Let's hope your analysis mirrors reality
Jake | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 5:07 pm | #

Take a break boyz!
You've deserved one with the opus magni of the past year.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 5:28 pm | #

What's this "we" bullshit? Pat's the only one of you who actually does any work.
Shane MacGowan's Teeth | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 5:45 pm | #

I believe Jake is really saying that you had better write something with which he agrees.

If it isn't, I am certain he will not disappoint us.
Ted Eberle | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 7:04 pm | #

What's reality Jake
Domerplayer | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 7:17 pm | #

Richard Boone to John Wayne (Big Jake): I thought yous was dead.
Big Jake: Not hardly.
Subway Alumni | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 8:18 pm | #

I thought National Championship was always reality in May...
Matt '09 | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 8:30 pm | #

Masty, opus magni? Is that like a Magnum of Opus One?
DuffMan | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 9:46 pm | #

Jay - while Pat is out of the room, why not turn the keys over to us? the Snake's Teeth and I can provide some user-generated content, and you guys can focus on the challenges of the print medium. We promise not to leave any scratches on BGS.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 10:52 pm | #

Yes, Jake, tell us what reality is.
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 11:17 pm | #

That's the goal Jake.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 05.05.08 - 11:49 pm | #

Hey, how about at least a preview of the table of contents? Don't just leave us hanging like that!
Abe Froman | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 12:04 am | #

How 'bout running video clips of Bookstore B-ball while you're out?
Andy | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 1:00 am | #

The Sausage King of Chicago?
Brad | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 6:17 am | #

Also, on during this period of time where there isn't a whole lot of news to speak of, I like would to take this time to start a petition.

We need to exert pressure to get Bobbie Hughes to switch his number to 6. He is Jerome Bettis re-incarnate, and the sight of a 240 lb. RB with the number 6 running over defensive players would do my heart something good. If anyone knows him, or lives by him on campus, tell him that the people need him to wear No. 6.

Amen.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 6:37 am | #

That's why he wears 33, 3+3=6 a tribute to Bettis but yet he carves his own identity as well.
Domer Dan | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 10:03 am | #

Domer Dan,

Did you make that up?
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 10:07 am | #

"Bobby" Hughes? You mean, Robert Hughes? Call him "Bobby" to his face.....lose your face. It's Robert, or Sir Robert, or just sir.
The Dude | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 11:59 am | #

"Name?"
Bob!
"Full name?"
Bobthalomew!
Matt | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 12:07 pm | #

"Here come the Irish?"

More like: "From the ashes, the Irish shall rise."

What about:"Irish 2008. . . back from the dead?"

Maybe: "Fighting Irish 2008: to Hell and back?"

The theme needs more revival in it.
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 12:27 pm | #

Duff Man; It is.
Pat, Jay; Hiatus, Hiatus? That's what the French said in 1941, they haven't been heard or seen since then.
Hiatus! We don't need no stinkin' hiatus.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 2:25 pm | #

Anyone check out the SI blurb on the Blue-Gold game? Encouraging to hear fights are breaking out in practice..........

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com...ring.fever0505/
mikes1160 | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 2:39 pm | #

Nearly 100 Students At San Diego State Arrested In Drug Bust
SAN DIEGO -

Authorities say nearly 100 students have been arrested at San Diego State University on drug-related charges.

Drugs, cash and guns were seized from sellers and buyers in the bust that followed a five-month undercover operation.

The San Diego County district attorney's office says the 96 arrests include fraternity members. Defendants are scheduled to appear in state court to face charges Tuesday afternoon.
T | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 4:38 pm | #

Hal,
Yes I did, as a math teacher it "appeared" right before my Irish Eyes. The blessings of an ND education!
Domer Dan | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 4:59 pm | #

Over a hundo students arrested? That is some wild, crazy stuff.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 5:42 pm | #

Am I the only one slightly nervous about the fights? Initially, I was excited about the one during practice. But the one in the Blue-Gold game has me a bit worried. It's one thing to get after each other in practice, when supposedly no one else is watching. However, I was a bit surprised that a fight broke out in the BG game, when EVERYONE was watching. That might be indicitive that there's a few players who simply don't like each other, and we can't afford any divisions.

Anyone know if the players involved were the same in both incidents? Or any evidence that it was just fired-upness and not any indication of any animosity?
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 7:22 pm | #

It was much ado about nothing.
Shakespear.
Really, it was the Obama's against the Hil-Dog's.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 7:58 pm | #

I was ready to rumble after being forced to sit behind a Mercedes bearing the following license plate:

♥USCH8ND

How's that for animosity?
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 8:01 pm | #

Anon,

If they're practicing right, people are going to get pissed at each other, because football is about humiliating the guy on the other side of the ball. The fact that this is happening is good news to me, because it means they're going full tilt all the time.

The fights don't worry me much. I attended school in the Holtz years, and those teams had regular spats in practice. Zorich, in particular, was in the middle of quite a few, and I remember a quote from one of his teammates that went something like, "Off the field, he's a very nice guy. But on the field, he's a violent jerk. I don't even talk to him during practice."

Now I'm not one of those guys who says the Holtz teams were flawless or models to be followed on every level. But they never lacked for intensity, and if that's what we're striving for in this team, the history of the Holtz teams is instructive.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 9:08 pm | #

OC mj

It's simple. Just get a plate that reads NDH8USC.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.06.08 - 11:38 pm | #

Maybe so, GB, but I'd probably risk being run down by a few Hummers out here, despite the price of petrol.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 12:25 am | #

OC mj

Just stay away from Ah-nold. He can run over anyone without his Hummer.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 2:51 am | #

I wouldn't mind getting run down by a few hummers.
flannercock | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 8:06 am | #

this is the fun vee. The hum drum vee is over there.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 12:12 pm | #

It's a slow day, this should give you something to talk about.

http://michigan.rivals.com/conte....asp? CID=805427
drp | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 2:07 pm | #

The worst thing about no spring recruiting visits is that it gives that man more time to talk. Shhhhh, Charlie.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 2:43 pm | #

I wouldn't mind getting run down by a few hummers.
flannercock | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 4:14 pm | #

drp:

Thanks. It was mild compared to Crisler's and Schembechler's outright hatred for ND.
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.07.08 - 7:35 pm | #

Ooooooh, no
There goes Tokyo
God- God-

GODZILLA!
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 10:16 am | #

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/ne...ov=st& type=lgns

ND and Arizona State to play in Dallas' new stadium in 2013, along with a home and home
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 1:03 pm | #

Compare:

"I've always been one never to make excuses . . . We'll listen to Michigan have all their excuses."

To:

"I could get hoodlums and thugs and win tomorrow. I won't do it that way."

Or:

"[I]n practice he couldn't make it from there. That's why we didn't kick it from there."

Or:

"My message is that I'm 51 years old; my greatest attribute professionally is as a teacher. I've always been able to teach at a very high level, and the subject happens to be football. I've always been able to do a good job of getting my message across. And, regardless of the age of the student, I've been able to figure out in a classroom, where there's different levels of football intelligence, what they needed to do to understand -- and be able to take it from the classroom to the practice field, and then see it applied on the game field. It's one thing when you see those things applied on the practice field but then it doesn't correlate or you don't see the corresponding thing on game day. And I think that that's my biggest frustration. ... So as I always do, I told them that, as a teacher, I'll consider that I'm not getting the job done. But as a student -- especially a bunch of young, intelligent guys -- you would like to think that there would be a direct correlation between the classroom and the practice field to the game."

Lovely. Just lovely.
Vic | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 2:12 pm | #

Vic,

You're dead-on with the first two quotes. Not only are they contradictory, they're both asshole-y. The second set I don't have a problem with.
Lujack City | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 2:23 pm | #

I don't have a problem with the last two quotes Vic posted either, especially the last one. At the end of the day, it's Weis' fault (which he acknowledged), but the players have to take some responsibility too. But the first two (especially the second one) really rubbed me the wrong way.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 3:04 pm | #

Are you truly upset that Weis came out rah-rah at a brunch in front of fans, alumni, and players on the Blue and Gold game weekend? Really? What was he supposed to say? I hope we can hang with Michigan?
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 3:13 pm | #

Kill Michigan!
Joe Subway | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 3:16 pm | #

If Notre Dame is playing in the New Cowboys stadium. That would be cool. I live in the city that the new stadium is. I can see it from my house its huge.
Austin The Mexican Leprechaun | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 4:24 pm | #

Nice little write up on Carlson in Seattle:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/co...ht& lid=tab3pos2
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 5:22 pm | #

To HELL with Michigan!
Print up the shirts | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 6:02 pm | #

A former Division 1-A coach from my hometown said that when he was hired at a major southern university, the President of the school told him he would suppport any recruit brought in if the coach could give assurances that the recruit would stay in school for two years with no jail time.
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 8:06 pm | #

I haven't dug into all the opponents ND faces this year, but with all the changes at Meat-chicken in the off-season... they're not at the top of my list of teams to be worried about.

If I was a Meat-chicken fan, I would be more concerned about another App State situation then what Charlie is saying at an event during B-G game weekend.
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 9:13 pm | #

I remember in the late 80s, Holtz was recorded talking ill of Miami in the locker room, and the Miami papers went to the Miami players with Holtz's comments, hoping to get a rise out of them. I remember distinctly that one of the Miami players said something like, "What lse would he be saying about us in a locker room speech? What do you think we're saying about them?"

This Weis stuff is more of the same. Still, he should be smart enough to know that people will record this stuff on cell phones now and post it for all the world to see. Just because nothing should be made of this doesn't mean nothing will be made of it.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 9:56 pm | #

No story. But because its Notre Dame, HUGE story.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 05.08.08 - 10:07 pm | #

I'm really glad to see Carlson getting some mainstream media love. I've really had a soft spot for him the last few seasons. He's truly a nice guy and gentleman off the field, but one tough SOB and great football player on the field.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 12:31 am | #

So if an OSU coach said in an alumni brunch "to hell with Michigan" would this be a story? No. Only because it's ND and Weis. Not that I care though, I agree to0 much with the sentiment of the quote to care about Michigan fanboys who get their dirty chonies in a knot.
Kyle | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 2:42 am | #

I have no problem w/ anything Weis has said. He is just telling it like it is. The first comment posted I feel is Charlie just trying to practice what he is teaching now. He wants his team to have a little more swagger. Whats wrong with the coach having a little swagger.
He knows what he is doing, he knows everywhere he goes he is being recorded in some way or another.

On another note, I love the way espn jumps all over ND when Charlie does so much as fart the wrong way. All the while that Dana Jacobson lady I see has gotten her job back on espn 2 with not so much of a whisper from espn about her degrading our savior.
I really need a new sports information channel.
ARIrish | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 10:12 am | #

To Hell with Purdue!
To Hell with Michigan State!
To Hell with USC!
To Hell with Kevin White!
To Hell with the Chinless Wonder!
To Hell with Parietals.

I could go on and on.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 10:13 am | #

Seriously - to hell with Michigan. Michigan can suck it. I hate Michigan with the burning passion of 1,542 flaming tires. Michigan can take their g**damn winged helmets and shove them where the sun doesn't shine. Bo can kiss my pale white Irish butt. (anyone remember this famous Bo line - "To hell with Notre Dame.")

Give me a break.

Oh, and someone write an article about me now.

Oh, and Michigan sucks.
Padraig | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 11:18 am | #

Michigan undeniably does really suck, at least at the wonderlic. Look at that link in the last article. Manningham clocked a six. Six out of fifty.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 11:26 am | #

Muck Fichigan or

To Mell with Hichigan?
Matt | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 11:27 am | #

As much as I hate Ohio State and think Tressel runs a dirty program, the fact is, he doesn't have to bother saying, "To hell with Michigan!" because he owns them on the field. ND? Not so much. Even at an alumni brunch, take the high road, acknowledge that it's a great rivalry and always a rewarding victory when you can get it.

I notice how everyone has avoided the "thugs" comment. Am I the only one who thinks that comment is incredibly insulting to his players? Just as importantly, is it not exactly the opposite of what Weis has been saying since he took the job? That he doesn't need criminals to win, that there are plenty of top athletes who can also excel in the classroom?
Lujack City | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 11:43 am | #

Lujack City, isnt that exactly what Weis was saying. I dont think his comments were insulting his players. You can recruit the PacMan Jones' and Cris Henrys, Gwaltneys and Ryan Perilloux of the world and win or you can recruit the Robert Hughes, Harrison Smiths, Armando Allens of the world. I am glad that Charlie chooses the latter.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 11:59 am | #

Lujack,

I took it to mean that he is building a program of top athletes who are also smart and decent human beings, but that it takes time to do so. His first full recruiting class aren't even seniors yet. Do I agree with him saying that? No. But I don't think it is that insulting to his players, I actually think it's sort of a compliment because he recognizes that they are top athletes who are smart and good kids. It IS an insult to those top athletes out there that actually are thugs, although kind of a compliment too because he knows he could win faster with them. I'm not sure where I'm going with this...so I'll stop rambling.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 12:04 pm | #

How on earth could the "thugs and hoodlums" comment possibly be insulting to his players? Are they supposed to be offended that their coach thinks they're good guys?

As for the "To hell with Michigan" comment, it's not that I care what UM people or ESPN think, or that everyone is going to make a huge deal out of it because it's Notre Dame. And it's certainly not because I disagree with the sentiment. I just would rather see that displayed on the field than at a stupid alumni luncheon. Beat them, and then talk all you want for all I care.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 12:25 pm | #

I saw on another comment board that the quote is a little out of context... Apparently Charlie said something along the lines of: "To Hell with Michigan- We need to first prepare for San Diego State."

I don't know if this is really what he said, but it takes a little bit of the bite out of the quote. Just a little.

I think I'd rather believe he was just trying to fire up the team and insult Michigan.

To hell with em.
Matty | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 12:41 pm | #

To HELL with unsubstantiated comments.

To HELL with bootleg recordings.

To HELL with annoying license plates.

To HELL with jumbotrons in ND Stadium.

To HELL with Rutgers.

To HELL with ESPN.

And last, but not least,

To HELL with [name redacted].

WE ARE (clap, clap) ND!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 1:01 pm | #

Matty,

I think I saw on the ZackLegend video that he said "To Hell with Michigan" at the end of a paragraph and got rousing cheers from the crowd (as you would expect from such a statement at an alumni luncheon).
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 1:02 pm | #

As a Michigan fan, I have no problem with “to hell with Michigan” really in any context. I think it’s great. I have no problem with Weis saying ND will beat UM. If he isn’t confident then he shouldn’t be ND’s coach. What I do have problem with is the comment about Michigan making excuses. That is unnecessarily disrespectful and mean spirited for what is essentially a public forum (as opposed to a locker room.) Confidence is excellent but in light of the last 2 UM/ND games it especially strikes me as ridiculous and imprudent for Weis to be talking junk like that about Michigan publicly. If you'all like it then great but it is this arrogant, disrespectful attitude that has earned Weis the rough treatment he gets from the press. In contrast, Holtz was so respectful to opponents, publicly, that the term ‘Holtz ‘em up’ has come to mean describing a patsy like a BCS champion.
imafreak | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 1:17 pm | #

imafreak,

Can't really disagree with anything you just said, to be honest. I just think he has to be more careful because, call me naive, I truly don't think Charlie's as much as an a-hole as the press makes it sound sometimes. I really don't, because as ND fans I think we all know of too many good things he's done to really think he's a bad guy. But he certainly makes it hard to defend him at times.

Matty,

I recommend watching the video, if you haven't already. It pretty much shows the entire context of the quote.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N...h? v=NovvKHpkAvw
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 2:33 pm | #

imafreak, Jade,

Well said by you both.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 4:18 pm | #

ND football needs to take a page from those IBM commercials:
STOP TALKING. START DOING.

Bottom line: Shut up and play.
Matt | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 4:44 pm | #

I should have explained myself better re: the thugs comment. From the time he was hired, Weis has said that he does not use ND's admissions standards as an excuse, because there are plenty of top athletes who can also "read and write" (his words; I think we all know there is more to an ND education than that) and are solid citizens. And I agree with all of you that he's done that. I think we all agree, however, that Weis has not won right away with his players. The "hoodlums and thugs" comment suggests he thinks he could have won right away if he'd recruited the sketchy guys instead of young men of character like Hughes, Toryan Smith, and others. So my question is, which is it? Does he still stand by his statement that he can get guys who are just as talented as Perriloux, et al. who are also solid students and citizens? Or is he making excuses -- and in effect insulting his roster -- by saying that it's hard to win immediately when your players have to be able to handle college-level courses in addition to kicking ass on the field?
Lujack City | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 4:54 pm | #

Doug's perfectly timed mention of PacMan Jones and Chris Henry is quite appropriate to this discussion. They were two of DickRod's thugs at WVU, and are among the sorriest/no character pieces of shit to ever play in the NFL. They dwell in Michael Vick's rarified air. I don't know if Michigan has told DickRod that criminals are not wanted in Ann Arbor, but Mario Manningham proves that Admissions will, at least on occasion, accept supremely talented athletes who may be borderline retarded. With Bo dead, LLLoyd "promoted", and DickRod and his vomit inducing "spread offense" installed, this ain't your grandfather's Michigan. So I wholeheartedly concur: To Hell with Michigan!
Now just beat the rotten bastards for a nice change of pace.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 7:07 pm | #

I think that Charlie's comments weren't out of line considering the environment he was in. What do you expect at Blue Gold weekend? It would actually be worse if he didn't speak his mind. All he was trying to do was pump everyone up, and get them excited for this coming season. I for one, think they will either make a HUGE improvement, or do just enough to have a winning season. Charlie's doing good of being careful about what he says about the team. Yes, he says there are improvements, but he doesn't say anything crazy like he did the year before. If they can't improve from last year, I don't know what I would make of it.

I for one, am optimistic and think ND will be competitive in all games, especially since Haywood is OC now and nobody has ever seen his schemes, since he's never been OC. remeber the first year charlie had when nobody really knew how to handle what he brought.
THE Golden Helmet (TGH) | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 7:34 pm | #

To hell with giving Bo Schembechler a moment of silence in our stadium before a game...especially while an ND student passed away that same week (but apparently didn't also warrant a moment before the game).
Tony Spilotro | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 7:54 pm | #

Look at history. The Big Ten and Michigan in particular has hated ND for decades. The cries by Fielding Yost that Rockne cheated are legendary. How many times did ND seek to join the conference and was turned down? The press and Fritz Crisler hated ND and at the time Leahy. Read about the events after the 1947 season. Schembechler hated ND with a passion and did not want to play the Irish and Holtz in particular. The press hated Holtz. Anyone remember Looney's book? Face it, ND has been on ABC and ESPN's shit list since the NBC contract was initiated.

The hell with Michigan and there is only one way to show it--to beat the living hell out of them on September 13. The UM, ABC, ESPN and Mark May can all go to hell!!
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.09.08 - 8:33 pm | #

well put, couldn't have said it better myself
THE Golden Helmet (TGH) | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 12:00 am | #

To hell with Jesus.
jeremy | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 12:24 pm | #

May God have mercy on your soul jeremy.
Matt | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 12:46 pm | #

To hell with God.
TheBibleIsAWorkOfFiction | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 1:15 pm | #

I'm all for freedom of speech, so here's my piece: That stuff about God going to hell is sophomoric and unfunny.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 2:40 pm | #

whats the big deal...they started it...they even have t-shirts

http://mvictors.com/?p=256

sorry i dont know how to make it a hyperlink
30909 | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 6:32 pm | #

One flippant CW comment and the UM rockin' chair comes out.

UM's historical ND dodging is well documented. Is there any way re-hashing historical beefs can help us from getting blown out again by UM?

How about we start by beating Navy and getting some fundamentals before talking smack?

Any pearls of wisdom of how the Notre Dame mens football team can get back to basics?

ND Football? ... anyone? .... football? . . . Bueller? .... Echo . . .

SIGH.

P.S. A rocking chair give you something to do, but gets you nowhere.
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 9:14 pm | #

Eleven years after he lost to ND in 1980, here is what Schembecjler said:

"I have a right to be bitter over that one. That was a lousy rotten deal. That game we won. We won that game. The officials just took it away from us. That was absolute robbery. Absolutely robbery."

Real class!! does anyone recall him making similar remarks, say, after the 1986 game (Joel Williams lands with both feet in and is called out) or the 1999 game?? In fact, does anyone remeber Big 10 officials giving ND any game??
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.10.08 - 9:43 pm | #

Here is an article about CW getting a call from the WH about committee for Intellectual Disabilities.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/...8967441814& NL=1
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 1:11 am | #

Sure CW may rub some people the wrong way, but he's just telling it like it is.
SK | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 11:30 am | #

This news is a couple of days old, but Jamar Hornsby, a Florida Gator wide receiver, has been arrested and charged with USING THE GASOLINE CREDIT CARD OF A DEAD CO-ED OVER 70 TIMES WHILE RUNNING THE TAB UP TO $3000.

Of course Coach Chinless did the right thing by immediately kicking the stupid, felonious, heartless scumbag off the team.

I guess that the opportunity to recruit such low I.Q. and no-character types is ultimately what swayed Urban to decline ND's offer while choosing the school where, as his father admitted, "he could win sooner".

Stories like this give even more resonance to CW's anti-thug statement.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 12:13 pm | #

Add to VIW's comment that O.J. Mayo reportedly took over 30,000 dollars in cash and gifts his one year at USC,who as one person said is quickly becoming the University of Secret Cash. I cannot believe the rapid response to ND by the NCAA when they had the bimbo taking the guys to a basketball game, thus creating the demise of the QB club. Why does the NCAA drag its feet when it comes to schools like USC and OSU circumventing the rules. I do believe it is because the Big Ten and Pac 10 are the two most powerful conferences in the country. Why else would they be allowed to keep their Rose Bowl tie in?
Doug | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 2:26 pm | #

It seems as if Jamar Hornsby was pretty talented as he was # 13 Rivals prospect and # 3 safety prospect when recruited. I guess there is no ranking for common sense or ethics.

Happy Mother's Day to to the moms out there.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 3:52 pm | #

RE: Michigan

Who cares? Beating them this year won't prove anything, because they're going to suck just as badly as we did last year. I think that's the sentiment here--not "To hell with Michigan, I hate them"--it's "To hell with Michigan, we've got our own issues to worry about".

Beating Michigan is better than not beating Michigan, but a lot of other teams will beat Michigan this year as well. Let's focus on Sandy Eggo State first.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 9:21 pm | #

Doug, I heartily concur with your frustration and observations, and I believe you correctly answered your own question. The NCAA is a joke on so many fronts.

Voice, I'm surprised you began your sentence with "Of course" with respect to Chinless. Have you elevated him a notch in the ethics column? Or am I experiencing "sarchasm" (i.e. the gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it)?

GB, thanks for the Mother's Day shout out. My son played his first football game yesterday; the moment he got the ball, he started stiff-arming the defense. Unfortunately, that is not allowed in flag football! Mom was still proud...
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 10:54 pm | #

OC mj

I guess that is "spring ball" when the player the runner "springs" the tackler away from him (or her) in honor of Mother's Day.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.11.08 - 11:41 pm | #

OC mj,
Of course (no sarCHasm intended) you perceived my sarcasm/sarchasm. Of course, I would expect nothing less from you. (Juvenile posters: please refrain from suggesting that OC mj and I "get a room". Thank you.)
And as we formerly spent the good portion of a day developing The Chinless Bitch moniker, please rest assured that I have not grown weary of my own disdain for the cb.
My aforementioned "of course" was typed using the same tone and inflection as John Belushi used when delivering the hilarious "buuut noooooo" line. Damnable internet still unable to process sarcasm properly.
Yours,
Voice
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 7:24 am | #

Phew...

Sighs of relief are difficult to convey as well.

Best,
mj
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 11:40 am | #

Without getting to political, selecting CW to the committee for Intellectual Disabilities may be the single greatest thing Bush has done in two terms. Charlie will be a great addition and it gives him an even bigger venue for his advocacy work.

The article alluded to a promise he made and his surgery 6 years ago, but did not go into detail. Does anyone know exactly what it was referring to?
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 11:47 am | #

Does anyone understand how USC avoids NCAA sanctions? This is a link to an article by Pat Forde, following and Outside the Lines investigation into OJ Mayo, the former SC hoops player.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/c...57& sportCat=ncb

I'm not a big fan of Forde's, but in this article he makes a good point: The NCAA most serious concern is "lack of institutional control." Simply put, the one thing they really care about is whether a school basically stops caring whether its player abide by NCAA rules. Between this Mayo thing and the Reggie Bush payments, isn't SC the very definition of a school out of control? They're basically saying, "We did not know this was going on," when anyone with half a mind to figure it out could have done so.

Anyway. It's just getting tiresome to watch the NCAA makes such a huge deal out of issues like a kid getting caught with a joint. Meanwhile, there are schools chewing these kids up and spitting them out without an education. And there is money changing hands in a way that undermines the credibility of the sport. And there are linemen all over the sport adding 40 lbs of muscle in a year's time. Yet the NCAA sees fit to do nothing.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 12:26 pm | #

USC cannot and should not say they had no idea what was going on because, from what I understand, they had had problems in the past with the man who supposedly gave Mayo money. (Jay Bilas said that on Mike and Mike this morning, anyways.) I do think they'll get punished...eventually. Or at least I hope they do. It is so patently obvious to just about every observer that there is shady stuff going on there that I find it hard to believe that they really will get away with it.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 12:40 pm | #

Now is the NCAA's best chance to make an example and prove that they would come down equally on all violators-- not just those teams on the level of Alabama State, but also those on the level of Alabama.

But really, all of this could have been avoided if USC had adopted a position of distancing from anything named OJ.
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 1:11 pm | #

Fresh off the Jamar Hornsby embarrassment/program humiliation...Florida Gator News Flash...This just in...Early enrollee DL Matt Patchan shot in the shoulder...not life threatening...prognosis excellent...was in a Tampa park on Friday night...Sanctimonious head coach ponders his navel...developing...
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 4:12 pm | #

Am I the 100th commenter?

Oh please, please, please let me be number 100.

How much longer 'till kickoff??
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 6:57 pm | #

The day that the NCAA actually does something meaningful and drop the hammer on U$C rather than pointless exercises in "fairness" such as limiting the number of pages in the media guide; well... that's the day I pilot the space shuttle.
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 7:38 pm | #

matt patchan was a highly rated o-line prospect and nd coveted him.
just pointing that out.
M Jelic | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 8:39 pm | #

I'm feelin an upset of University of Scumbag Cheaters this year.
ConchoBar | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 9:20 pm | #

Concho,

The NCAA doing something against "U of Semi-$ecret Ca$h" would be a massive upset!
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 05.12.08 - 10:48 pm | #

Since this is a slow off season Check this out. Only 14 unassisted triple plays have been made in the history of MLB.
by Asdrubal Cabrera
http://my.break.com/Content/ view...ontentID=502288
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 12:04 am | #

The NCAA has an opportunity this Summer to stand up and say "We're not letting schools get away with this sh*t anymore. The 'We didn't know this was going on excuse' is no linger acceptable." Two schools with high profiles (IU and U$C) are going to get the hammer before school starts in the Fall (or at least they need to). The Trojans and the Hoosiers have their heads on the chopping block right now. If Myles Brand doesn't tell the Committee on Infractions to make an example out of these two schools (his former association with IU not withstanding), then there needs to be a change made in the NCAA head office.

For the record, if ND was in the same position as one of those institutions, I don't know that I'd be thinking the same thing. I like to believe I would, but I can't guarantee it. For now, I'll continue walking the sanctimonious path. I hope nobody here will begrudge me for it.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 1:27 am | #

*longer
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 1:28 am | #

If you just replaced the word USC with ND, I'd be saying the same thing, Reno. I'd be embarrassed that something like this happened, and would hope the correct and appropriate punishment was handed down.

And let's not pretend that USC didn't know about it. I have a hard time thinking a major, big-time athletic program doesn't know where all the bodies are buried. I believe they knew all about it, but were praying hard that nothing blew up.
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 4:25 am | #

Reno

What did IU do wrong?
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 8:20 am | #

Reno, Dallas,

It's an interesting discussion: how would you feel if ND were in the same position as SC?

Well, let's look at it in high relief. If Brady Quinn's family were found to be living in an agent-financed condo overlooking Lake Michigan. Then two years later, Luke Harangody was found to have taken large amounts of money from agents. How would you feel about the Athletic dept.'s oversight? I, for one, would be VERY worried and screaming for changes. I'd also expect that the NCAA would bring the hammer down hard.

Reno, I'm with you in your reluctance to throw stones. The Dunbar thing shows bad stuff can happen everywhere. But there's an awful lot of smoke coming out of the SC camp right now, and I've gotta believe there's a lot of fire there. Someone needs to put it out. If the NCAA doesn't act decisively, it's sending a clear message about the state of college athletics: Anything goes on the money front.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 10:14 am | #

The NCAA needs to be VERY careful about how they handle this situation. If they don't come down hard with sanctions, they have essentially tied their own hands from dealing with other schools in the future. If the Spoiled Children get away with two blatantly major infractions in two years, but the NCAA comes down hard on a smaller school or any other school for that matter, they will have set and carried out an obvious double standard. Therefore, they need to sanction the crap out of SC so that they can continue to act as the watchdog they should be. Otherwise they will all need to look for new jobs because they won't be able to do their own anymore anyway.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 10:34 am | #

And for the record if ND was stupid enough to let this happen then I would probalby be feeling the same way. I'd be greatly dissappointed, but would know that rules were broken and the NCAA would have a job to do. Sure I'd hope they'd look the other way, but would understand that they just really couldn't.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 10:36 am | #

yeah, I think it's unfair to compare the IU and SC situations. IU apparently determined, through its internal monitoring of the BBall program, that Sampson had violated the NCAA restrictions on his calls and positioned itself as an Omega house pledge - 'thank you sir! May I have another?'

SC seems to be painting over the windows and enforcing the document management policy, and daring the NCAA to build a case.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 1:08 pm | #

I swear if there isn't a new article soon I'm going to stab myself
IrishHusky | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 2:03 pm | #

LOL I know, I've loved the articles that have been put up ever since I came across the best ND based wesite out there. I know Pat is busy...something is due to come out shortly!
ConchoBar | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 3:32 pm | #

Agreed, Hal. I'd be screaming for changes, too.
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 4:19 pm | #

"May I have ten thousand marbles please?"
GO IRISH!!! | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 4:42 pm | #

OC mj

I got stuck behind license plate GOD♥USC the other day.

Now I realize it stands for "Greedy Overrated Dunces ♥ the University of Secret Cash".
Burbank Steve | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 6:17 pm | #

OCmj and Burbank Steve,

I used to work at a restaurant where Anthony Davis was a regular. I think that car might belong to him. He has some sort of obnoxious SC vanity plate on his vehicle. He used to come in and sit at the bar and boast about his time at SC and all his football exploits especially against the Irish in the '74 game. Thankfully, he was a good tipper or I would have spit on his crab cakes (no offense Voice!). The SC fans in the OC are particularly annoying, in my opinion.
GO IRISH!!! | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 6:35 pm | #

No question the NCAA is a disgrace as a governing body, but; with regard to USC, I put the most blame on the school administration. How do you let the Heisman Trophy winner return to school and be a national embarrassment by taking only a 1 credit Ballroom Dancing course? OJ Mayo 'recruitment' was national news because of it's mind boggling pretentiousness: "Coach, I'll handle the recruiting" !! "Don't call me back, I'll call you"!! How does a college president allow that program insulting behaviour to go on? This is the inmates running the asylum. There will be a day of reckoning.

"How many times can a man turn his head, and pretend that he just doesn't see? The answer my friend is Blowin' in the Wind" B.Dylan 1961
DuffMan | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 6:46 pm | #

GO IRISH

I might have been tempted to rear-end him if I'd have known. "Bless me Father, for I hath rear-ended Anthony Davis and did tell my Insurance Company that it was his fault as he did reverseth into me" :)
Burbank Steve | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 7:01 pm | #

For all those upset with USC and the NCAA....


The NCAA will do NOTHING to USC. I repeat, NOTHING. They had a Heisman trophy winner accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from a convicted drug dealer, and did nothing. Why would the NCAA do anything now?

The NCAA is a completely useless, powerless institution that is only interested in making money. Get used to it.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 7:10 pm | #

Burbank, that is truly an awful plate. Just for grins, I checked to see if ♥NDH8SC was available (it was not). As I believe most ND fans have too much class to display such a plate, I am surmising the State of California refuses to issue it.

DuffMan, I also thought it revolting that Leinert got away with the one credit, but my anger was directed toward the NCAA - How does that qualify as a "student" athlete? Should they have jurisdiction over such a thing?

And does it seem that every run-in with law enforcement is later met with dropped or reduced charges? Keeping it within the "family" (which includes the LA District Attorney) as the Poodle likes to say...
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 7:11 pm | #

Here is the new info on OJ. We need new info on Reggie.
http://ap.google.com/article/ ALe...4zOLIQD90L1DH01
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 8:28 pm | #

If the claims and allegations are ultimately shown to be true, doesn't the Poodle bear some resposibility. In fact, shouldn't he be fired??
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.13.08 - 10:16 pm | #

GB

That triple play was awesome. I saw a triple play in Vet stadium in late 70s. I think it was unassisted but probably not if there were only 14. I lived in Philly '76-'79. Do you know where I can get a list of the unassisted triple plays? Use to love baseball, haven't gone to/listened/watched a game since the second strike.
Old Fan | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 11:14 am | #

The guys over at EDSBS are raising money for the cyclone victims. They've made a game out of it, tallying the amount each school's alums have ponied up. Michigan's winning right now and ND's not even in the top 10.

Make a donation and help some unfortunates out while saving the good name of our alma mater!

Seriously, it's a good hearted project. Here's the link to the article explaining it.

http://www.everydayshouldbesatur...ty-bowl-update/
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 1:26 pm | #

Hal; Notre Dame fans donated $1500.00 of the $2,000.00 EDBS needed two years ago to up-grade their computer systems.
I donated to this one, but I feel bad donating to anything that has "Red Cross" in it's title.
They'd charge us for cokes coming back under the wire after an ops in SE Asia. I'm not $hittin' ya.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 7:24 pm | #

Old Fan

Wikipedia has info and a list. If you saw one in the 70s, it had to be a "regular" triple play. Only one unassisted one between 1927 and 1992. That was in 1968.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 7:48 pm | #

Not five cents of that cyclone disaster relief money will get to those who need it. The evil regime will simply take it.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 10:22 pm | #

This sure is a long ass week.
Mossman | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 10:40 pm | #

Dear me, gents, it's a sad sign that I've checked your site approx. 8 times since your last "post". Please hurry back!!
Removed | Email | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 11:19 pm | #

Since we should probably all be on some sort of mutual suicide watch, I propose that we come up with a name for this long, cruel, two week period where there have been no new posts. That way, if we actually live through this, in the future we will be able to quickly reference this horrible, seemingly endless drought. Similar to how 1929-1941 is generally known as "The Great Depression".

Since this has sapped virtually all of my creative energy, I can only lamely offer:

-the Gray Gray Sky Era
-Pat's Moratorium
-The Sunless Spring

If you cannot participate because you have lost the will to live, I understand. I'm almost there.

OC mj, please help us.

Well, it's 7:05 AM, so I must be moving along.

Good night.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 7:13 am | #

hi·a·tus
Pronunciation[hahy-ey-tuhs]
–noun, plural -tus·es, -tus.
1. a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.

I don't know where I'm going with this.... I NEED NEW POSTS!!!!
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 9:05 am | #

Jim, Voice,

I hear you guys. Not a big fan of the Red Cross myself, Jim. Just noting the effort by EDSBS.

I've got a soft place in my heart for people who try to do something when very bad stuff happens to others. It goes without saying that there are plenty of dirtbags out there who will take advantage of good hearted people. As I type this, I'm looking out over a very grim reminder of this: Ground Zero.

But I try not to let that stop me from trying to help where I can. I tend to give my money to World Hunger Year, which does a lot of work in the USA, but also tries to make some sensible contributions when there's a big international disaster. [I mention these guys because they are specifically NOT one of those orgs that simply throws money at a situation. They're a pretty thoughtful group].

Anyways, yeah. I could use some football.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 9:55 am | #

The Blue-Gray Dry Spell
The Calm Before the Storm of Amazing Posts
The Dark Ages
That time when we (gasp!) almost went somewhere else for our ND football fix

I know Pat and Jay are the main contributors to this site, but aren't there like 8 other admins? Couldn't someone else post something for a change while they're working on the Here Come The Irish '08 article? Perhaps there's just no news? Does no news mean good news? Didn't Lou get inducted into the CFHOF? Isn't some football player at home eating cheeseburgers or something? :)
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 10:04 am | #

Erik,

In the absence of a post, I've got a good discussion topic:

Is ND's move to the 7-4-1 scheduling format unsportsmanlike?

It's a statistical fact that teams win more at home, and only a handful of teams have the drawing power/popularity to be able to create home-heavy schedules. So are these teams enjoying an unfair advantage/
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 10:26 am | #

Voice

Those are pretty clever headlines. I like the Gray Gray Sky Era the best. Although it has actually been close to 3 weeks, I am patient since I know Pat has a day job.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 10:43 am | #

I saw Micky Morandini's unassisted Triple Play at the Vet back in the early 90s. I think I was maybe ten years old, and I'm pretty sure it happened during a Sunday Day game. I couldn't appreciate the gravity of the situation, but I knew it was pretty cool. I remember there was silence for a few seconds after he had completed the play (I believe he caught a line drive, tagged out a runner who was stealing on the play, and then touched second base), as if the crowd couldn't believe they actually saw what they just saw, and then the place freaking erupted...and if you've never been, the Vet could get pretty loud
NavyJoe | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 11:37 am | #

Unassisted triple plays require such a specific chain of events. They can really only happen at 2nd or 3rd base and the opposing team needs to be executing a double-steal. Catch the line drive, step on the bag for the force before the runner can get back, and tag the person who was stealing your base. Can anyone think of a different scenario that could result in an unassisted triple play?


Hal, I'm not sure if "unsportasmanlike" is the right word for ND's 7-4-1 schedule, but it might be. It is certainly selfish and arrogant, and I can't think of a single good reason to do it other than extra money and an easier schedule. A lot of people will argue that those certainly are good reasons, but it makes me feel dirty all over. Perhaps that's just guilt for being associated with something that's unsportsmanlike. Who knows.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 11:48 am | #

7-4-1 is a "pussified" money grab.
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 12:07 pm | #

Domer Doldrums
Blue Gray Blues
No Post Blues
Domer Dark Days
Post Famine
Irish Anguish

My two cents on the 7-4-1 or anything else that gives us an advantage: Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Back in the day, it seems there was a more level playing field - not so anymore with the advent of money-grubbing scoundrels and other factors. With our policy of no JC transfers, no routine redshirting, higher standards of education, actually punishing those that break the rules at the expense of the team, and having no independent officiating boy...have I missed anything? My point is, while these internal policies are admirable and I'm aware most wouldn't want them to change, where do we cut ourselves a break, and can we win a NC without doing so?

Ok, maybe I don't need that second cup of coffee...
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 12:42 pm | #

"Iratus" - N.
eye-RATE-us

A period of reduced information for Irish football fans, often resulting in increased levels of anxiety and anger.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 12:43 pm | #

Uh, that would be officiating "body".
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 12:43 pm | #

OC MJ,

That's a good point. There's a fine line between doing things the "right way" and self-defeating masochism. But the 7-4-1 thing still stinks to me.

Playing nobodies at home just to get a low-effort win and $3 million in ticket and sweatshirt sales is just lame. If you want to schedule an easier season opener, fine. If you want to space out the big games and make sure the big rivalry games are preceded by a week off, equally fine. But don't do both of these things, then add a couple of more patsies, then increase the number of home games.

I guess I feel like we're abusing our power. Because we CAN schedule this way, we ARE. That doesn't sit right with me.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 1:39 pm | #

Don't forget that doing things like playing Washington State and Arizona State in Texas (?!) doesn't make any sense. At all.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 1:54 pm | #

Re: the BGS Hiatus:

How about "Posting Up TW-Style".
IndyEsq | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 1:55 pm | #

The Post-Partof-Spring Depression (for which there are no drugs, according to Tom Cruise)
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 2:02 pm | #

OC mj,

YOU DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY! I DO!!
CrazyTom | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 2:21 pm | #

I'm personally excited as hell over the Irish coming to play in the new Cowboys' stadium.

Here's a piece from ESPN on Urban Meyer, complaining that he's unable to judge recruits' character thanks to NCAA restrictions... AKA, he wants to text message his kids again.

LINK />
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 3:00 pm | #

Dallas,

Yeah, there are upsides to the so-called barnstorming. It's hard for me to have a problem with true neutral site games like the one in Dallas.

I've got a larger problem, frankly, with playing 7 home games, which requires that we schedule more teams who don't require a home-and-home.

I'd like to travel to see that Dallas game.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 3:23 pm | #

"But Meyer, who faced a rash of incidents involving his team during the 2006-07 offseason, defended his program Wednesday, noting the charges against Hornsby are the first and only run-in with the law his team has had during the current offseason."

Oh Chinless One, the offseason is still young...what an Oscar Meyer Whiner he is.

If ND starts scheduling more patsies and/or home games, (which I don't necessarily agree with) the BCS will immediately raise its SOS component to where it probably should be or beyond.

LOL Crazy Tom.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 4:10 pm | #

http://www.journalgazette.net/ap...OGS02/ 117028453

UGH check this out...Looks like they are trying to connect Weis to Spygate...I've always wondered and now it looks like they are trying to connect him with it all.....What do you guys think about this?
ConchoBar | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 4:14 pm | #

I'm kind of tired with Spygate, though more frustrated because I know nothing will happen to New England. But all that aside, I'm surprised I haven't heard more about Weis earlier.

Although I'm sure half of any new Weis = Spygate allegations will be fueled by people with an axe to grind about Notre Dame to begin with.
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 5:01 pm | #

Now that the Super-Bowl-walk-through issue is apparently dead, SpyGate is a total yawner, except to the extent that it just makes Belichick look foolish and dishonest. The fact is that it is not against the rules to steal signals. It's just against the rules to use videotape to steal signals. I just can't get that worked up over this.
Fitzwater | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 5:35 pm | #

Sooo...

What's the Vegas line for the number of comments before the next post?

I say 214...
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 7:04 pm | #

"We'll be back soon."
Charles DeGaulle to the Parisians as he got his skinny little A$$ out of town.
Pat to his Loyal Followers on BGS as he got his skiiny little A$$ out of town.
This is outrageous!!!
I'm callin' the Righteous Brothers, Reverend Al $harpton & Rev. Je$$e Jack$on. They'll be hell to pay. I'm pi$$ed off and not gonna' take it anymore.
Uhh Please come back. Please.
Love, OCmj, VIW, and a cast of tens.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 9:19 pm | #

"I'll be back."

Unfortunately, he did come back - to govern our state.

Hey Masty!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 9:33 pm | #

I love OC & VIW. I'm startin' to Hate Pat.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.15.08 - 11:18 pm | #

Be careful what you all say - this "hiatus" is nothing but an effort to construct psychological profiles on all the posters here.
belden | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 12:06 am | #

ther is lots to talk about if look:

http://runupthescore.wordpress.c...ruits/ #comments

Fans raise over $20,000 for disaster relief in inaugural Charity Bowl
1. Michigan $7,260.00 - (0) = $7,260.00
2. Ohio State $2,550.00 - ($170) = $2,380.00
3. Florida $1,820.00 - ($100) = $1,720
4. Alabama $1,075.00 - ($50) = $1,025.00
5. Georgia Tech $700.00 - ($0) = $700.00
6. Texas $605.00 - ($10) = $595.00
7. FSU $470.00 - ($0) = $470.00
8. Oklahoma $440.00 - ($0) = $440.00
9. Auburn $455.00 - ($45) = $410.00
10. Virginia $400.00 - ($0) = $400.00
11. Case Western Reserve $300.00 - ($0) = $300.00
12. Georgia $255.00 - ($0) = $255.00
13. Nebraska $250.00 - ($0) = $250.00
14. SMU $235.00 - ($0) = $235.00
15t. LSU $225.00 - ($0) = $225.00
15t. West Virginia $225.00 - ($0) = $225.00
17t. South Carolina $200.00 - ($0) = $200.00
17t. UCLA $200.00 - ($0) = $200.00
17t. Virginia Tech $250.00 - ($50) = $200.00
20. Tennessee $150.00 - ($0) = $150.00
21. Boston College $135.00 - ($0) = $135.00
22. USC $250.00 - ($119) = $131.00
23. Ole Miss $125.00 - ($0) = $125.00
24. Mississippi State $111.00 - ($0) = $111.00
25. Illinois $101.00 - ($0) = $101.00
26. Notre Dame $100.00 - ($0) = $100.00
"“Where is Notre Dame??”

Notre Dame COULD donate to a bunch of thugs like everyone else, but Charlie Weis just won’t do it that way.

Besides, Notre Dame people already know they’re better than everyone else, so why should they donate their God-given money to the lesser beings?"

That should get you thru today at least.
drp | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 9:59 am | #

Ya, "Thier is alot to talk about if you look" ....sorry
drp | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 10:01 am | #

Okay, drp's last comment wins this thread.
Lujack City | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 10:28 am | #

Hmm, try again drp.

Heard on the radio that 99% of the remaining population of Myanmar turned out at yesterday's elections. 92% of them voted to keep the current government... the current government who is blocking most aid and relief attempts from outside nations. I guess the people would rather have their TVs and DVD players than food and clean water. Sorry, but those people aren't going to see very much of that $20,000... noble as it might be. Maybe China will be more receptive.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 10:34 am | #

Eric,
That was a quote, not me. Your point is valid, it's the perception that is at issue.
drp | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 10:40 am | #

Erik '04,
The vote is Myanmar was a sham. The current regime is brutal and oppressive, and I would take the results of any "vote" there with a few cargo ships of salt.
Jack Burton . . . Me | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 10:57 am | #

I figured. You can't get 99% voter turnout without something shady going on.

Here's my two pesos on the whole spygate thing. Stealing signals is as old as signalling. Therefore, changing your signals is as old as signalling. Catchers and pitchers in baseball change their signs from inning to inning to keep them from being stolen sometimes. Teams know their opponents try to steal their signals, because they try to steal their opponents signals. The videotaping system may have given the Pats an advantage in a few games, but the bottom line is that they have been the most dominant team in the NFL for this decade, and no amount of signal stealing can account for that. They have good players, good coaches, a good system, and are just a good team. Sure a good team will do everything it can to get better, but the impact of spygate (especially in the absence of the Rams' walkthrough) has been blown way out of proportion.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 11:06 am | #

ConchoBar,

As a Colts fan, I can't be wholly impartial on the Spygate issue since I completely and utterly loathe the Patriots. I acknowledge that it's over and done with, and the Pats got their fair (in my opinion) punishment. But to suggest that people are "trying" to connect Weis to Spygate is ludicrous. You don't have to "try" to connect him to Spygate; he was inarguably involved in it. I doubt it was his idea and, to be honest, really don't care much about it anymore, but don't act like he's being unjustly caught up in it because of some vast media conspiracy against him or Notre Dame. He was a very high-ranking member of the Pats staff and was certainly involved in it. If you don't realize that, then I don't know what to tell you.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 12:36 pm | #

Erik 04,

Keep in mind that ALL of the (Belichick) Pats SB wins were by 3 points. Even the recent loss (tee-hee) was by 3!

If you had the signals for a series or two, could that not tip the scales in a 3 point game?

Two more 3 and outs, jumping the routes (Ty Law v. Peyton Manning anyone?) could easily result in a 3 point difference.

What about those timely special team TD's? Maybe they knew the coverage bias?

Knowing what the opp is doing make a 3 point diff after a 60 minute game?

Could be . . . .
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 12:45 pm | #

"The constitution [of Myanmar], scripted during a drawn-out and farcical process overseen by the army, will give its chiefs the power to continue intervening in politics at will, if and when there is a nominally civilian government. It also reserves 25% of parliamentary seats for army officers, giving them a veto over constitutional changes.

It is hard to see how a proper vote could be held amid such devastation. However, with many reports of people being coerced to vote “yes” and intimidated if they called for a “no” vote, it is clear that it never was going to be a proper vote anyway."

The Economist, May 10th-16th, at p. 50.
Jack Burton . . . Me | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 1:24 pm | #

I'm beginning to think that Pat misspelled the word "month" in his phrase "We're taking a hiatus this month..." but one of the things that I really like about this board is that the rest of us can have a pretty good discussion about both related and unrelated topics in the absence of a new BGS post. Tru cabin fever hasn't set in quite yet I guess. Cheers!
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 3:06 pm | #

*True*
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 3:07 pm | #

jade, I said trying because they are accusations, and nothing proven yet. Although I wouldn't doubt the validity of those accusations either....I'm sure Charlie wants the past to be forgotten, it seems he does want to start anew so to speak. But you also have to step up and accept the consequences.
ConchoBar | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 5:03 pm | #

Not one red cent of the "I-am-a-superior-human-being-because-I-gave-money- to-a-hopeless-cause" fund drive will go where it is needed. China doesn't need it since everything in the entire world is purchased from them and they are flush with cash. And Burma has quite possibly the most heartless government in the world, and is actually happy to have a half-million less people to feed.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 6:24 pm | #

Angst - I think I'll take the over. At the rate things are going, and unless everybody turns off their computers over the weekend, we ought to blow 214 out of the water.

I've only been a BGS patron for about 2 years, but I'm hard-pressed to think of any non-gameday thread to reach 200 posts. The prospect of such an event has me thinking about crabcakes.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 6:33 pm | #

Mmmm, crabcakes!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 7:08 pm | #

Jade:
Weis has been away from the Pats for three seasons. Are you saying there is proof that he knew the Pats were videotaping the opponents signals/plays during his tenure as OC?? Just asking.
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 7:16 pm | #

Reno,

I think you're correct. I should have typed '314'.

BTW, do you live in the Reno area? I lived in Reno, Sparks, Fernley & Dayton before moving to Florida.
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.16.08 - 8:57 pm | #

How Many SB has the PATs won since CW left? .....Zero
I hope every just see the Pats are just good. The Giants should have beat them twice this year.
Please! Please! Please! post some thing new. Hey has any one seen the pratice fields? BIG project going on at ND. (IN WEIS WE TRUST!)
StadiumDudeNamedChip | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 2:09 am | #

Yeah Matt Chupp at BlueGoldNation is working for the Mendoza School of Business and reports to us daily on his FREE blog about the progress at the University.
Tennis Courts, Softball Fields,Three Practice Footbll Fields, Lacrosse Fields, etc. Plus the new dorm to be ready in August for the incoming Freshman.

On another note it seems to me the Limo's or the Lameo's Brits can't leave any place w/o a general cluster f***up..Thy've got to be kicked out literally before any semblance of order & harmony return.
See: Mid-East, India, China, African Continent, Ireland, Burma, ef the NY Times. They changed the name. The same with Mumbai, what the hell was wrong with Bombay?
Oh and let's not forget the American Red Cross and their Herculean effort for 9/11. I think they still have most of the money raised. It made their coffers overflow with vast riches.
$0.25 cents for a coke, coming back under the wire. Ef them.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 3:36 am | #

Slamming people who donate to causes they feel are worthy is not very Notre Dame-like
knmm | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 7:14 am | #

Is there anything going on in the recruiting area? Did ND get any recruits over the summer last year? I don't remember.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 7:58 am | #

knmm...what if they donate to the KKK, NAMBLA, or a pro ("choice") abortion organization. Would criticizing (er, "slamming") them be un-Notre Dame-like? Grow up.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 9:58 am | #

knmn; My comments were from a persoanl point of view. I would no way tell anyone to with-hold a contribution to a relief fund following a disaster.
Just my personal opinion. I'll keep it to myself next time.
Hi Ya Voice. How ya' been. Miss you and OCmj and of course Jim from Redondo Beach*.
*Jim, giggles, and laughter.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 10:07 am | #

Do you domers actually believe in all that religious mumbo jumbo, or did you choose ND because of its academic reputation?
TheBibleIsAWorkOfFiction | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 7:12 pm | #

The Bible is a work of Fiction:

Your question reflects an ignorance of ND rarely seen on this board. For me to explain it would clearly be over your head.
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 8:39 pm | #

@voice in the wilderness

Comparing the Red Cross with NAMBLA is VERY grown up- tell that to the people in Oklahoma
knmm | Email | Homepage | 05.17.08 - 10:14 pm | #

I chose ND because it would help to segregate me from Godless heathens like you, Bible/fiction.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 8:05 am | #

knmm,
I didn't compare the Red Cross with NAMBLA. I pointed out that just because some people find organizations "worthy" does not mean that they really are. The litmus test for worthiness should not be that "some people" feel that it is. You can always find some sick f*ck who thinks any reprehensible group is terrific. That's my point. It certainly wasn't an indictment on the American Red Cross.
Also, I apologize to you for my "grow up" remark. It was uncalled for.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 8:22 am | #

Hi, I'm a loser with no life, so I'm here to post something inflammatory like "religion is mumbo jumbo" just to get Voice to drop a crabcake down his pants.

Next I'm off to a Muslim board to tell them that Mohammed rapes sheep, and a Jewish board to try to sell them pork rinds. Following that, I'm going to go to the NAACP discussion board to espouse my theory of how rap music is turning our white youth into wannabe "negroes".
I want attention. Please join | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 9:09 am | #

Sigh.
I want attention. Please join | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 9:10 am | #

ConchoBar, lush:

It depends on what you mean by "proof." Everyone's only out for themselves in this Spygate thing, so it's hard to know what to believe. Walsh did say that a Pats offensive player told him that Weis, Belichick and the player had a meeting to discuss how to use the signals, but I have no idea how credible Walsh is. I tend to believe that Weis knew about it, because come on-- how could he not? The whole point of taping the defensive signals is to help out the offense; how could the offensive coordinator NOT know about that? What good would those signals do Belichick if only he knew about them? Also, if Charlie didn't know about it, then it doesn't make sense for him to merely say "That has nothing to do with Notre Dame" when asked about it. He could just honestly say, "I had no idea about it." Why hasn't he done that?

Don't get me wrong. I don't particularly care that he was involved in it because that was a long time ago and Belichick was his boss; Charlie was just doing his job. But I do think that acting like there's no good reason to think that he had any idea about it at all is just a tad silly.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 9:32 am | #

Bible/Fiction:

Ahh... anonynimity* the shield of inflamatory knuckleheads on the internet. If you'd spend more time doing your homework before school instead of drive-by flaming, then we'd all be better off.

*My cell phone doesn't have spell-check, so 10 gets you 20 that I spelled this wrong.
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 12:01 pm | #

I think it's bullshit that the Fort Wayne Komets can win the Turner Cup, and all anyone can talk about is God and natural disasters. You all better be grateful that minor league hockey is so humble, because otherwise someday it might decide to kill 50,000 people to get the attention it deserves.

The Port Huron Ice Hawks tie the game 2-2 in the last 50 seconds of regulation after pulling their goalie, then the K's prevail in Triple overtime of game seven after being down 3 games to 1. I was there. When they go to hoist the Turner Cup, the cup breaks completely off the pedestal and the guys have to skate around with a headless silver ziggurat. No lie. It was awesome.
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 2:03 pm | #

Jade:
Having third had verbal testimony is hardly proof. How many Super Bowls have the Pats won since Charlie left??
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 5:16 pm | #

What Indy said goes double for me...

Gosh darn it!
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 5:29 pm | #

Jay; "Be back soon."
Dated May 5, 2008.
Today. May 18, 2008.
It depends on the definition of soon.
Could this be anothe Aaron Taylor dismissal?
Stay tuned boyz & goilz.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 8:43 pm | #

Heard a report that some ND folks have a new t-shirt out that says:
FRONT -- Our Father, who art in heaven
BACK -- Please, not another 2007

Anyone know where I can get one and who benefits (if anyone)? Some alumni club, dorm, student group, etc. could probably make a fortune on such a shirt IF (and a big if it is) they could get it past ND's licensing dept.
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 10:02 pm | #

I think was too much thought is going into Here Come the Irish '08. Back in the day I knocked out more than a few 10 page term papers between dinner and breakfast on the day they were due. Granted, not on topics that mattered much to me, but seriously guys, I think there's way too much thought going into this. Either that, or Pat has had another run in with the Hoosier State Troopers. Never let them check the ashtray, Pat!
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 10:27 pm | #

Jim,

You can add another 9 days between Jay's post and "Digging into the Draft" post.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.18.08 - 11:26 pm | #

The thing we may all be missing, is there really isn't any news right now for ND. Normally, in May, we'd have stories about Charlie zipping about the country recruiting kids, but he can't this year cause of the rule changes. That hurts us. Plus, recruiting this year isn't gonna heat up til late in the season. After last year, there are gonna be lots of recruits out there who wanna hold off and see what the team looks like this fall before making a decision.

Personally, for right now, I think no-news is good-news. I mean, hell, we could have players getting arrested for using dead girls' gas cards, or we could have top players holding press conferences about how they never took money at the school and are really, really poor (...and drive away from said conference in a new Porsche...I still can't believe that).
Be thankful we aren't getting the news other teams are right now.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 12:20 am | #

How is Sharpley doing in baseball this season?

And for the record, I kind of like the meandering nature of this thread. :)

Of course some actual ND football news would be great as well, but this isn’t too bad of a substitute. Fun fun!

Dave
Dave in the Basement | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 9:08 am | #

Two weeks since "we'll be back soon" post, over three since last substantial post. This calls for a haiku contest!

Blue-Gray Sky's gone black;
What ever will we do now;
I guess just sit here.
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 10:05 am | #

Domer Guy; I thought haiku was Japanese suicide?

Oh my bad, subuku? toufu?, sayonora, lo mein, strike that, it's Chinese.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 10:09 am | #

A few ideas for good posts in the absence of new news:

I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of posts analyzing the few GOOD plays we had last year that could give us a glimmer of hope as we look forward to this year. Especially from the last two games that featured mostly returning guys.

Has anyone (SBT, etc) written any kind of analysis about our O-line coming out of spring ball?

How about a position-by-position look at what we now know about the potential replacements for some key seniors?

Did any of the running backs differentiate themselves from the pack during the Spring?

Did any of the position changes (e.g. Luke Schmidt to TE, was it Gallup to RB?) seem to make an impact on those players or positions during the B/G game?
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 11:45 am | #

Back following the B/G game, Jay wrote:

"A more detailed spring practice recap is probably in order, but for now the big takeaways from the spring are that Clausen is looking like the real deal at QB, Hughes just might be the best of a talented trio of running backs, the OL seem to play with more passion at the very least, the defense seems to be responding to the Corwin Brown-Jon Tenuta coaching, and we're likely to see a lot more blitzing from them in the fall."

How about a more detailed Spring Practice recap? It's not too late! :)
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 11:48 am | #

A 3-stanza entry (three-ku?)

The fun repartee
Of Blue-Gray's loyal posters
Makes the wait fly by

No news is good news
Once said a wise observer
So baseball we watch

It's more than football
That bonds Her sons and daughters
Love Thee Notre Dame
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 11:51 am | #

Ok, 3 posts and then I'll get back to work. Are all 12 of the official BGS "contributors" working on the Here Come the Irish '08 article? Pat and Jay aren't the only ones who can post some fresh analysis. Couldn't we get something from Pete, Michael, Jeff, Brian, the other Jay, Sean, Mark, Mike, Dylan, or Teds?
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 11:51 am | #

I recommend Voice & OCmj + Big Jim from Redondo Beach.
Also Love thee ND & a host of others.
You want me to link the UCLA list of transgression by U$C and Carroll, sicne his arrival? It as long as the Declaration O Independence.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 12:56 pm | #

Dave in the Basement

Say "Hi" to Wayne and Garth for me.
GB | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 1:09 pm | #

Erik '04:

If not that laundry list of writers, maybe Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee, and Tommy?
NDdallas | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 1:10 pm | #

Lush,

I have no idea what the first sentence in your comment is even referring to, so I'll let it go. The answer to your question is, obviously, zero. That also has absolutely nothing to do with the topic that we were discussing. I never said Charlie was a bad coach. (I actually think he's a good coach, for the record.) If you go back and read my comments, I never even criticized him for being involved in Spygate. All I said is that he most certainly was involved in it. What's your point?
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 1:13 pm | #

There once was a BGS host
Whose wit was an object of boast
When the ladies would clamor
for new works he would stammer:
"Just wait 'til I give you my Post!"
indy | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 1:52 pm | #

While technically outside the rules (as that was not a haiku), I must declare that Indy is the winner of the day.

I guess limericks are a bit more appropriate for a group of Irishmen, eh?
Domer Guy | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 2:52 pm | #

Please quit bitching about the lack of postings by the boys. There's nothing going on right now, and they earn their rest during the busy season. They'll be back soon enough.

If you want a little insight into what it's like trying to write something every day, go ahead and start your own blog. I guarantee you'll find the workload to be more than you bargained for.

Don't mean to be a jerk about this. We all love the site, and we're all eager for more postings. But give these guys a break. Literally.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 3:36 pm | #

You are right, Hal. But I still can't resist an attempt at another limerick - just for fun.

There once was a Notre Dame blogspot
That fans liked to visit a lot.
The hosts took a break,
and oh how we ache
For new posts in this hallowed slot!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 3:55 pm | #

Angst:

I think I'm #215. *sigh*
Fitzwater | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 4:38 pm | #

OC,

Just read my own comment above and realized that I sound whiny. Don't mean to. It's just that I know that putting this stuff out is not easy, and these guys are making no money from it. It's nice for them to get a break.
Hal | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 4:40 pm | #

You make a good point, Hal. They're like the parent who spends all day coooking a gourmet meal just to have it scarffed down by the ungrateful family who then complain about being hungry 2 hours later.

As long as the witty limmericks and haikus keep coming, I bet we can hold off awhile longer.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 4:44 pm | #

There once was a girl from Nantucket

Oops, never mind.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 4:48 pm | #

OC mj,

Great limerick my friend! And in your honor my evening glass of Bailey's will be raised in your name.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 4:52 pm | #

Or even worse, Erik, the little ingrates refuse to eat the meal you slaved over and want something else.

Comments not taken as whiny, Hal. I happen to agree with you. When a new post does go up, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 4:59 pm | #

Salud!
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 5:03 pm | #

This ought to get the juices flowing.
[Name redacted] is back in the news, and (surprise, surprise!), he's playing the race card.

http://www.star-telegram.com/col...ory/ 648693.html
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 5:36 pm | #

Ahh, man. You all are really uppin' the ante with limericks -- rhyming's way harder than counting syllables.
Oh, well...here goes:

There once were four men on horseback
Who, with the pigskin, really had quite a knack.
They inspired this fun blog
With great info and dialogue
So true Irish fans can keep track.
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 5:42 pm | #

I love the banter and witty retorts
Even with a lack of posts and reports.
As the season draws near,
Let's kick into high gear
As Voice drops crabcakes in his shorts
GO IRISH!!! | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 6:11 pm | #

As far as Ty's comments in that article, I think I'll be in the minority here by saying I agree with him. (Pun TOTALLY intended, by the way.) I think a lot of the folks on this board are awfully quick to respond with venom to anything Coach Willingham does or says these days. I'm not over-looking the sins committed while he was the head man at ND, but I'm more than willing to look past them at this point. Partly because he was the coach at ND, Ty is one of the most recognizable black coaches in college football, so it should not surprise people so much when he is asked about, and comments on racial issues in the game.

Look at this quote in particular:
"We need to find a way to get qualified minority coaches in front of the search committees, the athletic directors, the presidents," Willingham said. "It's not so much about hiring; it's about creating opportunities. And it's about hiring the right people."

Ty isn't talking about quotas. He's not demanding anythng radical. All he's saying is there needs to be a way to get QUALIFIED candidates a chance to interview for head coaching jobs. At that point, Ty and those who support his position are trusting ADs, university presidents, and black coaching candidates to settle the rest. This seems incredibly reasonable. Some will point out the lack of black candidates who are truly qualified to be head coaches. This may be a valid issue, but I have to think there are more than 6 throughout the nation.

"Playing the race card," as it seems to be generally understood to have a negative connotation. It seems to mean "claiming race to be an issue where and when it actually is not." I don't think that's the case when it comes to the dearth of black head coaches in college football, especially in light of the fact that a large majority (I'm speculating) of the players are black.

All that being said, I must respectfully take issue with the way it seems Voice characterized Ty's comments. I think there's a big difference between "playing the race card," and talking about race in America and college sports.

(A couple of silly things to add:
1. I know it's sacrilege to take umbrage with VIW's posts on this site. Please don't block me for doing so. At least not for too long.
2. Strange that many ND folks who read that article will be forced to take either Ty's side, or Kevin White's side, since neither is very popular on this board.)
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 6:16 pm | #

Reno,
I'm a big fan of yours! Truly.
I actually agree with much of what you said, except for the silly notion that disagreeing with me is somehow considered "sacrilege". That's hilarious!
Race is the third rail of BGS. Willingham likes to talk about race and all of the perceived unfairness of life. I just look at his 11-25 record at UW and think that his ineptitude will soon mean that there will be one less black head coach.
I'm of the opinion that black Americans are better served and respected when they are held to the same standards as everyone else, and that much of the disappointment that many blacks have experienced would be greatly lessened if they would cease inferring that whites gleefully continue to collude against them.
As for me, I'm just a typical, hard working white guy who clings to my guns and my religion.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 7:06 pm | #

Notre Dame has (2) Black Men as offensive and defensive co-ordiantors. If CW & with the proven ability of Corwin Brown and the flowering of Mike Haywood at OC, not OCmj, there will be two (2) more head coaches in the ranks of college football in '09.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 7:52 pm | #

Jay said he'd be "back soon" but the outcry
Says his definition of "soon" is so awry
That Einstein would claim
A black hole is to blame
Slowing time to a crawl on Blue Gray Sky
Burbank Steve | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 7:58 pm | #

One week becomes two... crap or you know what...
Heath | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 9:08 pm | #

did some BC fans murder all the authors of this site? for shame!
jf37 | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 9:26 pm | #

Jade:
My point is simple. How, based on third hand verbal statements, not statements from some one who had first hand knowledge, can you conclude CW almost certainly was involved??
lush | Email | Homepage | 05.19.08 - 10:16 pm | #

Make no mistake - [name redacted] is part of the problem. In his six years as a head coach, he has hired exactly zero black coordinators, a typical stepping stone to a head coaching position. Zero. Zilch. Look in the mirror, [name redacted], before you spout this rhetoric.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 1:12 am | #

Fitzwater:

LOL... that's OK, I had the 'over'.

I won a nickel!
Irish_Angst | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 6:46 am | #

We need more black coaches in college football, why? because they are black as are more than half of the players (according to the article). Isn't this a racial statement. We need more black coaches because of the color of their skin? All of the coaches listed have losing records, college coaches with losing records don't stay college coaches for too long regardless of race. OC mj makes a great point about hiring assistants as well. We don't need to legislate morality, it's up to the school to hire who they feel is the best person for the job, period. Anytime you look at the color of a person's skin for the basis of a job it is racial, no matter to which race one is catering.
Domer Dan | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 9:45 am | #

OC mj, that is a great point. Where else will head coaches come from if not from college coordinators or the NFL? TW's been there three years, his team stinks, It's time to hire some qualified coordinators or assistants like CW did.

To elaborate on Domer Dan's comment, the current african american coaches in the NCAA have a combined 52-92 record. That's 36%! That does not include their winning percentages at any schools prior to their current positions. Colleges want to hire coaches who are successful, so this does not bode well for the state of minority hiring if schools unfairly correlate records with race in general.

I agree with Masty, CB will definitely be a head coach in the future, and probably Haywood as well if our offense does well the next few years. Plus ND is one of the few schools to have ever hired a minority head coach. Looks like we're doing our part, yet all anyone can talk about in the media is how unfair we were by firing our black coach after just 3 years.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 11:11 am | #

lush:

You know, I guess we just don't agree. I've stated my case multiple times (and it's not based on third hand verbal statements) and if you don't see my point, that's fine (honestly). For the record, I love Charlie so this isn't any type of personal vendetta against him. You seem to defend him quite a bit, and 99.9% of the time I completely agree with you. But on this I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 12:52 pm | #

OC, that is a very good point about TW and black coordinators. I had no idea. While that might chip away at his credibility as an advocate for black coaches, I don't think it undermines the legitimacy of his argument.

D Dan, it is a racial issue and the only answer is probably a racial one. I don't think any of us claim to be like Stephen Colbert in that we don't see race. Ultimately, it does come down to search committess and ADs picking the candidate they believe is most likely to lead them to the promised land. That is their job, and I think we all agree that their final decision is probably (almost?) never based on the race of the man they select. What Ty and some others are saying, is that there are/might be some qualified black candidates out there that are somehow missing out on access to the search and interview process, and something should be done to make sure that they are at least being given a look. I don't think this is a terribly radical proposal, but that's my opinion, and reasonable minds could disagree.

As far as ND's villification for firing Willingham - it is a bit unfair. The thing is, Ty was such an historic hire for the Dome, and his was also an historic dismissal since he didn't get to finish his first contract. Combine those two things with the racial makeup of the student body, alumni base, administration, and Board of Trustees membership, and it's an issue worth exploring. However, the truth of the matter is the incoming ND administration and the athletic department were feeling unsure about the direction in which Ty was taking the program, and more importantly, they thought they had the Chinless One locked up, which had them feeling all happy in the pants. It didn't work out like planned, and we ended up with a little egg on our face (not to mention a pretty good replacement at the helm of the football program). Looked at objectively, ND's overall record on race is a wash, at worst, and a strong net-positive at best. I'm speculating, but I'll bet our hiring practices (in sports and throughout the rest of the school) probably don't look too good as far as race goes, but I'll bet there has been a major shift in the last couple of decades, which is good because I think having diversity of opinions and perspectives is even more important in an educational setting than is racial equality among coaches. Should there be any lingering negativity regarding race at ND, this should AT LEAST be counterbalanced by the school' and ND community's focus on community service, and the track record of some of its more well-known figures (I'm talkin' about you, Fr. Ted).

For my part, I certainly hope Brown and Heywood aren't considered "qualified" candidates by 2009, as I'd like to keep them around for a bit. Brown especially, though it would appear we have some new guy on staff who could probably step in as DC should the position open up. CB is dynamite on the recruiting trail.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 2:15 pm | #

I don't post too often, so I apologize that my infrequent posts tend to look more novellas than sports discussion forum posts.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 2:17 pm | #

Reno,

I should have concluded that Ty is the wrong champion for this cause as you intimated in your thoughtful post.

I would only add ND's high graduation percentage of its African American athletes to the argument that it is not a racist institution.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 4:35 pm | #

Reno I see your point about qualified candidates but you must realize that it is not portrayed this way in the media. It's always RACISM is the problem. Let's trace this a little deeper (while trying to be brief). The majority of coaches at a level have usually played at that or a similar level. Given the practices of many football factories UM...I don't know, like various traditional powers who don't graduate the majority of black players and enroll them in "football" courses. Doesn't this put black football athlets and thus potential coaches at a distinct disadvantage as they are put in roles that were determined by out dated racial stereotypes disguised as tradition? As such the very institutions of higher learning that purport to be part of the solution to ending racism and the evils that it brings are really a part of the problem since their priority is to produce a winning football program. Thus ignoring the humanity of its own players particularly black player thus treating them in a manner similar to that of a slave owner? This is where the real racism lies and the NCAA needs to solve this problem and thus increase the pool of potential black coaches who are properly educated in all facets of life and football.
Domer Dan | Email | Homepage | 05.20.08 - 10:08 pm | #