9% sales tax, a 9% income tax, and 9% corporate tax, would destroy our country?Michele BachmannEssentially, Bachman makes two points. The first is that if we were to give Congress a 9% sales tax, then it would only be a matter of time before Washington increases it. She continues saying "we also have to be concerned about the hidden tax of the value-added tax, because at every step and stage of production, you’d be taxing that item 9 percent on the profit. That’s the worry." When asked whether she "would raise taxes on the 47 percent of Americans who currently don’t pay taxes," Bachmann said "I believe absolutely every American benefits by this magnificent country. Absolutely every American should pay something, even if it’s a dollar. Everyone needs to pay something in this country. That’s why with my tax plan, I take a page out of not theory but what’s provable and what works. What is provable and what works was the economic miracle that was wrought by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. That’s the plan that I look at. I also want to completely abolish the tax code. I want to flatten the tax for all of Americans, simplify that tax for all of Americans. And that creates job growth, which is exactly what we need to have."Rick SantorumSantorum is asked if Cain's Tax Plan will raise taxes, and Santorum says "reports are now out that 84 percent of Americans would pay more taxes under his plan. That's the analysis. And it makes sense, because when...you don’t provide a standard deduction, when you don’t provide anything for low-income individuals, and you have a sales tax and an income tax and...a value-added tax, which is really what his corporate tax is, we’re talking about major increases in taxes on people." Santorum also criticizes the plan as taxing single Americans as much as a family of three. According to Santorum, "since we’ve had the income tax in America, we’ve always taken advantage of the fact that we want to encourage people to — to have children and not have to pay more already to raise children, but also pay that additional taxes — we gave some breaks for families. He doesn’t do that in this bill."Rick PerryAnderson Cooper tells us Texas has a 6.25% sales tax, and then asks Governor Perry "would taxpayers pay more under the 9-9-9 plan?" Perry responds by saying "you don't need to have a big analysis to figure this thing out. Go to New Hampshire where they don't have a sales tax and you're fixing to give them one. They’re not interested in 9-9-9. What they’re interested in is flatter and fairer...right here in Nevada you’ve got 8-plus percent. You want nine cents on top of that, and nine cents on a new home — or 9 percent on a new home, 9 percent on your Social Security, 9 percent more? I don't think so, Herman. It's not going to fly."Ron PaulCooper states Paul called Cain's plan dangerous and wants him to elaborate. Paul says it is "because it raises revenues, and the worst part about it, it’s regressive. A lot of people aren’t paying any taxes, and I like that. I don’t think that we should even things up by raising taxes. So it is a regressive tax. So it’s very, very dangerous. And it will raise more revenues. But the gentlemen asked the question...what are you going to replace the income tax with? And I say nothing. That’s what we should replace it with. I do want to make a point that spending is a tax. As soon as the governments spend money, eventually it’s a tax. Sometimes we put a direct tax on the people...we borrow the money...[or] we print the money. And then when prices go up...that is the tax. So, spending is the tax. That is the reason I offered the program, to cut $1 trillion out of the first year budget that I offer."Mitt RomneyCooper says to Governor Romney "you have your only 59-Point Plan. In the last debate, Mr Cain suggested it was too complicated. Is simpler better?" Romney responds by saying "oftentimes simpler is better...now let me make this comment...We’ve got a lot of people in America that are out of work...We’ve got home prices going down. We’ve got to talk about how to get America growing again, how to start adding jobs, raising incomes, and tax is part of it. I want to reduce taxes on our employers to make it easier to invest in America. I want to reduce taxes on middle income families...I want to get our burden down on our employers, on our people. I want to make sure our regulations work to encourage the private sector as opposed to putting a damper on it. I want to get trade, opening up new markets for America...This is time to get America growing again. And that’s what this campaign ought to be about."Newt GingrichOn what type of tax system he would like to see implemented, Gingrich says "I favor very narrow, focused tax cuts such as zero capital gains, 100 percent expensing, because I think, as Governor Romney said, jobs are the number one challenge of the next two or three years. Get something you can do very fast. Change on this scale takes years to think through if you’re going to do it right"Herman CainAfter Cooper points out several conservatives are saying the 9-9-9 Tax Plan would raise taxes on the middle and lower class voters, Cain responds by saying "the reason that our plan is being attacked so much is because lobbyists, accountants, politicians, they don’t want to throw out the current tax code and put in something that’s simple and fair. They want to continue to be able to manipulate the American people with a 10-million-word mess." On the specific attacks concerning whether his Tax Plan created a value-added tax, Cain says it is simply "not true. I invite people to look at our analysis, which we make available...I'm sorry, Representative Bachmann — it’s not a value-added tax. It’s a single tax. And I invite every American to do their own math, because most of these are knee-jerk reactions. And we do provide a provision, if you read the analysis, something we call opportunity zones that will, in fact, address the issue of those making the least."Which of the stated Tax Policies do you most support?
It was an amazing experience fighting in the UFC. Greg Nagy was a great opponent and it was a great fight (see the video for highlights), but it was truly the journey that was the best part. Training with Cain Velasquez and the rest of the America Kickboxing Academy (AKA) team was incredible. So what do you think...should I fight agian? If so, who?
It was an amazing experience fighting in the UFC. Greg Nagy was a great opponent and it was a great fight (see the video for highlights), but it was truly the journey that was the best part. Training with Cain Velasquez and the rest of the America Kickboxing Academy (AKA) team was incredible.
So what do you think...should I fight agian? If so, who?
For the 33rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors 2010, the five honored guests are Oprah, Merle Haggard, Paul McCartney, Bill T. Jones and Jerry Herman. The star-studded event took place in Washington D.C. and included Julia Roberts, Barbara Walters and Steve Tyler, just to name a few. Which honoree is your favorite?
The Republican Candidates for president met in Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in the Western Republican Presidential Debate. The entire debate is provided as well as the following blogs and polls covering the positions the candidates have taken on several issues:10/18/2011 GOP Debate - Taxes - Cain's 9-9-9 Plan, Romney's 59 Point Plan, and the others10/18/2011 GOP Debate - Border Fence Policy10/18/2011 GOP Debate - Occupy Wall Street Impressions10/18/2011 GOP Debate - Role of Faith in Elections10/18/2011 GOP Debate - Defense Budget Spending CutsAfter having either watched the debate or having reviewed the provided information...Which Candidate won the Western Republican Presidential Debate in Las Vegas?
Posted by Chip PattersonAn investigation into the Columbus (Ga.) Parks and Recreation Department may have revealed potential violations regarding two University of Georgia athletes, according to a report in the Ledger-Enquirer.Police records show that department director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter used an unauthorized bank account to pay for flights for USC transfer Jarvis Jones. The investigation also reveals possible wrongdoing involving shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (read more on Caldwell-Pope and the hardwood Bulldogs at the Eye On College Basketball).Both Jones and Caldwell-Pope played on the Georgia Blazers, a city-funded, Nike-sponsored AAU basketball team. A Parks and Recreation employee told police that Adams used the Georgia Blazers credit card to pay for four different flights between Atlanta and Los Angeles for Jones' mother in the Summer/Fall 2009. According to the report, the total cost of all four flights was $828.40.Jones was a highly touted recruit when he signed with USC in 2009, but a neck injury kept him from being cleared medically and led to his transfer to Athens. After sitting out the 2010 season, he is projected as a starting linebacker for the Bulldogs in the fall. As of Sunday afternoon, Georgia's compliance office stated the school had not received any information from the NCAA about the investigation. Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren, however, said the NCAA was "aware of the investigation, allegations and actions of the individuals we had under investigation."If the NCAA determines the purchase of the flights to be in violation on NCAA rules, Jones would likely be suspended for a portion of the Bulldogs' 2011 season. For enrolled student-athletes, any benefit of $500 or greater results in 30% withholding (from games) and repayment of the amount. If this punishment applies to Jones, he would be forced to sit out (likely) the first four games of the 2011 season.Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the first four games of the season include two of the biggest matchups on the schedule. Georgia plays Boise State in a "neutral" Georgia Dome for the Chick Fil-A Kickoff in Atlanta on Sept. 3, then hosts the defending division champion South Carolina Gamecocks in Athens on Sep. 10. In another down year for what many consider a winnable SEC East, that early-season showdown could once again prove to be a pivotal outcome for the division race come August.BRIEFLY: Georgia head coach Mark Richt announced on Sunday that redshirt freshman Brent Benedict is no longer a member of the football program. There was no official statement from Benedict, but the release stated the offensive lineman was leaving for "personal reasons."
An investigation into the Columbus (Ga.) Parks and Recreation Department may have revealed potential violations regarding two University of Georgia athletes, according to a report in the Ledger-Enquirer.
Police records show that department director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter used an unauthorized bank account to pay for flights for USC transfer Jarvis Jones. The investigation also reveals possible wrongdoing involving shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (read more on Caldwell-Pope and the hardwood Bulldogs at the Eye On College Basketball).
Both Jones and Caldwell-Pope played on the Georgia Blazers, a city-funded, Nike-sponsored AAU basketball team. A Parks and Recreation employee told police that Adams used the Georgia Blazers credit card to pay for four different flights between Atlanta and Los Angeles for Jones' mother in the Summer/Fall 2009. According to the report, the total cost of all four flights was $828.40.
Jones was a highly touted recruit when he signed with USC in 2009, but a neck injury kept him from being cleared medically and led to his transfer to Athens. After sitting out the 2010 season, he is projected as a starting linebacker for the Bulldogs in the fall. As of Sunday afternoon, Georgia's compliance office stated the school had not received any information from the NCAA about the investigation. Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren, however, said the NCAA was "aware of the investigation, allegations and actions of the individuals we had under investigation."
If the NCAA determines the purchase of the flights to be in violation on NCAA rules, Jones would likely be suspended for a portion of the Bulldogs' 2011 season. For enrolled student-athletes, any benefit of $500 or greater results in 30% withholding (from games) and repayment of the amount. If this punishment applies to Jones, he would be forced to sit out (likely) the first four games of the 2011 season.
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the first four games of the season include two of the biggest matchups on the schedule. Georgia plays Boise State in a "neutral" Georgia Dome for the Chick Fil-A Kickoff in Atlanta on Sept. 3, then hosts the defending division champion South Carolina Gamecocks in Athens on Sep. 10. In another down year for what many consider a winnable SEC East, that early-season showdown could once again prove to be a pivotal outcome for the division race come August.
BRIEFLY: Georgia head coach Mark Richt announced on Sunday that redshirt freshman Brent Benedict is no longer a member of the football program. There was no official statement from Benedict, but the release stated the offensive lineman was leaving for "personal reasons."
Dancing With the Stars contestants had a night of being swept off their feet by the high speed of the quickstep and the jive. We were looking for kicks and flips and got a few plus a whole lot of fun watching them burn up the dance floor. We started out with a jive by Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovsky. Their costumes played off the fact that Hope is the USA’s goalie, Maks in a 1980’s style athletic ensemble and Hope in a sparkly purple cropped jersey. Len Goodman told them that they lost their timing a little bit but announced they were “first out and first class.” Bruno Tonioli didn’t think they put enough time in to perfect their routine. Carrie Ann Inaba thought it was a great performance. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Bruno = 6, Len = 7 Total = 19 Kristin Cavallari and partner Mark Ballas did the quickstep in the old Hollywood Marilyn Monroe style thing. Dancing to “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend.” Bruno was “bedazzled by the blonde bomb shell.” Carrie Ann praised it as stunning and sophisticated. Len thought it was as good as she looked. Scores: Carrie Ann = 8, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 22 David Arquette showed up wearing a gold suit with his partner Kym Johnson. The did their best on the jive. Carrie Ann said that Carson has some competition and that David ”let loose.” Len complained that the technique wasn’t there and Bruno chimed in that he lost his timing. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Len = 6, Bruno = 6 Total = 18 Elisabetta Canalis and Val Chmerkovsky quickstepped their way around the floor with Elisabetta looking beautiful in her blue dress. At first, there wasn’t much encouragement from Len and Bruno. They said that she needs to keep working and it wasn’t great but better than last week. Carrie gave her something to hold onto when she said “You came back and nailed it.” Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 21 Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke danced the jive to “Surfin Safari” and Bruno declared that Rob is starting to have his own voice. Carrie Ann joked that Rob is a better dancer than his sister Kim Kardashian. Len politely pointed out that it was a proper performance. Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 21 We saw the fun but serious Carson Kressley do the quickstep with his partner Anna Trebunskaya. Carrie Ann saw improvement but he was “a little wobbly.” Len said “If I held a knife and fork like you hold Anna I’d starve to death.” Bruno declared he was “Pee Wee Herman goes to prom.” Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Len = 6, Bruno = 6 Total = 18 Ricki Lake with Derek Hough did a high speed high impact jive that garnered a huge applause. Len said a couple of steps disturbed him but he liked the fun of it. Bruno praised their kicks and flips and Carrie Ann declared it the best jive of the evening. Scores: Carrie Ann = 8. Bruno = 8, Len = 7 total = 23 Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer tackled Chaz’s biggest fear this week, the quickstep. Bruno remarked that Chaz has a likability factor, but he looked more like an Ewok dancing with Princess Leia, Carrie Ann saw his pain from a knee injury and remarked the dance wasn’t fast enough. Len said the bottom line was his quickstep was too slow. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Bruno = 6, Len = 5 Total = 17 Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani worked hard on the jive this week and it gave Chynna lots of stress and pressure. Carrie Ann thought it was genuinely good but that she played it safe. Len said it was good but not great and Bruno encouraged her to let her “sexy siren come out.” Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 21 Nancy Grace surprised us and probably herself tonight by dancing the quickstep, with partner Tristan MacManus, surprisingly well. She said the quickstep gave her no time to be nervous and I think that helped her. Len started out by saying “how refreshing.” Bruno said it was great to see her taking over the dance floor. Carrie Ann encouraged her by saying she has improved and she loves their team work. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Len = 8, Bruno = 7 Total = 21 JR Martinez and Karina Smirnoff impressed Bruno, who said JR was born to dance. Carrie thought their jive was fun and fabulous but Len didn’t share the good feelings. He thought they did more of a lindy hop than a jive. Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Bruno = 8, Len = 7 Total = 22 Who was the best of the night?
Dancing With the Stars contestants had a night of being swept off their feet by the high speed of the quickstep and the jive. We were looking for kicks and flips and got a few plus a whole lot of fun watching them burn up the dance floor.
We started out with a jive by Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovsky. Their costumes played off the fact that Hope is the USA’s goalie, Maks in a 1980’s style athletic ensemble and Hope in a sparkly purple cropped jersey. Len Goodman told them that they lost their timing a little bit but announced they were “first out and first class.” Bruno Tonioli didn’t think they put enough time in to perfect their routine. Carrie Ann Inaba thought it was a great performance. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Bruno = 6, Len = 7 Total = 19
Kristin Cavallari and partner Mark Ballas did the quickstep in the old Hollywood Marilyn Monroe style thing. Dancing to “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend.” Bruno was “bedazzled by the blonde bomb shell.” Carrie Ann praised it as stunning and sophisticated. Len thought it was as good as she looked. Scores: Carrie Ann = 8, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 22
David Arquette showed up wearing a gold suit with his partner Kym Johnson. The did their best on the jive. Carrie Ann said that Carson has some competition and that David ”let loose.” Len complained that the technique wasn’t there and Bruno chimed in that he lost his timing. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Len = 6, Bruno = 6 Total = 18
Elisabetta Canalis and Val Chmerkovsky quickstepped their way around the floor with Elisabetta looking beautiful in her blue dress. At first, there wasn’t much encouragement from Len and Bruno. They said that she needs to keep working and it wasn’t great but better than last week. Carrie gave her something to hold onto when she said “You came back and nailed it.” Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 21
Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke danced the jive to “Surfin Safari” and Bruno declared that Rob is starting to have his own voice. Carrie Ann joked that Rob is a better dancer than his sister Kim Kardashian. Len politely pointed out that it was a proper performance. Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 21
We saw the fun but serious Carson Kressley do the quickstep with his partner Anna Trebunskaya. Carrie Ann saw improvement but he was “a little wobbly.” Len said “If I held a knife and fork like you hold Anna I’d starve to death.” Bruno declared he was “Pee Wee Herman goes to prom.” Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Len = 6, Bruno = 6 Total = 18
Ricki Lake with Derek Hough did a high speed high impact jive that garnered a huge applause. Len said a couple of steps disturbed him but he liked the fun of it. Bruno praised their kicks and flips and Carrie Ann declared it the best jive of the evening. Scores: Carrie Ann = 8. Bruno = 8, Len = 7 total = 23
Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer tackled Chaz’s biggest fear this week, the quickstep. Bruno remarked that Chaz has a likability factor, but he looked more like an Ewok dancing with Princess Leia, Carrie Ann saw his pain from a knee injury and remarked the dance wasn’t fast enough. Len said the bottom line was his quickstep was too slow. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Bruno = 6, Len = 5 Total = 17
Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani worked hard on the jive this week and it gave Chynna lots of stress and pressure. Carrie Ann thought it was genuinely good but that she played it safe. Len said it was good but not great and Bruno encouraged her to let her “sexy siren come out.” Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Len = 7, Bruno = 7 Total = 21
Nancy Grace surprised us and probably herself tonight by dancing the quickstep, with partner Tristan MacManus, surprisingly well. She said the quickstep gave her no time to be nervous and I think that helped her. Len started out by saying “how refreshing.” Bruno said it was great to see her taking over the dance floor. Carrie Ann encouraged her by saying she has improved and she loves their team work. Scores: Carrie Ann = 6, Len = 8, Bruno = 7 Total = 21
JR Martinez and Karina Smirnoff impressed Bruno, who said JR was born to dance. Carrie thought their jive was fun and fabulous but Len didn’t share the good feelings. He thought they did more of a lindy hop than a jive. Scores: Carrie Ann = 7, Bruno = 8, Len = 7 Total = 22
Who was the best of the night?
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.”
Larry King
March Madness
Natasha Fame Leslie
Ryan Seacrest
Sanu Dellafiore
John Armstrong
Fred Hanna
Georgia Hester
