Floyd Mayweather wins $112,500 after Michigan State's Rose Bowl win

The Michigan State Spartans weren't the ones basking in the glory of their Rose Bowl win over Stanford. Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was a big winner as well.

Mayweather placed a $50,000 bet on the Spartans and won a cool $112,500. The Cardinal were 6.5 point favorites but lost 24-20.

  

 Floyd Mayweather ‏@FloydMayweather 20h
Money Michigan State wearing the Money Green. Rose Bowl Champions! I bet $50,000 to win $112,500 always bet on green! pic.twitter.com/c94UPPjuGI

It was a magical night for the Spartans and a profitable night for Mayweather.

Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard wins the Jack Tatum Award

Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard was honored by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio as the winner of the Jack Tatum Award, given to the defensive back they feel is the best in college football. The award named after former Ohio State Buckeye and Oakland Raider great, Jack Tatum.

Ironically, the Spartans knocked off the Buckeyes in the Big Ten championship game with the help of a stellar effort by Dennard.

Dennard is also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, the top award given to the best defensive back in college football.

Dennard is a physical corner who also excels in coverage. Dennard had 33 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 10 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles this season for the Spartans.

Tom Izzo to Michigan State students: 'Learn how to celebrate something with some class'

After Saturday night's stirring win over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game, some students in East Lansing decided to take their celebrations over the top.

This has become a recurring theme in East Lansing as every time Michigan State comes up with a big win in football or basketball, celebrations turn into civil disturbances. The school has a reputation with setting furniture, and other things on fire.  

“It’s more tradition than anything,” Michigan State senior Joe Sheena told the Lansing State Journal. “We’re not a school of pyromaniacs.”

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo would like to see that "tradition" done away with.

Izzo said he was "disgusted" at how the students celebrated the big win Saturday night. I can see why when there was a reported 57 fires and 12 students arrested.

Izzo later said that the students need to learn how to celebrate with some class.  

"If we really want to show the class that I think we are, then we better start walking it and learning how to celebrate something with some class, with some dignity," said Izzo, whose team's success has preceded couch-burnings in the past.

"If football wins a championship, I don't expect the players to be out causing all those problems. Why do we expect any less of our students?"

"We can't do something that puts an incredible star on our university and then do something two hours later that puts an incredible dent on our university," Izzo said.

I agree with Izzo. Celebrate, but do it responsibly. Every time the Spartans get a big win others figure that East Lansing will have a near riot. If the Spartans compete for a national championship in basketball all eyes will be on that city to see what foolishness they can catch on camera.

Another black eye for East Lansing and  Michigan State.  

SEC commissioner hoping for a Michigan State win Saturday

As it stands, the Ohio State Buckeyes are locked into the number two ranking which means they'd be facing the Florida State Seminoles for the BCS national title, barring a massive collapse against Duke in the ACC championship game.

That would leave one loss Auburn or Missouri on the outside looking in. Also being left out would be one loss Alabama, which I don't see leapfrogging anyone right now.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive is hoping that he can still get one of his teams in the championship game. He's taken to openly rooting for Michigan State to knock off Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game so the Auburn-Missouri winner could possibly claim a spot to represent the SEC against Florida State.      

“I’m planning on wearing a green tie (to the SEC title game),” Slive told FoxSports.com writer Clay Travis. “I’ll be a Spartan for a day.”

My guess is that a one loss SEC school will most likely play for the title if the Buckeyes lose. If not, they can thank Auburn for breaking the conference stranglehold on the championship.

Former Michigan State center Derrick Nix signs with Latvian team VEF Riga

When Derrick Nix exhausted his eligibility for the Michigan State basketball team last spring that wasn't the end of his career.

Even though Nix didn't get picked up by a NBA team, he has made a living playing in Europe.

Nix signed with the Latvian pro team VEF Riga.

"I made the team today and this is my new home," Nix tweeted. "I like it here it's bigger and better, and I've been playing really well!"

Nix started his professional career in Slovenia but parted ways with the team in the preseason. 

Even though it's not the NBA, Spartans coach Tom Izzo sounds proud of his former player throwing in a joke along the way..

"Tell Nixer to take care of his business over in Europe, and I'd like to weigh him in
right now though," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said last month. "I would like to weigh him in right now."

Ex-Michigan State recruit Jay Harris will embark on a football career instead of rap for now

Former Michigan State football signee, receiver Jay Harris will give college football another shot. Harris left the Spartans earlier this year to pursue a rap career as "Jay DatBull".

Harris has resurfaced at ASA College in Brooklyn. The school has added Harris to the roster under the name James Harris.  Harris plans on coming back to the major college scene in his sophomore year, but he'll continue to earn his stripes in the rap game while playing as a freshman.

Glad to see he has priorities.

Harris was all in with pursuing a rap career, but the former Downington (Pa.) High School East star had a change of heart and will try to make a name for himself on the gridiron.

Tom Izzo says he's 'ticked off' at Duke's success against Michigan State

Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo coaches as if his life depends on it. The Spartans have made six Final Fours on his watch. He's firmly entrenched as the Spartans' head coach until he retires but that hasn't stopped him from having some kind of motivation for his team.

His latest factor for motivation. Michigan State's 1-7 record against Mike Krzyzewski and Duke.

At a coaching clinic Izzo mentioned that  Krzyzewski is the best coach he's ever coached against since the Blue Devils have the Spartans number. He also mentioned that it ticks him off to lose to the same guy so much.

Izzo let this be known during the Michigan Elite 25 coaching clinic Tuesday when he told event co-founder Tim McCormick and the rest of the crowd that Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is the best coach he's faced head-to-head.

"Krzyzewski's probably still the guy because we're (1-7) against him, so anybody who beats us that much I've got to say is the best coach," Izzo said. "And it really ticks me off, to be honest with you. You know, that's what drives you a little bit, too."

Izzo also mentioned that he'd like to leave a lasting legacy at Michigan State.

Considering that Izzo has turned down two NBA jobs (Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers) I think his legacy is pretty secure. I would still like to see him capture at least two more national championships before we mention him with the all time greats.

The program has his stamp on it and when you think of Michigan State you think of a well coached, hard nosed team and Tom Izzo.  

Andre Rison returning to coach at Michigan State.

There's going to be a bad moon Rison once again in East Lansing. Former NFL and Michigan State star Andre Rison will be coming back to Michigan State as a student assistant coach to help coach receivers under receivers coach Terrence Samuel.

Rison, who was 30 credits shy of getting his degree, promised his mother and those close to him that he would get his degree and this will help him get a jump start on it.

"I promised my mother, father and grandparents that I would go back and finish my degree one day," said Rison, who's 30 credits short. "This will also enable me to be part of the coaching staff at Michigan State and I am very thankful to (head coach) Mark Dantonio for giving me the opportunity. I've always been close to the Michigan State program and have wanted to give back by coaching for a long time."


Rison is one of Michigan State's all time leading receivers and feels that he can help the Spartans' young, unproven receivers.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and I know I'll be able to help Michigan State's receivers better their game," said Rison, who spent the last two seasons as the coach of his alma mater, Flint Northwestern High School. "I have a lot of experiences in college, the NFL and through my coaching that I can pass along. I am really looking forward to coaching with Mark Dantonio because he cares about the right things, the fundamentals of the game."

Dantonio should hope that Rison can bring something to the table to help the Spartan receiving corps.

Two Michigan State football players involved in car accident

For the second time in less than a month a Michigan State athlete has been involved in a car accident. A few weeks ago Spartan basketball player Adreian Payne was involved an an accident caused by a deer. On Wednesday afternoon football players William Gholston and Lawrence Thomas were involved in a rollover accident.

Both players walked away from the accident in good health and were not at fault for the accident.


"William Gholston and Lawrence Thomas were shaken after being involved in a rollover accident Wednesday afternoon," associated athletic director John Lewandowski said Thursday. "The police responded within minutes of the accident, and thankfully, no one was seriously injured. Fortunately, both of them were wearing their seat belts and that made a difference in ensuring their safety."

Gholston said on this Twitter account, "Man you learn to appreciate life everyday."

They should value their lives very much after this big scare.

Michigan State's Adreian Payne fine after deer causes accident

Michigan State center Adreian Payne is doing fine after being involved in a car accident. He wasn't doing any reckless driving or driving drunk. The reason for the accident was a deer that ran into the road.


A driver with the last name of Payne was involved in a car crash about 5:45 p.m. Friday while heading eastbound on Interstate 70 in Montgomery County, Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol online crash log. Three drivers were listed, and one was reported to be injured.


"A deer ran out to the road," a Montgomery County dispatcher said. "That is what caused the crash."


Payne felt lucky to be alive and tweeted “I should not be here. God blessed me. I was in a car accident someone hit me on the highway…”


Payne also tweeted a picture of his car after the accident. Payne is thanking his lucky stars that he wasn't seriously injured and was able to walk away from the accident.

Izzo thinks it would be different if Kentucky's players were white

John Calipari doesn't have too many fans in the college basketball world. Bob Knight is the most famous Calipari critic, citing his recruitment of one and done players that many say are ruining the sport of college basketball.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has a different take on the national championship winning program. In an article with William C. Rhoden of the New York Times, Izzo doesn't hold back when he was asked if the Kentucky players were white and athletic, would they be thought of differently.

 “I want to answer that as honestly as I can,” Izzo said. “I think it would be different. I hate to say that.”


The perception is that these five black players are not serious students and don’t belong at the university. If they were white, there would be more acceptance that they belong at the university.


“It’s sad for me to say, but it’s probably the truth,” Izzo said. Perception or not, the reality is that the sports industry has done its part preparing young men and women for their careers as professional athletes. Only a small percentage will succeed, but only a fraction succeed at the highest level in any profession.


It's the age old question. The double edged sword. No one says anything when a bonus baby is drafted out of high school into Major League Baseball. Or when golf, tennis, or hockey players go pro. But when underclassmen declare for the NBA draft, most of them young and black it's a big deal. It's like when the Fab Five were at Michigan, when they lost they were undisciplined and thuggish. But when they won they were "playing the right way".

Can someone please define that one for me. If you can play and are good enough to go pro right away, then go.

MSU's Derrick Nix suspended indefinitely following arrest

After Michigan State's season ending loss to Louisville in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, center Derrick Nix talked as if he was ready to take on a leadership role for the team next season. It would take some big shoes to fill Draymond Green's leadership void and Nix was willing to take the role. Nix had a lot of work to be done to be regarded as a leader and it's going to even harder for him after the recent turn of events.

Nix was arrested for possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle with the presence of drugs. He's now suspended indefinitely and even though he does have a small window to regain his spot on the team he has no margin for error.

East Lansing police pulled Nix over at Lake Lansing and Abbot roads. He was driving a red, 2011 Dodge. Nix must reappear at 54B court in 4-10 days for arraignment . Both charges are misdemeanors.

“Based on the information we have received, Derrick Nix has been suspended indefinitely from our basketball team, and his future with our program is uncertain,” Tom Izzo said in a released statement. “He made an irresponsible decision that has put his future with our program in serious jeopardy.”


Another question that could draw a red flag is where did he get the car from? I'm not saying there's any dirty dealings but that question always comes up.

Nix needs to get his house in order because the Spartans were counting on him to have a bigger role on the team.

Charles Rogers is a wanted man

Every time the name Charles Rogers is brought up, it's usually associated with bad news. The former first round bust and Michigan State and Detroit Lions receiver constantly found himself in trouble. He should be the poster boy for wasted talent, even though Ryan Leaf might have something to say about that.

The latest news on Rogers is that he's wanted by Saginaw police on two separate warrants.


Former Lions and Michigan State receiver Charles Rogers has yet to turn himself in on two warrants seeking his arrest in Saginaw, WJRT-TV reported.


Rogers, 30, is charged with five misdemeanors in two unrelated incidents.


Rogers is charged with making a malicious phone call and conspiring to commit a crime in March, and possessing marijuana, an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and driving on a suspended license in December.


The marijuana charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail, while the phone call charge carries a six-month maximum sentence.

Rogers has turned out to be a fine member of society. I say that in jest. I know there are Michigan football fans that will use Rogers as fuel for Michigan State jokes. This isn't a Michigan vs. Michigan State issue. It's about someone who wasted a gift, squandered money, and hasn't been a functional member of society. Anyone aspiring to be a pro athlete should use Rogers as a cautionary tale of what not to do when it comes to  off field decisions.    

Jason Richardson gets a new ring

Jason Richardson was a member Michigan State's 2000 national championship winning team. So even in college you still get a championship ring.

However, Richardson realized his ring was missing and found it being sold by a memorabilia dealer for $7,500. But there is a silver lining in this story as the Michigan State athletics office had the ring remade.

"I see the ring, and I thought, 'Oh, wow, they have a complete picture and replica of my ring,'" Richardson recently told ESPN.com. "Then I see one side of the ring says, 'Richardson, 23.' I thought, 'Oh, wow, they even have my name on it.' And then I scrolled down further and it says you can have this ring for $7,500! I was like, 'How the hell they get my ring?'"

According to ESPN, Richardson hadn't seen his ring much since winning the title more than a decade ago. Because he's now in the NBA and on the road, he had his uncle watching the ring.

But when he recently installed a new trophy case at his home, he called his uncle for the ring back.

The uncle, though, didn't know where it was. According to ESPN, he hadn't seen it since sending it back to Michigan State for repairs years ago. The Michigan State athletics office hadn't seen it, either.

"I call the guy up and say I'm checking in on the Jason Richardson championship ring, and he said they've received a few calls on that," Richardson told ESPN. "So I say, 'Uh, yeah, this is Jason Richardson. And that's my ring. That ring was stolen.'"


The sports memorabilia dealer reportedly wouldn't tell Richardson how he got his hands on the ring. This is quite certain: Having made more than $85 million in the pros, Richardson had no reason to sell it himself. He said no matter what, he'd never sell it.

Now if you ask me, it sounds like someone making his trophy case lifted the ring from his home. I know Richardson did some investigating but he should be calling the company that installed his trophy case. And it sounds like the memorabilia dealer was in cahoots with the thief of the ring.

All of it is moot now, because the ring has zero value since Michigan State remade the ring for Richardson. I bet J-Rich keeps a closer eye on it more than ever now.

    

Izzo blasts Illinois for firing Weber

Bruce Weber was fired from the head coaching job at Illinois earlier today. That really was no surprise since the Illini struggled mightily down the stretch and Weber ultimately paid the price.

Michigan State coach, Tom Izzo didn't like the way things went down in Champaign and let everyone know about it at his press conference. Izzo blasted the Illinois administration for firing Weber and said that he'll help Weber get a new job if he needs it.


"I'm sick about it. I'm sick about it. And I'm sick about it -- and make sure you understand the reason why.


"They beat us early in January, and I beat Ohio State, and so I have three problems. Bruce is a friend of mine. He's been here since the Gene Keady days. He's done it the right way. He doesn't cheat. He mans up to his own responsibilities. Incredible, incredible person. I've recruited against him and lost, and I've recruited against him and won, and (it) hasn't changed things.


"Number two, we have to understand that we blame kids for a lot of things. Kids have changed. Now we have administrators that are pulling the rug under ourselves in the middle of January, when you're 16 and 6 or 7 or whatever it was, and we publicly talk about -- we'll make decisions at the end of the year.


"I don't know what you guys think of kids, because they haven't changed much, but if there's one place they've changed, they're a little more fragile. Not as many two-parent homes. Not as good of school systems that are holding kids accountable and demanding. And so now we put that on those poor kids? And then we're surprised that they lose nine out of 10?


"I don't know who's beaten me the worst, probably Bo (Ryan), but second on that list -- and I'm canonized as something some of the time ... .


"I think it was ridiculous the way that thing was handled. And if I take abuse for that, I really don't care, because I'm also the president of our association. This isn't about a friendship. This is about a profession.


"And whenever you're in an organization, whether it be yours, whether it be mine, or whether it be a business one, the only way you can be successful is if, top to bottom, from the president to the trainer, we're all on the same page, and that in five, six months, you can determine something.


"I feel bad for the Illini nation, because somebody's -- somebody pulled the rug out from under them. I feel bad for those players that have been there that, in my estimation, weren't given a fair chance back about the middle of January, whenever that famous statement was made.


"But if you look at that team from that statement, it went directly down. And I feel worse for Bruce, because we lost a good soldier. And yeah, friendship is some of it, but it's not all of it. We lost a good coach. We got a coach that beat me and my team more often than not, and I just -- I can't figure that out.


"I can't figure out how you guys allow it. You guys are always figuring out the negatives of things. I can't figure out how you guys allow it.


"And my wife and I shed a tear this morning over it, and it was half for Bruce and half for my profession.


"But unless there's things -- and I will publicly state this -- that I don't know, but when I heard those comments back in January, it made me sick, and I said there's a problem.


"And so I hope the administrators that made those statements have a good game plan, but you guys lost a good guy, we lost a good guy, and I think -- I just hope he gets another job. And I'm going to do everything in my power to help him.


"And I guess that's all I'll say, because I'll probably put my foot in my mouth, because if it was HBO, we could get at it right now, and I'd really be fired up about it, because I just think -- I can't believe -- I can't believe nobody's looked at when those comments were made and where that team went.


"I mean, this guy has won more games than anybody -- percentage than anybody that's been at the school. And he's done it the right way, and that's not easy to do. And it's not an easy job there. And when a big-time recruit’s father, I think -- watch what I say here -- comes out and makes statements, I mean, you better have a good idea the guy you're dealing with.


"And I know this. I've known Bruce Weber since the day I was a grad assistant. There's not a classier, better guy -- and I don't want to just hear he's a nice guy -- better coach. He's had some things thrown at him, too, with injuries and guys leaving early and stuff like that.


"So I'm sad, more sad for my profession than I am for Bruce, because he's a man. I've seen him in his press conference. He'll man up, and he'll get it done.


"So sorry I had to get on a soapbox, but I'll leave it at that."


Izzo is safe at Michigan State but it's good to see him take up for his fellow man. By the way, the "mystery' administrator Izzo spoke of would be Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas.

Michigan State Thinking Of A Hockey Game On An Aircraft Carrier

Michigan State was the first school to play an outdoor hockey game (versus Michigan). The Spartans were the first to play a basketball game on an aircraft carrier (versus North Carolina). The people at Michigan State arer now thinking of another first. The first to play a hockey game on an aircraft carrier.

Athletic director Mark Hollis mentioned today that he has been approached about the possibility. He made a brief appearance at Munn Ice Arena before hockey coach Tom Anastos held an informal session with reporters. Hollis then traveled to Indianapolis to attend the NCAA convention and did not return calls seeking more details.


Anastos sounds like he's in favor of the idea.

“I just think when you can create good, unique experiences for the student-athletes, it is definitely worth exploring.”


I don't watch college hockey but if a game on an aircraft carrier materializes, I might actually take the time to check it out.  

Giving Credit To The Wind

Apparently Michigan's Denard Robinson can't be stopped. The forces of nature is the only thing that can put the kibosh on Robinson. That's if you ask Nebraska's Taylor Martinez.

Martinez gave Michigan State's defense no credit when speaking with reporters, when asked was he impressed with how the Spartans stopped Denard Robinson.

Martinez told reporters Monday: "I really don't think they slowed him down. I think the key factor was the wind kind of slowed him down. The wind with his passing game and stuff. Hopefully we can exploit what Denard Robinson didn't do."

Asked why MSU's defense is good, Martinez said: "Any school in the Big Ten has a good defense. I think they'll just be another good defense that we face."

Really I didn't know every Big Ten school had a good defense. Minnesota, Indiana, and Northwestern would be glad you gave them props for saying such things.

Martinez does present a challenge for the Spartan defense, but if he looked a little closely that's two years in a row Michigan State has limited Robinson. And last year there was no wind, in a road game no less. This year Robinson had the wind for a half, so what Martinez says is pretty lame.

I'm sure the Spartans weren't too thrilled, but Michigan State's Jerel Worthy refused to get into a war of words with the Nebraska quarterback.

“We play football how we play football, no matter what the weather is,” MSU defensive tackle Jerel Worthy said. “We go out in the rain, sleet, snow or sun.



“Hopefully there’s no wind so he can make no excuses when we go out there and do our thing.”

According to weather reports it'll be sunny and 61 degrees, so if Martinez falters I'll wonder if he finally gives the Spartan defense some respect.

Charlie Bell Had A Rough Weekend

Former Michigan State player and current Golden State Warrior, Charlie Bell had a rough weekend. His estranged wife Kenya Bell was charged with assaulting him with a box cutter at his home in Grand Blanc Township home.

There aren't too many details about the case, except that their two children were present at the time of attack. The Genesee County prosecutor says Kenya Bell was released from jail Monday, one day after her arrest in Grand Blanc Township.

Charlie referred to it as "the longest day of his life". He suffered minor injuries in the attack. 

Kenya Bell, 35, faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence.

Michigan State Cuts Ties To Booster Club

Michigan State has suspended all activities with the Downtown Coaches Club, a football booster club, in the wake of an investigation of the club's activities by the Michigan Lottery Commission.


"For several weeks, we have been aware that the Downtown Coaches Club had some financial reporting issues as well the review being conducted by the Michigan State Lottery Commission," MSU athletic director Mark Hollis said in a prepared statement. "At that time, the Michigan State Athletics Department immediately suspended all activities with the organization."

The club is a nonprofit organization -- operating independently of the MSU Athletics Office -- that runs 50/50 raffles at MSU football games, among other activities.

WILX-TV in Lansing has reported the investigation is focused on whether club officials used raffle proceeds improperly.

Norman Gaffney, attorney for the Downtown Coaches Club, could not be reached for comment.

"While there are issues that I found concerning, I do not believe the organization was engaged in widespread abuse," Hollis said. "We will continue to review our relationship with these third-party booster groups because protecting all of our fans and supporters is our ultimate goal."

While the club is independent of the university, John Lewandowski, a school spokesman, said the club does provide funding for MSU's athletic program. In the 2010 calendar year, the club contributed $64,727.20 to the Spartan Fund, a fund-raising arm for MSU athletics, Lewandowski said.

The club had revenue of $171,935 and an ending balance of $86,235 for the tax year ending June 30, 2009, according to tax statements filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

With every connection being scrutinized by the NCAA I can see why Michigan State decided to act on this in a quick matter. They didn't want this to come back and bite them in the ass in the end.

 
Source: Detroit Free Press, Freep.com

Charlie Bell Arrested For DUI

When will these professional athletes and entertainers learn that it's easier to call a cab than to collect a DUI award. Ex-Michigan State Spartan and current Golden State Warrior Charlie Bell found this out the hard way. My question has always been, why don't you just catch a cab instead of taking the chance on being busted by the cops? I know you're not that stupid.

Bell was busted early Friday morning.  A CHP officer arrested Bell about 2:45 a.m. on Lakeshore Avenue, near Oakland's Lake Merritt, CHP Officer Sam Morgan said. Bell was booked at a downtown Oakland jail, where he remained for about four hours before being picked up by teammate Reggie Williams.

Damn, good looking out by Reggie Williams. He got up in the middle of the night to pick up a drunk teammate from jail. He must've not had anything going on that night, or he was resting up from the game the Warriors just played. Something you should have been doing Charlie. Next time lay off the sauce and if you don't call a cab or catch the bus or something. You're not the highest paid player in the league, but you get guaranteed money. Invest some of that cheaply and wisely.