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Post by Raider Country on Jun 28, 2006 20:03:06 GMT -5
Road to NBA glory littered with didn't-make-itsBy Pat Forde Greetings, NBA early-entry draft candidate. Welcome to the rest of your life. Wednesday is the big night. Some of you are about to embark on a dream, playing basketball at the highest level and being fabulously compensated for doing so. Others are about to become familiar with places like Bismarck, N.D., and languages like Turkish. Congrats to the young fellas destined to shake David Stern's hand and join the top tax bracket, but this column is not for you. This column is directed to the latter group. The future D-Leaguers. The guys who blew off a college education and college adulation for the chance to be completely humbled in backwater towns and empty gyms. The guys who can't do math, or won't listen to common sense. Here is the math: 60 players will be picked Wednesday night. Half of them -- the first-rounders -- will get guaranteed contracts. There are 37 American early-entry candidates who stayed in the draft. There are a healthy number of seniors who will be picked, as well as many foreign players. Guess what that means? A bunch of you will be snubbed in the first round, which is the straightest path to the good life. According to colleague Chad Ford's Monday mock draft, 16 American early-entry players will be taken in the first round, along with seven foreign players and seven college seniors. If Ford's predictions are correct, that leaves 21 of you early-entry guys twisting into the second round -- and beyond, for some. Welcome to a reality nobody warned you about. Your agent and his runners might have assured you that you were first-round material while they were sweet-talking you out of school. Your "inner circle" -- many of whom have never been closer to the NBA than their TV remote can get them -- might have said you can't miss. An NBA team or two might have even promised they'll take you in the first round. Guess what? They either lied or they're stupid. You'll have to scramble and sweat for everything you get. Doesn't mean you won't eventually get it, but it won't be easy. I know what you're thinking: That won't be me. Here's what I'm thinking: Yes, it will be. Kennedy Winston didn't think that would be him last year when he left Alabama early. Winston didn't get drafted, didn't make a roster and didn't make a peep last winter, even in the D-League. Kelenna Azubuike didn't think that would be him last year when he left Kentucky early. Like Winston, he went undrafted and never wore an NBA uniform in a regular-season game. Azubuike wound up with the Fort Worth Flyers -- a long way from having 24,000 people kissing your butt in Rupp Arena. Matt Walsh didn't think that would be him when he left Florida early. Walsh had a draft party that turned into a wake, as his name was never called. He played two November games with the Miami Heat and got cut, wound up in the D-League and was ignominiously suspended by the league in February, for unspecified reasons. Everyone knew those guys were making a mistake leaving school. Everyone but them. Even the 2005 second-rounders who did latch on with a team -- at least for a while -- will tell you it's not all glamour and glory in The Association. Not for a rookie the franchise hasn't invested much in. Some of you will be stunned by how quickly a team will give up on you. Numbers: 17 of the 30 second-round picks in 2005 played in the NBA last year, just better than 50 percent. Of those 17, only five played in more than half their teams' games. Of those five, four were college seniors -- guys who were prepared to help a team right away. Only one second-round pick -- Ryan Gomes of the Boston Celtics -- started more than a handful of games. Only one second-round pick -- Daniel Ewing of the Los Angeles Clippers -- saw meaningful time on a playoff team. Both were college seniors. The vast majority of second-rounders who make a squad spent last season doing one of two things: rotting on the bench with a rotten team or shuttling back and forth between the big league and the D-League. Brandon Bass, early entrant from LSU? When he wasn't sitting for the Hornets, he was playing for the Tulsa 66ers. C.J. Miles, early entrant out of high school? Played 23 games for the Utah Jazz. Got 20 minutes of action on Nov. 15, shot 2 for 10 from the field and never saw 20 again until April 17, the last week of the regular season on a team going nowhere. In between he did time with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. Von Wafer, early entrant from Florida State? Sixteen games with the Lakers, quality time in Fort Worth. Bracey Wright, who traded all the shots he desired at Indiana for early entry to the NBA? Seven games with the Timberwolves -- five during April garbage time -- and 31 with the Florida Flame. Amir Johnson, who signed with Louisville out of high school but decided to go pro instead? Played one game with the Detroit Pistons in January and the last two of the regular season, in April. Spent most of his time in Fayetteville, N.C. Even some of the early-entry first-rounders wound up in the D-League: Gerald Green with Fayetteville; Martell Webster with Fort Worth; 2004 first-rounder Dorell Wright with Florida. What do those three have in common? They all went straight from high school to the NBA -- and weren't ready to shine. Sure, Webster and Green and a bunch of other rookies put up some numbers at the end of the regular season. But few things are as hollow as the April box scores of teams that are out of contention. Case in point: Ebi, who rang up 27 points and 16 rebounds in the final two games of the 2004-05 regular season for the Timberwolves, then failed to make a roster in 2005-06. Those are the rest-of-your-life facts, early entrants. Wednesday night will be a dream come true for some of you and a cold slap in the face for the others. To those in the latter group: Don't say you haven't been warned. sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2501638
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Post by Raider Country on Jul 10, 2006 9:19:34 GMT -5
I think 2 locations would be an improvement. I only get to go to a handful of games a year because of my son's special needs. I usually enter the arena from the lower level by the locker rooms. My son is confined to a wheelchair and this is the easiest way for us to enter the Nutter Center. It would be nice if there was a booth down there for fans that don't have easy access to the main entrance to the Nutter Center.
I don't have a problem with the way the current shop is operated now. I don't think there is much of a wait and the men/women that work there have been more than helpful in the past.
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Post by Raider Country on Jul 9, 2006 22:24:09 GMT -5
When I mentioned the black t-shirts, I was talking about a newly designed t-shirt to coincide with the team wearing the black uniforms. Something like "The Raider Black Out Night." To answer your question, I would like the Nutter Center to increase it's overall selection of Raider merchandise and increase the number of places they can be purchased within the arena.
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Post by Raider Country on Jul 9, 2006 7:49:58 GMT -5
I like our current uniforms, but I like the idea of bringing out the black for some big games. If we ever get to the point where we are averaging 7000 or more fans we can run some promotions like "black out night" where all fans wear black. Or better yet, we can sell black logo WSU t-shirts at the games. It could be a cool promotion and make the nutter center a more intimidating place to play if we can bring in a large crowd.
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Post by Raider Country on Jul 9, 2006 19:52:46 GMT -5
Mackin backs AD on Mensah Siena president indicates no deals will be negotiated By PETE IORIZZO, Staff writer Friday, July 7, 2006 The attorney for Kojo Mensah never spoke with Siena's president Thursday, as he had hoped. But it made no difference, because the Rev. Kevin Mackin said he had no intention of giving Mensah what he wants. Mackin said Thursday he supports athletic director John D'Argenio in his decision to not renew Mensah's basketball scholarship. Mackin said he also agreed that Mensah, who as a sophomore last season was second on the team in scoring and rebounding, should not be allowed to seek a scholarship at another Division I school. "We don't want a player coming here and using Siena as a stepping stone to another conference," Mackin said. "I'm disappointed, not so much in Kojo but in his advisers. I don't think they're giving him good advice. It's unfortunate for Kojo." Mackin is referring to 69-year-old Manhattan resident Norm Ostrin, who Mensah describes as his mentor. Siena believes Ostrin is steering Mensah to Duquesne, an assertion Ostrin denies. At this point, Mensah has two options: He can appeal D'Argenio's refusal to release him through a committee of Siena faculty members, or he can transfer to another school and pay tuition for a year. The only way Mensah can talk to another school about a scholarship is if that school receives a release form from Siena. Mensah is seeking an unconditional release that allows him to talk with any school. Mensah's attorney, Michael Rosenblatt, said he will go through the appeals process if his efforts to broker a deal through D'Argenio or Mackin fail. Rosenblatt said Thursday he has not yet arranged a time with the committee for Mensah to present his appeal, but he hopes to do that soon. "Kojo is entitled (to) his release," Rosenblatt said. "What Kojo is going through is a tragedy." Mackin indicated he has no intention of negotiating a deal with Rosenblatt. "We have a process," Mackin said. "Kojo has to follow the process." Pete Iorizzo www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=497692
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Post by Raider Country on Jul 9, 2006 19:48:02 GMT -5
I want YOU to let Mensah walk Kojo's camp enlists cinematic tough guy By PETE IORIZZO, Staff writer Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Playing the foul-tempered, swear- spewing Sgt. Emil Foley in the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman,'' actor Louis Gossett Jr. barked at an aspiring Navy pilot who crossed him the wrong way, "I'll rip your eyeballs out the sockets!'' Look out, Siena athletic director John D'Argenio. You might be next. D'Argenio said Monday he refuses to release men's basketball player Kojo Mensah from his scholarship. That means, pending an appeal, the star point guard can transfer to another Division I college only if he pays his own tuition for a year. The decision stunned and angered those in the Mensah camp, including his adviser, 70-year-old Brooklyn resident Norm Ostrin. After hearing the news, Ostrin turned to Gossett for support. Gossett did, after all, win an Academy Award for his supporting role in "An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982). "If we uncover that there's some thing scandalous going on, I can help because of my notoriety," Gossett said in a phone interview from Los Angeles. "I can call directly to Bryant Gumbel, Bob Costas and Ahmad Rashad." Siena also suspects scandalous activity or something close to it. D'Argenio said he believes Mensah wants out because he received some bad advice. "When we sat down and looked at everything, did our due diligence and research, I didn't feel comfort able that his decision was made in a clear environment," D'Argenio said. "I didn't feel that there wasn't something else going on to influence his decision." Though D'Argenio didn't use the adviser's name, he appears to be referring to Ostrin, who has been Mensah's mentor since Mensah was in high school. Ostrin played basketball with Gossett, 70, at Brooklyn's Lincoln High in the 1950s. Gossett joked that Ostrin, a guard, never passed him the ball. He referred to Ostrin as "my hero." Gossett said he wants to hear all the facts before deciding whether and how to help Mensah. If Gossett decides to take up Mensah's cause, he will do so through his year-old Eracism Foundation. Gossett defined the foundation's mission as, "salvation for the planet." "I'm doing this to help Norm," Gossett said. Speculation around Siena is that Ostrin is steering Mensah toward Duquesne, where Mensah's close friend, Shawn James, formerly of Northeastern, recently transferred. James also is mentored by Ostrin. Gossett asked a reporter if Mensah intended to transfer to Duquesne, then said, "I have a feeling there's going to be a (scholarship) waiting for him at Duquesne." D'Argenio said Siena does not plan to pursue tampering charges against Duquesne, whose coach, Ron Everhart, has declined comment. Ostrin denied telling Mensah to leave Siena. "I had nothing to do with it," said Ostrin, who noted that he was named Brooklyn Man of the Year by Brooklyn USA Basketball, Inc. "I mentor kids, and my reputation is impeccable." Ostrin's attorney, Michael Rosen blatt, defended Ostrin's reputation and threatened legal action against a reporter if Ostrin's intentions were misrepresented. "(Norm) gives guidance to inner- city children," Rosenblatt said. "He gives time and his heart." Mensah has declined comment since he first asked for his release June15. He did not return a message left Monday on his cellphone. Last week, Mensah told The Associated Press that he wants to transfer to improve his chances of reach ing the NBA. In an earlier report on the Fox Sports Web site, Mensah denied that Ostrin influenced his decision. Mensah, who was second on Siena in scoring (16.6 points a game) and rebounding (6.3) this past season, can appeal the school's decision through a committee of Siena faculty members. The committee, chaired by Paul Dwyer, an associate professor of accounting and business law, would serve as an arbitrator between Mensah and the athletic department. One possible outcome of an appeal is a conditional release, which would allow Mensah to transfer but not to certain schools Siena designates. Other schools in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Duquesne almost certainly would be on Siena's list. Without a release, Mensah has few options. He can return to Siena this year on scholarship, but D'Argenio said he would not be welcomed to play for the basketball team. He can transfer to a junior college and play next year. Or if he transfers to a Division I school, for the first year he has to pay his own way and cannot practice with the team. Siena coach Fran McCaffery declined comment Monday. In a statement released when Mensah first gave notice of his intent to transfer, McCaffery said, "It's clear (Mensah) has been misled by some one not looking out for his best interest." Pete Iorizzo timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=495123&category=SPORTS&BCCode=&newsdate=6/27/2006&TextPage=1
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 22, 2006 20:18:46 GMT -5
Siena star Mensah says Duquesne hasn't contacted himBy ALAN ROBINSON The Associated Press PITTSBURGH - Siena College basketball star Kojo Mensah denied Saturday that he has been contacted by Duquesne University about transferring there and said he hasn't decided which school he will attend this fall. Mensah was one of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's top players last season, averaging 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists on a 15-13 team. But the 6-foot-1 guard wants to transfer to a higher-profile program to improve his chances of playing pro basketball. "It's a decision I've thought about for a long time," Mensah told The Associated Press. "I've talked it over with my parents, and they also felt the same way. My dad's a big sports guy, and he'd like to see me play in front of bigger crowds and on TV." Mensah hasn't decided on a school, and won't begin making up his mind until Siena releases him from his scholarship. A number of major college programs are believed to be interested in him. Mensah initially considered transferring last year when former coach Rob Lanier was fired and replaced by Fran McCaffery, so, Mensah said, "This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone." When Mensah asked for his release, McCaffery said "It's clear he's been misled by someone not looking out for his best interests. This is the unfortunate part of today's college basketball environment." Mensah, who grew up in Brooklyn, is a close friend of 6-10 former Northeastern star Shawn James, who will sit out the upcoming season so he can transfer to Duquesne. Coach Ron Everhart left Northeastern for the Duquesne job in late March. James denied Saturday that he has tried to persuade Mensah into following him to Duquesne, an Atlantic 10 school that has undergone a nearly top-to-bottom overhaul since Everhart arrived, adding 10 new players. "Kojo is a grown man, 21 years old, and nobody's going to tell Kojo to do anything he doesn't want to do," James said. "He'll do what his heart tells him to do. He would like a little more exposure, to play in a higher conference - the same reasons I wanted to leave - but I haven't spoken to him about any other schools, not at all." Mensah said he and James have joked about how much fun it would be if the one-time AUU teammates could play together on the same college team. But Mensah said James has never tried to influence where he might go. "That's not what I'm basing my decision on," Mensah said. "I just want a chance to get more exposure - I'd like to play on TV. On Siena, it was like we never played on TV." Everhart said he couldn't talk about any player not in his own program. "It's simply inappropriate to comment on a player who's enrolled in another university, and I won't do that," said Everhart, who has accepted only two transfers in 12 seasons at McNeese State and Northeastern. Siena has the option of not releasing Mensah, which would force him to pay his way for one year to the school he chooses. Siena could also grant him a conditional release, which would prohibit him from accepting a scholarship at certain schools it designates. Mensah could also leave Siena, enroll at a junior college, then transfer to any school for the 2006-07 season. This is the second time in as many seasons Siena has lost a key player. Last year, guard Jack McClinton transferred to Miami of the ACC after averaging 13.6 points in his only season at Siena. www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-06172006-671828.html
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 19, 2006 7:17:10 GMT -5
Mensah made an unofficial visit to UNCW before he signed with Siena.
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 19, 2006 7:14:02 GMT -5
Mensah's call, right or wrong June 16, 2006 You can scratch your head until your scalp is raw and still not understand this one. It doesn't change Kojo Mensah's intention to transfer from Siena. Mensah's reason: He told Siena coaches he's asking to be released from his scholarship to increase his chances of playing in the NBA, according to a source knowledgeable about the conversation. Mensah wants to transfer to Duquesne, according to sources within Siena's athletic department. But because Siena suspects Duquesne of tampering, it is likely Mensah will ultimately receive a conditional release prohibiting him from accepting a scholarship there.Seems Duquesne coach Ron Everhart is friends with Mensah's adviser Norm Ostrin, who also "advises" Mensah's close friend Shawn James, who transferred from Northeastern to play for Everhart, who quit Northeastern to accept the Duquesne job on March 29. This is all intriguing and possibly unseemly. But it doesn't answer this: Why, Kojo? When reached on his cellphone by reporters, Mensah said he'd call back. We're still waiting. It's hard to believe Mensah thinks playing for a low-level Atlantic 10 school such as Duquesne would improve his chances of playing in the NBA. If that's why he's transferring, I'd advise him of this: He needs a wiser adviser. If you can play, you can play. Scouts will find you in the MAAC (Marist's Rik Smits did OK for himself) or the second division of the Bundesliga (Dirk Nowitzki stood out playing half a world away). The conference does not make the player. Josh Howard won the 2003 ACC Player of the Year Award and was bypassed 28 times before Dallas took him 29th in the NBA draft. If Mensah were to play in the A-10, he might benefit a bit by facing better competition. But if he's such an NBA prospect, why's he setting his sights on Duquesne, which won only three of 27 games this past season? Unless Mensah wants to reunite with his good buddy James. In which case why should Mensah duck public comment? Unless he's done something wrong. Unless Mensah didn't like Siena -- he was talked out of transferring along with Jack McClinton after Rob Lanier was fired last year. But a member of the coaching staff and a friend of Mensah's on the team both said that wasn't so. Mensah blossomed at Siena as a sophomore, stuffing box scores and playing 36 minutes per game. If he had stayed, he might have developed into one of Siena's finest all-time players and been beloved in the Capital Region, which wouldn't have hurt on job interviews if the NBA thing didn't work out. But it's his decision. We hope. If Mensah's calling the shots, then he should transfer if he chooses. College coaches leave teams to accept new jobs -- for better or worse -- as constantly as shoes squeak across gym floors. If McCaffery had left Siena after one season to coach Penn when his alma mater's coaching job opened in March, we would have been disappointed. We also would have understood. College basketball is a business, and players should act in their best interest just as coaches do. We shouldn't be angry with Mensah, or McCaffery for not re-recruiting Mensah. Mensah played hard and hurt, helping Siena achieve more this past season than anybody thought possible. He's doing what he thinks best. Even when that makes scant sense to the rest of us. Brian Ettkin can be reached at 454-5457 or by e-mail at bettkin@timesunion.com. www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?category=SPORTS&storyID=492093&BCCode=&newsdate=6/16/2006
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 19, 2006 7:11:56 GMT -5
Mensah done at Siena Guard, hoping to improve NBA chances, seeks transfer By PETE IORIZZO, Staff writer June 16, 2006 Kojo Mensah, expected to be Siena's top player in the coming season, will not return to the team, sources with knowledge of the situation said Thursday. The point guard asked to be released from his scholarship so he can transfer to another school. Though Siena has yet to grant the release, several sources confirmed Mensah will not play for Siena next year. "I'm disappointed in his decision," Siena coach Fran McCaffery said in a statement. "It's clear he's been misled by someone not looking out for his best interests. This is the unfortunate part of today's college basketball environment." McCaffery's comments appear to refer to Mensah's adviser and mentor, Norm Ostrin, a 69-year-old Brooklyn resident. Several sources said Ostrin is steering Mensah to Duquesne, an Atlantic 10 school, because he believes it offers Mensah more exposure and a better chance at playing the NBA. Mensah's close friend, Shawn James, recently transferred from Northeastern to Duquesne. James also has close ties to Ostrin. Reached on his cellphone, James said he had not spoken to Mensah about transferring, though he said the prospect of playing with his close friend excited him. He said he will not reach out to Mensah and ask him to transfer. "I wouldn't want to mess up a good thing he has going there," James said. Ostrin could not be reached for comment. Mensah did not return several messages left on his cellphone. So far, Siena appears reluctant to grant Mensah his release. Mensah can appeal to a board of Siena faculty members, who would serve as arbiters between Mensah and the athletic department. The most likely outcome of such an appeal would be a conditional release, which means Mensah can transfer, but not to certain schools, which Siena would chose. If Mensah transfers to another Division I school, NCAA rules mandate he sit out one season, though he can accept a scholarship and practice with his new team. If he transfers to a school on Siena's forbidden list, Mensah would have to pay his own way for a year and would not be allowed to practice. Mensah was Siena's second-leading scorer and rebounder this past season, averaging 16.6 points and 6.3 rebounds. With lone senior Antoine Jordan headed to the pros, Mensah, a junior-to-be, figured to lead the Saints. Instead, Siena likely will turn to either Kenny Hasbrouck or freshman Ronald Moore to run the point. Hasbrouck, who averaged 12.4 points last season, was the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year. Siena also welcomes back senior forward Michael Haddix, who missed all of last season with an Achilles' injury. Siena struggled badly this past season when Mensah went to the bench because the 6-foot-1 Mensah possesses rare versatility. He was the only MAAC player to average at least 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. McCaffery remained upbeat about next year's team in his statement. "I'm excited about our team next year," he said. "We're bigger, deeper, more athletic and will without a doubt contend for a league championship." This marks the second consecutive off-season Siena has dealt with a significant player departure. After the 2004-05 season, Jack McClinton bolted to Miami, an Atlantic Coast Conference school. Iorizzo can be reached at 454-5425 or by e-mail at piorizzo@timesunion.com. www.timesunion.com/ASPStories/Story.asp?StoryID=492114&Category=SPORTS&LinkFrom=RSS
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 17, 2006 7:47:39 GMT -5
I liked Chancellor even when he played out of control at times. He was one of the few guys on the floor that never looked like he gave up in games. I'll miss his competitive fire. Good luck Big Walt.
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 6, 2006 19:26:05 GMT -5
June 06, 2006 (News Release/Baseball) Smith Drafted By New York Mets in Third Round Fairborn, OH – With the 94th pick in the 3rd round of the 2006 MLB First Year Player Draft, Wright State relief pitcher Joe Smith was chosen by the New York Mets. Smith, the Horizon League Pitcher of the Year, helped the Raiders to their best record in five season and recorded a league-high 13 saves while posting a 3-1 record in 2006. Smith threw 55 innings for the Green and Gold this season and compiled a 0.98 ERA, allowing only 6 earned runs in 31 outings. The sidewinding righty allowed only 34 hits, only five for extra-bases, and held opposing batters to an average of .179 during his junior campaign. “This is a big day for Joe, I am very excited for him and his family.” Wright State head coach Rob Cooper said “Joe is an extremely hard worker and his dedication makes his deserving of a top-100 choice in this draft.” Smith, a native of Cincinnati, has posted 22 saves during his three seasons with the Raiders and posted 145 career strikeouts to only 39 walks. The junior becomes the third pitcher since 2001 to be drafted and the third Raider to be chosen by the New York Mets organization, joining Sean Gill and Bob Grote. “Our program is sad to see Joe leave, but we are proud he has achieved this goal and look forward to watching as he gets the chance to pitch at the next level and develop into a major league talent.” Coach Cooper added Smith, a graduate of Amelia High School, was recently named WSU’s Male Athlete of the Year as well as team MVP. He is the highest drafted Wright State player since pitcher Brian Anderson was taken third overall in the 1993 draft. www.wsuraiders.com/cgi-bin/athletics/news.cgi?action=features&id=2876
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Post by Raider Country on Sept 16, 2006 21:29:17 GMT -5
Sep. 16, 2006 Ohio State appeals $2.4 million award to O'BrienAssociated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State has filed an appeal in a bid to overturn a judge's decision awarding $2.4 million to fired former men's basketball coach Jim O'Brien. The school filed the appeal Friday with the 10th District Court of Appeals. The Ohio Court of Claims ruled last month that Ohio State improperly fired O'Brien in 2004 after learning that he had given $6,000 to a recruit. The judge in the case said that O'Brien broke NCAA bylaws but that the university did not follow the terms of O'Brien's contract in terminating him. Judge Joseph T. Clark said the contract that Ohio State lawyers drew up to entice O'Brien to stay as coach was heavily weighted in O'Brien's favor in case of any NCAA problems, requiring the university to follow a lengthy investigative and disciplinary procedure. He said it failed to follow that procedure. O'Brien was awarded $2.2 million and more than $200,000 in interest in early August. No payment will be made by the university while the matter is in the courts, said Ohio State spokesman Jim Lynch. The appeals process could take several months or even a year, he said. In its filing, the Ohio Attorney General's office, which represents the university in such matters, said a prehearing settlement conference would not be helpful. No court date was set for the appeal. A message seeking comment was left Saturday with Joseph Murray, an attorney for O'Brien. sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2590492
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Post by Raider Country on Jun 3, 2006 23:13:13 GMT -5
A Second ChanceDick Vitale June 1, 2006 In the world of sports, we often hear about the mega-contracts to athletes and coaches. You hear about a coach who gets the ziggy, but he also gets a big payoff. It doesn't always work like that, especially on the college level. I'm going to tell you about a story of a coach that most of you don't care about. He is not one of the mega-names in the coaching profession. He labored, busted his gut and was loyal to his mentor. I'm talking about a guy who spent over a dozen years as an assistant at Boston College and Ohio State under Jim O'Brien. The coach I am referring to is Paul Biancardi. I'm talking about a coach who ran the Wright State program but decided to resign after Ohio State was slapped with sanctions by the NCAA. Biancardi was a Buckeye assistant when the school violated NCAA rules involving an extra benefit. The school tried to lure a Yugoslavian star, Aleksandar Radojevic, with a reported payout of $6000. Right now Biancardi can't get a phone call returned. That's the nature of the business and nobody shows interest in him after the Ohio State situation. O'Brien tried to be a humanitarian, claiming the $6000 was a loan to the potential player. This all bit him in the butt as he committed a no-no and then came all sorts of rumors and allegations. Biancardi gave up his job at Wright State and the NCAA put a restriction on him, keeping him from recruiting off campus until the fall of 2007. His name is Biancardi so he doesn't have the thoroughbred name, even though he busts his gut and did things the right way for many years. Yes, he made a mistake and he is paying big-time. He did get a small settlement from Wright State, approximately $165,000. The lawyer gets $30,000-$40,000 for his role in the case, then taxes take more away and he's left with a wife, two children and unemployment. People make mistakes in life. The bottom line is people who make amends deserve a second chance. I firmly believe after talking to him that he has learned a lesson. He can serve as director of basketball operations at a Division I school as long as he doesn't get involved in recruiting. Many guys who left head coaching positions get an opportunity in that capacity. He was loyal to his leader, O'Brien. Remember, O'Brien sued Ohio State, claiming there was no cause to fire him. Back in February, a judge ruled for the coach, though Ohio State appealed the decision. Recently Jim was offered a job with the Celtics but declined, saying the time wasn't right. Biancardi can't get a call back. I remember when I was fired by the Pistons in 1979 and I made phone calls trying to get another coaching job. People simply did not return those calls and that was a terrible feeling. Your family stays behind you and there are some who feel you are on easy street because of a payoff. Not everyone is Larry Brown, a coach who could get up to $40 million if the Knicks chose to get rid of him. Guys like Biancardi, people simply don't care. I hope somebody has a heart and gives him an opportunity to bounce back. Isn't that what America is all about? It is about extending a helping hand when someone is in need. espn.go.com/dickvitale/060601Biancardi.html
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Post by Raider Country on Aug 2, 2006 6:15:37 GMT -5
Mets move ex-WSU pitcher to AA By the Dayton Daily News BROOKLYN, N.Y. | Just two months after helping the Wright State baseball team win its first Horizon League Championship since 1994, former pitcher Joe Smith was called up from the New York Mets Class A Brooklyn club to Class AA Binghamton on Monday. Smith is the first player to make the jump from Brooklyn, the Mets short-season A team, to the AA Binghamton Mets of the Eastern League. While Smith was with the Cyclones in the New York-Penn League, he had an 0.45 ERA in 20 innings. "I'm excited," Smith said. "I love playing baseball, I loved playing in Brooklyn, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help Binghamton win ball games." The sidewinding closer from Cincinnati held opposing hitters to a batting average of .141, striking out 28 and walking only three. Smith had nine saves before the promotion, ranking third in the league, and 17 appearances out of the bullpen. While at WSU, the former walk-on was named to the NCBWA "Stopper of the Year" watchlist, was named Horizon League Pitcher of the Year and helped the Raiders reach the NCAA Regional in Corvallis, Ore. Smith posted a 0.98 ERA while with the Raiders and struck out 63 batters in 55 innings. Smith's 13 saves rank second all-time in a single season at WSU and he was only the second pitcher to win the pitcher of the year honor, joining major leaguer Brian Anderson. www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/wsu/daily/080206smith.html
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