The Wiz of Odds

Submit Your Nominations for Classless Acts of 2008

What is a classless act? It's that down-in-the-gutter behavior that is degrading to the game. If you need examples, check out the 2007 and 2006 classless acts.

Greg Schiano and Rutgers fans were selected by readers as the most classless act of 2007. Schiano ran it up on Navy, then Scarlet Knight fans showered Midshipmen players, fans and families with obscenities. That behavior edged the Texas A&M yell leader who shouted at an Alamo Bowl rally, "Joe Paterno's on his death bed! And someone needs to find him a casket!"

Our 2006 winner was former Miami Hurricane receiver Lamar Thomas, who was working the telecast of the Florida International-Miami game that turned into a street brawl at the Orange Bowl. "Now that's what I'm talking about. You come into our house, you should get your behind kicked!" said Thomas, who ended up losing the gig over his comments.

Here's your chance to get involved. Send in your nominations. The email address: jayzuma (at) gmail.com.

The Controversy Surrounding Marve's Transfer

Pull up a chair and read this if you're thinking of sending your son to Miami to play football. You might want to consider your options.

Earlier this week, quarterback Robert Marve announced his intention to transfer from Miami. Hurricane coach Randy Shannon granted the request, but with restrictions. According to Eugene Marve — the player's father — his son would not be allowed to transfer to another team in Florida or teams from the Southeastern or Atlantic Coast conferences. That's 27 teams.

Eugene wants his son to stay near the family's home in Tampa because he has prostate cancer.

Shannon has since softened the restrictions and will allow Marve to transfer to any SEC team other than Florida, Louisiana State and Tennessee. Miami alleges those teams were tampering with the quarterback, an allegation that Eugene says is not true. The in-state and ACC ban remains.

Shannon's stance is not only vindictive, but hypocritical. As John Romano of the St. Petersburg Times points out, a year ago an offensive lineman at Florida International decided to transfer to Miami. Because he had redshirted one season and was a three-year starter, he had only one season of eligibility remaining. That meant he had to receive a special waiver from the NCAA to be able to play for the Hurricanes 2008. The player got the waiver and finished his college career as Miami's starting center.

That player was Xavier Shannon. His father is Randy Shannon.

Classless Act of the Year Candidate

Central Florida senior cornerback Joe Burnett is caught flipping off the Miami crowd during the Knights' 20-14 loss Saturday at Dolphin Stadium.

No update on whether Burnett will face punishment because Central Florida coach George O'Leary canceled his Sunday media availability.