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Off the Couch by Greg Hall Landmark columnist

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For more of Greg Hall, surf to www.kcconfidential.com

Gutsy onside kick call helps Saints

Posted 2-8-10

“This is why sports is great – it’s not scripted.”
Shannon Sharpe, on the New Orleans Saints upset win over the Indianapolis Colts to claim the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship, CBS
GH: Amen. It is why we watch. It is why we care. We all need to know because we can never be sure until they play the game, fight the fight or run the race. It is why I pity those who do not understand this fascination we sports fans have for strangers competing at the highest level.

“What courage it takes to call that after you waited all that time you waited (during halftime).”
Phil Simms, on Sean Payton’s decision to attempt an onside kick after halftime, CBS
GH: Payton’s gamble signaled to me he did not think his Saints could win this game without a dramatic turnover. He gambled and won. Stephen King could not write a more unbelievable script for the Saints. Read on.

“The Who played at halftime and the Colts do get fooled again!”
Chris Berman, on the Saints pulling off a successful onside kick, ESPN
GH: The decision to attempt an onside kick to begin the third quarter, down 10-6 to Peyton Manning and the best team in the NFL, was a gamble as big as any Super Bowl has ever seen. Lose the ball here and you give Manning a 42-yard field to turn the Colts lead into an 11-point bulge. But after one of the longest and more entertaining scrums for a loose ball I can remember, the Saints were blessed with the ball and eventually the title.

“A play the Saints will never forget! … He could … go … all … the … way!”
Chris Berman, on Porter’s 74-yard interception return for a game-clinching TD, ESPN

“He made a great play. That’s all I can say about it. (Tracy) Porter just made a great play on it.”
Peyton Manning, when asked to explain throwing a fourth-quarter pick six, ESPN
GH: Porter beat the greatest mind the NFL has ever produced when he read Manning and jumped the route. His pick and run will be replayed for the next 100 years when people ask to see the biggest plays in the history of the Super Bowl.

“With that interception, Peyton Manning did what Archie could not ...deliver a Super Bowl to New Orleans.”
Steven St. John, Twitter

“We were ready to put Peyton Manning in a place with these multiple championships and I was one of the people saying it; he’s going to be one of the greatest of all time. Now, he’s a guy who has lost the Super Bowl and he’s 9-9 in the playoffs. It just goes to show what a Super Bowl loss can do.”
Tom Jackson, ESPN
GH: Manning showed he is human but he remains in my mind one of the top five quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Joe Montana is still my pick as the greatest to play the game. Add Johnny Unitas, Tom Brady and John Elway to that group. Dan Marino would lead the next five.

“Drew Brees transferred himself from really, really good to elite.”
Tom Jackson, ESPN

“We talk about artistry in quarterbacking. That was artistry tonight.”
Steve Young, on Drew Brees going 32-39 for 288 yards and two TDs, ESPN
“Drew Brees is in that group now and he will be there forever.”
Steve Young, listing Brees among the greatest quarterbacks of all time, ESPN
GH: It might be a bit premature to list Brees among the game’s best quarterbacks but he is young and his team is young. Bourbon Street and the French Quarter may have to get used to these pre-Marti Gras celebrations.

“We played for so much more than just ourselves. We played for our city. We played for the entire Gulf Coast region. We played for the entire Who Dat Nation.”
Drew Brees, ESPN

“I would not want to be there!”
Steve Young, as the ESPN cameras showed a live shot of Bourbon Street about an hour after the game, ESPN
GH: All I could think of was how great it would be if that was a live shot of the Power & Light District and the people running around behind the network cameras making fools of themselves were our neighbors and friends. Maybe someday.

“Good morning America how are you?
Don't you know me I'm your native son,
I'm the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.”
Lyrics by Steve Goodman, originally performed by Arlo Guthrie
GH: That train just picked up a Super Bowl trophy. The Ain’ts can take the bags off their head forever. I copied the following from folksblues.com; In 1970, Steve Goodman wrote a song which would eventually be called by many people "the best train song ever written."   Steve pitched the song to Arlo Guthrie, and in 1972, Arlo included the song on his album Hobo's Lullaby.  It was then released as a single and became a big-time hit record.  Steve always thanked Arlo for recording the song, and for making it possible for Steve to do what he loved -- playing music for a living. ABC News' morning show, Good Morning America, which started in the mid-70's, took its name and its original theme from the chorus of City of New Orleans.

“I’m old school. I watch the game and then I go do stuff during the commercials.”
Adam Teicher, Chiefs beat writer for the KC Star, while espousing his distaste for the hype surrounding the TV commercials that accompany the Super Bowl TV broadcast each year, 610 AM
GH: I am not quite as old school as the dowdy Teicher; my family and I live for the Super Bowl commercials. The 2010 variety were not outstanding but I enjoyed a handful. My favorites were the Larry Bird, LeBron and Dwight Howard McDonald’s ad, Betty White and Abe Vigota getting drilled in a Snickers sandlot football game, and the e-Trade babies aboard the airplane flight. I was also shocked to see David Letterman playing nice with Jay Leno. BTW; The halftime show featuring The Who was a great lightshow with poor vocals. I’m pretty sure Betty White and Abe Vigoda have aged better than Peter Townshend and Roger Daltrey – who sounded bad and looked even worse in their attempt to cheat Mother Nature.

“Tears will be rolling down my cheek when they sign off (after the Super Bowl). There’s not even a Pro Bowl next week.”
Stan Weber, 810 AM
GH: Football is now gone until August. Cheer up, there is the NFL draft in April that we can all cuss.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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Big 12 North recruiting is not impressive

Posted 2-5-10

“(Blake) Bell, (Geneo) Grissom and Bishop Miege receiver Justin McCay are considered the three best high school football players in the state of Kansas. On Wednesday, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables flew into town to meet with Grissom and complete the Sooners' trifecta.”
Pat Sangimino, columnist, HutchNews.com
GH: Kansas and Kansas State ranked above only Colorado in most of the Big 12 recruiting polls I saw posted. Their inability to sign in-state talent is one of the two schools more pressing problems. Read on.

"There is no answer to it. It's one of the more talked-about subjects. We can't figure it out. The kids in Iowa seem loyal to their state. Kids in Nebraska are loyal to their state. The kids in Oklahoma seem loyal to their state. We've always wondered why it isn't that way with the Kansas kids."
 Jon Kirby, Rivals.com recruiting analyst, on why top Kansas recruits are leaving the state instead of signing with K-State or Kansas, HutchNews.com
GH: Turner Gill had little more than two months to hire a staff and prepare for the 2010 signing day. Many will give Gill a pass for his weak in-coming class but those people will be overlooking the obvious – Turner Gill is a nice guy who can’t recruit big-time talent or compete in this conference. His penchant for making everything a religious experience will be his demise as a successful coach in this conference.

“If I was a K-State fan, I’d be ticked off with Bill Snyder saying he doesn’t like to text message recruits because he finds it ‘impersonal.’ I think K-State fans should be a little ticked with their coach for resisting technology. What’s next? He’s not going to use the Internet?”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: The Wildcats are in a world of hurt. Snyder is simply too out of touch to draw the quality of recruits he will need to win five games in the Big 12. As long as Gill is at Kansas and Colorado continues to pretend they are playing in Division II, K-State will have two games on their schedule they should be favored to win. Any additional wins will require an upset.

“I think our best teams were ranked 20th, 25th, 30th or 35th (in recruiting).''
Tom Osborne, on Pelini’s class being ranked 23rd in the nation by Rivals.com, Omaha World Herald
GH: Osborne was recruiting in an entirely different era. Nebraska’s 2010 recruits did not make ESPN’s top 25. Missouri was left off ESPN’s list as well. Tom Luginbil’s of ESPN.com ranked his top 20 class for the 2010 recruiting year and it included only four schools that would be considered “cold-weather” schools -- Penn State (11), Michigan (14), Ohio State (16) and Notre Dame (21). Geography continues to play a much bigger role this century in crowning national champions than it did prior to 2000. For those of us who regularly shovel snow and root for the home team – that ain’t good news.

Rivals, a site a bit friendlier than most to the heartland schools, had only five cold-weather teams in their top 25. Penn State (12), Notre Dame (14), Michigan (20), Mizzou (21) and Nebraska (23).

Scout.com ranks Oklahoma (2), Texas (3) Oklahoma State (18) and Texas A&M (25) as the top four recruiting winners in the Big 12. Scout ranks the Big 12 North school as follows; Mizzou(28),  Nebraska (30), Kansas (65), Colorado (69), Iowa State (73), and K-State (98).

“There's (Nebraska recruit) Chase Rome. Embrace this promising defensive end prospect who comes with his own karma. Missouri can have the Gabberts. NU took Rome out of Columbia, Mo., Mizzou's backyard. … Pelini got a class full of gamers, warriors and winners — prototype Pelini recruits.”
Tom Shatel, Omaha World Herald
GH: Gary Pinkel has owned Nebraska in the recruiting wars. He pretty much gets whoever he wants, no matter if they verbally commit to the Huskers or not. He has successfully closed the Missouri borders that once were a fertile and nearby haven for Tom Osborne. It will be interesting to see if Rome, a Columbia Rock Bridge kid, proves to be one Pinkel overlooked or simply allowed to leave.

“There are a lot of things I wish I could tell you (about Cowboy’s departure from the show) but I can’t. I wish I could but I’m getting married in July, guys. Come on, I like being gainfully employed. I’m gonna show up and do the show until they tell me not to show up.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM

“If Missouri loses at Colorado and goes 4-4 (in the Big 12), you can’t say it’s done but you’ve dug yourself a hole that is going to be damn well almost impossible to dig out of. The goal has to be 10 wins.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou’s postseason might be determined in Boulder on Saturday. They still have much work to be done.

“I think Missouri’s ball pressure will be so good at getting Colorado out of what they like to do that that will be an 8- or 9-point win for Missouri at least.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM

“ESPN has got to do a better job of evaluating these kids. It is just abominable that they had (Xavier) Henry ranked ahead of (John) Wall.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“You kind of whored out your program for that one kid when your program is bigger than that one kid.”
Soren Petro, on Kansas’ recruitment of Xavier, 810 AM

“It’s clear that Bill Self does not trust Xavier Henry to be on the floor in crucial situations.”
Nate Bukaty, after Xavier did not leave the bench during the overtime period at Colorado, 810 AM
GH: It would be a lovely sight to see Xavier shed his cocoon of doubt over the next two months and suddenly become the player many think he may someday become. But I ain’t holding my breath anymore. If Kansas is going to the Final Four, they need to make plans of paying the $20 for Xavier as extra baggage.

“The voters got it right in the polls. They realized just how good Kansas State is. … If you’re picking at how Denis Clemente is playing and how he is leading this team to wins, well, you’re a loser!”
Bob Fescoe, on K-State not dropping in the polls after their home loss to Kansas, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe has come a long way since January when he declared K-State basketball “a fraud.”

“There’s some great information to be gleaned from being down here.”
Soren Petro, on being on Radio Row at the Super Bowl, 810 AM
GH: I missed almost all of Petro’s Super Bowl Row show this week – on purpose. I can listen to Jim Rome if I want to hear athletes and celebs get an on-air tongue bath. If you on the other hand enjoy SBR shows, 810 will replay Soren’s interview of the beautiful people Saturday afternoon.

“It's something (Tiger) needs to get control of and a handle on and show some humility to the public when he comes back. His swearing and his club throwing, that should end. That's not part of what we want to project as far as the professional golf tour is concerned."
Tom Watson, KSHB TV 41
GH: Watson and the PGA do not get to dictate how Tiger acts or whether he exhibits proper humility. When Tiger returns, and it may be as soon as a couple of weeks, he can damn well act like an ass if he wants to. The PGA has never had a rule that players need to be humble, contrite, swear-proof and/or swell guys. I have met my share of PGA players and few would pass Watson’s test – including Reverend Tom. Tiger’s only role will be to play golf and not do anything that would disqualify him from the game. Other than that, he can imitate the actions of an Oakland Raider fan for all I care.

"We don't know anything officially yet, but wouldn't that be nice? It would mean we'd get Tiger on his return two years in a row. Very cool. … The main question is, 'Do I know anything you don't?' The answer is no. We're still a little bit in the dark. I can't confirm or deny anything, because I don't know."
Wade Dunagan, executive director of the Accenture Match Play Championship, on Tiger Woods’ rumored return to the PGA tour in Tucson later this month, Arizona Daily Star

“Tiger Woods' problems come from him being married. If Tiger Woods was single and he texted a girl and said 'I wanna wear your ass like a hat', why would that ever hit the news?”
John Mayer, New York Daily News
GH: It appears the verbiage used in the dating game has changed dramatically since I last played.

Big 12 Basketball Calendar (CT times)
Saturday 12:30 PM   OSU @ Texas Tech                38 the Spot
Saturday 1:00 PM     Kansas State @ Iowa State   ESPN2 / 810 AM
Saturday 3:00 PM     Mizzou at Colorado               38 the Spot / 980 AM
Saturday 3:00 PM     Texas @ Oklahoma               ESPN
Saturday 5:00 PM     Nebraska @ Kansas              ESPNU / 610 AM
Monday 8:00 PM       Kansas @ Texas                    ESPN / 610 AM

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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810 will replace Bob Gretz as mouthpiece for Chiefs

Posted 2-4-10

“We are live at Arrowhead Stadium… I am really excited! I am broadcasting Between the Lines from Arrowhead Stadium for the first time ever in 13 years!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK had hinted at a big announcement earlier this week and Wednesday he sounded extremely thrilled to announce 810’s new cozy relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs. Read on.

“The Kansas City Chiefs have extended a multi-year radio partnership with 101 The Fox (KCFX-FM) on Wednesday. For the 21st consecutive season, 101 The Fox will proudly serve as the flagship station of the Chiefs Fox Football Radio Network in 2010. In addition, the Chiefs announced a groundbreaking new radio partnership with Sports Radio 810 (WHB-AM). Sports Radio 810 has secured exclusive rights to other Chiefs programming, including the second hour of the official Chiefs postgame show, live press conferences, Chiefs shows and more.”
KCChiefs.com
GH: While “groundbreaking” might be not be an inaccurate choice of words for this alliance, there is little doubt that this three-way is kinky. It appears 101 The Fox gets to keep their exclusive radio rights for the Chiefs broadcasts and 810 gets to broadcast everything that isn’t the Chiefs play-by-play and network pre- and immediate postgame. In other words – 810 gets to carry all the stuff no one listens to anymore. Read on.

“Sports Radio 810 becomes the official AM radio partner of the Chiefs, and will own exclusive live radio broadcast rights to the Chiefs weekly in-season press conferences with Head Coach Todd Haley and the club’s starting quarterback. The ‘Chiefs Kingdom’ radio show on Monday nights from 7:00-8:00 PM will now be broadcast live by Sports Radio 810, and will also be available to participating stations on the Chiefs Fox Football Radio Network. This raucous hour-long event hosted by Holthus features a live call-in from Coach Haley, a different player guest every week, as well as a loyal following of Kansas City ‘Super Fans,’ who religiously attend the broadcast.”
KCChiefs.com
GH: They lost me when they attempted to describe Holthus’ week night Chiefs radio hour as “raucous.” Holthus had such trouble getting Chiefs players to attend these shows he was forced to promote “college nights” to draw local college football fans. There was a time the Chiefs players’ shows were not only raucous but must-listen radio – when Tim Grunhard, Neil Smith, Derrick Thomas and the like were honest, irreverent and not always sober. If 810 can find a way to get Jared Allen back as a Chief and on their air, they may have something worth celebrating.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Chiefs fan. … KCFX offers a special welcome to our friends at Sports Radio 810 WHB. Chiefs fans are sure to enjoy this new and exciting coverage from both legendary Kansas City radio stations.”
Donna Baker, Market Manager – Cumulus Kansas City, KCChiefs.com
GH: Here’s what really happened. Chad Boeger did everything he could to get the Chiefs radio rights away from 101 the Fox. He failed but the Chiefs are so desperate to sell tickets and expand their fan base, they forced 101 the Fox to cut this deal. The Fox ain’t happy about this in any way but they feel like the winner because they keep the game broadcasts and only lose the junk peripheral shows. 810 is happy because they get to set up shop inside the formerly forbidden Arrowhead and play Bob Gretz, thumbing their nose at Entercom and 610.

 “The Chiefs are one of the biggest and most important franchises in the entire country. We are extremely excited to become an official radio partner of the Chiefs.”
Chad Boeger, President of Union Broadcasting, KCChiefs.com
GH: Uhhh, no. The Chiefs haven’t changed just because Chad has a new radio contract with them. They still haven’t won a playoff game since 1993. It would not be a stretch to think with Boeger’s above comment that his station may have signed away their objectivity when they inked this deal.

“The main benefit might be the partnership guarantees more positive coverage for the team. It will now enable General Manager Scott Pioli to have significantly more control over the media, and in particular, WHB which has been highly critical of the team.”
John Landsberg, bottomlinecom.com
GH: While Kietzman has been highly critical of the Chiefs in the past, he has been their biggest cheerleader since these negotiations have been underway. Astute listeners know a worm when they hear it turn.

“Nothing’s going to change.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the way WHB and their talent will cover the Chiefs, 810 AM
GH: One word: Bullshit.

“We’re fine with it. We understand.”
Scott Pioli, on aligning with a sports talk station that may criticize the Chiefs, 810 AM
GH: One word: Yeah, the same word as above. Translation: The best way to kill off your critics is to marry them.

“What I’ve seen through the years with 810 is that they have proven if they have an opinion, it’s going to be fair, balanced and well researched.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: This comment knocked me out of my chair and onto the floor. Holthus had been aligned with Carl Peterson and the Dark Side for all 13 years 810 had been banished from Arrowhead. So now he wants us to believe he always knew KK and his guys were “fair, balanced and well researched?” Uh, have I mentioned the word bullshit?

“This is truly a historic day. … On that plane ride home from Denver I felt a surge, something I had not felt in a long time.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: It’s called a win, Mitch. The Chiefs had just dropped five in a row prior to their win in the Rockies. Holthus was so emotional during the live announcement (carried on both 101 and 810) that he sounded close to tears.

 “It may sound contradictory, but there is true value in criticism.”
Mark Donovan, Chiefs COO, 810 AM
GH: Amen, brother. Hope you remember that when reading my column.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Xavier Henry doesn't look like one-and-done material

Posted 2-2-10

 

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On this night, the state of Kansas owned college basketball

Posted 2-2-10

“Coach asked me what I wanted to run. I told him to give me the ball.”
Sherron Collins, on the huddle discussion preceding his drive and basket over Wally Judge near the end of OT, ESPN
GH: We are a lucky bunch of sports fans. We have known the wonders of Bill Snyder, Chase Daniel, and now Sherron Collins. If Collins wasn’t on your list of the five greatest players to wear KU colors, why not? I have him on the floor with Wilt, Danny, Paul Pierce and Clyde Lovellette. He replaces Jo Jo White, one of my all-time favorites.  

“On a tense and terrific night that reinforced why the college basketball regular season really is must-see TV, it all came down to big onions in the Little Apple. They belonged to Sherron Collins, the Kansas guard who scoffs in the face of fear and thinks pressure tickles.”
Pat Forde, senior writer, ESPN.com
GH: I love great writing. Forde’s game story for ESPN is great stuff. Read it here. While you’re reading Forde’s article, check out the accompanying video that shows the K-State players imitating Frank Martin. I watched it five times and laughed every time. “Is that a peanut in his head!”

“The fact that (Collins’ late-OT shot) went through the net as he was being knocked to the ground by K-State's Wally Judge only adds to the squatty senior's rep as the team's Mr. Big Shot. He's not the best player in America, but he might be the most fearless.”
Pat Forde, senior writer, ESPN.com
GH: While everyone remembers Mario Chalmers’ thrilling three to save KU’s national title over Memphis in 2008, it was a sophomore by the name of Sherron Collins who ripped an in-bounds pass away from Memphis and drained a deep-corner three to keep the Hawks in the game. I cannot wait to see what Big Shot has in store for us come this March.

“One thing coach says, ‘We still Kansas regardless.’ We gotta have our swag and we came out with it.”
Sherron Collins, ESPN
GH: While KU earned their swag, this game was so good there was plenty of swag left over for the Cats and their fans. The little old state of Kansas owned college basketball for the night. And they treated it with all the passion, tradition and guts that makes this part of the country different, special and home.

“This is the toughest environment I’ve played at in my four years. Their fans are great.”
Sherron Collins, ESPN
GH: I know the Antlers have recorded these words and are currently at work to make sure Collins eats them after his senior-day visit to Columbia on March 6th.

“It’s probably going to be the most hostile crowd we played in all year. I love it. I love it. They were yelling all sorts of things, and they really helped their team out. It was just a big sea of purple. It was fun.”
Cole Aldrich, Lawrence Journal World
GH: I am half ready to predict Cole Aldrich will be back at Kansas for his senior year. I think Cole loves the college game as much as anybody who plays in the NCAA.

“In moments that send other players scurrying to the periphery, just give Collins the ball. Whatever happens, he can handle the fallout.”
Pat Forde, ESPN.com
GH: One of those scurrying for the periphery was Xavier Henry. In his defense, Xavier is an 18-year-old freshman gifted with a man’s body and a superstar’s talent. But this kid ain’t ready for the Big 12 let alone the NBA. Hope daddy watched this game and advises him so.

“He’s gonna have to get Xavier out of the game and get Tyshawn in for him. He’s just not handling that pressure out there.”
Chris Piper, early in the second half, Jayhawk Radio Network

“I don’t know if (Kansas) showed a great amount of poise. No, (Collins) showed poise. The team as a whole came apart at the seams. That game should have been over in regulation.”
Doug Gottlieb, ESPN
GH: Neither team was cool down the stretch, Collins included. But with the atmosphere inside Bramlage, I don’t know if Denzel could have come off as cool on this night.

“Tyshawn Taylor, at the end of the game he simply had no self confidence. He did not want the basketball.”
Doug Gottlieb, ESPN
GH: Taylor did throw away the turnover that allowed McGruder to tie the game (on a terrific drive, shot and then clutch free throw) – but he was also the Hawk who made the steal at the K-State end to give KU the ball. I don’t think Taylor lost his confidence, I just think he plays with a Toyota-issued accelerator.

“I would have fouled Tyshawn Taylor right there, seeing how he had struggled some from the line.”
Doug Gottlieb, as the clock wound down in overtime and Taylor dribbled the ball 35 feet from the basket, ESPN
GH: I like Gottlieb as an analyst but he’s not infallible.. Taylor was 8 of 9 from the line in front of what many are calling the most impressive home-court advantage in the nation. I too think Martin should have asked his team to foul but Taylor and Collins were not options I’d be comfortable sending to the line.

“Great Moments in Gambling History: Jacob Pullen hits a buzzer-beater to break the hearts of gamblers everywhere that took KU and laid the 3.”
Steven St. John, Twitter
GH: Reason #137 I no longer have a bookie.

“I really thought the best part of Game Day was that so many soldiers came over from Fort Riley. They had their fatigues on but they also had their K-State caps on. I think it’s wonderful that they feel welcome to come on over to campus. The crowd’s a great part of the atmosphere and they can really help it be a great atmosphere but if you don’t put a team on the floor that can kick somebody’s tail, the crowd doesn’t matter.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Frank Martin has nurtured this relationship with the military based at Fort Riley and his basketball team. I agree with KK, it was incredibly cool seeing all those service men and women in Bramlage to root for their adopted hometown team.

“I’ve never felt that crowds were as big a deal as some people think. It’s the players. The players make the arena and the players make this a tough place to play.”
Jay Bilas, when asked about the effect the KSU fans would have on the game, 810 AM

“I shudder to think what Kansas State would be like if they had Michael Beasley and Bill Walker.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: You have to wonder if Beasley watched that game and wished he was part of it.

“Out of the 8,100 fans that were there, I probably saw 200 Kansas fans.”
Curtis Kitchen, on the sparse number of KU fans represented at Game Day, 810 AM
GH: This was not the Border War Game Day when KU played MU at Arrowhead. This was a one-sided affair and the Wildcats deservedly owned the show.

“None of these (ESPN) guys had ever been to Manhattan for basketball…or for anything. Somebody had to teach Digger how to do the Wabash Cannonball.”
Curtis Kitchen, 810 AM

“Frank looks better with a shave.”
Danny Clinkscale, on Martin’s decision to appear on Game Day with a 10 AM shadow, 810 AM
GH: Martin is typically so clean shaven he always looks like he shaved in the locker room just before he hits the floor. He chose to go Todd Haley for Game Day and it was not a good look for The Glare.

“I don’t mean to be bland about it but for the basketball team, it’s just a game on January 30th.”
Frank Martin, attempting to downplay the significance of the KU/KSU game in Manhattan, ESPN
GH: Uh, no. Simply, no.

“I like the home team, my partner likes the Beakers.”
Gary Link, Mizzou’s radio analyst, while broadcasting the OSU/MU game Saturday afternoon, Tiger Radio Network
GH: I loved that Link and Mike Kelly took time during their game-cast to weigh in on the KU/KSU game with their predictions. BTW: How ‘bout those Tigers!?! Their second-half spurt on the Cowboys was one of the most impressive in the young history of Mizzou Arena.

“These are the bravest people in the State of Kansas right now.”
Dan Shulman, ESPN play-by-play voice, on the KU parents and relatives sitting in the Lair of the Glare, ESPN
GH: Or possibly anyone brave enough to attempt to change the channel on my TV or yours during this classic.

“Rodney (McGruder) keeps getting better as a player. He continues to grow.”
Frank Martin, post game comments on Wildcat Radio Network
GH: I would start McGruder over the out-of-control Clemente. I know Martin calls Clemente the heart and soul of his team but he plays with so little intelligence at times he hurts more than helps.

“I couldn’t tell if he had words with one of his teammates or not, but Denie Clemente really wasn’t part of that huddle.”
Erin Andrews, after a second half time out, ESPN
GH: Clemente fired up an ill-advised early three that gave the ball back to KU in overtime. I’m not sure Clemente is coachable when the pressure is palpable.

“The officials called 49 fouls. They could have called 70 tonight.”
Bill Self, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: There were no calls that made no sense and touch fouls that had me screaming; “Let ‘em play!” Overall, the zebras probably did as well as they could under the circumstances – which were Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. I love that God made me a sports fan.

Best visual of the night: Gray haired grandmas wearing the Pullen beards from the first tip to OT. Oh, how I wish one of these ladies were my mother-in-law.

Second best visual: Erin Andrews – who is great to look at but hard to listen to with that nasal whine she calls a voice. But who hears what she says when she is on screen?

Best celeb sighting: Darren Sproles sitting with Bill Snyder. Your pick.

Best camera shots: Great camera work by ESPN that showed that Pullen was hit in the face by his teammate, Samuels, and not a Kansas player.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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National spotlight on KU vs. K-State

Posted 1-29-10

“I chuckle every time I hear ‘Octagon of Doom.’ I can’t get on board with that. I don’t like the nickname.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: I’m with Klingler on this one. The name just doesn’t resonate with me – nor do those flacid stop signs with the word “DOOM” on them. I would capitalize on Frank Martin’s personality and go with “The Lair of The Glare.”

“For the first time since its construction in 1988, Kansas State’s Bramlage Coliseum has found a national identity.”
Kellis Robinett, K-State beat writer, Kansas City Star
GH: While I’m not a big fan of the Octagon of Doom, it seems to have grown in popularity with the media. The Kansas City Star ran a cover story this morning on this theme. BTW, Is Kellis Robinette the Lazarus of local media? He gets zero run on any sports talk shows. It appears his KU roots continue to haunt him.

“A name created two weeks ago. From 1995 to ’99 when I was at KU and then living here and working here (in Kansas City) I never once heard it called the Octagon of Doom.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM

“Yeah, that’s what they claim.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Robinette’s story in The Star the name was “created years ago.” If so, it was a well kept secret.

“For the majority of the history of that building, it’s been a pretty stale place. Now they’re calling it the Octagon of Doom and it’s now maybe one of the more intimidating places to play in the country.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: K-State fans can be as rabid as any in college sports. What they lacked in the past was a successful team to rally around. I’m not a fan of Bramlage. Its aluminum bench seats and weirdly wide aisle always seemed to me to have been built with very little architectural heart – which is disappointing on a campus where classic architecture is so prominent. 

“It’s like the Centaur, the Larry Johnson nickname they forced on us. You don’t need the Octagon of Doom.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: At least more people than Mitch Holthus are using the Octagon nickname.

“The Octagon of Doom sounds like a James Bond movie.”
Text from a Fescoe listener, 610 AM
GH: A Kansas friend of mine told me he thinks K-State should get the Octomom to come into Bramlage as their mascot. I don’t think he was trying to be helpful.

“I’m sure it’s going to be much more intimidating than it was when I was there 10 years ago.”
Dan Shulman, ESPN play-by-play voice who will be doing the game alongside Dick Vitale, 810 AM

“There’s no turnstile. They just push them all to one side of the building and then they just kinda estimate.”
Dan Shulman, when asked if they use a turnstile to count the crowd that shows up for ESPN’s morning show, College Game Day, 810 AM
GH: Word is the record crowd for Game Day is 6,000. K-State expects to top that – and will probably have help from a few early-rising KU fans.

“Whatever the record is (for Game Day attendance), I think the record is going to be broke when we go to Kentucky. John Calipari is going to try and fill all of Rupp Arena.”
Dan Shulman, 810 AM

“You’re not watching much college basketball my friend! I’ve worked over 25 games in all!”
Dan Shulman, after Steven St. John asked Schulman what other games he’s done this season besides a couple SSJ had seen him on, 810 AM
GH: Schulman sounded miffed and more than a bit condescending in his response to St. John. He simply misunderstood SSJ’s question and instead of asking for clarification, he took a verbal jab. I don’t know Schulman but his work for ESPN is solid. His response made him sound like a guy who has either a very high opinion of himself or a bit paranoid about his lack of name recognition compared to his ESPN mates.

PS: According to Shulman’s ESPN bio, he is a 1989 graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where he received a degree in actuarial science; A program that focuses on the mathematical and statistical analysis of risk, and their applications to insurance and other business management problems.

“I find the bulk of that (ESPN Game Day) show virtually unwatchable. Because the talent has to sit there and shriek at the top of their lungs!”
Danny Clinkscale, on the loud crowd noise that serves as background to the studio analysts’ comments on Game Day, 810 AM
GH: I watch to read the signs. I am expecting some quality stuff from the Manhattan folks.

“I just don’t think this game is all that big for Kansas.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“(Kansas) is also in the top tem of teams that appear on national television. … It’s a tremendous advantage.”
Frank Martin, 610 AM
GH: This is K-State’s chance to promote everything from Martin’s young program to Bill Snyder’s second coming. Anything to get them more HD games.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Chiefs blow up their PR department

Posted 1-27-10

“In order to stay within striking distance of the Jayhawks, K-State had to win at Baylor, which it did. In order to revive an incredibly fast dissolving of confidence from its fans, the team needed Jacob Pullen to pull out of his shooting slump, which he did. … The Waco win (not to mention Kentucky’s loss to South Carolina on Tuesday) sets up just one of several subplots for Saturday in Manhattan against Kansas.”
Curtis Kitchen, 810whb.com
GH: Great win for K-State in Waco over a Baylor team I continue to think has a March run in them that could shock the nation.

“We watched a lot of film coming into the game and we had to work on some mechanical things. We were just jacking the ball up against Oklahoma State. But this time, we went inside-out and shot well against their zone. It felt great to get back into rhythm.”
Jacob Pullen, Wacotrib.com
GH: Pullen was everything he hasn’t been of late – deadly from 25 feet and clutch. I’m not so sure K-State’s offense was any different though against Baylor than it was against Oklahoma State. The Cats were still “jacking the ball up” from some outrageous distances. The difference against the Bears is that they were finding net instead of rim. Getting the KSU bigs involved will be a necessity against Kansas. 

“ESPN Game Day will be in Manhattan Saturday and they won’t be there asking for directions.”
Dave Stewart, Metro Sports
GH: Digger and the boys will be stomping around Aggieville and not their usual trek down Mass Street in Lawrence. KSU is hoping to break the record of 6,000 attendees for the morning Game Day. I’m thinking there will be double that number dressed in purple for those ESPN cameras. I am also hoping for some very interesting signs and beards.

“Never the less, it’s riding high on youtube – 73,000 hits.”
Digger Phelps, on his bizarre video showing him stalking and attempting to dance with a startled and frightened Clemson cheerleader, ESPN
GH: Click here if you have not yet eaten recently.

“There’s no shame in losing to Kansas State. If Kansas goes in and loses to Kansas State, it’s not the end of the world. They lost to a damn good basketball team.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe appears to have changed his opinion from earlier this month that Kansas State basketball is “a fraud.”

“If being a KU homer makes me a bad person, then put me in jail – because that’s never going to change for me.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe appears adamant that being a homer is an acceptable position for a sports talk show host. Who wants to listen to a homer besides the unknowledgeable portion of a team’s fans who feed of pabulum instead of usual information and analysis? Judging from Fescoe’s over use of call-in contests, trivia games and other dated radio fodder, he is finding the audience for this type of radio in the Kansas City market is minimal.

“They (the Chiefs PR department) did a lot of petty things. Regarding Bob Moore, he was working under a very difficult person.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the announcement that Bob Moore has been removed as the head of the Chiefs PR staff and is now the team historian, 810 AM
GH: Bob Moore and the Chiefs PR department needed an overhaul 15 years ago. When Carl Peterson and Marty Schottenheimer turned the Chiefs franchise around and into to hottest ticket this town has ever experienced, the Chiefs turned into arrogant pigs. That attitude was reflected in the way their PR department interacted with the media – the same media who had helped them build their much-ballyhooed season-ticket waiting list. Moore’s arrogance and attitude may have been an order from above but he appeared to take great pleasure in being a little man with a big sword. The fact this arrogance has come back around to bite this franchise is not a surprise. They simply forgot their job is ultimately to sell tickets, not break balls and sneer at the media.

“Sometimes you get too much power, you’ve been around too long – you get a little nutty.”
Kevin Kietzman, while discussing the Chiefs’ Carl Peterson era, 810 AM
GH: I had to smile when I heard KK describe himself, uh, I mean King Kevin, er, uh, Carl Peterson.

“I think it’s going to be profound.”
Mitch Holthus, Chiefs play-by-play voice, when asked what changes this change in the Chiefs’ PR department will bring to the organization, 810 AM
GH: It better be. Unless a great many things change within the Chiefs’ organization, the Chiefs are staring at opening their newly refurbished stadium in September with 20,000 empty seats. Profound indeed.

“I am not a big Pro Bowl fan. I think the last time I watched the Pro Bowl Michael Jackson was black.”
Jeff Chadiha, NFL writer, 810 AM

“At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dwayne Bowe is playing in the Pro Bowl because so many people are bowing out.”
Jeff Chadiha, NFL writer, 810 AM

“It’s not a Pro Bowl, it’s an Alternate Bowl this year.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: The NFL needs to Kevorkian the Pro Bowl or drastically change the format. I would watch a game that pitted a team of NFL all stars versus a team of college seniors.

“I don’t want to make everything about me but…”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: But… then again what is more fun than listening to Nick discuss his girlfriend, his incredibly friendly relationship with Todd Haley’s wife, his personal sports-a-thon challenge to Chris Hamblin, his looks, his… Wright’s show sounds more and more like Petro’s opening hour each day.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Bob Knight improves dramatically

Posted 1-26-10

“With this performance on Big Monday, Cole Aldrich goes back into the discussion for player of the year. This is a great performance tonight!”
Brent Musburger, ESPN
GH: Aldrich logged 30 minutes, grabbed 16 rebounds, scored 12 points, swatted 7 blocks and was a nightmare in the paint all night for any Mizzou player looking to drive. I think it is safe to say that the stress fracture in his leg that his dad referred to is not a problem.

“I'm just getting acclimated into college hoops. But still... no way Cole Aldrich should go lower than No. 5 in June's draft.”
Bill Simmons, ESPN columnist, Twitter
GH: Aldrich’s slow start had some contemplating whether or not the man from Bloomington, MN would return to Kansas for his senior year. It now looks very unlikely.

“(Aldrich) is the best outlet passer I’ve seen in a long time in the college game.”
Brent Musburger, ESPN
GH: The fast-break outlet pass is almost a lost art in today’s game of basketball. The deliberate half-court styles of many high school and college coaches have all but made it extinct. Aldrich does it as well as any big man who ever rifled a baseball pass to a streaking guard. I played with a guy from Cherokee, IA after college by the name of Dave Greenwood who was the Michelangelo of the outlet pass. I feel kind of bad for kids who don’t get to play the game like the ball is a hot potato.

“Even here you’re gonna see the (Aldrich) kid mop up the floor! He does everything better tonight!”
Bob Knight, as Aldrich grabbed a mop to clear the paint area of moisture, ESPN

“ku is a bad matchup for mizzou's style and personnel..no answer for aldrich or his dad's hat..mizzou fans shouldnt overreact..ku is terrific.”
Steven St. John, Twitter

“I don’t think I’ve seen a kid play as well around the bucket at both ends as Aldrich has tonight.”
Bob Knight, ESPN
GH: Aldrich is now playing with an energy that we did not see the first two months of the season. I do not know if his grandmother’s death released him from his emotional funk, but he is sure playing like it. Not wanting to wish ill on anyone but…does Jacob Pullen have any relatives who are feeling poorly?

“I’m starting to feel like my old self.”
Cole Aldrich, in a postgame interview with David Lawrence, Jayhawk Radio Network

“I thought we looked like a young basketball team. You gotta have some head out there.”
Mike Anderson, Tiger Radio Network
GH: Head is always a good thing. The Tigers looked winded to me. They played hard, but fatigue robbed them of their legs and Kansas’ shooting robbed them of their composure. This game was over well before halftime.

“Missouri, to their credit, has certainly in no way given up.”
Bob Knight, as Mizzou took a 65-42 lead, ESPN
GH: All the more reason to be concerned if you’re a Mizzou fan. They played hard, never gave up and still were blown out early.

“Don’t kid yourself, because Missouri, when it comes time to play in the Big 12 tournament and the NCAA selection, Missouri’s gonna be there.”
Bob Knight, predicting Mizzou will be dancing in March despite their blowout loss in Lawrence, ESPN
GH: I think Mike Anderson’s club is still a year away from getting to the NCAA Tourney. They play hard and cause some on-court chaos, but they don’t score with any consistency. Their young guards can shoot but they are too slight of build when they face more veteran defenders. The Kansas guards made them look like high school kids.

“I don’t think it’s really 40 minutes of hell. It’s more like 32 minutes of controlled hell. I don’t think they have the horses like they did at Arkansas.”
Greg Gurley, 810 AM

“This group of (Mizzou) guys feels like they can play with anybody. I think this group feels like they can win every game. I think they’re a confident group – that doesn’t mean they’re great players.”
Jon Sundvold, 810 AM

“I think Kim English will score more if he shoots less.”
Gary Link, Tiger Radio Network
GH: English was 3 of 13 for 9 points at Kansas. He still looks like the best scorer on the Tigers but his shot is not falling. His sophomore slump continues.

“Kansas State is going to be much, much stronger inside than Missouri is.”
Bob Knight, ESPN
GH: Knight was an entirely different analyst for this Big Monday matchup than his previous roles as a game analyst. Knight was sitting forward in his chair and engaged in the game. His voice sounded energized rather than bored. The former coach’s color work in Lawrence was night and day different from the ill-prepared and distracted broadcaster we’ve come to know on Big 12 Big Monday. He did toss in some strange shout out to his finger doctor as the game ended but he and Musburger kept all hunting dialogue out of their night’s work. I give the duo an A- for the game.

“I’ve never heard an arena this loud! I’m Brent Musburger.”
Brent Musburger, ESPN
GH: The Phog is loud, but is it that much louder than Bramlage? Or the old Hearne Center? Or Cameron Indoor? Pretty impressive comment from a guy who has experienced his share of din domes.

“For those of you who have never been to a game here, this is a very, very tough place to play. …This is a real tough building to get out of a shooting slump.”
Gary Link, as the Tigers fell behind even further in the second half, Tiger Radio Network

“To show the strength of this Kansas team, here’s a guard (Sherron Collins) who is as good an any in the country and he’s had a very poor game and Kansas is leading a really good team by 27 points.”
Bob Knight, ESPN
GH: Gulp. If you’re not a Kansas fan, that stat should bother you quite a bit.

“The league’s not a great league if Kansas keeps winning every year.”
Jon Sundvold, 810 AM
GH: The rest of the Big 12 will be rooting for Kansas State on Saturday night to tighten up this conference race. A KU win over the Cats will give the Jayhawks the inside track to their sixth consecutive Big 12 title. That is simply an amazing accomplishment.

“After the civil war, hostilities quieted down considerably.”
Brent Musburger, ESPN
GH: Someone please send Brent a copy of Metro Sports’ sensational documentary Border War: The Rivalry Between Kansas & Missouri. I’m not sure things have quieted down all that much.

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Favre loses to Saints; Sean's Salisbury steak

Posted 1-25-10

“Even if I knew, and I probably do know right now, I wouldn’t say.”
Brett Favre, when asked if he would be returning for his 20th NFL season, Fox

“This is probably (Favre’s) last year. In my opinion, the best I’ve ever seen.”
Terry Bradshaw, Fox

"Favre's last pass as a Packer, Jet, and Viking all interceptions. ... Tough ends to an all-time-great career.
Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL insider, Twitter
GH: I considered Favre’s vacillating last spring and summer to be a joke. He proved me very wrong. He made some throws the past two weeks that rank with the best in his career. He is not my favorite QB but he is one I always made sure I made time to watch. The hits he took on his 40-year-old body in New Orleans made us all wince in our living rooms. If he is done, (and that is a huge if when Favre is involved) we all were lucky to have had the opportunity to watch him play.

“At this point (with Favre getting his ankle taped), you wonder if he can even come back. But here he comes, like John Wayne on the Ponderosa!”
Chris Berman, while doing highlights of the Vikes/Saints game, ESPN
GH: When did John Wayne visit Hoss and Little Joe on the Ponderosa? Some think Berman’s shtick has grown tiresome. I still think he’s fun to watch. He is the lone reason to tune into ESPN’s talent-deficient NFL pregame show. Mike Ditka, Cris Carter, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn are a snooze.

“Why do you like smacking guys on the butt?”
Pam Oliver, in a pregame interview with Brett Favre, Fox
GH: Pam likes to act like she is one of the guys. Women who want to be one of the guys are about as attractive as guys who want to be one of the girls.

“Jason Whitlock: Why I’m rooting for Brett Favre today.”
Text Crawl on the Fox NFL pregame show
GH: Whitlock has worn out his welcome at a number of media jobs but he always seems to be able to survive and advance in his career. To see his byline for his foxsports.com column stream across the bottom of my TV set prior to the NFC title game was just another reminder. Say what you will about the man, when it comes to professional success, he rarely goes backward.

“Joe Buck...it's okay to get excited. Really. It is.”
ArrowheadPride, Twitter
GH: Buck always sounds and looks like he is too good for whatever event he is broadcasting. His act is one I have often witnessed in press boxes – jaded sports journalists afraid to show interest in the event for fear their peers will think they are (gasp) fans!

“12 men in the huddle! You gotta be kidding me!”
Chris Berman, a penalty on the Vikes that moved them out of range for an attempt at the game-winning field goal in regulation, ESPN
GH: We hear how coaches spend 18-hour days preparing their teams and break down video for every conceivable scenario. Then in the NFC title game with the Vikings driving for a game-winning field goal, they mistakenly have 12 men in their huddle to move them out of range and eventually out of the Super Bowl. Unforgivable.

“What did it feel like on the sideline when they went out to kick that extra point?”
 Rachel Nichols, ESPN reporter, in an on-field postgame interview with Reggie Bush, ESPN
GH: Nichols gets a lot of love from the media for her reporting skills. When she referred to Garrett Hartley’s game-winning field goal as an extra point – and never corrected herself, she dropped a few notches in my book.

“I think it may be the single most crazy thing to ever happen in New Orleans. Hopefully, they won’t destroy this place.”
Reggie Bush, when asked what the Super Bowl will mean to the city of New Orleans, ESPN
GH: Reggie may want to check his “Craziest Things To Happen In New Orleans” book before repeating that statement. I still cannot watch a game played at the Super Dome and not think of those feces-filled toilets during Katrina.

“That was the longest damn video game commercial I've ever seen.”
Aaron Barnhart, KC Star TV critic, on the marathon TV commercial that ran near the overtime break, Twitter
GH: The game advertised was Mass Effect 2. It looks like it has everything from lizard astronauts to camel-toed machine-gun-toting damsels. I am hoping for a flood of new and improved TV commercials for the Super Bowl.

“You can feel the air go out of the Octagon of Doom. It’s Doomsday here for the Wildcats.”
Dave Armstrong, as the final seconds expired on K-State’s home loss to OSU, 38 the Spot

“The Wildcats had visions of a Big 12 title dancing through their heads after that Texas win. Well, that dream will be hanging by a thread if they lose at Baylor on Tuesday.”
Lance Veeser, after Kansas State was upset at home by Oklahoma State on Saturday, KSHB 41
GH: The loss at home to OSU is a machete to the hopes of Frank Martin’s Wildcats. While the trip to Baylor on Tuesday and a home date with Kansas on Saturday look daunting, two wins this week would completely restore the Wildcats’ swagger and title hopes.

“Jacob Pullen may be the most complete player in the country.”
Rich Zvosec, TV analyst, on the K-State guard, 38 the Spot
GH: Pullen is 4 for 30 from the field his last two games. He missed his open, game-tying layup attempt against OSU. Pullen needs to take this team on a two-game win streak and prove he’s as good as Coach Z thinks.

“(Rodney McGruder) has gotten so popular here he’s got his own big head here in the student section.”
Dave Armstrong, TV play-by-play voice, 38 the Spot
GH: The big heads in the K-State student section are disappointing. It’s such a rip-off of an Allen Fieldhouse tradition that I wonder if the KSU students will soon be ending games singing “Rock Chalk Wildcat.” I felt the same when I noticed Nebraska fans the past few years waving the wheat after a TD. Imitation is only flattering to the originator.

“I’m cautious. I’m excited, I really am. I’m cautiously excited this year because of the excitement I had at this point in time last year.”
Trey Hillman, when asked by Jack Harry if he was excited about this season’s prospects, KSHB TV 41
GH: Even the Royals manager refuses to get too excited over his warmed-over Royals. 2012 can’t get here soon enough.

“Responding to the need for toiletry items in Haiti, Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke and his wife, Emily, went shopping Thursday at Sam’s Club.”
Kansas City Star, photo caption, showing Zack and Emily shopping
GH: I am happy so many sports figures and entertainers are assisting with aid to Haiti. I would be more impressed if Greinke was doing it without shopping while wearing his Royals game jersey and having a KC Star photographer at his side.

“How much money is a Jackson County or Kansas City business losing to Johnson County for the Royals FanFest? Would the St. Louis Cardinals hold theirs in Collinsville or East St. Louis, Illinois? What a slap it has to be to our taxpayers these years for it to be held in Overland Park.”
Patrick Gettino, Kansas City Star Letters section
GH: When a great number of your fan base and ticket purchasers live in Johnson County, it makes a lot of sense to hold your FanFest near the fans who populate your stadium. How many fans would have shown up if the event were held at Jackson County’s living-on-fumes Jazz District? Will the last business standing at 18th & Vine please turn out the expensive street lamps?

“I haven’t addressed it because it is so absurd and such a bald-face lie… It never happened.”
Sean Salisbury, former ESPN analyst, when initially confronted by Deadspin.com in August 2008 about the rumor he photographed his genitals and showed the photo to others, USA Today

“I was ashamed and I didn’t want to say anything. I thought it would go away and I let my ego get in the way.”
Sean Salisbury, after finally telling the truth about taking cell phone photos, USA Today
GH: Apparently, Sean is quite proud of his Salisbury steak.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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The Royals spring an Ankiel on us

Posted 1-22-10

“I’ve had time to settle down, take a breath but I’m still fired up about this Rick Ankiel signing by the Kansas City Royals. It’s a bad sign. This is a bad sign by the Kansas City Royals. I don’t understand it.”
Bob Fescoe, who covered the oft-injured outfielder and the Cardinals the last few seasons in St. Louis, 610 AM
GH: Do the Royals really need to add this fragile mind and body player on their 2010 roster? No, but if they ever need someone to pitch in the late innings to pick off a popcorn vendor, Akiel’s the guy.

“The Royals have been a glorified minor league team for years. As Ankiel joins a lineup with Scott Podsednik, Jason Kendall and Jose Guillen, the Royales With Cheese have been upgraded to a glorified expansion team.”
Reader eldonado, St. Louis Post Dispatch
GH: I checked out what the St. Louis newspaper had to say about losing Ankiel and it wasn’t like they were sending us Albert Pujols back. Read on for some other Post reader comments.

“Bye, bye headcase! Hope they have some good mental health professionals in K.C.”
Reader Freud, St. Louis Post Dispatch

“That’s too bad. I was hoping McGwire would have some good recommendations on growth hormones for Ankiel.”
Reader Meathead, St. Louis Post Dispatch

“This (Royals) team doesn’t look like it’s going to have much offense on it at all. Let’s just be honest about it.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Guess we’ll have to wait for JoPo’s annual Royals-will-win-the-pennant column for some dishonest Royals takes.

“I’d rather (the Royals) saved the money so they could get an impact player at some time.”
Nick Wright, on the Royals signing of Rick Ankiel, 610 AM
GH: I like this idea. The Blue can lose 97 games with the guys they have down on the farm. Why not save up for signing Vlad Guerrero (six years ago) or another stud that can routinely park baseball in the Little K?

“Maybe I’m stupid, but I’m an optimist. I can’t wait for next (Chiefs) season with Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel in place.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: The off-season is a good time to be stupid and optimistic. It sure beats dwelling on reality. Hell, Go Royals!

“Here’s my problem with the Chiefs’ secrecy. Are they wasting time and energy on crap that doesn’t matter? I question if they spend too much time with their boatload of secrecy.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: I can understand why the Patriots organization might be paranoid but does Pioli really think the Chiefs are a target for covert espionage?

“No, I called him and I said, ‘Brett, give me a freakin’ box of Wranglers!’ ”
Jared Allen, when asked if Brett Favre gave him the box of Wrangler jeans he said he owns, 810 AM

“Roadhouse is probably one of the best movies ever, ever made. I’m crazy for Swayze and I’m not afraid to admit it.”
Jared Allen, who says he watches the 1989 movie, Roadhouse, to get jacked up for big games, 810 AM
GH: I would have thought Boz’s Stone Cold would be more in line with Allen’s taste.

“I wanted to work in as many genres as I could.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, on his latest film role as the tooth fairy, ESPN Radio
GH: The Rock, a former University of Miami football player, picks the Vikings and Colts in this week’s playoff games. I’ll be watching the games rather than his new movie – which looks even worse than his last couple of kid flicks.

“The popular ESPN sports talk show with Mike Golic kicked off with an uncomfortable mistake coming out of a commercial break. (Mike) Greenberg seems to say ‘Martin Luther Coon, Jr.’ before quickly correcting to ‘King, Jr.’ The reaction has been everything from ‘racist!’ to ‘tongue-tied.’ ”
Craig Newman, Chicago Sun Times
GH: Greenberg’s slip up can be seen and heard on Youtube or at this link. Live radio is an unforgiving medium. Greenberg definitely says “coon” but it is just as obvious that he misspeaks. His explanation is below.

“I just came home from the Knicks game and found out about the mess that was created by my garbling a sentence on our show this morning; I apologize for not addressing it sooner. And I’m sorry that my talking too fast – and slurring my words – might have given people who don’t know our show the wrong impression about us, and about me. I feel horrible about that, because nothing could be further away from who I am and what our show is about. I would never say anything like that, not in public, or in private, or in the silence of my own mind, and neither would anyone associated with our show, and I’m very sorry that my stumble this morning gave so many people the opposite impression.”
Mike Greenberg, in an issued public statement
GH: In “the silence of our own minds,” lurks probably many disturbing words and thoughts – made all the more disturbing when uttered publicly. Of course Jason Whitlock wants Greenberg punished because Whit has a problem with everyone who still draws a paycheck from ESPN. Read on.

“It's mind blowing that ESPN's Mike Greenberg could accidently say ‘Martin Luther Coon’ on national radio and TV on Martin Luther King's national holiday and ESPN take no punitive action. I don't have any doubt that Greenberg regrets his mistake. I don't think his error necessarily paints Greenberg as a bigot. I don't think Greenberg should lose his job. But he should be required to do more than offer up a weak written apology. A short, paid suspension was warranted. My tongue slips all the time. It's hard for me to fathom the King to Coon slip. King to Queen, King to Ding, King to Bling and King to Ring I totally get. King to Coon is off the table. Greenberg has no discernible talent as a radio talk show host. ESPN pays him to say nothing and keep the ‘Mike and Mike’ brand as non-controversial as humanly possible. He screwed up.”
Jason Whitlock, FoxSports.com

“Now I think it’s time for Cole Aldrich to go to the next level. He’s a pre-season All-American who has not played that way. He’s a big old strappin’ dude now and I think if Kansas is going to be a legitimate Final Four contender, he’s gotta start playing tougher, he needs to go to the free throw stripe and be that double-double guy he’s capable of.
Jimmy Dykes, studio analyst, ESPN2
GH: I saw the emotional and tearful interview on local TV with Aldrich following the Baylor game where he discusses the death of his grandmother. I get the feeling now that his grandmother has passed and he is feeling healthy again, the big old strappin’ dude from Bloomington is going to put on one heckuva show the next three months.

“I’ve never seen a guy in college or the pros (Sherron Collins’) size, be able to finish not just with his strong hand but also with his off hand.”
Bud Stallworth, former KU player, 610 AM
GH: Not since Danny Manning has KU had a player who can simply will his team to victory with his talent and heart. Collins is a very special talent whose legend continues to grow.

Big 12 basketball TV games on Saturday, Jan. 23rd
1:00 PM (CT) Kansas @ Iowa State / ESPN / 610 AM
3:00 PM (CT) Oklahoma St. @ K-State / 38 the Spot / 810 AM
5:00 PM (CT) Nebraska @ Mizzou / MetroSports / 980 AM
NFL Playoffs Sunday, Jan. 24th
2:00 PM (CT) Jets @ Colts
5:40 PM (CT) Vikes @ Saints

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Bad blood between Baylor, KU?

Posted 1-21-10

“This is a conference that is automatically going to have six teams in the NCAA Tournament --  they could have eight! You talk about Kansas State, Baylor, these are teams that can go far in March, not just get into the tournament and win one or two games. They’ve got four teams in this conference that have a chance to go to the Final Four. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
Hubert Davis, ESPN2
GH: Hubert was a vast improvement over Bob Knight, the Big 12’s Big Monday analyst for ESPN. But is Baylor a legit Final Four squad? They sure looked the part in Lawrence on Wednesday night.

“Collins for three…good! You talk about big-time shots! That would qualify!”
Bob Davis, on Sherron Collins’ late three-pointer in front of the KU bench, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: The ESPN2 replay showed the Kansas bench as Bill Self and his staff watched Collins unleash his deep three. Self’s facial expression hinted that he didn’t think Collins’ shot was true – until it ripped the cords and the KU coach then exploded with the rest of the Jayhawk bench. Great camera work.

“Scott Drew pointing down there at Bill (Self), yelling at him. This is just great! Take your team out in the hallway again! That’s great. Well, we’ll see what happens now.”
Chris Piper, KU radio analyst, deriding the Baylor coach for pointing and yelling at Self, after Self complained about a late foul called on Tyshawn Taylor, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Piper was hot about Drew pointing at Self and his voice dripped with sarcasm. Drew had taken his team off the court and into the hallway during KU’s very loud and very intimidating videoboard pregame show. I watched the postgame handshake closely and Drew never looked at Self until Self grabbed Drew’s arm and spoke briefly to him. It did not look to me like Drew was any happier after their conversation.

“These Kansas Jayhawks are still a work in progress. Coach Self still doesn’t have eight guys solidified who are going to play every night.”
Hubert Davis, ESPN2
GH: The Jayhawks are 17-1 but the season to this point feels a lot less dominant than that. But we have seen some great battles at the Fieldhouse this season. Baylor looked every bit as good as KU, as did Cornell. All the more impressive that Kansas’ 53-game home win streak continues to grow.

“Does anybody else get the feeling listening to Bob Davis this year that he’s been out having beers with his buddies and they’re telling him, ‘You gotta come up with a catch phrase.’ I always thought it was ‘Swiiiiish!’ but now it’s. ‘Thunderdunk!’ ”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: I’m guessing if Davis is taking suggestions from his beer-drinking buddies it is how to stay awake after 9:00 pm. Davis still injects great enthusiasm into his radio broadcasts but I tire of his whining. Sometime the other guys are just pretty damn good.

“I’ve been at a 165 venues for college basketball. One of the biggest holes was Allen Fieldhouse. Finally, I just said I have to make it happen”
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe sports writer, on why he and his wife chose to travel to Lawrence as a fan Wednesday night, Jayhawk Radio Network

“Nothing’s jumping out at me. The Big 12 is an area I haven’t been. Back east is the preponderance.”
Bob Ryan, when asked by Bob Davis to name the other Big 12 arenas he has visited, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Flyover country strikes again. 165 college visits and not one to a Big 12 school? And you’re a 64-year-old sportswriter/broadcaster? Now you know where that east-coast bias label comes from.

“Norm Stewart, who shattered all of the University of Missouri's individual scoring records in basketball, added a no-hit baseball victory to his laurels this afternoon. Only four Razorbacks reached first as the tall blond Shelbyville, Mo., hurler set the University of Arkansas down, 2 to 0, in the first game of a 2-game series.
Kansas City Star, Columbia, Mo. April 13, 1956, from Todd Donoho’s column in the Official Sports Report from University of Missouri
GH: My favorite story from Norm’s college days is the one where he pitched in the College World Series one year in Omaha. His parents, who were listening to the game on the radio back home in Shelbyville, were surprised to hear their son enter the game. “I guess Norm must have gone out for baseball this year,” his dad remarked to Norm’s mom.

“I think if that (the win over Texas) is Kansas State’s greatest moment of the year, it’s an absolute shame.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“If you were loyal at K-State, you would have kept ‘The Neck Brace’ around.”
Bob Fescoe, to a K-State caller who chastised Fescoe for saying Frank Martin needed to at least explore other coaching opportunities because of the way KU quickly got rid of Mark Mangino, a once popular coach, 610 AM

“What it’s really about is trust and a partnership. I know Frank trusts me and I trust Frank. …I fully expect that it will get done. I trust and I think Frank trusts that we’ll both get it done. I trust in what he’s told me and I think he trusts in what I told him. And we’ll get it done.”
John Currie, 810 AM
GH: Lot of talk about trust here. It will be interesting to see how long is the shelf life of that fickle intangible element that often torpedoes human relationships – not to mention college coaching contracts.

“John Currie is playing with fire here is what he’s doing. The amount that has been offered is insulting, it’s embarrassing, it is a joke. This is completely embarrassing that this is even an issue. …Granted they are coming off a two or three-year period where they stole money from people who gave money.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“Can I still dunk? Are you stupid?”
Michael Jordan, to Jay Leno, NBC
“I hope we’re open July 2011. Having a home of our own where we can present the game the way it’s supposed to be presented is going to be very different for us.”
Rob Heineman, president of the Wizards, on breaking ground Wednesday for their new 18K-seat soccer-only stadium at the Village West complex in KCK, 980 AM
GH: Good for the Wizards. I covered the franchise’s first home game at Arrowhead and it has been painfully obvious ever since that they need a true soccer-only stadium to really grow their brand in the Kansas City market. I expect that little stadium to be one helluva party place during the next decade.

“Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: I think the Chiefs could use help at safety as well, but (Eric) Berry likely won't fall this far, and they'd be reaching on either of the two other safeties with first-round grades. Okung could solve two problems, making him a good value -- he could step in at LT and allow the Chiefs to move Brandon Albert to the right side. A pick that can pay immediate dividends for the Chiefs.”
Mel Kiper, Jr., in his first mock draft for 2010, ESPN.com

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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K-State could win this league

Posted 1-20-10

“I’m gonna quit questioning Kansas State’s legitimacy. This is a very good team. This team has a lot of pieces.”
Jason King, college beat writer, YahooSports.com

“Anybody can win this Big 12. And we want to put ourselves in front and let people know we can win this conference.”
Jacob Pullen, Fox 4

“You know, you can’t factor Kansas State out of this Big 12 race.”
Nate Bukaty, after the Wildcats win over Texas, 810 AM
GH: Most Big 12 teams have played only three or their 16 conference games. There is a lot of basketball left to be played but I like K-State’s chances to contend not only for the conference title but a top-5 ranking through Selection Sunday.  Except for the two games against Kansas, K-State’s remaining schedule looks doable. Their games at Baylor (1/26) and Iowa State (2/06) will determine if they remain in the top 10.

“I think Denie Clemente is an NBA player.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, when asked by a caller if K-State has any future NBA players on their current roster, 610 AM
GH: Neither Clemente nor Jacob Pullen will ever pull down an NBA salary. Texas’ taller athletic guards made that painfully obvious. I think both are very talented college players though, who could lead K-State to a conference title and beyond this season. Cornell didn’t have a lot of NBA talent and they almost killed the Hawks home-court win streak.

“To me, it bordered on dominance. Everybody talks about Texas’ and Kansas’ depth, but K-State showed they’ve got a little depth as well.”
Rich Zvosec, former UMKC coach and current college basketball analyst, on how K-State handled Texas, 610 AM
GH: There were spurts in both halves where K-State looked like they might blow Texas out. The Cats’ style might not be pretty but they exhaust people with their physical play. Texas looked out of shape and their will to win diminished as the game lengthened.

“I don’t know if there is a better home-court advantage than Bramlage. Those fans are vicious! There is a lot of venom being spewed.”
Jason King, YahooSports.com
GH: We will get some arguments here from other Big 12 fans on this one, but as The Star’s former KU beat writer, King’s been to every other conference town for many heated games. His opinion carries some weight. I would rank the home court advantage at Iowa State and Okie State as equally formidable. While I love the pregame hype and tradition inside The Phog, there is very little viciousness emanating from the stands. It is the tradeoff for greatness. True passion comes from being the underdog, a role foreign to Bill Self’s perennial championship teams in Lawrence.

“They’ve won 51 in a row. It’s almost like going to a Broadway performance.”
Danny Clinkscale, on the expectations that Kansas fans bring to Allen Fieldhouse, 810 AM
GH: Great quote from Clinkscale. Our expectations of Kansas is such that the outcome is rarely questioned. We simply go to the Fieldhouse or watch on television to evaluate the performance and determine if all the players were in good singing voice.

“There’s one thing K-State fans did not do last night (run on the court following the win over Texas). And if you were at the game you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. K-State fans, you should have rushed the court. There is no downside to it. You want to know what’s overrated? You want to be perceived as an elite program. There is no value to it. The moment has value. Can someone tell me one reason to not storm the court? Class is overrated when you’re talking about a group or a big group of people -- who cares?
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Storming the court is fun for huge underdogs or when KSU broke the Jayhawk jinx at Bramlage two seasons ago. Kansas State was neither against Texas. Perception is everything in a sport where you depend on people voting for your program to determine your ranking and eventual seed in the NCAA Tourney. Leave the court storming to those teams who expect little from their season. 

“It’s flattering! They knew we was gonna win, so they didn’t have to rush the floor.”
Curtis Kelly, K-State post player, 810 AM

“Thank goodness they didn’t rush the floor, Bobby Knight might have tackled somebody.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

Jack Harry: “I still can’t get over the effort by (K-State’s) Jamar Samuels. … Where in the world did he come from?” (Immediate cut to video of Samuels)
Jamar Samuels: “My mom…”
GH: I don’t know if Jack does his own video editing, but this one made me chuckle.

“Who wouldn’t want to come here?”
Chan Gailey, in his first press conference as the Buffalo Bills coach, KSHB 41
GH: How about everybody else they asked? What an odd hire. Was Gunther next on the list?

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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KK Currie and Frank Martin's salary

Posted 1-20-10

“Word has leaked out that Frank Martin’s contract negotiations are not going well with John Currie. …This coach needs to be taken care of and this needs to get done before the end of the season. This needs to become a non-issue in Manhattan.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman made a passionate, spirited and at times threatening plea on his Tuesday show for John Currie, K-State’s athletic director, to quickly renegotiate Martin’s contract and the contracts of two of his assistants. Read on.

“The people in Manhattan tell me that Frank Martin, while he won’t comment publicly about this and neither will John Currie, wants a relatively modest raise. He would be very happy making just a million dollars a year or slightly more. I am also told that John Currie has insulted (Frank Martin) with an offer. Flat-out insulted him! I don’t have the exact figure but I’ve got to believe it’s right around $100,000 raise – from $750K to $850K.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: When I heard KK’s amount of a $500,000 raise being enough to make Martin happy, I immediately questioned his sources. Martin’s win over Texas Monday night was worth twice that. And if Martin’s Cats can fashion a 25-win season and/or an Elite 8 run, his happy number is going to be closer to $1.5 to $2 million. Sound high? I’ll bet UConn won’t think so. Read on.

“It is my recommendation that Coach (Jim) Calhoun take a medical leave from his coaching position to address some temporary medical issues, none of which involve any previous medical conditions that he has dealt with.”
Peter Schulman, the doctor for the 67-year-old UConn head basketball coach, Foxsports.com
GH: Calhoun’s age and health are such that these “temporary” issues may very well end his coaching career. Would Martin and his pinstripe suits fit in at UConn? Would Snooki feel at home in a tanning bed?  

“John Currie sees it as his mission at Kansas State to ride in on a white horse and clean up all the overspending that’s taken place with Bob Krause and John Wefald. … ‘You hired me to do a job. You hired me to keep a budget and I don’t value these coaches. We can go get another coach and we can pay him $600,000.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Hey, I’m for KSU doing whatever they can to keep the most entertaining basketball coach this conference has seen since Billy Tubbs. But Kietzman went a bit crazy here. He started manufacturing fictitious comments from Currie that had no substance and smacked of character assassination. It got worse. Read on. 

“Now, if John Currie is thinking like that, and I am told by people really in the know here, pretty close to this program, if John Currie is thinking like that he’s not going to make it very long as the athletic director ANYWHERE!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: This sounded a lot like a threat to me. It wasn’t the only threat KK leveled at K-State’s first-year AD.  Read on.

“If that’s what he believes, that is a sign of a guy that sounds like to me that, ‘Okay, I’m an AD and I’m a little bit jealous of these coaches who make more than I do.’ That’s what that sounds like to me.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman offered absolutely no evidence of this accusation probably because he doesn’t have any. This doesn’t even make sense. What college AD expects to make more than their successful football or basketball coaches?

“I don’t think John Currie understands how K-State fans feel about this particular coach. This guy stayed the course (after Huggins left), built the program and gave them a high (Monday) night. John Currie apparently doesn’t understand that. John Currie loses this battle, I can promise you that. If Kansas State fans have to make a choice, John Currie will be kicked in the fanny so fast he won’t know what hit him!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: If Currie truly is attempting to butt heads with Frank Martin over $100,000, he is every bit the idiot that Kietzman paints him to be. But Kietzman is a master at distorting an issue in his favor to improve his angle on a story. It is my opinion that Currie will have his hands full trying to keep Martin after this season simply because leaving is what successful coaches do once they outgrow their school’s budget.

“There’s now a big message board campaign going on at gopowercat.com. This stuff is everywhere. Everybody’s talking about Frank Martin’s contract. …A lot of people out there really believe John Currie doesn’t care! How could John Currie come into his first year (as KSU’s AD) and nickel and dime Frank Martin?”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman then gave out Currie’s email address and spelled Currie’s surname so that listeners would be sure to get his email address correct. KK believes Currie is the problem here and he is doing everything he can to make sure the public despises the rookie AD. I think it would make more sense for KK and the Purple Nation to rally around Currie and Martin instead of picking sides.

“I got that (email address) from the Internet. I’m not looking to stir something up.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Absolutely classic Kietzman. Spend 20 minutes ripping Currie apart and painting him as a villain more evil than Avatar’s Colonel Quaritch (loved that dude’s fleshy cornrows!), and then feign total innocence by declaring he’s, “not looking to stir something up.” I might need to start sending Kietzman OTC royalties.

Greghall24@yahoo.com  and Twitter / greghall24

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Even Musburger and Knight couldn't ruin this night for K-State

Posted 1-19-10

“The basketball wasn’t great but it was a gutty performance.”
Bob Knight, following K-State’s historic 72-61 win over top-ranked Texas, ESPN
GH: Kansas State gets their greatest win in Frank Martin’s career as a head coach as they continue to rocket toward the top five in the country and Knight says, “The basketball wasn’t great.” Does Knight even know what great basketball looks like anymore? He sure hasn’t coached it in well over a decade.

“Holly Rowe, what is an electrolyte jelly bean?”
Brent Musburger, with about three minutes to go in the biggest game in the history of Bramlage, ESPN
GH: This might have been the worst broadcasting job by a veteran ESPN broadcasting team in the history of Big Monday Big 12 basketball. Musburger, Bob Knight and Rowe were simply not prepared to do their job on this night. Their continued nonchalance toward the action on the court between two top-ten teams was embarrassing for the two schools, ESPN and broadcasting in general. Read on.

“Look at these scuff marks! This is a fired up coach!”
Holly Rowe, as the ESPN camera zoomed in on the black marks Frank Martin was leaving on the court late in the game, ESPN
GH: Holly Rowe needs to be sent to ESPN Romania to cover arm wrestling or anywhere far enough away that we never need to see her shiny face again on any college court. She adds nothing, nada, zilch to any broadcast. Go hire Denise from the Taco Bell commercials in her place (and tell her to bring her coworker with her). BTW, what Taco Bell has even one counter person that looks like they’re even the same gender as Denise and her friend? How about a little truth in advertising, TB?

“How was the pheasant hunting in Kansas yesterday?
Brent Musburger to Knight with 49 seconds remaining in the game, ESPN
GH: I was hoping Knight still had a couple of rounds left for Musburger. These two carry on as if they’ve seen a thousand games, which they have, and could care less about the one they are being paid to broadcast. If they are that bored with college basketball, get out of the way and let a young, hungry talent make a name for himself.

“Let’s not overlook your son’s Red Raiders. A couple of wins and they’ll be right back in the thick of things.”
Brent Musburger to Knight with 39 seconds remaining, ESPN
GH: Musburger verbally bows to Knight so often I sometimes wonder if he’s auditioning for a spot as a sidekick on Soren Petro’s show.

“That’s the best pass Kansas State has had in the second half.”
Bob Knight, ESPN
GH: No problem with this comment except that Knight made it about four or five times.

“Except for the big kid that came in at the end of the, uh, the beginning of the first half that got the three buckets right away. Uh, Chapman.”
Bob Knight, who apparently was fed Chapman’s name by the truck, ESPN

“I would not be shouting, ‘We own Texas!’ with trips ahead to Austin and Kansas City.”
Brent Musburger, as the K-State crowd serenaded the Longhorns with time winding down, ESPN
GH: Musburger was completely unaware that the Big 12 basketball teams do not play a complete home/away series with all their conference foes. He did not misspeak. Read on.

“Kansas State does not go to Austin this year, if I read this schedule correctly.”
Brent Musburger, after the game ended, ESPN
GH: Any broadcaster, hell, any Big 12 fan, knows that the teams in the North only play the teams in the South once during the regular season. If Musburger is sitting in Manhattan watching Texas play, he doesn’t need to check the schedule to see if they Wildcats will be traveling to Austin. If a broadcasting team could be suspended for incompetence, this duo should be at the top of ESPN’s list.

“I’d love to see in a college game where the fans, instead of degrading an opponent, (saying) ‘Overrated! Overrated!’ Thank their own team and say, ‘Thank you! Thank you! Well done! Well done!’ ”
Bob Knight, ESPN
GH: This from one of the poorest sports to ever walk onto a basketball court…and toss a chair. Bob, do us all a favor and disappear off of our television sets. Please, go haunt the Big 10 Television Network. We’ll take Jon Sundvold as your replacement and not miss one hunting story.

“When you look at K-State, why I’m so high on this team is that this year they have the ability to score points in the paint.”
Hubert Davis, studio analyst, ESPN
GH: K-State scored 30 of their first 33 points in the paint. Wow.

“We’re told they started lining up as early as 4:30 this morning.”
Wyatt Thompson, on the raucous crowd inside Bramlage, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: It was difficult to hear Thompson and Stan Weber on the radio over the din of the Bramlage crowd. What a night for the Purple People.

“This is the first time in the history of Bramlage Coliseum that you’ve got two top-ten teams going at it!”
Stan Weber, prior to tipoff of the Texas/K-State game, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: Unfortunately, the two ESPN broadcasters treated the game like it was background noise for their trip to Cabela’s.

“You’re Rick Barnes, what do you do to get your rascals back in the thick of things here?”
Brent Musburger, to Bob Knight as the second half began, ESPN
GH: Rascals? Was Musburger channeling Spanky and Buckwheat? I’m all for old guys getting TV work but not lazy old guys.

“Texas having a nightmare tonight from the free throw line. The nightmare in Manhattan continues!”
Brent Musburger, ESPN
GH: Texas isn’t going to make the Sweet 16 shooting free throws 9-22 from the line. Pathetic.

“Clemente is over there calming coach down.”
Brent Musburger, as the KSU guard attempted to sooth the glaring beast, ESPN

“Look at Coach (Martin). He gets those crazy eyes going and he’s terrifying to look at!”
Scott Van Pelt, studio anchor, ESPN

“Motherfucker!”
Frank Martin, one of multiple M-fers and F-ers screamed by Martin while play was stopped with 17 seconds remaining in the game, ESPN
GH: Martin is about to become a HUGE college coaching star via ESPN. He is made-for-TV special when it comes to people noticing him and the camera lens loving him. Unfortunately, I think this is his last season in Manhattan. He is about to become the hottest college basketball coaching prospect in the country.

“Fear the beards.”
Sign in stands at Bramlage, ESPN
GH: A warning about the female populi in Manhattan?

“The Billy Goat beard.”
Scott Van Pelt, studio anchor, on the Jacob Pullen beards that populated the Bramlage crowd, ESPN
GH: Is it an Abe Lincoln beard, a Billy Goat beard or just a Pullen?

“Some grown up men playing in that game it looked like.”
Stuart Scott, ESPN
GH: Pullen looks like he might be a shade younger than Musburger. Talk about looking old, that shot of 70-year-old Coach Bill Snyder in the stands could not have helped his recruiting efforts.

“I heard somebody on TV call this building The Octagon of Doom!”
Frank Martin, reveling in the postgame celebration inside Bramlage, Wildcat Radio Network

“All I do is point.”
Frank Martin, downplaying his importance on the KSU bench, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: And glare. Do not forget that signature glare. Congrats on one hellva big win for the Wildcats.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Chargers make another quick exit; Should Jets be Chiefs' model?

Posted 1-18-10

“There is no need to ask how this happened. We’d seen it before. But we were told we wouldn’t see it again. Can we ever be expected to believe in the Chargers in the playoffs?”
Kevin Acee, writer, after the Chargers dropped their third home playoff game since 2005, San Diego Union-Tribune
GH: It has been almost too long since Chiefs fans experienced the same redundant pain that envelops the Chargers Nation today. The memory of it has begun to fade for many of us. Enough remains though, that I feel a pang of sorrow for those Bolts fans.

“To lay an egg in this game — words can’t describe how I feel, how the team feels at this point. It’s heartbreaking. It’s so uncharacteristic I couldn’t even believe it was happening at the time. … It’s an opportunity blown. They don’t come around often.”
Antonio Gates, Chargers tight end, on the 17-14 loss to the Jets, San Diego Union-Tribune
GH: The finality of defeat in the NFL playoffs is unlike any other tournament – except those festive matches the Romans staged in the Coliseum.

“The matchup that probably nobody wanted but too bad! Here we come.”
Rex Ryan, ESPN Radio
GH: Ryan is a rookie head coach with a rookie starting quarterback. His team looked to be out of the playoffs in December and are now preparing for the AFC Championship game. The heat on Scott Todd’s “process” just got turned up to jungle hot.

“It’s going to be a tough few months, but if you relish the good part, you‘ve gotta work through the bad as well. It’ll be tough. I’ll let this rest, then pick up the pieces.”
Nate Kaeding, Chargers placekicker who missed all three of his field goal attempts, San Diego Union-Tribune
GH: The former Iowa kicker is the most accurate kicker in NFL history. He will be at the Pro Bowl next month after converting 32 of 35 field goal attempts this season. But he will be remembered for decades not as a great kicker but as a choker. Life ain’t fair, especially for a kicker. How an athlete performs during crunch time is really his/her legacy – not the gaudy stats that are built during the season. That is why George Brett will always be known as one of the greatest athletes to ever compete.

“It’s the playoffs. Anything can happen.”
Rex Ryan, on Kaeding missing three field goals, ESPN Radio
GH: I am now rooting for Ryan. Yeah, I know it’s a New York team and we’re all supposed to despise the NYC teams but I like the way he carries himself and refuses to back down, despite the odds. The Colts have to love this draw at home, though. But Vegas has the Colts at only a 7-point favorite. Are we looking at Joe Willie II?

"We grew a little bit weary of hearing that hype all week long about the Dallas Cowboys [being] the hottest team in the playoffs. I mean, our guys had it like right up to here by about Tuesday. So all I asked them to do is just choke it back, guys, choke it back. We'll do our talking on the field. They did a great job with that."
Brad Childress, Vikings head coach, after their 34-3 pounding of the Cowboys, Minneapolis Star Tribune
GH: Childress has been catching hell from everywhere and called “classless” for running up the score on Dallas by allowing Favre to toss a late touchdown pass. I don’t think it is possible to run up a score in an NFL playoff game. The Cowboys should be embarrassed for chirping about getting drubbed. 

“I never had any doubt. I don’t know about you guys, but I never had any doubt.”
Zygi Wilf, the Vikings owner, when asked about bringing in Favre this season, Minneapolis Star Tribune
GH: Count me among those who doubted Favre at 40. No more. Now I’m thinking he’ll play until he’s 50. With that defense and his young weapons, he might outlast George Foreman.

“This is what I came back for. This is what this team expected.”
Brett Favre, ESPN Radio
GH: I wonder if the Packer fans are happy for Favre? Doubt it.

“When you get the right people, the right players, the right members of the organization you stick with them. You let them learn one another, pluses and minuses and you work together.”
Zygi Wilf, the Vikings owner, on how sticking to their plan worked for the Vikings organization, Minneapolis Star Tribune
GH: This comment made me think of the Chiefs’ plan. History tells us it makes sense to allow Pioli to venture forward with his vision. Let’s hope he doesn’t need an optometrist.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Posted 1-15-10

“If Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis come here and Scott Pioli is here and the Chiefs are still bad, then they should rename (all the awards) in the NFL after Bill Belichick. The Lombardi trophy, everything! Because it was all him (in New England)!”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM

“I felt bad for the television people.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on the Chiefs decision to have Crennel’s introductory press conference via telephone despite Crennel being in the same building as the media, 610 AM
GH: Weird it the best word I can come up with to describe the Chiefs reasoning for not presenting Romeo to the media in the flesh, especially when he is a simple elevator ride away. Just weird.

“My wife had me twisted up so I didn’t get to watch as much football as I wanted to.”
Romeo Crennel, when how much he saw of the 2009 Chiefs, 610 AM
GH: Hey, they don’t call the guy Romeo for nothing.

“I could still stand to lose a couple of pounds but so could a few of the other coaches on this staff.”
Romeo Crennel, 810 AM
GH: Haley quipped that a few members of the media could use to shed some excess pounds as well.  Maybe the teleconference was held because Scott Todd thought there wouldn’t be room for the hefty coaching staff and the pudgy media in the same room.

“Coming up next we will tell you why Jason Whitlock may have officially lost his mind. …(For Whitlock) to pretend that there is anything negative about what just happened in Kansas City with Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, that’s a tough pill to swallow for me. Jason comes across as a Chiefs hater and that’s not a good thing to be.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM

“I would rather the Chiefs have Todd Haley than Bill Cowher. Because I think Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis are going to be stronger than Cowher and his hand-picked assistants. Another thing is that no coach who has won a Super Bowl has ever won a Super Bowl with another team – and I think that is true for a reason. Trust me, if you hire Bill Cowher he is going to have complete control and I don’t think that’s a good thing.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: I was not the only listener who did a double take when I heard Petro’s preference of Haley over Cowher, who as the Steelers head coach won nine division titles and made it to two Super Bowls, winning one. Haley is 4-12 as a head coach. Read on for Caller Bill’s comment to Soren.

“Soren, I am a fan of yours but I am afraid this comment (that you would rather have Haley instead of Cowher) is going to haunt you.”
Caller Bill, responding to Petro’s above comment, 810 AM
GH: Petro might have the shortest fuse in local radio when it comes to dealing with viewpoints contrary to his own – regardless how controversial his opinion might be. A weakness of Petro’s show is that none of his on-air sidekicks is comfortable challenging him. When a caller does it, Petro is ill-prepared to know how to deal with it professionally. Read on. 

“I make tough decisions! You follow the crowd! That’s the difference!”
Soren Petro, to a disbelieving Caller Bill, 810 AM
GH: This was Petro at his most childish – and we all know Petro can do a pretty damn spot-on imitation of a three-year-old when agitated. This caller pushed Petro over the edge when he said he was truly concerned about Petro’s reputation and credibility being besmirched with this kind of oddball thinking. Petro then shouted Caller Bill down by demeaning his intelligence and refusing to allow him to talk. Petro rambled on about how stupid everyone else is and then went to commercial. When he returned from the break, he allowed Caller Bill back on the air with this comment; “You can’t just ramble on,” said Petro. “You gotta make points! Go! Go!” As Caller Bill attempted to make his point, Petro again cut him off, shouted him down and then eventually hung up on him. What was most entertaining about this call was that Caller Bill was obviously a big fan of Petro and his show. But Petro’s ridiculously large ego, (fed daily by his co-hosts) couldn’t, wouldn’t, or had no idea how to handle an opposing viewpoint live on the air. Petro Rule #37B: When flustered by a caller, shout him/her down and then hang up on them in mid-sentence. Then blast them once you have them off the air. Read on.

“I deal in the real world, not like most people who just ride the popular wave!”
Soren Petro, after hanging up on Caller Bill, 810 AM
GH: Petro has often told his listeners he never reads nor cares about any section of the newspaper that doesn’t deal with sports. Petro thinks the real world revolves around ERA, WHIP, Fantasy Football and where Bill Cowher coaches. As a columnist, I find Petro’s show the most entertaining when he acts like this – which is not an endorsement for the meat of his show.

“The Dallas (Cowboys) could be a huge sleeper in the playoffs or a bust.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Way to make the tough decisions and not follow the crowd, Soren.

“I think the (Big 12) North is every bit as difficult as the South for Kansas to play (as the South will be for Texas).”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Agreed. It looks to me like Ames, Manhattan, Columbia, Boulder and even Lincoln will be the equal of if not more difficult to visit this winter than Lubbock, Stillwater, College Station, Norman and Waco. My early-season prediction on how the Big 12 will finish; Kansas, Texas, K-State, Baylor, Iowa State, OSU, Mizzou, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, A&M, Colorado, Nebraska. Add your predicted finish in the Comments section below.

“(Frank Martin) is so defensive and so thin-skinned and so angry all the time! People like Frank Martin now! No one is out to get him anymore. No one is out to question his ability to coach. I think he’s proven he’s a very good coach. I think he needs to come out with his guard down.”
Jason King, former Kansas beat writer for The Star and currently at YahooSports.com, 610 AM
GH: I like The Glare more than I used to. I sure like how hard his teams play.

“This is the kind of thing that KU has come in here (to Lincoln) and done so often when I’ve seen this (Nebraska) club in red play really well. You’ve been up three or four points, the next thing you know you’re down ten.”
Ron Franklin, as KU quickly stretched their lead to 53-46 with 15:00 remaining in the game Wednesday night, ESPN2
GH: KU might not be as all-together as they should in mid-January but this was a solid road win against a Husker team that was unconscious for a good portion of the game from the three-point circle.

“Boy, they take the air out of you quickly. You don’t have enough time outs when they put the surge on.”
Bill Raftery, as KU quickly widened their second-half lead in Lincoln, ESPN 2

“Well, if Nebraska plays like this against other people they’ll win a lot of games.’
Bob Davis, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: I like Doc Sadler at Nebraska. He will probably never finish with more than eight conference wins, but his team’s play killer defense and he is a great ambassador for the sport and the university. But if he wants to win a conference title, NU is going to have to join the Mo Valley.

“Kansas has to start forcing (their offense) through Cole Aldrich – because if you don’t start doing it now, it will be very hard to turn in on in the tournament. Cole Aldrich is your most important player.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I too would like to see more offense from Aldrich but I’m not so sure it is mandatory for Kansas to have post-season success. Aldrich never takes a night off rebounding or blocking shots. KU has Collins, Henry and Morris to ring up the points. The concerns over Aldrich’s offensive woes may be overplayed.

“I will hold the Kansas Jayhawks to a higher standard than the other local teams because, Kansas Jayhawk fans correct me if I’m wrong but this is not only a Final Four or bust year, this is a National Championship or bust year.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: No team needs that kind of pressure. If KU makes the FF, they’ve had a great year. If they do not, there will be reason to be disappointed.

“Missouri almost seems to be self destructing before our eyes.”
Mike Kelly, as Texas Tech raced back into the game in the final two minutes of regulation to force overtime, Tiger Radio Network

“Mizzou deserves to lose this game.”
Steven St. John, as game went to OT, Twitter

“Great job by Missouri finding a way to win. That’s the key to this game – find a way to win.”
Gary Link, Tiger Radio Network
GH: When on the road, all Mizzou should be concerned with is winning. They are not a great team this season. They play hard and have a few pieces but they will struggle to win eight games in the conference.

“We’re only a few possessions away from actually, you know, being undefeated.”
Mike Anderson, on his Mizzou Tigers 14-3 record, KSHB 41
GH: CMA appears to have a much higher opinion of his Tigers than I. His Tigers are also a few possessions away from six losses. If I were Mike, I’d play Hogan Prep’s Marcus Denmon as much as possible. That dude can score!

“Everybody’s pretty happy, we getting more people in the stands and stuff like that. We just trying to play one game at a time.”
Michael Dixon, Mizzou freshman point guard, KSHB TV 41

“I think the thing that is unfortunate about UMKC is that they are having trouble getting players from Kansas City. You look at players from Kansas City in the Valley and the Summit League playing on other teams.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Is there a sadder local sports saga over the past 20 years than UMKC’s Division 1 basketball team? No titles, no fans and no interest. I think they need to back up, drop from D1, play all their home games on campus at Sweeney and join the MIAA to create some rivalries with NWMS, Mo West, CMSU, etc. Whatever their plan was is not, has not and will not work in this market.  

“What the Royals really need is for Alex Gordon to have a breakout year.”
George Brett, Wildcat Radio Network
GH: This is not a quote from one or even two years ago. Brett appeared on the halftime show of the A&M/KSU basketball game this week and uttered these well-worn words. I am an Alex Gordon fan but I’m not expecting anything from this free-swinging disappointment. Brett also mentioned he is very high on the Royals new catcher, Jason Kendall. Brett said he has heard Kendall won’t stand for losing and will be a leader in the clubhouse. Somebody please keep Kendall from talking to Mike Vrabel.

“I’m done – done with the Royals. I dread this baseball season and having to talk about this dreadful franchise.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM

“The Royals marketing office is probably listening right now and they’re probably sending our boss emails.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: You cannot accuse C&C of being Royals homers, despite the fact that 610 is the club’s flagship network. I am guessing their tone will soften after this column runs.

“The Royals’ slogan for 2010 should be ‘We’re still gonna suck but the stadium’s awesome.’ ‘We’re garbage but the stadium’s not.’ That’s what this team is.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM

“Personally guys, I call Trey, ‘Deuce.’ ”
Email to Chris & Cowboy, 610 AM

“I don’t want to leave any stones unturned. I don’t want any questions about myself. As far as I’m concerned, at this point and time, I plan to do everything at the (NFL) combine. I’m just the type of person that I feel like I have nothing to hide.’’
Ndamukong Suh, Omaha World Herald
GH: Suh is a different breed of lottery pick. His agent may change his mind about attending the NFL Combine but I love that the kid wants to show ‘em what he’s got in person.

“I’m going to discuss one of the most unsanitary things that Americans do! It’s going to be up on 610sports.com.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: This riveting topic followed the previous day’s riveting topic of, “What’s the worst thing you ever smelled?” I am not sure what demographic Fescoe is pursuing with his new show, but that foul odor he is asking about may be emanating from his mic to our ears. 

 

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New England Phats join Chiefs

Posted 1-14-10

“You tell me anytime in the last eight to ten years when it’s been more positive than it is right now!”
Mitch Holthus, on the present aura surrounding the Chiefs following the hiring of Charlie Weis as their new OC and Romeo Crennel to run the Chiefs’ D, 810 AM
GH: There was a pretty strong wave or euphoria washing over Arrowhead Nation last January and February after Carl Peterson’s reign came to a surprise end and one of the most highly-sought young minds in the NFL, Scott Pioli, agreed to leave the Patriots to work his magic on the Chiefs. Trading for Matt Cassel March 1st was another jolt of positive mojo for Chiefs fans. But the addition of the New England Phats to the Chiefs’ sideline might be the best news yet.

“This screams to me that Clark Hunt is trying harder than the other guys.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Looks like Clark might be listening to our cries for help from his Texas Batcave. The Phats did not come cheap. Most estimates have both their salaries somewhere north of $2M.

“I don’t know if it’ll work out with these guys but I like the move.”
Nate Bukaty, on the hiring of Weis and Crennel, 810 AM
GH: Bukaty is right – no one knows if this move will produce more wins or simply create more frustration. But you have to applaud Hunt and Pioli for going out and getting two of the most proven NFL coordinators available.

“With every day that passes, I feel less and less certain that there is any fire to that smoke.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, as the hiring of Crennel drug out over the past week, 610 AM
GH: Cowboy wasn’t alone in thinking those embers were getting cold. It will be interesting to see just how much cash Romeo squeezed out of Clark during their extended courtship.

“There were two reasons for (Crennel choosing the Chiefs over the Giants), according to a source familiar with his thinking. One was his long-time relationship with Chiefs GM Scott Pioli. And the other was because of the demanding nature of Tom Coughlin and the long hours he requires of all his assistant coaches.”
Ralph Vacchiano, writer, NY Daily News
GH: I doubt Crennel thinks he can coach for Haley and coast but I have no problem with him avoiding one of those 18-hour-a-day coaching jobs that have never made any sense to me. Give me “working smart” over “working long hours” every time. Two other teams that made serious runs at Crennel were rumored to be the Dolphins and Redskins.

“I want (Charlie Weis) on the sideline. That might not happen but that’s where I want him.”
Steven St. John, on whether the Chiefs’ new OC will spend game day on the sideline or the press box, 810 AM
GH: I’d like to see the Phats on the sideline just for the entertainment value of their game-day interaction with Haley. But the coordinators belong in the booth where they can be the head coach’s eyes from above.

“I like that there’s a guy on the staff that is worthy of taking over as a head coach. I don’t think we’ve had that with the Chiefs.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: It is my opinion that the Phats have proven they are not head coaching material. The Peter Principal allowed them to rise to their position of incompetence at Notre Dame and Cleveland. But we should hope that both draw interest from other NFL teams due to the Belichick-like success they experience here in KC the next two or three seasons.

“They basically hired two guys that got fired from two jobs.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM
GH: Getting fired in the coaching profession is almost as routine as the game of musical chairs played in radio – but not quite so incestuous.

“It better work because all the people who were critical of Carl Peterson and accusing him of cronyism – because this is cronyism – and everybody’s getting paid! I’ll bet you when the numbers start coming out that they’re at around $2 million per. So if you were critical of Carl Peterson on that, you better be on the watch of Scott Pioli on that front.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Does Petro ever tire of carrying King Carl’s water? Apparently not. And if we’re talking about people “getting paid,” CP made off with some serious green from the Hunt family in his 19 years and three measly playoff-game wins. I just hope Petro is getting paid for all the jabs he continues to take at King Carl critics.

“People who want to dump on Carl Peterson probably don’t understand sports and how it operates. You’re kind of a moron then, because Carl Peterson brought winning football to Kansas City when the Chiefs were an afterthought.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Finally, Petro has an assistant in town to help him tote CP’s bed pan. Us morons sure won’t be pitching in.

“Whenever you’re a player you have to buy into a lot of the things a coach is saying and I don’t think they ever bought into a lot of what Todd Haley was saying. Until the Chiefs start buying it completely, they’re going to have some problems.”
Len Dawson, 810 AM
GH: Let’s hope the Phats can help make Haley a better salesman. I also hope they make KC a more attractive destination for free agents.

“A day after the Raiders rebuffed an offer of help from their former quarterback, (Rich) Gannon, he said on Sirius NFL Radio on Thursday that ‘I won't make that call again.’ Gannon said on his show Wednesday that he had called team owner Al Davis to offer any help for the organization and struggling young quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders responded that Gannon was the one who needed help.”
AP
GH: Gawd I hope the Raiders never leave the AFC West and that Al Davis lives to be 178.

“If you’re going to choose a time for something like this to happen, this is not the time. …I just said (to Lane Kiffin), look, this is the most competitive conference in America. I thought you were a competitive guy. Do you want to be in the most competitive league in America? You need to be here. …Our (SEC) league separation from the rest of America is only going to grow father based on our new television contract.”
Mike Hamilton, AD at Tennessee, ESPNU
GH: Reason #1 on why Mizzou would love to be a member of the Big 10 in 2012 – television money is about to separate the SEC even further from the Big 12. Though I don’t believe I’ve ever heard an AD say it so bluntly.

“I proved that Colt McCoy was a baby because I got up and finished the promo and then went to the hospital.”
Gary Lezak, KSHB weather guru, after he suffered a separated right shoulder when he slipped on the ice while shooting a commercial that had him standing in a hockey rink and firing a puck into a net, 810 AM

“I thought I was going to pass out (from the pain). I’m okay if I don’t move the wrong way. If I move the wrong way I’m dead.”
Gary Lezak, 810 AM
GH: If you happen to bump into Gary, make sure it’s on his left side.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Lane Kiffin: One and done

Posted 1-13-10

“Dozens of students and fans marched into (Tennessee’s) Neyland-Thompson Sports Complex on Tuesday night chanting obscenities at Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who was informing his players about his departure to Southern California. ... The crowd eventually became rowdy and were asked to disperse without incident.”
Knoxville News Sentinel, after Lane Kiffin announced he would be leaving the Vols as their head football coach after only one season
GH: Welcome to big-time college football. Where the coaches come and go as they please and paid millions at almost every stop. Meanwhile, the players are forced to carry a minimum GPA, paid no cash for the millions (billions?) their work generates, slapped with heavy penalties if they want to transfer to another school and have their personal lives scrutinized by a 24-hour media that is more persistent and unrelenting than a Kansas City Star telemarketer.

“I feel bad for (Tennessee). I seriously do. Lane Kiffin is a scum! I’m even beginning to feel bad for Al Davis. I’m starting to think Lane Kiffin may have been the problem out there (with the Raiders).”
Todd Leabo, who wore a Tennessee shirt to work on Wednesday, 810 AM
GH: Is Kiffin the bad guy here or should Tennessee have known who they were slipping between their tangerine sheets with? I find it interesting that when “Pit Stop” Lane was trashing every SEC coach and school in his first week on the job, he was the Vols’ brash young savior ready to dance Rocky Top all night in Gainesville. Now the Orange is treating Lane like he was Abe Lincoln. Al Davis knew who the Vols were hiring. Read on.

“Lane Kiffin is a flat-out liar. He lied to the team, he lied to the fans, and he lied to the media. He will try to destroy that university like he tried to destroy the Raiders."
Oakland Raiders Statement, issued after his firing on June 8, 2009
GH: I always though Weird Al kind of resembled Nostradamus.

“The University of Tennessee now knows just how Davis felt. And if history tells us anything, so — eventually — will USC.”
Pete Schrager, columnist, FoxSports.com

“Though some in Hollywood would likely insist ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Young Einstein’ or ‘A Beautiful Mind’ work just fine, perhaps the most appropriate title for the Lane Kiffin-to-USC saga is one that serves as a tribute to Pauly Shore’s fine film career, as well: ‘The Weasel.’ In the Rocky Top hills of Tennessee, though, it’s a horror flick; a slasher film. A man (perhaps “boy” would be the better word choice) comes riding into town, muddies a long-standing tradition with brash un-Fulmer-like bravado, fields a team of criminals, and then deserts the premises for greener pastures when a better opportunity presents itself. If Pete Carroll left USC in a state of uncertainty, Lane Kiffin is leaving Tennessee in a state of rubble and shrapnel. And if Carroll’s a ‘worm’ for leaving the Trojans high and dry, Lane Kiffin’s a snake of the highest order. As of Tuesday night, that snake was on a plane to La La Land.”
Pete Schrager, columnist, FoxSports.com

GH: I don’t know Kiffin any more than most who have never met him. But he is one head coach who will be an absolute star of the media for the next decade and beyond. Ol’ Pit Stop just put himself in the heart of TMZ and paparazzi land, where he is about to become as well known as Starbucks.

“Brief.”
Mike Hamilton, University of Tennessee Athletic Director, when asked to describe Lane Kiffin’s tenure as the Vols coach, Twitter via schadjow

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Will Taylor controversy poison or fuel the Jayhawks?

Posted 1-13-10

“Tyshawn Taylor caused a little stir today when he said he wasn’t really sure what his role on this team really is.”
Jack Harry, KSHB 41
GH: Just prior to the Jayhawks’ completing Tuesday’s practice and boarding their bus for their Wednesday night game in Lincoln, KU’s sophomore guard, Tyshawn Taylor, cut a stink bomb that fouled the air surrounding the Kansas men’s basketball program. Read on.

“I think you said it. We’ve just got so many people, so many players, sometimes I don’t know how I fit, like what I’m supposed to do.”
Tyshawn Taylor, responding to a reporter’s question about sharing playing time on the Kansas team, Fox 4
GH: A pool of half-a-dozen or more reporters surrounded Taylor in the video clips I saw on Fox 4, KSHB 41 and Metro Sports. This was a formal sit-down interview setting that in no way could be described as a blindsided hit by the media. He was well aware that his words were being recorded for playback on video, audio and for print – which is all the more reason to be concerned about his frankness. Read on.

“Sometimes I feel like I get lost in the thing. I think a lot of guys feel like that.”
Tyshawn Taylor, Fox 4
GH: This was the unkindest cut of all if you are Bill Self and his Jayhawks. Has Taylor exposed some yet-to-be disclosed issues on Self’s team that has to do with playing time, bruised egos and unhappy bench sitters? If a “lot of guys” on the team share Taylor’s feelings of getting “lost in the thing,” you have to wonder if those guys are sitting next to Taylor on the bench.

“Just because the Jayhawks have depth, they can’t play with one eye on the basket and the other eye on the bench.”
Kennetra Pulliams, reporter, Metro Sports

“Well, I think Tyshawn talks too much.”
Bill Self, when told of Taylor’s above comments, Fox 4
GH: “Pissed” would not be a strong enough word to describe Self as he responded to Taylor’s comments. Seething, incensed, and quietly smoldering would better illustrate the KU coach’s anger as he tried to calmly answer the media’s questions about Taylor. My wife walked into the room while Self was on the tube and asked, “Is he mad?”

“I’ve never heard that before and I’ll visit with him about it after practice. If he’s unsure of his role, then he doesn’t listen very good.”
Bill Self, Fox 4
GH: While watching Self steam over Taylor’s latest incident that drew the media’s attention, I recalled how Self came to his aid after the guard’s Facebook postings last September that helped spark the brawl between the KU basketball and football teams. Read on.

“I’ve coached a lot of great kids, and Tyshawn Taylor definitely fits that bill. He’s one of the best kids I’ve ever coached. …For him to be portrayed as anything other than a good kid that really made an ignorant play on doing that on Facebook, I think would be totally inaccurate.”
Bill Self, on September 25, 2009, following the on-campus altercations between the Kansas football and basketball teams, KUSports.com
GH: It will be interesting to see how much playing time Taylor gets tonight against Nebraska.

“It bothers me that any player would say that the day before a game. So, so, but I’ll address it after practice.”
Bill Self, Fox 4
GH: Just last week, Self was asked about rumors that his team was dealing with chemistry issues related to playing time and their roles on the Kansas team. He dismissed such talk with his comment below.

“The media’s made a bigger deal out of this than our players have – at least from my standpoint. I haven’t had the young kids come up to me and say ‘Coach I need to be doing this and I need to be doing that.’ We did not recruit freshman to be stars as freshman.  …Our guys, believe it or not, I think they get it better than maybe you guys (in the media) do.’”
Bill Self, on whether or not KU’s bench is happy about their sparse playing time, KSHB TV 41
GH: Tyshawn Taylor’s comments appear to confirm that this isn’t a figment of the media’s imagination. The media isn’t always the bad guy just because they have the story first.

“Me personally myself, I just feel like I made some comments I shouldn’t have made. I didn’t have intentions on them being bad, it wasn’t my intentions on them being bad but that’s how it got took. Looking back on it, I can understand why everybody would take it that way but I mean I didn’t have any bad intentions to be honest with you. I didn’t want this situation to escalate to what it got to. It got there and it shouldn’t have. …It never was meant to be what people made it to be.”
Tyshawn Taylor, responding to reporters questions back in September 2009 concerning his Facebook posting that was said to fuel two skirmishes with the KU football team, KUSports.com
GH: I dug these comments up to compare them with whatever explanation Taylor delivers today or tomorrow after that conversation he has with Coach Self. I am guessing the two will read very similarly.

“Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor told reporters that the Jayhawks were nowhere near ready to play this past weekend in Tennessee. And on a team so deep, he’s not sure what his role is.”
Al Wallace, Fox 4
GH: I listened and read every clip and story I could find on Taylor’s comments and nowhere did I find Taylor commenting on how the Kansas team was ill-prepared for the Tennessee game. Wallace might have access to information I do not but he also may have stretched the truth a bit here for effect.

“We were not turned up (against Tennessee). We need to be totally turned up to have success defensively.”
Bill Self, Hawk Talk, 610 AM
GH: At least Bill Self shares Wallace concern for KU’s readiness at Tennessee.

“The thing that concerns me about Kansas is that they never look hungry on the court. I think this team has some issues right now but there is certainly no reason to panic. I think this team is built to go to the Final Four but they have some issues. There’s just no way (Cole Aldrich) should be taking five shots a game! He should be averaging 15 or 16 (points) and 11 (rebounds)!”
Jason King, former KU beat writer for The Star and current college writer for YahooSports.com, 610 AM
GH: Controversy can poison or fuel a talented team. Here’s hoping the Jayhawks respond to these latest rumblings like Reggie’s Yankees…minus Billy Martin taking a swing at Tyshawn, uh, I mean Reggie.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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Weis comes to Chiefs, Tuberville goes to Texas Tech

Posted 1-12-10

“There were plenty of places that were out there that were opportunities. Right from the start, Kansas City was a place that intrigued me. Knowing Todd and Scott, and the players on the team, there were just so many things that intrigued me.”
Charlie Weis, AP
GH: What would intrigue a successful offensive coordinator about the Kansas City Chiefs? The talent? No. The franchise’s history of success? No. A proven front office and staff in place? No. So, could it be the opportunity to be next in line for the head coaching job if the present head coach on the hot seat fails in year two? Intriguing concept, no?

“At this situation right now, it's Todd's ship and I just want to be there to help him guide it. Our face-to-face meeting was very, very important to make sure we felt comfortable, and especially that he felt comfortable being he's the boss.”
Charlie Weis, AP
GH: I found Weis’ word choices very revealing (or at least controversial) in that he used the phrase “At this situation right now, it’s Todd’s ship…”  So when does Charlie anticipate the ship sinking and will be in need of a new captain? I don’t know how much input Haley had in the hiring of Weis, but I am guessing Weis looks at Kansas City as an opportunity to shine in a very dark hole.

“I would think I'll have a hand in (the play calling). We're bringing another brilliant offensive mind into the picture, which always helps.”
Todd Haley, AP
GH: Haley’s choice of words here is just as head snapping. “Another brilliant offensive mind?” Just exactly who and where is the other brilliant mind besides Weis? Is Haley claiming Einstein status because he coached Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin for two seasons? How big a hand does Haley want in the play calling and how much game-day control is Weis willing to relinquish? It will be one of the lead the storyline of the Chiefs’ 2010 season.

“Futt, Frutt and Front Butt.”
Three nicknames I have heard used to describe Charlie Weis’ ample front section

“I’m really happy that Charlie (Weis) is there (with the Chiefs). I think he’s going to do a great job. He’s a good man and I’m happy he’s in town.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: I could not help thinking Grunny’s comment about the former Notre Dame head coach was in response to Kevin Kietzman publicly calling Weis; “one of the meanest ogres in the history of sports.”

“Everybody ripped me on Twitter. It was just an avenue for people to rip me.”
Tim Grunhard, on why he no longer tweets, 810 AM
GH: While technology has increased the avenues and ease for each of us to communicate our thoughts to the world, that public face comes at a price. Getting ripped is part of being “out there.” Some can handle the heat from anonymous sources. Others find the heat not worth the pain. I don’t blame Grunhard for retiring his tweeter. I do find it sad that some people derive pleasure from squashing voices like Grunhard’s just because they can.

“It may be as big and sometimes as vague as the night sky once was, but Twitter is not evil.  It is essential. Twitter is the best representation yet of the new information sharing and gathering age, and to dismiss it completely because ‘there’s too much going on’ (as a media peer told me) is irresponsible, even dangerous. In some regard, Twitter may be serving an unintended but perhaps needed purpose for media.  It very well may be replacing age as a cleansing agent, exposing at a faster clip those who are unable or unwilling to keep up with the culture we report on and for...”
Curtis Kitchen, 810whb.com
GH: What Kitchen is saying is true. Technology in this next decade is off and running at an incredible pace. Those in the media and elsewhere who are too stubborn or too fearful to read, learn and experiment with digital methods of communication will be passed over more quickly than Mangino, Leach and Leavitt at a Big Brothers’ rally. Some recent sweet tweats  are below…

“It really irritates me when (people) who've never played a day of any collegiate sport criticize other athletes.”
Blaine Gabbert, during the Texas/Alabama game, Twitter
GH: Blaine needs to visit the J-School there in Columbia for some toughing up. We can’t all be as insightful as Pork Chop.

“Mizzou Arena with about 300 other folks to watch the Tigers play Savannah State.”
Gabe DeArmond, on the smattering of a crowd last Wednesday during almost blizzard conditions, Twitter
GH: That same night KU drew about 15,500 for Cornell. Quin Snyder, Ricky Clemons and the Jailhouse Tapes poisoned the Mizzou basketball fan base in a way none of us could have predicted. Tiger fans still stay away in droves too often, despite their new arena and Mike Anderson’s easy-to-cheer 40 minutes of controlled chaos. Mike’s kids deserve the Tiger Faithfull’s full-court embrace. Now.

“In shock over Welker's injury. With Bernard Pollard in the building, we shoulda played all second stringers today. Dammit.”
SportsGuy, after Welker was injured against Houston by the same man who ended Tom Brady’s season in 2008, Twitter
GH: Pollard couldn’t play for Scott Todd but he is as feared a tackler as there is in the AFC. Let’s hope the “right 53” merges with “the best 53” very quickly at Arrowhead in 2010.

"There's no doubt in my mind we can take it to the next level. We're going to air it out. We're going to keep the Air Raid [offense]. I think it's something that Tech has hit upon that gives it that identity to recruit and that we all want to have." "
Tommy Tuberville, new head football coach at Texas Tech, DallasNews.com
GH: Tommy wanted the Kansas job, remember? Read on.

“Kansas is a good program. It’s in a conference that you can compete in. It’s really come leaps and bounds over the last few years, going to the Orange Bowl a couple years ago… I can move overnight. I’m a free agent, don’t have anything holding me back.”
Tommy Tuberville, on his interest in replacing Mark Mangino last month, Kansas City Star
GH: If Lew Perkins interviewed Tuberville, it went unreported. Is Turner Gill the better choice over Tommy T? Not on paper. Read on.

"(Tuberville’s) won championships (in the SEC). He's played in BCS games. We wish him the best in developing a program that all of us hope that he can."
Gerald Myers, Texas Tech Athletic Director, DallasNews.com
GH: Gill won one MAC title. It will be interesting to watch and compare how well these two coaches build their Big 12 programs over the next five years.

“There’s no such thing as a national champion in college football! I’m not so sure there has ever been a national champion in college football!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Translation: If my team can’t win one, nobody gets one!

"It really shows you how much of a business this is, especially at Division I college football. Every player has to live with the fact that this can happen."
Matt Barkley, USC’s freshman quarterback, on Pete Carroll’s decision to sign a five-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks for $33 million, LA Times
GH: Every off season we go through coaching changes and the courting and downright theft of coaches from one school by another. But the aftershock from the sudden coaching departures of this off season is unlike any I can remember.

“of all the nfl facilities we visit, seahawk facility might be best. baltimore raven facility is incredible. eagles is terrific. seahawks is as good as there is. and their stadium is in the top 3 in NFL. great job for pete carroll. perfect situation”
Kevin Harlan, on Twitter
GH: Someone please notify Kevin that a single tweet can only contain 140 characters. He doesn’t seem to grasp that concept.

“The pocket crumbles…and down goes Brady!”
Kevin Harlan, radio network play-by-play voice for Ravens/Patriots game, Westwood One
GH: I caught a good portion of the second half of the Ravens/Pats game on 810 AM and Harlan’s radio work was exceptional. No one describes the play on the field as quickly and poetically as the former KU broadcasting student. Yet he never gives the impression of being rushed. He also carries an enthusiasm throughout the radio broadcast that is not just rare but uniquely his own. His secret? He works his craft now as hard as he did when he was trying to make it in the business on KCMO.

“I wish I had never touched steroids. It was foolish and it was a mistake. I truly apologize. Looking back, I wish I had never played during the steroid era.”
Mark McGwire, in a public statement Monday, admitting his decade-long use of steroids
GH: Apologies that attempt to throw every player who played MLB during the 80s and 90s under the steroid bus don’t carry much weight with me. Read on.

“What I get angry about is getting lumped into this whole deal; ‘You played in the steroid era.’ I made three All-Star teams. I never took steroids. I’ll admit that and you can test me or do whatever you need to do. How did I do that? I have no idea. I was a good player, I wasn’t a great player. …What bothers me is that anything I’ve done in baseball, regardless of what it is, is skewed because I played in this era.”
John Kruk, MLB analyst, ESPN

“Absolutely. I truly believe that.”
Mark McGwire, when asked by Bob Costas if he could have hit 70 dongs w/o being juiced, MLB Network
GH: I think McGwire might have hit 70 w/o the ‘roids as well, but we’ll never know if the juice kept him in the lineup to get the necessary at bats. His statistics dramatically improved as he aged. I don’t even care that he took the junk – but the dude lied through his silence for the past five years following his tearful trip in front of Congress. I bought my kids a McGwire poster after he hit 70 – and I am a long way from a Cardinals’ fan. Haven’t seen that poster in about five years.

“I took very, very low dosages.”
Mark McGwire, MLB Network
GH: Sounds a lot like; “I didn’t even put it all the way in! How could she be pregnant?”

“Today (sniff) was the hardest day in my life (sniff). …I’m not here doing this for the Hall Of Fame. I’m doing this for me, to get this off my chest. …If I’m lucky enough to get in there, that’s just icing on the cake.”
Mark McGwire, MLB Network
GH: The problem with lying is that when you start to finally tell the truth, few people believe you. I feel no sorrow for McGwire. I feel nothing.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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KU goes down, MU knocks off K-State

Posted 1-11-10

“It’s pretty amazing what chemistry can do. When guys put their minds to something and they know their backs up against the wall a little bit and they rally. They don’t quit and they believe in themselves. We had three walk-ons play 45 minutes. We obviously had some pretty special shots and some very special plays.”
Bruce Pearl, in his postgame press conference following Tennessee’s remarkable 76-68 upset of top-ranked Kansas, ESPN
GH: I would have loved to see Kansas go undefeated and claim the National Championship at the conclusion of a dream season. But that dream was slain Sunday by one of the most unlikely of foes; a Tennessee team that had been devastated by the loss of four scholarship players. It is remarkable what the human spirit can overcome when those courageous enough to expect more than they are worthy to achieve.

“What a shot by Skylar McBee! A walk on! It was not a great looking shot but it found the basket.”
Bob Davis, as McBee hit a desperation three as the shot clock expired to put the dagger in KU’s rally, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: McBee and Pearl’s son, Steven, were forced to play major minutes for the shorthanded Vols against the nation’s best college team. Steven had averaged three minutes this season prior to the Kansas game. They looked a lot like a D1 walk-on typically look – white and out-of-place. I do not think this Tennessee team could beat Kansas more than twice in a hundred matches. This just happened to be the day they could and did.

“A three pointer by Skylar McBee! The kid’s a walk-on! A walk-on!”
Brad Porter, who had video highlights on Metro Sports Sunday almost immediately following KU’s loss, MetroSports
GH: Kudos to MetroSports for quickly cutting up the KU/Tennessee highlights for their 6:00 pm show. Unfortunately there was no postgame interview from Bill Self – but that was not MS fault. Read on.

“Bill may be having an extended session with the team after this game and I don’t believe he’s emerged yet from the locker room. Chris Piper is back there waiting for him. …I’ll tell you what, I don’t think we’re going to get Bill Self right now. If we can, we’ll put (his postgame interview) on our postgame show with Josh (Klingler) and David (Lawrence). But we’re running out of time right now.”
Bob Davis, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Davis waited about 35 or 40 minutes after the game to try and get Piper’s interview with Self on the air before they signed off the network. When on the road, Davis’ crew has to pack up their equipment and get it onto the charter so as not to delay the team’s departure. I am always unhappy with the losing head coach who fails to make time for his regular postgame interview with the team’s radio network. A lot of fans were interested in hearing Self’s words but he decided to dodge the interview. Shame on him. His interview eventually aired an hour after the game on the Jayhawk Radio Network.

“We were individuals on an island today and we got exactly what we deserved.”
Bill Self, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: 14 games into the season, the Jayhawks should be more of a team than they appear to be. As it looks now, it’s the Sherron or bust show.

“We haven’t got it done yet in becoming a team. We’re not any closer than we were yesterday.”
Bill Self, KSHB TV 41

“There’s probably never a good loss but I don’t like being undefeated. It just puts pressure on you later in the tournament.”
David Lawrence, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Crazy talk. I like being undefeated. Losing begets more losing just as winning begets more winning.

“A non-damaging, non-league loss in January. I don’t think this game is going to hurt this team one bit.”
John Doolittle, 610 AM
GH: Did Doolittle watch the game? Kansas was beaten in a game that reminded me of the Miracle on Ice – with KU playing the part of the Russians. Why KU should be concerned is that they too often appear to be offensively lost, even against inferior opposition.

“I was thoroughly disappointed with this one. This one really rubs me the wrong way. I thought they would have played a little more inspired basketball today.”
Josh Klingler, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: I don’t think it is a question of effort. I think it’s a question of Self’s team understanding how hard other teams are willing to play to take what Kansas has. Kansas needs to learn to value greatness. It is not a birthright that comes with the jersey.  

“I think soft is the right word to use. You’ve got to have the mindset to play tougher.”
Brady Morningstar, Jayhawk Radio Network

“The fans are celebrating. They’ll be playing Rocky Top here all night. Let’s give the fans some credit here. They’re used to some big-time success here and they did not run on the floor to get on SportsCenter.”
Bob Davis, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Davis seems obsessed with hometown fans running on the court after the rare defeat of the Jayhawks. Get over yourself, Bob. If a bunch of college kids get excited in Manhattan, Ames or Columbia this season and storm the court, take comfort in knowing that your team is that good to elicit that kind of euphoria.

“That is 18 fouls on Kansas and only four on Tennessee this half.”
Bob Davis, pointing out the second-half foul differential at Tennessee, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Not quite as much fun when the Hawks are on the opposite side of the referees’ home cooking, is it? I doubt Cornell is shedding any tears for KU.

“Yeah, (Xavier Henry) has just not been involved on the offensive end.”
Chris Piper, KU’s radio analyst, after Henry scored his only second half field goal at the 4:37 mark, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Where in the hell has X gone??!! One-and-done NBA-in-waiting phenoms do not get only three points in the second half of a game your team never led. X looks timid, lost and very unsure of what his role is on this team. Discovering the answers to those questions on the road in the Big 12 will not be any easy task.

“Xavier Henry – I don’t know how to describe him disappearing there for quite awhile.”
Josh Klingler, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Is X still a lottery pick in the NBA draft? Yes. But he and his game could use another year with Coach Self.

“Pity the Huskers who get KU next.”
John Anderson, sports anchor, on the Wednesday night match-up in Lincoln, ESPN
GH: Nebraska is down this season, even more than most seasons. KU needs a dominating performance after two less-than impressive showings. Lincoln would be a good place to get their swagger back.

“As the game wears on, Missouri’s defensive pressure actually gets better. That’s why Missouri is so much more dangerous in the second half – their pressure starts to get to you. Their pressure has an accumulative effect.”
Fran Fraschilla, color analyst, correctly predicting that Mizzou would eventually win this physical war with Kansas State, ESPN2

“If this gets any rougher, we’re going to have to read Miranda Rights!”
Ron Franklin, network play-by-play voice for KSU/MU game, ESPN2

“I don’t even know how to describe it! It was a war!”
Laurence Bowers, Mizzou forward, KSHB 41

“The officiating (for the KSU/MU game) was just horrendous on both sides. The first half took over an hour and ten minutes to play. The game lasted for nearly two and a half hours. 56 fouls were called. The whistle blowers clearly got in the way.”
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41
GH: I thought the game was so rough that the referees were left with little choice but to call a copious number of fouls. Read on.

“The officials have done a good job – there’s just too much fouling.”
Gary Link, Tiger Radio Network

“As a coach, I like the job these refs have done today. They’re going to call it close so you adjust. Otherwise, you sit.”
Fran Fraschilla, color analyst, ESPN2

“The officials have done a great job!”
Mike Kelly, Tiger Radio Network

“Next time, let’s just put the Missouri Tigers and Kansas State Wildcats in an octagon cage. …Andrew Walton, Tom O’Neill and Terry Davis – Saturday’s officiating crew at Mizzou Arena – nearly ruined a good basketball game.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star

“I’m glad I wasn’t an official in the game.”
Frank Martin, KSHB 41

“I jokingly call (Frank Martin) the angriest man in college basketball because he never smiles.”
Fran Fraschilla, color analyst, ESPN2
GH: Martin caused a mini-controversy when he struck Chris Merriewether during a timeout. Read on.

“I’m an old-school guy but I also understand the times are real sensitive right now. He loves… I love him. I don’t know what to tell you. It’s wrong on my part and completely out of line and no part of the game. I need to apologize for those actions.”
Frank Martin, when asked if he struck Chris Merriewether during a timeout when it appeared he jabbed at his chest and cursed him, Fox 4

“It’s not a big deal at all. …I trust Frank. He trusts me. He’s had my back since day one. I’ll always have his back.”
Chris Merriewether, KSHB 41
GH: Martin’s players all refer to him as Frank. While that would not play well with Roy Williams, I think it shows a relationship that Martin has with his players that is both friendly and unique. That said, Martin is a volatile guy who may eventually end up on the same bench as Mangino, Leach and Leavitt.

“I was proud of Coach Martin for immediately apologizing and I expect that there will be no further such incidents.”
John Currie, K-State athletic director, as reported on KSHB 41
GH: I would not be so quick to predict this kind of incident will not happen in a future Martin huddle or practice. Old-school coaches need to quickly learn new-school ways or find themselves unemployed.

“I guarantee you if (Colt McCoy) was my kid, I’d be down there grabbing him by the throat! That’s still legal, isn’t it? I’d be telling him, ‘Get back on that field! This is for the national championship! We’ve got to win that game!’ I’m sure I would have went down there and done just the opposite of most parents. I would have said, ‘Get back out there and play!’ ”
Stan Weber, while discussing the injury Colt McCoy suffered during the BCS Championship game against Alabama, 810 AM
GH: Weber has been adamant in defending the three fired coaches, Mangino, Leach and Leavitt. It is his belief that the fact they live in the “cartoon world of sports” that the typical rules of common sense do not apply. Weber doesn’t sound as intelligent to me as he used to.

“How much trust does Frank Martin have in Chris Merriewether to have him on the court in this situation? Because he couldn’t throw it in the ocean if he was standing at the dock!”
Fran Fraschilla, color analyst, ESPN2
GH: Merriewether drained an 18-footer during K-State’s next possession.

“You look at the perimeter players out there for K-State and they’ve got their shoulders slumped. They don’t want the ball! It’s going to come down to Pullen and Clemente. …I tell you folks, you can’t see it but we love the body language (of the K-State players). Pullen is pulling on his shorts! This is just what Missouri wants to do – break them down the last ten minutes! …That was a deep three (by Zaire Taylor)! Jacob Pullen, right back in your face!”
Gary Link, with 4:20 left in the game, Tiger Radio Network
GH: Link roots hard for his Tigers and he sounds more like a fan at times than an analyst. That’s not always a bad thing but I prefer more analysis than in-your-face cheering from the color guy.

 

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Fescoe going overboard as a HU homer

Posted 1-9-10

“I understand. Everybody who didn’t go to KU or root for the Jayhawks is jealous of the success they have attained. I’m proud every day that I went to the University of Kansas! I root for my team to win. Yeah, that’s what I am! I’m a KU homer! So what? I got goose bumps seeing the commercials for the university (during the Cornell game).”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: 610 Sports is the home of the Kansas Jayhawks football, basketball and coaches’ shows. While Josh Klingler has close ties to KU, he never came off on the air as a KU homer. Fescoe has apparently decided in his first week back in KC to not only shout his favoritism as loudly and often as possible, but to build a good portion of his show around his Jayhawk-sided opinions. While a portion of KU fans may applaud this stance, I am guessing more fans (and many Jayhawks fans) are interested in fair and balanced sports talk from their talk show hosts. Read on.

“Quite frankly, K-State and Missouri don’t matter much to me because I went to the University of Kansas. That’s just the way I feel about the whole situation.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: When Fescoe uttered these words, he placed himself in a rare and isolated group of talk show hosts who admit their prejudice publicly at the expense of alienating a large portion of their audience. Klingler, who is now producing Fescoe’s morning show but doing very little on-air work, attempted to clarify what Fescoe was saying and soften how negative his stance on Mizzou and K-State came across. It didn’t help.

“I almost like this Kansas State team better than the Beasley/Walker team. They’ve got a nice well-rounded team. I think Frank Martin’s going to be around a while. I think he likes it there and they like him.”
Greg Gurley, 810 AM
GH: K-State gets a big test right out of the gate by traveling to Columbia for their Big 12 opener against Mizzou. Word from K-State is that the Cats will fly into Columbia but take a bus back to Manhattan. That is about a five-hour bus ride in temps that will threaten 25-year lows. I am sure the players would much prefer to make that bus trip home with a happy Frank Martin.

“I don’t think Frank (Martin) could coach everybody, but the guys he has are perfect for him. Most of those guys (at K-State) need that type of coaching.”
Doug Gottlieb, 610 AM
GH: Gottlieb did not elaborate on what “that type of coaching” entails but I’ll give it a shot; loud, profane, nurturing and effective. He pushes the hell out of his players and they appear to love him for it.

“I think Kansas State’s a better basketball team (than Mizzou) but I think Missouri’s going to win that (K-State) game -- anywhere from four to ten points.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: This is an interesting conference opener. K-State looks very good and Mizzou’s young squad has proven they can ratchet up the pressure just like they did in the Elite 8 last season. I agree with Jack that K-State is the better team but I think they will be a bit too talented for Mizzou. Cats by 10.

“I don’t think (K-State) is as good as Syracuse but they might be the Syracuse of the Big 12. You have guys who are in their early 20s. Not only are their body’s developed but their games are developed. They are a very good team. …In talking to both Steve Henson and Lon Kruger, they are both incredibly impressed with K-State.””
Doug Gottlieb, 610 AM

“I was talking to a USC coach and he said Texas is not that good. They’re talented, but they’re not that good.”
Doug Gottlieb, 610 AM
GH: Maybe that’s why that unnamed coach is coaching at USC…poor vision. I think Texas is damn good – and Rick Barnes is maybe the most underrated head hoops coach in D1.

“I’ve said it from day one at media day, this (Big 12) will be the best conference in the country. This will be the toughest year since I’ve been here. It’s the toughest the Big 12 has been.”
Mike Anderson, head coach of Mizzou, 810 AM

“Missouri’s going to get blown off the court (by Kansas). I don’t care if the game is played on Mars! They won’t stay within double digits of Kansas! They are going to get outrebounded by 30 in those games!”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Mizzou and KU won’t meet until January 25th in prime time on ESPN’s Big Monday. Conference basketball play starts at just the right time, just when weeknights are perfect for denting the couch after dinner as the wind and snow howl at the window for two months.

“The way Kansas is playing right now won’t get them a championship. As a matter of fact, it won’t get them to the Final Four. People are talking about this team going undefeated. No.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Lots of hoops to be played before we settle down and start seeding teams for the tourney. I’m going to take Roy’s advice and enjoy the ride. I think KU is a special team this year and one that has what’s most necessary to win in April – Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich. But the tourney is special for the very reason it is so difficult to predict.

“You’ve heard Bill Self say his team is soft? Well, it’s not a ploy. They’re soft. If (Kansas) continues this trend of playing the way they’re playing, they are not going to win the Big 12.”
Frank Boal, prior to KU’s win at Temple, 810 AM

“I would say no (college basketball team will ever go undefeated for an entire season again). I hope it happens this year because that means we’ve got a 25% chance. I don’t think there is any coach out there whose goal it is to play to an undefeated season. Once you get into the league, you’re playing 50% of your games on the road. I think it’s very, very difficult to do. If you have all the best players and you have the experience, then I think you have a chance. But I don’t think that’s ever going to happen again.””
Bill Self, when asked if we will ever see another undefeated college basketball team, 610 AM

“Those are the only two games I think Kansas can lose on their slate – at K-State and at Texas. Sorry Mizzou.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM

“I don’t think this is Bill Self’s last job. I’m pretty sure this is not Bill Self’s last job.”
Doug Gottlieb, 610 AM
GH: Gottlieb, a former player at Oklahoma State (Self’s alma mater) did not elaborate on whether he thought Self would take another college or NBA job before he’s done. I don’t think Self leaves for anything but an NBA job. He’s young (he just turned 48 on December 27th) and even if he stays at KU 8 more years he could grab an NBA job when he’s 56. But no one knows what’s going to happen when it comes to a coach’s future. Just ask Roy Williams, Mark Mangino, Mike Leach and Jim Leavitt.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Texas did not show well for the Big 12

Posted 1-8-10

“A comeback for the ages perhaps?”
Brent Musburger, after Texas pulled within three of  Alabama at 24-21 behind their backup quarterback, Garret Gilbert, with only six minutes remaining in the game, ABC
GH: I had hung in watching this game, an apparent blowout since Colt McCoy’s injury early in the first quarter. After the Horns nervous backup QB got them within three, I thought my patience was about to be rewarded with a memorable finish. Read on.

“Garrett Gilbert's girlfriend is officially terrified right now. She's one TD away from getting traded in like a 2003 Buick.”
SportsGuy, after Gilbert pulled the Horns to within three points, Twitter

“Who’s (Garret Gilbert’s) number-one fan right now? Colt McCoy is cheering him on!”
Kirk Herbstreit, as McCoy congratulated his backup after the Horns converted the double-extra point to draw within three of the Tide, ABC
GH: McCoy disappointed me after his injury. He was obviously done for the night but he disappeared from the Texas sideline until midway through the third quarter. When he and his dad did make their way from the dressing room back onto the field, they walked slowly as if they were heading to a funeral. There was still a lot of game to be played but it appeared to me that McCoy had cashed in his interest in the game after he was injured. Even on the sideline he had the long face of a loser until Gilbert got the Horns back within a field goal. I understand McCoy had to be terribly disappointed but a senior team leader needs to put his feelings in check and be there for his team. Colt was anything but a leader last night.

“How about this Texas offensive line? This same line that gave up nine sacks to Suh and Nebraska, hasn’t given up a sack tonight!”
Kirk Herbstreit, jinxing the Horns who immediately gave up a devastating blindside sack of Garret Gilbert that forced a turnover at the Texas three-yard line with 3:02 in the game, ABC
GH: Will Herbie now replace SI as the most powerful jinx in sports?

"I'd have given anything to have been out there because I know it would have been different," McCoy said. Texas coach Mack Brown defined how different. It wouldn't even have been close," (Mack Brown) said in an unguarded moment outside the locker room.
Dennis Dodd, writer, CBSsports.com
GH: Dodd was almost apologetic in a live interview on 810 Friday morning with Nate Bukaty and Steven St. John. He explained how he caught Brown coming back from the interview session and expressed his condolences for losing McCoy so early in the game. Brown then uttered to him the “it wouldn’t even have been close,” remark. It was apparent Dodd was uneasy about using the quote because it was not secured in a declared interview setting. But Dodd ultimately decided the quote was too good to pass up and printed it. In my opinion, he made the right decision.

“SEC! SEC! SEC! SEC!”
Crowd chanting as the game ended, ABC
GH: Texas did not show well for the Big 12. Gilbert looked woefully unprepared and the Texas defense could not stop Bama’s running game. The SEC still rules college football.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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KU barely able to escape a red face against Cornell

Posted 1-7-10

 

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Is Charlie Weis the Chiefs' head coach-in-waiting?

Posted 1-7-10

“Weis’ reputation is that he is one of the meanest ogres in the history of sports.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the Chiefs’ new offensive coordinator, 810 AM
GH: Well, all I have to say is that is sure is a good thing that KK prides himself in not being a name caller and never dealing in innuendo, rumor or sensationalistic journalism.

“Todd Haley better watch his back because this may be a coach-in-waiting for the Chiefs.”
Bob Fescoe, speculating on Charlie Weis as the Chiefs new offensive coordinator, 610 AM
GH: Is Weis a guy who is looking to get back into the head coach’s office – preferably Haley’s office? Read on.

“Romeo Crennel might not be looking to be the next head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs but Charlie Weis might be.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

“That’s like playing with a bomb. I would hope for the Chiefs sake that Scot Pioli is not that Machiavellian. ”
Kent Babb, on having an assistant like Weis on staff ready to replace head coach Todd Haley, 810 AM
GH: Is it all that wrong to have a substitute head coach on the staff? The players all have understudies ready to replace them in a moment’s notice, why not the same pressure on the head coach? I don’t have a problem with it. We’ve had plenty of bombs on the Chiefs’ bench the past 10 years, what’s one more?

“I think both of these Patriot guys (Weis and Romeo Crennel) are going to wind up here (with the Chiefs). I think that’s a sign of a bigger problem. These Chiefs are kind of doing the Patriots B-Team over here. That kind of makes me feel uncomfortable. I’m beginning to have a problem with the Patriots-zation of the Chiefs – because it’s top to bottom. They have to have some original ideas. They have to do this their way not the Patriot way.”
Kent Babb, 810 AM
GH: We have watched the Royals seemingly follow the Atlanta Braves book of baseball since Dayton Moore took the reins from Allard Baird (who I believe was following the “Always Save” brand of baseball). Moore’s efforts at duplication have been disastrous. I am with Babb on this one. Take what you learned and make it your own. The Chiefs’ attempt to piece back together that which no longer exists is like Tiger Woods trying to repair his marriage – it will never be as good as the original.

 

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What direction will the Chiefs go with their first round pick?

Posted 1-6-10

“The Chiefs draft fourth or fifth this year? I’ll tell you, if Sam Bradford (the Sooners QB) is sitting there at number five, I’m gonna take that pick. I don’t feel very confident in Matt Cassel. I’m not thrilled with him. …Overall, I don’t see him as the log-time fix that the Chiefs need for the future.”
Mark Collins, former Chiefs cornerback, 610 AM
GH: Do the Chiefs need to spend their valuable number-five pick on a quarterback? No, but only because they have so many other pressing needs. I do not share the feelings of some that drafting a QB would send the wrong message to Matt Cassel. Read on.

“To draft a quarterback for the Chiefs, I think that’s the absolute wrong thing to do.”
Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, 610 AM

“I respect Mark Collins and his play on the field, but I totally disagree with him. I think it’s just wrong!”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM

“What Mark Collins just said was, ‘I’m in a relationship. I don’t know how it’s going to work out in the long term. I have my doubts. So the next attractive female I see I’m going to ask her to marry me.’ Ridiculous. So, with all due respect to Mark Collins, no, I don’t agree.”
Nick Wright, 810 AM
GH: Why do talking heads think it is necessary to preface their contrary opinions with the “with all due respect” tag? Whenever I hear this phrase I think just the opposite.

“I say that this year is a big disappointment (for the Chiefs). Would I call it a failure? No, I’d call it a disappointment. …Scott Pioli was a great hire. He just didn’t have a great year.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“If you expected much better than this (from the Chiefs) this season, you probably weren’t paying a whole lot of attention.”
Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, 610 AM
GH: True – but that doesn’t mean we have to be happy about it. What is an acceptable record for 2010? 8-8? That would show tangible improvement but still keep the Chiefs out of the playoffs. 2011 is now the Chiefs’ target year to win 10 games and make the playoffs.  

“It’s too early to judge Todd Haley. Is he a good football coach? I don’t know. I don’t think anybody knows. For someone to say they don’t like the way Todd Haley manages a game, I don’t know because I’m not in those situations. People want to run Trey Hillman out, but that’s a story for another day.”
Bob Fescoe, 610 AM
GH: Fescoe, being a sports talk show host, it’s kind of his job to know or at least offer an opinion. If Fescoe is going to limit his comments to subjects where he has intimate knowledge or experience, he might not make it to spring training And if he’s planning on jumping aboard St. Trey’s arc, he can head back to St. Louis before the snowstorm hits.

“I don’t expect free agency to be any major resource for the Chiefs…at least this year. They’re not going to be overbidding for players. I think this is going to be more a year where the Chiefs are looking more toward the draft and less toward free agency.  I don’t expect the Chiefs to be major players for any (free agents) out there. They’ve got three picks in the first two rounds.”
Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, 610 AM
GH: First and foremost, the Chiefs need to sell season tickets for the 2010 season. A passive stance in free agency isn’t going to pry cash from any jaded Chiefs’ fans. I think the Chiefs will be more active in acquiring a big-name free agent than Teicher believes.

“They’ve got the fifth pick in the draft and Todd’s not going to tip his hand but I think it’s conventional wisdom that you probably pick an offensive lineman. That’s probably where you get your best return because you’re going to get a 10-year player. I think you’re going to have your pick of several very good offensive tackles with the fifth pick. ”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: That is a lot of money for an offensive tackle. Look for the Chiefs to trade down their #5 pick (to some team that wants a QB) for more draft picks and a crack at an O-lineman later in the first round.

“I think they should draft the best player available and if it happens to be an offensive lineman, so be it.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM

“The only thing I don’t like about Jamaal Charles is that he’s small. It’s hard for me to think that he could be an every-down back for the rest of his career. NFL history tells you that over time player’s of his size tend to get beat up and his production goes down.”
Jeff Chadiha, ESPN NFL reporter, 810 AM
GH: I heard someone (a caller?) propose that now is the time to trade Charles for a number-one pick while he’s hot and healthy. It’s not as crazy as it sounds but this team cannot afford to shed anymore homegrown stars. The Chiefs will sell more Charles #25 jerseys over the next 12 months than the rest of the team combined.

“If the Chiefs change nothing, Jamaal Charles is worth four or five wins alone. And they are going to change a lot!”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“Priest Holmes was good – and he had a great sense of timing – but he wasn’t this guy.”
Mitch Holthus, comparing Jamaal Charles and Priest Holmes, 810 AM

“(Mike) Shanahan is to receive a five-year contract from the Redskins at approximately the same salary he had during his final contract with the Broncos. He was drawing approximately $7 million a year with Denver — and still had three years remaining on his deal when he was fired nearly a year ago.”
Mike Klis, Denver Post
GH: In his 14 seasons with the Broncos, Shanahan had only two losing seasons – the worst a 6-10 record in 1999. That is two more wins than the Chiefs have registered in any of the past three years. Will ‘The Rat’ succeed in DC? Money and hiring coaching legends haven’t been able to buy Daniel Snyder success yet. But I’m not betting against this pairing. Snyder reminds me more of George Steinbrenner than he does Mark Cuban.

“Sources close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that representatives for the Titans running back and Olympic champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica have spent recent days trying to set up a race between the Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson and Olympic gold medalist and world record holder to determine who really is the world's fastest human. At the 2008 NFL scouting combine, Johnson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds -- the fastest time clocked at the combine that year. According to sources, the one hangup seems to be the length of the race. Johnson wants the race to be 60 yards or less, while Bolt would like it to be longer.”
ESPN.com
GH: All this race needs is a close relative of Secretariat and Don King. What about getting our guy, Jamaal Charles, in this sprint? BTW, Charles, a sprinter at Texas, has raced Bolt in the past. Nope, he fared about as well as everyone else in the world has when facing Bolt.

"All right, what the eff is going on with Juwan Howard? He wasn't this good 8 years ago. I think this is his avatar playing."
SportsGuy33, aka Bill Simmons, ESPN.com columnist, Twitter
GH: SportsGuy33 is a must to follow on Twitter. Two KC-area guys who are also must follows are Steven St. John (SSJ_WHB) and Kris Ketz (KrisKetz). Ketz tweets more than a canary but he covers everything from breaking news to burger reviews.

“Blatant product placement in Fiesta Bowl. They just showed a guy eating Tostitos. Glad this isn’t the Preparation H Fiesta Bowl.”
OTC Reader Richard

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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Holthus loves the direction of the Chiefs, but is he trying to sell tickets?

Posted 1-5-10

“The perspective I’m hoping people have is to lose this thing that it’s cool to go 9-7 or 7-9 if it’s exciting to watch or it’s so cool to lead the league in first downs. That’s what drove me crazy, Kietz. It’s about winning football games, winning divisions and winning playoffs!”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: I’m not sure what Chiefs fans Holthus has been hanging with but the only people I know who were trying to convince us that Carl Peterson’s Chiefs’ teams were a “success” were Holthus and the rest of the Chiefs’ PR machine. Does Mitch think we’re that dumb?

“There are a lot of reasons to feel positive (about the Chiefs). What I see now is a direction more like those teams that have been atop the AFC the last four years. …I see a lot of trends pointing upward. It is way different than it’s been in a long time because of the way they ended the season.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM
GH: Is Mitch looking at the same franchise I am at One Arrowhead Drive? This team he says is moving in a direction similar to New England, Baltimore, San Diego and the like just went 1-5 their last five games with losses to Cleveland and Buffalo – two teams that are now firing coaches faster than Craig James. Those season ticket sales must really be lagging, eh Mitch?

“What I want is I want to see the Chiefs become a number-one seed in the AFC three out of five years. That’s what I want! …Now, when spring rolls around I won’t be as optimistic about the Royals!”
Kevin Kietzman, who echoed Holthus’ optimism about the Chiefs’ future, 810 AM
GH: Translation: WHB 810 is in negotiations to land the radio broadcast rights for the Chiefs and their rivals at KCSP 610 AM have the radio rights to the Royals. When it comes to KK rooting for the home team, it’s all about business. Please remember to attach that filter when listening to KK’s hype.

“(Dwayne Bowe) says he called his grandmother, Dorothy Williams, and asked for a remedy. Something to ease the cramps he’d been having. ‘I told my grandma to send me something,’ Bowe says. He says now that his grandmother keeps her ‘cramp medicine’ next to her water pills and that Williams unknowingly sent the wrong thing. Bowe says he took it anyway.”
Kent Babb, writer, explaining how Bowe ingested a banned substance that resulted in a late-season four-game suspension, Kansas City Star
GH: Dwayne, really? The grandmother defense? Here is a thought for Clark, Scott and Todd – draft more players from Texas and none from LSU. My top five side effects Dwayne Bowe may experience after taking his grandmother’s pills:
5) Excessive wrinkling and cramps in his erection
4) Loss of balance on icy sidewalks that may lead to a broken hip
3) Uncontrollable urge to shop at Hen House on Wednesday mornings
2) A desire to wear stretch pants and channel Tyler Perry
1) Loss of interest in Halle Berry and a sudden hankering for Denzel

“(Jamaal Charles) took me to my Fantasy Super Bowl win. I won!”
Gary Lezak, 810 AM
GH: Why can’t I get in a weatherman’s Fantasy League? Lezak is predicting “the coldest arctic outbreak here in Kansas City in 20 years” and a run at possible record cold temps for Friday and Saturday morning. The coldest temp ever in Kansas City is -23…unless you count the temperature inside Kemper Arena right about now. How is that old bird farm doing down in The Bottoms?

“Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo described his team’s approach as ‘11 hyenas taking down an elephant.’ The Midshipmen’s 35-13 victory certainly had that Discovery Channel vibe, with the Tigers torn apart down by the river while the narrator assured us that this magnificent display of brutal teamwork was simply the circle of life and no cause for sadness.”
Joe Walljasper, columnist, Columbia Tribune
GH: Mizzou looked as lost against Navy as that Grenada squad that got racked by the U.S. armed forces back in 1983. If Pinkel knows anything about defense, he has yet to show it. With Nebraska looking like the new bully of the North, Mizzou’s off season will be one fraught with wondering if the Big 12 is MU’s real problem when it comes to bowl bids.

“The worst performance since I’ve been a head coach.”
Gary Pinkel, who later amended this comment to state it was “The worst bowl performance of his career,” Columbia Tribune
GH: Not kind words for a team that won back-to-back North titles in 2007 and 2008. Has Mizzou football peaked? Is this as good as it gets? This loss to Navy was embarrassing enough to ask those question and many others.

“I don’t think you can put into words how special I think what we’ve been able to accomplish for this university and this community. There’s a spark, there’s a feeling around Fort Worth that they have something special that they can be happy about and smile about.”
Gary Patterson, head football coach at TCU, Fox
GH: Patterson doesn’t sound like a guy looking to bolt but isn’t that when most of these guys are most likely to go? If Patterson would have moved to Manhattan, is out-of-the-way Lubbock attractive as well?

“I don’t think I can make an argument for the Big 12 being the best conference in basketball. I think I can step back and say it’s not the Big East.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I’m not as quick to give the nod to the Big East over the Big 12 in hoops. Villanova, the BE’s topped ranked team at 6th in the land was beaten by 10 at Temple. Kansas crushed the Owls by 32 at Temple. Now, that’s just a couple of score comparisons but I don’t see KU blowing out a lot of Big 12 teams by 30 on their home courts. The debate is a fun one though, and we’ll probably have to wait until April to settle it.

“Kansas destroyed Temple! They sucked the will right out of them to play the game before halftime! We really won’t know until they start banging up against the good teams in the Big 12. But right now they look like they could be one of those special teams. They look like they could have one of those special runs where it would be a real shock if they don’t win it all.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“We’ll discuss why Kansas State basketball is a fraud!”
Bob Fescoe, promoting his new morning-drive show on 610 AM
GH: I suppose a controversial statement like this is meant to draw listeners to Fescoe’s new morning-drive show but on what does he base this kind of vitriol? The Cats are 13-1 and look like at least a four seed come March. If KSU doesn’t make the tourney, Fescoe can say he was right. But if they do, he just looks like a caustic flamethrower without any ammo. This smells a lot more like 810 than 610.

“Charleston had never hosted a team ranked as high as No. 9 North Carolina and many Cougar fans wore wigs of (Bobby) Cremins’ signature bleach white hair. North Carolina coach Roy Williams has a beach home just north of the city in the Wild Dunes resort and, with the university on winter break, brought the Tar Heels in on Saturday night with the team staying at the swanky Charleston Place hotel.”
AP, on Charleston’s 82-79 OT upset of the ninth-ranked Tarheels
GH: You got to love little Charleston knocking off Roy’s Boys while they stayed in their swank digs. I checked out the Charleston Place Hotel online and found the cheapest room went for $235 to $575/night. Here is a description of their least expensive room; “Executive Rooms feature two double beds or one king bed and measure approximately 400 square feet. Rooms have been designed to reflect the ancestry of Charleston with sun-drenched colors, richly textured fabrics and mahogany furnishings. The bathrooms are enhanced with Italian marble and brass fixtures. Bedding is on request only.” And we wonder why these college coaches have a god complex.

“A programming note, here at WHB we will have all four of the (NFL) playoff games this weekend.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Having a local radio station like 810 carry all the NFL playoff games is a huge plus for those of us with kids, pets and a need for chicken wings and Burger King funnel sticks.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Media reaction to the Chiefs' thumping of the Broncos

Posted 1-4-10

"We wanted to spoil their playoffs, you know what I'm saying? That's why it was really important. We ain't going to the playoffs, so they gonna be looking at a TV just like we gonna be looking at it. That was our goal after they embarrassed us at our house."
Jamaal Charles, on the Chiefs’ 44-24 win in Denver, Metro Sports 
GH: Nothing better than the Donkeys watching a TV in January just like the rest of us. When you conclude a season with so few positives, it is always good to stick one in the ribs (or other parts of the Broncos’ anatomy) as you’re closing the cellar door.

“Charles is embarrassing tacklers!”
Dan Fouts, CBS

"Biggy Smalls had a great line (that pertains to) Jamaal Charles -- 'And if you don't know, now you know.' We'll call him King Charles." ...It's been a while since we've seen a good old-fashioned ass kicking."
Brad Porter, Metro Sports 
GH: King Charles, Charles in Charge, Ground Chuck, whatever we decide to call him it will be a pleasure watching him in Chiefs’ red this new decade.

“Jamaal Charles is the real deal but one thing about that kid is that he takes a LOT of hits.”
Mark Collins, 610 AM
GH: This seems to be the popular knock on Charles – and while Charles gets whacked like any other NFL back, I think he avoids contact better than most. He looks a lot more fragile than he is and his darting, slip-tackle style might keep him healthier than a bigger less agile back like Larry Johnson.

"We made him say it out loud. 200. I think he made it. … When this started we thought (Charles) was a 15-carry guy. He's forced us to rethink that."
Todd Haley, on the number of rushing yards he said they had targeted for Charles to gain against Denver on Sunday, Metro Sports 

"I'll get it some other time."
Jamaal Charles, on not getting Adrian Peterson’s NFL record 296 rushing yards in a game, Metro Sports 
GH: I for one am not betting against him.

“Jamaal Charles, gargling the sweet nectar of the end zone!”
Mitch Holthus, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Mitch does a decent job as the Chiefs Radio play-by-play voice but he might be the worst at forcing his prepared verbal nuggets on his audience. This one was as flat as the Centaur tag he kept hammering away on for LJ.

"Preposterously, maddeningly, dishearteningly, the Broncos' 2009 season is finished. After getting crushed by the supposedly lowly Kansas City Chiefs 44-24 at Invesco Field at Mile High on the first chilly Sunday of the New Year, and final day of the regular season, Broncos players can retire to their various offseason residences for the winter."
Mike Klis, writer, Denver Post
GH: Nothing like starting the New Year with the Broncos in a preposterously, maddeningly, dishearteningly state.

“They might think about using Derrick Johnson as a running back with those moves! He embarrassed a couple of Broncos on his way to the end zone.”
Dan Fouts, after DJ returned his second pick six of the second half, CBS
GH: A pick six is a game-changing play. To execute two of these in the same half from 45 and 60 yards takes a very special talent. There is no longer any debate on whether DJ should remain a Chief.

"Do I wish I would have played more (this season)? Yeah. It wasn't anything about doing something bad to Derrick Johnson. We disagree on some things and (Haley) knows that. We don't have any beef or nothing like that. He told me when I get my chance I need to play."
Derrick Johnson, Metro Sports
GH: Johnson has continued to be one of the classiest malcontents I have ever witnessed. Haley needs to find a place in his hard-line approach for a guy like DJ who might play a whole lot better than he practices. After all, the games are played on Sunday, not Wednesday. 

"Derrick Johnson had more catches than Dwayne Bowe today. He can play for me anytime."
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports 
GH: What a disappointing season for our one supposed marquee receiver. Is Bowe worth salvaging? Very doubtful but since his trade value is nil, we’ll probably see him on Missouri Western’s campus in St. Joseph, MO in July.

"We're making progress, and I'm speaking as the offensive coordinator right now."
Todd Haley, Metro Sports
GH: Was Haley distancing himself from the shortcomings of the Chiefs’ defense with this comment or simply acknowledging that the defense is not where it needs to be? Romeo, oh Romeo, where for art thou? Read on.

“Romeo Crennel is expected to return to coaching in the NFL by joining the staff of the Kansas City Chiefs next season, according to multiple league sources. Hiring Crennel would be one of the first steps it would take in its defensive makeover.”
Adam Schefter, ESPN.com
GH: Clancy Pendergast might be the new Greg Robinson? Look out Syracuse!

“Jesus Is The Rock Church -- All Services Canceled.”
Crawl on KCTV 5 during second half of Chiefs/Broncos game
GH: Were there really Chiefs fans after 5:00 PM who didn’t know (or cared) that their church services had been canceled for the evening? The crawl was sponsored by KB Complete, Inc. Plumbing, Heating and A/C. I am guessing this was not a positive for KB and the boys.

“Bobby Wade is telling him what happened and Coach (Haley) isn’t liking what he’s hearing.”
Dan Fouts, after Wade fell on a pattern and Haley and he got into a short argument on the sideline which Cassel was quick to squash, CBS
GH: Someone needs to tell Wade that yelling at your boss is not a great career move. I say this with some modicum of experience.

“Do not be mad about the (draft) spot we dropped by winning this game. We may have gone from a third to a fifth by winning this game but that’s neither here nor there.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM

“Clark Hunt has to be the happiest man today because they sold a lot of tickets today (for next season).”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: I’m not sure the win in Denver sold any 2010 season tickets for Clark and the Chiefs. This fan base is pissed and tired of losing. Doubling your win total with four wins is not a good thing. Clinkscale puts this win in excellent perspective with his comment below.

“If the Chiefs go out and win four games again next year, then this game means absolutely nothing. … The real part of the National Football League is the playoffs – and the Chiefs have virtually been uninvolved in the playoffs for the last 20 years.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Amen.

“A turtleneck is usually very form fitting. It was not a good look for Todd Haley. Someone, maybe the man in the mirror, got to him at halftime and he made a much-needed adjustment. I was happy to see that he could make a halftime adjustment.”
Steven St. John, on Haley’s sideline apparel in the first half, 810 AM
GH: When I saw Haley on the sideline in his untucked white turtleneck, my first thought was that Haley had put on the ubiquitous 20 pounds that most Americans add from Thanksgiving to New Year. His tummy was flabby and he looked to be in need of one of Kramer’s manssieres. Who knew Mrs. Haley was such a good cook?

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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George Brett's F-bombs highlighted the month of May

Posted 12-31-09

“Every manager is gonna take criticism. I don’t give a (bleep)  if you’re Joe (f-ing) Torre, you’re gonna take criticism! I think the problem is in this town is that we’ve lost so many (f-in’) years in a row that people don’t have any patience! So as soon as he does something that the media doesn’t like, they explode on him. Well (f) you and (f) them! Believe me, Jack Harry, Kevin Kietzman, Roger Twibell…have never interviewed for a manager’s job. You know why? You know why? Because there are 30 teams in major league baseball. Thirty! No one’s ever called these guys to manage, have they? No one’s ever called then to be the general manager. Why? Because they don’t know what they’re talking about sometimes. And I’m sick and tired of listening to it. Okay? I’m sick and tired of listening to it, believe me.”
George Brett, interviewed while standing next to his golf cart at the Joe McGuff ALS golf tournament on Monday, KSHB 41
GH: First things first, the reporter for KSHB 41 who initiated what was the local sports interview of 2009, was Justin Unell, the senior producer at 41. Unell was also the recipient of Brett’s first, “(F) you!” The photographer who captured George’s words, facial expressions and panned his lemon-yellow zebra-striped slacks was Tom Christiansen. Read on.

“The first time I ever interviewed (Brett) he f-bombed me. I don’t classify either one of us as a name caller. At all. There is a lot of name calling. I’m sorry, when George says f-you and f-them, he’s name calling. He’s insulting.”
Kevin Kietzman, making another point he failed to bring up when he spoke with Brett, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman conducted a live interview with Brett the day after his f-bomb blast and was all sweetness and nice to Brett while he had him on the air. It was after Brett was off the air that KK let loose with his harsh criticism of #5. Much of Kietzman criticism was legit – but treating Brett like a hero while he was on the air and then a villain when off was a cowardly move that KK listeners have become very familiar with over the years.

“I apologize for my language but I don’t know, I just snapped. If I hurt somebody’s feelings I apologize for that, but I guess you know now not to badmouth my Royals.”
George Brett, 610 AM
GH: If anybody should be badmouthing the inept Royals’ franchise it is Royals’ cons like Brett. This once-proud organization has been the laughingstock of baseball for the past decade. Instead of cursing the media and fans, I’d like to see Brett turn his ire on the people in charge of this mess of a team – the Glass Menagerie.

“Yeah, everybody’s entitled to their opinion but they’re not entitled to their opinion filled with obscenities with the cameras rolling.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Many of the talking heads seemed very upset with the fact Brett dropped f-bombs during a taped interview. Brett is not a CEO of a Fortune 500 company; he is a former baseball player. I like when people like Brett shed their public façade and talk real talk. I will never understand why members of the media like Petro would be repulsed by what obviously was an early Christmas present for local talk radio shows.

“How can the media, after the fact, crucify George for his language when they thought it was ok to air it over and over again on radio and TV? It was one of the worst jobs of ‘bleeping out’ the bad words I’d ever seen. And there was no attempt to blur his mouth for the lip readers. I think the media as a whole reacted so strongly to what was said because we, as a group, aren’t good at ‘taking it.’ We can throw verbal grenades in the clubhouse then run for cover. But heaven help the coach or athlete who shoots back at us.”
Dave Stewart, of Metro Sports, in his Eat This column on kcondemand.com
GH: Stewart’s words should be required reading in every sports desk and J-school in the country.

“I just thought it was kind of a funny thing. Yeah, I like it. I didn't know what ‘cougar’ meant. A cougar is a good looking older lady, right? I said to somebody, what's a cougar? They told me, and I said, yeah, that's a good name. It's an older lady, 40 years old, maybe has some kids, and is beautiful. Yeah. I think it's cool, yeah. I don't want to get in trouble for saying that. Will I get in trouble for saying that?”
George Brett, in an interview with KC Star sports writer, Sam Mellinger, the father of “The Kougar” nickname for the remodeled Kauffman Stadium, Kansas city.com

“As far as scandals go, on a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 10. They just basically stole money on the way out the door. What K-State fan in their right mind would send them a check right now for their athletic fund?”
Kevin Kietzman, on the apparent secret agreement between KSU’s athletic director, Bob Krause, and former football coach, Ron Prince, that would pay the now fired coach $3.2 million in future payments, 810 AM
GH: We are still awaiting the outcome of this mess. What was Jon Wefald’s part in this and just how much is this going to cost K-State fans to pay off Prince? Add Mangino’s $3-million buyout to the tab and you find that the state of Kansas is getting billed for a lot of nothing.

“I didn’t do anything wrong. I look for everything I’ve been charged with to be dropped.”
Blaine Dalton, after his first publicized arrest in Columbia arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of false identification and three traffic charges, including a lane violation and failure to provide insurance, Kansas City Star
GH: What a waste of talent and opportunity. Will Dalton get his act together yet and make something of his college career and life? This ain’t Disney. Whatever future chances the former MU quarterback will receive, I expect he will squander and waste like all his previous gifts.

“I still think talent-wise they (The Royals) are probably still the best team in the division. I think one more bat and they are absolutely a contender. I think what it boils down to is that Kansas City does have the best talent in the division and frankly should win it.”
Jeff Passan, YahooSports.com baseball writer, 610 AM
GH: The Royals were still viable in May and even had some of us thinking crazy thoughts. Read on.

“With Greinke pitching like he was, we needed a 12-run homer. I think we can all pretty much say Greinke is nearly unbeatable. Just give him the Cy Young now.”
Reader comments, after Greinke was masterful against the Tigers in May, Detroit Free Press

“The Kansas City Royals are in first place. Let that wash over you for a minute. …The longer they remain relevant, the more likely you are to become familiar with one of the best pitchers in the game. His name is Zack Greinke. This guy is just filthy!”
Scott Van Pelt, ESPN

“This was by far the greatest night I’ve had as a Royals fan. I was in the front row in right field. If there is a rowdier crowd in the major leagues, I’d like to see it. We were so inside (Sox right fielder Scott) Podsednik’s head. He finally flipped us off. It was freaking incredible! I’ve never had more fun at a Royals game!”
Caller, 810 AM
GH: I wrote the following comment back in May: The magic may end and all of this could just be another Royal Blue mirage come August. But it doesn’t feel like that. It feels like a pennant race is brewing here in Cowtown. And if you think the stadium is exciting now, wait until September. Nothing, absolutely nothing in sports – not March Madness, not a Super Bowl run -- nothing compares to following your baseball team through a late-season pennant race. It is all consuming. It is why I am a sports fan.

“I forgot the question. I do that a lot.”
Zack Greinke, Royals Postgame

“A lot of people question the amount of money (the Royals) gave John Buck in arbitration but thank god they did.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: I thought this was a pretty ridiculous quote in May and it reads even dumber now. Petro is a seamhead but he’s  probably not the baseball god he thinks he is…but you knew that.

“(Todd Haley) will let you know what’s on his mind. Some players respond to that and some players don’t respond to that. And I was like, well, I don’t know how well I’d respond to that. And as old as I am, I didn’t feel like I needed to be getting yelled at.”
Tony Gonzalez, in an interview on The Border Patrol with Steven St. John and Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Gonzo’s exodus to Atlanta failed to get him into the postseason yet again. It appears he may very well play his entire NFL career without winning even one playoff game. Shannon Sharpe has three Super Bowl rings with two different teams. Life ain’t always fair.

“I did not call (Tony Gonzalez) a prima donna. I called him a diva. I’m not calling him names.
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: This is one of my favorite KK quotes of the year. I truly believe Kevin has no idea how often he contradicts himself, sometimes within a sentence or two.

“If Andy Petitte doesn’t believe him, what else do we need to know?”
Jason Stark, when asked if he believes Roger Clemens’ claims of steroid innocence, 810 AM

“Andy misremembers.”
Roger Clemens, when asked to explain Andy Petitte’s sworn statement that he had conversations with Clemons regarding steroids, ESPN Radio

“So check this out, some cat is playin me in KC. Crazy, just for da record, I am home and was not in KC. Thanks to those keepin an eye out.”
Guy Fieri, Twitter.com
GH: Fox Sports KC's Joel Goldberg was duped into believing he was interviewing Guy Fieri, the spikey-haired chef from the Food Network who visits dives across the country.  Who he was interviewing is still a mystery...but unfortunately for Goldberg it wasn't Fieri.

“The girls at K-State and Kansas are way, way better than here. I don’t know. There are so many different types here – environmental types, weird types. That’s not attractive to me. Even though we have a lot of people from California here, the girls from Kansas are better. “
Chris Harper, former Wichita Northwest QB who was a freshman running back at Oregon last season, Kansas City Star

“Missouri was held to three hits until Marla Sha-Sh-Shitz-a-burger hit a solo home run. (Chuckle) I’m sorry, Marla!”
Jack Harry, while playing highlights of Mizzou loss to Arizona State in the College Softball World Series, KSHB TV 41
GH: Harry couldn’t help chuckling over his Lenny-like mispronunciation of the former Raytown South grad, Marla Sweisberger’s, surname. And the way he made it sound like a large scale attack of Burger King diarrhea, neither could I.

“How did we get zero deodorants and zero restaurants on the Plaza?”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, after C&C listeners were unable to name even one item in each category during the duo’s favorite caller-driven, Six in Ten, 610 AM
GH: I am going to guess this was a rhetorical question by Cowboy.

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Looking back at April of 2009--things are clearer now

Posted 12-30-09

April 2009 / Best Of OTC
These quotes came from OTC columns in the month of April. I have added fresh commentary to supply some timely perspective.

*******

“Everything I’m doing I’m trying to doing with a purpose. …We’re starting at ground zero. We’re looking for guys who want to be Chiefs.”
Todd Haley, as the Chiefs prepared for minicamp, Fox 4
GH: Who knew ground zero had a subbasement? Here we are in week 17 still looking for guys who not only want to be Chiefs but deserve to be cashing an NFL paycheck.

“I’m all in with it. Everybody’s in the boat. … We need change around here the habit of losing. … I just can’t wait to get into it and start messing up quarterbacks.”
Derrick Johnson, Chiefs linebacker, on how the Chiefs players are buying into Todd Haley’s philosophy as a head coach, Fox 4 and 610 AM
GH: I loved the attitude DJ was spouting back early on about Haley and the move to the 3-4 defense. He was maybe the most vocal supportive voice for the new regime amongst the Herm holdovers. How did his boat spring a leak and go so wrong this season? His move in 2009 to a descending player is one of Scott Todd’s biggest failures.

“If he’s half as good on the field as he was behind the mic, there are good things coming for the Chiefs.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on Matt Cassel’s first meeting with the Kansas City media, 610 AM
GH: Unfortunately, Cassel hasn’t been half as good on the field or at the mic since. I still retain hope that he’s more like Elvis than he is like Grbac, but Bill Maas looks more right than wrong about our $60-million man.

“I’m kind of actually ashamed and embarrassed (with the Chiefs’ throwback helmet). Why don’t we fly the flag of England outside the White House? I’m gonna get a flag of Germany and put it outside my house! That’s where my family’s from! We haven’t even felt the impact yet! Wait till people see that (Chiefs) team play in those helmets! They will be aghast at what they see! People are going to turn on their televisions and not know who the heck is playing!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Some believe I go overboard picking on Kietzman in this column. I simply believe it is almost impossible to quote him and not look like you’re picking on the guy. KK could make you think a mountain range had just sprung from a set of mole hills in western Kansas.

“Oh, that’s hogwash! You’re kidding me! I’ll guarantee you that 95% or the people that turn on the TV are going to know that’s Arrowhead Stadium (and the Chiefs).”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: Just to point out to you that not everything Mad Jack said in 2009 was hogwash.

“I think Mike Anderson is leaving Missouri. I don’t know where, but I think he’s gone.”
Kevin Kietzman, Tuesday afternoon, 810 AM
GH: KK wasn’t alone in this thinking but he might have been the most adamant. One Mizzou fan called his show and became irate at all the talk that Anderson was leaving. Danny Clinkscale dismissed the caller by saying, “Call me when he leaves for Memphis.” As we all know, Anderson stayed and Mizzou fans love him for it.

 “I think the expectations for (Missouri) next year are you make the NCAA tournament. I see only one, maybe two great teams in the Big 12 next year.”
Gabe DeArmond, of PowerMizzou.com, 810 AM
GH: At the time, I agreed with Gabe. But now we are two months into the season and the Big 12 looks like the toughest kid on the block. While Texas and Kansas may be the only “great” teams in the league, Frank Martin’s Cats look to be good enough to beat both the Hawks and Horns. I think this B12 hoops season is going to be far less predictable than I and DeArmond first thought.

“I don’t know one KU fan who isn’t jealous of Duke.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kansas, much to the chagrin of many, is an elite basketball school with everything you would expect from an elite program – five national titles, historic coaches, historic HOF players, and a barn right out of a Disney movie. Elite programs are not jealous of each other. Elite programs believe no program is better than their program even when it is not true. Jealousy is a sin committed only by the poor and those not-rich-enough.

“Yeah, it’s a pretty cool deal. We’re really excited. It’s something that is a pretty big step, obviously. I’ve grown up here all of my life…and this is kind of the ultimate for me. I’m in my hometown talking sports for four hours a day.”
Chris Hamblin, after Neal Jones was fired and Chris & Cowboy moved to the afternoon time slot on KCSP, 610 AM
GH: C&C went primetime in 2009 and most simply yawned. They appeared to be simply the latest tee shot for KK’s BTL’s afternoon-drive program. But their irreverence toward their competition was of the likes we have not seen since Whitlock attempted his coup. The dent they’ve made on KK’s ratings has been slight but these two college frat boys appeal to a demographic that Kietzman has no connection with – those who like their sports raw and real. I believe C&C are a bit too raw to be popular (and reasonably profitable) but they have secured a niche in this market.

“I’m excited. They are probably very big and wide shoes and pants to fill. I’ll be perfectly honest. There are things that Chris and Cowboy do very, very well that I can’t do even partially well – for example the D-Bag Madness Tournament.”
Nick Wright, on taking over the midday slot for C&C, 610 AM
GH: Ahhhh, yes, the D-Bag tourney. Just another reason it is difficult to take C&C seriously as contenders for the afternoon drive throne.

“This is just the Kansas City Royals saying we’re done with all of this crud. We’re tired of rolling over to these supposedly better teams in the division. And I believe it this year.”
Mike McFarlane, on the Royals new attitude and 5-4 record in mid-April, 810 AM
GH: The Royals stood 5-4 on the young season at this juncture and I believed in everything from Mike Jacobs to Mike Aviles. We had one helluva first month didn’t we?

“(The Royals) are no longer pushovers. Not with Joaqiun Soria closing.”
Steve Berthiaume, Baseball Tonight host, ESPN

“And I think (leadership) is one thing this team has really lacked. No one ever felt like they were good enough to step up and be THE guy. Good teams have those guys. And Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp are going to be real big in that leadership role with this ball club.”
George Brett, 810 AM

“I think the Royals really and truly might win the American League Central this year. …I know, I’ve said it before , but I honestly believe this may be the year the Royals make the playoffs. Seriously.”
Joe Posnanski, Kansas City Star
GH: Remember this JoPo guy? Whatever happened to him, anyway? Is Sports Illustrated still in circulation?

“It’s on. For the first time since 2004 – let’s not dwell on what happened that year – we go into a season with legitimate playoff aspirations. It may require a little dreaming, a little luck, but for the first time in five years you can tell your friends, ‘I think the Royals can win the division this year,’ and not have them stare at you with a mixture of disgust and fear, as if you had just sprouted a third ear before their eyes.”
Rany Jazayerli, ranyontheroyals.com
GH: Lots of third ears started sprouting at The K about the same time as the irises started to bloom.

“This team could really find themselves in contention in this (AL Central) division. If you are a Royals fan who was pessimistic, you should now be optimistic. There’s no reason to think they can’t do it now.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, spouting unbridled optimism after nine games, 610 AM
GH: The positive vibes were flowing through this town and exciting even some of the darkest Royals fans. But not all…

“I wouldn’t put a penny on the Royals. They’re not going to win squat! … I am going to have to boycott opening day because of Sidney Ponson. …This has got the potential for all to go wrong.””
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Petro refused to be swayed by the early euphoria and he proved, once again, to be correct.

“This could be one of the worst infields in the major leagues right here in Kansas City. The Kansas City Royals, in my opinion, are going to field one of the worst defensive infields in all of baseball.”
Jason Anderson, 810 AM
GH: Anderson correctly predicted that the Royals would kick more balls than an episode of America’s Funniest Videos.

“Kyle Farnsworth is a mole for another team. It’s kind of like on 24. He’s Tony Almeda and he’s double-crossed us.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: When the Opening Day crowd at The K booed Farnsworth’s introduction, I was proud of our sleepy little baseball town. We recognized failure and were not shy about expressing our distaste for the scent.

“I would have called earlier but I was shaving my Soria beard. I kind of look like a cross between a tall Amish guy and Abraham Lincoln.”
Caller Solo, 610 AM

“(Winning a championship) is one thing I’ve always based all of my careers off of. I always say I want to leave my career winning a championship. My high school career it was my senior year. My college career it was my junior year. So in the NFL, I can’t exactly say when it’s going to be but I can guarantee it’s going to be within my career some time. I’m definitely going to win the Super Bowl.”
Tyson Jackson, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, 610 AM
GH: This may have been the last time Tyson Jackson was seen or heard from following the draft. He has been listed as MIA most of the Chiefs’ season.

“I ran into some friends here in California the other day and they were asking about him. They wanted to know how to pronounce his name. ‘Is it Gronkee? Or Grunk? Who is this guy?’”
George Brett, on the national buzz surrounding Zack Greinke, 610 AM
GH: Simply the best local sports story of the year here in Kansas City – except for that week in July when Tom Watson made the world believe that 59 is not just a great round of golf.

“They have a jinx?”
Zack Greinke, when asked if he was concerned about the Sports Illustrated cover’s infamous jinx, Kansas City Star

“My mom had bugged me about having a Senior Day the whole year. She gets her Senior Night. I get my degree, and hopefully we’ll get another national championship.”
Sherron Collins, on his and Cole Aldrich’s decisions to forego the NBA draft and return to KU for another season, Lawrence Journal World

“One thing that means a lot to me is that nobody in my immediate family has graduated from a university. That’s huge for me.”
Cole Aldrich, Fox 4
GH: Reread that comment one more time and then tell me Aldrich didn’t just report he’s not just back for his junior season but his senior season as well. If Cole doesn’t pick it up over the next couple of months, Lawrence might not be a bad place to be in 2010-11.

“The facts simply say…(Xavier Henry) ain’t coming to Lawrence. And if you think he is, you are delusional. …BECAUSE HE DOESN’T WANT TO PLAY THERE! If he did, he’s had many opportunities to simply choose KU.”
Martin Manley, writer, Kansas City Star
GH: I am not sure who Martin Manley is or where he went after this outburst in The Star but suffice it to say he will forever be known in these parts as Martin Neutered.

“We really feel this is in the best interest short term and long term for the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Scott Pioli, on the trade of Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons, 610 AM
GH: I don’t disagree. But show me you know what to do with the second-round pick you got for the best tight end in the history of the game.

“Better be smart and they had better be dependable.”
Scott Pioli, on what he is looking for in a draft choice, Kansas City Star
GH: To paraphrase Miss Shields, the teacher in the movie A Christmas Story; “F-, F-, F-!” BTW, I saw the Missouri Reps’ musical version of A Christmas Story in late December and while it had some highs, there were way too many bloated song/dance numbers and an abundance of mediocre acting. The show has potential to be a Broadway hit but they need to cut the songs in half and recast every lead in the show. Old man Parker and Ralphie were two of the weaker actors in the Rep’s cast.

“One challenge I have is Kansas City. Kansas City is a great place but it’s hard to convince people it’s a great place, especially if they aren’t in the raising-a-family stage of their life. …the schools we recruit from are on the coasts, and I can tell you, for people who have never been here, the vision of covered wagons, tumbleweeds and livestock is alive and well.”
Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint, Star Magazine
GH: I reran this quote form Hesse because I disagree with it so vehemently. Maybe Hesse needs to hire Bill Self as a consultant – he seems to be able to convince talented outsiders this ain’t such a wasteland. I strongly disagree with Hesse’s approach to recruiting. There are fabulous universities on the east and west coasts that churn out graduates with excellent pedigrees. But the best talent in the country happens to be growing under Sprint’s upturned nose. The Big 12 schools and the smaller state schools in our four-state area (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa) produce excellent employees that exhibit character, pride and personality. What Hesse should be concentrating on is not how to get the coasters to come to Kansas City, but how to keep the local crop from waving good-bye.

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For Harry, half-Jacked is no way to go to work

Posted 12-28-09

“Larry Johnson went Larry Johnson. You know what I mean. Take the hand off and look for a place to fall down a yard or a yard-and-a-half into the run.”
Bill Maas, on LJ’s four carries for 11 total yards, 610 AM
GH: The warnings we heard about LJ looking to extract some revenge as he faced his former team proved to be very Larry Johnson-like – much ado about nothing. Read on.

“I’m sure you can imagine the things (LJ) was saying to DeMario Williams.”
Bill Maas, on LJ’s demonstrative outburst after Williams tackled the former Chiefs’ running back near the Bengals’ sideline, 610 AM
GH: My Top 5 list of what LJ said to DeMario;
5. “Take that five-yard gain motherfu…!”
4. “Dude, easy on the tackle! I fall down just fine on my own.”
3. “I’ll Tweet you later, you alternative-lifestyle bitch!”
2. “If I had a drink to spit, you’d be a tsunami!”
1. “Tell Arnold Palmer I sent that finger email to Jack Harry.”

“LJ has a lot left in his tank. I said that when he was here and when he left. But the fact remains he is a one-dimensional running back who doesn’t bring a whole bunch to the team in general.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: Danan refuses to acknowledge what we all know -- LJ’s tank is as empty as my neighbor’s snowblower after our Christmas snowstorm. I spent about four hours shoveling (twice!) this weekend and I am now officially ready for spring.

“This is one of the few times this season that I can say I was proud of the Chiefs. My hat’s off to Todd Haley. … I think this game was very, very big for (Haley) because apparently he had them ready.”
Jack Harry, in his opening remarks during his post game show on 810 AM
GH: Jack praised Haley and his team for their efforts against Cincinnati, less than a week after he torched Haley’s reputation by broadcasting an unsubstantiated report that the head coach flipped off a Chiefs’ fan. Jack was anything but his typical controversial self on WHB’s Chiefs’ postgame radio show and I do not think it was a coincidence.

“I don’t listen to this show and call in to be called stupid! I think it’s ridiculous!”
Caller David, after Danny Clinkscale repeatedly told the caller his criticism of a particular in-game decision by Haley was stupid, 810 AM
GH: I enjoy a radio show where there is occasional angst between the callers and hosts. Clinkscale did nothing wrong in questioning the caller’s criticism of Haley –  but Jack Harry, Clink’s co-host, went out of his way to defuse the situation and quickly usher the caller off the air. Read on.

“Call back David. Call back a little later today and we’ll get all settled down here.”
Jack Harry, attempting to calm the tension between Clinkscale and Caller David, 810 AM
GH: If Harry’s Fingergate is going to neuter his radio and TV personality, he needs to take a vacation until he can play with his entire arsenal. Half Jacked is no way to go to work.

“Today looked promising. Jamaal Charles looked outstanding. I thought today was a start.”
Bill Maas, on the Chiefs’ improved effort against the Bengals, 610 AM
GH: Charles continues to look more and more like a player we can cheer and take pride in knowing he is a Chief. Nice to know we can buy a Chiefs’ jersey that isn’t the punter or placekicker.

“I’m not that special but I can be special. I want to show the world what I can do.”
Jamaal Charles, in a postgame interview, Fox 4
GH: How can you not like this guy? And he was sitting on the inactive list behind LJ earlier this season? Scott Todd should be ashamed of themselves.

“If they go out and get toasted by Denver (next Sunday), I don’t think they really gained anything today (with their effort in Cincinnati).”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: I don’t think the Chiefs gained all that much by playing the Bengals close. This is the NFL and bad teams often play games close before losing. We’re just used to the Chiefs’ games being over at halftime.

“Watching Matt Cassel today from the opening drive, he runs into Jamaal Charles. The poor throws all through the game… I’ve said before on this station that he reminds me a lot of Elvis Grbac. If you stop and think about it, that’s exactly what we’ve got here late in the season. …He makes two or three plays a game where he looks outstanding. After that, that’s it. Then we have all the other problems.  …I watched Matt Cassel just literally throw the game away (with the late interception).”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: Cassel doesn’t remind me of Grbac – who I thought played with less heart than the Tin Man. Cassel has plenty of heart, just too few wins. The question I still have about Cassel is his arm strength and accuracy. He misses far too many open receivers and he can’t make the laser throws to beat a coverage that you’d expect from an elite-paid NFL QB. He seems like a stand-up guy and all but if I’m Pioli, I’m seriously evaluating drafting a quarterback in the second or third round.

“The tragic death of Chris Henry.”
Brad Porter, on the death last week of the Bengals’ receiver, Metro Sports

“Chris Be Our Savior”
Sign in stands in Cincinnati during memorial for the deceased Bengal wide receiver, Chris Henry
GH: Count me out of those mourning Chris Henry’s death. Jumping from the bed of a moving pick-up truck after threatening the mother of his children he would kill himself if she didn’t stop the truck -- is not someone who is smart enough to grow old or mourn.

“It was the tale of two different halves where the team didn’t show up for all four quarters.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: Watching Haley’s postgame press conference, I thought he was far too happy with his team’s performance in a close loss than he should have been. It appears to me he is now just happy to not get blown out. Not good.

“Ed Hochuli is the white hat today. Ed looks like he’s been working out. Ed is the only (referee) who does the coin toss with a couple of 25-pound (barbells) and does a couple of curls while he’s waiting.”
Mitch Holthus, on the well-known muscular NFL referee, Chiefs Radio Network

“Good for him!”
Len Dawson, applauding Hochuli’s fitness, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Hochuli gets ripped often by Holthus and Bob Gretz. I don’t agree with their criticism. Is he the best NFL ref? No, but he’s no worse than most. I’d rather have a ref who looks too buff than one who looks like Mark Mangino.

“That’s a basic fundamental of the passing game – take (your route) a yard or two more than the first-down marker.”
Len Dawson, after Dwayne Bowe came up short of the first down on a third-down reception, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Bowe continues to make me think he will never be anything more than a disappointment here in Kansas City. What a waste of talent.

“How quickly can (Kendall) Gammon get suited up?”
Mitch Holthus, after the Chiefs’ deep snapper, Thomas Gafford, sailed a snap over Dustin Colquitt’s head, Chiefs Radio Network

“Colquitt did the right thing in kicking the ball out of bounds. It gives the Chiefs a chance to come out of this.”
Steve Tasker, CBS

“Don’t kick it out of bounds at the five yard line! (Colquitt) is supposed to have 4.5 speed! Pick it up and run it out of the end zone for a safety! He went back to his soccer days and kicked it out of bounds at the five.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: I side with Lenny on this one. Colquitt should know kicking the ball is a penalty and gives the opposition their choice of options. Kicking it out inside the 10 yard line is almost always worth seven points. If Chad Ochocinco doesn’t step a few inches out in the back of the end zone, the Bengals put seven on the board.

“Chad Johnson… Chad Ochocinco.”
Steve Tasker, TV analyst, who had a hard time deciding what to call the flamboyant Bengal wide out, CBS
GH: Anybody get an uneasy feeling watching Haley shaking hands and chuckling with Ochocinco while Brandon Flowers was lying on the turf injured? I was surprised the star-struck Haley didn’t ask Ocho for an autograph. When was the last time you saw Haley interact with one of his Chiefs’ players with that big a smile on his unshaven mug?

“I thought there were more f-bombs thrown around today (by Haley) every time the camera cut to him than in recent weeks. Today they were flying hard.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: No mention of any “bird” sightings, though.

More Notes:

 

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Bob Knight not right as game analyst

Posted 12-23-09

“And his brother makes the pass!”
Bob Knight, ESPN analyst for the Cal/KU game, somehow confusing Sherron Collins with Marcus Morris, ESPN2
GH: Bob Knight is a college basketball coaching legend. As a TV game analyst, he is just this side of Lee Corso clueless. Knight either puts zero work into his role or simply doesn’t care. His work in the Cal/KU game was embarrassingly poor. Read on.

“We’re going to see Collins come down here on the ball screen.”
Bob Knight, confusing Tyshawn Taylor with Collins, ESPN2
GH: Sherron Collins is one of the best known college basketball players in the country. Knight apparently doesn’t know Collins from any other black KU player. Maybe the Kansas City Star should hire Knight.

“Do you want a proverb? ‘Dumb loses more games than smart wins games.’”
Bob Knight, ESPN2
GH: And we heard plenty of dumb coming from Knight on Tuesday night, who somehow managed to get into a protracted discussion about the Yankees’ Derek Jeter and his immense talents while a basketball game was playing out before him.

“Naw, I could never join the media. I’d be the Benedict Arnold of the sports world if I joined the media.”
Bob Knight, ESPN2
GH: Bob, you are in the media. It would be nice if you took your job seriously and did some work to make your performance a bit less embarrassing.

“I think both (Texas and Kansas) defensively are outstanding. Here’s the question I have for the Kansas Jayhawks; who on their team can defend (Texas’) Damien James? Texas can guard everyone Kansas puts on the floor. The Morris twins? No, they can’t guard Damien James. Morningstar is too small. Xavier Henry is just a freshman, Damien James would just chew him up. That might be the difference between these two teams.”
Jimmy Dykes, studio analyst, ESPN2
GH: The question everyone in college hoops is asking is who is the real number-one team in the country? It appears quite obvious to me after back-to-back wins of UNC and MSU that the answer is Texas. Can Kansas guard James and beat Texas? Sure, but that won’t play out on ESPN’s Big Monday in Austin until Feb. 8. Until then, expect the Longhorns to replace the Jayhawks atop the polls.

“Kansas’ schedule is a tough one out there.”
David Lawrence, who pointed to upcoming non-con opponents, Temple and Tennessee, as proof of the Jayhawks “tough” schedule, Jayhawk Radio
GH: Some, like Lew’s lap-dog Lawrence, continue to prop up KU’s non-con schedule as if it were formidable – which it is far from being. What’s wrong with some objective analyst work on the Jayhawk Radio Network? Greg Gurley is one of the few KU voices I respect who doesn’t appear to be drowning in a pool of Lew Perkins’ syrup covering everything Crimson and Blue.

“Kansas was not overly impressive early (against Cal) but they have got some depth on this team!”
Brent Musburger, ESPN2
GH: KU’s deep bench will either be their greatest asset or Bill Self’s biggest challenge yet as the Kansas coach. He has some very unhappy players on that bench right now who did not expect to be getting only mop-up playing time.

“A lot of people believe the Big 12 is the best of all the basketball conferences this year.”
Brent Musburger, ESPN2
GH: I haven’t had a chance to see every other conference in depth yet but the Big 12’s start looks impressive. I have a feeling the boys back east will still need some convincing.

“The chance of a white Christmas (in Kansas City) is now 100%. There is a major, major large storm in position that I haven’t seen in many years!”
Gary Lezak, weatherman extraordinaire, KSHB TV 41
GH: Let the snow watch begin. I don’t know if it’s the forecasters or the weather naysayers who are more entertaining when a winter storm is predicted. Both seem to blow a lot of hot air.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Theismann rips Haley, Chiefs; St. John backs off his comments

Posted 12-23-09

“I’ve been around this game for 30 years. You need a quarterbacks coach. You need a receivers coach. And you need to let them do their job! You can’t do it all. You know what happens when you try and do everything? You wind up with the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Joe Theismann, 610 AM
GH: Theismann was perhaps the most optimistic member of the national media during the preseason when he picked the Chiefs to win 10 games. Even Joe’s positive vibe for the Scott Todd regime has been dampened by the play of the 3-11 Chiefs. Read on.

“People used to be scared to death to go to Kansas City and play football. Now they can’t wait to get to Kansas City and play football. There’s nothing fearful about the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Joe Theismann, 610 AM
GH: Theismann is far from the first outsider to make this comment but it bears repeating simply to remind us just how formidable an environment Arrowhead’s reputation once was to opponents. The Chiefs are 2-14 the past two seasons inside Arrowhead and where once the aroma of barbecue hung, the stench of a blackout now lingers into 2010.

“It’s up to (Chiefs) ownership now to sit down with (Haley) because you can’t work all the way through training camp and then fire people. That was the first problem. And then you can’t try and do everything and fix everything at once. It’s a little bit like our administration of this country. Let’s see how many things we can fix in a short period of time and you get nothing. And that’s the problem in Kansas City.”
Joe Theismann, 610 AM
GH: At least Scott Todd aren’t in charge of getting that health care bill passed. Come to think of it, I’m not sure they could do any worse than what’s currently going on in Washington.

“I don’t give (the Chiefs) a pass (on this season). There is absolutely no reason not to win six games a year. I absolutely do not give them a pass.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“I’ll pat us on the back. Everybody wanted to have a parade for Todd Haley. Everybody wanted to have a parade for Scott Pioli when he got here. …I’m sorry, the record speaks for itself. This is a freaking training camp! It’s a joke. The media wanted to throw a parade of Haley and Pioli. They were calling Matt Cassel a franchise quarterback and now they can’t get far away from the guy. I’ll wait until he wins something before I announce he’s a great coach.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: This from the guy who thinks Carl Peterson got a raw deal and should still be in place at One Arrowhead Drive. I think that one cancels out your pats on the back, Soren.

“Come on, will you? For gosh sakes, Todd! Football’s just not that complicated. If a guy is a great kick returner, just don’t kick it to him! It’s just that simple. (Josh Cribbs) is phenomenal as a kick returner. You don’t know that? Kansas City wins that game probably if he doesn’t return those kicks.”
Joe Theismann, 610 AM
GH: Haley’s decision to kick to Cribbs (twice!) are enough to get him fired. And it may be the reason he is one and done come January.

“I don’t think he should be fired after one year but I think he needs to change quite a bit. He needs to change the way he conducts himself with his players. The way he coaches the players. A lot of things need to change.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: SSJ softened his stance on Haley a day after washing his hands of the Chiefs head coach. I think the most constructive thing to change would be the head coach.

“I think there has been progress made in enough areas to think we’re making progress.”
Todd Haley, in his Monday press conference following the loss to Cleveland, 810 AM
GH: What progress and where? On defense? On offense? On special teams? In the coaching of this team? In the fan involvement and excitement? When I hear these words of progress from Haley, it sounds like a man who is simply trying to give Pioli a reason to not fire him.

“Tell the guy to take a nap! Talk about looking haggard!”
Josh Klingler, on Haley’s appearance at his Monday press conference, 610 AM
GH: Haley looked like the cast of Hangover after day three in Vegas…except he had all of his teeth. As I watched the video of what appeared to be some guy they drug out from under the I-435/Holmes exit, I wondered what business man in charge of a company or franchise would appear before cameras and microphones looking and sounding as if he had been awake for 48 hours – all spend with John Daly. Why Pioli allows the face of his franchise to look and sound like a loser is beyond me. Someone remind Scott Todd they have a bit of a PR problem with their fan base. Shower, shave and exhibit some GD energy when you meet with the press!

“Fourteen weeks into the season and I’ve come to the conclusion that these weekly news conferences with Chiefs’ coach Todd Haley are a complete waste of time.”
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41
GH: As apparently does Haley.

“The least (Haley) could do for the people whose job it is to cover this god-awful team is be punctual, instead of making them sit around having to wait for him to say nothing! I think it’s pretty disrespectful. I think it’s pretty unprofessional. It kind of pissed me off today.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on Haley starting his Monday afternoon press conference 25 minutes late, 610 AM

“This was uncontested tonight. It was embarrassing to the point where I think it’s embarrassing for the NFL that you come out and play that emotionless. You’ve got a new GM in town to watch everybody play. If I’m Bruce Allen, wipe everybody out! Because that was awful! That was awful beyond awful!”
Steve Young, on the Redskins’ blowout loss to the Giants at home on MNF, ESPN
GH: How far away are our Chiefs from this same kind of verbal lambasting on national television?

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Browns reduce Chiefs to skidmarks

Posted 12-21-09

“Poor kickoff coverage is a reflection of a poor attitude. Special teams are a reflection of the overall attitude of the football team.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Vermeil has been around a few football teams in his day. He was as good a motivator of players as any coach in the game. When he speaks about a team’s attitude, I listen. It is becoming more and more apparent that Todd Haley is not the guy to turn this now moribund franchise around.

“Defensively we fought and caused a couple of turnovers.”
Todd Haley, in his postgame comments, Metro Sports
GH: How can Haley even utter these words after his defense just gave up Jim Brown’s 51-year-old NFL rushing record to a guy no one ever heard of? Haley appears to me to be a guy more interested in saving his job than facing reality. Cut him loose now and save us two more years of the same.

“I’m done now! They can fire Todd Haley! Because that’s not an NFL coach there! I’m not defending that!”
Steven St. John, citing Haley’s refusal to kick away from the lethal Joshua Cribbs despite an earlier kickoff return, 810 AM

“I did not say fire Todd Haley. I am searching for reasons to bring him back.”
Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star
GH: I do not understand Whitlock’s reluctance to drop the hammer on Haley. It is not even a bold statement to call for the head coach’s head after this debacle of a season.

“There is just so much chaos and ineptness out there. There is nothing this coaching staff has done that makes me think they can make players better. They’ve made players worse!”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM

“Say this to anybody on the team or close to the team and see what reaction you get; ‘Play football. Go play football! Play football!’ That’s what Clancy (Pendergast) says to guys looking for direction. That doesn’t help anybody.”
Nick Wright, on the Chiefs defensive coordinator, 610 AM
GH: The Chiefs defense has never been more embarrassingly used in their 50 year history by a more inept offensive team. Anything can happen from the 50? Hell, with this defensive squad anything can happen from 100 yards out --- twice! Read on.

“Why would you kick it to (Cribbs) again? You’re either oblivious to what’s going on or you’re arrogant! Too arrogant. Ego. Ego.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

“There’s no reason to think after the first (run back) that (Cribbs) is going to bring a second one back. Now, obviously after the second one… Of all the things Todd Haley has done this season, that particular one doesn’t match up. That’s not one of his bigger sins.”
Adam Teicher, defending Haley’s decision to kick to Cribbs, 610 AM
GH: I was stunned listening to Teicher poo-poo the idea that Haley should be criticized for his decision to kick to Cribbs multiple times. Teicher too often comes on the radio and forgets to bring any passion with him. In Teicher’s world, we are all overreacting and not taking enough of a big-picture view of the Chiefs. 610 should hire Wolverine Willie to interview Teicher to get the former Michigan Stater’s blood moving and add some edge to his radio analysis.

“Unwatchable”
Kansas City Star headline
GH: On the contrary, I found myself many times Sunday wishing the game was on the tube. It sounded like a video game with all the long scoring jaunts.

“One of the officials came by and said, ‘I’ve got to stay in shape. I haven’t had to make so many long runs in my career!’ ”
Kendall Gammon, on the plethora of big plays in the Browns/Chiefs game, Chiefs Radio Network

“Cleveland’s offense is like a snowplow, moving the Chiefs’ defense back.”
Mitch Holthus, as the Browns moved the ball on the ground in the first half, Chiefs Radio Network

“We knew what they were going to do and they did it anyway.”
John McGraw, Chiefs defensive back, Fox 4
GH: Yikes! When it is the 14th game of the season and you can’t stop what you know is coming, you have some major issues on defense.

“The defense is just getting shredded once again.”
Len Dawson, Chiefs Radio Network

“Maybe Jerome Harris gets 250 instead of 286.”
Adam Teicher, when asked what difference it would have made for the Chiefs defense to have Glenn Dorsey available against the Browns, 610 AM

“(Jim Brown) probably thought, ‘Hey, I could go out there and get 100 yards off this defense the way they’re playing!’”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: Brown attended the game and was in Arrowhead to see his rushing record fall to what’s his name. Talk about a record needing an asterisk!

“Who in the heck is Jerome Harrison?
Jack Harry, after the Cleveland substitute running back rambled for 286 yards to record the third most prolific rushing game in NFL history, 810 AM

“Does anybody remember (Jerome Harrison) playing for the Colorado Buffalos, let alone the Cleveland Browns?”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: Harry quickly corrected Clinkscale’s error and stated that Harrison was a fourth-year back out of Washington State. We all screw up on items such as this at times but Clink had the entire game to look this fact up and failed to do so.

“Clancy Pendergast. I don’t want to say I told you so but I consider myself one of the more knowledgeable Arizona Cardinal fans on the radio.”
Chris Hamblin, on the Chiefs defensive coordinator’s inability to get his defenders to stop even inept teams, 610 AM

“It looks to me like a lot of those guys are out there just waiting to get blocked!”
Len Dawson, after Joshua Cribs recorded his NFL record seventh and eighth kickoff return for a touchdown this season, Chiefs Radio Network

“You’ve just got to feel that this team has no understanding of what it takes to play in the National Football League. …This is the Cleveland Browns! They’re ready to fall into the lake! It’s absolutely ridiculous! Sooner or later you’ve got to find out if you want to play this game or not. This is the Cleveland Browns offensive line that is ranked 32nd in the National Football League!”
Richard Baldinger, outside the Chiefs’ locker room following the game, Metro Sports

“There’s no emotion. Nobody’s throwing helmets, there is nothing going on on the field to say this is a prideful situation.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: I have never equated helmet throwing with passion. Players who throw helmets are not smart enough to play for my team.

“You tell me the last time the Chiefs had 21 unanswered points in a game?”
Mitch Holthus, as the Chiefs rolled to a lead in the first half, Chiefs Radio Network

“I don’t know because I refuse to practice a bad snap! You like apples? How ‘bout them apples?”
Kendall Gammon, Chiefs sideline reporter, when asked by Holthus if punters practice what to do when a bad snap occurs in the end zone, Chiefs Radio Network

“They popped (Charles) shoulder back in and sent him back out there to play.”
Mitch Holthus, after the Chiefs running back apparently dislocated his shoulder late in the fourth quarter, Chiefs Radio Network

“I think it is very easy to be 3-11 and pile on the quarterback – but how impressive is Matt Cassel? The reason I say that is here is a guy who never explodes on the sideline, you never see him get in the face of a player, you never see him exploit a guy who makes a mistake. You always see him own up to everything he does. It’s very impressive. He is an NFL quarterback. He is our NFL quarterback. He’s a quarterback I would love to play for and he’s a quarterback who can lead this team if he gets the right players around him.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports
GH: Cassel played well despite his receivers dropping nine catchable passes. But what was the deal with his game-ending hail-Mary pass off the goal post? Read on.

“The pass is going to be thrown away.”
Mitch Holthus, on Cassel’s final throw of the game into the end zone, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Holthus never went into detail on Cassel’s last pass. He left his listeners wondering why Cassel would “throw away” a pass from the 26-yard line with no time on the clock. Only later, while watching Metro Sports and listening to the postgame shows on 610 and 810 did I learn Cassel had lobbed a desperation pass into the goal post. NFL quarterbacks do not make this kind of mistake.

“That’s 4 wins and 20 losses at Arrowhead the last three years.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM

“Part of what we need to do is be patient but not too patient. We’ve got to get this thing fixed.”
Scott Pioli, Chiefs GM, 810 AM
GH: Huh?

“Hi, this is Clark Hunt. Happy holidays to the Chiefs Kingdom.”
Clark Hunt, radio commercial, Chiefs Radio Network
GH: Clark might want to check the definition of the size of a “Kingdom.” Our Chiefs are quickly becoming hamlet sized.

“Well, you have your bad days. …Sometimes a team gets worse before it gets better. …Don’t add gloom to the doom. They’re going to get it turned around.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Vermeil is the eternal optimist – especially from 1,500 miles away. Read on.

“I missed some of the game yesterday because I was out shoveling snow.”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: Listening to Vermeil this season on Monday mornings, I get the feeling my wife has watched more Chiefs games in 2009 than this wine barren.

“We’re still not selling enough wine online!”
Dick Vermeil, 610 AM
GH: I am always happy to help out a desperate millionaire like Vermeil. Here is the link to his online winery. Buy a couple of bottles to drown your sorrows.

“Unequivocally, the Chiefs have taken over the mantle as the worst football team in the American Football Conference.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: The draft derby has improved greatly for the Chiefs in December. It appears all the bad teams we thought were worse than the Chiefs are better. The Chiefs should be drafting no worse than third this spring.

“What you have right now is a team in shambles. …Unacceptable.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports

“As a man taking pride in what you do for a living and loving what you do, you owe it to the fans and the organization to go out there and play your butt off.”
Tony Gonzalez, on catching the game-winning pass against the Jets despite the fact his Falcons had been eliminated from the playoffs prior to the start of the game, Kansas City Star
GH: Gonzo will once again miss the playoffs but his words should be tacked to the locker of every Chiefs player.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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It's Blackout Sunday for Chiefs

Posted 12-18-09

“This is sad. It’s is a wakeup call to the Chiefs organization and to Clark Hunt.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Grunny experienced Arrowhead during the 90s at the apex of Chiefs football interest in this great Cowtown. To watch our proud team, exalted game-day experience and storied franchise slide back into the 80s is depressing, frustrating and preventable. Read on.

“Clark Hunt had the ability to make sure this (blackout) didn’t happen. As the owner of the team, he had the ability to make sure this game was televised in town by guaranteeing the Cleveland Browns their cut of a sellout. Clark Hunt could have chosen to make a little less money. It’s a slap in the face to the fans that have been pretty supportive and a BS move. He wasn’t going to lose money, he was going to make a little less. This is greed. This is BS.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM

“You’re not going to be able to watch it on TV? Who cares? I don’t understand the outrage. It’s going to be cold on Sunday and they’re playing the Browns. If this was a decent team like the Cowboys or Steelers, it be different. But it’s the Browns! Nobody wants to see the Browns! Your big bitch here is silly.”
Chris Hamblin, responding to Cowboys rant against Hunt and the blackout, 610 AM
GH: Often it appears Chris & Cowboy choose opposite sides of an argument just to be able to manufacture disagreement and debate during their four-hour show. This was one of those times.

“If you can’t afford to go to a game anyway, it’s not your right to watch it on television.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: This comment was inane even coming from Hamblin’s gray matter. What does one’s salary have to do with their “right” to watch a football game on television? If you can afford to pay the cable/satellite bill, you’re golden.

“It’s a slap in the face to Chiefs fans, especially us fans here in Jackson County. For me as a Jackson County taxpayer, it’s a huge slap in the face. We financed that stadium and they should put a better product on the field.”
Brian (B-dub) Williams, producer of the Chris & Cowboy show, 610 AM
GH: Powerful comment from the other side of the glass. Clark asked the Jackson County taxpayers to fund his father’s dream and he repays them with an awful football team that appears will be wading in mediocrity in 2010 as well.

“The question?  Why? The answer? Easy. It’s the Chiefs and the Browns, they’ve got a combined five wins this year.”
Al Wallace, on why the game is blacked out, Fox 4
GH: Wallace is right. Why should any right-thinking person buy overpriced tickets and pay for overpriced parking and refreshments to watch dreck? If the NFL wants more butts in the seats, force Clark and Cleveland to give us a better product to watch.

“Who do you think is to blame for this blackout? Who would you point your finger at? Who is responsible? Can I show you a picture? You can pin Sunday’s blackout on one person – Carl Peterson!”
Jack Harry, who flashed a photo of former Chiefs GM, CEO and President, Carl Peterson on the screen, KSHB 41
GH: I get the feeling Mad Jack blames King Carl for H1N1, the health care bill, Tiger’s troubles and Karen Kornacki.

“Every Sunday a city of two million unite… Touchdown! KAN-SAS-City!”
Hy-Vee commercial
GH: My 12 year-old son sat on the couch Friday morning and as this familiar TV commercial ended with Mitch Holthus’ famous touchdown call he sarcastically stated, “Since when do we score a touchdown?” I wonder if this kid is an aspiring Uncle Dick?

“Clark doesn’t have a total understanding of this because he’s not here in this community. He’s not hearing your friends and my friends saying, ‘I’m done!’ ”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM

“I believe Clark is so much like his father (Lamar). I truly believe he thinks it’s all about the fans. He can’t suit up or make a tackle. Right now this team is doing too many wrong things on the field that has helped result in this blackout.”
Al Wallace, blaming the inept team rather than Clark for the blackout, 610 AM
GH: Wallace’s puckering sounds like he’s building up to an exclusive interview with Little Lamar.

“I gotta watch it. If I’m gonna talk about it on Monday, I gotta watch it. I don’t mind going.”
Steven St. John, who will be at Arrowhead on Sunday, 810 AM
GH: The crowd at Arrowhead this Sunday will be smaller than anything many Chiefs fans have ever seen (or won’t see). Many fringe fans believe a “blackout” means the game is canceled. There is nothing good that will come of this for Clark. He erred in a big way by allowing his fan base to find other things to do at noon Sunday.

“Let me ask you the question: Do you care that the Chiefs are blacked out? Does it hurt? Are you mad? Or are you to the point where you just don’t care?”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Too many will answer the latter. Clark has much healing to do and no more home games to do it. What a devastatingly negative  way to end the home season.

“That Bills/Chiefs game at Arrowhead you were talking about? I got so excited watching that game that I jumped up off my couch and put two holes in my ceiling with my fists. They’re still there.”
Caller, recalling better days with the Chiefs, 810 AM

“It would be the (Chiefs’) worst loss of the season.”
Jake Gutierrez, on the possibility of the Chiefs dropping their final home game to Cleveland, 810 AM
GH: Gutierrez, the producer of WHB’s morning Border Patrol, will be working the game for CBS in the truck, providing stats and facts for the broadcasters and on-screen graphics. Unfortunately, a blackout will prevent Jake’s work from appearing on our local television screens. Most believe this game to be unwatchable. Read on.

“Maybe one of the worst matchups in the NFL in an awfully long time.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM

“I’m just glad I’m not doing the game.”
Kevin Harlan, on the sad sack “Draft Bowl” to be waged at Arrowhead this Sunday between the Browns and the Chiefs, 810 AM

“The Chiefs are going nowhere with this regime!”
Gary Lezak, 810 AM
GH: Even the weathermen in town are fed up with the Chiefs. Lezak also predicts a 20% chance of a white Christmas.

“This is the worst game they’ve put on at Arrowhead in a long, long time.”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM

“It’s been the longest three years of my life.”
Mitch Holthus, when asked if the Buffalo game was the longest three hours he’s ever spent, 710 AM

“I listened to an unnamed sportscaster bash the Chiefs as much as he possibly could so that’s enough for me.”
Todd Haley, saying he accidentally came across a local sportscast while looking for the Cowboys game, KSHB TV 41
GH: If Haley has had enough just listening to a few seconds from a local broadcaster, what does he think our fed-up quotient is on following his 2009 Chiefs?
Greghall24@yahoo.com & Twitter / greghall24

 

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Grunhard would listen if Turner Gill made the call

Posted 12-17-09

“I think (Gill’s hire and the improved football facilities at Kansas) makes Kansas the most attractive school to recruit to in the (Big 12) North.”
Nick Wright, who believes Turner Gill’s black face will be a huge aid to him in recruiting black athletes and their moms to Kansas, 610 AM
GH: Does Turner Gill get the Kansas job if he is white? Let’s say Eric Crouch had been the coach at Buffalo and went 20-30 there, winning one MAC title – does Lew Perkins even call him for an interview? Is black the new white?

“It’s easier to have that bond, that father/son relationship, with someone who looks like you. People say, ‘How can you say that?’ It’s the absolute, unequivocal fact.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: So will Gill’s KU teams begin to resemble an NBA roster? Are the only whites at KU going to be in the stands? If Wright’s logic is to be believed, white kids will look elsewhere for a white head coach. Gill is going to need more than his blackness to lure quality recruits to Kansas. He is going to need what every white coach has needed since before Rockne – quality wins…and of course hot coeds.

“Five years from now, Kansas fans are not going to be concerned with (Gill’s) attitude. They are going to be concerned with his wins and losses.”
Brad Porter, 610 AM

“(Turner Gill) has got a really, really great personality. …Pinkel has a lot of work to do (when it comes to recruiting). I think Turner Gill is going to come in here and do very well recruiting. I’m not saying anything negative about Pinkel; but he just doesn’t have that (Gill personality). He’s just not comfortable. I’ve seen him many times come into our building (at Bishop Miege High) and he’s just not comfortable. You need a little of that used-car salesman to get these kids.”
Tim Grunhard, head football coach at Bishop Miege, 810 AM

“Listen, if he called me I’d talk to him.”
Tim Grunhard, when asked if he would consider being part of Turner Gill’s coaching staff at Kansas, 810 AM
GH: Grunhard had a chance to interview with Mark Mangino and it appears he’d listen to Gill if he called. If I were Gill, I’d give Grunny a call. The not-so-big guy knows how to size up a lineman and I’ll bet he can recruit with anybody in any high school anywhere.

“I wanted Skip Holtz to get the (Kansas) job but I have no problem with Turner Gill. I like him better than Harbaugh. He beat us in my last game at Arrowhead and I just can’t forgive the guy for that.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM

“Sometimes you just got to sit down and calm down. You’ve got to realize you are Kansas football.”
Dennis Dodd, writer for cbssportsline.com, on the rumors that Harbaugh had taken the KU job, 810 AM
GH: Kansas football was ranked in the top 10 for most of 2007 and won the Orange Bowl in January 2008. They are building a swank football complex that will be as posh as Nebraska’s. It ain’t like KU is Baylor. If Gill fails, it won’t because Kansas isn’t wearing big-boy shoes.  

“(Gill) is a big thing they were looking for. Someone who can relate to the players and make it enjoyable to play this game as it should be.”
Todd Reesing, Rock Chalk Talk
GH: Reesing was recruited by Mangino and started at quarterback for him for four years. I think he should take a year off after he graduates this December and write about his experiences playing for Mangino.  If he doesn’t, you know one of his teammates eventually will.

“Mark Mangino has got one heckuva lawyer or the KU athletic department has more money than they know what to do with.”
Jack Harry, after it was reported that Mangino received a $3-million lump-sum buyout for resigning earlier this month, KSHB TV 41

“Mixed.”
Tim Grunhard, when asked what the reaction was from the Notre Dame faithful on the news that Brian Kelly is their new head football coach, 810 AM
GH: Expectations. They shape much of what we perceive as success or failure. If Kansas hires Brian Kelly, it is an unequivocal touch-‘em-all home-run hire. When ND lands the hot Cincinnati coach, visions of Moeller High’s Gerry Faust dance in the Fighting Irish alums heads.

“Turner Gill has left this place much better than when he found it and for that, I will forever be grateful. I think he will do great things at Kansas. Lew Perkins is a tremendous AD, a good friend and a mentor. They have great facilities and the like.”
Warde Manuel, Buffalo News
GH: How would you like to be the AD at Buffalo? When somebody steals your head coach – you thank them! My favorite quote from Manuel was; “I don’t think I’ll get hung up on as much this time,” as he starts his search for a new football coach.

“I’m going to be the last guy who said Tiger Woods did anything wrong.”
Kevin Kietzman, who had just directed his audience to LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke’s column in the LA Times that not-so-gently suggests Tiger is guilty of using HGH, 810 AM
GH: KK uses this plausible deniability ploy often. He would never say Tiger is guilty of a drug scandal but he’ll damn sure point you to someone who will.

“In all due respect to Mike Alden, he’s not going to comment on this (Big 10 exodus) right now because he’s too chicken to do it.”
Kevin Kietzman, after Jack Harry challenged KK to call Alden to find out his take on the Big 10 talk, 810 AM
GH: In all due respect, KK owes Alden an apology. If for nothing else than prefacing his calling Alden a chicken with the all-due-respect “opposite.” An opposite is a tired cliché that people use to mask what they really mean. Present company excepted.

“(The Big 12) believes as long as they have A&M, Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska they have all the money they need. They don’t care about the other teams.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“Why do you want Missouri in the Big 10? Oh, come on! You would love to see them go to the Big 10!”
Jack Harry, after listening to Kietzman rail for days on how Mizzou has been disrespected by the Big 12, 810 AM

 “There’s not a lot you can do once it starts to gain momentum.”
Dan Beebe, when asked what the Big 12 would do to try to persuade Missouri to stay if they decided to bolt to the Big 10, ESPN
GH: I heard Beebe’s comments aired on Kietzman’s show and marveled at the commish’s cluelessness. One of the reasons Beebe gave for Mizzou to stay is “their rivalries with Texas and Texas Tech.” With this guy calling the shots in the Big 12, it’s a wonder we’re not back to the Big 6.

“A lot of people are asking, ‘Where are the naysayers who said this was going to be a bad hire?’ ”
Steve St. John, on Frank Martin’s continued success with the 9-1 and ranked Kansas State basketball program, 810 AM
GH: I was one who thought Martin was retained simply to keep Beasley happy. But it looks like Frank “The Glare” Martin can coach as well.

“I think Xavier was a more impressive win than UNLV. Xavier has much more talent than Vegas although I like Vegas as a team. (K-State) absolutely destroyed Xavier in that game! Kansas State has beaten more good teams than anybody in the league has.”
Mike DeCoursey, college basketball writer, 810 AM

“Those of us who have been writing about John Wall understand what we’ve been presented with – a revolutionary talent. This is a talent we haven’t seen before. John Wall is the most physically gifted point guard to ever play the game of basketball. There’s never been anybody quite like him.”
Mike DeCoursey, college basketball writer, who went on to compare the Kentucky freshman to Bob Dylan and The Beatles, 810 AM
GH: I have heard from some unhappy Kansas fans who are upset that Wall is getting more pub than their superstar freshman, Xavier Henry. My New Year’s wish is an April meeting between KU and UK in Indy.

“He should be our best perimeter defender period. I think it obviously makes our team better.”
Bill Self, on the return of Brady Morningstar to the Jayhawks lineup, KMBC Channel 9
GH: How much better can Kansas get? KU plays a poor Michigan team this Saturday but Texas finally gets tested when they take on North Carolina (Sat.) and Michigan State (Tues.). DVR both of them now.

“In a shocking overreaction to a harmless comment from a fan, North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams instructed police officers to forcibly remove a fan from the Tar Heels' game against Presbyterian on Saturday. Dan Wiederer, the college basketball reporter for The Fayetteville Observer, explains that with North Carolina forward Deon Thompson on the free throw line, a fan yelled, ‘Hey Deon, don't miss it!’ When he heard that, Williams told staff member John Dubis he wanted the fan removed, and Dubis sent two law enforcement officers to remove the fan (a third officer came over to assist the first two). And with that, the fan was dragged out of the arena.”
Michael David Smith, fanstop.com
GH: Man, I miss Roy. Read on.

“I don’t think anyone should yell anything negative at our players. Period. Let’s don’t make it a bigger thing than it is.”
Roy Williams, explaining why he had the Tarheel fan thrown out of the Dean Dome, fanstop.com
GH: Here’s a link to Roy showing the world he remains in a reality that exists only in the fantasy world of big-time college coaching.

“An unbelievable ego that is totally unchecked now.”
Roger Twibell, on Williams getting the fan booted, 610 AM

“With the booing (at Arrowhead), I guess maybe the Chiefs need to hire Roy Williams. He’ll end all of that!”
Mick Shaffer, 610 AM

“Today I decided to wear this ruff-hewn shirt.”
Danny Clinkscale, who was in the midst of discussing sports coats and wardrobe choices at the start of Kietzman’s Tuesday Between The Lines show, 810 AM
GH: I believe the last time I heard or read the phrase “ruff-hewn” used was in the Penthouse Letters section.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

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Plenty of opinions about the Turner Gill hire

Posted 12-15-09

“At the end of the day, I only offered the job to one person and that’s Turner. He’s the guy we wanted.”
Lew Perkins, after Turner Gill was introduced as Kansas new head football coach, 810 AM
GH: Yeah. And Coach Mangino resigned, right?

“They’re going to get that Gridiron Club built one way or another.”
Frank Boal, on KU’s aggressive plans to fund a $37-million project to improve their football facilities, 810 AM
GH: Will Turner Gill excite the fan base enough to get them to open their wallets? Are the KU alums too white to relate to a black head coach – Free State Kansas’ first in men’s basketball or football? Will Gill be successful enough at Kansas to ease those who thought Mangino got worked by Lew? Follow the money – unlike Lew, that trail never lies.

“We’re here to win today. This is not a one-year, two-year, five-year process.”
Turner Gill, 610 AM
GH: Many believe Gill has the Big 12 schedule in his favor his first two seasons with Oklahoma and Texas off the board until 2013. His success will be measured by three things in this order; 1) wins over Missouri, 2) wins over K-State 3) number of bowl trips. If he accomplishes positive results with these achievable goals, he will be a successful hire and KU alums will be happy to keep him employed for the next 15 years.

“When was the last time you weren’t impressed with a new coach at his first press conference?”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: St. John and Frank Boal had a difficult time coming up with a coach who fit this description. I did not. Mark Mangino. I kept looking at Mangino and wondering how in the hell is that guy going to fit on any recruit’s couch?

“I don’t think you can say there was ever a day that Kansas fans could stick there chest out and say, ‘I’m proud to have Mark Mangino as our coach.’ I don’t think they were ever really proud of him.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: For a guy who often reminds us how in touch he is with the area fan base, KK is way off on this one. Mangino may not have been what me or he thought a head coach should be, and even some KU fans at the start. But you are mistaken if you don’t think Mangino achieved an almost cult-like following among KU students and fans. They LOVED this fat man and reveled in his obese presence on the Kansas sideline. After he won the Orange Bowl and national coach of the year honors, Mangino’s popularity was as great as, dare I say, the KU basketball coach?

“I think there is one job Turner Gill leaves Kansas for and that’s Nebraska.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Going home isn’t for everyone, especially when home is Nebraska. Gill’s been there, done that in Lincoln and I would be stunned if he has designs on going anywhere. Kansas is an incredibly good job. The pay is ridiculous (he is rumored to be getting $2 million/year) and the expectations are very modest. Where else you gonna find those apples?

“I am very happy, Frank.”
Lew Perkins, when asked by Frank Boal if he was happy with his decision to hire Gill, 810 AM
GH: Two questions; 1) What the hell did Frank think Perkins was going to say? ‘Naw, Frank. I’m pissed out of my mind we didn’t get Harbaugh and had to settle for the black guy from Nebraska.’ 2) Why is Boal covering pressers and postgame locker room interviews for 810 when an up-and-comer, just-out-of college reporter could be earning his bones and making some cash instead? Boal made a six-figure income for decades at Fox 4 and got a fat buyout check when he left. Now he’s stealing gigs that should be going to hungry 25-year olds? Boal is lucky there wasn’t a 60-year-old blocking his road when he got into the biz.

“I’ll give Gill two years before I offer a strong opinion.”
Jason Whitlock, Sunday’s Kansas City Star
GH: Huh? Does Pork Chop not count what he said about Gill last week on 610? Sounded rather strong to my ears. Read on.

“A horrible, horrible, horrible, horrible hire. He’s benefited, and I hate to say this, he’s a black coach.”
Jason Whitlock, 610 AM
GH: Whitlock spent most of his Turner Gill column rambling on about something called Ball State, is that a new Seth Rogen movie? I like reading Jason, but his column in The Star is starting to read like he called it in over the phone while getting one of his much discussed enemas – sloppy and shitty.

“I think that’s a great choice! You’re talking about a guy who lives by integrity!”
Herm Edwards, on Gill’s hiring at Kansas, 810 AM
GH: Lots of opinions from the media on Gill’s hire and most were very positive. Read on.

“Turner is a good person, first and foremost. He is gonna be almost a polar opposite of what people describe Coach Mangino with.”
Jeremy Crabtree, rivals.com college recruiting guru, KSHB 41  

“Myself and Nate (Bukaty) think Kansas has hired a terrific coach in Turner Gill.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM

“He’s just one of the best guys I ever played for. Kansas has hired a great man. He’s just a great individual. Kansas got a really good guy.”
Matt “Fleakicker” Davidson, former Nebraska receiver, 810 AM

“I like it (the Gill hire). He is a charismatic guy. I think he’d going to be perfect for this (Kansas) program. I have total confidence in this hire.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM

“I expect great things from him to be honest with you. And don’t think (being black) isn’t a huge factor in recruiting athletes. I think he’s going to be able to take that program to an elite level.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: No talking head I heard or read was more positive about Gill’s future success at Kansas than Maas. Billy Bob talked of Gill like he was a combination of Vince Lombardi, Barrack Obama and Jesus Christ. Read on.

“It wouldn’t surprised me if he not only lands the top recruiting classes in the history of Kansas, but in the history of the NCAA.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: And I thought Billy Bob was off that junk.

“Kansas fans should feel great. They got a great coach on the come. He’s going to be here a while. …At Buffalo he was using crayons. At Kansas he’s got Windows 7. I think it’s a great fit.”
Dennis Dodd, writer for cbssportsline.com, 810 AM

“I’m okay with (the Turner Gill hire). I’m surprised he didn’t get a chance before this. To win at Buffalo the way he did, I don’t think people realize how difficult that is to do.”
Mitch Holthus, 810 AM

“I think Kansas fans will come around in time. This is a coach they can be proud of.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM

“I'm not quite ready to call BS on the hiring of KU's new football coach but I am surprise that Turner Gill got this job. ...Numerous sources say he was not KU's first choice.”
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41
GH: How long did it take Jack Harry to get a lead sports anchor role in Kansas City? I too have misgivings about Gill as a head coach in the Big 12 but it doesn’t matter a twit that he wasn’t Lew’s first choice. Roy Williams wasn’t in KU’s top five choices when they hired him off Dean Smith’s bench.

“I was still expecting Jim Harbaugh to be announced today as the new Kansas head coach because there are some outlets saying Jim Harbaugh had been hired. Hopefully, Kansas fans didn’t listen to those reports because those reports were wrong.”
Steven St. John, who did not name the media “outlets” he targeted for his sarcasm, 810 AM

“KCSP-AM, WHB-AM and KMBC-TV in Kansas City are reporting that Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh will accept the coaching job at Kansas on Saturday. Stanford assistant athletic director Jim Young declined comment. Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins said in a prepared statement that the job had not been offered to anyone. According to KCSP, Harbaugh will be paid $2.7 million a year. Harbaugh's wife is from the Kansas City area.”
Gerry Spratt, in a Friday post on the Seattle Post Intelligencer’s website
GH: Just which local media outlet broke the erroneous Harbaugh hire story first in Kansas City is debatable. Jack Harry blames “a local television station.” Chris & Cowboy fell all over themselves Monday afternoon apologizing for their Friday reports on Harbaugh’s hire. The Seattle newspaper reports that 810 WHB also reported the Harbaugh hire. Suffice it to say that there was a lot of poor reporting on this one and some mad scrambling to save face after Gill was announced. Read on.

“It will never happen again. You have our word. We make fun of people who do this and now we are no better than Kietzman and Jack Harry. We own this. We apologize to our listeners and promise you will never hear us break a story again that we don’t personally gotten two sources or we get the story from Nick (Wright) or Josh (Klinger) – the only two guys we trust to have properly sourced a story.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, apologizing for their reports on Friday that Jim Harbaugh would be signed as Kansas’ new football coach, 610 AM
GH: It is not often a radio personality will admit their errors. Both Chris & Cowboy spent copious amounts of time on Monday discussing how they screwed up, why they screwed up, how sorry they were for screwing up and promising to never screw up again. But they did one thing I found distasteful. They pointed fingers and threw their boss under the bus. Read on.

“Our boss, Stewie, told us he had two legitimate sources and told us to go with it. We are embarrassed.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: C&C wanted everyone to know it was their boss who gave them the bad information about Harbaugh and that he was the reason they felt so embarrassed. It doesn’t work that way fellas. It is your show and your reputation. What you put on the air out of your mouths is what you decide to say. Stewie may well have provided the bad info but you made the conscious choice to share what you heard with your audience. No excuses.

“Jim Harbaugh had no intention of taking this job. The problem was a Kansas City television station was duped by a website and erroneously reported that Harbaugh had been given this job. Bad report!"
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41
GH: This could be considered the crackpot calling the kettle black.

“(Gill) is an excellent predictable hire. Turner Gill was about as good as you’re going to do. Jim Harbaugh was never, ever coming to Kansas.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Wright, from what I heard, stayed out of the Harbaugh mess and was a constant in proclaiming all Harbaugh talk as folly. The youngster looked like the one professional over at 610 this past weekend.

“you have got to be kidding me. Friggin Kansas? I don't think it gets any worse. But $2.7M/year is a crapload of money.”
Reader post, SeattlePI.com

“People would have been overjoyed with the Harbaugh hire, even if it would have been for a couple of years.  He was the sexy pick.  What Kansas got was a good man, a solid recruiter, but they didn’t land the super model.  They got the girl next door that you like to take to the party and your parent’s like because she won’t steal your wallet.”
Danny Havel, 92.7 FM Salina
GH: While Gill will not be charged with pick pocketing, he is getting $2M/year. Why? Does anyone not think Lew could have talked Gill into leaving Buffalo for half that? I don’t understand our Universities willingness to overpay for unproven coaches – especially when there is no competition for the coach.

“The one big con for me is why didn’t Tom Osborne hire him? He chose Bo Pelini over him and I want to know why? I want to know the real reason why? That kind of sticks in my craw a little bit.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I haven’t heard the fake reason why Osborne picked Bo over his all-time favorite QB. Nebraska was looking to fix a defense that was giving it up more often than Tiger’s girlfriends and the Pelini brothers were the perfect diaphragm. BTW, what’s the real reason KK got divorced? I’d like to hear that tale when he has time.

“I bet a guy on Saturday that Harbaugh would not coach Stanford’s first game next year. There are going to be eight or nine jobs open in the NFL next year and he’s going to the NFL.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Don’t you wish you were in KK’s betting circle? Listening to his Friday picks segment, he is almost always dead last and betting like he’s going to make up the difference in one grand weekend – which usually puts him even further behind Clink, Lebo and probably even Stewie.

“It’s not that I don’t like the Turner Gill hire, but can Kansas fans truly move on until they know exactly what the investigation of Mark Mangino uncovered?  Nothing has been addressed, no timeline for when the findings are released.  I think Lew Perkins hopes it just goes away.”
Danny Havel, 92.7 FM Salina
GH: Havel hosts a hot little afternoon show in Salina you can pick up online at www.927thefan.com. Kansas fans are fixated on basketball right now. Perkins could have hired Ted Turner and gotten nodding approval from the big-money Beaker fans. Lew has no interest in sharing Mangino’s darkest secrets. My hope is the AP’s request to force KU to release the terms of the Mangino settlement is granted by the courts…and soon.

“University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt grabbed a player by the throat then struck him twice in the face during halftime of the Bulls' Nov. 21 game with Louisville, the player's father, his high school coach and five members of USF's football program told FanHouse.
The incident involved sophomore walk-on Joel Miller that stemmed from Leavitt being upset over Miller's first-half mistake on special teams, according to witnesses.”
Brett McMurphy, writer, FanHouse.com

"I'll visit with you about recruiting. All the stuff we do in there [the locker room] ... I'll visit with you about recruiting. Things that happen or don't happen usually are kept within the team -- whether they happen or don't happen. If you want to talk about recruiting, I'll talk about recruiting."
Jim Leavitt, South Florida’s head coach, responding (or not responding to the report he struck a player, FanHouse.com
GH: Leavitt coached for Bill Snyder from 1990 to 1995. One of his fellow assistant coaches on that staff was a guy named Mark Mangino.

David Lewis might be the best storyteller/writer you never heard of. He is a local guy who has bounced around the Kansas City area and local radio stations for decades. Simply put, I am in awe of his talent. We worked together a few years back on Woody Cozad’s exceptional radio program aptly named, Radio For Grown-Ups. David has posted a number of his stories on a new website, www.heartlandmemories.com, that I would like you to peruse…and maybe even buy something. You will not be sorry.

The first time I met Lewis was at a recording studio. Woody was looking for a sports guy to add to his PBS-style program and Lewis suggested me. Lewis didn’t know me but had read my Baseball Is… piece and thought I was at least competent. I was supposed to come in and read a prepared sports bit for a six- or eight-minute spot.

When I got to the radio station, Lewis tried to explain what they were looking for out of me. “Here, let me read one of my stories to give you an idea,” he said. He read to me a story of how his grandfather had taught him to fish for huge catfish – by pulling them out of their muddy banks with his hands. He called the sport, Noodling.

I was in absolute rapture listening to his recorded piece. As it finished, I picked up the notes I had brought with me and shook Lewis’ hand for the second time that day. “I am going home,” I told him. “What! You’re leaving,” he replied.

“If you think I am going to read this dribble I wrote after hearing your bit, you are crazier than you look Mr. Ponytail,” I explained. “I’ll be back after I do some more work. That might have been the best story I ever heard.”

Lewis and I have enjoyed a long friendship that is often gouged with huge lapses of lost contact. Do yourself, your friends and your family a favor (not to mention a starving artist by the name of David Lewis) and check out his website [www.heartlandmemories.com]and his work. He is truly one of the best things to come out of Missouri since Huck sailed the Muddy Mo.

GH

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24

 

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Chiefs lose again, and how does Karen Kornacki keep her job?

Posted 12-14-09

“That’s the most embarrassing loss, the most embarrassing game this year. That was one of the worst quarterback duels that I have ever seen in my life. Buffalo is terrible and Ryan Fitzpatrick is a horrific quarterback. For Buffalo to waltz into Arrowhead and beat them is horrible!”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Somebody asked me this week if Florida’s Tim Tebow can play quarterback in the NFL. ‘Absolutely,’ was my quick response. As Chiefs fans, we have seen some awful play at the quarterback position from Cassel as well as many of the Chiefs’ opponents. I’d take Tebow for Cassel right now and throw in any three Chiefs receivers they want.

"I've given up my tickets the last two years because I cannot stand the atrocities going on out here."
Allen Johnson, Chiefs fan, KSHB 41 

"The Kansas City Chiefs are an absolute mess. It's a disaster!"
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41 
GH: Mad Jack has made this comment about 10 times this season following games. He has been correct every time.

“Is this rock bottom? Is this the worst? I kind of think it is.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: A Chiefs loss to Cleveland next Sunday at Arrowhead would be rock bottom. It would be so far bottom Chiefs fans might start cursing and booing in Chinese.

“I’m done with outrage. I just want to ignore it.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: There will be about 60,000 Chiefs fans ignoring their routine game-day experience at Arrowhead next Sunday. Blackout City here we come. But there may be hope -- if that ATT-coverage-map sized crowd for the Buffalo game didn’t rate a blackout, there may not be a number too low for the NFL to throw the switch on Chiefs’ broadcasts. And as bad as our boys are – we still watch.

“I thought the fans were tremendous today. I just want to publicly thank the fans for making a lot of noise today.”
Todd Haley, KMBC Channel 9
GH: The only reason I can think that Haley would begin his postgame press conference with this craziness is because Clark Hunt must have mandated he thank the fans. Somebody should have called an audible because no head coach should be making a big deal about the fans’ help after that boofest.

“We are seeing exactly the same thing we saw on the second game of the season, at home against the Oakland Raiders. Here we are on the cusp of Christmas and we’re seeing mistakes, we’re seeing penalties, we’re seeing poor decisions by the coach.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM
GH: The most discouraging thing about this 2009 season is not the losses but the fact that there appears to be no hope for improvement in 2010. If anything, Scott Todd’s Chiefs have regressed rather than progressed. That is scary.

"Todd Haley's game management and play calling is simply mind boggling. There is no rhyme nor reason for what this man does. It's a complete joke! Another loss at home -- that's 6 out of 7. This season cannot get over soon enough!"
Jack Harry, KSHB TV 41 
GH: It appears to me that almost everything Haley calls or decision he makes, backfires on him and his team. He’s like Wily E. Coyote and the Chiefs opponents are the Roadrunner.

“I know (Haley ) said earlier in the season they had to be perfect to win ball games but this game was winnable without being perfect. …It has nothing to do with being perfect.”
Danan Hughes, Metro Sports

“Same old story. …It’s Swish cheese out here right now. There are so many holes I don’t even know where to begin.”
Richard Baldinger, Metro Sports

“On that specific play, that’s what I call alligator arms. He knows a hit is coming.”
Danan Hughes, on Chambers’ crucial drop inside the five yard line with 2:20 in the game, Metro Sports
GH: The Chiefs manage to make one of these game-costing plays all too often – so often that they are more than bad luck. They are bad everything.

“Playing better in the second half and having that belief that we’re going to win. Not looking at the tradition of the Kansas City Chiefs of the last couple of years thinking we’re going to mess the game up.”
Derrick Johnson, when asked what needs to change, Metro Sports

“Matt, do you think the fans may have turned on you a little bit today?”
Chris Hamblin, to Cassel in the post game press conference, Fox 4

“They’re allowed to do whatever they want. They pay their money to come here and we have to perform.”
Matt Cassel, Fox 4
GH: Not everything is Cassel’s fault. But he is the guy who is getting paid like he could carry this team to a competitive state. That ain’t happening and he deserves to be the brunt of our frustration. I like that he knows that and responds accordingly. I’d also like if he hit every open receiver every time. He makes this game more difficult than it is. It bothers me that he didn’t learn that in New England.

“In the first quarter of games this season, the Chiefs have been outscored 83 to 19.”
Brad Porter, Metro Sports
GH: Sunday afternoon lawns in KC have never looked so well manicured.

“Time for our Quarterback Critique segment. A better day than last week, Cassel’s quarterback rating up from 14 to 35.”
Karen Kornacki, KMBC Channel 9
GH: Kornacki read this stat like she was actually citing a positive for Cassel’s play. How Kornacki continues to have a job in sports broadcasting in any market that has a television station is one of life’s great mysteries. Longevity is not a reason to keep inept talent. It is a sign KMBC cares little for their sports audience. 

“I take my hat off to Jamaal Charles. He came out and ran the ball hard. I don’t quite understand why we came out in the second half and become pass happy. You’ve got to start looking at next year and the building blocks. Charles definitely has to be part of that.”
Richard Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: Charles' run was the offensive highlight of the season for me. He show of sheer speed is something we have seen very little of in Chiefs red over the last decade. Thank you Larry Johnson for being such an idiot and allowing us to discover the Texas Twister.

“He’s obviously got some things to work out.”
Steve Williams, Tiger’s caddy on Woods self-imposed hiatus from golf, ABC
GH: Tiger might be the only sports franchise having a worse winter than our Chiefs.

"What people fail to realize is I [just] work for Tiger Woods. I live in New Zealand, I travel to and from New Zealand to caddie for Tiger Woods. I am not with him 24/7. Whilst I am a very good friend of his ... I don't know what he does off the course. Some nights we go to dinner.  When he is not competing, I am back in New Zealand. I have no knowledge of what he is doing."
Steve Williams, LA Times
GH: Sounds like Stevie doesn’t have Tiger’s back this time. This might be Williams way of telling his own woman, “Not me, babe!”

greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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Blackout danger for the Chiefs

Posted 12-10-09

“If you do televise games that don’t sellout, the system will stop working. People will stay home. They (the NFL) are going to steadfastly and fiercely try and maintain that policy if the game is not sold out and maintain that motivation for people to go to games in all markets. I don’t see any tweaking or changing of that policy whatsoever.”
Vic Carucci, NFL.com senior columnist, 610 AM
GH: The Chiefs are once again in jeopardy of ending their 20-year streak of “sellouts” at Arrowhead. Please, let’s just kill this lame, riddled-with-cancer horse already. Arrowhead hasn’t been selling out for at least three seasons. People have been staying home watching this deteriorating franchise on their 52-inch Samsungs instead of investing an 8-hour Sunday on a loser. Will it matter that the Buffalo and Cleveland games are not televised? Is sure will to the Chiefs. Read on.

“This is a panic move by the Chiefs that we haven’t seen.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on the Chiefs going public earlier in the week on the threat of a blackout, 610 AM
GH: We have heard this cry often from KC Wolf as game day approached on a less-than-attractive opponent at Arrowhead. Always, the blackout has been lifted and the game appears on our TV sets because it makes more sense to the local TV station to buy up the remaining tickets to realize the ad revenue from this market’s most watching three-hours of the week. This time though, KC Wolf appears to be howling an entirely different tune – one that sounds a lot like a swan song.

“I did a lot of shopping on Saturday and I made a return trip to the Independence Center after the (Chiefs/Broncos) game to return (all the Chiefs gear) I bought. Why would I want to wear Chiefs stuff?”
Caller Gary, a disgusted Chiefs fan who drove in from Indiana for the Broncos game last weekend, 810 AM
GH: An NFL franchise is a license to print money – until you abuse your fan base for over a decade with an inferior product and little direction to show your plan for improvement. Clark Hunt is currently facing the darkest hour in the Chiefs 50-year history. Bad times in the 80s were covered up by minimal national media exposure and relatively cheap tickets. Clark’s current Chiefs need to sell ridiculously overpriced suites in a newly renovated stadium to a fan base who is facing the biggest economic downturn in 80 years. The team is in complete disarray in the front office and on the field, while rivals in San Diego and Denver appear to be legions ahead in every phase of franchise success. Read on.

“I gave them up. I did give up four seats, just because I’m a little frustrated.”
Arrowman, aka Monte Short, on his decision to give up his Chiefs season tickets, Kansas City Star
GH: When Arrowman lays down his bow, it is time for the Chiefs to rethink their strategy.

“I’ll probably keep going to the games, just because I love football and everything else. But if it gets too much more corporate and ‘Hey, we want you to spend more and more money,’ there is a limit.”
Arrowman, Kansas City Star
GH: I met Arrowman back in the 90s when I wrote a piece on him for The Star. You could not find a more dedicated Chiefs fan. He truly loved the team and everything about being a Chiefs fan. When I read his comments in Sam Mellinger’s article, it hurt. When even the most optimistic (and Monte is as optimistic a guy who ever walked the planet) it is time for Clark Hunt to take stock and even more importantly, take action. How many others like Arrowman have had their hearts bled dry by a franchise that lost its way long ago?

“It just seems like the whole organization, they’re scared of what’s going on. I would much rather see it as more of a family-run organization. Whenever Lamar (Hunt) was alive, it felt like a family atmosphere. You’ve got Lamar walking around the parking lot, tailgating, it was just much more of a relaxed and family atmosphere. It changed drastically with the last regime.”
Arrowman, Kansas City Star
GH: Lamar loved the Chiefs and the Chiefs fans. We are not sure about Clark. That is a huge problem, Mr. Hunt. Fix it.

“Do a 180 of whatever they’re saying and that’s typically the truth in these coaching searches.”
Mick Shaffer, Metro Sports anchor, on what the rumors are concerning the search for Kansas’ new football coach, 610 AM
GH: When Lew Perkins makes the comment that, “Coach resigned,” you can understand where Shaffer gets his logic. 

“If Lew Perkins hires (Northwest Missouri State’s) Mel Tjeerdsma at Kansas, he’ll be out the next day! We’re talking real world, not fantasy world! If KU hires a I-AA coach they’re insane! They can’t just hire a guy. They need a ‘wow factor.’ ”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Cincinnati is ranked #3 in the country and headed to the Sugar Bowl to play Florida. Their head coach, Brian Kelly, coached against Tjeerdsma while he was the head coach at Grand Valley State in 2003. Kelly is now one of the lead candidates for the Notre Dame job. I don’t think Mel is the right guy for KU either, but there are great coaches everywhere, no matter what the size of the school. Kansas is not going to land a ‘wow factor’ coach without overpaying some coach who is thinking more about money than winning. Kansas needs someone with a lot of organized energy and a great tie to Texas recruits.

“Until somebody says Jim Harbaugh is not a candidate, I’m not willing to rule Harbaugh out. I’m not willing to sell Lew Perkins short. …It would shock the nation! It would put the country on notice.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: Okay, Jim Harbaugh is not a candidate. The nation can remained non-shocked.

“(If you’re Kansas) you don’t want to do this again in three years.”
Steven St. John, on KU’s search for a new head football coach and the perception that Kansas is a “steppingstone” job, 810 AM
GH: Why not? If Kansas (or any school) is lucky enough to hire a football coach who in three years is successful enough to attract the likes of Notre Dame, Oklahoma or UCLA – so what? There are so few “destination jobs” in college coaching that it is useless to fret about hiring a lifer. There aren’t many Bill Snyders out there.

“Hiring the wrong football coach can derail your football program for five years – and sometimes seven or eight!”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Not if you have enough money to buy out your mistakes. And KU has a lot of money.

“The next coach coming in (at Kansas) should have a good record (the first two years) because this is the two-year easy cycle.”
Stan Weber, on KU’s 2010-11 Big 12 schedule not including Texas and Oklahoma, 810 AM
GH: I think being overconfident is what got Kansas in this predicament this season. Let’s play the game before we count the wins in Lawrence.

“Any black coach with Buffalo on their shirt will due for the Kansas City Star apparently. I didn’t know Kietzman and Jack Harry were running the Kansas City Star sports section but apparently that’s how much research the Kansas City Star is putting in these days. All the white guys (on the sports page) are correct, though. Kansas City Star – shame on you!”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, on The Star running a large front-page photo of Gill’s offensive coordinator and miss identifying him as Gill in the photo, 610 AM
GH: Everyone in the media all screws up at times – but The Star should have a few more people in place to make sure errors as large as this one don’t make it to press.

“If I was Jason Whitlock I’d be really worried. They might just put any brother’s picture up in his column. What random African American will be Turner Gill tomorrow? But the Kansas City Star and find out!”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Pork Chop probably wouldn’t mind seeing Tiger’s mug in his space. He could probably use the action.

“I could not find the correction in the (KC Star) sports page.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: The Star ran the correction the following day on page 5 of Section A. The Star has traditionally posted corrections on page 2 of Section A, no matter in what section the error occurred. Not real convenient for the reader but at least The Star posts daily corrections. When was the last time you read, heard or saw a non-print media outlet publicize a correction? Too often the local TV and radio outlets run from their errors as if they were a 50-year-old white female.

“Maybe you just want to ignore (that racism exists)! Apparently you do!”
Danny Clinkscale, during a heated exchange with Kevin Kietzman regarding KU’s search for a new football coach, 810 AM
GH: Clink contends that Kansas must take into account that most of their big-money donors are white, as they search for a new football coach. KK thought the comment so preposterous he told Clinkscale he couldn’t believe he said it and then refused to discuss it. But discuss it they did. Read on.

“Well, I think a lot of people can’t believe the stuff you say! You think racism is over! Are you going to let me make my point? The gigantic majority of these university’s alumni is white! How many KU boosters, huge big ones, do you think there are who are black? Probably none…or three. They might have a thousand who are white.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM

“I love you. I love you. I won’t even entertain the discussion on whether or not a black or white coach makes any difference at Kansas. That’s absurd! If Lew Perkins is thinking like that he should be fired!”
Kevin Kietzman, to Clinkscale, 810 AM

“I’m insane for bringing it up and you’re rational for not? That’s garbage!”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM
GH: It was entertaining to hear Clinkscale not only refuse to give ground to KK but take on the rare position of attacker. We got a glimpse of the smoldering opinions Clink harbors for KK. It was very real and very entertaining radio.

“The movie Die Hard has as much to do with Christmas as the movie It’s A Wonderful Life. I stand on that! They’re both based on Christmas!”
Mike Greenberg, who debated with his partner Golic on whether or not Die Hard could be considered a Christmas movie, ESPN Radio
GH: Die Hard is one of the all-time great dick flicks. Great good guy, and even better bad guy and I always had the hots for McClane’s Holly. Yippee-kay-ay mother…

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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Perkins waxes ridiculous about Mangino departure

Posted 12-4-09

“I didn’t make the change. Coach (Mangino) resigned.”
Lew Perkins, when asked why he made the head football coaching change at Kansas, KUSports.com
GH: Perkins said this as if it were actually true. He was immediately asked if Mangino could have stayed if he wanted to. “I can’t speak to that,” was Perkins answer. The media who surrounded Perkins Thursday evening in Lawrence politely accepted these ridiculous answers from Perkins as if they held a shred of legitimacy. How I wish one reporter in that gaggle would have had the stones to refuse to accept Perkins ridiculous premise and pressed him to tell the KU fans why, what, when, where and how much.

“Sometimes change is necessary or unnecessary.”
Lew Perkins, KUSports.com
GH: Perkins was babbling Thursday night and this comment above made about as much sense as anything else he muttered – which was none. Mangino needed to go but Perkins’ star took a hit with this messy “resignation.” 

“We appreciate the eight years that Mark has given to rebuilding our football program. He and I have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement that reflects the appreciation we have for his efforts on behalf of Kansas football.”
Lew Perkins, KUSports.com
GH: What utter and absolute unadulterated bullshit. Why we allow men in suits to stand in front of microphones and spout disingenuous falsehoods will always be a great mystery to me. Some say it is civilized, proper and classy to fire a man in this manner. I believe that thinking is as backward as the mountain men in Deliverance.

“Now my job is to go find a head coach.”
Lew Perkins, KUSports.com
GH: Lew has but one job at Kansas – keep the money pouring in. Know that everything Lew does is motivated by that principle. That doesn’t make him unique in college sports, that just makes him part of the problem that in big-time college athletics.

“The problem with these (college football) coaches who are trying to get the job is that they’re trying to get the job. That’s a red flag! Athletic Directors like to hire coaches who are hard to get. You almost eliminate yourself by contacting (Lew) Perkins and telling him you want the job.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Exactly why K-State should have gone outside their building to find their replacement  instead of hiring Bill Snyder. The easy hire is usually the wrong hire.

“Abuse is abuse. I’m amazed at the people who talk to me and say (what Mangino did) doesn’t matter because it’s football.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM

“Bill Self offers no apology for Kansas (basketball) schedule.”
David Lawrence, prior to KU’s almost 70-point win over Alcorn State, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: Somebody sure should. Not only have D1 football and basketball programs continued to escalate ticket prices and forced donations, they are now scheduling more walk-over opponents than Clubber Lang. It makes it difficult to even pay attention to non-con college basketball in November and December.

“I think from this point forward, this is probably the best non-conference schedule that anybody is going to have in the country.”
Bill Self, Jayhawk Radio Network
GH: UCLA and Michigan stink. Cal isn’t rated. Tennessee looks like a decent test but hardly a match of the titans. La Salle, Temple, Cornell and Belmont sure don’t strike fear in anybody. KU fans might be a bit more sophisticated than Self gives them credit for. KU is good but we may not know just how good until they travel to Texas February 15th.

“I see unbelievable growth remaining on this basketball team. When I see that, it makes me optimistic – when I see how much better we can get. As soon as I do my job a little bit better with them, they’re going to start being more consistent.”
Frank Martin, K-State’s head basketball coach, sounding much more optimistic about his squad than he has after recent games, 610 AM

“You’re all wet if you think it’s going to be decided in December.”
Jack Harry, after Kevin Kietzman proclaimed that Kansas State will not make the NCAA tourney in March if they lose to both Xavier and Washington this month, 810 AM

“It’s going to be a great college football weekend here on 810.”
Nate Bukaty, 810 AM
GH: 810 will feature all three big college conference championship games Saturday starting with the Big East game at 11:00 AM (CT), SEC at 3:00 PM and Big 12 at 7:00 PM. This is the kind of radio coverage local listeners never received when KMBZ and Don Fortune were our only source for sports radio. Hats off to WHB for providing quality programming for local college football fans. It makes Kansas City look big time.

“A local radio station is playing a national game instead of a local team? That’s interesting! A hometown station not playing the hometown team. So we’re not going to play K-State and instead the national game and yet they’re the hometown station. I guess I don’t understand but whatever.”
Chris Hamblin, on 810’s decision to farm out their coverage of the K-State basketball game Saturday night to 710 in favor of airing the Big 12 title match between NU and UT, 610 AM
GH: I don’t understand Hamblin’s rant. 810 is going out of their way to provide a place to broadcast both the college football games and K-State hoops. It looks like a win for all listeners which is what more radio stations should have as a goal.

“Don’t misjudge us. We’re not journalists. I’d say we’re entertainers but that might be a stretch.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, to a caller upset that C&C were not handling the Mangino story like trained journalists, 610 AM

“No, but you’re probably single though, aren’t you?”
Gino Torretta, former Miami Heisman Trophy winner, after Nate Bukaty asked him if he ever sat on his coach alone cradling his Heisman trophy while watching football, 810 AM

“One thing I vehemently disagree with is that (Tiger’s) privacy has been invaded. That somehow this is the media’s fault. You don’t get to pick and choose when you want to be famous. You can’t turn fame on and off. You can’t only do fame when it suits you. You can’t have it both ways. That’s the epitome of hypocrisy. That fame you’re complaining about right now made you hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Jim Rome, Jim Rome Show

“I think (Tiger) handled it all wrong. I think him hiding behind his website with that pseudo apology was all wrong.”
Jim Rome, Jim Rome Show
GH: The safe thing for Rome would be to stay neutral on Tiger or come to his aid and blast the media like Whitlock has chosen to do. Read on.

“The media members/outlets asserting Tiger Woods owes the public and the Florida Highway Patrol an explanation for a fender-bender and his wife's jaws-of-9-iron rescue owe America an explanation for their self-serving jealousy and obvious stupidity.”
Jason Whitlock, FoxSports.com
GH: Self-serving jealousy and obvious stupidity. At least J-Dub is writing about something he knows for a change.

“You know who I feel sorry for? Whitlock. He tied himself so closely to Michael Jackson and Tiger Woods, that they could do no wrong. He hasn’t had a very good year.”
Steven St. John, Whitlock’s former sports talk co-host, 810 AM

“You know the only thing that’s going to solve concussions? Leather helmets. Leather helmets and leather shoulder pads. Take off the armor!”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: The only thing that will end NFL concussions is when they run out of men willing to play football for millions of dollars. A lot of these guys aren’t starting with much of a brain to save in the first place.

“Their (Blue Springs High School) website calls for score 50 and punch ‘em in the mouth. That’s what they call for. Our kids read it and they see it. We’re just trying to fight fire with fire and play football and give our chance to be successful.”
Rich Nixon, head coach of Hazelwood Central, at halftime of their Class 6 Missouri State Championship game against Blue Springs which at the time was tied at 21, Fox Sports Midwest

“(Blue Springs) got hit in the mouth the second half and Hazelwood Central did it.”
Rich Baldinger, TV analyst, after HC knocked off Blue Springs 35-24, Fox Sports Midwest

“These kids fight! They’re invincible! They’re nasty and they’re mean. But they’re so intelligent and they’re so well-spoken and well versed. They’re very compassionate young men that possess a lot of intelligence that allows us to do what we do.”
Rich Nixon, Fox Sports Midwest
GH: Blue Springs play in The Dome last Saturday night disappointed me. Walking with a swagger is a good thing. Splashing smack on your website and then getting spanked is not. Let’s hope humility is one of the classes offered next fall at Wildcat High before they have to take a crash course in St. Louis.

“I have three years of eligibility left so (Bill Self) meeting me might be a violation.”
Jason Sudeikis, after Greg Gurley told the Shawnee Mission West grad he would introduce him to Self after the game, KSMO
GH: Gurley interviewed Sudeikis and Rob Riggle (Shawnee Mission East) during halftime of the Tennessee Tech game.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter / greghall24

 

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Even The Golf Channel now teeing up Tiger

Posted 12-2-09

“I am especially sad about it for Elin, because me and my wife are at fault for hooking her up with him. I probably thought he was a better guy than he is.”
Jesper Parnevik, who introduced Elin to Tiger when she was the Parnevik’s children’s nanny, The Golf Channel
GH: Parnevik was painfully serious during this interview. He appeared to me to be hurting for his former nanny and teeth-gritting mad at his fellow PGA pro, Tiger. The Golf Channel waited too long to get involved in this media frenzy but their 30-minute special on Wednesday evening was worth the wait. Read on.

“I’m just concerned about everybody leaving Tiger out to dry. …He has a right to deal with this behind closed doors.”
Notah Begay III, former teammate of Tiger’s at Stanford, The Golf Channel
GH: Begay apparently phoned into the show live to offer his support for Tiger. Does Tiger deserve to be allowed to deal with his family privately? Feelings on that are mixed. Read on.

“Respectfully, I want to disagree with what (Notah Begay) says. Tiger Woods does owe a public explanation because of the fact a majority of Tiger Woods’ money that he has made throughout his career has been made off the golf course. You have big-time sponsors who are riding on your image and when that image is tarnished, then you do need to do some damage control.”
Carlos Diaz, reporter for Extra TV Show, The Golf Channel

“The problem with this apology is that when you say, ‘I’m sorry,’ you don’t say, ‘I’m sorry but…’ To lecture the media like the media is somehow responsible for this, it’s not! There would be nothing to report if Tiger would not have made the mistakes that he is referencing.”
John Feinstein, author, The Golf Channel
GH: Feinstein is one of my favorite authors. His take here is right in line with mine. BTW; if you have never read Feinstein’s Season on the Brink, buy it today and let me know if it is still as good a read as I remember from over 20 years ago. There are few things more enjoyable in life than a damn good book.

“I grew up in a small town of 1,500 people. If I did something as a kid, the whole town knew about it. Unfortunately for Tiger, the world is his small town.”
Todd Hamilton, PGA player, The Golf Channel
GH: Most of us understand the scrutiny you are under in a small school or town. Consider that to Tiger, the world is Wahoo, NE. Almost impossible to imagine – and all the more reason for Tiger to not have acted like the dumbest and horniest jock in the school.

“The saga continues between Tiger Woods and the media. It has become a heated battle for privacy between Tiger and that media.”
Kelly Tilghman, anchor, The Golf Channel
GH: The Golf Channel refused to even acknowledge this story when it broke – for what Mark Mangino would call “dollar signs.” Tiger Woods is to The Golf Channel what food is to the Food Network. He is the reason there is a Golf Network. Tilghman approached this story delicately, as if she and The Golf Channel were not even a part of the media -- which may very well be an accurate assumption.

“These people on The Golf Channel are sycophants. I haven’t spent two minutes watching The Golf Channel. Have you? You know what you’re going to get.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: I don’t look for hard-hitting news from TGC but I do enjoy their coverage of the sport. When was the last time Harry did a critical piece on Kevin Kietzman on KSHB TV 41? Everybody in the media who sports a notepad or a microphone has some syco in them.

“Apparently, now the folks at The Golf Channel have locked out all of their (reporters and commentators) out from doing any interviews (about the Tiger Woods situation). The Golf Channel has decided that none of our people are going to comment on this to any outside media.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: Charlie Reimer, a commentator on The Golf Channel, was scheduled to be interviewed by Twibell on his Wednesday morning show but he apparently canceled due to pressure from TGC to not discuss Tiger’s situation.

“The Golf Channel knows where its bread is buttered and it’s with Tiger. And I can understand why they decided not to say anything. I suppose they’re concerned about the fallout if their people made comments about Tiger Woods.”
Josh Klingler, 610 AM
GH: It’s about money – which is what almost every story ever told or not told by the media is about.

“Personally, I don’t think he’ll ever be the same person. I honestly think he’ll be a better person having made these mistakes.”
Brandel Chamblee, golf analyst, The Golf Channel
GH: Can I get some Ralphie to go with that pile of buffalo shit? Translation: “I have to talk to Tiger as part of my job and I don’t want to say anything to piss the big guy off.”

“The sentiment I’m getting from talking to so many people is that it’s just really sad. In a sense people are grieving. It’s the end of an era. It’s the end of Tiger as a heroic, untouchable figure. He’s simply human like the rest of us.”
Rich Lerner, reporter, The Golf Channel
GH: I was surprised TGC didn’t play melancholy tunes as a backdrop to Lerner’s touching and heartfelt words. If you didn’t know better you’d be hard-pressed to discern that this was about Tiger banging a Vegas cocktail waitress and not the death of a war hero.

“The only way this family can begin to pick up the pieces is if they are allowed to do so in private. That is likely going to be an impossibility.”
Rich Lerner, reporter, The Golf Channel
GH: There are many ways the Woods can pick up the pieces. American family with a lot less do it every day. This ain’t Auschwitz.

“This has become a story being chased all across the country. It’s all things; sports, news, and a hero in trouble.”
Vince Cellini, The Golf Channel
GH: A hero in trouble? Somehow Tiger’s situation doesn’t bring to mind Pat Tillman.

“The evaluation is; can Tiger help us make money? Nike Golf is an $800-million-plus brand and without Tiger they’d be nothing. If he can continue to win tournaments, the corporations are going to stick by him. If someone drops him, their nearest competitor is going to sign Tiger Woods. I can guarantee you that.”
Darren Rovell, CNBC sports business reporter, The Golf Channel
GH: Sounds like Tiger will somehow survive. How will this affect his golf game? I think he’ll be tougher to beat than ever. This dude is an iceman. Just ask Elin.

“People forget.”
Steve Stricker, PGA player, on the lasting implications for Tiger, The Golf Channel
GH: It might be what people do best.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/ greghall24

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Chiefs give a forgettable performance at San Diego

Posted 11-30-09

“This was Todd Haley’s worst game as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. This was an old-fashioned butt kicking. You still want to believe this team is making progress? Uh, uh. I don’t think so.”
Jack Harry, 810 AM
GH: Black Friday decided to stick around all weekend for Chiefs fans. The blooper-reel of turnovers the Chiefs laid out in San Diego made this game a snoozer before halftime. Ricocheting an interception off a defensive lineman’s helmet, shotgun snaps to no one, and a backward fumble for a Pick 6 will hide any semblance of progress.

“These guys need to start all over again. They were asleep at the wheel today.”
Rich Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: Start over? Again? How many times can the Chiefs expect their fans to recharge their batteries and pretend? This was the kind of butt kicking that Todd Haley needed to avoid after the Pittsburgh win. He did not and he now has the Broncos coming to town. They will not be bearing gifts.

“The (Chiefs) defense just stinks! They just stink! The Chiefs have given up 400 yards to every viable offensive team they have played.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM

“Right now, everybody’s technique is just superb.”
Tyson Jackson, Chiefs defensive lineman, on the play of his defensive linemen teammates following the win over the Steelers, Metro Sports

“We can’t put this all on the defense because the turnovers were ridiculous. They were compounding.”
Rich Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: The Chiefs defense played with passion the final few minutes of the Steelers win and it gave me hope. This is the side of the ball where the Chiefs have stashed their talent. This is from where Scott Todd hope they can build a winning franchise. This is what is most concerning about this lost season. The defense needs a huge infusion of talent despite all the money and high draft picks that clog its roster.

“A bunch of hardworking guys who you think do things right doesn’t necessarily make a good football team.”
Danny Clinkscale, 810 AM

“Where did this come from? We can’t even snap the ball from shotgun formation!”
Jayice Pearson, Metro Sports
GH: Rudy Niswanger had one of those games a center never wants to experience. The shotgun snap has become so routine in football it is almost as safe as the traditional QB/center exchange. When you see a center have these kinds of issues, you can usually credit a nose tackle whose play is distracting the center from his first priority.

“After all the gains the Kansas City Chiefs made last week (in their win over Pittsburgh), they regress even further after this loss to San Diego.”
Brad Porter, Metro Sports

“You gotta stay even keel. This loss today to the Chargers is not a surprise. The Chargers are playing as well as anybody in the NFL. …I think they get one win (out of the next three) at Arrowhead. That’s my expectations.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Hamblin makes a good point. While the turnovers made the Chiefs look like they should not be allowed to wear the NFL logo, they are simply not in San Diego’s class. The Chargers beat the Chiefs by 30 at Arrowhead and 29 in San Diego. The Vegas line on this game was the Chargers by 14. It would have taken an almost perfect game for the Chiefs to win this one.

“Really, when you break it down, it’s just the turnovers. If we don’t turn the ball over today, then it’s a different ball game.”
Jayice Pearson, Metro Sports
GH: Not too different. The score may have been closer without the turnovers but the outcome would not have changed. The Chiefs just are not very good.

“Sooner or later this team has to learn how to win.”
Rich Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: I hear this comment made a lot about perennial losers. The Royals are a constant target for this thought. It takes talent to win in the NFL. NFL talent. The Chiefs just don’t have enough of it to win consistently. I think you learn to win by experiencing winning. We are very accomplished at losing around here because of the same premise.

“(Jamaal Charles) shows so much athleticism every time he touches the ball.”
Rich Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: How exciting is it to watch Charles finally get his chance to show what he can do? His fumble was a pure second-effort mistake that is difficult to criticize. Charles and Chris Chambers are legit. I’m not real sure about anybody else (besides the kickers) wearing red.

“Now, when (the Chiefs) do start to win, most of these guys won’t be on the roster.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM

“I have to run to Zales to get a Kobe Special. A house on a finger.”
Tiger Woods, according to an unnamed acquaintance, prior to his auto accident, TMZ.com
GH: When this story first broke, I saw it on the crawl of my Friday afternoon college football broadcasts. It sounded odd but innocent. But as the details trickled out from unnamed sources, this domestic dispute looks to have all the ingredients of a mini OJ/Nicole saga. Are these details true or “malicious rumors” as Tiger now reports? A source also was reported to have said Woods told him that his wife, Elin, had “gone ghetto” on him. Elin knows ghetto? If Tiger’s lady was from KCK, she would have set fire to that Escalade with him in it.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24

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More Mangino (if you can imagine more)

Posted 11-25-09

“It hasn’t played out yet and it’s not over.”
Mark Mangino, responding to questions about his coaching career at Kansas, 610 AM
GH: Oh, it’s over and Mangino is suddenly acting like St. Magnanimous because he knows it’s over.

“There will be a sumo wrestling match for $6.6 million (between Mangino and KU).”
Tom Keegan, LJW columnist, on Mangino’s reported buyout, KSHB TV 41
GH: When Keegan puts it that way, you almost have to favor the sumo wrestler, don’t you?

“Practically none.”
Mark Mangino, when asked how much communication he has had with Perkins and other KU administrators since the investigation into his actions with his football team began last week, 610 AM
GH: Mangino might be playing nice lately but he’s not trying to hide his disgust for Not-So-Sweet Lew Perkins. He has enjoyed telling the media that their microphones should be in his boss’ face.

“You’re questions should not be directed at me, if you understand what I’m saying.”
Mark Mangino, 610 AM
GH: Just in case you didn’t understand, here’s my interpretation; “Ask that snake Perkins why he stabbed me in the back after I gave him the school’s first and only Orange Bowl trophy.” Can you imagine if Al Bohl would have called a players’ only meeting with the KU basketball team and not invited Roy Williams? Roy Boy’s wake through campus would have made Quantrill’s Raid look like a Boy Scout’s campfire.

“I’m good. I’m fine. I’m working.”
Mark Mangino, 610 AM
GH: Translation: “I’m pissed. I’m gonna get double Ron Prince money. Monster.com sounds perfect for me.”

“You could make a case that (Lew) Perkins could make a change based just on (Mangino’s) record.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: What if 610 held Twibell to this kind of job performance expectations? I keep hearing critics say/write that Mangino has only one winning season in the North and hasn’t really been much of a success at Kansas. How much did KU win the 50 years BM? If he wins Saturday, that’s five straight years KU will finish bowl eligible. Bill Snyder’s last three teams at K-State have turned in their pads in November. Mangino’s record is not going to get him fired.

“I haven’t heard a single person who is connected to this come out and say, ‘I think Mark Mangino is going to survive this.’ ”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: I haven’t heard anyone anywhere who thinks the Mighty Mange will still be in Lawrence for the holidays. Santa is about to leave town with the North Pole stuck in a very uncomfortable place thanks to his AD.

“We’re behind (Mangino) 100%.”
Kerry Meier, KU senior wide receiver, 610 AM
GH: Is that figuratively or literally?

“When I hear people call up and say, ‘You guys are inflating this. You guys are making too much of this.’ No we’re not. Right now, he’s going to be fired – and that’s not the media’s doing.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: There have been some rumblings that the local media is fueling this “witch hunt.” Baloney. Let’s be real clear here, Lew Perkins is supplying the wood, the gasoline and the matches for MM’s funeral pyre. All the media is doing is their jobs.

“Two things have put Mangino’s neck in a noose: the current six-game losing skid in a year many picked Kansas to win the Big 12 North; and a $34 million building project called the Gridiron Club. Response to the Gridiron Club, a 3,000-seat tower of luxury suites at KU’s Memorial Stadium, has been tepid since announced in September. It is Perkins’ job to sell those spots.”
Lee Barfknecht, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: Perkins has instituted a points program for Allen Fieldhouse seating that has KU fans bidding ridiculous sums against each other to play musical chairs for KU hoops. Lawrence and the KU alumni base are rich veins but even they have their limits. Lew is a greedy dude and greedy dudes usually screw themselves royally in the end (if that’s even possible).

“I think you still have to pull the trigger even if Mangino is getting a raw deal and getting screwed over.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: $6.6 makes the screwing a whole lot less raw.

“The curious timing of when this broke — two weeks before the end of the regular season — had led to speculation that Perkins already has his man. We may find out as early as Saturday night.”
Lee Barfknecht, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: Danny Clinkscale mentioned TCU’s Gary Patterson and Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly as possible top-of-the-list candidates. How unkind a cut to KSU would it be if Patterson accepted the Lawrence job after turning his back on the Cats last year?

“If you’re going to make that move (to accept the Kansas football coaching job), you better make darn sure you’re gonna win at Kansas. Because if you don’t, you’re done as a coach! …This is the way these coaches think!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: KK would like nothing better than for Kansas to fire Mangino and replace the football program with club Bocce Ball.

“Know this, while those (Big 12) coaches have (Mangino’s) back on the conference call, when they’re on the recruiting trail, they will use this against him as much as they can.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM

“When the lights come on you see all the cockroaches scatter. That’s what happened at Kansas State a year ago.”
Kevin Kietzman, on the recent scandals that are affecting both the K-State and Kansas football programs, 810 AM
GH: The problem at both schools is that it is difficult to discern the cockroaches from the light.

“I don’t want to be the guy that has to remind you folks of everything this (Mangino) guy has done! You’ve got two guys (in Perkins and Mangino) who have done things they’re not particularly proud of and they don’t want them out there! My goodness! Mangino wants his money or he’s going to go public with a whole bunch of stuff that Lew Perkins has done! I’m telling you!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Kietzman claims Perkins is guilty of “a whole bunch of stuff.” Sounds like KK the journalist has done his research on this one at least.

“I do know that Jayhawks don't care enough about football to keep pouring millions into it. At some point, somebody will put a stop to it. Maybe that's what the boosters are trying to tell Perkins now. Maybe the slow roll of income for that Gridiron Complex is KU boosters way of saying ‘we don't care.’ ”
Tom Shatel, columnist, Omaha World Herald

“This is the seventh time in the past eight years the South has won more games than the North. The only time the North held the edge (2007), the margin was 10-9. No North team went undefeated against the South this season. Those of you who insist this imbalance is cyclical, check this out: The South’s winning percentage against the North the past eight seasons is .689 (104-47).”
Lee Barfknecht, columnist, Omaha World Herald
GH: I smell a trend here.

“I think this is maybe the worst season in Big 12 history. You have one good team and then it really goes downhill from there. Oklahoma State is a complete fraud. Then it gets really bad, really mediocre after that. …Nebraska will just get embarrassed with that offense against Texas’ defense.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM

“There's two weeks to analyze this Big 12 title game, but I like Nebraska's chances for an upset. All the pressure will be on Texas, and the Longhorns will be hungry to get to the BCS game after missing out last year. But I think NU can make Texas' offense one-dimensional, and Colt McCoy doesn't run it that often. The trick will be finding a way for the Huskers to score on Texas' all-world defense.”
Tom Shatel, Omaha World Herald

“If Blaine Gabbert doesn’t sprain his ankle is Missouri the Big 12 North champs?”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: If Gabbert doesn’t change his commitment to Nebraska are the Huskers the hands-on favorite in the North the next two or three years? Do you think Pinkel would lone him to The Red just for the trip to Dallas?

“Boy, that’s a good question. That’s one that is really hard to equate.”
Chris Gervino, Mizzou’s sideline reporter, on Gabbert’s early-season ankle injury, 810 AM
GH: Not hard at all – the answer is a resounding YES. Gabbert will be crazy good in 2010…and Ndamukong Suh will be playing for the Browns.

“Pinkel laughed at that (criticism of his inability to make halftime adjustments). He has a game plan and he doesn’t see the need to change much. He’s not a big believer in that.”
Chris Gervino, 810 AM
GH: There is the Pinkel factor that will continue to haunt Gabbert and Mizzou’s success. His presence keeps hopes alive in Lincoln, Lawrence and Manhattan. With the talent Pinkel attracts, they should win the North four out of every five years. The other five North schools hope he keeps laughing. 

“It’s not that unrealistic that (Kansas State) can contend for the North next year – they contended for it this year!”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: It is both unrealistic and a recipe for more dashed Wildcat football fans’ hope to think Bill Snyder is going to win the North when he has to take a rookie quarterback into Lawrence, Columbia and Boulder and also survive visits from Texas, Okie State and Nebraska. Kansas State football will continue to be stuck in 2005 until they find their coach of the future instead of the past.

“Keep in mind, he’s only 29 years old.”
Tim Kurkjian, MLB analyst, after the great Albert Pujols won his third NL MVP award on Tuesday, ESPN
GH: The former Fort Osage High legend won the award via a unanimous vote. If (and I know this is a HUGE if) the Royals would have somehow stumble into Pujols and drafted him, how different would our summers here in the Cowtown be?

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24

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Putting a wrap on Chiefs big win

Posted 11-24-09

“The Chiefs play in a stadium called Arrowhead, and highway signs refer to places in Missouri and Kansas. But it sure had the look and feel of Heinz Field West (Sunday).”
Robert Dvorchak, staff writer, covering the massive invasion of Steelers fans who took up residence inside Arrowhead on Sunday, Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“I took it as a personal affront that all these Steelers fans were there!”
Todd Leabo, 810 AM

“A victory celebration had already been planned (in Kansas City), but the stunning loss took the joy out of the afternoon.”
Robert Dvorchak, staff writer, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
GH: Didn’t these Steelers fans ever play Little League? You never sack up the bats before the last out. Ask Ike and Dewey about those premature victory parties.

“It's like being back home in Pittsburgh. No other team has a fan base like the Steelers.”
Bob Hite, a Steelers fan club member who is general manager of the Overland Park Doubletree Hotel, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
GH: The Dallas Cowboys come pretty close to the Steelers when it comes to fans traveling to an opponent’s stadium. The Packers fans fit this description as well. I expect a large contingent of Chiefs fans to be in San Diego on Sunday for the Chargers game – not because of the big win but more because…well, it’s San Diego, where the weather is better than Captain Picard’s Holodeck.(PS: The Star Trek DVD is out today. Even non-Trekkies need to see this five-star flick.)

“The Steelers are recession-proof. If you still have two nickels to rub together, you're coming on this trip. If you have to give up everything else, you're coming on this trip. People have a lot of pride in their city. We're not a bunch of transients. It's a tight town. Are we going to be unhappy if they lose? Yes. But will we support them no matter what? Hell, yes.”
John Supp, Pittsburgh area resident who organized a trip to Arrowhead for 27 Steelers fans, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
GH: The NFL loves fans like this nut job. I love football as much as the next guy but I sure as hell ain’t given up much of anything to travel around the country watching transient players in matching uniforms try and make me proud of where I happen to live. But I will sit in front of a glowing box for an entire weekend watching anyone wearing a helmet. I’m my own special nut job.  

“We tried to get tickets to a Heinz Field game, which is impossible. So we drove the 81/2 hours to get here. To me, the Steelers are like family. We eat, we drink, we watch football and the stadium is like a big living room. Rooting for the Steelers isn't a hobby. It's a lifestyle. It's ingrained.”
Becky Robinson, a Charleroi, PA native, came to Kansas City by way of Fort Worth, Texas, where she runs the local fan club, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
GH: Nebraska fans are a lot like this. It’s pretty damn annoying if you happen to be sitting in your stadium and you’re surrounded by more enemy fans than your own. But blaming the Steelers for fostering this kind of a love affair is kind of ridiculous. Blame Bradshaw, Ham, Lambert, Swan, Franco and the rest of the greatest dynasty in NFL history.

“The Steelers fans at the game yesterday were idiots. They were cheering when the Steelers had the ball. Their football IQ was lacking.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: How did Hamblin discern Chiefs fans cheers from Steelers fans cheers? I’m guessing that the Steelers fans’ football IQ is at least as high as the typical Six in Ten participant.
“Kansas City's Jamaal Charles returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a score. Those changes the Steelers made a week ago to their kickoff team? It looked as though they inserted Moe, Larry and Curly -- the Three Stooges.”
Ed Bouchette, staff writer, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
GH: Reading through the PPG’s online sports pages, I’d say we are lucky to have The Star’s writers over the nice but dull east coasters. The Three Stooges? That reference is more staid and played than someone cracking on holiday fruit cake.

“Todd Haley was different (Sunday). He was clean shaven. He was presentable. He had on a nice new white turtleneck. His dad was in town. Gee! He was not bickering with coaches. He was not bickering with players. I think this was a turning point for Todd Haley.”
Roger Twibell, 610 AM
GH: Let’s hope that Haley (or his wife) has heard our pleas to ditch the homeless look and quit f-bombing everyone wearing red. While I thought he looked much more presentable, he could still use a sermon from Herman on how to look marvelous on an NFL sideline. Nobody looks better in a sweatshirt than Coach Herm.

“We shouldn’t get too giddy.”
Jack Harry, cautioning Chiefs fans that the Steelers win masked many Chiefs shortcomings, KSHB TV 41
GH: Go ahead and get giddy, folks. What the hell else do we have to save our giddiness for this winter – Wicked?

“I think they give a lot of what they got from this win against Pittsburgh if they don’t go into San Diego and get a win.”
Adam Teicher, on the Chiefs next game against the surging Chargers, 610 AM
GH: Expecting a road win in San Diego is asking a lot from a team that got pounded by 30 at home by the Chargers. BTW – Get Adam Teicher a new cell phone. His call-ins to 610’s drive-time shows on Monday sounded like he was Juno’s hamburger phone.

“I think (the Steelers win) gives us the confidence that the coaches are doing the right things around here. …Today is a big confidence booster for us.”
Andy Studebaker, the Wheaton College kid who picked off Big Ben twice while subbing for Vrabel, Metro Sports
GH: Mitch Holthus almost blew a couple of vocal chords during Stud’s 92-yard interception return. Holthus was good Sunday. His over-the-top delivery sounded authentic instead of manufactured. Winning does that.

“Maybe they ought to put Studebaker in to run the ball.”
Mitch Holthus, as the laboring Chiefs offense took the field, Chiefs Radio Network

“Andy Studebaker looks like he just walked off the set of Varsity Blues.”
Brad Porter, Metro Sports
GH: Who can’t enjoy Studebaker’s story? He might never find the spotlight again but he’ll always have Pittsburgh.

“I would say that is a HUGE win. When you defeat the defending Super Bowl champs, it’ll give you some confidence and some swagger.”
Kevin Harlan, 810 AM

“I’m not going to call it a great win for the Chiefs franchise. This franchise played in and won a Super Bowl.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM

“This is the biggest singular stand-on-its-own win by your Kansas City Chiefs in six years. …If the Chiefs get this turned around in the right direction, and there’s no reason they won’t, this was the moment.”
Nick Wright, 610 AM
GH: Put me in the same camp as Harlan and Wright. This third win was HUGE for Scott Todd…and those 22 guys off the street.

“Everybody’s really working their ass off. I don’t know if I can say that on TV.”
Ron Edwards, Metro Sports

“He must be part Ninja because he dodged a lot of bullets today.”
Ron Edwards, on the elusiveness of Big Ben in the pocket, Metro Sports

“I felt the need to go to the store and purchase a Chiefs sweatshirt I’ve had my eye on. Had they not have won, I would not have purchased the sweatshirt. It was a celebration sweatshirt.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: Can anybody else relate to Petro’s urge to splurge after a big win? Oh, yeah. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? A sweatshirt is getting off easy. After Greinke’s Cy Young season, I now have a closet full of Royals gear that my wife thinks is being stored there “for a friend.”

“For the first time this year, I saw a lot of heart and a lot of passion. Everyone was on the same page and just wouldn’t quit.”
Bill Maas, 610 AM

“The energy level that this victory brought back here today…it’s been so long at Arrowhead. I think maybe they found something and they can turn this season around. This team has to take something from this and say, ‘We can compete in the National Football League.’ ”
Richard Baldinger, Metro Sports
GH: To compete is all we ask…for now.

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24

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Grunhard has lost trust in Mangino

Posted 11-19-09

“I like Mark Mangino. But I don’t know if I can trust him anymore.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Grunhard spoke candidly on his Grunny & Pudgy Show Wednesday night and he offered insight into why Kansas University will most likely announce the resignation of their head football coach, Mark Mangino, sometime Thursday. Even Mangino’s friends believe he is no longer fit for the revered title of “Coach.”

“I have never had a problem sending one of my (Bishop Miege) kids down to Kansas to play for Mark Mangino. But after hearing what I’ve heard now, I don’t think I could recommend one of my kids to play for Mark Mangino.”
Tim Grunhard, the head football coach at Bishop Miege High, 810 AM
GH: This is why Mangino is toast in Lawrence – and possibly in D1 football. Recruiting is everything when you are trying to build and maintain a competitive football program. When a high school coach in your backyard calls himself your friend and still can’t recommend one of his student athletes consider your program – your effectiveness as a coach is lost.

“I think they are going to be hard pressed to find a coach who comes in and does a better job than Mark Mangino has done since 2002. I get the sense he won’t be back – but I do think it’ll be tough to find a better replacement.”
Todd McShay, college football analyst, ESPN.com

“Who is Kansas gonna get (to replace Mangino)? First tell me who is the best alternative? Be careful what you wish for Kansas fans.”
Dennis Dodd, of cbssports.com, 810 AM

“The name that’s being thrown out there (to replace Mangino) on the message boards is (former NU quarterback) Turner Gill.”
Steven St. John, 810 AM
GH: Gill is a nice guy but he’s not a big-time head coach. He would still be at Nebraska if he was Big 12 material.

“Listen to me Kansas City, Skip Holtz! Skip Holtz is your next coach at Kansas. Lew Perkins hired him at Connecticut and he loves him.”
Tim Grunhard, 810 AM
GH: Skip “Son of Lou” Holtz is 45 years old and currently the head coach at East Carolina where his Pirates lead the Conference USA East Division with a 5-1 record. Skip turned down Syracuse last December when the Orange came calling. Does Grunny know what he’s talking about? I think it makes some sense but I’m not sure Little Lou can get the job done here in Big 12 country. It will be interesting to watch Lew make his first major hire at Kansas.

“I never really sensed any anger or tension between coach and some players.”
Kerry Meier, KU’s senior wide out, KUSports.com
GH: I feel sorry for kids like Meier. His senior season has been hijacked by a coaching change that could have waited until the off season – except for Lew Perkins’ poorly played players-only meeting. Perkins’ decision was made about Mangino before he called that meeting and excluded his head football coach from the list of invitees.

“Lew Perkins is very smart. He might be the smartest person in any room he walks into to. He’s not going to do anything frivolously.”
Dennis Dodd, 810 AM
GH: Keep in mind that when Lew walked into any room inhabited by Dodd, there were probably a lot of sportswriters there competing for that dubious title.

“This (Kansas) season went south faster than Sammy Sosa went pale.”
Tom Keegan, columnist, Lawrence Journal World

“I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for Coach Mangino. He’s been a great guy to me. He’s been a great guy to everyone I’ve ever been around. In my four years there he was nothing but great. …If you do what you’re supposed to do (as a player), he’s the best guy in the world. I really believe that. He’s been nothing but great to me. And everybody I still keep in contact I know feels the same way I do. … He’s a great coach.”
Nick Reid, former KU linebacker, 810 AM
GH: Nate Bukaty and SSJ interviewed the former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday morning. Reid made some of the strongest statements yet in defense of Mangino and his coaching style at Kansas.

“My man I wouldna have gone to ku if I knew Mangino was a dick, and as disrespectful as he was. …Talking down to us, talking about our personal lives, throwing where we come from n our faces and making us feel emotionally is wrong. …Another thing that dick has a problem with is thinking he is untouchable. He shoves ppl in the face as though he wants to fight you. …I love ku would have loved to finish my college career there but I refuse to play for someone as disrespectful as him.”
Jocques Crawford, former KU running back, thebiglead.com
GH: Crawford’s career at Kansas wasn’t nearly as successful as Reid’s. Apparently neither was his relationship with Mangino.

“I’ve been telling you for two years how big an A-hole Mark Mangino is. I’ve taken a lot of heat from Kansas fans. I think the man is a complete and total ass! An arrogant ass! …They have no choice – Mark Mangino has to go.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: Cowboy needs to come clean on just why he has such a hard on for Mangino. Was there a particular incident with Mangino that left Cowboy so scarred? Was it a culmination of incidents? Did Cowboy once moonlight as a parking attendant on the KU campus?

“I know it’s a situation they want to handle as soon as possible.”
Kerry Meier, KUSports.com
GH: Expect closure today. Somewhere Al Bohl weeps.

“It’s unfortunate obviously, but guys are always looking for an edge. All the way up to the illegal stuff if they think they can get away with it.”
Jayice Pearson, on Dwayne Bowe’s four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy, 810 AM
GH: Bowe is either guilty of taking steroids to enhance his play or allowing himself to get so out of shape he took an illegal shortcut to drop 20 pounds. Either way the guy continues to exhibit his lack of commitment to his profession. Trade him today. We do not need players this foolish in the Chiefs huddle.

“I really like this guy (Matt Cassel). I really think he’s got a chance to be a really great player in the league.”
Rich Gannon, 810 AM
GH: Cassel will need some help just to achieve being a mediocre player in this league. The draft cannot get here soon enough.

“We’re in the beginning part of the process.”
Todd Haley, 610 AM
GH: Unfortunately for the Chiefs’ ticket sellers, the fans are at the end of their evaluation process for 2009. An invasion of Steelers fans is about to overtake the once formidable confines of Arrowhead.

“I’m thinking about 30,000 Steelers fans. I think there will be more Steelers fans than Chiefs fans.”
Steven St. John, on the Steelers visit to Arrowhead this Sunday, 810 AM

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24

 

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Rivalries within the walls of WHB

Posted 11-17-09

“Don’t let anybody tell you that (Mizzou game) wasn’t an important game for Kansas State. Anybody who knows anything about football knows you have to have that win for that extra month of practice a bowl game gives you. It kills you if you don’t get it. If somebody says it’s nothing, yeah it is.”
Steven St. John, after Kevin Kietzman last week proclaimed the Mizzou/K-State game as unimportant for the Wildcats, 810 AM
GH: The college rivalries within the walls of WHB continue to fester and entertain. The most enjoyable spat is the nameless swipes being taken by MU Rock St. John at K-State Kevin Kietzman.

“Is Gary Pinkel on the verge of losing this team? I don’t mean permanently, I mean this year’s model.”
Kevin Kietzman, last week after the Tigers loss to Baylor, 810 AM
GH: This would have been a great question for KK to ask Pinkel last week during KK’s weekly interview with the MU head coach. Curious how KK always manages to ask these questions when Pinkel is not on the show.

“If you play this (Mizzou/K-State) game 10 times, Missouri probably comes away with six wins.”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: After watching Saturday’s game in Manhattan, I don’t know how K-State manages four out of ten wins against Mizzou. It appeared to me K-State’s lack of speed and Division 1 talent finally caught up to them against an opponent who refused to self destruct with turnovers and penalties. Building a program on the hope your opponent will play poorly is not a recipe for consistent long-term success.

“That was as dominant of a one-person performance that I have ever seen. That kid was incredible. And if you’re an NFL team you better take a chance on him.”
Steven St. John, after Danario Alexander lit up Kansas State for three touchdowns and 200 yards receiving, 810 AM
GH: Alexander was sensational…but. Yeah, this statement deserves a but. You have to consider the competition. The KSU defensive secondary looked like elementary school kids chasing their gym teacher. I think Alexander is an All-Big 12 receiver but I’m not making him a first-day draft pick based on what he did on his vacation to Manhattan.

“That did not look like a typical Bill Snyder team (against Missouri).”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: Check Bill’s record his last two years in Manhattan before he “retired.” His teams looked a lot like what we saw against Mizzou.

“If you’re Kansas State, do you try and replace Bill Snyder at the end of this season? He’s not their five- or ten-year solution. If they don’t make a bowl game and go 4-4 in the conference, it’s an embarrassing year.”
Chris Hamblin, 610 AM
GH: Kansas is having an embarrassing year. KSU had zero expectations coming into this season and they have already surpassed all but the giddiest of hopes.

“Bill Snyder thinks he’s the solution. Bill Snyder’s not going anywhere. You’d rub a lot of people the wrong way if you tried to replace Bill Snyder.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: Do C&C come up with these riveting topics between commercials? Tune in tomorrow when they discuss whether or not WHB will can Kietzman.

“Gary Patterson is too good for K-State. I know K-State fans don’t want to hear that but he is too good for your school, where Kansas State is at. That is a pie-in-the-sky dream.”
Cowboy Cory Anderson, 610 AM
GH: Patterson is ripe for the picking this season. Snyder’s presence at K-State blocks him from returning home. Would he consider leaving TCU for Manhattan? Definitely. And I would love to see him come back to help resurrect what Snyder has started but will not be able to complete. But Cowboy may be right -- Notre Dame may be Patterson’s next stop.

“I think if you win four wins in the Big 12 you should be able to go to a bowl.”
Kevin Kietzman, 810 AM
GH: I know I rip KK too often in this column but the guy just keeps teeing up one Pro V1 after another. Four Big 12 wins make you bowl worthy? Gee, what team wearing purple does that resemble? I would like to see the number of bowls cut in half and the number of mandatory D1 wins increased to seven. Actually, I’d like to see the bowls replaced with a 24-team postseason playoff. It’ll happen…someday.

“Then there’s KU, rivaling Notre Dame as the biggest Division 1 disappointment in the country this year.”
Al Wallace, Fox 4

“You have to wonder what this season would been for Missouri if Blaine Gabbert would have been healthy?”
Soren Petro, 810 AM
GH: With a healthy Gabbert next season, Mizzou will battle Nebraska for the North crown. Kansas’ schedule eases but their talent level will take a dip. K-State will be in year two of the Snyder II and who knows what fruits the Juco Genius will pick? My guess is they will not be enough to get him wins in Lawrence and Columbia. Colorado will be breaking in a new coach and Iowa State will still be located in Ames – a death wish for any coach hoping to attract speed and NFL talent.

“The Kansas fan base seems to be in a pretty significant meltdown right now. And maybe justifiably so.”
Nate Bukaty, after the Jayhawks fifth consecutive loss, 810 AM
GH: Staring at the possibility of a 1-7 conference record will do that. Kansas could have and maybe should have beaten Nebraska on Saturday. Last year they would have. This year they can’t beat anybody. All the more reason to not mess with karma by predicting your season will be one of historic proportions. 

“I admit, I grabbed my seat for (KU football) history and now I’m ready to stand up and flush.”
Text, to Chris &Cowboy, 610 AM

“Boy, that’s a change. That just shows you how Mark Mangino has built this program.”
David Lawrence, Jayhawk radio analyst, on the news that KU’s final three football games will all be broadcast on ABC, Hawk Talk
GH: Mangino might go 1-7 but I still think he is the safest head coach in the North. Did anybody else start feeling Christmassy last Saturday with those camera shots of Mangino peering over his St. Nick specs while looking over his naughty and nice list?

“Kansas is the 31st team in the NBA. They’ve got more pros than I know what to do with. It’s not the first five that hurts you it’s the second five. They bring in pros off the bench!”
Josh Pastner, the new 32-year-old head basketball coach at Memphis, Rock Chalk Sports Talk
GH: Do not weep for Pastner who was left with sparse talent when John Calipari bolted to Kentucky. Scouting services are projecting his 2010 recruiting class as the nation’s best. Watching this young coach put together his program over the next few years will be very interesting. Memphis takes on Kansas Tuesday night at 9:00 PM (CT) on ESPN.

“I think (Greinke’s) got a great shot at winning (the Cy Young) but I thing Sabathia might be the guy.”
Dick Vitale, 610 AM
GH: Vitale appeared perplexed when Twibell asked his former TV partner if he thought Greinke would win the Cy Young. “Well, what do you think?” replied Vitale. Dickie V closed with, “Hey, that Gordon guy sure isn’t working out for the Royals like they thought he would.” Unfortunately, Vitale will be calling tonight’s KU/Memphis game. Might be a good night to hit the mute and tune in Bob Davis.

“If Larry Johnson does sign with the Bengals, he'll be close enough to Proctor & Gamble to get a lifetime supply of Pampers.”
Reader Jeff, OTC email

“(Larry Johnson) will be a fourth running back and have an opportunity as a back-up running back on this football team. He will be doing all the things backup players do and that’s work their tails off. I told Larry we would judge him on his future and really not his past.
Marvin Lewis, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, after Johnson signed with the AFC East Division-leading Bengals, KSHB TV 41
GH: Work his tail off? Sounds like Marv must have signed the Grandmama Larry Johnson.

“Me and Ocho Cinco!?!? " Come on Son!!!!”
Larry Johnson, the backup Cincy running back, Twitter
GH: It looks like LJ’s future is going to look a lot like his past.

“It was so crowded in Lincoln on Saturday night that the only available parking spaces were around Ndamukong Suh's SUV.”
Brad Dickson, columnist, Omaha World Herald

Greghall24@yahoo.com and Twitter/greghall24

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For earlier Greg Hall columns, click here