by: Rob Gidel

How bout the freakin' Cincinnati Reds?

3 of 4 over the division leading Brewers and now they take the first game over the Cubs, after Chicago fought back in the ninth inning to tie the game at 4, winning in the bottom of the ninth.

The best part about the win was that the game winning hit was supplied by Edwin Encarnacion, or as I like to call him ... E-5 (Get it, error .. third baseman .. alright, nevermind). Anyways, the Reds fight back for a 5-4 victory proving once again that relief pitching or any pitching past the seventh inning for that matter, is really overrated. As is having relief 'batters' or bench utility players. Just screw utility players and fill your team with three-hundred catchers and you'll be fine. I mean, someone has to catch all these quality bullpen players out in right field when they are warming up. 

So here are the Reds, closing in on third place in the Comedy Central. So much for ever getting rid of Adam Dunn and bringing some real prospects to town. Also of note, how well the Reds have played since Josh Hamilton went out with the injury. Yes, it was a great story from the beginning, but Josh Hamilton out of the lineup has made the Reds a better ballclub and I don't think it's a coincidence. Norris Hopper may be a joke at times, swinging the stick, but he's a smart hitter in comparison to Dunn and J-Ham, who try and hit everything to the Atlantic Ocean. It's no surprise, the game was won by Hamilton's replacement, Norris Hopper, who slaps a single in the ninth to get things start then get moved over by a Castro bunt and E-5 drives him home with a base knock. Easy money? The J-Ham version would have 5 pitches, 3 of which would put the Mighty Casey to shame. Look Hamilton's a great player, but the Reds already have a mighty whiffer who wastes quality at bats in Adam Dunn, what is so wrong with spelling one of em out of town?  

So anyways, as long as Hamilton stays on the DL, the Reds are destined for glory or fourth place come August. And that, is no small feat. To the waiver wire they go looking for more catchers.

Big EZ Show recap -from Champions Point Golf Course, Memphis, Indiana.

Hour 1- Leading off was yesterday big topic... U of L scheduling. The Vick Trial. SEC Media Days and the unlikely quote machine, Rich Brooks. Dave Ragone argues with EZ about everything, which is becoming an habit.

Hour 2- EZ decides to do some Jeopardy, two callers against Ragone and Clark. Sadly, neither host is going to win (Heck, Ragone left mid-game). Aaron wins... with 100 points. Shame. Big 3 Championship update. Darryl Ledbetter, Falcons beat writer joined the show to talk about Vick's court date yesterday.

Hour 3- Mike Hutzel joins EZ out at Champions Point. EZ talks about Bonds ripping Costas. Reports from SEC Media Days. Rant about Trevard Lindley got being that good. Ha... you'll see. EZ's story couldn't beat the obits. Haha. I think EZ is getting high at the golf course. 7th in the Big Ten...? WHAT? Thank God we ended arguing about the Reds and the Cubs.

Game 15 of the Big Three Championship pits the #3 1948 Kentucky Wildcats against the #6 1981 Indiana Hoosiers. The '48 Cats were know as the Fabulous Five and won the school's first National Championship. The Cats were also named World Champions after winning the gold medal at the London Olympics that year. They were led by Alex Groza, Ralph Beard, and Wallace "Wah-Wah" Jones. The '81 Hoosiers were also National Champions as well as Big Ten Champions. The National Championship victory was the school's second in six years. The Championship game saw the Hoosiers avenge an early season loss to North Carolina. They were led by Isiah Thomas, Randy Wittman, Ray Tolbert, Ted Kitchel, and Landon Turner.

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By Kenny Colston

I never knew Skip Prosser personally. I don't even know anyone who did know Coach Prosser on a personal level. Even without a personal connection, I still know that the world of college basketball lost a great coach and a great person yesterday. In case you haven't heard, Skip Prosser, head coach of the Wake Forest men's basketball team. died yesterday from what doctors believe was a heart attack.  Prosser was only 56.

It's visibly shaken the sports world.  Reports from all over the place explain the flood of calls from coaches around the country, struck by Mr. Prosser's death. Every coach from coast to coast has released statements talking about the character of Mr. Prosser. Former players echo the very same thoughts. ESPN's Andy Katz recalls an interview with Prosser he had just 2 day earlier.

But Skip Prosser was a good basketball coach as well. Prosser has a 291-146 career record and a 126-68 record at Wake Forest. He led the Demon Deacons to their first ever No. 1 ranking during the 2004-2005 season. Prosser was ACC Coach of the Year in 2003 and coached NBA stars Chris Paul and Josh Howard.

Tragic deaths can happen at any time. Skip Prosser's death is tragic. It makes everyone want to hug a loved one. But if there is a positive to take from this it's this.  God received one heck of a Demon Deacon yesterday.

Big EZ Recap

HOUR 1 - EZ announced Mike Bush's deal with Oakland. EZ talks about Louisville and scheduling, got a plenty of callers on that, in fact the discussion lasted a few segments.

Hour 2 -  Back to the Louisville scheduling/UofL and UK game. Rob calls in from Thorton's and argues with EZ. Callers then got their chance to fire away.

Hour 3- Starts where the first two left off. U of L and Big East football. Craig Swabeck, play by play man for the Cardinals... joined the show.

How Low Can You Go Questions and Answers - Congrats to Kelly

10. What city was the 2007 Super Bowl played in - Miami, Florida
8. What record-setting quarterback was the NFL's 82nd draft pick in 1979? - Joe Montana
7. Which Conference has had more teams in NCAA basketball Final Four than any other? - Big Ten
6. Which men's basketball program had the winnigest record in the decade of the 1990's. - University of Kansas, 82.7%
6. What year was the Big East Conference established? - 1979
5. What was the first wild-card team to win a Super Bowl - Oakland Raiders
5. What year was the first World Series played? - 1903
5. What NFL team introduced the no-huddle offense during the 1980s - Cincinnati Bengals

I'll take a break from the UL/UK schedule break down to take a look at Curtis Martin. I've never really been a fan, I'm a Giants fan and don't care about the Pats, but he did have a hall of fame career that will go unnoticed. Take a look at these stats...

Emmitt Smith	18,355
Walter Payton	16,726
Barry Sanders	15,269
Curtis Martin	14,101

Most people don't realize that Martin has more yards than other greats such as Jim Brown, Marshall Faulk, and Marcus Allen. Martin has to be a first ballot hall of famer. I am interested to see if he will be on TV now. I'm thinking CBS or the NLF Network should pick him up. Just a quick thought.

Former U of L runningback and friend of the show Michael Bush has now signed his deal.  The Raiders haven't officially disclosed the terms of the contract, but from a reliable source, "expect four years at somewhere around 1.7 million."

And that's not per year folks, that's TOTAL!  And that's a shame because he's better than that.  Damn injuries!

To break it down, it looks like the fourth round pick for Oakland will be getting somewhere between $400K and $600K as a signing bonus (which means that's his if he gets cut tomorrow), and then a base salary of roughly $300K per year for the next four years.

The Freak is going off the deep end, that's for sure.  His post below is kinda crazy.  He hates almost every commentator to have ever lived.  That's crazy.  Let me give some of the boys in his "I hate your guts" club a grade:

Lee Corso: C+... He's totally turned into a cartoon character, and he goes OUT OF HIS WAY to NOT mention Louisville whenever possible.  Yet, for some strange reason, he works out well with Herbstreit on the Gameday set.  And while his catchphrases suck more than Vick's dog habits, I do like his mascot-head niche.  Wish I would've thought of that.

Kirk Herbstreit: A-... By far the best college football commentator out there.  Here's why he's good.  It's crazy, because on radio, many of us like a guy who is enthusiastic, sometimes half-crazy.  But in television, at least in my experience, we're much happier with a commentator who is level-headed, and can tell us what's going on without getting too big of a chubby.

Rece Davis: B-... I like him on College Basketball College Gameday, but so far, I really don't like him on College Football Live.  I agree with the Freak on this one.  He tries to be funny, and it doesn't work.  But I do like when he does interviews.  I think he's a great interviewer of coaches.

Mark May: B-... I usually agree with his views, but he just seems a little too 'cold' for me.  But I can't give him too bad of a grade.  He was one of the first national hosts to CORRECTLY jump on the Louisville bandwagon.  Remember, he was picking Louisville at the beginning of last year in the mock playoff tourney they were doing.  And he ended up being close to right.

Digger Phelps: C-... He is definitely okay, but in very small doses.  I just wish he did radio, so I didn't have to watch his gay tie-highlighter match each night.

Chris Fowler: A-... He took awhile to grow on me, but now he is a must, both in the booth, and during College Gameday.  He's got energy, but not too much.  He's super-knowledgeable, and he can somehow maintain an entire show without getting me sidetracked with too much Corso.

Bob Griese: C+... I think he's ridiculous, but for some reason, I tie him to Keith Jackson, since he was Jackson's last booth partner on ABC before Jackson retired.  His voice on an ABC broadcast just feels comfortable to me.  But I wouldn't be sad if he left right now.

Ron Franklin: B-... I really like his voice, and he's another one who isn't great, but he doesn't get too crazy, but tells us what goes on when he needs to, and is very good at pointing out the little things that I always see on teh field that I feel like other commentators usually miss (like a late flag, or a delay of game, etc.).

Verne Lundquist: D (football)/B (basketball)... I like him a lot during basketball season.  I think he does a good job for some reason.  No one, at his age, is as good as he is being the play-by-play man for hoops.  Remember the '06 Regional Final he did???  "By George, the dream is still alive!!"  Classic.  Football, he sucks.

Jay Bilas: A... The best basketball has to offer.  On the court, he's Herbstreit-esque.  Off the court, he's always thought of it a different way than I have.  And he's a GREAT intervieww on the radio.

SO CHILL OUT FREAK.  I agree with you on some, no doubt.  And you ARE the man.  I don't care what MJ says.  But you are WRONG on some others.

The Freak and Arnie Spanier (7-10 PM) are the shizznizzle!

Lee Corso sucks. He is a filthy, uneducated, annoying troll. He lives under a bridge and eats month old pastrami sandwiches ….Reece Davis has become a cutesy, cutesy, fairy. He used to be solid, but now he is an annoying pretty boy, who tries and fails to be funny. Mark May reminds me of Digger Phelps—they open their mouth and make a lot of sounds, but they say absolutely nothing. Digger Phelps is a waist of human skin. Doug Gotlieb is the current worst sportscaster on the earth, The Mr. know it all- knows squat. Is it me or has the greatest ass munch of all times, Jim Rome, finally faded out? I never hear any buzz or hype about him any more, and that is a very good thing. How did that butt licking, robotic piece of euro trash looking, cheesy goatee sporting dork, ever make it in the first place…..the espn segment – “who is now?”—might be their worst production of all times……Bob Griese should not be allowed near a microphone, he and Ron Franklin are senile old men who have no broadcast talent left……the Bronx is burning is better than great--- it gives me goose bumps, I was ten years old in 77 and it is a spine tingling walk down memory lane…. The long winter of Hank Aaron is awesome, catch it if u can on espn…….ever seen the movie- rolling Kansas--- it is 90 percent stupid, but ten percent fun….u must watch lil bush tonight on comedy central, if u hate bush as much as I do u will love the show….Andy Sweeney and mj are a pleasure to work with… I hope u are enjoying all the football interviews, and I know we are going to have a great fall. From august 30th to April 3 we are going to be the sports capital of the world… become a zoner phoner or I am going to kick your ass…..peace

  

By Kenny Colston

I thought that I had seen the days of top-level programs scheduling each other fade. That the marquee non-conference battles we see today were slowly dying out.  That the monster non-conference programs will tired of scheduling each other. Thank God those days aren't over. Thanks to Notre Dame and Michigan, who sadly are ending their yearly series in 2011, but not giving up on scheduling top ranked teams.

So instead of losing one marquee throwdown every year, we are in fact gaining one. Which is really swimming against the current, since most programs would rather pay off a member of the Sun Belt conference to get a butt kicking than play another juggernaut.

But Notre Dame and Michigan refuse to do so. Notre Dame has already lined up an opponent in the Wolverines place for 2012 and 2013 - Oklahoma. It may be four years away, but I think it's safe to say Michigan and Oklahoma will still be powerhouses by that time. No South Oklahoma State...but... the big dog.. the Sooners. So it's obvious that the game isn't being disbanded because both teams want a sure win.

The news gets ever better... Michigan's AD told the Ann Arbor News yesterday that they will be scheduling a "national power for a home-and-home series" to replace Notre Dame. Michigan is holding it's cards close...not saying who they are targeting, but have said multiple schools are interested.  So instead of one huge game (ND vs. Mich)... we'll have two starting 2011...which happens to be the first year football will have the plus-1 format. College footbal just keeps getting better.

The Best News of all of this... both ADs are going to start up talks to keep the rivarly going soon. Amazing.

By Kenny Colston

It seems like Barry Bonds has a new admirer: Bud Selig. Ha, what a crock. After watching Bonds stay stuck on 753 last night on the slugger's 43rd birthday, Selig was quoted as saying that he will make every attempt to watch Bonds break the record for the next few games. The only exception being Sunday, when Selig will attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Quoting Selig: "the time has come to announce that I will make every attempt to attend the record-setting moment.

Are you kidding me? Selig claims to have a change of heart while watching the Braves and Giants on TV recently. What is Selig trying to prove? The commish at the time wasn't present when Hank Aaron broke Ruth's record. So Selig is actually reversing precedent. For what? Selig jet-setting around the country isn't going to change the media's and fan's mind about Bonds. Only Bonds can change his image to everyone.

So if Selig wants to travel around for a few weeks until Bonds breaks the record, let him be stupid. All he is going to see is a lot of walks, whiffs and Giant losses. Selig being on hand isn't going to better his own image, Bonds' image or baseball's image. It's just going to give Selig a lot of frequent flier miles.  Who cares if Selig shows up? It's a lousy attempt to show faith that Selig knows he really doesn't have.  Let's just hope Bonds breaks the record on Sunday.  That would really be funny... and Bud Selig's true desire.  It's what he's praying for in the photo above.

 

Big EZ Show Recap (This is what happens when the internet dies mid-show)

Hour 1 - Mike Vick conversation. Audio clips from the night before. A little Lee Corso and more Mike Vick.

Hour 2 - EZ runs down a range of topics. Bonds mistress in playboy. The "Clear" Chemist comes out against Bonds and Sheffield. More Corso. Keith Conrad clarifies the Vick cap situation.

Hour 3 - Bob Domine joins the show... for what seems to be the whole hour. Should be fun. Bob is talking about his Summer Sunday Sitdown show. Nice joke by Bob about EZ. Callers then went around with EZ and Bob for the rest of the hour.

T-shirt ideas for the Baby Mommas GAP, brought to you by the Rock and Jock guys, Scott Clark and Dave Ragone.

"I made my mom 6 figures"
"$"
"GOT DNA"
"Have sex, we'll charge you"
"My Dad doesn't pay"
"Child Support is late"
"I don't know who my dad is"
"Check didn't clear"
"Will you play with me because my dad won't"
"Got condoms"
"Where's my deadbeat dad"
"My mom dated my dad for a week"
"I wasn't born in a test tube, but tests were involved"
"I'm the breadwinner in the family"
"I'd get a paternity test"
"Sex Trophy"

If you know of more, listen and call-in to the Rock and Jock Show from 7-10am
 

I was very interested in the David Stern press conference today, and I struggled with whether we should go live with the presser during the show or if we should just scrap it.  Obviously, we made the right decision.  Although Stern isn't as interesting as the photo above may indicate, he is SMART and very interesting.

Other bloggers here at The Zone feel as though he was boring--not very interesting.  I thought that after the first five minutes, he was VERY interesting.

I finally realized during the course of this press conference that this story is going to transcend sports for quite a long time.  This is serious news, with serious ramifications.  This press conference was shown live on Fox News Channel, CNN, and the like. Among the reporters who asked questions were employees of CBS News, CNN, and other 'news' outlets.

I have no idea how this will turn out, but this is BIG news.  If people tell you it's not, they're either wrong or they'll change their mind down the road--or both, I can guarantee you of that.

By Kenny Colston

It's Tuesday....I don't remember if today has a fancy nickname before it. Let's just do the recap.

EZ starts off by saying Billy Gillispie has hired his last assistant coach, Alvin Brooks, as reported by WLEX 18 in Lexington.

Next up, was the Reds, who EZ was excited about since they won 2-1 in 12 innings over the division-leading Brewers. Looks like Reds fans are feeling alive again....at least for now.  I-64 Update. 13 total days, 9 business.

A little news nuggets, before EZ got to taking about the first show of College Football Live and more importantly, Lee Corso's constant distancing of himself from U of L. More importantly to EZ, Corso didn't mention Brian Brohm in the Heisman race. EZ said it's time to start talking about U of L and that he doesn't have to act like a former head coach to talk.

A few callers to talk Reds and the lack of Brohm on College Football Live.

Big 3 Championship update. Near upset of a No. 1 seed, but Game 14 is here and you need to vote! Uk vs. UK. Check the blurb below! 

Back to complaining about Lee Corso... YO! Not so fast! More callers on Corso.

Hour 2 starts with the David Stern press conference regarding the NBA point-shaving scandal. Andy should have a semi-live blog posted here soon, check below.

Hour 3 Stern press conference still going, but we got a radio show to do fellas! EZ gives a little rant on Stern before moving back to Lee Corso. Poor Corso. Callers bashing Lee again.

A caller then got EZ on a John L. Smith soapbox.

Jody Demling joined the show to talk some recruiting news from the huge AAU tournament from Las Vegas.

What a wild and unpredictable Big EZ Show...check back tomorrow 10am-1pm!

Las Vegas may be a bad idea David.

Here are a few thoughts while NBA Commissioner is talking about the referee gambling scandal.

1. David Stern looks very shaky. Bad eye contact and his voice breaking at points.
2. Where is Stern's usual forceful attitude?
3. His long pauses are very uncomfortable and using the word "uh" a lot.
4. I can't wait til reporters start firing questions.
5. By looking at his face I think Stern knows players and other refs are involved.
6. I can't stop looking at this face...he looks like he knows he's screwed.
7. Bud Selig must be happy.
8. I wish he would quit acting like he's not sure that Tim Donaghy bet on games he worked...give us all a break.
9. How do we know this is an isolated case? I know hundreds of people who love gambling on sports. No reason to be naive here Stern.
10. Serious and worst situation he's ever faced...ya think.
11. Rachel Nichols asking a question....she's hot. I think Stern wants to tell her she's hot but can't, hence the giggle. The interns are drooling...well me too. Kenny thinks she would take him to pleasuretown...hmm. Where's my girl Erin? Stern is on pain pills, Derrick says drunk, and Kenny says scared. I may agree with all 3.
12. I'm surprised Stern could see over the podium. I'm glad I keep seeing the same 5 clips of Donaghy...give me something else please.
13. He's now talking about the NBA fans. What fans?
14. My friend Nick just messaged me, it says the following..."how much would you give to throw a drink on David Stern"....My answer is any amount. I just wont a bunch at the boat, I'd put it on the line.
15. For some reason the closed captioning is on this TV, it's awful....just a bunch of jumbled words. The SI guy just asked 2 questions, both awful, good job SI.
16. Stern just punked a reporter out...that was nice. That's the Stern I know and hate. Who carries all the transcripts around, what if he would've pulled it out (the script that is). Stern's starting to get his swagger back. Stern just checked his watch...how bad does he want of the stage? He is getting angry, Kenny has a man crash on Stern I think.
17. Stern's talking about the World Cup. In other news, who cares.
Well, back to real work...more to come.

Game 14 of the Big Three Championship matches two teams from the same school. The game features the #4 1949 Kentucky Wildcats battling it out with the #5 1975 Kentucky Wildcats. The 49 Cats were 32-2 and 13-0 in the SEC on their way to SEC and National Championships. They were caoched by Adolph Rupp and led by Alex Groza, Ralph Beard and Wallace "Wah-Wah" Jones. The '75 Cats were 26-5 and the National Runner-Up. The Cats were SEC Co-Champions coached by Joe B. Hall. The Cats defeated Indiana in the Regional Final giving them their first loss of the season. The Cats were led by Kevin Grevey, Jimmy Dan Connor, Rick Robey, and Jack "Goose" Givens.

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It appears as if Barry Bonds' love affair has provided his mistress the opportunity to pose nude for Playboy.  Kimberly Bell, 37, best known as Barry Bonds' mistress, will pose in the November issue of Playboy magazine.  According to reports, Bell will also discuss her relationship with the slugger in the article hopefully providing some juicy information about the juiced up Bonds.  I only see one problem with this situation. 

Bell is at the center of the government's perjury investigation of Bonds.  How could she go public with details about her relationship with Barry Bonds?  What could she possibly be able to talk about?  If she has classified information about him, there is no way she could spill the beans in Playboy unless she wants the government all over her.  This is just another case of a person using unwarranted fame to increase their bank account.  I'm not saying she won't sell magazines, I'm just saying she should give readers some real juicy info while they stare at her.     

 

 

1. We're on the 40th minute with Tim Woodburn and still talking steroids. I don't see what the big deal is. Why hurt baseball giving that it saved the sport?

2. Also, why are there people drinking at the bar at 4:41 pm? Wait a minute, why am I not with them?

3. I think Hard Rock caught on fire. I hope the Elvis Presley vintage jacket didn't catch on fire.

4. The Louisville Fire hour is coming up. Kinda wanna meet some cheerleaders.

5. Why do the Reds suck so bad? They actually moved up 2 spots in the Central and then died, thanks.

6. Amani Toomer from the New York Giants is on ESPN News. Toomer blew an achilles and missed the second half of last season, and the Giants went 2-6 in that stretch. Thanks to every preseason magazine that picked us last in the East. They did so the last 2 years, now who's right?

7. I am also watching clips of the NBA ref. Why does every ref have kinda short slick gelled moosed hair? I don't get it. They make 200,000 bucks a year....too much on hair products.

8. Listening to the Freak today he mentioned drinking. Is there something that actually exists called "social drinking"?

9. Would you sell your soul if the mob knows you were ratting them out?

10. Here is my list of NBA Players who may be involved in this whole gambling thing? Now hey, I'm not saying there are but in a fun world who would be some players you would like to see.....Stephon Marbury, Charles Barkley, Hot Sauce, Andrew Bogut (check out his new haircut below, Scott Pollard, Ron Artest, Richard Hamilton, Darko Milic for sucking so much, Melo, Tyrone Lue, Isaiah Thomas, Allen Iverson (gambling, we're talking about gambling), Luke Walton, better yet Bill Walton, Tim Duncan, and Shaq. I know these are just random players but what if some of these were gambling....?

11. Sorry Johnny, why do you think Posh is so ugly? Would you if given the chance?

By Kenny Colston

It's another Tubby's Monday here on the Big EZ show. Dont miss out on the best pizza around!

EZ starts the show with a scout.com article where the writer talked about former UK guys coaching other teams. EZ then talked about all the scandals of last week. Which turned into a steroids soapbox by EZ. Which turned into a "I'm disappionted with guys like Michael Vick" soapbox.

EZ then talked about the NBA Ref-point spread scandal. EZ said it just wont grab a lot of wings. EZ thinks it will be a blackeye, but it wont linger really long.

EZ then opened up the phone lines with a question, which is the worst story...steroids, Vick or The NBA Ref scandal. EZ thinks it's a tough call. EZ leaned on the side of Vick... saying that poster guys just make it worse when they mess up.  Callers then weighed in with their own ideas on the worst story of the three. 

Hour 2 Started where Hour 1 left off, with the sports stories...which is worse. Quick caller on the Indy OT surprise retirement. Back to EZ's disappointment in Vick. It's really tearing the big guy up.

Rick Bozich, columnist for the Courier-Journal joined the show to talk the sports of the day. EZ asked which story Bozich is more likely to write about, before running down each of the problem stories.  Nice shot about the Reds from Bozich.

Callers then jammed the lines to have their questions answered and comments about the big stories of the day.

Hour 3 EZ runs down the news nuggets from earlier before moving onto some college football news. Papa EZ then gives a great Restore 64 update...saying business is going great and that the work should finish early. In fact, Wednesday at 2 pm!

EZ then gets into some basketball information and Jody Demling's recent recruiting nuggets.

EZ gets back to the NBA Ref scandal, playing some audio from those involved. College football update, Louisville's projections on Phil Steele's website and Rivals.com.

Callers hit the phone lines again to talk to EZ. EZ talks about Jeff Saragin, the infamous computer rankings guru.

EZ then played a Chauncey Billups clip, where Billups was asked about the ref scandal. Steve Nash was up next, funny clip. Mike D'Antoni as well.

Tune in to more Big EZ Show, tomorrow...10am-1pm!

It is 6 am central time, and I am awake watching the British open, and studying Alabama football, call me what u want but don’t call me lazy……….I am rooting for Sergio Garcia, he deserves it, but I swear he is going to blow it, right now it is raining like a champ in Scotland. This could ruin my Sunday, but how cool would it be for me to watch the final round on Monday? Very cool as a matter of fact. If Sergio wears a pea soup green outfit, I will root against him…….

Klonapin is a very serious drug. It is prescribed by doctors for panic attacks. It is very difficult to get off of it once your body becomes used to it. As a matter of fact, I was in the emergency room 1 week ago today from klonapin withdraws. I tried to quit cold turkey, and after three weeks without it, my body fell apart. I lost all equilibrium and I could not breathe, while my heart felt like it was going to explode. Thank god, the doctor gave me 2 pills to carry me over until my prescription was refilled. BUT LET ME SAY THIS>> if u are a big drinker like me, and u suffer intolerable hangovers, I have discovered the magical cure. Take 5, 2 milligrams of klonapin after a night of drinking, and your hangover disappears. To me this is one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of all time. I don’t want to hook you on a medically prescribed drug. But all u have to do is visit your doctor, put on an act like this. Tell him you are going through a divorce and starting a new job, after recently being fired. Tell him you are having panic attacks like you have read and heard about. Tell him, your mom recently gave u some of her klonapin, and they totally solved your panic attacks. Then just save them for bad hangovers. Am I wrong, or is the pursuit for a cure to a hangover not one of the greatest mysteries on earth. This is my gift to all of my fellow beer drinking lushes……..

I am so tired of the treatment of Jan van de veldt on ABC, AND TNT…..it could have happened to anyone… it is the ultimate personification of our human frailty, I love the way he handles him self in interviews,,, as he says it is just a game, not life and death…. I will never forgive peter alis, mike tricot, Curtis  strange  etc--- you are all asshol@s

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! SERGIO IS WEARING A SPIT PES SOUP GREEN T- SHIRT…..IS THIS MOTHER FU#KER COLOR BLIND OR WHAT… HE IS NOW DOOMED TO LOSE,,,,,and think about it on the anniversary of van de veldes melt down, isn’t crystal clear that Garcia is destined to repeat the feat…. I hope I am wrong… let us hope the rain continues, and Sergio has to put on a rain slicker to cover up that putrid shirt……how did cbs loan nick faldo to abc???

9:01 am…Well through three holes it looks like I am dead wrong. Sergio is on fire. He is -10 and confident like a champ. The weather has totally cleared up. Only a monumental collapse can stop him now……thank god the movie- THE LAST WALTZ – is on right now, cause the open is a blow out

Why don’t dogs need toilet paper? They poop, and their butts are never dirty

Just went across the street to our favorite restaurant , cliffs old fashion hamburgers, to pick up a breakfast to go order. Melinda got biscuits and gray, and I got a Swiss cheese, bacon, and mushroom omelet

Melinda is mad at me because I am drinking beer at 9:35 am. This makes 4 days in a row that I have consumed beer, but the first day I started at 9:35. I don’t know why I am on this binge, but it stops tomorrow!!!

9:57  HOLD THE PHONE …. Sergio just bogied number 7….he only has a 1 shot lead…you can see it in his face… he is thinking too much… this is why Sunday golf is the best drama,,,, it is self against self, there are no helmets, there are no teammates…the brain takes over and destroys people….. It is nearly impossible to play 4 straight great rounds of golf,,, and it looks like this might be Sergio’s bad day……I am rooting for him….but I live for sudden death playoffs…..OH MY GOD , SERGIO JUST BOGIED NUMBER 8, he is tied with Romero, who is from Argentina….what is a guy from Argentina wins the u.s.open and the British open

Hey didn’t you used to be Ernie els,,, well f*CK THAT,  he is only one back!!!!!! Can’t believe stricker missed those two easy birdie putts

I am about to call the grocery store as I have finished my four beers. I am hoping they don’t have that stupid—we don’t sell beer until noon rule,,,,,,,p.s. cities and states that don’t sell beer on Sunday should be kicked out of the country

Have u heard the music that ABC is playing on the way to commercial break? It is all classic rock, and all by groups from Europe. Can u believe if u told your dad or granddad 10 years ago, that golf broadcasts would be playing classic rock???????/

Bad news , it is 10:23 am and Texas doesn’t sell beer until noon… man I wish I had some bud….I have 3 coronas in the fridge, but I don’t want to cheat on the Atkins diet…. But I think I will

Sergio and Harrington are tied at -7 at 10:25 cst…..speaking of Harrington—falcon fans- meet your new starting qb,,,,paddy's cousin

Sex with furniture? What do u think?

I think my space sites are pretty stupid—but I have one…..if u have heard of the grateful dead but never HEARD the grateful dead, my favorite band--- visit myspace.com/johnrenshaw……I have 5 dead videos up—they are all nor great but the first one- HARD TO HANDLE – IS THE SHI$, AND SCARLET BEGONIAS, FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, AND MIGHT AS WELL, are guaranteed to show u the light……also my earl weaver freak out is the bomb

Belly putters are for losers, even though my favorite golfer, v.j. uses one……I use a belly penis

Someone please tell me what the fuc@ is a hybrid club? I am so tired of hearing golf announcers mention them and not explaining what they are. I know, I am a 15 year sports talk radio vet, but this hybrid crap is getting out of had

10:40 cst- there is now a 3 way tie for the lead at the British open…..it is getting and going to be insane….. The crowd is 100% percent behind paddy Harrington, he is from Ireland- so no surprise….. My new prediction…Sergio wins in a playoff

I just cracked my first corona--- 14 carbs per beer--- I am allowed 50 a day… I am going to go into Atkins re induction phase tomorrow

I am soooooooooooooooooo sick of mike tirico--- he is sooooooooooooooo smug---- he is so proud of the fact that he never makes a mistake………WHY DID ESPN BURY TIRICO’S SEX  SCANDEL? He allegedly, and that is kind—he made advancements and followed female interns in his car allegedly---- they hid it because he is SO DAMN SOLID

GOD BLESS TIGER WOODS--- WHAT A COOL INTERVIEW HE JUST GAVE AT 10:53 CST

I BET U A MILLION DOLLARS THAT WOODS WINS THE PGA---u think he is going to go 0-4 in majors this year

Romero just took the lead @ 10:55 CST—this is only his 3rd major ever!!!!!!!—9 BIRDIES

COME ON SERGIO--- SNAP OUT OF IT

Romero- 4 birdies in a row----in the lead—on fire!!!!!   He is -9, to birdies, are u kidding me… he is 2 up  11:05 am CST….1 corona left, and 55 minutes until they sell beer

Did u know that the county I live in , in Houston, Harris County, is the death penalty capital of the u.s.a

Romero just went out of bounds—this finish , please let it be insane

Sergio just birdied 13 and threw down several fist pumps,,,,, Romero has a put for bogie after a miracle save, HARRINGTON JUST SUNK AN EAGLE PUTT TO TAKE THE OUT RIGHT LEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man I am glad I woke up early…..Romero just had a 4 shot swing, he went into 17 up by 2 and left 17 down by 2----unnnnnnnn   - reaaaaaaaal

I don’t care who wins, but PLEAAAASSSSSSEEEE give me a playoff, and at the very least give me a guy on 18 who has a put to win or tie

p.s. if  I am blogging like a champ on golf--- just wait till football season

p.s.s.—watched the movie- THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND- ironically- 2 nights ago.. I would like to hear your thoughts on it I will write a movie review on it soon

Romero has choked the British open championship away

I don’t get this- carnoste is so tough—yes the weathers is kind

SERGIO JUST MADE A HELL OF A BIRDIE AT 14 TO TIE PADDY FOR THR LEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW DID PADDY MISS THAT BIRDIE PUTT AT 16?,,,, IT MADE LOVE TO THE CUP

PLEASE GIVE ME A 4 HOLE PLAYOFF….PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE

I think Sergio is going to miss this par putt at 15

Paddy just hit a killer t shot at 17

AS I SAID, SERGIO JUST PULLED A SERGIO AND PUTTED AT  15 LIKE ME

SEGIO IS ON THE TOUGHEST PAR 3 IN THE WORLD, THE 210 YARD 16TH---- I SAY HE NAILS IT….. I WAS wrong, he will be lucky to get a par

It is now paddys tourney to lose--- 12 minutes till the beer store opens…. Best case scenario- 4 hole playoff and a sprint across the street for beer…. But it looks like one of my all time favorite events in sports, a playoff at a major is not likely to happen

I need Garcia to par 16,17,and 18   and paddy to bogie 18 the most difficult hole on the course

Garcia makes par at16  ,while paddy walks the bridge at 18, are u kidding me,

Paddy is van de velde on 18 YOU CANT TELL ME THAT SPORTS DOSEBT HAVE MORE DÉJÀ VU THAN LIFE, AND THAT IT ISN’T THE GREATEST UNSCRIPTED, NAIL BITING, MIND BENDING DRAMA IN THE WORLD!!!!\

MY LAME ASS IS STILL PRAYING FOR A PLAYOFF--- COULD ROMERO SNEAK BACK IN- 12:06 PM CST

I got my wish a 4 hole playoff , but Garcia is already two down…. But not dead

Sergio—I need a miracle everyday--- serg- stay where u are and let paddy   mess up at 18

Never mind , after what I just saw at 17 IT IS OVER

It was fun , it was sad, I got what I wanted , a playoff, but I cries when Sergio did not win, I am serious I cried

TALK TO YOU ON THE RADIO ON MONDAY, AND A BIG THANK U TO M.J. AND ANDY SWEENEY

P.S. I GOT MY BEER

By Johnny "The Freak" Renshaw



THE FREAK'S DREAM GIRL

Sergio Garcia has THE OPEN WRAPPED UP RIGHT? /? I am rooting for him. I think he is a good guy. He has charm and personality, and his spitting incident in the cup didn’t bother me at all. But then again I am a slob; His mich ultra commercial is 99% cool, until his reaction when the girl talks about her up and down game. BAD ACTING SERGIO! Again I am rooting for Sergio, especially with the retirement of SEVE , one of my all time favorite golfers. But I bet you 100 dollars that he chokes on Sunday and loses. And if he wears his traditional Sunday colors, pea soup green, I will pull a Linda blair in my living room. Sergio, how can u think that pea green soup looks good? By the way mich ultra is the greatest beer ever. It is not the greatest tasting beer ever, but for those of us that understand that the Atkins diet is the greatest invention in the history of the world, then you will understand why mich ultra is the bomb, of course if u are skinny like new 1570 The Zone super star Andy Sweeney, u don’t have to worry about being on a diet….I hate to say this,, but I am going to go out on a limb, Tiger Woods has lost his dominant edge and game, and the rest of the world has caught up. I am almost 100% sure that I am wrong- but u heard it hear first- 7-21-07, he won’t beat the GOLDEN BEARS 18 major record….. it now looks like the point spread ref fixed the famous game 3 between the Suns and Spurs…un real……espn is pushing the la soccer game tonight and beckham isn’t even starting……I hope Barry Bonds gets hit by a bus…. I hope Stewart Scott falls off a cliff….I hope Tony Kornhieser chokes on a corned beef sandwich…. I would rather have sex with Bekam than posh--- she is butt ugly and looks like an aborted turtle… The Louisville Fire has a better receiving corps than Todd Mayo's Tennessee Vols……talk to u on Sunday

By Kenny Colston

It's a Feel Good Friday today, but EZ's starting off with someone who can't feel that great.... Mike Vick. EZ said that this is the story of the century for him right now, easily the story of the decade. EZ said the face of the NFL is in deep trouble. EZ said there a lot of doubt that Vick will start week 1 now.

British Open update and Boo Weekley's tattooed shirt. Nice.

Back to Vick. Who let the dogs out... sorry. bad joke.

EZ got onto the Gary Player discussion, saying Player went about it the wrong way, but EZ believes the guy. Callers arguing about Vick. WOOF WOOF WOOF! EZ dismissed the race issue quickly. It's an issue that's white (house in front) and black (shacks in the back).

EZ then brought up the report on a NBA ref betting on games. Not good, check back later for a blog with updates. EZ then unviels Big EZ Sports Jeopary for a Shane's Rib Shack gift card.

 Hour 2 started with a new game, Big EZ Sports Jeopary. Lots of fun. Congrats Brian in New Albany. Special Thanks to the in-studio audience.

Jason Hilliard, former U of L players and current player for the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League. EZ asked about the Destroyers run in the playoffs. Jason's time at U of L, and a little nugget Dave Ragone left for Jason. EZ then asked Jason about the Louisville Fire as a AFL member. Jason loved the idea, then EZ plugged Jason into the Fire's situation. Jason thinks a real AFL team would be great because of increased exposure.

Scott Clark called to ask if they were playing golf which turned into a steroids in golf debate.

Hour 3 Mike Hutzel joins the show for his weekly last hour of the week visit. EZ and Mike celebrated the Reds win last night. What a joke.

Big 3 Championship continues on... MASSIVE UPSET. 92 Cards overtake the Rupp's Runts. Game 13 today. Check out www.bigezshow.com to see the blurb and to vote or see below.

British Open Update. Who's Now on ESPN. Lame.

Darryl Ledbetter Falcons beat writer from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution joined the show again to update us on the Vick situation. Ledbetter said the NFL and Falcons are looking to ask Vick to take paid leave. EZ then wanted to know about the judge, defense att. and prosecutor. 

Last segment of the week... EZ GOT A PARKING TICKET! That sucks. EZ then grills Mike on EZ's article in the News and Tribune. Check out the article online at NewsandTribune.com. Then check out more Big EZ Show on Monday at Tubby's 10am-1pm!

    Game 13 of the Big Three Championship pits the #1 1980 Louisville Cardinals against the #8 1973 Indiana Hoosiers. The ’80 Cardinals went 33-3 en route to winning the school’s first National Championship giving Coach Denny Crum his first Championship as a head coach. The Cards were Metro Conference Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The Cards were led by Darrell Griffith, Derek Smith, Wiley Brown, Rodney McCray and Jerry Eaves. The ’73 Hoosiers were Big Ten Champions and advanced to the Final Four with a record of 22-6. The Hoosiers were led by Big Ten MVP Steve Downing and played in the Final Four in St. Louis, Missouri.

VOTE HERE

Ragon and Clark talk about Nick Nolte drunk at the airport. It may not be better than this.

Ah, Brady Quinn. He is the typical guy you love to hate. When I saw Quinn drop like a drunk girls pants in the draft I wondered who would actually land the guy. Then when I saw it was inevitable the Browns would get him and I thought that was precious. What city yearns more for a "manly" or "tough" football playr than Cleveland. My dad has been a Browns fan for years so I knew that Quinn's personality and demeanor would not fit the city. Anyways, enough talk look at these. Have fun Browns fans.

  

Andy Sweeney

Talked to my buddy Corey Anderson from WGCL the CBS affiliate in Atlanta. He always has the low down and up to date information on the ongoing Vick debacle. Corey told me that former Ville coach Bobby Petrino has basically had his wife shield him from all media and may have actually laid on the floor of his SUV while she drove him away from TV cameras. Then, like when he was in the Ville, cried to PR guys and told them to have the cameras leave him alone. Let's not get off the subject at hand. There's some new news according to ESPN.com.

Apparently Vick met with ol' Home Depot Arthur Blank today and was "contrite". I wonder why he would be contrite? He wasn't contrite when he electricuted, drowned, mutilated, shot, and abused pit bulls. Of course Vick is contrite because there's a possiblity he may miss 4-8 games of the season. He doesn't care about the actual act, only the consequences. He's like a cheating lover who isn't mad about cheating but only mad he/she got caught. But now there are reports the NFL will let him play. So here is my question. Where is this new "tough" commish? Does he not have the guts to take on one of HIS games biggest stars. It's easy to pick on the younger less experienced (less fans) players on mediocre teams, but Vick is an all-star on a potential playoff (maybe more) team.

From my broken arm chair in the studio I see that the NFL is backing down. First he tries to smuggle weed now killing dogs. We all know that money talks and there's no way he goes to jail. Yeah, he will get community service and a fine, which will mean nothing to a guy like Vick.

So the NFL will let him play for now. I know he hasn't been convicted, but if he is? What then??

By Kenny Colston

Thristy Thursday here on the Big EZ Show... let's roll.
EZ then ran down his group of golfers, wanting to know how many are under par. So far, no good. I-64 update.

EZ then brought up our favorite af2 football team, The Fire, future here in Louisville. EZ said it was a no-brainer for Louisville to keep the team. EZ said the big-time Arena Football league is growing huge, which is the Fire's goal to get to, and that buying a share or a season-ticket is easy!! EZ said arena football is going to blown up and that Louisville should be a part of it.

EZ said Will Wofford wants the team to stay in Louisville and is doing everything he can to keep it here with yesterday's actions.
EZ then took some callers on the Fire problems. Many in support of Fire, but as always some people just don't believe.

Hour 2 started with EZ's Vick take. EZ said Vick is guilty no doubt in his mind.

EZ said that yesterday Vick apologized to Falcons owner Authur Blank and the NFL decided Vick is allowed to play until events unfold more.  One caller asked if we could get Vick to come play for the Louisville Fire. I'm down with that.
An e-mailed press release from the Fire got EZ back on the Fire soapbox... a well-deserved soapbox that is.

EZ then read off the details of Ichiro's new 90 million contract. 25 million of which will be deferred til 2032.

Back from the break, EZ went down the list of UK players making preseason All-SEC. Andre Woodson and Jacob Tamme grabbed 1st team offense. Keenan Burton made 2nd team. Rafael Little made 3rd team offense.  Sadly one only UK player on All-SEC defense, Wesley Woodyard on 2nd team.  View the list here.

Big 3 Championship up next. Game 12 today, check below for the blurb and to vote.

Hour 3 started with How Low Can You Go! Presented by the Louisville Bats. The show is excited to bring it back!

So far... no winners. Wait...there's one. Now our listeners are rolling. We went as low as 2, congrats to our winner.
Here's the answers to the missed questions today:
10. How many college basketball national championships do UK, IU and UL have combined? 14, UK-7, IU-5, UL-2
10. How many football teams play in the Big Ten Conference- 11
10. What was the first NBA team to win 70 games or more in the regular season? - DA BULLS
10.  How many teams play in the NBA - 30
9. Who is the all-time leading scorer for the University of Kentucky mens' basketball team? -Dan Issel, 2,138
8. What year was the first night game played at Wrigley Field? - 1988
7. What year did Denny Crum become head coach at the University of Louisville - 1971
6. How many seasons did Hank Aaron hit 50 or more home runs - Zero
6. Which college football team plays its home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium? - Alabama
6. What team drafted Scottie Pippen? - Seattle Supersonics
5. Who is the shortest player to ever win the NBA regular season scoring title? Allen Inverson, 6 ft.
5. WHo threw a record six touchdown passes in one Super Bowl? - Steve Young, 1995
5. What NFL team introduced the no-huddle offense during the 1980s - Cincinnati Bengals
3. What is the mascot of Iona College? Gaels
3. Who was the first unseeded players to win Winbledon? Boris Becker
3. In 2004, who became the oldest golfer to win PGA Tour Rookie of the Year - Todd Hamilton
3. What is the common term for the ailment "lateral humeral epicondylitis - Tennis Elbow
2. What year was NASCAR founded? 1948
2. What pitcher set a record in 1977 for most walks in a post WW2 season, with 201. Nolan Ryan
1. What MLB player had the most hits in the 1990s. Mark Grace

Elvis Dumervil then joined the show to talk everything from the transition to the pros, the tough Broncos offseason, Petrino, Vick. Basically anything NFL was on the table.

Dumervil said it was a tough offseason with all the offseason losses.

Andy gives the Atlanta Falcons update from his contact in Hot-Atlanta. Supposively, it's a closed down story. No one is getting a word and no press releases either.

The really short last segment ended with one last Louisville Fire rant. BUY YOUR SEASON TICKETS NOW!

Check out more Big EZ Show tomorrow 10am-1pm.

    

By Kenny Colston

If there was any doubt that Nike was king of the shoe companies, here's more proof: No. 2 overall pick Kevin Durant turned down a 82 million dollar deal with addidas, which included a 12 million dollar signing bonus.

Instead, Durant settled for 70 million for 7 years, which includes a 10 million dollar signing bonus from Nike. Let that sink in....Durant literally took a 12 million pay cut. Take that addidas and reebok.

Trust me, this isn't any type of showing that athletes aren't money hungry. They still are, Durant isn't any different. Instead, it's the marketing prowess of Nike. You all remember the "Second Coming" commercials Nike just had. Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Amara Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Chris Paul, Jermaine O'Neal, Tony Park and Rasheed Wallace alongside the current Nike kings, Kobe and Lebron. 

Plus, Nike still has a deal with that one guy... I think his name is Michael Jordan. You might know him as MJ. Number 23.

Not that addidas has a shabby lineup of stars: Tracy McGrady, KG, Tim Duncan and Chancey Billups. But it's not Nike.  It doesn't have the U.S. exposure. It doesn't have the long list of stars Nike grabs. An article on ESPN.com said that Durant's ties to Nike go back to 8th grade and that was a deciding factor. Bullcrap.

Nike dominates the U.S. It dominates when it comes to grabbing NBA stars. Impossible may be nothing. But Kevin Durant would rather be part of the Second Coming. Sorry addidas... you're just not the king of shoes.

Game 12 of the Big Three Championship matches up a storied Kentucky basketball team against a very good Indiana team. The game features the #2 1966 Kentucky Wildcats against the #7 1992 Indiana Hoosiers. The ’66 Cats were known as Rupp’s Runts with no starter taller than 6 foot 5 inches. The Cats were 27-2 under Coach Adolph Rupp and advanced to the NCAA Championship game after winning the Sec Championship. The Cats were led by Pat Riley, Louie Dampier, Thad Jaracz, Larry Conley and Tommy Kron. The ’92 Hoosiers went 27-7 under Bobby Knight advancing to the Final Four before losing to Duke who was the defending champ and went on to win back-to-back titles.. It was the 7th Final Four appearance for Indiana. The Hoosiers were led by Calbert Cheaney, Alan Henderson, Damon Bailey and Eric Anderson.

VOTE HERE

 

I do have some prejudices when it comes to sports and the Atlanta Braves seem to be one. Maybe it's the fact they were so good for so long and only won one championship. Or maybe it's because they were on television (not for much longer) while I was growing up. Either way I am happy to see the rest of the NL catch up and pass the Braves and now to see the lowly Reds avenge all the hurtful years and sweep the Braves.

While in the studio today I tried to keep up with the game as much as possible. I think it started somewhere near the Big EZ Show and didn't end until the Sports Mob was almost done. The gig went 15 innings with (future all-star) Brandon Phillips being the hero on the defensive and offensive side. It was a pitching duel most of the day as aces Aaron Harang and John Smoltz faced off. It's amazing that Smoltz is nearly my father's age yet continues to throw heat. In fact, would Reds fans trade Dunn for Smoltz and a young players or two? Probably not, just a thought.

Anyways, no more chasing rabbits. Both teams were matched in a pitching duel until the 7th where Jeff Francoeur, sacrified and the Braves led 1-0. The Reds came back with 2 in the top half of the 8th with Dunn's 2 run dinger. By the way, 2 more strikeouts for Dunn today. I love it. Harang wasn't able to hold and lost the lead in the bottom half of the 8th. Both teams traded runs in the 10th making the score 3-3. Phillips was able to drive in 2 after the bases had been loaded. The last batter being intentionally walked. Phillips again the hero!

Big ups to the Reds. They could have easily folded the tent after a dismal first half of the season. This team needs to remember they can slug the ball and they always have Harang who will bring it every fifth day. They need to focus on getting Homer Bailey out of Louisville and hoping Arroyo can build on his last start.

Next up: Reds visit the Marlins tomorrow with Belisle (5-6, 5.02 ERA) vs. Mitre (4-4, 2.81 ERA). More on that game tomorrow, stay tuned!

By Kaleigh Roberts

Long before I began to follow sports at all, I knew who David Beckham was.  First, I knew him as the husband of Posh Spice, then as the namesake behind Bend it Like Beckham, and then finally, as an international soccer player.  In this case, I think that train of thought regarding the sports star is less a “dumb girl” thing and more a “typical American” thing.  Now that Beckham is making the move to the states to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, I guess we’re supposed to start looking at him as an athlete. 

It’s hard to do that though when almost every decision he makes seems more geared toward raising his celebrity status than bettering his athletic career.  Beckham claims that he is coming to the US to help popularize soccer in America, and he’s obviously relying on his celebrity to accomplish this.  When given the choice between Los Angeles and New York, the Beckhams chose LA, where the limelight was sure to be on them and where they would be close to famous best friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. 

MSNBC.com even quoted Beckham as saying, “I realize I’m not as recognized in the U.S. as I am around Europe, around other parts of the world. But hopefully, playing for the Galaxy will change that.”

Despite the criticisms that he’s in it for fame and money and that he’s past his prime, Galaxy officials insist that the decision to bring Beckham to Major League Soccer is purely about the game.  Galaxy teammate and former World Cup contender Cobi Jones has hopes that Beckham’s move to Los Angeles will help inspire the rest of the team as well, specifically stating that they will feel the need to impress Beckham. 

No matter what Beckham’s motive for making the move to the states is, the ultimate goal of his transition is clear: to raise Americans’ interest in soccer.  The only question that really remains there, however, is will it work?  Sure, David Beckham is famous, but does that mean Americans care enough about him to take interest in an entire sport?  Is Beckham enough to bring soccer into real competition with American football, basketball, and baseball? 

My opinion: no.  Maybe soccer’s fan base will grow in the LA area, but nationwide, Beckham’s mark will likely be left more on magazine ads and television commercials than on ESPN’s ratings.  Beckham is a celebrity and with a wife like Posh Spice, that’s probably not going to change any time soon.  Moving to America will probably give Beckham a lot more Got Milk? ads and maybe an endorsement deal with Hanes or Powershot.  We’re sure to see a lot more of Beckham as a result of his deal with the Galaxy, but probably not on the field. 

 Hi, I'm TopHeavy

By Kenny Colston

Pictured above is The Big East if it was a woman. Her name is Top Heavy, no joke. So why do people constantly refer to The Big East as a top conference? I'm sorry, just because you're a BCS conference doesn't make you a "top conference". Enough.

The Big East is a two-team league. Rutgers and South Florida are good in the Big East, but my question is how each team would fare in a league that plays defense! Because the Big East is the offensive shootout league, because who needs defense right? 

Better question would be how West Virginia and Louisville would do in a defense-league. But that's another topic, let's focus just on the conference as a whole. Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Connecticut and Syracuse don't scare anyone, especially not defensively. South Florida isn't a defensive powerhouse either.

So how can the Big East be a top conference when it's a top-team league? There is no Louisville/Big East bashing, because they aren't the only two-team TOP HEAVY BCS conference. The Pac-10 is another. It's basically the Trojan Athlete Factory at USC and either UCLA, Cal, or Arizona State. In fact what a great idea... have the Pac-10/Big East challenge in football. Wait...nevermind... there would only be two good games, maybe three.

If you're ranking the BCS conferences here's the rundown:

1. SEC - You're smoking if they aren't you're number one. Top to bottom, head and shoulders above. You want to know why? Because these schools believe that defense wins championships. Just ask Florida.

2. Big Ten - Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State. Throw in Iowa and Michigan State who are top mid-level teams. It's the second deepest conference, so duh on the rating. While the bottom stinks (Hello, Indiana and Northwestern), the it's easily a six-team on top league. Four deep for sure.

3. ACC - Stop laughing. Last year was a mistake. Trust me. Miami, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Boston College. Let's throw in now and again schools Clemson and Maryland as well. This conference just had a bad year, but it's consistently the third best conference. Let me ask you this... Virginia Tech vs. Rutgers, who do you take? The Hokies... and don't even lie.

4 Big 12 - Here is where we start thinning out on depth. Oklahoma and Texas are the only real contenders here. Nebraska had it's day and the other two TX schools- A&M and Tech, are pretty much stuck on the mid-level. But they defiantely beat out the other two top-heavy conferences.

5. Big East - I've given my reasons. It's a two-school conference, with two maybes. It's amazing they aren't last.

6. Pac-10 - It's really the USC invitational. No one esle really stacks up. If Cal or UCLA could be more consistent they would top my number 5. But so far, they haven't.

So the Big East isn't a top conference. It doesn't have depth, it doesn't play defense. I'm not saying they shouldn't be a BCS conference. They just aren't a top conference. And before you bring up conference vs. conference schedules... look at who played who. UWV over Miss. St isn't a good indictation and you know it. So please... a nice pair doesn't make you attractive, just interesting.

By Kenny Colston

Well... it finally happened. Michael Vick got what was coming to him. In case you haven't heard Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury on conspiracy on violations of the "Travel Act" yesterday.

So after weeks of raids and media hoopla, the feds pulled the trigger. Bad news for Vick... because if you think Roger Goodell is harsh... welcome, Uncle Sam can be one bad motha.

Which is bad news for Vick, because the charges against him leave a lot of wiggle room.  The conspiracy charge ties Vick to events to which he didn't even attend! And the Travel Act was designed by former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy in order to crack down on organized crime.  Bad Newz for the Vick kennels.

Trust me, Vick is getting his. Just ask that Enron CEO, Scooter Libby or anyone who has faced the giant that is the U.S. government. The fact is... our government just doesn't lose many cases. They have too many resources and too much pride to lose. So Vick better hit up his homies in prison... because it's looking like he's heading there quickly.

But if I'm Roger Goodell, I'm more exicted for this than Pacman Jones not playing this season! Vick has been the biggest streak mark on the NFL's underwear since he entered the league. Overhyped since college, Vick has run two coaches out of Atlanta while basically just running himself. His arm is a noodle, his accuracy is horrible. And he's one monster hit away from being down for the count.

But in all reality, Vick has brought them on himself. From bad play to his infamous middle finger to the crowd, he's got what I call the Barry Bonds effect: If you weren't so media UN-friendly, you really wouldn't have it so bad. Call this off-season The Great Purge. Vick's just going to get it a lot worse than the others and he should. Problem is... Vick won't learn. But at least he'll get a long time to think about why we don't break federal law.

Maybe Vick will get lucky and call up President Bush and ask for the same frickin bone that Scooter Libby got. But I doubt it. Good Newz for the NFL, Bad Newz for Vick.  It's about time. Get the orange jumpsuit ready number 7 is about to visit.

 

By Kenny Colston

It's a Wednesday... Hump Day... here on the Big EZ Show so let's get it rolling.

EZ went straight to the dogs... and Mike Vick being indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury.

            

EZ considered Vick a repeat offender in the bad publicity category, having too many mistakes already. EZ said he likes to assume someone is guilty on a case by case basis.  EZ said innocence in a court of law doesn't grant innoncence on his show.

Mike Decourcy from Sporting News magazine joined the show to talk some college basketball.  Decourcy talked about the shoe company summer camps and how the NCAA got with the companies on how the camps should work. 

Next up, Decourcy and EZ talked about the Pan-Am Games basketball team, made up mostly of college players.  Decourcy then said that he thinks that there should be a full-time Pan-Am games staff.

Decourcy then turned to UK, where he wasn't sure Billy Gillispie should be crowned as king yet. Decourcy then turned to U of L basketball... possibly predicting a final four apperance.

Big 3 Championship, check out the blurb below and vote!!

Hour 2... started with EZ running down the Wolf Challenge celebrity foursome- John Daly, Kelvin Sampson, Lee Trevino and Fuzzy himself.

Jody Demling then joined the show to talk a little recruiting news. Jody talked about the big Nike event in Vegas that he's heading to on Friday. EZ then asked about Rotnei Clark, a prospect UK is after fiercely. Jody and EZ ran down all kinds of prospects, including Willie Warren, Leonard Washington and others. EZ then put Jody on the spot... having Jody name the next commitments for each og the big 3 schools.

Jody said Tyreke Evans for UofL, Angel Garcia for IU and Rotnei Clark for UK.

EZ then talked about his favorite show, Shaq's big challenge and the Bronx is Burning.

EZ then played clips from yesterday's Big East football media day. Especially from Kragthorpe, Rich Rodriguez, Brian Brohm. EZ then did some unnecessary censorship on Brohm and the word focus. More unnecessary censorship followed.

Hour 3....started with some callers. EZ then moved to an article from Peter King at SI.com about the NFL and somehow Brian Brohm gets a mention. EZ then ran down the NFL rankings King laid out.

EZ then went on a mini-rant about Brohm, Woodson and Heisman possibilities.

Callers then jammed the phone lines with their responses.

Back from a break, EZ then read an article where Gary Player suggests some golfers take steroids.

But callers wanted more Heisman... so they flooded the phone lines to talk about it.

Check out more Big EZ Show tomorrow 10am-1pm!

 Game 11 of the Big Three Championship features a matchup between the #3 1997 Kentucky Wildcats and the #6 1982 Louisville Cardinals in the East Rutherford Region. The ’97 Cats were National Runner-up to Arizona and went 35-5 en route to winning the SEC Tournament Championship. The Cats made their second trip to the Championship Game in as many years and also won the Great Alaska Shootout. They were led by Ron Mercer, Derek Anderson, Scott Padgett, Anthony Epps, and Allen Edwards. It was Rick Pitino’s final season as UK coach. The ’82 Cards were Metro Conference Tournament Runner-Up with a record of 23-10. The Cards were led to the Final Four by a cast of great players. The team included Derek Smith, Jerry Eaves, Lancaster Gordon, Rodney McCray and Poncho Wright under Head Coach Denny Crum.

VOTE HERE

 

 

 

Daunte Culpepper, former Pro Bowl quarterback, was finally given what he wanted by the Miami Dolphins.  Culpepper was granted his release from the struggling Dolphins after weeks of asking.  The Dolphins, 6-10 last season, had already replaced Culpepper with former Kansas City quarterback Trent Green.  The move saves the Dolphins $5.5 million in salary this season and $51.5 million for the next six years.  Culpepper is thought to be headed to Jacksonville where his former head coach, Mike Tice, is now the assistant head coach.  Under Tice in Minnesota, Culpepper had his best seasons and was a Pro Bowl quarterback. 

 

Last year was an injury plagued season for the 30-year-old quarterback in which he spent the second half of the season on injured reserve.  It was his only season with the Dolphins and it turned out to be short-lived.  Now he is unemployed and looking for a new team.

 

By: Derrick Johnson

NATE (right) AND YOURS TRULY ENJOYING A HOLIDAY
BEVERAGE AT MY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE BASH!

Nasty Nate Muncy is leaving the station, effective today.  Sad day here at the station.  For those of you that knew us about a year ago, Nate was my savior as he screened calls for my show when I was basically alone on the air.  This was after Scott Thompson died of a sudden heart attack last July. This station was in some serious limb back then.  Nobody knew what was going to happen when Scotty-T, our former managing partner, passed.  During that time, it was good to have Nate along, not only to screen calls, but to be there as someone to hang out with, because for a good five months, it was only us (and Jessica)!

Now, The Zone is growing legs, and so is Nate.  He's got a lot ahead of him, and it's good to see he's going to be able to go out and do all that.  And in the meantime, he got to do something that I still envy him for, and that's co-host a show with Johnny 'The Freak' Renshaw, a man who (even though he didn't know it) was intrical for me getting interested in sports radio at a young age, since I listened to him on the old One-on-One sports when he was a host, and I was a young buck!  Freak was the man back then, and he's still the man now.

Nate will be sorely missed, and he got a great listener-base in the short time he was on the air.  He's a fun, upbeat guy... and a lot of people are going to miss him, including me!

By: Kenny Colston and Derrick Johnson

Ez began the show being ridiculed by Dave Ragone and Scott Clark who tried to ambush him this morning and make fun of his wikipedia page. 

EZ then gave some entreprenuer advice to the listeners about women clothing stroes.  EZ said to go out and start a store where the prices are marked higher but then cut down and women will buy them because they think they are getting a deal. 

He then recapped his morning where he went through a drive-thru and ordered a large water.  The worker told him it would cost full price but she could give him a small for free.  EZ then went on to order 7 smalls and a large cup and spent 26 cents. 

Talk then turned to Barry Bonds and rumors that the reason he did not play last night was due to a blowout party he had during the All-Star break.  Teammates have said Bonds hasn't been right since the break. 

EZ then announced the Big Three game of the day, Game 10, and set up the voting. Check below for the blurb and to vote.

EZ then went on a mini-rant about coaching who win title with other coaches players, actually saying that before of the turnover rate, that stuff is just going to happen.  EZ also said he was worried about Steve Kragthrope, U of L football coach.

EZ then said if U of L loses more than 3 games (and have a 9-3 record overall)... then Kragthrope is in hot water already. If he does better, the fans are at least content depending on how much success.

Kentucky football was up next saying the Cats should go 5-7, then asking listeners to call in with what they thought is the make or break record for the Cats

Callers then jammed the phone lines, saying UL couldn't get 3 losses and be happy... and just arguing or agreeing with the Big EZ.

EZ called the Cubbies his surrogate team once the Reds are elimination (Game 6 of this season if you're keeping track of the Reds still).

Hour 2 started with a Restore-64 update: 20 total days, 14 buisness. EZ then announced that on Thursday, three of the Rupp's Runts will be out at UK day at the Bats.

Callers then kept up on the phone lines on the expectations of each team.

Rick Bozich then joined the show since he was at the dentist yesterday. EZ brought up the UofL/UK expectation card to Bozich who took it and ran. EZ then tried to get Bozich to announce his new tv show, but Rick just wouldn't tell. Except to say that Pat Forde will be joining him.

EZ then said that the Big East media selected West Virginia as Big East champion in football, grabbed 20 of 24 first place votes. UL was second, with 3 votes and Rutgers was third, with one first place vote.

EZ then replayed part of the Kragthorpe interview asking about pressure. EZ then announced the celebrity four-some for Fuzzy Zoeller's Wolf Challenge - Lee Trevino, Kelvin Sampson, John Daly and Fuzzy himself.

Hour 3 started with Darryl Ledbetter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution joined the show for some Atlanta Falcons conversation. EZ asked what the big differences between Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino. Ledbetter said that people in Atlanta got wind that Petrino may not be the best media guy. EZ then asked what the players thought of Petrino and Ledbetter said that Petrino isn't so rah-rah and the players aren't warming-up immediately to it.

EZ then asked if Vick will get any punishment from Roger Goodell. Ledbetter said it looks like somewhere between 2-4 games depending on how things fall out. Darryl then said that Chris Redman is in the thick of the hunt for 3rd-string QB job.

Howie Lindsay joined the show, CardinalSports.com, live from the Big East media day. Howie said most people were shocked at the voting landslide in favor of UWV. EZ then asked about the hype (or lackthereof) of Brian Brohm's Heisman candidancy.

One caller then said he already played NCAA 08 and gave a little rundown of the game.

In the last segment, EZ ran down the topics for the day before moving to a robbery turned therapy story.

Check out more Big EZ Show, tomorrow 10am-1pm.

        

With the return of Steve Slaton and Pat White, the West Virginia Mountaineers have been picked to win the Big East.

According to voting by the conference media, WV received 20 of the 24 first-place votes. Here are the final results....

Rank Team Pts.
1. West Virginia (20) 188
2. Louisville (3) 167
3. Rutgers (1) 142
4. USF 123
5. Cincinnati 86
6. Pittsburgh 80
7. Connecticut 45
8. Syracuse 32

Last season, WV finished 11-2 and defeated Georgia Tech 38-35 in the Gator Bowl. Louisville finished with just 3 first place votes, despite having returning senior QB Brian Brohm. I find it a little hard to believe Lville gets very little love from the media. And who gave Rutgers 1 measley vote? I don't see lightning hitting me twice, no go for Rutgers.

 

Game 10 of the Big Three Championship pits the #4 1953 Indiana Hoosiers against the #5 1958 Kentucky Wildcats. The '53 Hoosiers went 23-3 and were Big Ten Champions as well as National Champions under coach Branch McCracken. It was Indiana's 2nd Championship win. They were led by Don Schlundt and Bob Leonard as they beat Kansas in the Championship game. The '58 Wildcats were coached by Adolph Rupp and won the school's 4th National Championship in 11 years. The Cats were SEC Champions with a 23-6 record. They were led by Vernon Hatton, Johnny Cox, John Crigler, Adrian Smith and Ed Beck.

VOTE HERE

VIEW UPDATED BRACKET HERE

Last year I was entranced by the Reds. They were in the playoff race (even leading the Central) into the last month or so of the season. Although this year the Redlegs are a dismal 38-55 and last in the Central. I'm sure you all knew this by now. But with this awful year seemingly going nowhere the Reds have one bright spot...Ken Griffey Jr. This is the first year Griffey has been totally healthy and totally committed to baseball. With that being said it was nice seeing Griffey hit number 587 and take sole possession of 6th place on the all-time list. Next on the list is Sammy Sosa with 602. Since Sammy is still playing it could take til next year for Griffey to move into 5th so far now we just wait for the Reds to continue losing.

By Kenny Colston

It's a Tubby's Monday... so hopefully you caught EZ and the 1570 crew out at Tubby's.

EZ keeps promising a packed show... just think of it as The Works-type pizza.

EZ then lobbied for the show's NCAA '08 video game simulation... so expect some announcement by the end of today's show or something tomorrow, since the college football game comes out tomorrow.

Phillies lost their 10,000 game, 11 losses in a row for the Dodgers, Ichiro plunked. EZ's just running down all the baseball stuff so far.

More daily tidbits.... from the WNBA, to a Herald-Leader blog saying UNC's Roy Williams is turning into a Tubby... which means he hasn't been getting the top recruits.

EZ then wanted a Restore 64 update, 15 business days, 21 total days left. EZ then played the Barry Bonds clip where he lashes out at the media for his slump...of course bringing more pressure on himself. EZ said slumps like this didn't happen in the steroids era and that this is the perfect example.  EZ then got back to the Phillies 10,000 loss, saying the fans took it well.

Joe Torre is a racist? With Gary Sheffield and Kenny Lofton saying yes... EZ said no, reasoning that if Torre was a racist, he probably wouldn't be managing still. EZ was sure that Torre wasn't a racist.

Callers then wanted to give their views on the last couple of topics.

And what may become a running theme... Dave Ragone and EZ are arguing, this about a guy without legs trying to qualify for the Olympics.

Hour 2 started out with the Barry Bonds quote still saying it was a bad move. EZ then related Bonds to the guy in high school just trying to fit in, so he goes outside the box to get a rise out of everyone.  EZ then got back onto the Olympics and the guy with artifical legs. 

EZ then announced the results of Game 8 of the Big Three Championship. EZ then announced today's game, Game 9, check below for a blurb about each team. Vote below or go to www.bigezshow.com.     VS       

More callers ringing in on the topics so far.  Dave Ragone then had enough again and argued with EZ again about this Olympics guy.  Callers then completely wanted to raise all hell with the Olympics issue.

Back from a break... EZ went right back to our double amputee trying to qualify for the Olympics. Just a reminder, EZ thinks it's a performance enhancer. Make your own deicisons, I'm sitting this one out.

EZ gives a little on-air introduction before Billy Gillispie comes on during the SEC men's basketball teleconference.  Eric Waxler quickly called in and got in a shot about the double amputee.

The show then plugged in Billy Gillispie during the SEC teleconference. Hope you got to tune in.

Hour 3 started with EZ saying Lexington is in the top 5 cities for young singles.

Jeff Drummond from CatsPause.com joined the show to talk a little UK. EZ asked about Jeff's overall thoughts on Gillispie and Jeff said that Gillispie has really done a great job, especially in recruiting. Drummond then talked about the news coming from the open gyms, even saying that Mike Williams is impressing people. EZ then asked about the rounding out of Gillispie's staff, with Drummond saying the rumor mill is still turning and a lot of people are still in the dark!

EZ then asked Drummond about football and Jeff said that with all the hard games at home, it's going to be tough for the Cats to win at least six games.

Charles Robinson, NFL writer from Yahoo Sports joined the show. EZ first brought up the Colts resigning of Dwight Freeney. EZ thought it might be a little inflated and Charles agreed, but still said Freeney is still a good defensive end. EZ then wanted to know who the best GM in the league is and Robinson said the title changes frequently. Right now, Robinson liked A.J. Smith of the Chargers, but was still shaky on that pick.

EZ then asked about the Patriots, who are seemingly stockpiling talents to which Robinson was just wowed, especially at the wide reciever corps. EZ then asked if Marc Bulger, Rams QB, is going to hold out. Robinson didn't think the hold out would last, saying the Rams want a long-term deal.  EZ then brought up Mike Vick to which Robinson said the NFL offices aren't having fun with. 

In the last segment, EZ championed his argument on the double amputee, saying that the IAAF has said that his legs are an unfair advantage, saying the legs distribute energy better making him faster at the end. The legs also reduce wind resistance.

Get some Tubby's... and check out more Big EZ Show 10am-1pm tomorrow!

Game 9 of the Big Three Championship features two teams from not so long ago. The #1 '96 Kentucky Wildcats face off against the #8 '02 Indiana Hoosiers. Arguably one of the best college basketball teams of all-time, the '96 Cats went 34-2 and 16-0 in the SEC regular season, the first team to go undefeated in league play in 40 years. The Cats won the National Championship under Coach Rick Pitino, his only championship to date. They were lead in scoring by Tony Delk, Antoine Walker, Walter McCarty, Derek Anderson, and Ron Mercer. The '02 Hoosiers were Big Ten Co-Champions under Coach Mike Davis. They were National Runner-Up after losing to Maryland in the Championship in Atlanta, GA. The Hoosiers were led by Jared Jeffries, A.J. Moye, Tom Coverdale, Jeff Newton, Dane Fife, Jarrad Odle, and Kyle Hornsby. The Hoosiers advanced to the Final Four after defeating Duke in Rupp Arena in the Regional Final.

VOTE HERE!

VIEW THE UPDATED BRACKET HERE!

by: Kenny Colston

Yeah, I'm back... and no, not for a recap. I had fun with Omaha-CWS blogs so I'm throwing my thoughts down on this whole A-Rod crap. You know.. the let's talk, not right now, now or never little circle that keeps turning.

Well enough. Target number one, Scott Boras. The devil incarnate. If Bug Selig wanted to have a positive legacy for his time served (because right now we can agree positive and Selig don't belong together) he would ban Scott Boras from baseball. He's the best agent and the best for all the players... but bad for baseball. All these holdouts, opt-outs and the tons of money thrown at players not worth it ( I'm looking at you Barry Zito) is Boras doing.  Boot the guy out and maybe baseball or at least free agency, becomes a little less silly.

But if you're asking me... let A-Rod walk. Yes.. possibly the best player to ever play baseball.. let him walk. Don't talk contract with him at all now. For some reason, 252 milliion isn't enough and A-Rod got to set more records, on the money side of baseball. He can hit 100 home runs during the season the fact is that A-Rod's teams don't win championships. Mariners, Rangers, Yankees. Zero. Not even an ALCS. The man folds during the postseason, at least recently. I would call A-Rod the Marino of MLB, but at least Marino went to Super Bowls.

So you want my solution to the Yankees' problems? Trade-Rod. Let that sink in. Trade the best player on your team...an almost lock Hall of Famer and multiple record-breaker in waiting?

Yeah. Trade A-Rod. Let the Angels or another team looking for a bat rent him out for the rest of the season. And stockpile all the talent you can in return. Most notably... young pitchers. Because the problems to this year's Yankees is the pitching staff. And they only get older next year, if they are still around. Here's what the current staff looks like.

Clemens - Looking like he shouldn't have returned and only has a one year deal.

Pettite - One year deal... no better than a 4 or 5 in the AL.

Mussina- Stinks this year... and in his late 30's. A No. 3 starter at best.

Wang - Flashes last year and this year.. someone to keep around.

And then the fifth guy has been a rotation, but count Phil Hughes to be dominate once he's healed. So the Yankees have two reliable starters in Wang and Mussina with a stud in Hughes. No good in the AL. No Ace for next year, just a No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 starter. And the Yankee bullpen blows. In fact, here's a nice little idea Brian Cashman should look at.

A-Rod and some rookie ball prospect to the Cubs, Cubs send Carlos Zambrano and prospects (not familiar with the farm league, but two arms and young, defense minder 3B).

Either way, the Yanks can solve this problem with A-Rod and Boras. Trade A-Rod, a pitcher than's reliable and on-fire (Zambrano) and take a decent bat, good defense infielder and AAA pitcher or two. Because the AL, especially the East is too competitive. Take the distractions away, get the pitching you need. Save your season.

Honestly, I should be a GM. Kenny Colston sounds like a GM name... maybe one day.

 

On the SportsMob (3-7 PM daily), we are bringing on coaches or administrators to talk about the upcoming football programs on the schedule of both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. Archived shows are below in bold. Still 5 more teams left to preview. Enjoy.

SportsMob 2007 Louisville Preview

2 Thur., Aug 30 Murray State 7:30 PM ET (Coach Matt Griffin)
3 Thur., Sep 6 Middle Tennessee 7:00 PM ET (Coach Rick Stockstill) 
4 Sat., Sep 15 Kentucky 12:00 PM ET (Coach Rich Brooks)
5 Sat., Sep 22 Syracuse 12:00 PM ET
6 Sat., Sep 29 @North Carolina State 12:00 PM ET
7 Fri., Oct 5 Utah 8:00 PM ET (Coach Kyle Wittingham) 
8 Sat., Oct 13 @Cincinnati 12:00 PM ET 
Fri., Oct. 19 @Connecticut 8:00 PM ET (Wayne Norman, play-by-play)
10 Sat., Oct 27 Pittsburgh 12:00 PM ET (Bill Hillgrove, play-by-play)
Thur., Nov 8 @West Virginia 7:30 PM ET (Coach Rich Rodriguez)
13 Sat., Nov 17 @South Florida 12:00 PM ET
15 Thur., Nov 29 Rutgers 7:30 PM ET

By Kenny Colston

It's Friday the 13th... so can it really be a feel good Friday? Let's just hope this blog doesn't explode while I write it up.

EZ lead off with Homer Bailey pitching for the Bats last night... and then talked about his chronic headache. No word on whether Bailey's pitching problems is causing headaches, because we know they are for Reds fans.

If you heard my Spice Girls impersation and you're in the music business, you can reach me here at the station. The call-in line works, we can talk a record deal.

EZ then got on some ESPN tv, talking about the ESPY and wanting to watch as well as some Baseball Tonight talk. Saying the President is a big Baseball Tonight fan, one of the Baseball Tonight crew wants to end the show saying Goodnight Mr. President.  Seriously? Not a web gem... not at all.

Next up EZ got onto Ichiro's next contract...100 million dollars and EZ wasn't so sure that so much money should be spent on a non-home run hitter. EZ reasoned that Ichiro is getting a high contract for one simple economic reason: supply and demand.  Listeners then rang in to either support or disagree with the EZ.

Hour 2 started with the Big Three Championship update, Game 8 today... check below or go to www.bigezshow.com to vote!

John Decker from HoosierNation.com joined the show and EZ wanted to know about how Bloomington was rocked with Coach Hep's passing. EZ then asked about Bill Lynch, the new IU football coach and what situation he's put in.

EZ then asked John about the upcoming IU football season, with John saying 6-7 wins is realistic for the Hoosiers. EZ then jumped to basketball recruiting and coach Kelvin Sampson.

EZ went to a little Fanasty Football conversation... anchored by John Hansen by Fantasyguru.com. With LDT (I refuse to give him LT, there was only one LT) and Stephen Jackson coming into second. Hansen then got into the QB position. John then got into the drafting process. Hansen then gave a value pick at RB- Ahman Green.

Mike Hutzel joined the show to wrap up Hour 2 and handle all of Hour 3.

Hour 3 started off with some callers for the tail end of the fantasy football conversation. EZ then threw the Ichiro question to Mike...who thought the contact hitter was overpaid. The conversation quickly turned to A-Rod's monster contract and soon to be even bigger payday.

Mike Hutzel then ran down his point spread picks for the Indiana Football team while I reminded EZ of his. More Guess The Spreads... this time going with Kentucky. Mike and EZ then moved onto Louisville.

Check out more Big EZ Show out at Tubby's on Monday, 10am-1pm!

On the SportsMob (3-7 PM daily), we are bringing on coaches or administrators to talk about the upcoming football programs on the schedule of both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. UK Football Schedule Preview shows archived are below. Enjoy.

Sports Mob 2007 UK Football Schedule Preview

2 Sat., Sep 1 Eastern Kentucky 12:00 PM ET
3 Sat., Sep 8 Kent State 12:00 PM ET (Coach Doug Martin)
4 Sat., Sep 15 Louisville 12:00 PM ET
5 Sat., Sep 22 @Arkansas 7:00 PM ET
6 Sat., Sep 29 Florida Atlantic 12:00 PM ET (Coach Howard Schnellenberger)
7 Thur., Oct 4 @South Carolina 7:30 PM ET
8 Sat., Oct 13 LSU 12:00 PM ET (Jim Hawthorne, play-by-play)
9 Sat., Oct 20 Florida 12:00 PM ET (Mic Huber, play-by-play)
10 Sat., Oct 27 Mississippi State 12:00 PM ET
12 Sat., Nov 10 @Vanderbilt 1:00 PM ET
13 Sat., Nov 17 @Georgia 12:00 PM ET
14 Sat., Nov 24 Tennessee 12:00 PM ET

Game 8 provides the tournament with a little old school versus new school match up. It features the #2 ’54 Kentucky Wildcats versus the #7 ’05 Louisville Cardinals. The ’54 Cats went 25-0 and were SEC Champions. The Cats declined an NCAA Tournament bid due to sanctions from the ’53 season. The team was led by seniors Cliff Hagan and Frank Ramsey. The ’05 Cards featured a high-powered offense led by Taquan Dean and Francisco Garcia along with Ellis Myles, Juan Palacios, and Larry O’Bannon. The team made the Final Four in St. Louis, their first in 19 years. They were coached by Rick Pitino and lost to Illinois in the National Semifinal.

VOTE FOR GAME 8 HERE

VIEW UPDATED BRACKET HERE

By Kenny Colston   

It's a Thristy Thursday and while it may be the slowest sports time of the year, the Big EZ Show will always find something to talk about!

Leading off the show was the Spice Girls...that's right... with EZ playing some of the pop's group biggest songs while sounding interested about Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham) and her new reality show.

Getting to sports, EZ went on a mini-rant about the Yankees breaking tradition and being willing to talk contract with A-Rod while during the season. EZ laid out the Yankees demands, which EZ didn't think would work. Basically A-Rod and his agent are just going to play the game.

EZ then previewed a little point-spread picks that he will do later.

Up next, EZ and Dave Ragone go at it with some college football information. The SEC was the topic and the two 1570 The Zone hosts disagreed on just about everything.  Not wanting to be left out Rob Gidel from the Sports Mob calling in and jumped into the fray. All three guys couldn't agree on what mattered, who was finishing where, and Gidel even saying UK should drop U of L in the schedule!

Hour 2 started the way Hour 1 ended... more and more college football arguing. I'm popping some popcorn and grabbing a coke as we speak. The guys argued over every little crook and nanny before Rob and Dave had to depart and the segment ended.

Back from a break, EZ read out some e-mails with listeners agreeing or disagreeing and EZ replying on-air and taking some callers as well.

Hour 2 rounded out with the announcing of today's Big 3 Championship game, a little Antoine Walker robbery talk,

Hour 3 started off with Rob Gidel live from Thorton's at 3320 Preston Highway giving away shirts and a chance for Fire tickets!

Jerry Bonkowski joined the show from some NASCAR updates with the plane crash tradegy landing the pole before moving onto the last week's race. Jerry was excited for McMurray before getting onto Kyle Busch's "no-teamwork" problem. Jerry then ran down the possibilities for Busch to land next year.

Next up, EZ got all over the Oklahoma conversation...because the NCAA erased the wins from the 2005 season becuase of player trouble. EZ took a few callers on the issue as well.

The last segment of the show EZ begged for a Doctor to solve he's headache problem. Before going into Pick the Spread fun game for Indiana football.  Check out more Big EZ show tomorrow 10am-1pm.

Game 7 matches #3 ’83 Louisville versus #6 ’84 Kentucky. The ’83 Cards, under coach Denny Crum, went 32-4 and advanced to the Final Four after winning the Great Alaska Shootout and Metro Conference regular season and conference tournament. The Cards were led by sophomore Milt Wagner, junior Lancaster Gordon, senior Rodney McCray, junior Charles Jones, and senior Scooter McCray. The ’84 Cats were SEC regular season and tournament champions under Joe B. Hall and finished the season 29-5. They advanced to the Final Four in Seattle where they were defeated by Georgetown. The team was led in scoring by senior Melvin Turpin, sophomore Kenny Walker, and senior Sam Bowie.

VOTE HERE

VIEW UPDATED BRACKET HERE

By Kenny Colston

The Recap is Back!....As well as the big guy, Big EZ himself. So let's get rolling.

Hour 1 started with EZ giving his All-Star Game take... mostly saying he was disinterested but blamed that on being a National League fan and well...the NL haven't won an All-Star game in a while. Next up was EZ's take on Albert Pujols being upset at riding the All-Star game pine. EZ agreed with La Russa's decision with a few callers agreeing or disagreeing on EZ's take.

EZ wrapped up the hour with more baseball conversation.

Hour 2 was all over the map, but started out with the return of the Big Three Championship bracket. Check Below to vote on Game 6 for today. EZ got back on a baseball talk, dissing the Cubs and discussing A-Rod with callers chiming in. EZ talked about how to change the Pro Bowl next and Rock and Jock host Dave Ragone called in to go toe-to-toe with the big guy on the Pro Bowl statements.

EZ and G then discussed Pac-Man Jones latest trouble with the law, Iverson's legal troubles and payout and then finished that discussion with a loaded question: who would you rather be...Pac-Man or O.J.? Ouch.

Hour 3 started with EZ's "uh-oh" picks for each of the Big 3's college football season.  Saying that each of our local football teams will trip up (against the spread, of course) over the course of the season.  For UK, EZ picked Florida Atlantic to cover, Louisville would have trouble with Pittsburgh, and IU would stumble at Northwestern.

Phil Steele's college football interview covered segment 2.

Back from a break, EZ talked a little more about some college football and Steele's opinions and the interview. UK dominated most of the talk, because EZ thinks the Cats aren't going to have as good of a season as people think.

EZ then wrapped up the show with some Dan Patrick leaving ESPN talk.

Make sure to check out more Big EZ Show tomorrow, 10am-1pm!

Game 6 pits the #4 ’98 Kentucky Wildcats against the #5 ’75 Louisville Cardinals. The ’98 Cats were SEC regular season and tournament champions. The “Comeback Cats” were NCAA Champs coached by Tubby Smith. They were led by seniors Jeff Sheppard and Allen Edwards along with juniors Nazr Mohammed, Scott Padgett, and Wayne Turner. The ’75 Cards advanced to the Final Four with a record of 28-3. The Missouri Valley Conference Champions were led by seniors Allen Murphy and Junior Bridgeman as well as sophomore Wesley Cox.

VOTE HERE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED BRACKET

Barry Bonds sucks at life.

Few times in life do you get a free chance to "right" some "wrongs" when it comes to your shortcomings. Barry Bonds had the Willy Wonka golden ticket of a life-time presented to him in the form of the Home Run Derby. Live from his own ball park in Pac-Bell and in front of the only fans that like him, Barry Bonds could have taken the place of Florida's Miguel Cabrera, who took himself out of the contest after suffering an injury Sunday, and watched as people might finally have a reason to like him, as he saved the day.

Instead, Barry did what Barry always does. He acted like Barry Bonds.

Bonds is an arrogant jerk who is no more deserving of his upcoming home run record than Joe the Janitor, yet considers himself and the world blessed by his prescense. His respect for the game is somewhere between little to none and his respect for the fan somehow manages to sink lower.

Thank you, Barry. You've proven everyone right about you.

 

By Derrick Johnson and Kenny Colston

Todays show started with some safety tips from Uncle EZ in regards to wearing seatbelts over the holiday weekend and being careful around fireworks.

Next up, EZ discussed the Big Three Championship between '78 UK and '72 UL.  The voting turnout has been great and we hope it continues.  Get your vote in by 10pm tonight.

EZ then committed radio death and decided to discuss soccer.  Beckham was the topic of choice and EZ gave his views of the superstar.

Next up, EZ brought up the Bats game last night and got to talking about the good attendance the Bats have been receiving. 

EZ then took some callers about their favorite/best soccer players in relation to their Top 5 international celebrities.

Hour 2 started with a Big 3 championship update, before moving onto some Barry Bonds news.  Talking about a former Bonds mistress wanting to come out and tell all about the slugger. EZ then went onto a little Barry soapbox... and now he's done.

This recap will not talk about any little Enrique's, especially not Bonds'.

EZ then talked about Rick Bozich's column in today's Courier-Journal about Bonds.  EZ called the All-Star voting ballots were just a popularity contest which is why he has no problem with Bonds being voted into the All-Star game.  EZ said fans don't care if he cheated, they just want him in the game! EZ said the steriods era is over and if Bonds is voted in, don't get pissed off.

A caller asked how come Barry Bonds will most likely make the Hall of Fame but Pete Rose wont? More callers rang in with their own thoughts about Bonds.

Howie Lindsay from CardinalSportsReport.com joined the show to talk a little U of L. First up was Howie's reaction to Walter McCardy becoming the new U of L assistant. EZ and Howie then ran down the recent commitment for U of L football. EZ then brought up the national recognition U of L is getting now.

Hour 3 started off with a Tank....Tank Johnson that is. EZ still thinks Tank is to blame... for being out so late.

Joey Adams from TripleCrownSelections.com joined the show for more horse racing talk.  Joey talked about Ellis Park's meet, which starts tomorrow and ran down a bit of Churchill's card for tomorrow. Joey then talked about some of the paths for some of the bigger name horses. Get all your handicapping needs from Joey at TripleCrownSelections.com.

EZ then brought up an interesting news piece....Don Imus returning to the airwaves in New York. EZ was shocked that no one was talking about his possible comeback. EZ is glad that Imus is coming back, believing in second chances.

EZ then brought up the vacation in other countries subject again before taking some callers.

The last segment of the day included some U of L basketball updates before EZ gave some dating advice from AskMen.com.

No Big EZ Show tomorrow... but the Show will be back on Thursday with your favorite interns, US!  Check us out 10am-1pm on Thursday and have a good Independence Day!

Game 4 provided the tournament with it's first upset as '92 Kentucky beat '87 Indiana 63%-37%.

Game 5 is a match up between the #1 ’78 Kentucky Wildcats and the #8 ’72 Louisville Cardinals. The ’78 Cats won both the SEC and National Championship under Joe B. Hall. The team was led by Co-Captains Jack Givens and Rick Robey along with senior James Lee and Sophomore Kyle Macy. The ’72 Cards were Missouri Valley Co-Champions and advanced to the Final Four. The team was led in scoring by five seniors including Jim Price and Ron Thomas.

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UPDATED BRACKET

By Kenny Colston

IT's a Tubby's Monday here on the Big EZ Show... which means our host is probably chowing down some of the best pizza in town.

First up on EZ's list was the firing of Jerry Narron, the Reds manager.  EZ was very upset at the situation, saying that Narron had basically been given crap and last year made a decent team overachieve. EZ said that he has the feeling the team will start winning more because they'll play for the new manager, who came in-house. EZ thinks one day the Reds will come back to live, he just doesn't know when.  I say it's when Pete Rose stops betting on baseball... which is never.

Derrick and EZ debated who the Reds should have hired...with neither of them really nailing down anything.

EZ then asked listeners who they wanted to be the new Reds manager (their advance scout is their current interm) with Dave Ragone wanting Joe Giradi. Ragone then thought it was funny that the guy responsible for all the crappy pitching is now running the ship. EZ, Ragone, and G got to talking about the "Who's Now?" bracket from ESPN.

Ragone and EZ then got to talking about The Big 3 championship, with Ragone thinking that the '86 UL team getting upset was crap. EZ then introduced today's game, check below to see a write-up and to vote, or go to www.bigezshow.com.

Back from a break, EZ went back to the "Who's Now?" bracket from ESPN. EZ then found an interesting story that says Larry Coker and Doug Flutie will join ESPN as analysts for the college football season.  Gratefully, they won't be in the same booth.  EZ didn't think Coker wouldn't do a good job because of his voice. 

Hour 2 started back with the ESPN college football analysts, Flutie and Coker with Flutie joining the Thursday night crew.  EZ wondered what happened to Kirk Herbstreet, who was the Thursday guy last year. EZ really thought none of these guys can match up to Herbstreet.

EZ then threw out his dream crew, asking listeners to call in with their dream announcing crew. A few callers rang in with some interesting comments, while Derrick and EZ debated which announcers were good....or bad.

EZ then said he thinks if UK didn't move the game to the third week of the season, and the V-Tech shootings didn't happen, the first College GameDay would have came to Lexington. EZ then got back on a soapbox about everything that could have happened if UK had not moved the game.

Rick Bozich from the Courier-Journal joined the show and EZ immediately asked Bozich what he thought about the draft. EZ then asked Bozich who he thought the best Big 3 team was.  Bozich thought that '75 was the best IU team, '96 was the top UK and for U of L, Bozich had a tough time between '83 and '80 UL.  Overall, Rick picked the '75 IU team. EZ then asked Rick to pick between the two teams today, with Rick deciding on IU for today's game.

Back from a break, Derrick read the Big 3 blurb (vote below) while EZ announced that IU is still killing in the voting. EZ then announced tomorrow's matchup.

Hour 3 led-off with a run-down of the topics so far. Joey Adams from TripleCrownSelections.com joined the show from some horse racing conversation. Joey spoke of his good days at the track over the weekend. Make sure you get all your handicapping needs from TripleCrownSelections.com!

Fred Cowgill joined the show, starting off with Walter McCardy's hiring onto the U of L staff. Moving on, Billy Gillispie's newest commitment came up next, with Fred giving the man a lot of respect. EZ then asked Cowgill to give his thoughts with the Big 3 Championship, which had Fred going down memory lane.

Check out more Big EZ show tomorrow, 10am-1pm!

Game 4 features the #2 ’87 Indiana Hoosiers versus the #7 ’92 Kentucky Wildcats. The ’87 Hoosiers compiled a record of 30-4 on their way to the school’s most recent National Championship and last under Coach Bob Knight. The Hoosiers were Big 10 Conference Co-Champions and won the championship in New Orleans, Louisiana. They were led by seniors Steve Alford and Keith Smart. The ’92 Wildcats were one of the most beloved teams in UK history. The “Unforgettables” were SEC East Champions and Tournament Champions. They were led by sophomore Jamal Mashburn and seniors John Pelphrey, Deron Feldhaus, Richie Farmer and Sean Woods. The Cats were coached by Rick Pitino

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