A picture-perfect way to keep a guy humble
As would be expected, some of my closest friends got in some really good jabs about the picture that ran in Monday’s paper of me with Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema at a reception before the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame dinner Sunday at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock.
Bielema entertains at Hall of Fame shindig
It was Bret Bielema’s 37th talk since he became the head football coach at the University of Arkansas.
Orb ambushed by old-timers Stevens, Lukas
Orb’s victory in the Kentucky Derby was so impressive that almost immediately the talk began that the 35-year wait for a Triple Crown winner was about to be over.
ASU coach leaves disappointment in past
It was mildly surprising to read that Brandon Reed was returning to Arkansas State to play basketball, which was where he began his career before transferring to Georgia Tech.
Backup plan hasn’t hurt former Hogs QB
Ryan Mallett received a lot of scrutiny and some questions about his character when he was taken in the third round of the NFL Draft in 2011.
Waah! Waah! Just listen to Oklahoma’s Stoops
It would be easy to criticize Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops for his comment about SEC football’s superiority just being propaganda.
Today, every day, right day to praise mom
It was years ago, maybe the first time an enterprising television cameraman thought to try a close-up of a player on the sidelines during a game, the tribute was made.
Conley making a name for himself in NBA
For much of his early life Mike Conley Jr. was known for many things.
Anderson’s rebuilding project coming along
For some reason, there has been a lot of chatter on talk radio recently about Mike Anderson and the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball program.
Apparently two Brandons too much at QB
Other than one student-athlete, it was not a surprise that four Arkansas Razorbacks have received their releases from the University of Arkansas.
Rain does little to dampen Derby celebration
There may not be a worse four-letter word in thoroughbred racing than rain.
New network fills SEC’s coffers even more
It is official. As expected, the SEC Network belongs to ESPN (Every Sports Person’s Network).
Derby as much social event as sports event
Crossing the bridge from North Little Rock to Little Rock, after meeting with the energetic new mayor, Joe Smith, it was noted that management at the Marriott had wasted no time replacing all the signage on the old Peabody and that it looked totally natural.
Better grab your seat early to hear Manning
May Day may mean a lot of things in a lot of places, but here, today, it means tickets go on sale for the June 1 dinner featuring Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
Grading NFL Draft an elongated process
Dallas Cowboys fans are apparently disappointed, while the fans of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Green Bay, San Francisco and Jacksonville are rejoicing.
Kleine’s got it correct: LeBron’s the man
It is not quite painful, but almost, to admit Joe Kleine is right.
College Football Playoff finds a perfect fit
It is entering the most dangerous time of the year for college sports’ two big moneymakers, football and basketball.
Wilson took a hit coming back to Arkansas
At some point every Saturday last season, as the Arkansas Razorbacks football season ground down to the final game, the same thought occurred.
Bielema unveils crisp band of Razorbacks
It is difficult to get any kind of real feel for how good a football team might be in the fall after a spring football game.
Bielema settled in, ready to get to business
Earlier this week, during a phone conversation with Bret Bielema, it was easy to notice the excitement in his voice about Arkansas’ scrimmage Saturday.
Summerall’s humility will not be forgotten
Pat Summerall was one of a kind among broadcasters on any level, especially the national one.
Plenty of great tracks, but Oaklawn is home
As usual, probably more like a tradition now, yours truly toured Oaklawn Park last Saturday.
Fill stands, impress recruits, Bielema says
A couple of weeks ago, Bret Bielema caused a small brush fire when he said something along the lines that he came to Arkansas to beat Alabama.
Apple Blossom revelry seeps into Derby day
From the infield to the Jockey Club, and most places in between, there was a ripple of excitement Saturday as everyone awaited the 77th running of the Arkansas Derby.
Bielema makes great event even better
When Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema accepted the offer to host the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame’s annual golf tournament, it was like the Razorbacks’ new football coach truly understood more of the root system of Arkansas sports than expected at this early juncture.
Cella ponied up to elevate Arkansas Derby
Steely gray skies and the threat of thunderstorms couldn’t rain on the parade near the paddock in Oaklawn Park on Wednesday.
Experience, or lack of it, shows in title game
While the men’s NCAA Tournament championship game had great TV ratings with 27.1 million viewers, more than likely it will not go down as a classic, although the talking heads of CBS would have you believe it was the greatest game ever.
Abdul-Jabbar’s feats almost underappreciated
One of the most debated subjects on talk radio, usually during really slow times, is who is the all-time best Los Angeles Lakers player.
Obviously, Rutgers wasn’t paying attention
Note to all colleges and universities: If you don’t want to look stupid, be embarrassed and be ridiculed nationwide, don’t try to cover up anything.
Michigan’s renewal has been painstaking
Bill Frieder, Steve Fisher, Fab Five: Michigan basketball was vibrant.
Louisville leaves Big Blue green with envy
In Kentucky, this has to be like a Louisiana bred winning the Kentucky Derby.
Syracuse coach isn’t leaving comfort zone
A few years ago, in the media room after the SEC Tournament, a group of reporters gathered to watch the NCAA Tournament selection show.
Shockers are underdogs, but they can bite you
This will not be an easy week for the faithful and dedicated workers at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.
Cinderellas really don’t exist at this stage
Most knew the bewitching hour was fast approaching for the 2013 NCAA Tournament Cinderellas.
Stuart shunned limelight, relished family
In high school he was a talented athlete, very well liked and smart.
Stephens calling for an army of volunteers
It took only a few seconds to realize the competitive nature of Warren Stephens.
Dash of South in Big Ten’s recipe for success
There was a time when the Big Ten Conference would huff and puff and claim it was better or as good as the SEC in football.
Eagles, Explorers reach uncharted territory
It was not surprising the NCAA Tournament received its best television ratings for an opening weekend as there was more drama than in Judge Judy’s court on payday.
All storylines take back seat to Henderson
It has mostly been a great NCAA Tournament.
SEC needs Hogs’ help to restore reputation
More than likely, the good fans of Kentucky and Tennessee have quit complaining about getting snubbed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee last Sunday.
One last primer to help you fill out bracket
Here are a few things to consider if you haven’t turned in your office pool NCAA Tournament bracket yet, but keep in mind that yours truly has never won an office pool and was beaten by Jennifer Christman, to her sheer joy and delight, a few years ago: One of the most intriguing first-round match-ups is between No. 6 seeded Arizona and No. 11 Belmont, the music-oriented school in Nashville, Tenn. This will be Belmont’s sixth NCAA Tournament appearance and the Bruins are 0-5, but they are one of three teams (Kansas and Memphis are the other two) to earn an automatic qualifier berth six of the past eight years. This is a program beginning to resemble that of the No. 1 West seed Gonzaga, and it is a victory or two from declaring it is not a mid-major. Arizona hasn’t played the best perimeter defense and must step it up.
SEC can blame itself for basketball slide
In retrospect, after looking at the body of work, the SEC should feel ashamed, not jilted.
Spinning story lines, anecdotes on NCAA teams
Just a few notes and comments about the 2013 NCAA Tournament and the bracket.
It’ll take Anderson time to set foundation
For 37 minutes Vanderbilt passed and posted against Arkansas’ pressure defense, and when the furious finish came, with the Razorbacks’ backs against the wall, the Commodores started to wilt.
Ultimately, inability to make shots hurts
It was as if the officials thought they were getting paid by the hour, or the whistle.
Anderson putting his stamp on program
Mike Anderson’s voice was raspy, mostly from the drastic weather changes that have affected so many people’s sinuses, but his words were enthusiastic and sincere.
Foley wrings every ounce out of talent
UALR women’s Coach Joe Foley sat quietly on the bench, although his mind was racing far faster than the pace of the game.
