LSU URec Random Quote of the Week- "I'm just gonna go ahead and tell ya, we're telling everybody"

This classic line was said by Eric Eskew when Tamara "I never think outside the box" Davis called 911 after hearing a mock emergency over the radio being done by our student staff. Our good buddy Brad had already arranged for his "guy" in LSUPD, Officer "he's just a good cop" Woodruff to show up like an actual emergency. After being openly embarassed, Tamara asked us to "please not tell anyone", then Eric replied with his very compassionate line, but hey, at least he was honest.

Saints Release John Carney

It was announced today that the Saints will be releasing Kicker John Carney after the team traded for Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare. Carney is the all-time Saints points leader and the 4th all time points leader in NFL history. A Notre Dame alum and 17 year veteran, Carney stated he didn't plan on retiring and understood the Saints' decision to go with a younger, stronger leg kicker. Carney, an outspoken leader of the Gulf Coast community leaves the Saints on good terms and will always be a hero in the city of New Orleans.

LSU URec Random Quote of the Week- "If they do a halfass job on the fence, will they do a halfass job on the rec?"

This classic quote was said by none other than Ben Roussel who asked our Associate Director and Project Manager this question when the temporary construction fence was torn up and falling down in the parking lot. I hate Ben wasn't there to see the finished project, because he would have surely had a classic quote for the new building.

Darryl Stingley Passes Away

Sad news was spread over the sports world today as former New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley passed away after being paralyed for the last 30 years. Stingley, a former standout at Purdue, and exceptional NFL player, was on his way to a very productive NFL career before he was injured on a very violent hit by Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum in a preseason game in 1978. Stingley was paralyzed from the neck down and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

This story is particularly sad because Jack Tatum never apologized to Stingley and never visited Stingley in the hospital. Many of his teammates also never visited. Stingley basically rotted away the rest of his sad life feeling not only left out, but forgotten by the team that used to depend on him so much.

The only person who regularly visited Stingley was Raiders coach John Madden. Madden was even in the hospital room when Stingley's venilator malfunctioned and almost died.

Stingley's injury, life afterwards, and death shows the all too real realism of professional sports in which teams and fans only want players while they can "get something from them."

My heart goes out to the Stingley family, for I can only imagine the loneliness and sadness Stingley faced the rest of his life.

Florida Wins National Championship

Well, a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament has come to an end with one of the most overrated, bland, lucky teams coming out champions once again. The Florida Gators, who defeated the best player in college basketball, Greg Oden and the Ohio State Buckeyes in one of the most "shouldn't have won" games in NCAA Championship history. The very lackluster Final Four brought a very disappointing NCAA Tournament to an end with very few upsets, very few exciting games, and very few memorable moments. It was also announced today that Florida's four "sensational" juniors are going to the NBA after winning back to back championships. Joakim Noah (the most overrated player of the bunch), Taurean Green, Al Horfored, and Cory Brewer announced this while Coach Billy Donovan announced he would stay at Florida and not go to Kentucky. I would really like to write how Florida was the better team and dominated, but I can't bring myself to do it. Ohio State WAS THE BETTER TEAM. They shot 4-23 from 3 point, and had several balls bounce away right to Florida players that would hit wide open shots. Greg Oden proved he is the best player in the country by dominating the weak Florida defense. Oh well, I can't write anymore- damn the Gators.

Saints Trade for Kicker Olindo Mare

It was announced yesterday that the Saints traded a 6th round draft pick in the upcoming draft to Miami for their kicker Olindo Mare. Mare, who has been with the Dolphins since 1997 brings a much needed strong legged kicker to the Saints. One of the NFL's leaders in touchbacks, Mare was 15 of 25 last year on field goals, but with 5 of those misses coming from attempts of over 50 yards. Mare was also a Pro Bowl selection in 1999. Disgruntled in Miami, Mare asked for a trade much of last season. His change of scenery and kicking indoors will be a most welcome addition to the Saints special teams unit.