MEMPHIS AND THE ENTIRE MID-SOUTH LOST A LEGENDARY FIGURE WITH THE RECENT PASSING OF JAKE RUDOLPH.

IN HIS 39 YEARS AS THE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AT MUS, RUDOLPH'S TEAMS WON 295 GAMES, INCLUDING A STATE TITLE IN 1985, AND TWO RUNNER-UP FINISHES. MORE IMPORTANTLY RUDOLPH TAUGHT LIFE LESSONS TO HIS PLAYERS AND HIS STUDENTS.

HE STRESSED DISCIPLINE, LEADERSHIP AND INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY. ALL VIRTUES HE LEARNED FROM THE GREAT BOBBY DODD, WHO COACHED RUDOLPH AT GEORGIA TECH DURING UNDEFEATED SEASONS IN 1951 AND 1952.

RUDOLPH FIRST TOOK THE REIGNS OF THE TEAM, AND THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, IN 1959, REPLACING GENE THORN. HE REMAINED COACH OF THE OWLS UNTIL 1997 WHEN HE IN TURN HANDED OVER CONTROL OF THE TEAM TO BOBBY ALSTON, HIS LONG TIME ASSISTANT WHO STILL RUNS THE PROGRAM TODAY.

RUDOLPH HAD AMPLE OPPORTUNITES TO MOVE INTO THE COLLEGE COACHING RANKS, BUT IN THE END, THOUGHT HIS GREATEST IMPACT WOULD BE FELT BY YOUNG MEN AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL. HE OFTEN WAS ABLE TO GET THE BEST OUT OF HIS PLAYERS, EVEN THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE BEEN AS GIFTED ATHLETICALLY AS OTHERS.

THE TEACHINGS OF RUDOLPH CAN STILL BE SEEN IN THE WORK OF ALSTON, WHO IS ALSO REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MID-SOUTHS TOP FOOTBALL MINDS.

JAKE RUDOLPH HAS DEFINATELY LEFT HIS LEGACY AT MUS, AND THE PROGRAM, SCHOOL AND CITY, ARE ALL THE BETTER FOR IT.

Could Doneal Mack be heading back to Memphis?  According to several published reports, the former Tigers guard wants to make it a done deal.    The University of Memphis cannot comment on the issue until it is made official, but it appears  that  D-Mack wants to leave the University of New Orleans.     D-Mack played in  74 games and started 5.   He was concerned with playing time, which was his main reason for transferring.    I wonder why the change of heart?   I was curious when the news came down that he was heading to UNO, why he picked UNO!   It just seemed a little random after we had heard he was looking at programs like LSU and Clemson.

I respect a person's right to change his/her mind.   He never badmouthed the program.  He left very quietly, actually-in true D-Mack fashion.   He's a good kid.  He's always respectful and willing to talk after big wins, big losses...whatever.   I would have a hard time returning (if I were in his shoes) for the simple fact, I made my decision earlier.   But maybe it wasn't his decision.  Maybe it was his parents' decision.  It's just strange that he suddenly changed his mind.  

I think fans should welcome D-Mack back with open arms.  He's a young man who had a change of heart...a couple of times.   If Coach Cal is ok with it, we all should be.   

In the US, to make the team for the Olympics, a runner/field athlete must place in the top 3 at the trials and also must have met the "A" standard.   One meet, one chance, no matter who you are.

After Tyson Gay came up lame in the 200 m semi-finals on Saturday, I definitely think we need to come up with a different way to pick our team representatives.   Gay is the reigning world champion.  He's clearly the fast American and most-likely the fastest man on Earth.   Now, he did already qualify in the 100m.   But he won't get a chance to run in the 200m, which means Team USA could miss out on a gold.

I think it's fine to have the trials but I also think that if someon has run the fastest time in the world, that man/woman should get a pass.  What if you have an injury like Gay.  What if you have the flu or an illness?   It just doesn't seem fair.  Gay is the reigning world champion in the 100m and 200m and now because of one injury, Gay will not get the chance to bring home the gold for his country.   This is sad.  I think if you survey all of the athletes in the trials, they would agree that this is ridiculous.  

So by now you have likely heard the rumblings that Brett Favre may want back in the NFL. I should not be surprised by this move having been repeatedly ridiculed by my radio partner Eli Savoie for actually believing Favre was truely serious about ending his career. Now comes word that upon the urging of family members he has an "itch" to play again.

Call me simple for actually believing someone's word, but this is pathetic. I know everyone has the right to change their mind, but this news can end up being a real bad thing. Think about Favre's successor Aaron Rodgers who is ready to step in and show the Green Bay Packers that he is quite capable of leading the team. Think of his kids who get Daddy back full time, only to discover dad's got better things to do. (Let's remember this is not something he's doing for the money).

My stance has always been once you retire, you stay retired. Now the meaning of the word has become diluted. Athletes today almost feel a need to retire and return at least once. Reportedly Favre has spoken with Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy but not beyond the preliminary stage. A team spokesperson said the Packers would be reluctant to open the door for Favre because he retired for the right reasons. They also probably feel his return could rock the boat, and who knows what it would do to retard the growth of Rodgers. In addition, Favre's agent says as far as he is concerned the future hall of famer is retired, unless he hears differently.

The bottom line is I like all that Favre stands for........He's dedicated to his craft, he's a team player with a capital "T", and he's a very good family man. Now it's time for the legend to conclude. A return may look good on the surface, but likely will prove to be a mistake. Remember Michael Jordan's return?

According to SI's website, Marc Gasol and the Grizz have agreed to a 3-year-deal worth 10-million bucks.   I've never seen the kid play.   I don't know much about him except for what is written.  I know he was the Spanish League's MVP last year.  He averaged 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.   I know he's tall.  I know he's Pau's little brother.  

After seeing how unhappy fans were  with Pau's performance, I'm curious to see how Grizzlies fans receive the younger Gasol.   I really hope that they give him a clean slate.  He's not his brother...and quite honestly, I don't know where the whole hatred for Pau Gasol came from anyway.   I understand that fans were not satisfied with just making it to the playoffs and they felt that Pau was soft-and that he choked in big games.   He did say last year he wanted to be traded, but who could blame him?  He was on a losing team!   Geez!  I would want out too!  

Maybe Marc Gasol is a big, take-no-prisoners type of guy.  Think of how opposite a lot of siblings are.  So, Grizz fans, before you write off Marc Gasol because you didn't like his big brother, give the guy a chance. 

You know the old saying, you gotta bet Big to win Big?

That's exactly what the Memphis Grizzlies did in Thursday's NBA Draft, when landing O.J. Mayo and Darrell Arthur in a pair of trades.

Other than Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, OJ is generally regarded as 3rd potential superstar in this class.

And the Grizz got him.

Did they take a risk? Sure. Kevin Love I believe will be a very solid pro- a 15 point, 9 rebound guy, night in and night out. The Grizz will also miss the outside shooting, and leadership of Mike Miller.

However, while I certainly appreciate what Mike did on and off the floor during his 4 and a half year run in Memphis, the time was right to move him.

Throw Mayo in with Mike Conley, and Rudy Gay and you've got a pretty talented young core to build around.

Adding Darrell Arthur, a 6-9 power forward from Kansas-- who should have been a lottery pick, if not for an unwarranted medical issue-- and that's just icing on the cake.

So whaddya think Grizz fans? Did the draft exceed your expectations? Are you back on board and feeling the love for the hometown team?

HATS OFF TO MICHAEL HEISLEY, CHRIS WALLACE, MARC IAVARONI AND THE ENTIRE GRIZZLIES ORGANIZATION. LIKE IT OR NOT, AND MOST PEOPLE LIKE IT, THE TEAM MADE PLENTY OF NOISE IN LAST NIGHT'S DRAFT, MOSTLY AFTER THE DRAFT HAD WRAPPED UP.

THE GRIZZLIES SHOWED AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY, WHO QUITE RANKLY HAVE GROWN INDIFFERENT ABOUT THE TEAM, THAT DESPITE ALL THE NAYSAYERS THEY COULD BRING SOME EXCITEMENT BACK TO THE FRANCHISE.

BY ACQUIRING O.J. MAYO, THE TEAM GETS IN MY OPINION, THE ONLY OTHER PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT BESIDES ROSE AND BEASELY WHO IS MARKETABLE. THEY ALSO CAN BEGIN TO DO WHAT COACH IAVARONI WANTS TO DO, AND THAT'S PUSH IT UP THE COURT. THUS THE NEW MONIKER...RUN G.M.C. (FOR GAY, MAYO AND CONLEY).

THROUGH HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE, THE GRIZZ ALSO PICKED UP A PROMISING POWER FORWARD IN DARREL ARTHUR FROM KANSAS. A GUY WHO SLIPPED IN THE DRAFT BECAUSE OF BAD INFORMATION ABOUT A KIDNEY ISSUE.

LOOK, I UNDERSTAND TIGERS FANS ARE UPSET THAT THE GRIZ PASSED ON CHRIS DOUGLAS-ROBERTS AT NUMBER 28, BUT CHOOSING DONTA GREEN ALLOWED THEM TO TRADE FOR ARTHUR. THE GRIZZLIES NEED TO DO WHAT'S BEST FOR THEM AND NOT TRY TO APPEASE LOCALS BECAUSE THEY WOULD LOVE TO SEE A MEMPHIS PRODUCT PLAY AT HOME. CDR'S FALL TO 40TH WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING, BUT THERE'S NO DOUBT IN MY OPINION HE WILL FIND HIS NITCH IN NEW JERSEY.

AS FOR THE GRIZZLIES, FANS ARE SMILING, MORE TICKETS WILL BE SOLD, AND WHILE THEIR STILL A YEAR OR TWO AWAY FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION, THIS TEAM WILL COMPETE AND BE FUN TO WATCH.

SO HERE, HERE TO THE GRIZZLIES

Derrick Rose is drafted first by the Chicago Bulls...no big surprise!    Joey Dorsey is drafted 33rd by the Portland Trailblazers...no big surprise!   Sonny Weems 37th to Chicago...no big surprise!   Where's Chris Douglas-Roberts?!!!  BIG SUPRISE!   The Tigers swingman fell all the way to No. 40 in the NBA Draft, going to the NJ Nets.   Am I shocked his draft stock fell this low?  YES!   I did think he looked a little sluggish in his workout for the Grizzlies Wednesday morning, but I figured it was just because he had been traveling all over the nation, working out for NBA teams.   I am wondering what went wrong.  He seemed very confident in our interviews Wednesday.  Was he given bad information?  

Coach Cal just said that he wasn't impressed with CDR the first time he saw him (before he came to Memphis).   Of course, it didn't take long for him to learn how big of a playmaker CDR could be!   Clearly NBA teams weren't that impressed with him in individual workouts.   I hope things work out well for CDR and that he's one of those guys who becomes a superstar.   It's just tough for me to comprehend how an All-American doesn't go earlier than 40th.  

How great was it to see Derrick Rose go to his hometown team?   He just makes me smile because he is so humble and is still such a kid.   He's 19 years old!   That makes me feel really old!  haha   But he clearly is ready to take his talent to the next level and make it as a pro!   How adorable was Joey, smiling from ear-to-ear?  I was so happy that he was at the draft and he got to experience that!   And how funny is it that he's reunited with Greg Oden?!   Who's David and who's Goliath?!    That's just too funny to me! 

It could be and should be another big day in Tiger history!   Derrick Rose is expected to go No. 1 to the Chicago Bulls, which would make him the Tigers' first ever No. 1 draft pick!   But the fun won't stop there for Tiger fans.    Chris Douglas-Roberts is projected to be a late first-round draft pick.  Then, we're all anxious to see where Mr. Dorsey lands!   I will not even attempt to guess where CDR or Joey will be heading; there's absolutely no point.   I hate mock draft websites because there's no way of knowing exactly how the draft is going to play out.   It's just guessing.   However, I will say that I hope that all three of these young men have successful careers in the NBA.  It has been a joy to cover each and every one of them! 

Also, I'm hoping that my Bulldogs are well represented tonight!   I didn't see Charles Rhodes' workout when he came through for the Grizzlies, but Marcus says he did very well.   I did get to see some of Jamont Gordon's workout yesterday and he looked great!   Tony Barone even said he would make a great NBA player!   I really wanted Jamont to come back to MSU, but I wish him well in the league!

Alright, get your popcorn ready!   It will be a night of moving and shaking!

OK Memphis Grizzlies fans- it's need to know time.

The 2008 NBA Draft is about 24 hours away.

You've heard all the rumors-- well probably not all of them, since a new one pops up every few minutes-- but you know that Miami is apparently open to the idea of trading the #2 pick.

That, unless the Bulls front office has gone plum crazy, means Michael Beasley will be there for the taking.

I'm temporarily sidelining Chris Wallace and making YOU the GM of the Grizz.

Should the Grizz do anything in their power to trade up to get Beasley? Keep in mind, the hot rumor right now would mean sending Mike Conley, Mike Miller and the #5 pick, in exchange for the #2 pick and Daequan Cook.

Are you interested in that, or does including Conley (last years #4 pick) make that price tag too steep?

If it's too steep and you stay put at #5, who would you draft?

The NBA Draft takes place Thursday, and for what it's worth, here's my prediction for the Top 10.........

1) Chicago-Derrick Rose  (They can't pass on him despite Kirk Hinrich inked for 5 more years)

2) Miami-Michael Beasley (Rumors are swirling that Pat Riley would like to trade the pick for the right package. I'll believe it when I see it)

3) Minnesota-O.J. Mayo (Early predictins had the T-Wolves taking Brook Lopez, but there's no way they pass up on the athletic Mayo)

4) Seattle-Jerryd Bayless (this one is tough. Russell Westbrook is the hot name but I think the Sonics can use a scoring guard

5) Memphis-Kevin Love (The Grizzlies could surprise cand trade, but I think when push comes to shove, they'll go with the safe choice. Eric Gordon is rumored to be in the picture, but unless Mike Miller is dealt, I don't see it.

6) New York-Russell Westbrook (The Knicks are known for doing some weird things...Renaldo Balkman? Look for them to pass up on Gordon and Danillo Gallinari and select the talented Mr. Westbrook)

7) L.A. Clippers-Eric Gordon (I think the Clips end up making a deal, however if they keep the pick, they'll take sharpshooter Eric Gordon)

8) Milwaukee-Joe Alexander (The Bucks love this kid and his work ethic. He's the pick as they will go American after a couple of foreign choices the past few years)

9) Charlotte-Brook Lopez (Michael Jordan and the Cats take the big guy from Stanford to play alongside the often injured but very talented Emeka Okafor)

10) New Jersey-Danilo Gallinari (The Nets will go Italian and take the best foreign player available in Gallinari. This kid will either be the next Nowitzki or an absolute bust)

There's my thoughts, now tell me how you feel......

Like Christopher Walken needing "More Cowbell", it sure looks like the Memphis Grizzlies have decided that they need more Gasol on their roster.

Reports from Spain surfaced last week that said the Grizz have already worked out a 3 year, $9 million dollar deal for Pau's littler brother Marc Gasol. And don't be mislead by the word little, Marc is little brother to Pau in name only, topping out at 7 foot 1, and tipping the scales at 270 pounds (give or take an lb. here or there).

His arrival would allow the Grizz to move Darko Milicic back to power forward, and hopefully fill the need that this team has had ever since they arrived in Memphis, which is a post presence that can rebound, and defend the paint.

For those of you who remember the chubby, rather immobile Marc from his playing days at Lausanne-- here is how he's described by DraftExpress.com

 The current leader in efficiency rating in the ACB League, Marc Gasol has built a pretty mistake-free style of game that helps him to emerge as a statistical standout. He’s long, very strong, nicely skilled, and very smart playing the game. A menace in the low post, he shows solid footwork, a decent jump-hook and a very nice turnaround jumper. Indeed his shooting range extends out to the three-point line, while he greatly combines his scoring power with his passing game, not really looking for definitive passes, but feeding his team’s offensive flow by distributing the ball from both the high and low post.

In spite of all that, his nice effort in the quarterfinal game wasn't enough for Akasvayu Girona to overcome an extremely solid Real Madrid team. Despite being regularly double-teamed, Gasol managed to amass 19 points, most of them coming off continuations towards the basket, and other off-ball stuff near the rim. The attention he delivered from Real Madrid defense didn't allow him to produce much in one-on-one plays in the low post, but he still connected on two thunderous one-handed dunks from there, one of them after capturing the baseline with an excellent spin move where he showed nice footspeed.

However, Gasol's great statistical production doesn't always necessarily reflect a dominating performance on the floor. Indeed, it didn't in this Copa. He wasn't really a go-to guy for Girona on the offensive end (mainly because of Real Madrid’s double-teaming defense, that's true), but especially he doesn't make a great impact on the defensive end. His limited mobility gets exploited in pick-and-roll situations that the opponents throw at him; he's not a great intimidator, he allows smaller opponents to shoot over him; and given his superb size, he's not the best rebounder around.

Still, Pau's younger brother is one of the most promising centers in Europe, and probably an underrated piece -by the American media- in the recent blockbuster trade that involved both brothers. Anyway, he doesn't seem to fit too well with the current Memphis Grizzlies game style, but he might be a nice asset to work in a trade in the near future.

So whaddya think?

Is this a good signing (assuming it happens) or due to a less than satisfying relationship with Pau, are you all Gasol-ed out?

Stunning news today courtesy of Tiger Woods web site, that Tiger will miss the rest of the season, and soon undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL that he injured last summer.

Wow.

And you think the economy is bad now.

Tell that to all the Big Wigs at the various networks who just saw their biggest draw, and money maker, go up in smoke.

Not to mention the tournaments that expected to have the sports #1 draw in their field. Or the advertisers that may want to rethink spending big bucks on tournaments that Tiger will no longer play in. And on, and on, and and on it goes.

How Tiger lasted almost a year, playing with a torn ACL I don't know, and how this layoff will affect him no one knows yet either.

But I know this. Don't bet against Tiger. Ever.

His doctors advised him to skip the US Open, and his swing coach, Hank Haney even doubted if Tiger could physically handle Torrey Pines... 

I never had the pleasure of working with "Bud" Dudley, having arrived in Memphis a year after he stepped down as the Liberty Bowl Executive Director. What I hear however, is that Dudley was firm but fair. He had a way about him that rubbed some people the wrong way, but was as honest with you as he could be. May he rest in peace.

The Memphis Tigers, and in particular Coach John Calipari, had a 50 percent week with recruits. They convince Roburt Sallie to come to the bluff city, but lost out on Emmanuel Negadu who plans to play hoops for Bruce Pearl and Tennessee. Hats off to Pearl who continues to get the job done on the hill.

Speaking of the Tigers, Robert Dozier made the right move by announcing he will return for his Senior season. Dozier would have been a second round pick in the NBA draft at best. Now he can work on getting stronger and becoming a go to guy on the Offensive end. That should help his stock rise for 2009.

The Grizzlies will host six NBA hopefuls on Thursday including former Razorbacks stud Sonny Weems, who appears to be moving up the draft boards. The West Memphis Native is likely a second rounder but you never know.

The Memphis Tigers Football team has lost a second Quarterback this off season. Dallas Walker says he will transfer after redshirting his first year at the U of M. He follows in the footsteps of Matt Malouf, who also decided to seek out a new school. That leaves the Tigers with 3 Q.B.'s.......newcomer Arkelon Hall, Will Hudgens(who will return late because of Pro Baseball), and Brett Toney.

Some quick hitters from the National stage.....

The Mets absolutely screwed up the Willie Randolph firing. They should have let the guy go a month ago and saved themselves the chance of looking like idiots, which is exactly what they did.      

Game six of the NBA Finals takes place Thursday night and this one has a chance to go seven games, but I can't see how the Lakers can win back to back contests in Boston? I picked L.A. at the beginning, and quite frankly, have been extremely dissapointed in their lack of consistency. Keys to the rest of the series.......Boston's Kevin Garnett needs to post up Pau Gasol more and dominate the paint. Kobe Bryant needs to take over and stop being unselfish. Bryant can will his team to victory but he can't become complacent.

Let me start by saying I really am going to miss Doneal Mack. Not only did I enjoy Mack hoisting up the long ball, but he was about as nice a young man as I've ever had to deal with. After the Tigers loss to Tennessee in February, it was only Mack who "Manned up" and spoke to the media. Mack always put his team first, and was about as courteous and thoughtful towards the media as anyone that has ever donned the blue and grey.

As for his decision to transfer....I respect it. Mack is heading into his Junior season and wants to play more. I'm sure it was a decision he made with some reservation, as he leaves a program that played in the National Title Game last season. According to his Father Greg Mack, Doneal's situation is all about playing time, and after a reported conversation between Doneal and Head Coach John Calipari, it doesn't appear there will be any guarantees.

So what does this loss mean for the Team? Well, after losing the bulk of your offense in Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Tigers now lose their big threat off the bench. Let's not forget Mack made some big shots last season, and produced a career high 23 points in a win over Pepperdine. But in the post season Mack did not produce, and as the competition got better, and the defenders tougher, Mack couldn't find his shot.

The 6'5" shooting guard will help another program. His father said LSU, Clemson or Wake Forest may be an option. In the meantime the Tigers and Coach Cal will entertain recruit Emmanuel Negedu Thursday and Roburt Sallie on Saturday. The will also host an advanced skills overnight camp which will be attended by some of the top High School underclassmen in the country. In other words, the Tigers will be just fine.

So here's to Doneal and his future endeavors, and here's to the Tigers fielding another Championship caliber team with players that want to be here, know their roles, and think team first

It's been a busy few weeks but here's some stuff that's been kicking around my cranium....

Anyone out there as worried as I am that the Grizz will blow it with this 5th pick?  I'm not interested in them drafting another soft, sweet shooting European. It didn't end well for the last one of those we had here....Ditto for the athletic kid from LSU, once bitten twice shy...I do know that Kevin Love had a great workout on Monday, and most mock drafts have the Grizz picking him. I think I can get on board with that, how about you?

I wanted Big Brown to win the Triple Crown, but in the end, I was just rooting for him to finish on all 4 legs....

How about that putt by Trevor Immelman on #18 last week? Talk about ice water in your veins.  Ditto for Justin Leonard's putt in the playoff hole for the win. It may have been hot out there, but the folks at the Stanford St. Jude Championship did another bang up job at Southwind.

Anyone else worried that disgraced NBA ref Tim Donaghy may be telling the truth about officiating in the NBA? After watching Boston get a bunch of calls in Game 2 against LA, I just knew they were going to get hosed in Game 2 of the Finals-- and they did. The commish David Stern can call Donaghy a "rouge ref" all he wants, but he's starting to sound more and more like the Great and Powerful Oz, telling everyone to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain....

I love going to AutoZone park, I just wish it didn't always feel like I was making a trip to the Sun...

The Chicago Cubs have been red hot, but will they cool off now that Alfonso Soriano is headed to the DL for 6 weeks with a broken hand? I think Yes. Ditto for the Cardinals who will be without Albert Pujols for 3 weeks while he works back from a calf injury...

I love the idea of pairing Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the US Open. I only wish I could have seen them go head to head at the SSJC last week.

Tomorrow is Friday the 13th...Worried?

I know there has been plenty of discussion concerning The Miami Heat and what they'll do with the number two pick in the Draft, but I think in the end they'll keep the pick. If the Chicago Bulls select Derrick Rose number one, which they are expected to do, Beasley will not only be taken number two by the Heat, he will remain a member of the team. I really don't see Miami dealing the young stud unless it's an offer "They can't refuse". The Grizzlies undoubtedly have some parts the Heat would love to have, but I don't feel it will be enough for Miami. In addition, the Heat would want the Grizzlies to take O.J. Mayo at five and I just have a gut feeling he will be swooped up by Minnesota at number three.

The U.S. Open Golf Tournament is this week and I have been on fire with my picks. In fact, I have chosen the winner of the last three PGA events. This one however will be the most difficult. The obvious choice is Tiger, but he's been laid up for well over a month. There's also Phil, who like Tiger, dominates Torrey Pines. How about one of the young guns? Scott, Donald, Baddeley, Kuchar, Kim, Rose, Snedeker? I think when it's all said and done "Lefty" erases some bad memories of Opens past and wins, on what is essentially, his home course.

Here are some quick hitters for you.....

The Chicago Bears did the right thing by releasing Cedric Benson

Ron Polk has lost it. I understand he was a great Baseball Coach and until now a fine representative of Mississippi State, but he has gone overboard.

The NBA Playoffs have been extremely good, but so far the finals have not lived up to it's advance billing. As I write this entry, L.A. is down 0-2 to the Celtics as the scene shifts to the city of angels. I'll bet you the Kobe's win at least 2 of the 3 in Tinsel town.

The Redbirds drew 14,000 plus for their game with Round Rock. Here's to the Birds and AAA Baseball in Memphis. The games continue to be reasonably priced for everyone to enjoy, and the game time experience is second to none.

 Later, Greg