News and views from the cheap seats

College Football

USC finally ran out of rope. The NCAA will reportedly ban USC from bowl play for two years. USC will also have to forfeit scholarships. Further sanctions could be coming, including giving up past victories. USC plans to appeal. Early reports gave no mention of the basketball program, which also came under investigation.

The Eugene Register Guard reports Oregon Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli was dismissed from the team. Seems the young man had too much time on his hands. Police stopped Masoli for a routine traffic stop. But later came up with marijuana and a suspended license. Masoli faces no criminal charges.

ESPN reports that if Nebraska leaves he Big 12, that the conference would dissolve. The Pac 10 appears to be readying for the scavenger hunt. Word in the street is that they plan to add 6 Big 12 teams to their conference. Conference realignment seemed another season off, earlier in the Spring. Suddenly entire conferences are disappearing.

2010 NHL Stanley Cup

If you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ve heard my rants about the NHL TV contract. The 2010 NHL playoffs lived up to the expectations of a post season. Favorites exited early. Others fought off 3 game deficits to advance. It’s only fitting that the Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup since 1961. Unfortunately many fans didn’t see much of the NHL playoffs. They were competing with the NBA playoffs, and were broadcast mostly on Versus.

2010 NBA Finals

For a great run down of the NBA Finals day off, check out SLAM Online. They’ve got analysis, quotes and some great video. Glen Davis gives an interesting interview, where he seems to be giving the referees a back-handed compliment.

Sticking with SLAM Online, they’ve got some Lakers videos as well. There’s a great poll question. Who is more clutch Robert Horry or Derek Fisher? So far Horry leads Fisher 67% – 33%. Fisher fans get busy…