RickKarle's Blog

     I got to rolling my eyes today looking in on the Braves-Marlins game. A crowd (or should I say a group) of less than 600 watched the game at Dolphins Stadium in South Florida.  It got to be so bad that foul balls hit in the stands were not even picked up.  A few observations with the game in mind:

     This, my friend, is why the MLB regular season should not go past Labor Day. When was the last time you watched a big league game?  I bet is was not in the month of September. 600 fans in the Miami area watching a baseball game? I say we contact Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford to see if we can get that team to relocate. Just think- the team could play at historic Rickwood Field with the players wearing vintage 1950's uniforms. We could call the team the Vulcans, and local promoter Art Clarkson would take over the team's marketing.

    Some marketing ideas that could fill the seats of the nation's oldest ballpark?  How about Tommy Bowden "Can You Hear Me Now" night? The first thousand fans receive a Verizon Wireless cell phone.   "Nick Saban Night":  The first five-thousand fans to arrive at the game receive a free issue of Forbes Magazine.  "Birmingham Olympics 2012 Night": The first three thousand fans receive free tickets to the Men's Swim Competition to be held at Alabama Adventure... "Talladega Night": The first five-thousand fans to arrive at the game receive a quart of motor oil.  And "Gene Hallman Night": The first five-thousand fans receive a Hale Irwin putter cover from the Regions Charity Classic.

     Think of the locals we could bring back to play for the Vulcans.  Jake Peavey,  Andy Phillips, Jeff Brantley and friends.  So what if the talent wasn't up to snuff?  It's the ambiance is what would sell tickets.  Rickety old seats? Not a problem- football fans have been experiencing them for years at Legion Field.  Long waits at the concession stands? Again, not a problem- we've all been to the BJCC .  Poor lighting? Hey- we prove every day we don't need lightbulbs.  After all, we drive on Birmingham's highways.

    I kid of course- but really: If a Major League team is drawing less than 600 fans to a game, maybe it's time for that team to consider a move.  Would baseball thrive in Birmingham, Alabama? Of course- as long as they played it with a football.

     Did you hear the latest after that Alabama smackdown of Clemson just the other night? Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden admits he called Nick Saban this past Monday to get his take on what happened to his team. Say What? Bowden loses by 24 and then phones the coach that whooped up on him to see if he can explain what went wrong? As John McEnroe has been known to say, "You have got to be kidding me!".

     Let's see- Bowden calling Saban for advice. Did Coach Bryant call General Neyland asking for advice? Does Roy Williams phone Mike Krzyzewski to get coaching tips? Does Kobe call Lebron for advice? Does Obama seek advice from McCain? UN-BE-LIEVABLE!

     Here's the sad thing about this. Tommy Bowden is clueless enough to let the media know that he did this. Hats off to Bowden for having a small enough ego to make the call, but this guy ought to be canned for being stupid enough for letting this news out.

    Really... I DO think it's nice that Tommy Bowden feels that he can go to various coaches to get feedback, and, while Tommy is not exactly Terry or Bobby on the personality scale, I have always liked him. But this one I just had to write about!

     Meanwhile... Nick Saban has tried his best to lower fan's expectations after the big win over Clemson. You've heard it ad nauseum from Saban:  "It's only one game", "We use the 24-hour rule", "Questions about expectations really *^%*^ me off!".  Just when Saban thought he had dumbed down the troops, out comes this week's issue of "Sports Illustrated". On the cover? Bama tailback Glen Coffee.  So much for muting the frenzy!

     Other items from a busy Tuesday:  Tommy Tuberville (as we suggested just last night on this blog) makes it official by naming Chris Todd his starting quarterback for this weekend. Now Kodi Burns is still nursing that leg injury, thus taking lots of heat off Tubs for his decision. Will both QB's play in the future? Of course- but Tuberville wants desperately for one quarterback to step up. He doesn't care which one- he just wants to go to a one quarterback system, the sooner the better.

    Tuesday Tidbits:   Dario Franchitti is heading back to Indy Car racing. The worst part about it? No more Ashley Judd sightings at Talladega...The Atlanta Braves beat the Florida Marlins Tuesday 16-14. The Braves at one time led 10-3 and allowed the Marlins to score ten unanswered runs. Imagine that...  Former Auburn tailback Rudi Johnson officially signs with the Detroit Lions only days after getting dumped by the Bengals... Where would the UAB Blazers be without quarterback Joe Webb? The Wenonah product accounted for over 300 yards of offense in a  45-22 loss to Tulsa last weekend. This week? The Blazers head to south Florida for a game against Howard Schnellenberger's Florida Atlantic team...   How times flies: It was over 50 years ago that Texas A&M star John David Crowe won the Heisman trophy. To this day, Crowe was the only player coached by Paul Bryant to have won the award.... I get a Heisman vote- any early favorites?....

     Gotta go get some sleep. See you on the TV side come Wednesday.  I'll be permeating the radio world Friday morning, and then I'll join Paul Finebaum in the radio studio Friday at 2:07 pm on JOX94.5FM.   And a reminder that our web cast this Friday starts at 1 pm. Yours truly, Finebaum, and the Fox6 sports guys will hold a round table discussion to preview what should be a fun college football weekend. Just go to MyFoxAl.com just before 1pm Friday, and be back on the TV side with us Saturday night at 9:35 for "College Football Saturday."  Sandwich your college football with  "Sideline 2008" Friday night at 10:10, and you no doubt will have your fill!  See you on the TV!

     Attention Phillip Fulmer: You may want to reconsider scheduling big-name schools on the road. The final:  UCLA 27 Tennessee 24- can you say Rick Neuheisel?  (but I digress).

     If you say "24", I usually think of the hit show on Fox starring Kieffer Sutherland- but this week,  "24" means the "Nick Saban Rule".   He lets his Alabama players celebrate a big win like Clemson for 24 hours, after which they must put the win to bed and work on the next game. Says Saban on Monday, "Why do the mighty fall? Complacency. People get satisfied". Good point, coach.  Just never ask Saban about expectations or confidence, as he may just go off.

     Item: Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, while playing two quarterbacks and all the while telling the media it's a "great problem to have", really wants just one quarterback. His problem? Neither Kodi Burns or Chris Todd are separating themselves. This past weekend,  Burns never had a chance to really show what he could do after suffering a 7-inch gash in his leg (he's questionable for the Southern Miss game).  Chris Todd threw for 70 yards against La-Monroe but most of those yards were chalked up late in the game. Stay with us for "Super Tuesday" coverage as we will get a better idea what to expect on this front. And the other problem? Tiger receivers are dropping like flies.  If you have any eligibility remaining, call Tommy Tuberville immediately.

     Item: "Sideline 2008" kicked off in grand fashion last Friday night. Thanks go out to you and your family for making our season premiere so successful. However, I've instructed our folks to adopt Saban's "24-Hour Rule":  It's time to put that season-opening show to bed and work hard on this Friday's show.  I can  tell you that our "Game Of The Week" will be Pelham at Spain Park. We will also hand out our first "Sideline MVP Helmet Award"- we'll also have our "Sideline Standout" Award,  the Band Of The Week, our recruiting report with Brian Matthews and Tim Watts of Rivals, and we live stream the show at two locations:  MyFoxAl.com and MyFoxSideline.com.

     Before I go, congratulations go out to Irondale's Steve Johnson, who today won the Pro Stock Motorcycle Division at the Mac Tools US National Drag Racing Championships. This was Johnson's Super Bowl, and the big guy comes home with the hardware after hitting nearly 190 miles an hour in only seven seconds.

     On that front, I'm running out of gas! Thanks for making Fox6 and MyFoxAl.com your choice!.  See you Tuesday!

     What a Saturday it has been! Our wait for the start of the college football season has been worth it!. as we were treated today with superb football, a few upsets, and the kind of fodder that will result in chat rooms and talk radio light up. My thoughts on tonight's games:

     Alabama 34, Clemson 10:  Several thoughts are swimming in my head, so I am here to let them out.    Is Alabama that good or is Clemson that bad? I'm starting to think it's the former.  Nick Saban's interior lineman made Clemson's big uglies look like Pee Wee Herman. John Parker Wilson? 22-of-30, 180 consistent yards.  The Tide defense held Clemson to zero rushing yards (I did not stutter).  The Tigers gained 188 total yards, Julio showed the world what he may become, Mark Ingram was a beast, and Nic Walker had the game of his life.  While the Alabama nation explodes, a word of caution: It's a long season.

     Auburn 34, La-Monroe 0.  The good news for Auburn fans? The Tigers rushed for over 300 yards. The bad news? For most of the game, the spread looked dead.  Tony Franklin's spread offense is a work in progress, and to his credit Franklin took the blame, telling  Sheldon Haygood after the game, "We stunk".  Tommy Tuberville joined Sheldon, Finebaum and me live on our "College Football Saturday" show, and he admits that his offense has work to do.  And a few other silver linings?  The AU defense was stout as Antonio Coleman forced a fumble, and special teams looked special as Robert Dunn took himself out of Tub's doghouse with a spectacular punt return for a score.  Still, the offense must get in gear, as Kodi Burn's 15 passing yards and Chris Todd's 70 passing yards did not remind Tiger fans of Chris Leak and Tim Tebow.

     Tulsa 45, UAB 22.  The UAB Blazers stood toe-to-toe Saturday with a high-scoring Tulsa team. The Blazers led it 22-21 at the half thanks to superb play from QB Joseph Webb and receiver Frantrell Forrest.  But Tulsa scored 24 straight second-half points to put it away.  A UAB defense that is expected to be the team's weak spot simply ran out of gas in the second half. Lack of depth? Lack of numbers? Lack of conditioning? Or perhaps a very strong Tulsa offense simply deciding to show up.  The good news for the Blazer nation? QB  Webb accounted for over 300 yards of offense, and showed us that he can give any young man in our state a run for the title of "Best Quarterback In Our State"  (Who would you vote for? Webb, Wilson, Burns, Todd or Perrilloux?).

     I hope you join Sheldon Haygood Sunday night as he breaks down these football games. We have boatloads of interviews to share with you, and our sports folks are working hard to bring them to you.
 
     One final note: I thought our "Sideline" show went very well this past Friday night. Thanks to you, those final scores were posted by our start time of 10:10 pm, and your enthusiasm at your game helped bring the show energy and fun. See you next Friday night on "Sideline", and we'll be with you Monday night at 6:20 with our "Alabama Monday" coverage!

     As one of our former presidents once said, "Here we go again!"  Our high school football show comes at you for the 20th year, and man, do we have some big stuff planned!

     Here is what you have to look forward to Friday night at 10:10:
     *Nearly a full hour of football coverage, as we air the show from 10:10 to 11:05 pm
     *Hi-lites of 30 high school games, meaning a total of 60 teams will get air time.
     *Our Game Of The Week features powerful Gadsden City against County High.
     *Our Sideline MVP award. We tell you how a "Sideline" helmet can be yours.
     *The Sideline Stand-out award as we present nominees throughout the program.
     *Our recruiting report with Tim Watts and Brian Matthews of Rivals.
     *Our Sideline Sportscaster segment: We pick a local student to help anchor a segment.
     *The Marching Band Of The Week. We profile a group of hard-working musicians.
     *The McAdory cheerleaders will be live in studio to liven things up.
     *Continuing incoming statewide scores on our Bottom Line.
     *Live streaming of the show at MyFoxAl.com and at MyFoxSideline.com

     Down through the years, our "Sideline" program has featured such future NFL players as Carnell Williams,  Karlos Dansby, David Palmer, Stan White, Brodie Croyle, Earl Bennett and others.  Others featured? Future college stars such as Tyrone Prothro, Freddie Kitchens, Dennis Riddle, Marvin Constant, Julio Jones, John Parker Wilson, heck, even American Idol champion Ruben Studdard was an offensive lineman at Huffman!

     I hope you gather your family and join us Friday night at 10:10. We have a huge staff here at Fox6 working hard for you, and  as the mouthpiece of the show, I take great pride in knowing that our hard work brings you an Emmy-award winning program each and every Friday night.  If you have a story idea or want a player, cheerleader, band member or coach mentioned, don't hesitate to call us.  Our number to report scores toll free: 1-800-624-WBRC (9272).

     As a parent of two kids myself, a "hat's off" to every parent out there who gets their children to practice on time, who drives them home, who washes their dirty athletic gear and who deals with, at times, the politics of raising an athlete, cheerleader or band member.  Seeing how the four on-air sports anchors here at Fox6 have a combined ten children, I think we can relate to your family.  We're glad you have related to "Sideline" for the last two decades, and I look forward to another fun-filled season.  See you Friday night!

     By now you have heard about the comments coming from Clemson Defensive Coordinator Vic Koenning.  He was speaking with reporters other night, and said of recruiting some big studs in our state, "I ran into Julio Jones in spring recruiting.  He got in his Escalade and drove off.  Then I watched Burton Scott of Vigor High School... he went and got into his Escalade and drove off.  I'm familiar with those guys."  Vic Koenning says he was merely joking, and he has apologized to Alabama fans and two the high school coaches of Julio Jones and Burton Scott.  

     Now for my take: Has this guy been drinking? Why even joke about something like that on the record, during game week no less?  Was this all a joke? Probably- was it a shot? Of course! Look- when reporters have gathered around, and you know you are on the record, you need to watch your tongue.  If Koenning wants to have a beer with the guys and trash every program in America, he has that right.  But when reporters are present with pens in hand?

     News flash: Over the years, I have had many off-the-record conversations with college football coaches, and more often than not, these coaches will slam their competition- in fact some very familiar coaches in this state are great at it. But they always make sure we are "off the record" so that stuff doesn't get repeated.

    My idea? How about taking the high road? You seen it happen in politics:  Negative ads often backfire and help out the candidate who is getting slammed. If a coach wants to dog a competing coach or program, I say he refrains from doing so in front of a reporter wheher on or off the record.  It's a bit like getting a negative e-mail (we get plenty in the news business). Most of the time I respond to every e-mail I receive and I kill them with kindness. Do that, and those nasty letters suddenly turn to mush.

   The moral of the story? Vic Koenning is a bit like Joe Biden- he has a quick wit but loose lips. He needs to take the high road when talking with the media, and leave those shots at other programs where they belong- in the trash.

Greetings! With our "Sideline" show just three days away, and the big college football season opener almost upon us, what a great time to talk about... Sara Evans! I had a chance to meet and then interview Sara and her husband Jay Barker tonight at Workplay, and after spending some time with the happy couple, I must say: Maybe Jay is right to be mushy!

Now I've been happily married for 24 years, and my wife happens not only to be good-looking, but also very smart, funny, etc. She's also a great mom to our two kids. I like to say that I can spot a great woman-slash-mother when I see one, and luckily, I have one. On then, to Sara Evans.

I have heard many WJOX radio listeners complain that Barker, the former Alabama quarterback, and his new wife are too mushy when together. You know- the pet names, the lovey-dovey stuff? After meeting Sara and seeing the two together, I must say their love is legit. No doubt Sara Evans is a looker, but what struck me about her is her quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and her ability for making quick comebacks. Perhaps it's her experience in the big world of arts and music, but it was nice to interview a subject who could dish it out (attention Nick Saban, you are not alone).

And example of Evan's wit: Finebaum questioning Sara: "Who is your all-time favorite Alabama quarterback?" Sara Evans: "Brian Burgdorff". Funny stuff! Karle question: "How did you two meet?" Sara Evans: "Jay had been stalking me for months" (The couple actually met in a marriage counseling session, when Jay knew her only as a woman named Sara).

Jay Barker? He's become more media savvy as well. He's always been a confident young man, but after being in radio for a number of years, and now hooking up with a media professional, Jay seems to be able to pull back a bit from the "Clean Gene" image and let his few hairs down when appropriate. Finebaum question: "What was your favorite Sara Evans CD before you met?" Jay Barker: "Never owned one". Karle question: "How, Jay did you pull this one off?" Jay Barker: "I'm still trying to figure that out." Not quite the bite of his wife, but he's getting there.

When I first heard these two love birds cooing at one another over the air waves, I was reaching for my Maalox. But after talking with the couple, and seeing how much love they have for one another, I'm going to stop rolling my eyes and simply realize that maybe these two really are soul mates. Now I'm starting to get mushy. Yikes!

     Something to think about as we head into the weekend:  The folks at Scout.com have released their list of the best college football coaches in America. Number eight on the list is Auburn's Tommy Tuberville.  Number nine on the list, a notch back, is Alabama's Nick Saban. Your reaction? I say it's all relative- in fact the important thing is that our state has two of the top ten coaches in the nation.  Pretty impressive, eh?  Number one on that list is Florida's Urban Meyer, while UAB's Neil Callaway ranks #97 out of 119.

   A few other thoughts:  I see that Hoover-Gadsden City jamboree game Friday night was a defensive struggle. The Titans should be very strong on "D" as stud recruit Dre Kirkpatrick runs the show. What you may not know is that the Hoover Bucs defense will likely outshine the offense, as the Bucs are solid defensively.

    Fifty-five  years ago this weekend, a little league team from Birmingham travelled to Williamsport, PA and won the Little League World Series.  To this day, the Southies are the only group from our state to win it all. Led by pitcher Joe Sims and star batter Bruce Gordon, the kids from Southside beat Schenectady, NY 1-0.  Before the game, Cy Young handed out pitching tips and Red Barber conducted interviews. About ten of the 13 players on that 1953 team are still with us today.  These men are now in their late 60's, some still working, others retired. Congratulations to the 1953 Little League Champions from the state of Alabama.

     I see that Charles Barkley underwent a colonoscopy today, and the procedure was taped for a network cancer special next month. I know there's alot of *(&^^ on television these days, but this is going too far (I jest- as a cancer survivor, I say it's a superb idea)...  Does the sight of Paul Finebaum make you queasy?  Starting next Monday, Finebaum will join me on Mondays to talk Bama football, on Tuesdays to talk Auburn football, on Thursdays to go head-to-head with me, on Fridays at 6:20 for Paul's picks, and of course Saturday nights at 9:35 for our weekly college football show.  Breath easy, I'll keep him in check... Congratulations to Tuscaloosa's Deontay Wilder, who heads home from the Olympic games with a bronze medal.  Here's a guy who three years ago was driving a beer truck and waiting tables at Red Lobster, all to support his daughter with spina bifida. To think Wilder has come this far in the sport of boxing in such a short amount of time is unreal... The Atlanta Braves lost to the Cardinals Friday night 18-3- is there anyway we can invoke the mercy rule for this team?...  Did you hear about Victor Mercedes of the Birmingham Barons? The kid hit for the cycle in order two nights ago: Mercedes had a single, a double, a triple and a walk-off homer to help the Barons beat Huntsville 9-7. I'd say Mercedes has a pretty good motor... Item:  NASCAR hits Joe Gibbs racing hard after Nationwide crew chiefs tried to mislead inspectors at a post-race dyno test. The chiefs put spacers under the gas pedals of the Tony Stewart and Tony Logano cars, so when the pedals were pushed to the floor, the cars horsepower was cut down.  Cheating? Yes, but I have to give these guys something for creativity... Our new web site "MyFoxSidline.com" will enable you to live-stream our high school football show and receive instant scores.  If you are out of our state at any point this fall, check out the site, as we will take care of your favorite team.

      Gotta go get some sleep.  My 10-year old is having a birthday and he wants the wife and me to take him to Six Flags in Atlanta on Saturday. Great- now I can look forward to getting soaked from a tropical storm while at the same time losing my lunch after exiting the Mind Bender.  Think of me while you're staying dry this weekend.  See you Monday!

     I read with interest Ray Melick's article this morning in the Birmingham News- as Ray, a likeable and knowledgable reporter, reminded us again how enjoyable it would be to see our state's college football powers playing in-state schools.  Yes, Samford will travel to Auburn in 2011, play at FSU in 2010, heck- the Dogs may get a game at Alabama in 2012. But if you are expecting the floodgates to open for in-state schools to square off annually, forget about it! The reason? Fear!

      While many of us would rather see Alabama face, say, UAB rather than Lousiana-Monroe (did I have to bring that team up?), it does not take a brain surgeon to realize that most coaches from our D-1 teams will pass on the idea of playing so-called inferior in-state teams. Why did Wimp Sanderson always refuse to play UAB in hoops? The man in plaid didn't want to have to go into a recruit's home and battle UAB for the kid's services if his team had lost to Gene Bartow.  

     For the sake of argument, one loss to UAB would not send Nick Saban on his way, but can you imagine the fallout last season if UAB had been the Lousiana-Monroe of 2007?  Saban's first year may have been the beginning of a downward spiral from which he would never recover.

   And I-AA, i.e. Championship Sub-divison teams?  I have a few words: Appalachian State!  Remember what happened in Ann Arbor? Remember Troy beating Oklahoma State? New Hampshire beating Marshall? Underdogs can and will bite you! And that brings me to the biggest reason why you will never see a lovefest between the big boys and the likes of Samford and Jacksonville State: A run for a national championship.

     I need only to take you back to the 2004 Auburn Tigers. The Tiger's chance of a national championship may have been blown by the schedule maker. A tremendous 13-0 team it was, but Auburn's 33-3 over The Citadel, combined with methodical wins over La Tech and La-Monroe did nothing to impress poll voters. The result? Auburn faces the likes of non-conference opponents K-State and South Florida, and the Tigers travel to West Virginia this season. Now I love Samford's Pat Sullivan and AD Bob Roller, and from their standpoint I respect how they are upping the ante at SU, but: What if, come 2011, the Auburn Tigers go unbeaten yet lose another shot at a national championship because they had a 1-AA team on the schedule? Toomers Corner would be crushed!

     Bottom line? The fan in all of us would like to see our state's smaller schools get a crack at the big boys. But these days, there is simply too much at stake to regularly schedule 1-AA patsies and lower-tier D1 teams that pose a threat to the homeys. Alabama and Auburn fans want wins- and if a loss has to come, the Tide & Tiger nation could never stand to see a loss come at the hands of Troy, UAB, or (heavens to Betsy) a Championship Sub-division team.  As painful to Bama fans as that La-Monroe loss was, it was but a mere glitch in the Saban Express.  If the loss came at the hands of UAB or Troy? That Saban Express would have crashed and burned.

       This just in:   This is my 25th year of covering NASCAR racing, and I have an admission to make.  While I consider myself well-versed on the subject, I don't know the difference between a rocker arm and a wedge. On the other other hand, I've had the pleasure of personally witnessing some big-time racing moments- and after watching this sport, some things just seem to go with NASCAR- like Texaco.

   Whaaa? Are you talking gasoline Karle? Well, uh- yes.  I read where the Texaco people are pulling out of NASCAR after this season.  Are you kidding me? Racing without Texaco is like...  Charles Barkley without gambling... Bear Bryant without Golden Flake... Paul Finebaum with hair... Legion Field with a working scoreboard... Penn without Teller...  Beijing without smog... Local news without Betty Fine Collins... you get my drift.

     On a serious note,  the drivers that have alligned over the years with Texaco read like a Hall Of Fame class:  Davey Allison, Ricky Rudd, Kenny Irwin, Ernie Irvan, Robby Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya.  You must remember the pride of Hueytown winning his first Cup race back in 1987.  Davey Allison won the Winston 500 at Talladega in his Texaco Ford.  In 1992, Davey won the Daytona 500 in the Robert Yates Texaco Ford. For over twenty years, a Texaco race car has been fielded just about every weekend. In 2009, Texaco is going the way of the large SUV.

     Now please understand that I have no vested interest in Texaco. I'll put anything in my tank as long as it works and it's cheap.  A few years ago, Unocal gas made it's way out of NASCAR, now it's Texaco.  What next, Cup drivers from North Carolina?   

     Here we are just over a week from the start of the college football season, and I'm thinking of what kind of Auburn coverage I'm going to bring our viewers on tonight's newscasts. Nowadays, that involves more thinking than I could ever imagine. And the scoop from Alabama? It shouldn't be a problem!  Say what? Am I telling you that getting news out of the cranky Nick Saban is easier these days than getting news from the outgoing and always upbeat Tommy Tuberville?  You better believe it, and here's why!

     While Coach Tuberville and his players do grant interviews after practice and after scrimmages, Tubs has closed all practices and scrimmages to TV cameras.  For years, Tuberville has allowed tremendous TV camera access to his workouts- but this season, his sessions are closed up tighter than safe deposit box.  Want some pictures from AU practice? Sorry! Want a few plays from a Saturday scrimmage? Forget about it!  Now don't get me wrong-  Coach Tubs has every right to close his practices, but a TV-savvy man like him should know to throw us hair-sprayed types a bone every once in a while.

     And Nick Saban?  The man everyone was fearing has opened his practices to TV cameras for the first twenty minutes of each session. He allows TV cameras into his scrimmages for warm-ups (hey, it's something, right?). And interviews? Saban meets the media via a news conference twice a week and offers up players for interviews each day that he does not speak.  On an average practice week, Saban and his players meet with us a total of four times. Allright- Saint Nick tends to keep his assistant coaches clear of the media, where Tuberville does not. Saban does not allow freshman to speak with the media, and if he sees video on an internet site that's not supposed to be on an internet site (See Tide TV), he will speak out. And I still say that Nick Saban is more paranoid about the media than many coaches out there.

     Bottom line? Not for the life of me I would ever imagine that as a local TV talking head I would be getting more from Nick Saban than I get from Tommy Tuberville.  Please understand that both coaches have been gracious with the Fox6 sports people- and that respect goes both ways. It's just been an interesting summer what with AU being more secretive than UA.   Really now- who'da thunk it?

     Man, are we getting pumped up for our 20th anniversary of "Sideline"!  Starting a week from Friday, we air the big show each and every Friday between 10:10 and 11:05 pm- that's right. We are going to nearly a full hour this season!  After 19 years of anchoring the show, I've decided to bring in Mike Dubberly as my co-host-  the sheer volumn of games being read the last 19 years has taken ten years off my life, and I'm not getting any younger.

    The team to watch this fall? There are several, but in class 6A, you have to look at the likes of Prattville, Spain Park, County High and yes, Hoover. And did you see the Hoover Bucs nation held a pre-season rally this past weekend at the Riverchase Galleria? I loved the energy, but I did not like one thing: 16, 17 and 18-year olds signing autographs.  Now don't get me wrong- I'm fully aware that other schools had rallies this past weekend, and I'm sure autographs were doled out at the likes of Spain Park, Oak Mountain, etc.  But it's a question you need to ask yourself:  Is it right to have these young men signing autographs? If your answer is "yes",  then I could argue that it's allright to have members of the soccer, baseball, basketball, track, volleyball, wrestling and golf teams sign as well. How about other kids who work just at hard at math, music, art- heck, chess?  Maybe it's me, but seeing the pictures we had from the Galleria the other day just didn't sit well with me.

     I will be the first to congratulate the Hoover folks for hiring a man of character and conviction in Josh Niblett, and I know he will do a superb job. But let this serve as a reminder that these kids are playing football, not saving lives by curing cancer. Let the kids be kids, and next time, keep the pre-season rally to player introductions and passing out magnetic schedules.

 

     I hope your Friday has gone well! An admission tonight:  I have never been a very good swimmer.  When I was young, I was the swim nerd who was wearing the nose plugs wrapped around my neck. I have always been a  bit nervous around a swimming pool or a lake (unless of course I have one of those big orange life vests wrapped around me like  a mummy). In high school, I actually tried to race my buddy across a pool underwater, hit my head while misjudging my finish, and relied on a lifeguard to fish me out of the water.  Oh, I'll mess around in a pool- a few cannon balls & bad dives, and I love laying out in the son, running on the beach, etc.  But if I fell out of a boat in the middle of the ocean, give me five minutes of treading water and I'm a goner.

     That's why, as I peek in on the Summer Olympics (you may have heard of a guy named Michael Phelps), I am greatly impressed with what I have seen, especially from the Auburn swim nation.  As of this moment, current and/or AU swimmers own a total of ten Olympic medals, more than any other college or university.  Just tonight, former AU swimmer Caesar Cielo won the gold medal in the 50M freestyle.  Former AU roomates Kirsty Coventry and Margaret Hoelzer (who calls Huntsville home), finished 1-2 in the 200M backstroke.  I'm even getting a nightly dose of Rowdy Gaines, the former AU swim hero who has done a fabulous job as  a color analyst on NBC.

     With all of this said, I'm here with some advice:  If you are looking to get your child an athletic scholarship, get him or her in a pool, and fast.  Just this summer, while my son gets serious about soccer and basketball, my 7-year old daughter has found a sport in swimming.  Sure, it's a mere summer swim league, but Mia has thrived as a kid who is new to the sport.  As I have made my way to various swim meets in our area (which by the way, last seemingly forever), I have noticed that there is always lots of orange and blue on hand. In fact there are AU logos everywhere:  lawn chairs, bags, swim caps, warm-up suits, shorts, towels, flip-slips, you get the idea. The reason? Auburn's reputation as a collegiate swim power has parents everywhere dreaming their dream: Send the kids to AU, where national championships are won and Olympic dreams can come true.

     While I'm truly a neutral guy (remember, I attended the University of New Hampshire, for crying out loud), I will say this:  If Auburn, Alabama, or any other college swim power wants to help me out with tuition for little Mia, I say bring it on! And if my daughter ends up going to college for free thanks to her swimming exploits, I'll promise to take off the nose plugs and the life vest. I promise!

     Allright Bama fans- put down your Athlons and your Lindy's- and pick up your Forbes Magazine! Yes- the one and only Nick Saban is on the cover of the latest issue of Forbes, and writer Monte Burke labels Saban as "The Nation's Most Powerful Coach." At first, I was thinking, "Say what?" But after reading the article, I would have to agree that Saban would certainly be on any Top-5 list.  Burke cites Saban's total control of coaches, players, administration, and public relations. But really- is Saban number one on that "Most Powerful" list?

   Put on your thinking cap: Who would give Saban a run in this category? Bill Belichick? Pat Riley? Jim Tressel? Mike Krzyzewski? Joe Torre? Pete Carroll? Tony Dungy? Roy Williams? With the likes of Bill Parcells and Bobby Knight now doing broadcast work, and coaches such as Don Shula, Paul "Bear" Bryant, Vince Lombardi, Casey Stengal, Red Auerbach, and John Wooden long gone from sports,  I'm starting to think that this Saban guy just might be number one.

    There of course are two sides to the Saban deal. Some believe (and perhaps rightfully so) that Nick Saban, by his mere presence and annual salary, is indeed the most powerful coach in the nation. The flip side is that Nick Saban is a master at making you believe that he is the most powerful coach in sports. What's your take?

     A few weeks back, writer Monte Burke was on hand as Coach Saban visited my place for his annual Karle's Koffeehouse appearance.  Monte was pleasant and down to earth, chatting away and closely observing Saban and those around him. It's interesting to see his final product in Forbes Magazine- a no-frills, direct article on a college football coach. While much of what is in Burke's article may not be news to you, it will be insightful for readers outside of our state- and there goes that Saban guy again: Further reminding America of his true power.

     I urge you to read this Forbes article- for if you are like me, even if you don't find it interesting, one thing is for certain:  The store cashier will be impressed that you are purchasing a Forbes rather than a People Magazine.

     Good Monday to you.  If I were Larry King,  here is what I would write!

          Are these Olympians getting bigger and stronger or what? Have you seen these volleyball players? Water polo players? Swimmers?  These guys make Bob Costas look like Minnie Me...  Tommy Tuberville says he may name a starting quarterback by later this week.  As new OC Tony Franklin says, between Burns & Todd, it's a great problem to have...  Did you hear there was a PGA Championship played this past weekend? Didn't think so...  Are you telling me that with the payroll of the Yankees and the Red Sox, neither team can catch the Rays? GM's Epstein & Cashman should be fired on grounds of incompetency...  Did you see that crash at Watkins Glen? Was that not the most spectacular road course crash you have ever seen?...  Why is it that young David Gilliland is usually in the middle of these crashes?  How'd you like to run his body shop?...  If the U.S. Olympic mens basketball team does not win every one of their games in a romp, they should pack it in... Yao Ming looked impressive yesterday for China- who were those other boneheads surrounding him?... Let's see- Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws a TD on Monday Night Football, and Brett Favre is forced to run laps after messing up at Jets practice?. What's with that?... Auburn DB Marcus Jemison breaks his leg last Friday- the big question: Was the break suffered at practice or in that practice fight?... Does Hoover coach Josh Niblett resemble veteran actor Jeff Goldblum?...  Isn't it ironic that Niblett has a starting quarterback named Propst?...   Do you know the name of the PGA Champion? You should- he's won two majors this year...  Some of the nicest men in the world I've had the pleasure to meet? Bart Starr, Bobby Bowden, John Croyle, Mal Moore, Eddie Gran, Gene Bartow, Rowdy Gaines and Joe Namath...  ESPN's SportsCenter has both good and bad anchors (in my opinion).  I like John Anderson, Scott Van Pelt, and, if he would stop yelling at me, Steve Levy... Will Jeff Gordon please stand up and win a race?... Back to the Yankees.  A team ERA of nearly five? Heck- Girardi sent a guy named Sidney Ponson to the mound Monday night.  The result? The Yankees will likely miss the playoffs for the first time in 15 years- start celebrating!...  This just in: Michael Phelps sets another world record. This guy's a freak!...  I haven't heard from my friend Charles Barkley lately- that means one thing: Something's about to hit the fan... Think I should release my own version of the Alabama football depth chart?... I just paid 40 bucks for a soccer backpack for my 10-year old. 40 bucks to hold a soccer ball? What's wrong with carrying it?...  Three weeks ago I golfed nine holes with my new Taylor-Made driver and shot a 37 (no kidding). Two days ago I golfed nine holes with the same clubs and shot a 48.  Go figure... Who'da thunk it? Barry Bonds and Shaun Alexander looking for work in the summer of '08...  Kudos to my wife, who saved me from going to see the movie "Kit Kittredge, American Girl" with my 7-year old.  She took Mia to the movie and sent the guys bowling...  So the Jimmy Johns case bypasses an initial hearing and goes straight to the grand jury. The catch? Every case in our state goes to the grand jury...  Item: Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson graduates last weekend with a degree in marketing. Translation? Someday he will be working for Gene Hallman...  In case you missed it:  "Sports Illustrated" has Bama's Andre "Pooh Bear" Smith and Auburn's Sen'Derrick Marks first team All-America...  Have you ever called a doctor's office and NOT heard, "Doctor's office, can you hold please?... If a NASCAR pit crew can change four tires in less than 15 seconds, why am I waiting two hours in a tire wharehouse for mine to be rotated?...   Two weeks ago on vacation I reeled in a 6-pound largemouth. The problem? There was no camera in the boat for which to take a picture.  I released the fish. A day later, I brought along a camera. Not a fish was to be had...   I heard former Tide hoop star Gerald Wallace on the radio today.  6 years, $57 million? Not bad for a guy who says he grew up hungry in Childersburg...  Would Lebron really head overseas if he was offered $50 million?...  The kids are back in school- gotta go. That alarm clock rings bright and early at 6:15 am!