IM Recrutn U

Recruiting is a way of life in both business and sports, but its more art than science. Companies must find experienced employees, the military services seek dedicated and committed freedom fighters, network marketing organizations desire the energetic and enthusiastic. So it is also in college football when it comes to uncovering the next great prospect for a program who can make the difference between champion and also-ran. With increasing pressure to win at all levels, faculty, alumni, coaches, players and students themselves are getting into the act, using social media to phone, "tweet" and text potential signees. As the lines of contact blur, incidents of impropriety are likely to increase, thus drawing the NCAA into even more rigorous policing of its policies and practices. Whatever happened to the good old days when kids went to nearby State U. and played simply for the love of the game?

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

After spraining the AC joint in his shoulder during the Sooner's season-opening loss to BYU and then aggravating the injury against arch-rival Texas, Oklahoma's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford had surgery today on his right shoulder, thus bringing his senior season to a premature close. Dr. James Andrews informed Kent Bradford his son's thirty-five minute procedure went "just as we expected" and that the patient was experiencing some soreness but otherwise resting comfortably. The talented signal caller, who chose to forego the NFL draft as a consensus top ten pick and return for one more year on campus, has said he plans to declare for the coming draft if his expected four to six month recovery goes as planned. Given that his potential position in the annual talent pool may dip accordingly, the decision to stick around Norman could indeed prove to be an expensive one. Maybe hindsight should be factored into quarterback ratings.

Can I Get A Witless?

ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips, the former NY Met GM, was fired less than a week after admitting to having an affair with 22-year-old production assistant Brooke Hundley and has entered a treatment facility to address his problems. Ms. Hundley has also been terminated by ESPN, continuing a practice by the network to reprimand its employees for inappropriate behaviors or ill-timed comments. The growing list includes suspended anchors Scott Van Pelt (who criticized MLB commissioner Bud Selig's $18.5 million compensation) and Dana Jacobson (who made inappropriate comments about Notre Dame during a roast for ESPN radio co-hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic), along with broadcaster Bob Griese (who made an on-air, racist joke about Columbian NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya during Saturday's Ohio State-Minnesota football game). Suddenly, being in the booth/studio has become just as interesting, and only slightly less dangerous -- but not by much, than playing on the field.

What A Racket

One could assume that tennis fans at the Venetian Macao, the southern Chinese gambling mecca, may not have a deep appreciation for the sports' history, but it must have been interesting to turn back the clock this past week and watch Pete Sampras edge Andre Agassi in three sets to revisit one of the sport's greatest rivalries. The two, who captivated fans a decade ago with their competitive flair and contrasting styles, had not played since Sampras won in the 2002 U.S. Open final for his then-record 14th Grand Slam. The fast indoor surface favored Sampras' attacking style and Agassi came out strong, showing no signs of a bad back that required injections during the 2006 U.S. Open. Perhaps the success of this event will begin a wave of nostalgia matches where the once mighty who's who's may more likely resemble the now who's he's.

Danica's Double Dip

IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick has recently signaled her intention to run a few Nationwide races next year and give NASCAR a try, hoping to ink a deal soon with JR Motorsports. The road between the two circuits, though not well-traveled, has seen some success, including Tony Stewart, who ran nine Nationwide races in 1996 and five more in 1997 when he won the IRL championship. The following year, Stewart raced 22 Nationwide events for Joe Gibbs Racing while completing the full IRL schedule before moving to Cup in 1999. Say what you will about her abilities, but she's sure to bring even more attention to the sport. Move over, boys. Lady coming through.

Thar He Blows

Following an unexpected meeting in New York yesterday headlined by NBA commissioner David Stern and Lamell McMorris of the NBA's referees' union, it appears a tentative labor agreement "in principal" has been reached, with a vote scheduled Friday. Given that Opening Night is just a week away, and veteran officials were facing joblessness during a rough national economy, the timing for resolution couldn't be more appropriate. With paychecks (and the holidays) right around the corner, those wearing the stripes will once again be able to swallow more than just their whistles.

Grassy Knoll Indeed

As Major League Baseball launches its two respective League Championship Series, the Yankees and Angels square off for the American title, while the Phillies and Dodgers go at it for the National crown. Say what you will about the quality of play and the fiscal inequities in today's game, but it's not lost on anyone that four major market teams once again stand to gain the most from a bi-coastal World Series. Just more fuel for the conspiracy theorists who believe the final outcome was pre-destined long ago in a boardroom on Park Avenue.

BCS Brew-Ha-Ha

Texas Congressman Joe Barton (R-Ennis) continues his apparent football fascination, recently filing legislation to have the Bowl Championship Series dissolved in favor of a college football playoff. Forcing the issue into the court system should make sports fans cringe. After all, who better than the federal government to divise an equitable system in which everyone wins?