HEADLINES
1) Three freshman Tennessee football players were arrested and charged with armed robbery Thursday morning. Two of the three players were a pair of Lane Kiffin's prized recruits in wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and starting safety Janzen Jackson. What do you make of this situation?
Ben: WOW. I saw this note when I was at lunch today and my jaw about dropped. I cannot believe the stupidity that some athletes partake in. Seriously, how stupid was this? Some might say it was immature kids acting like immature kids (all players being under 20 years old) and I'll say that there are plenty of under 20 kids NOT being given a free ride to college committing armed robbery. These kids get money from the school for books, for food while they are on campus during breaks, and no tuition costs. Yet, they felt compelled to attempt to steal money from a gas station. When was the last time you actually used cash at the gas station? I've used a debit card everytime for the last year and a half.
I really don't think it says anything about Kiffin, because you can't monitor these kids 24/7 -- but I think that all college coaches recruit these types of kids -- ones teetering on the edge of criminal behavior -- but great coaches are able to control those wild players. Kiffin hasn't proven to have that type of control.
Boz: This obviously doesn't look good for the Vols program or head coach Lane Kiffin. Apparently Kiffin had spent Wednesday morning on a conference call talking up how his team had stayed away from trouble. Tennesee is already having a rough season. These three must be the biggest idiots in the world because not only did they committ armed robbery, but got away from the gas station without barely any money. It's too bad that some athletes take their talents for granted and throw it all away by acting this way. I would give anything to have the talent to make a major Division I football team. God gave these kids a gift and they are throwing it away.
2) After a scuffle broke out between Mike Tyson and a freelance photographer, both men were booked and released on suspicision of misdemeanor battery? What do you make of this situation?
Ben: I think photographers are going too far. Is Mike Tyson's picture outside of a car, really worth that much money? I think that the paparazzi take it too far, then make the athlete/celebs look bad after they react. Who allowed these people to constantly hound other human beings? I side with Tyson on this 100%, I would have done the same thing if I felt like my family was in danger.
Boz: The photographer is stating that Tyson struck him and cut open his forehead. Tyson is stating that the photographer was over aggressive and that he was protecting his family. There are witnesses that support both arguments. Tyson's background doesn't help support his cause, however, a lot of celebrities, along with others as well, know that the paparazzi can be too overwhelming at times and wind up being overaggressive. I hate the paparazzi and I'm no where near famous, so I'm siding with ol' Mike Tyson on this one.
3) The Cavaliers beat the Magic last night in Cleveland, 102-93, led by LeBron's 36 points. Was this a statement win for the Cavs?
Ben: No. It's game 9 of the season for the Cavs, the Magic were playing the second game of a back-to-back , and were without their second best player (Rashard Lewis). I don't think the Cavs can say they are a better team this year then last just because of this win, but it probably makes them feel better.
Boz: Yes and no. It's a statement win based on the fact that they picked up a victory over another top team in the Eastern conference and a team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. However, the reason why I say that it's not quite a statement game is because of the fact that Rashard Lewis has yet to return from his suspension. He played a major role in the Magic taking the Cavs out of the playoffs last season. It's not the same Magic team right now and it might be a different outcome when Lewis is back in the lineup.
4) After a twenty point loss to my Phoenix Suns, the Hornets have made the first coaching move of the young season, firing head coach Byron Scott after a 3-6 start. Was this a good move by the Hornets?
Ben: No. How is firing someone 9 games into the season a good move? Do the Hornets really feel like they've learned something about Scott in these 9 games that they didn't already know in the previous season/recent summer while he was still under their employment? I think it was a panic move and a stupid move.
Boz: I disagree with the firing of Byron Scott. I think that he is a good coach and he has shown that with his time with the New Jersey Nets and the Hornets. He won Coach of the Year award in 2008 after taking the Hornets within one game of the Western Conference finals. He hasn't done much since with the Hornets but the GM hasn't given him much to work with. The roster has gotten worse since that 2007-08 season. They traded Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor and there isn't much to support Chris Paul besides the aging Peja Stojakovic. Now that Kurt Rambis is with the Timberwolves, I think you'll see Scott next with the Lakers when Phil Jackson finally retires.
COLLEG FOOTBALL PICK 'EM
Last week Ben: 2-4 Boz: 3-3
Season Ben: 43-24 Boz: 36-31
1) Northwestern at Illinois (Saturday, 11 a.m.)
Ben: ILLINOIS. I believe again.
Boz: NORTHWESTERN. Don't take too much out of the Illini's win over Minnesota. The Gophers have had injuries to some of their best players. The Wildcats are trying to get bowl eligible and they'll be ready to play in Champaign.
2) No. 25 West Virginia at No. 5 Cincinnati (Friday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: CINCINNATI. I really want the BCS to fail this year, and Cincy going undefeated helps that cause. Plus, it's at home for the Bearcats.
Boz: CINCINNATI. We all know about the amount of points that either quarterback can put up for the Bearcats. However, their defense gives up a lot of points. So does West Virginia.
3) Texas Tech at No. 19 Oklahoma State (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: OKLAHOMA STATE. I'll go with Gundy and the Cowboys to get the win at home. Red Raiders aren't the power they were last year with Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree.
Boz: OKLAHOMA STATE. The Cowboys offense is too high powered for the Red Raiders whose defense has struggled this season.
4) Notre Dame at No. 12 Pittsburgh (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Ben: PITTSBURGH. Notre Dame is overrated and bad on defense. Claussen is good, but Charlie Weis is not. Pitt gets the win.
Boz: NOTRE DAME. This is my upset pick because I think that the Irish are going to be looking for a big win after losing to Navy. A win over a ranked team could keep Charlie Weis his job.
5) No. 16 Utah at No. 4 TCU (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.)
Ben: TCU. I love the Horned Frogs and they are at home. That defense will shut down the Utes.
Boz: TCU. This will just be another quality win for TCU to have on their resume when trying to a shot at the BCS title. They just need Texas and Florida/Alabama to pick up a loss.
6) No. 10 Iowa at No. 11 Ohio State (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.)
Ben: OHIO STATE. A week ago, I would've picked Iowa without a second thought, but things have changed. Stanzi being out means they can't win this game without some scores on defense. It's possible, but I have to go with the safe money here.
Boz: OHIO STATE. If the Hawkeyes couldn't put up points with the backup QB against Northwestern, how are they going to put up any points against the Buckeyes defense? Terrelle Pryor's critics get off his back with a trip to the Rose Bowl.
HAPPY HOUR
Ben: Happy 39th Birthday Tonya Harding. Have anyone hit recently?
Boz: Happy 64th Birthday Al Michaels. The Arizona State alum is most known for his famous "Do you believe in miracles!?" quote at the end of the 1980 U.S. hockey win over Russia in the Olympics. After partnering with John Madden for years, he is now on Sunday Night Football with Cris Collinsworth. He's one of the best broadcasters of his time and will cover the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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