Ron Morris, Columbia State: The addition of a 12th game has been a ripoff for fans because teams are not penalized for playing paycheck opponents. Compounding the problem is the Southeastern Conference's fat TV contract with ESPN. There is little incentive for SEC teams to schedule games against traditionally strong opponents that might be attractive to a TV audience. Thus, in addition to its annual rivalry game against Florida State, Florida fills out its nonconference schedule with Charleston Southern, Troy and Florida International.
Christopher Walsh, Tuscaloosa News: Commissioner Mike Slive says the new broadcasting arrangements usher in "a period that someday may be called the SEC's golden age."
Ron Kantowski, Las Vegas Sun: Are athletic directors necessary? Vanderbilt did away with its AD six years ago and is "enjoying unprecedented on-field success" in both high- and low-profile sports. It even won the national bowling championship.
Rachel Bachman, Oregonian: Oregon governor Ted Kulongoski signed the first-in-the-nation law that will require Oregon's universities to interview a minority candidate before hiring a head coach or athletic director. Thanks to Ben Maller.
Kathy Lynn Gray, Columbus Dispatch: ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit has filed a lawsuit against the IRS for rejecting a $330,000 tax deduction he and his wife, Allison, took for donating their house to the Upper Arlington Fire Division. Thanks to Dr. Saturday.
Aaron Suttle, Tuscaloosa News: Mississippi's Houston Nutt had a plan when he signed 37 recruits on national signing day. "The other reason we did it was for the junior college coaches I'm trying to get to know. It helps develop relationships," he said. The SEC has since put a limit of 28 on the number of players a school could sign.
Blair Kerkhoff, Campus Corner: A look back at the highs and lows of the first 13 years of the Big 12.
Ted Miller, ESPN.com: Louisiana State's band will make the 2,000-mile trip from Baton Rouge to Seattle for the Tigers' opener at Washington on Sept. 5.
Bill Madden, New York Daily News: Could Yankee Stadium play host to a bowl game beginning in 2011?
Idaho Statesman: Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson is talking expansion again. Are the folks at Boise State listening?
Brett McMurphy, Tampa Tribune: South Florida kicker Maikon Bonani will not need surgery after his 35-foot fall this past weekend.
Stefan Stevenson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Notre Dame has reportedly asked Texas Christian if it would be interested in playing a 2010 game in South Bend.
Associated Press: An encounter with a zebra costs a Pittsburgh State player his season. Thanks to Eric!
UMGo Blog: Beano Cook says Michigan panicked when it decided to hire Rich Rodriguez. "I don’t know if it will work out," he said.
Idaho Statesman: Boise State freshman Michael Atkinson was arrested early on a charge of driving under the influence.
Herald-Sun: Coach David Cutcliffe said that reserve running back Tony Jackson was kicked off the team for failing to uphold the standard of conduct expected of a Duke player.
Associated Press: Washington State defensive backs LeAndre Daniels and Tyree Toomer will not face criminal charges after their arrests last month.
Pablo Lopez, Fresno Bee: Oregon recruit Cliff Harris pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor — obstructing a police officer in the line of duty — in connection with an on-campus scuffle with police in April. The ruling will allow the cornerback to join the Ducks this fall.
Awful Announcing: ESPN has banned New York Post staffers from its various outlets after the newspaper ran images in print and online of the Erin Andrews hotel incident.
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