COMMENTARY: Bad athletes are tolerated if they win

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if the Rockets had enough guts to take a stand with Rafer Alston? Don’t hold your breath. Hell will freeze over before a professional sports team holds an athlete accountable for bad behavior. Yes, the Chicago Bears waived Cedric Benson after his second arrest this year, but the fact Benson had been a bust on the field surely made it easier for them to take action regarding his behavior off it.

Maybe teams don’t care what kind of people they have in uniform because they know you don’t care. The Rockets were widely praised for obtaining a guy with baggage ranging from domestic violence to animal cruelty to an assortment of suspensions, fines and other bad behavior. Who’ll remember that stuff if Ron Artest smothers Kobe Bryant in the playoffs? That’s when Artest will become misunderstood.

An NFL guy recently joked, “If Jeffrey Dahmer could play, we’d say he had an eating disorder.” That’s especially true of the Rockets. A team that just acquired Ron Artest isn’t likely to get tough about a measly little misdemeanor drunk driving charge.

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Transfer seeks new start at Tennessee State

Head football coach James Webster, TSU Tigers

JaJuan Spillman’s ability to perform on the field has never been in question. Off the field, well, that’s another story. The wide receiver and kickoff specialist transferred from Louisville to Tennessee State last month, after being kicked off the Cardinals’ squad for a slew of trouble. Now he’s trying to make another go of his college football career as a Tiger. His first impression didn’t disappoint. As soon as the TSU intra-squad game kicked off Saturday, Spillman stole the show.

He returned the opening kickoff nearly 90 yards for a touchdown and scored three more times on long plays before the scrimmage was over. It was a dazzling performance that left fans who watched wanting to know more about the ultra-fast wide receiver and how he ended up at TSU. It’s a story Spillman can’t tell for himself.

New guys don’t speak

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Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands


Spillman and the recent influx of transfers to HBCUs that have had brushes with the law reminds me of a commentary on the Houston Rocket's guard that has "trouble" as a middle name. Sure, everyone deserves a second or third chance, but at what price for the entire university student body?

You will want to read the above commentary: Bad athletes are tolerated if they win!

-beepbeep

Transfers give ASU offense a boost

When offensive lineman Lionell Mapp arrived at Alabama State a few weeks ago, he noticed a rather disconcerting attitude around the locker room. There seemed to be little confidence among the offensive players. The defensive players roamed the locker room with their chests out and a sense of dominance among them. But Mapp's offensive teammates had a completely different outlook.

"The feeling just wasn't good," Mapp said. "When we were being recruited here, the defensive guys were talking and talking about how they dominated the offense. They were really cocky."

None of that sat very well with Mapp. At 6-foot-7, 360 pounds, he's never been easily intimidated. Or intimidated at all, for that matter. And he wasn't about to change.

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FAMU WRs finding their way

Javares Knight and the rest of FAMU's receiving corps seemed to be enjoying every bit of the defensive challenge Wednesday afternoon. No matter where the ball was thrown, a defender was right there. Not a single receiver backed down. "Right now we never can be comfortable," Knight said. "It's still a lot of time before the first game, so every day we have to come out and work harder."

Coming out of spring practice, the talk was all about Philip Sylvester, as the sophomore running back established himself as the anchor of coach Joe Taylor's offensive scheme. But as good as Sylvester is, his effectiveness will depend on receivers making catches, especially when defenses crowd the box. Knight and his cohorts spent the summer readying themselves to be the distraction that Sylvester will need. For that reason, they're not considering their roles as minimal.

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Florida A&M University Marching 100

Blend of vets, newcomers pleases SU coach Richardson

A host of players — from a strong group of newcomers to veterans picking up their games — have made Camp Richardson XVI a strong one. “Overall, I’m real pleased with the first-year guys, with the attitude they have,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “They’re aggressive. They’re forcing people to step up.”

Among those newcomers drawing praise are running backs Byron Williams and Jerry Joseph, wide receiver LaQuinton Evans, offensive linemen Lee Almanza and Chris Browne and defensive linemen Ken Frankson and Kennon Gilliard, both from Yates High in Houston. Along with those true freshmen, that group also includes sophomore running back Silas Gibbs.

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Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band and the Dancing Dolls



Jaguars 2008 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Time

Aug. 30 at Houston 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 Tennessee State
(John Merritt Classic
LP Field, Nashville) 6 p.m.

Sept. 13 MISS. VALLEY 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Alcorn State* 5 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Jackson State* 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 TEXAS SOUTHERN* 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 FLORIDA A&M 6 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Prairie View*
(Reliant Stadium, Houston) 6 p.m.

Nov. 1 UAPB* 5 p.m.

Nov. 15 Alabama State*
(Gulf Coast Classic
Ladd-Pebbles Stadium; Mobile, Ala.) 6 p.m.

Nov. 29 Grambling*
(Bayou Classic, Superdome, N.O.) 1 p.m.

* Southwestern Athletic Conference games
Home games in CAPS

Delaware State's Sessoms to Be President of UDC

'Change Agent' To Lead UDC

An Ivy League-educated physicist who has run a historically black state university for the past five years will be the next president of the University of the District of Columbia, a choice that school officials said signals dramatic change at the public institution.

UDC's trustees announced yesterday that Allen Sessoms will become president Sept. 1. Sessoms, president of Delaware State University, will arrive as the long-troubled school is struggling to redefine itself.

UDC is moving forward with plans to create a community college within its program, but some city leaders have said that it isn't strong enough to take on such a major initiative. James Dyke, trustees chairman, said Sessoms will show that UDC can be both a strong community college and university.

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TSU in a rush to turn it around

Texas Southern’s ground game didn’t run to daylight in 2007. Instead, it sprinted into darkness. Of the 118 schools in the Football Championship Subdivision, the Tigers resided at the bottom of the list in rushing, totaling a paltry 543 yards on 281 carries and scoring only three touchdowns en route to an 0-11 season that led to the dismissal of coach Steve Wilson and ushered in the Johnnie Cole era, which began on the practice field early Monday morning.

“We know that in order to win, we’ll have to run the ball successfully,” Cole said. “One of our biggest goals is to find players who can fill that role for us.”

Two of the 65 new players Cole brought to TSU will have the first opportunity to help rejuvenate a ground game that averaged 1.9 yards per carry last season. Freshman Marcus Wright (5-11, 215) will compete with Lucas Caparerlli (5-11, 180), a transfer from Wake Forest who will give the Tigers something they sorely lacked last fall — speed.

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Sports Journalist John Dell practices with the WSSU football team

SEE VIDEO: John Dell practices with the WSSU football team

The big moment came during a 7-on-7 passing drill. It was my turn to do a slant pattern across the middle. The ball came, seemingly in slow motion, hit me in the chest, and … I've always had a fascination with stories about writers participating in something incredible and then writing about it. I've now had my George Plimpton moment, but I think I liked it better when somebody else was doing what came to be called "participatory journalism."

Plimpton wrote Paper Lion after going through training camp as a quarterback with the Detroit Lions in the 1960s. His book was later turned into a movie starring Alan Alda. My Plimpton moment was going to be a lot shorter -- just one practice with the Winston-Salem State University football team to see what the players go through.

I'm 44. The last time I put on a football helmet was in the sixth grade...

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JSU Tigers hit field for full workout in spite of rain

Pouring rains may have stopped Jackson State from practicing Monday, but coach Rick Comegy wasn't having it again. Despite heavy morning showers, the Tigers took the field Tuesday and went through a full practice. The only phase left out was a kicking period. "I was a little afraid of guys getting sick," Comegy said, "but I think we were a little sluggish coming in, feeling sorry for themselves, that camp-itis. We needed a change.

"I don't want them ever to feel we can't do something."

Comegy was concerned over a couple players coming into Tuesday morning meetings a little late. Freshman defensive back J.R. Boone was punished by repeatedly having to flip an oversized truck tire with strength and conditioning coach Derek Scott during practice. Coaches, players and trainers were soaked from head to toe...

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Receivers may soar for Tennessee State Tigers

Tennessee State's offense is up and running again. Or it might be better to say it's up and passing again. The passing attack had to be grounded late last season after quarterback Antonio Heffner suffered a broken leg in the seventh game at Eastern Kentucky. He was replaced by freshman Calvin McNairl, a skilled runner who lacked the experience to keep the passing game in flight.

"We lost Heffner, Calvin was a true freshman, and we had to shut the offense down," offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss said. "Hopefully that won't happen this year."

With Heffner healthy again, the hope is that the Tigers' talented and experienced receiving corps will live up to expectations and the passing game will finally emerge from the shadows of the running attack, which has long been the strength of TSU's offense.

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Staying healthy big key for Southern senior WR Roberts

Everything is coming together for Southern University wide receiver Del Roberts. He enters his senior season as the veteran leader among the wideouts. He’s on course to graduate in psychology in December and then pursue his master’s, likely at SU, as he seeks his goal of becoming an occupational therapist. And he’s got a team that can — if he and others play up to their potential — make a run for the Southwestern Athletic Conference title.

A December with a diploma and a SWAC championship run looks like the perfect way to finish to Roberts.

#1 Jaguars wide receiver Del Roberts.

“It’s something special,” Roberts said of his view of his senior year. “I’ve been playing football all my life. To say I graduated and be able to try to win a championship in my last year going out is a big deal. I’m just trying to do anything I can to help this team and this unit be the best it can be.”

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Transfers and Morgan State Bears, Oh my!

BALTIMORE - Morgan State returns 50 of 64 lettermen from a team that went 5-6 last year. But if the Bears want to post their first winning season since 2003 and challenge for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and automatic berth in the 16-team NCAA Tournament, the performances it receives from some of its newest players will be more important.

Bears are MEAC dark horse, but are loaded with experienced talent (Mark's Digital Photography).

Morgan State is expecting to receive an immediate boost from several transfers from Football Bowl Subdivision teams, including redshirt junior quarterback Carlton Jackson (Akron), sophomore receiver Edward Morton-Green (Miami of Ohio) and senior safety Joseph Ellis (Illinois).

“It’s one thing when you don’t know what you have, you try to push [the start of practice] as far back as you can,” Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley said. “But when you know you have some players coming in, and you have a chance, you can’t wait.”

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Frustration lives at A&M

Team's scrimmage doesn't put smile on Jones' face

Alabama A&M's second preseason scrimmage Tuesday night looked a lot like the first one and that drew the ire of coach Anthony Jones. Last Saturday, A&M's defense got the best of the offense. Tuesday was much of the same. Offensively, the Bulldogs showed some big-play capability, but weren't nearly as consistent as Jones wants the unit to be. "There were a lot of encouraging things out here tonight, but there were some discouraging things, too," he said. "We've got to be more consistent."

Some things that encouraged Jones:

- The rushing and receiving of tailback Anthony Green.
- The play of wide receivers Rashad Johnson and Thomas Harris.
- Quarterback Kevin Atkins was terrific at times.
- The offensive line did a nice job run blocking and pass blocking.

Some things that discouraged Jones:

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DSU & UD Coaches take heat from field to kitchen

Charity cook-off features DSU, UD football rivals

The University of Delaware and Delaware State University faced off Monday evening in Dover. But the heat was not on the football field, it was in the kitchen. UD football coach K.C. Keeler and DSU coach Al Lavan matched sautées for a charity cook-off event at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, whipping up Fiery Hornet Chili and Blue Hen Chicken in a five-minute cook-off.

The match resulted in a draw, with Lavan taking honors for his spicy beef chili and Keeler winning with his blue corn chip-crusted organic chili. "At least the coach and I agree on one thing: Blue Hens are meant to be eaten," Lavan said after sampling Keeler's chicken.
















Perhaps not as historic as last year's football match between the two big Delaware universities, the coaches viewed the cook-off as a way to draw attention to the schools.

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MEAC Releases Volleyball Preseason Poll

Will 2008 be the Year of the Lady Hawks?

Florida A&M University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore were picked as the preseason favorites in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) southern and northern divisions, as voted on by the leagues head volleyball coaches and sports information directors.

The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, who were slated to finish first in the Southern Division, completed the 2007 season with an 8-0 MEAC mark and 18-8 overall record en route to their seventh consecutive MEAC volleyball title. They return four starters including 2007 MEAC Rookie of the Year Jovana Blazeski. Blazeski recorded two 20-plus dig outings and seven 20-plus kill performances. She also tallied double-digit kills in 25-of-26 games played.

Florida A&M received 21 first place votes for a total of 261 points to earn the top preseason selection.

North Carolina A&T was predicted to finish second in the Southern Division with 183 points, followed by Bethune-Cookman (177), South Carolina State (154) and Norfolk State (149).

Maryland Eastern Shore Lady Hawks received 17 of the possible 22 first place votes to earn the nod to finish atop the northern divisional standings. The Lady Hawks posted a 10-0 MEAC mark in 2007 and a 24-4 overall record. They return six starters, three of which earned All-MEAC honors including 2007 MEAC Player of the Year Whitney Johnson, Christina Estebane’ and Caylin Woodward. Johnson ranked among the top three in the league in kills, hitting percentage and points.

Morgan State was picked second in the Northern Division with three first place votes and 191 total points, followed by Delaware State (172), Howard (169), Hampton (143) and Coppin State (114).

Conference play begins on October 3 with all MEAC northern and southern teams in action. The 2008 MEAC Volleyball championship is scheduled for November 14-16 in Holland Hall on the campus of Hampton (Va.) University.

2008 MEAC Volleyball Predicted Order of Finish
(As voted on by the leagues head coaches and sports information directors)
(First place votes in parentheses)

MEAC Northern Division
Maryland Eastern Shore (17) - 245 pts.
Morgan State (3) - 191 pts.
Delaware State -172 pts.
Howard (2) - 169 pts.
Hampton - 143 pts.
Coppin State - 114 pts.

MEAC Southern Division
Florida A&M (21) - 261 pts.
North Carolina A&T -183 pts.
Bethune-Cookman (1) - 177 pts.
South Carolina State - 154 pts.
Norfolk State - 149 pts.

Courtesy: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

UAPB Poised For Success Under Coleman

The Monte Coleman era has begun at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Defensively, the Lions return 8 starters that could be the reason they go back to Birmingham, AL for the SWAC championship. Offensively, senior Jonathon Moore will lead the Lions this season. They're offensive line averages over 350 pounds and that's good news for running backs Martell Mallet and Mickey Dean.

For more Golden Lions highlights...view Video below:

Rodgers-Cromartie (TSU) hurt at practice

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a four-year starter at Tennessee State University, was taken off the practice field on a cart after injuring his right ankle on Tuesday. Rodgers-Cromartie, the Cardinals' top draft pick, rolled his right ankle during drills halfway through practice and did not return to the field.

Arizona Coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke briefly after practice but provided little detail on Rodgers-Cromartie's condition. "We'll know more tomorrow," Whisenhunt said. "He tried to go but it's a little sore so we'll see tomorrow." The Cardinals drafted the speedy 6-foot-2, 182-pounder with the 16th overall pick.

Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to push for playing time in the defensive backfield this season and worked with the starting unit several times...

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Weather wet, OK for FAMU workout

Defense shines early for Rattlers

Joe Taylor stepped back, applauding at midfield as a buzzer sounded to signal the end of the first day of practice in pads. "In all honesty, it couldn't have worked out much better," he told the team, leaving no question about how he felt after seeing the Rattlers work out for two hours during a steady drizzle.

Rattlers Running back Demitric Henry.

"It was a double- whammy on them —- first day in pads and they had to deal with the elements," Taylor said. "It was a bonus for us. We got better as a result of that."

If there was a unit that could have been singled out for consistency, it would have been the defense. "I liked the energy level," Taylor said. "They created some turnovers, and they made some tackles. Overall, for the first day in pads I think we're making progress." The unit seemed to have a one-track mind — find the ball — all afternoon.

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S.C. State Bulldogs Motto: ‘Shut Up and Play’

This year’s preseason camp at South Carolina State has moved along on the quiet side.
Missing is the open talk about winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship. Through Wednesday’s practice, there were no public proclamations about this being “The Year of the Bulldog.” Even getting selected as the preseason favorite to win the conference title does not encourage braggadocio from the players.

Taking a cue from head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, the Bulldogs have adopted a more humble yet pointed approach towards the upcoming season - one based on less “bark” and more “bite.” In other words, it’s just “Shut Up and Play” for S.C. State.

“Coach Pough was just getting tired about everybody saying that we were picked to win,” senior co-captain and center Raymond “Duck” Harrison said. “Okay, we’re picked to win. So, blah, blah, blah...

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Smith leads SU's deep RB corps

Southern University has to replace running back Darren Coates this season. Or not. Well, at least, or not really. Coates had a phenomenal breakout season as a senior, earning All-Southwestern Athletic Conference second-team honors while rushing for 732 yards and seven touchdowns and catching a team-high 49 passes for 566 yards and five TDs.

Jaguars top tailback Kendrick Smith, #33 is roaring to start the season

Because that blend has never been seen to that level before in the Pete Richardson era, while Southern needs to find a replacement, trying to find an exact fit is not necessarily the goal. As it was, Coates’ pass-catching developed through the season. “He had the uncanny ability to get out of the backfield, stretch the defense and catch the ball,” offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said of Coates. “He was more of a prototype pro...

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COLTS/NFL: Getting to know Chad Simpson (Morgan State)

Click here to view:
Colts Running back Chad Simpson Photo Gallery

Position: Running back.
Jersey No.: 35.
Height, weight: 5-9, 216.
Age: 22.
Hometown: Born and resides in Miami.
College: Morgan State University.
Pro tenure: Rookie, undrafted.

How did you feel about your first preseason game? "I was excited. To finally be out there playing against an actual NFL team, it was just crazy the way time has gone."

You're another football player from Florida, huh? "You're always being compared to the Willis McGahees and the Frank Gores. You've got to live up to that hype down there, which is not hard. All you've got to do is just get a chance and show what you can do. I've been doing this since I was 7."

Hobbies? "I like to play the Nintendo Wii, the Olympics, and run a 9.7 in the 100 in track. You run with the arm motion. I'm about a 10.3 in real life."

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Three transfers join AAMU Bulldogs

Ex-Mississippi St. star received All-SEC honorable mention

Alabama A&M, in desperate need of a left tackle after preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference pick Darius Turner was ruled academically ineligible almost two weeks ago, landed a big one Monday when former Mississippi State standout Michael Brown practiced with the Bulldogs for the first time.

Brown, 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, graduated with a degree in Business Communications and will work on his master's in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Human Development/Family Studies at A&M. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

"I talked to a lot of people before I made the decision to come here," said Brown, who picked A&M over Georgia Southern, Grambling and Jacksonville State. "(MSU coach) Coach (Sylvester) Croom and (A&M coach) Coach (Anthony) Jones are close. Coach Jones has a lot of experience, runs a good program and the offense they run is similar to what we ran at Mississippi State.

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SCSU Dogs' 'D' dominates Monday evening session

South Carolina State, following a day off Sunday, returned to the practice field Monday as the Bulldogs conducted two workouts. The Bulldogs conducted a 6:15 a.m. drill in full pads, then came back for a 6:50 p.m. workout in just shorts, helmets and shoulder pads.

S.C. State head coach Buddy Pough termed the morning session a lively and productive one, attributing his team’s performance to the cool temperatures. The evening practice, which was mostly devoted to the passing game – both offensively and defensively – was dominated by the defense, according to Pough.

“Going early gave us a chance to get in a real productive practice,” Pough said “Not having to worry about the weather, allowed us to maintain our focus and be more productive.

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North Carolina A&T Brown promoted to AD

GREENSBORO -- There are some subtleties to Wheeler Brown, a friendly sort with the frame of a bear. But Monday, the former Aggie football player spoke like an offensive lineman, not a diplomat.

"My No. 1 goal would be for us to get our swagger back," said Brown, who was named athletics director at his alma mater on a full-time basis Monday. "There was a time when we were kings. If you wanted a championship, you had to come through Greensboro to get it, and you had to fight like hell to get it. We're going back to those days. That's it."

Brown, who had been AD on an interim basis since Dee Todd was reassigned in November 2007, is familiar with the full spectrum. As a player in 1975, he helped the Aggies...




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At Bethune, Alvin Wyatt has a true 'home' edge

Alvin Wyatt clearly enjoys being flashy. Bethune-Cookman's football coach has maybe the most distinctive sideline wardrobe in the game. Shirts opened to mid-chest, gaudy jewelry dangling from his neck, sunglasses, pointed shoes with a glossy shine. And when he's away from the football field, he sometimes can be found driving around Daytona Beach in his luxury sedan. It's simply part of his lore, the way he's always been, the way he'll always be.

Yet Wyatt also has a simple side, the one that is the backbone of his football program.

BCU Wildcats head football coach Alvin Wyatt(Mark's Digital Photography).

For nearly three decades, the Bronson Residential Complex - the Bethune dorm that houses most football players, wedged between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the team's practice field - has been his year-round home. He eats alongside the students, shares a bathroom with them, rides the same elevators, walks the same hallways. His reason? Officially, it's to save money, since he isn't exactly one of football's higher-paid coaches.

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