Title IX's Transfer Tracker

One of the very nice things about spending time with my buddy Andy, is that we tend to think of some silly shit that makes us laugh out loud. You can imagine that we had plenty to talk about this weekend, including Tate who may just take his ball and cry "wee wee wee" all the way home.

We started thinking about all the others who thought that the grass might be greener, nicer, easier, and/or more conducive to playing somewhere else. And so, we were wondering....how's that working out for you, boys????? SO, this first weekend of the 2010 Football Season, I'm beginning a new feature here on the Spawn of Mzone. I'm calling it Title IX's Transfer Tracker. Let's see how the ex-Wolverines did....

Steve Threet (Arizona State)
The SunDevils opened the season against Portland State and crushed them 54 to 9. Steve did pretty well, completing 14 of 21 tosses for 239 yards (66.7%), with two TDs. And he threw one pick. Oh, and he scampered for 24 yards. Steve should do ok next week against Northern Arizona. The big test will be on the 18th, when ASU travels to Madison to take on the Badgers. You remember what Steve did to the Badgers in 2008 right?????? Right???? Put that one on your viewing calendar.


Justin Boren (tUOS)So he's playing left guard for them. And they blew out Marshall. Yawn.Next up for them...THE U: Miami of Florida.

Ryan Mallett (Arkansas)
The Razorbacks dismantled Tennesse Tech this weekend 44-3. The Batesville, Akansas native posted some pretty impressive numbers, actually. 301 yards on 21 of 24 attempts. 3 TDs and an I-N-T. And he rushed for a mind-blowing two, yes 2 yards. Lightning. Next up for them on the 18th is the Dawgs of Georgia. Ouch.

Sam McGuffie (Rice) SO, poor guy woulda done a lot better if his team wasn't playing the Longhorns. That crazy D only let Sam scamper for 46 yards on 14 carries. The Owls lost 34-17. It also didn't really help that he ran laterally and backwards a bunch trying desperately to find some room. North/South son. North/South. I really am pulling for this 5'11" sophomore. Heck, even Mack Brown had nice things to say: "First I'd like to give credit to Rice, I thought they played better than they had at anytime last year," Texas head coach Mack Brown said. "They started a quarterback that we didn't anticipate, they ran an offense that we didn't anticipate and Sam McGuffie is going to help them ... he is a good back and he made some yards against us. I think Rice is a better football team than what we saw last year."

J T Turner (West Virginia): He has reportedly transferred to WVU. Cue Alanis Morrisette.....No stats for him, unless you count the number of pine splinters as he sits for the NCAA required time out.

Kurt Wermers (Ball State) Hmmmm. That's funny. I thought that he went to Ball State. I mean, he left because he really didn't like the business of Michigan. But, I can't find him anywhere on their roster.....

Oh oh oh. That's right. He's probably with JT Turner on the pine this year.....

It should be interesting to see how the season plays out for these guys. We'll keep track here on Title IX's Transfer Tracker. Let me know if there are others out there we need to follow too !!

Summer Hockey Showcase

pic from thecollegehockeyblog.wordpress.com

Check out the hockey guys tonight at Yost. Over 35s start at 6:30, doors at 6 pm
The unders are after that.

hockey in august?
mmmmmmm

As of Tuesday, Aug. 3, the roster includes: Red Berenson (1962), Bubba Berenzweig (1999), Mike Cammalleri (2003), Anthony Ciraulo (2010), Andrew Cogliano (2009), Tim Cook (2007), Andrew Ebbett (2006), Danny Fardig (2009), Bobby Hayes (1999), Al Hinnegan (1962), David Huntzicker (2001), Matt Hunwick (2007), Jack Johnson (2009), Steve Kampfer (2010), Jim Keough (1969), Mike Knuble (1995), Bruce Koviak (1968), Don Krussman (1983), Brian Lebler (2010), Dan Lerg (1980), Gregg Malicke (1998), Kip Maurer (1978), Tim Miller (2009), Mark Mitera (2009), David Moss (2005), Brandon Naurato (2009), Eric Nystrom (2005), David Oliver (1994), Rob Palmer (1977), Tom Pendlebury (1963), Kevin Porter (2008), Sean Ritchlin (1999), Alex Roberts (1990), Mike Roemensky (2003), Brandon Rogers (2005), Dale Rominski (1999), Billy Sauer (2009), John Shouneyia (2003), Ted Speers (1983), Cam Stewart (1994), Dan Stiver (1993), Mike Stone (1994), Chris Summers (2010), Travis Turnbull (2009), Brian Wiseman (1994) in addition to Camil Banciu and Eric Hall.

Come home Ronald Johnson!

Lost in the "he is qualified but not admitted" chaos of this week was the much more important news about the USC football sanctions. The Trojan football program has finally been held accountable for their transgressions during the Reggie Bush era. Yes, I know it only took 6 years, but a decision and punishment have been handed down. In a nut shell, USC is not allowed to play in a bowl game for 2 years, they will lose a total of 30 scholarships, 14 wins from that time period are vacated from the record books, AND most importantly the current juniors and seniors on the team are eligible to transfer to any other school without penalty. None of the Trojan upper class men will be required to get a waiver from USC or sit out a year after transferring. It is the college football equivalent of a fantasy draft - and we need to get in on the action.

There are plenty of players on this list that could immediately help the 2010 Michigan Wolverines. Off the top of my head, snagging one or two of their defensive backs or linebackers would be a dream scenario. However, emotionally, the most important player on the list for me is Ronald Johnson.

You all remember Ronald Johnson... right? He was a highly recruited defensive back/wide receiver from Muskegon High School. He was on almost every High School All American list. Everyone around here prayed he would choose the winged helmet and be the next great cornerback for Michigan. But, instead he chose Pete Carroll and the USC song girls. It was just one of many straws that led to broken back situation we are faced with today.

At USC, RoJo has been a solid contributor an a team filled with All Americans. He has been used primarily as a WR and kick returner. He has caught 74 passes, for 315 yards, and 12 touchdown passes. His most memorable performance was during the 2009 Rose Bowl when he delivered 2 touchdowns against an overmatched Penn State bunch. There is no doubt in my mind he would become an immediate impact player for us today.

In case you are reading this Ronald:
Please come home and play for the Wolverines! We want you. We need you. I am sure we can convince Terrance Robinson to give up his #8 for you. Heck, if is important to you, I'll even talk to Braylon Edwards about approving you for the #1. What ever it takes. We just want you back home where you belong. Also, feel free to bring along some of your new California friends. There is plenty of room for you all in the Big House.

Fight on and Go Blue.

MGoBaby

Congrats to BAHammm and his wife for bringing into the world a new Michigan fan. This beautiful girl was 8 lb 5 oz and 20 inches when she arrived last week.

HAIL!

Happy Trails Nick Sheridan

One of the nice things about the start of spring practice, is we can get some actual football news. This week RR announced that former starting QB Nick Sheridan will forego his 5th year of eligibility to "go into the coaching profession". Sheridan's father is a former Michigan assistant and is currently on the staff of the Miami Dolphins.

Through no fault of his own, Nick Sheridan is the face of the transition pain we have experienced over the last two years. He was just a good kid looking to play football at Michigan. He became an ill-prepared walk-on starter thrust into the harsh spotlight as the QB for RR's new spread offense. As expected, he stuggled as much as the doomed 2008 team.

The highlight of his career came late in the 2008 season, where all by himself he led Michigan to a 29-6 win at Minnesota. He looked like a real college football quarterback as he threw for 203 yards and a touchdown. Two years into the transition, that game remains as the only road victory of the RR era.

Thanks for the effort Nick. Good luck!

SportsCenter

This morning I was watching ESPN Sports Center when they ran a segment from NFL Analyst Adam Schefter. The topic of the segment is not as important as the decor of Adam's office. Amongst the books sits an awesome looking mini helmet.

I looked it up, Adam is a Michigan Alum and was once the editor of the Michigan Daily.

Hail!

Eric Wilson: Grey Cup Champion

Congrats to former Michigan Wolverine Eric Wilson. His Montreal Alouettes won the 2009 Grey Cup (the Super Bowl of the Canadian Football League) last weekend. The win was the 7th Grey Cup for the Montreal franchise --the current club does not recognize the 1995 Cup won while the franchise was in Baltimore, but the CFL does.

In case you missed the highlights, it was quite a finish. Down by 2 points, the Alouettes lined up for a game winning field goal in the closing seconds, They missed it, but got another chance because Saskatchewan had too many players on the field. The Montreal kicker made the "do over" as time expired. The extra player has not been identified by the Roughriders. I would hate to be that guy.

Originally from Monroe -- this is not the first championship for Eric. He was a member of the 1997 National Champion Michigan Wolverines, although he was a red shirt freshman and did not play. He was a co-captain and the starting nose tackle for the 2000 Wolverines. He was a participant in four straight Michigan bowl wins (1998 Rose vs Washington State, 1999 Citrus vs Arkansas, 2000 Orange vs Alabama, and 2001 Citrus vs Auburn).

After leaving Ann Arbor, he has played professional football in both the NFL (Detroit and Miami) and the CFL (Montreal, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg). This season, he was a defensive tackle for Montreal (started in the Grey Cup game) and recorded 13 tackles.

Hail !

Who Dey

Congrats to former Michigan defensive back Morgan Trent. He made the cut and will be a member of the Cincinnati Bengals this year. He was a 6th round pick in the 2009 NFL draft. Other former Wolverines on the roster are Trent's former team-mate Leon Hall and NFL veteran Dhani Jones. Morgan is expected to play in nickel coverage packages and special teams.

The NFL has denied his request to cover his orange tiger striped helmet with Buckeye stickers. To my friends at the WLA, I am just kidding.

Fellow 2009 NFL draft pick Terrance Taylor did not fare so well. Taylor was drafted in the 4th round by the Indianapolis Colts but was released during the final cuts before the NFL season begins this week. How stacked are the Colts this season to be able to afford to cut a 4th round draft pick before he ever plays a down?

Other former Michigan players looking for work following the final NFL training camp cuts include: Victor Hobson (Arizona Cardinals), Rueben Riley (Washington Redskins), Doug Dutch (Washington Redskins), and Amani Toomer (KC Chiefs).

Cutting down on the drag

HT: EDSBS

Our boy Jim has hit the BIG TIME !!!!

Against all logic a Stanford donor has given $50K so Jim can quickly do his business and move on to the task of losing games in the Pac10. This is not sitting well with the rest of the Stanford Athletic Department. that is facing a huge budget crisis. Revenue generation has died, budgets have been cut, people have been axed. For gods sake.... Fencing is in danger of being cut.

To make things worse: Fellow Pac10 coaches Pete Carroll (USC), Rick Neuheisel (UCLA) and Jeff Tetford (Cal) don't have their own private reading area -- and I am willing to bet that Bo used the same potty as every one else.

74,000 Truck Drivers

The legendary Michigan broadcaster Bob Ufer once referred to the typical Ohio Stadium crowd as "10,000 alumni and 74,000 truck drivers."

Now it appears that our old friend Justin Boren just could not overcome his Ohio roots. At an early age he realized he wanted to be a Buckeye, and all that it entailed.

Check out page 19 of the 2009 Ohio State Football Media Guide: When I was younger, I dreamed of being a: Truck Driver.

You can't make this stuff up.

Vada Murray Update

image from www.loukatactical.com/vadaMurray.asp

Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/vadamurray to send words of encouragement and support.
Vada's wife Sarah posted this....

August 8, 2009

We spent the month of July dealing with side affects from the new chemo drug. This drug happened to be oral, so we had a nice reprieve from visiting the cancer center every couple of weeks. Unfortunately, we visited the ER a lot. The side affects of this chemo were pronounced and difficult.

One of the side affects of this particular oral chemo was acne. Vada developed severe acne, which we actually were excited about. The appearance of acne significantly increased the likelihood that the drug was working effectively.

Unfortunately, we learned yesterday that the chemo is not working. There has been further growth of Vada's tumors. He begins a new form of chemotherapy on Monday.

Many people have asked how Vada is doing. He is tired. We are 24 hours into receiving the news that his chemo is not working. He is having a hard time.

As for me, I would say the same. I am very scared.

As always, we look to you - our family, friends, neighbors, corworkers, acquaintances - for arms to catch us when we feel like we're falling down, and strong legs to help us move forward.

Sarah

Feagin to Appy State

ESPN is reporting that former Michigan QB/WR Justin Feagin is going to transfer to Appalachian State. As long as he is academically eligible, he could play this year for the Mountaineers. The details regarding his hasty exit from Ann Arbor have not become public yet.

Feagin was dismissed last month by RR for the all encompassing violation of team rules. I refuse to speculate about what the violation was, but it had to be pretty bad considering it took all of one day to remove him.

While he was with our program, Feagin never attempted a pass, but he did gain 49 yards on seven attempts, including an exciting 34-yarder in the second quarter at Minnesota.

Prepare yourselves to hear the following wise-cracks over and over:

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
or
He wanted to play for a better program.

My advice to any M fan out there looking to respond: SHUT UP. Until we start winning some games and erase the memory of the Appy State and Toldeo losses, you should have nothing to say.

Bobby Scales, Major Leaguer

Dreams really do come true.

After 11 seasons in the minors, former Michigan baseball captain Bobby Scales has finally made it to the Major Leagues. He was called up by the Chicago Cubs after pitcher Carlos Zambrano went on the disabled list.

Originally from Southfield, Scales was one of two captains for the 1999 Michigan baseball team that won the B10 tournament in made it to the NCAAs. Bobby Scales was drafted in the 14th round in June of 1999 by the San Diego Padres. Last year he had his best minor league season for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, hitting .320 with 15 home runs.

Fellow longtime baseball farm-hand Mike Cervenak was the other captain of that 1999 team. Cervenak made it to the big leagues last year with the Phillies where he collected two hits in 13 at bats. He is back in AAA this season.

A Girl Scouts: Flag Football Alumni Game

Given the recent announcement by the athletic department that Saturday's Spring "Game" will be nothing more than a glorified walk-thru with the players still in development....
Rodriguez said he hopes the spring game will be entertaining for fans.
"We don't have enough guys to have a true game -- to have a maize and a blue team -- but I think you'll be able to see some guys compete a little bit who are out there for the first time and have some fun," he said. The coaching staff will keep the play calling simple, and the few familiar names probably won't see much action because of the risk of injuries."That's why it's hard to pick two teams, because guys like (defensive end) Brandon Graham won't play a whole lot," Rodriguez said. "They'll play a few series and be out of there." freep.com

My slight amount of enthusiasm for this Saturday's event has shifted to the FIRST EVER Alumni Flag Football Game!!!! woot-woot!!!!!? Set to begin at 10 AM in the Big House this event has my heart pounding! (which it does, generally, 70 times a minute...). Check out the former players line-up:

Derek Bell, OL, 2004	Allen Jefferson, RB, 1987-90
Ron Bellamy, WR, 1999-2002	Dan Jokisch, TE, 1988-90
Jim Betts, S, 1968-70	Ankit Kachhal, P, 2007
Mark Bihl, C, 2003-06	Brian Lafer, WR, 2003
Chris Bohn, LB, 1988-90	Rick Leach, QB, 1975-78
Chris Calloway, WR, 1987-89	Mike Leoni, OT, 1978-79
Jason Carr, QB, 1993-95	Roy Manning, LB, 2001-04
Zia Combs, CB, 2001-02	Alex Marshall, LB/DE, 1988-91
Clint Copenhaver, LB, 1995-98	Andy Mignery, TE, 2001-03
Markus Curry, CB, 2002-04	Kirk Moundros, RB, 1999-2002
Carl Diggs, LB, 2000-03	Aaron Richards, WR, 2000
Scott Dreisbach, QB, 1995-98	Todd Richards, WR, 1993-95
Bill Dufek, OT, 1974-78	Jay Riemersma, TE, 1992-95
Brandent Englemon, S, 2004-07	Aaron Shea, TE, 1996-99
Mike Evans, DT, 1988-91	Michael Taylor, QB, 1987-89
Thomas Guynes, OL, 1993-96	Anthony Thomas, RB, 1997-2000
Ali Haji-Sheikh, PK, 1979-82	Phil Webb, RB, 1985-87
James Hall, DE, 1996-99 (GUEST REFEREE)	Thomas Wilcher, RB, 1985-86
Kenneth Jackson, CB, 1996-98	Brandon Williams, CB, 1999-200

Special spectators will include: Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals), Larry Foote (Pittsburgh Steelers), James Hall (St. Louis Rams), Mike Hart (Indianapolis Colts), Jon Jansen (Washington Redskins), Ryan Mundy (Pittsburgh Steelers), LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Could you imagine the fall-out if those NFL guys played and were injured during a Flag Football Game???? Ruh-oh!! Although, one can ride a motorcycle sans helmet and still succeed.......

Tirrel Burton will coach the maize squad and Jerry Hanlon will command the blue flaggers. Teams will be announced later today (broadcast on WTKA no less!) from practice late this afternoon. Once we find out who got picked last...um, I mean who is on which team...we'll weigh-in on the match-up!

Hopefully they'll have someone announcing the game on Saturday too!!!!!
I'd love to hear Bob Ueker say: "He missed the flag, He missed the flag!!!"

And this one is extra credit, since I have completely taken a powder the past few months and left Andy with the show.
I "love you man" (sticking with the beer commercial theme)

You're welcome.

Maybe they should change the name to the M League ?

Former Michigan Wolverine basketball players Courtney Sims and Brent Petway collected some new hardware this week to go along next to their 2004 NIT rings.

Sims was named the NBA Developmental League Most Valuable player. Sims played 32 games with the Iowa Energy this past season averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. He was also a starter and won the co-MVP of the 2009 D League All Star game. Since leaving Michigan Sims has played three games with the Indiana Pacers. He has also had training camp and summer league stints with Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats. He is playing on a 10 day contract with the New York Knicks.

Petway was named the NBA Developmental League Defensive Player of the Year. Petway appeared in all 45 games for the Idaho Stampede. He was second in the league with 2.1 blocks per game and was the key stopper on the D League's best defensive team. He was also a starter in the D League All Star game. "Air Georgia" is well known as the best dunker in the D League and has actually challenged NBA dunk champ Dwight Howard in a dunk-off. Michigan fans will remember him for the great winged-helmet haircut he wore during the 2007 Ohio State game. He has played for the Portland Trailblazers and Toronto Raptors training camp and summer league teams.

Dhani being Dhani

I have always admired Dhani Jones. He went to the same high school as one of my good friends from Michigan (10+ years later), he was a freshman starter for our 1997 National Championship team, he has been a solid NFL linebacker (including several years with the Eagles), he is a music man, fashion entrepreneur, artist, poet, environmental philanthropist, and very active community volunteer. And yes T9, People Magazine did name him to the “50 Hottest Bachelors” list a couple of years ago.

Now he has added TV Host to his resume. The Travel Channel is lauching a new show : Dhani Tackles the Globe. Dhani has been able to merge two of his greatest passions, travel and sports. He travels the world exploring the ways in which traditional sports help to define culture. I have added to my TIVO list and look forward to watching it.

I don't really care for the term "Renaissance Man" -- but if anyone has earned that moniker in today's world, Dhani has.

ooo-oooh That SMELL

Can I tell you how much I miss football season. Yes, we have reached the official low point in the college football off-season. We are actually talking about men's perfume....

This month Stetson will launch All American, a new fragrance for men pimped by former Michigan QB Tom Brady. I don't want to burst any one's bubble here, but Tom Brady was never an All American. I guess Drew Henson "Owen Sixteen" Lions scent is not selling that well. I am kinda looking forward to the new video game promised on the site. Could be a fun new Spawn Contest ?

The woody aromatic scent features notes of cedar leaf, guava, ginger, black suede, sage, nutmeg, fern water, amber wood, vetiver, patchouli and musk. I have to admit I have never heard of the two linked scents before I started this post. According to the Boston Herald, Tom Brady's Dad wore Stetson Cologne. Brady has been a spokesman for the product for several years.

Gisele's new husband commented : "I want everybody to go out and buy this fragrance and hopefully they can get some dates...Sexiness is whether you’re comfortable in your own skin...The sexiest people are always those who are the most confident...." When asked where where, is the sexiest spot for a woman to dab on her perfume? “Any place where my nose is next to . . . like the ear”

And oh yes, you are welcome T9 and Catie. I feel so dirty.

It is 3:30AM, Do you know where your QB is ?

Former Michigan (and current Arkansas) QB Ryan Mallett got into trouble early sunday morning. He was arrested on a public intoxication charge outside of a bar near campus.

The 20-year-old Mallett was booked into the Washington County Jail at 3:47AM after Fayetteville police arrested him on Dickson Street. Mallett was released on bond about an hour later, but not after he took this epic mugshot. Razorback Football coach Bobby Petrino said he would be disciplined.

From the NWAnews.com: According to the report, (Fayetteville police officer Timothy) Shepard noticed that Mallett could not stand up straight, had blood-shot and watery eyes and a heavy odor of intoxicants on his breath. Shepard also detected the faint odor of burnt marijuana coming from Mallett's person. Shepard stated in the report that Mallett's voice was extremely slurred and at times his speech was incoherent.

When asked by Shepard if he had been smoking marijuana, Mallett said that he had not, according to the report. When asked if he had been around those smoking marijuana, Mallett said he had, according to the report.

Shepard stated in the report that Mallett lost his balance and had to step back to regain his composure several times during their conversation. During a field sobriety test in which the officer asked Mallett to follow his moving finger with his eyes, Mallett lost his balance and nearly fell backwards, according to the report.

Shepard said in the report that he told Mallett to call for a ride home. Mallett made several calls but was unable to make contact with anyone. Shepard noticed that Mallett appeared to lose focus during his attempts to make the calls and that he began to stare off into the distance before again attempting to make a call.

Mallett was released on $155 bond. His probable cause hearing is at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Fayetteville District Court.

This is example number four hundred thirty one on why it is never a good idea to be outside past 1AM. It has taken me about 20 years to learn this: Nothing good ever happens on the streets between 1AM and 5AM.

There is no truth to the rumor that Mallett fumbled the phone at the police station when he was calling his Dad for bail money.

No Bachelor? No Science.....

I'm sorry folks, but I just could not concentrate long enough to come up with a SSF.
You see Tom (ah dreamy) Brady has ruined it for all of us. He married her. In a Catholic Church. In Santa Monica
Giselle is now Mrs. Brady.......

For those who care, she wore Dolce and Gabbana. Oh, and her 3 dogs were there too.
I guess if you were going to marry Giselle you'd let anyone or anything walk down the aisle too.......
Sigh.
Maybe he married her for her money? I mean in case the football thing doesn't work out for him? That must be it, because I just don't see what's so great about her....... To me she's just evil.

Jim Abbott

Michigan Athletics Director Bill Martin announced yesterday plans to retire former Wolverine baseball player Jim Abbott's number 31. The actual ceremony will take place before the April 18th game against Michigan State. Abbott will join Don Lund (1943-45), Moby Benedict (1954-56), Bill Freehan (1961) and coach Ray Fisher (1921-58) as the only retired numbers in Michigan baseball history.

This is an appropriate tribute to a truly exceptional person. If you don't know Jim Abbott's story, take a look at the video. Jim was a friend during my time in Ann Arbor. We had several classes together and lived in the same area of campus, frequently walking against the cold wind up State street towards the Diag. I remember the first time I met him during his freshman year. I actually thought he was a student trainer because he wore official gear (black nike turf shoes) almost every day. There was no way this shy dude with one hand was a player. Boy... was I wrong.

Two years and 26 wins later he won the Golden Spikes Award, the baseball equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He was also the 1987 Big Ten athlete of the year. He also pitched Team USA to an Olympic Gold Medal. He was a 1st round draft pick of the Angels and pitched 10 years in the majors for several teams, including a no-hitter in Yankee Stadium. Today Jim is a motivational speaker. I wish the ceremony was the weekend of April 11th because I would love to be there to give him a standing ovation.

Congrats Jim !! Go Blue !