JSU Tigers' Williams to be punished, Anderson vows

The day after one of his players was ejected from Tuesday's game for punching a Mississippi State player in the groin, Jackson State basketball coach Tevester Anderson called the action "uncharacteristic" and said Phillip Williams will be punished in some fashion. "It's uncharacteristic of him, it's uncharacteristic of our team and I'm really disappointed in what took place," said Anderson, whose team lost 81-67 to MSU in a first-round game of the National Invitation Tournament at Starkville. "There will be some repercussions from me down the road. ... Nothing should happen to cause a guy to do something like that.

"I will get to the bottom of it. I don't run that kind of program. I don't condone that at all." SWAC policy mandates a one-game suspension for a player ejected from a game. Although Williams became an instant YouTube hit and was fodder for radio and TV talk show hosts around the country, Anderson said he had not seen a replay of the punch by Wednesday afternoon. He said he will make Williams' punishment public after making a decision.



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3-Star LB Turice King is signed in Class of 16 for Jackson State

Tigers, who zeroed in on 19, bring home 16

Being successful in 16 of 19 attempts in any realm is a pretty good percentage. If National Signing Day were a baseball game, Jackson State would be hitting .842. Let's just say the coaching staff will take that any day and twice on Sundays. Jackson State offered 19 scholarships Wednesday and received 16 signed national letters of intent. That doesn't include two players coach Rick Comegy hopes to sign in the next few days, and the 19 offers do not include SMU transfer B.J. Lee and Minnesota transfer Tim Dandridge, who are already enrolled. "I knew we didn't send out an over-abundance of scholarships," Comegy said. "I was hoping we didn't make a mistake by sending out so few, and it worked. The ones we went after we nailed down. "That process worked today ... so we didn't over-scholarship, but we didn't under-scholarship."

Jackson State football signs 16 to National Letters of Intent ...

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State University football team has officially signed 16 football players to National Letters of Intnet Wednesday. Below is a complete list of the newest members of the JSU football program:

Offensive Guard Jonathan Smith (6-2, 290), Pensacola HS (FL): An undersized lineman that relies on quickness to get to linebackers... was a major factor in the offensive success that Pensacola had.

Linebacker Connor Thompson (6-1, 230) New Mexico Militay Inst (JUCO): Recorded 55 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a sack as a sophomore in 2009 ... was second on the team with 44 tackles and three tackles for loss as a freshman in 2008.

Linebacker Carlos Williams (5-11, 235), American Heritage HS (FL), from Vicksburg, MS: Helped his Heritage team to a 9-3 record during his senior season.

Running Back Rakeem Sims (5-10, 225), Richton HS (MS): Named to the 2009 2009 WDAM/Hair World of Laurel All-Area Football Team as a fullback... has a 32 inch vertical jump... was also a basketball standout for Richton.

Linebacker Turice King (6-2, 230), Yazoo City HS (MS): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com, had a strong showing at the Mississippi -Alabama All-Star Classic where he led the Mississippi squad in tackles... rated as the nation No. 25 inside linebacker coming into his senior season... three star prospect by ESPN... he has the size and playing speed for the inside linebacker position at the major level of competition. He is an active, productive player vs. both the run and pass... recorded 111 tackles, three fumbles recovered and two sacks as a senior... finished his junior season with 111 tackles and seven sacks... can bench press 315-pounds, squat 500 and has a 32-inch vertical jump.

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JSU Tigers 2010 Football Signees
Offensive Guard Jonathan Smith (6-2, 290), Pensacola HS (FL)
Linebacker Connor Thompson (6-1, 230) New Mexico Militay Inst (JUCO)
Linebacker Carlos Williams (5-11, 235), American Heritage HS (FL), from Vicksburg, MS
Running Back Rakeem Sims (5-10, 225), Richton HS (MS)
Linebacker Turice King (6-2, 230), Yazoo City HS (MS)
Linebacker Ariane McCree (6-1, 220), Chester High School (SC)
Defensive End Kadeem Taylor (6-4, 270) Carroll HS (LA)
Quarterback Te'Shon Burton (6-3, 190) Leuzinger HS (CA
Tight End/Offensive Line Jordan Arthur (6-4, 260), Carroll HS (LA)
Quarterback Tevin Chapman (5-11, 180), Hattiesburg HS (MS)
Quarterback Torrey Harkness (5-11, 175) Los Angeles Southwest College (CA)
Quarterback Mark Thigpen (6-3, 200), Callaway HS (MS)
Wide Receiver Williams Golston (6-2, 185), Murphy HS (AL)
Tight End Renty Rollins (6-3, 245), Scottsdale CC
Running Back Tommy Gooden (5-11, 205) Douglas HS (GA)

History maker: JSU-MSU is 1st SEC-SWAC football matchup

Little did Greg Byrne know it when he did it, but the first football game contract he signed as athletic director at Mississippi State made college football history. That would be the one that pays Jackson State $315,000 to come play at Starkville on Saturday. It will mark the first football meeting in history between a school from the Southeastern Conference and a school from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"To be honest, we weren't thinking of it in terms of a historical perspective," Byrne said. "We want to play one game a year against a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly Division I-AA) team. "We felt it made more sense to play, if possible, a regional team or someone in our own state. It also made sense to find a team that has a history of its fans traveling well. That was what we had in mind when I approached Bob Braddy (JSU's athletic director).

"Now, we're excited about bringing their band, their team, their fans to our campus. The historical part? We're honored to be a part of that." A week out, the game is nearing a sellout. From Braddy's point of view, it's a no-brainer: the largest payday in Jackson State history and a short trip besides. There is some historical irony at work here: The sons and grandsons of players who once made the SWAC perhaps one of the most talent-laden conferences in college football, now do the same for the SEC.

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Memo to A.D. Bob Brady--You gotta push the money envelop back for more cash in negotiations, especially with the Sonic Boom Marching Band and possibly 8,000+ JSU fans travelling to MSU. With only 148 miles separating MSU and JSU, the Bulldogs need only 7,326 additional fans to cover the JSU payout of $315,000. JSU averaged 21,263 fans for four home games in 2008, ranking #4 in the FCS in attendance. MSU averaged 43,453, ranking #54 in FBS average home attendance, with only one saleout (#7 ranked Auburn) at 55,082 Davis Wade Stadium. Expect the stadium record for attendance at 56,188 to be broken for this anticipated game. Game tickets are $43.00 each for JSU fans.

$315,000!! We're talking about a SEC school buying a FCS victory to become bowl eligible with a 6 win season. Surely a guaranteed victory is worth more...even for a bottom dwelling SEC Bulldog program.

JSU running game to test Southern's Hall

Frazier Hall is already used to the beating he takes behind the plate. The next two days, he figures his knees will snap and crackle even more than they usually might. That’s what happens when you’re the starting catcher at Southern and you face a team like Jackson State, which tries to steal more often than Rickey Henderson. Hall knows this much: In his attempt to throw out base runners, he’ll pop up and down all weekend. “With a team like Jackson, we might pick over (to first base) a little more often, just to keep the runners honest,” said senior right-hander James Spear, who will start today’s game.

SU Jaguars Coach Roger Cador congratulates Brad McDavid after homer

“I know Frazier will be expecting them to run whenever. But we basically take the same approach with every team.” Southern (17-8) visits Jackson State (23-11) at 3 p.m. today in the first half of a two-game home-and-home series. The teams play again at 1 p.m. Sunday in Baton Rouge. (To borrow a term from soccer, these games are “friendly;” they don’t count in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings and serve, more or less, as the traditional halfway mark of Southern’s SWAC schedule.) While the stolen base has almost vanished from baseball the last 20 years, giving way to an emphasis on the three-run homer, the Tigers have proven, the stolen base is still a deadly weapon.

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Monique Holland named Alabama State University Athletic Director

Alabama State University Hornets director of athletics, Monique Holland

New ASU AD strives to lead Hornets in positive direction

Alabama State's appoint­ment of Monique Holland as its athletic director sends a mes­sage. School officials appointed their leading expert on NCAA compliance to the program's top position to emphasize that the school is serious about playing by the rules, Holland said Fri­day. ASU President William Harris voiced his full endorse­ment of the new AD in a state­ment that announced her hir­ing. "Monique Holland is the right person at the right time to lead ASU's athletic department forward . . ." he said.

Holland, an ASU alum and former athlete, was promoted from the associate athletic di­rector for NCAA rules educa­tion and compliance, a position she's held since last June. She came from Georgia State with the mission to clean up a program that was wrecked by an NCAA infractions case that had dragged on for years. The hundreds of violations the school self-reported resulted in self-imposed sanctions that included firing coaches and limiting scholarships. Earlier this month, the school received notice that the NCAA had com­pleted its investigation and mandated five more years of probation and a ban on postsea­son championship play next year for the football team.

Photo Gallery: Monique Holland named ASU Athletic Director

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JSU Tigers in party mood after clinching SWAC East

JSU earns chance to defend its SWAC title with fifth straight victory

First it was head coach Rick Comegy. Next was defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes. They even snuck up on running backs coach Greg Ruffin. Three tubs of celebratory ice water on a brisk Mississippi evening didn't seem the least bit excessive. Jackson State clinched its second consecutive trip to the SWAC Championship Game with a 37-21 victory over Alabama A&M (4-7, 3-3) on Saturday.

"I was wondering why they wanted my headset so quick," Comegy said. "I had a slight inkling something was about to happen. But they fool you out of it. "It was 'exuberating,' but I hope I don't catch a cold from it." The scene that played out on the turf of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium was equal parts relief and I-told-you-so. A small group huddled on the sideline shouting, "We're goin' to the 'ship, we're goin' to the 'ship!"

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Attendance: 9,046 at Missisissippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS.

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Southern’s depth in secondary bodes well for ’09

Their starting left corner back missed last week’s home finale, and their starting free safety is on the shelf for good. But the Southern Jaguars’ black-and-blue secondary may have uncovered something over the last two months: silver lining. So many reserves have played in the secondary this season that their transition to starting roles might not be as rough next fall.

“I think it just shows the depth we have on our football team,” SU coach Pete Richardson said. “I think our assistants do an outstanding job of preparation and keeping the young ones focused — to make sure they’re focused on what they have to do. Anything can happen. When they got an opportunity to play, I think they stepped up and did that.”

Indeed. A pulled groin muscle forced left corner Mike Williams to sit out Saturday’s 31-24 double-overtime victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

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Attendance: 10354 (35%) @ Mumford Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA (Capacity: 28,400).

Gorman’s Loyd commits to Grambling State

Las Vegas, NV - Recent Bishop Gorman graduate Kevin Loyd missed most of his senior year with the Gaels basketball team recovering from knee surgery. Now, he has a chance at becoming Grambling State’s starting point guard. The 5-foot-10 Loyd committed to the Grambling, La., school last week and started classes Aug. 18. “It’s a blessing in disguise the way things happened,” Loyd said. “I would have never thought I would be in this position right out of high school.”

He had a bone removed from his right knee last September and spent two months on crutches. He saw limited action in 10 games at the end of the year, but had done enough as a junior — 10 points and 7.5 assists per game — to impress Grambling’s staff when Gorman coach Grant Rice gave them game film. “He’s a real good basketball player who we feel will move the program forward,” first-year Grambling coach Rick Duckett said. “We needed leadership and a steady hand at the point and felt he’s someone to build the program around.”

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JSU's Gorden reaches top with Hall of Fame induction

SOUTH BEND, IND. — They showed W.C. Gorden around Notre Dame Stadium this weekend. He took a long look at Touchdown Jesus. Stood in the stadium Knute Rockne built. Strolled in the grass where guys like Paul Hornung, Joe Theismann and Tim Brown became legends.

Like any lifelong football man, Gorden was emotionally moved. After all, the history of the Fighting Irish is maybe the most celebrated in the sport. Some of the greatest football games on Earth were played in this very spot. But don't get things misconstrued. Even though Gorden was impressed by the sights of South Bend, he was far from jealous. In fact, the 78-year-old is more than comfortable with the career path sent his way.

"I've already been to the mountaintop," said Gorden with a grin. "I've been the coach of Jackson State University's football team."

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Grambling athletic director Mathieu bidding farewell to Tigers

GRAMBLING — Grambling State athletic director Troy Mathieu has submitted his resignation and will leave on July 31 for another job. In a phone interview with the Associated Press, Mathieu said his new job would be in athletics administration but did not want to elaborate because he did not want to pre-empt a formal announcement by his next employer.

"I'm moving on to another professional challenge," said Mathieu, who took the Grambling job in 2006 and has hired seven current coaches. "I'm appreciative of having had the opportunity to serve at Grambling over the past two years and I wish the university continued success. During my tenure at Grambling we had the opportunity to hire some outstanding coaches."

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ASU's Bosh joins NBA summer league team

Alabama State senior forward Joel Bosh has been named to the Toronto Raptors' summer league team. Bosh, a two-year starter, played an integral role as the Hornets ran away with the SWAC regular season title last season. "This is a well-deserved opportunity for Joel," said Lewis Jackson, ASU's head basketball coach. "He spent a lot of time in the offseason working on ball handling and shooting. And now it's paying off."

Bosh averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while also leading ASU in steals. It was that defensive prowess that Jackson pointed to as one of Bosh's greatest assets. Bosh's older brother Chris is an NBA All-Star with the Raptors and a member of the United States Olympic basketball team that will be competing in Bejing, China, next month.



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New Era for Monte Coleman, UAPB Golden Lions

A new era has begun at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Former Washington Redskins, National Football League veteran linebacker Monte Coleman will begin his tenure as head football coach of the Golden Lions. Coleman is no stranger to Pine Bluff, having lived there in his youth and assisted former Golden Lions coaches after his retirement. Coleman won three Super Bowl rings with the Redskins in 16 seasons and upon his retirement entered the ministry.

Holding a Bible in one hand and a whistle in the other, figuratively speaking, Coleman plans to create strong Christian young men who win with heart and determination.

“My first hope is for winning football games — I’m not used to losing,” Coleman said. “I especially want to win when I’m on the football field, but it takes players being disciplined. As a football team, if we put discipline in everything we do, we can have some major accomplishments.”

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LSU Baseball Handles TSU, 12-1

BATON ROUGE -- LSU sophomore designated hitter Blake Dean homered twice and drove in four runs to lead the top-seeded Tigers to their 21st straight win with a 12-1 victory over Texas Southern in the opening game of the 2008 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional in front of 6,536 fans on Friday afternoon at Alex Box Stadium.

The Tigers, champions of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, improved to 44-16-1 on the year and 19-0 in NCAA regional opening games. LSU set the single-season school record for consecutive victories in its last outing and has not lost a contest since April 19.

Texas Southern dropped to 16-33 on the season. LSU advances to play the winner of tonight’s contest between Southern Miss and UNO at 6 p.m. Saturday. Texas Southern takes on the loser of tonight’s game at 1 p.m. Saturday.

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Grambling baseball roughed up in first round of SWAC tournament

BATON ROUGE -- The opening game of the 2008 Southwestern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament provided plenty of fireworks as Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils -- the No. 3 Eastern Division seed -- pounded out a 12-2 victory over the second seed from the Western Division – the Grambling State Tigers.

The Tigers broke open a scoreless game in the bottom of the third inning when Brandon Williams led off the inning with a single and scored on a triple into right field by Anthony Clifton. The run would be the only run the Tigers would manage until the bottom of the ninth when Williams scored on a Clifton ground out.

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Mississippi Valley tops Southern U for SWAC softball title

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — Mississippi Valley State won its fifth straight Southwestern Athletic Conference softball title Sunday. And for the second year in a row and the fourth time in that run, Valley did so by beating Southern. As it was last season, Southern forced a second game only to have Valley win.

Tournament Most Outstanding Player Brittany Franklin went the distance as Valley won the championship game 6-3. Earlier, Southern junior Lauren Dodd’s sixth-inning grand slam lifted the Lady Jaguars to a 5-2 win in the first game.

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JSU Comegy grateful for good fortune on injury front

A tone of relief hung heavy in the words of Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy when asked about the injury situation at the conclusion of spring workouts. Defensive tackle Emmanuel Muhammad went down with a strained knee in the Blue and White game, but otherwise the Tigers were unscathed Saturday.

Even senior quarterback Joe Hawkins played, despite being scheduled to sit out the game with a leg injury. He took a few big hits, came out and returned with the red no-touch jersey on. "We came out good," Comegy said, "which I am so happy about. And we played a full game, rather than a 60-play series.

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