Whatever happened to ... ?

[jbcarol]

... Clyde Duncan

Clyde Duncan, part of a heralded wide receiving corps in the late 1970s and early 1980s that helped brand Tennessee as "Wide Receiver U," died Feb. 15 at his home in Fort Washington, Md., 11 days after his 54th birthday.

He was part of Tennessee teams that featured wide receivers Willie Gault, Anthony Hancock, Lenny Taylor, Mike Miller, Tim McGee, and Darryal Wilson. He played at 6-foot-1, 202 pounds.

He was a first-round draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1984 NFL draft, a selection that shocked many draft observers, given that Mr. Duncan had played defensive back in 1981 and didn't blossom as a wideout until his senior season.

"I'm really happy to be going there," Mr, Duncan said on draft day. "I really didn't expect the first round. It is a pleasant surprise."

Mr. Duncan is survived by his wife, Rhonda.

[jbcarol]

... Phillip Sims

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  3 hours ago

Former Alabama quarterback Phillip Sims 'fighting to keep a dream alive' http://ow.ly/JBd2M

Phillip Sims has gone from being one of the most hyped and highly rated prospects in the 2010 recruiting class to an overlooked underdog.

Rated by Rivals as the top pro-style quarterback in his recruiting class, Sims was in the mix with AJ McCarron for Alabama's starting quarterback as a redshirt freshman with the Crimson Tide in 2011. Four years and multiple schools later, Sims is an under-the-radar draft prospect coming off a strong senior season at Division II Winston-Salem State.

"I'm fighting to keep a dream alive," said Sims, whom CBS Sports rates as the 49th-best quarterback in this year's draft class.

A Chesapeake, Virginia native, Sims left Alabama prior to the 2012 season.

The primary reason, Sims said, was to be closer to home in order to help his father, who eventually underwent heart surgery...

"I ended my career at a Division II school in Winston-Salem State, which I guess is why I'm under-the-radar so much," Sims said. "I feel physically there's not a quarterback in the country that I can't match up with skill-for-skill. But coming from a smaller school, there's some hurdles that you have to fight and get over, and that's what I'm facing right now."

[jbcarol]

... Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  22 hours ago
#CharlesBarkley, #BoJackson featured in new #Nike golf commercial with #TigerWoods, #RoryMcIlroy http://s.al.com/ORXUXUa (at link)

There are few situations in which Charles Barkley and Bo Jackson aren't the most popular people involved.

Nike Golf's latest commercial is one such occasion.

The former Auburn standouts are both featured in "Why Change?", a spot which advertises the sports footwear, apparel and equipment company's new Vapor driver...

Both Nike signature athletes in their prime, Barkley makes fun of his hitched swing reminiscent of a Bill Cartwright jump shot and Jackson drops his classic, 'Bo knows' line.

[jbcarol]

... Chris Johnson

Kevin Brockway @gatorhoops  ·  17 hours ago
Former Gator RB Chris Johnson dies at 22 - via @Gator_sports http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20150228/articles/150309997 ...

Former Trinity Catholic football star Chris "Juice" Johnson died Friday night in western Pennsylvania where he attended Duquesne University.

Trinity Catholic athletic director Tommy Bond and Duquesne associate athletic director David Saba confirmed Johnson's death late Saturday night. He was 22.

A cause of death was unable to be confirmed Saturday night by authorities in the Pittsburgh area where the campus is located.

The defensive back went on to play at the University of Florida before transferring to Duquesne in January 2013. Johnson wrapped up his senior season in November and was tied for fifth on the team with 55 tackles.

"I'm trying to peel it back as best I can," said Justin Wentworth, Johnson's defensive coordinator while at Trinity Catholic. "Nobody will ever know. When I texted with him on Wednesday, it was all good. You wouldn't have known anything. You ask how everything's going. How's life? How are classes going?

"He said everything was going good -- typical upbeat, Juice stuff. Getting this news hurts deep. It's a knife to the heart."

Duquesne University football player Chris Johnson died Friday at the age of 22, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner's office.

He was found in a car in Churchill at 10:59 a.m. Friday. He is from Ocala, Fla. The medical examiner ruled the death a suicide.

"Everyone associated with the Duquesne football program is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Chris," Duquesne football coach Jerry Schmitt said in a statement. "Chris was a passionate football player who was also a great teammate, who was loved by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris' family at this difficult time."

[jbcarol]

... Victor Hampton

GoGamecocks.com retweeted
Alexa Ashwell @AlexaWSOC9  · 3 hours ago
Baltimore Ravens Cornerback Victor Hampton arrested for DWI in Charlotte, according to highway patrol sources@wsoctv



http://www.gogamecocks.com/welcome_page/?shf=/2015/03/01/684499_victor-hampton-arrested-in-charlotte.html

[jbcarol]

... Jarret Johnson

Cecil Hurt @CecilHurt  ·  3 hours ago
Great guy. RT @RavensInsider: Jarret Johnson to retire as a Raven, will sign one-day contract with team this offseason, team announces

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Jarret-Johnson-Will-Sign-One-Day-Contract-To-Retire-A-Raven/273dbd16-8c14-4007-bc62-40341aab410c

The Ravens' ironman will sign a one-day contract with the Ravens after 12-year career in the NFL.

The outside linebacker was as consistent as anyone on Baltimore's roster, playing in a then franchise-record 129-straight games during his nine seasons in Baltimore. The hard-nosed defender became a fan favorite as the Ravens' ironman, and he also grew to love the franchise that drafted him as a fourth-round pick in 2003. 

"Baltimore was home," Johnson told BaltimoreRavens.com Tuesday night.

Even when Johnson left in free agency to join the San Diego Chargers in 2011, he still viewed himself as a Raven for life.

And that's why after calling it a career after 12 NFL seasons, Johnson will retire a Raven. Johnson officially announced his retirement from the NFL last week, and the Ravens plan to invite him to return to Baltimore this offseason to sign a ceremonial one-day contract.

Johnson, 33, will now head into the next phase of his life considering different options that he may pursue. He and his wife, Anna, plan to put much of their attention into raising their two young daughters, and he also just wants to spend some time just relaxing after a 12-year run in the NFL.

First team All-SEC DE is noted for being the only two-time team captain in Crimson Tide history.

[vol_in_ar]

... Clyde Duncan

Clyde Duncan, part of a heralded wide receiving corps in the late 1970s and early 1980s that helped brand Tennessee as "Wide Receiver U," died Feb. 15 at his home in Fort Washington, Md., 11 days after his 54th birthday.

He was part of Tennessee teams that featured wide receivers Willie Gault, Anthony Hancock, Lenny Taylor, Mike Miller, Tim McGee, and Darryal Wilson. He played at 6-foot-1, 202 pounds.

thanks for posting

[jbcarol]

... Marshall Henderson

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  21 minutes ago
Where in the world is Marshall Henderson? Believe it or not, Iraq | http://AL.com  http://ow.ly/JWXL5

He was one of the most energizing and polarizing figures in the SEC two years ago, as he led Ole Miss to an SEC tournament title. But where in the world is Marshall Henderson now?

He's in Baghdad, Iraq, playing in the Iraqi Super League.

"It's not as bad as people make it seem back home," Henderson told Yahoo Sports in a Skype audio interview last week. "We just chill in the hotel. We don't go anywhere. We could go places and it would be safe. We wouldn't be worried about getting captured or anything. It's definitely better than I would've expected."

Henderson said he has heard of incidents of terrorism, however, including from players on another Iraqi team whose hotel was bombed. Fortunately, none were hurt.

Known for past troubles with drugs and alcohol, Henderson told Yahoo he's stayed away from both since going overseas and is hopeful of getting another NBA tryout this summer. He plans to spend the offseason in Dallas and Oxford.

"The real test is going to be going home with thousands of dollars," Henderson told Yahoo. "What am I going to do with that? I will be excited to see what I do when I get home and whom I'm going to surround myself with.

"You can't really say much until you're in that situation. So we'll see."

[nationwish]

... Marshall Henderson

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  21 minutes ago
Where in the world is Marshall Henderson? Believe it or not, Iraq | http://AL.com  http://ow.ly/JWXL5

It's like he's saying "Hey, I'm going to have some money. Who wants to help me blow it?"

[jbcarol]

... Demetri Robinson

Terry L Jones @tjonesreporter  ·  17 minutes ago
Former LSU football tight end gets 50 years in Port Allen casino shooting http://theadvocate.com/news/11770683-123/former-lsu-football-tight-end ... via @theadvocatebr

PORT ALLEN — A former LSU football tight end for the Tigers 2003 national championship team was sentenced to 50 years in prison Thursday for his role in shooting up a Port Allen truck stop casino more than three years ago.

Demetri Robinson, 32, 5223 Sand Drive, Port Allen, pleaded guilty Aug. 18 to three counts of attempted second-degree murder in the Sept. 18, 2011, shooting at the Cajun Circus Casino on U.S. 190.

Robinson shot a cashier then fired shots at two other employees after he was asked to leave the casino on U.S. 190. Robinson entered the plea one day before he was to stand trial.

Eighteenth Judicial District Judge J. Robin Free handed down the sentence Thursday after Robinson, in a prison jumpsuit and shackles, spoke at length from the jury box about the incident and his intentions behind it.

Robinson on Thursday acknowledged to the judge he shot the cashier but claimed he did it out of frustration for being banned from the store. He added he had not intended to shoot Scales because he was behind tinted glass windows inside the truck stop and did not see him.

Judge Free finally had enough from Robinson, telling him what he heard was that it was everyone else's fault but his.

Then he pointed out that he also watched Robinson when Scales gave his statement.

"You were smiling," Free said.

He promptly handed down the 50-year sentences...

[jbcarol]

... Devonta Pollard

Cecil Hurt @CecilHurt  ·  20 hours ago
Good to see things looking up for Devonta RT @BlueRibbonSport: A nice profile on Houston's Devonta Pollard http://fb.me/6mP2CgHw9

Would you have done it? Could you have done it? Devonta Pollard had no choice, really. Either he testified against his mother in federal court, or he would have gone to jail—just for doing what he was asked by the one person who had always been with him.

When he was unwittingly playing a minor role in a kidnapping plot—the feds called his actions "conspiracy"—Pollard had no idea that his mother had taken steps down a path that would rip their relationship apart, at least for a while. His mom, Jessie, had asked for help, and he was providing it. Bring the car. Drive a friend home. Yes, ma'am.

A couple years earlier, Pollard and Jessie had buttressed each other as the flames charred their house and broiled their memories. Before that, they had teamed to provide end-of-life care for Pollard's father, Ervin, as pancreatic cancer withered his body. Jessie was Pollard's coach and his best friend. She pushed him on the court and held him off it. The mother-son bond is tight. This one was airtight.

But there was Pollard, on the witness stand, identifying his mother and helping the prosecution win a guilty verdict against the person he loved most. Jessie Pollard would be sentenced to 25 years in jail for a crime based on revenge. Her cousin had bought a foreclosed property Jessie had once owned. As retribution, Jessie had kidnapped her cousin's daughter. The plot unraveled quickly, as Jessie took the girl from Mississippi to Alabama. Her son became part of the crime when he drove his car to meet his mother and transport one of her accomplices back home. In return for his testimony, Pollard avoided jail time. If he kept clean for two years, it would all go away.

Well, some of it...

Since July, Pollard's journey has continued at the University of Houston, as part of Kelvin Sampson's first Cougar team, a thrown-together collection of a few holdovers, mixed with some transfers and last-minute pickups. The one-time top-50 recruit has spent the season reintroducing himself to basketball after spotty experiences at Alabama and East Mississippi Community College, while moving into a new life—away from disasters and tragedies. Jessie remains a phone call away. In fact, she talks to Pollard a few times a week. But her voice recedes, and reality intrudes. It's not an entirely bad thing. Jessie provides motivation, while Pollard walks his own path.

"He's getting better and better every basketball game, and he's starting to turn his life around," Sampson says. He's no longer a victim. He's on the balls of his feet, and he's getting happy. He's in control of his life."

[jbcarol]

... John Caylor

Going into the Florida game Saturday, Kentucky was on a 27-year winning streak. The last time a No. 1-ranked UK team lost at home was 1988.

Unranked Auburn beat No. 1 (and undefeated) Kentucky 53-52 on Jan. 9, 1988. Sophomore forward John Caylor made the winning shot: a three-pointer with 10 seconds left.

Caylor, now 46 and a sales manager for a wine and beer distributor in the Auburn area, said fate made him a player to take the shot.

Sonny Smith, then Auburn's coach and now the analyst on radio broadcast of Auburn games, said he chose Caylor to take the shot.

"A running joke between us," Caylor said the conflicting memories.

This much is undisputed: Auburn had won at UK only once before. The Tigers haven't won at UK since.

Caylor's date with destiny was set during the semester break when Auburn dismissed star forward Mike Jones from school. That meant more playing time for Caylor. But his role had not grown to where he would expect to take a game-winning shot with Kentucky leading 52-50.

"I was the sixth option of the five of us," he said last week.

That's not how Smith remembered it.

"I knew Chris Morris was going to be the heaviest guarded guy in the gym," Smith said. Morris had 18 points and 12 rebounds in the game.

During a timeout, Smith sensed that Caylor was volunteering to take the shot.

"Why don't you let me shoot that shot?" Smith said of the message he perceived. "He didn't say it, but you could see it in his face. He wasn't afraid of anything. One of those guys who thought he was better than he was. That's the kind of guy you want to take that shot."

Caylor recalled that his responsibility in the final seconds was to set a screen on the UK player defending Morris, which he did.

Then, "I just rolled out of the way," he said. "They had played good defense. I was wide open because nobody was guarding me.

"On the replay, you can see Sonny screaming 'No!!!.' Then, 'Yes.'"

The shot remains one of the more notable in Auburn basketball history.

"I never thought it was such an accomplishment," Caylor said. "Usually, a week doesn't go by that somebody doesn't bring up that game."

Caylor, who hit a game-winning three-pointer against LSU in the SEC Tournament two years later, reluctantly re-lived the moment.

"I don't want to say it's embarrassing," he said. "But I don't like to talk about it all the time."

[jbcarol]

... Mark Ingram

Larry Holder @LarryHolder  ·  20 hours ago
Mark Ingram is officially 'the man' at running back for #Saints with new deal: Larry Holder http://s.nola.com/OH6l1LV  via @nolanews

Mark Ingram @MarkIngram22  ·  21 hours ago
Very excited to stay a saint!! God has blessed me beyond belief!! I don't deserve his grace!! Thank you!!

[jbcarol]

... Billy Pickard

Kate Hairopoulos @khairopoulos  ·  9 hours ago
Aggies today are mourning loss of A&M legend Billy Pickard, involved with program from Bear Bryant to Kevin Sumlin: http://www.12thman.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=209936289 ...

A San Antonio native, Mr. Pickard's affiliation with Texas A&M began in the fall of 1952 as a freshman in the Corps of Cadets Company A-Armor. Later that year, he would move into Hart Hall as part of Company A-Athletics as a student football trainer. He continued in that role serving with great distinction with legendary head football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and assisting the head trainer, Smokey Harper. Mr. Pickard was a valued asset at the infamous Junction Boys football training camp prior to the 1954 football season. Mr. Pickard tended to a member of the Junction Boys, Gene Stallings, who would play a major role in getting Mr. Pickard back to Aggieland...

Read some of the reactions to the passing of A&M's Billy Pickard from around college football: http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/03/college-football-world-reacts-to-passing-of-texas-am-legend-billy-pickard.html/ ...

"Mr. Pickard was a fixture at Aggie football practices even attending last Thursday's practice in the McFerrin indoor football facility. Last fall marked his 50th Aggie football two-a-days, and every Friday before home games Aggie head coach Kevin Sumlin would have Mr. Pickard address the squad."

Mack Brown        ✔ @ESPN_CoachMack
We lost a great Aggie today with the passing of Mr Pickard. He helped many athletes at A&M have a better life. May he rest in peace.
9:02 AM - 9 Mar 2015

Jackie Sherrill @jackiesherrill
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an Aggie Icon, Billy Pickard. To the players he was "Pick".  RIP Billy.
10:27 AM - 9 Mar 2015 Texas, USA, United States

[jbcarol]

... Patrick Willis

SportsCenter @SportsCenter  ·  2 hours ago

"I have no regrets." – An emotional Patrick Willis announces his retirement.




SEC Network @SECNetwork  ·  2 hours ago

Patrick Willis, Ole Miss legend.
• '06 SEC DPOY
• '06 All-American
• Butkus Award winner
• Lambert Trophy winner

[jbcarol]

... Andrew Steele

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  15 hours ago
Former Alabama hoops player says critics never understood Anthony Grant's passion. http://ow.ly/KmAne

It's been about a month since Andrew Steele's phone rang with a familiar name. It was Anthony Grant. He was just checking in.

Steele, a first-year high school coach at John Carroll in Birmingham, credits Grant for inspiring his new career. The call meant a lot considering the stress in Tuscaloosa. That's one of the reasons Grant's Sunday firing saddened Steele, a guard from 2008-13.

[jbcarol]

... Rodrick Rhodes

In a state where basketball is a religion, a small, mountain school is accused of heresy – disturbing the hierarchy of Kentucky high school sports. Fined, sanctioned and harassed for its transfer students – many of whom are urban and black – the Cordia School has a history of coming from behind. But this is about more than basketball, says Coach Rodrick Rhodes, a former UK star.

More often, fans remember one of his final games, the SEC championship against Arkansas.  Arkansas, number five in the nation and defending national champions, had Kentucky down 19 points.  Rhodes was struggling, having failed to score in the second half.  Still, thanks to the Wildcats' bevy of other stars, Kentucky clawed back into the contest late.  With five seconds left and the game tied, Kentucky Freshman Antoine Walker stole an Arkansas pass and called a timeout.  Against all odds, despite getting outplayed, Kentucky had one last play to steal an SEC Championship.

Coach Pitino called Rhodes's number.  Rhodes drove into the teeth of the defense, and when Arkansas collapsed on him, he dropped a perfect pass to power forward Walter McCarty for a game-winning dunk.  Except the basket didn't count.  The refs said that Arkansas swiped Rhodes's hand before he made the pass with 1.3 seconds left.  That meant Rhodes, a 78% free-throw shooter, had two chances to be the hero that Kentucky had once believed him to be.  He missed the first free throw, and then, with his teammates praying and refusing to look at the rim, he missed the second.

During overtime, Pitino benched Rhodes, and the cameras showed him on the bench, openly crying.  Kentucky went down nine in the overtime before making one last improbable run to win the game. When Kentucky went ahead for the first time in the game, with only a few seconds left, the announcer said "Rodrick Rhodes is the happiest man in the Atlanta-Dome."  After a pause, the color commentator replied, "He doesn't look it."  Because even as they were celebrating Kentucky's SEC championship, Rhodes's cheeks looked wet with tears.  Kentucky was triumphant, but Rhodes was again out of step.

A few games later, Kentucky flamed out against North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen.  Not long after, Rhodes announced he was transferring to Southern California.  Rhodes was done with Kentucky, and Kentucky, armed with another stud freshman in Ron Mercer, was done with Rhodes.  Rumors abounded that Pitino, wanting to keep Mercer happy, forced Rhodes out.  Rhodes denied that, saying the transfer was his idea. "I won out," Rhodes said to ESPN at the time.

Today, he tells a different story.  "Everyone knows I didn't want to leave Kentucky.  Every single Kentucky fan knows what happened with me and Coach P. and Ron Mercer.  ...  If you're smart enough to be a Kentucky fan, you're smart enough to know I never wanted to leave Kentucky."

[jbcarol]

... Trevor Lacey

Matt Zenitz @mzenitz  ·  13h 13 hours ago
Ex-Alabama figures Mark Gottfried, Trevor Lacey lead NC State to NCAA tournament upset http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/ex-alabama_figures_mark_gottfr.html ...

[jbcarol]

... Bob Boyd

Gregg G. Ellis @MSUsportsGregg  ·  14 hours ago

Sad to hear the passing of former MSU coach Bob Boyd. Heard many, many stories stories about him, mostly from Richard Williams.

Jay Bilas @JayBilas  ·  15 hours ago

RIP to the great Bob Boyd, former USC player and coach. He was an exceptional basketball man. His '71 Trojans were No. 1, lost only to UCLA

His team was #1 in the nation and #2 in his own town.

Longtime USC basketball coach Bob Boyd, who led the program for 13 years from 1967 to 1979, died Wednesday of natural causes in Palm Desert, Calif. He was 84.

USC Athletic Director Pat Haden, who played football for the Trojans in the early 70s: "Unfortunately, he had a pretty good coach across town. I remember one year I think we went [24-2] and the two losses were to UCLA and only one team went to the tournament..."

"I was at the right place at the wrong time," Boyd once told The Times.

Ben Howland is not the first coach to move from Los Angeles to Starkville. Bob Boyd coached at USC against John Wooden.  After a brief break he coached State from 1982-86.

[jbcarol]

.. Kevin Nash

http://www.ddtdigest.com/features/nash0001.htm

UT Stats For Kevin Nash
University of Tennessee Department of Sports Information
March 11, 1980

FINAL REVIEW FOR THE 1979-80 SEASON - KEVIN NASH (No. 43, Junior Center from Trenton, Mich.) A starter for the Volunteers at center in 1979-80...Solid, hustling, and determined defensive player...Grabbed eight rebounds against Furman in NCAA play...Can hold his own against some of the top big men in the country...Held Mississippi State's All-SEC center Ricky Brown to 10 points in Knoxville while tallying 12 himself...Seasonal highs of 13 points and eight caroms came at Ohio State...A big factor in Tennessee's upset over Kentucky in Knoxville last January...Will be looking for a big senior season in 1980-81.

Story goes that after an altercation with Don DeVoe, Nash planned to transfer to TennTech but never arrived.

Former WWE and World Championship Wrestling Champion Kevin Nash was announced the final member of the WWE Hall of Fame's 2015 class Monday night during Raw.

Besides winning numerous titles during his time as an active competitor, Nash was also known as one of the catalysts for one of the most profitable times in wrestling history as one of the founding members of the New World Order.

Highlight video at link

[jbcarol]

... Michael White

Brent Zwerneman @BrentZwerneman  ·  18h 18 hours ago
Louisiana Tech coach Mike White on winning in an SEC venue (Texas A&M in NIT 2nd round): "We don't get a lot of opportunities like this."

Seth Emerson @SethEmerson  ·  18h 18 hours ago
@BrentZwerneman La Tech also knocked out Georgia in the second round of the NIT last year. Giant killers. Well, not really.

Brent Zwerneman @BrentZwerneman  ·  18h 18 hours ago
"Rising star" is apt description of Louisiana Tech coach Michael White, 38. Impressive on sideline & here in interview room. Squared away.

...Michael White reminded me of Billy Gillispie -- only with a wedding ring.

[jbcarol]

... Mark Pope

Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS  ·  29m 29 minutes ago

BYU assistant Mark Pope has reached a deal in principle to become Utah Valley's next head coach, sources told @CBSSports.


Sixth man and big on UK's '96 national champs

[jbcarol]

...  Jason and Amanda Dufner

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  7h 7 hours ago
Jason and Amanda Dufner have filed for divorce: http://ow.ly/L33wl

Golfer Jason Dufner and his wife Amanda have agreed to a divorce settlement.

Dufner, who golfed at Auburn, has agreed to pay Amanda $2.5 million in the settlement

[jbcarol]

... Rolando McLain

Ed Werder @Edwerderespn  ·  3h 3 hours ago

#Cowboys have agreed to contract with MLB Rolando McLain on deal worth $3M base and another $1M in play-time incentives. #Pats also offered

[jbcarol]

... Randy Sims

Brent Zwerneman @BrentZwerneman  ·  3h 3 hours ago

Sad news: Former Texas A&M record-setting kicker Randy Sims (1958-60), former BBQ restaurant owner & Brazos County judge, has passed away.


http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/83607647.html

http://www.theeagle.com/news/a_m/former-brazos-county-judge-randy-sims-dies/article_2d1d6ab6-d96b-11e4-a1ae-772af2c4f97a.html

[jbcarol]

... Stephen Martin, Sr., the first African-American student-athlete to officially compete for a SEC school


SEC Sports @SEC  ·  20h 20 hours ago

#SEC to honor 50th anniversary of historic milestone: http://www.secsports.com/article/12605945/sec-honors-50th-anniversary ...

Friday will mark the 50th anniversary of a landmark moment in Southeastern Conference history. In 1965, Tulane's Stephen Martin, Sr., became the first African-American student-athlete to officially compete for a SEC school.

Martin made his debut when he played as a member of the Tulane freshman baseball team at LSU on April 3, 1965. He had a sacrifice fly and a single as Tulane split a double-header with a 4-0 win and a 3-1 loss to the rival Tigers.

Martin passed away on May 14, 2013, at the age of 66. The SEC will honor Martin's place in SEC history during the championship game of the 2015 SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover, Ala., on May 24 with an on-field recognition and presentation. Martin's widow Brigid Cheri Martin, as well as children Stephen Jr., Nicole and Dana will be on hand to accept on behalf of Martin, Sr.

"Stephen Martin is a permanent fixture in the history of the conference," SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said. "We look forward to celebrating his legacy during our baseball tournament in May."

He later became the first African-American to compete in a varsity sport for any SEC school the following season when he played in his first game against Spring Hill College in the 1966 season opener for the Green Wave, which would be Tulane's final year as a member of the SEC.

"I know my dad would be deeply honored to be recognized by the SEC and the family is thrilled to accept this recognition on his behalf," Martin, Jr. stated...

Martin earned his bachelor's degree from Tulane in 1968 and earned his master's in business administration from Tulane in 1973. "He often mentioned how challenging his collegiate career was both on and off the baseball field while attending Tulane University," his wife Brigid added. "He never imagined he would be part of history and that was never his objective. His top priority was obtaining his degree and being close to home so that his parents could watch him play."

He later served in the United States Army and retired as the Chief Financial Officer for Tuskegee University in 2012.

[jbcarol]

...Renardo Sidney

Jeff Goodman @GoodmanESPN  ·  Apr 3
Renardo Sidney will hold workouts for NBA teams in Chicago around the draft combine, per his agent Zack Charles. May 11 & 12.

[jbcarol]

... Greg Hardy

Brandon George @DMN_George  ·  22h 22 hours ago
Dallas Cowboys DE Greg Hardy a curious mix of talent, inconsistency, alter egos, free spirit: http://share.d-news.co/kIrxxOB

Hardy grew up in the small Tennessee town of Millington, about 20 miles north of Memphis. He was raised by strict parents who valued a Christian education.

Hardy spent his freshman year at Harding Academy, a college preparatory Christian school, before transferring to Briarcrest Christian for his last three years of high school.

Hardy's parents had a no-nonsense approach to discipline. His mother, Lan, was licensed to carry a gun as a police detective in Millington. His father, Greg Sr., played college football at Mississippi and is a former investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He's now the football coach and security chief at Alexander Graham Middle School in Charlotte.

"His mom knew what was up. She was intelligent with a college education, and she knew the right way," said John Harrington [The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game], Hardy's basketball coach at Briarcrest. "When Greg messed up, she was there. She didn't let him get away with anything."

[jbcarol]

... Quay Evans

Michael Bonner @MikeBBonner  ·  11m 11 minutes ago

FWIW, former MSU D-lineman Quay Evans was arrested in Starkville on Saturday due a warrant issued regarding a traffic ticket.

[jbcarol]

... Sonny Gray


ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo  ·  8h 8 hours ago

Sonny Gray: 1st pitcher to throw 8 IP, allow 1 hit or fewer on Opening Day in 62 years! Last: Bob Lemon, 1953 Indians against White Sox


Former Vandy right hander was AL Pitcher of the Month for the A's in April and July, 2014.

[jbcarol]

... 'Dick' Wood


Tom Green @AUBlog  ·  15h 15 hours ago

Former Auburn quarterback Malcolm Richard 'Dick' Wood passed away over the weekend at age 79. http://m.oanow.com/news/auburnuniversity/article_5a5c02c0-dcb9-11e4-82d8-efde1882260e.html ...

Richard "Dick" Wood died Saturday at Fountainview Care Facility in Atlanta. He was 79.

The Lanett native attended Auburn from 1956 to 1960, and was a quarterback on the football team. Though he wasn't the starter that year, he was a member of the 1957 Tigers national championship team, said his daughter, Rhonda Barker of Buford, Ga.

He was drafted by the Colts in the 12th round of the 1959 NFL Draft, being selected 144th overall. He played for five different AFL teams during his football career, the only player to do so. When the Miami Dolphins began their inaugural season in 1966, he started at quarterback in the team's first game, against the Oakland Raiders. During his career he completed 522 passes for 51 touchdowns, and he was the first quarterback to throw for a touchdown at Shea Stadium.

Wood's career as an assistant coach included positions with Ole Miss, Auburn and the University of Georgia...

He retired from coaching in 1997...

In his later years, Wood suffered from dementia, his daughter said, and he died at an Alzheimer's center.

"We're rejoicing that he's with the Lord now. He loved to sing and he hadn't had much of a voice in the last few years. I picture him singing with the Lord."

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Bartlett Wood; one son, Richard (Bart) Wood; his daughter, Rhonda Wood Barker; and two sisters, Anita Wood Coleman and Diane Wood White.

Posing Plainsmen @PosingPlainsmen  ·  13h 13 hours ago

RIP The "Lanett Long Rifle" Richard "Dick" Wood, #Auburn QB/DB (1957-1959) @AUBlog



Posing Plainsmen @PosingPlainsmen  ·  13h 13 hours ago

Yes, lost 3 members of the '57 Nat Champs in as many weeks. @leerandyjr @andylgraham @brettsportz @AUBlog

[jbcarol]

... Lauren Hill

CollegeBasketbllTalk @CBTonNBC

Lauren Hill, inspirational women's basketball player who battled cancer, dies at 19 http://wp.me/p1aWjM-2cUi

[jbcarol]

... James Franklin

David Morrison @DavidCMorrison  ·  Apr 10

So James Franklin is rejoining former teammate and MU RB Kendial Lawrence in Edmonton. Season starts in June.

James Franklin @JFrankTank1  ·  Apr 10

IT'S OFFICIAL! I'M PLAYING CANADIAN FOOTBALL🇨🇦🏈 Thanks to everyone who supported, prayed, & believed #EdmontonEskimos

[jbcarol]

... Perry Wallace

In a three-part exclusive, The Tennessean is publishing excerpts of "Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South," by local author Andrew Maraniss.

Andrew Maraniss and Perry Wallace will speak at the Nashville Public Library main downtown branch at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The event is free and open to the public...

Long read on the first black player in the SEC and his road trip to Starkville.

Andrew Maraniss @trublu24  ·  Apr 10

Talking STRONG INSIDE w/ @KevinScarbinsky on @WNSP 2:30 2day. Bio of 1st blck SEC bsktbll plyr http://andrewmaraniss.com 

[jbcarol]

... Jeff Sheppard

Not many players get to brag about winning two national titles during their college basketball careers. Jeff Sheppard does on the other hand. Sheppard was a part of both the 1996 and 1998 national championship team during his time at Kentucky.

Sheppard was named NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, All-NCAA Regional Team and All-SEC during his senior year in 1998. He scored a total of 1,091 points, which ranks him 48th overall in Kentucky basketball scoring history.

Despite his successful college career, Sheppard's NBA career was not the same. He played one season for the Atlanta Hawks during the 1998-99 season. Sheppard averaged 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds in 18 games played...

After the attacks on September 11, Sheppard and his wife, former Kentucky basketball player Stacey Reed, decided to settle down in London, KY. The two former Wildcats have two children, Madison and Reed. Sheppard enjoys coaching his kids' sports team, as they both are avid athletes.

Sheppard worked in pharmaceutical sales for a little before becoming a successful businessman. He and his wife began their own company called 15inc., a private label apparel company that produces sports apparel for various companies.

Sheppard conducts an annual tour through Eastern Kentucky with Operation UNITE that organizes a series of basketball camps called "Shoot Hoops, Not Drugs." The camps take place at local schools and give hundreds of kids the ability to improve their basketball skills and learn about the dangers of drug use.

Today Sheppard owns Sheppards Fan Shop in London, KY that sells officially licensed University of Kentucky, North Laurel, and South Laurel merchandise.

[jbcarol]

... Former LSU QB Buddy Lee


Jim Kleinpeter @JimKleinpeter  ·  18h 18 hours ago

Former #LSU QB Buddy Lee dies at 67 @tigerdroppings, @lsufball, @geauxlsu http://s.nola.com/eVZljOc  via @nolanews

Former LSU quarterback Buddy Lee, 67, died Friday at his home in Florida after a lengthy illness. Lee played at LSU from 1968-70.

Lee, born Felix Holmes Lee, helped LSU to the 1970 SEC championship as the starting quarterback who shared time with then sophomore Bert Jones. The Tigers finished 9-3 overall and 5-0 in SEC play and lost to Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, 17-12.

As a senior in a run-oriented offense, Lee (sic) 73 of 138 passes for 1,162 yards and six touchdowns, including a long of 73 yards.

In 1971 he was drafted by the Chicago Bears and was later traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He resided in St. Petersburg since 1981 where he had a three decade career in real estate and financial work. He was also an avid golfer.

Born Felix Holmes Lee, he was a native of Baton Rouge who grew up in Zachary. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Coleen Kelly Lee...

[jbcarol]

... Odell Beckham Jr.

Ron Higgins @RonHigg  ·  10h 10 hours ago
Odell Beckham Jr. knows he's a hot product@TigerDroppings @dandydonlsu @lsufootball_net  http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2015/04/odell_beckham_jr_knows_hes_a_h.html ...

NFL's Rookie of the Year last season, has his own website selling his merchandise.

Capitalizing on his memorable fingertip catch against the Cowboys last season, Beckham is selling "The Catch" hoodie for $59.99, "The Catch" t-shirt for $29.99 and "The Catch" women's v-neck shirt for $34.99.

He's also selling a "Royal XIII" snapback hat for $34.99.

... Not only do you get a glimpse of his off-season workouts, but a slice of his personal life, such as his "Beckham meets Beckham" photo with retired soccer great David Beckham...

[jbcarol]

... Roger Harden

Roger Harden, former Mr. Basketball in Indiana and McDonald's All-American, was a three-year starter at the point guard position during his four year career at Kentucky from 1982 to 1986.

During his senior year, Harden set a single-season assist record with a total of 232. Harden's 498 career assists puts him third overall Kentucky history behind Dirk Minefield (646) and Anthony Epps (544). He was also named Third-Team All-SEC and to the All-SEC Tournament team during his senior year. Harden scored a total of 478 points as a Wildcat.

Harden was drafted 115th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 5th round of the 1986 NBA Draft. Harden never played a game for the Lakers, and his NBA career never developed into anything.

Harden returned to Kentucky to coach as an assistant under Eddie Sutton for one season in 1987. Harden went on to coach AAU in Indiana in the 1990s. He has also done some youth and middle school AAU coaching. Harden has done a lot of skill work with young individuals to improve their game.

In May of 2012, Harden was announced as the new head coach of Williamstown (Ky.) Junior/Senior High School in Grant County. Williamstown is a small school with an enrollment of 426 students in grades 6-12.

Williamstown is the home of Harden's wife, Gina, and the two have been married for 15 years. They have four children...

In the 2014-15 season, the Demons finished with a 6-19 record. Harden has yet to win in 32nd District, which also contains Grant County, Simon Kenton and Walton-Verona.

[jbcarol]

... Carl Engstrom

AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  23h 23 hours ago

What happened to Carl Engstrom? See highlights from former Alabama 7-footer playing in pros. http://ow.ly/LUFxd

Arriving in Tuscaloosa five years ago, Carl Engstrom was an instant fan favorite.

A 7-foot-1 basketball-playing import from Sweden? They don't come around too often, so he was embraced by the Alabama fan base. The Swedish flag regularly appeared in the student section as "feed the Swede" became a thing.

It just never really worked out on the floor... In his final year (2013-14), he averaged 1.6 points and 2.5 rebounds while playing about 10-12 minutes a game.

He had another season of eligibility but returned home to Sweden for the 2014-15 season. There he plays for the Södertälje Kings in Basketligan ― the premier pro league in Sweden.

[jbcarol]

... Greg Hardy

Brandon George @DMN_George  ·  22h 22 hours ago
Dallas Cowboys DE Greg Hardy a curious mix of talent, inconsistency, alter egos, free spirit: http://share.d-news.co/kIrxxOB



Ian Rapoport @RapSheet  ·  19h 19 hours ago

Full release —> RT @NFL345: Greg Hardy Suspended Without Pay For 10 Games http://tinyurl.com/prp5bwh

Greg Hardy will appeal his 10-game suspension, source said. The @NFL said he had three days to do it.

Goodell to Hardy: "You should understand that another violation of this nature may result in your banishment from the NFL."

Based on my #math, the most the #Cowboys will pay Greg Hardy this year is $7.33M. His contract called for $9.25M in per-game roster bonuses

[jbcarol]

... Wayne Bell

Wayne Bell dies; was early Lexington TV sports anchor and host of Adolph Rupp's weekly show

Wayne Bell, a sports anchor at WLEX-TV in the 1960s and '70s, died Thursday. He was 88.

Bell joined WLEX in 1958 about three years after Lexington's first TV station signed on. He did a variety of jobs, from selling advertisements to shutting off the transmitter at 1 a.m.

"When I did the sports, I would end the report by saying, 'Good night and be good sports ... fans.' A lot of people remember that."

Bell might be best remembered for hosting a weekly interview show with University of Kentucky men's basketball coach Adolph Rupp. Their relationship was cordial but Rupp had a secret way of letting Bell know when to change the on-air subject, said Robert Bell, Wayne's son.

"If dad was saying something that Rupp didn't approve of, Rupp would just kind of kick him underneath the chair to tell him, 'OK, you need to move on,'" Robert Bell said. "Dad would tell that story a lot."

Bell also hosted a children's show called Cousin Wayne and the Bunkhouse...

Born in Adams County, Ohio, in June 1926, Bell served in both the Army and Merchant Marines. After the service he went to work for WFTM radio in Maysville, where he met Elizabeth "Tibbie" Malone at a soda fountain. The couple married in 1951 in Maysville.

While at WFTM, Bell helped train Nick Clooney — the veteran broadcaster and father of actor George Clooney — in his first radio job.

When Nick Clooney's sister, singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, returned to Maysville in January 1953 for the premiere of her movie The Stars are Singing, Bell was the announcer for the event at the Russell Theatre.

Bell was the father of Marcia Malone Bell, Miss Kentucky 1978, and grandfather of Broadway and music star Laura Bell Bundy.

[jbcarol]

... Greg Hardy

Brandon George @DMN_George  ·  22h 22 hours ago
Dallas Cowboys DE Greg Hardy a curious mix of talent, inconsistency, alter egos, free spirit: http://share.d-news.co/kIrxxOB

Follow

Rebecca LopezVerified account @rlopezwfaa
Dallas Cowboy Greg Hardy's Bentley stuck in high water in Dallas flash flood.

[jbcarol]

... Stanley Roberts

Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress  ·  Apr 24

I had never read Stanley Roberts' story. Forced to leave LSU, went to Real Madrid at age 20 & dominated. Crazy stuff: http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2012/12/former_lsu_basketball_player_s_1.html ...

Former LSU basketball player Stanley Roberts to receive diploma after long, hard journey

At 7 feet, there won't be a taller LSU graduate striding across the stages Friday during the school's winter cap and gown soiree than 42-year old Stanley Roberts. There also likely won't be another grad that can exceed the former Tiger and NBA basketball player's sense of relief, humility, persistence and pure stamina.

Basketball always came easy for the physically gifted and affable Roberts, who truly fits the never-met-a-stranger label. But the five-year challenge to get his sheepskin was fraught with obstacles, expected and unimaginable, and now comes to a conclusion with his degree in sports administration.

Roberts didn't just pick up where he left off from his college career, which ended in 1990. He started over at academic ground zero in 2007 and -- with the help of his friends and his former school -- fought through financial limitations, a learning disability, helping support four children and ultimately triple-bypass heart surgery four months ago, which required him to remain bed-ridden for the first four weeks of his final semester.

As easily as he smiles and laughs, which is perpetually, he'll tell you he created most of his own issues -- except the last one --

[jbcarol]

... Mike Phillips

Former UK Center Mike Phillips Has Died

Phillips died from a fall in his home in Madisonville, Kentucky on Saturday. Details of the accident are not known at this time.

The  6'10" center, who was Mr. Basketball in Ohio in 1973 and 1974, was a big key in UK winning the NCAA Championship in 1978. An all-SEC player, Mike avereged 11 points and 6 rebounds during his UK career.

Phillips' former coach, Joe B. Hall, tells LEX 18 "Oh, that's terrible news. He was a pillar of strength. Very hard working. He and Rick Robey were the original Twin Towers."

Phillips played 11 seasons in Spain, including six years with Liga ACB where he averaged 23 points and 9 rebounds a game.

[jbcarol]

... Donte Rumph

Former Kentucky defensive tackle Donte Rumph wants one more shot with the Atlanta Falcons, after being cut prior to last season on HBO's Hard Knocks. He wants a second chance so bad, he is camped outside the Falcons practice facility...

Rumph's fiancee is also camping out with him; he told an Atlanta news station they are currently homeless.

[jbcarol]

... Donte Rumph

Former Kentucky defensive tackle Donte Rumph wants one more shot with the Atlanta Falcons, after being cut prior to last season on HBO's Hard Knocks. He wants a second chance so bad, he is camped outside the Falcons practice facility...

New York Jets called him with an invitation to try out.

[jbcarol]

... Don Bostic

Kevin Brockway @gatorhoops  ·  14h 14 hours ago

Sad news to report, former UF basketball captain Don Bostic killed in car accident - via @Gator_sports http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20150502/ARTICLES/150509942/1217?Title=Former-UF-basketball-captain-Bostic-dies-in-car-accident ...

Former Gator basketball guard and captain Don Bostic died in a car accident in Early, Texas, on Friday.

Bostic, an administrator at Ranger College, was driving on his way to graduation activities when his car swerved into the opposite lane of traffic and hit another car in a head-on collision, according to close friend and former teammate, Richard Clarson.

Bostic played at UF from 1973-77 and was one of three captains on UF's 1976-77 team that went 17-9 and 10-8 in the SEC under former coach John Lotz.

"He was a really steady player, fundamentally sound," Clarson said. "As younger players, we looked up to him."

He was an assistant basketball coach at Vanderbilt and Tampa and men's and women's tennis coach at Tampa before going to Texas...

[jbcarol]

... Mark Ingram

Mike Strange @Strangemike44  ·  May 1

Mark Ingram, former #Vol long snapper, is the new athletic director at UAB, per http://Al.com .

[jbcarol]

...Wilber Marshall

Glenn Guilbeau @LSUBeatTweet  ·  10h 10 hours ago

The Other Side of Draft Day Can Be Cold: Check up on former Florida Gator Wilber Marshall. http://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/columnists/david-jones/2015/05/02/jones-marshall-knows-pain-comes-nfls-fame/26785139/ ...

With the NFL Draft passing by us this weekend, there's a lot of excitement, a lot of eagerness to cash in. But if you are a new NFL player, you'd be wise to pay attention.

Give Astronaut High graduate Wilber Marshall a call. Fans watch on TV. They think it's cool. They envy athletes. Make them their heroes. Their fantasy league draft picks.

"They didn't have all that stuff when I was drafted. They didn't have all the hoopla," says Marshall, a Bears and Redskins star who has a couple of Super Bowl rings. "It was a lot different compared to what is going on now."

Marshall was the 11th player picked in the 1984 draft out of Florida. He's in the College Football Hall of Fame and was a three-time Pro Bowl player and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992.

"I had a lot of problems — dislocated knees, ankles and fractures. I had it all," Marshall said recently. "When you were playing, you put your body before anything because if you got taken off the field, somebody would take your place and you were done."

Marshall had to sue to get permanent disability from the NFL in 2008...

"To them, it's just business," Marshall said. "One of the owners I talked to when I was playing the game, it was like we were horses out there, that he had throughbreds in the pasture. 'We'll just bring you in and let you go,' and when it's time to go, they put you out to pasture."

Where the NFL failed worst? They didn't protect those who couldn't protect themselves, sending hundreds of players back on the field. They went, afraid they would lose their job. So many of those walked away from the game permanently wounded, like Marshall, yet there was nobody there to take care of them. And a major part of those had no idea what to do next when they were put out to pasture.

"All these guys played 10, 12 years. You have to think about guys being out of the market that long. They've got to work their way back into society," Marshall said...

[jbcarol]

... Steven Singleton

Ron Higgins @RonHigg  ·  May 1

Former LSU and South Carolina football signee charged with felony murder of a 4-year-old http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2015/05/former_lsu_and_south_carolina.html ...

Steven Terrence Singleton was booked into the Gwinnett (Ga.) County jail around 5 p.m. Wednesday, being held without bond on charges of felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children.

Arrest warrants obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution accused Singleton of "inflicting fatal brain injuries" against a youngster named Tye Hardin Saturday. Singleton had multiple Facebook posts the last several days about the 4-year-old boy he called his "little buddy."

According to Gwinnett County police spokesman Michele Pihera, Singleton said he found his girlfriend's son on the floor after hearing "a thump" while in another room.

"The mother left her son at his apartment for him to watch while she went back to her house to get ready for an event," Pihera said. "While Tye was eating in the family room and watching television, that's when Mr. Singleton said he heard a thumping noise, and he went out to see what was wrong with Tye and he saw him unresponsive.

"The child also soiled his clothes. Mr. Singleton was attempting to take him back in the bathroom and Mr. Singleton said as he was taking him back there he accidentally bumped the child's head on the bathroom door frame. He said that's when he noticed a knot on the head.

Singleton was arrested and charged because his version of the events that led to Hardin's death changed several times during interviews with police and medical personnel.