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Joeyrkaufman

Joey Kaufman

Apr 22, 2009 May 31, 2012 880 2182

SB Nation newsdesk writer and assistant editor for Pacific Takes. Current student at USC and has covered the Trojans for the Daily Trojan and elsewhere since 2009.

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Pacific Takes Diddy's Son Has A Football Scholarship To UCLA ... Your Point?

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Justin Combs, a two-star cornerback from New York, is getting a scholarship to play football at UCLA. He will apparently suit up for the Bruins this fall under new head coach Jim Mora. This is, as would be in most cases, hardly noteworthy. But Justin Combs happens to be the son of Sean Combs, better known as the rapper and entertainer by the name of P. Diddy.

And Diddy, you know, has earned a lot of money over the years. Forbes estimated his net worth to be approximately $500 million as of last year.

So to clear up any sort of confusion here.

A.) The younger Combs has an athletic scholarship to UCLA. Also offered by schools such as Illinois, Iowa and West Virginia, he committed to play for the Bruins last November and signed his letter of intent in February.

B.) His dad, P. Diddy, is among the one-percenters in the U.S. So yeah, he's pretty rich.

C.) Because of this, people are upset. And some people say he should give up his scholarships, because Diddy has quite a few more benjamins than all the other dads. It's only fair -- so they're saying.

"UCLA's athletic department needs to consider the fact that perhaps there is another athlete on the football team, who could perhaps really use this scholarship," one student told CBS Los Angeles earlier this week. "Just being considerate that [in] our economy, students are trying to get to college through athletics and academics as well."

Thus far this week, CNN's discussed this. So has Slate, the Los Angeles Times and even PTI this afternoon. It's gone national more or less, which is pretty silly to begin with. Combs received a merit-based scholarship from UCLA, like, well, you know, all Division I players on scholarship. College football programs dole out scholarships to prospective athletes based on their skills and performance so as long their grades and SATs scores are up to par. They aren't need-based. Never have been. Likely never will, either.

And as far as we know, Combs has earned his scholarship -- based off his play on the field and in the classroom, sporting a 3.75 GPA.

So why does this matter? Because P. Diddy's rich and some taxpayer's are upset (though, this isn't entirely a taxpayer expense anyway and the school has an athletic fund to support the football program thanks to TV deals, boosters and ticket sales). Yet, this is what we're talking about. We're upset the son of a millionaire is going to play football at a university for free. Which then, of couse, presents the question: why weren't we upset when Andrew Luck went to Stanford for free, or when Matt Barkley goes to USC for free. Both come from well-off families. Luck's father is the athletic director at West Virginia and received $405,600 in 2011. But neither Luck nor Barkley have paid a dime of tuition at their respective schools.

This is how college football works in 2012. Schools offer scholarships to good football players. And in the minds of Mora and his staff at UCLA, Justin Combs is a good football player -- no matter who his father is nor how much money he earns

Follow Joey on Twitter @joeyrkaufman

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Pacific Takes Up And Down The Coast, Pac-12 Lunch Links: Colorado Takes Out $10 Million Loan

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It's Thursday and it's about time for lunch, so here are a few things to check out.

  • As the result of a budget shortfall of $16 million, Colorado loaned its athletic department $10 million last year following the move from the Big XII to the Pac-12. It'll reportedly pay it back over the next six years.
  • Some California taxpayers want UCLA incoming freshman Justin Combs, the son of P. Diddy, to give up his scholarship, which carries an estimated worth of $54,000. May controversies!
  • Yesterday we mentioned a porno was shot in 2001 at the L.A. Coliseum, USC's home football stadium. But the real question ... where any Trojans involved (pun intended)? Apparently not and most players say they were unaware.
  • Former Colorado, UCLA and Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel -- more or less the Pac-12's very own Larry Brown -- is getting yet another broadcast gig. Neuheisel will be an analyst for Sirius XM's College Sports National channel, it announced today.
  • Quarterback Luke Del Rio, the son of former USC All-American linebacker and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio, has committed to Oklahoma State. He also received a scholarship offer from Oregon State.
  • Oregon senior Alex Keudell was named Pac-12 pitcher of the year on Wednesday. Here are more All-Conference awards.
  • A nice read in the Daily Trojan on USC baseball coach Frank Cruz, whose brother Mike passed away in March from colon cancer at the age of 62.
  • Here's the current leaderboard for the NCAA Men's Golf Championships in Pacific Palisades, Calif. As mentioned earlier this week, six Pac-12 schools are participating: Cal, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Washington.
  • ESPN's College GameDay was in Los Angeles earlier this month filming some commercials. More specifically, they were visiting USC and Lane Kiffin. Here are some photos they took from their trip.

For everything related to Pac-12 football, basketball and Olympic sports, stay tuned to Pacific Takes or follow us on Twitter.

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Pacific Takes That Time They Shot A Porno At The Coliseum

Well, I guess we've seen it all now. In 2001, a pornographic film titled "The Gangbang Girl #32" was shot at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the national historic landmark where the USC football team has played for the last 89 years. Per the Los Angeles Times.

The filming at the taxpayer-owned stadium was done at night, with the Coliseum's towering lights blazing and its rows of distinctive red and white seats framing many of the scenes. The video also shows the stadium's signature tunnel, which the Trojan team charges through at the start of games, as well as a sliver of the iconic peristyle, the arched entrance to the Coliseum.

"I was just in awe that we were at the Coliseum," said a star of the film, who goes by the name Mr. Marcus. "I've made movies for about 20 years and I've done a lot of things, but that one really stands out.... I mean, who gets to have sex on the Coliseum floor?"

The whole point of the story? Legality, considering the stadium is owned by the state of California. Though, a spokesman told the Times that he did not know whether it was impermissible to shoot a pornography on state property.

Or ... as SB Nation Big East blogger Mark Ennis colorfully put it.

The filmed a gangbang at USC. The filmed a clusterf*ck at UCLA every week for three years.

We have a winner, gentlemen.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay 2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics Game 2: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Miami Heat is looking for a repeat performance on Wednesday in the second game of the Eastern Conference Finals. Lead by LeBron James' 32 points and 13 rebounds in Game 1, Miami got off to a quick start en route to a 93-79 comfortable win over the Boston Celtics, who were certainly frustrated as evidenced by four technical fouls. It now holds a 1-0 edge in the best-of-seven series.

Boston struggled to score on Monday, shooting less than 40 percent from the field and also experienced difficulty slowing down either James or guard Dwyane Wade. The tandem combined for 54 points. By comparison, the rest of the Heat players combined for 39.

Though the Celtics are searching for offense of their own, how much they can count upon Ray Allen appears in question. The veteran guard did not practice on Tuesday because of a right ankle injury, but he is expected to play in Game 2.

When: Wednesday, May 30

Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Stick with this StoryStream here at SB Nation Tampa Bay for news and updates throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. For more analysis and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. Visit CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston for the opponent's perspective during the series. For all your Conference Finals analysis, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

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SB Nation DC Maryland To Replace Byrd Stadium's Natural Grass With Turf

COLLEGE PARK, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: The Maryland Terrapins kick off to the West Virginia Mountaineers to start the second half at Byrd Stadium on September 17, 2011 in College Park, Maryland. West Virginia defeated Maryland 37-31. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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SB Nation Tampa Bay NCAA Baseball Tournament 2012 Bracket Preview: Miami, UCF Headline Miami Regional

The Miami regional will carry a distinctly Florida flavor. The group of four is not only headlined by the No. 1 seed Miami Hurricans (36-21), who are hosting the regional at Alex Rodriguez Field in Coral Gables, Fla., but also features the UCF Knights (43-15), who secured a berth in the postseason for the second straight season. Miami (Fl.) will open against Stony Brook (46-11), while the Knights will face Missouri State (39-20).

All regional play in the NCAA Baseball Tournament is double elimination, with games scheduled to begin on Friday and extend through June 3 or 4, depending on how the games play out. All games in Coral Gables will be available on ESPN3. The winner of the Miami regional will take on the winner of the Baton Rouge regional next week. Check out the NCAA's official site for the full 2012 College World Series bracket.

Here's the full schedule for Miami:

Friday, June 1

2 p.m.: No. 3 Missouri State Vs. No. 2 UCF

7 p.m.: No. 4 Stony Brook Vs. No. 1 Miami

Saturday, June 2

2 pm.: Loser Game 1 Vs. Loser Game 2

7 p.m.: Winner Game 1 Vs. Winner Game 2

Sunday, June 3

2 p.m.: Winner Game 3 Vs. Loser Game 4

7 pm.: Winner Game 4 Vs. Winner Game 5

Monday, June 4

7 p.m.: Winner Game 6 Vs. Loser Game 6 (if necessary)

For updates on the NCAA regionals, keep checking this StoryStream from SB Nation Tampa Bay.

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SB Nation DC Wizards To Retain Randy Wittman, According To Reports

March 29, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman signals instructions against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeated Washington 93-89. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

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SB Nation Tampa Bay Jaguars Agree To Terms With Second-Round Pick

JACKSONVILLE, FL - MAY 05:  Andre Branch # 90 during Jacksonville Jaguars Minicamp at EverBank Field on  May 5, 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida  (Photo by Rick Dole/Getty Images)

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SB Nation DC Chad Tracy Injury: Pinch Hitter Could Miss Remainder Of Season

On Monday, the Washington Nationals placed infielder Chad Tracy on the 15-day disabled list because of a groin injury, fearing that surgery might be required and force him to remain out of the lineup beyond 15 days. Those fears were realized on Tuesday, as manager Davey Johnson told reporters that Tracy is scheduled for surgery on Thursday for a torn groin muscle and could be out for the rest of the season as a result. Recovery is expected to last six to eight weeks, or perhaps longer.

Tracy sustained the injury during Saturday's contest against the Atlanta Braves. As a pinch hitter this season, Tracy had been batting .333 through 18 at-bats and .265 overall.

For more Nationals coverage and conversation, visit Federal Baseball, SB Nation's Nats blog. For the Marlins perspective, check out Fish Stripes. For news and updates from the Nationals series in Miami, stay tuned to this StoryStream from SB Nation DC.

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SB Nation DC Nationals Recall Jhonatan Solano From Class AAA Syracuse

The Washington Nationals recalled catcher Jhonatan Solano from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, according to the Washington Post. Solano, a career .251 hitter, will serve as the team's third catcher behind Jesus Flores and backup Carlos Maldonad.

As a result, the Nationals optioned first baseman Tyler Moore back to Syracuse after limited playing time at the major league level with just 19 at-bats through 12 games, including five starts. Over that span, he went 3 for 19 (.158) with no walks, along with seven strikeouts.

"I didn't play a whole lot, but I got to experience the atmosphere and experience how things work," Moore told Adam Kilgore of the Post. "It was real beneficial for me. ... I mean, it's a blow. But at the same time, I get to play and get back in my rhythm, feel like I'm a ballplayer again. It'll be fun to get down there and see the guys."

In less than a month at Class AAA in Syracuse earlier this season, Moore, had homered seven times.

For more Nationals coverage and conversation, visit Federal Baseball, SB Nation's Nats blog. For the Marlins perspective, check out Fish Stripes. For news and updates from the Nationals series in Miami, stay tuned to this StoryStream from SB Nation DC.

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SB Nation DC MLB Draft 2012: Nationals To Select Texas A&M Pitcher, According To Projection

With the No. 16 pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Washington Nationals will select Michael Wacha, according to ESPN Insider Keith Law. The draft is scheduled to begin June 4.

Wacha is a 6-foot-6, right-handed pitcher from Texas A&M. Thus far this season, he's gone 8-1 with a 2.21 ERA through 15 starts. Moreover, he's struck out 107 batters against 17 walks. Here's Law on Wacha to the Nats:

Wacha's ceiling is limited, but his advanced changeup makes him a likely big leaguer. I've also heard Dahl and Marrero here, and the Nats have been linked by scouts on the East Coast to Duke's Marcus Stroman, but it would be a big departure for GM Mike Rizzo: Of sixteen pitchers he's taken in the first or second rounds as a scouting director for Arizona or while assistant GM or GM for Washington, none has been under 6-foot-2, and Stroman is 5-9.

The Houston Astros, who have the first pick in the draft, are projected to take Stanford starting pitcher Mark Appel.

For more Nationals coverage and conversation, visit Federal Baseball, SB Nation's Nats blog. For news, updates and projections related to the next week's MLB Draft, stay tuned to this StoryStream here at SB Nation DC.

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SB Nation DC MLB Draft 2012: Nationals Select Texas A&M Pitcher Michael Wacha In Keith Law's Mock Draft

SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 07:  MLB commissioner Bud Selig speaks during the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7, 2010 held in Studio 42 at the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey.  (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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SB Nation DC Nationals Vs. Marlins: Tuesday Starting Lineups

Looking to maintain its lead atop the N.L. East standings, the Washington Nationals are sending Edwin Jackson to the mound on Tuesday after falling in the first game of the weekday set on Monday, 5-3.

Prior to Monday, Washington had won six of its last seven games, including a sweep of the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. And over those seven games, the Nationals averaged nearly six runs per contest. But those bats cooled against the Marlins, as they amassed just seven hits and three runs, including going 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

First pitch at Marlins Park on Tuesday is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EST and will be televised by MASN 2.

Nationals (29-19)

Steve Lombardozzi 2B
Bryce Harper RF
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Rick Ankiel CF
Corey Brown LF
Carlos Maldonado C
Edwin Jackson P

Marlins (27-22)

Jose Reyes SS
Omar Infante 2B
Hanley Ramirez 3B
Giancarlo Stanton RF
Logan Morrison 1B
Bryan Petersen CF
John Buck C
Chris Coghlan LF
Anibal Sanchez P

For more Nationals coverage and conversation, visit Federal Baseball. For the Marlins perspective, check out Fish Stripes. For news and updates from the Nationals series in Miami, stay tuned to this StoryStream from SB Nation DC.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay Marlins Vs. Nationals: Tuesday Starting Lineups

It's May 29 and the battle for the N.L. East is shaping up between the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nations. The Marlins trail the first-place Nats by 2.5 games after winning Monday night's contest -- the first of the three-game set -- by a final score of 5-3.

Miami has come on strong as of late with major league-best 19-8 mark in the month of May after struggling through much of April. Taking the mound for the young squad will be Anibal Sanchez, who has posted a 2.87 ERA through nine starts this season.

First pitch at Marlins Park is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EST and will be televised by FS Florida.

Nationals (29-19)

Steve Lombardozzi 2B
Bryce Harper RF
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Rick Ankiel CF
Corey Brown LF
Carlos Maldonado C
Edwin Jackson P

Marlins (27-22)

Jose Reyes SS
Omar Infante 2B
Hanley Ramirez 3B
Giancarlo Stanton RF
Logan Morrison 1B
Bryan Petersen CF
John Buck C
Chris Coghlan LF
Anibal Sanchez P

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Marlins, visit Fish Stripes. For all things Washington Nationals baseball, please check out Federal Baseball. And as always, please check out the SB Nation MLB Baseball hub page for more on this and every Major League series.

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Pacific Takes Up And Down The Coast, Pac-12 Lunch Links: Updated Recruiting Rankings Released

Top talent: USC coach Lane Kiffin has managed to receive six commitments from prospects included in the Rivals100 for the class of 2013.

It's Tuesday ... and for your reading pressure.

  • In some ways, it's amazing how much recruiting dominates talk throughout the Internet these days. Today's no exception. The updated Rivals100 was released, which ranks the top 100 prospects for the class of 2013. As you might expect: USC is doing quite well with six of its seven commits included on the list, as well as two in the top-six and three in the top-25. By comparison, Stanford has two and Oregon has one on the entire list.
  • CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman released his top-10 toughest schedules for the 2012 and the list includes three Pac-12 schools with Washington at No. 2, Oregon State at No. 3 and Cal at No. 9. The Huskies will face LSU in Baton Rouge in the second week of the season.
  • A fun piece from ESPN's Pac-12 blog, which put together an All-NFL team consisting of former Pac-12 players. Headlining the group: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
  • SB Nation's very own Utah blog, Block U, writes that the rivalry with BYU must continue -- even if not held annually.
  • The NCAA Baseball Tournament is set to begin. UCLA, which won a share of the Pac-12 championship on Sunday, earned a No. 2 overall seed. Other Pac-12 teams to make the 64-team playoff include Oregon, Stanford, Arizona and Oregon State.
  • A pair of Arizona baseball players were named Pac-12 players of the week.
  • USC men's tennis standout Steve Johnson wrapped up an impressive career over the Memorial Day weekend. Johnson extended his winning streak to 72 games after securing the NCAA singles title, defeating Kentucky’s Eric Quigley, 6-4, 6-4. Johnson won two singles crowns and four NCAA team championships over his four-year career with the Trojans.
  • The NCAA Men's Golf Championships begin today. Six Pac-12 teams -- Cal, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Washington -- are included in the field of 30, the most of any conference. The Trojans are hosting the competition at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
  • Lastly, this will likely make Washington State coach Mike Leach smile. Craig James polling at three percentfor today's GOP Senate primary in Texas.

For everything related to Pac-12 football, basketball and Olympic sports, stay tuned to Pacific Takes or follow us on Twitter.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay 2012 ACC Baseball Tournament: Miami And Georgia Tech Set To Face In Title Game

For Miami, the tiebreaker worked. The Hurricanes were even with North Carolina atop Pool B of the ACC Baseball Tournament, but as the result of their 5-3 win over the Tar Heels on Thursday, they'll face No. 8-seeded Georgia Tech in the conference title game on Sunday afternoon at NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, N.C. It's their first trip to the ACC championship game in four years.

North Carolina managed to beat N.C. State on Saturday but was unable to slide past the 'Canes in the standings.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets, who represent Pool A, finished 3-0 in round-robin play, including a 17-5 win over top-seeded Florida State and a 5-1 victory against Clemson.

On Sunday, sophomore right-hander Javi Salas will take the hill for Miami, while Georgia Tech will go with freshman Josh Heddinger. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN2.

Read more about the ACC baseball tournament at SB Nation Tampa Bay and check out our StoryStream here.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay Rays Vs. Red Sox: Tampa Bay Gives Up Two Runs In The Ninth, Falls 3-2

For several innings on Saturday night, the Tampa Bay Rays (28-19) held a narrow lead over the Boston Red Sox (23-23) despite collecting just four hits. That all changed in the bottom half of the ninth. Holding a 2-1 edge, closer Fernando Rodney surrendered a two-run, walkoff home run to the pinch-hitting Jerrod Saltalamacchia, and the Rays stumbled, 3-2 in the second game of the weekend series at Fenway Park.

Tampa Bay grabbed its one-run lead in the top of the seventh inning after a sacrifice fly from Ben Zobrist plated B.J. Upton and Matt Joyce scored on a one-out single from Luke Scott.

David Price was on the hill for the Rays, keeping the Red Sox hitters at bay. Price surrendered eight hits and three runs, but managed to strike out five and allow just one run over the course of seven innings.

The rubber-match finale is slated for tomorrow at 1:35 p.m. EST. Boston is looking to move up in the A.L. East standings after sitting in last place for much of April and May.

Read more about the Rays at DRaysBay and for more on the Red Sox, check out Over The Monster. Go to Baseball Nation for additional news and notes around the league.

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SB Nation Pittsburgh Pirates Vs. Cubs: Pittsburgh Staves Off Chicago For 3-2 Win

For just the 58th time in the last 64 years, a game ended on a walkoff hit by pitch. And on Saturday at PNC Park that happened in the Pirates' favor, resulting in a 3-2 win over the last-place Chicago Cubs (15-31).

With the game tied at two heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Jose Tabata singled, then Josh Harrison and Neil Walker would later walk to load the bases. Moments later, Matt Hague was hit by a pitch, bringing in the winning run and giving Pittsburgh (22-24) its second straight win over the Cubs.

The Pirates were aided by a strong outing from starting pitcher Kevin Correia, who lasted six and one-third innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs.

The series finale is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:35 p.m. EST.

For more on the Pirates, head to Bucs Dugout. Check out Bleed Cubbie Blue for more on the Cubs. Visit Baseball Nation for additional news and notes around Major League Baseball.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay USA Vs. Scotland: Landon Donovan Hat Trick Leads The Americans To 5-1 Win

Suffice to say, the Jürgen Klinsmann era is headed in a better direction these days. After starting 1-5 as the U.S. men's national team's coach, the ex-German footballer has led the Americans to five straight victories since -- capped off by Saturday night's 5-1 win over Scotland in a "friendly" match at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

The U.S. got off to a quick start -- thanks in large part to midfielder Landon Donovan -- and built an early 2-0 lead after goals from Donovan and Michael Bradley within the first 15 minutes of the contest. Though it'd surrender an own goal minutes later, Donovan would tack on two more goals, along with one from Jermaine Jones to build an insurmountable four-goal advantage.

Thus far, the Americans are 4-0 under Klinsmann in 2012.

Saturday's match marked the first of five games over an 18-day stretch through June 12. The four remaining matches include two World Cup qualifiers against Antigua & Barbuda and Guatemala.

For more on tonight's friendly in Jacksonville between the U.S. men's national soccer team and Scotland, be sure to check back on this StoryStream for updates. For more on the USMNT, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay, or check out SB Nation's soccer hub.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay VIDEO: USA Vs. Scotland: Landon Donovan Hat Trick Powers USA To 5-1 Lead

And the rout is on. The U.S. men's national soccer team now leads Scotland, 5-1 in the second half after a flurry of goals -- two coming by way of Landon Donovan (his 48th and 49th of his career for the USA) and another from Jermaine Jones.

Donovan's two goals give him the hat trick and give the Americans a comfortable lead over the Scottish. Here are shots of both goals from the midfielder, the former his second of the evening and the latter his third.

And here is Jones finding the back of the net.

For more on tonight's friendly in Jacksonville between the U.S. men's national soccer team and Scotland, be sure to check back on this StoryStream for updates. For more on the USMNT, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay, or check out SB Nation's soccer hub.

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SB Nation DC 2012 CAA Baseball Tournament: UNC-Wilmington Knocks Off Delaware 10-8

UNC-Wilmington entered the CAA Baseball Tournament as the No. 1 seed. It left, unsurprisingly, as the tourney champs, defeating No. 3-seeded Delaware on Saturday night 10-8 at James Madison University, securing a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Seahawks had hoped to eliminate Delaware earlier Saturday, but lost 11-9, which forced a winner-take-all game later in the double-elimination tournament. With the win, they now advance to the postseason for the first time since 2008 and just the fifth time in program history.

And thank the bats for that. UNC-Wilmington tallied 16 hits en route to its narrow two-run win. With the game tied at eight heading into the top of the ninth inning -- Delaware also finished with 12 hits and eight runs -- Hunter Ridge scored off a double from Thomas Pope, to give the Seahawks the lead. Moments later, Pope would score following a sacrifice fly Jake Koenig.

In the bottom half of the ninth, reliever Kelly Secrest came in, retiring the Blue Hens and ending the contest to notch the save and preserve the "W."

Read more news, updates and analysis on the CAA baseball tournament at SB Nation DC and be sure to visit our StoryStream here.

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SB Nation DC 2012 Men's Lacrosse Tournament: Maryland Advances To NCAA Title Game Following 16-10 Win Over Duke

For the second straight year, Maryland will head to the NCAA men's lacrosse championship game. Led by senior Drew Snider, who tied a career-high four goals, the Terrapins defeated Duke on Saturday, 16-10 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. This marks the 11th time in school history it will appear in the title game.

The ACC foes were neck and neck for most of the afternoon, as Maryland led just 10-8 at the onset of the fourth quarter. But then, it rattled off six consecutive goals to grab a commanding eight-goal lead that put the game out of reach.

Junior Owen Blye also chipped in for Maryland with three goals of his own. Sophomore goalie Niko Amato finished with 10 saves.

On Monday night, Maryland will face in-state rival Loyola, which beat Notre Dame by a final score of 7-5 during the semifinals on Saturday. Last season, the Terps lost to Virginia, 9-7 in the national championship game.

For more on the 2012 men's lacrosse tournament, be sure to follow SB Nation DC's StoryStream for updates. For news and analysis on college lacrosse, check out College Crosse.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay VIDEO: USA Grabs 2-0 Lead Over Scotland, Then Surrenders Own Goal

The U.S. men's national soccer team got off to a quick start: Landon Donovan scored in the third minute, then Michael Bradley found the back of the net just a few minutes later, giving the Americans a 2-0 lead not even 15 minutes in. U-S-A, U-S-A! Here is Bradley's goal. Mind you: This is also just the second time under Jurgen Klinsmann that the U.S. has scored more than two goals in a game.

Apparently, the U.S. then got bored, surrendering an own goal off Geoff Cameron near moments later.

For more on tonight's friendly in Jacksonville between the U.S. men's national soccer team and Scotland, be sure to check back on this StoryStream for updates. For more on the USMNT, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay, or check out SB Nation's soccer hub.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay VIDEO: Landon Donovan Gives USA Early 1-0 Lead Over Scotland

It hasn't exactly taken too long.

Just three minutes into the start of Saturday night's friendly in Jacksonville between the U.S. men's national soccer team and Scotland, midfielder Landon Donovan scored on a goal in the third minute to put the Americans up early, 1-0. The goal marked a USA-record 47th goal.

Here's his shot in the 3'.

For more on the USMNT, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay, or check out SB Nation's soccer hub.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay Chris Bivins Kicked Out Of Softball Game For Bringing A Snake

Every college student has that moment, where he/she brings a snake to the ol' ballpark, right? Right.

Well, apparently, South Florida cornerback Chris Bivins had his today during Game 2 of an NCAA softball Super Region between the host Bulls and Hofstra at USF Softball Stadium in Tampa. Via Rivals.com's Bryan Holt:

#USF CB Chris Bivins just got booted from softball game for bringing a snake in the stadium. Wearing it like a bracelet. I've seen it all.

Bring snake to the ballgame? Check.

Wear it as a bracelet? Check.

And cross that off the bucket list.

(h/t Kegs 'N Eggs)

Fore more on South Florida, visit Voodoo Five, SB Nation's USF blog.

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Pacific Takes Up And Down The Coast, Pac-12 Lunch Links: Trojans' Trip To Palo Alto A Trap Game?

Trap game: Could David Shaw lead the Stanford Cardinal to its fourth straight win over USC this season?

It's Friday and it also marks the beginning of an important stretch for Pac-12 baseball. Let's go ahead and get started.

  • It's a big weekend for ... Pac-12 baseball. Yes, this is the final weekend of the regular season, which is particularly key for teams atop the conference standings: Oregon (19-8 in Pac-12 play), as well as Arizona (18-9). The No. 5 Ducks are looking to clinch the conference crown and secure a national seed, as they face Oregon State in the hardball version of the Civil war. Similarly, the Wildcats, along with Arizona State, Stanford and UCLA, who are all 17-10, are looking to inch their way toward the top.
  • There will be ample opportunities to discuss these sorts of things, but Kevin Gemmell and Ted Miller from ESPN's Pac-12 blog got started early, posing the question of which is the "best" Pac-12 trap game this season. The early responses? Gemmell tabs USC at Stanford on Sept. 15 (week three), and Miller picks Oregon against Washington on Sept. 29 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. What say you, readers?
  • USC players visited Haiti last week as part of a humanitarian effort to help build homes for the country devastated by an earthquake in January 2010. Center Khaled Holmes on the trip: "They are such a beautiful people. For them to smile through all their adversity is really inspiring."
  • Remember the Sports Illustrated expose on UCLA basketball this year? Well, Reeves Nelson does and he filed a lawsuit this week against SI and writer George Dohrmann, who authored the piece, rejecting various claims the story makes.
  • There has been plenty of talk regarding a college football postseason, including the possibility of a four-team playoff. Whatever happens, however, it appears as if some decision will be made by late June.
  • But what kind of format are we going to see? According to Larry Scott, the "plus-one" model is back on the table.
  • The summer can be an important time of year for Pac-12 basketball in regards to recruiting. With that in mind, Washington head coach Lorenzo Romar is making a run at consensus top recruit Jabari Parker.
  • And lastly, here's a nice story from ESPN.com's Blair Angulo on former Cal standout and current U.S. women's national soccer team star Alex Morgan.

For everything related to Pac-12 football, basketball and Olympic sports, stay tuned at Pacific Takes or follow us on Twitter.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay USA Vs. Scotland, 2012 International Friendly Preview

GENOA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28:  USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann (2nd L), Clint Dempsey (3rd L) and players during a training session ahead of their international friendly against Italy at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on February 28, 2012 in Genoa, Italy.  (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

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SB Nation Tampa Bay 2012 Sun Belt Baseball Tournament Final Score: Louisiana-Monroe Tops FAU In Extra Innings

It took a little longer, but in extra innings, Louisiana Monroe finally upset No. 1-seeded Florida Atlantic in pool play by a final score of 9-7, to improving to 2-0 on the second day of the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament.

With the game knotted at seven heading into the bottom of the 13th inning, Jeff Fuller reached base for ULM on a fielding error. During the next at bat, Justin Stawychny attempted to bunt Fuller over to second, but a fielder's choice got him out at second. Then, later in the inning, with two outs, shortstop Jeremy Sy, stepped up to the plate, and while facing a 1-0 count, launched a two-run homer to seal the victory.

The high-scoring game saw a combined 16 runs and 25 hits

FAU will face South Alabama tomorrow at 7 p.m. EST. ULM is off. You can get a full tournament bracket here.

For news, updates and reaction to the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament, be sure to keep checking back with SB Nation Tampa Bay.

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SB Nation Tampa Bay 2012 Conference USA Baseball Tournament Final Score: UAB Overpowers UCF, 15-1

Day two of the Conference USA Baseball Tournament didn't exactly go smoothly for UCF. Playing their first game of the tournament, the Knights certainly ran into a bit of trouble, surrendering 17 hits in a 15-1 loss to the No. 7-seeded UAB Blazers, dropping to 0-1 in pool play.

UCF, the No. 2 seed in Pool B, will face East Carolina tomorrow at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., at 3 p.m. EST.

On Thursday, it did manage to keep it close early, trailing 2-1 after four innings. But then, the Blazers added 13 runs over the remaining five innings on seven hits, six walks, three wild pitches, two passed balls, two errors and a hit batter. Suffice to say, they struggled.

And that was more than enough for UAB starter Michael Busby, who kept UCF in check, allowing three hits and one run over eight innings.

For updates and reaction to the Conference USA Baseball Tournament, keep checking back with SB Nation Tampa Bay.

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SB Nation Pittsburgh 2012 Big Ten Baseball Tournament: Penn State Falls To Nebraska, 12-3

Facing the Nebraska Cornhuskers (35-22) in the second round of the Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Penn State (29-27) gave up 18 hits in a 12-3 loss, concluding their season.

Junior Steven Hill took the hill for the Nittany Lions and got off to a fast start, tossing three scoreless innings. But then things went south, as he surrendered one run in the top of the fourth inning and three runs in the fifth before being replaced by reliever Cody Lewis, who would allow three earned runs of his own.

At the plate, Penn State batters would struggle as well. Despite 10 hits, the Nittany Lions plated only three runs.

Though they finished the season with a winning record for the second consecutive season, a berth in the NCAA Tournament appears unlikely and this should end their 2012 season.

For more news, notes and commentary on the Penn State Nittany Lions, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh, or visit Black Shoe Diaries, SB Nation's Penn State blog.

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