The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Summertime in Kentucky

Today, I'm blogging from the deck since the weather is so nice.  Unfortunately, there is just not that much to talk about (well, there is this other piece I am working on and hope to have up later, but we can talk about that later).  So instead of pussyfooting around, I'll just get right to the news of the last couple of days:

Top Stories

• Calipari discusses walk-ons
  I hate to see Dwight Perry go, but I respect Calipari's philosophy. Who can legitimately question it, given his success? Thanks to all our former walk-on's for the hard work they put in. Best wishes to you all.

• Cats TE Drake named to Mackey watch list
  Awesome news for the football 'Cats.

• What is "cheating" in sports?
  Austin Burton of Dime Magazine asks some very good, very hard questions about what fans and media consider, "cheating in sports."
  
  I really like this piece and think it raises some very good questions, not the least of which are why do we give some forms of cheating a nod and a wink while moralizing about others?

• Austin Rivers is back on the market. Billy D. cannot be pleased.
  Biggest word of the day out of Orlando is that Florida commitment Austin Rivers (photo) said he was going to look at other schools. He said his father, Doc Rivers, wants him to explore all of his options. He said he's "still committed" to Florida but mentioned Duke.
  
  Ouch.

• Lindley is old school, too
  This young man has his head screwed on right.

UK Basketball News

• 2010 Kentucky Recruiting Breakdown " UKmadness
  A look at who the 'Cats are chasing for 2010

• Calipari is no technophobe.
  Embrace technology, or those who do will leave you behind.

• Who is the best coach in college basketball?
  Interesting commentary. All these guys have plenty to recommend them.

• Top 5 Golden Spikes of the Rupp Arena Era (Minus Tayshaun’s 5th 3-pointer)
  Any post that remembers Tayshaun's 5 threes is awesome.

• The Immortals: UK's 25 'Legends' #23
  Danny Jett is ranking the UK legends.

• Silk Roads and Siamese Smiles
  Oh, hell yeah! Nothing like the great equalizer of an AK-47 to make up for lack of size. I think this guy has Patrick's back.

UK Football News

• Rich Brooks, the WhatMeWorry.
  No recruits? No problem. I have faith in Brooks.

• Brooks Says Leadership Won't Be A Problem, Rebuffs Retirement Rumors - LEX18 - Lexington, KY - News, Weather, Sports -
  "We have better players than we've had in a long time," Brooks said. "We have better depth than we've had in a long time. Now we have to go out on the field and prove it."
  
  Preach, Brother Brooks.

• UK Special Teams No. 8 in the Nation
  Three words -- Florida at Florida. When it comes to special teams last year, that's the first thing that jumps into my mind.

• Heh. I'll bet.

  Brooks shoots down retirement speculation | KentuckySports.com
  "Just ask my players if I've got any fire," Brooks said. "That'll get (that question) answered."
  
  Heh.  I'll bet.

• Cobb will stay plenty busy for Wildcats - SEC - ESPN
  Very interesting. 15 times per game?

• Friday's "Randall Cobb" Clickables
  True Blue Kentucky has some great links.

• Whatever happened to Mumme’s staff? John Clay’s Sidelines
  John Clay clues us in to what became of Hal Mumme's staff. Mumme is coaching division III now, and Morris is coaching FCS. But Mike Leach is outstripping them all.

Other UK Sports News

• None today
  

NCAA Sports News

• NCAA spoils dinner: Coaches told to stay away - ESPN
  The NCAA cautioned Division I basketball coaches that attending the Grassroots Basketball of America dinner in Las Vegas and paying the entry fee could constitute a violation.

• In Defense of Loud Music at Opportune Moments - Dawg Sports
  Heh. Kyle King comes to Brian Cook's defense about loud music at football games. Personally, my eardrums were victims of the 1970's, and if it isn't loud, it doesn't exist as far as I am concerned.

• Bluegrass State Basketball: Former Wildcat Allen Edwards Hired at Towson
  Great to hear. Allen was a great Wildcat.

• Leftover Hot Dog: Help choose a nickname for USC PG Devan Downey
  Heh. How about "Slick" for, "slicker than snot on a doorknob?" Good player.

• SEC 2009 // Rebellious Answers - Team Speed Kills
  Team Speed Kills interviews Ole Miss' SBN Blog, Red Cup Rebellion. Giggity.

Other News of Interest

• Billie Jean King Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
  I remember when Billie Jean King played Bobby Riggs in the much-hyped "Battle of the Sexes" back in 1973. She beat him handily. Things sure were different then.

• This is just wrong.

• Upcoming PGA events at Valhalla mean millions for city
  I loved the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Ryder Cup. Another PGA would be great for the city.

• A Q&A with Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times
  Remember Jerry Brewer? He used to write for the Courier-Journal, and now he's out in Seattle. The Big Lead interviews him.

The Daily Schadenfreude

• Whoops, Louisville Recruit Incapacitated
  A bit of bad news for the football Cardinals.

• Greg Brohm reassignment is unsettling
  Kragthorpe is apparently bouncing the Brohms from Louisville football. Bold move for a coach with an 11-13 record in two years to make moves that look like the rejection of the one family that was arguably most responsible for getting Louisville football on the map.  Card Chronicle has more.

• Commitment Stands Strong for Some; Blurry Line for Others
  More accusations and rumors of wrongdoing. Embrace. The. Hate.