A news conference will be held today discussing Major League Baseball's plan to investigate alleged steroid use by Barry Bonds & others. It's being reported former US Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell will lead the charge.

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When I was on SportsCall, one of the most worn out excuses in defense of Bonds was all the steroid talk is racism against Barry. USA Today tackles that very subject.

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The NFL has outlawed props or going to the ground to celebrate touchdowns. What if a player is already on the ground when he scores? He must jump up to celebrate. What are props? The football, goalposts, pylons, even cheerleaders.

To me the issue of a TD celebration is a difficult one. What constitutes excessive celebration? I believe that is hard to define. I am kind of like Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart on his definition of obscenity: "I know it when I see it."

I have no problem with the Lambeau Leap; I don't care for cell phones hidden in the endzone. The 1984 "Fun Bunch" AKA the Washington Redskins offense lived up to their name, fun. Heck, even the "Ickey Shuffle" seems tame compared to Steve Smith's snow angels after a Carolina score.

I don't want the NFL to become the No Fun League, but the line has to be drawn somewhere. As the ol' football cliche says, "Act like you've been there before."

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Other rules changes by the NFL this week:

• A turnover can overturn a down-by-contact call by the officials if challenged by replay.

• The time allotted for instant replays was reduced from 90 to 60 seconds in a further attempt to speed up the game.

• The horse-collar tackle has been expanded to include tackling by the neck of the jersey.

• On kicking downs, defensive players will not be allowed to line up head-up on the deep snapper anymore.

• The size of the roster at the first mandatory reduction after the third preseason game has been increased to 75 players.

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Seattle coach Mike Holmgren calling it quits after 2006?

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New Mississippi basketball coach Andy Kennedy is keeping assistants Tracy Dildy & Michael White on staff.

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Spring football:

Former Rebels find football more to liking at Memphis

Walk-on QB Adams drawing notice in Oxford

MSU safety position peachy keen with Georgian Fitzhugh

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Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer weighs in on the story earlier this week that new Kansas State coach Bob Huggins had lured away a Charlotte recruit.

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Appearantly the Oklahoma athletic department was as surprised as the rest of us when it was leaked yesterday that basketball coach Kelvin Sampson was leaving for Indiana. Some fans have met the news with glee, hoping AD Joe Castiglione will take this opportunity to find someone who is more offensive-minded than Sampson. Add to it an NCAA inquiry on improper phone calls to recruits, & it's needless to say their has been some grumbling.

But Sooners fans are probably most upset over underachieving. Expectations were high for the preseason top five team. In the end, OU struggled in February, lost in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament, then in the first round of the NCAA tourney.

Look, Sampson has been successful at OU. He's 279-109 in 12 seasons; Sampson has three Big 12 tourney titles & shared the conference regular-season championship in 2005; in 1999 he guided the Sooners to their first Sweet 16 appearance in a decade; OU then made an appearance in the Final Four in 2002, then the Elite Eight in 2003.

Time will tell if this is the right hire for Indiana. On the surface I don't see much wrong with it. A coach has a chance to turned a historical program around & the school he's departing can bring new blood to the head coach's office.

I guess most troubling in this is the NCAA inquiry still hanging over OU's head, which revealed Sampson & his coaches made 550 improper phone calls to recruits over a four-year span. The university issued self-imposed penalties, but that has not totally satisfied the NCAA & they will hold a hearing on the matter April 21.

What further price will Oklahoma be required to pay after the guilty coach has moved on to greener pastures?

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Outgoing UAB basketball coach Mike Anderson sat down with the Birmingham media Tuesday as he packed his office to make the move to Missouri.

Anderson insists money is not the issue on why he is heading to Mizzou. He says it has everything to do with the Tigers' conference affiliation in the Big 12 & the challenges it will present to him as a head coach.

While I don't doubt that, I am sure a contract worth $1.5 million after incentives didn't hurt when compared to the $600,000 he made with the Blazers.

It's ok to be greedy, Mike.

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Meanwhile, it's no surprise UAB has made contact with Middle Tennesse coach Kermit Davis. He joins former UAB assistant & current Tennessee assistant coach Scott Edgar, former Indiana head coach Mike Davis, Birmingham-Southern head coach Duane Reboul & current UAB assistants Chris Giles & Matt Zimmerman, as names being tossed about for the job.

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What has gotten into NASCAR pretty boy Jeff Gordon? I've always felt he was the clean driver that everyone painted him to be, but then again, who is? But off the track he was always a PR dream. Kurt Busch & Tony Stewart could have learned a thing or two. After Sunday, it seems Gordon is the one learning from Bush & Stewart.

Racing at Bristol can turn friend against friend. TV's postrace show is usually just as entertaining as the race as my wife & I make bets on how many of the seven no-no words will make it past the censors.

After some on-track contact between Gordon & Matt Kenseth in the final laps, Kenseth was coming over to talk to Jeff. Ah, but then ol' pretty boy bounces out of his car & shoves Matt before officials jump in & stop it from escalating.

I have to hand it to Gordon... he kept his helmet on. Pretty smart move, if you ask me... don't need anyone bruising up his face.

NASCAR gave Gordon a $10,000 fine Tuesday for the incident. It's the first time NASCAR has had to fine Gordon for such behavior... I wouldn't be surprised if there are some drivers who give this kinda dough to NASCAR every other week so they have a balance on hand when they decide to go after someone.

But even more surprising are some of Gordon's comments regarding the whole incident:

"I think that I kind of heard a lot last year that maybe I wasn't being aggressive enough on the race track and different things. My team has done an awful lot this year to make our race cars better, to put me in better positions ... and I'm giving them everything I possibly can out there on the race track because they deserve it. "If that means I've got to be more aggressive, then I'm going to be more aggressive. When you're more aggressive, sometimes it carries over off the race track, as well."

And then...

"Now that I've established myself, I'm older and I understand life a little more, really the way to enjoy life and enjoy racing more is to be me," he said. "I guess that's maybe the Jeff Gordon that has evolved over the years. In the past I've reserved a lot of my emotions. I'm not afraid to show them these days. I'm just being me."

Watch out NASCAR: Jeff Gordon is now talking in third person about himself.

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Mississippi has designated April 29 "Dale Earnhardt Day" in the state. The Associated Press writes, The resolution was sponsored by a diverse group of 55 House members -- Democrats and Republicans, blacks and whites, men and women. It now goes to the Senate.

No word if cities or towns will hold any special festivities to honor the Intimidator. There is no truth to the rumor that all speeding will be ignored that date.

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Spring football coverage:

Memphis wide receiver finally returning to form

USM's Manning makes most of second chance

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Get well soon to Memphis assistant coach Tim Keane after undergoing triple bypass surgery Tuesday. This comes almost two months after head coach Tommy West had the same procedure. Keane is expected to be back on the sidelines coaching the Tigers secondary this fall.

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If you are a Duke hater, you're going to love this video posted at MySpace.com.

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has reopened talks with Time Warner about his interest in the Braves. Negotiations were stalled earlier this year after the two sides could not come to an agreement on the value of the team.

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The NFL's spring meetings wrap up today. No surprise Tuesday as retiring commissioner Paul Tagliabue made it clear he wants to see the league return to Los Angeles.

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Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News pulls no punches in column today regarding Barry Bonds, steroids & Major League Baseball: Barry Bonds is Bud Selig's Pete Rose. Selig has to go after Bonds, officially make him a suspect in the eyes of his sport, before another season begins, the way the late A.Bartlett Giamatti went after Rose, who denied and denied and denied his gambling the way Bonds has denied his use of steroids.

Click on the link & read the entire column. It is great & will make you think, no matter where you stand on Bonds.

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Since the New York media believes the world revolves around New York sports, you can imagine they are having a field day right now with the news Yankees pitcher Randy Johnson has a love child & is suing the mother of his now 16-year old daughter for $100,000 over how his child support money was used.

It's a feeding frenzy right now with reporters wondering if Johnson can concentrate on the Yanks' season opener next week. Johnson calls the situation a "family matter" & says he's focused & ready to go to work.

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Less than a week on the job & already Bob Huggins is drawing fire from the national media. Gregg Doyel at CBS Sportsline writes today, Huggins' staff composition already has one package deal in the makings -- hire a coach, get a player -- with the mother of all package deals in the works for one year from now. As far as the NCAA is concerned, there's nothing illegal about the kind of package deal Huggins is blatantly pursuing by hiring Dalonte Hill away from Charlotte. Hill, a nondescript assistant for the 49ers, is joining Huggins' staff for one reason, and one reason only: Hill is tight with Michael Beasley, one of the top five players from the high school class of 2007.

Click here for the entire story.

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ESPN.com & several Indiana media outlets are reporting Oklahoma's Kelvin Sampson has agreed to become the next head coach of the Hoosiers. An announcement could come as early as Wednesday.

"Why would I leave? We have a Top 10 program. Why would I choose to leave?" - John Calipari, appearing on his final radio show Monday night, answering all the rumors & speculation he might leave Memphis & go to Indiana.

From day one Cal said he will stay with the Tigers as long as the university is committed to a winning basketball program. I am sure after a 33-4 season & a run to the Elite Eight, that has not changed.

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While it appears Cal will be staying in Memphis, UAB is in the hunt to replace Mike Anderson, after his announcement this weekend as Missouri's new coach. This is a crossroads for the Blazers, as their next hire could very well determine if they are a solid no. 2 basketball-wise in CUSA.

This should be a sign for Houston, UTEP & Tulsa that now is the time attack as the door is wide open in joining Memphis as consistent powers in the conference.

Back to UAB, if the Blazer faithful want to retain the Anderson style of play, then Scott Edgar is the way to go. He was with Anderson on Nolan Richardson's Arkansas staff, then spent three years as an Anderson assistant with the Blazers before joining Bruce Pearl at Tennessee in 2005.

Some have thrown around the name of former Indiana coach Mike Davis. Then there's current UAB assistant Chris Giles & Middle Tennessee's Kermit Davis, a former assistant with John Brady at LSU.

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Since I just brought up Houston, the Cougars gave head coach Tom Penders a contract extension Monday.

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The Bon Jovi hit "Living On A Prayer" has been informally adopted by Final Four Cinderella George Mason as their theme song.

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Major League Baseball's most notorious rules-breaking suspect backs punishment of those caught using steroids. Pete Rose is banned from baseball for life for an investigation into his gambling problems. "In my case, I broke the rules and I've been suspended 18 years," said Rose. "So if guys broke the rules the last two years then they have to be handed out some kind of sentence."

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The man who allegedly through a cup of beverage at Ron Artest, which resulted in one of the ugliest sports scenes of all times, has been found guilty of assault. He faces up to 93-days in jail, which is interesting since the players involved that went into the stands after innocent bystanders got off with a slap on the wrist.

I still get sick at my stomach whenever I see video of that event.

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With the NFL's spring meeting underway in Florida, there is no hurry to replace commission Paul Tagliabue, who is retiring this summer. The commish said yesterday a committee of owners that would recommend a replacement might not even be named before the get-together ends Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, with Peyton Manning's success, or lack of, in the postseason, I guess the NFL figures a Manning vs. Manning Super Bowl may bever happen. So they are giving us what they feel is the next best thing: Peyton & Indy will take on lil' bro Eli & the Giants in a prime-time season opener on Sept. 10.

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With all the Cal-to-Indiana rumors swirling, here's an afternoon update of what's being written:

Terry Hutchens, Indianapolis Star - Memphis AD: Calipari not talking with IU
A published report today claimed that the Memphis coach was in contract negotiations with Indiana and had emerged as IU's leading candidate to replace Mike Davis, who resigned last month after six seasons as the Indiana coach. Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said today that wasn't the case. "I talked to (Calipari) this morning. That's not true," Johnson told The Commercial Appeal in Memphis today. Johnson said he had not been contacted by anyone from Indiana University or anybody from any executive search firm connected to Indiana.

Gary Parrish, Commercial Appeal - Johnson: Calipari-to-Indiana rumors untrue
University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson has taken issue with this morning’s report in The Bloomington (Ind.) Herald-Times that cited unnamed sources stating John Calipari is in negotiations to be the next basketball coach at Indiana.
"I talked to (Calipari) this morning," Johnson said. "That’s not true."

Yesterday I experienced for the first time in awhile what I call a loss hangover. It feels similar to one you have after drinking too much, but tends to hurt a little bit more & linger a little too long.

Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad had the Tigers played better in their 50-45 loss to UCLA in the Elite Eight Saturday night... I just simply dont know. I have asked myself would losing 79-78 feel any better? Probably not.

My loss hangover lasted deep into the after. So long as a matter of fact, a friend had to call & tell me of the upsets taking place in the final two regional finals.

One thing is for sure: Memphis ain't the only one seed to fail to reach the tournament semifinals... none of them made it. It's why they call it March Madness.

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Missouri officially announced Mike Anderson as head coach yesterday. On the same day, the powers-that-be with Mizzou took no action on athletic director Mike Alden, after his firing was rumored late Saturday after it was leaked Anderson was his man.

At least Anderson was man enough to tell the players personally that he was leaving, instead of them finding out via ESPN or the AD. Meanwhile, some players are reconsidering their future with the Blazers, which happens at every school every time a coach leaves or is fired.

Blazers fans are spoiled by Anderson's adaption of his former boss Nolan Richardson's 40-minutes of hell style they play. Depending on who is hired, they may have a harder time with the change than the players themselves.

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While Memphis has been distracted by it's college team (and rightfully so), the Grizzlies have pieced together a seven-game win streak, their longest of the season.

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When a drivers dies on the track just hours before the start of a race, should that race go on? Officials believe yes, & that's what happened yesterday after 30-year old Paul Dana was killed in a crash during a practice session for the IRL season opener at Homestead. Some five hours later the green flag dropped on the race, despite pleas from some drivers to postpone the event.

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Here it is the morning after the Tigers' loss in the Elite Eight & I guess I am still trying to convince myself the season is over. Wow, what a ride. Short of winning it all, what more could you have asked for? Even the casual fan got involved in following Memphis. It's a ride I won't soon forget.

In case you live in a cave, Memphis was tossed in the tourney last night by UCLA, 50-45. That was one of the ugliest games I have seen in awhile & that was by design by the Bruins. The officiating was bad, but the Tigers were worse. Wide-open jump shots didn't fall; easy layups weren't so easy.

I always get this way at the end of the season. Because of my job, Tiger football & basketball becomes such a big part of my life for seven months of every year, then it comes to an end. And quite frankly, the job situation contributed to my mood last night. It really hit me that in all likelihood I have spoken my last live word on WMC-AM. The good news is I haven't hosted my last Tiger pregame/postgame show. That's something I hope to do for a very long time.

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What they are saying this morning about the Tigers:

Michael Murphey, Houston Chronicle - Bruins advance as Memphis loses touch with basket
UCLA won 50-45, sending the Bruins to the Final Four for the first time since 1995, when they captured their last national championship. Well, perhaps saying that UCLA "won" is being overly generous. The Bruins actually survived, playing only marginally better — or less poorly — than did the Tigers.


David Climer, The Tennessean - Memphis March halted by UCLA
After winning 27 games in the regular season, three more in the Conference USA Tournament and another three in the NCAAs, Memphis lost its offensive touch yesterday in a hard-to-explain 50-45 loss to UCLA. "I don't want to take anything away from them, but this is on us," said Tigers guard Darius Washington Jr. "We played a bad game and they took advantage of it.

Pete Thamel, The New York Times - UCLA Prevails in a Battle of Attrition
If aesthetics mattered, this U.C.L.A. team would have long been dispatched from the N.C.A.A. tournament. But it's the final score that counts. By slugging out a 50-45 victory over top-seeded Memphis to win the Oakland Regional on Saturday, the Bruins added to their program's storied history by clinching their 16th berth in the Final Four.

Roger Rubin, New York Daily News - Bruins bad, No.1 Memphis worse
The Bruins (31-6) missed 19 free throws overall and made only four baskets in the second half, but overcame these shortcomings with a defense that ground Memphis' vaunted transition game to a standstill. And when the Tigers appeared to have shaken 33 minutes of foul-prone, poor play to mount a charge, UCLA took the hit without coughing up the lead.

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New Mississippi basketball coach Andy Kennedy is leaving the door wide open when it comes to potential candidates as assistants on his bench. It's rumored Kennedy is considering Cincinnati assistants Frank Martin. He claims to be considering current Rebels assistants Tracy Dildy & Michael White, although Dildy said he wasn't sure if it would be a "comfortable" situation.

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So Mike Anderson is leaving UAB. Or is he? Yes, absolutely, but it's sounding more & more like he's getting involved in a at least a weird sitaution in Missouri.

News broke yesterday afternoon that Anderson was leaving the Blazers for possible greener pastures with Mizzou (greener meaning more money in this case). Several websites reported a 2 p.m. press conference today. Done deal, right?

Well, most likely, yes, although the AD who hired him may not be there to welcome him. Several reports this morning say an emergency meeting of the Board of Curators has been called to determine Mike Alden's future. KCTV-TV reports that Mizzou will honor Anderson's contract even if the guy who hired him yesterday is fired today.

Sounds to me like Anderson should stay in Birminham or send his resume to Indiana.

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It's spring football time:

Bower on USM offense: 'We took a step back'

Green-Ellis barges into RB picture for Rebels

Hart states case for time in Bulldog backfield

Last night was one of those where my mind was racing & I couldn't go to sleep. I tend to get that way after hosting a postgame show after a big game. Last night was definitely one of the biggest we've seen around here in years! So needless to say I am a little sleepy this morning. I need that adrenaline rush to kick back in.

Memphis beat round of 16 sweetheart Bradley last night, 80-64. The Tigers proved to be too much for the Braves down the stretch as depth & athleticism took over in a game that Memphis only led by five at the half.

Now it's on to the Elite 8 & a meeting with UCLA. The most-recent meeting with the Bruins was a Memphis victory last November. Any Tiger fan with a sense of history always thinks of Bill Walton & 1973 whenever those letters are uttered. Game time is 6:05 p.m., the pregame show rolls at 4:30 p.m.

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What they are saying about the Tigers:

Lisa Olson, New York Daily News - Memphis on a magical roll with Calipari
John Calipari's mouth was moving faster than his players' legs, an achievement that seems impossible to anyone who doesn't know Calipari. At his core, Calipari is still a smooth Yankee, inherently incapable of fully adopting a genteel Southern demeanor. He couldn't slow down if he were swimming in a pool of molasses.

Michael Murphey, Houston Chronicle - Memphis a tower of power
The Tigers, who floated through much of the game as if they could hit the power switch whenever they pleased, did just that in the second half, blowing out Bradley 80-64 in the first game of a Sweet 16 doubleheader at Oakland Arena.

Tim Casey, Sacramento Bee - Tunnel vision works for Memphis
Neither Calipari nor any of his players stuck around for the second game of the Oakland Regional doubleheader. Nor did they plan on watching it at the hotel. This is a squad concerned only with itself.

David Climer, The Tennessean - Tigers feel elite
After NCAA Tournament victories over teams seeded Nos. 16, 9 and 13, respectively, Memphis can finally pick on somebody its own size in the Elite Eight tomorrow. "Bring it on," said Tigers point guard Darius Washington Jr. "People keep talking about where this team was seeded or that team was seeded. That doesn't bother us because everybody in the tournament is good. We're ready to play somebody seeded 1, 2 or 3. It doesn't matter to us."

Glenn Reeves, InsideBayArea.com - Memphis is a screaming success story
"When you're Italian you get emotional," Calipari said. "I talk with my hands. If I get emotional I can't get mad about them getting emotional. They know there's a line they can't cross. But you can be aggressive if they know you care about them and love them. If you watch it, they're having fun. A kid will say something, then he'll go right back in and he plays."

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Steve Orsini has been a popular athletic director at Central Florida since stepping foot on the campus back in 2002. UCF enjoyed one of their best season's college football in 2005, a stadium project is on the fasttrack, & many believe the Orlando-based school will be the next desirable university by one of the BCS leagues because of their location & student population.

All that said, I am a bit surprised to read Orsini is leaving UCF to join conference mate SMU as their new AD. It seems he may have been unhappy with contract talks at UCF, which came after he was dismissed as a finalist for the AD position at Georgia Tech.

Orsini is no stranger to the city of Dallas as he worked for the Cowboys from 1984 to 93. For the sake of SMU & CUSA, here's hoping he can steer the Mustangs athletic department back to respectability.

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Thursday gave us a wild spin on the coaching carasoul. When I learned yesterday afternoon that South Alabama coach John Pelphrey had removed his name from consideration for the Mississippi basketball job, that was a sure sign the Rebels had chosen to go elsewhere.

Cincinnati was still on the court with South Carolina in their NIT quarterfinal contest when word began to leak out interim head coach Andy Kennedy was heading to Oxford & Murray State's Mick Cronin, also considered for the Rebels' job, was returning to the Bearcats.

Keep in mind all of this happened on the same day as former Cinci coach Bob Huggins, fired from the university last summer, was hired at Kansas State.

Quick evening update:

Memphis ends Bradley's Cinderella run, 80-64. The Tigers advance to the Elite 8.

Duke loses to LSU. I thought the so-called experts said Memphis would be the first no. 1 seed to exit?

Mike Decourcy reports Andy Kennedy will take the job at the University of Mississippi. There's also a strong rumor that Murray State's Mick Cronin will go to Cincinnati. It was obvious Kennedy was the Rebels' man when South Alabama's John Pelphrey withdrew his name this afternoon.

Thanks to Bill King of Rival Radio on Sirius for having me as a guest this morning. We chatted about tonight's Memphis/Bradley game. In case you missed it, they will have audio on their website later today.

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Well, it's gameday for the Tigers as the NCAA tournament moves into its round of 16. After the team's performance against Bucknell Sunday, I predicted many of last week's naysayers would realize they were underestimating the Tigers. While some may have changed their opinions, for the most part Bradley has become the national media darling this week.

The most common argument I am hearing is, "Memphis hasn't beaten a team from a power conference yet."

True.

But isn't that the fault of those schools from those conferences? Arkansas LOST to Bucknell... Pitt LOST to Bradley. Some are acting like this was a preseason schedule of buy games put together by the coaches. C'mon, you know better.

Here's some other interesting tidbits:

Memphis covered the spread in both games so far in the tourney as the team topped no. 16 Oral Roberts 94-78 as 10.5-point favorite, then beat no. 9 Bucknell 72-56 as a 7.5-point favorite.

Villanova failed to cover in their first two games, beating no. 16 Monmouth by a score of just 58-45, although 'Nova was a 20-point fave. Then they barely got by Arizona 82-78, not covering the 7-point spread.

UConn was unable to cover the number in rounds one and two. In fact, in their first game against no. 16 Albany, the Huskies were down by 12 points with 11 minutes remaining before coming back to win 72-59 as a 20-point favorite. They then squeaked out an 87-83 victory over no. 8 Kentucky as a 9-point favorite.

Duke has done okay as a no. 1 seed. The Blue Devils had little trouble beating no. 16 Southern 70-54, although they did not cover the 25.5-point spread. Coach K followed that up with a 74-61 win over no. 8 George Washington, while being favored by 8.5-point, so they covered there.

What does all of this mean? Absolutely nothing, it's March after all. Anything can happen. Just sit back & enjoy the ride.

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Here's what is being written today about the Tigers & the Oakland bracket:

Michael Murphey, Houston Chronicle - It's now a mid, mid, mid world
Memphis (32-3), which faces off against Bradley (22-10) in tonight's opening game, is full of NBA prospects such as 6-7 senior Rodney Carney, 6-9 freshman Shawne Williams, 6-3 sophomore Darius Washington and 6-9 Joey Dorsey. But Memphis coach John Calipari said that a ton of young talent — the kind that keeps NBA scouts busy —has paradoxically helped the mid-majors play with the bigger programs.

"When you're not able to recruit McDonald's All-Americas, those (lesser-known) kids usually stay four years," Calipari said. "A lot of the rest of us are losing players after one year, and some of them are not showing (like 6-10 center Amare Stoudemire, who instead went into the 2002 NBA draft). It's really brought parity to college basketball. Now, if you get a couple of seniors — maybe they sprout up or maybe they just turn into something unique and special — then you're there. The bottom line in all this is about having players. If you have better players than the other guy, normally you're going to win. If you don't, he's going to win. It's added balance to college basketball."

David Climer, The Tennessean - Memphis is wary of Bradley
Memphis's players are a little vague on Bradley's personnel and tendencies. This is by design. Prior to yesterday's practice session, the Tigers had not viewed any videotape of the Braves, per Calipari's plan. "I don't want 'em to worry about Bradley," Calipari said. "I'm vomiting about Bradley."

Geoff Calkins, The Commercial Appeal - Tigers have no time for sentimentality on their journey toward Final Four
Even though they're a No. 1 seed, they've somehow persuaded themselves they're underdogs. Like when the whole Cinderella issue was brought up to Memphis coach John Calipari Wednesday. "I think our foot may fit into that shoe," he said. "They're the Cinderella?" he said, in disbelief. "I thought we were the Cinderella."

Jennifer Starks, Contra Costa Times - Calipari finds success back in college
The Tigers are back in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1995. They've got the No. 1 seed in the Oakland Regional heading into today's game against No. 13 Bradley and are finally achieving the success that's been brewing since Calipari's arrival in 2000. That success, which includes five straight postseason appearances, has the rumor mill running at high speed, as Calipari's name has been linked to openings at Indiana and Missouri.

Steve Wieberg, USA TODAY - No more blues for Memphis
"They are a group," coach John Calipari says, "that could be talked about for the next 50 years in Memphis and even nationally."

Mark Montieth, Indianapolis Star - Calipari comfortable in college
"Oh, wow," Calipari said when asked about his NBA experience Wednesday. "I enjoyed my time in the NBA. But there were feelings that I had there that I don't ever want to feel again. There were other feelings there that were pretty unique and a lot of fun. "I enjoy what I'm doing. I enjoy these young people. Seeing them grow, having an impact on their lives. You don't do that in the NBA."

Kathleen Nelson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Deep Memphis has been able to bench-press foes
Of the quartet of No. 1 seeds, Memphis seemed the mystery choice. Some experts wanted to write off the Tigers' success to being a great big fish in an ever-shrinking conference pond. Perhaps the Tigers' detractors have something in common with their opponents: Neither group knows where to look for the secret to the Tigers' success.

Kyle Veltrop, The Sporting News - Setting up the Oakland Region semifinals
If Memphis beats Bradley on Thursday and then were to meet and beat Gonzaga on Saturday, the Tigers' pre-Final Four foes in the tournament will have hailed from these conferences: Mid-Continent, Patriot, Missouri Valley, West Coast. That would only make Memphis' path unconventional, not unimpressive.

Shaun Powell, Newsday - NCAA's run afoul on Bradley Braves
Remember, the NCAA last summer decided to crack down on schools that use Native American nicknames or imagery, banning them from hosting NCAA championship events or displaying those nicknames in those events. Some schools later received a pass, but Bradley, which plays top-seeded Memphis tonight in the Oakland Regional semifinals, remains on the unapproved list. The Braves are using their nickname in this tourney only because their case is under appeal. Truthfully, as far as the NCAA is concerned, Bradley has no nickname.

Mark Sclabach, Washington Post - Tigers' Young Turks Run Together
The freshmen have played well together this season. The Tigers, the No. 1 seed in the Oakland Region, blew past No. 16 seed Oral Roberts and No. 9 seed Bucknell in their first two NCAA tournament games last weekend at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Memphis, which will play No. 13 seed Bradley at Oakland Arena on Thursday night, has a school-record 32 victories and won both the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles.

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According to ESPN.com, former Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins has accepted the Kansas State job. A press conference could happen today or tomorrow.

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South Alabama head coach John Pelphrey met with officials from the University of Mississippi yesterday. So far, there have been no comments from either side. Those same officials left Mobile & headed to Wichita where they were expected to catch up with Murray State coach Mick Cronin who is attending the Junior College National Tournament.

Pelphrey led South Alabama to its best record in 25 years (24-7) and took the Jaguars to the Sun Belt Conference tournament title, which earned the program's first NCAA tournament berth since 1998. USA was eliminated by Florida in the first round last week.

They are also expected to interview two more candidates, including Cincinnati interim coach Andy Kennedy and current Rebels assistant coach Tracy Dildy.

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Former Indianapolis kicker Mike Vanderjagt is talking to the Dallas Cowboys about being their kicker. Wow, what luck for the Dallas media. If Vanderjagt joins Terrell Owens, they'll have not one, but two great quote machines to talk to each week.

Let's flashback to 2003 when Vanderjagt decided to diss Manning to some Canadien TV outlet, calling him too placid and timid to succeed in the NFL:

"I'm not a real big Colts fan right now, unfortunately. I just don't see us getting better," Vanderjagt said during the interview. "Coach Dungy, he's just a mild-mannered guy. He doesn't get too excited, he doesn't get too down and I don't think that works, either. ... I think you need a motivator, I think you need a guy that is going to get in somebody's face when they're not performing well enough."

Colts' QB Peyton Manning had the most unforgettable quote. He was asked on live TV prior to the Pro Bowl his thoughts, to which Manning replied, "The sad thing is, he's a good kicker. He's a good kicker. But he's an idiot."

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Free agent Keyshawn Johnson will meet with Carolina today as the Panthers try to find that piece of the puzzle the team lacked when the lost to Seattle earlier this year in the NFC championship.

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With another baseball season set to begin in just weeks, so we see the reemergence of steroid scandals which continue to plague the sport.

A new book which details alleged steroid abuse by Giants slugger Barry Bonds also names Yankee outfielder Gary Sheffield as someone who received testosterone and human growth hormone from Greg Anderson, Bonds's trainer. Another Yankee, Jason Giambi is also named & even shares the cover of the book. However, Giambi has admitted publicly he took steroids.

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Former Met and Yankees star Dwight Gooden admitted in court yesterday that he violated his probation by using cocaine and likely faces prison time. He will be sentenced next month.

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This town is crazy for the Tigers! Check out these pic of the First Tennessee Bank building in downtown Memphis! (Thanks to Greg Nelson for sharing these.)

If you are a Sirius subscriber, give a listen tomorrow morning to Bill King on Rivals Radio. I am scheduled to talk Tigers vs. Bradley at 7:15 a.m.

Go Tigers!

Thanks to Wayne & Lee on WNSP-FM in Mobile for having me on their show this morning. They wanted to talk about Memphis & the NCAA tourney & I was glad to join in.

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What's being written about the Tigers:

Jake Curtis, San Francisco Chronicle - Calipari finally delivers in Memphis
Memphis players have heard about Camby countless times from Calipari, who mentions Camby every chance he gets, calling him one of the 10 best players in college basketball history. Now Calipari is riding Rodney Carney, the Conference USA Player of the Year who was a virtual nobody coming out of high school, and Washington, who became a hero through failure last season, and Memphis native Andre Allen, a walk-on who is an unexpected postseason star.

Dave Reynolds, Peoria Journal Star - Now, the real whirlwind begins for BU
The Tigers, fresh from a second-round Sunday victory in Dallas over Bucknell, generally are considered one of the nation's most athletic teams and, at 81 points per game, are among Division I's top-scoring outfits. But Memphis coach John Calipari was quick to talk up the Braves. "People talk about our athleticism," he said. "But when I watched Bradley play, I saw another level. Their speed and quickness are unbelievable. They really guard you. And their big kid (Patrick O'Bryant) is so good. He and the kid from Texas (LaMarcus Aldridge) are the two best big kids I've seen this year. We're playing an outstanding basketball team."

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star - Top seeds’ road gets smoother
Memphis coach John Calipari isn't buying the upset talk. "Those guys on TV and radio have to come up with some opinions and some upsets," Calipari said. "We've been a team that was supposed to lose to No. 16 seed, supposed to lose to Bucknell and we have no chance against Bradley. We can deal with that."

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Bradley became the fourth No. 13 seed to make it to the NCAA regional semifinals. A look at the other three, who made it no further:

OKLAHOMA 1999
• Def. No. 4 Arizona 61-60
• Def. No. 5 Charlotte 85-72
• Lost to No. 1 Michigan State 54-46

VALPARAISO 1998
• Def. No. 4 Mississippi 70-69
• Def. No. 12 Florida State 83-77 (OT)
• Lost to No. 8 Rhode Island 74-68

RICHMOND 1988
• Def. No. 4 Indiana 72-69
• Def. No. 5 Georgia Tech 59-55
• Lost to No. 1 Temple 69-47

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Billy Tubbs is calling it a career, as the coach announced his retirement at Lamar Monday. That should put former Memphis assistant basketball coach Steve Roccaforte in the head coach's office, as Roccaforte left the Tigers in 2003 to become Tubbs' lead assistant & his likely successor.

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As first reported on this blog Monday, the University of Mississippi's scheduled interview with South Alabama coach John Pelphrey has been moved to Wednesday. The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., reports today that Mississippi AD Pete Boone has also received permission to talk to Murray State's Mick Cronin & Cincinatti interim coach Andy Kennedy. Boone also added Rebel assistant coach Tracy Dildy to the mix of candidates.

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While on the topic of coaching searches, Lionel Hollins, assistant coach on the Memphis Grizzlies staff is being mentioned for the Arizona State job, now open after the dismissal of former Mississippi head coach Rob Evans.

Another rumored name is Mark Turgeon of Wichita State, however his team is a surprise member of the Sweet 16, so he's not free to talk. You can remove Jamie Dixon of Pittsburgh from the list as he has been given a contract extension.

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Speaking of rumors, it had been whispered for weeks that NFL commish Paul Tagliabue was to soon announce his retirement. He made it official yesterday, stating he will leave office in July.

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Finally, since retirement news seems to be the theme of the day, Keith Jackson of ABC Sports may call it quits today.

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Gonzaga's Adam Morrison missed Monday's practice, as the team prepares for its Sweet 16 showdown against UCLA. The team said Morrison was suffering from flu-like symptoms, but it still expected to play Thursday night against the Bruins.

Update on Mississippi interview of South Alabama basketball coach John Pelphrey... the interview which was set for today by the Rebels has been moved to Wednesday. A source tells me the university is leaning strongly in his direction.

For the first time since 1995, the University of Memphis is in the sweet 16. What a long road back to glory it has been for this basketball program. None of us would have ever believed that year it would take 11 to make it back.

We took 41 phone calls on the postgame show yesterday, not quite a record, but close. It's really satisfying to see the city come alive in support for the Tigers. Business have "Go Tigers" on billboards & painted in store windows. Every other car you see has a Tiger windsock or the magnets on the door.

Tipoff against Bradley is Thursday at 6:27 p.m., with the pregame show starting at 5 p.m.

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What are folks around the country saying about the Tigers? Take a look:

Calvin Watkins, The Dallas Morning News - Defense proves Memphis belongs

Joseph Duarte, The Houston Chronicle - Memphis displays top-seed attitude

Joe Biddle, The Tennessean - Top seed Memphis sprints to Sweet 16

Gary Parrish, The Commercial Appeal - Tigers' quickness, athleticismmay have made believers of Bucknell

Thayer Evans, The New York Times - Memphis Continues to Silence Doubters With 2nd Easy Victory

Pat Forde, ESPN.com - Memphis' biggest problem? Two great guards (Is this really a problem? Seems like Forde is fishing to find a problem where one does not exist.)

Roger Rubin, New York Daily News - Andre the giant

Mark Schlabach, The Washington Post - Tigers Wear Down Bison to Advance

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So far in the NCAA tournament 10 teams have beaten competitors seeded at least five spots higher, tying a record set in 1986 then matched in 1990 & again in 2002.

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Fans of the Dallas Cowboys are not sure how to feel over the signing of troubled WR Terrell Owens. Sure, the guy brings a lot of baggage, but if he helps them win & keeps his mouth shut they can quickly forgive. Honestly, I believe it will be almost impossible for him to shutup & win. Quite frankly we should set the over-under for how many weeks into the season it takes for him to start whining.

How will coach Bill Parcells handle it? Will Jerry Jones let him handle it? We wil surely know the answers to these questions this fall at a stadium near you & then re-played on ESPN until we are sick of it.

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Is Mississippi looking to Mobile for their next basketball coach? Today's Mobile Register reports South Alabama head basketball coach John Pelphrey will be interviewed today by the Rebels.

He's a former Kentucky player who began his coaching career as an assistant with Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State from 1993-94 before joining Billy Donovan's staff at Marshall in 1995-96, then moving with Donovan when he took over the Florida program through 2002, before accepting his first head coaching job at South Alabama.

Pelphrey joins Cincinnati interim head coach Andy Kennedy & Murray State head coach Mick Cronin on the rumored short-list of candidates.

I don't have a lot of time to spend with the blog this morning because I am in-studio this morning working on Focus On Racing Radio. However, I cannot let the morning go by without stating the obvious: the next four days are going to be FUN!

Look, March Madness is already a great event, especially the first & second rounds. But you can feel the excitement locally with Memphis involved as a no. 1 seed. Yesterday on Germantown Rd. I counted the cars with Tiger flags, windsocks & magnets. Folks everywhere had on Tiger gear, including windsuits, t-shirts & golf shirts.

I hope your favorite team is in the tourney. I also hope you have completed your brackets. Go Tigers Go!

Sources tell me ESPN is close to finalizing their fall football schedule. As it stands right now, look for the Memphis Tigers to get only one game on the network's schedule: 9/30 vs. Tennessee.

The countdown to March Madness continues...

Peter Tiernan on EPSN Insider predicts Memphis, Duke, UConn & Florida to the Final Four, breaking it down round-by-round.

The sports editor of a student-run newspaper at Virginia Tech likes the Tigers winning the Oakland regional.

Great feature on Tiger freshman Antonio Anderson by his hometown newspaper.

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NCAA tournament fun facts:

- at least one team seeded 12th has won its opening game in the last five tournaments
- a no. 13 has won in four of the last five
- the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12 own the most tournament victories in this decade
- not since the tournament went to a seeding process in 1979 have all four top seeds advanced to the final weekend
- only four of the 12 No. 1 seeds in the last three years got there
- no 16th seed has won a tournament game
- only four No. 15 seeds have defeated second seeds
- in all even years since 1989 a no. 1 seed has lost in the 2nd round

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Sould CUSA copy the formula the Missouri Valley Conference used to get four teams into the NCAA tourney? The teams did a good job this season massaging their RPIs. CUSA bubble teams like Houston & UTEP should pay attention to this.

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Mark Fox of Nevada, Mark Turgeon of Wichita State, Chris Lowery of Southern Illinois & Mike Anderson UAB: which of these coaches will use postseason success to move on to another job next season? Is there a Bruce Pearl in this group? Give any of these guys a win or two in the Big Dance & you can bet some of the big boys will come calling.

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Dallas celebrates the 20th anniversary of it hosting a Final Four that changed the way we view the semis & championship. The article says the host site was the first to use a different floor for the event, something that is common now.

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Former Nebraska football coach & now Republican U.S. congressman Tom Osborne is introducing a bill today which would ban beer ads during NCAA sanctioned events.

"We recognize that an end to alcohol advertising during televised college games will not, by itself, resolve the 'culture of alcohol' that exists for too many college students," Osborne wrote in a letter to the NCAA executive committee. "However, such a policy would declare and affirm college's genuine and consistent commitment to a policy of discouraging alcohol use among underage students. ... We strongly encourage the committee to act on the side of the health and safety of college students, athletes and young fans by ending all alcohol advertising during NCAA broadcasts."

C'mon, do we really believe that banning alcohol ads is going to cut down on drinking on campus? I do not deny it's a problem & I sure don't promote or encourage the binge drinking which takes place. There has to be a better way.

What's next? Coke ads? After all, sugar makes kids fat... as a matter of fact I read the other day obesity in children is at an all-time high & that leads to diabetes & other problems. You could ad sugary cereal ads to this category as well.

Or how about McDonalds? Their food can make you fat, give you a heart attack & die.

See where I am going here? Where will it stop? Sorry for the rant, but it's times like this the libertarian in me rears its ugly head & starts spouting off.

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I am not totally distracted by the upcoming basketball tournament. The Tiger football team started spring practice yesterday & coach Tommy West was not pleased.

"There was a lack of discipline, a lack of attention and a lack of attention to detail," West told the Commercial Appeal shortly after the two-hour workout. "It was terrible. Now, there are people that are trying very hard, but trying hard will get you beat if you're not doing things the right way. I was very disappointed in the way we did the little things. But it was the first day."

As a side note I am very disappointed I missed the media luncheon Monday which marked coach West's return following bypass surgery last month. This guy is a fighter. It's no wonder he's been able to steer his team's three consecutive winning seasons. He's first class. Welcome back, coach.

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Terrell Owens in a Cowboys jersey next fall? One sportswriter hopes not, writing: Owens will be Parcells' poodle. If Big Bill says no on this kind of player, then it won't happen. And if Parcells says yes, that tells us just how desperate he really is. There's no need to rehash the ramifications of having Owens on your team. Yes, he's the best receiver in the league. Yes, he's the worst team-guy in the league. But while trading out Owens for Keyshawn is a football upgrade at one position, it's not worth all the soap opera it brings. The Cowboys don't need Terrell Owens.

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Former baseball star Dwight Gooden was ordered held without bond this morning for violating his probation. This comes after admitting to his probation officer yesterday that he had been using cocaine.

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Everybody's got an opinion this week on the NCAA tournament, specifically one on if the Memphis Tigers deserved their #1 seed or whether they will suffer an early departure from the Big Dance.

There was once a time not that long ago that I would have dwelled on those who aren't giving the Tigers enough credit. Yes, some so-called expert really predicts Oral Roberts to be the first-ever no. 16 seed to beat a no. 1.

It could happen, but it won't. Without pounding out all the facts on my keyboard I will simply share this: I am not going to let a critic's closed mindedness, prejudice against the south, or just overall lack of knowledge ruin my week of celebrating this basketball team.

For those that show Memphis love, thank them. For those that don't, just forget'em. It's not worth worrying over. Yes, I do find it funny some of the criticism I have heard this week from various talking heads & the haters who sit by their phones waiting to bash the Tigers.

Enjoy this season & don't stress over something or in this case over someone you have no control over.

It's official: Memphis is a one seed in the NCAA tournament. After I have a little more time to digest this I'll share my complete thoughts. However, my initial reactions tell me...

1) ORU will be a tough 16 seed. No, this will not be the first time a 16 beats a 1, but this will be a good game.

2) If the Tigers meet Arkansas in the second round, it will be like a home game for the Razorbacks in Dallas. I hope the Tiger fans can find the tickets & be there!

3) It's funny how Memphis has already beaten several of the teams in our region; some would say that is a good thing, others no.

Regardless of what happens, I saw a little of Tiger history made today. Had I stated on-air last March that Memphis would be a one seed just 12 months later, someone would have had me committed. Just like many other chapters of Tiger basketball history, today is a day we as fans will talk about for many years to come. Now, let's take care of business & win some games in the tourney!

It could be a stormy midday today. Keep an eye on weather conditions. Hopefully Memphis will get it's baseball game in today against Middle Tennessee State. The Tigers are looking for the three-game series sweep. First pitch is set for 1 p.m., weather permitting of course.

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It's no secret I am a football nut. High school, college, NFL... heck, I have been known to stop & watch a pee wee team practice. I love the sport.

But when it comes to my favorite time of year, it is definitely March Madness. The NCAA basketball tournament is an almost-perfect display of what college postseason is all about. Sure, come next Monday we'll all debate which teams received the wrong seed in the bracket, but then we will all fill them out, drop a couple of bucks in the office pool & then wait for Thursday.

Conference tournaments across the nation are underway. It gives us a glimpse of possible Cinderellas... it makes you wonder if that team is holding back & saving it for the Big Dance.

The no. 5 Memphis Tigers start their quest today for the CUSA tourney crown after taking Wednesday off with a first-round bye. Tulane is the opponent, a team Memphis beat by 40 at the Green Wave's gym just three weeks ago. However, margin of victory from a regular season game means absolutely nothing & Tulane will give the Tigers everything they got.

The Tigers have been beaten up in the media for their on-court performances over the last couple of weeks, some of it warranted, some it was coming from people who were waiting on something to pounce on. If Memphis wants to go deep into the NCAA tournament, then they need to pretend it starts today. That means playing defense every possession; that means taking smart shots; it also means Darius Washington needs to step & carry the team like a good point guard. I've seen him do it.

I'll be on-air with the pregame show at 4:30 p.m.

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Also today in CUSA Tournament action at FedEx Forum:

Houston meets UCF in quarterfinal action. The Cougars need to win the tourney to reach the NCAA tournament.

Southern Miss surprises Tulsa yesterday; the Golden Eagles' season comes to an end today against UTEP.

UAB plays SMU to start things off at noon.

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Memphis coach John Calipari has addressed rumors & coaching vacancies. This happens every year around here. Hey, it's what you get when you have a high-profile coach. If your coach is not being talked about this time of year, it means he's losing.

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The SEC Tournament starts today in Nashville. A story in this morning's The Tennesseean warns of ticket scams going on outside of the arena, including sellers offering counterfeit tickets.

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It's appropriate that Surprise, Ariz., could be the site today for a surprise visit from a much-sought after MLB pitcher. Rumor is Roger Clemens will take a break today from Team USA & visit the Rangers' preseason camp. I am not sure if I agree with how Clemens is handling the process of who will receive his services this season. But when you carry his resume, reputation & pitching arm you can dictate to teams what you want & expect.

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Good to see Urban Meyer is trying to bring quality athletes to Florida. Ok, maybe not. Click here & read more.

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Unlike some, I never feared the worse in the NFL's labor talks with their players union. As USA Today reports, "NFL owners scored a buzzer-beater of their own Wednesday night, finally agreeing to a six-year extension of their collective bargaining agreement with the players union as time was set to expire on their negotiating window."

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Music quote of the day:

"Please come now
I think I'm falling
Holding on to all I think is safe
It seems I've found the road to nowhere
And I'm trying to escape
I yelled back when I heard thunder
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say, let me say
Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge
And I'm thinking
Maybe six feet
Ain't so far down"

Creed - "One Last Breath"

Thanks to all of you who have written this week. I try to answer each email, but in case I missed you, let me take this moment to say thank. Right now is a fun time to be a Tiger fan!

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Has it occurred to anyone yet that the Memphis spring football practice is less than a week away?

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Another fun day at Nat Buring yesterday as the Tigers baseball team beat Middle Tennessee State, 11-5. Thanks to Jeff Brightwell for asking me to join him on the broadcast.

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As the Conference USA basketball tournament opens today here in Memphis, the Tigers receive nice exposure from Nashville in The Tennessean. Memphis was one of four CUSA teams receiving a first-round bye & will start tourney action tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. I hope you will join me at 4:30 p.m. for the Tiger Pregame Show!

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As the University of Mississippi starts the process of finding a replacement for basketball coach Rod Barnes, Greg Doyel of CBS Sportsline writes, "Ole Miss is not a great job. It's the kind of job that somebody young and with ambition and doesn't know any better than to think they can go in and win. I'll tell you right now, I don't think you can win at Ole Miss without cheating."

I don't mean this to be a slap at the Rebels, but this is not the year I would want to be searching for a basketball coach. Indiana is hunting, so is Missouri. What if Tubby leaves Kentucky for the green NBA pastures? This is just the start of the list.

But Barnes is gone, so you make the best of the situation. Will is be UAB's Mike Anderson? Former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson? The always contraversial Bob Huggins? Would any of them even think about Oxford?

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Finally, a few minutes to spend with my blog. The last five days have been quite hectic & unfortunately the blog has suffered because of it. Traffic has been steadily growing here for the last six weeks, so I feel pretty bad.

The big news is the Memphis Tigers radio broadcasts have found a home. Starting this fall WREC-AM 600 will be the flaship station for football & men's basketball. Thanks to all of you who have taken a moment over the last 24 hours to offer an email of congratulations. I cannot tell you how exciting it is to be asked to return for an eighth season of pregame & postgame duties. Plus, with the addition of hosting the coaches shows, 2006-07 seasons will be busy.

Still no word on the fulltime job front, but I optimistic something will happen there soon, too.

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Kansas coach Bill Self is ticked off his team tied Texas for the Big 12 regular season title, but only the Longhorns recieved a trophy, a ceremony, or even a congratulations from the conference.

According to published reports, the Big 12 is sorry for the incident, but also lays blame on the trophy company in Oklahoma City. A spokesperson says the company accidentally shipped the trophy after some "miscommunication."

The good news is Kansas has a trophy on the way & Self is satisfied with the conference's explanation.

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RIP Kirby Puckett.

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Misdemeanor assault charges against Pacman Jones of the Tennessee Titans were dropped yesterday after the nightclub owner making the accusations told a judge he didn't want to proceed with the case. According to The Tennessean, they (nightclub owner & his brother) both told Judge John P. Brown they didn't want to pursue the case. Brown questioned their intentions in filing the charges only to try to retract them, and scolded them for the appearance of financial motivation. Robert Gaddy softly denied he was looking for a payday before Brown officially dismissed the case.

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Charlotte was awarded the NASCAR Hall of Fame Monday.

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The blog is quiet. I wonder why? I cannot tell. Keep checking back. ;)

Thanks to WJOX's "The Big Time" radio show for having me as a guest this afternoon. The gang invited me on to talk about tomorrow night's game between Memphis & UAB.

The voice of Tiger baseball Jeff Brightwell invited me out to join him on his broadcast yesterday & it was a lot of fun. It's been a few years since I had been in the booth for a broadcast. I may try to sneak out for a couple of more as the season moves along.

Meanwhile, the Tigers' baseball team is improving. Yesterday's win was ugly, 9-7, over UT-Martin. But it's early in the season & after last season, this team will take a "w" any way they can get it.

Good luck to coach Schoenrock!

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NFL spokesman Steve Alic, on Vince Young's alleged score of 6 on the Wonderlic test: "Any report of a test score of 6 is incorrect. The people who run the combine told me emphatically that it was incorrect. They said it couldn't be more wrong. I know the report is wrong and know the scores are confidential."

Columnist Neal McReady of the Mobile Register offers terrific insight into this story as he writes, "A more disturbing rumor, if you ask me, is one circulating in Indianapolis that Young's representatives didn't know the test would be administered at the Combine and so the Houston native wasn't prepared.

"Who is preparing Young for the most important few months of his life so far? Well, therein lays the problem. Young hired family attorney Major Adams as his agent, despite the fact that Adams has only negotiated one NFL contract. Houston attorney Joe Jamail, a prominent Texas booster, has been hired to advise Young during contract negotiations. Young's uncle, Keith Young, a former computer software representative who is now a teacher at Paul Revere Middle School in Houston, has been hired as Young's business manager. Together, the group is called "Team Vince," a moniker that is drawing derisive laughs in NFL circles."

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Meanwhile, the two battling sides in the NFL's labor negotiations broke off talks yesterday.

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I could have gone the rest of my life & been happy not seeing Barry Bonds dressed in drag. But now that I have seen it, it's time I share my pain with you.

Actually, hats off to Barry for putting on the blonde wig to impersonate Paula Abdul while the San Fransisco Giants held their version of American Idol to raise money for their community fund.

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New York Knicks owner James Dolan is supposed to meet with team beat reporters here in Memphis later today before his team faces the Grizzlies. A public vote of confidence for team president Isiah Thomas is expected, which as we know is the kiss of death in the sports world.

The New York media can be quite brutal. They have been feasting daily on what is now nothing but a carcas we know as the Knicks. Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News writes, "If Dolan does this, does it out of some misguided sense of loyalty, or some macho notion that if you do the opposite of what everybody in town wants you to do you're some kind of tough guy, he will make the ducks who march through the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis every day look smarter than he is about pro basketball."

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Music quote of the day:

"So we sailed up to the sun
'Till we found the sea of green
And we lived beneath the waves
In our yellow submarine"

The Beatles - "Yellow Submarine"