Jul/091
Minnesota Gophers New TCF Stadium
Future home of 2009's Traveling Trophies:
Gophers vs. Wisconsin = Paul Bunyan's Axe
Gophers vs. Iowa = Floyd of Rosedale Trophy
Gophers vs. Michigan Little Brown Jug
Gophers vs. Penn State Govenor's Victory Bell Trophy
Apr/080
Jared Allen what? Doesn’t anyone care that the Gophers got new uni’s?
I know that the NFL draft is tomorrow and I didn't really break it down like I did last year. Well, I guess that's because second round projections aren't that interesting. Here are my two scenarios: 1) Vikings trade down to the late second or early third round to get an additional 4th round pick. They then use their first two picks on the offensive line (tackle, center, guard or tight end) or wide receiver. 2) Vikings keep the 47th overall pick and take Fred Davis from USC. Shane Co. was a huge bust last year and we really need a TE that can run the seam route to keep the opposing safeties honest covering Berrian and Rice.
Ok, now that the draft speculation is out of the way - the Gophers got new uniforms! Believe it or not, Gopher Football is about to be relevant in the next year or two for the first time in my 28 years on this planet. They are building a new on-campus stadium, which will attract not only a huge contingent of fans; and also better players. http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle In addition, they have updated their look for the 2008 season. http://www.gophersports.com/PhotoAlbum. Personally I only like white on white, maroon on maroon, and maroon on gold; but I guess they might use the other 3 combinations as well, against my will.
Jul/0716
G-O-P-H-E-R-S… What’s that spell? Scandal!
This week a bomb went off on the east bank of the University of Minnesota.
This week 4 University of Minnesota football players were charged with breaking a variety of laws in conjunction with an incendent that happened several months ago in the University Village on campus. The allegations state that they took advantage of a UofM coed when she was passed out after a drinking contest that included 8 shots of Vodka.
It seems like only yesterday that Clem Haskens was patrolling the sidelines at Williams Arena. We all know what that scandal did to our University. What will come of this most recent incident? Will the enthusiasm and hope that Tim Brewster has been selling be dampened because of this most recent case. A few months ago our snake oil salesman of a coach had us chanting "Rose Bowl". Will we soon be hoping any kind of bowl?
While the players involved have not been formally convicted of any crime, they have been dismissed from the team. While I do not believe that this action was necessary, Tim Brewster did this as nothing more than a PR move. I think that he probably did what he thought was best for his team and the university. He talks about accountability and a code of conduct. He hopes that future players might think twice about acting in this manner. Brewster had the choice of suspending the players or dismissing them altogether. We saw what he chose.
I wonder whether this could possibly turn into a Duke Lacrosse situation.... What happens if the DNA evidence disappears or the alleged cell phone video doesn't prove anything. Will these players sporting careers and more importantly their reputation be forever tarnished.
We have seen what has happened to the Duke Lacrosse players. The faculty, media (local and national) and sporting community condemned these players because they were the "rich" White kids who raped the black girl. Will this become a race issue like it did in Raleigh? Will the community rally behind the alleged victim and condemn the athletes because they are black?
I am not siding with any one side. I am merely playing the devils advocate and questioning the way the UofM handled the situation and raising questions as to what makes this case any different than that of Duke.
Your Thoughts?