The celebrated football program of Penn State University has been in the news this week because of the arrest of Jerry Sandusky, a former assistant to Head Coach Joe Paterno. Sandusky is charged with multiple counts of child abuse. Bill Littlefield believes Paterno and other university officials deserve a large share of the blame for failing to respond responsibly to the circumstances.
A Yahoo! Sports report features wide-ranging allegations about NCAA violations at the University of Miami. Only A Game’s Doug Tribou says the report should be much more shocking than it is.
Although the efforts are moving slowly, UNC Charlotte Athletic Director Judy Rose hopes that the 49ers will soon have a new stadium and a new team. WUNC’s Dave Dewitt reports on the program that currently consists of a head coach, a couple of assistants and a slick video.
The Boise State Broncos are in for a wardrobe change, as the NCAA has ruled that their blue uniforms are too close in color to their field. Charlie Pierce shares his thoughts on this story, and also tells Bill Littlefield of his expectations for the NFL season. Bill and Charlie discuss the interesting ways that NBA stars are planning to pass the time during their own lockout, and Charlie commends a pro golfer for his witty fashion sense.
For some fans of college football, Jim Tressel’s resignation on Monday as head coach at Ohio State came as a shock. Bill Littlefield tries to put this most recent misadventure in the big business of college sports in context.
In 1905 the game of football was in danger of being banned. In her conversation with John J. Miller, author of The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football, Karen Given and Miller discuss how football has evolved since the campaign to ban the game.
The Auburn Tigers have an undefeated record, legions of fans, and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton. The Oregon Ducks also have an undefeated record and loyal fans. Still, most analysts and the bookies in Vegas are giving the advantage to the Tigers. Bill Littlefield talks to sports columnist George Schroeder about why he’s picking the Ducks.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA has hosted two Olympics, five Super Bowls, World Cup soccer matches, and of course, Rose Bowls. Shortly after the 2011 game between Wisconsin and Texas Christian University is in the books, construction crews will begin renovating the iconic stadium. KPCC’s Susan Valot reports on what’s in store for the home of “The Grandaddy of Them All.”
Philadelphia Magazine columnist Michael Bradley thinks Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is the best player in college football. But when Bradley voted for the Heisman Trophy, he didn’t include Newton on his list – and he’s not the only one. Bradley explains his decision to Bill.
When this college football season began, UNC football was ranked in the top 20 and were picked by some to play in a BCS bowl game. But, allegations of agent payoffs and academic fraud led to the suspension of more than a dozen players, seven of whom missed the entire season. North Carolina Public Radio’s [...]
