Packers say it’s business, not personal with Favre</h1> <article> <h1>Packers say it’s business, not personal with Favre</h1> <p>kmooney — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:40:00 GMT</p> <DIV><SPAN id=ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_Main_Main_Main_Main_Main_Content_B0___BlockBox_ContentBox_ContentLabel> <P><STRONG>Post by Steve Infanti</STRONG></P> <P>This Brett Favre situation is a mess. It seems like there's a new twist to this story every day. When it was first reported, the dilemma seemed quite simple. Brett Favre wants to come back, but the Packers don't want him back. What has complicated matters is that Green Bay doesn't want anyone else to have him either. They don't want to release him because then another NFC team - or even worse, a divisional rival might pick him up (like Minnesota or Chicago). A trade to the AFC seems possible, but not likely. Favre would only agree to go to a Super Bowl contender which greatly limits the possibilities.</P> <P>I can understand both sides of this. Favre says he was pressured into making a decision by the Packers and announced his retirement too quickly. He even mentioned that he was having second thoughts during his actual retirement announcement when he said that he was probably going to regret his decision.</P> <P>I also understand the Packers' point of view. They have moved on, spending all offseason preparing Aaron Rodgers to be their quarterback of the future. </P> <P>Who's going to "win" this standoff? Well, Green Bay holds all of the cards here. When Favre retired, he still had three years left on his contract, meaning they still own his rights. If Favre applies for re-instatement, the Packers have to either take him back or release him. Taking him back won't be a problem for them because they are some $32 million under the salary cap. Green Bay has the second-most cap space right now in the NFL. So they can afford to take him back and let him sit on the bench to be an insurance policy to Rodgers.</P> <P>No one wants to see the future hall of famer stand on the sidelines and hold a clipboard the entire season - which is why there's a good chance we won't see him back this year. The Packers say they want Favre to stay retired because it will help protect his legacy. But let's face it, this is a business. The Packers want Favre to stay retired to protect themselves - both on the field and with the fans.<BR></P></SPAN></DIV> </article> <article> <h1>Willie Randolph deserved better from Mets</h1> <p>kmooney — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:25:00 GMT</p> <FONT size=2> <P>Blog by<STRONG> Steve Infanti</STRONG></P> <P>"This was a tough decision. Some may agree with it, some may not agree with it." That was Mets GM Omar Minaya at his press conference on Tuesday announcing that Willie Randolph had been fired as the team's manager. Of course, that press conference came about 14 hours <I>after </I>the decision had been made public via press release.</P> <P>That's right, the Mets fired their manager with a written statement at 3:15am. Minaya admitted that his mind was pretty much made up this weekend, but he decided he wanted to sleep on it until Monday morning. So, what does he do? He lets Randolph get on a plane, fly across the country, manage one more game (which the Mets win), answer countless more questions about his shaky job status, then Minaya pulls the plug on him in the middle of the night. Numerous times throughout the press conference Tuesday, Minaya referred to Randolph as his friend. Doesn't a friend deserve to be treated better than that?</P> <P>Several "insiders" are saying that the decision to fire Willie was essentially made last month. Minaya said that he wanted to be the one to deliver the news to Randolph in person. I can appreciate that. But couldn't it have been handled a little better? Or even a lot better? In a word, the answer is a resounding "yes." What the Mets did was unprofessional and disrespectful.</P> <P>"This was a tough decision." Put me in with those who don't agree with it.</P></FONT> </article> <article> <h1>Donte' Greene signs with an agent</h1> <p>PHRankin — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:11:00 GMT</p> <b>Post by Steve Infanti - </b>I remember when Donte' Greene decided that he was going to make himself eligible for the NBA Draft, Jonny Flynn was asked about the impact of that decision on next year’s team. Flynn said that obviously if Greene came back to Syracuse the Orange would be very good. He then paused, thought for a second, and added that if Donte' doesn’t come back the Orange will be very good.<br><br>I think that’s the general consensus now that Greene has officially signed with an agent – Syracuse will be just fine. And so will Donte'. His critics will tell you that he needs to improve his consistency on his outside shot, that he needs to get stronger, and that he needs to develop more of an inside game. His admirers will tell you that he shoots well for his size, he can run the floor with athleticism, and that his potential is unlimited. <br><br>What would you have done if you were him? Come back to college and risk injury or go pro and get paid about four million dollars in guaranteed money over the course of the next three years to develop in the NBA?<br><br>Few would argue that Donte' Greene is ready for the NBA right now. But as Jim Boeheim said just the other day, that doesn’t matter anymore. He’s going pro because he can – not necessarily because he should. It’s hard to blame him for cashing in.<br><br>What do you think? Is this the right decision for Donte'? Is it the right decision for SU? I happen to agree with Jonny Flynn … both parties should come out of this just fine. </article> <article> <h1>Could a loss be a good thing?</h1> <p>PHRankin — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:59:00 GMT</p> <b>Post by Steve Infanti - </b>Players and coaches will tell you that there's no such thing as a good loss -- especially a loss right before the playoffs. But one could argue both the Le Moyne and Syracuse men's lacrosse teams could actually benefit from being upset over the weekend.<br> <br>First, for Syracuse. The Orange dropped a seed by losing to Colgate on Saturday. Instead of earning the #2 overall seed, SU has to settle for being the #3 seed. In reality, their road to the Final Four appears to be easier than Virginia's road as the #2. If form holds, Syracuse would face Notre Dame in the second round instead of Maryland. Both are good teams, but Maryland clearly is a more dangerous program come tournament time. The Terps have reached the Final Four in three of the last five years. Not to mention the fact that they have already beaten the likes of Virginia and North Carolina this year. Notre Dame, on the other hand, is 4-12 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. I like SU's chances in that bracket.<br> <br>Le Moyne's situation is less about the opponent and more about the Dolphins. Had Le Moyne rallied to win Sunday's NE-10 title game over Bryant, there was a chance (albeit a slight chance) that the Dolphins would have headed into the Division-II semifinals overconfident. Now, there is absolutely no possibility of that happening. This loss to Bryant forces the Dolphins to re-focus and prepare harder than ever for the tournament. It just so happens that they will get to play Bryant in the semis, which again, is a good thing. The revenge factor, the home field, the rebounding from a loss -- it all plays into Le Moyne's favor.<br> <br>So, you see, while a loss may not be a good thing, in some cases it may not be a bad thing either. We'll find out for sure if I'm right in another couple of weeks.<br><br> </article> <article> <h1>Mike Hart Heading to the NFL</h1> <p>PHRankin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:46:00 GMT</p> <b>Post by Steve Infanti</b> - We've all heard the knocks against him. He's too slow, he's too small, he's injury prone … blah, blah, blah. Yet all Mike Hart continues to do is prove people wrong.<br><br>He heard the same things when we was at Onondaga Central High School. What did he do? He set just about every New York state record, as well as a couple of national records along the way. Hart's OCS teams went 46-1 during his time on varsity, earning three state championships.<br><br>He heard the critics when he committed to Michigan. "He didn't play against top-notch competition in high school," some recruiting experts said. What did he do? Hart went out and became the all-time leading rusher in Michigan school history. He is one of only four running backs in Big Ten history to rush for more than 5,000 yards in his career. He went more than 1,000 consecutive carries without a fumble.<br><br>You get the picture. Everywhere Mike Hart goes, he succeeds. But because he ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL combine those critics are louder than ever that he has no chance of succeeding at the next level.<br><br>Apparently, the Indianapolis Colts disagree. On Sunday, the Colts took Hart in the 6th round with the 202nd pick overall. The same kid who finished fifth in the Heisman voting as a junior is now the 202nd best player available after his senior year?<br><br>I understand that there are concerns about his size and his speed and his durability. I also know that all that criticism just adds fuel to his fire. Will he make it in the NFL? Only time will tell, but I'm certainly not going to bet against him. </article> <article> <h1>Selection Sunday; CBS Cheerleading for the ACC?</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:40:00 GMT</p> Posted by Steve Infanti - Just like many of you, I spent Selection Sunday in front of the television anxiously anticipating the field of 65. Since I knew Syracuse wasn’t going to be a part of it, I was able to form a more objective opinion about the bracket as a whole this year -- more so than most years when I’m scrambling to book a hotel and airfare to go cover the Orange. <br> <br>When all the dust settled, my initial reaction was that the committee did a pretty good job of getting the field of 65 right. There was no one team that I felt was unfairly snubbed (which certainly wasn’t the case last year). Overall, I think the committee did a good job identifying the best 34 at-large teams. <br> <br>Of course, I still have a few questions when I look at the bracket. Like, how can a bubble team such as South Alabama not only get in as a 10-seed, but then earn a virtual home game in Birmingham? Or look at Davidson, another 10-seed playing in Raleigh just around the corner from its home court. If I had a couple minutes with selection committee chair Tom O‘Connor, those would be a couple of the questions I would raise. What I wouldn’t do is what Billy Packer did on the CBS broadcast and spend my time with Mr. O’Connor harping on why the ACC only got four teams in and the Big East got eight. <br> <br>Was I the only one who thought Packer sounded like an ACC cheerleader? Maybe his first question to O’Connor was fine, but then he asked a follow-up question as well. You need to keep in mind that Packer is the main college basketball analyst for ACC television broadcasts all season long. <br> <br>His point was that the ACC was the #1 rated conference in the country while the Big East was rated fifth by the RPI. Ok, so both conferences are good and both conferences got the teams in that should’ve gotten in. Packer seemed appalled that eight bids went to the Big East. I wanted to yell through my television set that the Big East has 16 teams in it. I wish O’Connor had reminded him of that fact. Half of the Big East got in (rightfully so) while a third of the ACC got in (four of its 12 teams -- and rightfully so). The ACC’s rating is helped by the fact that it essentially had two top five teams in the country all year long (Duke and North Carolina). From top to bottom though, at least this year, the Big East is a better conference. <br> <br>The only possible argument Packer could’ve been making was that Virginia Tech deserved to get in over Villanova. But when you look at the numbers, they didn’t deserve to get in. The Hokies only had one win against the entire NCAA tournament field. On the flip side, they had four losses against teams rated outside of the RPI Top 100. As for Villanova? The Wildcats had a higher RPI than the Hokies, they had more wins overall, more wins over the Top 50, more wins on the road, and more wins in their last 10 games. It seems like a pretty sound decision to me. <br> <br>So, what are your thoughts? Were you happy with the committee’s decisions? Is there anything you would change? <br> <br>Ok, it’s time for me to go start filling out my bracket. Let the madness begin... <br> </article> <article> <h1>Final Game at Yankee Stadium... a Hockey game?!?</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:37:00 GMT</p> It's possible. The New York Daily News reported Monday Yankee Stadium could host an outdoor hockey game between the New York Rangers and a team to be determined. The game would take place sometime during the fall or winter of 2008-09 season. <br> <br>The paper says momentum has built in recent weeks toward finalizing a deal that would have the Rangers play the final game in the storied history of the current Stadium. The Yankees, who will move into their new Yankee Stadium for the 2009 baseball season, are said to be completely on board with having the NHL close the 85-year-old original. <br> <br><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/03/09/2008-03-09_yankee_stadium_game_likely_for_rangers.html" target="_blank">Read the full story by clicking this link.</a><br> <br>What do you think? Awesome idea, or a sad end to a classic ballpark? Leave your comments below... <br> </article> <article> <h1>Tiger Does it Again.</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:13:00 GMT</p> <b>Posted by Steve Infanti - </b>Another win, another trophy, another record on Sunday. Woods ran away with the Accenture Match Play Championship beating Stewart Cink in the finals 8&7 -- that's the largest margin of victory in the event's history. In fact, it's the fourth straight tournament in which he's set a scoring record.<br> <br>Tiger's current winning streak started on September 3, 2007. That's right, he hasn't so much as finished second in almost six full months. It's crazy to think that Woods could win everything he plays in this year, or is it? According to the Associated Press, when asked if a "perfect season" was in reach, Tiger replied: "That's my intent. That's why you play. It you don't believe you can win an event, don't show up."<br> <br>Woods is so good that he makes the impossible seem possible. He has accomplished just about everything in the game of golf -- except for winning the Grand Slam (all four majors) in the sane year. Tiger is playing so well that the Grand Slam is "easily within reach" -- those are his words.<br> <br>So, what do you think, is this the year? Will Tiger capture the Masters, the British Open, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship by season's end? <br> <br>I'm certainly not going to be the one to say that he can't do it... <br> </article> <article> <h1>S.U. Fans Storm The Court</h1> <p>PHRankin — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:27:00 GMT</p> <b>Post by Steve Infanti - </b>Several people have asked me my opinion the last few days about the post game scene at the Dome on Saturday. Essentially the question is: Should the students have stormed the court after beating nationally-ranked Georgetown? I’ve heard the arguments on both sides and my position is that it doesn’t really bother me.<br><br>I know some will say they prefer to take the “act like we’ve been there before” approach after a big win. Heck, this program isn’t even five full years removed from winning a national championship. However, I see no problem in showing a little extra enthusiasm after knocking off the hated Hoyas – as long as it’s done safely. As long as precautions are taken to make it a “controlled celebration” (to ensure that no one gets hurt) then I’m fine with it. The students like it, the players like it, and the television cameras like it.<br><br>It’s true that this wasn’t a landmark win for the program, but it was still a very big win in front of a very big crowd. I’ve been going to Syracuse University basketball games my entire life and I can tell you that the atmosphere in the Dome on Saturday was one of the most electric that I can remember. It was the kind of win that has the Orange back in the NCAA Tournament conversation -- the kind of win worth celebrating if you’re an SU hoops fan.<br><br>So what do you think about the “court storming”? Was it justified?<br><br>Either way, there are just two more chances to watch this team play at home this season. Hopefully just two, and not a game or two more. </article> <article> <h1>Yankees Pitcher Roger Clemens to Testify in DC</h1> <p>shaunganley — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:34:00 GMT</p> Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens and his former trainer are both expected on Capitol Hill today. <br><br>Clemens and Brian McNamee, the man who says he injected Clemens with both steroids and human growth hormone will testify before congress.<br><br>Wednesday morning, there was word that Clemens told Andy Pettite was told by Clemens he used the performance enhancing drugs.<br><br>What’s your thoughts? Do you care whether Clemens did or did not? Leave your comments below… <br><br> </article> <article> <h1>CNY's Paulus the Key to Duke's Success?</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:34:00 GMT</p> <b>Posted by Steve Infanti</b> - When the new college basketball polls come out Monday, don't be surprised if you see a new team stealing some of Memphis' votes for that #1 ranking in the country. Duke made a rather convincing argument last Wednesday winning at #3 North Carolina by a double-digit margin. The Blue Devils are now 21-1 on the season with non-conference victories over the likes Illinois, Marquette, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They have steamrolled through everyone in the ACC beating only one team (Maryland) by less than 10 points. Duke's only loss is by a single point on the road at Pittsburgh back in December.<br><br>Before the season started, many expected Duke to be good -- but not this good. A big reason for the team's success has been the play of former CBA star Greg Paulus. Here's a kid who just knows how to win, plain and simple. He's not the fastest, strongest, or ever the best shooter on the floor at any given time…. but he finds a way to beat you. Take that UNC game, for example, from Wednesday night. All Greg did was bury a career-high six three-pointers in one of the most hostile environments in all of college basketball.<br><br>Depending on how closely you follow Duke, you know that Greg has been the target of some criticism down in Durham (especially last year). Some like to say that he's overrated. Remember Jim Boeheim's rant at the Big East Tournament a couple years ago when someone made the same suggestion about Gerry McNamara? Well, I'm not implying that Duke wouldn't have 10 wins without Greg Paulus this year, but I certainly don't think they'd be 21-1 right now.<br><br>My opinion might sound a little biased seeing as though I spent several years covering him in high school at CBA. But I happened to come across this article on the web the other day by one of the top writers on CBSsports.com.<br><a href="http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10624699%20"><br>http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10624699 </a><br><br>I think there are some very good points in the article. Let me know what you think? Is Greg Paulus overrated or unfairly criticized? You know my opinion, what's yours.<br><br>Of course, there's one way he could silence the critics once and for all… by earning a trip to San Antonio in early April.<br><br> </article> <article> <h1>HS Seniors Sign on with Football Programs</h1> <p>shaunganley — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:32:00 GMT</p> Posted by Steve Infanti - Today is national letter-of-intent signing day for high school seniors. Greg Robinson is adding about two dozen players to his program and he's starting to change the perception that all of the good local talent leaves town. Robinson got commitments from seven New York recruits including some of the best players in CNY -- CBA's Marcus Sales, Utica Proctor's Deandre Preaster, Auburn's Nick Lepak, and Pulaski's Ian Allport. Really with the exception of Onondaga Central's Latavius Murray -- all of the top local talent decided to stay home and play for the Orange. <br><br>Most of the well-known recruiting services have SU's class ranked in the top 50 nationally, which is saying a lot considering Syracuse is coming off its third straight losing season -- a 2-10 season at that. One thing Coach Robinson can offer these guys is playing time, and in some cases, immediate playing time. That's a big reason why he was able to sign the top recruit in all of New York State, Averin Collier. Collier passed up the opportunity to play with his brother at Pittsburgh because he sees a chance here to get on the field right away as a running back (with both Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley still recovering from serious injuries). <br><br>So what do you think? Will this class be able to help turn the SU program around? Well, only time will tell... but at least it's a step in the right direction. <br> </article> <article> <h1>Giants Win Superbowl!</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:39:00 GMT</p> Perfect no more. Eli Manning and the New York Giants pulled off a stunning 17-14 upset of New England Sunday night in the Super Bowl, spoiling the Patriots' shot at a perfect season. Discuss!........ </article> <article> <h1>Cousin of Scoop Jardine Charged; Two allegedly involved in Stolen Student ID Larceny</h1> <p>shaunganley — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:41:00 GMT</p> The 40-year-old cousin of Scoop Jardine, Robert Washington, was arraigned Wednesday morning on charges of forgery, grand larceny and identity theft. In a statement filed in court Wednesday morning, Washington said his cousin Jardine knew another student’s identification card was being used to order over $100 worth of food. Read the full story here.Leave your comments below.... ...(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2008/01/30/2456570.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Clemens Denies Steroids Claims; Sues Former Trainer</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:47:00 GMT</p> In his first interview since being implicated for steroid use in baseball's Mitchell report, Roger Clemens says he might be willing to take a lie-detector test to prove he hasn't. <br> <br>He also says he was "shocked" to find out that close friend Andy Pettitte used human growth hormone. <br> <br>Clemens has filed a defamation suit against a former trainer who claims Clemens used steroids. <br> <br>Did you see the 60 Minutes interview? Do you believe him? Leave your comments below? <br> <br> </article> <article> <h1>Taj Smith Leaving for the NFL</h1> <p>shaunganley — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:04:00 GMT</p> NewsChannel 9 learned Thursday evening one of Syracuse's big play receivers, Taj Smith, will be heading to the NFL draft. The 5th year senior had a chance to play for the team for another year due to an injury earlier in his career, but appears to be ready to sign on with an agent, which will prevent him from ever playing at the college level again. SU head coach Greg Robinson said in a written statement, he wishes Taj the best, and thanks him for his contribution to the SU community....(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2008/01/03/2346980.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Orange Begins Big East Season against St. John's</h1> <p>shaunganley — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:17:00 GMT</p> Now, they all count! The Orange's Big East season begins tonight against the St. John's Red Storm.Talk about what you thought about the game... ...(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2008/01/02/2342554.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Marv Levy Steps Down as Bills GM</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:18:00 GMT</p> The second Marv Levy Era is apparently over in Buffalo; the Buffalo Bills general manager is retiring. <BR><BR>The news broke as the Bills closed a 7-and-9 season with a loss to Philadelphia. Levy took over as a first-time general manager in 2005. <BR><BR>His greatest success in Buffalo came as the team's coach for 11-plus seasons. Levy led the Bills to an unmatched four straight Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s.<BR><BR>Good or bad for the future success of the team? and what did you think of how the team finished the year? Leave your comments below.<BR><BR> </article> <article> <h1>Football Team Lands #1 & #2 Recruits in the State</h1> <p>shaunganley — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:31:00 GMT</p> It's some good news for the Syracuse University football program. Thursday afternoon, Christian Brothers Academy Wide Receiver Marcus Sales, pictured on the right, signed a letter of commitment to Syracuse University. He's the number 2 ranked prospect according to Rivals.com. NewsChannel 9 has learned Averin Collier, the state's #1 ranked recruit will pick Syracuse as well. #1 & #2 coming to 'Cuse this Fall? Will it make a "Sudden Impact?" Thoughts welcome... leave...(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2007/12/20/2305544.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Eric Devendorf Hurt in SU Victory</h1> <p>shaunganley — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:43:00 GMT</p> Eric Devendorf matched his career high with five 3-pointers and scored 19 points for the Orange before leaving the game Saturday Night with a left knee injury in the first minute of the second half. Devendorf landed awkwardly on his left knee after feeding Paul Harris for 2 points. Devo was in visible pain, went to the bench, and was unable to put weight on his left leg. He has to be helped off the court.He was to be examined on Sunday....(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2007/12/16/2289093.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Mitchell Report Expected to Name High Profile Yankees</h1> <p>shaunganley — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:59:00 GMT</p> There's a report that Roger Clemens is one of the players named in the report on drug use in baseball that's coming out today.<br><br>The Mitchell Report follows a 20-month investigation. It will be posted on the Internet for all to see.<br><br>ESPN.com is reporting that a former trainer for the Yankees and Clemens says the report includes information the trainer gave on supplying the pitcher with steroids.<br><br>Another source with knowledge of the findings has told The Associated Press that the report by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell will include names of 60 to 80 players linked to performance-enhancing substances.<br><br>What's your thoughts on the report? Steroids in Baseball?? Is this news influencing teens? Leave your comments below... <br> </article> <article> <h1>New Offensive Coordinator Hired for Team</h1> <p>shaunganley — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:49:00 GMT</p> Head Coach Greg Robinson hired former Minnesota offensive coordinator Mitch Browning on Friday to revitalize one of the nation's worst offenses.At Minnesota, Browning produced one of most powerful offenses in Big Ten history.He replaces Brian White, who was fired Wednesday after two years as offensive coordinator.What's your thoughts about the move? Good or Bad? Leave your comments below. ...(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2007/12/07/2256193.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>NFL Network Spat Costing NFL Fans Games</h1> <p>shaunganley — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:03:00 GMT</p> The NFL and dozens of cable companies across the country, including Time Warner Cable, have been in a dispute going on two years now. Its over the NFL Network. The NFL wants it put on standard cable... the cable companies want it to be on a digital tier that fans would pay for if they wanted it. <br><br>The argument goes much deeper than that. (<a href="http://iwantnflnetwork.com/">NFL's Take</a>; <a href="http://www.timewarnercable.com/CustomerService/FAQ/TWCFaqs.ashx?faqMap=29884&MarketID=5">Time Warner's Thoughts</a>).<br><br>Who do you support? Do you plan to go out to watch the game? Does anyone actually care? <br><br>Leave your thoughts below... <br> </article> <article> <h1>Gross Says Greg Robinson will remain Head Coach of Team</h1> <p>shaunganley — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:33:00 GMT</p> SU Athletic Director Dr. Daryl Gross announced late Wednesday afternoon in a press release, that Greg Robinson will remain head coach. “I have evaluated our football program now that the 2007 season has concluded and want to make clear that Greg Robinson remains Syracuse University’s head football coach.Gross said he has been very disappointed with the outcome of this season, along with our overall record the past three years. “Despite our collective disappointment with this season, those I...(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2007/11/28/2217481.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Section III Football Flexes Its Muscle</h1> <p>shaunganley — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:28:00 GMT</p> <b>Posted by Steve Infanti</b> - For the second time in four years, Central New York is home to a pair of state football champions. A pair of unlikely football champions at that.<br><br>For Bishop Ludden and West Genesee it’s the first state title in program history. Both head coaches told me in the Dome afterwards on Sunday that they didn’t expect this degree of success this season. In fact, Steve Bush admitted he thought his team would have a difficult time contending in the league standings, let alone in the postseason. Both Ludden and West Genny were underdogs heading into the state finals. Heck, both were underdogs from the moment they won sectionals.<br><br>What this shows is that when athletes work hard together and buy into the team concept – the sky’s the limit. Of course, it helps to have talent too… but you get the point.<br><br>Sure, both teams had several playmakers, but neither had one star that carried the load. Bishop Ludden head coach John Cosgrove said that he expected to have 50 players try out for football this season, instead he only got about 30. And it took all 30 of those guys working hard together to get this done.<br><br>It reminds me of the state championship basketball team that I played at Ludden on back in 1994. We didn’t have a superstar, we just really played well together. I remember our coach, Pat Donnelly, telling us that very few athletes ever get to experience a state title and that it’s something no one can ever take away from us. Well, now the same holds true for these latest state champions.<br><br>Congratulations to all the parents, coaches, fans, and athletes from both school communities. You’ve made Central New York, and this Ludden-grad, very proud.<br><br> </article> <article> <h1>Baseball's Home Run King Barry Bonds Indicted on Perjury Charges</h1> <p>shaunganley — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:42:00 GMT</p> A grand jury in San Francisco has indicted baseball slugger Barry Bonds on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.<br><br>The indictment follows a four-year federal probe into whether Bonds lied to the grand jury looking into steroid abuse by athletes.<br><br>Just three months ago, Bonds became major league baseball's home run king by passing Hank Aaron. Bonds and the San Francisco Giants split after the season.<br><br>Your initial reaction to the indictment? Leave your comments below... </article> <article> <h1>ARod Says He Wants to Remain in the Bronx</h1> <p>shaunganley — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:23:00 GMT</p> Not being a Yankee fan myself, its hard to tell how fans will react to the news Alex Rodriguez<br>wants to remain in the Bronx. <br><br>After opting out of his contract last month, Alex Rodriguez has had a change of heart and wants to remain in pinstripes. The third baseman met with Yankees executives Wednesday and while his longtime agent Scott Boras was not involved in the meeting, he said he's trying to work out a deal with the Yankees.<br><br>Good or bad for the team? For you Boston fans, what do you think of the developments? Leave your comments below.<br> </article> <article> <h1>Is there really such a thing as an "upset" in college basketball anymore?</h1> <p>PHRankin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:34:00 GMT</p> <STRONG>From Steve Infanti -</STRONG> The new season is little more than a week old and already we've seen Michigan State lose to Grand Valley State, Cincinnati beaten by Belmont, nationally-ranked USC lose by 15 to Mercer, and the most surprising of them all -- mighty Kentucky falling by 16 at home to Belmont.<BR> <BR>And there have been plenty of near misses already this season as well. #5 Georgetown struggled to beat William & Mary in its opener. 11th-ranked Marquette trailed IUPUI by five points with 13 minutes to go before rallying to win by 8. Heck, even Syracuse was tested by a St. Rose (a Division II school) in its first exhibition.<BR> <BR>The point is that no longer are there any "easy games" in college basketball. Some national analysts (aka ESPN's Doug Gottlieb) have gotten on Jim Boeheim for his early season scheduling. Coach Boeheim looks at the first part of the season as a way for his team to get ready for the Big East. You could argue that the conference schedule these days is demanding enough -- you don't want to make it next to impossible for your team to get to that magical 20-win plateau.<BR> <BR>Syracuse has one major non-conference game on its fixed schedule (a trip to Virginia on December 5th), with the potential for at least two more “quality” games in New York. At the very least, SU will play Ohio State in the semifinals of the NIT Tip-Off Tournament.<BR> <BR>They'll worry about that game next week. For now, the Orange can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they actually made it to New York. That was not a given ... just ask Kentucky. </article> <article> <h1>Did Harris Hit That Last Basket "By Accident?"</h1> <p>PHRankin — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:04:00 GMT</p> SU won a close one Tuesday night against St. Joesph's. Freshman guard Jonny Flynn hit a 3-pointer fwith 5.3 seconds left to break a 68-all tie. However, it was what happened with around one second left that has everyone's attention in the newsroom. Paul Harris misses his first free throw, keeping it a 2 point game, meaning a miracle-bucket across the court would win the game for St. Joseph's. Jim Boeheim then instructs Harris to miss the second shot so the other team would not be...(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2007/11/13/2168814.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>SU Tops Siena 97-89, Flynn Breaks Scoring Record</h1> <p>PHRankin — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:04:00 GMT</p> The regular season opener for the Orange basketball team was a close one, but SU came out on top, with help from freshman guard Jonny Flynn who scored a record 28 points for a freshman making his debut.The Orange topped Siena 97-89. Read the full story, see a sideshow, and watch video here.What did you think of the game and what it says for the team's future this season? Share your comments....(<a href="http://community.9wsyr.com/blogs/su_orange/archive/2007/11/12/2164565.aspx">read more</a>) </article> </main></body></html>