My Take on Mike Leach's Suspension for the Alamobowl

The relationship between Mike Leach and Texas Tech University took another turn for the worst. Leach is being suspended by the University for his treatment towards a player, Adam James, son of ESPN analyst Craig James. First it was a contract dispute last winter, now it is this situation.

At first glance, I couldn't believe what Leach did... and even was kinda sickened by the whole situation. But as more information is revealed the more and more I am siding with Mike Leach.

First off, why would this whole situation have been swept under a rug if Leach would have simply apologized for his actions towards Adam James? If the situation was THAT bad, I don't think an apology would be simply enough.

Also, according to many reports, a TEAM doctor released James to practice after he was checked out for a concussion during practice. That alone shows me... how could Leach be at fault whatsoever if a doctor said James was A OK to get back to the practice field. Leach is smarter than the average person.

Next, why are all of Leach's former players sending messages and letters to the Chancellor stating they back Leach and his treatment of his players. The likes of Graham Harrell, Rylan Reed, Eric Morris, etc are more than credible sources that support Leach, I do too.

Thirdly, the timing of this whole thing is very interesting. Things that make you go "hmmmm." Adam's dad, Craig is running for a Senate position here within the next year, hmmmmm. Mike Leach is owed $800,000 December 31st for completion of contract... he will not get that because he is technically NOT the coach, hmmmmm. Chew on that for a bit.

Another thing, reports all season long have stated Adam James had an attitude problem, did not work hard in practice and wanted more playing time in games. With all this unfolding, it doesn't seem like a far fetched anamolly that Adam simply has a personal vendetta against Leach. A modern day witch hunt. Just a thought.

All in all, once again a situation that Texas Tech University could have handled much better. But dropped the ball just like in the contract negotiations just a year ago with Leach. And here we go again. I thought they would have learned from the last time. I guess not, and once again my alma mater is not shedding a great light on itself. A shame to say the least.

Dallas Cowboys Paper Towels

Here’s the deal:

I decided to buy Dallas Cowboys paper towels about two weeks ago at Wal-Mart. The Cowboys were on a 4 game winning streak and averaging 30.25 points a game.

And now the Cowboys offense has gone into a funk, here’s some statistics over the past two games for Dallas:

14 total points

Averaging 291.5 total yards on offense with 4 total turnovers, Romo sacked 6 times total.

Total dominated on time of possession as well.

And narrowly avoiding their first shutout loss since 2003 against Washington in both games scoring a touchdown late in the 4th quarter in each game.

Cowboys are 7-3 on the season and sitting atop the NFC East.

So no need to panic quite yet, what should I do with the paper towels?

1. Burn them?
2. Use them up before tomorrow’s game against Oakland?
3. Keep them in hopes the offense will turn around?

Thanks for the advice!

Friday Night Live, Shout Outs...

Well Friday Night Live is over for the rest of the football season. No, that doesn't mean we won't stop following all of the local high schools. Of course we will still follow your school, but not with a full show.

With that being said, I want to thank everyone behind the scenes that made this well-oiled machine tick. Yeah, I said it... Thank you.

I am going to try and give me shout-out in less than 1000 characters. Don't hold me to that...

Andrew Carlson, our Chief Photographer basically went everywhere we told him. Shot two games a night and ran live-shots for us at night with the winning coach out at Shotwell Stadium. Good stuff Andrew

Tim "Magic" Johnston, who would help with the news during the day... shoot a football game at night and the do a live interview with a coach at Shotwell Stadium. Good stuff Tim, "Magic" it was.

Goose, another photographer of ours. Came straight in the middle of the season and didn't miss a beat. Helped edit highlights to get those suckers on air. Thanks Goose, /S/ Maverick!

Rob Mooring, my partner in crime. Updated scores, shoot games, edit highlights and co-anchor FNL-DOS with me. Thanks Rob, you were a breathe of fresh air.

Ruth, our director. Basically without Ruth... the show wouldn't run smoothly. Ruth is the master behind everything. We all love Ruth... thanks for your hard work.

Mark, over-looked our shows and made sure everything ran smoothly.

Mark and Ruth were the dynamic duo... Kind of like Batman and Robin, no scratch that... that didn't make sense. More like Wonder Woman and Wonder Man?, no... nevermind.

Anyways, Ruth... Mark thanks guys.

To the rest of everyone that edited, shot, produced, wrote, and anything else. You guys were awesome. Thanks.

No tapes where hurt in the making on the shows during the season. The FCC will be happy.

Oh ya, thanks for those random nights were pizza was served to the whole staff... pepperoni, sausage, ham, the works... pizza lovers be jealous.

I'm out.

New Desk Equals Change

It has been an interesting month for me, to say the least. I changed desks, but I am not a HUGE fan of change (sorry Obama, P.S this is not a political blog). The new desk idea wasn't mine, but I obliged.

Saying goodbye to my old desk was not the easiest thing to do, I spent many hours for the past 15-16 plus months on my butt pounding away at a keyboard. And to just up and leave that lovely "man-cave" wasn't the easiest thing to do in my 25 years of life. Besides giving up this cat I adopted for 2 years, I miss you Diego, it wasn't my choice I promise! Anyways...

One lone bright spot, I was able to move all my belongings to the new one; but it just won't be the same. *Tear Shed* One man tear that is...

I use to sit by my Weekend counterpart Maria Oliver. Not so close these day. I normally catch myself yelling to catch her attention. Which for the most part goes ignored. I think she is sad I left, and coming to the realization the coolest person in the building is no longer a reach away. And I will give her time to come back around.

Now I want to talk about the location of this new desk. It is located in an interesting spot, very close to the Assignment Editors desk where all the news meetings happen during the day. And it can be very entertaining at times. Fire, Crime, Swine Flu stories, School Board Meetings and

I am normally the loud person around the newsroom, but I know when its time to have a meetin', its all serious business. And have acquired a "Library Voice" around that time of the day. A trait I did not have prior to the move. Go figure.

The new desk is also located in a heavy foot traffic area. It seems like everyone that works in this buildings passes my area to get to theirs. No big deal, just not use it. Hopefully I don't come off like I am complaining about peanuts. Oh well.

All in all. It was a tough move, but I am holding up. I am sure I will have these same thoughts in 15-16 months when it is time to move desks once again.

Eagles, Cougars and Bulldogs Impress

Hey All!

High School football is in full swing, and it has been a pretty interesting season so far. Some schools fairing better than I though, other's not so much.

I will give my impressions thus far of Abilene High, Cooper and Wylie football teams. Also citing some things I have seen in practices and games I have attended.

Cooper High is 2-3 on the season, which is probably the most deceiving record in high schools sports that I have seen in quite sometime. Head Coach of Cooper, Mike Spradlin has told me on numerous occasions that he will not back down from competition, and it shows.

The Cooper Cougars are, in my humble opinion, the most prepared team going into district in all of 4A. Take that to the bank. Coach Spradlin continues to tell me how good the district is and they have got to play their best every Friday, but I will be highly disappointed if the Cougars don't run the table. From everything I have seen on film, practice and game nights, the Coug's are the class of 4-4A. Hands down.

The Abilene High Eagles have blown through their competition so far this season. 4-0 and it doesn't look like they will have a blemish on their record anytime soon. It has been pretty interesting to see how this team would respond after the loss of some key players from a playoff appearance a season ago. But the cream always rises to the top.

Herschel Sims, the junior standout running back who turned some heads as a sophomore. Everyone knew what Herschel was capable of, but not so much from his cousin, junior quarterback Ronnell Sims. Who has grown each and every time he has strapped up his chinstrap on Friday nights. Probably my Play of the Year to this point in the season.

I did a story on Abilene High and their running back situation. What a situation to be in. Three standout guys in the same backfield, impressive to say the least. A stable of running backs just waiting for the guy in front of them to take a breather. It was pretty amazing to see the chemistry between Herschel Sims, Tony Curtis and Zach Mosley. Each one, you can honestly tell, cares about the other person and wants them to do the best they can. And were quick to say the key to their success was the offensive line. No matter how you slice it, the guys are special... keep you eye on them. If they continue to pound out the type of yardage throughout the rest of the season. They will make a deep run in the playoffs.

The last of the big three schools I can give a season outlook to this point is Wylie. I think most people who have been in the Big Country for any amount of time know what they will see out of a Hugh Sandifer coached football team. Consistent and fundamental. It is amazing how these guys can reload year after year. Coach Sandifer is running a program that many not only the region should be looking at, but the State. Take note.

Bulldogs are for real. And no matter what the situation in a game, the Bulldogs are in the game. 10 points up, 10 points down. 4th down and long, Never count them out. I guess I am writing these things before the Bulldogs actually have somewhat of a competitive game. We will find out alittle more from the Dogs in a closer game. But to this point, the Bulldogs are just as good... if not better than last year's squad.

All in all, good stuff so far.