Bbl: It’s All About Brandon Knight And Michael Gilchrist John.
Big Blue Links for Wednesday:
Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader reports that John Calipari is expecting a big day today:
Id be surprised if Brandon Knight doesnt pick Kentucky, analyst Jerry Meyer of the Rivals.com recruiting service said Tuesday. That surprise would spread to most people who follow recruiting. On his Lexy.com update Tuesday, UK Coach John Calipari suggested good news could come on the first day of the spring signing period that ends May 19.
Gary Parrish of CBS Sports predicts that Michael Gilchrist will announce for UK today:
The point is that eventually Douglas-Roberts introduced me to a tall kid, just said, This is my little cousin, Mike. I quickly realized that the Mike I had just met was the Michael Gilchrist I had just read about, and it doesnt matter that he and Douglas-Roberts arent really cousins. What matters is that Gilchrist was a part of the family way back then, which is why it should come as no surprise when the Class of 2011 star formally commits to play for Calipari at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel on Brandon Knight:
For his part, Knight has played it pretty close to the vest when its come to the recruiting process. His top fiveConnecticut, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky and Syracusehave been his favorites for a while. Miami had been in the mix too, but Knight dropped the Hurricanes from consideration in early March. That allowed Syracuse back in the mix.
(Hat tip Aarons UK Basketball Blog.)
Jennifer Smith of the H-L on UK womens signing day:
Samantha Drakes signature on Wednesday could mean big things for Kentucky in more ways than one. The 6-foot-3 Nelson County basketball star, who committed to UK in 2007 as a sophomore only to reopen her recruitment this season, ultimately will sign with the Cats, her high school coach said.
Fabian Lyon of the Miami Herald on Knights announcement:
Brandon Knight, a 6-4 guard who won back-to-back National Gatorade Player of the year honors wearing No. 11 for Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest is expected to end his highly publicized recruitment by signing a letter-of-intent Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPNU. While Syracuse, Kansas, Florida and Connecticut have also been mentioned as possible destinations for Knight, the growing sentiment is that Knight has settled on Kentucky and will become the heir apparent to Wall.
USA Today goes inside the life of Michael Gilchrist:
Editors note: Michael Gilchrist, a 6-8 forward at St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.), is considered the No. 1 basketball recruit in the 2011 class, according to Rivals.com, ESPNU, Hoopmasters.com and Scout.com. Hes agreed to do a monthly diary on USATODAY.com to give people a glimpse of what it is like to juggle school, recruiting, AAU and high school basketball and teenage life.
Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal on Chandler Burdens switching of the lines:
Everything about University of Kentucky left tackle Chandler Burden suggests hes a full-grown football player. But in the ways that matter most, Burden is a new kid on the block. Im a freshman offensive lineman, Burden said. Im a junior, but Im really a freshman.
Kenny Colston of the Kentucky Kernel on Mike Hartline:
But I have a simple question for all involved: based on spring practice reports that senior-to-be Mike Hartline has separated himself from the quarterback pack as of now, can Operation Win be successful with No. 5 under center?
Brandon Knight To Kentucky? Recruiting Experts Say It’s Likely
For months, Brandon Knight has done an impressive job of keeping his college plans under wraps.
But in recent days, speculation about the point guard's signing have reached a fever pitch. College basketball blogs and web sites are buzzing with plenty of chatter. The consensus from many?
The Pine Crest star is headed to Kentucky.
Rivals.com basketball recuiring analyst Jerry Meyer has told two Kentucky newspapers--The Louisville Courier-Journal and The Lexington Herald-Leader that he would be "surprised" if Knight didn't choose the Wildcats.
It's a move that makes sense.
With Kentucky likely losing five players--including John Wall--to the NBA Draft, signing with the Wildcats could give Knight prime billing in Lexington. And he likely won't have to worry about being the only one carrying the team. The Wildcats have already signed Jacksonville Providence standout Stacey Poole and received a verbal commitment from Turkish big man Enes Kanter.
For his part, Knight has played it pretty close to the vest when it's come to the recruiting process. His top five--Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky and Syracuse--have been his favorites for a while.
Miami had been in the mix too, but Knight dropped the Hurricanes from consideration in early March. That allowed Syracuse back in the mix.
It's stayed that way since, with Knight keeping mum on his college plans at both the state tournament and most recently, the McDonald's All-American game.
Wednesday afternoon at Pine Crest, Knight's silence will finally end. His signing will be carried live via ESPNU and more than likely, Kentucky fans will rejoice in another top-notch signing class.
But this is college recruiting and speculation means little until the Letter-of-Intent is signed.
To read even more about Knight's recruitment, click on the links below:
Louisville Courier-Journal recruiting writer Jody Demling's blog
Orlando Sentinel writer Jeremy Fowler on Florida's outside chance at landing Knight
Miami Dolphins In Depth
The Dolphins are in the process this morning of acquiring wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The Dolphins will trade their second-round pick (43rd overall) this season and another pick for the player who is among the NFL's best but most enigmatic wide receivers.
ESPN.com's Adam Shefter is reporting the Dolphinscould also send a second-round pick to the Broncos next year but The Miami Herald has not confirmed that yet. [Update: The trade is indeed for two second-round picks, one in 2010 and one in 2011.]
The trade is not yet complete and not yet announced. But it is happening, folks. Marshall is set to fly to South Florida as early as today (Wednesday) to take a physical. The NFL has not yet approved this deal.
The trade is a jaw-dropper on many levels.
Marshall is not, shall we say, typical of Dolphins wide receivers under Bill Parcells. He is 6-4 and 230 pounds of physical playmaker. He is also a guy with a troubling history for domestic violence and being suspended by his own team.
And he is a great producer.
Marshall, 26 years old,has caught over 100 passes for over 1,000 yards each of the past three seasons.
Last season, Marshall caught 21 passes in one game against the Indianapolis Colts. The entire Dolphins wide receiver corps -- all five guys -- did not have a 2009 game in which they combined for 21 catches.
Only last month Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Marshall was not a fit for the Dolphins and, well, everyone believed him. This offseason the Dolphins have acquired Marshall after Sparano said he wasn't a fit and cut Gibril Wilson after general manager Jeff Ireland suggested he would be playing well for the team in 2010.
The Dolphins have wanted to upgrade at wide receiver since last season and began focusing on Marshall at the beginning of this offseason. The club asked defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who was theDenver defensive coordinator last season, for his opinion on Marshall.
I am told it was an honest report that included facts of Marshall's warts. But Nolan also shared that Marshall is the best wide receiver talent his defense faced last year -- that in practice.
This actual deal has been in the works for only a matter of days. But the possibility of it leaked out Tuesday. As reported in the previous blog entry here, Marshall told at least one Denver Broncos teammates yesterday that he was headed to the Dolphins.
A side note to that report, the teammate told Marshall he wished he was coming to Miami, also.
Once this trade becomes official, the Dolphins and agent Kennard McGuire will finalize a new contract for Marshall. It will be an enormous deal.
I'm told the sides have already set parameters on a deal that will make Marshall the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. The highest paid WR in 2009 was Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald, who earned $10,893,332.
Marshall's deal will average at least $10 million per season and also could include guaranteed monies exceeding $30 million.
"Brandon Marshall is a friend of mine," Buffalo safety Donte Whitner said on his twitter account moments ago. "About to sign one of the most lucrative deals for a WR in NFL history. Congrats, bro!'
On the field, this get is a slam dunk.
Off the field, there are questions.
Marshall obviously wore out his welcome in Denver despite his supreme gifts. He was suspended once by the NFL and once by the team. He has a history of domestic violence -- with at least seven known instances in which police have been called or women have alleged he was violent against them.
In the locker room, Marshall was often engaging with the media but displeased with his coaches or the organization. To be fair, there were times Marshall was a coach-favorite also, probably coming on the heels of great performances.
But Marshall was unhappy because he deemed himself to be under-appreciated by the Broncos. Under-appreciated is defined as under-paid. The Broncos were reluctant to invest big money over a long span on the player because of his enigmatic history.
It will be interesting to find out if Marshall's contract has a behavior clause that would force him to forfeit or give back any money if he is convicted of any crime or suspended by the NFL.
The Dolphins officially have zero comment on this matter. Unofficially I'm told there was a great amount of debate about Marshall and, initially, there was no clear consensus on the matter. Eventually, however, that consensus was obviously reached.
Once official, this deal will give quarterback Chad Henne his best opportunity to become an elite quarterback. The Dolphins recognize they have an elite left tackle and a very promising signal-caller, but their offense was not dangerous for lack of a downfield threat.
Marshall, who has 25 TDs in four seasons including catches of 68, 71 and 75 yards, is set to become that threat.
Miami Dolphins
Dolphins dealing for draft picks?
Everyone is in play, one source told the paper. Ted Ginn, Justin Smiley(notes), Ronnie Brown(notes), and Tyler Thigpen(notes) are also supposedly at the top of the heap of players the Dolphins would like to send packing in exchange for picks.
The Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers supposedly have some interest in wide receiver Ginn, who pulled in 38 receptions last year for Miami, good for 454 yards and one touchdown. Former Dolphins coach Cam Cameron is now running the show in Baltimore and he is supposedly a fan of Ginns.
Source:: Yahoo Sports
Miami Dolphins: Will Jason Taylor meet with Tony Sparano?
So apparently theres a Chris Mortensen ESPN-TV report out there about a planned meeting between Tony Sparano and Jason Taylor at some point this week.
However, a Dolphins source tells the Sun Sentinels Omar Kelly thats news to him, and were still trying to confirm this report with Taylors camp.
If true and Mortensen is as plugged-in as they come that would be a good sign for Dolphins fans still hoping to see the team retain one of its most decorated players in franchise history.
Really, it would be the first positive sign yet in terms of a possible 13th season for JT in South Florida.
I stand by my report on Friday in which a Taylor associate said a deal with the Jets is close to done. Just because nothing has been announced doesnt mean the two sides have much more to talk about. Basically, reading between the lines, the NFLs active sacks leader is sitting back and pondering how he wants to close out a Hall of Fame career.
In the meantime, agent Gary Wichard went on Sirius NFL Radio early this evening and had some interesting things to say about Taylors two-day visit last week with the Jets and his personal feelings on whether hed like to see Taylor jump to his longtime rival.
Truthfully its really kind of in Jasons hands, Wichard told hosts Howard David and Pat Kirwan. We told him wed be speaking to him a little later in the week. Nothing has changed.
Jason went up there. Hes never been a free agent. He wanted to see what the situation was. Rex [Ryan] was very aggressive in going after Jason, so he wanted to have an opportunity to see what it was. He was pretty excited, to be honest, about their program and what they want to do. Now its really between his wife and he and moving the family, etc.
The hosts did not ask Wichard about Mortensens repot about a potential Sparano-Taylor summit this week, but the agent said again that Taylor and Tony have a great relationship.
After the draft, if [Taylor] doesnt go to New York, thats probably where hell end up, Wichard said of the Dolphins.
The Jets have not set a deadline for Taylor to make up his mind regarding their offer, Wichard said.
You know, they really havent, which was good, Wichard said. A prerequisite of the whole thing was Jason and Katina getting up there and spending time with Rex and meeting the players and seeing what Madison, N.J., was all about.
Then [the Jets] said, Just go back and figure it out. I dont think it will be anything lengthy as far as that goes, and I dont think it would be fair to not do it before the draft if that was the situation.
Asked how he thought Jets fans might receive him and whether Taylor was wary at all about that, Wichard laughed.
As a matter of fact, he loves playing up in New Jersey there and loves the fans because theyre so passionate, Wichard said. He gets a kick out of it. Hes kind of said things to incite Fireman Ed and some of the Jet fans.
What he digs is the passion. He always liked that. He always wanted to play in front of people like that. Whether it was up in New York or in Miami or wherever they went. He got a kick out of it and just enjoyed the kind of banter back and forth over the years.
And then came the final JT-related question for an agent who also represents likely 2010 first-round draft picks Jimmy Clausen, C.J. Spiller, Taylor Mays and Everson Griffen, just to name a few.
Would Wichard himself, a former C.W. Post All-America quarterback who grew up on Long Island, like to see Taylor sign with the Jets?
Me? Absolutely. Absolutely, he said in a typical burst of honesty. First of all, [Ravens linebacker and Wichard client] Terrell Suggs told me once every defensive player should be able to play one year with Rex Ryan. Thats kind of what I said to Jason, I think, when I finally convinced him to go up there.
[Ryan] has just got an unbelievable way of motivating guys, and I know sometimes he speaks kind of unfiltered and gets himself in trouble. He embraces his guys and his guys embrace him. Ive watched him all through the Baltimore days. Hes just dynamic when it comes to getting these guys to play.
This week, perhaps, well find out how dynamic Tony Sparano can be when it comes to getting an all-time great to stay.
Foo Fighters Star Hawkins Lands Royal Guests On New Album
Kelis Turns Chef
March 29th, 2010 R&B hitmaker KELIS showed off her culinary skills on Thursday (25Mar10), by treating guests at her album listening party to a home-cooked dinner. The Milkshake hitmaker was previewing her upcoming record Flesh Tone in Miami, Florida and delighted the audience with a three-course meal, telling guests she'd found a love for cooking at culinary school.
Foo Fighters Plan Garage Album
March 25th, 2010 DAVE GROHL wants to record the next FOO FIGHTERS album in his garage. The rocker recently revealed he had cancelled the band's planned hiatus after landing the opportunity to work with former Nirvana producer Butch Vig.
Foo Fighters Halt Hiatus To Work With Vig
March 9th, 2010 Rockers the FOO FIGHTERS have ended their hiatus after landing the chance to work with NIRVANA producer BUTCH VIG in the studio. Frontman Dave Grohl has abandoned his plans to concentrate on other projects after getting the opportunity to reteam with the mastermind behind the iconic Nevermind album.
Elton & Russell To Team Up For Piano Men Album
March 6th, 2010 ELTON JOHN is set to record a new album with southern rocker LEON RUSSELL and hitmaker T-BONE BURNETT. Burnett, who is Oscar nominated for his Crazy Heart song The Weary Kind, will produce the project.
Rockabilly Star Hawkins Dead
February 16th, 2010 Rockabilly pioneer DALE HAWKINS has lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 73. The singer/songwriter and record producer died on Valentine's Day (14Feb10).
John O Groats to Lands
February 4th, 2010 more imagesDavid Walliams is a guest on 'Breakfast' talking about his 'Sports Relief' John O'Groats to Land's End bike ride. Seen on BBC1.
Jennifer Hawkins dropped from Woman's Day cover after nude photoshoot
January 9th, 2010 more imagesmore imagesMELBOURNE - Jennifer Hawkins has been dropped from the cover of Woman's Day magazine as objections to her nude photoshoot continue to grow. The former Miss Universe dropped her layers for the cover of Marie Claire in an apparent effort to make women feel comfortable with their bodies.
Radio host blasts nude Jennifer Hawkins body image shoot for Marie Claire
January 4th, 2010 more imagesmore imagesMELBOURNE - Aussie radio host Bianca Dye has slammed fashion magazine Marie Claire for presenting Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins as a positive and natural role model for body image. Hawkins, 26, had posed for the magazine sans any cover up of her blemishes, which included a tiny crease on her waist, a slightly dimpled thigh and naturally uneven skin tones.
U2 Star Clayton Investigates Assistant Over 'missing Millions'
December 20th, 2009 U2 star ADAM CLAYTON is taking legal action against his former personal assistant over allegations she siphoned off money from his multi-million dollar fortune to fund a lavish lifestyle for herself. The bassist has secured a temporary court order in his native Dublin, Ireland to freeze Carol Hawkins' assets after she allegedly stole up to $2.56 million (?1.6 million) from his accounts.
Queen & Foo Fighters Drummers To Collaborate
November 18th, 2009 QUEEN drummer ROGER TAYLOR is planning to team up with FOO FIGHTERS star TAYLOR HAWKINS for a 2010 tour. The veteran rocker, who is due to release a solo album next year (10), admits he has grown close to his fellow percussionist in recent months.
Grohl Unhappy About Greatest Hits Album
November 6th, 2009 FOO FIGHTERS rocker DAVE GROHL is unhappy with the band's new Greatest Hits album, insisting they should have waited until they were ready to retire to release it. Grohl insists he and his bandmates had no say over the compilation, which was released earlier this week (ends06Nov09), and he would have turned down the venture had it not been written into their record contract.
Jennifer Hawkins' bikini label in trademark dispute
October 6th, 2009 MELBOURNE - Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins' bikini label has landed in a trademark dispute. The model's 'Cozi' brand has raised objections from the founder of Caussie, a swimwear line for men sold via eBay.
Chris Brown's mum "loves Rihanna like a daughter"
September 5th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Chris Brown's mother Joyce Hawkins misses his ex-girlfriend Rihanna and wishes to see her. Hawkins hasn't seen Rihanna after her son assaulted the Umbrella singer in February this year.
Rihanna Calls Brown's Mother 'mum'
September 1st, 2009 RIHANNA still maintains a close relationship with ex-boyfriend CHRIS BROWN's mother and even calls her "mum", despite the KISS KISS singer's conviction for violently assaulting her earlier this year (09). The Umbrella hitmaker was left battered and bruised by Brown after an altercation in February.
TENACIOUS D STEP IN FOR BEASTIE BOYS AT OUTSIDE LANDS
August 6th, 2009 JACK BLACK's raucous rock duo TENACIOUS D will replace the BEASTIE BOYS on the bill for the upcoming Outside Lands festival. The San Francisco, California event was one of many the Beastie Boys were forced to scrap after rapper Adam Yauch was diagnosed with cancer last month (Jul09).
