“A storm. It’s just a storm. It’s well documented. I’ve got headaches, continual ringing of the ears, emotional just scattered. Trying to keep focus is a challenge. It’s irritating. What are you going to do? You find a way to get through it and you just keep going.”
Bill Maas, after Nick Wright asked him to describe what his post-playing-days issues are like for him personally as an ex NFL nosetackle, 610 AM

“At least 116 fmr Chiefs among those suing the NFL, in part so more Art Still experiences don't happen.”
Kent Babb, @kentbabb, Twitter
GH: Babb authored a story in Sunday’s Kansas City Star that highlights the current panic surrounding long-range brain issues of former NFL players. Read on.

“Many of the suits seek damages of more than $5 million and allege that each plaintiff suffered repeated head trauma during his career.”
Kent Babb, Kansas City Star
GH: Most understand that football has always been a violent game that could cause long-term damage to those who played it – at any level. What these lawsuits are suggesting is that the NFL had knowledge of these concussion issues but suppressed the data. All that data is coming out now and some fear for how it will change football.

“Is it depression? I don’t think so. Are others things going on? Heck, yeah. I was at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Ambassadors that evening [Junior Seau died] and we talked that if guys are feeling something to just reach out because other guys are feeling it too. … [Seau] was 43 when this happened which is what I was when things started happening. I don’t know. You just get up and go, you know what I mean?”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Maas’ legal issues are well documented, especially here in the Kansas City area. Were some or all of his actions related to brain trauma? Or do very large men who made their living in a violent game tend to lead faster lives than most of us?

“I’m sick and tired of some of my fellow people I played ball with and against, killing themselves. Something has got to be done. You’ve got to be aware, made aware of what’s going on. Maybe or two or three more deaths will get their attention. I really don’t know.”
Mark Collins, former Chief, Kansas City Star
GH: If Collins believes the game of football caused Seau’s death and a few others, how does he propose the NFL correct this problem? Blocking and tackling are essential components of the game but are also the most injury producing. How does the NFL remove these elements without completely altering the game?

“The only change I could see is football not as we know football.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Soren Petro has suggested going back to leather helmets in order to reduce the tendency for players to use their helmet as a weapon. Others have suggested removing all pads and play the game more like rugby. Some have suggested the game is simply too violent and should not be played at the amateur level. It is a dilemma as old as the Roman Coliseum. What constitutes entertainment and where does physical risk outweigh the monetary gain?

“When we first started playing there were no water breaks. It was a sign of weakness if you took a drink. Now all of a sudden it’s push the fluids. Everything changes. When we were playing and you got knocked out, you got back up and went back into the game. It’s just what you did. You didn’t know anything about it. That’s what you did when you went to work. … You didn’t think anything about your brain or your memory. You didn’t think anything about that. The concussion thing, it’s your workplace. It’s just what you do.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: The Chiefs spent their first-round draft pick on Dontari Poe, a 345-pound nose tackle. I have not heard nor read of anyone who is discussing the long-term head-trauma issues that Poe might be presented with after his NFL career expires. But it will be as real for Poe as it is for Maas, Seau and others.

“AL manager, no not Valentine, says Texas ‘light years’ ahead of every other team in the game. They beat up every type of pitching.”
Karl Ravech, @karlravechespn, Twitter
GH: The Royals will be in Texas tonight and Tuesday to take on the current version of the 1928 Yankees. How did Texas get so good and the Royals stay so mediocre all in the past decade?

“Here's another open question for tweeps: Name the last team that appears to be as complete--lineup, rotation, bullpen, speed, depth--as TEX.”
Buster Olney, @Buster_ESPN, Twitter
GH: The Royals and Rangers organizations share the same spring-training facility in Surprise, AZ -- but very little else when it comes to success.

“It’s just horrific to think [Danny Duffy] might have to have Tommy John surgery.”
Steven St. John, after Duffy was taken out of Sunday’s game after 13 pitches when he felt a tweak in his left elbow, 8109 AM
GH: Duffy is a lefty who can throw 98 mph and who has been quoted on Twitter saying, “Bury me a Royal.” This is the one guy the Royals cannot afford to lose. It is why Ned Yost yanked him immediately without hesitation.

“I must say I haven't come across a single FSU booster/alum/student that wants to stay in the ACC.”
Corey Long, @Mengus22, Twitter

“You have to be ready to move on. That’s why you have depth. Even if it is major, even if it is Tommy John [surgery], Tommy John can be a beautiful thing.”
Rex Hudler, on Duffy’s injury, 810 AM
GH: Okay. There is having a positive attitude and then then there is annoyingly cheerful to the point of absurdity. I find Hudler riding that horse called absurdity all too often.

“They’ve got to have some depth and I think they’ve got that.”
Rex Hudler, on the Royals’ ability to replace Duffy in their starting rotation, 810 AM
GH: Depth? The Royals haven’t had any pitching depth since Brush Creek flooded the Plaza. Hudler says whatever comes to mind. Unfortunately his mind is Chucky Cheese on a Saturday afternoon.

“Just because of the Internet, fans are more informed than they used to be.”
Ryan Lefebvre, Royals Radio
GH: Somebody needs to get Hudler an Internet.

“Is Mike Moustakas' tight hamstring career-threatening? Why on Earth would you have Wil Myers play 3B? Even by KC standards this is absurd.”
Rany Jazayerli, @jazayerli, on The Naturals playing their right fielder at third base on Sunday, Twitter
GH: One word: Showcase.

“We’re going to have one of the more spectacular weather weeks in the history of Kansas City.”
Gary Lezak, as he gave his forecast for the week of May 7^th, 810 AM
GH: I never got around to posting Lezak’s forecast for last week but it looks even better now than it did last Monday. What a week of weather we enjoyed last week. I’m almost ready for what we all know will surely come. Summer.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“So it's official. I start for CBS Radio in Houston June 5th.”
Nick Wright, @getnickwright, on his move to KILN in Houston starting June 5^th, Twitter
GH: Congratulations are in order for Wright in winning a morning-drive position on Houston’s KILN. David Baron of Chron.com reports that Wright beat out a half dozen finalists for the job. Whether Wright’s shtick is your cup of wine cooler or not, it is impressive for a 27-year-old Barstow boy to interview in a major media market like Houston and come away with the gig. Read on.

“I know a lot of people wonder why I would leave. Houston is the fourth biggest city. It’s a good opportunity for me, and it’s something I want to do. … I’m a little scared, but it’s a new challenge and a new opportunity and a good thing for me and my family.”
Nick Wright, Chron.com

GH: Wright is in the perfect position to move to another market – especially an upgrade like Houston. He’s 27, single [kind of], and driven. This is why he went to Syracuse. While I would detest moving to this tropical megacity, I can understand why Wright would see it as perfect timing. He is a niche player here in Kansas City. After two years of battling WHB’s Kevin Kietzman, he understands winning the KC afternoon drive market is just not going to happen. He has done well enough though to get Houston to notice.

“Nick brings in a terrific winning attitude and energy that can only enhance the morning show. Marc [Vandermeer] took it to heights that were unprecedented for us, and Nick has a challenge, but I think he’s up to it.”
Gavin Spittle, program director at Houston’s KILT
GH: I think it will be interesting to see how Wright meshes with a cohost. One of the limitations I saw with his show on 610 Sports was his unwillingness to allow any of his in-studio contributors have any role but battered subservient. Can Nick play nice with a co-host? Somebody in Houston will have to let us know.

“People are blown away with how hard he works. He feels he was born and raised to do this, and he’s really good. If Vandermeer is Tom Brady, with all the experience and being at top of the game, I would compare (Wright) to Cam Newton. He can throw for 4,000 yards, and he will get better.”
John Lopez, who will be Wright’s new morning co-host in Houston, Chron.com
GH: I hear often how hard Wright works – and more often than not it is from him. What I don’t understand is what he is working on. Is it his constant brow beating of Mark Carman? Is it his whining over his deteriorating man-to-man relationships with Carrington Harrison and Danny Parkins? How much work do these daily soap-opera-like episodes take?

“Jared texted his girlfriend during the break…”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I hope Houston is into discussing studio minutia – because that is where Wright really shines.

“Notable Wright moments include breaking the story that the Chiefs planned to charge firefighters to stay at a game following a 9/11 commemoration, being the target of a Jason Kendall tongue lashing after the former Royals catcher misinterpreted a question Wright asked a rookie, and making some callous remarks about NFL head injuries.”
Ben Palosaari, writer, The Pitch

GH: That’s not quite staging a walk out at a Yankees/Royals game.

“I don’t think I’m all that funny. I think I’m wildly witty and intelligent.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wit is usually very evident when on display – and most who excel at it rarely have to tell you.

“I hope so, man. I think it’s really important that they hit on this.”
Bill Maas, when asked if he thinks the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, Dontari Poe, will be a great player for the Chiefs, 610 AM
GH: I am probably like a lot of Chiefs’ fans in that after my initial disapproval of the Poe pick, I am starting to channel my energy toward hoping he is the guy to anchor the middle of the Chiefs’ defensive line. What other choice do we have? Become Bronco fans?

“I think he’s got the right 52 but he’s given up on getting the right 53 with Matt Cassel. Since the day he acquired Matt Cassel, he hasn’t attempted to upgrade the quarterback. He’s wasting our time.”

Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“I don’t love Matt Cassel but I love everything about this [Chiefs’] team more than I like Denver. I think the biggest hole on this team is Matt Cassel but they certainly aren’t going to find anyone better than Matt Cassel. It’s a pretty deep roster, especially on offense.”
Matt Williamson, NFL writer for ESPN.com, 810 AM
GH: I don’t think Cassel is perfect but I am not nearly as down on the Chiefs’ quarterback as everyone else. If Jamaal Charles is healthy and productive, Cassel will do just fine this season.

“I’m a fan of [Poe]. I think he’s a perfect fit for Romeo Crennel. I think he’s a big piece of molded clay. I think he’s perfect for what they’re doing.
Matt Williamson, 810 AM

“I think one of the phrases we heard [from critics of Poe] was, ‘Try to find a guy who didn’t produce in college who then turned out to be a big stud [in the NFL].’”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM

“This might be the best roster they’ve put together in this town in 15 years. I think there’s that much balance in what he’s got going here. This free agent thing, I think he knocked it out of the part. This Winston is unbelievable!’
Jack Harry, 810 AM

“It was very disappointing to me because I don’t think the Chiefs have arrived.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the Chiefs apparent drafting for depth, 810 AM
GH: While I agree with Clink, more and more national NFL analysts seem to think the Chiefs have arrived. Read on.

“Excellent. I think [Poe] was the missing piece.”
Matt Williamson, when asked how he views the Chiefs’ defense, 810 AM
GH: Training camp in St. Joe is only two months away. We have many questions to answer but a whole lot of excitement awaits. Let’s get it on.

“I can’t imagine I’ll ever write anything again. What am I going to do that I haven’t already done?”
Mike DeArmond, in his interview with Kevin Kietzman, after 41 years as a writer, 810 AM
GH: DeArmond’s interview with Kietzman was different than I had imagined it would be but fairly typical of what KK wants from his in-studio guests. It was chummy, nostalgic and very, very respectful – which is much different than the attitude KK displayed toward DeArmond through much of the last year. Kietzman promoted his DeArmond interview like it was a blockbuster and what we got instead was Bambi – only nobody died in the end.

“There was a place not too far from the stadium that we used to always go here when I was a player called The Peachtree.”
Rex Hudler, when asked to name his favorite Kansas City restaurant, 610 AM
GH: Hudler looks like a fitness freak to me. If he is dining at The Peachtree, he is doing some serious aerobics to work those vittles off.

“I’ve done a 180. I couldn’t be more happy that Missouri is joining the SEC. I’m very excited about this. I just think the SEC is more fun than other conferences.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Gee, why do I get the feeling KK is once again full of crapola? He spent much of 2011 trashing the Mizzou, the SEC, anyone who championed the move [especially Governor Jay Nixon] and he called for the Big 12 to never hold another event in the state of Missouri. Now he wants us to believe he couldn’t be more happy that Mizzou is SEC bound? Yeah, and he’s a big Kansas fan as well. Mike DeArmond will be a guest on KK’s show today [Thursday]. Oh how I would love for this interview to be an honest give-and-take of what these two think of each other. There is almost no chance of that happening. We’ll have to wait until DeArmond leaves the studio before we get KK’s true thoughts.

“The interest will fade in the [Missouri] programs.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the Kansas and K-State fans losing interest in Missouri once they join the SEC, 810 AM
GH: This makes sense and is a natural progression as the former conference rivals move apart and become more interested in their new conferences and new conference mates. But Clink should not discount the Tiger fans in WHB’s market who will also lose interest. MU fans drive a lot of the topics and conversations on sports talk radio while KU fans shudder through football season. If Tiger Nation checks out of the KC sports talk scene, it could be a fall filled with Charlie Weis complaints and Bill Snyder trying to live up to ridiculous expectations.

“[Mizzou] fans are going to travel to the greatest atmospheres in college football. There’s a lot of upside to [MU’s move to the SEC].”
Gary Barnett, 810 AM
GH: This is one reason KK is trying to change his stripes. He knows that Mizzou’s inaugural season in the nation’s most prominent football conference is going to dominate the local college sports scene. Kansas State deserves just as much preseason hype as the Tigers but they suffer from being Kansas State. The Tigers home game against Georgia will be as big a moment around here and Columbia as any regular season game that didn’t include the Jayhawks.

“[the 2012] SEC schedule is not one bit harder than this [past] year’s Big 12 schedule.”
Gabe DeArmond, on Mizzou’s SEC football schedule in 2012, 610 AM
GH: We’ll see. It appears Mizzou got a football scheduling break being placed in the SEC East. But the Big 12 was down in 2011. Neither OU or Texas were their typical top-five selves. Georgia is already expected to be a top-10 team. Anyone thinking the SEC will be easy is wrong. But Mizzou can compete in this conference – if their quarterback James Franklin returns healthy. That is a big if.

“This [Kentucky/Indiana basketball rivalry] is bigger than the two guys coaching those teams. This should be for the fans. It’s a shame.”
Mike Golic, on the decision by the two athletic programs to end the annual basketball game between the bordering states, ESPN Radio
GH: I think we’ve heard this before somewhere else.

“Right now they’re on a 13-game winning streak with a 12-game winning streak at home.”
Mark Nasser, radio voice of the Omaha Storm Chasers, on the Royals’ Triple-A club that has a 7.5 game lead in the PCL, 610 AM
GH: The Royals appear to be very good at winning at every level but the one that counts.

“Every pitcher we are going to talk about today it’s going to come down to a question of command.”
Mark Nasser, when asked to evaluate starting pitchers in Omaha that might be able to help the Royals, 610 AM
GH: Damn.

“I’ll tell you this about Rex Hudler’s job – the last six weeks have been really, really hard. I hope the people can appreciate what the man professionally has been through for the past six weeks. I don’t care if you think he’s great or you think he’s horrible. I’ve learned more about Rex Hudler these past six weeks. No complaining, no pointing the finger, no this or that. He’s got a smile on his face. Rex Hudler is just lining up every night and doing the very best he can. You’ve got to respect what he’s done.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: What is Kietzman talking about? Hudler is a TV analyst for a very bad baseball team. He is paid well to talk about what everyone watching has already seen. This is not Beirut. If Hudler can’t handle the barbs from Twitter or a column like mine, he needs to get a real job. KK’s moaning and stroking of Hudler is just another example of the media running to the aid of a fellow broadcaster who deservedly has been publicly flogged for his ridiculous style and vapid content. I have no pity for the man. We’re all out when it comes to feeling sorry for the media.

“If you’re a broadcaster for a team, all you have to do is get a little bit into it and people will like you. A year and a half into the job, if he’s no different at all, people will like you.”
Danny Clinkscale, on Hudler, 810 AM
GH: Bingo. The public is incredibly accepting of almost anyone with whom they become familiar. Ryan Lefebvre is an excellent example of this premise. People grow accustomed to what they see and know. I have never suffered from this malady.

“It’s a very upbeat and bouncy approach.”
Danny Clinkscale, on Hudler’s broadcasting style, 810 AM
GH: Translation: Hudler sounds like an idiot who is trying to appeal to four year olds or other idiots.

“I was watching the Royals [Wednesday night] and in the bottom of the ninth listening to that idiot announcer and I had to comment. The play by play guy says of Broxton, ‘He's got him set up for the slider low and away, which is why it is important for Pena to be able to block the plate.’ To which idiot replies, ‘Yeah but he is ahead in the count so he might try to get him to swing at something out of the strike zone.’ Just where does he think low and away is? I was listening on the radio most of the night and that was enjoyable. I cannot, not, not, stand this new announcer! Send him back to wherever the hell he came from.”
Reader Joe, OTC email
GH: Yeah, but you’ve got to respect him for showing up for work, right?

“I don’t talk about it a lot because I don’t cheer for them now but I grew up in St. Louis.”
Steve Stewart, 610 AM
GH: I thought this was an odd comment by the Royals’ fifth or sixth broadcaster. Why would a man who grew up in St. Louis now not cheer for his hometown team? Just because he works for the Royals and many Royals’ fans deem the Cards as the enemy? Can you really NOT cheer for your childhood team just because you work for another? Seems sad to me.

“Do you think there is any chance that Moustakas is a better player than Hosmer?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Yes. But I believe both have a chance to be All-Stars for many, many years. These two will both be fun to watch for as long as the Glass family will pay them to wear Royals’ blue.

“There’s not a day that goes by where it’s not clear why Dayton Moore signed Jeff Francoeur. He’s the true leader of this team. He’s the true leader of this organization. Where would this team and organization be without the leadership of Jeff Francoeur?”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: I can think of a lot of those days. Frenchy is a nice guy with a great arm but his caveman swing is awful. If he’s the clubhouse leader, this team’s problems are easier to fix than they appear.

“Stunned today to receive cell call from Peyton Manning. Former Colts QB is calling writers to thank them for their work over the years. Manning said he hoped he could stay with #Colts, but understands the biz. He told me to pass along to the fans how much he appreciated them. That's the first time I've ever received a good-bye call from a Colts player in my journalism career. Classy move. Wished him the best.”

Phillip Wilson, @pwilson, sportswriter, Indianapolis Star

GH: Classy, even for a Bronco.

GregHal24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Luke Hochevar's last 2 starts: 6 1-3 innings, 16 runs, 19 hits, 4 walks and one hit-by-pitch.”
David Skretta, @APdaveskretta, Twitter

“We’re not in a position to just discard players who have shown they can be successful in the past.”
Dayton Moore, when asked if the Royals are considering demoting Hochevar from the starting rotation, 610 AM
GH: Few pitchers in the Royals’ past have galvanized the club’s fan base like Luke Hochevar – and not in a good way. The Twitter meltdown after his last start on Sunday was filled with the same contempt usually reserved for guys named Glass. Read on.

“I'm not advocating that the Royals release Hochevar after the game. But I'd completely understand if they did.”
Rany Jazayerli, @jazayerli, after Hochevar gave up six earned runs in two innings to the Yankees, Twitter
GH: Moore was adamant that Hochevar isn’t going anywhere. Realistically, the Royals have few options but to send him to the mound every fifth start and hope he remembers why he was the club’s first overall pick in the 2006 draft. Hochevar is exactly the kind of pitcher the Royals look for when pursuing the free agent market – a high draft pick who at one time showed talent but whose performance numbers are down making him affordable and signable. In other words, he is Jonathan Sanchez. Yes, this is our Kansas City Royals.

“Picks like Luke Hochevar as the #1 overall pick in the draft are a big reason why the Royals (despite other positives) are where they are.”
Greg Schaum, @Greg_Schaum, Twitter
GH: The Hochevar pick technically falls under the reign of Allard Baird since Moore didn’t take over the Royals’ GM duties until days after the draft. But the reality is that Moore has been his GM for his entire career and defended the pick at every opportunity.

“Sometimes he cares too much.”
Dayton Moore, on Hochevar, 610 AM
GH: This is exactly the opposite of what Mike Boddicker had to say about Hochevar’s indifference to losing. Watching Hochevar serve batting practice his last two starts makes me wonder what Moore is watching.

“We’re not going to panic. We’ve got to continue to search and look for answers.”
Dayton Moore, on Jonathan Sanchez’s disappointing performance as a starter, 610 AM
GH: The Royals have no room to panic. It’s not an option because their starting pitching in the minors looks to be just as suspect as the big club’s. So Royals’ fans are once again asked to wait, be patient and pretend this is our time.

“Trust me when I tell you, it eats them up.”
Dayton Moore, on how badly Hochevar and Sanchez feel over their performances as starters, 610 AM
GH: I’m always skeptical of people who need to preface a sentence with “Trust me…”

“When does Hosmer take some heat? When does he get dropped in the lineup?”
Soren Petro, @theprogram, Twitter
GH: Does Hosmer deserve some heat? No. He’s a second-year player going through a tough slump. I want him in the lineup every day.

“I don’t think they are nearly as worried about [Hosmer] as the starting pitching.”
Robert Ford, 610 AM

“Well, not necessarily as much.”
Dayton Moore, when asked by Bob Fescoe if Johnny Giavotella needed to be an every-day player if/when he’s called up, 610 AM
GH: Moore stated that Gio is “enroute” to Kansas City. The question is who is heading down or has been dealt?

“Nonsense. I’ve never spoken to anyone about selling the club.”
David Glass, when asked by Bob Dutton about rumors the Royals are for sale, Kansas City Star
GH: A better question to David is what is your succession plan when you die? Is Tommy Boy our new owner?

“I don’t think Dan Glass has any impact on the baseball team. I think he is a non-entity.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM

“I couldn’t disagree with you more.”
Kevin Kietzman, responding to Boal’s take on Dan Glass, 810 AM
GH: Once David dies, Dan could be the head man. Then what happens?

“If you equate ‘tough’ with throwing a baseball at someone who hasn't done anything to deserve it, you're a tool.”
Ivan Carter, @IvanCarterCSN, after Cole Hamels said he plunked the Nats’ 19-year-old rookie sensation, Bryce Harper, to welcome him to the big leagues, Twitter

“Cole Hamels says he’s old school? He’s the polar opposite of old school. He’s fake tough. He thinks he’s going to intimidate us after hitting our 19-year-old rookie who’s eight games into the big leagues? He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with.”
Mike Rizzo, Nationals GM, The Washington Post
GH: I have never understood anyone tolerating a pitcher throwing at a batter – in any era. It always seemed like a chicken-shit move to me.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“They thought Hochevar and Sanchez were going to be locks for this [Royals’] rotations.”
Bob Fescoe, after both Royals’ starters are off to horrendous seasons after five weeks of baseball, 610 AM
GH: The 12-game losing streak knocked all the wind out of the Royals’ “Our Time” slogan but it is the awful pitching from Hochevar and Sanchez that makes this team’s immediate future look Oklahoma-panhandle bleak. Read on.

“OPEN TWEET TO THE ROYALS; Hochevar's a bust, get over it and move on. who will fill his spot? who cares!! ABH-Anybody But Hochevar!!”
Frank Boal, @realfrankboal, Twitter
GH: Frank Boal is undergoing a personality change on Twitter. Follow him and be exposed to a more opinionated and harsher “Pudgy” than we have heard on 810. I think his association with Jack Harry on KSHB TV 41 may be affecting his more acidic takes. Read on.

“david glass; in memory of the kauffman's and all the great players and fans, sell this team to someone who cares, please!!”

Frank Boal, @realfrankboal, Twitter

“yep, like we said, wait until hochevar and sanchez start giving up home runs this year. wow, this is fun!! and nobody gets fired around here.”
Frank Boal, @realfrankboal, Twitter

“The longer I'm on Twitter, the more I realize how few people understand what "don't shoot the messenger" means.”

Robert Ford, @raford3, 610 Sports’ Royals pre- and postgame host, Twitter
GH: Ford believes his followers are upset with him relaying messages such as the Royals will continue to use Hochevar or they will not consider firing Ned Yost. But I believe Ford suffers from a lack of passion in his tweets and radio persona. He’s boring. Boring stuff from a radio voice covering the Royals is difficult for fans to endure.

“I'm pretty sure there isn't a single person at 810 radio worth following on Twitter.”
Ross Martin, @PCBearcat, sports editor at St. Joseph News-Press, Twitter
GH: It depends on what you expect from Twitter. I follow the local media personalities to fill column space and to stay abreast of what they are thinking and how they react to the day’s sports news. Are some more worthwhile than others? Sure. In the worthless category I would place Jack Harry and Kevin Kietzman. Neither say much of anything we don’t already know and both appear to have no idea what Twitter is or how to communicate through its magic. Soren Petro can be entertaining when he gets upset with his followers. His tweets are condescending and elitist – much like his radio personality. I don’t see as much from SSJ anymore on Twitter. He can be very funny but also dwells too much on personal minutia. Nate Bukaty is actually better on Twitter than radio.

“Luke Hochevar is the Matt Cassel of MLB. Whose jersey has given up more hits, Cassel or Hochevar?”
Bill Maas, @BillMaas, Twitter
GH: Does Cassel deserve to be tossed into the same toilet as Hochevar? Not even close. But the life of a starting QB can be tough when it comes to public scrutiny. Good thing he pocketed $60 million from The Clarks.

“Zack Greinke is never coming back here because he has no confidence in the [Royals’] organization. That bridge has been burned.”
Mark Carman, on speculation that Greinke might consider returning to the Royals after he becomes a free agent this winter, 610 AM
GH: I agree.

“I can buy back in with the Royals whenever I damn well please!”
Nick Wright, responding to listeners who are upset that he is considering rejoining the Royals’ bandwagon, 610 AM
GH: This comment was from last week. I’m pretty sure Nick’s bandwagon has moved on – some are saying to Houston.

“If you squint it takes energy out of your body."
Rex Hudler, on modern players having advantage of wearing sun glasses, Royals TV
GH: Hudler’s not boring, he’s a cartoon.

“Royals' uniforms look cool as hell. I dig 'em. Looking forward to All Star Game in K.C. Hopefully pull a theater show together.”
Jay Mohr, @jaymohr37
GH: When you can’t say anything good about a team in the town you need to sell tickets in, compliment their uniforms.

“You’re going to keep asking questions? Guys, I’d really like to please move on.”
Scott Pioli, after Josh Klingler continued to probe Pioli about the status of Dwayne Bowe and his future with the Chiefs, 610 AM
GH: Pioli sounded miffed – even pissed – at Klingler’s query. Read on.

“A lot of folks just felt uneasy the way [Pioli] responded to that question. Disappointing is all I’ll say.”
Bob Fescoe, on Pioli’s tart retort, 610 AM
GH: I just wish Fescoe would have said this while Pioli was on the phone instead of four days later.

“Scott Pioli is really trying to recreate his image but something like that probably doesn’t help.”
Nick Wright, on Pioli’s show of frustration with Klingler’s Bowe questions, 610 AM

“A couple of spots on the defensive line, the offensive line, the safety position and then the receiving position.”
Scott Pioli, on what areas of the Chiefs he would like to add to in the free agent market, 610 AM

“Say a prayer for @H_Josey20 tonight. Had surgery this morning. Last one, now back on his way to a full recovery and another 1000 yard season.”
TJ Moe, @TJMoe28, Mizzou wide receiver, on MU running back Henry Josey’s continued recovery over his devastating knee injury, Twitter
GH: Amen.

“We are not a branch of the University of Missouri Tigers.”
Leo Morton, UMKC’s chancellor, who is backing an effort to change the school’s name back to the University of Kansas City, Kansas City Star
GH: I love this idea. While you’re at it, dump that stupid Kangaroo mascot for something indigenous to Kansas City – or at least the Western Hemisphere.

“With a medical school, a dental school, a law school, a conservatory of music and dance, and a nursing school, UMKC is the only university research institution in the city.”
Mara Rose Williams, writer, Kansas City Star
GH: UMKC is starting to shed its unattractive image of a place where local kids go after failing elsewhere or to save money and live at home. Their lack of a football program hinders their reputation in the Midwest as a school that can offer students a “complete” college experience but I see more and more students choosing UMKC as their first choice. Losing the letter “M” in their name would help even more.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Nick Wright is leaving 610 Sports. His new assignment may have something to do with his spot-guest hosting duties on a Saturday Morning national show on Fox Sports Radio. I do know that the job will not be in Kansas City.”
Chris Kamler, @TheFakeNed, ramblingmorons.com

GH: When @TheFakeNed tweeted this out on Friday, he broke the news that Wright is apparently leaving 610 Sports to take a national radio gig with Fox Sports. Wright confirmed Kamler’s report both in the tweet below and while discussing his job status on his Friday show.

“Nick Wright, 610 Sports' most polarizing and likely most popular host, tweeted this afternoon that he will be leaving the station soon. Wright was named the best sports personality by The Pitch in 2010. Wright is perhaps best-known for hosting former Star columnist Jason Whitlock's three-hour, tragically self-indulgent farewell verbal carpet bombing of the paper after Whitlock's departure was announced.”
Ben Palosaari, writer, ThePitch.com
GH: More than FakeNed are buying into Wright’s supposed departure from 610. Even Wright. Read on.

“This is true.”
Nick Wright, @getnickwright, in response to FakeNed’s tweet above, Twitter
GH: Here is what we know for sure is true; Kamler believes Nick is leaving 610 Sports and Nick Wright is more than happy to confirm this and lead everyone else into believing he is gone. I’m just not so sure. Read on.

“EXCLUSIVE: Visibly Upset Nick Wright Offers Bounty On Fake Ned”
Headline on Chris Kamler’s RamblingMorons.com website
GH: This headline might get people to thinking Wright had an issue with Fake Ned for breaking the story that he is leaving 610 Sports – but that would be wrong. What it refers to is a spoof of a bounty that Nick offered up on Ned during a celebrity flag football game. Read on.

“All ‘media’ participants were preparing for their halftime bout in their shared locker room when Nick Wright, formerly of 610 Sports, became visibly upset at the presence of this media member. I had to remind him that I do write a widely popular weekly column for the Platte County Landmark. One of the top two Platte County based newspapers. The incident then turned ugly when Wright slammed money down on his changing area challenging his teammates to “cut out the legs, knees and heart of Fake Ned Yost.” (Or words to that effect.) The $13 bounty was partnered with a expletive laced tirade about how Missouri doesn’t have any good strip clubs anymore.”
Chris Kamler, aka @TheFakeNed, RamblingMorons.com
GH: Okay, anyone reading this should understand that Nick and Ned were joking about the bounty, right? But does that mean they are in cahoots about Nick leaving 610 Sports? Is this all just a radio gag to promote Nick getting a new contract at 610 and another chapter in the ongoing Kansas City Radio Wars? Read on.

“From the Kansas City Baseball Historical Society and the minds behind The Royalman Report Podcast, we are excited to announce a new radio show on Kansas City’s ESPN 1510. The Kansas City Baseball Vault will combine the old and the new of Kansas City Baseball. The show will run Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm on Thursdays.”
Press Release from Royalman Report, May 1, 2012
GH: What is interesting about this new show on Union Broadcasting’s own 1510 is that Fake Ned will be a part of it. Read on.

“The show will be hosted by Logan, Chris Kamler, Troy Olsen, Michael Engel and Jeff Herr of the popular Royalman Report Podcast. The RMR has been going strong for over a year and features weekly updates on the Royals as well as interviews with bloggers, players and front office personnel.”
Press Release from Royalman Report, May 1, 2012
GH: While Royalman’s show will be purchased time on 1510, it will be interesting to see how well Fake Ned’s Twitter persona and his chumminess with Nick Wright and the other 610 Sports hosts plays inside Kevin Kietzman’s kingdom. Let’s just say the local Radio Wars is entering another campaign. As to whether the players have changed or not remains to be seen…and heard.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I want to thank the fans for sticking with us…”
Mike Moustakas, during his on-field interview with Joel Goldberg following the Royals’ win over the Yankees, Foxsports
GH: Moose was the hero of the game with both his bat and barehanded game-winning defensive gem. He was visibly emotional while speaking to Goldberg over The K’s PA system, especially when he mentioned his appreciation for the fans. His voice cracked, he shook his fist at the crowd and then ducked his head and abruptly ended the interview by jogging toward the dugout before tears could fall. Son of a bitch, maybe this is our time.

“Still stunned by the Rivera injury the Yankees went out and lost Thursday's contest…”
The Sports Network, on the Yankee closer tearing his ACL while shagging flies during batting practice, Miami Herald
GH: I saw this line in the Miami Herald but I could not find the author’s byline from this wire story. I knew there must have been a reason the Yanks lost to the lowly Royals.

“This just feels so incongruous, Rivera crumpling to the ground on the warning track during batting practice, in the fading sunlight of Kansas City. Nobody ever thinks of Rivera on the warning track — or in Kansas City, for that matter.”
Tyler Kepner, writer, New York Times
GH: Part of me wants to say screw these New York yayhoos and their condescending tone. But the fault doesn’t lie with them but with David Glass. No one does think of Mariano Rivera and Kansas City in the same thought because that’s what 25 years of losing will do to the reputation of a city and a baseball franchise.

“Just another reason we should have contracted that minor-league team with its gimmick ballpark.”
Joe Sheehan, NY-based MLB writer, @joe_sheehan, after Rivera was injured on Kansas City’s warning track, Twitter
GH: This snarky tweet from Sheehan made its rounds on Kansas City cyberspace with the speed of a Willie Wilson triple. Sheehan was blasted by Royals fans and he attempted to save face. Read on.

“Is satire just wasted west of the Hudson?”
Joe Sheehan, @joe_sheehan, Twitter
GH: So not only do we have a gimmicky ball park and should have been contracted, we have no sense of humor as well. No BBQ for you, Joe.

“I don't want to have it any other way. If it's going to happen like that, at least it happened doing what I love to do, and shagging I love to do. If I had to do it over again, I would do it again, no hesitation.”
Mariano Rivera, Newsday
GH: Rivera is 42 years old. Bad stuff happens to old guys who continue to play young guys’ games – even when they’re just shagging flies. There is talk he will attempt a comeback yet this season but that makes little sense. His body is telling him it is time. I would expect the game’s greatest closer knows how and when to make his exit.

“Before [Yankees/Royals] game guy told me YES [television network] had 17 cameras there.”
Cole Young, @ColeYoung, on the number of cameras YES Network has at The K to broadcast the Yankees/Royals series, Twitter
GH: I was stunned to see excellent video of how Rivera injured himself during the Yankees’ batting practice. When I asked Twitter how this could be, I was told that the Yankees’ YES Network televises the Yanks’ batting practice! And we thought Kansas basketball fans were pampered.

“Still today if I were starting a team jeter would b my first pick.”
Bob Fescoe, @bobfescoe, Twitter
GH: Oh, how I wish Fescoe would buy the Twins.

“I’m trying to educate the fans, more than to hate the Yankees or boo the Yankees.”
Bob Fescoe, attempting to make the point that the Royals have as much of a chance at postseason success in MLB as the Yankees, 610 AM
GH: I understand that Fescoe was born a Yankees fan and I don’t begrudge him his birthright. But be a Yankee fan and not a closet Yankee fan, Bulldog! Do not insult your audience by pretending to root for the Royals this weekend while your Bronx Boys are in town.

“Don't quote me just yet but I think Kauffman may be my fav park so far on this 30 park tour after 15.”
RJ Breisacher, @BaseballDreamin, who is attempting to visit all 30 MLB parks this season, Twitter
GH: Somebody get Joe Sheehan whatever this guy was drinking last night.

“He has number-one or number-two stuff. It doesn’t seem to bother him to get beat. That’s a red flag for me.”
Mike Boddicker, on Luke Hochevar, 810 AM
GH: Bodcicker called Hochevar’s malaise toward success “the Scott Boras effect.” He referred to Boras clients as being satisfied with mediocre results and their effort being “good enough.” Boddicker understands MLB pitchers far better than I but I see Hochevar as just a different kind of dude. I agree he has number-one-starter stuff and I have no doubt he will display that in a future start. But I see him as a quiet guy whose fire burns brighter within than without.

“This kid hasn’t worked hard to be average at one position. He’s worked hard to be average at four or five positions.”
Ned Yost, on bringing up the long-time minor leaguer and utility infielder Irving Falu, 810 AM
GH: This might simply be my favorite quote of the Royals’ season. Yogi’s got nuttin’ on Ned.

“There’s two sides to every story. Actually there’s three; their side, my agent’s side and the truth.”
Wallace Gilberry, Chiefs’ defensive lineman, in an interview with The Border Patrol, regarding his tenuous status with the Chiefs, 810 AM
GH: I would hate to lose Gilberry, if only for OTC gems like this.

“How much of Shane Mosley is left, we’ll see tomorrow night.”
Steven St. John, 610 AM
GH: Boxing talk on my Friday morning commute? Yaaawwwn.

“The first mock draft of 2013 is out. We’ll let you know where the Chiefs are picking and who they’re selecting, right after this break.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Where was that boxing talk station?

“What I think is missing in the Big 10 Conference is self-esteem.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Self-esteem? This is the conference that has named its two divisions with the arrogance of Nero, Legends and Leaders. Read on.

“How’s the Big 10 working out for you, [Nebraska]? It’s over! We’re done with you holding us hostage!  11 months in and now Nebraska is offering up solutions to fix their conference? They must be laughing around the Big 10!”

Kevin Kietzman, after reading excerpts from Tom Shatel’s column in the Omaha World Herald
GH: I am sure Shatel is flattered that KK takes his column as the official word of the University of Nebraska, but I am guessing the Big 10 knows the difference.

“This is a strong [Big 12] conference and it will continue to be a strong, there was never any reason [for Nebraska] to leave this conference but they made their decision. It looks to me like Missouri is in about a thousand percent better situation with the conference they chose to join.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: A few months ago it was Missouri that was making the grievous error in joining the SEC. I wonder if KK has sent MU, TAMU, CU and NU a thank you note for forcing the Big 12 to make the changes now in place that should provide a solid future for the Big 12. As Rodney King once should have said, “Can’t we all just quit beatin’ the crap out of each other?”

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“It's absolutely humbling that two of the best linebackers of my generation, dudes I covered are gone. Derrick Thomas and Junior Seau. Wow.”

Ivan Carter, IvanCarterCSN, after news broke that the former Chargers’ linebacker committed what appeared to be suicide in his home with a gunshot to his chest, Twitter
GH: Death takes the young and talented along with the old and frail. When the young and talented are also household names, it shocks us all.

“Still Thinking of Junior!! U Know 8 Players From 1994 Super bowl Team have died before Age 45.”
Bernie Kosar, @BernieKosarQB, former NFL QB, Twitter
GH: Most of these deaths to the 1994 Chargers’ team were not football related, but it does heighten the concern of NFL players’ sometimes violent and risk-taking off-field lives. Is it because of football or does football attract risk takers?

“There is a hard price to be paid for being in this league – and sometimes it is with your life.”
Jeff Chadiha, 810 AM
GH: Working at the post office can also result in depression and has been found to be a dangerous profession. Football is not a sport that makes sense. Sending bodies that have been maximized for strength and speed hurtling into each other with the goal of stopping each other is brutally dangerous and prehistoric. But it pays well. Very well. And so we have no shortage of victims for the Coliseum.

“Once you’re done, the league’s done with you. The NFL has some programs in place that in my opinion are very superficial. The NFL needs to get off their greedy asses and do more for former players.”
Jayice Pearson, 610 AM
GH: This is 1950’s thinking. Employers today do not offer pensions or insurance plans to former employees. If you happen to be part of a labor union, you may still benefit from this archaic practice. But depending on your employer to take care of you until your death is why so many industries find themselves insolvent. 

“The NFL is putting former players on COBRA! The NFL can bite my ass!”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: My employer and most likely yours is legally bound to offer former employees COBRA to cover their insurance. Why should the NFL be any different? The NFL is a business, nothing more. When they act like a business, why is everyone so surprised?

“The league is very serious about [head injuries]. I don’t know what we do. Somehow we’ve got to figure out the physics of this game.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: The NFL is serious about head injuries for no other reason than it is bad for their business. It creates a negative vibe about their product. There are no physics to figure out. Big people smashing into each other go boom. End of physics lesson.

“Save your, ‘suicide is the coward’s way out’ for someone else. A) I don’t believe it to be relevant.

B) I don’t believe it to be true. C) Shut up.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Who knows why someone chooses suicide? Some act out of immediacy over a crisis involving love or finances. Some are clinically depressed and just want the pain to end. The only person who is not left to deal with the aftermath is the victim. For this reason, I often do not carry much of a torch for the guy or gal who checks out. While the pain ends for them, it haunts their loved ones forever.

“I don’t want to sound like an idiot but maybe we need to put a weight limit on the National Football League.”

Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: Violent collisions happen at all levels of football, no matter what the weight of the combatants. Poor coaching in elementary school or the high school level causes more head injuries than the size of the players. The best way to reduce head injuries in football is to stop playing football.

“So many people in this league have so many problems, I don’t know how the league’s going to get its arms around it.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: It is an almost insurmountable problem for the NFL. Their customers demand bigger, faster and stronger yet it is these very qualities that place some of their players’ health in peril. Until the game can be played with the same entertainment value by robots or as a hologram, the problem will persist. And we will allow it to persist.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“We are not going to spend valuable radio time discussing a team that is dead last in their league.”
Nick Wright, refusing to talk about the Royals on Monday as they sit at the bottom of MLB with a 6-16 record, 610 AM
GH: The Royals are in an atrocious early-season slide in the most inopportune of seasons that was supposed to be our/their time. It is ugly. It is difficult to digest. It spawns the kind of frustrations in the fans and media that result in comments like Wright’s above. Read on.

“I was going to try and stay quiet... But I can't do it! Why do we watch? Why? What's the F-ing point?”
Soren Petro, @theprogram, who went on a Twitter tirade on the ineptitude of the Royals during Tuesday night’s beat down in Detroit, Twitter
GH: Petro battered the Royals’ organization for being inept and cheap during his Tuesday night Twitter rant. Check @theprogram Twitter timeline for all of Petro’s anti-Royals’ blasts. Fans fed off his frustration and applauded him for it. If you are the Royals, you really have to be concerned when both Nick Wright, the afternoon drive host on the Royals’ rights holder, and Petro, KC’s local baseball seamhead have lost it after only the first month of the season.

“The levels of Royals freak out on Twitter is worth the price of admission.--unfortunately the product on the field is NOT.”
@hooptveast, Twitter

“We will start our grilling segments next week.”
Kevin Kietzman, promoting his Wednesday hour-long segments with Jim Cattey of Smoke ‘n’ Fire, 810 AM
GH: Dare I say I look forward more to Cattey describing his coffee rubs more than another dissertation on why Luke Hochevar is underperforming? The life of a Royals fan has gotten that desperate.

“I knew he had turned the corner last season after the All-Star break.”
Ned Yost, responding to Ryan Lefebvre’s pregame interview question as to when he knew Hochevar had “turned the corner,” Royals Radio
GH: Hochevar’s career ERA is 5.37. Read those numbers again for the Royals’ first-pick-in-the-draft ace who is now in his sixth year in the league.  If Yost really believes Hochevar has turned the corner, the Royals’ starter must be walking down a street from Alice in Wonderland.

“[Steve] Physioc is drunk on the blue juice....keep drinking it man - gets you nowhere.”
Greg Schaum, @Greg_Schaum, on the Royals play-by-play broadcaster Tuesday night, Twitter
GH: Remember when some of us were more concerned about the Royals’ broadcasters than the play on the field? I barely notice Physioc’s and Rex Hudler’s pro-Royals’ rally cries while watching the club devolve into one of baseball’s worst teams.

“If the Royals lose four straight to the Yankees they’ll be 0-14 at home. They have got the Yankees and then the Red Sox. They could conceivably start 0-17 at home. It could get ugly again.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: The Royals face Justin Verlander today in Detroit and then return home Friday to face the Yankees. I would venture to say it is already ugly again. The Royals’ season has gone so bad the rainouts are now what we anticipate most.

“When there was all that realignment talk, I’m surprised that they didn’t move the Red Sox to the National League so that the Red Sox and Yankees could play in the World Series.”
Ryan Lefebvre, Royals Radio
GH: Lefebvre said this in a snarky tone to admonish MLB for their constant promotion of the Yankees and Red Sox. Would Ryan like to see MLB broadcast more Royals’ game nationally? I wouldn’t.

“This is judgment time. For anybody who said, ‘Let’s wait until we’re a month in,’ this is now a month in.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: Judgment time. I think it’s Roast Yost time and not in a funny way. How much longer can Yost keep his job if the Royals’ hope to sell tickets and excite a battered fan base? May 18^th sounds about right to me.

“I’ll be honest with you, I do not want to sit here in the middle of May and have this team done. Because what do we look forward to then?”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: There’s always KK’s grilling segments.

“I want everybody to remember where they heard this first. Has anybody considered the fact that it has been three years since [Hosmer] had his Lasik surgery? It wears off and it wears off pretty quickly.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Sounds like KK must have lost his show’s Lasik surgery sponsor.

“I just think that what Amare Stoudemire did is something we’ve all done. I have a hole in the drywall of my home because my fiancé is irrational. It’s what a lot of humans have done—punch an inanimate object instead of another human. I’m not saying what Amare Stoudemire did is right, I’m saying it’s something most men have done.”
Nick Wright, on the Knick slicing his hand when he punched the glass of a fire extinguisher door after the playoff loss to Miami, 610 AM
GH: I agree that some men hit things when angry. Some also throw golf clubs, kick objects and smash TVs. But not most. Not even many. Kids and immature men do these things. One day Nick Wright will be a mature man as well.

“Larry Brown told me he was probably SMU's ‘15th choice, I'm probably the last man standing...I don't care about that.’”
Jim Rome, @jimrome, Twitter
GH: The old ball coach just cannot get enough of the competitive game. Part of me feels sorry for him.

“So Larry Brown dumps his SMU PG for no reason, then goes after PG from Arizona who just got an 'extreme' DUI?”
Jason McIntyre, @TheBigLead.com, Twitter
GH: Brown told the PG at SMU he wasn’t good enough to play for him. I call that being honest. If Brown can turn SMU into an instant winner… what am I talking about? Of course he can and will. It is what he does.

“I think for the most part the people who work here at [WHB] enjoy it here. I don’t think people here are going around saying negative things about [WHB]. I don’t think that happens, do you?”
Kevin Kietzman, stating that he believes the Royals fired Frank White because he was badmouthing the organization to others, 810 AM
GH: To answer KK’s rhetorical question, “Yes.”

“Here’s something I want to do. If anyone can come down to Sportswear, etc., say hello and then walk down the sidewalk to Smoke & Fire and if you can get ‘Nick Wright’ of ‘610’ or ‘What’s Right’ or something like that audible on 810’s airwaves while my pal Kietz is broadcasting, I will do my very best to hook you up with some Royals or Sporting tickets. … If you potentially horribly rattle or distract my pal Kietzman by walking close to the broadcast booth and yelling ‘610’ or Nick Wright.’”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Just when you thought AM talk radio might have evolved past junior-high pranks, it sucks you right back down the drain with them.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“[Joe] Posnanski's pitch worked. Paterno agreed, and Simon & Schuster paid Posnanski a reported $750,000 advance to produce the biography.”
Noam Cohen, on JoPo’s pitch to publishers to write Paterno’s biography, writer, NY Times
GH: This occurred just over a year ago. What a year it has been for Paterno, JoPo and their book. Read on.

“This seemed to be the early worry of the people closest to Joe [Paterno], that this would be another in the series of surface Joe Paterno books. That it would not delve deeply enough into what Joe means, the impact he has made on countless people and a college town in Pennsylvania and the game of football.”
Joe Posnanski, in his initial book proposal delivered to publishers, NY Times
GH: In JoPo’s own words he paints his upcoming biography on Paterno as a book that will “delve deeply into what Joe means…” We can only hope that JoPo’s definitive work on Paterno lives up to its billing. But I am not in the least bit optimistic that JoPo can or will deliver the goods.

“This book, I told them, will have a few O's, and almost no X's. This book will tell the remarkable story about a man who could have been anything but decided that the best way he could help change America was one college football player at a time.”
Joe Posnanski, in his initial book proposal delivered to publishers, NY Times
GH: It is haunting to me to read these words in JoPo’s proposal. JoPo believed at the time believed he would be chronicling the life of a beloved college football legend. But the Jerry Sandusky child-rape scandal that felled Paterno and his legacy gives an entirely different twist Paterno, who was so driven by college football success he ignored the crimes of his friend.

“I cannot begin to describe how excited I am about this project. I am, as you could probably tell from my previous stories on the man, a huge fan and admirer of Joe's. But even more than that I am endlessly fascinated by him and his lifelong quest to do something large, to impact America, through football. So writing about Joe, his triumphs, his struggles, his journey, well, it really is everything I've ever wanted to do as a writer.”
Joe Posnanski, notifying the public that Paterno had agreed to the book, in a blog dated March 22, 2011
GH: JoPo is letting is all know he is a fan boy of Paterno, his subject. Many biographies are written from this perspective of idolatry. Few of them are worth a damn.

“Posnanski, 45, has since moved on from Sports Illustrated and fallen largely silent on his biography. He would not be interviewed for this article.”
Noam Cohen, NY Times
GH: I did not read Cohen’s article to be in any way judgmental in how JoPo was approaching his Paterno biography. If anything it was an excellent marketing piece for a book that Simon & Schuster paid JoPo a great sum to write and also promote. JoPo’s refusal to talk to the NY Times for this article speaks volumes to me. His silence screams coward.

“Joe Posnanski didn't go to Happy Valley to write about the unhappy end of Joe Pateno's life and career. He intended it as an eternal Father's Day gift, a sappy and sentimental picture of the aging lion in repose.”
Barry Petchesky, writer, DeadSpin.com
GH: None of us know how JoPo handled the Sandusky scandal in his Paterno book. DeadSpin and I have some strong opinions, though, on what we will read – or more accurately not read in his book.

“One of the reasons we accelerated [the book’s release date] is that there is so much more public interest. Joe believes he can tell this story now - the pages I've read so far are superb.”
Jonathan Karp, publisher at Simon & Schuster, on moving up the book’s release date from Father’s Day 2013 to this July just before the start of football season, NY Times
GH: There will be an audience for whatever JoPo’s book delivers on the patron saint of Nittany Lions football. But the audience that would make this book memorable and possibly a classic is one that JoPo is not interested in reaching. JoPo is a loyal, nice guy who thinks his audience is Paterno’s family, friends and fans. He could not be more wrong.

“I am confident this book will be the defining word. He was far along in his work when all this happened.”

Jonathan Karp, NY Times
GH: Does this mean there is hope that JoPo will do the right thing and write this biography by telling us how Paterno’s life was so success-driven that he would allow children to be raped in his locker room and on his campus without ever confronting the rapist? I do not believe so. Read on.

“I know there are people who believe that I have a responsibility to write more, to have an opinion, to come out strong, I know this because many, many people have written to tell me that in no uncertain terms. I respect their opinion. But I disagree with it.”
Joe Posnanski, in a blog on the Sports Illustrated website

GH: With these words JoPo lances all hope that he can do what I believe must be done with his book – turn his savior into a monster.

“The way I see it: I have a responsibility to write the best, most insightful and most honest book I can possibly write about Joe Paterno. That's what I signed up for. I'm not backing down from that because of this awful, evil situation. I'm also not walking away from a life and a man.”
Joe Posnanski, in a blog on the Sports Illustrated website
GH: Here is the JoPo I have come to know and whose work I have come to so easily dismiss. This is the fence-sitting, cherub of a writer who sees no evil and writes no evil. This appears to be the biography Penn State fans will love and those with an objective conscience will loath.

“Posnanski contrasted Paterno's ‘full life’ with ‘a single, hazy event involving an alleged child molester.’ That description of a ‘hazy’ event again drew criticism. Since then, Posnanski has truly turned silent about Paterno.”

Noam Cohen, NY Times
GH: It is interesting to me how JoPo has reacted to the public criticism he has received since his comments were tweeted from that Penn State class room last year. He has withdrawn. He has closed down. He has refused comment. How odd of a choice for a man who wishes so much to be a voice.

“Am I writing a biography or am I writing a book about a tragic ending? It is an incredible ending and frame for the book, but it is not the whole book. The worst thing you can do with a book of history or biography is put it in a temporal frame that will be overtaken, that captures a zeitgeist that will not last.”
David Maraniss, author of biographies on Bill Clinton and Lombardi, on the dilemma JoPo faces in incorporating the Penn State scandal into Paterno’s biography, NY Times

GH: I disagree with Maraniss. While the public only learned of these insidious crimes on Paterno’s watch late in his life, that doesn’t mean his life, his morals, his character were not the reason that decades of sadistic behavior by his friend and defensive coordinator were allowed. JoPo has the unique chance to enlighten the world to what went on in Happy Valley and why.

“It is Sandusky's trial, not Paterno's. But it will reveal the fruits of months of prosecutorial investigations into the institutional failures of Penn State, including the actions and inaction of Joe Paterno. We will learn more than we ever dreamed about the coach's role in the State College Kingdom over the last decade. None of that will be in Posnanski's book.”
Barry Petchesky, on Sandusky’s trial taking place this summer after JoPo said his book will have been completed, DeadSpin.com
GH: Simon and Shuster moved up the release date for this book by almost one year. Keeping the original release date would have allowed for the Sandusky trial and its findings to be included in the Paterno book. Wow.

“The timing just confirms what we've long known: that Joe Posnanski's love letter to Joe Paterno will be a sunny fantasy of a profile, dealing with the very hard questions by avoiding them.”
Barry Petchesky, writer, DeadSpin.com

GH: Say it ain’t so, Joe. Or at least say something.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Scott Pioli found several athletes and all of them at positions of need.”
John Czarnecki, NFL writer, who gave the Chiefs a B+ for their draft, Foxsports.com
GH: A quick survey of different experts’ draft grades saw the Chiefs get everything from a B+ to a D+ for their 2012 draft. In other words – no one really knows much of anything when it comes to predicting the future. Read on.

“In my mind an ‘A’ means it's exceptional; a ‘B’ means it's very good; a ‘C’ means average, with hits and misses; a ‘D’ means it's below average with some big questions. An ‘F’ … well, I didn't have one this year.”

Mel Kiper, who graded the Chiefs’ draft as a C+, ESPN.com

“I saw that D+ grade from [Bob] Gretz for the Chiefs’ draft and I thought, wow, you either have an axe to grind or you really know these players and you don’t think they’re any good.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Gretz is not nearly as chummy with the Pioli-led Chiefs as he was with the Carl Peterson-era Chiefs. I still have a difficult time taking Gretz’s opinions about the Chiefs seriously. Like Fescoe, I do not see him as being very objective – and that may be my fault more than Gretz’s. But it is difficult to forget how positive his spin was on the Chiefs when King Carl was in charge.

“Loved the Jeff Allen, Devon Wylie and Dequan Menzie picks. Didn’t hate but didn’t love Poe at #11.”
John Dove, who gave the Chiefs a B+ grade for their 2012 draft, BleacherReport.com
GH: Dove gave the Chargers an A- but he hammered the Raiders [D+] and the Broncos [C-] for their drafts.

“I want to see what kind of phone they have and what their lady looks like. Janoris Jenkins [Florida corner who went to the Rams with 39^th pick] had a flip phone. That’s a concern for me. That’s what I take away from the draft – not these human interest stories. I care about the ladies.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM
GH: Harrison’s formula for grading the NFL draft might be about as accurate as any. But I am guessing many of these draft picks will be upgrading their phone and their lady over the next few months.

“I don't know how old my phone is, but it was only $10. It is a nice subconscious way of not having the Internet at your fingertips … e-mail, Twitter or Facebook.”
Andrew Luck, who was reported to have sported a slightly battered un-smart Samsung clamshell phone at the draft, USA Today
GH: I wasn’t aware that there were any D-I athletes who didn’t have a smart phone. Luck is a bit of a throwback kind of athlete who I think is going to be fascinating to watch in Indianapolis. The expectations for him even on day one will be enormous, ridiculous and Peyton Manning-esque. And he might just be good enough to live up to them.

“I will agree that this is a draft where Pioli and Crennel don’t seem to think they are on the hot seat as much as they are portrayed to be. This is a draft that looks like you’re playing for the future.”
Josh Klingler, on the Chiefs’ draft being more about accumulating depth rather than drafting starters, 610 AM
GH: How hot are Pioli’s and Crennel’s seats with the Chiefs? One thing I would bet is that the two are tied together. Neither has much of a shelf life in Kansas City if the other gets whacked.

“What the draft tells me is they really feel comfortable with the team they have and they really feel good about the rehab of some of their stars who were out last year.”
Danan Hughes, 610 AM

“I think this [Chiefs] team from [player] 1 to 53 is the best team in the AFC West.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: We don’t even know who the 53 players are yet on this Chiefs’ roster or the other AFC West rosters. I think the Chiefs are no better or worse than the Chargers, Raiders and Broncos. But one could argue very successfully that the Chiefs have the weakest QB in the AFC West. That is not a good thing.

“I know everybody’s talking about Peyton Manning and [competing] in the AFC West. I’m tired about just talking about the AFC West. We should shoot higher. I think this team is ready to take on anybody. I think the Chiefs are telling everybody with this draft, ‘Look out what we’re coming with this fall.’ I like this team.”
Danan Hughes, 610 AM
GH: I love Hughes’ bravado but how about a reality check? The Chiefs haven’t won a playoff game since the 1993 season and they just finished a season where they fired their head coach. Does that sound like a team that is shooting to low in looking to win the division?

“We didn’t get [Dontari Poe] the fundamental worker here [at Memphis] that he deserved. He’s the one guy we coached here who I believe will continue to get better at the next level.”
Mike DuBose, Memphis defensive line coach, 810 AM
GH: DuBose has been busy making excuses for Poe’s lack of production at Memphis since before the draft. I sure hope he is correct.

“Jim Washburn, who coached the defensive line for the Titans for a long time and is now with Philadelphia, said he saw Dontari on film and thought he was better than Albert Haynesworth at this stage of his career. If Dontari had been in our system at Alabama [where DuBose was once the head coach], he'd be a top three or top five pick.”
Mike DuBose, Memphis defensive line coach of Dontari Poe, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis
GH: What film was Washburn looking at that we haven’t seen?

“When you look at his tape, he does some amazing things. He just doesn’t do it on a consistent basis – which as a coach you like to see.”
Mike DuBose, Memphis defensive line coach of Dontari Poe, 810 AM
GH: Gulp.

“My issues are with [the Chiefs’] picks one and three. … There’s no way the math on Dontari Poe says good pick. In reality I’m not wild about any of the [NFL draft] picks after the sixth pick. I don’t think this is a great draft.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Now that is the definition of a tough customer. Petro saw only six players in the entire draft that he liked and is ready to flush the rest. But this is the guy who was willing to give up five number one picks for Luck. Come to think of it, so was I.

“The Chiefs started with a Poe and ended with a Hemmingway.”
Bob Fescoe, on the literary theme of the Chiefs’ draft, 610 AM

“I don’t think Dayton Moore even knows there was an NFL draft. I certainly know that Ned Yost doesn’t know. He doesn’t think about anything but baseball.”
Robert Ford, 610 AM
GH: I hear this kind of tunnel-vision about baseball people and I am amazed at their lack of diversity. I think it hurts their ability to be effective in communicating with the media and their fans. Bill Self does a decent job with his basketball program but somehow finds time to be well aware of what is going on in other sports and even at the Salty Iguana. Dayton and Ned need to get out more often and maybe try the Prairie Village burrito.

“Would going to the minors ever enter into their thinking with [Eric Hosmer]?”

Josh Klingler, on Hosmer’s low batting average through the first month, 610

“Eric Hosmer is 0-for-his-last 15, a rotten stretch that’s sucked his batting average down to .188, like he’s a National League pitcher, or Tony Pena Jr. He’s admittedly frustrated, even as hitting coach Kevin Seitzer does his best cheerleading, so he probably doesn’t want to hear any of this even as it’s the truth: He’s been remarkably unlucky. … Hosmer is hitting an insanely unlucky .164 on balls put in play. He was at .314 last year, and the league average is around .300.”
Sam Mellinger, KansasCity.com
GH: Is anybody really concerned about Hosmer’s batting average? Maybe this is a good time to sign him to an extended contract.

“There's no way to sugarcoat a 12-game losing streak. But that was the best 12-game losing streak I've ever seen. I'm not trying to minimize a 12-game losing streak because it is what it is. But they didn't embarrass themselves.”
Ryan Lefebvre, Royals TV
GH: If that’s not sugarcoating it is at least saccharin-coated. 

“I’m not saying [KU’s Tony Pierson] is as good as Jamaal Charles. I’m saying he’s a similar type runner. I could see him being used in a similar fashion the way Charlie Weis used Jamaal Charles in the Chiefs’ offense.”
Nate Bukaty, on KU’s 5’10, 170-pound sophomore running back out of East St. Louis, 810 AM
GH: Pierson went 88 yards on a cutback move out of the KU backfield that allowed him to show his speed. If only Weis could schedule Kansas’ defense in 2012.

“[Collin Klein] called all the plays accept for two.”
Steven St. John, on the K-State quarterback’s incredible spring game stats that included completing 47 of 56 passes for 480 yards and six touchdowns, 810 AM
GH: I listened to the K-State spring game and then later saw Klein’s highlights on television. Wow. This is from a guy who couldn’t complete a 10-yard out last spring. We might be in for something special again this fall if Klein is anywhere near as improved a passer as he looks.

“Nolan Ryan and Bill Romanowski would just get ripped apart by Ron Artest.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

GH: I’m not sure Ryan and Romo couldn’t still handle Artest even at their advanced ages.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Either they’re a lot smarter than everyone else or they’re a lot more arrogant than everyone else or they just don’t know what they’re doing. There is nobody who watched this kid play that liked him as the number-11 pick.”
Jayice Pearson, who saw Dontari Poe play three times at Memphis last year while broadcasting their games, on the Chiefs decision to draft Poe with their 11^th overall pick, 610 AM
GH: I didn’t see Memphis play a lot last season and I sure do not recall watching their nose tackle. Pearson worked three Memphis games as an analyst and stated they were unable to highlight Poe in any of the video packages they had planned because he just didn’t do anything of note. This pick looks like Pioli thinks he knows more than the experts. I sure as hell hope so. Read on.

“We try to be very thorough on this stuff. There’s different kinds of production.”
Scott Pioli, on Poe recording three sacks at Memphis in three years, 810 AM
GH: Different kinds of production? Not from your top pick and the 11^th pick in the draft. There is only one type of production at that pick – Pro Bowl production.

“When I saw him play last year [at Memphis] there was just a lacking of a motor and a lacking of intensity. I just think his motor and his intensity didn’t match all of his other intangibles.”

Jayice Pearson, 610 AM
GH: Lacking a motor and intensity? Poe looks like to be a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ D-line.

“He fits a need to a degree.”
Scott Pioli, 810 AM
GH: When Pioli uttered these words, I wanted Clark Hunt to smack him in the back of his head. Then I heard the Chiefs had opportunities to move down but declined because they feared another team would be dumb enough to grab Poe with a high pick. Trading picks is Clark’s specialty. Both of these guys deserve a head slap.

“He does not dominate marginal competition for the two eyes I have. I’m waiting for Poe to unleash the fury and the God-given talent he has.”
Jon Gruden, ESPN

“He’s an underachiever that needs to take his performance to another level. Can Kansas City motivate him to do it?”
Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN
GH: Low motor. Poor intensity. Underachiever. Doesn’t dominate marginal competition. What’s not to like? You can see why the Chiefs were concerned about another club stealing this gem.

“This kid has disaster written all over him. His college tape is downright awful. This is as bad a reach as you can take at number 11 overall. 4,000 people at the Chiefs’ party last night booed [the Poe pick].”
Bob Fescoe, 980 AM
GH: It was interesting to monitor how the two Kansas City sports talk radio stations reacted to the Chiefs’ pick of Poe. 610, who has a contract with the Royals but not the Chiefs, hated it. 810, who has a contract with the Chiefs but not the Royals, liked or spun the pick in a positive way. Read on.

“I like the pick. To me this is the Chiefs’ biggest need.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“I just want you to know that everyone booed the pick and then half of the people left.”
Listener text read by Nick Wright, from a listener who was texting from inside the Chiefs’ draft party at Arrowhead, 610 AM

“You want to know how many sacks Dontari Poe had last year? One in Conference USA.”
Danny Parkins, 610 AM

“I see upside and potential with this pick.”
Jay Binkley, 810 AM

“I can’t get over the competition [Poe saw in college]. Dontari Poe probably played against only one or two future NFL players all season long and didn’t dominate.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“For the record, I don't hate the Poe pick. Many of you got mad at me last yr cuz I was negative on the Baldwin pick. I'm not so down on this.”
Nate Bukaty, @nate_bukaty, Twitter

“Does anyone alive like chiefs pick?”
Adam Teicher, @adamteicher, Twitter
GH: Teicher was obviously not listening to 810.

“I like this first round pick by the Chiefs a lot. Poe by size alone can plug up the middle. Chiefs gave up 130 yds rushing a game.”
Jack Harry, @jackharrykshb, Twitter

“This may be the most instantly and universally despised first-round pick in Chiefs history, and that’s saying something. Even players that eventually turned into busts were given more of a chance by fans and media than what we saw in the minutes following Poe’s selection.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: Amazing how almost every voice heard on 810 finds positives in this pick and every voice on 610 hammers it. #RadioWars.

“Poe reminds me of former # 6 overall pick Ryan Sims - Underachiever who never developed.”
Russ Lande, @russlande, NFL draft analyst, Twitter
GH: Oh. My. God.

“No way to know how good Poe will be, but this is the anti-Pioli pick. Never would've seen this coming. Either very smart or very desperate.”
Kent Babb, @kentbabb, Twitter
GH: Or just plain weird. Why take such a gamble with this high of a pick – or at least trade down if Poe is who you want. He obviously wasn’t going anywhere if you listen to the other experts.

“When people say Dontari Poe played on bad teams in college, they're not joking: Memphis went 5-31 in his three seasons.”
Sam Mellinger, @mellinger, Twitter
GH: You can’t even say he was a winner – or knows what winning is all about. This pick is beyond strange.

“Chiefs have acquired first bust of Draft....several legitimate players now on the clock.”
Colin Cowherd, @ESPN_Colin, Twitter
GH: You can’t place all the negative vibes on local media cynicism. Plenty of national experts are panning the Chiefs’ Poe pick as well.

“But here’s the thing: I don’t really know. You don’t really know. Nobody does.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: True. Very true. We can all bitch about it today and then hope for the best come next fall. We damn sure will all be paying attention.

“What year did the commish go from a handshake to a shakedown? And why?”
Bill Maas, @BillMaas, Twitter
GH: What was the deal with the man hugs Roger Goodell was laying on each draft pick? Does he know them that well or is he just big on putting on a show?

“There are Klingons that would look at Poe's hair and ask "dude...what?"
Rahim, @RahimTariq, Twitter

“He flashed occasional penetration.”
Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN
GH: This makes sense if you are discussing Derrick Washington but not your first-round draft pick.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Christmas for hardcore football fans.”
Soren Petro, on what the NFL draft means to many fans, 810 AM

“This draft can't come soon enough.”
Peter King, @SI_PeterKing, on hearing “bizarre” rumors on first-round picks as the draft approaches, Twitter
GH: Is there anything more analyzed, more discussed that results in more dead-ends than NFL mock drafts? I mean besides junior-high romances. The NFL draft is our offseason fix for fans and their beloved teams. Not everyone is a fan of the hype for the draft but America is now hooked on this three-day event like I am on a plate of Stroud’s sticky buns.

“It is maybe the single most wasted energy by sports fans in America. To me the draft is overhyped. It is overstated.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the NFL draft, 810 AM
GH: The NFL draft highlights Kietzman’s biggest weakness as a sports talk host while playing to the strength of his biggest competition, 610’s Nick Wright. Last year Wright was phenomenal in picking five of the nine players the Chiefs would draft in 2011. Understanding the draft takes an enormous amount of time, study and insight. You have to be an NFL junkie to pull off what Wright did last spring. KK isn’t about to exert the effort that Wright or Petro do on the draft. It is easier to call the draft overhyped and overstated. Almost all sports talk is overhyped and overstated – that is what sports talk radio is – and no one knows that better than KK.

“I think [Ryan Tannehill] is one of the most fascinating figures in this draft. There’s no way he should be going in the top ten in my opinion.”
Blair Kerkhoff, on the Texas A&M quarterback who has risen up the mock draft boards the past few weeks, 810 AM
GH: Tannehill will be the green room focus for this draft. Does he go in the top ten or fall out of the first round completely? Some believe he is a target for the Chiefs with the 11th pick.

“I think the best landing spots for Tannehill are in order: 1. Chiefs 2. Bills 3. Dolphins.”
Matt Williamson, @WilliamsonNFL, Twitter

“Mel Kiper on Tannehill: ‘If he plays this year, he'll be a bust. ... He is not ready to play. Jacksonville didn't know that with Gabbert.’”
Evan Silva, @evansilva, Twitter

“At some point this [Chiefs] team has to draft and develop a quarterback. And every year you don’t do that I consider that a wasted year.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM

“Matt Cassel is on the clock folks. If he doesn’t go out there and perform, there are no more excuses for Matt Cassel. If Matt Cassel fails, this organization is screwed.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM

“I don’t care if you take an offensive player in every round; there is no way to make this a top-ten offense because Matt Cassel is under center.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Cassel is getting very little love of late. I still think the guy is more than serviceable with a decent offensive line and a running game – two things that were sorely missing in 2011.

“This probably won’t make me very popular in Kansas City but I’m holding out hope on Matt Cassel. I still think there is enough potential to see what he can do. There were a lot of things stacked against Matt Cassel last year. He deserves another year to show what he can do. But I agree, they should definitely draft a quarterback.”
Matt Miller, NFL draft expert of BleacherReport.com, 810 AM

“[Drafting Tannehill] would be a very ballsy, gutsy type of move. … So I’m guessing they’ll do something on the line.”
Kevin Harlan, when asked if he thinks the Chiefs might draft the A&M quarterback, 810 AM
GH: Tannehill looks to be a risk pick. Few believe Scott Pioli can afford missing with his top choice in his third draft. He already fanned on his first head coach pick. He cannot afford to make another costly mistake. He will more likely trade his pick and move down.

“Reason I think DeCastro is the guy is because GM's future rides on Cassel succeeding. Best chance of that is surrounding him with great OL.”
Kent Babb, @kentbabb, Twitter

“I do think there is a chance the Chiefs could become a top-five team on defensive [with a defensive pick].”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“No one, NO ONE thinks they should be drafted where they are drafted. They all think they should have been drafted higher. Every time I call an agent they say the same thing; ‘I can’t believe you got him where you did.’”
Andrew Brandt, sports business analyst for ESPN, 810 AM
GH: It is the American way – we all think we are smarter, thinner, funnier and better looking than reality says.

“I think a team that needs to change its image such as the Chiefs, I think [HBO’s] Hard Knocks could be good for them.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: It would be convenient. Apparently, the Arrowhead offices are already wired for audio and sound.

“We have no show [Thursday] on day one of the NFL draft. It’s going to be a bummer.”
Danny Parkins, whose show will be preempted by the Royals’ Thursday afternoon game in Cleveland, 610 AM
GH: Has anyone checked out 610’s local replacement for the Jim Rome Show? I am hearing a lot of begging from Parkins for listeners to tune in and listen more. That is typically not a good sign.

“I think there is a chance that the Chiefs get a pretty good complimentary running back in this draft.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: Riveting insight here from Mitch. I am pretty sure Mitch doesn’t know any more about what Pioli is thinking than @FakeNed.

“I don’t think all draft rooms are the same. This one looks like some kind of situation room in the bottom of the Pentagon. I kid you not.”
Mitch Holthus, on the Chiefs’ draft room, 810 AM
GH: Did the Pentagon try and draft Tyson Jackson?

“Because the [Royals] sucks, doesn’t mean we suck. Because the team sucks, doesn’t mean you suck. It’s still okay to be a Royals’ fan. It’s up to them to make you happy.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Words to live by – especially for Chiefs and Royals fans.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“People who know me know that I am not a spinner. … It never was intended to be primarily about performance on the field.”
Toby Cook, on the Royals’ controversial “Our Time” advertising campaign theme, 810 AM
GH: Let’s take Cook at his word and pretend that the Royals’ marketing department was oblivious to how their Our Time campaign would be perceived by their target audience. Let’s pretend that the Royals’ marketing department was shocked at our response to seeing Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer in Royals uniforms stare into the camera and passionately tell Royals’ fans, “Kansas City, this is our time.” I guess we are also supposed to pretend that George Bret guy was in the Our Time ads to promote the sold-out All-Star game? Toby, please. While you may not be a spinner, your after-the-fact explanation falls flatter than a Ned Yost bunt. If Our Time was not, “intended to be primarily about performance on the field,” the Royals’ marketing staff could not be more out of touch with the Royals’ fan base than if they were outsourced to India.

“It was as talked about a campaign as I’ve ever seen with the Royals. I think the perception became that it was about team performance. … People obviously wanted to embrace it.”
Toby Cook, 810 AM
GH: Hell yes we wanted to embrace it! It has been 27 years since the Royals’ fans have tasted the postseason! When we hear from the organization that this is our time, we jumped on that like Jason Whitlock used to hit a Gates Presidential Platter! So don’t point at the fans and blame us for misinterpreting your message. Your message was a bold and risky move that blew up in your ticket-taking faces. Own it.

“I ain’t buying what I heard from Toby Cook.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Cook was a guest of the Border Patrol, a half hour before Petro’s show came on 810. Nate Bukaty and Steven St. John did not push Cook on his explanation except to say they bought into the Our Time campaign and were excited about it. They never pushed Cook to explain how he could think the ad campaign could be perceived in any other way than it was about the Royals’ on-field performance. Petro needed to call Cook back up and get him on The Program for a proper grilling.

“We’re going to continue it.”
Toby Cook, when asked about the Royals’ “Our Time” marketing campaign, 810 AM
GH: Perfect. Why would we expect anything less from an organization that has proven time and time again to be as flexible as Biscotti?  Cook was also on The Border Patrol to promote an upcoming “no fees” Saturday where all tickets [except for the Yankees’ series] purchased on the Royals’ website on that day would not be subjected to online fees. Huh? This is supposed to induce Royals’ fans to buy tickets? Not charging for trumped on online fees that make no sense anyway? Again, perfect.

“#AlternateRoyalsSlogans.”
Royals Nation, @RoyalsNation, Twitter
GH: Here are some of the suggestions on Twitter for alternate Royals slogans;

• Come out to The K every Saturday for tryouts. #yourtime
• Expectations are our Achilles heel
• We’re the best at being the worst
• 12 wins in ‘12
• FUBAR
• Home of the $9 beer
• Same shit, new season
• Our managers make you feel smart
• We widened the concourse!
• Not many wins, but plenty of parking
• Look at our WAR!
• Major League IV
• At least you’re outside

“It’s stunning to me that [the Royals] are struggling like this. … I’ve thought so many of the moves the Royals have made have been great.”
Buster Olney, MLB analyst for ESPN, 810 AM
GH: The biggest mistake some fans are making is thinking this Royals’ team is bereft of talent. They are not. Nervous Ned has infected this talented group of youngsters and he needs to be eradicated.

“The Walking Ned.”
Matt Downing, @RealMagicMatt, when asked for headline suggestions for The Star, Twitter

“The Royals have clinched the All-Star game.”
Steve Levy, in mocking the Royals’ 12th straight loss in Sportscenter, ESPN

“Sure, you hate Twitter. You say it's the biggest waste of time since the Kansas City Royals.”
Rick Reilly, ESPN.com
GH: Yes, the national media has now targeted the Royals as an easy joke. Our Time indeed.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“The most important thing we do now is stay calm and stay the course.”
Ned Yost, after the Kansas City Royals lost their 10th consecutive game of the season’s first home stand and their 11th straight overall, 610 AM
GH: There is a time for remaining calm. It was about a week ago. After 11 losses in a row and a winless 10-game home stand? Bad things need to happen. Very bad.

“I think Ned is trying to do everything he can. I know Ned and his staff are trying to stay calm but Whitey Herzog was not that way. I think sometimes a manager has to say something to his players.”
Fred Patek, former Royals’ shortstop, 810 AM
GH: Patek is a very nice guy and in his very nice way he is saying that Yost needs to go Hal McRae on his team of youngsters. Yost doesn’t have much time left. It is our time to chuck an iPad at Bob Dutton tonight in Cleveland and do it while swinging a bottle of hooch. Let’s get this party started, Ned. Bring down the house and invite YouTube.

“Get Dan Glass out of the Royals’ front office [as president]. He doesn’t have the resume and he’s not any good at it. The experiment and the fun is over! This is a really horrible business plan. Dan has got to go!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I do not know of a soul not related to the Glass family who thinks Dan is competent. But is he really making any decisions as to the ball club? Dan is like the special needs kid who gets to run untouched for a TD as the clock run down because the other team feels sorry for him. He doesn’t even count. Sure, get rid of Danno but I don’t see him as the reason the Royals are 3-12. It’s the guys KK doesn’t want to fire who are making the day-to-day decisions who need a head slap. Read on.

“I don’t think Ned Yost deserves to be fired yet. I don’t. I don’t think Dayton Moore deserves to be fired yet. I may change my mind. [Fire] the hitting coach? No. You want to change the culture around there, change the top.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I don’t really care about “the culture.” I care about winning some damn baseball games. Ned Yost is a sourpuss who is absolutely petrified when it comes to doing anything but play small ball. He was the wrong guy when Moore hired him and he is even more wrong now.

“since 1994 (season after mr.k's death) royals have had 2 winning seasons ('94-'03) they've lost 100+ four times/franchise is pathetic!!”
Frank Boal, @realfrankboal, Twitter
GH: That is just stunningly awful. It is amazing anyone still cares.

“It’s been awesome to hear boos out there some, because actually the fan base cares.”
Jeff Francoeur, Fox4kc.com
GH: Francoeur would never make it as a Royals TV analyst.

“Yost said no one is getting comfortable with the losing... I would argue the fans are. And that's not a knock on the fans at all... Not many people I talked at the K tonight expected a win, that's all I'm saying.”
Danny Parkins, @DannyParkins, Twitter
GH: Parkins couldn’t be more out of touch with Royals’ fans. He has confused genetic imprinting with comfort.

“If the fans are positive, I don’t know what they are positive about, we haven’t had a lot of things go our way.”
Billy Butler, Fox4kc.com

“Our Time, in our minds mostly was the All-Star game, the All-Star summer and the fact that it’s coming it’s getting closer and closer to us being a competitor.”
Toby Cook, Royals spokesperson, downplaying the implied arrogance associated with the Royals’ signature slogan for the 2012 season, Fox4kc.com
GH: So it’s Our Time for the All-Star game? Give me a swift kick in the Yost! Please, do not attempt to back off from this embarrassing moment in Royals’ marketing history. A campaign that I bought into and got juiced over has turned into a nightmare reminder of the organization’s decade after decade of incompetence and just how foolish we Royals’ fans are made to feel each spring.

“You know what this year feels like right now? 67-95.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“[Sunday] I found myself asking parents, ‘Are you going to do this to your kid? Are you going to raise your kid to be a Royals’ fan?’”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Do parents have much of an influence any more over what teams their kids follow and root for? Is it all about geography? Are we Royals fans simply because we live in or around KC? Was it because George Brett was drafted by the Royals and became our Babe Ruth? Why are you a Royals fan?

“[Hosmer’s] on to something [quitting Twitter]. He’s right. I’m not sure I blame him. I can’t see anything positive that can come of it. Focus on baseball and forget about the goofy stuff. ”
Kevin Kietzman, after the Royals’ first baseman announced he was quitting Twitter, 810 AM
GH: Twitter is far more than “the goofy stuff.” When KK reacts to technology like he was Don Fortune, it makes me cringe. Tweeting is not why Twitter works. Twitter is an immediate news source for any and every interest known to man…and even a few women who know how to use a cell phone. KK probably would have thought Marconi’s invention was goofy stuff had he been around in the days of the cutting-edge telegraph.

“With a young team, it’s very important that they go through adversity too. You have to learn how to deal with that. I think it’s going to pay dividends in the long run.”
Ned Yost, somehow attempting to spin an 11-game skid into a necessary evil, 610 AM
GH: This is one of the most ridiculous statements a Royals’ manager can make. How could any Royals’ player be so unaccustomed to adversity that they would view an 11-game skid as a character builder? This same team lost 91 games in 2011. How much freaking losing does a young player need, Nedley?

“The way they are spinning it they are making it sound like this is good, this is part of the plan.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“It’s a great time to hit the road.”
Denny Matthews, after the Royals dropped their 11th in a row, Royals Radio
GH: Matthews has been droll and almost funny during this losing streak. It is as if he doesn’t really give a damn anymore and knows the Royals have no say in what he says. The radio broadcasts could become must-hear entertainment if this losing continues.

“In 1980 the Padres pulled Jerry Coleman out of the broadcast booth and made him the manager. Denny Mathews it is your time.”
Greg Schaum, @Greg_Schaum, Twitter
GH: Can you see Denny managing the Royals? He’d cut out all warm-up tosses between innings, have his hitters working as if they had an 0-2 count when they got to the plate and leave in the seventh if the game was over two hours old.

“I feel really, really bad for those guys. I really feel for those guys in the clubhouse. It’s not any fun to play on a losing team at all.”
Fred Patek, after the Royals 11th straight loss, 810 AM
GH: MLB players no longer are sympathetic figures to the fans. Sure, we know they hurt due to the losing but they’re all millionaires who don’t live in our town or even our universe. How many current Royals even know who Freddie Patek is?

“It’s not the losing streak that wants to make me snap. It’s that the Royals apparently have learned nothing from an entire generation of losing. … Anyway, I’m bitter and angry and probably incomprehensible at this point, so I’m going to take a time out. I’m tired of being a dupe. I’ve tried to blend realism and optimism since I started covering the Royals 16 years ago, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to argue that those two traits are reconcilable. Apparently, I was a sucker to suggest that the Royals might be a .500 team this year. … I’m angry with myself. I’ve spent literally thousands of hours writing about this team over the last four years, to say nothing about the time spent watching them, reading about them, thinking about them, perusing box scores of their complex league team…it’s not an exaggeration to say that the Royals have simply overwhelmed the free time in my life. If they continue to suck the life out of their fans, I’ll find something else to do with my time. I don’t need to let the Royals consume my life in order to be a fan. So I’m going to dial it back a little.”
Rany Jazayerli, RanyontheRoyals.com
GH: Rany’s post will send shockwaves through the Royals cyber fanbase. There is no one more loyal toward the Royals or more difficult to dissuade than Rany. If Rany goes, no fan is safe. Are the Royals listening?

“To be honest with you, we need to get out a can of whup-ass for about nine games and score a bunch of runs.”
Jeff Francoeur, 810 AM
GH: Somebody sign up Frenchy for the Royals' marketing team.

“Down in Cleveland. Tomorrow is a new day. The season is young and I love my squad. Support thru this stretch has been 2nd to none. We got this.”
Danny Duffy, @dduffkc23, Royals pitcher, Twitter
GH: A glimmer of hope here. Just a glimmer, but at least a sign of hope.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“The Royals are in free-fall, and you’re out jogging at the Boston Marathon? Time to get back to town and write some articles!”
Scott in Colorado, OTC Reader mail

GH: I agree, Scott. Buckle up and charge ahead. The OTC is back on track. Read on.

“There’s no more settling for mediocrity in this organization.”
George Brett, as the Royals opened their 2012 season, 610 AM
GH: 610 Sports has been using this audio cut from Brett as a promotional spot for their Royals’ coverage. It is a haunting reminder to the Royals, to their fans and to MLB that the expectations surrounding this Royals’ club are different this year. And when heightened expectations are not met – and that is putting the Royals’ comatose start mildly – the boo birds start howling.

“Twitter has helped me rediscover my love for Royals with all the good fans here, but I feel like I’m hitting an all-time low with them.”
Robert Sigrist, @DocSig, Twitter
GH: I read my Twitter timeline while in Boston and I could not believe the panic mode that had already set in with many Royals’ fans – and that was five losses ago! Read on.

“The Royals can be this bad. They can be this bad all year and we know it. No fun when you can take zero pleasure from an escape.”
Aaron Boyd, @fakecyrilfiggis, Twitter
GH: This is the scariest of thoughts – that what we are seeing is what we have here in “Our Time.”

“I cannot handle these absurd ourtime commercials right now.”
Tim Scott, @timscott411, former in-stadium MC, Twitter
GH: The incessant Our-Time TV spots remind me of the Chiefs’ TV ads at the start of this past season when the Chiefs were getting pounded yet fans were telling us what a special place Arrowhead is. I am surprised the Royals did not have a contingency plan for this bold and somewhat arrogant marketing campaign. The Cleveland Indians had fun with the theme. Read on.

“Huge team win tonight, time for a sweep of the Royals. It’s not ‘Our Time,’ it’s TribeTime. P.S. You hit us, we hit you. Period.”
Chris Perez, Indians’ closer, Twitter
GH: Perez was fined by MLB for “demonstrated a reckless disregard for the players on both clubs.” Maybe MLB should fine the Royals’ marketing department for the same thing.

“Rumor true? If Royals drop to 3-15, All-Star Game is moved from Kansas City to NYC as part of rare ‘performance clause?’ ”
Chris Earl, @chrisearl9, Twitter

“I’m ready for a Ned Yost explosion. Perhaps time to try some tough love.”
Mark Carman, @thecarm, Twitter
GH: Nervous Ned seems only capable of mild irritation and that is when Nate Bukaty asks him a question. Managers get fired over 10-game losing streaks. Even in April. Ned needs to be just as accountable as his players – maybe more so.

“10 straight. Does this officially put Ned Yost on death watch? Changes must be made somewhere.”
Brian Spano, @kcspano, Twitter

“I just don’t know what the benefit is if you remove the manager when the team in 3-12.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: The major benefit is that the fired manager is no longer here and another guy is in his place. Sounds like a benefit to me.

“Poor play would have to continue into June & July.”
Robert Ford, @raford3, Twitter, on what it would take to get Royals thinking about firing Yost, Twitter
GH: Does David Glass have that kind of patience to wait until June if this continues? No way. I would guess Yost has until mid-May at best and very possibly could get canned on one of the next two road trips.

“I think this is the year that the free pass ends for Dayton Moore. Is this team better off than when Allard Baird was the general manager? I don’t know that they are. I think some fans have come to the conclusion that Dayton Moore is ultimately to blame for this team being as bad as it is.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: No. The problem is Ned Yost. The real one.

“I understand why we might want the manager fired but Ned Yost was also the manager of this team in September and nobody wanted to fire him. I thought the way he managed the team was very, very good. I don’t see how [the poor play] is on the manager. I just don’t.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe want to fire Dayton Moore instead. Every MLB expert for the past three years has raved about the Royals’ organization’s talent. So you want to fire the guy who delivered all that talent and those minor-league titles? Moore stays, Yost blows, uh, er, I mean goes.

“I think the manager stays but the hitting coach may be gone. Something’s going to happen.”
Jack Harry, TV 41
GH: Mad Jack wants to can Seitzer? The hitting guru who Gordon and Francoeur credit with their turnaround seasons in 2011? No.

“If we need to make some moves, we’ll make some moves.”
Ned Yost, in his postgame comments following the Royals’ tenth-straight loss, Foxsports
GH: Try taking a six-month vacation to watch some NASCAR, Ned.

“Only in sports can you be this bad in your industry and make money like the royals. Any other biz would be nailing up plywood!”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter
GH: There are a few other businesses that allow for mediocrity. Cable television comes to mind.

“That’s a bad ‘caught stealing’ when you’re down by three [runs].”
Denny Matthews, on Jason Bourgeois’ ill-fated steal attempt in the eighth, Royals Radio
GH: My jaw dropped when Bourgeois attempted this steal. It sounded like Denny’s did as well. Will the Royals now can Matthews for being too negative on the air about the home team? Here’s an idea, let’s fire the guy who manages a team that steals while down three in the bottom of the eighth.

“The Royals were just caught stealing for a league-leading eighth time in 15 games. I don’t think that’s good.”
Rustin Dodd, @rustindodd, Twitter
GH: As Yost said about the Royals aggressive base running, “It’s who we are.” Who you are is 3-12, Yostie.

“Being hyper aggressive [stealing bases] is not the solution here. That’s not being aggressive, that’s just being stupid. Stupid baseball, I’m just kind of fed up with. They need to stop giving away outs. Even though the situation cries out for conservative base running, the Blue Jays knew the Royals were going to try and run. They pitched out! That to me is just astonishing!”
Rany Jazayerli, of Ranyontheroyals.com, 810 AM
GH: Hallelujah! Speak on, Brother Rany!

“I don’t even know where to start. It was just ugly. It was absolutely ugly. The Royals just seemed like they were completely out of it today. Just completely out of it. It just looks absolutely ugly out there right now.”
Robert Ford, host of 610’s Royals’ postgame call-in show, opening his radio show Sunday afternoon, 610 AM
GH: Ford is not a negative guy. He is very slow to criticize the Royals. Even he has reached that point. A 10-game losing skid the first month of Our Time will do that.

“Can they salvage a win in this home stand? The Royals are our top story here this morning.”
E.J. Becker, opening KMBZ 8:00 AM news report, 980 AM
GH: The Royals are making the kind of news they thought was over. How long before Jay Leno gets them in his monologue?

“The Royals have yet to win a game at home and it seems to be wearing on the fans. There were lots of empty seats for the game Sunday against the Blue Jays.”
Ellen Schenk, 980 AM

“Who do we blame for this? To me, 100% of the blame is on the players.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: I am not all that concerned about the Royals poor start. We knew the starting pitching would be spotty at best but the hitting is not nearly as bad as the numbers. I don’t see any reason to keep Yost. He bores me and he looks lost all too often. This team is talented and I like watching them play. I’d fire Yost, get a good young energetic guy in here from within the Royals minor-league organization who knows these players and let’s get it going. There is still an entire summer ahead.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“This is the team Kansas City has been waiting on for a generation, really, but more specifically for the six years since Dayton Moore became general manager and talked about building baseball’s best farm system and winning games with homegrown players and eventually putting a parade through the Plaza.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: We have heard the names Hosmer, Moustakas, Duffy, etc. for years. We dreamed about their arrival. Opening Day is here as are they. It is our time? Better question – is it their time?

“This is the group that will re-energize the passion of what was once one of America’s great baseball towns or it is the group that will have failed with the kinds of resources and talent we haven’t seen locally in two decades.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: Gulp. There isn’t much gray area here for these youngsters to tread. Win some division titles and get the Royals back into the postseason or consider your careers a failure. Play ball.

“I just want to get opening day by us so we can get about our business. Once it’s over, everybody’s glad. You can just start going about your day-to-day business.”
Ned Yost, 610 AM
GH: Yost sounded like the demands on him and his team on opening day were almost insufferable. I’m glad Yost is comfortable enough to honestly tell the media how much he deplores what is the hometown team’s favorite day of the season – but why the need to be such a curmudgeon?  His comments were not well received on Twitter. Read on.

“Ned Yost = Oscar the Grouch. Dude hates opening day, might as well be Communist.”
Giancarlo Salazar, @KansasCityJSal, Twitter

“Along with not liking opening day, Ned Yost also hates finding money, free beer & puppy dogs.”
Craig Brenner, @craig_a_brenner, Twitter

“[Yost] doesn’t let all the ancillary things that fans enjoy affect him. And I guess that’s kind of how you have to be. He really doesn’t have time for that stuff and in one way I can’t blame him.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: I can blame him. The guy is a freaking baseball manager! Somebody hand Ned a wrench and tell him he’s changing oil at Jiffy Lube today instead of getting his hind end kissed by media schlubs like Fescoe. Yost can’t wait to put the “pressures” of opening day behind him so he can sit on his rear for 155 more game and look interested.

“I’m always excited about opening day – but more so this year. It’s special to be around these guys. They played well [during spring training] and they really like each other. It’s like a playoff atmosphere in the stadium on opening day.”
George Brett, 810 AM
GH: Whether Brett means what he says or not, he at least understands the importance of opening day in Kansas City. Royals’ fans haven’t had much to cheer about the last 25 years. Opening day has been one of our few good days. Somebody tell Nervous Ned.

“Horace Washington [will sing the national anthem]. He is actually a fantastic jazz musician here in Kansas City. We’re actually going to hear a different rendition of the national anthem.”
Toby Cook, 610 AM
GH: How many more “different” renditions of the anthem are there that we haven’t heard?

“If you’re going to be out at the game a little early [Friday], I’ll just give you a little clue – look for an airplane in the sky. 810 is going to have a little banner in the sky. We think it’s kind of cute, kind of clever, it’s kind of fun. I think you’ll get a kick out of it.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman was coy about what 810’s banner will have to say or what it will address but typically these things are directed at the competition. I feel safe to say the plane’s banner will not be nearly as inflammatory as Nick Wright’s Thursday afternoon comments concerning Kietzman and his well-known past indiscretions. Read on.

“There are a lot of people right now who do the exact same thing who are mocking Bobby Petrino. I debated whether or not I was going to go here…”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wright did not debate long. He dove in with both feet and KK’s primary appendage. Read on.

“Yesterday, I’m driving in my car and got the day off so I said, ‘Let me just check out what the competition is talking about today. Let’s see what my old pal Kietz is talking about.’ And in one of the most awfulest, uncomfortable, intentionally or unintentionally ironic situations maybe ever, my pal across the dial is talking about how embarrassing it must be for Bobby Petrino because he was caught by the cops cheating on his wife with a younger co-worker.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Longtime Kansa City sports talk radio listeners had no trouble following Wright’s storyline. I am sure thought that there are a number of listeners who turned up their dial to listen to this tale for the first time. Wright did not disappoint the old or the new.

“It is a long-held belief that Kevin Kietzman was caught by the cops in a precarious sexual position with a lady he was not married to who worked for him, it is somewhat awkward when then that same person talks about the cops catching Bobby Petrino with a women he’s not married to in a somewhat awkward position.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: If Bobby was reenacting the same “awkward position” that was allegedly performed in KK’s vehicle, I would expect his mistress to be the one wearing the neck brace.

“Shouldn’t you have a little bit of self-awareness? If it’s relatively well documented that in your own personal history you had an issue with a co-worker while married and the police and a sexual relationship? Shouldn’t you just maybe punt on the Bobby Petrino story?”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: More than a decade has passed since KK’s Mission Hills maneuver. While his memory of the event may have faded, Wright seems to be well versed in the details.

“If it was relatively well known that the lady you’re currently married to was at one point your subordinate, and at one point you may or may not have been caught engaging in some activity while married by the police, maybe you don’t discuss the time when the sports guy gets caught by the police with a subordinate. I was listening and thinking that the guy’s been successful for a long time and maybe this is why. A complete tone-deafness to what’s going on around him. Maybe that’s the skill that I need.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“I just love the reaction on the text line. Some people just love you and think this is the greatest show in the history of KC radio and others are saying you’re better than this.”
Mark Carman, on the listeners’ reactions to Wright discussing Kietzman’s “boldness,” 610 AM

“No, I’m not better than this. My only job is to entertain and/or inform. I feel like this is a little entertainment.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“I don’t think I’m ever going to be caught in that situation. Most of the interns here are 22-year-old guys.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Cannot wait to see what that 810 banner has to say flying above The K today.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“This goes into The Pantheon of Royals Fail. With Harvey getting hit in the back and Coco blinded by seagulls.”
Craig Brown, @royalsauthority, after the Royals’ closer, Jonathan Broxton, blew the save giving up two runs to Oakland by walking two batters and then hitting two in succession to force in the winning run in the bottom of the 12th, Twitter
GH: And we had hoped these kind of losses had ended. In my best Jason Whitlock gargle; “Somewhere Ken Harvey is rolling a blunt and chuckling.”

“That’s as angry as I’ve been after a game because I allowed myself to think the Royals had won it [in the top of the 12th]. Losses like this are tough to take once you decide to emotionally invest in a team like many of us have. Many of us believe it is our time.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

“Love the royals but they never love me back...”
Bryce Kemper, @CoachKMBDragons, Twitter

“Personally, I like the way Ned handled it.”
Buster Olney, ESPN MLB columnist, on Yost’s decision to not remove Jonathan Broxton in the 12th after he walked two and hit one to load the bases, 810 AM
GH: What was not to like? Yost did nothing while watching Broxton repeatedly miss the strike zone until he hit two batters with consecutive pitches. At one point Yost stood up with his hands in his pockets looking as if he wanted to make a change or at least go out to the mound but seemed paralyzed by indecision. I’m sure Broxton feels great today about the way things went down.

“How loyal can you be to a guy who’s been your closer for a week? A week! Clearly something was wrong. You have no reason to have blind loyalty to Jonathan Broxton.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: When Kyle Farnsworth blew an early save on the road in his first season with the Royals in 2009, he was greeted with loud boos when introduced to the opening day crowd at The K. I would suggest to Broxton to expect the same rude welcome on Friday from those fans who have been told this is our time.

“The way it kind of fell apart here, I’m speechless.”
Rex Hudler, after the Royals blew a one-run lead in the 12th in Oakland, Royals Television
GH: So the meltdown wasn’t a complete loss.

“It doesn’t take anything away from the talented team we’re seeing out there though, Joel.”
Rex Hudler, to Joel Goldberg following the blown save in Oakland, Royals Television
GH: Not even a two-walk, two-HBP blown save is going to get the Wonder Dog down.

“Do they have any seat belts on the chairs up in the broadcast booth [at The K] because I’m having a hard time sitting down here now!”
Rex Hudler, on his excitement for the young Royals, Royals Television

“The Chiefs need a nose tackle to compliment that defense. I’d take [Washington’s] Alameda Ta’amu over [Memphis’ Dontari Poe] every time.”
Russ Lande, of GMJunior.com, 610 AM
GH: Poe is a name that many mock drafts believe to be the best nose tackle in the 2012 draft. Lande is not one of them. Read on.

“One of the misnomers of this draft is that Dontari Poe is a nose tackle. He’s a big man but when you watch him on film he’s not really playing a nose tackle position where he has to take on blockers and be strong at the point of attack. He’s a great physical specimen but to me he’s not a guy you want to bank your first-round pick on. I think Dontari Poe is a huge risk as a nose tackle.”
Russ Lande, of GMJunior.com, 610 AM
GH: Lande is also much higher on TAMU’s Ryan Tannehill than most of us here in Big 12 country. Read on.

“[Tannehill] has tremendous intangibles. His upside is rare because he has such physical gifts. I think the Browns at four are still a consideration [to draft Tannehill]. In my opinion, Tannehill is worth a top-10 pick and is going to be an outstanding NFL quarterback.”
Russ Lande, of GMJunior.com, 610 AM
GH: How loud would the screams be from Chiefs Nation if Tannehill is their top pick at 11? Very.

“There is a ton of smoke but there is no fire. There is no chance the Chiefs draft Ryan Tannehill at number 11.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“The NFL guys that have been scouting him know a lot more than we do after we watched him play [at Texas A&M] for a coach who didn’t even know what he had. So we agree that Tannehill is probably better than what we thought.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the Big 12 perception that Tannehill is not a first-round quality QB, 810 AM
GH: We know Tannehill as the QB at A&M that both Mizzou and K-State beat. Kietzman makes some sense here – Tannehill is getting a lot of love from NFL scouts who know their business well.

“I get the general feeling from Scott [Pioli] that 11 is not a bad place to be because you can maneuver up or down. It’s better to be 11 than 10 sometimes. It’s not a bad spot to be in. … They don’t really want to draft out of a need pick.”
Mitch Holthus, on the Chiefs draft position, 810 AM
GH: Fans want a sexy first-round pick and GMs often want to trade it for additional picks. But if the Chiefs do decide to use their pick at 11, there is no shortage of predictions on who it should be. Read on.

“It will be hard for the Chiefs to pass on David DeCastro [offensive guard from Stanford] if he’s there at the number-11 spot. He could be one of the best offensive linemen to come out of college in the last decade. I rank Castro as the number six player in this draft and that’s the highest I’ve ever ranked a guard in the ten years I’ve been around with the NFL draft.”
Matt Miller, NFL draft expert of BleacherReport.com, 810 AM

“If you’re drafting in the top half of the draft and you’re drafting an offensive lineman, I think you’re wasting a draft choice. I think Scott Pioli kind of thinks the same thing.”
Kevin Kietzman, who favors drafting a skill-position player in the first round, 810 AM

“The 11th pick needs to be a Pro-Bowler – a Chiefs’ Ring-of-Honor kind of guy.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM

“I’m not a big Luke Kuechly fan. I think he makes too many tackles five and six yards down the line. I think you want a guy who will plug the hole. In the 3-4 [defense], I don’t know if he’s strong enough. I think [the Chiefs] could do much better there trying to find an inside linebacker. I know a lot of fans love Kuechly but he’s not a great fit for the 3-4.”
Matt Miller, NFL draft expert of BleacherReport.com, on the top linebacker prospect out of Boston College, 810 AM

“You mean during the draft? No, I’ve never been in the draft room during the draft. I was in the draft room a week ago.”
Mitch Holthus, answering Kietzman’s question on if he’d ever been in the Chiefs’ draft room, 810 AM
GH: Okay, so Mitch might not be as much of a Chiefs’ insider as Kietz’s thought.

“What I’m learning is that [Bubba Watson] just cries all the time. How do you get to the point where every time you bring up your wife’s name you start crying? What is that? There’s just something different about him, know what I mean? He’s lost his dad, but he’s a grown man! He was 32 when he lost his dad. He goes on Piers Morgan’s show and cries four times in an hour! What is up with this guy? He’s got some demons in him.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the winner of the Masters frequent show of emotion, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman had this conversation with Jack Harry and Harry seemed to be as puzzled by KK’s statements as I. How does Bubba showing emotion translate to having some demons in him? We are all built different when it comes to handling our emotions in a public setting. The older I get the more difficult it is to maintain my composure when the subject involves my family. I don’t consider that being caused by a demon in any way.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“He’s only going to get better.”
Mitch Maier, Royals outfielder, on Danny Duffy’s spectacular outing in Oakland, Kansas City Star
GH: Duffy is coming off a 4-8 season where he fashioned a disappointing 5.64 ERA. He gave up only one hit Tuesday night and struck out eight in six innings. If he improves on that outing, he can make room on his shelf for some Cy Young hardware.

“We’ve played before small crowds before, we’ve played in inclement weather. That doesn’t affect it.”
Bob Melvin, A’s manager, on losing 3-0 in the rain to the Royals, bayareanewsgroup.com
GH: The “crowd” at the Oakland Coliseum was estimated at 2,000. While the rain kept the majority of expected 10,000 A’s fans away, there can’t be a more dreary place in MLB than Oakland. The stadium is ancient, cavernous and the team itself has little scoring pop or appeal. With the sexy Giants just across the Bay drawing turn-away crowds, you have to wonder how long before the A’s look to move their franchise yet again.

“Royals expect attendance to be over 2 million. Would be the first time since 1991.”
Sam Mellinger, @mellinger, Twitter
GH: Almost 20 years since the Royals have drawn two million fans. Is this still a baseball town? I think it is – but with a linebacker’s mentality. We are not St. Louis, where baseball reigns year round and football is an off-season distraction. The K will be a different place this summer than the past 20. This summer expectation and promise will be in the throats of the fans in blue.

“STL Cardinals have held lead in 45 of 55 innings this season.”
Dennis Dodd, @dennisdodd, Twitter
GH: The Pujols-less Cards are 5-1 and have outscored their opponents 34-17. The 4-0 Detroit Tigers have outscored their opponents 31-16. Texas is 4-1 and has a 23-11 advantage on their opposition. It is only the first week of the season but these three teams appear to be October-bound. It will be interesting to see if all three make it to the postseason.

“Rex is Rex. This is how he played. What the fans are seeing is not anything fake at all. He’s hyper. He’s a guy who likes to talk but he’s always on the positive side. Right now I think Rex might be trying a little bit too hard. He needs to relax and be himself.”
Frank White, in an interview with Kevin Kietzman, on Hudler, the Royals new TV analyst that replaced White, 810 AM
GH: White knows Hudler and obviously likes him – as most people who know Hudler do. White doesn’t appear to be enjoying the public outcry from Royals’ fans out Hudler’s TV work. Read on.

“You can’t always be in that mode where everything is great. You have got to be able to talk about things that aren’t so great. But talk about them in a way that’s not negative.”
Frank White, on Hudler’s positive spin, 810 AM
GH: Hudler is not a rookie to television. He spent 11 years with the Angels. I don’t think he has any intention of being anything less that bubbly and optimistic.

“I’ve been watching and listening to the [other MLB] games all spring and no one is doing the analytical job like the Royals are asking for. They’re doing the game like it’s supposed to be done. If a guy makes a mistake, he makes a mistake. If he should of done this, he should have done it. You have to talk about it. As long as [the Royals] take that [positive only] approach, whoever they bring in here is not going to be the right guy.”
Frank White, 810 AM
GH: The Royals have who they want in Hudler. I do not think they are all that concerned what their audience wants in an analyst. Are you and I NOT going to watch because Hudler is goofy and doesn’t critique the Royals’ play? Nope. The Royals want to control their message and that is why Hudler’s in and White is out.

“Nobody wants the obvious anymore.”
Frank White, 810 AM
GH: What is interesting to me is that the obvious is exactly what it appears the Royals want to deliver to their fans via their broadcasts. It is disappointing to me that they are so concerned with controlling their broadcast team that they would force the square Hudler into the hole Paul Splittorff and Frank White left.

“[Frank White] knew what he was doing. I think he knew this was going to happen.”
Kevin Kietzman, insinuating White intentionally booked an Arizona vacation to be out of town once the Royals’ season started to avoid Rex Hudler comparisons, 810 AM
GH: Or maybe Frank just liked having the first week of April off for a change.

“I’m not going to take it out on Hudler. I think they botched this broadcasting thing about as bad as you can this year.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK and Nick Wright have both led the charge to not blame Rex. Why? I get that he’s a nice guy but that is not the job description for a TV analyst. The media is all too often ready to blast away at an athlete or coach but withdraws their claws when it comes to bashing one of their own.

“[Monday] night [Hudler] broke the number-one sin in broadcasting. Ryan [Lefebvre] said Chili Davis had quite a year for the Royals in ’97. And not 45 seconds later, Hudler says, ‘Didn’t Chili Davis get a cup of coffee with the Royals?’ It was all Ryan could do to say, ‘Rex, I just said that!’ ”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: And I thought the number-one rule in broadcasting was to say something that people will want to remember and repeat. Score this round for the Wonder Dog.

“Is sleeping with the company help worse than driving around town drunk and getting arrested for a DUI? We had Coach Pinkel down at Mizzou.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe cannot help himself when it comes to slapping Mizzou.

“Yeah, hosts that are homers for their school are the WORST. RT @bobfescoe Gotta love the radio host thanking the [Arkansas] AD. Totally inappropriate.”
Nick Wright’s Twitter rebuttal to Bob Fescoe while both commented on the Arkansas press conference on Bobby Petrino’s firing, Twitter

“I don’t quite get your fascination with [Caller Eastside Earl] but whatever. It’s your show. You can do what you want. If you want Eastside Earl, you should have him. I’m not getting rich over here myself and we’re going to pay Eastside?”
Mark Carman, discussing the unique style and personality of one of Nick Wright’s favorite callers who is asking to be compensated for appearing on 610, 610 AM
GH: Have you heard the mumbling, rumbling voice of ESR on “Nicky’s” show? He sounds like a cross between a street-wise James Earl Jones and a lawnmower. I love that he is holding out to get “a little touch” for his time. Kansas City sports talk has all but eliminated the callers from the local shows but ESR has a chance to become a star.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“That’s the way we play. We play aggressive. We play to win. We don’t play safe. We pick our spots. Give them credit. They executed. A nice throw by Suzuki to get Hos with a fairly decent jump.”
Ned Yost, on his club getting three base runners tossed out in their 1-0 loss in Oakland Monday night, Kansas City Star
GH: This is the kind of attitude that gets a manager fired – or at least should. What kind of an explanation is, “That’s the way we play?” Hosmer getting thrown out trying to steal third is borderline fineable. Jeff Francoeur leaving first early is a rookie mistake by one of the team’s leaders. Playing aggressive sounds like a positive until you get shutout by Mayday Milone to give him his second career win.

“I would rather see guys be aggressive and run into an out here and there.”
Jaime Bluma, on the Royals’ aggressive base-running tactics, 810 AM
GH: The key phrase in Bluma’s quote is, “here and there.” Three base runners getting tossed in a shutout loss is more “here, here and here.”

“A good day to take a chill pill on the pine for nine.”
Rex Hudler, on Alex Gordon getting the day off in Oakland, Foxsports
GH: Hudler and many in the local media are asking Royals’ fans to take a chill pill on blasting P90Rex for his exuberant and goofy work as the Royals’ TV analyst. Read on.

“Rex is one of my all-time favorite people in baseball. He’s different, he’s fun. I would say give him a chance because he’s so much fun. You can turn on a game and you know you’re going to laugh. You’re going to be entertained. Give him a chance. When I think of Rex I laugh.”
Jason Stark, 810 AM

“He’s different, man. If he’s trying to tone it down, to me that’s scary. That’s scary if you’re trying to change who you are as a broadcaster.”
Soren Petro, on Rex Hudler, 810 AM
GH: I would agree that trying to change who you are in front of the mic is not a typically a productive tactic – unless you are Rex Hudler. If this is who Hudler is, he isn’t going to work in Kansas City. We don’t cater to dumb here in Cowtown. Hudler strikes me as not bright.

“It’s almost impossible to follow Frank White. That’s why I think it’s one-and-done for Rex Hudler in Kansas City. It’s an almost impossible task to follow Frank White.”
Soren Petro, on Rex Hudler, 810 AM
GH: I listened to both Nick Wright and Ryan Lefebvre opine about how they can relate to Hudler’s woes in having work in a city where they were seen as an outsider. Lefebvre talked about having to replace the much-admired Frank White. Wright talked about being seen as a Syracuse outsider even in his hometown. These are simply feel-sorry-for-me excuses. A small percentage of the audience might continually resent you for replacing a favored voice but talent always wins out. Hudler’s problem with Royals’ fans is not that he is replacing Frank White. It is him sounding like he’s a silly circus clown instead of an entertaining and informative analyst. 

“Did you hear Nick Wright's interview of Rex Hudler [Monday] afternoon? Holy cow, was the guy drunk, or is that the way he is normally? His rambling explanations for his style, his enthusiasm, how he approaches his job, what the fans can expect, his genetics, his mother's advice....et al, were painful to listen to. To his credit, Wright tried to help the guy out of the holes he kept digging for himself with his stream of consciousness ramblings, but he just picked right back up and kept digging.”
Ed, OTC Read Mail
GH: I heard Wright’s interview with Hudler and he sounded the same as he did when he spoke with Kevin Kietzman on 810 – over-the-top enthusiastic about being alive. Wright made a large point about saying he believed this is not an act – that this is genuinely how Hudler acts on and off the air. Why would that matter? I would feel better if this was a shtick – at least that would mean there is an off switch.

“Major League Baseball scouts the whole world now!”
Rex Hudler, Foxsports
GH: Riveting insight, P90Rex.

“Kansas City can’t pass on [Texas A&M’s Ryan] Tannehill if he slips past Miami.”
Evan Silva, NFL draft analyst, ProFootball Talk.com
GH: This kind of talk is far scarier than P90Rex. Read on.

“I can’t believe how much [Ryan Tannehill to the Chiefs] talk is happening. I don’t believe there is any chance that the Chiefs do it. I would be shocked if Scott Pioli went away from Matt Cassel.”
Danny Parkins, 610 AM
GH: Pioli already showed he’s willing to dump Matt Cassel when the Chiefs made it known they were interested in Peyton Manning. But Tannehill reminds me far more of Todd Blackledge than Manning.

“I think if you have the opportunity to get Ryan Tannehill with the number-11 pick, you have to consider doing it.”
Carrington Harrison, on the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, 610 AM
GH: Harrison’s belief is that you can’t pass up drafting a franchise quarterback if one is available at the 11th pick. Keep moving, this is not the franchise quarterback you are looking for.

“We have the most unrealistic realistic fans of all time.”
Bill Self, Rock Chalk Sports Talk, 610 AM
GH: Self meant this as a compliment…I think.

“[Thomas Robinson] will never come close to the career Chris Weber had [in the NBA]. He doesn’t have the athletic tools. Weber is bigger and stronger. I think Thomas Robinson ideally ends up being the seventh man for the Celtics.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: I don’t think Petro is too far off. I think Robinson is going to impress the NBA with his motor and work ethic – and he is going to look great in that NBA uniform. But as far as a starter or star, he is going to find the talent in the NBA will make scoring in the paint difficult. But I expect him to spend seven or more years in the league and make a lot of money.

“Their goal keeper is so bored, he hasn’t faced a shot in 245 minutes.”
Nate Bukaty, on Sporting Kansas City’s 5-0 start, 810 AM
GH: And this passes for excitement in soccer.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“That’s like trying to sneak a piece of cheese past a hungry rat!”
Rex Hudler, the Royals’ new TV color analyst, describing a pitcher trying to get a looping curve ball past a hitter, on Foxsports
GH: I may wear out the exclamation mark key on my keyboard this summer quoting Hudler. Almost everything he has to say comes across as a punch in the face. His Friday night debut was not well received by the Royals’ fans/media I follow on Twitter. Steven St. John coined the term “P90Rex” to describe the manic style of The Wonder Dog. Read on.

“That’s what you call a knuckle sandwich! That’s a jam sandwich!”
Rex Hudler, describing an inside pitch, Foxsports

“Within three minutes there were 50 replies [to my request on Twitter about Rex Hudler’s debut Friday night]. One said he like him. Another said he wasn’t bad. And the rest just crushed him.”
Sam Mellinger, 610 AM
GH: I monitored Twitter through Friday night’s game and my take on the fans’ opinion of Hudler’s work was similar – except for the two fans who kind of liked him.

“For years, I said, the Royals needed a character in the booth…but that was more for the lean times. I always felt a big personality would be needed relief to the product on the field. Hudler was someone I often thought about for this job. … I guess my point here is this…..He did not get off to the best start and I expect twitterverse to blast this guy for a while….But, I think he will pull back and his energy could provide a spark to a broadcast that sometimes needs a little ‘Wonder’ in it.”
Greg Schaum, Pinetarpress.com
GH: Nate Bukaty made a good point Monday morning in mentioning that the Royals’ broadcast is not structured for only hardcore baseball fans. Many youngsters also watch and Hudler’s cartoon style might appeal more to them and lesser fans. I get that but Hudler doesn’t come off as a lovable goofball to my ear – just a goofball. It’s early, but I am concerned.

“I’m still learning. It’s not an easy situation to come into. I’m going to reel it in a little bit. Believe me, I’m aware of the critics. It’s probably 90 percent of them. And even that other 10 percent is like, ‘Hey, we don’t like him either, but just give him a chance.’”
Rex Hudler, in Sam Mellinger’s Monday column, Kansas City Star
GH: In today’s sports broadcasting, the talent receives immediate, unfiltered feedback from those who sample their work. Twitter can wield a powerful whack upside the head to those in the media. Hudler appears to have been shaken by the rude welcome he is receiving from Royals’ fans. He in part appears to be blaming that on replacing Frank White. I believe this to be a mistake. Royals’ fans liked Frank in the booth but they just want a quality broadcast. Whoever thought Hudler’s act was going to play well with hardcore Royals’ fans does not know this market.

“Very, very, very aware. How bothered about it? I think he is bothered by it. I just think it hurts in some ways.”
Sam Mellinger, when asked by Danny Parkins how aware he thinks Hudler is of the criticism, 610 AM
GH: Hudler needs to toughen up his hide. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY in the local sports media gets torched in social media like 610 Sports’ Bob Fescoe. Fescoe doesn’t just get ripped by listeners, his own on-air coworkers use him as a piñata! But Fescoe feeds on the negative blasts like they were nectar. He revels in it because he believes in his talent. You might find that remarkable but anyone working in the public eye as an entertainer/broadcaster, has to believe in what they do. Hudler better learn quickly.

“You're allowed as many time outs as you want in this sport."
Rex Hudler, on Royals’ reliever Jonathan Broxton having multiple mound conference w/ his catcher in ninth Sunday, Foxsports Midwest
GH: How about pairing Wonder Dog with Denny Matthews for a radio broadcast? Matthews never met a pause in the game that he didn’t detest while Hudler is talking about using all the time outs you want

“It's not how you start, it's how you finish. I don't think there's one person associated with the Royals that will worry about him.”
Rex Hurdler, on Alex Gordon’s slow start in Anaheim, Foxsports
GH: This is the kind of cliché-filled tripe that appeals to little kids and grandmas. Gordon went 0-13 in Anaheim with six ugly strikeouts. If there isn’t anyone on the Royals’ staff who is concerned, why is Ned Yost rumored to be sitting Gordon for the fourth game of the season tonight?

“Here's another stat that probably doesn't mean much, but: Gordon had three straight hitless games only once last season.”
Sam Mellinger, @mellinger, Twitter
GH: This is the kind of stat Hudler should be using to enlighten his audience instead of the fluff he floats.

“I do feel we all need to give Hud a chance though….Mike Swanson [his boss] has been around the block several times over and he knows what he is doing in terms of talent. He hears the same things we do and I am guessing he is coaching Hudler to breathe, listen, watch, and react.”
Greg Schaum, Pinetarpress.com

“They're a great ballclub. You look up and down their order and they have a tremendous amount of talent. We have a lot of respect for what they do.”
Mark Trumbo, Angels’ third baseman, ESPN.com
GH: Great might be a stretch. But I sure didn’t think the Royals would be 2-1 after watching that punchless opener.

“I don’t think this is a [Royals’] team that has a 40-home-run guy. I don’t think this is a team that has a 30-home-run guy. Maybe they’ve got four or five guys who combine for 125 home runs.”
Doug Stewart, 810 AM
GH: Seitzer tabbed Gordon as the Royals’ best chance at breaking the club’s 36 home run record. Hosmer is in a great place in the lineup with Billy Butler backing him up. I think Hos might be a 30-plus HR guy this season. Gordon needs to hit 30 just to amend for his high number of strikeouts.

“Masters playoffs are awful. Everything gets dark and doesn't make sense anymore. Like the last episode of Sopranos.”
Rick Reilly, @RickReilly, just prior to Bubba Watson’s history-making hook shot from the right rough on number 10, Twitter

“I'm pretty good at hookin' it
Bubba Watson, in Butler cabin when asked about his shot out of the trees from the pine straw on 10 in the playoff, CBS
GH: We can all hook it from the rough at times but just not when we want or need to. I loved this shot because just moments before it appeared that Bubba had lost the playoff with his wild shot off of number-10 tee. When an athlete can go from defeat to victory so quickly and dramatically, it makes sports grand.

“Bubba Watson is the perfect example of people just rooting for a guy named Bubba. He's actually quite churlish and unlikeable.”
Dan Wolken, @DanWolken, on the winner of The Masters, Twitter
GH: I was surprised by Wolken’s tweet. Others had the exact opposite to report. Read on.

“Co-sign RT @mikeike5: Bubba! He is a class American that is a great guy outside the game of golf. A true role model.”
Bonnie Bernstein, @BonnieBernstein, Twitter
GH: This is just another example as to how different members of the media can have polar opinions on the same athlete they cover. Always read, watch and listen with caution.

“I think he’ll be the highest drafted player we’ve had at Kansas.”
Bill Self, on Thomas Robinson’s announcement to declare for the NBA draft, 610 AM

“[Thomas] Robinson I think has everything [to make it in the NBA]. His size is going to make it interesting. He is so crafty inside. Very strong. He can overpower a defender. I wouldn’t worry about Thomas Robinson. I think he’s going to carve a niche. I am convinced Thomas Robinson will be a wonderful pro.”
Kevin Harlan, on Robinson’s potential in the NBA draft, 810 AM
GH: TRob has not shown an ability to create from the wing or shoot from outside 10 feet. I think he will be a ferocious rebounder but a subdued scorer in the NBA. Not an All-Star but a very rich man who can look back on his days at Kansas with a lot of satisfaction. Not many KU grads will succeed like he will in his chosen field.

“Take it back. I don't want to be fired.”
Lou Ferrigno, in response to Donald Trump firing him on The Apprentice
GH: I sooooo wanted Ferrigno to go Hulk in the boardroom and body slam the snarly and egotistical Lisa Lampanelli. One more facial twitch and I think Lou would have turned green.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I’m not shooting to play .500. I’m looking to win a championship.”
Ned Yost, when asked what he expects from his 2012 Royals, 810 AM
GH: It has been since 1985 that the Royals have stepped onto the postseason dirt of MLB championship series. A computer was something the Novell guy down the hall kept trying to convince me was a better option than my typewriter. Kansas City was a two-newspaper town -- The Kansas City Times and The Kansas City Star. Mike Murphy ruled Kansas City radio like no one ever had or has since. Kevin Kietzman was a student at K-State. Nick Wright was still shitting tar. If the Royals marketing department is to be believed – all that is about to change. Our Time. ‘Bout Time.

“The culture has changed, and we’re going to get to the point where people say, ‘Man, I want to come to Kansas City.’ It’s been 20 years since people have said that.”
Jeff Francoeur, Royals’ right fielder, Kansas City Star
GH: MLB will need to change their business model severely before KC is a destination point for rich, talented MLB free agents. But we can improve keeping what we already own. I am not nearly as concerned with attracting Albert Pujols as I am keeping Eric Hosmer.

“There are a lot of similarities between the ’91 Braves and this [Royals] club. They went from dead-last place to the World Series. This is a lot like that.”
Ned Yost, 810 AM
GH: The Braves went on to become the most successful franchise of the 90s, winning five NL pennants and nine straight division titles. Can that happen here in KC? If you remember how bad the Braves were in the mid- to late-80s, you know anything is possible.

“Yes, it’s the youngest team in major league baseball. So what? We can’t make excuses for our youth. Our development people have done a great job of teaching fundamentals and creating a winning attitude.”
Dayton Moore, 810 AM
GH: I love this kind of talk from a GM. No excuses about his club’s youth, just expectations.

“This is easily the easiest team to root for of any pro sport that I’ve been around. They clearly all like each other. I don’t know how that’s going translate and I don’t know how they’re going to deal with disappointment. But for my money, this team certainly has very high expectations. I am definitely excited.”
Nick Wright, as he reported on the Royals from spring training, 610 AM
GH: Most of the media who have gone down to spring training have brought back this same thought – these guys get along better than any Royals’ team they can remember. Will that translate into wins? Nope. Winning will make sworn enemies hug but losing will rip families apart.

“If you were absent during our struggles don't expect to be present during our success #ourtime.”
Eric Hosmer, @Hos3KC, Twitter
GH: I am not sure at whom Hosmer meant to direct this tweet. I hope he is not insinuating that some members of Royals Nation are unworthy because they might have abandoned the cause over the past 27 seasons. I would say to Hos; “You were absent during our struggles therefore you cannot know our pain. Grab a bat and end it.”

“This group of players is very talented and they have an enthusiasm that is very contagious.”
Dayton Moore, 810 AM
GH: I think you can say the same about those folks in the outfield bleachers this season.

“Yost is kind of a challenging interview because he might one-word you and there’s a little bit of coach-speak there but not a whole lot. He’s pretty much a no-nonsense guy.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: This comment from Petro has a little Neilbonics hidden within it. I find Yost to be best in front of a mic when he’s perturbed. Nate Bukaty should conduct every interview with the Skipper.

“You know what, you tell me. You watch us.”
Ned Yost, when asked by Bob Fescoe if the Royals are ready to compete for the ALC title, 610 AM

“Raw power? It’s got to be Gordo.”
Kevin Seitzer, Royals batting coach, when asked by Soren Petro to name the Royals best raw power hitter, 810 AM
GH: Raw power is not something we know about here in Kansas City. Bo Jackson. That is about it when it comes to the Royals and power hitting.

“We went through the steroid era and they couldn’t break the franchise record of 36 home runs!”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: 36 dongs as a franchise season HR record might be the most pathetic number in sports. Bleh!

“Will Meyers. Holy cow, I’m telling you, this kid has lightning bolts in his hands! The ball comes off his bat like he’s on the tee box. This kid has hand speed!”
Kevin Seitzer, Royals batting coach, when asked by Soren Petro to name the Royals hitter with the best hands, 810 AM
GH: Nobody is more optimistic about Royals’ players than Seitzer. Each spring I listen to him describe these men as if they were Cooperstown busts come to life. I listen to his words and my blood turns royal blue and my legs start to dance like I hear James Brown’s voice coming from the speakers at The K.

“It’s a little bit Clint Eastwood and Robert De Niro.”
Soren Petro, on the raspy voice of new Royals’ pitcher Jonathan Brockton, 810 AM
GH: Brockton might have the most movie-ready pipes in KC radio since Michael Garozzo first described his chicken spiedini.

“I don’t think it’s going to be as good an outfield as it was last year but it doesn’t have to be.”
Rany Jazayerli, of Ranyontheroyals.com
GH: The Royals have home-grown Lorenzo Cain in center in place of the rented Melky Cabrera. It will be very fun to watch and see if the young kid can make that big cow pasture his own. We have had some greats patrol CF in the past. Here’s hoping Cain is able.

“I don’t know what these kids can accomplish. It’s going to be really fun to see.”
Ned Yost, 810 AM
GH: Two words: “Play ball!”

“He made that play like he was Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves.”
Steve Physioc, Royals new play-by-play voice, after Escobar started a double play with a behind-the-back flip to second base during a spring training game, Royals Radio
GH: Ryan Lefebvre called Escobar’s toss a “whacky” play. I am pretty sure Beaver had no idea who Ricky Rubio is and only a passing familiarity with the Timberwolves – but only because he graduated from Minnesota. Physioc has a Mad Men-era play-by-play voice and a playful sense of humor. I think he is going to be a hit with the hometown fans.

“I would say right now that no one is transferring. I feel real good about the whole situation. Now that might change... It looks like they’re all going to be wearing purple next year and playing in Bramlage. I didn’t want to come if it was all going to blow up and everyone was going to leave. I had other opportunities.”
 Bruce Weber, when asked by Nick Wright if any of the K-State players are expected to transfer, 610 AM
GH: Retaining Frank Martin’s players would be huge for Weber. It could be considered his first big win in Manhattan.

“Carrington [Harrison] just asked me if I really believe what I just said about Britney Griner. I do! I feel like she could start for Southern Illinois’ men’s team. And I don’t know Southern Illinois roster.”
Nick Wright, on the 6’8 center for the lady Baylor Bears, 610 AM
GH: Griner would look like a giraffe who was allowed inside the gorilla’s cage if she was placed into a D-I basketball game. The Baylor women’s team would finish no better than fourth in the EKL.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I think it will be one remembered a long time by the fans and loved forever.”
Matt Tait, LJW writer, when asked how he thought this Kansas team will be thought of in the future, 610 AM
GH: Rarely have I seen a Kansas loss handled so well by Jayhawk fans – and rightly so. Their team achieved far more than was expected, even by Bill Self. What people will remember about this version of Self’s Hawks is how they battled and refused to go quietly –even when things looked bleakest. It is difficult not to like a team that plays as hard to the end as this one.

“It’s very tough to look at these [Kansas] kids and talk about the finality of it.”
Bob Fescoe, on interviewing the Jayhawks in their post-loss locker room, 610 AM
GH: I saw a tweet from Brady McCullough after the game where he said the best thing about not being the Kansas beat writer was that he didn’t have to go around the KU locker room asking Thomas Robinson if he was going pro. Working a post-season losing locker room is no fun. Even the heartless media has a heart at times.

“I’m coming back. That’s the plan.”
Jeff Withey, when asked by Josh Klingler if he plans to return to KU for his senior season, 610 AM
GH: Withey is expected back which I am sure makes all of @FakeJeffWithey’s fans on Twitter ecstatic.

“They weren’t any more physical than anybody else was with me.”
Thomas Robinson, when asked about the physical play of Kentucky, 810 AM
GH: Robinson was one of my favorite Jayhawks his first two seasons but I grew to find his tough-guy act tiring. Yes, he suffered some tough personal losses while at Kansas but I don’t give him a pass because his mom died. He appears to have issues granting praise to others. If ever there was a time for him to acknowledge his competition, it was Monday night in New Orleans. TRob was outplayed and outclassed.

“I thought it was a clean attempt by Elijah Johnson to try and get to the ball.”
Clark Kellogg, on Johnson’s early hard foul on Kidd-Gilchrist that resulted in the 6’8 Wildcat writhing in pain under the basket, CBS
GH: This was KU’s best chance to win. With Kidd-Gilchrist laying on the court, I thought this might be Kansas’ night. But then he got up and quit playing soccer guy.

“Kansas had a lot of really bad possessions because they didn’t reverse the ball. Bill Self will watch this film and he will notice that when they reversed the ball they scored damn near at will.”
Dan Dakich, ESPN analyst out of Indianapolis, 810 AM
GH: It sounds a lot simpler than Dakich made it appear. Kentucky was contesting almost every outside shot – no matter how quickly KU moved the ball. Calipari can coach and his team played defense as well as any team in the tournament.

“One thing I like about Anthony Davis is he always looks at his coach. Some of these clowns now playing basketball, they’ve got it all figured out. When the coach wants to talk to them they look away.”
Dan Dakich, ESPN analyst out of Indianapolis, 810 AM
GH: Some of these clowns coaching basketball do not deserve to be listened to. We have too many coaches as analysts on television. They protect their own and refuse to say anything negative about each other. Read on for what Dakich thinks of Bruce Weber.

“First of all, I don’t think Johnny Wooden is going to Manhattan, Kansas. I don’t think Krzyzewski going to Manhattan, Kansas. Look, you got a great coach. You didn’t get a good coach, you got a great coach at Kansas State.”
Dan Dakich, when asked about K-State hiring Bruce Weber, 810 AM
GH: Translation: It is never the coach’s fault that they didn’t win. It is more likely the location of the school.

“I promise you, Kansas State fans are going to be very, very happy that Bruce Weber is their coach. I promise you!’
Dan Dakich, 810 AM
GH: So why was Illinois so unhappy with Weber? Read on.

“Look, if you get on the wrong side of the media you lose momentum – and Bruce did.”
Dan Dakich, when asked what went wrong at Illinois, 810 AM
GH: Again, it is never the millionaire coach’s fault – more likely the bastards in the media making $45K a year.

“Bruce will be brutally honest. If Bruce comes on your show you will be like, ‘Damn! I can’t believe he said that!’ He will flat tell you and it’s great. … He’s brutally honest and I think he’ll do a great job in my opinion.”
Dan Dakich, who covered Weber in the Missouri Valley and Big 10, 810 AM
GH: Weber was very forthright with Kevin Kietzman on Monday when asked about the chances of Brad Underwood staying on his staff at K-State. Weber simply answered Underwood told him he was probably going to follow Frank Martin to USC. So, at least we’ve got that honesty thing going for us.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I have predicted about 70% of the winners after the 1st weekend. Kentucky will win by at least 10 over KU. They will relax and play now!”
Tom Penders, @TomPenders, Twitter
GH: I watched Dick Vitale, Digger and Jay Bilas all compliment Kansas but pick Kentucky to win. I have yet to hear a national analyst who thinks KU will win tonight. And if you have watched the way Kansas has played the past three weeks compared to Kentucky’s lottery-picks, you know why. KU’s chances are as slim as Withey’s biceps – but there is a chance.

“I'm just amazed at how good Bill Self is. Ohio State was whipping his team. Whipping. And he got it turned around in ten minutes. At some point Monday night, Kentucky will be up by 15 points. And it will be a game with five minutes left. The Wildcats better bring it.”
Kurtis Seaboldt, @KSeabodlt, Twitter
GH: That game Saturday night was over. O-V-E-R! Kansas looked lost and Ohio State was rolling behind the heady and athletic play of their perfect point guard, Aaron Craft. But somehow the Hawks stayed within nine at the half and Bill Self once again got more from his guys than tOSU could get from their guys. Kansas is simply in phenomenal condition. I think they ran tOSU out of gas and then hit the accelerator. KU seems to never tire.

“2nite a team that 1 ‘expert’ said wouldn’t finish in the top five in the big12 plays for the national title.”
Bob Fescoe, @bobfescoe, Twitter
GH: Did Fescoe make fun of the media “experts” who predicted KU would make the Final Four in the years they bowed out early? Show some class, Bull Dog. Kansas as a far more proud legacy than the one your pettiness promotes.

“I expect big radio and television ratings for this game tonight. You have to have something recognizable to the casual fan. The casual fan is who drives radio and television ratings.”
Kevin Kugler, radio play-by-play voice for Westwood One’s NCAA Tourney broadcast, on Kentucky and Kansas being blueblood programs that will draw the casual sports fan to the broadcasts, 810 AM
GH: Kugler is correct in that it takes the non-traditional sports fan to make a sporting event or broadcast a ratings winner. One reason sports talk radio has trouble breaking free of middling overall ratings it that it appeals to an unbalanced male-dominated niche. But KU basketball knows no gender barriers. This is one reason it is big business in Kansas City.

“I watched [the replay of KU’s win over Memphis in 2008] every night before we went to bed. To me that was such a great memory. My wife, she’s fed up with it. ‘Do we have to watch this?’ And I’m like going, ‘Yeah, we do.’ ”
Bill Self, on how fondly he looks back on his one national championship win, ESPN
GH: Not everyone has such a fond memory of that game – like Kentucky’s John Calipari, who coached alongside Self at Kansas under Larry Brown. Read on.

“I have never looked at that tape. That tape was flung out of the door of the bus as we were going to the plane. So I have never looked at that tape, nor will I.”
John Calipari, the former Memphis coach, on the tape of Memphis’ loss to KU in 2008, ESPN.com
GH: Coach Brown flew back home to watch the Final Four from his home. He said he could not handle being there in New Orleans while two of his former assistants battle for the title tonight.

“There are pictures of a guy [in Kentucky] with a two-by-four, hitting a stop sign. ‘My team just won! Let’s go beat the crap out of a stop sign!’ Really? This is idiocy! The people who do it are idiots! I don’t get it and I really hope it doesn’t happen again tonight.”
Mike Golic, on the violent demonstrations reported in Kentucky following the Wildcats’ semifinal win over Louisville, ESPN Radio
GH: I for one am hoping the stop signs in Lexington have no reason to worry after tonight’s game. Rock Chalk.

“I think it’s bigger than Kansas and Missouri.”
Nick Wright, on the Louisville/Kentucky rivalry, 610 AM
GH: It might be dumber but I can’t see how UL/UK could be bigger. How many Louisville fans are there, 500,000? A million? While it might be heated, this rivalry is Lilliputian when compared to MU/KU. And what did it start over – BBQ recipes? Coaches leaving? Where is their Brown/Quantrill cornerstone? This isn’t even a fair fight. Somebody go beat up a stop sign.

“Could this post-season have possibly gone any worse for MU fans? What a nightmare.”
Tim, MU alum, following KU’s comeback win over tOSU, OTR reader mail
GH: Now that’s a rivalry.

“John Currie’s on the hot seat. I mean people want to kill this guy.”
Mark Carman, on Currie’s decision to hire the recently fired Illinois coach, Bruce Weber, 610 AM
GH: Death threats might be a bit of an exaggeration but Carman’s point is a good one – Currie’s hire of Weber is not being received with much happiness by Catbackers. Read on.

“Bruce Webber didn't think I was good enough to play at Illinois and I don't think he is good enough to coach at Kansas State.”
Jacob Pullen, @Jpullz0, Twitter
GH: Pullen’s tweet made the Weber press conference but Currie refused to address it. It did nothing to quiet the riot building over this hire.

“That is just a stupid thing for Jacob Pullen to do – to go public with that and air his dirty laundry. Pullen needs to grow up. I thought it was a completely immature moment for Jacob Pullen.”
David Kaplan, who covers Illinois out of Chicago’s WGN, 610 AM
GH: Carman had Kaplan on as a Weber expert from Chicago. His takes gave balance to the hysteria building here on Weber. But Kaplan is wrong about Pullen being stupid with his anti-Weber tweet. Whether it was good or bad for K-State, it was a great tweet for sports talk radio and the media. We need more stupid and immature people on Twitter. Did I just write that?

“You could have walked Dean Smith up here and there probably would have been a problem with that.”
John Currie, when asked to comment about the K-State fans that are unhappy with the Weber hire, 810 AM
GH: Dean Smith probably wasn’t the best example to use there, John. It might give us an idea though of the age bracket from which Currie was drawing his candidates.

“He’s also a guy who walks his own dog and cuts his own grass.”
John Curie, on Weber, 810 AM
GH: Talk about a win, win! But can the SOB get K-State to the tourney?

“I think the toughest question was, ‘Why do you want to come to K-State?’”
Bruce Weber, when asked what was the toughest question Currie asked him in his interview, 810 AM
GH: This is not called “Winning the press conference.” I think Weber is used up and yesterday’s news. He had a decent run at Illinois State and Illinois but I don’t see him mustering the energy needed to promote an out-of-the-way program like K-State – especially after walking his dog and mowing his lawn.

“I think what you see right away is that Bruce Weber is a real individual. Somebody told me, ‘You will love him. He’s a treat to work with.’ ”
Matt Walters, KSU broadcast team, 810 AM
GH: Fans do not care if a coach is “great to work with.” They want to know if he can win 20 games a year and play deep into March.

“I was surprised [by the hire]. I don’t exactly understand the thought process that was used there. Bruce Weber struggled to get recruits to Illinois which is an easier job. I’d be interested to know what Bruce Weber’s plan is – where he’s going to get his guys.”
Mike DeCourcy, on KSU’s hiring of Weber, 810 AM
GH: Weber made a comment that he hoped to continue the pipeline to the east coast that Martin had mined. I don’t see any of those Spanish-speaking recruits coming to Manhattan anymore to help Weber with his hoop dreams. But others think Weber is a smart pick for the Cats. Read on.

“I’m telling you it’s going to be fine, K-State. You got yourself a good coach. He’s going to win there.”
Mark Carman, who covered Illinois while he was in the Chicago area, 610 AM

“I think he was an outstanding choice. I was thrilled to hear he will be a part of this conference.”
Kevin Harlan, on K-State’s hiring of Weber, 810 AM

“K-State fans, trust me – you got a really good basketball coach.
David Kaplan, who covers Illinois out of Chicago’s WGN, 610 AM

“If there is a question about Weber it is can he recruit.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: That is the one question you do not want to have to ask of your new basketball coach.

“Whoever they get to replace him, he’s not going to be as good a coach as Frank Martin. They out-kicked their coverage here.”
Danny Parkins, prior to Weber being announced as K-State’s new coach, 610 AM
GH: Weber’s coaching accomplishments far outweigh Martin’s – but I think Parkins’ words still ring true. Currie hired the safe guy – the guy you draft in the first round because his combine numbers are off the chart and he played in the SEC. Currie is looking to save his job…and it just might cost him it.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Danny Manning will become Tulsa’s 29th basketball coach, the university officially announced on Thursday morning. Manning agreed to terms following two days of negotiations.”
Eric Bailey, writer, Tulsa World
GH: Frank Martin showed us all how quickly a person can make a life-changing decision when he went from the second round of the NCAA tourney as K-State’s coach to being introduced as South Carolina’s head coach in one weekend. Manning’s move might not be as shocking but it appears to have happened just as quickly. Read on.

“I’m excited and looking forward to being the head basketball coach at the University of Tulsa. I want to thank President Upham, (athletic director) Ross (Parmley) and the search committee for allowing me this tremendous opportunity to coach at a university with a fine basketball tradition.”
Danny Manning, in an official press release, Tulsa World
GH: It is interesting that Manning is following the same path as Bill Self took through Tulsa. Self was a regular contributor to Steven St. John’s night-time show during 810’s early days. Look for Manning to try to  remain close to the KC market by hooking up with either 610 or 810 to promote his Tulsa program to the high school prospects in our area.

“His 15 years in the NBA combined with the last nine years under one of the best coaches in the country, have helped mold him into a great teacher and coach of basketball. He most definitely brings the excitement, the style of basketball, and character that we were looking for in our head coach.”
Ross Parmley, Tulsa AD, Tulsa World
GH: I have long considered Manning a good coaching prospect and wondered why his name rarely came up for job openings. His basketball resume is sterling. Hard to believe he has been at Kansas for nine years.

“He’s been around basketball his whole life, played for so many coaches, been able to steal from everybody and has developed a vast knowledge that will certainly play a huge role in his success as a head coach. Although 46 years old, he’s well beyond those in basketball years as far as experience.”
Bill Self, Tulsa World
GH: I remember meeting Manning in a Kansas City hotel hallway during his playing days at Kansas. He was with Cedric Hunter, the KU point guard, just killing time. I knew Hunter a bit from his Omaha South days and we talked. Manning had the largest rear end I’ve ever seen on a relatively thin guy. If he can teach his Tulsa big men to use their butt cheeks as well as he did Darrell Arthur, the Morris Twins, Cole Aldrich and Thomas Robinson – his Hurricanes will win a lot of ball games.

“Right now my focus is on Kansas and its participation in the Final Four. We’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point and we want to keep it going for another few days.”
Danny Manning, on whether or not his accepting a new job will be a distraction for KU, KUSports.com
GH: Ohio State is going to be far more of a hindrance to KU advancing in the Final Four than Manning’s sudden announcement. Students go to KU to learn and advance to their careers. Manning is just doing the same. I would hope that Tulsa basketball just gained a lot of fans from north of the border today.

“Some have suggested Manning for the Nebraska job. Nebraska would be a terrible first job.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Bukaty mentioned the real probability of failure as the Nebraska coach – which is understandable. But Nebraska has spent a tremendous amount of money on their facilities, making it almost unrecognizable from their years in the Big 12. It will be interesting to see if the Huskers' new hire and money spent will change the Big Red’s basketball fate.

“The thought always is that there is something wrong with where you’re leaving. That the person that made the decision feels he is going to a better place. That the place he is leaving is inferior. It’s never about that.”
Frank Martin, in an interview with Kevin Kietzman, when asked about his rumored poor relationship with John Currie, 810 AM
GH: Martin likes to say he is an upfront guy but his answers rarely match the question when the question is a toughie. Kietzman asked tough questions but Martin rarely gave much more than coach-speak answers. Read on.

“It’s about, as coaches we’re ultra-competitive. Challenges is what drives us and makes us go. The first time I spoke with [Eric Heineman, USC’s athletic director], when I heard the passion in his voice and I saw how successful their other major programs are and I heard the passion in his voice… It’s not that there’s something wrong with Kansas State. I was just intrigued with this new challenge. I wasn’t choosing between a good and a bad.”
Frank Martin, on what went into his decision to leave K-State for USC, 810 AM
GH: I guess Currie needs to work on “the passion in his voice.” Apparently, challenges between him and his athletic director are not the kind of challenges that drive Martin – or maybe you could say they ultimately drove him away.

“My job is to coach the kids. My job is not to make money.”
Frank Martin, when asked why he declined Currie’s offer to discuss his new contract in midseason, 810 AM
GH: I wanted KK to start laughing after this response from Martin but he remained professional. I would have probably reacted to this statement in a way that would have made Martin hang up his phone.

“They let me know they wanted me at K-State. There was never a question in my mind.”
Frank Martin, 810 AM
GH: Many reports out now say the opposite – that Currie and K-State were just fine with Martin leaving. I would like to know the truth to this one but my guess is we will never know.

“We at K-State, we’re the only league programs that went undefeated against the two [SEC] defectors.”
Frank Martin, on the Wildcats’ sweep of Mizzou and A&M, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman seized this statement to direct a shot to the heart of Martin. Read on.

“That’s a strong word. Does that make you a defector?”
Kevin Kietzman, in response to Martin’s above statement, 810 AM

“Uh, If that’s what it is, that’s what it is. I can’t run away from that.”
Frank Martin, 810 AM
GH: Kudos to KK for putting some heat on Martin even if for the last time.

“This is real simple; the working environment for him at Kansas State was just unbearable. And that was it!”
Kevin Kietzman, immediately after he concluded his interview with Martin, 810 AM
GH: In true KK fashion, as soon as he ended the interview he completely mischaracterized what Martin had said in the interview.

“This is a dream come true for Major League Baseball because of Magic Johnson’s involvement.”
Buster Olney, on Magic and his partners purchasing the Dodgers for an unheard of $2.1 billion, 810 AM
GH: The only people smiling over the sale of the Dodgers are the other owners in MLB. David Glass purchased the Royals for around $96 million. I can imagine he and his son danced a jig once they heard the crazy number that came out of a state know for crazy numbers. Does this inflate the value of the Royals? It can’t hurt.

“Bruce Chen has been absolutely destroyed in spring training.”
Bob Fescoe, after Chen was named by Ned Yost as the Royals’ opening day starter, 610 AM

“Spring training numbers are worthless.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: I have to agree with Petro here. I cannot tell you the number of times I have been wrongly influenced into thinking an Arizona or Florida stat sheet meant anything more than my Charmin.

“Caution – May contain political promises.”
Sign on the back of a septic truck owned by Rose Septic of Raytown, MO

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I don’t think that’s a fair characterization of John’s relationship with our head basketball coach.”
Kirk Schulz, KSU president, on the reason for Martin’s departure being that he could not get along with Currie, 810 AM
GH: After listening to the charade of a press conference performed by Schulz and his Athletic Director, John Curie, I am disappointed that these two gentlemen have so little respect for K-State students, their alumni and their incredibly loyal fans. Kansas State is an institution of higher learning. They churn out educated people. So why would they put two people in front of the media who were so adamant about covering up the truth? Read on.

“Both Currie and [Frank] Martin are lying about things. All I ask you to do is realize that and therefore use both conferences only as entertainment.”
Curtis Kitchen, @curtiskitchen, Twitter
GH: I would have been more entertained had I not been so disgusted by these highly-paid representatives of Kansas State talking to us as if we were children.

“I believe everything I hear, so I've gone from thinking Currie and Martin dislike each other to sympathizing with Currie for losing his BFF.”
Sam Mellinger, @mellinger, Twitter
GH: This is how ridiculous the K-State press conference came off. It was just a fluke that Martin spoke with South Carolina on Saturday and agreed to take the job on Monday. I mean, how could he pass up South Carolina?

“My South Carolina Followers: U will absolutely love Frank Martin- I know u don't take college hoops seriously but u will now- great hire.”
Greg Schaum, @Greg_Schaum, Twitter
GH: Martin is a master at mesmerizing the media. You would be hard pressed to find a member of the local media who doesn’t think Frank Martin is a friend of his. He treats them all like he treats referees. He understands they can damage him professionally and so he works them like they were his girlfriend’s mother. Frank loves to describe himself as up front and a guy who tells it like it is. He is simply a basketball coach who is always recruiting players, fans and a bigger salary.

“You would have to think this is a fireable offense for John Currie for letting Frank Martin go.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM
GH: You won’t hear many in the media take Currie’s side on this fight. Martin has done a masterful job prepping his minions before his departure. Read on.

“Frank Martin's exit for SC should end at least 1 career: John Currie's. One word sums up letting him leave for that program: Unacceptable.”
Bill Reiter, @foxsportsreiter, Twitter

“I’ve heard that Bill Snyder isn’t that pleased with [Currie] either.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: This is why sports talk radio gets ripped by the mainstream media and is popular with fans – Petro can lob bombs like this without offer any substance and not suffer any consequences. Imagine The Star printing a Mellinger column where he states, “I’ve heard that Kevin Kietzman isn’t that pleased with [Petro] either.” That would make for an interesting morning at WHB.

“John Currie becomes the most hated man in Manhattan since Bob Huggins.”
Text from listener to Danny Parkins Show, 610 AM
GH: I am not aware of all the facts so I am not ready to pick the villain in this fight. It looks to me like Currie was doing the job he was asked to do in suspending Jamar Samuels and Martin considered that move the last straw. But losing Martin could be a devastating blow to a basketball program that had made great strides under Martin.

“Wow, this is a disaster for K-State. This sucks. Big loss for the Big 12 too. While I get the sense that most of this is the administration's fault, I have a bit of anger towards Martin too. Fans were very loyal to him.”
Nate Bukaty, @nate_bukaty, Twitter
GH: You have to feel for the K-State fans who packed Bramlage for Martin’s teams and made it Kim English’s least favorite venue to visit.

“[Martin] is going to have some real demons if he doesn’t get this thing going at South Carolina in a hurry.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: The situation at South Carolina appears stress free. Their expectations are minimal and the pay is extraordinary. This is a similar situation to what Turner Gill walked into at KU. I expect Martin to fare much better at USC than Gill did at KU.

“I’m a little confused at the lack of outrage from K-State fans. They know the number.”
Danny Parkins, after the Martin-to-USC news broke on Monday, 610 AM

“Maybe it’s because none of them listen to our show.”
Carrington Harrison, responding to Parkins’ above comment, 610 AM

“What’s the reaction about Billy Donovan in Florida?”
Soren Petro, interviewing a Florida media person to kick off the noon hour on Monday, 810 AM
GH: After this story broke, I surfed the radio dial for an credible news on the Martin rumors. Just after noon, Petro on 810 was interviewing a reporter from Miami about Florida’s loss to Louisville. I flipped back to 610 immediately.

“B.J. Upton and the Rays.”
Soren Petro, 610 AM
GH: The second time I returned to Petro’s show he was talking Rays baseball.

“There has to be great optimism in Indiana that IU is back.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: The charming third time I returned to The Program Petro was talking with a reporter about the return to prominence of Indiana basketball. WHB made their mark on the KC market by being fast and flexible when it came to delivering breaking stories to their audience. This is why they can afford to pay Petro a drive-time salary in a midday slot. Petro should have junked his planned programming for the noon hour and jumped neck-deep into the Frank Martin story. He was either too arrogant or too dumb. Neither is a good reason.

“If Frank Martin was such a hot commodity, why is the bailout spot South Carolina and not Illinois?”
Doug Gottlieb, 810 AM
GH: Gottlieb was cautious in how he discussed Martin but he painted a scenario where he believes Martin left at the right time to make himself “look like he was leading the parade” rather than getting run out of Manhattan.

“[Martin] would have taken that Illinois job in a heartbeat. It was never offered.”
Mark Carman, 610 AM

“So who goes to K-State knowing the last coach left over an AD feud? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?”
Dan Wolken, @DanWolken, Twitter
GH: Since the departing coach in this equation is the volatile Frank Martin, I’m not so sure KSU will have to explain nearly as much to the next hire as some think.

“I think whoever gets that [K-State] job is getting a great job. A great job! I think you’re walking into an outstanding job.”
Doug Gottlieb, 810 AM
GH: This is how Currie saves his job and turns the KSU fans back in his favor. He needs to hire a good coach who can continue what Huggins and Martin have built.

“I think Will Spradling will be more inclined to stay [at K-State] if Frank Martin is not there anymore. I’ve just never gotten the vibe that he likes Frank Martin’s coaching style.”
Kellis Robinette, K-State beat writer for the Wichita Eagle and KC Star, 610 AM
GH: Some believe Martin had worn out his welcome at K-State, especially with players like Spradling.

“Martin to South Carolina is good for who? Frank has complete rebuild and Currie looks awful. All ego. How quickly money changes people.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter
GH: I can understand Martin’s decision to leave Manhattan for South Carolina if for no other reason than the change in geography. USC isn’t a basketball school but they have a great fan base. Anyone who has seen the Gamecocks in Omaha at the CWS knows this. One big positive for Martin in South Carolina is that there is no Kansas in the same state.

“Hey @Englishscope24...can you send Coach Frank Martin one of your SEC t-shirts?”
@ChurchofYoda, Twitter
GH: Not everyone was chagrined over Martin’s departure. Read on.

“Frank Martin, can I have your cowboy boots?”
Doug Kramer, K-State fan, @rdcramer, Twitter

“Big12 fans better get used to high-profile coaches wanting to leave for schools in the SEC, BigTen, Pac12, and ACC.”
Mizzou Nation, @Mizzou2SEC, Twitter

“When Mizzou left Big 12 Frank Martin talked about league getting better and being rid of whiners.”
Gabe DeArmond, @GabeDeArmond, Twitter
GH: Martin has a lot of explaining to do about some of his previous comments and tweets. I suspect his comments about USC and the SEC over the next few years will sound very familiar to many of us.

“One of the biggest shots of the year perhaps!”
Bob Davis, play-by-play voice of the Jayhawks, after Elijah Johnson’s deep three late in the UNC win, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Big-time players make big-time plays when their team needs it most. Elijah is quickly making etching his name among some of Kansas’ all-time best clutch performers. Read on.

“You gotta shoot it. I had to shoot that shot! I had to! I had to make that one!”
Elijah Johnson, moments after the final buzzer, on his deep three-point basket late in the game, Jayhawk Radio Network

“The shot of the game, perhaps the shot of the year.”
David Lawrence, on Elijah’s deep three, Jayhawk Radio Network

“How about Elijah? At the time that he shot that ball he was two for ten.”
Chris Piper, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: The difference between hero and goat is often one play. Both live on in eternity. Those who harbor the courage within to be either are the kind of men I want for teammates. Kansas had far more of these than North Carolina.

“Bill Self can’t believe it! He can’t believe [Tyshawn] Taylor took that shot!”
Steve Kerr, CBS
GH: Sam Mellinger described the horror on Self’s face after Taylor’s ill-advised one-on-four three ball as looking like “his dog walked into traffic.” This was a shot no KU fan [or UNC for that matter] would have forgotten had KU lost this game. But what makes KU so dangerous is that Taylor, Johnson and Thomas Robinson never fear making a mistake. They always believe the next shot is going down. It has taken them all the way to New Orleans.

“[Tyshawn Taylor] made a couple of tough decisions on shots. [Self] almost blew a gasket. But he played fantastic and congratulations to him.”
Charles Barkley, CBS

“Tyshawn Taylor’s so good in transition!”
Steve Kerr, following Taylor’s breakaway double-pump layup with 1:59 remaining giving KU a 74-67 lead, CBS
GH: Some players never learn how to finish. Tyshawn has always known. It is a skill that coaches love to see in their point guard.

“I had [Tyshawn] as my sleeper coming into the tournament and he’s been asleep the whole tournament. He was fantastic today. He’s the Energizer Bunny.”
Charles Barkley, following KU’s win over UNC, CBS

“I will say this, I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed coaching a team as much as I enjoy coaching this one. I love coaching these guys.”
Bill Self, 610 AM
GH: I would think the way this team has played undisciplined at times, it would have aged Self like no other. But I think Self holds courage as one of his favorite traits in a player. This Kansas team has more courage than maybe any other to where the crimson and blue. They beat a talented Carolina team back at every turn and made them whimper at the end.

“I think it just confuses people and makes them stand still for a second.”
Curtis Townsend, KU assistant, on why the triangle-and-two defense is affective, 610 AM
GH: What many call a “junk defense” I have always just referred to as coaching. You adapt to what the situation calls for – and that often times means doing something different. Self was able to do this, Roy has always struggled with the concept of adjusting to his opponent.

“White is not the player that Roy Williams wants to shoot the ball.”
Steve Kerr, as Williams was seen screaming at his point guard from the bench, CBS
GH: Here is what Bill Self deployed the triangle-and-two defense against UNC. He wanted to force Carolina’s lesser offensive players into taking shots they did not want to take. It worked very well.

“Rejected by Withey!”
Marv Albert, as Withey made two huge blacks down the stretch to not only deny UNC but also start fast-break buckets for KU, CBS
GH: If I were Withey, I might get that Marv audio for my voicemail greeting. I do not doubt that the Carolina players will be flinching for weeks at the memory of Withey not only altering their shots but their season’s abrupt end.

“It’s hard not to look at this and say, ‘What if? What if North Carolina had Kendall Marshal? But hats off to Kansas. If you’d of said in October that team’s going to be in the Final Four, you might have raised some eyebrows.”
Jay Bilas, ESPN
GH: Raised eyebrows? You might have raised Naismith if you would have told him that before the season.

“Honestly, I think that was disrespectful to Jayhawk Nation to even say that. It was disrespectful to Coach Self to say that.”
Elijah Johnson, when asked how it felt to make the Final Four in a season when so many people thought this was one of Self’s worst teams, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: I can understand how an athlete would take this slight as disrespect, but it was merely the result of four new starters and a weak bench. Coach Self himself wasn’t all that keen on this squad in December. Read on.

“Other games where you are more talented and somebody beats you, you could consider it an upset. That wasn’t an upset tonight. … This team is not mature enough to understand we have to play really well to beat the teams that maybe they (KU players) don’t think are our equals, which is total crap. This (Davidson) team was our equal. We knew it coming in, and they played like it tonight.”
Bill Self, following KU’s loss to Davidson at Sprint Center in December, KUSports.com
GH: Self was not the only one who doubted his squad early in the season. Read on.

“I don’t want to be Chicken Little here but there are deeper problems with this KU [basketball] team than we’ve seen with a Bill Self team in a long time.”
Nate Bukaty, in December, 810 AM

“Davidson proves KU ‘not that good.’ ”
Headline @ KUSports.com

“I don’t know if you can take as much from this game as maybe other games. This team is not that good.”
Bill Self, when asked about some of KU’s losses to mid-majors in the past, KUSports.com

“Is Jeff Withey going to be a liability or an asset in a game like [Missouri]? How many blow-byes did he give up in the first half [against Davidson]?”
Dave Armstrong, 810 AM

“Great W for [Davidson] Wildcats. Good lesson for inexp KU team.”
Blair Kerkhoff, Twitter
GH: Kerkhoff may have gotten it as close to correct as anyone. KU learned from their early loss and used that lesson to win in March.

“If u ain't riding with us threw the ups & downs then don't ride wit us at all!!! still love my team ! FOE we be back! That's for anybody!”
Thomas Robinson, following KU’s loss to Davidson, Twitter
GH: In the end, TRob was more right that the rest of us.

“I think those guys think this is our year and I’m certainly not going to tell them anything different.”
Bill Self, 610 AM
GH: Think how far this KU team has come since being down 19 at home to Mizzou? It has never looked more bleak during the Self era than that afternoon in Allen Fieldhouse. Grown men were wandering the concessions stands unable to watch their Hawks be throttled by their departing rival. But somehow, this immature bunch that handles pressure and folly with the same disregard, came back to win that game.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I’m not disappointed in Gregg Williams and people need to back off of Gregg Williams! … Disciplining Gregg Williams is a joke! It’s a load of crap! The league loves big hits! I disapprove. He is merely a symptom. He is not the disease!”
Soren Petro, after Roger Goodell and the NFL came down hard with penalties and fines involving the New Orleans Saints Bountygate scandal, 810 AM
GH: Petro is far from alone in our local KC media in screaming at anyone who will listen how outraged he is that Goodell would dare do his job. Read on.

“Just about everywhere in football there is some sort of bounty program. I can’t get worked up about guys getting paid for hitting people.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wright reminds us daily of his superior NFL intellect but too often he comes across as just another hand-wringing face-painted fan. Placing a bounty on opposing players has nothing to do with the inherent violence of football. It has to do with cheating and purposely injuring the very stars of the game that make it so popular. Does Wright not think college football is a violent game? When was the last time you stood on the sideline of a high school game and thought it needed to be more physical? These amateur versions of the game seem to prosper just fine without coach-promoted bounty hunts.

“As much as everyone wants to be stunned, there’s nothing stunning about this.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: It appears the NFL has an opposite viewpoint when you consider the severity of the punishments that have been meted out. Anyone who doesn’t understands that Goodell and the NFL cannot tolerate entire organizations placing bounties on their star performers doesn’t understand business.

“[Roger] Goodell and many others who are expressing outsized outrage about this apparently don’t realize: the NFL’s culture is defined by violence, and we’re all complicit.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: This is always an easy cheap shot to lob at the bystanders when the criminals of an ugly crime are uncovered – we are all guilty as well for watching and caring. What bullshit. Do I like to see replays of a neck-snapping de-cleater hit? Sure. But I have no interest in a coach or organization promoting illegal hits to specifically cause the injury and removal of another player. All NFL players who have participated in these bounty schemes are dumber than dumb. Gregg Williams’ coaching career isn’t going to be shortened by a devastating cheap shot. But every player in every game is subjected to the possibility of losing their career on every snap. The players who followed his lead should be dealt with just as severely. If that means we lose have the players in the league – then lose them.

“They lied. They flat-out lied. And I’m sure that had something to do with the severity of these penalties. It hit me right in the stomach when I find out [Gregg Williams] was involved in these [bounty] things.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: Harry is the only local sports voice I have heard who has mentioned that Williams and Sean Payton were given an opportunity by the NFL to come clean and instead chose to lie. Their decision to hide their actions is further proof that they knew what they were doing was illegal, unsavory and bad for the game.

“I’m very shocked at the way the league came down. The league is now trying to set a statement of where they want to go with this league. I’m here to say this ain’t just started last year or this year. This has been going on way before Neil Smith even got into the league – that guys can make extra money by making hits or knockout hits.”
Neil Smith, in an interview with Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Neil Smith was a guest on Soren Petro’s Wednesday show and he confused the hell out of me and I’m sure most who listened to his experiences with bounties in the NFL. His explanation that it has been common practice in the league just makes it clearer that the NFL is full of players whose brains need far more protection than we even imagined.

“Someone finally came out and brought it to the format and now they have evidence that it happened. … It’s been like that forever.”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: Neil started out making some modicum of sense but he quickly dipped into Neilbonics. Read on.

“Now however, it’s unfortunately that the coach gets the suspension behind it because he knows what’s happening. But if you put the coach on our own side of it, and you look at the inside of him and say, ‘Okay. The players does it on defense!’ ”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: I was still trying to get my head around how we are supposed to look inside the coach when Neil went into what he believes a bounty is. Read on.

“We could put in a pot and say, ‘We win, a guy get a hit, the best hit, the best sack, a fumble recovery or whatever. We put our own money into it, they’ll make it no difference.”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: What Neil describes here is not a bounty system. But Petro appeared flummoxed by the former defensive end’s adroit use of Neilbonics that he was left mesmerized and unable to ask a cogent follo-up question – like “What the hell are you talking about, Neil?”

“Right.”
Soren Petro, responding to Neil’s above comment, 810 AM
GH: Unfortunately for the listener, this was the best Petro could do. Somewhere, Leif Lisec was smiling.

“An athlete is very competitive. He’s gonna try and win everything. I’ll never forget, I was playing Michael Jordan in a friendly game of pool. And it turned out to be a gambling deal. And Mike is very competitive. He will play to win. That’s what brings the greatness out of some of these guys. They want to win. Unfortunately, this little bonus or whatever they have that’s just a part of it.”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: I thought we were going to get a fun little story about Air Jordan fleecing Neil of his paycheck. Instead, somewhere along the way Neilbonics stole the punch line.

“I think [the NFL] made a great statement today.”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: After spending 10 minutes telling Petro that Bounty-gate was no big deal and had been going on since before Neilbonics, my favorite sports talk radio guest goes 180 and applauds the commissioner’s decision to bring down the hammer on the Saints’ coaches. By this time, Petro’s head was swimming in double-negatives and dropped words and he was unable to respond. 

“I really believe that it’s not gonna stop. The players gonna do it on their own. It’s like anything else. It’s like the country club. You have these five bets with guys, the bets for whatever you want to do. It’s just a part of it. It’s no different than a guy when he wins and he goes back to the casino and he wants to go back and win again. But he never wins. It’s just a part of the nature of the beast.”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: I think Petro’s noggin exploded after this classic Neilbonics rap.

“If I had to do it all again, I just think that I would probably not go that way. The way I feel. I love the game… I would probably go another direction. But I can’t say that because I have a son that is 14 years old and he just loves his dad to death and I have a son that is six years old had he really don’t know where his father’s, but my older son he knows but...”
Neil Smith, after Petro asked him if he could, would he change anything about his NFL career, 810 AM
GH: Petro tried to make a comeback here and drive the Neilbonics bus back onto at least the shoulder. Read on.

“What all you went through?”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“My body, the way I feel right now, I really don’t think I would go back and play football and do it all over again. But if I had to go that way, I would do it the exact same way that I did the way I started it.”
Neil Smith, 810 AM
GH: When we are talking Neilbonics, what else would you expect?

“It’s different at K-State. They’re running around like the FBI trying to find stuff on their coaches.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the K-State athletic department’s hardline stance on NCAA violations, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman continued his week-long assault on John Currie and his decision to force Frank Martin to bench Jamar Samuels for the Syracuse game. Curtis Kitchen, a former WHB employee who covers K-State closely, took a different stance. Read on.

“Frank Martin, who, and think about this, would have willingly and unabashedly played a guy who, by the rules in place, likely would have wound up ineligible. Say Jamar Samuels plays, K-State still loses to Syracuse and the NCAA is currently considering a punishment for K-State because of its foolish bravado. How would you be feeling about K-State basketball at this moment?”
Curtis Kitchen, CurtisKitchenKC
GH: Kitchen’s mature approach to the Samuels’ suspension makes much more sense to me than KK’s wild-eyed witch hunt for Currie’s job. Currie was hire at KSU to repair an athletic department’s reputation that had been exposed for engaging in hidden contracts and guys in suits taking money not meant for them. All Currie is doing is the job he was hired to perform. I think he should be applauded for refusing to bend to a much-loved coach like Martin.

“Kansas State coach Frank Martin is known for being outspoken at times. The nation may get to see some of that as CBS and Turner Sports announced Wednesday that Martin and VCU coach Shaka Smart will serve as guest analysts for NCAA Tournament coverage this week.”
AP
GH: Martin is scheduled to work CBS’ in-studio show on Saturday and Sunday. Shaka Smart, VCU’s hot-prospect coach, will work as a guest analyst for the Thursday through Saturday on CBS and TBS. One could view these network appearances as job interviews for every school looking to hire a basketball coach.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I feel like I found a great new home, a great place and a great team to play for. So I’m excited about that.”
Eric Winston, the former Houston Texan offensive tackle, on signing a free-agent contract with the Chiefs, 610 AM
GH: Winston made an appearance on 610 Sports on Monday with Danny Parkins and Carrington Harrison. He was immediately likable. I read Randy Covitz’s article on Winston in the Kansas City Star and heard the sound from Winston on 810 from what appeared to be a pool interview. But neither of these looks at Winston was as personal or informative as his interview with Parkins and Harrison. Read on.

“I must have gotten ten [BBQ recommendations from Chiefs fans on Twitter]. I was looking at my phone thinking, ‘Oh my god, I set off a firestorm here!’ It was pretty funny. I’m looking forward to taste testing every single one of those places people suggested on Twitter and going to every single one of them.”
Eric Winston, 610 AM
GH: Winston played high school football in Midland, Texas were everyone is an expert on football, BBQ and pickup trucks. He has already sampled two of our finer BBQ joints and plans on getting familiar with many more. Read on.

“I’ll tell you, Oklahoma Joe’s and Jack Stack’s didn’t hurt anything. That was a pleasant surprise to say the least. The jury is still out with me [as to which BBQ is better]. … It seems like it’s hard to go wrong in that city when you’re trying to eat some food.”
Eric Winston, when asked by Danny Parkins if it was the BBQ that swayed his decision to sign with the Chiefs, 610 AM

“I had a lot of fans from a lot of different organizations tweeting me and telling me to come there but it was nothing like the Chiefs’ fans. Chiefs’ fans were just so overboard and over the top – it was just awesome. It was really cool to see everybody coming out and telling me to come [to Kansas City].”
Eric Winston, who admitted that the response he received from Chiefs fans on twitter played a role in his decision to sign with Kansas City, 610 AM
GH: I was following the Twitter conversations Winston was having with Chiefs fans and saw that even KC’s Mayor Sly James joined in when Winston asked about where he should look for housing. You have to like a mayor that is not only technically savvy but also looking to add an NFL paycheck to his city’s tax coffers.

“When I heard it was Kansas City I thought, ‘Alright. We’ll go and see.’ I thought it was a rest-home city. I really did. I thought it was like Cleveland or Pittsburgh – economically downtrodden at the time. Maybe a vacuum city or something like that. It couldn’t be further away from that. You get there and see all the headquarters of all the different corporations there. You see all the areas in Overland Park, Leawood and yada, yada, yada. You see all the beautiful houses and the weather. Everything just blended in perfectly. I thought, ‘Wow! What a gem of a city!’ I’m looking forward to driving around and seeing all of it.”
Eric Winston, 610 AM
GH: I have experienced that same reaction from many of my company’s out-of-town clients whom I have entertained here in the Kansas City area. Winston could make this city a whole lot more attractive by giving us a Super Bowl football team.

“I think it’s really cool how it straddles the [state] borders. I think it’ll be fun.”
Eric Winston, 610 AM
GH: Winston obviously isn’t a Kansas Jayhawk or Missouri Tiger fan.

“Music to my ears, baby! Music to my ears!”
Willis McGahee, Broncos running back, when asked what he thought of Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos, ESPN Radio

“I couldn’t believe it. I was just excited. … I’m going to miss Tim Tebow but it’s a move the Broncos made and I’m going to look forward to it.”
Demaryius Thomas, Broncos’ wide receiver, on the news that Manning had chosen to sign with Denver, ESPN Radio

“I thought of all the parting Broncos, [Demaryius Thomas] would have some warmth for Tim Tebow. But I didn’t sense any at all.”
Skip Bayless, who participated in the Thomas interview with Mike Golic, ESPN Radio
GH: Bayless wasn’t completely accurate in how he portrayed Thomas’ feelings for Tebow. Thomas did wish Tebow well and pretty much tried to be noncontroversial with his comments. But we are talking about replacing one of the worst passers in the game with one of the best. I’m pretty sure the excitement displayed by Thomas is more about Manning’s gifts rather than Tebow’s faults. But McGahee on the other hand was fairly frank with his opinions on what Tebow lacked last season. Read on.

“It was a certain something that we were missing. We were missing that general to take charge in tough situations and I think [Manning] brings that to the table. And once those guys see him out there I think they're going to rise to the occasion and just have a breakout year.”
Willis McGahee, on acquiring Manning to replace Tebow, Sirius XM

“The Broncos just landed a Hall of Fame quarterback. Anyone who says he’s not going to be good anymore is basing that on their hopes.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Hopes? How about history? How many HOF quarterbacks get better after moving teams at the age of 36? Not to mention Manning’s neck surgeries and the fact he will not have played a down in 18 months?

“Let’s be honest, Peyton Manning can still play. He’s going to be fine.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Thank you, Dr. Kietzman.

“I think you can pencil that [Broncos] team in now for 11 or 12 wins. It is an enormous hurdle now for the Chiefs.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“I’ll say this; your goal now is to be a Wild Card team. [The Chiefs] literally probably only beat the Broncos once every two years now – one out of four. This is absolutely awful.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Both Wright and KK pushed hard for the Chiefs fans to get excited about Manning coming to Kansas City. Their instant depression over his decision to be a Bronco almost sounds like them wanting to be right more than an objective look at the Broncos’ chances.

“I’m not sure that there isn’t an area of the team that the Broncos don’t need to address. Everybody talked about how great [Denver’s] defense was. Their defense was good but not great.”
Alan Roach, Denver radio personality on KOA, when asked by Nick Wright what else the Broncos will look to improve in free agency and the draft, 610 AM
GH: I found it interesting how much less enthusiastic this Denver sports talk host was about the Broncos’ chances with Manning than our Kansas City drive-time hosts.

“I believe in what the Chiefs are doing this off-season. I’m not ready to hand over the AFC West to the Broncos! I’m not as defeated as everybody else is about Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

“After spending last week in Florida, I come home to find out that 610 has dropped Jim Rome. Local sports talk in KC is horrible except for Steven St. John's humor. There is such a thing as too much local. I could care less who is 3rd on the Chiefs depth chart at right tackle and sure as hell could care less about pheasant hunting from a recent KK show/infomercial. Jim Rome is the only reason I listen to 610. In fact, 610 is so bad that I listen to Royals games on XM and this is why I listen to national shows on satellite.”
Quinn, OTC Reader Mail
GH: Local sports talk almost always wins over a national show – no matter the quality of the local hosts. When 810 lost Rome after the Whitlock/Grunhard/Maas Exodus to 610, many predicted doom for WHB. The opposite happened. Soren Petro took over Rome’s slot and went from being remembered as Don Fortune’s caddy to a popular midday host. 610 is hoping for the same to happen for Parkins and Harrison. It will be interesting to see how Petro’s ratings move [if at all] now that he has local competition.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“How big was that win for Kansas? Jayhawks suddenly in a regional with an 11 seed, a 13 seed and a UNC team likely w/o its point guard.”
Gary Parrish, @GaryParrish, after KU’s dramatic comeback win over Purdue to advance to the Sweet 16, Twitter
GH: Kansas and their fans found themselves late Sunday night in familiar but unsettling upset territory while facing a physical Purdue team. This was a GREAT win for Kansas. Screw the pretty points. In March it’s just survive and advance.

“I feel like I just dropped the world off my back.”
Thomas Robinson, following the Jayhawks narrow win, Omaha World Herald
GH: Robinson looked frustrated all night. Sam Mellinger reported at one point in the first half he yelled at his teammates, “Shoot the ball! The whole [#%*&%] team is taking me!” Robinson had a double-double [11 pts and 13 rbs] but he was far from his POTY-candidate self. I expect that Mr. Robinson  to return to the neighborhood this Friday against NC State.

“It's a crazy feeling when everything you put up feels like it's going to go in.”
Robbie Hummel, Purdue’s sixth-year senior, on his 22-point first half on 7-for-8 shooting against KU, Boilerstation.com
GH: Big 12 fans might not have been familiar with Hummel’s game, despite him spending six years at Purdue. But they’ll never forget the first half shooting show he put on in Omaha against Kansas. Moments like this help make the NCAA tourney my favorite sporting event.
“I was confident in the shot and I took it.’’
Elijah Johnson, KU’s shooting guard, when asked after the game about his 26-foot three ball to give KU the lead with 3:01 remaining, 610 AM
GH: It was not a smart shot. It reeked of desperation and reminded me of Marcus Denmon’s quick cast late in the Norfolk State game. But Johnson’s deep three changed everything for Kansas…and Purdue.
“In my opinion, Tyshawn and myself are the most athletic guards on the same team, so if I was down there I knew Ty would have thrown it to me.”
Elijah Johnson, on his half-court alley-oop pass to Taylor for a slam dunk with 1:02 remaining, 610 AM
GH: I don’t know of many college guards who would even attempt this play. Credit Bill Self for giving his athletes the green light to be bold. This highlight will make CBS’ post-tourney package.

“For the better part of almost every minute it played basketball Sunday in CenturyLink Center, Kansas was reminded of a new reality. No matter how close they were to home, or how many fans they had supporting them, the Jayhawks were squarely in what is now Big Ten country.”
Kevin Haskins, columnist, as many in the Omaha-based crowd rooted fervently for the Purdue upset, CJOnline.com
GH: Kansas is now bordered by the Big 10 to the north, the SEC to the east and the Pac 12 to the west. Their once large friendly neighborhood has become fraught with the enemy.

“Boy, if I didn't know what I know about sample sizes, I would think Bill Self is a really really really terrible tournament coach.”
Rob Neyer, @robneyer, Twitter
GH: College basketball coaches get far too much credit and scorn from the public. Self’s tourney reputation was saved by Mario Chalmers’ three-pointer against Memphis in 2008. He will need to beat NC State on Friday to avoid another loss to a double-digit seeded team.

“Kansas and N.C. State will tip around 9:20 Friday night in the second game in St. Louis. North Carolina and Ohio tip at 6:47...”
Soren Petro, @theprogram, Twitter
GH: That is 10:20 PM in the eastern time zone for the KU game. That is crazy late for college hoops.

“Note to Self , when my hair guy says come back for a fitting every year because as u get older your head grows...make sure siri reminds me.”
Bill Maas, @BillMaas, Twitter
“Former Kansas linebacker and current KU athletic official Banks Floodman underwent successful surgery at KU Medical Center in Kansas City on Saturday a week after he was involved in an altercation in Kansas City, Mo., during the Big 12 Tournament, said KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony. Floodman works as an assistant athletic director for fund-raising. The damage was to Floodman’s face, the bones around his eyes and nose, Marchiony said. The person who punched Floodman was arrested after the attack, which happened on March 9, according to Marchiony.”
Wichita Eagle
GH: Reports are that Floodman was “sucker punched” in the Power and Light District during the Big 12 tournament. No word on whether or not this was a KU/MU thing or why this fight happened. I would definitely like to know more.
“[Jamar] Samuels’ family isn’t wealthy or privileged. His dad left when he was young. His mother is a breast cancer survivor. His grandmother and uncle recently passed away. Curtis Malone is family to Jamar Samuels. Malone was a father figure to Samuels before major college basketball programs knew Samuels’ name.”
Jason Whitlock, on the K-State senior being suspended for his final game due to a $200 payment from his AU coach, FoxSports.com
GH: The finances of college sports are ridiculous. Coaches, athletic directors and entire universities live lavish life styles on the backs of athletes in football and men’s basketball. This is known and tolerated. Why does it take Samuels being denied the chance to play to make everyone scream how unjust the system is? It’s been unjust since universities figured out that television was a golden goose and that kids from poor families have no options but to play along to whatever rules they set.

“President Obama is 35-13 overall for this year’s NCAA tournament. He currently sits in the 98.0 percentile in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge.”
Adam Schefter, @AdamSchefter, Twitter
GH: I would like to suggest that Jay Bilas and Obama trade jobs.
“What areas of your game do you think you need to work on? Because I don’t see a damn thing.”
John Thompson, to Michigan State’s 6’7 point guard Draymond Green, after he recorded a triple-double on Friday and then a double-double in the Spartans win over SLU, Westwood One Radio
“Lady @ White Castles drive thru just asked why I had a suit & tie on @ 3:25am. Told her I just got off of work. Said she wouldn’t want my job.
Chris Mack, @CoachChrisMack, head coach of Xavier, Twitter

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Karma, karma, karma. Learn how to handle success. The Jayhawks nation knows how to handle success. Five times I believe, we've handled it really, really well.”
Sheahon Zenger, KU athletic director, in comments made to KU boosters in Omaha following MU’s upset loss to Norfolk State that were captured on a video posted on YouTube
GH: It is obvious to me from Zenger’s comments that he has much to learn about how to handle success. His university, the one where he has been the AD at for all of 15 months, is easily the conference’s most decorated when it comes to basketball success and prestige. So why go slumming, Sheahon? Where’s the class one would expect from a perennial champion? Kansas may know how to handle success but this freshman Zenger needs to go back to school.

“Of all people to make fun of mizzou for losing in round 1 as a high seed KU fans- come on.”
Doug Gottlieb, @GottliebShow, Twitter

“Jayhawk Christmas.”
Mick Shaffer, @mickshaffer, following MU’s first-round loss, Twitter

“To my Mizzou friends, this KU fan feels your pain. Two years removed from the Northern Iowa upset & it still hurts...”
Tim White, @MrDubya64, Twitter
GH: I’d like to nominate @MrDubya64 to be considered for the position of the Kansas AD. This is how winners handle success, Sheahon.

“Well I've calmed down a bit. And realized that I could be living in Syria. So I guess my life isn't so bad at the moment.”
Danny Alvey, Tiger fan and soon-to-be-Mizzou freshman, @dalvey27, Twitter

“This was a team that could have won the national championship that [Norfolk State] beat. [Missouri] never really pressured the basketball. I’ll bet that Norfolk State has seen more pressure in their own MEAC Conference than they saw tonight.”
Kenny Smith, studio analyst, CBS
GH: Was MU a real threat to win the national title? Yes. As bad as they looked Friday against a really ordinary Norfolk State team, they beat Baylor thrice this season and split with Kansas. The Tigers blew it big time.

“You can start to see Missouri getting tight…”
Mike Kelly, MU radio play-by-play voice, with just under four minutes remaining and Norfolk State holding a one-point lead, Tiger Radio Network
GH: I listened to a lot of the MU/Norfolk State game on the radio at the office and in the car. Kelly was brutally honest as the game wore on and MU’s inability to rebound and defend became more and more apparent. Having the team’s play-by-play guy openly discuss his team as “getting tight” is the kind of stuff you rarely hear from the hometown voice. Kelly’s comments were real and much appreciated. The Royals would obviously hate him. His partner, Gary Link, was almost the total opposite. Read on.

“There is still plenty of time! We need a stop!”
Gary Link, MU radio analyst, in answer to Kelly’s “tight” statement, Tiger Radio Network
GH: Every time Kelly attempted to paint a bleak picture for the Mizzou radio audience, Link would chime in with his “There is still plenty of time…” comment. Link’s postgame cheeriness was so sugary I had to flip my radio off.

“We’re not big enough to rebound the ball against these guys.”
Frank Haith, in a postgame interview, TV 41
GH: Norfolk State lost in the next round to Florida by the score of 84-50…and it did not appear to be nearly that close. Any excuses that Haith or Mizzou had to offer for their upset loss to a 15 seed was torpedoed by that score. 84-50. ‘Nuff said.

“Apologists who say MU was tired from playing in their conference championship game, remember Norfolk State played 3 elimination games prior.”
Rich Zvosec, @CoachZZ, Twitter

“They had two [baskets] on air balls on weak-side rebounds, and they banked a couple of 3's in.”
Frank Haith, in his postgame comments following the Tigers’ loss to Norfolk State, 810 AM
GH: That sounds a lot like Haith refusing to believe his team deserved to get beat. They did.

“In his brief introductory statement to the media, Haith devoted half of his remarks to Norfolk State's fluke points. Got it, Frank. This loss, not your fault. Those 30 wins, though -- your brilliance, right?’
Gregg Doyel, CBSSports.com

“Mr. O’Quinn was the best player on the court.”
Charles Barkley, following O’Quinn’s 26 points and 14 rebounds in Norfolk State’s win over MU, CBS
GH: O’Quinn said he received only one scholarship offer coming out of high school – from Norfolk State. Wow.

“I didn’t like that Kim English was doing a lot of talking [prior to the NCAA tournament]. You better come to play on Friday. He didn’t do that.”
Carrington Harrison, after the MVP of the Big 12 tourney scored only two points against Norfolk State, 610 AM

“We laid an egg. We laid an egg.”
Kim English, in his postgame comments following the loss to Norfolk State, TV 41
GH: Props to English for not taking the excuse route that Haith chose. Mizzou blew their best chance at a Final Four maybe ever.

“MU first team ever to lose NCAA Tournament game in which they hit ten 3's, shot 50% and committed fewer than ten turnovers...”
Kurtis Seaboldt, @KSeabodlt, Twitter

“It wasn’t like [Mizzou] laid an egg.”
Danny Parkins, 610 AM
GH: Kim English and I would disagree.

“Missouri was ranked dead last in the Big 12 this season in field goal defense and three-point D. The winning covered that up. Not today.”
Seth Davis, @SethDavisHoops, Twitter

“Don't be fooled, this is same Norfolk team. This time, they're facing a real defense.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, as Florida was drubbing Norfolk State, Twitter
GH: KK appears bent on belittling Mizzou’s season by pointing out their faults and their two losses to his K-State Wildcats. Mizzou was not a perfect team, but to think they were not special in garnering 30 wins is simply a refusal on KK’s part to give the soon-to-be SEC Tigers any credit whatsoever in their final Big 1 season.

“The Norfolk that beat Mizzou is the Norfolk that almost beat Marquette. The Norfolk today is the one that lost to Illinois State by 32.”
Gregg Doyel, @greggdoyelcbs, Twitter

“I’ve taken this basketball program from the dump. I’ve tried to take it to a place our fans couldn’t fathom.”
Kim English, in his postgame comments following the loss to Norfolk State, 610 AM
GH: Kim thinks very highly of himself and is not afraid to let you know it. He will fit well into a career in the media.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Their president, athletic director and band director have all called to apologize. If that’s what they were saying, I don’t pay attention to ignorance.”
Frank Martin, when asked if he heard the Southern Miss fans yelling about a green card for the Cats’ freshman point guard, Angel Rodriguez, 610 AM
GH: It is head spinning how a small band of college kids at an NCAA tournament game can yell something derogatory at an opposing player and it becomes a national news story about racism. Rodriguez’s photo graced the top banner of MSN.com today and was tweeted out by CNN. Has MSN or CNN ever sat at a Mizzou game in the same section as the Antlers? When America overreacts to even minor instances like this with the charge of racism, it cheapens the word.

“There are all kinds of rumors out there that Will Spradling could be transferring at the end of this year. He’s just not happy. Something’s wrong. He’s just not shooting a lick!”
Kevin Kietzman, on KSU’s sophomore shooting guard from Shawnee Mission South HS, 810 AM
GH: It is one thing to read rumors like this on an anonymous Internet message board. It is another to hear KK spout this rumor over his 50,000-watt radio station that is also the Kansas City-based home of KSU sports broadcasts. It KK knows something about Spradling looking to bolt, let’s hear what he knows. If he doesn’t, he needs to at least act like the journalist he pretends to be.

“Yeah, the only place that was showing it was the hotel bar.”
Frank Martin, when asked by Wright if it was true that the hotel K-State is staying at does not get Tru TV channel that is carrying the NCAA tourney, 610 AM
GH: The way CBS has some of the early tournament games being broadcast on minor channels is a bigger crime than some kids in the band trying to persuade a player to miss a free throw.

“Frank Martin yells and screams at his players. Sometimes at a point you’ve got to back off. I think that’s what’s going on with Will Spradling. That’s just a guess on my part. I can’t say that I know.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Here is a thought – the next time Frank Martin makes one of his three appearances a week on your radio station, have someone ask him. Maybe even you, Kev.

“This is a talented, talented team. I’ve seen them play several times this year. They may get whipped by Kansas but I don’t think they’re intimidated.”
Jason King, on Detroit, KU’s opening round opponent, 810 AM

“The guys I talked to from Detroit, they are a very confident bunch. A very confident bunch.”
Josh Klingler, on his experience with the Detroit team in Omaha, 610 AM
GH: There seems to be a lot of surprise over Detroit’s swagger and confidence. Did everybody miss the fact that this team is from Detroit?

“Robinson? I can handle Robinson. He has to handle me.”
Eli Holman, Detroit’s postman, Detroit Free Press

“He’s confident. That’s good. We’ll see.”
Thomas Robinson, when asked to comment on Holman’s bold remarks, Detroit Free Press
GH: We have to wait until 9:00 PM tonight to catch this matchup. Like a good heavyweight bout, Holman and his crew are doing their best to pump some interest into this perceived Kansas rout.

“I’m kind of wondering what he’s thinking.”
Ray McCallum, Detroit’s head coach, when asked about his center calling out TRob, 810 AM

“This is supposed to be a column that defines the Missouri-Kansas rivalry. Good luck with that. The best way to find out about this thing might be to head down to the Old Market this weekend and keep your eyes and ears open. The Jayhawks and Tigers are bringing their 100-year war to our burg, and you should ask them nicely not to burn down our city. That should give you a hint.”
Tom Shatel, columnist, on the Omaha invasion of KU an MU fans this weekend, Omaha World Herald
GH: Kansas and Mizzou will be sharing the same locker room up in Omaha for their [hopefully] weekend-long stay. It is just another in a long list of coincidences that have made their final year as conference rivals special. A meeting for the national championship next month would be the topper.

“I don’t think luck has anything to do with winning games.”
Jim Boeheim, after he was asked if felt lucky following Syracuse’s narrow win over UNC Ashville, ESPN Radio
GH: Did Boeheim watch the final minute of Syracuse’s win over Ashville?

“I wonder if anyone at the myriad bad Baylor-Colorado Big XII games thought they'd one day play for a spot in the Sweet 16.”
Andy Glockner, @AndyGlockner, Twitter
GH: The Big 12 advanced all three of their clubs on Thursday and Colorado’s win is also a feel-good notch for the former member. Can MU, KU and Texas complete the Big 12 sweep today?

“Eight people out of 5.9 million ESPN.com brackets didn't get one game right. Did their cat fill out their bracket?”
Darren Rovell, @DarrenRovell, Twitter
GH: While I was not one of these awful eight, I am chagrined that Wichita State and Davidson cost me wins in the second round. I have K-State over Syracuse in a number of my brackets. That would make up for the Shaka Shocker.

“I dislike [Shaka Smart] greatly. I don’t know what it is. He just reminds me of something…or someone. I just do not like him.”
Nate Bukaty, on the popular VCU head coach, who bears a strikingly resemblance to 610 Sports’ Nick Wright, 810 AM

“I don’t think there is a historically great team out there. That’s three years in a row I’ve said that.”
Jay Bilas, ESPN Radio

“No man! It’s like 85 degrees up here [in Omaha]! I’m walking around in shorts and sweats.”
Greg Gurley, when asked by Nate Bukaty if he was wearing his “Muggs” or man booties while in Omaha, 810 AM
GH: Typical weather for Omaha in mid-March is 25-mph winds from the northwest followed by thunderstorms and tornado warnings. The basketball gods have smiled on both KU and MU yet again.

“It seems to be split feelings on [Jim] Rome. I really like the Jim Rome Show. But I think it’s better for the station that he’s gone, though.”
Nick Wright, on 610 Sports decision to dump Rome’s syndicated show in favor of local sports talk through the midday hours, 610 AM
GH: Rome’s show has lost its buzz. He is an affordable space filler for small radio stations that can’t afford to run local programming. It is a sign of success that 610 Sports is now comfortable enough to move beyond the clone wars.

“I believe they are going to announce standing room only tickets today.”
Nate Bukaty, on the expected sellout for Sporting Kansas City’s home opener Saturday at LiveStrong Park, 810 AM
GH: If you love drunken insanity, find your way to Sportings [that name  still makes no sense to me] home opener Saturday. It will be the wildest St. Patrick’s Day party in town.

“I guarantee you that the Chiefs will view that as a huge overpayment for that kid.”
Kevin Harlan, on Brandon Carr reportedly signing a five-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys for $50 million, 810 AM

“Frugal is not the right word to use [to describe the Chiefs’ free-agency practices] but they’re going to be smart. They are not going to overpay. The big free-agent signing [by the Chiefs], if people are waiting for that to happen, that’s just not going to happen with this organization.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM
GH: Translation: all the whining, screaming and bitching we do as Chiefs fans when it comes to signing free agents is wasted energy. Ignore the free agency news and go have a beer on Saturday with the soccer boys in The Cauldron.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Coach’s success at Missouri shouldn’t obscure misery left at Miami”
Headline, for Dan Wolken’s column on the mess Frank Haith appears to have left behind at Miami, TheDaily.com
GH: The only negative vibe around here concerning Frank Haith has been that he was overlooked by his fellow Big 12 coaches when they chose Bill Self and Fred Hoiberg over him as their 2012 COTY. But not-so-nice things are being said about Haith in Miami. Read on.

“All season, Miami has been dealing with an investigation into improper benefits given to Haith’s former players by Haith’s former assistants.”
Dan Wolken, TheDaily.com
GH: This is getting uncomfortable for Haith, Mizzou and the basketball future for both in the SEC. Read on.

“It was cruel enough that Haith used to cost Miami appearances in the NCAA tournament when he was on the Hurricanes’ bench. It’s almost unspeakable that he’s still doing it from 1,300 miles away.”
Dan Wolken, TheDaily.com
GH: I don’t know Wolken’s history with Haith, but he appears to be very interested in reminding the Mizzou coach of where he came from and the mess he left behind.

“With a resume that would be generously described as modest, Haith was something like the 28th choice when Missouri had to replace Mike Anderson in April, or so the legend goes. The hire wasn’t criticized as much as it was lampooned. Frank Haith? The guy who was one more mediocre year from getting fired at his last job? That Frank Haith?”
Dan Wolken, TheDaily.com
GH: Wolken appears to be swinging his keyboard with extra venom as he describes Haith’s hiring at MU. The 28th choice? Exaggerations like this simply weaken his argument and make his attack look personal.

“I’m here to tell you there’s another side to [the Frank Haith] story, and it’s sickening. Because when I see Frank Haith, I don’t see a coach who turned around anything at Missouri. I see the luckiest person in his profession, and not just because he inherited a roster with seven seniors that literally any competent coach could have taken to the NCAA tournament. No, much more impressive than anything Haith did on the court this year is the way he spent six months floating above the chaos his regime left behind at Miami.”
Dan Wolken, TheDaily.com

“This guy [Dan Wolken] is just destroying Frank Haith!”
Bob Fescoe, after reading Wolken’s column on Thursday, 610 AM

“The investigation that uncovered the evidence of the impermissible benefits [to Miami players] began in August in the wake of a Yahoo! Sports report detailing claims of former booster Nevin Shapiro, who said he provided numerous impermissible benefits to Hurricanes athletes. Shapiro is not linked to the current situation.”
Steve Walentik, writer, Columbia Tribune
GH: The Miami scandal from last year had Shapiro as the fall guy. Haith was/is adamant about his innocence when it came to Shapiro saying he funded a $10,000 payment to a recruit. It appears Haith has only his former Miami coaching staff to blame for any wrongdoing with these latest accusations.

“I know Haith hasn’t been charged with any violations or named in the NCAA report. By going to Missouri and taking none of his Miami assistants with him, he’s made sure he’ll stay as far away as possible from anything that might violate his new lease on coaching life. Those are Miami’s problems, not Haith’s, even though they happened at his program under his watch. One player is given illegal benefits? Maybe that’s just a rogue assistant. But three?”
Dan Wolken, TheDaily.com

“I’m focused on what we’re doing right here.”
Frank Haith, when asked on Thursday in Omaha about the latest Miami player suspension, 810 AM
GH: The question is how focused was Haith when these alleged illegal benefits were being distributed to his players in Miami?

“If Haith deserves an award for anything, it’s the all-time con job he’s pulled by diverting attention from what’s been going on at his former program, even though by all rights of fairness Miami and Missouri should be inseparable. Miami wasn’t just mediocre under Haith. It was, we now know, mediocre and dirty.”
Dan Wolken, TheDaily.com
GH: Is Haith a con man? Is his high-character act a…well, act? Was that guy we saw hugging his wife at Sprint Center last Saturday a dirty coach?

“I feel bad for Missouri, I feel bad for those kids at Miami and the University of Miami, and I wish there was something I could do to not let it happen. But it is what it is, and I can’t do anything about what’s going on right now. All I can do is continue to do the best job I can do at Missouri.”
Frank Haith, when asked about the multiple player suspensions at Miami, Columbia Tribune
GH: This doesn’t sound anywhere near as comforting as I would like it to. It simply sounds dismissive and temporary. With so much fire burning the Miami program, how long before the smoket arrives at the doorsteps of Frank Haith and Mizzou?

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

With so many Kansas and Missouri fans heading north this weekend to take in the NCAA tournament games at Omaha’s still somewhat new CenturyLink Center, I thought it would be a good idea to note some of Omaha’s hidden gems. I grew up just a mile or so from the Old Market area and know the surrounding neighborhoods well.
The downtown area has undergone some exciting renovations since the new arena and baseball stadium were built. Two spots that will be jammed with hoop fans are within walking distance of CenturyLink – DJ’s Dugout and The Mattress Factory. You won’t need a map to find either of these big, clean and popular sports bars. But if you are a bit more adventurous and have access to a car, you might want to try some of the more “experienced” institutions I have listed below.

Piccolo Pete’s Restaurant 2201 S. 20th Street, Omaha
My mom’s family grew up three houses south of this South Omaha institution that has been around since 1933. My aunt Mary Ann still lives in the house two doors to the south. If you stop by Piccolo’s, knock on her front door and say hi. My cousin Mike is a regular fixture at the bar on pretty much the same stool his dad occupied for decades. You will not find a more reasonably priced quality steak dinner with all the fixins in the Big 8…or the Big 12…or the Big 10…or the SEC. Piccolo’s is only two miles south of downtown but the locals love this joint. It’s crowded early but they have more tables here than most school cafeterias…and the waitresses at Piccolo’s will remind you of your grade school lunch monitors.

Dinker’s Bar 2368 S 29th Street, Omaha
You almost have to know someone who knows someone to find this South Omaha joint. My brother Tim is a connoisseur of neighborhood joints. He rates Dinker’s up there as the Babe Ruth of bars. Omaha has more sports fans per capita than any city I have ever experienced. And on a Friday or Saturday night, quite a few of them are inside Dinker’s arguing over the Red Sox all-time best catcher or the proper way to execute the triple option. These are not lightweight fans. Nobody in Dinker’s is lightweight anything – including the burgers, onion rings and my brother Tim’s favorite, a fried egg sandwich. Bob and Joyce Synowiecki own Dinker’s and the place is clean, friendly and not nearly as complicated as the Polish surnames that live in this neighborhood. Do not attempt to find Dinker’s on your own. Bring a friend – preferably one with Pete Enich’s sports trivia acumen.

Tanner’s on 156th & Maple, Omaha
I asked Tom Shatel, the sports columnist at the Omaha World Herald, to weigh in with some advice for KU and MU fans who will be making the trek up I-29 this weekend. He is a fan of one of Marty Schottenheimer’s favorite hangouts, Tanners, which is located in West Omaha where a number of hotels. Here are Tom’s comments on Tanners. “Go to Tanners (same chain, Omaha owners) at 156th and Maple Rd., in west Omaha, which I like to call Overland Park, Neb. Get the ‘Blair’ wings or lips. They are BBQ and Buffalo flavor mixed together. Awesome. Not named after the esteemed Blair Kerkhoff, but could be. This is a great Tanners, modeled after the one on 119th, with more TV's.”

Henry Doorly Zoo  3701 S 10th Street
The Omaha Zoo is as fabulous as you have heard. If you have been there, you know. If you have not, go and discover why so many folks in Kansas City are frustrated with the layout of our KC Zoo. Without ever venturing more than a few hundred yards, you can take in the entrances to the Dessert Dome, the mesmerizing Lied Jungle and an aquarium that causes constant gridlock due to the submersion tunnel. Your KC Zoo membership allows you to purchase half-priced tickets. Even if you have no kids with you and only an hour to spend, this zoo is worth the stop. In the 1960s this area was known as Riverview Park, where my brothers and I learned the game of football as members of the South Omaha Eagles midget football team. The elephants now roam the grounds where my 112-pound fullback body once performed barrel rolls.

The Bohemian Café 1406 S. 13 Street, Omaha
The Kapoun family have owned the Bohemian Café since I was in grade school. I went to high school with Terry, Bob and Marsha –  all of them are still working at the Bohunk along with their pretty little mom, Mert [short for Mercedes]. As a kid, my brothers and I would walk past The Bohemian Café and allow our nostrils to fill with the smell of freshly made dumplings, that dreamy pork gravy, jaeger schnitzel, breaded sweetbreads and the odd-sounding but delicious liver dumpling soup. I am tearing up here just writing about this food. I could eat that gravy atop my Frosted Flakes – it is that good. The Bohunk is only a half mile from downtown and the Old Market. If you have any Eastern European blood flowing through your veins, you have to stop by for an infusion.

Orsi’s Italian Bakery  621 Pacific, Omaha
My younger brother Jim was eight years old when he started hanging around this iconic piece of Omaha history. The Orsi family took to him like he was a long-lost albino relative. They put Jim to work twisting homemade loaves of their one-of-a-kind Italian bread and the kid never left. Jim is now in his 50s and he and his wife Kathy own the place. Orsi’s is just a few blocks behind Union Station on 10th Street. You won’t find anyone in Omaha who has anything bad to say about Orsi’s bread, pizza or the Soprano-like vibe that envelops the place on the weekends. Stop in and ask for a tour of the back bakery to watch them hand-twist bread or pull huge trays of the golden treasures from the oven. I love this part of Omaha and it remains just as friendly and aromatic as I remember when I was going to the Santa Lucia Festival each summer.

Clancy’s Pub 3 Omaha locations, 72nd & Pacific being the original
St. Patrick’s Day happens to fall on Saturday, which is the off day for the NCAA tournament in Omaha. You will not have any difficulty finding a friendly pub in Omaha to celebrate the green – but few have the tradition of Mike Kelley’s bar. Kelley is a long-time Omaha attorney who also owns another well-known Omaha hot spot by the name of Zesto’s, the ice cream shop made famous by ESPN and the College World Series. Zesto’s is in hibernation as a new downtown site is being readied for opening this June in time for the CWS. But Clancy’s will be open and rocking on Saturday. Clancy’s clients will have access to a monstrous parking lot tent, live music and free bus rides between their other three locations. I got to Clancy’s one St. Patty’s Day during my college years at 9:00 AM and I could not find a potential date who was sober enough to claim. Some would consider this one of Clancy’s selling points.

The People
Nebraska football fans have a poor rep here in Kansas City. It is not completely undeserved. But I will be surprised if those MU and KU fans who do venture to Omaha and into this bastion of Big Red fandom come away with anything but fond memories of the folks that inhabit the Big O. Unbeknownst to many, Omaha is a basketball town. Creighton averaged more in home attendance this season than Kansas. With Creighton playing Friday afternoon, there will be plenty of tickets for sale for Mizzou’s first game. If Creighton wins and gets paired against UNC on Sunday, the price for a second-round ticket in Omaha might become very affordable. I will be there in person to report on the activity. Enjoy the games.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“It’s possible that the Broncos aren’t even in this [Peyton Manning] thing. Who would tell someone at the Denver Post that the Chiefs are out? … I guarantee you [Manning] did not like the helicopters in Denver. The only hope I have is that the Chiefs are very, very quiet on this thing.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: There Kietzman goes again – guaranteeing things that he has no knowledge of or about. It was KK last week who was so sure the Chiefs were in on signing Peyton Manning he was telling anyone who would listen to get excited about him as the Chiefs next QB. Read on.

“There should be fan buzz about Peyton Manning coming to the Chiefs! This is absolutely 100% a strong possibility! Forget about those 12 [other] teams and the naysayers who say he won’t come to Kansas City! I think it will actually be more like two or three teams [under serious consideration by Manning]. The Chiefs are aggressive, they are poised and they are going for it! If you’ve ever believed anything I’ve said, they’re in on this thing! This is a very, very real possibility. … This could be the single biggest story in Kansas City sports in 20 years! This could be huge!”
Kevin Kietzman, last week on his Between the Lines show, 810 AM
GH: Just because someone disagrees with KK doesn’t make them a naysayer. Often times it just makes them right.

“Peyton Manning will throw one more pass in practice. He will watch one more minute of film. He will add one more play to the game-planning discussion. This is how Manning prepares for a game. Imagine how thorough he is now as he makes not only a major football career move for himself, but a life-changing decision for his family.”
Mike Klis, columnist, Denver Post
GH: It is even more disturbing that Manning, who Klis portrays as an individual who leaves no stone unturned, would have appeared to completely ignore the supposed aggressive offer from our hometown Chiefs. How and why this has happened should have Clark Hunt pounding his fist on Scott Pioli’s desk…and maybe even his GM’s genitals.

“There are four NFL teams that don't care how [Manning] got in this spot. The Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are the finalists for his services, with a decision expected to be made soon, possibly today.”
Mike Klis, columnist, in Wednesday’s Denver Post
GH: How appropriate here in March that one of our local teams again is denied an expected trip to the final four.

“I don’t do multiple brackets. What’s the point? Pick one. … I’ve got Missouri going to the Final Four in my bracket by the way.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: I do multiple brackets – multiple times. If you also enjoy partaking in a number of free bracket challenges, may I suggest you join your fellow OTC readers in our second annual Off The Couch bracket contest here at GregHallKC.com. Click on the link and remember that the password is: otc. Good luck!

“I think an upset in the second round could be Creighton beating North Carolina. That’s an intriguing matchup for me. If you’re going to get the Tar Heels, I think you need to get them early. I think this is a golden opportunity for Creighton.”
Dave Armstrong, 810 AM
GH: I have three brothers who graduated from Creighton. I am a former Blue Jays season ticket holder during the Missouri Valley’s Larry Bird years. I remember Eddie Sutton coaching the Jays when both he and I were much younger. I would love for Creighton to get a shot at UNC but I am not as optimistic as Armstrong that the Jays could hang with Roy’s athletic circus. If these two do meet, the total points scored could approach 200. If you have not watched Creighton’s Doug McDermott play this season, you have missed out on a real pleasure. He is the most fundamentally sound offensive player in the game – both in the paint and beyond the arc. McDermott and UNC’s sensational sophomore Harrison Barnes were high school teammates at Ames High. Yeah, they won state titles their junior and senior years in Iowa.

“I could see Wichita State giving Kentucky everything they want.”
Jerry Palm, college basketball analyst, 610 AM
GH: I bought Wichita State in my NCAA Extravaganza pool for $8. I love the Shockers this year and hope they live up to their nickname.

“This is a determined older basketball club and we’ve got really good players.”
Frank Haith, on his Missouri Tigers, in an interview Wednesday morning with Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio

“I’ve got you guys going a really long way in my sheet of integrity.”
Mike Golic, to Haith, ESPN Radio
GH: How different it is this year to have Missouri as the national darling in the NCAA tourney and not Kansas. President Obama even has Mizzou in his Final Four. Who says winning the Big 12 Tournament is meaningless?

“Georgetown’s going to beat Kansas.”
Dick Vitale, ESPN
GH: Vitale also has Missouri making their first Final Four. I consider Dickie V’s picks a good sign for the Jayhawks and a bad sign for Mizzou.

“Marquette is going to get after Missouri. I have them meeting. I love Missouri because I saw them all year. But Missouri is a feast-or-famine team three-point shooting team with four guards.”
Fran Fraschilla, ESPN Radio
GH: I have Murray St. beating Marquette – which will probably not make my freshman nephew at Marquette very happy. [If you haven’t noticed, my family is littered with Jesuit educations.]

“These are $150 Ray-Bans! What am I supposed to wear?”
Danny Parkins, after he was criticized by his new cohost, Carrington Harrison, for wearing sunglasses that made him look like a fake mall cop, 610 AM
GH: Oh, 610 Sports – how I have tried to like you. Is it just me or why is it every time I flip over to 610 AM I hear some soap opera playing out about these less-than-interesting individuals and their young lives? Tuesday it was Nick Wright losing a bet where he had to dunk his testicles into hot coffee while he whined about Carrington being a traitor to his show. Wednesday Parkins was whining about Carrington dissing his wardrobe. What the hell are they teaching at the Syracuse school of broadcasting? These youngsters are the sports talk’s version of The View. I think I’ll start to refer to them as The Pugh.

“I try to treat people right. I think there are very few people who have met me when I’m not on the radio and come away saying, ‘That guy is a giant dick.’”
Nick Wright, Ramblingmorons.com
GH: Nick Wright agreed to a sit-down interview with The Platte County Landmark’s Chris Kamler, aka @FakeNed, on his podcast a few weeks back. FakeNed tossed out some names of local members of the media and asked Wright to respond. Nick was more than willing to be frank and entertaining. I wish his show was this good. Read on for Wright’s takes.

Soren Petro: “Hypocrite. We make a living pointing out the flaws in athletes and public people. If you can’t then handle it when someone does the same to you, to me you’re a wild hypocrite. We signed up for this. … He called me a two-faced cocksucker and threatened to end my career. I call people out for a living so you’ve got to be able to handle it.”
Jason Whitlock: “Very talented. I believe at times he is dishonest. He tries to be polarizing for the sake of being polarizing when you’re talking about sports. I think Jason is at times dishonest with his real views on some racial stuff. He’s a careerist. I’m a bit of a careerist. I respect the hustle.”
Danny Parkins: “Very, very, very talented and hard working. Much like myself, his job is 24/7. All day long every day he is thinking, ‘How can I make the show better?’ I know some in Kansas City have not warmed up to him. I know for some that is going to take time, but nobody works harder and nobody cares more about it. And the kid knows his stuff. And I’d pay $25,000 cash for his voice.”
Bob Fescoe: “Let me say something nice first. I take a ton of shots at Bob and he is very, very professional about it. He gets that it is part of radio and he gets that I’m doing it to make the show better. When I see him at work, it’s not like he gives me the silent treatment or tell me to f-off. There is almost nothing he says that I agree with. I don’t particularly prefer that style of radio but that’s good. If the afternoon and the morning shows had the exact same style of radio it’d be boring. These last six months, ratings-wise, his show has been on fire. He’s crushing it. Here’s why Bob’s an interesting guy. I don’t think he’s making anything up. I really, really think the things he says, he completely believes. Which to me is unbelievable.”
Bob Costas: “There are very few people in the world I owe more to. I met him when I was 12 years old. He gave my mom his home address and told her, ‘I want him to keep in touch.’ Over the next six years we spoke regularly, he wrote me a letter of recommendation for Syracuse, he was always the guy when in high school I needed some advice I could just go to him. He’s one of the handful of guys who briefly come into your life and change it.”
Kevin Kietzman: “Great at what he does, man. The reality is that he basically invented sports talk radio in Kansas City. I do think he’s disingenuous. I do think he says things for the sake of saying things. I do think he has fallen prey a bit to what a lot of people is the goal; get rich, happy and lazy – and get away with it. I don’t know what he makes, but I know it’s more than me. I don’t know exactly where he lives, but I’ve got a decent house but I know his house is nicer than mine. He’s been very successful. I know I will get to his level and eclipse his success. That’ll happen. I 99% know that when that happens I’m as hungry for it as I am now. When you’re making half-a-million a year – and that’s an estimate, I don’t know what the man makes. And you haven’t until the last couple of years had any real competition; I think it’s easy to kind of kick back and talk pheasant hunting.”
Tony Botello: “I think he’s a bad person. When you have an audience you have a responsibility. He wrote some awful lies about my father. Listen my dad has some flaws. He’s a flawed individual like we all are. One of the things my dad isn’t, is corrupt. He’s lost some elections because he’s un-corruptible. It really, really bothers me when someone with an audience is irresponsible with that audience. I have no respect for the man. He’s one of the people on a short list that I think the Kansas City media is better off without.”

“My only goal is to get to the top of the sports talk radio industry. Do I think highly of myself? Yeah. I’m 27 and I think I’m doing pretty well.”
Nick Wright, Ramblingmorons.com
GH: I have a different vision than Nick for what sells here in Kansas City as successful sports talk radio. Eventually, the audience decides who is correct – or in Nick’s case, right.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Missouri was the eighth [seed]. That’s a really interesting one because the committee was really impressed with Missouri. They have a great team. They achieved so much this year with 30 wins. But we were very concerned about their non-conference strength of schedule being over 300.”
Jeff Hathaway, representing the NCAA selection committee, CBS
GH: Did Mizzou get shafted by the committee? Mizzou always thinks they got shafted by whoever is calling the shots – even when they get the second seed in a weak West Regional. I think it’s what those big columns behind Jesse Hall stand for – six big shafts.

“Mizzou deserves a #1 seed. And by the way Big 12. Screw you. … Not justified for Mizzou going West. But they can use that. Yes they can.””
Mike DeArmond, @sptwri, Twitter

“I look at it like I would rather have the Kansas draw [than Missouri’s draw].”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM

“The NCAA selection committee did the Missouri Tigers no favors by sticking them in the West Regional. Kansas, wouldn’t you know it, plays real close to home in the Midwest Regional.”
Jack Harry, TV 41
GH: Wouldn’t you know it, Kansas won the Big 12 Conference by two games and played a non-con schedule that looks like a list of Elite Eight teams.

“The shaft: Originating in Old Europe during the Middle Ages, where burial space was often in short supply throughout many communities. To maximize use of space in many cemeteries, the dead were often buried in a 6 foot vertical shaft, rather than the usual horizontal grave position. The vertical position was considered less socially respectable. Thereafter the term began to mean poor treatment given to someone in such a way that demeans him or affirms second hand status as a citizen.”
UrbanDictionary.com

“We were hoping for a 13 seed. I really thought we should have been a 13 seed.”
Scott Nagy, South Dakota State’s head coach, on his team’s 14 seed, 810 AM
GH: No matter what your team or what your seed, unless you get a one-seed and play in your home state – you got the shaft.

“The NCAA slighted Missouri in its seeding, then gave the Tigers a real shot at reaching the Final Four. Weird.”
Jeff Gordon, @gordoszone, Twitter
GH: Instead of focusing on being the eighth seed, Mizzou should be reveling in their placement in the weak West. The committee has conspired to place Mizzou in the weakest Regional in the same year the Tigers have one of their best teams. If that’s the shaft, climb that sucker and wave a flag.

“No team except [Kentucky] has impressed me more than Missouri. 4 breakdown guys that can also shoot. Super fastbreak, unselfish and a sniping defense.”
Tom Pender, @TomPender, Twitter
GH: I have read and heard a lot of analysts over the past few days sing the praises of both Missouri and Kansas. If either is looking to play the no-respect card, they’re out of luck. Read on.

“I have Missouri and Kansas both in the Final Four.”
Jerry Palm, college basketball analyst, 610 AM

“I’m going to pick Missouri to beat Kansas in the final.”
Frank Boal, TV 41
GH: Mark Carman of 610 Sports also has Missouri and Kansas meeting in the finals in his bracket. Could it happen? Sure. Two good number-two seeds in a field where neither is blocked by Kentucky to make it to New Orleans. Will it happen?

“Final Four: Kansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, M-I-Z-Z-O-U. I swear on a stack of Harpo's cups, I have never done that before. I usually pick Missouri to exit the tourney early and am usually rewarded. But this year looks different. When Missouri is making shots, it's as good as anyone.”
Tom Shatel, columnist and MU grad, Omaha World Herald
GH: Shatel, like a lot of Mizzou grads, are hoping this is finally the year their Tigers get to the Final Four. Norm Stewart never achieved that goal. How amazing would it be for Frank Haith to take his already-made team to the Promised Land in his first season in Columbia?

“In my bracket, Missouri’s not playing Marquette, they’re playing Murray St. … The problem with Missouri is if they see some quality big guys that could give them some trouble. But they’re not going to see that until they get to Kentucky.”
Jerry Palm, college basketball analyst, 610 AM

“If Purdue plays Kansas, Thomas Robinson is going to have 40 [points] and 20 [rebounds]. They’ve got nobody that can play him.”
Jerry Palm, college basketball analyst, 610 AM

“For the Final Four though I pretty much went chalk: Kentucky, Missouri, Syracuse, Kansas. Kentucky over Kansas for the title.”
Seth Davis, @SethDavis, Twitter

“I don’t see Kansas having a problem until they get to North Carolina – and they’re a problem for everybody.”
Jerry Palm, college basketball analyst, 610 AM
GH: If there has been a March when both MU and KU received this much love from the national media, I do not remember it. As the Royals like to say – Kansas City, this is our time.

“If MU doesn’t make the final four this year they may never make it. Sets up perfectly for them. Hope they don't choke.”
Bob Fescoe, @bobfescoe, Twitter

“I think it’s more of an upset of Missouri doesn’t make the Final Four than if Kansas doesn’t. This will be a major upset if Missouri doesn’t make the Final Four.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM

“Gary Pinkel asked Fescoe & I to apologize to Mike Alden once again for discounting the hire of Frank Haith. Sorry again, nice tourney.”
Josh Klingler, @joshklingler, Twitter
GH: Is this true? I thought Pinkel didn’t pay attention to the media. And if he does, why would he choose to bother with what Fescoe has to say?

“I am a man of my word. I yapped about buying everyone a beer if Mizzou won the [Big 12] tournament. I intend on being at Ponaks on the afternoon of 3/24. Say, from 2-3pm, anyone who wants to take me up on my mea culpa can do so.”
Randy Raley, former KC radio DJ, OTC Email
GH: All you Tiger-loving, burrito-eating, Randy Raley/KY fans from yesteryear can join him at Ponaks on SW Blvd when he’s in town on Saturday, March 24th.

“Fri. game vs. NSU is set for 3:40 p.m. (central), televised on TNT w/Marv Albert/Steve Kerr/Craig Sager.”
Chad Moller, @ChadMol, frm Mizzou SID office, Twitter
GH: Love how CBS brings in broadcasters for the NCAA tourney who probably haven’t been inside college gym all season.

“I don’t think this is K-State’s year. Next year, K-State is going to be a bear. This year not so much.”
Frank Boal, TV 41
GH: I on the other hand believe Kansas State can do some major damage in this tourney – including toppling big, bad Syracuse.

“There’s too much bad karma floating around that Syracuse program. I don’t think they make it through [to the Final Four] this year.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM

“The quality of basketball has been down. This is why we don’t have a beef about any of the teams that got it. The level of play has been down.”
Hubert Davis, ESPN
GH: I hear this often – that the quality of play in college hoops is down. Have you seen any highlights of this Detroit team that KU plays in the first round? They look like Dr. J’s Philadelphia 76ers. If this is a down year for talent, it has done nothing to diminish my enjoyment of the sport.

“Dude in first class on flight from Nola was wearing Ritz Carlton bathrobe. I may have now seen it all.”
Pat Dooley, @pay_dooley, Twitter
GH: Flying first class, stayed at the Ritz – do we think he bought it? What is the oddest thing you’ve seen, heard, experienced on a flight?

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I just put a shirt on after the game that I bought in the bookstore. I love the Big 12. I’m a Big 12 guy.”
Kim English, when asked why he chose to don an SEC t-shirt after Mizzou’s win over Baylor and pose holding the Big 12 Tournament championship trophy outside Sprint Center, 810 AM
GH: English gets a lot of love from the media. A LOT. Holly Rowe tweeted that Kim might be her favorite player to interview in her 18 years in the business. One of the reasons fans and media like the Missouri senior is that he is frank, funny and smart. So why did he dodge what he surely knew was a flashpoint move by wearing an SEC shirt just after being names the Most Outstanding Player in the Big 12 Tournament? English is not dumb but Steven St. John allowed him to pretend to be with this skate of an answer. SSJ went on to say that English has posed for a photo with his two sons and had given them his Big 12 Championship shirt. It sounds like a great story but it is exactly the reason why SSJ’s coverage and commentary on Mizzou is nothing more than a loving fan’s banter. Many fans like their teams to be covered in syrup. I do not – and neither should you.

“That's a shame. I don't think they're going to like it as well as they enjoyed many good years in the Big 12.”
Bob Knight, as Mizzou fans chanted “SEC, SEC” inside Sprint a the championship game drew to a conclusion, ESPN
GH: Twitter exploded once MU fans broke out this heretical chant at the Big 12 tournament. KU and KSU fans were outraged. Many Big 12 fans found the chant “classless.” Most Mizzou fans I read reveled in the sound of the chant as if it were a cry of freedom. I would prefer that MU’s players and fans had used more restraint but I understand why they found it necessary to gloat. The Big 12 has no one to blame for Mizzou’s utter disdain for this conference but itself.

“I think Missouri fans played it right. Won the tourney first, then talked the SEC trash. To the victor goes the spoils.”
Curtis Kitchen, @curtiskitchen, Twitter
GH: This needs to be said – MU did not go all SEC until this tourney was won. Mizzou fans filled Sprint like it never would have been filled had Texas been Baylor’s opponent in the final.

“The sec chants by Mizzou fans as they wrap up Big12 title is strong. Great way to give a middle finger to a poorly run conf on way out.”
Chris Hamblin, @HAMBLINRADIO, Twitter
GH: The public hatred directed toward Mizzou by conference and school officials over the past few months is reason enough for MU to react with pride that they will soon be members of the SEC. This could have and should have all been handled so differently. Missouri made a business decision they believe will enhance their future. Instead of the Big 12 congratulating them on being chosen by the SEC, it reacted like a bitter ex-lover – with threats, ultimatums, millions in fines and a complete lack of respect for what Missouri has meant to the conference since 1907. Put yourself in the place of an MU fan and tell me how you would react to this vitriol?

“Personally, I don’t understand the politics of why they don’t want to play [the KU/MU rivalry]. The game is played between the lines and this game has been going on for hundreds of years. I enjoyed it. I would still like to see it go on but that’s not my call. The administrators that are in control, they don’t want to play – we don’t play. That’s it.”
Bud Stallworth, former KU All-American, 38 The Spot
GH: The Kansas University administrators in control who have killed this rivalry should be ashamed of themselves. Their selfish and immature acts have cost future generations what so many of us have long enjoyed. Games were invented to be played, not boycotted.

“Biggest difference in KU n MU fans: Mu fans truly believe KU would have left for SEC had KU been given an offer. Not so. Simply not so.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Twitter
GH: It is impossible to compare the cozy relationship that Kansas has with the Big 12 Conference to the acrimonious relationship Mizzou has had with the 16-year-old Texas-based league. This is not about what Kansas would have done. This is about what Missouri should do. Missouri did the right thing and Kansas will forever resent them for it. I find that incredibly disappointing.

“An unreal 12 months for Mizzou hoops: Last spring's collapse, Anderson exit, Haith hire, Bowers injury, SEC move, Big 12 tourney title.”
Dave Matter, @Dave_Matter, Twitter
GH: It is the stuff of novels except this story is true. Someone needs to write a book. A very good book.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Peyton Manning returned to his south Florida residence on Sunday evening, for now ending his tour of potential suitors, and reportedly eliminating the Chiefs from his choices. Multiple reports Sunday suggested that Manning, a four-time MVP, had narrowed his next team to Denver or Arizona.”
Kent Babb, Kansas City Star
GH: Before the Chiefs’ courtship of Peyton Manning could even begin – it was over. Despite a Kansas City radio sports talk-led frenzy of hyperbole that had Nick Wright apoplectic with anticipation and Kevin Kietzman talking about Manning as a Chief being the biggest sports story in 20 years, it all appears to have been nothing but media hype. Manning never even bothered to swing by Kansas City for a visit. Read on.

“Why wouldn’t [Manning] even come visit?”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: The fact he flew from Miami to Denver and treated Kansas City like the fly-over country we have become is telling. Maybe not shocking but telling.

“We feel really good about the team we have in Kansas City going into the 2012 season, but we’ll look for any opportunity to improve and, of course, that includes Peyton Manning.”
Clark Hunt, CNBC
GH: Many NFL analysts had pegged the Chiefs as one of the more favorable destinations for the former Colts QB. The Chiefs are rarely as forthcoming when it comes to their intentions as The Clarks were with this statement. There are different theories as to why. Read on.

“So why are the Chiefs so openly chasing Peyton Manning? Here’s a theory. The Chiefs know that the Broncos are desperate to solve the Tebow problem, and that Peyton Manning gives V.P. of football operations John Elway his only way out. Having the Chiefs at the table could prompt the Broncos to give up too much to get Manning, especially since the Broncos reportedly are willing to do ‘whatever it takes’ to make it happen.”
Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk.com
GH: Cold Florio be correct? Could the Chiefs have been so blatant about their interest in Manning just to bluff the Broncos into upping the ante? Sounds outrageous but what about the NFL isn’t?

“I will accept blame for this and other things as long as I get to accept credit when the Chiefs win a Super Bowl.”
Kent Babb, @kentbabb, Twitter
GH: Another theory is that Babb’s story in The Star that painted Pioli as a candy-wrapper tyrant and Arrowhead akin to working at one of Kathie Lee Gifford’s factory, may have torpedoed any chance a high-profile free agent like manning would sign with the Chiefs. Rather than blame Babb – as some have done – how about pointing the finger at the guy who has turned the Chiefs into Stalag 17?

“If I were Peyton Manning, I'd go to Arizona and throw to Larry Fitzgerald every single play.”
T.J. Moe, @TJMoe, Twitter
GH: There are reports that Denver is “95%” sure that Manning is about to become a Bronco. The Arizona Cardinals appear to be their only remaining competition.

“A deal with Denver would leave an especially bitter taste in the mouths of many Chiefs fans; not only would the team miss on a significant upgrade to its most important position, but it would watch as an AFC West rival added one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in league history.”
Kent Babb, Kansas City Star
GH: Chiefs fans are kind of familiar with that scenario when it comes to Denver.

“I just want to know what his reasons are because I want to know who to blame – because I’m upset.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM

“I’m hearing from a lot of people who are pissed off. They’re saying with all that money under the cap, how could the Chiefs not be signing Peyton Manning?”
Jake Gutiérrez, 810 AM
GH: Why are so many Chiefs’ fans upset? Two primary reasons; 1) KC sports talk radio fanned these flames like it was a prairie brush fire and 2) Clark Hunt added kerosene to the blaze with his public comments. Meanwhile, who will be the Chiefs’ quarterback this season remains an unanswered question.

GregHall24@yahoo.com  & Twitter / greghall24

“If [Kansas] wants to count championships from 1922 and ’23, then that’s fine. I respect Kansas basketball to the fullest. I respect their players. I respect their coaches big time. I just hate their fans. I hate them.”
Kim English, The Missourian
GH: Nothing like tossing a healthy helping of NASCAR jet fuel atop the KU/MU rivalry as the Mizzou senior saunters out the door. English is handsome, articulate, charming and glib. But he is also immature and has a penchant for needing to be the center of attention. He is what the media refers to as a paycheck – a dream come to life.

“What’s [Kim English] supposed to say, that he loves the KU fans?”
Nate Bukaty, 8109 AM
GH: What he is supposed to say as the senior spokesperson for the highly-ranked Tigers is nothing that places undo pressure on himself and his teammates on the eve of MU’s final trip to the Big 12 tourney. Kim just cannot stand to be quiet. So he speaks and we all listen and react.

“Their fans kind of have a false sense of security about what Kansas basketball is. It’s not Kentucky. It’s not UCLA.”
Kim English, The Missourian
GH: Huh? Kansas basketball has won the conference that English plays in for eight consecutive years. Kansas has won three NCAA tournaments and played in 13 Final Fours. They are second only to Kentucky in all-time wins. Guys by the name of Naismith, Rupp, Dean Smith, Wilt, Manning, Roy Williams and Bill Self have called KU their home. English often sounds smart until he starts talking.

“[English] has got a little Norm [Stewart, former MU coach] in him. There’s nothing wrong with that. Everybody loves and respects Norm, especially after Norm retired. … That’s a pretty good quote by Kim.”
Bill Self, KUSports.com
GH: I am going to guess that will not be the tone Self and his staff use when addressing Kim’s quotes in their pregame speeches.

“Well, we’re the second-winningest program of all time regular season-wise. At least we’re not the second winningest program in our state like Mizzou is! Missouri State – more wins than the Missouri Tigers.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: If Fescoe could somehow get Kim English to come into the 610 Sports studio for a live on-air debate, it would set rational thinking back to the days of the dinosaurs.

“Is this a surprise? Does Thomas Robinson love Missouri fans? I doubt it. The one thing that has surprised me is Gary Pinkel and Bill Self. These are not guys who say inflammatory things. But the last month they’ve said some things where I said, ‘Wow! I never thought I’d hear these guys say that!’ It just shows you the level of pettiness, hatred, anger, whatever is out there over this whole thing. It’s another reason I hope they play on Saturday night.”
Gabe DeArmond, of PowerMizzou.com, 810 AM

“If it’s anybody but KU versus MU [for the Big 12 tourney championship game], I’m going to be so f-ing disappointed on Saturday.”
Sam Mellinger, 610 AM
GH: Me f-ing too.

“I know in the ACC, and it’s been this way for a long time, there's no question winning the ACC tournament is what it was all about. I think that's probably the case around the country in some leagues. You can't take away from what Kansas has done. I mean, they won the first true round robin in this league. They should be commended for that.”
Frank Haith, on how some conferences consider the post-season conference tournament champion as more important than the regular-season champion, The Missourian
GH: Winning the regular season conference title would be a lot more significant to Haith had his Tigers been able to hold a second-half 19-point lead in Lawrence. Just a hunch.

“I remember total eclipse yrs ago. We were told to look at sun thru pinhole in cardboard. That’s how Baylor unis must be viewed. Kansas State counters with death-star black unis. When teams stop gazing at each others garb, should be great game: Baylor-KState.”
Blair Kerkhoff, @BlairKerkhoff, Twitter
GH: I don’t think Blair has that eclipse/pinhole thing quite right. Don’t try that at home, kids. I am expecting Baylor’s play in the postseason is more memorable than their neon unies. They have Final Four talent. But K-State has Final Four toughness – and one of the nation’s most overlooked stars in Rodney McGruder.

“Recruits will like, that’s what matters.”
@StLouisJournal, on Mizzou’s new football helmet design, Twitter
GH: Speaking of state-of-the-art uniform designs, take a look at what is being reported to be Mizzou’s new 2012 football helmet. I like it.

“I’ve read some of the vitriol that comes across in [Jack Harry’s] emails since I’ve been with him [on TV 41]. It’s amazing some of the venom that people spew. I think it finally got to him. It really got personal and it went beyond the normal bashing that usually goes on between Missouri and Kansas. They really went after Jack pretty heavy. He had sort of said, ‘Hey, I’m stepping down. This is getting too mean. Too much vitriol. I don’t like this anymore.’ Well, I went in there and I was with him the next night. By that time he had recovered and said, ‘The heck with this. I’m fine.’ So he’s good.”
Frank Boal, when asked by Soren Petro how Harry is doing, 810 AM
GH: What likely happened is that Harry heard and read that his pouting crybaby act didn’t register very positively with very many media professionals. I have no doubt Mad Jack will be sucking up all the love and admiration he can get from the public this week at Sprint and the P&L. Funny how that works, right Jack?

“He knows this, I’m not saying this for Jack’s benefit but that’s just par for the course. People fire stuff out and you’re going to get banged around and if you don’t like it... If it gets to be too much, you should walk away.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Petro may have matured since his early days and tantrums – some viciously X-rated verbal attacks direct my way after a less-than-flattering OTC ran. But Petro was usually fine the next day…or until my next column.

“You said Jack likes to poke a stick at some people. I really don’t think he does. I think Jack speaks from the heart and sometimes that ticks some people off. But that’s what makes it great!”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: If Jack Harry is speaking from his heart when he does his Jack Smack rants – he needs to check his ticker. It doesn’t appear to be getting enough oxygen.

“Hey Mongo, just so you know, I like my steaks what I call ‘rare plus.’ That’s just between rare and medium rare.”
Nick Wright, to a caller named Mongo who bet a steak dinner with Wright on whether or not Brandon Carr will return to the Chiefs, 610 AM
GH: Rare plus? It must be a Barstow thing. I hear it goes well with a wine cooler.

“We’re supposed to be taking pictures today at work for something. The boss told us to wear a collared shirt. I’m wearing a white undershirt and you’re wearing a black undershirt – which I guess is appropriate.”
Danny Parkins, to his new mid-day co-host Carrington Harrison, 610 AM
GH: Rumors abound that Parkins’ show will be expanded to include Carrington Harrison as a cohost and move to a four-hour slot from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This would knock Jim Rome off the Kansas City airwaves for the first time since his early days on 1510 The Team. It appears the Rome bridge is burning.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Well, first of all we'd like to have it in the state of Texas instead of Kansas City.”
Scott Drew, Baylor’s head coach, on the future locale of the Big 12 basketball tournament, Dallas Morning News
GH: If Scott Drew wasn’t disliked enough in our Cowtown, here is a little jet fuel from the head Baylor Bear to add to his effigy flames. Does Dallas deserve the men’s tourney? That’s a big Bevo no, partner! But since when did deserving anything stop the Texas boys from taking what they want?

“In Kansas City, college basketball is a big deal. Interest is high from the city, the media and the public. The city will be hosting its 11th of 16 Big 12 men's tournaments and its third in a row. Dallas [three times] and Oklahoma City [twice] are the only other two host cities.”
Chuck Carlton, writer, Dallas Morning News
GH: It should be enough of an alarm to the Big 12 office that this Dallas writer feels the need to inform his Texas readers that college basketball “is a big deal” with the KC media and public. College basketball comes in somewhere below calf roping and gum smacking in the state of big hats and bad vertical jumps.

“Texas coach Rick Barnes said the dynamic has changed with the absence of a conference football title game. Things were pretty much in equilibrium with football in Arlington and basketball in Kansas City. Now, there's no real counterbalance, even though the Big 12 women's tournament will be moving to Dallas in 2013 and Oklahoma City in 2014.”
Chuck Carlton, writer, Dallas Morning News
GH: Awwww, Dallas is feeling left out now that Longhorn Network, uh, er, I mean Longhorn Nation schemed to implode the original Big 12 and reduced its 12-member conference to 10 teams and no football playoff? Perish the thought, Bubba! The fact Barnes has been allowed to remain in place at UT despite his wealth of talented players and lack of titles tells you how much attention Horns hoops garners in Texas. If Barnes was coaching football, he’d been sent off to Juarez in the trunk of a Chevy years ago.

“I’ll be fine if the powers that be decide to make this a rotation between Kansas City and Oklahoma City, but the only possible explanation for putting it back in Dallas is if the Big 12 honchos decide to take up fun-sponging in their spare time.”
Sam Mellinger, www.KCStar.com

“When we play Kansas State [at Sprint], I think you can look in the stands and see who has more fans there. Would we like to have here in Dallas? Absolutely.”
Scott Drew, Dallas Morning News
GH: The question is – would ANY fans be present for a Thursday morning basketball game in Dallas? Most Texans haven’t finished their second breakfast or elevenses before noon.

“I think you’re going to see a Baylor team, a caged bear if you will, fight and claw.”
Dave Armstrong, who will be broadcasting his 24th Big 12 basketball tournament this week, 810 AM
GH: Baylor has often resembled a caged bear this season – except that Scott Drew rarely unlocks the cage.

“Welcome to Kansas City, all those [visiting for the Big 12 basketball tournament]. It’s not normally like this, with wind gusts up to 45-mph this afternoon.”
Ellen Schenk, news anchor, 980 AM
GH: Somebody tell those three Texans to hold onto their 10-gallon lids and their bride’s beehive.

“BATTLE LINES”
Headline in all-caps in Wednesday’s Kansas City Star for their Big 12 special section
GH: Check out the print version of Wednesday’s Kansas City Star and their excellent special section on The Big 12 tournaments. This is the kind of media coverage these teams and this conference’s fan bases deserve. The artwork alone is worth the buck. Just some great stuff.

“This is my favorite week of the year in Kansas City. Royals’ [home] opening day is great, every Chiefs week is fun, Thanksgiving is cool here, the American Royal and Lenexa barbecue have their moments, blah-blah-blah, but nothing beats this week when our town is the center of the Big 12, fans from every school here to party and trash-talk and
celebrate and watch their team.”
Sam Mellinger, www.KCStar.com
GH: The old Big 8/12 basketball tourney in the West Bottoms and inside Kemper was cool but it had major flaws – like being located in the rock-strewn lots and restaurant depraved West Bottoms and inside Kemper, one of the Midwest’s largest bird sanctuaries. I have some very fond memories of games at Kemper and mad dashes with my brothers between sessions to score a coveted table at the Golden Ox. But what we have now in the Power & Light District and Sprint Center is head-jerking cool.

“I live downtown, so I love being able to walk to the arena, through the fans, seeing the P&L packed with the kind of crowd that doesn’t make you want to go back home…a lot of people use baseball, but to me, this week in Kansas City is the unofficial start of spring.”
Sam Mellinger, www.KCStar.com
GH: The first time I walked from a parking garage to Sprint to attend one of Garth Brook’s nine concerts back in November 2007, I could not believe I was in Kansas City. The vibe that envelops the P&L this week is unlike any other event in our town. Strangers amicably mingle while proudly wearing their school’s colors. Even the scalpers are smiling.

“We have about $18-million dollars generated [in Kansas City] between the MIAA tournament and the Big 12 basketball tournaments.”
Kathy Nelson, CEO/President of the Kansas City Sports Commission, 610 AM
GH: I contribute a large portion of that take in Sprint’s food court – especially on those huge KC BBQ dogs that come slathered with BBQ burnt ends and onion rings. Read on.

“Whoever said ‘let’s just throw some brisket on an unnecessarily large hot dog’ deserves a raise. The 1/2 Lb. KC BBQ Dog is a ridiculously huge all beef hot dog, topped with brisket plus onion straws and ‘famous’ barbecue sauce. About the only thing that could make it more Kansas City is if the sauce was from Arthur Bryant’s or Gates or one of the other estimated 17 gazillion barbecue joints here in town, rather than being a sauce vaguely
called ‘famous.’ Which I’m pretty sure is code for ‘we buy it by the vatful.’ ”
Robert Bishop, lunchblogkc.com

“You know, I don’t know. We haven’t been contacted by the SEC. Our focus is so much on the Big 12. … If the SEC knocks, we’re always open. We want to do what’s best for our city.”
Kathy Nelson, when asked by Bob Fescoe if the KCSC has talked to the SEC about Kansas City possibly hosting future basketball tournaments for Mizzou’s new conference, CEO/President, 610 AM
GH: Knock, knock. Kathy? Is that you? Isn’t it in Kansas City’s best interest to be pursuing the SEC rather than sitting back and waiting for them to contact us? If Dallas and OKC do get their turn in hosting our tourney, doesn’t it make sense to fill that year's void with a visit from the 14 schools that make up the SEC? If Nelson has not invited a group of SEC officials here to view this week’s Big 12 tournaments, her recent hiring should be seriously reconsidered.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“There’s been talk about where this tournament should be played. … Do you still in your mind think Kansas City is a viable place for this [Big 12 Tournament] even if there is not a school from the state in the league?”
Todd Leabo, in a question posed to Bill Self on Monday, 810 AM
GH: With this seemingly simple question from Todd Leabo, Bill Self responded in a way to set the tone for Big 12 Tournament week. And that tone will be a nasty one, with the Kansas and Missouri rivalry taking center stage. Read on.

“Kansas City is split. I still think Kansas City is more of a K-State, KU town than it is a Missouri town, at least the way we see it. If you are going to poll the people that are living in the 30-mile radius, I’d think you would have far more K-State and Kansas people than you would Missouri people.”
Bill Self, responding to a question from WHB’s Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: This is the money quote from Self that has Mizzou fans seeing crimson. Is Kansas City more of a Kansas town that a Tiger town? According to Self the Tigers rank third in their own state. But how accurate is “at least the way we see it?”

“That is a HUGE discrepancy on the number of people living in our community that graduated from these three schools.”
Kevin Kietzman, as he quoted numbers from the alumni groups on KC-area residents, 810 AM
GH: The Kansas City Star reports that KU has about 57,000 graduates living in the KC metro area and Missouri has 25,000. The Star reports K-State has about 19,000 graduates living in Johnson County. But are the number of graduates an accurate gage as to the number of fans one university has over another? A few Missouri fans think not.

“Every possible chance he gets to smack [Missouri] he does.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM

“I went to Truman State so since the MU alumni association can't claim me I guess I'm not a fan of the Tigers. Missouri has more people...more colleges and universities...and more people who aren’t MU grads that still root for the Tigers.”
Doug Stewart, @dougstewart1, of WHB, Twitter
GH: Unlike the state of Kansas, Missouri has only one BCS university within its borders. The residents of the state are not torn between two schools. Rather, they root for the big school in Columbia and take pride in that school’s athletic teams – no matter where you happen to have attended college. Doug Stewart, Steven St. John, Jack Harry, Carrington Harrison – all are ardent Mizzou fans who never attended the school.

“Self, whose team won the previous two tournaments at the Sprint Center, laughed about the commotion afterwards, and asked, ‘Am I wrong?’”
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star
GH: I guess it depends on what time of year it is when you are attempting to determine the size of a fan base. Missouri fans dwarfed the Kansas fans last November at Arrowhead. BTW: Why does The Star call it “the” Sprint Center when it should be referred to the same as we do Arrowhead or Kauffman?

“Bill Self clearly knows the Achilles heel of the University of Missouri. He knows where there’s a little wound and he knows how to pour it in there and he did it today. He did it very deftly and he did it very accurately. He said it’s not that big a deal that Missouri is leaving.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“To me the fact the arena is located across the river or whatever is irrelevant. It’s in the state of Missouri, but it’s still Kansas City.”
Bill Self, responding to a question from WHB’s Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: What the heck does this statement even mean? Kietzman missed Self’s reason for these comments – which in my opinion is to keep the Big 12 basketball tournament in Kansas City. He doesn’t want Texas to consider KC a Missouri town and move the tourney to OKC or Dallas. Self’s not a Mizzou fan but his motivation is linked more to the success of his Jayhawks than to belittle Mizzou.

“Obviously Kansas City has done such a great job historically. I can’t see it taking a step backward at all from an interest standpoint and attendance standpoint, I don’t.”
Bill Self, responding to a question from WHB’s Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Again, Self is hitting the strongest selling point that KC has in keeping the tourney – attendance numbers are far better here than at any other venue.

“I think it would give the appearance that with Missouri leaving it would hurt it, but I can’t see that happening. This will be a situation moving forward I think there will be as much interest in the conference tournament as there ever has been.”
Bill Self, responding to a question from WHB’s Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Let me call BS on this one. Yes, I believe KU and KSU fans will continue to support their teams in future Big 12 tournaments at Sprint Center. But trading MU’s basketball fan base for West Virginia and TCU is not going to fill Sprint Center for those Wednesday and Thursday games like the Tiger faithful do. Will some Tiger fans still support the Big 12 tourney in KC? Self’s comments might just keep those numbers at a minimum.

“There’s parts of Cincinnati if I’m not mistaken that are in Kentucky.”
Bill Self, 810 AM
GH: Again, what the heck is Self talking about? Is Bill thinking of running for office? He sounds like he’s polishing up a stump speech fit for a political campaign of gibberish.

“[Bill Self] didn’t just throw that out there. This is going to be a marketing battle cry in Kansas City. I can already hear it – ‘Kansas City is a Big 12 town. It’s all about KU and K-State.’ If people in Missouri thought that people in Kansas were going to take this lying down…”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Take what lying down? Mizzou decision to move to the SEC? I continue to be amazed by the lack of maturity being displayed by so many parties in the Big 12. But I am not at all surprised with KK’s whining. Read on.

“This is big-boy sports now. … It’s going to become a blood sport.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the Big 12 staking a claim to Kansas City, 810 AM
GH: And KK doesn’t like to be labeled a shock jock.

“Absolutely! I want to know who didn’t vote for [Marcus Denmon]. This is like Steve Spurrier when he didn’t vote for Cam Newton. [Denmon] is a guy who plays his best games in his biggest games. That boggles my mind.”
Rich Zvosec, when asked if he was surprised Denmon was not chosen as a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 team, 610 AM

“As for Marcus Denmon not being a unanimous selection to the All-Big 12 team, that’s not some kind of conspiracy. His numbers are equal to many players in this league that he split votes with. Rodney McGruder had the same conference season that Marcus Denmon had. Rodney McGruder’s season was every bit as good as Marcus Denmon’s.[Denmon] got the nod because of what everybody thought before the year. … I’m not complaining about Rodney McGruder at all.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I think McGruder deserved to be named to the All Big-12 team – but comparing his conference season to Denmon’s is simply wrong. Denmon played in big-time games and came through in MU’s biggest games. He would have to be considered the most clutch player in the league. McGruder and his Cats were out of the conference race early. Attempting to compare the two players’ seasons makes KK look like a KSU homer.

“[Mizzou fans] have been bent out of shape a lot this week, but the truth is the truth.”
Bob Fescoe, on some MU fans taking offense at Self’s comments, 610 AM

“I’m going to cover Missouri. Did I get fired? I can’t control what other people do.”
Steven St. John, on his answer to the MU Tiger club when asked if he would continue to cover MU when it moves to the SEC, 810 AM
GH: SSJ did not state who he was referring to when he said he couldn’t control what other people do – but this next quote might give us a hint. Read on.

“Looking at these numbers I found today, I’m not sure [covering MU sports the same in the future] is the smartest business decision. Clearly when you see that Kansas State has 50% more graduates in our city than Missouri, that’s a pretty shocking number.  … Guys like me dig into the numbers and they are shocking! They’re alarming!”
Kevin Kietzman, on 810’s plans to cover Missouri sports in the SEC the same way they have in the past, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman has apparently decided to make 810’s future coverage of Mizzou a “blood sport” as well.

“Yes, [Frank Haith] was a first-year coach but he took over a team that finished in the top four [in the Big 12] last year and he basically got out of the way and they finished in the top four this year.”
Rich Zvosec, on why Haith may not have been the Big 12 coach’s choice as COTY, 610 AM
GH: We hear a lot about how Mizzou faded at the end of last season but few bother to recall that Mike Anderson’s team finished in the top four last season.

“I think it means more to Missouri than it does to Kansas right now. That’s why I’m going with Missouri [to win the Big 12 Tournament].”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: If KU wants to give MU the last Big 12 trophy, I am sure the Tigers will happily accept. But something tells me the Jayhawks will not be that philanthropic come the weekend.

“I haven’t gotten a technical in two years. That’s like an all-time record for me.”
Bill Self, Hawk Talk
GH: If any team can bring out a technical in Self, it would be Mizzou in Kansas City – where the Cats, Hawks and Tigers all call home.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Just conducted an unscientific poll of Twitter (is there another kind?). It said [Frank] Haith shoulda won COY.”
Gabe DeArmond, @GabeDeArmond, after Bill Self and Fred Hoiberg were named the Big 12 co-head coaches of the year in a vote by the Big 12 coaches, Twitter
GH: DeArmond’s poll matches up with the results I have gleaned from comments made on Twitter, radio and television. Read on.

“Big 12 coach of the year voting is shameful. Can make an argument for others, but going with co-coaches and neither one is Haith? Petty.”
Sam Mellinger, @mellinger, Twitter
GH: The Star’s sports columnist isn’t the only one who believes the shunning of Mizzou’s Haith was a slap to the Tigers decision to bolt to the SEC. Read on. 

“Holdup, the Big 12 had co-coaches of the year and neither is Frank Haith? That's patently absurd.”
Nick Wright, @getnickwright, Twitter

“Love what Hoiberg did this year, but Haith getting left out of CoY is crazy. I HOPE Missouri SEC bias wasn't part of this. To award co-coaches, and not have Haith be one if them, is a slap to Missouri. period.”
Curtis Kitchen, @curtiskitchen, Twitter

“Boy the big12 sure hates mizzou. Vote for 2 coaches of the year and not one is Haith? No conspiracy theory needed. Seriously with Neinas still ripping MU and now Haith left out of coach of the year voting, I can't blame MU for leaving. … Self is by far the coach of the year in the big 12, but if you go with Co-Coaches, the other HAS to be Haith.”
Bob Fescoe, @bobfescoe, Twitter
GH: Mellinger calls leaving Haith off the list “shameful” and “petty.” Nick Wright calls it “patently absurd.” Kitchen says it’s “crazy.” Fescoe believes the conspiracy was in and now thinks Mizzou was justified in leaving the Big 12. Really? All this angst over a COTY award? Do I think Haith deserved it? Yes – but no more than Self or Hoiberg. Read on.

“Fred Hoiberg and Bill Self share B12 coach of the year honors. Missouri fans, your serve.”
Dennis Dodd, @dennisdodd, Twitter

“ISU: Biggest one year improvement in Big 12 history, Mizzou picked 4th, finished 2nd with 7 scholly players. Kansas, picked 1st, was 1st.”
Gabe DeArmond, @GabeDeArmond, Twitter
GH: We are all guessing on the criteria that each head coach used to determine his vote. A great case can be built for all three. Does the mathematics of 10 votes makes ties more likely? If the Big 12 still had 12 schools, maybe there would have been one consensus winner – or a three-way tie.

“It’s just ridiculous. People are human. That’s why I’m not outraged that it happened. Frank Haith did the third-best job in the Big 12 this year? Come on. He may not be the Big 12 coach of the year but I’ll bet he gets a national coach of the year from somewhere – which would be hilarious.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: SSJ sounded like he wanted to condemn the Big 12 coaches for not selecting Haith but he didn’t want to sound too Mizzou bitter. He failed.

“It’s how these things work. I don’t even complain about these things anymore. I could have lived with it if it would have been Fred Hoiberg by himself.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM
GH: Harrison is another Mizzou fan who, like SSJ, wants to appear to be above the pettiness. But he couldn’t help dropping a silent slam to KU’s Bill Self in the process.

“Don't have an issue with Self getting it over Haith. Maybe his best job ever. Hoiberg great, too. Not better than Haith. 27-4? Nuts.”
David Ubben, @davidubben, Twitter
GH: If we are handing out COTY for who has the best record, then the voting would be easy. But Haith was handed a senior-laden team that simply underachieved at the end of last season. Yes, he was able to coach them into a top-10 team but it that more impressive than what Self and Hoiberg were able to do? I think all three coaches deserve a round of applause and the media needs to understand that Haith wasn’t snubbed, he was simply judged to be less deserving than two who were also very deserving.

“Two coaches won Big 12 Coach of the Year and neither were Frank Haith, the favorite for National Coach of the Year. Bitter much, Big 12?”
Danny Parkins, @DannyParkins, Twitter

“The Big 12 awards are voted on by the league's coaches, you think there aren't other schools mad at Missouri? Think again.”
Josh Klingler, @joshklingler, Twitter
GH: If there really was a conspiracy by the Big 12 head coaches to snub Mizzou in the post-season awards, then why did Denmon make first team, Dixon win 6th-man of the year, Ratliffe make second team, English and Pressey make third team and Dixon make the all-defensive team?

“Bill Self.”
Frank Martin, when asked by Soren Petro who he voted for as Big 12 COTY, 810 AM
GH: It sounds to me like each coach got one vote for COTY. I would have voted for Hoiberg because I think what he did with his team was most impressive – but I have no problem with anyone who would have votes for Self or Haith.

“It does look like a four-day storm system affecting us right during the Big 12 Tournament.”
Gary Lezak, on weather models that show a slow-moving storm system that could be parked over Sprint Center from Wednesday night to Saturday, 810 AM
GH: Look out, the next thing you know is we will be hearing that this four-day storm system is the work of Mizzou in retaliation for how the Big 12 has treated the Tigers throughout their swansong season.

“I wish people would quit retweeting Fake Jeff Withey. I hate reading ‘fake’ people posts.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Twitter
GH: Bedore is a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to Twitter. A lot of late-night complaining comes off the KU beat writer’s keyboard. It’s all in fun, Gary. In the words of Bob Knight, sit back and enjoy it.

“I'm tired of the ‘Bubble’ term. I like ‘The edge.’ Teams on ‘The Edge’ sounds better than a bubble. Climbed over The Edge. Fell off ‘The Edge’”
Tom Penders, @TomPenders, Twitter
GH: The “bubble” is perfect. When a beautiful but precarious bubble pops, it ceases to exist and all of its wonder is immediately gone.

“I think BYU is a tournament team. They have the ability to get to the Sweet 16. David Rose is a terrific coach and a great story!”
Tom Penders, @TomPenders, Twitter

“Why again is BYU in the field? Crickets - I think Rose is a terrific coach, but this team is not good enough and #s are blah.”
Doug Gottlieb, @GottliebShow, Twitter
GH: This is why putting the 68-team field together is so maddening and difficult. Humans all have differing opinions on which teams belong.

“Beyond disappointed in the news about Gregg Williams and the alleged bounty program. Always been a fan of Williams, esp. As a KC area guy. I realize bounties have been around in football forever, but the league has come a long way in trying to protect players. Disappointing.”
Nate Bukaty, @nate_bukaty, on Williams’ apologizing for his role in paying players to knock opposing players out of the game, Twitter
GH: Williams is an Excelsior Springs native who comes back each summer to hold a fund-raiser for his old high school. He has been a constant on 810’s morning show the past few years and the Border Patrol and their audience have come to know him as a good guy. Bukaty stepped outside his friendship with Williams to deliver some harsh criticism. I was impressed that Nate stood his ground when St. John, Aaron Swats and Jake Gutiérrez all took Williams’ side and called the Bountygate scandal overblown. Read on.

“The allegations here, it’s like a felony almost! … I think there will be fines and I think there will be draft choices taken away.”
Kevin Harlan, when asked about penalties for the bounty charges, 810 AM
GH: Harlan was a guest on the Border Patrol later Monday morning and his comments sided more with Bukaty’s takes than the others. Not one of the Border Patrol voices challenged Harlan’s opinion.

“Golic is a dumb jock. He says side bets in golf are just like the bounties. What a moron.”
Bob Fescoe, @bobfescoe, Twitter
GH: I liked this tweet just to read Fescoe calling someone else a moron.

“I wouldn’t let Gregg Williams coach again in the National Football League. He’s a loser.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: I think Fescoe may be closer to the penalty that Williams receives than those who think he’s being unfairly prosecuted. Creating an environment in football where you pay players to injure the opposition should be repulsive to every player in the National Football League. I don’t know how Williams will ever coach again.

“If we thought that was bad, my guess is this will really be bad.”
Kevin Harlan, comparing the New England Patriots’ Spygate to the current Bountygate charges, 810 AM
GH: Jake Gutiérrez and Swarts brought up earlier on 810 that they thought comparisons to the Patriots’ Spygate were ridiculous. It appears that Harlan thinks the NFL will deal with Williams in a far more harsh way.

“It’s certainly not a secret that this goes on in the NFL. I’ve known that for years.”
Mike Greenberg, on teams placing bounties on the opposition’s players, ESPN Radio
GH: When I wrote for the Star, I quoted Tim Grunhard in my OTC column saying that Marty Schottenheimer had put a bounty out on John Elway. It ran in the Sunday morning paper the day of the Broncos/Chiefs game. All hell broke loose over that one. Grunhard said that he was called into Schottenheimer’s office and read the riot act. The accusations eventually blew over when the Chiefs denied it ever happened but we all knew the truth. It looks like the NFL hasn’t evolved nearly as far as we would like the past 15 years.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I went to my management [at KSHB TV 41 on Tuesday] and I said if it will help you, I’m ready to step down. These people can have it. I don’t need it. I’m 69 years old. I’m out there and I know I make opinions, ruffle feathers and everything else. But I’ve never ever experienced and seen in my life [this kind of attack] the last three days. It has been awful!”
Jack Harry, on how frustrated and upset he is over some social media attacks he is receiving from Kansas fans following KU’s win over MU in Allen Fieldhouse, 810 AM
GH: Harry sounded almost in tears at times while he opened up to KK and his audience about how devastated he is over the virtual attacks tossed his way via Twitter, YouTube and in email form. Read on.

“I’ve been in this town for 40 years doing what I do. In the past three days I have never been so embarrassed. I just felt like I was beaten up – beaten to a pulp. … This stuff that is on this social media, this thing on Twitter, is the most vile, the most vitriol, ugly thing. You ought to see the stuff that has been directed at me because I made a prediction before the conference that Kansas wouldn’t win it. I’m a sportscaster and I made that prediction – and the way that fan base has turned on me is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. They have plastered stuff all over YouTube… I don’t even go to it anymore. I don’t even want to be involved. I feel like I committed a murder or something because I made a prediction. It is that bad. It is that ugly.”
Jack Harry, during his Wednesday afternoon segment with Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I have no sympathy for Jack Harry. This is the life Jack Harry has chosen to lead. Harry made a decision to go down the Kevin Kietzman road of shock-jock sports talk when he became the lead sports anchor at KSHB TV 41. He has reaped the financial and professional rewards in being edgy, opinionated and with his often ridiculous Jack Smack videos that tweak the craw of many a KU and KSU fan. Hey Jack, when you tell Kansas they should drop football, you need to expect that’s going to rile up your KU audience.

“The things that you get from people that are anonymous -- that they know you and you don’t know them -- and what they will say, what they will do and what they will threaten is unbelievable … I’ve been getting it from the other way. I’ve been getting it from Missouri.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: If you thought KK was going to allow Mad Jack to come on his show and play the victim without getting in some of his own, “Yeah, but what about my suffering?” shots, you don’t know Kietzman.

“They can say whatever they want. They’re entitled to it. That’s not what bothers me. But when it goes below the belt with your family, I don’t need that. I do not need that! I made a prediction that didn’t hold up and so now all of a sudden I’m the worst damn guy on the planet! This is sports isn’t it? This is hatred like I have never seen.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: You cannot have it both ways, Jack. Either people can say what they want without you going to your boss to quit or they can’t. Can anonymous people on the Internet be cruel, crude and vulgar? Yeah, that’s only been going on since Al Gore invented the sucker. But for Harry to publicly overreact and chastise almost the entire fan base of Kansas is even more criminal than a few idiots typing on a keyboard.

“I bring on a lot of this myself. But nobody, NOBODY, you don’t want to read this stuff! That I got. It is that bad! I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Is this worth it?”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: Of course no one wants to read this kind of stuff -- but Harry is a public figure. A flag-waving Missouri Tiger fan kind of public figure who relishes in rubbing the Jayhawks and Wildcats the wrong way with his verbal salvos. It is what you do, Jack. To think you are not going to uncover a few crazies along the way is ridiculously naive. Blaming social media is a crutch. Social media hasn’t birthed these kind of attacks, it has simply made them easier and more timely. I think Jack would be shocked to learn how many people in the media have received similar cyber-attacks and shrugged them off. Harry is looking for sympathy by going public and I am all out.

“I don’t want to become the guy that because of the outcome of a game, I want to spew hatred. I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t know how you live with yourself.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Did KK listen to his attack on the Nebraska fan base prior to the Huskers final game in Manhattan, Kansas? Has he listened to his petty and juvenile verbal shredding of Missouri and their fans for their decision to depart to the SEC? You are that guy, Kev.

“Why do people follow you on Twitter if they want to make comments like that? It is off the charts! Off the charts!”
 Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: Jack Harry’s salary is commensurate with the number of people he can cultivate to watch him broadcast his sportscasts. He has known this for 40 years. He also knows that not everyone who watches does so because they like him. KK has perfected this to an art form. Twitter is made up of 140-character messages. It is just words. To react like Harry has is just as ridiculous as those fans who have taken his words as a reason to attack.

“I will say I received some very nice letters from people who said they were KU fans. I can’t count the numbers. They said I’m sorry you were faced with this because you went on and made a prediction.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: So why not focus on those positive notes and forget the few crazies who revel in having fun at your expense? As a broadcaster, you do not get to pick and choose who likes you. You simply learn to deal with both the pro and the con. Harry gives the more elder people in his profession a bad name by not being mature enough to understand this basic principle of his craft.

“You can block them. The number-one button on my phone is the block button.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Here we have two of the most opinionated sports talkers in Kansas City talking about blocking out members of their audience. It works both ways, guys. But when enough of your audience decides to block you and your work, it is time to turn out the LED lights.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“One of the reason I joined Twitter wasn’t to gossip or learn stuff… I got on it so I could learn about it, so I could follow what our players put up so I can help them manage that better. Because Twitter’s not going away. So it’s my job to help them learn how to use that better.”
Frank Martin, 810 AM
GH: Martin’s tweets are mostly rah-rah stuff, just what you would expect from a coach who is trying to recruit athletes and fans to Kansas State. He is smart in wanting to know firsthand what his players are tweeting. More coaches should be more engaged when it comes to social media. This is not Larry Smith’s Internet anymore. Read on.

“We had guys putting stuff on Twitter [after beat Mizzou] before we even got on the bus in Columbia to head to the airport. They are always putting stuff on Twitter [like], ‘This is for all the haters out there.’ I thought, who cares, man? Why are you guys worried about that nonsense? If your emotions are going out to identify everyone who is doubting you, then you’re giving them the attention and focus. When I talk about maturity and selfishness, that’s what I’m talking about.”
Frank Martin, 810 AM
GH: This is not a unique trait to Martin’s K-State players. One of the favorite things for some Kansas and Mizzou players is to tweet smack to those faceless and unnamed “haters” who have at one time or another questioned their talents or worth. Athletic departments that do not include annual classes for their athletes on how to handle public criticism are doing their student athletes a disservice. I am talking about all athletes. Every student has their own level of critical tolerance. No matter the size of the sport or the fan base, there will always be those who will be critical of an athlete’s performance. To expect these student athletes to learn on their own as to how to deal with these critics is unwise.

“[Aaron Crow] may have lost a few followers over that. He may have learned the hard way.”
Nate Bukaty, on the former Mizzou pitcher’s anti-Kansas Jayhawks tweet where he said he’d love to go back to MU and stick it up the Jayhawks a$$, 810 AM
GH: Somehow I don’t think Crow gives two flips about losing any KU followers from his Twitter account. If anything, he probably gained more Mizzou fans with his tweet.

“It’s a credit to our league that we’ve lost four home games that have all come down to the last possession of the game. I tend to look at [our four home losses] as a glass-full. It’s not that we’ve underachieved in anyway; it’s that our league is that good.”
Frank Martin, on K-State’s 810 AM
GH: I guess Frank would consider me a glass-half-empty guy. I think KSU has both underachieved and been disappointing in their four home losses. K-State swept a top-five Mizzou this season. Losing four Big 12 games at home is not acceptable.

“This [Big 12] league is very much top heavy. … Texas Tech is terrible. Oklahoma is terrible. Oklahoma State is terrible. A&M and Texas are only tolerable. [The Big 12 teams in the south] are all having a down year except for Baylor.”
Doug Gottlieb, 810 AM
GH: I agree with Gottlieb. The Big 12 has been exciting – as it always is – but not nearly as talented as in years past. But the same can be said about the Big 10, the ACC and the Big East. The competition this year might be as even as it has been in some time, just not nearly as good.

“I think this might be the best Big 12 Tournament in my six years in the league.”
Frank Martin, 810 AM
GH: I took a look at the projected Wednesday games at Sprint Center for next week and they are awful. But I will be taking next Thursday off to watch Kansas, K-State, Mizzou and Iowa State…as I guess many others will as well.

“It’s hard to imagine [Connor Teahan] will have a bigger game on a bigger stage unless he’s banging a three in a national championship game like Mario Chalmers. You’ve got to give him credit – he’s got that stick-to-itivity.”
Rich Zvosec, on the KU senior’s big game against Missouri, 810 AM
GH: When Teahan spurned scholarship offers from other schools and chose to walk on at KU to play basketball I thought he was making a mistake. I did not see him getting an opportunity to see much playing time at an elite basketball school like KU. In his fifth season, he finally got his chance. He has been tolerated by KU fans but barely. He was scorched by Marcus Denmon in Columbia. He is too slow, too white and too inconsistent. And then there was his 4-for-4 three-point shooting to help KU beat MU in the biggest game in Allen Fieldhouse history. That one game makes everything else worthwhile. That memory will be what many remember of Teahan’s five years at Kansas. That is a lot more than most walk-ons get.

“Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor scored 10 straight points at one point in the second half [at Oklahoma State] on his way to 27 total.”
Kansas City Star
GH: The way TT has turned around his game once conference play began in January has me thinking he deserves to be the Big 12 player of the year. Marcus Denmon also deserves to be considered. Both rank ahead of the favorite, Thomas Robinson, who will likely win it in a landslide.

“I don’t quite understand why when you’re referring to a girl – a female athlete, in particular - that you have to use the word ‘sexy.’ Isn’t there any other word that you can use to describe me?”
Danica Patrick, professional driver, during a press conference with media
GH: Has Patrick even watched how she has allowed herself to be promoted by her GoDaddy.com sponsor? Read on.

“A domain name and a website from GoDaddy.com gives me all the exposure I need. So I can keep my beaver safe and out of sight.”
Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com commercial
GH: Patrick suggestively unzips her jumpsuit as she begins this TV commercial, which concludes with her petting a live beaver and saying, “Hi little buddy, let’s go to the club.” Gee, what a surprise that some in the media would go down the sex road when discussing her talents.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“The atmosphere Saturday was impossible to describe with words. Words do not adequately replicate the experience of absorbing the noise that topped 120 decibels at five or six points in this thrilling contest. This is like having your nose pressed against the hull of a 757 aircraft with the jet engines going full-bore for two hours. My ears still are ringing, and I want more. I want a lot more. I want this rivalry to keep going like a Groundhog Day dream, because this installment of the Border War might have been the finest of them all.”
Bryan Burwell, columnist, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: I watched from my couch – much like most of you. Kansas State’s double OT 101-96 win over Xavier in the 2010 NCAA tourney is still the best college basketball game I’ve caught on my couch. But this one is sitting second with a bullet. And when you consider the two combatants and the barn they occupied – it screams to be called, “Daddy.”

“I can’t even put it into words. I don’t think I’m ever going to be part of something as big as this game was tonight.”
Thomas Robinson, following KU’s 87-86 OT win, CJOnline.com
GH: We can put to rest the talk that one school hates the other less or more or whatever. These two games this season between these two rivals did what so many big games so often fail to do – surpass all expectations.

“It wasn't just the best game of the college basketball season, it was arguably the best of those 105 years. Missouri was up 19 in the second half. The last time Missouri led at Kansas by 19 was the Paleozic Era, or at least 1999. That was the last the Tigers won here.”
Dennis Dodd, columnist, CBSSportsline

“Didn't use it, but former KC Star staffer Mike DeArmond had a classic story... he says relatives in Missouri were made to dig their own graves by ambushing Jayhawkers .... a little girl ran out the back door and fetched Frank and Jessie James who arrived and made the Jayhawkers did their OWN graves.”
Dennis Dodd, @dennisdoddcbs, Twitter
GH: I have no idea if this story is true and I’m pretty sure DeArmond doesn’t either – but I love lies like this. I am sure Max Falkenstien has a few of his own.

“I would give anything to go back to college and have to opportunity to pitch against ku tomorrow and shove it up their @$$.”
Aaron Crow, current Royals pitcher and former Mizzou All-Big 12 hurler, Twitter
GH: Can we get the Detroit Tigers to change their colors to crimson and blue?

“ROCKCHALK JAYHAWK!!!! MUCK FIZZOU! 8 str8 big 12 chips!! Never been more proud of a group of guys at the K! Much Alum Love from Tel Aviv!!!”
Keith Langford, @keith_langford, former All-Big 12 KU player, Twitter

“That really was a good game. Just a great, great game to watch. Arrrrrrrggggh. I know it was a great game, but ohhhh man, I really do hate those bleeepin' Jayhawks.”
Jon Sundvold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: Sundvold let his guard down here in an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bryan Burwell. Read on.

“And that, folks, was the Mizzou in Sundvold talking, an eloquently coarse lament that may have echoed the exact sentiments of an entire heart-broken state.”
Bryan Burwell, columnist, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“I'm up still can't sleep.”
Marcus Denmon, @MizzouMonster12, about 4:30 AM on Sunday, Twitter
GH: How great was Denmon – again? How Mizzou managed to burn the final eight seconds of that game without getting this Jayhawk killer’s hands on the ball before the buzzer will live forever in the minds of Tiger fans everywhere.

“Only in the exhale did realization hit: The best rivalry in college basketball is over. The best. Oh sure, people will talk about how Missouri and Kansas could play each other in the Big 12 tournament … so what? Maybe, at times, the slot machines will spin 7s and Missouri and Kansas will play each other in the NCAA Tournament — that will be nice. And yes, maybe someday Missouri and Kansas will work out some arrangement to play each other once a year in some nonconference carnival. But that won’t be the same.”
Joe Posnanski, special column for The Kansas City Star
GH: The Star brought back JoPo to do what he does best – tell a moving tale in memorable text. I have often criticized Joe for his tepid and formulaic stylized writing – but I thought he was a great choice to deliver a schmaltzy 2,000 word essay on the final KU/MU game that would capture the mood. But then I read his story on the front page of Sunday’s paper. Meh. It was far from memorable. It was sloppy and floppy and a bit of a bore. There were great stories to tell but I got the feeling JoPo didn’t know enough about the two teams to tell them. Instead, we got pure canned ham. Read on.

“His sign said: ‘KU Won’t MIZZ-you.’ And you know, it was relatively clever, as far as signs go. But something about it bothered me. I did want to walk over to him and whisper in his ear: ‘Yeah, you will, kid. You will miss Missouri. You will miss all this more than you can ever know.’ ”
Joe Posnanski, special column for The Kansas City Star
GH: So does JoPo think the rivalry needs to end because it won’t be the same or that it will be missed even by those who want it to die? Once again, JoPo sits upon the fence and attempts to disguise his vacillating with a flurry of words.

“The best sporting event I've ever gone to. That includes 5 superbowls, And nearly every great college football stadium #RCJHKU!!!!!!”
Charlie Weis Jr., @CJWJR23, son of KU’s new football coach, Twitter

“I've attended numerous Duke-North Carolina games, been to Rupp for Kentucky and Louisville and was at plenty of UCLA-Arizona matchups in their heyday. I've been to no shortage of New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox games. This is right there. With all of them.”
Jeff Goodman, columnist, CBSSports.com

“I was pretty amazed when Self erupted in joy after the final horn. He usually is pretty calm. He was screaming and thrust his arms up. Crazy.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, writer, KUSports.com
GH: No reason to keep playing this game, Bill, right?

“Why wouldn't you want to keep it going? There's no reason. You're taking it away from the fans.”
Mike Alden, MU athletic director, shortly after Mizzou’s heartbreaking loss to Kansas, CBSSports.com

“It's a shame that it's going to end, but it’s definitely going to end. Playing them once a year with nothing on the line doesn't carry the same value as playing twice a year with a championship on the line.”
Bill Self, Metro Sports
GH: In JoPo-esqu fashion, Self made a U-turn a bit later in his press conference. Read on.

“Playing Missouri, unfortunately, does mean something. It means something to me. I was at Illinois and coached against Missouri when I was there. I hated nothing more than losing to Missouri.”
Bill Self, CBSSportsline.com
GH: Sounds like that MU/Illini rivalry is a pretty good non-con hoops game in December. I have a feeling an annual KU/MU game in Sprint Center might be as well…and it appears Self does as well.

“Mu-ku needs to play for fans. KU brass - including Self who says fans do not drive bus - need to understand that.”
Mike DeArmond, @sptwri, Twitter
GH: The fans do drive the bus – and KU fans overwhelmingly are telling their bus driver they want nothing to do with playing Mizzou in the future. With that magical and historic win on Saturday, I think they’d rather have a statue of Quantrill erected next to Naismith before they’d want to disturb the dirt on the grave of their OT victory.

“Noise level after TRob block to assure OT was perhaps all-time high. 1 of great plays in FH history. Did he foul? Refs ref; players play.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, writer, KUSports.com
GH: Mizzou will forever be represented inside AFH with the replay of TRob’s block being added to the pregame video collage for as long as that building breathes.

“I’ve read books on it. You’ve got to know the referees are going to foul them back into the game.”
Soren Petro, on MU allowing their offense to become stagnant while they tried to protect the lead, 810 AM
GH: Officials are human. As an ex-umpire, I can attest to the belief that officials will unknowingly “help” the team that is being crushed back into the game. Petro is correct – coaches need to understand this phenomenon is real and coach more aggressively.

“The true story is, Missouri had a 19-point lead and blew it.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou could have done some things differently but I saw Kansas take that game more than MU giving it away. Marcus Denmon sure wasn’t giving anything up.

“That (Allen Fieldhouse) building was easily worth 10 points – more like 19.”
Jack Harry, KSHB TV41
GH: AFH was worth 19 points? So how does Mad Jack explain KU dominating MU in Columbia? It wasn’t the building, it was the players. Both teams played exquisite basketball for much of the game. Mizzou simply shot KU into a 19-point deficit. KU climbed back by doing the same. This game was due far more to flesh and blood than bricks and ghosts.

“Possibly the greatest sports weekend of my life continues. @RobbHeineman & @MikeIllig just gave me a ticket to the NBA All Star game.”
Nate Bukaty, @nate_bukaty, Twitter
GH: To those Kansas fans with young kids who are so ready to walk away from playing Mizzou – what about your children? Nate ranks this past sports weekend as one of his greatest of his life. His young son will never experience beating Mizzou. I do not think the current KU administration has that right to strip these kinds of experiences from their fans of tomorrow.

“After a game like that, these two schools can bury the hatchet and continue to play this basketball game. It’s the right thing to do, no matter what side of the state line you’re from.”
Frank Boal, KSHB TV41

“That’s why we played [audio clips of] Tyus Edney and the kicked ball against Nebraska. This ranks up there with disastrous losses for Missouri. I think Missouri had an utter and absolute meltdown. They melted down.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe is so blinded by his KU diploma [and lack of intelligence] that he quickly looks to laugh and view the game as an epic MU failure. He turns one of KU’s greatest comeback wins ever into a Mizzou meltdown. Some fans just can’t enjoy their team’s heroic effort above their rival’s disappointment.

“We didn’t execute what we talked about.”
Marcus Denmon, in the postgame presser, when asked about the final 8 seconds of the OT, Metro Sports
GH: Coach Haith needed to run the picket fence to Jimmy Chitwood. Denmon is MU’s hero. He never touched to ball until it was too late.

“The comeback — or at least what made it possible — started on Thursday afternoon in Bill Self’s office. Self needed to get his star right to have a chance to beat Missouri and to make the next month a special one, so he met with Robinson to talk about what had happened in College Station on Wednesday.”
C.J. Moore, KU basketball beat writer for CBSSports.com.
GH: Moore column on the game is the best one I have read. It come from a Kansas perspective but that’s the team that won the game. You can read it by clicking here.

“It ranks up there with the Nebraska-Oklahoma game of the century, KU’s unbelievable come from behind victory over Memphis -- but with the setting in Allen Field House on Saturday, maybe even trumps those two.  Mizzou is damn good and Denmon has some onions, doesn't he? It was absolutely beyond any script and even if you're not a sports fan, you'd have had to be brain dead to not have had goose bumps at that game.  I leaned over to my buddy who was my host and said ‘The hair on my arms feels like they're standing on end.’  He rolled up his sleeves and I swear his was!”
Nebraska grad, on his experience inside AFH at the game, OTC Email
GH: This email came from a former teammate of mine who graduated from Nebraska who now lives in Mission Hills and has a daughter enrolled at Mizzou. He is also a huge KU basketball fan. Killing this rivalry game is a blow to sports fans everywhere…but even more so to those fans who live here.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter

“I was debating with a couple of former Jayhawks while I was watching practice [Thursday]. I asked them which game they thought was bigger; the 2008 game against [Roy Williams’] Carolina to go to the Final Four or this game on Saturday. Unanimously, the guys were talking about this game that’s coming up Saturday. I think that says a lot.”
Wayne Simien, former KU All American and Leavenworth, KS native, 810 AM
GH: Everyone agrees this is a big game – the only question that is debatable is how big. My hope is that Time Warner thinks this is a big game and covers its CBaSS on Saturday afternoon. BTW, I heard from a TWC employee here in Kansas City who read Kietzman’s assessment of their reaction to losing the ESPN feed the last two Monday’s. “Total crap,” is how this individual described KK’s story.

“It is a hallowed place. It is an unbelievably noisy place.”
Jon Sundvold, former Mizzou All-American, on Allen Fieldhouse, 980 AM
GH: While much of the fan talk the past few months has been on the nasty side from both schools of this rivalry, it should be remembered that there is also some deep-seeded respect between the athletes and coaches who have participated in this 104-year-old rivalry. A Mizzou legend calling Allen Fieldhouse “a hallowed place” is high praise indeed.

“You truly feel like you can feel the ghosts of days gone by. Who else starts their intro video with James Naismith and Doc Allen?”
Sheahon Zenger, Kansas AD, on Allen Fieldhouse and the Jayhawks pregame video, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: I have been to a number of sports arenas, stadiums and events thourout my years. None compare to game day inside Allen Fieldhouse. None.

“You can't go to Kmart, Walmart or Target, walk in and say, `Where's the aisle where you sell tradition?' You can't purchase it. And I know it sounds like a Mastercard 'priceless' commercial ... But 100 feet from this office is Wrigley. It's Fenway. Old Yankee Stadium. It's the Coliseum. I mean, it is. And it's set down in a small town in midwest America. On Naismith Drive.”
Barry Hinson, KU director of basketball operations, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“If a booster gave us $100 million, wrote the check but [said] the only thing we could spend that money would be to build a new facility, we would respectfully decline. I mean, seriously, we would respectfully decline, saying, 'Hey, appreciate the offer, hope you we can use your money in some other way, in some other fashion. But if that's the only way that we can use it, we respectfully decline. Because we're not building a new one.”
Bill Self, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: A few years ago Kevin Kietzman went on a rant about Kansas needing to tear down Allen Fieldhouse in order to stay current with the revenue streams that new campus arenas were able to provide. I understand that KK isn’t a Kansas fan but is he a sports fan? Hate KU and the Jayhawks all you want, but what they have in that old building is something we should all as sports fans be able to appreciate.

“I love Missouri and I love our fans…but I tip my hat to the Kansas fans. They come early and they cheer a lot.”
Gary Link, MU radio color analyst, 610 AM
GH: The atmosphere at Mizzou Arena earlier this month for the KU game was maybe as good as it will ever be. It will be every bit as crazy on Saturday in Lawrence. KU is bringing back Larry Brown, Nick Collison and a list of former KU greats the likes we may have never seen under one roof. It will showcase why college basketball here in the Midwest is so damn important to so many.

“I don't think in my lifetime I'll ever be in such an intense environment. It will be almost like a portrait.”
Barry Hinson, on what he expects the atmosphere to be like at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: Portraits are for dead presidents. There is no reason to kill this still vibrant rivalry. But the Kansas contingent in no way agrees with me. Read on.

“They're moving forward. That's their future. Their future is not looking back. Or hanging on to something that was. Their future is going forward. And you know what? So is ours. It's nothing negative. It's just business.”
Bill Self, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: Oh, but there is plenty of negativity floating about due to this rivalry being smote. For Self to speak otherwise is less than honest.

“People can get hung up on, 'Well, don't the fans deserve this or that?' You know what? Whose fans? I haven't had one KU person, not one, send me an email or a letter or tell me we should play Missouri. Not one. And I've gotten numerous ones that said we should not.”
Bill Self, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GH: And I am sure every one of those KU notes harbored no negativity.

“It’s sad. I wish it wasn’t happening. But they’re leaving. What are you going to do? I read an article where we kind of look like the bad guys not playing them in the foreseeable future.”
Greg Gurley, 810 AM

“I came out of Bill Self’s office and Sheahon Zenger’s office the other day thinking I don’t think Missouri is ever going to play in Allen Fieldhouse again. Let’s face it – it really doesn’t matter why. Kansas just really doesn’t want to play.”
Vahe Gregorian, writer for St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 610 AM

“It totally makes sense from both sides.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: It sure doesn’t make sense to me, a guy on neither side.

“I would say it is the biggest game in Allen Fieldhouse history. I don’t think that’s hyperbole at all.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM

“You know what? If Missouri wins the game, you won’t find many KU fans who admit that was the biggest game ever.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM

“We asked John Hadl if he could remember a bigger game leading up to it and he said no, this is it.”
Greg Gurley, 810 AM

“For Missouri fans, it means more than winning the Big 12, more than a number-one seed. Missouri fans want to go to work and say – even though it’s not true – ‘We beat you twice an don’t the conference and now you don’t want to play us.’”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM

“Probably Norm. I always said he looked like he was doing everything [during a game] but coaching. He would be on the ref or on you. Norm didn’t care. He was unconventional.”
Greg Gurley,  former KU player, when asked who he remembered as the biggest trash talker during his playing days on the Missouri side, 810 AM
GH: Gurley told how Norm would verbally ride the Kansas players from the bench. “He’d call you every name in the book,” is how Gurley put it. “Was that their head coach?”

“That got embellished over time. I’ve spent money in Kansas. I have a lot of friends in Kansas – tremendous [friends].”
Norm Stewart, when asked about him never wanting to use a Kansas hotel or spend money in Kansas, 810 AM
GH: With all the negative talk being spewed between the two fan bases, we have spent little time focusing on the great friendships that have evolved over the years between these two schools. If Norm has friends in Kansas, Quantrill’s descendants probably own property in Olathe.

“I would count the numbers I had going in there [on the bus] and hope when I got out of there when it was time to find the light switch to turn the lights off and get the hell out of Dodge, that I had the same number that I went in there with. … Other than that, that would be my goal.”
Norm Stewart, MU’s Hall of Fame coach, on any advice he might have for Mizzou traveling to Lawrence, 810 AM

“Mizzou has to play much better, far better than they did at Mizzou to win that game [in Lawrence]. It’s going to require an extraordinary effort from the Tigers.”
Mike DeCourcy, 810 AM

“That first game was one of the more entertaining games I’ve watched the last couple of years, watching the chess match. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses they try to exploit. I can’t wait for the game.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“I don’t think people get how impressive eight times in a row is in a BCS conference.”
Greg Gurley, on KU’s string of Big 12 conference basketball titles, 810 AM
GH: It is not eight yet, Greg. But seven in a row is darn impressive as well. I am picking Mizzou by a free throw…just not sure if it’ll be a made frow or a miss.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I’m leaving out of here probably as disgusted with my team as I’ve been in a long time. I’m really disgusted with our attitude.”
Bill Self, in his postgame comments following KU’s 66-58 win at Texas A&M, 610 AM
GH: Self’s postgame sound was available on the KU radio broadcast and then again Thursday on 610 Sports. I didn’t hear or see his comments on any other local media outlets. Had KU been upset in College Station, the KU radio rights holder 610 Sports would have had some coveted exclusive sound from the Kansas locker room.

“A year from now, had the Aggies upset the fourth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, it would have been interesting to see how many people would have said they were at Wednesday’s game. … Several of the KU players and support personnel scanned Reed Arena before tipoff and their body language seemed to be saying, ‘Really?’ ”
Robert Cessna, columnist, on the announced crowd of 6,868 at Texas A&M Wednesday night, AggieSports.com
GH: A&M is home of the vaunted “12th Man.” The Aggies even threatened to sue the Denver Broncos over a 12th Man flag that flew during a Broncos game in January. If the Aggie basketball “crowds” are going to be this paltry, A&M might want to back off their 12th Man bravado unless their quoting attendance numbers.

“Top 7 college BB attendance; 1Kentucky 2Syracuse 3Louisville 4UNC 5Wisconsin 6Tennessee 7CREIGHTON.”
Mitch Holthus, @mitchholthus, Twitter
GH: I heard Mark Adams, who did the color for the Evansville/Creighton game with Holthus, declare Omaha the best college basketball town in the nation. Adams’ comment is a stretch but those in the know understand that Creighton has long had as ardent a hoops fan base as many big-time schools.

“Inexcusable. As bad a play as I’ve seen. He was never engaged in the whole game. It was not totally a surprise [he was whistled for the technical].”
Bill Self, on Thomas Robinson getting called for a technical foul that also resulted in his fifth foul, KUSports.com
GH: Robinson probably slipped in a number of POTY ballots with his play in College Station. After the game he apologized on Twitter to KU Nation and promised it would not happen again. Not everyone was buying TRob’s apology. Read on.

“I’m not positive it’s not going to happen again. Because I think [Thomas Robinson] couldn have been called for half a dozen, eight technicals before this.”
Danny Parkins, on Robinson’s technical, 610 AM
GH: Eight? Technicals are typically called when a player shows up a ref, curses angrily or shoves/hits another player. I haven’t seen Robinson guilty of any of these infractions before Wednesday night. Is he an intimidating player? Yes – but that’s one reason he is so valuable. Compared to the Morris twins, TRob is a kitty cat.

“I don’t know why you would think this would change. This is clearly something that has been building up. At some point, that’s who you are. That’s your character. I think Thomas Robinson is a very nice guy – but on the court when things are going and bodies are flying, he has a poor attitude.”
Carrington Harrison, on Robinson’s technical, 610 AM
GH: Harrison is an avowed Mizzou fan – and I think his Tiger stripes cloud his vision on Robinson. The Big 12 officials know Robinson well and have T’ed him up only once this season. The reason is because he’s been able to keep himself in check all season until last night at A&M. He might walk a fine line but that is the kind of physical play Bill Self expects from him.

“Do you know what those guys at Metro Sports do when that [ESPN feed] goes out? Nothing – because they don’t know! They’re watching the feed come into their newsroom. They have it off their satellite. They don’t even really know that it’s off the air.”
Kevin Kietzman, on TWC losing their ESPN feed for large portions of the last two Monday night Big 12 basketball games, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman said he spoke to a source at Metro Sports who relayed this information. I know a number of people at Metro Sports as well and I have a hard time believing none of their personnel was aware that their TWC customer base had lost their ESPN feed during two Big Monday broadcasts. I’m guessing the phones at Metro Sports were still working.

“My question to my source at Metro Sports was, ‘Why in the hell didn’t you throw that game on Metro Sports?’ It’s right there in their master control room – they see the game. All they’ve got to do it put it on the air. The response I got was, ‘Everybody was afraid. We didn’t know what ESPN would say.’ That to me is just completely unacceptable.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: If Kietzman’s story is accurate, Metro Sports has some explaining to do. Either way, there is likely at least one Metro Sports employee walking around their offices today looking over his/her shoulder.

“I do know there’s a feeling in both the K-State and Kansas athletic departments about Missouri of, ‘Who do they think they are?’ ”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: The anti-Mizzou venom is once again reaching a boiling point as the final on-campus MU/KU game approaches. Read on.

“For a team [like Missouri] that doesn’t defend, to me it’s an aberration that they’ve only lost three games.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“Kansas should beat that [Missouri] team by 15 points on Saturday. Maybe 20. I think we got a little bit ahead of ourselves putting them in the same category as Kansas. Kansas should handle Missouri on Saturday. Missouri’s win over Kansas was an absolute miracle. Let’s call it what it is.”
Kevin Kietzman, citing MU’s inability to defend in the paint, 810 AM

“Is the SEC embarrassed that Kansas State is going to be 6-0 against Missouri and Texas A&M in football and basketball? Little Silo Tech against the vaunted SEC schools? That’s embarrassing! Isn’t that embarrassing to the SEC? Isn’t it truly embarrassing that a Podunk silo-tech school like Kansas State is going to go 6-0 against the SEC giants? Are they not embarrassed and ashamed and red in the face that Kansas State is kicking the SEC’s tail on the way out the door!”
Kevin Kietzman, in a rant directed at Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: KK was stunned when some listeners took offense at his above comments. He passed them off as just two friends having fun with each other. I liked KK’s bile blasts at Nebraska much better because he never tried to hide his contempt for the Huskers. With Mizzou, he feels the need to explain away his attacks as, “that’s just how guys talk to each other.”

“Why is this SEC thing such a big deal with you? It really bothers you. Why does this bother you so much? … SEC baby! SEC baby!”
Jack Harry, in response to Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman sets up his show with the likes of Harry, Frank Boal and Danny Clinkscale to spar with. Three guys who are not going to challenge him – or if they do they are easily shouted down. If KK would like a real on-air debate about Mizzou, how about trading Harry for Steven St. John some Wednesday afternoon? Play that same “friendly” dozens game with SSJ and see how that turns out.

“You’re a Missouri fan! You’re going to the big bad SEC! Quit worrying about us! Don’t worry about Kansas! Why are Missouri fans angry about not playing KU anymore? You get your butts beat all the time? Why you worrying about it?”
Bob Fescoe, in response to a Missouri listener, 610 AM

“read your column ... fescoe has run a lot of listeners off 610 with his mu hate agenda. i was done tues night. wont listen again.”
Ernie Webb, @Ernie_Webb_3, Twitter
GH: Fescoe at least doesn’t hide his anti-MU vitriol behind a façade of it being all in good fun. I can respect a guy who just simply hates another team and isn’t afraid to show it.

“This team could be a Sweet 16 team.”
Kevin Kietzman, on K-State after their win in Columbia, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman is a bit of a bandwagon jumper when it comes to Kansas State. Read on for a collection of tweets from KK over the past few weeks during Wildcat basketball games…

“Worst meltdown of the year for KSU in a season full of epic meltdowns.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, after K-State lost at Texas, Twitter

“Cats are off the rails.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“Welcome to the bubble, Cats. Wouldn’t have been a real season without you.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“KSU should be ashamed they don’t despise Kruger. Cats deserve this. … Does Kruger just own Martin?”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“KSU has about 15 minutes to prove its not a horrendous road team.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“We can stop talking about KSU with the top teams in this league. Total disaster and if u can figure Frank out, call me Monday.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“This [KSU] team has way more problems than people know.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“Mizzou is real deal.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“In sports talk circles WHB continued to trend upwards with a 12th place finish in the market at 4.2, a strong increase from December’s 3.7. On the other hand, Entercom’s rival sports talker KCSP finished a dismal 20th in the ratings with a 2.6 rating, down from a December 2.7 rating.”
John Landsberg, Bottom Line Communications
GH: Landsberg doesn’t break down the ratings into how the individual shows are faring or how they are doing in specific demographics – which are more appropriate for ad sales and to gauge each show’s success. But 610 Sports’ 2.7 is alarming. After all the talk of how Fescoe and Nick Wright were climbing in the ratings, that overall number looks puny.

“Dang just got pooped on by a flying seagull while walking to my car. Seems as if it had some sort of tuna for lunch.”
Tony Moeaki, @TonyMoeaki81, Chiefs wide receiver, Twitter

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I think it was [Mizzou’s] worst performance of the year.”
Steven St. John, on MU’s 78-68 loss at home to K-State, 810 AM
GH: This comment doesn’t give Kansas State the credit it deserves. Mizzou was completely frustrated by the Wildcats’ defense – to the point they were repeatedly seen crying about the officials in their own gym. Mizzou did not play well but it had more to do with how well K-State played than a lapse in MU’s attention span.

“Caught looking? With a showdown with No. 4 Kansas looming, is No. 3 Missouri caught looking past K-State?”
Headline after KSU’s 78-68 win at Mizzou, on CBSSports.com
GH: I have heard this excuse floated about this morning and it has no legs. I find it hard to believe Frank Haith’s senior-laden team was looking past a K-State team that throttled them in Manhattan. Tiger fans need to simply acknowledge that K-State got them twice this season – and neither game was particularly competitive.

“There were just too many similarities between [KSU’s first win over MU] and Tuesday night’s 78-68 loss not to acknowledge how much Kansas State had to do with Missouri stumbling, becoming the third team in school history to lose their 28th game after opening 25-2.”
Steve Walentik, writer, Columbia Tribune

“Good teams don’t have the number of casual turnovers that this team has, especially at this time of the year.”
Mike Kelly, Mizzou basketball play-by-play voice, early in the KSU/MU game, 980 AM
GH: I listened to much of the first half on both MU’s and KSU’s radio networks. Mike Kelly is one of the more objective home-team broadcasters in college or pro sports. He made this comment early in the game when Mizzou was leading KSU.

“The crowd doesn’t like it but that’s the correct call.”
Mike Kelly, after Steve Moore was called for a foul in the first half, 980 AM
GH: If Bob Davis ever utters these words, Mount Oread may come tumbling down.

“Can you explain to me how K-State got swept by Oklahoma? No, it doesn’t make any sense.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: One explanation is an unhealthy Rodney McGruder versus a healthy Rodney McGruder. KSU had trouble scoring when McGruder was nursing a bad foot. He is healthy again now and as dangerous a scorer as there is in the conference. 

“Missouri’s real good. We didn’t need to be special, we just needed to be solid.”
Frank Martin, CJOnline.com
GH: This sounded like a bit of a dig at Mizzou. While Martin concedes MU is good, he doesn’t think his Cats needed to be all that special to win in Columbia. The soon-to-be SEC Tigers are getting no love from their fellow Big 12 brothers in their final season.

“Mizzou just didn’t handle adversity well last night.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe is an unabashed Kansas homer and he riled up Mizzou Nation with his cutting tweets Tuesday night. But he is absolutely correct in stating MU failed to retain their composure when things went against them in Mizzou Arena. Read on.

“I just went to bounce the ball. It slipped out of my hand and bounced higher than I expected it to. They didn’t want to call it, but it was a tech.”
Kim English, Columbia Tribune
GH: English played with very little poise Tuesday night. A senior leader simply has to remain composed in the face of adversity. His excuse for the ball slipping out of his hand after he pounded it to the floor in anger simply underlines his unwillingness to face his mistakes. Kim talks a good game but he has yet to show me he can lead when the going gets rocky.

“Enjoy the KU fans telling me Mizzou can only SHARE B12 title now. Correct. But plenty of shared titles have been counted to get to 7 right?”
Gabe DeArmond, @GabeDeArmond, Twitter
GH: I keep hearing that Mizzou can only share the Big 12 title with KU now that they are 12-3 in the Big 12 and KU is 12-2. Did everyone flunk math? Kansas has four more conference games; at A&M, MU, at OSU and then senior night versus Texas. What happens if KU goes 2-2 and MU sweeps their final three games?  If you don’t think there is a possibility of KU losing two of their final four games and getting beat by MU in Lawrence, you don’t watch much college basketball.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Another great Monday night college hoops game! Butler beats Texas 77-72. Quincy Acy w/22 pts, 16 boards. SportsCenter on now...”
SportsCenter, @SportsCenter, Twitter
GH: For those of us in the Kansas City area who are Time Warner Cable television subscribers, this tweet from ESPN could be described as news – since TWC again lost the feed to ESPN for half of the Big 12 Monday night basketball game. Read on.

“For those of you with a cable carrier that actually operates, ignore this breaking news to everyone else with Time Warner. Baylor 77, UT 72.”
Dennis Dodd, @dennisdodd, after Time Warner subscribers in the Kansas City area for the second Monday in a row lost the feed to ESPN and missed the second half of the Baylor/Texas game, Twitter
GH: Dodd writes for CBSSports.com but he is a local guy and an MU grad. His tweets lambasting TWC received so much play on Twitter last night that Dennis Dodd was trending locally.

“Time Warner not only owes its subscribers money, it owes the Big 12 money. Another epic fail tonight.”
Dennis Dodd, @dennisdodd, Twitter
GH: I tuned into Metro Sports’ 10:00 PM sportscast Monday night to see if their local anchors would address this second week of black screen for half of the Big 12 game. I did not catch all of their sportscast but I did not hear any mention of the ESPN issue. Last week TWC blamed the problem on a computer that was not switched. I have yet to hear this week’s excuse.

“When I think of the @TWCable_KC headquarters, I just imagine it's a bunch of monkeys throwing feces at each other.”
DrunkToddHaley, @DrunkToddHaley, Twitter

“This Baylor comeback is sick. Can't believe what I'm seeing. Since I can't see it cause @twckc hates @espn & BIG12.”
Craig Brenner, @craig_a_brenner, Twitter
GH: The Baylor/Texas game did not have the same size audience as last week’s KU/KSU game but the second half of the game was even more dramatic. Baylor showed some rare late-game fight in overcoming a 10-point deficit in Austin.

“Dear [Time Warner]. Please stay far, far away from the KU/MU game this Saturday. Jesus would want it that way. Heart, Kansas City.”
Dana Wright, @RadioDana, Twitter
GH: The MU/KU game will be broadcast this Saturday on CBS – the network that had the “sunspots” issue during last year’s Border War. If CBS or TWC have any broadcast issues during Saturday’s epic finale, they may want to hire some Hessians to protect their local forts from being seized by maniacal ancestors of John Brown and William Quantrill.

“[Brandon Carr] is still someone we want to keep as a Chief. This signing [of Stanford Routt] doesn’t eliminate our conversations with him. He knows that. He wants to be here. We want him here. We’re going to try and work on that. If we come to a deal that makes sense for everybody, let’s do that.”
Scott Pioli, 810 AM
GH: I listened to Pioli tell Steven St. John and Nate Bukaty that the door is still open for the Chiefs to resign Carr. If it is, there is barely room for a sliver of light through that open door. Read on.

“[Pioli] seemed pretty adamant about [the Routt signing] not affecting their pursuit of Brandon Carr as a free agent.”
Jake Gutiérrez, 810 AM
GH: While Pioli may have sounded eager to resign Carr, I think he is playing this free-agent game perfectly. He has signed Routt as a decent and affordable replacement for Carr and now has placed Carr in a defensive position. He and his agent will likely cut a good deal on the open market while Pioli and the Chiefs have covered their loss by signing Routt. Fans [and Nick Wright] get overly attached to players simply because they wear Chiefs’ uniforms. Pioli cannot allow that to affect his decision making. He will make some mistakes but he would make more by being sentimental.

“All the [cap] numbers that the media are seeing on the website are not accurate.”
Scott Pioli, who said the reported $63 million under the cap that the Chiefs have been reported to be is actually missing $25 million the Chiefs will soon be paying in escalators and incentives, 810 AM
GH: So Pioli has the Chiefs actual below the cap number at about $38 million. Let’s see what he and The Clarks do with that cash this off-season before we crucify the duo.

“Spending is not an issue. Clark has never stopped me. He has never slowed me down. But just because you have money doesn’t mean you have to spend it.”
Scott Pioli, 810 AM
GH: I have never understood those who criticize an organization for not spending up to their cap. I agree with Pioli that having cap room can be just as beneficial as spending freely.

“We would love to resign Dwayne Bowe. One way or another we would love to have him back here. Just like Brandon…we have to come to an agreement.”
Scott Pioli, 810 AM
GH: I think Pioli made the decision that the Chiefs value Bowe over Carr.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that Dwayne Bowe is going to be here and they are going to get something worked out.”
Aaron Swarts, 810 AM

“I’ve been told not the past couple of weeks to my face by both Scott Pioli and Clark Hunt that spending money is not a problem. I want to see it. The fans need to see it.”
Steven St. John, following his interview with Pioli, 810 AM
GH: SSJ interview Pioli and elicited some interesting and informed comments from the Chiefs’ GM. But I would have loved for him to push Pioli on the spending questions – as he did once Pioli was off the air. If SSJ makes this comment with Pioli on the other end of the phone, then we have an interview.

“Kietzman is such a douche. ‘He quit baseball over a girl...’ Talking about Duffy.”
David Lesky, @DBLesky, Twitter
GH: While discussing the Royals’ pitcher with Steven St. John on Monday, Kietzman tossed out that Duffy had left baseball a few years ago over a girl. This comment cause a bit of a backlash on Twitter. Read on.

“[Kietzman] didn't really say that did he? I know where he got that from...and it is so off base I thought I told his source for that it was BS...”
Greg Schaum, @Greg_Schaum, Twitter

“I'm really disappointed KK went there today. Incredibly out of line and misinformed.”
Brian McGannon, @BrianMcGannon, Twitter
GH: Maybe Kietzman will come on his show today and offer an apology or explain his comment. He owes it to Duffy.

“[Nate Bukaty] wants to hit you with the hard journalistic question. I’ll tell you one thing, I like Nate. I like Nate. Nate does a good job.”
Ned Yost, when asked by Steven St. John about his sometimes acrimonious postgame responses to Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Let’s hope Ned’s affinity toward Nate doesn’t stop him from making those growling postgame responses this season. They were the most entertaining parts of the postgame pressers.

“Twitter is like a car. Don't tweet if you're angry, emotional or drunk.”
Jim Rome, @jimrome, Twitter
GH: Rome’s advice is sound, although the quality of my column benefits from tweets in all three stages. Evan Boehm, Mizzou’s prize 6’3, 290-pound recruit from Lee Summit West, found out just how damaging Twitter can be when he slipped up Monday night. Read on.

“sorry bro didn't even realize I did that I must of did it by accident. My fault I try to erase it.”
Evan Boehm, @BigboehmTHEORY, after he sent out a racially charged tweet that upset a number of his followers, Twitter
GH: I saw Boehm’s tweet Monday around 6:30 PM. I did not copy it verbatim because it was a RT of a racist joke and not originated by Boehm. There was no question that it was shockingly offensive. It had to do with how a black woman can test herself for pregnancy by inserting fried chicken into her vagina and seeing if it comes out eaten. If so, Boehm’s retweet went, “there’s a little nigga in there.” Read on for more of Boehm’s apologetic tweets that followed.

“To all the MU fans from the bottom of my heart I swear I did not mean that tweet. I honestly did not know how that happened. I sincerely Again I am sincerely sorry for what happened earlier it was an honest mistake. It will never happen again. Go Tigers.”
Evan Boehm, @BigboehmTHEORY, Twitter
GH: Twitter can be a dangerous neighborhood. From what I have seen of Boehm and how he interacts on Twitter, this retweet is an aberration to his character. But it will leave a stain.

“Gunna be my last tweet for a while. Gotta be careful about what happens on here. Made an honest mistake. Need a little break. #Illbeback”
Evan Boehm, @BigboehmTHEORY, Twitter
GH: I don’t know how Boehm’s mistake happened but it appears he is sincere in his apology. Whether or not he was truthful in how the “mistake” occurred is debatable. The court of public opinion can be a rough one.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“With all the talk swirling around [Jeremy] Lin, some of the talk has gotten racially charged. We’ve seen derogatory comments from Fox Sports Jason Whitlock and ESPN.com. The bottom line is, the kid is a great basketball player and race has nothing to do with it.”
Bill Hader, Linsanity parody skit on Saturday Night Live
GH: Jason Whitlock achieved a long-time goal of getting a mention on a SNL skit. Unfortunately for Whitlock, it had to do with his “2 inches of pain” comment about Lin. Read on.

“Not how I wanted to make SNL.”
Jason Whitlock, @WhitlockJason, Twitter
GH: Whitlock has just embarked on a new sports interview show for FoxSports but its weekend debut was all but overlooked due to the firestorm that continues to brew about his racial comment and the ESPN.com headline, “A Chink in the Armor.” Read on.

“The [ESPN.com] headline – ‘Chink in the Armor -- In a statement Saturday, ESPN called the headline, which was up on the mobile website for about 35 minutes early Saturday morning, ‘offensive’ and ‘inappropriate.’ In an updated statement published on their website on Sunday, ESPN announced that the employee responsible for the Mobile headline had been dismissed, the ESPNEWS anchor involved had been suspended for 30 days, and a radio commentator who had made a similarly offensive reference on Friday on ESPN Radio New York is not actually an ESPN employee.”
James B. Kelleher, reporter, Chicago Tribune
GH: ESPN whacked their headline writer and suspended an ESPNEWS anchor who used the same reference. Should Whitlock lose his job too over his attempt at humor? I think that would be even more ridiculous than his sophomoric tweet.

“In Missouri's 75-59 loss at K St. on 1/7, Cats out rebounded MU by 14 and had 13 off. boards. Gotta keep KSU off glass Tues!”
Mike Kelly, @mizzouvoice, Twitter
GH: We have some unfinished business this week before we can completely concentrate on MU’s trip to Lawrence this Saturday afternoon. K-State embarrassed the Tigers in Manhattan in early January. The Cats win at Baylor this past weekend showed they are still a dangerous squad. I expect Tuesday night’s game in Columbia to be every bit as tough as the KU game.

“Missouri may be best ball movement team in country. Wonder how many passes per possession they have.”
Holly Rowe, @sportsiren, Twitter
GH: Holly was a big fan of Sherron Collins. I think she favors the shorter guys.

“[Mizzou’s] Laurence Bowers is always fresh on the sidelines. Something illegal is going on. No college kid can afford suits like that.”
Carrington Harrison, @cdotharrison, Twitter
GH: I am sure Harrison was being flippant with this comment but I have also wondered how college athletes afford the copius number of expensive tattoos and threads we often see adorn their sculpted bods. My kid will have one suit and no tats when he gets to college next year – and his mom’s bicycle. No place in the budget for extras.

“I don't know why, but I felt sorry for rich, famous TT coach Billy Gillespie as he sat at press table responding to that rout. HardtoXplain.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, KUSports.com beat writer, after KU crushed Texas Tech at Allen Fieldhouse, Twitter
GH: It is hard to watch Texas Tech play. Gillespie has to be wondering if he needed to get back into coaching this bad. Can you imagine going from Kentucky to Lubbock?

“When I’ve got my own kids saying, ‘Daddy, why do you say this word?’ it’s a problem. There’s no place for it in education.”
Frank Martin, on his decision to stop cursing during basketball games, 610 AM
GH: Martin said he’s had one slip up since his self-imposed cursing ban. It was after Gipson received a technical foul late in the Kansas game, after Thomas Robinson walked over his prone body under the backboard.

“There is soft, and then there's Illinois soft. There is soft, and then there's the Illini on the embarrassing end of a 43-7 run over two halves, much to the astonishment of 7,820 fans at the Devaney Sports Center.”
Steve Sipple, columnist, after Nebraska’s 80-57 win over Illinois,  Lincoln Star Journal
GH: Illinois gave Mizzou all it wanted in St. Louis and owns wins over Ohio State and Michigan State. But the Fighting Illini now sit 5-9 in the Big 10 and are 16-11 overall. Seasons do not implode much quicker than this one.

“It is just simply a myth that there's a huge separation between the top teams and the pack. There's a separation between 1 team and the pack. [Kentucky] could lose but no chance that it’s early.”
Dan Wolken, @DanWolken, writer for The Daily, Twitter
GH: Coach Calipari looked to have a slam dunk with his Memphis team in 2008. We all remember how that turned out. Would you take Kentucky over the rest of the field? Me neither.

“Can I feel the size difference? Are you kidding me?”
Trent Hosick, Staley HS junior, after he won the Missouri Class 3 state wrestling championship at 285 – despite weighing only 215, Kansas City Star
GH: Hosick was the quarterback for Staley’s state championship football team last fall. How tough is this kid?

“Mark Zuckerberg, who is at the Knicks game today, could buy every seat to every Knicks game for 100 years at the current price.”
Darren Rovell, @darrenrovell, Twitter
GH: I also saw a tweet that stated the Facebook kid is rich enough to buy every NBA franchise and still have plenty of cash left over.

“The Lottery is a tax on the poor and those who can't do math. Most tickets bought in poor zip codes.”
Dave Ramsey, @DaveRamsey, Twitter
GH: I am guessing Zuckerberg doesn’t play the lottery. A lady in line at a suburban QT ordered $25 worth of lottery tickets the other day. I have a good friend who earns well into six figures who plays the lottery regularly and calls it his “retirement plan.” I never think of winning when it comes to the lottery, only of the cost.

“I just don’t eat chicken or turkey. I’ve never liked it, ever since I was a baby.”
Stan Weber, 810 AM
GH: Weber said he used to spit out the baby food that was chicken or turkey based as an infant. Kietzman said he doesn’t like mustard and Clinkscale added he has never liked coffee. My least favorite foods are sweet potatoes, horseradish, lima beans and liver. How about yours?

“BREAKING! A brand new BMW car will be given away to the one who can predict all 32 1rst round draft picks correctly! NO GUESSES ACCEPTED YET. Accepted entries on set date to be announced in April, brush up Draftniks! In order, AC Gres...of course it’s tough but it's a fudging brand new BMW…I'm not gonna give you a layup...BLOODY HELL!”
Jim Irsay, @JimIrsay, Colts owner, Twitter
GH: Nick Wright nailed about five of the Chiefs draft picks last year and I think he got most of the rounds they were picked as well. Maybe Nick can give Irsay a scare with his top 32 picks this year. We all know his fiancé needs a new BMW.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“They’ve beaten Kansas 92 times. You’ve won conference championships before. You’ve never been to the Final Four. This is not even a discussion. You are judged by what you do in March. No one knows that better than Kansas fans. You take the Final Four over beating Kansas anytime.”
Gabe DeArmond, when asked if Missouri would prefer to win in Lawrence and secure the Big 12 title or make their first Final Four, 810 AM
GH: We are still a week away from the rematch of these two future non-rivals in Lawrence. There are other games to be played before that matchup. I am hoping that both the Jayhawks and Tigers arrive at Allen Fieldhouse as highly ranked as possible. I do not believe my KU and MU friends share my desires.

“I’ve been saying I’d give my vote for Big 12 player of the year to Tyshawn Taylor.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: The overwhelming favorite for the Big 12 POTY is KU’s Thomas Robinson – who will also be on the short list of national POTY. But what happens if Mizzou beats KU twice in conference play? Does Haith and Marcus Denmon sweep the conference honors? Here is what we know – only Mizzou has a chance to sweep this series this season – the last season. I don’t think you can fill out your ballot on either the conference coach of the year or the player of the year. To the winner go the spoils.

“It’s like dogs in the yard. He was posing.”
Kevin Kietzman, predicting that Thomas Robinson will eventually draw a technical foul for standing over a fallen opponent, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman has turned off his gushy KU charm of late, ever since his K-State Wildcats have fallen to the NCAA bubble. He can only take so much KU love when his Cats are playing below average. But comparing Thomas Robinson to a yard dog? I think KK may have stepping in it with this one.

“If teams have to respect Phil Pressey shooting from 18 feet, then Missouri becomes almost unguardable.”
Gabe DeArmond, 810 AM
GH: While DeArmond sees Pressey’s recent scoring spurt as another Mizzou weapon, I view it as a potential disaster for the Tiger offense. If Pressey starts forcing shots and looking for his points, it could upset a beautifully balanced attack.

“K-State gave everybody a blueprint on how to beat the Missouri Tigers. You don’t want that blueprint to be out there on January 6th. And it’s out there!”
Bob Fescoe, in early January following MU’s loss in Manhattan, 610 AM
GH: Here is what we know; 1) Blueprints on how to beat teams are overrated 2) Fescoe is even more overrated.

“Don’t be surprised if [the MU/KU basketball rivalry] ends up on campus every other year after a couple of years cooling off period.”
Frank Boal, on the MU/KU rivalry being revived after a few years, 810 AM
GH: I do not think either Kansas nor Missouri will send either a football or basketball team onto each other’s campus in the next 50 years. Maybe longer. What a ridiculous shame to deny the student athletes, alums and fans of these excellent schools that experience we have all so enjoyed the past century.

“The only day [Jeff Withey and Jeremy Lin] were together, apparently, was in a basketball arena in Sacramento, Calif., six years ago. At different times.”
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star
GH: Kerkhoff attempted to compare the meteoric basketball careers of  the KU junior and the Knicks new point guard in his article. It fell flat. Read on.

“Did you read Blair Kerkhoff today? Withey and Jeremy Lin crossed paths at one time? They played in the same gym? That is the biggest stretch! Yeah, Michael Jordan and I once crossed paths when we were in the United Center at the same time.”
Mark Carman, 610 AM
GH: I heard the guys on 610 blast Kerkhoff’s story and then offer the excuse that Kerkhoff has to file a story and that sometimes a deadline will force you to write a clunker. No excuse. That’s why they have editors, to make sure the clunkers don’t make it to print. There are plenty of great stories to tell about Jeff Withey without having to go back to him and Lin never meeting while in the California state basketball tournament. It would have even made more sense to write about how Withey’s play has improved since he cut his Sampson-like locks. Blair needs to simply come up with better angles or write funnier.

“You guys must be bored that you got me in here [for an interview]. There’s no Chiefs, there’s no Royals and we haven’t won a game in about six months…I don’t know what I’m doing in here.”
Frank Martin, as he began his Friday morning interview with Nate Bukaty and Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Martin is easily at his most entertaining when talking to the media live…and that includes his halftime rants and his postgame pressers. I am rooting for him to clean up his f-bombs and to make the NCAA tourney. College basketball needs characters and Martin is one of the more memorable.

“While Manhattan struggles with its ethical compass, Martin’s national exposure keeps increasing, although even what that means isn’t exactly clear. What is it that makes outside folks’ appetite for Frank Martin seemingly insatiable when, at the same time, a sizable portion of K-State seems to be easing back from the table? Is it for want of Martin’s knowledge, charm, wit or charisma, which he shows with regularity on the national scene? Perhaps, since Martin has shown he is quite affable when he wants to be. Or, is the desire for more from the general masses a spawn of continued safe, through-the-TV curiosity, like watching a bear through two rails and thick glass at the zoo?”
Curtis Kitchen, of Curtiskitchenkc.com
GH: Kitchen wrote these words a month before Martin decided to stop cursing. Did Kitchen’s comments and similar concerns from other K-State people play a role in Martin’s decision? Martin has said nothing helped determine his decision but his own desire to improve. I would like to think the bear can read.

“Unless something freaky happens [Kentucky] is not losing. Unless Anthony Davis gets in foul trouble or they go 2 for 19 from the three, I don’t see anybody beating those guys.”
Gary Parrish, in an interview with Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: The four best teams in the country in my opinion are Kentucky, Syracuse, North Carolina and the winner of the MU/KU game in Lawrence. The Big 10 looks overrated to me but that conference has fooled me in the postseason in the past.

“The Royals and Kansas City are both experiencing a renaissance and with hosting the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2012, it is ‘our time’ to highlight our exciting young ballclub and our great city.”
Michael Bucek, Royals Vice President-Marketing & Business Development, Royals Press Release
GH: Five years ago I remember pointing to 2012 as a renaissance kind of year for Kansas City. The Kauffman Performing Arts Center is now complete, the Bond Bridge proudly links the Northland to downtown, the Truman Sports Complex stadia renovations are old news and the Royals’ young talent is now on the 40-man roster. A winning baseball team would set this city ablaze.

“There is the cold reality that you can go to 10 Royals games [this season] and then wait to buy your season tickets when the expectations are that the team will [have a more successful season].”
Danny Parkins, 610 AM
GH: A coworker [who is an east coast transplant] was considering upping his Royals season-ticket package from 20 games to 40 games this year. He likes the direction of the young club and he also wanted to be able to purchase tickets to the All-Star Game at The K in July. Just before he made the plunge, the Detroit Tigers signed Prince Fielder. That big-money move by the Tigers completely changed his mind. “The Royals have no chance to win the ALC now,” he shrugged. Whether he is right or wrong is not the issue. The fact that he perceives the Royals as not being able to afford to compete is what has muted the Royals fan base for the past 20 years. That needs to change.

“Why the New England Patriots should be blaming Scott Pioli for their Super Bowl loss. That next…”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I get the feeling Nick Wright will find a way to blame the Royals next losing season on Scott Pioli.

“When I make fun of you, the only person rooting for you is you!”
Nick Wright, to Mark Carman, 610 AM
GH: I have tuned into Wright’s afternoon show each afternoon this week and each time it seems it degenerates into juvenile conversation about Nick’s and his coworkers’ little lives. When I heard him discuss his fiancé’s pet name for him as Nicky Poo, I chalked it up as just an unfortunate moment on live radio. But then I heard 610 Sports replay that same portion of his show in his six o’clock bonus hour! When people criticize local sports talk radio as irrelevant, shows like this make it difficult to argue against their point.

“Have you heard Trent Green on the radio? Tremendous!”
Kevin Kietzman, on Green’s work as an NFL analyst, 810 AM
GH: KK’s questions was posed to Jack Harry, whose response was, “He’s really improved.” I agree with Jack’s more understated opinion of the former Chiefs’ QB’s work as a color guy on the radio.

“I’ve been saying [in a girl’s voice] ‘Hi Todd, can I have your sandwich?’ like in the Subway TV commercial. [Todd Leabo] always tries to say awful things back to me to get me to stop. He said something to me today that was so awful that I blushed. It was so awful I am considering not asking him for his sandwich anymore.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: When was the last time a buddy of yours cracked a joke at your expense and he made you blush? This is the Kevin Kietzman I know. The guy is just a very, very different kind of a guy.

“About 15 mins away from the first pitch here at Rainbow Wahine Stadium here at the U of Hawaii as UMKC gets set to face DePaul.”
@UMKCSoftball, Twitter
GH: I saw this tweet from UMKC and had one immediate question – what in the hell is the UMKC women’s softball team doing taking a trip to Hawaii to play softball? Let’s hope a private sponsor paid for this trip because I can’t think of a reason any college softball team needs to travel anywhere that Greyhound doesn’t have on their bus route.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“[Missouri has] one of the most spectacular offenses in the entire country.”
Jon Sciambi, play-by-play for OSU/MU game, as Mizzou stretched their lead in the second half to more than 30, ESPN2
GH: Mizzou combines speed, quickness, deadly outside shooting, pestering defense, court balance and pinball passing to make them one of the most entertaining college basketball teams in the country. When they play like they did Wednesday night against the Cowboys, they make you think they could be the Tiger team that finally breaks the Final Four curse.

“They are quicker on every spot on the floor almost every night they play.”
Fran Fraschilla, analyst for OSU/MU game, on Mizzou’s quickness, ESPN2
GH: Think about Fraschilla’s statement. How often does a team’s five players out-quick their opponent at every position almost every game? I thought their lack of height would be their downfall this season. Instead, it has proven to be the reason their opponents are left with unsolvable matchup problems.

“I Hate Doug Gottlieb!”
Sign spotted at Mizzou Arena Wednesday night

“Missouri [basketball] fans are feeling really good about themselves right now. I got in a Twitter war with Missouri fans because I don’t think Phil Pressey is a top-10 point guard. Not close! Not even in the ball park! Pump your breaks. Look around college basketball and look and see what happens when you hop on the road.”
Doug Gottlieb, warning Mizzou’s basketball fans to pull back on their early-season giddiness in late December 2011, 810 AM
GH: It was comments like this that made the former Oklahoma State point guard one of Mizzou Arena’s least favorite ESPN analysts. Gottlieb has softened his stance a bit on Mizzou but not enough to placate the Tiger fans.

“I like Gottlieb. What I don’t like is a guy who gets on the radio or TV and pretends to like a team when you know he really doesn’t.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Has SSJ been spending his afternoons listening to Between The Lines?

“I reserve my right to change my mind after the game in Lawrence.”
Kevin Kietzman, after giving his glowing account of Mizzou, 810 AM

“If you sit in section 206 at Mizzou Arena, where are you?”
Gabe DeArmond, @GabeDeArmond, on the empty seats inside Mizzou Arena shortly after the start of the OSU game, Twitter

“Fan of the Game award at Mizzou given, again, to Mr. and Mrs. Gold Chair.”
Curtis Kitchen, @curtiskitchen, on the number of yellow seats at Mizzou Arena that were left empty, Twitter
GH: I have heard all of the excuses from some Tiger fans who do not like having these empty center-court seats pointed out almost every home game. None of these excuses make any sense. Mizzou is fielding one of their most successful and entertaining basketball teams in the school’s history. Why the Tiger fans who own those tickets are not making sure some Mizzou fan is sitting in those seats is simply maddening.

“[Kim English] will play on a team in the NBA at some point.”
Fran Fraschilla, ESPN2
GH: Soren Petro made the comment that he thought the only NBA prospects on the court last night were wearing OSU uniforms. I agree. The one MU player who I think might play in the NBA? Steve Moore.

“There is no reason to hate Mike Anderson. He brought all this talent to Missouri.”
Nate Bukaty, after Steven St. John commented on how much he is looking forward to Anderson returning to Mizzou Arena next season as the coach of the Razorbacks, 810 AM
GH: The MU fans who continue to hold a grudge toward Mike Anderson sound a lot like the KU fans who do not want to play Mizzou after this season. Anderson got an offer he considered a better deal than the one he had at MU – much like Mizzou’s choice to leave the Big 12 for the SEC. How classy would it be if Anderson walked into Mizzou Arena next year to a standing ovation from Tiger fans?

“I think Kietzman made a good point. MU has a big challenge staying relevant in KC next year. Most KC area people totally forgot bout Huskers. With KSU n KU still in Big 12, there's going to be no buzz bout MU. Hey KC radio friends ... Will u guys talk as much MU next season as now?”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Kansas beat writer for KUSports.com, Twitter
GH: I had to read this tweet twice to make sure Bedore wasn’t trying to be funny. I don’t think he was. How can he compare Nebraska to Missouri when it comes to Kansas City sports fans’ interests? Is Lawrence that insulated and far removed from the KC metro area?

“At very least KU fans won't be following MU (unless they can mock MU) and MU fans won't be following KU (unless they can mock KU). No need.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Twitter
GH: I see Mizzou fans getting caught up in the excitement of their new conference next season. Few fans in Nebraska are now concerned with the Big 12. The same will eventually happen here in Kansas City with MU fans. It will be extremely difficult for the local media to cover both the Big 12 and the SEC adequately – at least enough to satisfy all fan bases. It will be a very interesting transition to monitor.

“I hate when people RT tweets from people I dislike.. I don't even be wanting to see they name... Makes me tempted to Unfollow them.”
Ricardo Ratliffe, @Kisyts_Son10, Twitter
GH: I wonder if Ricardo has been seeing Gottlieb retweets.

“[Jeff Withey] has been as important to our success as anyone on our team.”
Danny Manning, on KU’s junior center, CBSSports.com

“I grew up in a Christian home. I'm a Christian. I've always been told to be nice to other people. I'm really laid-back. Everyone tries to get me pissed off before the games -- even my dad. It's starting to work.”
Jeff Withey, on his late-season dominance, CBSSports.com

“If you’re Kansas State, you probably have to win one of these two games [to make the NCAA tourney].”
Jeff Goodman, of CBSSports.com, on the Cats upcoming games at Baylor and at Mizzou, 810 AM

“I think [K-State] is going to have to win at Missouri to ensure getting into the NCAA tournament. If they lose these next two games, you can’t make a case that Kansas State is in the NCAA tournament.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM

“I think K-State will probably get in but they have some work to do.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: Winning at Baylor or at Mizzou is going to be difficult for the Wildcats. I still think they can lose both and still make the tourney with three straight wins at home. But their margin for error is gone.

“You’re either a Jayhawk or a Wildcat.”
Frank Martin, on the rivalry that exists in the Sunflower state, ESPN
GH: Do you think Wichita State has this quote pinned to their bulletin board?

“Before Coach Weis was hired, I was on the edge of transferring. I went to his first meeting with the team and he was dog cussing the players and was very arrogant. I didn’t want to be a part of that.”
Keeston Terry, former KU defensive back, Independence Examiner
GH: It is interesting how quickly a program’s demeanor and attitude toward verbal abuse will change when one head coach is fired and another hired. I really don’t have a problem with coaches cursing at practice or in the locker room. But I do have a problem when a school like Kansas pretends that Turner Gill’s virtuous persona is what they value. We all value wins. Read on.

“All I did was send an email to the [KU] compliance office, saying I was seeking a transfer. Then it comes out that I was dismissed, and everyone starts asking me what I did wrong.”
Keeston Terry, former KU defensive back, Independence Examiner
GH: I do not know Terry’s whole story. If the article in The Examiner is to be believed, he did nothing more than seek a transfer. Weis sure made it sound at his presser like every KU student athlete he dismissed was waived for a reason – a detrimental reason. If Terry did nothing more than seek a release, KU owes him a public apology.

“Cleats on again for the first time today...felt weird but I'm gettin back into it.”
Jamaal Charles, two weeks ago, Twitter

GH: We are all pulling for you, JC. Oh, how you have been missed.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“God has called us to a higher place in Kansas City and we can’t wait.”
Rex Hudler, the Royals new TV color analyst, on the former Angels’ broadcaster accepting a job as the Royals’ TV color analyst, 810 AM
GH: I heard Hudler’s interview with Kevin Kietzman on 810. He also was a guest that same day on 610 but I couldn’t bring myself to listen again to his over-the-top cheeriness about being a baseball broadcaster. Hudler gushed so much schmaltz while on with KK that he sounded comical. Kietzman treated Hudler with respect during the interview but not so much after the Wonder Dog was off the air. Read on.

“At first glance he sounds like a wrestling announcer.”
Kevin Kietzman, on his interview with Rex Hudler, 810 AM
GH: This was one of the kinder comments KK had for Hudler – and he was not wrong. KK compared the interview to his two Gus Johnson interviews, who he calls one of the worst radio interviewees he has ever had on his show. Hudler sounded like the last person I would want in the Royals’ TV booth. He attempted to get us to buy in that he has this innate passion for baseball, the Royals and blah, blah, blah. How did the Royals allow themselves to go from the laser-like honesty of Paul Splittorff to Rex The Wonder Dud?

“I’m very sincere and I’m for real.”
Rex Hudler, the Royals new TV color analyst, on his move from LA to KC, 810 AM
GH: Hudler came off in his interview as anything but sincere and real. KK described him as a wrestling announcer. His delivery was so comical he came off like a SNL parody of a hometown homer announcer. Maybe worse.

“[Hudler] on television is just like he was [in the radio interview with Kietzman]. He says things that are just corny and crazy. It wasn’t even relevant. The guy is a total zero for me.”
Caller, who said he was familiar with Hudler’s work with the Angels, 810 AM

“After his playing days ended, Hudler joined the Angels' broadcast team and earned a measure of acclaim for his passion for the club and the game of baseball. He clutches a baseball during broadcasts.”
Elliot Teaford, writer, LA Times, September 2003
GH: Hudler clutching a baseball in the booth sounds appropriate – since it appears the Royals are squeezing their broadcasters’ balls while they work.

“We are going in a different direction next season and will use single announcing teams on TV and radio that will include Rory Markas and Mark Gubicza on Fox Sports West and KCOP and Terry Smith and Jose Mota calling the action on radio (KLAA AM 830). We believe this approach will create greater consistency on our telecasts, as well as a deeper familiarity with fans and viewers. We would like to thank Rex Hudler and Steve Physioc for their contributions through the years and we wish each of them well.”
Official Statement from the Angels in November 2009 after they fired Hudler and Physioc, LA Times
GH: It seems that everyone in MLB gets fired and then rehired by someone else in MLB. Two seasons ago Hudler was Frank White in LA. 

“Anaheim Angels broadcaster Rex Hudler was arrested at Kansas City International Airport over the weekend for investigation of misdemeanor marijuana possession, a team spokesman said Wednesday.
Hudler, 42, was arrested Sunday and released after posting bond.”
YahooSports.com, September, 2003
GH: If KK wanted to spice up his interview with Hudler, he could have asked him about his drug arrest at KCI in 2003. God probably told him to bring his bong to KC as well.

“Hudler to me is nothing but a tryout. What’s Monty? [Jeff Montgomery] is in the Hall of Fame! Monty’s in the fallback position if Hudler doesn’t work out?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Jeff Montgomery is not the answer in the Royals TV booth. Splittorff was awful when he started but he worked hard and learned his craft. Monty is just plain bad. He has a hurried and scared television presence, a nondescript voice that demands no attention and he says almost nothing that is memorable.

“Do you guys agree with me that the marquee guy [for Royals broadcasts] is Ryan Lefebvre? He’s your guy!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman doesn’t do his friends any favors when he embellishes their broadcasting talents. If The Beav is the Royals’ marquee broadcaster, all the more reason to start looking at resumes.

“I’m trying to figure out what it is the Royals are doing. I guess they’re planning on Denny Matthews and Bob Davis retiring sometime soon. If I’m Bob Davis, I’m looking over my shoulder because this isn’t looking good. Davis is doing fewer games than ever. This isn’t looking good.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Davis is 68 this year and I don’t think it is a stretch to think he may be retiring soon. If Kietzman makes it to the age of 68 before he has to start looking over his shoulder, I would consider that a win.

“Hudler, nicknamed ‘Wonder Dog,’ was notable for his sometimes over-the-top enthusiasm for the Angels. When Tim Salmon was starring for the team, Hudler would say after a Salmon play, ‘King Salmon went upstream.’”
Diane Pucin, writer, LA Times, November 2009
GH: Can’t wait for The Wonder Dog to lay out these pearls; “Cain is also Able!” “The Butler Did It” “A little Chen music!” “Make him eat some Crow!” “Dyson ain’t no chicken!” On second thought, maybe I can wait.

“I know this – I expect our team to win more games in 2012 than they won last year.”
Dayton Moore, Royals GM, KSHB TV 41
GH: That is one bold SOB, right there.

“The reason I am optimistic about the Royals for the future is that they are in the best division in baseball to dominate right now.”
Rany Jazayerli, of www.RanyontheRoyals.com, 810 AM

“This is the one [Royals] season in recent history where the fans won’t accept failure. What I think is a fair expectation is .500 baseball.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Royals’ fans are always optimistic in February and March. It’s those damn Aprils that get us down. Will this spring be different? Click on this link I got from a Royals fan in Chicago. It is hard to read these thoughts and not get at least some blue juices jumping in your veins.

GregHall24@Yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“After two yrs of losing OU has lost their BBall fan base to the Ok City Thunder! OU used to be sold out for Billy Tubbs and Kelvin Sampson.”
Tom Penders, @TomPenders, on the dwindling crowds at Lloyd Noble Arena, Twitter
GH: I tuned into the Texas/Oklahoma basketball game Tuesday night and was shocked at the sparse crowd. This is one of the great rivalries in the country but you would never have guessed it from the glut of empty seats. All those hoops fans in Kansas City who clamor for an NBA franchise at Sprint Center, be careful what you wish for. I don’t think KC’s population base is large enough to support both the college and pro games. The OKC Thunder might be the reason KC retains the Big 12 hoops tourney even after Mizzou bolts for the SEC.

“[Texas Tech] trashed its sports programs over a few bruised egos. It went from competitive to mediocre in football and mediocre to cellar dweller in basketball. A&M trashed its historical rivalries due to a raging case of little man syndrome and had the most disappointing football and basketball seasons in the nation this year. In the meantime, UT has gone from national powerhouse to also-ran for no apparent reason other than apathy. It's time to clean house in Texas. I guess Baylor will hold the line…”
dustbowlin_daddy, after A&M defeated TT by the anemic score of 48-37 last night, in Comments section on ESPN.com
GH: 47-38 was the final score. The 85 points matched the point total from last season’s football game between these two Texas schools. The Big 12 is building a very respectable football conference with the additions of West Virginia and TCU – but Mizzou’s basketball team will be missed in this basketball wasteland of a conference. Only KU, MU and Baylor have ranked teams near the end of this regular season.  Kansas has made it very clear they do not need Missouri on their future basketball schedules. I am not so sure. With the addition of Mizzou, the SEC looks to be the stronger basketball conference of the two next season. Who would have thought that?

“I still think this [K-State] team has a run in it.”
Doug Gottlieb, 810 AM
GH: K-State travels to Baylor and then Mizzou for their next two games. Both appear to be very difficult games. They finish with three home games against ISU, A&M and OSU – which is where Gottlieb must think their run is coming. Frank Martin and his team have their work cut out for them the next two weeks. I think they are in real trouble of slipping behind Texas and missing the NCAA tourney.

“I say [Kansas State] loses the next two games and then they win the final three to get in [the NCAA tourney]. I say K-State and Texas both [are in].”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: There are a lot of mediocre teams vying for one of the 68 spots. That country-wide mediocrity is the Big 12’s best friend right now.

“I would go Thomas Robinson, Tyshawn Taylor, Marcus Denmon and Royce White. And then it would be between Perry Jones III and Ricardo Ratliffe. If you look at Perry Jones’ numbers, they’re pretty good.”
Nate Bukaty, on his picks for the Big 12 All-Conference team, 810 AM

“If everything holds serve right now, I would go Denmon, Ratliffe and then the three KU guys.”
Aaron Swarts, on his picks for the Big 12 All-Conference team, 810 AM
GH: This is a fun debate – and it is often tinged with favorite-team bias. Do not forget Texas’ J’Covan Brown, who leads the conference in scoring. Has the Big 12’s leading scorer ever NOT made the all-conference team?

“Nobody lays it on more about Kansas basketball than me in this town. I’m telling you, there is a lot to love about the way they play the game and their success.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman went on this verbal KU lovefest in response to what he called negative comments from Kansas fans to him and his show. The problem with pretending on the radio is that you are at times asked to back it up.

“[Baylor] has handled their business you could say even better than Mizzou. Mizzou has lost to a team [Oklahoma State] that is below their station. KU has lost to a team [Davidson] that is below their station. Every team that [Baylor] has lost to is either better than them or equal to them.”
Mike DeCourcy, 810 AM
GH: Interesting thoughts from DeCourcy. While MU and KU have swept Baylor both home and away, it can be said that the Bears only lose to good teams.

“I think what Missouri has done is astounding – nothing short of astounding.”
Mike DeCourcy, 810 AM
GH: Think back to December and the empty seats at Mizzou Arena and the MU players complaining on Twitter about fan support. As someone once said, winning cures all.

“Thomas Robinson has earned the right to punk some people. … The world is lucky I’m not elite at something because I would be the biggest bastard there is. I would have no friends. Let me be Johnny Dare on a national level and know that nobody could kick my ass.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wright just continues to endear himself to those who listen to him.  
“I don’t like the one-and-done rule but it’s the rule. The issue is, every kid thinks he’s a one-and-done.”
John Calipari, ESPN Radio
GH: Kim English almost declared himself eligible for the NBA draft after his junior season at Mizzou. A junior season that was bordering on awful. College basketball players -- like no other sport I know – have an unrealistic sense of their worth. My favorite story is Mark Turgeon’s, who when asked by Roy Williams what he was going to do after he graduated said, “Play in the NBA.” Williams told him he was wrong and that he should consider coaching as his future career.

“Looking at the talent coming back in the Big 12 [football], I think TCU’s got a chance to win this thing. I think they’ve got a legitimate chance with the weapons they’ve got coming back to win it the first year they’re in the Big 12.”
Dennis Dodd, after the Big 12’s 2012 football schedules were released on Tuesday, 810 AM
GH: The Horned Frogs just made the news this morning with an on-campus drug bust. Read on.

“TCU Police Chief Steve McGee said the students were considered drug dealers, selling prescription and illegal narcotics to undercover officers both on and off campus. The investigation began 6 months ago. McGee said the students were parts of multiple loosely tied groups. The university confirms 4 members of the Horned Frog football team were arrested. … The university said any student who was arrested and found in violation of distributing drugs would be expelled.”
Ryan Crowe, reporter, on the Wednesday morning drug bust at TCU, CBSDFW.com
GH: The old Southwest Conference continues to haunt the Big 12.

“Read that new teams will join Big 12 at partial share for first few years. Color me SHOCKED the conference would have uneven setup. SHOCKED!”
Gabe DeArmond, @GabeDeArmond, Twitter

“I’m eager to see how West Virginia does [in the Big 12] now that they are out of the [soft] Big East.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: The Big 12 is the best thing to happen to West Virginia since Jerry West. They cannot believe they have been rescued from the burning shack that was the Big East.

“[My] quote was more like this, "in the big 12 you get 2 bye weeks... The normal bye week and the week you play kansas.”
T.J. Moe, @TJMoe28, MU wide receiver, Twitter

“Mizzou on Sept. 29: Open date. Kansas on Sept. 29: Open date. Juuuuuuuuuust sayin, guys.”
David Ubben, @davidubben, Twitter
GH: Maybe the two school’s Lambda Chi fraternities can schedule a flag football game that afternoon.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Time Warner says it stopped receiving ESPN satellite feed for reasons that were still being investigated.”
Chris Fickett, @ChrisFickett, KC Star reporter, as TWC subscribers missed almost all of the first half of the KU/KSU game in Manhattan, Twitter
GH: Technology glitches happen. Our lives now are so dependent on satellites, chips and servers that we are lost when these technological wonders are taken from us. But cable television is not cutting edge stuff. The first cable TV subscriber was signed up in 1949. According to Nielsen stats from 2009, 61% of US households subscribe to cable TV. I do not remember ever flipping on my TWC feed and all of the channels worked accept the one I wanted to watch. Frustrating is far too kind a word for what I and thousands of TWC subscribers felt for well over an hour Monday night. It was more like cable rage. Read on.

“oh man. So glad I don't work at time warner. Wowsa.”
Dana Wright, @RadioDana, cohost of KMBZ’s Radio Active with Scott Parks, Twitter
GH: Members of local broadcasting outlets chimed in on TWC being in the spotlight for not being able to deliver one of the year’s most important local sports broadcasts. Most have probably known the feeling of the public’s ire when their station has been the target. Read on.

“ku wins by six. Glad we never switched to TimeWarner.”
Chris Hernandez, @NewserHernandez, KSHB TV news reporter, Twitter

“For those on TW trying to see KU-KSU, may I suggest Fox 4 News at 9? We will recreate game with shadow puppets.”
John Holt, @JHoltFox4KC, news anchor, Twitter

“Somebody told the Big 12 there was an issue and Chuck Neinas asked them what cable television was.”
Doug Stewart, @dougstewart1, of 810 WHB, Twitter
GH: As of Tuesday morning, TWC still was reporting they had no idea what went wrong. So how did the feed get fixed? Was it just magic? How much PR damage does a high-profile screw up like this cost TWC? Is it quickly forgotten or will more customers pursue the competition? Is the competition any better? All I know is that while I sat on my couch Monday evening and stared at a black screen, I was ready to call Cordell & Cordell to start my divorce proceedings from TWC, Metro Sports, Dave Stewart, Brad Porter and Mick Shafer.

“As I somewhat expected the Octagon of Doom was not ultra crazy tonight. It was GOOD, but KSU fans obviously realize their team ain't special.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Lawrence JW writer, Twitter
GH: From what I could tell of the first half [from my black TV screen courtesy of TWC], K-State could not have played much worse as they fell behind by 28-18 at the half. 18 points probably somewhat dimmed the home crowd’s enthusiasm. But the Cat crowd definitely had Tyshawn’s attention late in the game.

“Bramlage was rocking tonight. Very organized, funny student section. Energy helped their team keep it close vs Kansas.”
Holly Rowe, @sportsiren, Twitter
GH: Interesting that we have three great homecourt venues here with our local schools but it’s the national media gal who props up Bramlage and a local guy who knocks it.

“Before blasting TyTaylor, realize he played uh, 37 minutes in big-boy game in hostile gym. He gets an ... A.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Lawrence JW writer, Twitter
GH: I do not remember a local college player who receives more coddling from the media than Tyshawn Taylor. Taylor is having a great Big 12 season but he has imploded by turning the ball over and missing clutch free throws in the final minutes of games at Mizzou and K-State. A senior point guard should be your rock in the final minutes of a tight game. Taylor is proving to be the opposition’s best chance.

“Tyshawn Taylor will get goofy, at times, but he gets to rim, great in mid-range and shoots the 3. More PG than Chalmers was and I loved him.”
Fran Fraschilla, @franfraschilla, Twitter

“Watching Tyshawn for first 38 minutes? Glorious. The last 2? Gruesome.”
Brady McCollough, @BradyMcCollough, Twitter

“Ref just told Tyshawn, ‘I've had enough out of you. I don't want to hear any more.’ Something to keep an eye on.”
Matt Tait, @mctait, writer for Lawrence JW, late in the game, Twitter

“[Tyshawn Taylor] is clearly not comfortable at the line in those [late game] situations. I have an easy solution for that – don’t put him in those situations. When the other team is obviously fouling, just don’t have him handle it. He doesn’t have to have the ball. There is no law that says it has to go to your point guard.”
Mike DeCourcy, on Taylor missing late-game free throws at Mizzou and K-State, 810 AM
GH: When was the last time the solution for salting a game away at the line was to make sure your All-Conference senior point guard did not touch the ball? I smell a Lin Elliott finish cooking here for the Jayhawks’ season. The Chiefs had plenty of warning during the regular season from Elliott that he could not handle pressure. With the ridiculous emphasis college hoops puts on the post-season tournament, I could see Taylor’s legacy at KU being besmirched by a late-game meltdown in March.

“No one tries harder to give games away than Kansas.”
Dan Wolken, @DanWolken, writer for The Daily, Twitter
GH: Kansas State has done an admirable job of being generous to their opponents this season as well.

“Kansas gets yet another win in Bramlage. Withey was Lintastic.”
Seth Davis, @SethDavisHoops, Twitter
GH: Withey is quickly building a resume that will have him taken in the NBA draft’s first round…this year. Read on.

“Kansas fans who are worried about whether [Jeff Withey] is going to be here next year or not, enjoy him while he’s here.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM
GH: Who thought this would be a problem? Coach Z was also asked if Withey make the All-Big 12 first team. Read on.

“That’s not going to happen. The only way that could have happened is if Kansas would have gone undefeated in the conference.”
Rich Zvosec, when asked if he thought Withey would make the All-Big 12 first team along with KU teammates Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor, 610 AM
GH: I think Withey has a shot at the All-Conference first team…but KU has to go undefeated the rest of the way – and he has to continue to put up Blake Griffin-like stats.

“Ironically, Thomas Gipson's technical was for swearing.”
Austin Meek, @austin_meek, writer for Topeka CJ, Twitter
GH: I have a feeling Frank Martin might have fallen off the swear wagon Monday night. Did you see the pound of flesh he took out of Will Spradling during one of the timeouts? I have to wonder how Martin would treat Tyshawn Taylor if he was his coach. Bill Self goes out of his way to praise TT and downplay his shortcomings. Could Martin be as restrained and supportive?

“I don’t think there’ll be a technical foul called here.”
Bob Knight, moments before a technical foul was called on K-State’s Gipson, ESPN
GH: What Knight missed is that the technical foul had already been called when his broadcast partner, Dave Pasch, mentioned it. But Bob misses a lot of things.

“Kansas is a really bona fide good team. I think it’s is the best team in the league, unless Missouri is.”
Bob Knight, ESPN

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“This is not K-State. There is no anger. There is no overbearing fire. There is no straight junkyard dog pounding of the other team to the point that wills break. And now, when the team is fighting itself more than it ever has in finding its identity, the one unmistakable calling card – Frank Martin’s unapologetic, deal-with-it attitude – appears to be under construction as well.”
Curtis Kitchen, after K-State blew a 13-point halftime lead at Texas and were outscore 48-24 in the second half, CurtisKitchenKC.com
GH: I paid particular attention to Frank Martin’s demeanor during the second half at Texas. He appeared to be almost divorced from the game. He rarely stood. At times he sat and looked away from the floor, refusing to even watch his team’s demise against the Longhorns. This is not the Frank Martin we have come to know. Since when did not cursing also mean not coaching?

“The same coach who once said in a postgame (following a 2010 win over Texas, ironically), ‘If they don’t come in ready to work tomorrow, I will destroy them,’ has sat more recently, noticeably more reserved. His comments, for the most part, have lacked those colorful spikes. It could be argued that it’s a sign of growing maturity, and it very well may be. But, if that’s the case, why does it feel like something is now missing; that the program has lost its psychological edge? And, if it did, is that sort of trade off worth it?”
Curtis Kitchen, CurtisKitchenKC.com
GH: If K-State can beat Kansas at home tonight, a lot of this is forgotten. The Cats would get their mojo back and be on track for the post season. But “if” in this case is a four-letter word.

“I’m not doing this to please people I don’t know. I’m doing this to please myself. I felt I needed to do something to make myself better.”
Frank Martin, when asked if criticism of his foul language forced was the reason he has committed to stop cursing while coaching Kansas State games, 610 AM
GH: I was fine with this explanation from Frank. He hates to appear weak, and kowtowing to his critics would be weak in his mind. But there are times when all of us need to listen to others. Read on.

“Ain’t nobody in life gonna make me do anything I don’t want to do! I don’t let people make me do anything. If the administration would have forced me to do something I didn’t want to do then I’d have two choices; to perform with what I don’t believe in or quit. This is all me.”
Frank Martin, when asked if pressure from the K-State administration was the reason for his change in attitude about cursing, 610 AM
GH: As a coach, Martin has to have student athletes who succumb to his will. It is what coaching at the DI level is about. As an employee of Kansas State, Martin has to understand that he has a boss – a lot of them when you consider the importance of the cooperation of the alumni. Martin often plays his tough-guy routine to a ridiculous level. His comments above are one of those times.

“I will say this, it will be challenging.”
Wyatt Thompson, KSU play-by-play voice, when asked if he thinks Martin can keep his vow to stop cursing, 610 AM

“I think Frank Martin is the ultimate coach in knocking people down and then building them back up. I just hope he doesn’t change his coaching up now because people are a little sensitive.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: I do not understand anyone who has observed Martin’s act on the game-day bench and doesn’t think there is a problem. Not everyone needs to be treated like Martin is often seen berating his players. Maybe some do and it is constructive. But Martin’s act has shown him to be a one-trick Neanderthal.

“When this [Missouri] team gets loose, they start smiling and feeling it. They’re as god as anybody in the country.”
Jon Sundvold, as he worked the Baylor/MU game where Mizzou destroyed the Bears with their outside shooting, Big 12 Network

“When Missouri is on, there is nobody in the country that is as good as them offensively. Nobody. Period.”
Scott Drew, following Baylor’s blowout loss at Mizzou
GH: Missouri is my favorite Big 12 team to watch this season. They move the ball with unselfish haste and often have four and sometimes five deadly shooters on the court. But they’re reliance of the outside shot is also a worrisome weakness when it comes to surviving in the NCAA tournament. I like the Tigers’ chances for a deep postseason run, but we have seen other great-shooting teams go suddenly cold in March.

“Mike Anderson was a disaster as the head basketball coach at the University of Missouri, once he got guys to the school.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe might want to check out the definition of the word, “disaster.” Anderson took over a program in complete disarray after Quin Snyder was fired and Mike Alden was almost let go following the Ricky Clemons’ jailhouse tapes. Anderson’s Tigers went 111-57 in his five years with three NCAA tournament appearances – one resulting in an Elite Eight. Just because a coach bolts and leaves his fan base pissed off, you do not get to rewrite that coach’s history.

“Never will be sure why saying something good about Mizzou is taken by some as a slam on KUbball. Or vice versa. KU is a FF contender, too.”
Sam Mellinger, after he made the comment that Mizzou was a serious Final Four contender, Twitter

“Can't express enough thanks to all who helped usher in my retirement in such a warm fashion. I heard from so many of you. I'm humbled.”
Mike DeArmond, after it was made known that Saturday would be his final game covering Mizzou for the Kansas City Star, Twitter
GH: Mellinger reported that DeArmond received a standing ovation from the Mizzou Arena crowd on Saturday when his retirement was announced. Beat writers are the chorus of the musical. They perform their daily jobs while allowing others to receive the applause. I imagine that bow to the crowd had to feel pretty good for Mike. I met DeArmond in 1996. My first exposure to him was at a Kansas City Star meeting, where the sports desk was discussing some changes. He was the only guy in the room who acted like he didn’t give two goose shits about what anybody had to say. Arrogant is too soft a word. He walked around with a don’t-screw-with-me-because-I-will-really screw-with-you attitude. Jason Whitlock hated him. He always thought DeArmond was a racist bastard. Everybody else seemed scared to death of him – including the editors. I kinda liked the old curmudgeon. Mike and I always got along. One reason I liked DeArmond was that he never felt threatened by anybody. He was not threatened by another person’s job, their talent or his or her place in life. Mike DeArmond would have made a damn good Texan.

“Just to set the record right: went to jr hi and hs in Joplin. First 12 in Lamar, Mo. 2 hometowns.”
Mike DeArmond, correcting a KC Star story that reported he was a Joplin native, Twitter
GH: I thought this was kind of funny, that DeArmond had to tweet a correction about The Star’s story regarding his retirement.

“Iowa State could be the most dangerous ncaa tourney team. Plethora of shooters and a player with broad shoulders (Royce White) to set the table.”
Rich Zvosec, Twitter
GH: Iowa State could prove to be a better postseason team than Mizzou. It will all depend on the matchups but the more the Clones play together, the more impressed I am with their overall depth.

“Why Tyshawn Taylor is not in discussion for the best point guard in the country is beyond me.”
Fran Fraschilla, ESPN
GH: I found it interesting that Fraschilla made this comment while calling the K-State/Texas game last Saturday. There may not be a player who has improved his status more over the course of the season than KU’s Taylor. Even KU fans were writing Taylor off in December as a player who was not going to change his frustrating ways. “Tyshawn is just Tyshawn, he’s not going to change,” was the prevailing thought I heard from Jayhawk fans. My current All-Big 12 team has three Jayhawks; Taylor, Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey. My other two spots are reserved for Marcus Denmon and ISU’s Royce White. Texas’ J’Covan Brown is on the bubble.

“When we first started practicing, I didn’t think we were very good at all, but they’ve exceeded my thoughts of what we could be. The problem is when we’ve been good, we’ve been real good. But when we’ve been bad, there’s been a real drop. That’s what happens when you don’t have depth.”
Bill Self, 810 AM
GH: Kansas is playing better than any team in the Big 12 at this time. K-State has a chance to blunt their building momentum tonight in Manhattan. I don’t see it happening, though. These are two teams heading in opposite directions right now.

“Name to consider for Huskers hoops job if Sadler is fired: Gregg Marshall of Wichita State. If ever a guy was ready for a jump, it's him.”
Steven Sipple, columnist for Lincoln Journal-World, after WSU destroyed Creighton in Omaha, Twitter
GH: College sports makes no sense to me at times. The state of Kansas should do all it can to force KU and KSU to schedule annual home-and-away series with Wichita State. The Shockers deserve the push these series would give them – and unlike Mizzou, there is no reason for KU and KSU to want to help WSU build on their national reputation.

“I then gave in to another part of my personality — my immature, sophomoric, comedic nature. It's been with me since birth, a gift from my mother and honed as a child listening to my godmother's Richard Pryor albums. I still want to be a standup comedian. The couple-inches-of-pain tweet overshadowed my sincere celebration of Lin’s performance and the irony that the stereotype applies to pot-bellied, overweight male sports writers, too. As the Asian American Journalist Association pointed out, I debased a feel-good sports moment. For that, I’m truly sorry.”
Jason Whitlock, in a written apology for tweeting that New York Knick’s guard, Jeremy Lin, would be celebrating his 38-point performance against the Lakers by giving some female “a couple inches of pain,” FoxSports
GH: Some are calling for Whitlock’s firing due to his racist joke at Lin’s expense. Whitlock is a comedian in the written form. You might not find him funny, but I don’t laugh at Woody Allen myself. I cannot think of a stand-up comedian whose career would be in trouble for using this same joke in his routine. Whitlock’s apology should be enough in my book.

“I'd like every person in this room to campaign to legalize drugs. Let's legalize drugs like they did in Amsterdam. No one's hiding or sneaking around corners to get it. They go to a doctor to get it.”
Tony Bennett, after Whitney Houston’s death over the weekend, Hollywood Reporter
GH: Sounds good, Tony – since legalized alcohol isn’t causing any problems.  I do not expect Tony Bennett to be tabbed to do remake any of his NCAA basketball tournament TV commercials anytime soon.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“None of us are perfect. I continue to work at correcting the mistakes I have made. Moreover, I have done things I wish I could take back. However, in life you can’t go backwards but you can always get better from the lessons. One thing that I have worked hard at improving is the language that I use at games and eliminating these moments. I cannot allow my competitiveness to blind me from the fact that I represent you, the great students of a university of higher education. As a father, and an educator, there is no place for this at any event in which I am representing K-State.”
Frank Martin, in a letter Thursday to the Kansas State students
GH: Few have been as critical of Martin’s volatile and crude in-game antics than I. But everybody deserves to be acknowledged when they realize their mistakes and promise to improve. I hope Martin is serious when he says “there is no place for this at any event in which I am representing K-State.” Read on.

“The [letter from Frank Martin] validated a concern that had been little more than message board fodder for much of this season. When the ‘Sandstorm’ song blared over Bramlage Coliseum speakers, making it hard to hear much of anything, the story was that many students had veered off path from saying “K-S-U,” instead replacing it with “**** KU.”
Curtis Kitchen, of CurtisKitchenKC.com and 610 Sports
GH: A similar message was sent out last week from Mizzou when Frank Haith and Mike Alden both urged the Tiger fans to refrain from rewording their popular “MIZ” chant with an “FKU” answer directed at the Jayhawks. One thing appears certain; the Kansas Jayhawks bring out the worst behavior in everybody’s fan base.

“I have become aware that recently we have had some fan chants at Bramlage that use profanity. We ARE better than that. We have more class than that. As I work at completely eliminating profanity from my actions, I ask you to help me by not using chants that contain profanity. There is no place in education, or representing K-State, for any of us to use profanity.”
Frank Martin, in a letter Thursday to the Kansas State students
GH: Can Frank go cold turkey on the f-bombs? Probably not. But having written this memo to the K-State students, he has put some pressure on himself to be accountable for his bench-side decorum. Will it slow down the verbal abuse from the Cat fans? It seems to have worked at Mizzou on Saturday night, where even Bill Self lauded Mizzou Arena’s “class.” After watching how the Big 12 reacted during football season to Nebraska, A&M and Mizzou leaving the conference, it is rewarding to see the basketball coaches taking a proactive stance against fan idiocy.

“Let me just go ahead and say this; the fewer decisions that Dan Glass makes, the better off the Royals are going to be.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Bob Fescoe made similarly disparaging remarks about Dan and David Glass in June 2006 at the Royals press conference announcing Dayton Moore as the team’s new GM.  Fescoe’s [and 610’s Rhonda Moss’] aggressive line of questioning to David and Dan Glass were so unnerving to the owners of the Royals that they had the two reporters’ credentials yanked. Kietzman publicly chastised Fescoe, who worked for Kietzman at WHB at the time, for being so disrespectful to the Glasses. Fescoe was gone from WHB a few months later to take a job in St. Louis. Kietzman made this disparaging comment about Dan Glass on his Thursday radio show. Who thinks he makes that same comment if Dan or David Glass is in the room like Fescoe did? Me either. 

“I think other major league organizations treat their former major league ball players better.”
Frank White, in a conversation with Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman tried his best to get White to trash David Glass and the Royals but this was about as negative as White was willing to go. KK even asked White is he thought Glass would be willing to win the World Series if he knew he would lose $30 million in the process. White didn’t take the bait. White stated that Glass grew up a Cardinals fans and always impressed him as a man who values winning.

“Kansas City, this is our time.”
Eric Hosmer, in a TV and radio advertising campaign for the Royals 2012 season
GH: When I was first made aware of the Royals “This is our time” ad campaign I was not thrilled. It sounded too temporary for me. I would like the Royals to see every spring as “their time,” not just once every 35 years. But I am warming to the slogan – and Hosmer’s rendition of this commercial is a big reason why. The Royals’ second-year first baseman could make money as an ad man – that’s how good he is in invoking the right message with his spoken words. Every time I hear or see Hos’ commercial, my right arm starts to twinge and my feet shuffle as if they were taking a one-way lead off of first.

“I would hate to just throw everything out and start over because I feel it would set us back two or three years because these guys are just starting to get it. I hope we don't have to start over and if we do, you know what, here we go. Let's do it. We'll do it. We're not going to complain about it. But I would hate to have to set certain guys back who are doing so well right now.”
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers quarterback, on Todd Haley replacing Bruce Arians as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
GH: Haley and Big Ben – together for the first time! Read on.

“One of the first things I will say to these guys is we aren’t going to be into a lot of sensitivity. If you are sensitive, this is probably not the best place to be.”
Todd Haley, in his introductory press conference in Pittsburgh
GH: Did Haley think Big Ben was into “sensitivity?” I don’t think there is a lot of sensitivity in restroom sex. Maybe this won’t be such a bad match after all.

“Roethlisberger should expect to start over. If the Steelers wanted to keep the same system, they would have kept Arians. The only way Haley can be effective is by putting his fingerprints on the offense. Starting over can be a challenge, but it also can be the right thing to do.”
Jamison Hensley, NFL writer,ESPN.com
GH: Big Ben might not be interested in Haley coming to the Steelers but it appears the Pittsburgh media and fans are ready for his tough-guy approach. We always think the new guy will be better than the old guy.

“I don’t see how Todd Haley can possibly improve on what they are doing in Pittsburgh. I don’t see how this possibly makes Pittsburgh any better. This is a sign that an organization is about to make some big blunders. This is the kind of stuff where teams just implode. Sounds like the Rooneys call the shots and that’s that.”
Kevin Kietzman, accusing the Steelers of hiring Haley as their offensive coordinator without input from their head coach, 810 AM
GH: Pittsburgh offense was not good under Arians. They have one of the best young receiving corps in the NFL – and they have Roethlisberger. I think there is a very good chance Haley improves the Steelers’ offensive fortunes in 2012.

“I know Jack [Harry] really well. A lot of times Jack says that and he really doesn’t mean it. Yesterday Jack said that Missouri is the best team in this league. Jack can’t possibly believe that. Jack’s smarter than that.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Missouri appears to be the target of the day for KK. Read on.

“My job is to get on this radio station every single day and tell you what I think is going to happen and why. You can’t take it personally people, you just can’t. That doesn’t mean I hate Missouri. It has nothing to do with Missouri. I can’t control that Kansas is so much better than Missouri in basketball. I can’t control the fact that they have killed them historically in this series. I didn’t create it and I’m not exacerbating it in any way! That team Kansas is going to win this league! They’re going to! And they’re going to win in outright. Enjoy the week [Mizzou fans]. Enjoy that you’re all knotted up with two losses each because it’s not going to last. Kansas is going to win that game easy at Allen Fieldhouse over Missouri and Missouri is going to lose another one somewhere else.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: How any MU fan could take that tirade as anything but constructive is beyond me.

“Yeah, when I was 23-years-old I had a pretty sweet loft downtown in government housing. You can kiss my ass! That’s what the government’s there for.”
Nick Wright, after being criticized by a coworker for his messy downtown bachelor’s apartment, 610 AM
GH: If the government is there to subsidize a downtown loft  for a single male who graduated from Barstow High School and then earned a degree from Syracuse University, then that government is broken. I would think a man with Wright’s education would be working to repair that government rather than kick it into an unrecognizable state.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“One thing is certain: whether it’s Allen Fieldhouse last month or their own Ferrell Center on Wednesday, the Bears have no answer for Kansas’ mojo. A 68-54 Kansas win barely scratched the surface of how much the Jayhawks dominated.”
Chuck Carlton, columnist, Dallas Morning News
GH: The question for the rest of the Big 12 after KU’s impressive show in Waco is does any of the remaining teams on KU’s schedule have an answer for the Jayhawks’ streaking mojo? KU’s only remaining road games are at K-State, A&M and OSU. The game Monday night inside the Lair of the Glare appears to be the most formidable.

“Baylor gets punched in the mouth and just quits. Quits!”
Aaron Swarts, 810 AM
GH: To say Scott Drew was vilified and crucified on Twitter during the second half of the Kansas game would be kind. Read on.

“We can stop talking about Baylor winning Big 12 and kick them out of Top Ten consideration.”
Kevin Kietzman, @kkwhb, Twitter

“Remember when people asked who'd beat Baylor in the Big 12 and I said Scott Drew? I do.”
Sam Mellinger, @mellinger, Twitter

“Man, kubball took off the white glove and slapped baylor across the face with it...again. In other words, sit down, son.”
Curtis Kitchen, @curtiskitchen, Twitter

“If baylor had any stones they would fire scott drew. find a more under achieving team in the country over the last few yrs.”
Bob Fescoe, @bobfescoe, Twitter
GH: Baylor is 21-3 with all three losses coming to top-10 teams. Scott Drew took the Bears to the Elite Eight two years ago. But losses at home this season to MU and KU have his critics calling for his job. This is the kind of insanity college athletics births.

“Let's take a poll. Who would you rather have as your coach: Frank Martin or Scott Drew and why?”
Carrington Harrison, @cdotharrison, Twitter
GH: Martin inherited a Bob Huggins team that included a recruit by the name of Michael Beasley. Drew inherited a program where the head coach was covering up the murder of one of his players by a teammate – by painting the victim as a drug dealer. Martin has worked wonders at K-State. What Drew has done at Baylor is amazing. You might not like Drew. You might not respect his zone defense. But those who think he is a failure do not understand the definition of the word.

“Them having a great coaching staff over there, they adjusted to it. And we didn’t answer back.”
Pierre Jackson, Baylor point guard, on why the Bears’ zone defense lost its effectiveness after the first 15 minutes, KUSports.com

“I think that quote says it all. It says exactly what we’re thinking and exactly what the Baylor players are thinking.”
Steven St. John, on Pierre Jackson’s above comment, 810 AM
GH: SSJ took Jackson’s quote as an indictment against Drew, his own coach. I simply saw it as an acknowledgement of Self’s brilliance. What Self did to get his team ready after their choke job at Mizzou was about as good a coaching job as I have seen this season. Hammer Drew all you want, but the story of this game was not how bad a coach Drew is but how great that guy sitting on KU’s bench is at motivation and in-game strategy.

“I think it talks about the toughness of this team. They don’t let one thing let them down. Bill doesn’t panic either. They don’t change their principles.”
Chris Piper, on Bill Self’s KU teams not losing consecutive games, 610 AM

“Self was ecstatic after game. He said that except for 3 huge minutes (at MU), KU played best 80 back-to-back minutes on the road in his era.”
Gary Bedore, @GaryBedore, Twitter

“Baylor humiliated itself tonight, but I wouldn't count the Bears out at Mizzou. They are going to be pissed and desperate.”
Kellis Robinett, @KellisRobinett, Twitter
GH: The worst thing that could happen for Mizzou was for Baylor to be so publicly embarrassed as they were on their home court. Believe what you want but Baylor is the most talented team in the Big 12 – which makes what KU did to them in Waco all the more impressive. They will come to Columbia on Saturday and the Tigers will need to play very well to win.

“I have Mizzou and Baylor Saturday. Is it the biggest game in college BB that day? Which game is bigger?”
Mitch Holthus, Twitter
GH: The two teams are a combined 43-5. Yeah, I think it’ll be a good game.

“I think our offense is just awful right now! Just stand around and watching.”
Chris Piper, during the first half of the KU/Baylor game when BU took a 10-point lead, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: I listened to the first half of the KU/BU game on my commute home Wednesday night. Baylor led 7-0 when I flipped on the radio and it did not get much better for most of the drive. Piper is blunt in how he sees the game, which I enjoy. He doesn’t appear concerned about sparing the feelings of KU players, coaches or fans. He does not delve into the X’s and O’s of the game as much as I would like but he is a refreshing contrast to Bob Davis’ over-the-top cheerleading as the play-by-play voice.

“Miller just jumped into the air and came back down! That’s not traveling, obviously! How about Miller out there! He just leaped into the air!”
Bob Davis, as the Baylor player somehow avoided being called for traveling, Jayhawk Radio Network

“This is the most important six minutes of Baylor’s season.”
Fran Fraschilla, as KU came out after the half and quickly opened their lead to double figures, ESPN2

“Fran Fraschilla is right: Most important six minutes of Baylor's season. Jayhawks up 11 after TRob's 3 point play.”
Seth Davis, @SethDavisHoops, Twitter
GH: College basketball has this little tournament at the end of the season that renders all regular season games inferior. This was not Baylor’s most important six minutes of the season. It probably wasn’t their most important six minutes of the week with the Mizzou game on Saturday. When the media gets this ridiculous with their hyperbole, my hope is you chuckle at their foolishness rather than participate.

“I’m not surprised by anything this team does anymore.”
Chris Piper, on Kansas play of late, 610 AM
GH: Kansas does not look anything like the team that we watched get beat by Kentucky, Duke and Davidson. Is that because they have exorcised those early-season demons or have they simply tucked them away until March Madness? The answers await – and are why the game is so much fun to follow.

“I don’t know why Withey likes playing against us so much, but he looks like an All-American every time he does.”
Scott Drew, after the 7-foot junior scored 25 points and was a defensive force, KUSports.com
GH: Withey plays like Sampson [Ralph] against Baylor because Thomas Robinson draws all their attention in the paint. Will Withey be this good next season when TRob heads to the NBA? Will Withey declare for the NBA draft early as well? Withey is making a case for him being a first-round pick. I hope he stays but his stock may never be higher than it is with Robinson as a teammate.

“I’m not saying it was good or bad. I’m just saying that’s what she was wearing.”
Steven St. John, after he spotted the 58-year-old Leslie Visser last week on Radio Row at the Super Bowl wearing a very short plaid schoolgirl miniskirt that he said “looked like something you would buy at Cirilla’s, 810 AM
GH: I am going to guess it was bad. I might prefer to see Leslie Nielsen in a miniskirt – and that dude is dead!

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“We learned how good of a team Kansas really is [in Lawrence]. Thomas Robinson is a different kind of dude, man. He's super good. ... All parts of his games, he's exactly what you want in a power forward.”
Quincy Miller, Baylor forward, on the Bears/Jayhawks rematch tonight in Waco, Dallas Morning News
GH: You have to love it when the opposition gives your guy props like, “Thomas Robinson is a different kind of dude, man. He's super good.” I still am amazed it took Robinson until his junior [and likely final] year to get a starting job at KU. Bill Self attracts some major talent.

“Kansas has big game in Waco next. Bill self is 22-0 after a loss in big 12. Like the Jayhawks chances vs Baylor.”
Rich Zvosec, Twitter
GH: Kansas hasn’t lost two in a row in some time but Colorado and Nebraska are no longer in the Big 12. Having to travel to MU and then Baylor in successive games is not an easy task for any team. A win tonight for KU is far from a given. Baylor was my preseason pick to win the Big 12 and they still have a very good shot at the title with a win tonight.

“I’ll say this, Baylor is a team that if they win tonight [over KU], they can come to Missouri and they play harder than they did [in Waco], they have the talent to win.”
Jon Sundvold, 810 AM

“I think [Kansas] is going to play really well because they’re wounded. I think they’ll take it to them.”
Tom Keegan, LJW columnist, when asked how he thinks KU will play at Waco tonight, 810 AM

“My gut feeling is that Kansas plays well [tonight at Baylor]. I expect Kansas to win even though I expect it to be a great game.”
Jon Sundvold, 810 AM
GH: KU’s sterling basketball reputation precedes itself when they face big games like tonight’s. A win in Waco would only enhance that rep.

“Every week’s big. … The only difference is this game will probably be more talked-about than the past couple games were.”
Scott Drew, Baylor’s head coach, Dallas Morning News
GH: It is easy to see why Bill Self and KU are not the biggest Scott Drew fans – he obviously doesn’t think much of Self either. Their postgame handshakes are the shortest in the conference.

“I'm not used to losing and don't like how it feels. I don't even know how to handle it sometimes. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, how I'm supposed to act. ... I don't like it. I'm sure my teammates feel the same way.”
Tyshawn Taylor, on dealing with the Jayhawks loss to MU, Kansas City Star
GH: One way Tyshawn deals with a loss is to turn to Twitter – at all hours of the night. Read on.

“It’s not the end of the world that [Tyshawn Taylor] was up at 3:00 AM. Is Bill Self supposed to be in his hotel room giving him No-Doze when he wakes up?”
Bob Fescoe, on those fans criticizing the KU point guard for tweeting at odd hours the day of the Baylor game, 610 AM
GH: Both Tyshawn and TRob drew the ire of some fans when they were tweeting at 2:00 AM from Columbia the morning of the Mizzou game. College kids don’t sleep much at night and now we have Twitter timelines to chronicle that fact.

“I think a reasonable Missouri fan – if there is one – says we’re better than these teams [we’re ranked ahead of] but not that much better. The Oklahoma game proves that.”
Doug Gottlieb, following Mizzou’s three-point win in Norman, 810 AM
GH: Gottlieb has been poking the MU fans all season – and so far the Mizzou fans are winning. Gottlieb doesn’t believe in the Tigers top-five ranking but there they sit. Sure, the Tigers could drop with a loss but the barbs between the ESPN analyst and Tiger fans have been fun to follow.

“If I just go with what Bob Davis said, there’s no question that Kansas got screwed [by late-game referee calls at MU].”
Rich Zvosec, who listened to the KU/MU game on the radio as he drove back from calling the Creighton/UNI game, 610 AM

“On Thomas Robinson I thought they made a bad [charging] call. I thought he made a great spin move. I didn’t think he charged.”
Jon Sundvold, 810 AM
GH: Sundvold is a reasonable Missouri fan…and a far better TV analyst than the games he is given. He has become K-State’s personal analyst of late. I couldn’t stand to watch the Texas Tech / K-State game. Sundvold was paid to.

“I spoke to the referee who made that call and he said, ‘I thought it was a good call and my superior agrees with me.’ I disagree. That was a ‘play-on’ call. That is the classic way you are taught to make that spin move. I didn’t think it was a foul. On the other hand, what is Connor Teahan doing guarding Marcus Denmon?”
Doug Gottlieb, on the controversial charging call on Thomas Robinson, 810 AM

“I thought those nine straight points the officials scored really gave the game to Missouri.”
Steven St. John, after Nate Bukaty criticized the Big 12 for sending lesser-known officials to do the KU at MU game, 810 AM

“I’m not sure why [Missouri] does that with the 35-second shot clock. Their offense through the course of the game has such good movement. When they [slowed the pace] against Texas I thought, ‘Oh my god, they just lost all the momentum!’ I was surprised when they did it again against Oklahoma. You can still run your offense without taking a quick shot early in your possession. It almost lost them the game.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM
GH: I upset a hoard of Mizzou fans on Twitter Monday night when I suggested that Frank Haith is getting too involved with his adopted Tigers. Instead of sitting and watching his talented seniors roll over the opposition like he did in November and December, Haith is starting to believe his press clippings, thinking he is far more important to this team’s success than he is. Sometimes the best coaching is done while sitting and watching.

“Congrats to Mizzou [on their win in Norman]. Knew it would be a hard game v OU. Smart move by Coach Haith on handling Sat night-hotel room curfew-very smart.”
Mitch Holthus, Twitter
GH: When I heard Haith had taken his team to a Columbia hotel after Saturday night’s win over KU I immediately started to be concerned about how they would play in Norman. It is over-coaching to the max. Haith immediately made his team tight by giving a team they beat by 38 at home unnecessary respect. Haith is unaccustomed to coaching a ranked team in battle for a conference crown – and he is showing it with these kinds of overprotective moves. A tight team is a beatable team – no matter how talented.

“Marcus Denmon put on a 1st Team All-America-type performance against Kansas. Always fun to see a guy earn his hype.”
Fran Fraschilla, Twitter

“Whoever Denmon slept with to get out his slump should get a building on campus named after her.”
Carrington Harrison, of 610 Sports, Twitter

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“It's not easy to see something this good come to an end. Throughout the game, ESPN's Dick Vitale repeatedly implored [Kansas and Missouri]  to keep playing even after they're in different leagues. During the College Gameday pregame show, Jay Bilas went to so far as to assume the game will happen in the very near future. ‘They're gonna play,’ he said. ‘Whether it's next year or the year after, they're gonna play again.’ I'm not so sure I share Bilas' optimism. Nor do I share Vitale's hope. I'm not just okay with seeing this rivalry come to an end. I actually want it to.”
Seth Davis, college basketball analyst, SI.com
GH: Davis has become the new patron saint of Jayhawks with his latest column, painting Missouri as the bad guy and Kansas as the victim in the Border War’s demise. Read on.

“This is an EXCELLENT representation of why KU won't be playing MU.”
Gary Bedore, of The Lawrence Journal World, on Seth Davis’ take on the demise of the KU/MU rivalry, Twitter
GH: Bedore chronicles the sports stories of the Jayhawks. Much like Mike DeArmond, the KC Star’s MU beat writer for many years, his opinions on Kansas and Missouri appear to me to be far from objective. Why any sports fan would deny themselves the opportunity to experience a night like we all witnessed Saturday in Columbia night makes no sense to me.

“Why am I being such a killjoy? Because as much as I love a great rivalry, I loathe conference expansion even more. This has been the worst trend to hit college sports in a long, long time. Missouri's decision to go to the SEC was bad for college sports, bad for the Big 12 and certainly bad for Kansas. (I believe it will prove to be bad for Missouri, too, but only time will tell.)”
Seth Davis, SI.com
GH: Davis is being a killjoy because he is a basketball writer and Kansas’ basketball program is one of the elites. Davis watched the ESPN GameDay crew trash Kansas for their commitment to not playing Mizzou once they leave for the SEC. He saw an opening to become a spokesperson for Bill Self and Kansas. Missouri is not a perennial top-20 basketball program. Davis doesn’t care if he pisses off Frank Haith. Davis does care what Self and Kansas think of him, though. Davis’ column is self-preservation for a guy who makes his bones writing about college basketball. In other words, he couldn’t carry Jay Bilas’ balls in a wheelbarrow.
“Coming on the heels of Texas A&M's decision to likewise bolt for the SEC, Missouri's defection almost put the Big 12 out of business. If the conference had dissolved, Kansas would have been in a tough spot. KU does not have an elite football program, so it would have been forced to beg leagues like the ACC and Big East to shoehorn the Jayhawks into their ranks. It would have been a sad moment for a proud school.”
Seth Davis, SI.com
GH: Davis conveniently dances over the fact that Missouri was the FOURTH and last [so far] Big 12 team to leave the conference. But he points an accusatory finger at the Tigers as if their departure, a full year AFTER Colorado and Nebraska bolted, for the reason the Big 12 almost dissolved. Kansas [and K-State, Iowa State and Baylor] were all put in a tough spot by the Big 12’s lack of leadership and foresight. The Big 12 laughed when Nebraska and Colorado left, with Dan Beebe acting as the leading cheerleader for the two team’s departure. Instead of doing everything to keep the original 12 together, the Big 12 shrugged its collective shoulders. Don’t blame Mizzou for Kansas’ nearly having to seek out the bread line. Blame the schools that allowed this once-great-conference to wither in the Texas sun.

“The hard truth is, Missouri needs this game significantly more than Kansas does. The Jayhawks have won three national championships and have been to 13 Final Fours. Missouri has never even been to one. Kansas can recruit on a national scale, while Missouri has to focus on the Midwest. If injected with truth serum, I'll bet Haith would tell you the move to the SEC is making his job harder. So why would Self do something that will only make it easier?”
Seth Davis, SI.com
GH: This part of Davis’ column produced more wood on the Kansas side of the rivalry than the housing boom in Johnson County. Yes, Kansas is an elite national basketball program whose history dwarfs that of MU’s. But we watch sports for the games and it is the games we remember. Not the snub of games.

“If Kansas agreed to play Missouri, it would be providing the Tigers with a national platform they currently lack. Hard to see the upside in that for the Jayhawks.”
Seth Davis, SI.com
GH: It is hard to see the upside for the generations of Jayhawk fans to come who will not know how good it feels to own a rivalry to the extent they have owned Missouri in basketball. Beating Mizzou never meant that much, you say? Child, please.

“I've heard from a lot of our coaches, our administrators, our larger donors and our fan base. The overwhelming majority ask me not to play Missouri at this time. They feel that by leaving for another conference, they harmed our league -- our family, so to speak. They don't want to reward that.”
Sheahon Zenger, KU athletic director, SI.com
GH: When Self first made his public statement that Kansas would not be playing MU in the future, I thought the Kansas fan base would be as upset as I was to hear this rivalry was being squashed by the current KU administration. I was wrong. Kansas fans appear to be lockstep behind their leaders in never playing MU again. What an absolute shame.

“Will this series resume someday, as Bilas predicts? I suppose so. … but I also doubt it will happen anytime soon. Nor should it. Missouri had every right to act in its self-interest, but now so does Kansas. Hey, it's just business, right?”
Seth Davis, SI.com
GH: I do not think the rivalry will soon resume. I did originally, but the absence of the rivalry over the next few years will allow these two schools to grow apart. New rivalries will form and this ancient one will become less important to those fans who come later. As a sports fans I will miss these schools and their fans and how they hate each other with both humor and respect. But what does being a sports fan have to do with big-time college sports nowadays?

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I’ll be honest I was disappointed. [Missouri] played it really, really classy. I was a little disappointed how classy the fans were. Everybody told me that was not how it was going to go down so I was a little bit surprised.”
Danny Parkins, on his first experience at Mizzou Arena Saturday night for the KU/MU game, 610 AM

“So much has been made about the hatred and all that ... I thought tonight — and this is hard for me to say to Mizzou people — but tonight was as good and classy an atmosphere as there is. I think it’ll be same when they come to our place [Feb. 25]. I’m sure it will be.”
Bill Self, KUSports.com
GH: I have been to my share of KU/MU games. I have been to my share of any team at MU games. MU fans are not known for their hospitality when it comes to the opposition. Maybe the Mizzou fan base is evolving. I really thought the fan decorum Saturday night at Mizzou Arena would be embarrassing. That it was not is even more proof of why this century-old rivalry should continue.

“Clarify: I've been to Rupp, Cameron, others. AFH is the best place, no question. They max out. But for one night, so did Mizzou.”
Sam Mellinger, Twitter
GH: Allen Fieldhouse brings it every game, 16,300 strong. This is the first game this season I can remember watching at Mizzou where there was not a number of empty 50-yard-line seats. The stench from Norm’s firing and the Quin Snyder era damaged Mizzou’s relationship with their fan base. Maybe, just maybe, Frank Haith and his band of Mike Anderson’s seniors have repaired that bond and will change Mizzou’s future.

“The only beef I had with the crowd at MU [Saturday] night was the wild ovation for Dorian GB. Kind of creepy to cheer a h.s. senior like that.”
Gary Bedore, of Lawrence Journal World, Twitter
GH: Come on, Gary! You haven’t watched the Allen Fieldhouse crowd act the very same way when they were first introduced to prospective recruits like Xavier Henry and Josh Selby? How “creepy” did you feel then? What is wrong with a high school kid receiving some adoration from a college fan base? What’s creepy is the head coaches who get paid millions to hustle high school kids.

“This team is doing a tremendous job of fighting all those [Missouri] stereotypes. I always expect the worst to happen for Missouri.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM
GH: It is difficult for any Missouri fan of any tenure to not expect the worst. But those final two minutes Saturday night had to squash at least some of those fears. What a finish to a great, great game.

“There was no point late in that game where I thought Mizzou was completely out of it.”
Robert Ford, 610 AM
GH: Ford has far more faith than I. When Tyshawn Taylor slipped along the right baseline for a slam dunk to give KU an eight-point lead, I thought it was over. Marcus Denmon though, did not.

“I think Missouri’s got a special team. They’ve been good before but they’ve got a special team [this season].”
Jay Bilas, prior to the KU/MU game, ESPN
GH: A special Mizzou team doesn’t go to Stillwater and get beat. A loss tonight [Monday] in Norman would let the air out of Mizzou’s specialness almost as quickly as Denmon’s deadly shooting inflated it. I would like to think MU is special. My experience refuses to allow it.

“Somebody needs to step up and make sure these games [between Kansas and Missouri] are played no matter what conference these schools are in. Missouri and Kansas have got to play!”
Reece Davis, during the College GameDay segment at Mizzou Arena Saturday morning, ESPN
GH: I don’t know if it was the great pregame atmosphere inside the gym but the ESPN crew publicly pleaded for this rivalry to continue. Read on.

“It’s what competitors do. When it’s time to play, competitors come to play. How Kansas, Missouri or anybody can say with a straight face that, ‘I’m a competitor but I don’t want to play a rival.’ That doesn’t make any sense.”
Jay Bilas, ESPN
GH: It sounded to me that Bilas was talking to Bill Self.

“I don’t feel bad [that the rivalry is ending]. Missouri wanted this, so why should I feel bad? If there’s anybody I should feel bad for, it’s the players. They don’t get the chance to play here, not the fans. The fans to me don’t drive the bus at all. Missouri wanted this. It’s their prerogative.”
Bill Self, KUSports.com
GH: It is not arguable that if one man can save this rivalry it is Bill Self. He should feel bad. It is a shame he does not.

“Why is leaving for the SEC greed? That’s not greed.”
Jay Bilas, ESPN
GH: Digger Phelps pointed to conference realignment as the reason for this rivalries death. Conference realignment is happening all over the country and will likely continue. I expect other rivalries to find a way to continue their annual battles when they are faced with a similar fission as MU and KU.

“It's almost like GameDay pundits are reading Mizzou's talking points about future of Kansas series.”
Dave Matter, of Columbia Tribune, Twitter

“For those that ‘lace em up’....its called choking.”
Bill Maas, as Tyshawn Taylor missed two crucial free throws down the stretch, Twitter
GH: Maas was referring to a Taylor tweet from a few weeks back where he chastised followers who were critical of his play. TT basically said he didn’t want to hear from anyone who wasn’t talented enough to lace ‘em up and play. Taylor receives a lot of hand-holding from a lot of his handlers. I like that Maas prefers a more kick-in-the-shorts approach.

“He’s damn good. He is damn good. And he played so well the first half and kept us in the game. The second half, he just didn’t make good decisions down the stretch. But I’ll put the ball in his hands any day.”
Bill Self, on Tyshawn Taylor’s play against Mizzou, Lawrence Journal World
GH: Tyshawn continues to thrill and kill the Kansas faithful with his inconsistently brilliant play. The final two months of his college career with decide how he is remembered in Lawrence. I expect him to continue to have incredible highs and devastating lows.

“Mizzou played great down stretch. But, I'd take Tyshawn Taylor on my team anytime. He can ball outrageous. KU, Mizzou are both contenders.”
Jay Bilas, following the game, Twitter
GH: Tyshawn Taylor is more deserving at this point in the season of an All-Conference spot than MU’s Marcus Denmon. It will be interesting to see if the two strengthen their resumes down the stretch.

“Kansas fans are making fun of Missouri fans for coming out with a t-shirt commemorating the win. I would be a little afraid if I put out a t-shirt that says this is a franchise-defining win.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Bukaty is looking at the win from the Kansas basketball side, which is natural since he is a KU grad and works for the KU broadcasts. Think back to when Mangino’s boys knocked off MU in the snow. Mangino thought so much of the regular season win that he had his team pose for a photo on the Arrowhead turf. Was Nate a little afraid of the Jayhawks’ demeanor that afternoon? Of course not, nor should the Tigers for their t-shirt win over the Hawks.

“Please remember this game when you hear KUbball fans say KState will be just as big a rival as Mizzou.”
Sam Mellinger, Twitter

“Give me speed over size in basketball 95% of the time. Kansas got worst end of mismatches last night and Withey was rendered ineffective.”
Fran Fraschilla, Twitter
GH: I was stunned how much of a nonfactor Withey was at Mizzou. Part of that was Self’s reluctance to play him and Thomas Robinson at the same time. But it is difficult to find fault with Self’s coaching. He had his team playing brilliantly for all but the final two minutes.

“One thing that should give us confidence is we know when we play a certain way, inside/out, we are pretty good, because Missouri has a terrific team. They are well-coached, can score from all spots. This was our game to win. We leave here [Columbia] disappointed, but also knowing we’ve got a good team.”
Bill Self, Lawrence Journal World
GH: KU travels to Waco Wednesday to take on Baylor. Is it a must win? It’s damn close.

“Heard the criticism about Frank Haith coaching someone else's players. It's hard to be step-father in a family. Buy-in to new coach not easy.”
Fran Fraschilla, Twitter
GH: It’s not quite so hard to stepfather choirboys – and Mike Anderson left Haith a squad that can really wail.

“I think Frank Haith is the leading contender for Coach of the Year, but I think what Bill Self has done is just as impressive. I think it’s pretty cool that two of the top four contenders for coach of the year are [Haith and Self].”
Nick Wright, 810 AM
GH: Self has no shot. He has the leading POTY candidate and at least five losses. That is not a formula for COTY when you coach Kansas.

“Who on Missouri is getting drafted by the NBA? [Marcus Denmon] is a six-foot, off guard who is having a terrible senior season. Nope, they have none.”
Mark Carman, on Friday’s show, 610 AM
GH: Carman is probably correct in stating MU has no NBA prospects. It makes what they are doing this season all the more remarkable – especially when you consider how these players quit on themselves last season.

“One car was towed away from Mizzou Arena all day and it was Nick Wright’s.”
Danny Parkins, 610 AM

“Nick thinks he’s above board because of the car he drives. There is plenty of free parking at Mizzou Arena. There is no reason to get your car towed at Missouri. No reason.”
Carrington Harrison, 610 AM
GH: Would love to know the last time a member of the KC media was arrogant enough to have their vehicle towed at either KU or MU sporting event. This is why radio sports talk radio people sit at the bottom of the media totem pole.

“This is the Octagon of Room ... plenty of seats available. Good seats. Seats with backs on them.”
Curtis Kitchen, during KSU’s win over A&M Saturday, Twitter
GH: Kansas State will be interesting to follow the rest of the season. Have they lost their mojo or are they just starting to put their late-season run for which Frank Martin’s teams are becoming famous?

“Parking lots around Lucas Oil charging 250-300bucks! And we complain about 35 bucks at Met life!”
Dan Wolken, of The Daily, for Super Bowl parking, Twitter
GH: Think about paying $300 to park your car. Makes me miss Carl Peterson.

“I've made [that catch] a thousand times in practice and everything else. It comes to the biggest moment of my life, and [I] don't come up with it. It's discouraging.”
Wes Welker, Pats receiver, on his drop near the Giants 20-yard-line with four minutes in the game, Foxsports.com
GH: I have heard some criticize Brady’s throw to Welker. Anyone who has played the game understands that ball should have been caught. Welker and Brady sure do – as does Gisele. Read on.

“You [need] to catch the ball when you're supposed to catch the ball. My husband cannot [expletive] throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can't believe they dropped the ball so many times.”
Gisele Bundchen, Tom Brady’s wife, following the Super Bowl, FoxSports.com
GH: Gisele might be a decent replacement for Ditka on ESPN’s roundtable.

“I did hear a funny story [about Gisele Bundchen]. Some of our technical guys were down in the tunnels after the game and she was running through there in high-heel boot over the cables, and our guys heard her calling for her husband. She was calling him, ‘Lovey.’ It was almost like a movie. She was trying to keep her balance in those heels.  She was trying to get Tom’s attention as he was going to the press conference.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“What an amazingly hostile crowd it is going to be! Tickets going for $2,000 in Columbia!”
Nate Bukaty, on Kansas’ last visit to Mizzou Arena on Saturday night, 810 AM
GH: The Kansas Jayhawks basketball team will be heading to Columbia Saturday night at 8 PM for what is very likely their final trip to their hated rival’s den. ESPN GameDay will be on Mizzou’s campus to record the shenanigans that you know are cooking as you read this. Epic is the word that comes to mind—but not for one K-State alum, Kevin Kietzman. Read on.

“Let's not kid ourselves, these games are never as big or as important as Kansas City media likes to make them out to be. These two basketball games always happen after football season and before the Royals play. What else are we supposed to do? Ok, let me share with you how this works. It's your obligation as a member of the Kansas City sports media to talk about how great this ‘rivalry’ is and how interesting and compelling the matchup is going to be. Both are false.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810whb.com
GH: According to KK, the KU/MU rivalry is simply a trumped up holiday made famous by an overaggressive Kansas City media. Kind of like Valentine’s Day and Hallmark. KK has been out of touch before, but never to this degree. Read on.

“The rivalry is enormous! People ask me which school does the rivalry mean more to – it means the same to both schools.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“If the rivalry really meant something special, which it doesn't, these schools wouldn't be breaking up. Period. Forget the money and the arguments about security. Forget petty comments that we ‘don't have an appetite’ to play the other school. No, if this was a real rivalry, one born out of decades of football greatness, this wouldn't be happening. But it's a basketball rivalry. Sort of.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810whb.com
GH: Kietzman’s purple skirt is showing here. As a proud K-State fan, which he has every right to be, he feels slighted as the “third” school when it comes to everything relating to college sports in Kansas City. Kansas State is a great school – it just doesn’t carry the national panache of KU or MU. Despite the success of the football program in the 90s and last fall’s incredible season on the gridiron, KSU comes in third when compared to KU and MU. That’s not just KC, that’s just the way the world order works.

“The last football game [between Kansas and Missouri], I didn’t care. This isn’t a football rivalry. This is a basketball game that absolutely should be played every year. I don’t care whose feelings have been hurt in what conference. This is up there with Duke and North Carolina. This is up there with Indiana and Kentucky. This is among the best in the country. They should absolutely play this game [every year].”
Gabe DeArmond, of PowerMizzou.com, 810 AM
GH: Gabe covers the Tigers and even he understands that this is not much of a football rivalry. KK seems to think that makes it less of a show. Tell that to the crazies that are lined up right now outside Mizzou Arena for a seat.

“People in Columbia are drinking right now for this game.”
Danny Parkins, opening his Friday morning show, 610 AM

“It’s important that we represent Mizzou in a first-class matter. ... Let’s focus on Mizzou, not another school.”
Frank Haith, urging MU fans to not bastardize the popular MIZ-ZOU chant into MIZ-FJU on Saturday night, MUTigers.com
GH: I remember the Kansas administration urging their football fans to refrain from chanting the f-bomb at opponents this past season. These kinds of pleas rarely work except in the opposite direction. Read on. 

“There is a zero percent success rate of this happening. My hatred of Kansas motivates me to do it. This was going to happen before [Frank Haith] said anything. What Frank Haith doesn’t realize is that it’s that kind of insensitivity that fuels the rivalry on both sides.”
Carrington Harrison, on Haith and MU’s pleas for their fan base to refrain from shouting MIZ-FKU on Saturday night, 610 AM
GH: Can you imagine what is going to be passing through Haith's mind as he views this rivalry for his first time and its last in Columbia? I am guessing the Boston College/Miami hoedown wasn't nearly as fun.

“[Haith’s plea] is almost as dumb as Scott Pioli wasting his time with candy wrappers.”
Danny Parkins, on MU’s effort to squash the MIZ-FKU chant, 610 AM

“Breathe if you hate kansas!”
The Antlers, Twitter

“This is the most overhyped rivalry of my lifetime. What we are going to remember about this rivalry is that it wasn’t worth saving.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“I can’t wait to watch that game! Those of us who aren’t Kansas or Missouri fans, will love the rivalry!”
Stan Weber, 810 AM

“Penultimate Border War just got bigger.”
Blair Kerkhoff, after Missouri’s win in Austin, Twitter

“Enjoy this game Saturday as it finally means something. But history will show, regardless of the outcome of these two regular season games, this was no rivalry at all. Something not worth fighting, or negotiating for. Just a lot of hype in one very small area of the country. Kansas City.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810whb.com

“Certainly, we’d like nothing more than going over there and spoiling the party.”
Bill Self, 610 AM

“The last time Missouri beat Kansas on this floor, Mike Dixon was there as a recruit.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM

“Setting up [Mizzou’s] biggest Big 12 regular season game ever...”
Kurtis Seaboldt, of 810 AM, Twitter

“Greg Ostertag was always a very easy target [for the Antlers], so that was always fun. Those days were fun., I miss the Hearnes Center, I miss Norm. Going over there was just so much fun.”
Greg Gurley, former KU player, on his memories of the Mizzou/Kansas series, 810 AM

“I would try and talk trash to [Jerod Hasse] but he would never say anything. He was kind of a good old boy who always tried to do the right thing. I guess I wasn’t like that.”
Jason Sutherland, when asked which Kansas player from his time as a Mizzou player he disliked the most, 810 AM

“I am not one for hyperbole. Tell me if I’m wrong here; the Kansas basketball game on Saturday is bigger than any regular season basketball game Missouri has ever played.”
Nick Wright, in a conversation with PowerMizzou.com’s Gabe DeArmond, 610 AM

“Anyone who wants to invoke the Civil War [in regard to the KU/MU rivalry], you’re an idiot. I think people use that, to say what it was born out of, because there’s no football rivalry. … I don’t know why when I say these things people just roll their eyes.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: We know why, Kev. And as a shock jock, you should too.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Nobody wants the job. Nobody wants the job. Nobody wants the job. Why would you want to work here? … It’s an unstable place. I think all of these [OC candidates] see all these other places as a better place to work than Kansas City. I think they’ve asked a bunch of people and a bunch of people have said no.”
Dave Stewart, of Metro Sports, when asked who he thought would be the Chiefs new offensive coordinator, 610 AM
GH: I found Stewart’s comment interesting in that more than one member of the media believes that it was Metro Sports, Stewart’s TV station, that was contacted by the Chiefs and told to not air their interview with Kent Babb. As a guest on Bob Fescoe’s show, Stewart did not pull any punches in hammering away the atmosphere surrounding the Chiefs’ work environment. If the Chiefs have infiltrated Metro Sports’ coverage, Stewart showed no signs of it.

“The easy hire is to just promote Jim Zorn and then you’re done with it – because nobody out there wants the job.”
Dave Stewart, on the Chiefs’ first-year QB coach getting the job, 610 AM

“I’m not going to be very enthused if Jim Zorn is named the offensive coordinator. Zorn could have been named a month ago.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Clink’s argument is that the Chiefs would be settling for Zorn because no one the Chiefs wanted was interested. A late name that is surfacing for the position is Al Saunders – the author of Dick Vermeil’s high-flying offenses during the Trent Green and Priest Holmes years.

“Haley feels likes he’ being blackballed in the NFL right now. He can’t get a job.”
Steven St. John, on the former Chiefs head coach’s troubles landing a job, 810 AM
GH: Pioli and the Chiefs may be working the phones to block Haley’s NFL future but Todd the Hobo did plenty himself to make him an unattractive applicant for any NFL team’s sideline. Haley approached his head coaching position like a man who had no interest in the job. Employees like that are not in high demand.

“I don’t care what terrible horrific thing Todd Haley may have done, unless the Chiefs are ready to air that dirty laundry. I don’t care if on the way out the door Todd Haley stripped naked and slapped Scott Pioli in the face. … Unless the Chiefs are going to acknowledge it and shift the narrative, the PR hit is not worth the $3 million [owed to Haley].”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: The question here is has the rest of the NFL begun to view the Chiefs as they have long viewed the Raiders? Are we now the franchise that is taking the short bus to the games? Fans will forgive if the team wins. The rest of the league, not so much.

“I’m not going to hesitate to go out there [to Arrowhead]. The Chiefs don’t tell the Kansas City Star who is allowed to cover the team. As far as I know, I’m still the Chiefs’ beat writer along with Adam Teicher. I certainly wouldn’t hold any grudges and I hope the Chiefs wouldn’t hold any grudges.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: Babb’s story is just beginning. Keep a close eye the next 12 months on how he is handled by the Chiefs, The Star and his fellow members of the media.

“I believe these guys are complete and utter liars. I have a hard time believing it’s a joke. The video is horrific but Matt, Andrew and Tanner thank you for coming on.”
Nick Wright, after interviewing the three main MU students who starred in and produced the We Are Mizzou video, 610 AM
GH: Wright told the threesome he did not believe they originally set out to do a parody with their video. The threesome did not agree during a very entertaining interview on Wright’s Tuesday afternoon show. Read on.

“In Columbia, everybody understands it’s a joke. Of course, with the rivalry – everybody in Kansas is trying to take it the other way.”
MU Rapper Matt, Andrew or Tanner, 610 AM
GH: The phone hookup for this four-way interview was confusing to both Wright and the listeners. Nick didn’t know who was speaking most of the time and neither did we. But it hardly mattered. Wright was blunt in how he felt about the video and the MU students were just as proud as Nick was ashamed for them. Read on.

“Frank Haith actually heard the song and said, ‘Man, I can’t wait to see the video.’ He showed it to all of his staff. The players saw it and loved it. You brought us on your radio station. You clearly thought it was awesome. We wouldn’t change a thing…and we’re coming out with more videos than you guys can imagine.”
MU Rapper Matt, Andrew or Tanner, 610 AM

“I think you guys are making the best of an awful, terrible and embarrassing situation.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“Certain sports reporters in KC are losing it. I lol at some of their comments. Just totally clueless!”
Jarrett Sutton, MU basketball player, Twitter
GH: I saw Sutton’s comment when it was retweeted by Kim English. It is apparent to me that the MU players love the video. While it might not be art, it definitely has a following. The You Tube video has over 334,000 hits as of Thursday morning.

“Nick, I love ya man, but you gotta quit pretending like you are the coolest white guy out there just because you got a little brown sugar at home.”
Caller to Wright’s show, after listening to his interview with the MU white rappers, 610 AM
GH: Wright took this caller’s comments as he should have, with a chuckle and a shrug. It struck me because the caller’s words were almost identical to the message that Jason Whitlock was attempting to pass on to Wright when he called in last year – and was hung up on by Wright. Maybe little Nicky is growing up.

“Tracy Beckham, who has a master’s degree from the University of Kansas, was just as disappointed in the Jayhawks’ recruiting efforts under former coach Turner Gill, who was fired in November after two disastrous seasons. Kansas twice scheduled visits to see Dorial but canceled both, Tracy Beckham said. ‘They were just a mess,’ Tracy Beckham said.”
FoxSports.com, the adopted mother of Dorial Geeen-Beckham, on KU’s efforts to recruit DGB
GH: For any Nebraska media and fans out there still upset with Kansas for firing that nice-guy Turner Gill, read Tracy Beckham’s comment one more time. She pretty much sums up the entire KU football program under Gill. “They were just a mess.”

“Mack [Brown] is the anti-Bo [Pelini] when it comes to NSD. His 90-minute press conference featured film breakdowns of all 28 signees.”
Max Olson, who formerly covered Nebraska football as a student in Lincoln and is now with HornsNation.com, Twitter
GH: Brown is one of the warmest college coaches I have ever interviewed. He is totally at ease with the media. He appears to see the media as nothing more than a group who has a job to do and he is very willing to help you get what you need. What a great way to attack your work. Pelini on the other hand comes off as someone who hates the media and his job. I would have a difficult time being surrounded by Bo’s stench on a daily basis.

“I get why Brock Berglund didn't attend that meeting. We Are Mizzou video > Charlie Weis press conference.”
Carrington Harrison, Twitter
GH: Nick Wright’s Wednesday show was preempted for the first hour by Charlie Weis giving a detailed look into his first KU football recruiting class. It was painful radio. I can’t imagine even Kansas football fans being focused enough to listen to Weis drone on about nothing. Jayhawk Bob Fescoe though, was the exception. Read on.

“Weis disappointed he couldn't get bbq on visit to see Ty McKinney in Texas. … Now I see why the chiefs never let Weis talk. He is funny witty and cool, he would have never fit in w what they wanted him to say.”
Bob Fescoe, Twitter
GH: Weis uses every cliché joke we have all heard to get a chuckle from the media. It apparently works with Fescoe. I am guessing not so much with those of us with a sense of humor.

“Kevin [Harlan] is one of the most humble guys. It’s never about Kevin. And it will never be about him. He’s a great guy to work with, he really is.”
Boomer Esiason, on working NFL radio broadcasts with Harlan, 810 AM
GH: Harlan just happens to be a Kansas grad who is one of the best radio play-by-play voices in America. I think his NFL work is outstanding. No one fits more description into a play in such a timely manner. He is one of the best.

“If it was me, there is no way I’d be rooting for my brother to do this. … Am I rooting for him to throw a [game-winning] touchdown pass? Not a chance. I would tell people I was rooting for you, but I’m not really rooting for you.”
Mark Carman, on whether or not Peyton Manning will be rooting for his brother Eli to get his second Super Bowl ring, 610 AM
GH: I have nine brothers. Maybe it is different when you have only one or two. But I can’t imagine not wanting my brother to surpass every achievement I have accomplished in sports, business and life. Why would I begrudge my brother from being great? I can’t think of a more selfish act. Maybe I just have better quality brothers.

“If I needed to know I think Fox would tell me – and right now I don’t need to know who the front runner is.”
Ryan Lefebvre, when asked if he knew who would be replacing Frank White as his color analyst on Royals TV broadcasts, 810 AM
GH: This comment from the Beav should tell you all you need to know about the differences between him and Frank White. Beav is the consummate company man – to an annoying degree. White is more his own man. One is still employed, the other not. Everyone has to live within their own comfort zone.

“Was at the Royals' camp in Surprise, AZ on Monday, and it was impressive -- about 60 guys already there, working like crazy. Nice vibe.”
Buster Olney, Twitter
GH: And the baseball fever here in Kansas City begins to rise. Rumor has it that Billy Butler saw his shadow today and it was not nearly as large as the month of February.

“Mitch Maier told a funny story from last few springs: George Brett picked up a bat, without any prep, and mashed three line drives in BP.”
Buster Olney, Twitter
GH: Only the uninitiated are surprised. Brett will be hitting ropes in his 70s.

“I just walked to work, in a t-shirt, in January, in Indiana. Welcome to Super Bowl.”
Peter Dunn, aka @PeteThePlanner, Twitter
GH: Guy comes into my office yesterday on February 1st and says he’s taking the afternoon off to play golf. The greatest winter weather of the century is possibly playing out before us. Get outside and take advantage of it.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Last Saturday, as at a basketball game where the biggest star was a football player in jeans and a t-shirt, Dorial Green-Beckman looked up at 15,000 standing Missouri fans, cracked a smile and waved to each corner of Mizzou Arena. This much we now know: Green-Beckham was not saying good-bye forever. The nation's top-ranked recruit made the decision official Wednesday morning at Hillcrest High School in Springfield, pulling on a Missouri hat at a nationally televised press conference.”
Dave Matter, on the news that DGB, one of the most highly-recruited football players in the history of Missouri high school football, had signed with Mizzou, ColumbiaTribune.com

“Just having a good relationship with the coaches, the people, the players, the whole atmosphere has been outstanding for me, to be able to fulfill my dreams at the University of Missouri.”
Dorial Green-Beckman, ESPNU
GH: This is a heckuva prize for Gary Pinkel and his staff. It was just in November when Pinkel and MU were dealing with his embarrassing DUI. A bowl win and the nation’s top recruit has sobered things up very nicely for Pinkel in Columbia.

“That was huge.”
TJ Moe, MU wide receiver, on the atmosphere at MU’s basketball game last Saturday where DGB was made to feel very welcome by the Tiger fans, Twitter

“We want to be known as the best receiving corps going into the SEC, really the best in the nation.”
Marcus Lucas, MU side receiver, per Dave Matter on Twitter
GH: Lucas is from Liberty, MO. TJ Moe is from O’Fallon, MO. DGB is from Springfield. I call that an SEC hotbed of talent.

“Count this as Missouri's first victory in the Southeastern Conference. And a big one, at that.”
Jeremy Crabtree, of ESPN, Twitter
GH: Did DGB choose Mizzou because they are now playing football in the SEC or would he have been happy to play for the Tigers as a Big 12 school? I would like to know the answer to that question. I think he would have signed with MU either way.

“I think biggest thing DGB and SEC did was possibly stop the bleeding for in-state kids getting raided. Mizzou now destination School.”
Shake Pepper, MU fan in South Carolina, Twitter
GH: Recruiting is a fickle pickle. Some kids stay to play in their home state, some kids leave. Mizzou would be a pretty sad squad if they had to rely on only Missouri high school recruits. For every kid that a fan curses for leaving their state, there are five who choose to so the same to come to their school.

“Over/under on times ‘Mizzou,’ ‘Gary Pinkel,’ ‘Columbia,’ ‘Tigers’ are said on ESPN today: 1000.5. Huge day for the black and gold.”
Brian McGannon, MU fan, Twitter
GH: DGB is one name of many highly sought recruits today. Sure, he is a huge get for Mizzou but will this really make SportsCenter anchors sit up and rap the We Are Mizzou song? That will come if DGB starts scoring SEC touchdowns in bunches.

“Welcome to the University of Missouri. Mizzou! Great get for Coach Pinkel and MU football headed into the SEC!”
Kim English, MU senior basketball player, Twitter

“DGB didn't know what to do until he saw the We Are Mizzou video. That was the key.”
Mark Carman, of 610 Sports, Twitter
GH: Carman was being sarcastic here – just to be clear.

“[DGB] also considered Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.”
Dave Matter, ColumbiaTribune.com
GH: I like that DGB kept his options geographically close. Great football is played in every part of the country and he could have easily gone west or east. He will be fun to follow the next few years at MU.

“SEC Commish Mike Slive at KC Tiger Club March 27th.”
Doug Bates, Twitter
GH: Slive will be addressing the KC Tiger Club at the Westport Flea Market at noon on March 27th. For $15 you can get a heckuva a burger and hear what a NY drawl sounds like in person. Slive is a Utica, NY native and a Dartmouth grad, with a law degree from Virginia and his LLM from Georgetown. He has been the commissioner of the SEC since 2002.This should be a very interesting Tiger Club gathering.

“DGB signing boosts Mizzou recruiting class to 33 in Rivals rankings”
Gabe DeArmond, of PowerMizzou.com, Twitter
GH: 33rd??? Is that hissing sound I hear some air being let out of the Mizzou football? Read on.

“An updated ESPN class top 10 rankings: Alabama, FSU, Texas, Florida, Georgia, OSU, Clemson, Mich, Notre Dame & Miami.”
Mike Humes, of ESPN, Twitter
GH: Geez, what a surprise. The only name on there that shocks me is Michigan. Big name recruits all seem to go to the warm-weather schools now – and Notre Dame [where we never hear from them again.]. College football is now so south heavy that it threatens the very balance of the game.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I was praying they didn’t foul me.”
Royce White, a 51-percent free throw shooter, after Kansas State allowed him to dribble the ball out front and work the last 20 seconds of the game clock down until hit drove and hit a short jumper for the game-winning basket with 1.8 seconds in the game, Des Moines Register
GH: As I watched White dribble near the half-court line, I was screaming at my TV for K-State to foul him. Instead, K-State’s defense sagged off of White and didn’t even pressure him to maybe give up the ball. White is very possibly the worst free throw shooter in Division I basketball. He is also one of the most unstoppable one-on-one players in college basketball. Why would Frank martin allow him to go with his strength rather than force him to rely on his weakness?

“Wait...people think KState should've fouled last night? On purpose? In a tie game?”
Sam Mellinger, Twitter
GH: It’s called coaching, Sam. Sitting back and getting beat is called losing. Mellinger wasn’t the only member of the media who disagreed with the idea of fouling Royce White in a tie game. 810’s Nate Bukaty and 610’s Mark Carman also thought the idea dumb. Kevin Kietzman on the other hand tweeted after the game that K-State should have fouled White. Me and KK – we are tight like that.

“That’s why I told them in the huddle to give the ball to (Scott) Christopherson.”Royce White, Des Moines Register
GH: White wanted no part of getting fouled and having to go to the line. Martin’s team not only blew a 14-point second-half lead, he blew a gift opportunity to steal a win in Ames once White got his hands on the ball.

“Coach had confidence in me. He told me to go up there and knock them down if they fouled me.”
Royce White, Des Moines Register
GH: Obviously, Frank Martin also had confidence in White knocking down clutch free throws. This was not even a difficult coaching decision – you HAVE to foul White here. He had three posterizing slam dunks in the game off the dribble. He was 2 of 7 from the line for the game – and some of his misses hit with such force that they scared small children. The rest of the Big 12 will learn from Frank Martin’s mistake. I expect to see Rock A Royce played in most of Iowa State’s remaining games. Why not send a wave of bench players at White on every offensive possession and send him to the line?

“We had that flu bug going around on our team and we had more than one guy affected by it.”
Frank Martin, on why he chose to sit some players at the end of the game, 810 AM
GH: Kansas State looked pretty healthy with that 14-point lead in the second half.

“Kansas State could have won every game they played except the game at Kansas where they were clearly out classed. Every other game they could have won. They could be 20-1.”
Dave Stewart, of Metro Sports and a K-State alum, 610 AM
GH: Stewart sounded a bit frustrated with the Wildcats’ loss in Ames and their 4-5 Big 12 record. He should be. K-State is a good team that is losing games it should be winning. I wonder when/if anyone in the media will ask Martin why.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“Good win most importantly, I'll be ready on Saturday.”
Marcus Denmon, after MU’s win at Texas, Twitter
GH: The Mizzou senior shooting guard suffered another poor shooting night, going 3 of 12 from the floor and 0 for 3 from the tree-point line. He even lobbed up an air-ball lay-up late in the game. Fran Fraschilla had Denmon and Thomas Robinson as his only All-Big 12 players written “in ink” just 10 days ago. Denmon now looks lost on the offensive end and dare I say scared? The mind of an athlete is a weapon that can be used for good or for evil. Right now The Joker is inside Denmon’s head.

“Connor Teahan – you’ve got one job out there. You can’t go one-for-six from the three-point line. Then you’re of no value.”
Rich Zvosec, on the KU senior’s shooting woes, 810 AM
GH: Denmon isn’t the only pure shooter in the Big 12 who is having trouble hitting his shot of late. KU’s Teahan is frustrating Jayhawk fans with his bricks, just as K-State’s sophomore Will Spradling has appeared to lost his confidence.

“The problem is, it’s a delicate thing. The more you talk about it, the more it gets in the young man’s head.”
Rich Zvosec, talking with Bob Fescoe and Josh Klingler, on Denmon’s shooting slump, 610 AM
How do you break a shooting slump? As Rich Zvosec told Fescoe, “If I knew that I would be charging $500 an hour!”

“Texas gets fouled but no call on last play as Mizzou player grabs left arm on baseline shot by UT! Ref swallowed whistle is a cop in MO. The ref who had the call was Gerry Pollard. Pollard is from Missouri. Swallowed his whistle! Kicked call. Rick Barnes was livid at the end of the game when ex Mizzou Cop, Gerry Pollard swallowed his whistle.”
Tom Penders, former Texas head coach, on a no-call in the last few seconds of the MU/UT game, Twitter
GH: Penders has a point here – the play looked like a foul that should have been called on I believe Mizzou’s Matt Pressey. But does Penders really believe the referee “swallowed his whistle” because he lives in Missouri? That kind of emotional and defamatory comment is why coaches are forbidden to make comments about the referees.

“My son has a degree from Texas as well as 2 nieces. I also have a lot of very proud players who excelled there and are family 2 me. People who really know me know that UT will always be my school. I spent 10 yrs there and turned around a bad program. Go Horns!”
Tom Penders, former Texas head coach, Twitter
GH: I am guessing Penders tweeted this out to explain why he trashed the referee. He sounds as dumb as most fans who speak or tweet before they think. Just another example that just because a guy is a coach and wears gaudy clothes, there is no reason to think he is smarter than his ascot.

“Props to ESPN for switching to Mizzou-Texas in my market (KC) before end of Big East.”
Blair Kerkhoff, Twitter
GH: We bash ESPN when they leave us hanging so it is only right to hand them props when they score. I was stunned to see my Time Warner feed switch from the Big East game to the tipoff of the MU/UT game. Stunned and happy as hell!

“That’s kind of part of the game! I remember when I was playing basketball in sixth grade, they always said. ‘Grab the ball and swing your elbows.’ ”
Bob Fescoe, on the flagrant foul called on MU’s Mike Dixon late in the game as he swung his elbow and hit a Texas defender in the face, 610 AM

“Liking Bob Knight tonite...explaining a lot late in this one. Good for the fans...can learn something.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Knight isn’t nearly as lazy or detached as he was when he first started as a TV analyst but he is far from entertaining or informative. Fescoe seemed to garner a lot of good info from Knight. Maybe Knight is preaching to those with a sixth-grade basketball education.

“Does Bob Knight ever listen to what he says on TV?”
Cody Coil, sports anchor at KCTX in College Station, TX, Twitter

“That was a tremendous basketball play! I don’t care how many dunks Blake Griffin had yesterday. That was a better basketball play right there! That was clutch!”
Mike DeCourcy, on Mike Dixon’s game-winning drive to the hoop and left-handed finish that game Mizzou the lead for good, 810 AM
GH: The play of the night. What Mizzou has that no other team in the conference has is multiple scoring weapons. Denmon and English have a bad night? Flip Pressey and Mike Dixon go off and look like All-Conference players. And that guy Ratliffe – all he does is score every time he shoots. Mizzou has a lot of ways to hurt you. More than most.

“State of Missouri: you may now take a collective gasp! We got it done. All that matters on the road is leaving that facility w/ a W!”
Kim English, Twitter

“When all this hand slapping started at the free-throw line about 15 years ago I never really understood it.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Call me an old guy but it makes no sense to me either. It looks like more of a superstitious habit than an actual congratulatory action. And do you have to walk around and touch all four teammates? These are the kind of guys who are always in the foursome in front of me at Swope Park.

“Can't say enough about how good a job Frank Haith is doing with this Missouri team. This is a new Mizzou era. Buy this team in March.”
Andy Katz, of ESPN, following MU’s win in Austin, Twitter
GH: A new Mizzou era? How sweet is that music to Tiger fans? Speaking of tunes; anybody else having trouble getting that “We Are Mizzou” tune out of their head? I was trying to erase it all afternoon on Monday.

“To me, right now he’s the coach of the year in the Big 12.”
Rich Zvosec, discussing with Danny Clinkscale the job Fred Hoiberg has done at Iowa State this season in molding so many transfers and what he said some refer to as “knuckleheads” into a formidable team, 810 AM

“I think Frank Martin’s done more [than Scott Drew] with less talented players.”
Craig Brenner, as the members of Soren Petro’s show ranked the basketball coaches in the Big 12, The Program, 810 AM
GH: Bill Self was no surprise as the consensus number one, First-year Frank Haith came in at sixth in The Program’s staff poll. Here is my quick list if I was an AD looking to rank which coach to hire:
1) Bill Self: Love him. Great with media and fans. He recruits the best and wins every year.
2) Scott Drew: Surprise! Great at building a program, always recruits great talent.
3) Billy Gillespie: He can recruit and he can coach. TT will be a challenge, though.
4) Lon Kruger: A bit worn out, but he is an accomplished face on a program.
5) Fred Hoiberg: Very early but I really like The Mayor. Stoic on sideline but a winner.
6) Rick Barnes: Surprise #2! Gets a bad rap as a bench coach but he sure wins a lot for a dummy.
7) Frank Haith: Like the House of Slytherin; Could be great. Could be Draco Malfoy.
8) Travis Ford: Very underwhelmed with what he’s done with all he has.
9) Billy Kennedy: A&M’s new guy has shown us nothing with a quality group of players
10) Frank Martin: He’s a good coach and the media loves him – but his game-day act is far too embarrassing for him to be the face of my school’s program.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I thought it was a bad loss when [K-State] lost at Norman. I thought Oklahoma was one of those bottom-tier teams that you can’t lose to. It’s a horrible loss at home for the Wildcats – horrible!”
Dave Armstrong, on the unranked Sooners’ sweep of the Cats, 810 AM
GH: Did I misjudge the job Frank Martin is doing with this season’s Wildcats? I watched KSU play very tough, disciplined basketball over the holidays in Hawaii. They dismantled and embarrassed Missouri earlier this month. So what happened – or is this just what he can expect from an 18-game Big 12 schedule? Home losses, crazy upsets and a conference title that will not be decided until March?

“Frank Martin is 10x the K-Stater that Lon Kruger is! He can like K-State all he wants but it rings hollow with me! I don’t care! He’s the coach at Oklahoma! He crushed that school and then he bad-mouthed them. He told everybody you can’t recruit anybody to Manhattan, KS. That’s where that stereotype started – with Lon Kruger!”
Kevin Kietzman, in a discussion with Stan Weber about the former K-State All-Big 8 player and former coach, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman has no fond words for Kruger. It was a bit shocking to hear him verbally disparage a guy who many Kansas State fans view as one of the best players and coaches in the school’s history. His K-State jersey hangs in Bramlage. I understand he left KSU after four years and went on to coach at Florida, Illinois, the NBA and UNLV – but isn’t that what graduates do – move on? KK is not alone in his spite for Kruger – I saw plenty on Twitter over the weekend. But Weber is not in that camp. Read on.

“I think he is a classy guy and I really like Lon Kruger. Lon Kruger won Big 8 championships with the Wildcats. I don’t know, I’m different [than you]. I’m just different.”
Stan Weber, disagreeing with Kietzman’s remarks about Kruger, 810 AM

“Three halves vs OU's best play of year. Why? KSU should be ashamed they don't despise Kruger. Cats deserve this. This game should be more about pride than a KU game.”
Kevin Kietzman, during the OU/KSU game, Twitter

“I thought Kansas State got away from their fundamentals [against Oklahoma]. They didn’t play as hard as they usually do.”
Dave Armstrong, 810 AM
GH: Playing hard is how Frank Martin’s teams win. I would expect this problem to be corrected quickly.

“A question I am getting from a lot of KU fans is; ‘Is this [Kansas] team wearing down?’ They don’t have any bench. I guarantee if I posed that question to Bill Self he would laugh me out of the room.”
Nate Bukaty, following KU’s first Big 12 loss in Ames, 810 AM
GH: It is my opinion that many Kansas basketball fans are a lot like Nebraska football fans when their team loses – they quickly go into panic mode. KU is not as deep as they have been in the past but I don’t think 20-year-olds should have any problem playing hard twice a week – even for 36 minutes each game

“I think it’s one of the worst things I’ve seen in my life. In my humble opinion. As bad as the song is, the video is worse.”
Steven St. John, on the We Are Mizzou video that has garnered over 50K hits on You Tube as of Monday morning, 810 AM
GH: This video is not in my wheelhouse. I am not a good judge of what “these kids today” enjoy when it comes to a rap video. But I don’t think St. John is either. Where I see white guys wearing their hats askew and dancing badly, college kids see school pride. Read on.

“[Shoutout] to whoever made this [video]. Go the chills watching it.”
Evan Boehm, KC’s Simone Award winner and MU’s prize football recruit out of Lee’s Summit West, on the We Are Mizzou video, Twitter

“Finally saw the ‘We Are Mizzou’ rap video. Better than I thought it would be. Should be played before every Mizzou game.”
Robert Ford, of 610 Sports, Twitter
GH: Ford isn’t a college kid and I don’t think he is being sarcastic. Art is a weird thing to pin down.

“After reading about the Scoreboard T-shirts and love of SEC stuff, I just hope KU/MU get thru this year w/no fights and move their separate ways. In the Internet age, it's best KU and MU will play no more. Internet brings out the worst in both fan bases. It's safer schools don't play.”
Gary Bedore, LJW sportswriter, Twitter
GH: Unlike before the Internet when slavery divided the two states and people took to burning down towns. No matter how uncivilized some want to paint the current MU/KU rivalry, it is tame compared to our forefathers who wrought its origin.

“Whatever you think is the most intense season in the 106-year history of Border War basketball games — for most, it’s 1990 — is about to be lapped by an unrepeatable set of circumstances that will forever help frame Kansas City’s greatest rivalry when KU plays at Mizzou on Saturday.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: The first of two and possibly three meeting between KU and MU happens Saturday in Columbia. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on hand. I still have no idea why either school would ever want to end a rivalry this delicious.

“There are whispers within the conference, from people with the kinds of jobs that don’t allow them to say such things publicly, that wanting to keep MU from walking away with a title in any sport is the first thing the remaining Big 12 schools have agreed on in years.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star
GH: Whispers? Have you read the quotes from the acting Big 12 Commissioner? He calls MU’s move to the SEC “selfish” and “disruptive.” I don’t think anyone in the Big 12 is whispering when it comes to their opinion of Mizzou winning anything on the way out. We all remember Nebraska’s quiet departure, right?

“The theory goes that, sure, we all hear KU posturing tough that the Border War is effectively dead once MU leaves the Big 12 because of pride and emotion. That’s all fine, but it will crash down if Mizzou beats KU twice this season. The theory says that competitiveness will trump principle at that point, because nobody in Lawrence will be able to stand the thought of Missouri pointing to something like a forever scoreboard.”
Sam Mellinger, Kansas City Star

“I would stake on a bet that if Missouri wins in Mizzou Arena, and then Allen Fieldhouse, that Kansas would like to play Missouri again in basketball. I would stake that claim.”
Jon Sundvold, Kansas City Star
GH: I don’t see how winning the “last” game means all that much when it comes to the lasting memories of this rivalry. Three years from now people are going to remember that Kansas dominated the Big 12 like no other. Even an MU conference crown in 2012 isn’t going to change that. MU will enjoy it, but KU is and will remain king of hoops.

“I’m not concerned about [Marcus Denmon] missing a couple of shots here and there. He’s going to be fine.”
Frank Haith, on his senior guard’s shooting slump that has him hitting only 30% over his last seven games, 810 AM
GH: Shooting slumps are lonely and worrisome. No one knows from where they come or why they suddenly dissipate. Denmon has been a remarkably consistent outside shooter for his four years at Mizzou – until now. Just when MU has a real chance at a title and Denmon a crack at All-American honors – his game begins to slip. Let’s hope Haith is right and that Denmon plays his best basketball these final few months of his career. The great ones always do.

“Dorial Green-Beckham will choose Mizzou instead of #Arkansas or Sooners, source says. No. 1 prospect in America.”
John Hoover, Tulsa World writer, on the Hillcrest HS wide-receiver out of Springfield, MO Twitter

“It’s the kind of talent that inspires comparisons to NFL greats like Randy Moss and sputtering from scouts and recruiters; ‘Stunning.’ ‘Scary good.’ Arguably the best athlete in the country.’ CBS Sports prep analyst Tom Lemming says that Dorial is among the greatest high school players he’s ever seen.”
Brian McLaughlin, writer, Parade Magazine
GH: Signing day is Wednesday. DGB would be one sweet present for Gary Pinkel as he enters the SEC.

[Billy] Gillespie should get some votes for coach of the year. I know they are 0-8 but…”
Dave Armstrong, on the first-year Texas Tech coach, 810 AM
GH: Billy will have to do with getting a paycheck.

“Brandon Weeden is 48 days older than Aaron Rodgers.”
Peter King, on the Oklahoma State QB, SI.com

“It took 9 cops to bring down the bloody naked guy that was banging on my door [last week]. Scary start to the day.”
Bob Fescoe, Twitter
GH: Somebody call the Chiefs and have them sign that bloody naked guy to a contract!

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

Chris Kamler [aka @FakeNedYost] and Jeff Herr interviewed The Kansas City Star’s Chiefs’ beat writer, Kent Babb, on their January 25th podcast. The interview covered a number of topics, including Babb’s controversial article on the Iron Curtain-like work conditions at Arrowhead as described by many former and current Chiefs’ employees. Below are some excerpts from the interview, OTC style. You can listen to the entire 79-minute interview at Royalmanreport.com.
___________
“The media in this town is very corrupt. That’s the sports media I should say.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: Babb’s above comment was in answer to how some local media outlets ignored or downplayed the Chiefs article due to fear of repercussions from the Chiefs or pointed suggestions from the Chiefs to do so. Read on.

“Honestly, it seemed like it was a bigger story nationally than here in Kansas City. I was interested and sort of amused by what the reaction was by certain people. Certain radio stations that I won’t name. Certain TV stations that I won’t name.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com

“It’s disappointing on a couple of levels. One of which is it’s a pretty major story in Kansas City. And for some of the people in Kansas City to just ignore it, that’s their prerogative but it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense when you have a big story to talk about and you turn a blind eye.”
Kent Babb, on his reaction to his Chiefs’ story being ignored by some of the local media, Royalmanreport.com

“A lot of us in the media have to decide which master to serve because there are many temptations in this business. You can either serve your readers, listeners, viewers or you can serve the very teams that you are supposed to hold accountable. A lot of the media in this town are more interested in serving the master they should be holding accountable. To me that’s shameful. That’s not the type of journalism I respect.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: Babb says a mouthful here. The temptations he speaks of are real. Many people get into sports media because they are fans – huge fans. Rubbing elbows with GMs, NFL athletes, NCAA coaches can make a rational human mad for more. It can give them a worthless self-worth the likes they have never known. Temptations also come in the way of money, profits and material goods. People are mostly weak when it comes to free. Few can say no. The best ones do, though.

“If you can be bought or swayed or whatever, I’ve learned one thing and that is opinions are cheap in a lot of sports towns, not just here but around the country. If you can be talked into having a certain opinion, then your opinion isn’t worth much at all.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: Babb runs the risk with this kind of talk of alienating a lot of his friends and enemies in the local media. When you shine a light on the dark side of an industry, the cockroaches in that industry run – but they run to kill the source of the light.

“Maybe I don’t have the friends in the media [that I had prior to the story] but that’s okay. I didn’t get into this business to make friends.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: I have preached this mantra for some time. I do not dislike the people in the media whom I write about but neither do I have any social relationships or friendships with them. It is counterproductive. I have cautioned Nick Wright about his fascination with befriending Chiefs’ players and how it undermines his credibility. When I poked him too much about it, he blocked me on Twitter. Everyone has to decide what master to serve.

“I got this from people I trust, that the Chiefs put in calls to several radio stations and asked them to have a certain opinion. If your opinion can be bought that easily, that’s corrupt.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: What are the Chiefs thinking? How can this be a good way to run your organization? Attempting to squash the truth is never productive. If the Chiefs are embarrassed by how their employees’ feel they are treated, change the way you’re treating your employees.

“I’d just rather not say [what TV station] it is.”
Kent Babb, after a local TV station contacted Babb to tell him they would not be airing his interview because they heard from the Chiefs, Royalmanreport.com
GH: Babb did not name radio stations or the TV station who bowed to the Chiefs whims. This allows Babb to feel good about not naming names but his silence indicts all local sports media outlets. If you are willing to tell the story, tell the whole story.

“I’m not trying to say that newspaper’s integrity is any higher. It’s just different.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: All mainstream news media outlets exist to make a profit. Newspapers, radio, television -- it might not be what they want the consumer to believe but it is a fact. Does The Star bend their integrity at times? I have known it to. The lesson here is for consumers to question the motive of all news reports and opinions – no matter the media source. A newspaper story staining your fingers is no more credible than the report you heard on FM radio on your way into work. That line is now not just blurred, it has been smudged into obsolesce.

“I would be very troubled if my newspaper entered into a corporate agreement with any team that we cover and are supposed to hold accountable.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: 610 Sports has corporate agreements with the Royals, Jayhawks and Mizzou. 810 has a much-promoted corporate agreement with the Chiefs. The Star accepts advertising from every sports team in the area. You cannot get around having to take money from the teams you must objectively cover. What you can do is be professional in how you do your job. Contracts do not corrupt unless you allow them to be corruptive.

“I’ve had a good working relationship with the Chiefs for four years now and I’d like to think that will continue. I don’t know what their reaction will be because I haven’t heard from them. … I can’t write stories and The Star can’t write stories just because somebody’s going to like them. That’s what our job is. We feel we need to write truth and sometimes truth is painful.”
Kent Babb, Royalmanreport.com
GH: Babb speaks a lot of truth in this interview – and I can imagine that much of it is painful for some to read.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“He went freakin’ nuts! He turned an eight-point lead into a three-point deficit! All because of Le’Bryan Nash!”
Steven St. John, on the el fuego shooting binge late in the game by OSU’s freshman, Le’Bryan Nash as the Cowboys came from behind to hand MU their second loss of the season, 79-72, 810 AM
GH: I was watching the late stages of the MU/OSU game with one eye while discussing with my wife how difficult it was for us to see our sons as mature, employed and self-sufficient adults. Somewhere between concluding they would live in our basement forever or be destined to a life as hobos, the tenor of Mizzou’s command of the game changed. “What the hell happened?” I exclaimed.

“Two career [points scored] highs from two Oklahoma State players were needed to get that done. So they had to have a pretty ridiculous night to beat Missouri.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM

“Your inclination is to be disappointed in Missouri because they didn’t give the same kind of effort we saw at Baylor. I think a lot of credit needs to be given to Oklahoma State – especially Le’Bryan Nash. He was the best player on that floor. That kid wouldn’t miss! It was ridiculous! It was almost like watching a video game!”
Steven St. John, as Nash poured in 27 points in his best outing of the season, 810 AM
GH: Nash was almost a Jayhawk, barely choosing OSU over Kansas. He has been a disappointment for most of this season but Wednesday night in Stillwater he was every bit the Tiger killer.

“Everyone is going to look at [Nash’s] 27 points, but his defense was better than his offense. It's not a coincidence that he told me yesterday he was going to be ready today and he had a good practice.”
Travis Ford, OSU head basketball coach, collegehoops.net
GH: Ford may want to send the message to Nash how much he liked his defense but his statement is preposterous. For Nash to play D as well as he played O, he would have had to shut MU out!

“For people who wonder why Missouri fans haven't jumped in with both feet, it's because we've been Missouri fans for a long time...”
Kurtis Seaboldt, following the Tigers’ upset at OSU, Twitter
GH: No school that I am aware of has had their hearts broken more often or with more sudden devastation than Missouri. We all can recite the list and it starts with a guy named Tyus. But as they say in the commercials,” past performance is no guarantee of future results.” The Tiger fans can only hope.

“All negative talk does is bring people down. We always talk positive, always try to lift each other up. I haven’t been consistent scoring the ball, and I’ve needed to be more consistent as far as playing hard. That was one of the hardest games I’ve ever played in my life, because I wanted to win. When I play hard, good things will happen for me and this team.”
Le’Bryan Nash, ESPN.com
GH: Did you hear that Mizzou fans, talk positive! Forget that Baylor beat this same OSU team by 41 last week, right before you beat Baylor at home. Positive, I said!

“Always thought [Mizzou] was top 15. Don't think any different about them today vs yesterday.”
Sam Mellinger, Twitter
GH: Mellinger clarified this tweet later stating that he didn’t mean to say MU should be ranked 15th, but more resembled a top-15 team than a top-10 team. I have the Tigers as a solid top-10 team. OSU played very, very, well down the stretch.

“The dunk by [Markel] Brown may have been the best dunk I’ve seen in years.”
Bob Fescoe, on the OSU forward’s high-flying alley-oop one-hand-jam over Matt Pressey, 610 AM
GH: Brown’s dunk came with the Cowboys trailing Mizzou by five with seven minutes left in the game. It was even more impressive than Thomas Robinson’s alley-oop slam against Baylor. Brown was immediately ejected from the game after woofing in the face of Matt Pressey. That is a tough penalty, especially since Brown will now have to sit out OSU’s next game. I am not a fan of overt trash talking but basketball is a sport that lends itself to some barking. I wish the NCAA was as quick to clean up the corrupt BCS as they are at admonishing a college kid for two-seconds of trash talking after a circus-like dunk.

“Kansas fans, the league isn’t over. Kansas hasn’t won the league now that Missouri is two games back. It’s not over yet. KU still has to go out and take care of business.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe is an avid Kansas fan. His words of caution make sense. Kevin Kietzman on the other hand, is not quite the KU fan that he at times purports to be. Read on.

“We didn’t play tonight. Defensively we were really bad. We gambled, we had no resistance and we let them take the ball wherever they wanted to take the ball.”
Frank Haith, in his postgame comments following MU’s 79-72 loss in Stillwater
GH: I think Haith is right and not just bellowing coach-speak. As I watched highlights of Nash’s jump-shot clinic in the final minutes, it looked to me like Missouri’s defense was more to blame than I at first thought. Nash got good looks and little Keiton Page was rarely forced to do anything with the ball he was uncomfortable doing. This is not how MU has been successful or what you would expect from a four-guard lineup that makes its bones pressuring the opposition.

“I'm starting to think the Big 12 regular season title is no contest at all. Would take a KU collapse now. Likely as peace in Middle East.”
Kevin Kietzman, Twitter
GH: KK loves to prop up his emeries in an effort to watch them collapse. If Kansas falters, he enjoys their slide as most K-State fans would. If they roll to another Big 12 crown, he gets to crow, “I told you so.” KK, you are such a shock jock…

“I love Thomas Robinson because he wants to cut your heart out! … There are very few teams that can stop Thomas Robinson right now and I don’t think any of them are in Ames, IA.”
Mike DeCourcy, of The Sporting News, declining to agree that Kansas will struggle against Iowa State on Saturday, 810 AM

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“I think when Laurence Bowers went down [with his injury prior to MU’s basketball season], I think all of Frank Haith’s decisions became simple – because he had no decisions. He had to go small. Losing Laurence Bowers may have been the best thing for Frank Haith in this case.”
Rich Zvosec, former UMKC head coach and current TV analyst, in an interview with Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: I remember when the news hit that Bowers was out for the year. Mizzou’s hope for a great season went with it – or so most of us thought. Did anyone expect the Bowerless Tigers to be 19-1 and ranked number two in the nation? Read on.

“Here’s my question; if Laurence Bowers wouldn’t have gotten hurt, would we have seen this four-guard lineup? I doubt that.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM
GH: Here’s my answer; probably on the rare occasion when one of the three Mizzou bigs got in foul trouble. But how different would the buzz be if they started three guards and not four? Would they still be 19-1? Here’s another question; how much better will MU be next season than they would have been with a healthy Bowers and a more seasoned Michael Dixon?

“Missouri has four all-conference-caliber guards.”
Fran Fraschilla, 810 AM
GH: I would say two. The term “all-conference” gets tossed around too loosely. Only five starters make the all-conference team. Marcus Denmon and Phil Pressey have been fantastic and deserve consideration – although both will struggle to make the Big 12’s starting all-conference team. MU is just too deep to allow one player’s stats to dominate in the league rankings. Denmon’s name is on a lot of voter’s lips but I’m not so sure that Flip is more deserving.

“I think the best player in the Big 12 is Thomas Robinson. I think the most important player in the Big 12 is the Big 12 is Phil Pressey – because he directs the traffic. You win with good guard play in college basketball. Right now, Missouri has the best guard play in the country.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM

“The amazing thing about Missouri is that they are 19 games into the year and [Frank Haith] hasn’t changed the lineup once!”
Steve Walentik, Columbia Tribune MU beat writer, 610 AM
GH: Bob Boone would be aghast!

“What I saw from the Missouri/Baylor game is that Missouri’s tough! Missouri, when they’re in attack mode, they’re awfully tough to defend and they’re so good at defending the basketball.”
Stephen Bardo, ESPN analyst, in an interview with Nate Bukaty and Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Bardo appears to like the word “tough.” Read on.

“That [Kansas] team is feisty and they are physical. They are tough! I think that’s one thing Bill Self’s teams don’t get credit for – how tough they play.”
Stephen Bardo, 810 AM
GH: One of the biggest critics about Kansas’ toughness this year and in past year’s is Bill Self. I do think that Robinson brings a level of physicality that the Jayhawks have longed for. Jeff Withey is also far tougher than he appears. Chenoweth comparisons be damned, Withey gets after people in the paint.

“One thing you can always say about Bill Self’s players – they get better, especially the post guys.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM
GH: I don’t know if the Big 12 hands out assistant coach of the year awards but if they do, KU’s Danny Manning should win it every year for his work with KU’s big men. Manning might be a better teacher than he was a player – and the guy was simply one of the best college basketball players to ever don short shorts.

“I would say because of Withey, KU has a little bit of an advantage inside [on Missouri].”
Fran Fraschilla, 810 AM
GH: Withey and Robinson pose a huge advantage in the paint for Kansas over MU. But the game is not only played in the paint. There will be some folks hyperventilating on and off the court when these two top-five-ranked titans meet in Columbia on February 4th. Do we really have to end this rivalry, Bill?

“[Travis] Releford is a guy that if I’m going in an alley, I want him with me.”
Stephen Bardo, 810 AM
GH: I thought Releford was an odd pick as to who you would want at your side in an alley fight. Maybe they waifish-thin Miege grad is tougher than he looks. I would want Tyshawn with me in that alley because crazy and unpredictable is always an asset in an alley fight.

“I think Missouri is tough but what Kansas State did to them I think other teams can duplicate on the road.”
Stephen Bardo, 810 AM

“[Kansas State] will be fine. It’s a work in progress. It’s a bunch of young guys. People forget that Will Spradling is a sophomore and Angel Rodriguez is a freshman. They got two wins last week without playing their best basketball. To me that’s a good sign.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM

“[Kansas State] is going to be fine. They are going to win a lot of games. In my mind they are going to finish over .500 in the Big 12 and they are going to the NCAA Tournament. They’re tough, they’re scrappy – they’re really kind of similar to the team Frank has had the last few years.”
Fran Fraschilla, 810 AM
GH: Martin’s teams do all look similar in that they battle relentlessly and are as physical as Colin Klein. I too expect Frank’s crew to be humming along come March.

“Rodney McGruder is playing like an All-Big 12 player over the last 10 games.”
Rich Zvosec, 610 AM
GH: I think McGruder is a lock for the All-Big 12 team. He should receive plenty of votes as the league’s MVP. He is almost as smooth with the basketball as Brandon Rush – but nobody is that smooth.

“Some people resist change to traditional uniforms, but the new Nike Hyper Elite Platinum uniforms are VERY COOL. I was born too early.”
Jay Bilas, Twitter
GH: I too like the new stylized uniforms that Nike is making famous in football and basketball. How I wish the Chiefs and Royals would stretch their stodgy ways and make a leap into this century with their unies. Tradition is fine but how much tradition are the Royals and Chiefs trying to protect? Live a little, guys!

“23 million people were listening on radio in the United States! It is a staggering, staggering number! I was just blown away by that number! This is by and large a less expensive medium to advertise on and the numbers are eye-popping or in this case, ear-popping!”
Kevin Kietzman, on the ratings for the NFL playoffs last Sunday, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman led his Wednesday show with this “staggering, staggering” news. He also managed to mention his director of advertising at WHB by name and his office phone number for interested advertisers to call and reach him. We all understand that radio is free and ads pay the bills. But do not take your listeners for granted by pretending to report some staggering news about people listening to the NFL playoffs when what you are doing is spending the first 17 minutes of your show shilling for advertisers.

“We anticipate that there will be noticeable improvements. But I just really want to point out that we’ve been making these plans since 2008, before we knew the All-Stars was really coming and they’d be concentrating so much in Midtown.”
Jimmi Lossing, project manager for the improvements being made by KC’s Parks Department at Penn Valley Park, KSHB TV41
GH: Lossing sounded defensive in letting the TV camera know that the improvements to the much photographed Penn Valley Park have been in the works for four years. KSHB’s Elizabeth Alex reported these improvements are expected to be completed by this summer’s All-Star game here in Kansas City. Maybe someone will finally blaze a trail to The Scout statue so that we can see it in person rather  than only on a Chiefs broadcast.

“You don’t know what a shock jock is so you are not qualified to call me one. I can play you clips from a shock jock and you will not believe what you hear! I am not one. So I’m not going to take that!”
Kevin Kietzman, to a caller he quickly dismissed after he called him a shock jock, 810 AM
GH: I wonder if it was the word “shock” or the word “jock” that most offended KK.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / Greghall24

“Nice to SEC #1 and #2 in the polls! Just like football!”
Mike Kelly, voice of MU football and Basketball, as Kentucky and Mizzou were ranked first and second in Monday’s NCAA Men’s poll, Twitter
GH: Mizzou isn’t waiting until July to don the SEC garb. Tiger fans chanted “SEC! SEC! SEC!” following their bowl game win. Now Mike Kelly is tweaking The 12 with the Tigers lofty spot in the latest poll. Kansas, that team I left for mostly bleeding and unconscious weeks ago, is ranked fifth. What more could we here in KC ask for than their final hoop dance be a tango rather than the waltz we witnessed in football?

“If you think this is going to fix what was wrong – it is not. Don’t think of this as; ‘We are in the SEC now, everything is going to get better.’ There might not be another time in the next 20 years that Missouri basketball is ranked number-two in the country!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I believe one of KK’s greatest fears is that Mizzou experiences success in their new SEC conference. Another fear might be what you could refer to as “spousal.” Read on. 

“It’s like a new girlfriend, guys – don’t expect her to be a better wife than your ex-wife.”
Kevin Kietzman, in a warning to Missouri fans who are excited about marrying the SEC, 810 AM
GH: There but for the Lovely Jessica goes KK’s alimony payment. Do I detect some buyer’s remorse here in KK’s comment about expecting your new girlfriend to be a better wife than your ex?

“As much as Kansas hates Missouri for breaking up the Big 12, that [Big 12 basketball] tournament will take a hit once Missouri leaves. It will take a hit.”
Frank Boal, 810 AM
GH: None of us know how the attendance numbers will change once Missouri is no longer part of the Big 12 tourney here at Sprint Center. Much of it will depend on the future success of Kansas and Kansas State. Those two schools can carry the tourney with their rabid fan bases. But a drop from the top 25 by either will create some echoes inside Sprint for a number of sessions.

“Interim Big 12 Commissioner Chuck Neinas has plans to expand the conference beyond the current 10 members to 14 or as many 16 members. Neinas believes that with selective expansion the Big 12 could give the SEC competition for the best college football conference in the country while securing the future of the league. … ACC football schools such as Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Pitt and Maryland and BC have spoken with the Big 12 over the past few months about switching leagues despite the buyout the ACC added last fall to curtail such moves.”
Honas Sneed, a West Virginia Mountaineers blogger for EERinsider.com
GH: I have no idea what sources Honas Sneed has in regard to this post but it is getting some play nationally. Can you imagine how wickedly good the Big 12 would become if these ACC schools joined our fly-over conference? I don’t know how you would fit them all in or what kind of schedules it would produce but I like the thought even if it’s pure rumor.

“Dude, A&M getting after KU--this is embarrassing-- this is what KU looks like when Tyshawn doesn’t go for 28.”
Doug Gottlieb, during the A&M/KU game when the Aggies were trading leads with Kansas, Twitter
GH: Gottlieb has stated all season he thinks the Jayhawks are no better than a top-15 team. Gottlieb is a stubborn fellow. Despite their fifth-place ranking, he continues to downplay their status. Read on.

“Yes--two guys and a bunch of guys--have played above their level before today.”
Doug Gottlieb, responding to being asked during the A&M game if Kansas is overrated, Twitter
GH: But those “two guys” are POTY candidate Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor. How many do you need to be an elite team this season?

“[Tyshawn] Taylor is so freaking talented--he is as good off the ball as on it, shoots better off the bounce through.”
Doug Gottlieb, Twitter
GH: Gottlieb might not be too impressed with Kansas but he loves TT.

“Nobody has worked with Taylor's shot. Elbow flies out and his footwork is inconsistent. Only a few CBK coaches teach shooting!”
Tom Penders, Twitter
GH: Penders often comes off sounding like the old man bitching about the kid’s ball landing on his side of the fence but he has a point here. Tyshawn’s jumper often looks like he just jumped off a diving board and changed his mind about the dive in mid leap.

“[Jared] Sullinger has been a much better offensive player than T-Rob and nearly his equal on the glass. He also has more help, carries lighter load. So it's very reasonable to say you prefer Robinson, but to say it's clear is, in my opinion, not correct. Unless dunk highlights count.”
Andy Glockner, of SI.com, arguing with CBS’ Goodman about his statement that Thomas Robinson is the clear player of the year in college basketball, Twitter
GH: Dick Vitale all but christened Robinson as the POTY with his stream of accolades during the Baylor game. I think the award is his to lose. Is he the best player in the country? Who knows? But I like him at least as well as Sullinger. Let’s wait another month and see what happens.

“I’m telling you, write it down, Kansas isn’t going to be any worse than 15-3 [in the Big 12].”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Nothing would make KK happier to be wrong here – except maybe another new girlfriend.

“[Kansas] has not played on the road against any of the next four best teams [in the Big 12]. At home they have only faced two of those four. The question that I think to Jayhawk fans is now that the bar has been raised, what is now a successful season?”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: What town does petro live in? The bar for Kansas basketball was never lowered. KU fans expect a Big 12 title every year – and why wouldn’t they? Self delivers more consistently than Jimmy Johns.

“I don’t think that’s all that negative if [Kansas] goes up there [to Iowa State] and loses this Saturday.”
Kurtis Seaboldt, 810 AM
GH: Seaboldt made this comment more as a compliment to the Cyclones than a slight to KU. Losing in Ames is not an issue – unless you’re a Kansas fan – especially since Mizzou has won there this season. Saturday’s game in Ames will be fun to watch.

“You guys may know this, but Danny Manning never won in Ames.”
Fran Fraschilla, while talking to The Border Patrol, 810 AM
GH: I like Fraschilla. He is so much better and more prepared than the way-past-his-bedtime Bob Knight. But Fran, don’t treat Kansas fans like you would Texas fans. We know more about our local schools here in Kansas City than any national announcer is ever going to want to know.

“Students at KU don't care about Self: They chanted Home of the Chiefs louder than ever. Too bad.”
Gary Bedore, after Self publicly admonished the KU students for their Arrowhead-like anthem ending, Twitter
“Bill will shake that off but Roy would be livid during his postgame press conference.”
Tom Penders, responding to Bedore tweet above, Twitter
GH: I miss Roy Boy’s postgame pressers. Nobody had an ego like Roy – not Carl Peterson, not Mark Mangino, not Jason Whitlock and not even Big Lew…well, now that I think about it, maybe Lew was pretty close.

“Bill Self goes all Frank Martin, he just does it in practice.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Doing it in practice is called coaching. Doing it on the sideline on television is called Pelini.

“I’m comfortable enough with [Jordan Henriquez] that he will be at practice today. After we practice I’ll decide if he’ll travel [to Texas Tech]. Jordan is a phenomenal kid. Jordan is one of my all-time favorites. Jordan had lost sight of some of the things that he had done to make him a great player on our basketball team. Based on his words, I am comfortable that he is ready to be the player we need him to be.”
Frank Martin, after having dismissed Henriquez from the K-State team last week, 610 AM
GH: I almost always root for the players in these situations. I’m glad it looks like Henriquez is getting a second chance. If his coach thinks he deserves it, that’s good enough for me.

“I'd like to see younger pictures of Holly Rowe. It's hard to see her ever being cute.”
Carrington Harrison, Twitter
GH: Harrington is young – as in just out of college [or maybe still should be in college]. He will soon learn that every hot chick eventually succumbs to Holly Rowe status. Some, like Holly, dine before their time and begin to resemble swine.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

“The only thing I can compare [the stories about Chiefs employee’s being forced to work under intimidating conditions] to is when I used to work for Jason Whitlock at this radio station. I didn’t have a lot of contact with the real bosses here because Jason was my boss. And he motivated us – myself and [Magnificent] Megan by fear. He would harass us. Send us emails outlining how horrible we were as people and how horrible we were at our jobs. He would tell us how much everyone hated us at work and how everyday they wanted to fire us and he had to fight for our jobs. He had me in so much fear that I would come to work each day thinking, ‘How am I not going to get fired, since everyone hates me here. Oh my God!’ Every day that’s how it would be. Every day I would wonder, ‘What’s he going to yell at me for?’ It was fear! You never felt comfortable in your job. You were told everyone hated you and that you were just a step away from being fired.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: SSJ has softened his tone a bit since he initially downplayed Kent Babb’s story in Sunday’s KC Star on the intimidating working conditions described by some former and current Chiefs employees. His above comments about the working conditions under Whitlock’s rule got me to start looking back at some old Off The Couch columns. I came up with a few nuggets that reminded me that the culture and the level of political correctness around WHB 810 has at least on the surface, changed dramatically. Read on.

“I've said this before. I'd like to see Megan get in this [swimsuit] competition because I think she could lick the competition. I'd be right behind her the whole way.”
Steven St. John, urging his female cohost to enter a local "fitness" swimsuit contest, WHB 810, OTC September 2001
GH: Magnificent Megan could likely write one heckuva best seller about her days at 810. She was a polarizing addition to Whitlock’s show from the start. Read on.

“If every show was hosted by a white man who lives in Johnson County, nobody would ever have any fun.”
Steven St. John, after a caller criticized WHB's treatment of women, 810, OTC September 2001

“I don't need someone who knows who the owner of the Royals is.”
Jason Whitlock, after his new female cohost (Magnificent Megan) was unable to name the owner of the Royals, OTC March 2001, 810

“It's not about knowing the trivia, it's about the understanding.”
Magnificent Megan, attempting to defend her inability to name the Royals’ owner, 810, OTC March 2001
GH: While we often scoff at the quality level of our current sports talk shows, it is difficult to imagine a cohost now not knowing David and Dan as well as The Clarks.

“Is there a lot of animosity between the ugly ones and the pretty ones?”
Tim Grunhard, asking questions about the professional women's tennis circuit, 810, OTC September 2001
GH: Grunhard was almost as quotable as Whitlock back in the day…then he went legit as a Catholic High School football coach. But before he did, Randy Miller told the story below about the Chiefs’ former center turned broadcaster. Read on.

“We share offices here [at Union Broadcasting] with a sports-talk station. Tim Grunhard, the former center for the Chiefs, is now one of the talk-show hosts on the other station. Tim Grunhard is walking down the hall the other day, and we've got a female sales associate that is coming out of a room. Tim thinks nothing of just farting as loudly as he can. In fact, he was having a conversation with me, and he doesn't even pause for a comma. The sales associate, Jen, is coming out of the room and not only hears it, but the building vibrates. She goes and punches Tim. Tim says, "Just keep walking; you're gonna walk right into it.' “
Randy Miller, KCTE 1510, OTC from October 2002
GH: Okay, so much for our trip down OTC Memory Lane. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I.

“There would be times [Whitlock] would be a great guy and he’d give you the shirt off his back.”
Steven St. John, recalling the working conditions at WHB under Whitlock, 810 AM
GH: There is no truth that one of Pork Chop’s shirts served as SSJ’s first home in the Northland.

“This is the best work environment I’ve ever had. The people on my show I love.”
Steven St. John, on his current situation at WHB on The Border Patrol, 810 AM
GH: It appears SSJ came out of the Whitlock School of Torture just fine. We need to hear from Magnificent Megan and how she is fairing nowadays. MM, drop me an email and I’ll update the masses.

“You don’t have to lie just because the mic is on. You’re not happy that I’m here.”
Carrington Harrison, after being introduced by Danny Parkins as his cohost this week, 610 AM
GH: Parkins typically hosts his show solo – but the last two weeks he has been assigned a cohost. Like Carrington, I am not too sure he is pleased with that change. Read on.

“I’m not unhappy that you’re here. All I know is that [Robert] Ford is here and now you’re here. I don’t know what’s going on.”
Danny Parkins, on sharing his show with different cohosts of late, 610 AM
GH: I like the 610 Sports is trying different lineups and experimenting with their shows. No show on their air needs more attention than Nick Wright’s four hours during afternoon drive. Maybe they are waiting to tackle their biggest problems last.

“If you [don’t play your best players] and you don’t win, then you hold yourself up to a lot of criticism. There are a lot of ways to discipline players. Publicly flogging them is one. Maybe that’s the last [resort] thing you want to do because who loses? Everybody.  Sometimes [Frank Martin] makes me laugh out loud. Sometimes I say, ‘That dude’s crazy.’ ”
Tom Penders, when asked about Frank Martin’s decision to bench some of his better players in order to get their attention, 610 AM
GH: Martin has made a splash by benching freshman point guard Angel Rodriguez for the loss at Oklahoma and much of the home win over Texas. It has become an issue, an issue we seem to revisit every season with Frank and one or two of his players. Read on.

“I will tell you this, the decisions I make are made to win games. … I don’t hold grudges. There’s no such thing as a doghouse. You’re in constant educational mode. Never ever will I put the value of a game over the value of life. I refuse to do that.”
Frank Martin, when asked by Soren Petro about not playing Angel in KSU’s loss at Oklahoma, 810 AM
GH: Martin reminds me of a New Jersey politician. He is always right and always says what he thinks in a way meant to strike fear into anyone who would disagree. He is great copy. I’m just not sure he is as much a savior of young men as he portrays himself to be.

 “It’s pretty clear that when Frank has a guy that he thinks is going to be special, especially when he’s a point guard, he is going to be hard on that guy. I think that’s probably the case with Angel. I think Frank was thinking, ‘Hey, I’m going to send this guy a message and if that means we lose a game to Oklahoma, so be it.’ Hopefully, he learned a lesson.”
Austin Meek, who mentioned that Martin similarly sat Jacob Pullen during his freshman year, 810 AM
GH: Martin is a basketball coach. He is a suddenly a millionaire because he coaches college players and wins more than he loses. There are many people helping young men today who are not millionaires and who do not tell us over and over how they are far different in everyone else because they care more than most. I find these lesser known folks more appealing than a guy who makes his living as a bully.

“This looks to me like a part of K-State’s schedule where they ought to be able to rip off four [wins] in a row or six out of seven.”
Todd Leabo, prior to the Cats win over Texas, 810 AM
GH: The Big 12 basketball schedule has a way of keeping our interest throughout the winter months. How about Mizzou at Baylor this Saturday? Tipoff is at 1:00 PM (CT) on ESPN.

“Weis isn’t going to do what Turner Gill did and give them several chances.”
Tom Keegan, of KUSports.com, on the 10 players Weis has dismissed from KU’s football team, 810 AM
GH: Weis puffed his already overly-inflated chest out at this week’s presser and told us how he didn’t care how good a player was or whether they started or not – he would dismiss them if they didn’t fall into line. Easy to say when all 10 are players you did not recruit. Did you hear how he said he “fell in love” with one of his quarterback recruits? Let’s see how quick Charlie’s trigger is when it comes time to lance one of his loved ones.

“I probably know a little bit too much to be surprised by any of them.”
Nate Bukaty, when asked what name surprised him most of the 10 KU football players who were released by Charlie Weis, 810 AM
GH: If Nate knows so much, why don’t we? You have a morning talk show, Nate. It would be nice if you pretended to be Kent Bab from time to time.

“You would have thought that Brock Berglund would have been jumping at that opportunity to be a part of KU football with Charlie Weis here.”
Bob Fescoe, after Berglund missed a mandatory team meeting and was dismissed by Weis, 610 AM
GH: I will almost always favor the recruit over the institution when it comes to a parting of the ways. Fescoe speaks like a fan when he blabbers on about Berglund missing the opportunity to learn under Weis. Berglund watched Weis sign two QB recruits whom with he has had a long relationship. Why would a top prospect like Berglund want to remain at KU and be third string? I hope the kid from Colorado gets his act together and lands somewhere that wants him.

“I wanted to tell you I think your idea of having a nationwide ‘Have A Catch Day’ is fantastic. My dad is not into sports - at all. Never was. He had to grow up ‘too fast’ and never had time to develop an interest in sports. It wasn't until adulthood I heard the term ‘have a catch.’ My brother and I would always say ‘wanna play catch?’ I can remember ‘playing catch’ until the sun went down or until everyone else was too tired to keep playing. Because of that - suffice it to say - our garage door took some abuse. I think we had to replace the garage door a couple of times after I supplied a couple of thousand dents in it by throwing the ball at it over, and over, and over.”
Brad Porter, of Metro Sports, OTC Email
GH: I had nine brothers and five sisters. Our milk was delivered from Roberts Dairy into a wooden milk box that sat on our front porch. A hinged top made this crate a perfect place for my brothers and me to store our baseballs and gloves. We “played catch” [must be an East/West thing] three or four times a day. My brother Tim, a lefty, would stand in front of our South Omaha home on one side of 15th Street and I’d be on the other. My first glove was a Hank Aaron edition. My older brother Bernie and I received the exact same model of glove one summer. Those two identical-twin gloves became more different than American and Japanese cars after we broke them in. Bernie molded his glove into a flat, smooth and rather stiff finish. My mitt was cupped with a deep pocket and a pliable arched back. I have lost contact with that glove and still miss it to this day. I still have my second glove, though – a Rawlings Jim Fregosi model. Sits in my office to remind me of when I could still go get it.

Carlsbad Marathon in San Diego
GH: I am traveling to San Diego to run in Sunday’s Carlsbad Marathon. This is more of a training run for me as I prepare to run Boston again in April. I am taking my oldest son for his first trip to California and view of an ocean. I likely will not be updating my website until the middle of next week. Looking forward to chatting with all of you then.

GregHall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24