This letter was for all those "PSYCH" majors!!!! Only in Wastewood, what a buncha jokers!

Had. To!

Hey girls, get your goggles out- Tim Tebow is going to the Big Apple! Talk about your most tantalizing twosome! I mean, C'MONNNN!!!!!

I'm not so sure how this news is hitting Mark Sanchez right about now, but I'd be worried as heck to know that Mark Sanchez is about to get out-sanchized by Tebowmania! That's right, talk about a wild looking wildcat! Mark Sanchez will never have to worry about 3rd downs again in New York- Tim Tebow will have 'em covered! In this way, at least Mark will have his "drives extended". Ahem.

USC finished their 2011 season with a huge bang! After ASU- Coach Monte Kiffin kept our D-players' heads on straight. What's even more unbelievable in our second half turnaround this past year, was the play of our LB's. Here's hoping that whomever replaces Coach Joe Barry, is as good as he is. Coach Barry and Coach Gilmore (WR's) are two of the best hires on Kiffin's staff.

What hurts to read on that list is "All-American LB Jarvis Jones". I am incredibly happy for the guy, I just hate that he's able to light it up on another team. Georgia in the SEC for gosh-sakes!!!!!!

Lastly, I'm not sure if Alshon Jeffrey is smart to go pro right now. Maybe LaneF_ckinKiffin was right about the cat? Who knows, stranger things than becoming gas-station attendants have happened to not-ready-for-the-dance wannabe football players.

When Larry Scott and Jim Delany start thinking, WATCH OUT! This collaborative effort between conferences is borderline genius, and I'm sure- soon enough, other conferences will seek to obtain similar alliances and agreements.

The two things I like most about this development is:

1. Both conferences were adamant in scheduling "Olympic Sports" in this deal. It is incumbent upon all athletes in both conferences that this was done- as collectively, our conferences have sent close to 17,000 athletes spread over 550 different teams to the Olympics in years past.

2. Larry Scott's quotes regarding BCS Championships as it pertains to the football teams of both conferences. To wit, heightened competition in football will probably not help either conference win more national championships under the current BCS rankings system- due to the quality of teams in both the Pac 12 and Big 10. Our "non-conference" or "Out-of-conference" scheduling will be upgraded in the future. Here's what Larry had to say, "If that was the only goal we probably wouldn't do this. Under the current system that's a fair observation. The best way to win the national title is to game the system. We've got broader goals. We think of it more holistically."

Wow, this is a revealing expose' on graft and waste with little to no controls or oversight in spending occurring as we speak over at the Coliseum Commission offices.

This is just another, in a long list of reasons, why USC should take over the daily operations at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

From NFL.com: "They say nothing succeeds like success, and that's certainly true when it comes to the sale of NFL merchandise, . . " And so when NFL star players Clay Matthews/OLB #52 Green Bay Packers (USC 2005-2008) and Troy Polamalu/S #43 Pittsburgh Steelers (USC 1999-2002) played against each other in last season's NFL Super Bowl champtionship game, it's no wonder their respective NFL jersey received huge surges in sales.

Coming in at #1 in sales so far this year, is ex-Cal Bears QB- Aaron Rodgers/QB Green Bay Packers- who was the Super Bowl MVP.

On a sidenote, ex-Florida Gators "all-everything QB" and current 3rd string Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow's jersey has plummeted in the past year. His was the #1 selling NFL jersey last year, and he's now currently #8. Although some outlets have his current/current sales at #15.

FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES' NFL COLUMNIST SAM FARMER:

-Asked if Ingram has measured up to expectations so far, Coach Sean Payton didn't hesitate.

"Absolutely," said Payton, who is conducting practices in Oxnard this week as the Saints prepare for Sunday's exhibition game at Oakland. "You're talking about power, speed. … He runs with good pad level. The leaky yardage for him is forward, not backward. You never know until you get him in camp, but he's been impressive."

That Gene Smith? What'a guy, eh? He truly knows the NCAA and he knows how to spin his ass right out of the line of fire. The July 13, 2011 letter to tOSU DID say that no new allegations would be brought forth before their (OSU's) Aug. 12, 2011 hearing in front of the NCAA's Committee on Infractions- what he left out was the fact that Stephanie Hannah (NCAA Director of Enforcement) warned Shep Cooper- in regards to OSU, that "additional issues remained", "additional review is necessary", "investigation(s) remain open", and "additional allegations may result" from further enforcement inquiries into OSU's football program and athletic department.

It even went on to say (and I quote): "violations set forth in the current set of allegations may form the partial basis for a failure to monitor of lack of institutional control when viewed in light on any additional violations".

Which makes me wonder: "What DID the new August 3rd letter entail, and why MUST OSU legal counsel review it before OSU publicly discloses it?"

EDIT: This is an inter-office letter from enforcement to Shep Cooper - Director of Committee on Infractions at NCAA headquarters. I'm guessing, Shep Cooper then confirmed/informed Ohio State following receipt of this letter. Again, this information regarding the investigation of OSU is moving forward with further enforcement review, despite today's Aug. 12th hearing in front of the Committee on Infractions.

CBSSports.com has reported the New Orleans Saints have traded running back, Reggie Bush, to the Miami Dolphins this morning. Bush, the former Trojan great- gets a new lease on life and will hopefully have the opportunity to provide more production for the Dolphins than he did for the Saints.

On the Saints, Reggie didn't ever seem to fit right with Coach Payton's offensive system. The silver-lining in Reggie's tenure with the Saints is that he comes away as a Super Bowl champion from his experience. He's been a model-citizen and he's left a remarkable imprint upon the good people of New Orleans with all of his charity donations and concern in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

As always, a hearty "Good Luck!" to Reggie and his new team in Miami.

After watching the SCHawks (wink: Gnossos) defeat the St. Louis Rams last night, Fred Roggin of Channel 4-LA news interviewed USC AD Pat Haden. I apologize now if this has been posted before, as it looks like this interview took place at least a week or two ago. But I felt the content and statements made by AD Haden was appropriate, sincere, and forthcoming. I do hope all you Trojans enjoy the questions posed to Pat Haden and his responses to them.

Fight On Y'all!

I've got nothing but time on my hands today- did a 'Google-search' with just "Jo Potuto". BLAMMO! This pops up: (I'll summarize) A memo to many faculty heads and faculty members, "faculty athletics representatives" (WHAT THE HECK??) throughout the D-1A member schools. In this memo, Ms. Potuto basically delineates the ad hoc position of the NCAA higher ups regarding the playoff vs. BCS polemic for championship college football. It is authored with her Executive Committee letterhead. Seriously!

You heard that right, SHE'S GOT ANOTHER FREAKING OPINION!

This chick is many things, but she can never be accused of altruistic inclinations. She is FOR the money, ABOUT the money, AND NOTHING BUT IN the money regarding college athletics. (my personal opinion)

(UPDATED!!!!) A co-worker of mine found this gem on Jo Potuto: "NCAA Rules, Adoptions, Infractions, & Enforcement", a written description from her own words and opinion on how, why & what the NCAA operates within. Scroll down to page 294 when she talks about "The Cooperative Principle" and Subpoena Power. It's just rich- she basically outlines "the ideal" for NCAA Infractions & Enforcement, but clearly doesn't seem inclined nor possessed to practice what she preaches. Sounds like Dubya's "compassionate conservatism", in my eyes.

Mind you, it's a PDF download- the same link I had trouble with in linking USC's Notice of Appeal last month.

Hey now Cap'ns, what 'ch'all doin' and where YOU AT? It's Sunday the Nov. 21st, and for some reason I feel quite certain it should shoulda been today 3 days ago?

I told you on the RBR Friday Random 10 that I found this hilarious story that I got off my Stuff Christians Like blog. What? It's really NOT what you think. Wait, hold up- actually, it IS what you might think, but chances are. . . .it also could be totally different? Hah! (did I just really have a conversation with you, . . or myself? that's like. magic, Spock! how're you able to do that?)

(Todd, give Spock a RAISE! He's like "our" therapy. The man SAVES!) Okay, lemme just cut straight to the chase. What do you get when: Isaac Herbstreit, Elijah Musburger, Jezebel Tafoya and Rahab Andrews go on "Speciial Assignment"? (Time's UP! Pencils down.) Back in TIME, that's what! And here's the best part- THEY'RE FREAKING COVERING the most epic ass-kicking of all-time. David vs. Goliath! (originally published on the Burnside Writers Collective, but re-told/re-edited on Brian Allain dot com)

Oh and Todd- this guy Brian Allain is a major hoot. He's like you and me: the man loves everything about "words". One more thing Todd, go over to stuffchristianslike.com too! Everyday too! Guaranteed to LAUGH YOUR TOOKISS OFF! I promise you, you WILL!

Have a stellar Sunday RBR-ers! (i miss the Sunday Gospel Hour- gospel music just ain't the same without instruments. . . my Iggy Pop-voice can't pull it off! Impossible situation for me)

Here's some nice journalism from Sam Farmer- Los Angeles Times NFL reporter, on our very own Troy Polamalu. He's was injured last season, but has come back in full-force to impose his will on opposing teams. Give it a look-see.

This sums it up pretty succinctly: "According to USC's sports information office, USC had lost only four games on the final play before suffering consecutive losses against Washington and Stanford on last-second field goals. 'Four times in [more than] 100 years and now we've done it twice in the last seven days,' Kiffin said. 'It's a record we didn't really want to break or be a part of.' "

From OTS at RollBamaRoll: "Tennessee: Pretty easy to see that end result coming from a mile away, but at least give Dooley credit for having his guys prepared and playing hard. For better or for worse -- and hopefully it is for worse -- this is likely going to be the status quo for the Vols this season. An upset or two might happen (big smile and waive at you, UGA), but the odds are that the Vols lose to every solid team they play this season. The good news, if any, is that without a major upset to a lesser team the Vols ought to make it to 6-6 and the PapaJohns.com Bowl. Well, okay, so maybe that's only good news for those of us who bleed crimson and white."

Now, I love OTS- he's a man among boys in blog-land: both in expertise and journalistic integrity. But I have to say- even fans of teams in the SEC know that going 6-6 and winning against less than solid-teams will guarantee that a SEC team will be bowl bound. Trouble is, when a SEC team plays in their bowl game, they usually (more often than not) WIN.

That's the part that sucks for a non-SEC partisan. Still, the commentary on a team like Tennessee is scary indeed.

Not that Jeff's metric is the end-all/be-all for college football, but I thought it was interesting that he has us at #4, with the nearest PAC 10 teams as follows:

Oregon - 11
Oregon State - 21
Cal - 24
Arizona - 36
Stanford - 48
Arizona State 49
Ucla - 51
Washington - 65
Washington State - 103

Where again have the pundits predicted us to finish in our conference again? 4th on some? Dang. That's either retarded or beyond retarded.

Last year my predictions for our beloved Trojans was MASSIVELY wrong. But, that was before Barkley was given the reigns and way before all those injuries that piled up. But still, no way I'm gonna jinx Lane's team this year.

Fight On!

I found this gem! Getting ready to go to jiu-jitsu this morning, I googled "NCAA Committee on Infractions USC" and found this. I realize it's just part of a message board, but DAMN!

The more I review our appeal, the more I'm getting comfortable with our chances. This has got to be the most unnerving of all the recent reports concerning our appeal and McNair's.

None of this is "new" information, it's all information that's available on the internet. I can only imagine what our USC lawyers are working with.

Fight On!

Don't know what else to say regarding this excruciating loss of the 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy.

Except-

Fight On!

Back on July 15th, I posted a Fanshot regarding a class-action lawsuit vs. EA Sports, the NCAA and Collegiate Licensing Company (the NCAA's licensing arm) . In that post, lead plaintiff in the case- Sam Keller (former QB for Arizona State and Nebraska, respectively) claims that likenesses of players and former players in any/all sports who played in the NCAA are intellectual property and these players/ex-players should be provided just compensation. As well, Keller's attorneys said that the claims against the EA Sports and the NCAA are different. Their issue with EA Sports is the use of the likenesses of the players. Their issue with the NCAA is that college sports' governing body made a deal with the video game manufacturer, turning a blind eye toward the use of the players' likenesses (taken from the Washington Post article linked in red/bold) The NCAA and EA Sports directly responded to the WashPost article. NCAA saying essentially that it does not profit from the likenesses of it's players or former players. (what a way to NOT answer the major question of the pertinents to the lawsuit). EA Sports spokesman saying, "We do not believe that any violations of student-athlete rights have occurred." (hey, at least the WashPost got a quote from them!)

Well, there's a new lawsuit- brought on by ex-NFL players and this new litigation against EA Sports shines new light on how the NCAA and EA Sports colluded to skirt legalities in their agreement to allow for likenesses to be utilized in EA video games.

This new lawsuit, brought on by ex-NFL player Tony Davis, alleges Electronic Arts "knowingly and intentionally" used the retired players' likenesses in such a way to avoid having to pay licensing fees. Plaintiff and former NFL running back Tony Davis contends EA misappropriated the retired players by using their exact player stats and positions from when they were active in the league, including height and weight, but would remove their names and change their uniform numbers.

"The only significant detail that EA changes from the real-life retired NFL players is their jersey number," the suit says. "Despite EA's 'scrambling' of the retired NFL players' numbers, the games are designed so that consumers of the Madden NFL video game franchise will have no difficulty identifying who the 'historic' players are."

The suit also says that despite not including the players' names and original uniform numbers in Madden NFL 09, users can still go in and edit the roster to include them.

The class seeks punitive damages for deprivation and violation of publicity rights

An EA representative told IGN the company does not comment on pending litigation. (they only comment on ones that they actually think they'll win- it seems to me)

So, does the NCAA get up-front money or are they paid yearly from EA Sports to NOT LITIGATE the video-gaming company for using players/ex-players likenesses? You know, akin to "hush-money". I fully believe the NCAA's sincerity by saying it does not "profit" from their players likenesses- but they didn't exactly say that they don't receive a payout from EA Sports altogether.

So, by using the likenesses of players- EA Sports has been able to rake in MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of dollars skirting direct usage of actual players' names, teams, and jersey numbers. And by not having a direct contract or agreement regarding current or former NCAA players, their team, nor jersey numbers- the NCAA can rightfully claim they don't profit off their likenesses.