Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Clemson's Tajh Boyd denies gambling rumors
Serious allegations to derail a season. Of course the story came out before the biggest game of the season.
Just before kickoff against FSU Saturday night, IBNSportsWrap.com published a story alleging Tajh Boyd owed more than $80,000 worth of gambling debt to bookies.
The site says Boyd bet on NFL games and a college football game. It's a story both Swinney and Boyd deny.
"He said just, 'No way, coach,'" said Swinney. "It's just disappointing. We live in a world where things like that happen, you know, and again, I have no reason to think he would lie to me."
"It was kind of shocking to me as well, but I guess stuff like that happens sometimes said Boyd of the report.
“I don't really know where that came from,” Boyd said, according to The State. “When I heard it, it was pretty shocking. That being built on top of the loss made it a rough little weekend.”
There better be some truth to the rumor because Boyd's mother told TheClemsonInsider.com that the family was considering legal action against the source of the story.
“These reports are totally false,” Carla Boyd said. “Please leave my son alone.”
Both Dabo Swinney and Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich (whose compliance office looked into the matter over the weekend as part of its due diligence) said there was nothing to the reports.
As a fan I hope there is no truth to the story.
Charlie Manuel expresses interest in managing Detroit Tigers
There have been a lot of names thrown out there and there should be no shortage of managers currently on the sideline that would like to take the Tigers job.
Former Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has 'expressed his interest' in taking over the Tigers gig that Jim Leyland recently stepped down from. Leyland said he didn't have much left in the tank but Manuel, who is 70, says he still has the fire during an interview with Detroit Sports 105.1.
"My agent will definitely call some teams and feel them out," Manuel said. "He talks to me before he does it. He chats with me regular."
"Condition-wise, I feel tremendous," Manuel said. "I've still got the fire. I've got a full tank. I'm still very much in the game."
Manuel managed the Indians from 2000-2002 and won the AL Central in 2001. He managed the Phillies from 2004-2013, winning a World Series title in 2008, reaching the World Series again in 2009 losing to the New York Yankees.
Manuel won 780 games in Philadelphia, including five consecutive National League East titles from 2007-2011.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Eric Wedge and Dusty Baker interested in Detroit Tigers managerial opening
There might be two guys interested in the job. Former Cincinnati Reds skipper Dusty Baker and former Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge.
Wedge stated that he would love the opportunity to manage the Tigers. Baker said that he would be flattered to manage the Tigers.
“If the Tigers have interest in me, I would love the opportunity,” Wedge said today.
“I’ve always respected Dave Dombrowski and what Dave has accomplished,” Baker said. “I have the ultimate respect and friendship for Jim Leyland. I’d be flattered and honored to be given such an opportunity.”
Wedge resigned from his post in Seattle due to philosophical differences with the front office. Wedge wanted a win now approach while the front office felt the team should build with young players. Baker was fired from the Reds for his team practically collapsing late in the season and for sticking up for a coach the team wanted to fire.
The Tigers would also like a manager that is driven to win now. The team is clearly in a win now mode and is looking to win it's first World Series since 1984. The Tigers came up short in 2006 and 2012.
I don't know if Baker or Wedge are viewed as bonafide candidates, but I'm sure their names will be thrown in the mix.
If I had my choice I'd pick Wedge since Baker has a bad track record with overworking pitchers (Kerry Wood, Mark Prior).
This is the problem with fans wanting Leyland gone. No one seems to be thrilled with the possible list of candidates and can't name anyone to take over the reins of a possible championship team.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Savon Goodman leaving UNLV basketball program
Goodman was suspended for his involvement in a May burglary in which he stole Nike sneakers, $500 cash and almost $900 worth of video games from a friend's apartment.
UNLV coach Dave Rice said that Goodman would remain a part of the program while he was suspended. I suppose that was pending the outcome of a November preliminary hearing. Misdemeanor conspiracy and felony burglary and grand larceny charges that could get him up to 15 years in a Nevada prison.
“I have enjoyed my time at UNLV and am thankful for the support of the fans, my teammates and coaches since I have been here,” Goodman said in a statement issued by the university. “However, I have felt a lot of pressure the last few months. I feel it is best for me to leave the program at this time. Even though I am from Philadelphia, I will always think of Las Vegas as another home.”
Goodman was a sophomore and averaged 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds as a freshman. With the deaprtures of NBA top overall draft pick Anthony Bennett and Mike Moser to Oregon, Goodman would've assumed a bigger role this season.
“I respect Savon's decision and will always be here to support him,” coach Rice said in a statement. “I wish him all the best.”
It will be interesting to see if he ends up anywhere else on he college scene if he happens to beat the rap in this case.
NFL VP trying to get Ndamukong Suh's attention
Suh was fined for a second time this season on Wednesday, $31,500 for striking Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden with his helmet.
NFL vice president of operations Merton Hanks said Friday in a spot on “Total Access” on NFL Network that he wanted to get Suh’s attention with the fine but didn’t think the hit was worthy of larger punishment.
“The fine amount is more than the minimum because he is a repeat offender and I wanted to get Ndamukong Suh’s attention in this regard,” Hanks said. “I’ve got to help him course correct.”
Hanks was asked why Suh didn't get a suspension for the hit. Hanks said it wasn't an "egregious play".
“In the big scheme of things, it’s not an egregious play,” Hanks said. “It is a violation, that’s why he was fined.”
The way I see it, Suh will always be watched closely. Anytime he lays a hard hit on an opponent he's going to be scrutinized. Suh says he isn't going to change his game, but that comment will do nothing but warrant a close look by the NFL.
On the other hand you would think Hanks would cut Suh a little bit of slack since he was known as a big hitter when he played.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Blazers rookie C.J. McCollum out six weeks with a broken foot
McCollum will miss six weeks and will then be reevaluated.
McCollum, a 6-4 guard from Lehigh, was drafted 10th by the Blazers in this year's draft and leading into the draft there were questions about a fractured bone in his foot he suffered in January.
More than likely he'll still travel with the team.
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