Clowney Says, "Boyd Looked Scared During Their In-State Rival Clash"

I am not sure Clowney needs to go on like that. To me, that sound just a little too boastful. I am sure most fans in Columbia like that type of demeanor. You want your defense and its stars to terrorize the opponent and cause them to think.

But, I just think you have to leave some things unsaid.....

SEC Media Days

Look at the headlines for the State.

What's Going On In Sports?

Did the Pouncey Twins take it too far with the hats? "Free Hernandez!"

The Cowboys are the only NFL franchise valued over $2 billion. Dallas' $2.1 billion total was good enough for fifth place on the list of the world's most valuable teams, trailing only Real Madrid ($3.3 billion), Manchester United ($3.1 billion) Barcelona ($2.6 billion) and the New York Yankees ($2.3 billion).

The New England Patriots ($1.63 billion), Washington Redskins ($1.6 billion) and New York Giants ($1.468 billion) were the other NFL teams to crack the top 10. The Houston Texans rounded out the NFL's top five, coming in at No. 13 at $1.3 billion.

The article stated that the Cowboys have been the NFL's most valuable team since 2007 due to the league's highest sponsorship and premium seating revenues, which total a combined $200 million.

So far, the signs are good. His long speed is back, he's cutting again and Griffin even walks without any sign of a limp when the brace is removed from his surgically repaired knee. Still, Chris Russell of ESPN Radio in Washington tweeted Saturday that the Redskins have yet to set a time or date to clear their starting passer, according to a source "very involved on the medical side."

I Am Not Sold On Jeff Driskel Just Yet

This is Year 3 for Driskel and I think there is still a lot for him to prove. Sure, there were some good moments last year. Especially the Tennessee & FSU Games. But, there was a lot left on the field against Georgia and Louisville.

So, all this talk about him signing with the Boston Red Sox but, reassuring Gatornation that he is still committed makes me a little nauseous.

He has not mastered one sport at the college level,  but he is now giving this additional attention because he signed a professional contract with a Major League Team.

I say calm down and focus Jeff Driskel. And, master the Brent Pease Offense. I am sure there is a lot to learn and I personally don't like to see distractions.

We have the nucleus to win the East even though the favorites seem to be Georgia and South Carolina. Our schedule is manageable. But, as the Sugar Bowl taught us, we stay in moment for the entire season.

Go Gators!!!

Boston Celtics Thank Pierce & Garnett In Ad

A very classy move by the Celtic Organization, and one well deserve by these two players. I think they brought it hard for Doc and the Celtics. 

Reader In Lubbock, Texas

I don't know who this reader is but, thank you so much for supporting my blog. I have noticed this reader visits quite often. Please leave a comment sometimes, and let me know what you want to see on here. I would love the feedback from such a loyal viewer.

NFL Players will be fine and pulled from games if they are not wearing their knee and thigh pads. I think the League is getting even more serious about protecting players from career ending and year ending injuries. So, what does everyone else think of this new league policy?

Never Had It So Good Practice Run

I did a test drive on the radio show this morning. I interviewed Mike Mobley, Deacon Felder, and Deacon Moore. Even Roy got a little segment in. 

It was a good roundtable discussion. 

What I have learned very quickly is...this is not nearly as easy as it looks on TV or sounds on ESPN Radio. But, if I want to put out the best product I know I will have to put in the work. Reverend Robinson has purchased the best equipment for me. Now, it's time to make it all happen. 

What is also glaring is my passion about sports doesn't make me a natural at broadcasting. I will persevere because this is a life long dream.  

The next test run will be July 12th at 4pm. I think I will make that show live to the public.

Dwight Howard To The Rockets

I think everyone could see this coming. I don't think he was ever impressed with the Lakers Mystique, Tradition, or the Hollywood lights. 

I have never been a Howard fan. I always thought he immaturity showed in everything he did on and off the court. 

But, there is no denying his talent. And, I do feel being with Kevin McHale can only improve his game. 

In addition I think the pieces like Harden and a young Chandler Parsons are good pieces for a franchise to build around. And, there is Jeremy Lin. 

Let's see how Dwight Howard handles this. He is in a position to make several Championship runs. 

Congrats To Kenny Boyton & Erik Murphy

Two for Gators get their chance. I thought Murphy would be drafted, and he was by the Chicago Bulls with the 49th pick of the NBA Draft. I think he will do well as a perimeter shooter. He shot over 50% from the floor and 46% from three point range. 

Now, there are two Gators on the Bulls as he joins Joakim Noah. 

And, I am happy to see Kenny Boynton land a place on a roster. And, even though it is the Summer League I pray he showcases everything he does and get an offer for a long term contract. I don't know where the Lakers could use him, but again it's about show casing your talent in the Summer League and catching the eye of just one GM.

Independence Day!!!

Brad Stevens To The Celtics

I am actually surprised he lasted this long. This guy can coach. Year after year there seems to be guys on the court for him that are fundamentally sound. And, he is not getting a lot of 1 & dones....or 4 and 5 star recruits. He gets the right mixture of role players and heads to the Final Four. Literally!

I think this is a good get for the Celtics. They are rebuilding with a young coach....

LJ Peak Picks Georgetown Over South Carolina and FSU

The word is he took the Gamecock hat off and threw it on the floor. Subsequently putting the Hoya hat on. But, going into this commitment ceremony, the word was he was a solid SC commit. It was also rumored he wanted to stay home, and play for his state school. That goes to show, you can't count on the word of these young men. They change their minds quite often. That's what youngsters do.

Empowering The Community Was A Success

Indeed it was an awesome day. Empowering the Community was a success! Deacon Moses Felder has a vision. 

And, that vision starts with giving our youth the best education available. That vision includes inspiring our community to think Academics first and then Athletics. So, we made part of that vision come to fruition June 29th. It was small scale today but, it was still a powerful day. 

And the good news is...there will be an, "Empowering the Community II."

We had the honor of having the Gamecocks and the Benedict Tigers in our midst. 

This was our way of getting the community young and old together to celebrate. This was our way of being inspirational and getting everyone excited about the endless possibilities of a great education and great performance on the field.  

And, we wanted to show the young men and women in our community some positive role models...some local heroes. And, that is exactly what the Student Athletes of USC and Benedict provided for us. These  young men and women were outstanding. They mingled and did very good job in interacting with our community.

They talked about their plight through high school and college, and right on to the present.

Lorraine Dunbar, Benedict College and Erica Nelson, USC

I want to thank USC's Erica Nelson and Benedict's Lorraine Dunbar. They worked so hard right along with me to bring these wonderful young people to the Edgewood Community. 

I don't think I can give them  enough credit for what they did and what they do every day to Advisors and Community Outreach Specialist. 

Even at this event I saw them both having one on ones with their athletes. They mentored and tutored every chance they got. I can appreciate these ladies, and I parents would be lucky to have their kids in these ladies care. That in itself is powerful. I want to say I am proud to know them both. 

I want to also give credit to all the Benedict Coaches who called our neighborhood home, and really interacted well with everyone. Thank you to Coach Fred Watson, Asst AD/Head Basketball Coach, Coach Gary Taylor, Coach James Graf, Coach Norman Richards, Coach Antwan Nicholes.

Coach Nicholes and Coach Richards

The evidence of what they are doing with these students was in how professional they were on Saturday. The Benedict Student-Athletes were perfect ambassadors for their school. 

They articulated well. They blended with the attendees and made themselves right at home. 

And, when the youngsters came up and asked for autographs they seemed just as thrilled as the youngsters in front of them. They stayed to the bitter end and promised to make it more than a one time thing. 

While we continue to debate whether this generation is ready for the world, and ready to make the world a better place...there is no debate with these kids. I think we can count of this Benedict Group and USC Group leaving a mark of goodness behind. 

Student Athletic Advisor Ms. Dunbar and Deacon Felder
with the Benedict Students and Coaches.

Benedict Players:

Shaniqua Brown - Track & Field
Jasmine Stubbs --Basketball Jr
Maya Moore - Basketball Sr
Shaquille McCain - Track & Field
Tia Rankin - Basketball Jr
Chelese Pasante - Basketball Sr
Darryl Porchia - Football Sr
Analise. - Track & Field Sr

Deacon Felder, Mason Zandi, Sharrod Golightly, Carlton Geathers,
 Brenton Williams, Erica Nelson, and Pastor  Noble

The USC Gamecocks deserve a big round of applause also. The young men that came down were pleasant, professional, and very humble. 

I couldn't have asked for a better group of men. Now, we asked for Clowney or a more visible Gamecock Athlete but, we got was the best Student-Athletes in the city. God  really knows who to send into your path.

USC Gamecocks: Mason Zandi Football, Sharrod Golightly,  Football, Carlton Geathers, Mens Basketball, Brenton Williams, Mens Basketball

And, thanks so much to the Breakfast Club for above and beyond what I asked them to do. I couldn't have done it without them. Thanks so much to Piggly Wiggly, the Housing Authority, The Big DM, The Edgewood Foundation, Pastor Johnny Ray Noble, and Reverend Robinson for all of their help and support. 

And, to Deacon Moses Felder. You are a visionary. You are one of a kind. I can't work hard enough for you. Thank you so much for opening the flood gates of heaven for us all here on earth. 

#1 WR In Florida Commits To Clemson

This was the topic in the barber shop this morning. And, I must admit I had not heard of the announcement. But, once I left I did look it up. And, this is what Welcome to Tigernet had to say....

Tarpon Springs, FL (East Lake HS) WR Artavis Scott committed to Clemson during ESPNU's coverage of Nike's The Opening over Florida and Central Florida. 
Scott is a consensus 4-star WR recruit by all the major recruiting services. Scott also had offers from Arkansas, Cincinnati, Florida St., Georgia, Indiana, Iowa St., Kentucky, Miami (FL), Michigan, Mississippi St., Notre Dame, Ohio St., Oklahoma, Oregon, South Alabama, South Carolina, South Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

He looked very impressive at the 2013 Dabo Swinney football camp. His route running and acceleration were exceptional in drills.

Obviously, this athlete had attention from a lot of programs. And, he did have the attention from the Gators or we would not have offered him. But, I don't think this is someone we will miss. Clemson fanatical Anthony Green provided the news to me and a little trash talking. But, after watching some of his tapes, I think I am okay with what we have at the WR position. This is just Clemson with some get back for the Gators getting Dalvin Cook, RB, Five Stars flip to Florida.

Who Will Win The East In SEC Football?

That was the debate today in the barber shop. I said, "The Gamecocks look like the favorite." But, I do feel Georgia has a good chance of taking it, with Florida as the Darkhorse. Especially with Aaron Murray returning. He is an accurate Gunslinger...much like Mathew Stafford.  If the Gators can get some good replacements for Elam, Jenkins, and Bostic and find a go to receiver I think we have a chance. 

But if you look at the Gamecock Schedule, their chances get even better. They open with North Carolina and then Georgia Away...and, then a Bye week. If they come out of Athens with a win then they can set the table for a good SEC Championship Run.  

I for one though, never put my eggs in the Gamecock Basket. They always seem to find a way to ruin their season. I think the same will happen again this. They do not have a Championship Pedigree. And, until they show me one I will not pick them to go all the way in anything but baseball and equestrian competition. 

Harsh...but true. Join me for more debate July 13th at Hill's Barber Shop.