NEW BANG CARTOON
Here is the latest, Bad Boys,from BangCartoons.com.

ONLY 32 MORE DAYS TILL COLLEGE FOOTBALL

THE NEW SERGEANT SLAUGHTER?


We all remember the fateful day when Sergeant Slaughter decided to switch his allegiances as a patriotic American and instead became an Iraqi sympathizer. I still get pissed even though I know it's fake. Well now we have PacMan Jones as our new bad guy.

He already has the perfect name and reputation. I'm thinking he makes his premeire dressed up a pimp with some ho's and making it rain with fake money.

CONGRATS TO CAL RIPKEN AND TONY GWYNN
Growing up as a huge fan of Cal Ripken and equally appreciative of Tony Gwynn and his contributions to the game, I think yesterday's introduction of both to the Hall is something the game of baseball needed. Both players carried themselves with class and dignity on and off the field and both are still highly involved with young impressionable kids teaching them the fundamentals of the game.
I consider myself lucky to have had a guy like Ripken to look up to as a role model. He was so much more than "The Streak" and he consistently showed up big in crucial situations. My hope is that one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, he can buy out Peter Angelos and take over the O's.
Again congrats to Ripken and Gwynn, both class players that played the game the right way and made positive headlines throughout their careers.

SO YOU ARE SAYING I HAVE A CHANCE
Erin Andrews, aka the only reason to not turn the channel when ESPN is on, offers us her favorite places in Atlanta to chill and enjoy a cold one with the ladies. I still can't believe she didn't mention the Sportscrack headquarters. I understand Erin, keep it down low.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GISELE BUNDCHEN
Today not only do you turn 27 but your boyfriend Tom Brady is expecting his first child from another woman, Bridget Moynahan, on this exact day! Why can't we all be so lucky? The long-legged Brazilian supermodel has been turning heads ever since I busted...err, I mean she busted upon the fashion world back in the 90's.

Here is a cheers, or shall we say Salud, to you Ms. Current Tom Brady's girlfriend until he knocks you up and dumps you for Jessica Biel lady!

ANOTHER BUCKEYE BUSTED
Okay, it's a former Buckeye named Jason Simmons who was arrested earlier this week for having sex with a 14 year old girl. Apparently Simmons played football in the early 90's with the Suckeyes, I can't seem to recall him playing...probably because I'm not an underage minor girl, at least that is what I tell myself.

What is up with these people with affiliations to "The" Ohio State University who either fondle themselves in libraries:

or get caught talking to Chris Hansen on "To Catch a Predator?"

It's just a matter of time till Sweatervest is caught. Because remember children, never trust a man in a sweatervest or a man affiliated with Ohio State. Getting a child close to a Buckeye is about as stupid as leaving your dog over with Michael Vick.

LIGHT POSTING TODAY
Sorry people, I'm closing on a house next Friday and dealing with a lot of paperwork and manual labor to insure the closing. I figured I would leave you something to watch, althought I wouldn't recommend watching it at work:
A LITTLE GINA GERSHON AND JENNIFER TILLY ACTION FROM BOUND

Hottest Scene Ever Jennifer Tilly & Gina Gershon - The funniest videos clips are here

42 days and 1 hour away

New Nike Air Zoom Vick V
Dog lovers and humanitarians rejoice, Michael Vick's new shoe has been put down.

At least for now, Nike has suspended the release of the puppy killer according to SI.com. This statement was released by Nike today:

Nike Co. "is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick, and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent. We do believe that Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen; therefore, we have not terminated our relationship."

I feel so bad for Ookie. How is he going to be able to feed his dogs?

All joking aside I hope Ookie is not guilty of these awful crimes he has been accused of but if he is then I hope the fucker gets castrated by one of his pit bulls. Ask Siegfried and his leather chapped boy toy Roy Horn what it is like to feel the vengeance of an animal that doesn't want to play anymore.

EX-TERP STAR BAXTER GUILTY OF BEING A MORON
In another case which falls in the dumb athlete of the year award along the likes of Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, and Tank Johnson; former Maryland Terp basketball star Lonny Baxter plead guilty today to illegally shipping guns...through, get this...FEDEX!

How fucking stupid can you be to think it is okay to ship firearms using UPS or FedEx? To top it all off it's his second gun offense in less than a year. Baxter was last spotted near the White House firing off a weapon which got him arrested by the Secret Service and a sentence of two months in jail.

Either players are getting more dumb by the minute or the apocalypse is upon us. After watching the Cardinals win the World Series last year I'm going to say apocalypse.

"DICK IN A BOX" NOMINATED FOR AN EMMY

Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg's hilarious song on SNL has been nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. Take a look inside:

43 DAYS AND COUNTING

Till we pull out of our summer hibernation and enjoy the best holiday of the year: College Football Saturdays in the fall.

Watch and learn he says:

Still the greatest call to ever end a game, to this day I still get the goosebumps when Joe Starkey screams "the band is on the field."

REDNECK TRASH BRITNEY SPEARS DAILY CROTCH SHOT



This picture was taken yesterday on the beach in Malibu. Yep, that is her moose knuckle, such a lovely mother of two.

How many of you would still hit it up with the trailer trash nutcase?

ATLANTA PUBLIC TV: PENIS POWER VS VAGINA POWER


I can't even try to explain without laughing. Just watch ho's, and don't even pretend to act like yo don't kno wut she is talkin bout!

HT: BarStoolSports

DARREN MCFADDEN'S PIMP RIDE
Orson found a beauty here, but the only thing missing is Snoop with some Gin and Juice and some dead hookers/cheerleaders.



I would think the crazy son of a bitch named Houston Nutt would hook the players up with better rides. This sort of thing doesn't happen at respectable Universities like Georgia or Florida. They get "loaners" otherwise known as BMW's.

COLIN "SHITBIRD" COWHERD TO REPLACE DAN PATRICK?

For the love of God I hope this isn't true. The guys over at SportsbyBrooks are reporting the no-talent ass clown who constantly talks about himself and the "who gives a shit" topic of sports television ratings on his ESPN Radio show is making a case to replace Dan Patrick.

I will be the first to admit I actually kind of enjoyed his show when I started listening a couple of years back(translation: I was a drunk meth addict). Now I can't listen to more than 2 minutes of his BS. It would be one thing if he actually knew what he was talking about but he doesn't.
Witness his recent appearance in front of an audience when asked about the importance of eliminating performance enhancing drugs in sports:


Add this to the crap programming such as Weiner eating contests, NASCAR coverage, spelling bees, and Pedro Gomez stalking Barry Bonds, and you can see why ESPN now stands for EMBARRASSING SPORTS PROGRAM NETWORK.

I'm this close to going Billy Walsh on ESPN, this close you fucking ESPN jerkoffs:

BRITISH OPEN STARTS TOMORROW
I know all of you are in lockdown, can't wait to watch the world's greatest sports spectacle across the big pond tomorrow mode. But take time to appeciate golf for what it is: an elitist, rich snob sport where your boss can chug beers and talk shit about his family and friends. Damn I love golf!

A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS

Courtesy of WithLeather

JIMMY KIMMEL JOKES FROM THE ESPYS

Via Deadspin, here are some sports jokes delivered by Jimmy Kimmel on the awards show that nobody watches..

Tonight's show focuses primarily on the accomplishments of athletes on the field - but there are so many great things going on off the field too.

Michael Vick, as you've probably heard, is picking up where Bob Barker left off, to try to help control the pet population.

I think that's great.

He's also been doing some wonderful things for people in his local community - just this last weekend, he let the police have a treasure hunt in his backyard.

----------------------

Ron Artest was also investigated for cruelty to animals this year. This was actually a scary case - they claim - and, of course, these are just allegations - that he forced two of his dogs to listen to his entire rap album.

----------------------

Kobe was here tonight, but about halfway down the red carpet, he asked to be traded to another awards show.

Right now, Don Cornelius is presenting him with a Soul Train Award.

----------------------

David Beckham comes to LA this month. I have to say I have never seen my gardener so excited.

David Beckham got 250 million dollars to pay for the Galaxy. It's a lot of money, but they're hoping he can do for soccer what Wayne Gretzky did for hockey...which means in 15 years, no one will be watching soccer either.

-----------------------

I want to congratulate Greg Oden - the number one pick in the NBA Draft.

Greg is here tonight. How can you be 19 years old? You look like Grady from Sanford and Son.

Don't people usually have their tonsils removed before they turn 40? You may have heard Greg was diagnosed with tonsillitis. But what you might not know is he got a second opinion this morning and it turns out they're not tonsils at all ... they're dinosaur eggs.

-----------------------

Well - this is going to be a fun night. I don't know if I'll be able to fill Lance Armstrong's shoes, but at the very least, I'm pretty sure I can fill his scrotum. Figuratively, of course.

MICHAEL VICK INDICTED FOR DOG FIGHTING

Is there any chance the Falcons can get Matt Schaub back? Here is the indictment. Read it, laugh, cry, get pissed off Falcon fans. Ron Mexico aka Ookie would be going to the big house but we all know people with money can get away with anything. Hell OJ and Jayson Williams killed people and still got off.

I can't wait to see the trial on Court TV and get to hear Clinton Portis be called as a character witness.

TRANSFORMERS VS. GI JOE

Okay people, this is a very serious discussion regarding the importance of both cartoons back in the 80's. The 80's were great because it gave us blow and fantastic cartoons to watch while doing blow. Since Transformers was released two weeks ago, the movie has been kicking ass in the box office. And since Hollywood knows how to turn a trend into shit you know they are going to eventually make a GI Joe summer blockbuster. But I want to know which cartoon the Sportscrack Nation enjoyed more back in their adolescent days.
Here is the Transformers theme/intro:


Here is the GI Joe theme/intro:


So, what's it going to be?

GEORGIA'S STAR RECRUIT KING ARRESTED
I knew Athens was getting tough but this is getting a little ridiculous. Caleb King, a 5 star UGA freshman prep recruit expected to contend for playing time this fall, was arrested last night for driving down the wrong way on a one way street while having a suspended license. Oh yeah, and to top it all off he was on a scooter...or moped as the cool kids would call it now.

What in the fuck is going on in Athens when a star player can't get away with a little fun here and there? I used to go to Athens a lot to visit some buds up there but never had to deal with cops even when I was underage and hammered. I hope this is a lesson to any recruit looking at Athens: WE DON'T DO FUN HERE, WE DO FOOTBALL!

A new NFL Bang Cartoon...must have been a down month for news in the NFL, this one is not nearly as good as DogPile or the Pacman one.

SEC'S TOP QUARTERBACKS

Our good buddy Tony Barnhart (at least in our minds) is at it again. With only 44 more days till college football finally kicks off, Barnhart released his top 5 QB's in the SEC.



1. Andre Woodson, Sr., Kentucky. Led the SEC in passing yards (3,515) and touchdowns (31) last season. Completed 63 percent of his passes and threw only seven interceptions in 419 attempts. If this kid was at Florida, Tennessee or Georgia he’d be on the cover of every football magazine in the country.

2. Erik Ainge, Sr., Tennessee. Made significant progress in his junior season, his first under new offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe. Completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,989 yards and 19 touchdowns. He figures to be even better as a senior. Will give Woodson a run to be the All-SEC quarterback.

3. Matthew Stafford, Soph., Georgia. Not too many quarterbacks in the country finished their seasons with wins over teams like Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech. Stafford’s stats weren’t overwhelming (7 TD, 13 INT) but at the end of the year he showed that he can make all the throws. He had only one interception in Georgia’s last three games. If Georgia’s offensive line jells, Stafford could have a huge year.

4. Tim Tebow, Soph., Florida. Tebow made the most of the opportunities he got as a true freshman playing behind Chris Leak. Now he has to prove that he can make the throws under pressure. He’s a powerful runner and showed during the spring that he has a pretty good touch on the ball. He will be working with one of the best sets of receivers in the country.

5. John Parker Wilson, Jr., Alabama. Alabama’s running attack was disappointing (ninth in the SEC) last season and put far too much pressure on Wilson, who threw for 2,707 yards and 17 touchdowns (13 interceptions). If the offensive line improves and a running back steps up, Wilson could have a very good year throwing to DJ Hall (62 catches) and Keith Brown (44 catches).

HONORABLE MENTION

— Brandon Cox, Sr., Auburn. Threw for only 14 touchdowns with nine interceptions last season but was slowed by injuries.

— Matt Flynn, Sr., LSU. Played sparingly last season behind JaMarcus Russell, the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick. But he was the MVP in the 2005 Chick-fil-A Bowl win over Miami.

— Blake Mitchell, Sr., South Carolina. There are times when Mitchell looks like a very good quarterback. Then there are times when he doesn’t. He almost beat Florida last season, completing 24 of 33 passes for 275 yards. Then he goes 13 of 39 in the spring game.

— Chris Nickson, Jr., Vanderbilt. Played pretty well in his first season replacing Jay Cutler. Threw 15 touchdowns but had 13 interceptions. Also had 694 yards rushing to finish fourth in the SEC in total offense (231.6 ypg).



I think Tony is right on with his order and it is going to be fun watching Stafford and Tebow battle it out for at least the next two years.

If you had to guess, who has banged the most chicks since they enrolled: Tebow or Stafford?

VERSUS

THE REASON I DON'T WANT A PREACHER AT MY WEDDING



Kudos to Longhorn Mike for sending me this.

THE SWEET SWING OF KEN GRIFFEY JR

Congrats go out to Junior for passing Frank Robinson last night into 6th place on the all-time homerun list with his 587th career homerun. It is still amazing to think if Griffey would have stayed healthy throughout his career or if he would have shooted himself up with cattle steroids he would be approaching 800 homeruns, hell, maybe 900 homeruns right now.

Oh well, at least he has his pride, dignity, and most important...his balls aren't shriveled up like a boy on Michael Jackson's bed.

LET IT ALL HANG OUT
Who knew Adam Laroche even knew how to spell his name let alone play a trick on his old teammates? I'm a big fan of Laroche's swing, kind of reminds me of Will Clark back in the day when he was stroking balls back in San Fran. Maybe that last sentence didn't come out right. Now I'm a huge fan of Laroche and his practical jokes. One can only hope his next trick is to bang one of Chipper's mistresses, get her pregnant, and have Chipper pay for everything.

HAPPY 40TH WILL FERRELL

Not many comedians can make me laugh out loud just by looking at them, but Will Ferrell has that special something.

Old Will turns 40 today! Here's hoping that one day he will make it big in Hollywood and not be just some other struggling actor living on Mr. Boston Vodka and Ramen noodles. One can only dream...

BRIAN BROHM HEISMAN WEBSITE

Louisville has launched a website for senior QB Brian Brohm to help boost pub for his Heisman campaign. I would say Brohm is a legitimate top 5 preseason candidate for the Heisman.

He joins Desean Jackson with schools who have made websites in order to profit off their athletes, or slaves as Gary Sheffield would call them.

MCCARTHY PICKS IRISH

How strange, a guy named Dan McCarthy picked the Irish. I wonder if he drinks till he pisses on himself too? Anyways the latest commitment to Notre Dame is McCarthy who is a 4 star safety out of Youngstown, Ohio. With his decision the Irish now have 18 players already verbally committed in mid July, unprecendented for the Irish this early.

The Irish might not be done. Word around Nebraska is Trevor Robinson is about to decommit from Nebraska and pick Notre Dame.

Ruh roh, the Irish are back!

ONLY 45 MORE DAYS LEFT

Till College Football starts. Until then we drink bitches...

BRAVES INTERESTED IN THE FOSSIL?

According to Dave O'brien, an Atlanta Braves beat reporter for the AJC, the Braves are interested in bringing back Julio Franco.

Why? Franco is older than dinosaur shit and can't hit his age anymore...which translates to 245 years old in American human years. Look at his baseball card from 1990 when he was roiding with the Texas Rangers: .
You can't tell me that isn't the face of a 60 year old man right there. I know the guy is on the "jesus juice" but for heaven's sakes do not bring back Franco.

I think the Braves should make a trade for Kevin Millar if they want a veteran first baseman for the stretch run. Scott Thorman isn't getting it done and the Braves apparently aren't ready to give Jarrod Saltalamacchia the job quite yet.

So why not trade Kyle Davies for Millar?

Davies has yet to prove himself as a consistent starter and you know the Orioles would jump at the chance for a young arm for the veteran Millar. The Braves have a chance to win the National League this year if they make the right moves. Picking up Franco would not be the right move but Millar is having a good year in Baltimore and is a good clubhouse person.

PARIS BACK AT IT
This has absolutely nothing to do with sports but I find it refreshing that a millionaire slut heiress can get back to doing what she does best: SHOWING US HER WONDERFUL ASSETS!



Don't look too long, you might catch something...

TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM
Via Barstoolsports.com, a javelin to the abdomen.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COMIC STRIP

This comic strip comes via DeepSouthSports.net, a hilarious blog run by Erik who covers and uncovers anything sports related south of the Mason-Dixon line.

ARTURO GATTI ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT


A Boxer announcing their "retirement" is almost as believable as a Gary Sheffield statement.

720 DUNK...ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?



Reminds me of this one time when I...oh fuck it...I can't even dunk a 7 foot goal, I'm not going to lie.

NOTRE DAME SCHEDULE IS GETTING WEAK

The guys over at Blue-Gray Sky have an interesting piece on Notre Dame's future football schedule. From it's beginning roots when Knute Rockne used to take his underdog Irish on the road to places like Southern Cal and Army, the "Fighting" Irish were always known to schedule the toughest teams no matter what.

All that has changed unfortunately in my mind. Now the Irish are avoiding matchups with teams such as Alabama and Georgia and instead scheduling cupcakes like Duke and Baylor. I'm all for putting some easy games on the schedule hear and there but why in the hell do the Irish frontload their schedule with difficult games and then backload it with easy games?

I'm not going to rip apart the Irish and their scheduling quite yet but if they are indeed an Independent as they claim they need to stop with this bull shit agreement to play 3 Big East teams a year in the near future. Put some heavyweights on it.

They have a chance to play basically any team out of the Big 12 at Dallas in 2009 and instead of scheduling a Texas, Oklahoma, shit even a decent Texas Tech team, they instead put the dreadful Baylor Bears on the schedule. Sounds like a Sally move to me and no Notre Dame fan is going to get pumped up for the "Baylor weekend."

Now I would understand if these heavyweights were avoiding the Irish but they are not. Georgia athletic officials have been very open to scheduling Notre Dame but yet nothing has come about because either the Irish don't want to play in Athens because of the home-and-home agreement or could it be...NBC contract! The corporate giant known as NBC wants more Notre Dame home games because they have the television rights.

Anyways, I want to see the Irish take on either a SEC or Big 12 powerhouse every year. I love it when Notre Dame plays Tennessee in Knoxville or goes to Austin to take on the Longhorns. Those are games in which both fan bases are so pumped you can feel the electicity before the game. The Irish should play Alabama or Georgia every once in a while when they don't have any other SEC teams on their schedule. This was the reason why they remained an independent right? Or is it all about keeping the money to themselves and not sharing it if they joined a conference?

Okay, I'm done ranting on the Irish schedule, it's time for some Saturday night shenanigans.

SEC'S FIVE TOUGHEST SCHEDULES

Tony Barnhart, one of my favorite college football writers from AJC.com, breaks down the five toughest SEC schedules.

Now this is going to start an argument. Here is a breakdown of my five toughest schedules in the SEC for 2007. We’ll look at the five easiest schedules on Saturday.

1. AUBURN

— Home SEC: Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Alabama

— Road SEC: Florida, Arkansas, LSU, Georgia

— Non-conference: Kansas State, South Florida, New Mexico State, Tennessee Tech

— Comment: Auburn has very slight edge over South Carolina because it has to go to The Swamp and Gamecocks don’t.

2. SOUTH CAROLINA

— Home SEC: Mississippi State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Florida

— Road SEC: Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas

— Non-conference: Louisiana-Lafayette, S.C. State, at North Carolina, Clemson

— Comment: Non-conference schedule weaker than Auburn’s. Both teams must play Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia on the road.

3. TENNESSEE

— Home SEC: Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Vanderbilt

— Road SEC: Florida, Mississippi State, Alabama, Kentucky

— Non-conference: at Cal, Southern Miss., Arkansas St., Louisiana-Lafayette

— Comment: Vols go on the road to play Cal and Florida in the first three weeks.

4. FLORIDA

— Home SEC: Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia (Jacksonville), Vanderbilt

— Road SEC: Ole Miss, LSU, Kentucky, South Carolina

— Non-conference: Western Kentucky, Troy, Florida Atlantic, Florida State

— Comment: Trips to LSU on Oct. 6 and South Carolina on Nov. 10 will not be easy for defending champs.

5. GEORGIA

— Home SEC: South Carolina, Ole Miss, Auburn, Kentucky

— Road SEC: Alabama, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Florida (Jacksonville)

— Non-conference: Oklahoma State, Western Carolina, Troy, at Georgia Tech

— Comment: Both Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech should be Top 25

For the most part I agree with Barnhart but I would have to rank Georgia up a little higher on this list because of their non-conference schedule. Okie State and Tech should both be bowl eligible and have a chance to contend for their respective conferences this year. Throw in road games against Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Vandy (I'm telling you, Vandy is going to surprise people this year) and you can see that the Bulldogs have a tough road ahead of them.

EUROPEAN GIRLS ARE CRYING NOW THAT BECKHAM IS GONE

I felt the same despair when Notre Dame introduced Willingham.

SPORTSCRACK NATION: DO YOU LIKE?
Come on fuckers, I want to hear or see some feedback. Do you like this new format in which you can instantly tell me what an idiot I am?

Or do you want to see other things?

Why can't you just accept us for what we are...fat, lazy drunks?

SPORTSCRACK'S NEW SHIRTS THIS WEEK

Remember people, we don't do any advertisements on this fancy blog so the only money that goes in our pocket to feed us food and beer comes from you when you buy our shirts. We think they are rather cool, tell us what you think about the new ones we have to offer...

FIRST ALI G...NOW BECKHAM INVADES AMERICA

This was filmed a while back, before Sacha Baron-Cohen other character "Borat" was running away from gypsies and Jews.

One can only wonder what Beckham's effect will be on the States, if any.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A BENDER?

I was just wondering because I haven't been on one in a long, long time thanks to my significant other. Is it when you drink all day for seven full days? What is the bare minimum in blackouts? I say at least two if it's a true bender. Do you have to wake up in a strange place like the picture above at least once? I want to know what you think, the Sportscrack Nation, has to say about benders. Oh yeah, you have to piss on yourself at least once.

BRAZILIAN SOCCER REF POSES IN PLAYBOY

This type of shit never happens in America. Sure we will get a celebrity of some type do a Playboy spread but usually it's all artistic and fruity. Point in case: Amanda Beard.

But now you can hold onto your socks America. Here is a ref that can do anything in the States. Her name is Ana Paula Olievera. She isn't coy with her shots, she let's us know what she has and isn't afraid of your stupid judgements. Anyways, here is the spread (not safe for work).

Oh yeah, America sucks...Brazil rocks!

NOTRE DAME RECRUITING UPDATE
As we all know Notre Dame has had past struggles, or shall I say deficiencies in recruiting because of the strict academics and the incompetent coaching. But since Charlie Weis, aka God of the Fupa, stepped back on to the Notre Dame campus he has made a world of difference with the on-the-field performance as well as recruiting star athletes off of it. Let's review what the Irish have landed so far in the 2008 class and the possibilities of others to join the fold soon.

QUARTERBACK
Commitments: Dayne Crist
Others offered and status: None. Charlie Weis wrapped up his recruiting for quarterback early when he secured the commitment of Dayne Crist in the spring. The Irish again won a recruiting war for the second consecutive year for a California QB whom USC had also made their #1 target. Crist is an Elite 11 member who at 6'5 and 220 lbs should be ready to step in and compete physically as a freshman in 2008. With Demetrius Jones, Evan Sharpley, and Jimmy Clausen all on scholarship for at least the next two seasons there was only one spot open for a QB and Crist got it. The Irish have expressed interest in #1 recruit Terrelle Pryor but Weis has reportedly told him he would be recruited strictly as a wide receiver.

RUNNINGBACKS
Commitments: None
Others offered and status: Sam McGuffie, Darrell Scott, Carlton Thomas, and Ryan Williams have all been offered. Not a huge concern for most Irish fans since the Irish brought into two great ones in Armando Allen and Robert Hughes last year, I still think Notre Dame needs to get a difference maker at RB every year if they want to be an elite team. For instance you don't see USC and Texas turning down backs. McGuffie reportedly is interested in making a visit to Notre Dame but is seen as a longshot at best with home state Texas A&M the favorite and Michigan also in the running. Scott is consistently ranked the top runningback in the nation but has no significant interest in the Irish at this point. Thomas appears to be the best chance for an Irish commitment. The Florida back has narrowed his schools to five with ND still in it but stiff competition from both Auburn and West Virginia is not a positive sign. Williams is a darkhorse candidate who is being recruited by almost every SEC school but as a defensive back. I think he will stay in the South.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Commitments: John Goodman
Others offered and status: Jonathan Baldwin, Brice Butler, and Michael Floyd. The Irish need to get two of these three after losing out on Arrelious Benn and Greg Little last year. Baldwin would be a perfect fit in the Irish offense. At 6'6, he has the height that most Irish fans want to see similar to Maurice Stovall and Jeff Samardzija. Pitt is going really hard for Baldwin but I think the opportunity to play for the Irish is going to be too hard to turn down especially with the type of offense Charlie Weis runs. Butler is considered the most "college-ready" of the three but is a longshot with USC and FSU (dad played there under Bowden) the clear leaders at this point with an announcement expected to come soon. Floyd has been on the Irish coaching staff and fan's radar for a long time and with good reason. A product of a Notre Dame breeding ground called St. Paul's Cretin-Derham HS in Minnesota, Floyd should be announcing soon for the Irish as he has made numerous visits to campus in the past two years. With Goodman already on board, it would be a dream come true for most Irish faithful if they can secure both Baldwin and Floyd. Do I think they can do it? Yes.

TIGHT ENDS
Commitments: Kyle Rudolph and Joseph Fauria
Others offered and status: None. The Irish will never have a problem recruiting this position as long as Weis is there. Rudolph is ranked the best player overall to have committed to the Irish and is the #1 tight end in the country. Fauria is a top ten overall tight end out of California who will get better as he fills out. Keeping with Weis' philosophy of 2-1-2-1 recruiting of tight ends, don't expect Weis to recruit more than one guy next year for the position.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Commitments: Braxston Cave, Lane Clelland, and Mike Golic
Others offered and status: Trevor Robinson is committed to Nebraska but is having second thoughts and today stated he is going to visit both Notre Dame and Michigan. A Nebraska native, Robinson has already visited Notre Dame's campus 5 times and was down to the Irish and Cornhuskers before making his decision a few months back. Another visit is a really good sign for the Irish whom are expected to take no more than five on the offensive line. Matt Patchan is the most highly recruited offensive lineman on the board and I think despite all the efforts to pull him out of state he will stay and go to FSU. Art Forst is out of New Jersey and I believe he will stay on the East Coast when all is said and done. Kenneth Page is a longshot out of South Carolina but if he makes a visit to campus all that could change. The offensive line is looking good right now with Cave, Clelland, and Golic already on board. If the Irish can convince Robinson to switch commitments it could be the final nail in the coffin of a stacked and talented Irish squad on the offensive side of the ball.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Commitments: Sean Cwynar, Omar Hunter, Ethan Johnson, Brandon Newman, and Hafis Williams.
Others offered and status: The Irish needed defensive lineman worst than Johnny Drama needed a break in Hollywood and both seem to have come to fruition. The Irish have always had a tough time recruiting stud d-lineman but all has changed since Rick Minter was fired and Corwin Brown was brought in as his replacement. All four of the guys the Irish have already gotten to commit will compete for immediate playing time as soon as they reach campus. The remaining jewel of the defensive line still available is DT Marcus Forston out of Miami. The Irish have told him they will hold a spot for him until National Signing Day and the rumor is the race is between Miami and Notre Dame. It should get interesting and if it involves Miami it could get dirty. If the Irish can manage to steal Forston out of South Florida it would put the finishing touches on their best defensive line class ever.

LINEBACKERS
Commitments: Darius Fleming, David Posluszny, and Anthony McDonald
Others offered and status: Steven Filer and Etienne Sabino are the two best possibilities with Brendan Beal, Shayne Hale, and Arthur Brown all extreme longshots. Sabino has bumped up his visit to Notre Dame in late July because he wants to enroll early and the fact that Notre Dame is running out of room in terms of scholarships. If he commits as many expect the Irish will be getting another stud linebacker but this time out of Florida. Filer is a Chicago boy who has long been rumored to be a heavy Irish lean. He plans on making another visit to Notre Dame soon and is expected to make his announcement before the season starts so he can concentrate on his senior year of high school football. I have had a weird feeling about Filer for a long time and I could see him going somewhere else especially if Sabino commits on the spot. The Irish have told him they will hold a scholarship offer for him...we will see. If the Irish land just one of the two it's a great linebacker class. If they land both it's an unbelievable linebacker class.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Commitments: Robert Blanton and Jamoris Slaughter
Others offered and status: Dan McCarthy is on the verge as I write this to committing to either Notre Dame or Ohio State. The Ohio prep safety has a brother(Kyle) who plays football at ND and has seen the campus mumerous times while getting acquainted with the coaches. Cornerback TJ Bryant out of Tallahassee is an extreme longshot but is scheduled to visit the campus at the end of the month. Honestly I don't think too many people are concerned with the defensive back talent at Notre Dame anymore. Blanton and Slaughter were two huge gets out of the South already and they have Gary Gray and Harrison Smith both enrolled this summer. By the way I think Smith is going to be an extremely fun player to watch for ND fans. The kid is just a flat out athlete. If the Irish can land McCarthy it will set them up with great safeties for years to come but it's not a must get like a lineman or linebacker is in my opinion for this class.

ATHLETES
Commitments: None
Others offered and status: Jeremy Brown out of Orlando can play either WR or CB and is expected to pick the Irish at the end of the month. His dad apparently is really pulling for the Irish in this one. Will Hill is the #1 athlete in the country and he remains a longshot. Being from Jersey you would think the Irish have a chance to pull him with Weis connections. I wouldn't bet on it.

So in summary the Irish have 17 commitments and are still in the running for a select few who are the elite of the elite thanks to the recruiting prowess of Charlie Weis and his staff(Corwin Brown especially). I think they are going to finish strong going into the fall and secure guys like LB Etienne Sabino, Athlete Jeremy Brown, safety Danny McCarthy, WR's Michael Floyd and Jonathan Baldwin for sure. Throw in LB Steven Filer, OL Trevor Robinson, and DT Marcus Forston and Notre Dame is looking at quite possibly it's best class ever. Either way it should be an interesting 52 days leading up to the season.

MLB RUMBLINGS


-First off I don't give a shit what Scott Boras thinks A-Rod should get on the open market. Last time I checked the douchebag got a ridiculous contract for his client and then his client bitched and moan and said now "he isn't playing just for the money" when he forced a trade to New York a few seasons back. We all know he is going to opt out of his contract because he is either too scared of New York thus being a pussy or he really wants to make more money. I will be the first one to admit that I am scared shitless of New York because of the people who live there. But if I agreed to go there and take a job for millions and millions of dollars with the current contract to play a game I love on the biggest stage in the game I would not opt out. If he really wants to be loved, and we all know A-Rod has the self esteem of a five dollar hooker, keep playing the game with passion and stay in New York and force Jeter to move from shortstop if he is such a team player.
-Mark Cuban wants to bid on the Cubs and I for one hope he wins the bid. The Cubs are nearing their 100th anniversary of their last World Series...fucking pathetic in my book. Cuban is a great businessman who will spend money in the right areas and get the Cubbies competing again. Look at his track record whether it involves his successful ownership of the Dallas Mavericks or his start up company MicroSolutions, the man knows how to make a winner. Supposedly Bud Selig and baseball's exclusive ownership club might try to blackball him by not approving the sale if he wins the bid. One of his major proponents is Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf who stated to the Chicago Tribune: "It is a matter of public record that when Cuban was approved to buy the Dallas Mavericks, the vote was 29-1." And yes, Reinsdorf was the old ass who decided Cuban wasn't worthy enough to be an owner when he had the chance to vote as the Bulls chairman. I saw screw them Cuban. Steinbrenner is about to croak as soon as the Yankees fail to reach the playoffs so baseball is going to need another renegade owner in the mold of Ted Turner. Give those drunks in Wrigley something to cheer about for Christ's sake.

-As of right now it looks like the Mariners are finally going to be able to hold on to a superstar player. Burned in the past by Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, and Kurt Cobain; the Mariners have been snake bitten by stars who decided to leave during their peak performing years. The great Ichiro has apparently agreed to an extension in the $90-100 million dollar range for 5 years. Is he worth it? No, none of them are but if a guy like Rashard Lewis gets $113 million for not even being the best player on his team in basketball then I guess Ichiro deserves it in some retarded economic way. I'm going to be honest, I love watching Ichiro play. He is one of those guys in the Albert Pujols/Johan Santana/Jose Reyes group that I would pay to go watch them play everyday. You saw his performance in the All-Star game...the fucker can fly around the bases. Ichiro is the hottest piece of Japanese ass to hit the States since (NSFW)Hiromi Oshima in my opinion.

-Since we are past the halfway mark in the season it is time to talk some trades. Teams like the White Sox, Rangers, Orioles, Reds, Giants, and Astros should be looking to trade veteran players to contenders and get prospects in return. As soon as Miguel Tejada comes back healthy the O's should look to trade him to a team looking for a shortstop/third baseman. I would say the Angels would do it but now all the speculation is them signing A-Rod in the offseason. Detroit would be a good fit for Tejada...say straight up for a guy like Cameron Maybin? If Detroit is serious about making another World Series run it wouldn't hurt to have a hitter like Tejada in that lineup surrounded by Sheffield, Ordonez, and Pudge.

I think the White Sox were stupid to sign Mark Buehrle for the amount they did and should have traded him to the Cardinals for a couple of prospects. They are not going to contend this season in their division because the Tigers and Indians are too good. Now they need to unload Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, or Jim Thome and get some good young players.

Some other trades I would like to see: Ken Griffey Jr. deserves another shot in the playoffs. I know Seattle says they aren't interested but come on. Dust off the sand in your vagina and put Griffey back where he belongs...not in a vagina but in Seattle. Texas won't be able to resign Mark Teixeria after next season so you might as well trade him and get something in return. Atlanta would make sense but the Braves shouldn't trade Jarod Saltamacchia. "Salty" is going to be a hell of a player and I think he should be their first baseman/right fielder next year after Andruw Jones leaves. You can then slide Jeff Franceour over to centerfield. I would love to see Teixeria (Severna Park boy) in an O's uniform but I don't think it will happen. Angelos will fuck it up somehow. Back to the Braves, they need pitching if they want to compete for a playoff spot. Another starter is preferred. Roy Oswalt would be a hell of a fit in Atlanta with Tim Hudson and John Smoltz. I know the Braves are a team built for the long haul, but adding a guy like Oswalt could make them a serious World Series contender this year.