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Fists and finger pointing abound this season

by Tony Basilio

Welcome to Thanksgiving in the sports world, where the notion of “counting your blessings” takes a whole new meaning. This year, I’m most thankful for Ron Arrest (I mean Artest) and the NBA. I’m also grateful for the abundance of pseudo-conspiracies in college football. Behold the bountiful harvest of fights and discord, on and off the field. This is passion! This is the November to remember.

The month cranked up with Maurice Clarett serving up a heaping helping of ‘Narkey’ to Ohio State University. He led the school to the National Title a couple of years ago, but now the Buckeyes are feeling like Big Ten leftovers. Clarett spilled his guts regarding his year at Ohio State, telling of the cars, the women, the overly generous boosters, the crip courses (he got an “A” in football) and even the cushy summer employment. Clarett says he made a couple of thousand dollars at a “job” where he was paid a full salary to water flowers. Sounds tough.

Now the school’s AD, Andy Geiger, along with the OSU football coach are defending themselves and besmirching the name of a sub 20-year-old running back. This kid isn’t even legal to drink in the United States, yet he’s getting brow beaten in the press. Beautiful. Sweeter yet is the fact that Geiger accused ESPN of having an “anti-Ohio State agenda.” Happy Thanksgiving!

Kansas head coach Mark Mangino knows something about conspiracy. He lives one in perpetuity as filler for the elite programs in the Big 12. As perennial cellar dwellers in college football, the Jayhawks usually know their role and shut their mouth. Until recently, that is, when Mangino lost his mind and opened his pie hole, accusing the “system” of college football for his loss to Texas. His Jayhawks were tarred and feathered by a phantom offensive-pass interference call that allowed Texas to escape with a close win. The close shave kept the Longhorns in line for a huge payout in a BCS Bowl, and thus more money for the conference. Makes sense to me, Mark.

Generally statesmanlike Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops has even gotten into the act. He recently leveled charges of media bias as an explanation of why Auburn could jump his Sooners in the final BCS poll. If this occurs, OU would be locked out of an opportunity to play for the National Championship.

“I’m saying I’m aware of what ESPN’s contracts are with them (the SEC). Whether people are directed in certain ways, I’m not going to say that. I think people ought to be aware who their contracts are with and what some of their agendas may be,” Stoops said.

While Stoops stopped short of saying whether he thought ESPN altered its analysis to favor SEC schools like Auburn, he did add a parting shot: “That would be for everyone else to comment on, not me. I don’t think that’s appropriate. Ratings matter. I don’t know what to say about it,” Stoops said.

The November rain has even fallen on pro football. After ABC, in cooperation with the NFL, chose to air a tasteless stunt promoting the network’s TV show Desperate Housewives, Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy chose to play the race card, accusing the network of a racial bias in choosing African-American Eagles receiver Terrell Owens as the object of Nicolette Sheridan’s desire. The wonderful absurdity of it all!

When color is discussed, CBS commentator Spencer Tillman always comes to mind. “Little Spencer,” as my ESPN 1180 cohort Rob Lewis likes to call him, enjoys taking cheap shots at Phillip Fulmer. Little Spencer, who bears a remarkable resemblance to glamorous septuagenarian rock ‘n’ roller Little Richard, went out of his way to pop UT’s head coach during a highlight package featuring Penn State and Indiana. With blue eye shadow gleaming from his brow, Lil’ Spencer declared that a failed fourth down rushing attempt from Indiana was “Phillip Fulmer football.” Ouch! Leave it to Vol fans to cry conspiracy. We’ll never forget Peyton Manning! Tillman actually responded to an irate Vol fan’s e-mail with a reply that read like War and Peace. In it he said he “really likes Phillip Fulmer and Tennessee.” Apparently not as much as he fancies the blue eye shadow.

You want more color? How about black and blue, what with Clemson and South Carolina brawling twice in the same game during their annual season finale? This occurred only hours after Ron Arrest jumped into the stands and attacked a fan who had a beer in his hand. Arrest apparently thought the spectator threw beer at him, which means one of two things. Either the fan was literally hammered (drinking multiple beers at once in an arena) or Arrest doesn’t add very well.

One thing’s certain: Arrest could never count all the blessings sports have given us this Thanksgiving season. Here’s hoping December brings more of the same. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...knocked out. Season’s Beatings to All!

Listen up! Tune in and talk sports with Tony Basilio weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN Radio WVLZ 1180 AM.

November 24, 2004 • Vol. 14, No. 48 © 2004 Metro Pulse