The HALL of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL. Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.

Each year, I will induct a new class members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2022 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

JAMES WORTHY

In the early eighties, I followed the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program as one of my good friends was a big Carolina fan and went to school there. We enjoyed their national championship run, a stellar team with Michael Jordan and James Worthy, who both went on to Hall of Fame NBC careers, with Jordan most likely the greatest player of all time.

Worthy was eruptive in the paint, often exploding for a rapid and thunderous dunk. These skills were enhanced in the NBA with Worthy a member of The Los Angeles Lakes. Teaming with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabber (HALL of BAHL 2017) and the incomparable Earvin "Magic" Johnson (HALL of BAHL 2012) among others, Worthy and the gang went on to win several NBA championships. It was the glory days of the game! 

I found the Lakers such a joy to watch, with Johnson running their fast break offense, which often found a trailing Worthy from the flank to reach the rim.  Worthy could also shoot from the edges of the paint and he was also a good defender.  It was seemingly his quickness inside the pain that gave opponents the most trouble.

I truly enjoyed watching James Worthy throughout his hall of fame career, and now, James Worthy is a member of the HALL of BAHL!

JACK NICKLAUS

Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer of all time!  I watched the PGA with my Grandmother, and annually went to The Florida Citrus Open PGA tournament stop in Orlando at Rio Pinar Country Club. I had a blast, and got to meet Jack and see him play through the years. 

Jack was not my favorite golfer; that was Lee Trevino (HALL of BAHL 2012). But boy howdy did I respect Jack and was in awe of his talent. Like everyone else who watched, his run at the 1986 Masters was just incredible.

Jack's son Steve ended up playing wide receiver for Florida State in the eighties, and in support of his son, Jack, grew to adopt Florida State as his second team behind his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. His grandson, Nick O'Leary, was a decorated tight end for FSU and was key contributor to the 2013 National Championship team. Jack has become a strong supporter of the entire Florida State athletic department, and recently spearheaded a revamp of the Florida State University golf campus, helping develop The Seminole Legacy Golf Club at Florida State University, which significantly enhances FSU's stellar golf program as well as the University and community.

Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear, is golf's greatest player and a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf and Florida State University. We welcome the great Jack Nicklaus to The Hall of BAHL.

MARVIN JONES

Shade Tree! Former Florida State linebacker Marvin Jones was one of the greatest defensive players ever to play for the Garnet & Gold. As a middle linebacker, the two time consensus All America player he terrorized opponents, winning the Lombardi Trophy and Butkus Award in 1992.

Jones was picked as the fourth pick in the first round, and after ten seasons with the New York Jets he retired. He entered the coaching profession rising to head coach of the Omaha Beef indoor league team, where he won a championship.

Marvin Jones struck fear in opponents, leading Mickey Andrews stellar defensive units while he played for the Seminoles. I always noted where Jones was on the field when watching live, because he was such a dominating player he often covered the entire field with a reckless abandon. The nation noted what I saw confirming his immense talent as Jones was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Shade Tree is one of my favorite 'Noles, and now he is a member of the HALL of BAHL!

The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL. Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.

Each year, I will induct a new class members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.

The inductees for the 2020 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

KEVIN SEITZER

With George Brett moving toward the end of his hall of fame playing career,the Kansas City Royals needed to interject some power in the lineup, finding it with rookie Kevin Seitzer in 1996. Seitzer immediately started slapping the ball around, taking a stab at the Royals record books on more than few occasions.

He was a fun player to watch, and I wish his tenure with the Royals lasted longer. Seitzer headed over to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1996.  Later, after his playing career ended, Kevin entered the coaching ranks, later even spending on the Royals staff.

I really enjoyed watching Kevin Seitzer play the game, with his strong hitting abilities and his contagious love for the game. I am pleased to welcome Kevin Seitzer to The Hall of BAHL.

LARRY CSONKA

In my childhood, the newly formed Miami Dolphins were great to have as your favorite team while becoming acquainted with the National Football League.  I was not alone here in Central Florida.  In the early seventies, under the guidance of Don Shula, the Dolphins became a powerful force, going to three consecutive Super Bowls, winning two of them, including the incredible "perfect season" in 1972. There were many heroes on those teams, but one that stands out was Larry Csonka.  A bruiser from Syracuse, the Dolphins had a strong and powerful inside runner from his fullback spot in Csonka, who teamed with Mercury Morris in the backfield.

Csonka represented the toughness the Dolphin teams were built on in those days, and was a player the team could always count on. Csonka is one of only three players to have their Dolphin jersey retired, and is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame.

An avid hunter and fisher who in post football years has spent the majority of his time in Alaska, Larry Csonka has remained very tight to those tight knit teams of the Dolphin glory years, always attending events and celebrations. He is always among the first to celebrate each season when the last NFL team falls from the ranks of the unbeaten, and has always remained close with Coach Shula.

Miami Dolphin legend and NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka is a powerful addition to the Hall of BAHL.

NEIL BONNETT

The Hall of BAHL welcomes NASCAR legend Neil Bonnett to the 2020 class.

Bonnett was a charter member of the famed Alabama Gang of NASCAR racers from the Hueytown area. He was a really good guy, a friend to all within the garage area, and he was one the good ole boys I always pulled for. Late in his career, Bonnett piloted a Pontiac Grand Prix, and I loved the fleet of wide tracks.

After a very serious crash at Darlington in 1990, Bonnett stopped racing and joined the broadcast networks broadcasting the races. This is where many racing fans got to know Bonnett better, enjoying his folksy personality and very strong racing acumen.  Bonnett was a great ambassador of the sport in the booth.

Bonnett was best friends with Dale Earnhardt, and he iched to get back behind the wheel.  With the help of Earnhardt and Richard Childress, Bonnett got an opportunity to run at Talladega in a Childress prepared Chevrolet Lumina in 1993. With NASCAR nation watching, Bonnett was involved in a horrendous crash down the front stretch of the White Knuckle Highway, with Bonnett's Mom and Pop's Chevrolet going airborne landing in the catch fence. Bonnett was fine, and rejoined the booth to call the rest of the race.

James Finch offered a ride for the 1994 season in his Country Time Lemonade Chevrolet, a really good looking ride.  In a most unfortunate practice season event leading up to the 1994 Daytona 500, a mechanical failure got Bonnett loose and he crashed head on in wall up in turn 4, ending his life. This was a very sobering event and it was a difficult Speedweeks to be damn sure.

Neil Bonnett was a fan favorite, and he is greatly missed, and now a member of the Hall of BAHL.

LAVONTE DAVID

Lavonte David transferred into Nebraska after a community college stint after a stellar high school career at powerhouse State Champion Miami Northwestern, and impact on the Cornhuskers was immediate. During his two years with the Big Red, David was a tackling machine, a complete disaster for any offenses attacking the Husker Blackshirts.  No matter the opponent, David was a terror, causing fumbles and picking off passes to go with his team leading tackling numbers. "David started all 27 games he played in at Nebraska (2010–11), recording 285 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered. His 285 career tackles rank fourth in school history, and most by a two-year player" reports Huskers.com

Picking up right where he left off at Nebraska, David is a sideline to sideline player, capable of making big time plays all over the field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected David in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2012, and given my movement to the Bucs becoming my favorite NFL team in recent years, this suited me just fine. David has been an All Pro player for Tampa Bay, a leader on the team from his linebacker position. Defensively, Lavonte David is one of my favorite all time Huskers and is without question my favorite current Buccaneer.

Lavonte has also been a wonderful addition to the Tampa community, often volunteering on behalf of health and fitness for children issues, which is close to his heart. A great guy and fabulous football player. we welcome former Blackshirt Lavonte David to the Hall of BAHL.

The Hall of BAHL

Sports is and always has played a significant role in my life. I have found that most all of life's lessons are learned between the lines. Discipline, individual responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship are among many opportunities presented within the games that offer guidance to prosper in life.

Over the years, there have been many individuals associated with sports that I have looked up to, been a fan of, owned a jersey of or just pulled for. These are my guys, and although it has not always been a road without bumps for many, these are my guys. In an effort to recognize these folks, I have formed The Hall of BAHL. Individuals making this list may or may not be the greatest ever players, coaches or ambassadors, but they are my favorites.

Each year, I will induct five members into The Hall of BAHL. In honor of my good buddy and sportsman Big Ole BudFeiser, who we lost in 2011 and who I grew up playing sports with, each class will annually be announced on his birthday, June 13.  However, due to a scheduling conflict, the class announcement for 2019 is posted today.

The inductees for the 2019 Hall of BAHL class are listed in no particular order below:

REX BURKHEAD

The pride of Plano, Rex Burkhead, exhibiting all the traits that embody success on and off the field, is by far one of my favorite Cornhuskers of all time.

Not the biggest, strongest or fastest among the running back stable, Burkhead excelled at each facet of the game, and behind a solid principled work ethic, Burkhead became the go to guy, securing many wins for the Big Red with his outstanding performances.

I was fortunate to have chance to see Rex play in person a couple of times, both in Capital One Bowl appearances in beautiful downtown Orlando.

After Nebraska, Burkhead has continued his career in the NFL. After a run with the Cincinnati Bengals, Burkhead has found a home with the New England Patriots, fitting in nicely in the platoon of backs coach Bill Belchick utilizes. The opportunity with the Patriots has allowed Burkhead to play in a couple of Super Bowls, coming out victorious in his latest appearance gaining a coveted Super Bowl ring.

Off the gridiron, Rex Burkhead is a champion in another arena; his charitable efforts through the Team Jack Foundation, who cite "Rex’s unending support has been a beacon of hope for children suffering from brain tumors. Even though Rex has graduated to the NFL, he continues to carry the ball for the leading cancer cause of death in children."

Burkhead, still fighting for the foundation, recently held a fundraiser in his home town of Plano.

Rex Burkhead, a stellar performer on and off the field and a genuinely good guy, is representative of the type individual we have always been big fans of. We are pleased to welcome Rex Burkhead to The Hall of BAHL.

LEONARD HAMILTON

While Florida State basketball has had some shining moments throughout the years, the program has found a perfect balance of success on and off the court under the leadership of coach Leonard Hamilton.  Coach Ham has been steadfast in his tenants in the principles he adheres to in running his program.  The level of play has been consistently in ascension while developing young me to become better players and citizens.

Hamilton is the school's all-time winningest coach, and has led FSU to countless NCAA tourney appearances, several Sweet 16's even reaching the Elite 8 on occasion.  His players are annually reaching the NBA, with several thriving. More importantly, these men, having been under Hamilton's direction, are successful in life.  Jonathan Issac of the Orlando Magic is a great example.

Florida State fans often joke that Hamilton never smiles, and yes, he is laid back but he is very serious about his business. His teams reflect that; utilizing discipline, toughness and strong defense.

Hamilton is s strong Christian gentleman, with an affinity for gospel music.

“I grew up in the church. That was kind of a way of life for us. Sunday school, BTU, vacation bible school, choir practice, Easter programs, Christmas programs, Easter egg hunts, all those things were part of who we were and what I’ve become as an individual. So the church has always been a very important part of my life. Going to church and worshipping has been a very important part of my life. “I remember even as a youngster going every Sunday night with my grandmother to a different church in town. So I kind of grew up with that. I enjoy it. It’s part of who I am. I enjoy it.”

We have always appreciated Leonard Hamilton, who has led the Florida State basketball program with class, raising the level of play to a consistently strong level. We welcome Leonard Hamilton to the Hall of BAHL.

BOB GRIESE

As a youngster growing up, I was a huge Miami Dolphin fan, a period of time in which the Dolphins annual Super Bowl contenders.

The quarterback on those teams was Bob Griese.

Greise was a strong field general for the Fins, leading Miami to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Unfortunately, Griese has broken his leg and was unavailable when Miami defeated the Washington Redskins to cap the Perfect Season.

Griese, the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1971, has been elected to both the College Football Hall of Fame and NFL Hall of Fame.















After his playing career, Griese ended up teaming with the great Keith Jackson at ABC broadcasting the college football game of the week. Griese provided excellent analysis, and the duo was strongly appreciated among college football fans across the nation.

Additionally, Griese has seemingly always done Miami Dolphin preseason football games and since 2011, has been an official member of the radio team broadcasting Dolphin games.













Griese has always been a Miami Dolphin, helping the team in anyway possible throughout the years since his playing days ended.  A competitive spirit, Griese always conducted himself is a classy way.

Bob Griese was a central figure in the early days as I became a fan of the National Football League. He was stellar in leading my Miami Dolphins to those early 1970's Super Bowls, and I have always been a fan. It is with great pleasure Bob Griese we welcome Bob Griese to The Hall of BAHL.

DARRELL WALTRIP

I was not really a big Darrell Waltrip fan when he came on the scene in the Winston Cup Series. Waltrip was brash and cocky, but I always respected him because he backed it up with wins.

Waltrip was one of the best, and it certainly was neat to see him finally get a Daytona 500 win.  With too many awards to note, and 84 wins recorded placing him in the top five in wins all time, Waltrip was a three time Cup Series champion.

After retiring after the 2000 season, Waltrip joined the newly formed FOX Sports NASCAR broadcast team as lead analyst along with Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds. The first broadcast of this crew was the 2001 Daytona 500, a race filled with joy as his younger brother Michael won the race and with extreme sadness with the last lap wreck that claimed the life of his longtime friend Dale Earnhardt. In watching the broadcast, Waltrip seemed to know the severity of the situation in turn four before most others did; it was written all over his face.  For DW, in the blink of an eye, it was the best of times and the worst of times.













Waltrip was a champion in the booth. He was as knowledgeable as it gets about all aspects of racing, a wonderful ambassador of the sport and a great friend and colleague to the drivers, race teams and broadcast partners.  Additionally, DW was a favorite of the legions of fans of the sport.

Darrell spent almost 20 seasons with us before retiring from the broadcast team after the last 2019 FOX broadcast.

I am sure we can still call on DW for NASCAR perspective when needed, but after giving 50 years to the sport we all love, he is going to spend some well deserved time with his grandchildren.  Boogity, Boogity Boogity are we fired up to welcome Darrell Waltrip to the Hall of BAHL!

DAVE RIMINGTON

The Pipeline. Although there had been outstanding offensive lineman on previous Husker teams, for a couple of decades beginning in the late seventies, the unit became know as the Pipeline as several players earned All America honors, with many winning the Outland and/or Lombardi Trophies.

This seemingly started with center Dave Rimington of Omaha.

Rimington was stellar, a consensus first team All America player in 1981 and 1982, wining a pair of Outland Trophy and a Lombardi Trophy. In 1997, Rimington was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame and was named to the Walter Camp All Century Team.

In the NFL, Rimington played from 1983 to 1989, mostly with the Cincinnati Bengals.  During his tenure with the Bengals, Rimington became close to his quarterback Boomer Esiason, joining Boomer to work his foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, in the fight against cystic fibrosis.


Since 2000, the award given for the nations top center is the Rimington Trophy, named in his honor.

Dave Rimington is a true Cornhusker. He has stayed close to his former coaches and remains close to the program. After a change was made at the position of Athletic Director in 2017, Rimington came home to serve Nebraska in that capacity on an interim basis.

Husker nation loves Dave Rimington, who set the foundation for the beloved Nebraska pipeline. His contagious smile is always a welcomed sight on the sidelines at Memorial Stadium.

I always remember Rimington setting up at center and firing off the ball, paving the way for the most prolific offense of the day to run roughshod. Ole #50. Displaying leadership, character and tenacity, on and off the field, ever since he became a Husker, we welcome the blueprint of the center position, Dave Rimington, to The Hall of BAHL.

Baton Rouge Pain Personal for Dunn

Prior to becoming an All America football player at Florida State University and an All Pro NFL player with the Tampa Bay Bucs and Atlanta Falcons, during his senior year at Baton Rouge Catholic HS, Warrick Dunn's mother, Betty Smothers, a Baton Rouge police officer, was murdered in the line of duty.

Dunn, later a recipient of the prestigious NFL Man of the Year Award, released some wonderful, heartfelt comments on the hideous violence which occurred in his hometown Sunday.

From a man who has done so much for people through his charitable endeavors, this incident has affected him in a personal way, and his comments are well worth your time.

My heart breaks for the the families of the law enforcement officers who have lost their loved ones. I have been in similar shoes - it will change their lives and leave them all reeling with questions for years to come. It is a shame - so many officers who are out there on the front lines have tremendous heart for what they do. These acts of violence don't solve anything and if my voice can add to the movement to stop it - then I’d consider that a good thing. I struggle emotionally to understand why and how police officers are being targeted in the way they are. 

The reality of our world is that there is a lot of unrest in our communities, particularly where police shootings are happening. Of course this takes me back to when my own black mother was ambushed and killed - by a black man. And all of this comes at a terribly personal time for me. This week, I will attend trial for a re-sentencing hearing for my mother’s murder - which happened 23 years ago. I hate to even think of what this entire ordeal will cost our community but I know - it is too much. And even though my Mother lost her life all those years ago, the men who were tried by a jury of their peers have been kept alive by a prison system that has seen to their every need. Something that was denied to my Mother. 

We can’t just sit around and talk about how horrible all this is - we have to do something. And that means it ALWAYS starts with the individual. 

One of the things I am doing is taking the role of fatherhood very seriously so I can raise a son who makes a positive contribution. I am striving to be there for him emotionally, physically and intellectually. I want to give him something I never had because statistics prove it makes a difference when a child has an active father in his or her life. And we have to do more to build empathy in children so they have a hard time treating one another badly. It all starts with kids so we have to do all we can to care about kids. Especially kids at risk for never learning how to socially and emotionally relate. 

Another thing we can all do is stress to our elected leaders to look at the issue of guns in our country with serious eyes and intent instead of as a political stand-off. And then we have to give justice a chance to work. When people are intentional in the use of guns against others - we have to make sure the message that crime doesn’t pay - means something. Today I confess I wonder about that because from my view with my Mother’s trial, justice has failed our family - but I believe we can and must do better. 

We also have to ensure that the laws on the books are enforced. Of course I know there are officers who do not do the right thing - that is true in every profession. But when murder is a planned event - the rule of law should matter and loopholes or sophisticated lawyering have to stop. Why have laws if we aren’t going to enforce them? 

I feel close to this subject - it has touched me very personally. I speak for no one other than myself and I support law enforcement. I also support the community of Baton Rouge because they were there for me and my family. If I could have any effect, I’d ask the community to stop the violence, to cool down and to come together to figure this out. There is nothing we can’t do but we have to work together to make something positive come from yet another tragedy in my home town.

We will find answers to many of our issues seeking guidance from individuals like Warrick Dunn, a hometown hero is there ever was one.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

The Color & Pageantry

College Football

2015 Final Top 25

1.       Alabama, 14-1, 2
2.       Clemson, 14-1, 1
3.       Stanford, 12-2, 5
4.       Ohio State, 12-1, 7
5.       Oklahoma, 11-2, 3
6.       Texas Christian, 11-2, 11
7.       Michigan State, 12-2, 4
8.       Houston, 13-1, 16
9.       Baylor, 10-3, 17
10.     Ole Miss, 10-3, 14
11.     Notre Dame, 10-3, 8

12.     Michigan, 10-3, 19

13.     Florida State, 10-3, 9
14.     North Carolina, 11-3, 10
15.     Louisiana State, 9-3, 20
16.     Iowa, 12-2, 6
17.     Wisconsin, 10-3, 21
18.     Utah, 10-3, 23
19.     Oklahoma State, 10-3, 12
20.     Oregon, 9-4, 13
21.     Navy, 11-2, 25
22.     Florida, 10-4, 17
23.     Tennessee, 9-4, NR
24.     Georgia, 10-3 NR
25.     Northwestern, 10-3, 15

OUT: Southern Cal (22) and Texas A&M (24)

VOTES: Mississippi State, Southern Cal, Washington State, Temple, Arkansas, Western Kentucky, Louisville, Texas A&M, San Diego State, Boise State, West Virginia, Duke, Brigham Young, Auburn, Memphis and Georgia Southern.

Bob Davie deserves credit for bringing New Mexico bowling, and the Lobos battled Rich Rod's Arizona Wildcats to the end, falling 45-37 in the Gildan New Mexico Bow to kick off the expanded bowl season....Many on the east coast may not know, but Utah and Brigham Young are heated rivals, but the stadium was rendered speechless after Utah, with the help of a host of turnovers, ran out to a 35-0 first quarter lead; however, BYU never gave up and made it respectable by games end, losing 35-28 in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl....Appalachian State came back to top Frank Solich and his Ohio Bobcats, kicking a field goal as time expired to win 31-29 in the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.... In the AutoNation Cure Bowl, a new game in beautiful downtown Orlando, San Jose State defeated Georgia State 27-16....At the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Louisiana Tech defeated Arkansas State 47-28...The Miami Beach Bowl was very entertaining a year ago, and was once again as Western Kentucky, behind the strong arm of Brandon Doughty, beat South Florida 45-35....Terry Bowden got Akron their first bowl win in defeating Utah State 23-21 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl...Toledo, perhaps feeling something to prove, dismantled what most felt was a stout Temple defense in defeating the Owls 32-17 in the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl....In the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Boise State bombed Northern Illinois 55-7, and it could have been worse...Georgia Southern, who almost beat both Florida and Georgia, losing to the Dawgs in OT, destroyed a decent Bowling Green squad 58-27 to get school's first bowl win in the GoDaddy Bowl. GSU quarterback Favian Upshaw made many thing of Tommie Frazier as the backup quarterback ran for 199 yards and four touchdowns in a mind boggling performance...Western Michigan upended Middle Tennessee 45-31 in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl....San Diego State pounded Tommy Tuberville's Cincinnati Bearcats 42-7 in surprising fashion in the Hawaii Bowl...Marshall got the best of defensive minded Connecticut in the St. Petersburg Bowl 16-10...In a snowstorm, Washington State capped a decent season in defeating the Miami Hurricanes 20-14 in the Hyundai Sun Bowl on CBS....Out in Dallas at the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl, Washington defeated Southern Miss 44-31....In a thriller in the Bronx at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Duke defeated Indiana 44-41 in OT...Virginia Tech sent Frank Beamer out a winner in stopping Tulsa, who was operating on all cylinders offensively, 55-52...Nebraska finally went to the ground game and won the lines of scrimmage in dumping UCLA 37-29 at the Foster Farms Bowl...At the Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman, Navy outscored Pittsburgh behind quarterback Keenan Reynolds.....In the Quick Land Bowl in Detroit, Minnesota got by Central Michigan 21-14...In the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Air Force was unable to corral Jared Goff and the Cal Golden Bears, falling 55-36...Baylor, using a third team quarterback in wideout John Jefferson, and without All America wideout Casey Coleman and running back Shock Linwood, Baylor ran wild from the get go on North Carolina, roughing up the Heels 49-28 in the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando.  Baylor broke the record for most total yards and most team rushing yards in a bowl game, previously held by Nebraska in rather stunning fashion....Nevada dumped Colorado State in teh NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl...After the debacle in almost firing coach Les Miles, LSU got after Texas Tech in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl and beat Texas Tech 56-27 behind top flite running back Leonard Fournette....Auburn found a defense and throttled Paxton Lynch and the Memphis Tiger 31-10 in the Birmingham Bowl....Behind QB Dak Prescott, Mississippi State jumped all over NC State 51-38 in the Belk Bowl...Freshman QB Lamar Jackson, who was emerging throughout the year, came up big as Louisville upended Texas A&M in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl....Wisconsin held the talented USC Trojans in check en route to a rather surprising 23-21 in the National Funding Holiday Bowl.....Florida State was outplayed and outcoached by a Houston team that came to win in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on New Years Eve at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta.....Tennessee set the expectations high for 2016 in thumping Northwestern 45-6 in the Outback Bowl....Essentially playing a road game in front of a partisan Gator crowd, Michigan pummeled Florida 41-7 in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in beautiful downtown Orlando....Ohio State got clicking and defeated Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl 44-28, with it appearing the Irish, who lost All America linebacker Jaylon Smith in the first quarter, finally had their back broken on the injury front.  Even if healthy, Ohio State showcased what may have been and appear poised to lose a truckload of players to the NFL......Stanford, behind a brilliant performance by Christian McCaffrey, destroyed Iowa 45-16 in the picturesque Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual.....Ole Miss demonstrated their strengths in overwhelming Okie State 48-20 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.....Georgia raced out front and then held on to dump Penn State 24-17 in the TaxSlayer Bowl on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove his #88 TaxSlayer Chevrolet out to midfield to participate in the coin toss....Arkansas, behind RB Alex Collins, ran by Kansas State 45-23 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl....In a top notch bowl game, down 31-0 to Oregon behind the stellar quarterbacking play of Vernon Adams, Texas Christian mounted a comeback for the ages and got to overtime, then defeated Oregon 47-41 in 3OT's.  Great game....In another wild contest few on the east coast saw, West Virginia outlasted Arizona State 43-42, making just one more big play the Sun Devils.

Due to the inability to fill all the bowl games with teams with winning records, three teams with losing records (5-7) were issued bowl invitations based upon academic success.  The three teams were Nebraska, Minnesota and San Jose State.  Each team, as you may imagine, won their bowl game.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

In the Capital One Orange Bowl, the Clemson Tigers outscored Oklahoma 21-0 in the second half to dominate the Sooners and place the Tigers in position to win their first National Championship since defeating Nebraska in the 1981 Orange Bowl. Deshaun Watson was stellar, both with his arm and legs in dazzling the Sooners, who were favored.  Clemson also turned in a top notch defensive effort against QB Baker Mayfield and the high flying Sooner offense.  Clemson is IN.

Later, in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Alabama trounced Michigan State, dominating the Spartans 38-0. Although Alabama looked in control, the game was still in question with Bama leading 17-0 when Cyrus Jones returned a punt to give the Tide a 24-0 lead.  Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry took over from there, for which the Spartans had no answer.  Alabama owned the line of scrimmage, and got a great performance from QB Jake Coker. It was a bloodbath, and Alabama is IN.

North Dakota State pummeled top seeded Jacksonville State to win their fifth straight FCS National Championship, which is remarkable and worth the admiration it deserves.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the 2015 College Football National Champions! Alabama scored 24 fourth quarter points, and needed them all, to outlast Clemson 45-40 to win the National Title.

Most everyone is well aware of the storied football history of Alabama, but this is their fourth title in the last seven seasons.  This feat is unmatched in the modern era, and has eclipsed Nebraska, who went 60-4 in winning three titles in four seasons in the mid 1990's.

Nick Saban has squarely placed himself among the very best in the annuals of college football coaching, as he now has five national championships, having won one at LSU before coming to Alabama after two mediocre seasons with the Miami Dolphins.  Saban perhaps coached his best game on this evening, with an uncharacteristic trick play in an onside kick that appeared to turn the fortunes toward the Crimson Tide.  OC Lane Kiffin should also be recognized, for he is well on the way of atoning for failures as the head man at top jobs in both the NFL and college and will find himself with another opportunity sooner than later.

Alabama made the big plays, repeatedly, to win the ball game, on a night full of big plays.

Bama got out early, with Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry bolting 50 yards for the first score. However, Henry would not be story for Alabama on this night.  It would others, most notably tight end O. J. Howard.  Gridiron watchers in south, along with the NFL scouts, have known about Howard for years, but he has never been asked to play a significant role and never accumulated statistics that would place him contention for honors.  Hell, he had not caught a touchdown pass since 2013.  Howard hauled in five catches for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns, finding himself wide open time after time.  QB Jake Coker, who played a very smart game, found Howard and that connection seemed too much for Clemson.  Coker also, while avoiding a sack, found ArDarius Stewart for a big sideline grab.

But the big play that finally did Clemson in was a fourth quarter 95 yard kickoff return by Kenyon Drake.

Alabama's Kenyon Drake find paydirt with 95 YRD KO RET TD
Photo/USAToday

Alabama played well on defense, not withstanding the score, but had trouble matching up with Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson and his big play making ability.

Top ranked Clemson, 6.5 point underdogs, came to win and has can hold their head high. The Tigers came very close to winning, making a bunch of big plays themselves. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, The Color & Pageantry 2015 All American quarterback, played a brilliant game and served notice on the nation he is among the nations best.

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson
Photo/SI.com

Watson was 30/47 for 405 yards with four touchdowns, and ran 20 times for 73 yards as well.  Watson did throw an interception, where Watson fired an attempt to hit a receiver on a wheel route but Bama safety Eddie Jackson fell back to pick it off.  Had Jackson  not made the play, Clemson would likely have been up 21-7.

Watson and Clemson got performances by Wayne Gallman and a host of receivers to keep the pressure on Alabama.  In addition, defensively, most of the evening, Clemson played very well.

Defensively, the Tiger held up strong in the trenches, with DE Kevin Dodd and DE Shaq Lawson, making several sacks and tackles for loss.  CB Marquise Alexander made some plays early, but was lost to injury by the end of the first periord, and his loss withour question hurt the Tigers.

Clemson got screwed by poor officiating at the end of the first half, losing the opportunity for a play and a time out.  After the officials failed to get it right, Clemson had a field goal partially blocked and lost momentum going to the break.

It was a very enjoyable game, exploding with drama in the fourth quarter. Instead of this Monday Night tilt, the game should have been played the preceding Friday Night, as it was an early morning on the east coast for those of us fortunate enough to be employed.

Bama made the most big plays, and Clemson had failures on two special team plays, the onside kick and kick return touchdown, that told the tale of this game.

Congratulations to Dabo Swinney  and Clemson on a big year and congratulations,once again, to the 2015 National Champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide!  RTR!

Finding Fertile Farm Ground

Throughout a difficult and inexplicable season where Nebraska failed to establish an identity, the Foster Farms Bowl offered an opportunity, one in which the Huskers firmly capitalized on in defeating UCLA 37-29.

Coach Mike Riley, seemingly already on the hot seat after the dismal 2015 campaign, often spoke of achieving an appropriate balance offensively.  Most in the fan base thinks the proper balance begins and ends with the run, and there is sound thinking behind that.

Certainly, it seems Riley and offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf prefer to throw, to a fault an reminiscent of the forgettable tenure of Bill Callahan. Evidence in this critical failure in coaching staff application occurred earlier this season where, after leading throughout, the 'Huskers proceeded to give a game away at Illinois. Not willing or able to run adequately, the staff instructed Tommy Armstrong to attempt 45 passes in freezing and windy weather, which produced four interceptions, and the end result was a completely unacceptable loss.

There were far too many of those this season, and the staff is no doubt aware continuance of these failures will result in their termination. However, out on the farm at the Foster Farms Bowl, Nebraska demonstrated what an optimal offense, for the Big Red, might look like.

I used to love the old option offensive attack, where when performed with precision, was a thing of beauty. Firing that onslaught of the Big Red machine at folks was just tremendous, but, sadly, the game has changed dramatically, and I do not think it could be as effective today.  There is far too much speed on the defensive line with most potential opponents, and it is much more difficult to recruit the top athletes necessary to run it. Wide receivers dream of touchdowns, knocking getting coaching points for knockdown blocks on the perimeter.  Option performers do not translate so well with NFL futures, so players will go where the can aim to perfect their NFL craft.

However, it is out on the farm where a blueprint for success, one which would match the history of Nebraska football with the game of today, and that is found at Stanford.  Under David Shaw, Stanford uses a punishing offensive line, runs when they want to and can when they need to, but uses both short and long passing games to compliment their total attack.

Nebraska offered a similar attack against UCLA. The Big Red ran early and often, establishing physicality and control, which in turn allowed Tommy Armstrong to be effective, and lethal, in the pass game.  Imani Cross ran inside, with Devine Ozigbo running strong inside and outside and making a nice catch out of the backfield. The fullback was relevant with Andy Janovich (will miss him in 2016), and a long list of targets collected Armstrong throws, most notably, freshman sensation Stanley Morgan, Jr.

Stanley Morgan, Jr./WR Nebraska
Photo/Erza Shaw/Getty Images

Nebraska ended the evening having tremendous offensive success, establishing an identify, and providing a base for future offensive operation, which opens the entire field for everyone, and allows quarterback play to be guided to maximize defensive deficiencies.

Defensively, UCLA freshman quarterback sensation Josh Rosen would be quite a challenge for the Blackshirts, who although improving in recent weeks, have been very suspect.  UCLA got out to a 21-7 lead, and Rosen is as advertised, but you had the feeling the Husker D was up to the task on this evening. Up front, we saw some tenacity that was often missing in the season.  One area Nebraska has been strong is stopping the run, and they were stout. The linebackers were active and although there were expected lapses, the secondary played pretty well.

Of course, as what is becoming customary, Nate Gerry was inexplicably tossed for targeting.  His tackle which got him disqualified was among the most fundamentally sound tackles most have recently seen.  These penalties are way to subjective, are hurting the game and are in fact simply out of control.  It must be addressed.

UCLA underachieved this season, which is becoming a pattern for the Bruins, but they are a talented bunch and defeating them in the Foster Farms Bowl is something to be proud of.  As mentioned, an offensive blueprint may have been found on the fertile ground on the farm, one which will effectively and successfully blend 'Husker heritage with the offensive complexities of the current game.

Nebraska in 2015 was very young, and if the players are buying in, with a good recruiting class, there is no reason to think the Big Red cannot win the 2016 B1G Ten Western Division.

Losing Legends

Frank Gifford was a legend in the NFL, a Hall of Fame player with the New York Giants and a longtime staple in the booth of ABC's Monday Night Football. Gifford still holds the record for the most touchdowns scored by a New York Giant.  In those years, Gifford was rivaled in the Big Apple by only New York Yankee Mickey Mantle.

By all accounts, Gifford was wonderful man who lived a storybook life in a game we all cherish.  But suddenly on Sunday, the nation learned Gifford died of natural causes at 84.

Gifford, who starred at Southern Cal before entering the NFL, had retired before I became a big fan of the game, but I was very familiar with him with his announcing career. Gifford was well known to many from his lovely wife, Kathie Lee, who rose to incredible fame due to her hosting, with Regis Philbin, of the daytime talk show Regis and Kathie Lee.

It was Gifford, in the ABC Monday Night Football booth with Howard Cosell, who pressed Cosell that they needed to convey to the country the horribly sad news that came their way via ABC News flash, the news that former Beatle John Lennon has been shot dead outside of his Manhattan apartment.

Prior to internet and in large measure cable television, it was how America learned of Lennon's death, which affected many of us deeply.  I saw and heard it live, for it was my Miami Dolphins in action hosting the New England Patriots on that evening, December 8, 1980, from Miami's Orange Bowl.

Gifford was a part of Americana, and the large impact he had on the American sporting landscape was invaluable and greatly appreciated.


We woke up this morning to learn that NASCAR legend Buddy Baker has passed away at 74.

It was shortly after the Coke Zero 500 when Baker, the 1980 Daytona 500 champion, announced he was stepping down from NASCAR broadcasts due to an inoperable tumor in his lung. Baker, at 6'6" and nicknamed the "Gentle Giant" due his stature coupled with friendly demeanor, will be greatly missed in the NASCAR community.

 

"Do not shed a tear. Give a smile when you say my name." Consider that done!

Sadly, we are starting to lose many of the legends we grew up with.  We need to keep their memories alive.

Lacking Toolbox Screwed Phillips

Lawrence Phillips

Last week, former Nebraska running back Lawrence Phillips, already serving a sentence of 25 years, is suspected in the death of a cellmate in Kern Valley prison in California.

The saga of Phillips has left the wonderful folks in Nebraska with a stain that will not go away.  Phillips brought a lot of joy to Nebraska fans displaying his immense talent on the gridiron. LP was brilliant on the field, with physical talent that potentially could have have led him to be one of the top running backs of all time.

However, his actions off the field, most notably after he left Nebraska for the National Football League, have left nothing but sadness and a series of victims.

One tackle Lawrence could not avoid was his troubled upbringing, where he was abandoned and abused among other negative things. Phillips, who was smart and personable on occasion, was and is infested with demons he is ill-equipped to escape from.

1620 The Zone Sharp & Benning co-host Damon Benning, a former 'Husker tailback who once roomed with Phillips, shared his conflicted thoughts on Phillips with an extremely sincere, emotional and eye opening reflection of sad series of events which led to the position this gifted but troubled individual finds himself in.

This was as powerful of thirty minutes of radio I have heard in many of moon, and I salute Damon Benning for sharing his heartfelt thoughts on this difficult situation as his perspective as a media member, former teammate and friend from back in the day.  POWERFUL STUFF!

Dr. Tom Osborne, who was coach at Nebraska during the time Phillips played at UN, caught tremendous flak from the media when after suspension, Osborne re-instated Phillips before a Fiesta Bowl matchup with Florida, which Nebraska won easily 62-24.  As Benning noted, there was more to this story, and Osborne needs to make no apologies, and deserves respect.

Phillips needs to be held accountable for his own actions; and he is.  But his story is sadly not unique, as the list of many young athletes, and normal youngsters, with bright futures have for whatever reason taken the wrong path and derailed if not terminated the opportunities presented them. Like many others, with an individual like Phillips, blessed with charm, intelligence and incredible physical abilities, failing to be adequately equipped to withstand the pressures of life, the potential of that individual to be a thriving member of society is lost.

Although the reasons behind these failures are voluminous and worthy of a few semesters of sociology classes, the decline of marriage and the family unit with the number of children being raised by one parent, grandparents or others, seems a root cause.  The divorce rate, particularly among blacks, has increased dramatically since the mid sixties, seemingly related to the policies of The Great Society.  The demise of the family has directly had a negative impact on the children, with children raised by single parents much more likely to live in poverty having their future success significantly threatened.

We have got to fix this, and as Benning pointed out, get folks back to having concern for others, with confidence and pride to respect themselves in effort to maximize the wonderful opportunities we are presented with.

Timing is everything, and two candidates have announced their intent to win the presidency.  One, Hillary Clinton, seeks to continue and increase the role government plays in our lives, thinking they can better dictate the path our young people take to success.  Marco Rubio makes the case that the government cannot and should not take the place of the family, and that we need to reclaim the family supporting marriage with parents raising children with responsibility and accountability, thus allowing youngsters the freedom to pursue their dream no matter where the lead.

Having taken an incredible path reaching high levels inclusive of a career in the National Football League, at the end of the day, Phillips could not escape the demons of his past.  As Benning so appropriately noted, he did not have the tools in his toolbox, for which we are all saddened.

The investigation into the death of Phillips cellmate remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed as of yet reports The Omaha World Herald.  However, the death has been ruled a homicide by strangulation.

Deep Freeze

Once again, the nation finds itself in a deep freeze.



Just this past year, the Buffalo Bills had to move a game from the friendly confines of Orchard Park, NY to Detroit due to a massive snowstorm that left Ralph D. Wislon stadium unable to host a game. Boston has had reached a historical record in snowfall this year as well.  It was just a few years back NASCAR had to cancel qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway was snowed under this past week.

No doubt, it will be brutal tomorrow night at the High Banks at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona Duel 150's.

Although the media continues to hammer the public about the horrors of man made global warming, or as they now phrase it, global climate change, even as the nation freezes to death, much of the public remain convinced there is merit to these claims.  In short, they do not believe their own thermometers.

Michael Raimrez/Investors Business Daily

We have long said that Global Warming, or Global Climate Change, is among the greatest hoaxes of all time, a vehicle of the transfer of wealth.  Investors Business Daily editorialized about the re-branding, designed to mask the truth, which seems frosted upon everyone's hair tonight.

When we look for top notch weather data and forecasting, we turn to Joe Bastardi, Chief Forecaster at WeatherBell Analytics.  In a piece over at The Heartland Institute, Bastardi combats some of the propaganda presented in the media.

As global climate change summit's continue to be cancelled due to snowstorms and with the nation in yet another deep freeze, even if you have been brainwashed to believe the global warming alarmists, your freezing body is presenting you the truth.

As we have noted previously, it is important to note that global warming, or the newly defined global climate change, is not about weather.  These people have no idea if it is going to rain next Tuesday in their own back yard.  It is about governmental control, the transfer of wealth, and limitations on real property, restricting property rights under the global premise of social justice.

As the brilliant Michael Ramirez so eloquently stated, it is the truth that is the endangered species in the global climate change "lack" of debate.  The science is settled tonight, with a low of 27 degrees expected here tonight in Orlando.

Is FSU Target of Political Left?

It was shortly before President Obama was elected in 2008, when comments made by Michelle Obama got her yanked off the campaign trail, as these comments, if appropriately analyzed by a curious media, would pull the mask away from the blank canvas many considered Barack Obama to be and alert the nation to some of the real, hidden objectives.

Please take a listen to the following commentary from Michelle Obama while in Puerto Rico in 2008:

 

"Barack knows that we are going to have to make sacrifices; we are going to have to change our conversation, we're going to have to change our history, our traditions. We're going to have move into a different place as a nation", said Mrs. Obama.

Might changing of traditions include the demise of football in America?  Without question, the game of football is under attack from the political left, all the way up to the White House.  President Obama has publicly admonished the use of the nickname Redskins by the Washington Redskins of The National Football League, and through his associates, most notably Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D:NV), have gone after Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, a republican, for both failing to bow to political pressure and for having the audacity to not support Obama and his vision of American.  The NFL remains under attack.

Fast forward to what is happening to Florida State University in college football, the currently undefeated defending national champions.  Last fall, star quarterback Jameis Winston, a redshirt freshman, was leading the Seminoles to their undefeated championship season when he was questioned about a sexual assault.

After an investigation by the state attorney, the state attorney's office found the evidence did not support charging Winston with any crime.  While many in the media were in uproar, Winston went on to win The Heisman Trophy while guiding the Seminoles to their third National Championship.

Since that time, Winston has had some lapses in maturity, walking out of a grocery store without paying for crab legs he ordered and yelling obscenities, sexual in nature which is certainly inappropriate considering the charges which considered against him, in the FSU student union.

No doubt, while Winston is stellar on field, he is at times immature off it, failing to accurately gauge the temperature outside in this era of appropriate non-tolerance of assault against women.  Although the Winston case was and is a factor, the blowup surrounding Baltimore Raven running back Ray Rice, who struck his girlfriend and now wife in an elevator and who has been suspended from the NFL ever since, has been at the forefront publicly.

But has the left found Winston as a vehicle to punish political opponents, be they individuals, agencies, or even public universities? Don't laugh.  I am wondering, as I review a series of events.  Maybe you should too.

In 2008, as reported by The Tampa Bay Times, "A foundation bankrolled by Libertarian businessman Charles G. Koch has pledged $1.5 million for positions in Florida State University's economics department. In return, his representatives get to screen and sign off on any hires for a new program promoting "political economy and free enterprise."  The article references "a separate grant from BB&T (formerly run by John Allison, who is supporter of Rand philosophies) funds a course on ethics and economics in which Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" is required reading. The novel, which depicts society's collapse in the wake of government encroachment on free enterprise, was recently made into a movie marketed to tea party members".

In my opinion, Atlas Shrugged, should be required reading for students within the economics department. The writings of Ayn Rand are an excellent defense of capitalism, although in my view they lack a necessary moral component.

The political left reviles the Koch Brothers, thinking anything they touch is evil.  As such, the interaction of the Koch brothers with the FSU Economics Department has stirred up plenty of controversy, with the progressive left labeling it a clandestine takeover of Florida State University.

Fact are always stubborn things, and never mind the Economics Department is still run by the many of the same folks, inclusive of the Dean of the College of Social Sciences Dr. David Rasmussen and Dr. James Gwartney, that were running things when I graduated from there in 1987. 

The department was always centered on free markets drawn upon from the Austrian economic models, and although Keynesian model coursework was engaged upon, social justice through economic policy was not deemed a logical and efficient mechanism of theory.

Not only has the debate centered upon the Economics Department, even FSU's Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science has come under fire, for the truth about climate change may derail many a progressive dream of citizen control. 

Liberal and progressive ideology is bankrolled by groups and individuals all across the nation in public universities, hiring faculty to teach these theories nationwide.  See Ward Churchill and Austan Goolsbee.

The relationship between the Koch Brothers and Florida State University recently came to a head in the form of additional attacks as the university engaged in a search for a new president with Eric Barron accepting the same position at Penn State.  Representatives from the left, inclusive of students and media outlets, lambasted FSU as John Thrasher, an alumni and republican in the state senate, became the leading candidate.  A lack of transparency, the fact he is a conservative and that he may have gotten political donations from the Koch brothers were among the reasons cited.  Facebook pages and websites, (with support from leftist organizations such as MoveOn.org), sought to force FSU to eliminate Thrasher from consideration.  At the conclusion of the rocky search, Thrasher was hired as the fifteenth president of the university.

In the background have been countless insinuations and accusations surrounding the football program, most of which was without merit. Some weeks back, four competing "sports" outlets, Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, ESPN and The New York Times each released a detailed report citing transgressions on a Friday evening.  Since when do competing firms sync up for the release of a report to share eyeballs? They don't, unless there is orchestration.

It is worth noting, nothing of material significance was found to be of consequence within these reports.

With respect to Winston, few if anyone has actually read the report surrounding the sexual assault case.  Any reasonable assessment of the facts of the case will lead the reader to easily conclude that the accuser lacks credibility.

The reports of investigators continuing to investigate Winston is simply staggering.  Recent accusations, primarily from ESPN, told a tale of Winston getting paid to sign autographs, which would make him ineligible for collegiate competition.  However, after months of stories of this action blasted all over the sports media, it is now reported that the items he supposedly autographed are fake, not actually having his signature.

Winston signs thousands of autographs, as I have personally witnessed on many an occasion.  In fact, at a baseball game FSU played at Stetson University in Deland, FL, ESPN reporter Marty Smith stood two feet away from me watching Winston sign hundreds; for free.

Recently, The New York Times released a report indicating favoritism by the Tallahassee Police Department regarding a traffic citation issued to cornerback PJ Williams.  With seemingly no action to investigate as President Obama sadly runs roughshod over our Constitution, The New York Times appears well staffed in Tallahassee, fabricating targeted news unfit to print. Guilty until proven innocent is now en vogue with the media.  FSU responded quickly and with assertion, and the story seems to have gone away.

The New York Times is agenda driven to be sure.  In the aftermath of a tragic shooting at the Strozier Library on the Florida State campus, in describing the story, The Times made reference to the issues surrounding the football team (fabricated), which has zero relevance to the actions of a disturbed individual.

ESPN continues to blatantly target FSU as well. In a recent report of talented Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota receiving a traffic ticket, it was the picture of Winston that was presented, and no, he was not involved.  This was not an error, but rather an orchestrated opportunity to tarnish FSU.

Why are all these media outlets exhausting all efforts to take down Florida State. While one could envision Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and certainly ESPN performing investigative sports reporting, I find it offensive that The New York Times cannot find enough in Washington to keep them busy without the gray lady taking up hotel rooms in Tallahassee.  I wonder who is directing their investigative action, and why?

But then again, perhaps due to the relationship between Florida State and the evil Koch brothers, we can find a logical reason these competing interests are relentless in their investigative attacks on FSU.  It appears Florida State University may be getting attacked by the political left, who gleefully employ the tactics of their mentor Saul Alinsky; achieving goals by any means necessary to punish political enemies both financially and in the court of public opinion.

No worries. Florida State University remains The Unconquered!