Karle's Korner

Michael Jordan & Charles Barkley At 50: Two Of My Biggest Regrets

     Can you believe it? Michael Jordan turns fifty today and Charles Barkley does the same on Wednesday. The next thing you know I'll be telling you Manti Te'o had a fake girlfriend and deer antler spray is the newest thing in PED's. I've had the fortune of being around both of these guys (Jordan for a few months back in 1994, and Barkley for a few decades, starting in the year 1989). While both are sports giants, the two men are on the opposite sides of the public eye. One shies away from the cameras while the other has never met a camera he didn't like. Aside from his failed NBA management ventures, Jordan has kept it on the down-low. Barkley has become, as Michael Wilbon puts it, "the voice of his generation"- a clown prince to some, yet respected by most, and seen in your living room often.

     I thought I'd share with you a few stories that perfectly illustrate MJ the private person and Sir Charles, the life of the party:

     It was the summer of 1994: Michael Jordan had up and quit basketball and quickly arrived in Birmingham as the Barons new right fielder. No doubt this was big stuff- and while I had interviewed MJ a few times in years past, I had planned on being the first local TV sportscaster to land the MJ interview, live on WBRC TV. Each and every night before home games, Jordan and the Barons took BP at the Hoover Met from 5-5:15 pm . Upon his arrival in Birmingham, I confidently told Michael I planned on him joining me for my 5:20 sportscast live from home plate- afterall, our Channel 6 camera was but 5 feet from the batting cage. Jordan quickly told me that he would never join me live. He said he never did a live interview before a Chicago Bulls game and he wasn't about to change his routine simply because he changed sports. I told MJ that I would win him over by going live each and every night five feet from batting practice, and sooner or later, Jordan, ever the competitor, would admire my drive and join me live. For about 6 weeks I went live at 5:20 whenever the Barons were at home. Jordan simply grinned and told me, "I'm not gonna do it." Fast forward a few weeks to August 1994.

     There I am filling up my gas tank at a Shell station on Highway 280, when filling up his yellow convertable on the other side of the pump was none other than Michael Jordan. At last, through the gas pumps, our eyes met. Michael Jordan grinned, tilted his head and said to me, "Sorry, I'm still not gonna do it." With that he was off- and he kept that promise the rest of the summer.

     Charles Barkley is the life of the party. So when a few years ago I asked him to allow us into the TNT studios to follow him with our cameras for a night, he gladly obliged. Charles ushered me into the TNT viewing room, a state-of-the-art conference room that boasted of dozens of big screens airing all NBA games that Thursday night.  After introducing me to Magic Johnson, I quickly took a seat next to the former Laker great  (thank heavens for Depends undergarments). Before we knew it, it was about midnight, and the TNT crew had signed off for the night.

     As we headed to the door, Charles and Magic walked me out of the TNT building in midtown Atlanta. Said Charles, "Hey Karle- wanna go out for a few beers in Buckhead? Magic is wimping out on us because he needs to fly back to LA- why don't you join me tonight and go out on the town?" My first thought was excitement, and then fear (I could see my picture on the cover of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the next morning with the headline reading "Local TV Sportscaster Has Bottle Broken Over His Head").  As reality set  in, I told Charles that I had a wife and 2 kids waiting for me back in Birmingham, and it would be best that I head home. After some serious ribbing, Charles told me he would go it alone.

   Looking back on those Jordan and Barkley moments, I often wonder if I should have pressed MJ harder.  I wonder if I should have called my wife and said "Jill, I'll be home in the morning- I can't pass up going out with Charles".  Yet the more I think about it, the more I think I did the right thing. Michael Jordan was never going to change his mind, and after turning down Charles, I can say to this day that I have never been arrested.

     It's interesting what a reporter remembers about run-ins with sports greats. Jordan, the best ever, shying away from even a weasly local reporter, while Barkley, ever ready to hold court with a beer in his hand.  I certainly consider myself lucky to have met both of these 50 year olds.

    Now if you have an hour, let me fill you in on my run-ins with Muhammed Ali, Ted Williams, Brett Favre, Derek Jeter and Arnold Palmer.

Having Dinner With Manti Te'o, Lance Armstrong & Mitch Ross

     It will never happen, but what if?  What if Heisman runner-up Manti Te'o, former 7-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong and S.W.A.T.S. owner Mitch Ross (you know, the deer antler spray guy from just outside Birmingham) enjoyed a festive dinner together? This is what you might hear:

Te'o: "Man, I'm famished- what's for dinner?"

Ross: "Venison".

Armstrong: "I doped some venison blood once before a marathon- I ran like Bambi".

Te'o: "I believe it."

Armstrong: "Of course you do Manti, you believe anything."

Ross: "Did you know there is naturally occurring IGF-1 in deer meat and deer antlers?  Just sprayed some on today."

Armstrong: "Great... by the way, Mitch, do you own any shirts with sleeves?"

Ross: "Have you done your homework? I think you'll find the answer."

Te'o: "I miss doing my homework with Lennay."

Armstrong: "Manti, you're an idiot."

Ross: "Yea, Manti- if you had been wearing my hologram chips, your two brains would have warned you not to be suckered into that hoax."

Armstrong: Mitch is right Manti. Maybe it would have prevented you from being catfished."

Ross: Did you know there is naturally ocurring IGF-1 in catfish eggs? Had a few over easy for breakfast.

Te'o: "I believe it."

Armstrong: "And I suppose, Mitch, that you washed them down with your negativley charged water?"

Ross: "Hey- if you had taken my water and supplements you would still have your seven Tour De France titles and never would have had to talk to Oprah."

Te'o: "I believe it."

Ross: "Man, are you gullible, Manti- good thing Finebaum is off the radio for three months. If he got ahold of you he'd roast you."

Armstrong: "Isn't Finebaum that weasel who does a talk show on Sirius/XM?"

Ross: "That reminds me- did you know there is naturally occurring IGF-1 in weasel urine? We harvest weasels in South America, extract the urine, and supply it to athletes all over the world. Just yesterday Ray Lewis and a bunch of Ravens drank some before the Super Bowl."

Armstrong: "The Niners sure could have used some."

Te'o: "I bet Beyonce had some- she was so fine she didn't seem real." I wish Lennay was real. By the way- is AJ McCarron's girlfriend Katherine Webb real? Whenever I see her I just think 'Man, she's unreal.  Ha Ha! Get it? Unreal?"

Ross: "I tell you what Manti. When you get to the NFL, I'll chip you up and slide you a few bottles of deer antler spray." If anyone asks you about it, just tell them it never existed."

Armstrong: "Where does that put me? I'm still living in the Hall Of Shame.

Ross: "I'll tell you what. The Boston Marathon is in April. You let me work you up, and when you win that race in world record time, you will be so famous you might get Sheryl back.

Te'o: "Is she real?"

Armstrong: "Will it never end?" Now, what's for desert?

Ross: "One taste of my all-natural armadillo intestine cheesecake and you'll be doing back flips."

Te'o: "I believe it."

Armstrong: "I'm outta here you dopes."

Te'o: "Look who's calling who a dope."

"Ross: "Wait, come back guys! Did I tell you about the time I chipped up Betty White?"

DeMeco Ryans: How A 3-Star Recruit Turned Into A Role Model

     Baggage. Suspicion. Lies. Lack of character. Everywhere you look in sports, there they are, only to make you shake your head and wonder. Lance Armstrong. Ronaiah Tuiasosopo. Tiger Woods. Whatever happened to role models? Thank goodness there are still a few out there, and a former 3-star football recruit from Bessemer, Alabama is at the top of the list.

     As National Signing Day approaches, young football players across America need only to look to Philadelphia Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans as proof positive that hard work can pay off (Ryan's latest contract brought him $48 million). But even DeMeco himself would be the first to tell you that when he leaves this earth, the Lord won't care how much  money he has made, he will care what kind of impressions he has left. Monday night I was reminded again that Ryans will leave plenty.

     It's not easy for the fine folks at Fox6 to land a current NFL player as guest speaker for our annual "Sideline" All-Star Awards Banquet. Speaking to a group of high school kids is not high on their priority lists, and most of their speaking fees start about $15,000 to $20,000  (trust me- a few players you know and love told me to show them the big money or it was no dice). So when after talking with DeMeco at length and he said a resounding "I'll do it", I was again reminded that the home grown talent is the real deal.

      As twelve of the top high school players in our state looked on (players like Ardarius Stewart, Zach Cunningham and Nick Mullins), Ryans told the kids not what they wanted to hear but what they needed to hear. He told them that when he played linebacker at Jess Lanier, he was thought to be too small (he played there at 190 lbs, he's now a svelt 245), too slow and too short. He told them how he was the first player in the Crimson Tide weight room, the first to arrive class, and soon to be the first from his family to graduate from a four-year university. DeMeco Ryans preached from his heart about showing heart.

     The kid that was too small  became a unanimous All-American while at Alabama. The kid that was too short won the national Lott Trophy as American's college impact player of the year.  The kid that was too slow became the AFC Defensive Rookie Of The Year with the Houston Texans. Not bad for a kid who used to be shown on "Sideline 2000".

    As our "Sideline" banquet drew to a close, DeMeco did something that our honorees will remember for years to come.  He took the 12 kids to an adjoining room, no parents, no media present. He talked with the kids privately about family, football and faith. Those blue-chippers received a 30 minute talk about how to become better players, better husbands, better fathers, and better men. I did not see that private session coming, but it capped off a sensational night of fun and fellowship.

     As DeMeco Ryans slowly departed, he posed for pictures with every parent, every brother, every sister with a camera or an iPhone. He joined hands with his fiance while his mother and some eight other family members followed. DeMeco had left the building. And we were all better people after hearing his message.

     I guess there are role models out there afterall...

 

 

Great Sports Hoaxes: 33 Years Ago I Was Snookered!

     I've certainly considered myself blessed to have been a TV sports anchor for 33 years (I know, I don't look a day over 34, right?).  I must admit, for shear sensationalism, the past week or so has been one of the craziest I can remember. Manti Te'o's non-existent girlfriend, Lance Armstrong's confession, and reports having Tiger Woods trying  to convince his ex-wife to re-marry him. Before I offer up my Super Six most memorable sports hoaxes, a few words on  the afforementioned subjects.

     Manti Te'o: Maybe I'm old school, but when I dated years ago, I always tried to meet my date in person. I was always under the impression that the relationship had a better chance of succeeding that way.

     Lance Armstrong: Some have used the words liar, scumbag and cheat, and those are the nice words.  As a survivor of testicular cancer, I always admired what Armstrong did for the cause, especially with his LiveStrong Foundation. But from where I sit, this is one mean, dishonest bully- and now that he has parted ways with the foundation, I can only wonder what more good he could have accomplished if he stayed on the bike and off the PED's. 

     Tiger Woods: Reports have him willing to agree to a pre-nup that includes a $200 million anti-cheating clause.  If you need a $200 million cheating clause (or a pre-nup, period), perhaps it's not a great idea to get married.

     Now to my Super Six sports hoaxes of all time, and how I was suckered in the greatest hoax ever:

     6.   Tonya Harding vs Nancy Kerrigan:  Seems little Tonya didn't think she had what it took to beat Kerrigan on the ice back in 1994, so she hired a hitman to club Nancy in the leg. Ironically, it's been Harding who has been iced by millions as for nearly 20 years she's been a comedic punching bag.

     5.  Sidd Finch:  He was to have been the next great thing in baseball- a pitcher with such great stuff that he'd make us forget Walter Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. The catch? The "Sports Illustrated" article introducing Finch to the world was an April Fool's joke. Of course the joke was then on "SI" as the publication's credibilty took a beating.

     4.   The 1919 White Sox Scandal: Favored to win the World Series, the Sox took a beating from the Cincinnati Reds. After the series, it was found that the fix was in- several White Sox players were paid by gamblers to throw the series. Outside a courtroom one day, a little boy looked up at "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and said, "Say it ain't so Joe!".  It was indeed so, and it's been etched in the history books for nearly 100 years.

     3.   Danny Almonte:  Who can forget the star little league pitcher mowing them down in the 2000 Little League World Series? Almonte's Bronx team was the toast of the town, and Almonte hung out with VIP's everywhere. The problem? He was 14 years old, not the required age of 12. Almonte apparently tipped off the media when he was found shaving in the clubhouse (I made that part up). We've seen it- in fact I go through it now with watching my 14-year old son play travel soccer, wondering often about opposing players, "Did these kids drive their own cars to the game?".

     2.   Kevin Hart:  This one happened in 2008: A Nevada high school kid held a signing day news conference to announce that he had chosen to sign with the Cal Bears football team over numerous other teams. Soon afterward, the Cal coaches (and every other coach Hart mentioned) insisted they had never offered the kid anything, many of them saying they had never heard of him. Hart was never recruited by any major school, in part because of his less-than-impressive 1.8 GPA. When the dust settled, it was found that Hart staged a fake news conference. I'll give the kid credit for creativity, but you have to wonder why the media never questioned how a player rated a 2-star was heading to Cal. Hart wound up signing with Division II Missouri Western.

     1.  Rosie Ruiz: The pressure was on this young intern back in April of 1980. I was a month from graduating from college, and the radio station at which I was interning sent me on a huge story (at age 22 with no degree in hand, covering the Boston Marathon was a huge story). As thousands ran from Hopkinton to downtown Boston, with TV cameras and helicopters hovering, Rosie Ruiz crossed the finish line in what was then the fastest women's Boston time ever (2:31:56). As she made her way to a news conference in the Prudential tower, I gave chase and finally cornered her for my big "one-one-one" interview in an elevator. As we ascended to the top of the Pru, I captured my interview and bolted back to the radio station. This was my time to shine, as the station's News Director told me to get on the air and share with New England the exclusive interview. That night I was feeling satisfied and pround. "Heck" I thought, those TV stations in Boston like WBZ and WCVB would be calling me soon to offer me a job."  The next morning I picked up the "Boston Globe", and there was the headline: "Rosie's A Fake".  Ruiz had jumped into the marathon a few miles from the finish line and faked her own victory. No wonder Jackie Garaeu, who was the race leader in Wellesley and at the 24-mile mark, was shocked to cross the finish line only to see Ruiz wearing the laurel wreath. To this day it's perhaps the ultimate sports hoax, and it was a tough lesson for a young reporter-to-be.

     Manti Te'o, Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods. In over three decades of sports reporting, I've learned never to be surprised at anything. I've heard and seen it all- and when a sports hoax appears on my radar, I always harken back to my "exclusive" interview with Rosie Ruiz. Now about Manti's girlfriend...

Miami Nice: Nick Saban Leaves His Former Stadium With A Fond Memory

     Let's agree right up front that Nick Saban can be, at times, well, a bit short- no, let me re-phrase that: He can tend to be a bit testy. But after getting to know him in small slices, he can also be, well, human. While the Alabama coach is certainly driven, he, like the rest of us, can be insecure, emotional, and prone to feelings of doubt. That's why he has to feel satisfied leaving his old stomping ground with his most satisfying South Florida memory.

     How dominating was the Crimson Tide's beatdown of Notre Dame? By midway through the first quarter, the folks with ESPN commenced with their shots of AJ McCarron's girlfriend- network execs usually leave those for when the game's outcome is not in doubt (OK, I guess it was over after the first drive).  From the moment the score was 14-0, the beatdown was on, and the ESPN folks saw a potential record TV audience shrink.

     This was the kind of performance that Saban wished he saw when he was the coach of the Miami Dolphins. The Alabama offensive linemen looked like they were facing Pee Wee Herman, leading the Tide backs to 265 rushing yards. Notre Dame's vaunted defensive line had allowed an average of 90 rushing yards per game. During my return flight I sat next to two Notre Dame fans who told me when they looked at how the Bama O-line was manhandling their team, they taught the Irish looked like a high school team. I think you will agree with them. 

   And AJ McCarron? At one point in the first half, Bama Boy had a quarterback rating of 230. 4 TD passes, no turnovers, no picks. Now if only the kid can grab as many Twitter followers as his girlfriend Katherine Webb.

    Was this Nick Saban's best Alabama team? Nope- in fact the coach told me that he believes his players overachieved.  But once again, when top-ranked teams lost (Oregon and K-State), the Tide pounced. Saban doled out his "consistency in performance" speech and there you had it- a third national championship in four years for the Crimson Tide. And Nick Saban? On Tuesday, he left the Miami area once again, this time having no regrets.

    Random questions following my 8-day stay in Fort Lauderdale:

    Where does all the money come from?... Was that really Steven Speilberg's yacht?... How gutsy was Barrett Jones playing on that injured foot?... I'm no Bob Costas, but with hundreds of media folks wandering the media hotel, who are these guys?... Is Vince Vaughn taller than he appears in movies? (Yep)... Is Jon Bon Jovi shorter than he appears in videos? (yep)... Is Joe Namath looking tanned and healthy at the age of 69, and why didn't I stay at his place in Jupiter longer to hear more great stories?... Can you believe that Mal Moore now owns a championship ring for each of his ten fingers?...  Can a media guy get a bottle of water at the hotel please?...  Is D.J. Fluker really that big?...  Is Harbor Beach a great place to take your kids on vacation? (Yes, if you have the money)...  Did a wilty room service house salad really cost me $23?... Why can't the Crimson Tide win it all again next year?...  Even if Milliner, Lacy and Fluker turn pro?... Was the game telecast the most-watched program in TV cable history? (Nope- Auburn-Oregon is #1 all-time)... Is navigating Sun Life Stadium like trying to find your way through a maze?... Did I just enter the stadium through the dugout?...  Can you find any better kid than the emotional Carson Tinker?... Did I really see what I saw on South Beach?... Do I know any more about laptops than when I started the trip?...  Are AJ McCarron and Barrett Jones over the spat?... Would you rather have seen Alabama play Oregon?... Would Oregon, Georgia and Florida have all whipped up on Notre Dame?... Was I surprised to see Nick Saban agree to join me live on the Fox6 post-game show late Monday night? (I appreciate his patience)... Are Notre Dame fans over spending all of that money only to see that football game?... Has Alabama just scored again?... Am I happy to be back to my wife and kids? (a no brainer)... Do I have today off to clean the garage and do laundry before heading back to the anchor desk?... Should I sign off now?

    Congratulations to Crimson Tide. I have a feeling I should set a few days aside next January for a trip to Pasadena.

Saban To The NFL? He Coaches An NFL Team Now!

     An unusual occurrance has been taking place for Alabama football fans over the last week or so:  They are waking up in the middle of the night, screaming out loud, drenched in sweat. They thought their nightmares had ended years ago. This week, they are back, and the bad dreams of Nick Saban's departure just won't go away. If you live and breath Alabama football, I thought you might like to read the letter I'm sending Nick Saban (well, I'm really not, but just play along). Maybe the Alabama football coach can take 90 seconds after downing his black coffee and two Little Debbies to start his day off by getting my take on what his future should bring.

    Dear Nick,

    I hope this letter finds you well.  You might remember me- I'm the TV guy who had you in a dinghy a few years back. While I know you have been busy, I'm hoping you take a few minutes from studying the process to get my take on these rumors that have you heading to the NFL to coach the Cleveland Browns.  I thought you might like some advice from a man who lives in a split house- my daughter is a Bama fan, my son an Auburn fan. Just telling you what I think from my seat!

     While it's only natural to enjoy being wooed for another job, I want to remind you that the grass isn't always greener in a new position. I certainly know that a man has to do what is best for his family- afterall, I can sympathize with the struggles of any man making only $5 million a year. But if you truly look into your management style in both the college and pro settings, I think you will agree with me that you are in the right place.

    In six years at the University of Alabama, you have suffered 13 losses, and you will likely win your third national chanpionship in four years come January 7th. In two years with the  Miami Dolphins, you had 17 losses and no championships. The reason? The NFL wasn't all about you. You see, in Tuscaloosa, you do it your way with one voice- you tell people to jump and they yell, "Yes sir, how high?".  In the NFL? Just too many general managers, team owners and egos.

    In Tuscaloosa you can recruit the best by outworking the best. In the NFL? Maybe not. Remember when you wanted Drew Brees to play while coaching the Dolphins and the medical staff would not clear him? You had problems choosing your own NFL free agents due to in-office politics. You once told ESPN, "In the NFL, I always thought my willingness to outwork everyone else would create an advantage, but the rules of parity in the NFL make it difficult to gain that advantage." College football? Now that's the ticket! You can outwork the "Ole Ball Coach who grabs the sticks and heads to the links while you look at game film... You can find ways to skype recruits while playing within the rules....  You can start work on the following year's team only 24 hours after winning a BCS Championship.  And you can do it your way, all'ight?

    And the carrott you can dangle in front of college kids? The NFL. If they "buy in" to the process, they have a great chance of playing at the next level. What's the carrott you could dangle in front of NFL players? Intimidation would be a non-facter. Players would simply laugh at you and drive their luxury cars back to their mansions.

    You are now 61 years old Nick, and you don't look a day over 60.  Would I suggest you coach 5 more years and then retire to Lake Burton.You would leave Alabama with five national championships and a statue outside the stadium (whoops- I forgot that has already been erected). You will be a grandfather sitting at the lake, telling the little ones how you did it your way.

    And one more thing, Nick: When you meet the media next Tuesday and someone asks you about these NFL rumors, lay off the tantrum-  we've all been there-done that. Don't let the media get under your skin. I know talking heads like Ron Jaworski have made statements this week such as "I'm not a Saban man because I don't like liars." Just take it all in stride, and please don't say something like, "OK, I'll say it- I'm not going to be the head coach of the Cleveland Browns."  Why not shake it up a bit by looking into the cameras and saying, "Whenever my name is linked to other jobs, it's simply a compliment to the hard work coaches and players have done here over the years. The fact is, I already coach an NFL team- and I feel confident this Bama squad could beat the Cleveland Browns at any time."

    Thanks for listening Nick- and leave it to me to remind you that perhaps now is not the time in your career to rock the boat.

   Sincerely,

   Rick Karle

After Watching "30 For 30" Film, I Still Don't Know Bo

     I'm glad to say that I've "known" Bo Jackson for over 25 years. Believe me- we're not having dinner together regularly, but from interviewing him back in the 1980's when he was at Auburn and then the Memphis Chicks, playing a few rounds of golf with him, and seeing him a few times a year when he makes it to our state (chatted with him last week as he introduced Gus Malzahn), we are at least on a first name basis. That's why I was excited to watch "You Don't Know Bo", the ESPN "30 For 30" film directed by the talented Michael Bonfiglio.  While I can say I "know Bo", does anyone really know Bo? I was hoping Bonfiglio would give me insight into what makes the man. I came away dissapointed.

     Producing a documentary film is no small feat. It takes access to your subject, time, patience and meticulous editing.  The task here for Bonfiglio was not to illustrated what kind of an athlete Bo was in his prime (which he did very well). The task was for the director to get down to the core- to teach us about Bo, the person.  On this front, Bonfiglio failed.

     If you are like me, you never tire of seeing Bo's herculian feats: Bo Over The Top, running over Bosworth, the All-Star game homer, throwing out Harold Reynolds, breaking bats over his knees. While Bonfiglio superbly brought us those moments, I walked away from the film knowing nothing about Bo that I didn't already know- and that is why I think Bonfiglio failed. 

     How night have the director helped his film's cause? To get down to the bare roots of how Bo arrived, we needed to see more from his home town. Granted, Bonfiglio brought us interviews with Bo's high school football coach Dickie Atchison and baseball coach Terry Brasseale, but he needed to go further. How about many of Bo's teachers, HS teammates, childhood friends and opposing coaches. Dozens of stories could have been told- like when Bo competed in a decathlon event at Vestavia Hills HS  and quit after about 6 events because he was so far ahead of everyone else he took the rest of the meet off.  Were Pat Dye, Hal Baird and David Housel the only Auburn folks available? I think the Auburn family needed to be better represented in this film.

     I also wondered as I watched the media people interviewed in this film, "Who are these guys?". It seemed to me as if Bonfiglio gathered his friends from Brooklyn and put them in the film.  Jeremy Schaap? Mike Greenberg?  What was their connection to Bo Jackson? Was Chris Berman not available? Why not LOCAL media folks who who know Bo? Jimmy Bryan, Bill Lumpkin, Ron Ingram, Clyde Bolton, Paul Finebaum, Ron Grillo, Herb Winches?  They could have shed more light on who Bo really was than the folks from New York. 

    One more thing: To really know Bo, I needed to see and hear from his family members. Unless Bo nixed the idea, I would have loved to have heard from his wife (who he married coming out of Auburn and is still married to today), his three kids, all in their 20's, and current friends. Bo has always bragged about his cooking talents. Why not gather the family and see Bo do some grilling? How great would if have been to have received perspective on Bo from the people who live with him? 

     Bo Jackson was the greatest athete of my time- I am confident I will never see another like him. While Michael Bonfiglio did an admirable job reminding me what a great athlete Bo Jackson was, he did a poor job of showing me the man Bo Jackson is today.

    The title of the "30 For 30" film is "You Don't Know Bo".  It's a perfect title- because sadly, after watching the film, I still don't really know him.

How About Some Sunday Night Quarterbacking?

     What a weekend it was- and while I'm no Danny Sheridan, I'm guaranteeing a few things for this week: Auburn will name a new football coach by Thursday, Johnny Manziel will walk away with the Heisman,  Nick Saban will continue to give the ball to Eddie Lacy & TJ Yeldon (duh), and you will not pay much attention (with the exception of the BCS title game) to most of the 35 bowl games that begin on Decmber 15th.

     Item #1: Auburn's search committe is now in the process of interviewing candidates- in fact I would not be incorrect to say that Bo, Pat, and friends are in the final days of interviewing candidates.  While the huge coaches convention begins tonight in NYC and continues through Wednesday, the next few days will be the perfect time for the parties to settle on a coach and get those contact terms agreed upon- all while sitting in the confines of a luxury New York City hotel room. Names such as Kirby Smart, Gus Malzahn, Charlie Strong and Bobby continue to swirl on Twitter and on the internet. It shouldn't be long now. On a related note, it was interesting to see Trooper Taylor at the McAdory game Friday night- he told Fox6, "Sorry I'm not allowed to talk"  (he continues to recruit for AU).

    Item #2: There's no doubt that Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel will win the Heisman this Saturday. It will be hard to argue with the pick, as Johnny Football has broken Cam Newton's all-time NCAA season mark for total offense  (over 3,000 yards passing and over 1,000 yards rushing). While my Heisman ballot is in, the Heisman Trust folks have been on us voters not to reveal our picks. While I will abide by that request, I can tell you I did not put AJ McCarron in my top three. The kid's had a sensational season, and he could be a Heisman favorite next year, but in my mind, he is just a smidge below what I would call "Heisman Worthy".

     Item #3:  If I'm Nick Saban, I'm ordering up Russ Nussmeier to hand the ball to Lacy & Yeldon as often as possible.   I think you will agree that Saturday night's SEC Championship game was one of the most entertaining games ever. We all knew it was coming: Hand the ball off to the hosses and then, BAM- have McCarron hit 'em with the play action. The Dawgs knew it was coming and they still couldn't stop it. Near the end of the game I stood in the end zone and watched as players from both teams limped off the field, battle-scarred. Jesse Williams was hurting, Eddie Lacy was knocked around and Barrett Jones walked off the field on crutches. But what I witnessed moments after the game was truly impressive: Tide and Bulldog players hugging one another, offering congratulations to one another, knowing that players from both teams gave it their all. Dripping in sweat, mentally spent, I asked Chance Warmack how he felt. Said the Bama lineman, "I'm not sure, but I do know I love this game."  Pretty cool.

   Item #4: Ready for bowl season? If you are, you will be glad to know the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, the Little Ceasar's Bowl, the Bell Helicopter Bowl, the Beef O'Brady's Bowl, the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl and the Hyundai Bowl are coming to stadium near you. And while I'm not doing backflips over bowl match-ups like FSU vs Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl, Georgia-Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl,  and Florida-Louisville in the Sugar Bowl, there are a few intriguing match-ups out there. I like LSU-Clemson in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, Michigan-South Carolina in the  Outback Bowl and Stanford-Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. And the BCS title game? Don't think that Bama is going to run all over the nation's 5th-ranked defense. Notre Dame is built alot like the Crimson Tide, so we're looking at what could be a classic.

     Thanks for stopping by- I'd love for you to follow me on Twitter@RickKarle. Have a great week and as always, your comments are welcomed.

The SEC Championship Game: Take Offense- No, Really!

     Where's the fun, anyway? I just finished filling out my Heisman ballot, and per the Heisman Trust, I'm not supposed to go mouthing off to you about my picks.  Guess those folks are buckling down on the blabbermouths (it's all about nabbing the most viewers on Heisman night). The problem this year is that the winner is pretty much already sealed.  If the kid from Texas A&M doesn't win the thing, something's wrong with (dare I say the word) the process.

     Of course I'm still not telling you for whom I voted, but I can say that after looking over the statistics of the major Heisman candidates, I got to thinking about offense. While we usually think "defense" when it comes to the SEC, I have a feeling we will see some good offense this weekend in Atlanta. Yes, Alabama is ranked #1 in the SEC in scoring defense while Georgia is #3, but it's those two offenses led by a pair of talented quarterbacks that have grabbed my attention.

     A look over the SEC statistics shows you how dominating QB's AJ McCarron and Aaron Murray have been for their respective teams. Take a look:

   Passing Efficiency:   #1 McCarron (167.8)       #2 Murray (160.7)

   Total Offense:            #2 Georgia  (439 ypg)     #3 Alabama (434 ypg)

   Scoring Offense:        #2 Alabama (37.9 ppg)   #3 Georgia (33.5 ppg)

   In fact, McCarron and Murray are ranked #1 an d #2 in the NATION in pass efficiency.  Murray is one of the nation's leaders in Points Responsible For Team with 17.7 ppg, and is ranked 4th in the nation in total offense.  And SEC rushing? Georgia's Gurley is #1 at 95 ypg while Bama's Lacy is #2 at 91 ypg.  

    What team do I like Saturday? I don't pretend to have any secret knowledge of game plans or hidden injuries, but here's a hunch:  Georgia freshman kicker Marshall Morgan has missed four PAT's this season, while Bama's Jeremy Shelley is a perfect 39-of-39.  I tend to like a team's chances when they have either a senior quarterback or a quarterback who has been tested and succeeded in big games (McCarron). So take all of those "Georgia chokes in big games" thoughts out of your head, and go with the veteran, proven, "been-there-done-that" kicker in Shelley.

   About 6:30 on Saturday night, UGA kicker Marshall Morgan will miss a PAT or a makeable field goal that would have given his team the lead. In the end, Bama wins by a foot, 28-27 because of a bad Bulldog foot.  Now, back my pick for the Heisman...

Auburn Needs A Football Coach: It's Time To Fear The Bo

     This morning I feel a bit like I did last Thursday when I sat down for Thanksgiving dinner- there's just too much on my plate. From the Iron Bowl breakdown, to the SEC Championship game to the Gene Chizik dismissal, this past weekend certainly left me with lots to digest. But after spending 17 hours at Auburn Sunday, eventually chasing the story of the day, I thought I'd tell you why the Auburn folks might be in better shape in landing a new coach than may think:  A man named Bo Jackson.

     At first glance, the timing of the Gene Chizik dismissal was poor. Yes, Chizik, while a good man, had to go, but the talent pool of available head coaches is not very deep and the list of other schools looking for coaches is as deep as ever. Searching for a new coach? Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Cal, Purdue, Colorado, NC State, Boston College and others.  For the newly-former Auburn search committee, finding a top-notch coach is certainly possible, but it will take work. I liken it a bit to bass fishing on a cold winter day. You're not going to land a 5-lb largemouth by tossing a crankbait into the lake and hoping for the best. While a lunker can be snared, it may take patience and work finding that bass that lies in deep water.

     While some insist this Auburn job would nab a middle-of-the-road rating- while others insist there are too many cooks in the Auburn kitchen that make decisions difficult to make, I think this Auburn job is a very good one. And the man to lead the Auburn nation back to relevance? Bo.

     Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs has announced a search committee consisting of himself, Mac Crawford, Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson. With all due respect to the other three gentleman (So Jay Jacobs really kept his job?),  it's the man was once the greatest athlete in the world that has the weight of the Auburn nation's shoulders upon him.

    Vincent Jackson grew up in tiny McCalla, Alabama as tremendous baseball, football and track star. An admitted punk in childhood, Bo grew to become the most beloved athlete in Auburn sports history. Today, Bo's business empire is considerable, and his charity work admirable. Now, Bo looks to lead the way in landing a "splash" hire. Petrino? Malzahn? Smart? Strong?  When Bo talks, people listen. He's far from a "suit", but when this man sits in a conference room and brings his thoughts to the table, watch out. This is a man who does not have time for small talk, BS, or Auburn family favors. This is Bo Jackson, ready to "Just Do It." So when Bo Jackson tells the committee what coach will lead the Tigers, not too many arguments will follow.

     It was 30 years ago when Bo went over the top at Legion Field, changing the balance of power of an Iron Bowl series that saw Coach Bryant and Alabama win nine straight. Bo's short TD run gave Auburn fans hope and confidence in showing the world that those big bad folks from Tuscaloosa weren't the only folks around who could play a little football.

    Yes, it's time to "Fear The Bo":  Over the next few weeks, the former Heisman winner will once again be called upon to take the Tigers over the top- and while that rascal named Saban really has it going at the Capstone, Bo's hire could help put the Tigers program back on top.  Three decades ago Auburn fans cheered wildly for number 34- they're cheering wildly for him again.