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Archives for March 2012

Shaka Smart to the Illini would make sense on many levels

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With the Bruce Weber termination in Champaign all but official, it's time for Illini fans to start looking at who his successor will be. And there's a lot of factors pointing in the direction of VCU leader Shaka Smart. He's currently making $1.2 million per year now at Virginia Commonwealth on an eight year deal. Before his Final Four run, he made "just" $350,000 per season. He … [Read more...] about Shaka Smart to the Illini would make sense on many levels

Auto Club 400 a home track for Jimmie Johnson (interview)

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Just ask Jimmie Johnson and he will tell you that he loves his native California weather. No brown leaves and grey sky for him. The El Cajon, Calif., native grew up racing in the deserts of California, where the sunshine was plentiful. While racing was a family affair, there were other activities the Johnson family enjoyed, including family camping trips to the river. Johnson … [Read more...] about Auto Club 400 a home track for Jimmie Johnson (interview)

Cheap head shot in Coyotes-Stars game triggers massive melee (video)

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A headshot like this will probably earn a suspension. Not thinking this is the type of behavior the NHL wants to condone in future hockey games. At 5:54 in the second period Tuesday night, Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars took a nasty shot to the jaw from Phoenix Coyotes Capt. Shane Doan. Benn fell to the ice. This sparked some brawling between the two teams and a whole ton … [Read more...] about Cheap head shot in Coyotes-Stars game triggers massive melee (video)

Bruce Weber gets offer to return to Southern Illinois

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Much like the University of Illinois job is Shaka Smart's gig to accept or turn down, the Southern Illinois head coaching job is Bruce Weber’s to turn down, according to The Southern. Weber led the Salukis to two NCAA Tournaments from 1998-2003 before moving on to the Illini, where he coached until he was fired on the second day of the Big Ten Tournament. Weber won 103 games … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber gets offer to return to Southern Illinois

Why did the Denver Broncos retire #18? Frank Tripucka had horrific stats

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The Denver Broncos have retired jersey No. 18--but the only player to ever wear that number for Denver said last week that he wanted to make it available for Manning. Former Notre Dame quarterback Frank Tripucka wore No. 18 for three seasons in the 1960s, when he was the first quarterback in Bronco history. After his tenure, the number was ceremonially retired. But Tripucka … [Read more...] about Why did the Denver Broncos retire #18? Frank Tripucka had horrific stats

UNC point guard Kendall Marshall improving, Heels preparing without him

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North Carolina Tar Heels Coach Roy Williams says Kendall Marshall’s status remains uncertain for the Midwest Regional semifinal against Ohio Friday night in St. Louis. He also added that the mean is practicing/preparing for the next round as if he wasn't going to play. Marshall fractured his wrist last weekend in the win over Creighton, although he stayed in the game after … [Read more...] about UNC point guard Kendall Marshall improving, Heels preparing without him

Buckeyes, Musketeers, Bearcats, Bobcats: Ohio basketball bonanza

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When it comes to college basketball, the state of Ohio is the anti-Illinois. There may be no Midwest swing in the region's most populous state this year (the Land of Lincoln) but there's plenty in the Buckeye state. The birthplace of aviation has seen their teams soar in the NCAA Tournament this year, as they went 8-0 on the first weekend. They comprise one fourth of the … [Read more...] about Buckeyes, Musketeers, Bearcats, Bobcats: Ohio basketball bonanza

Derrick Rose buys $2.7 million 84th floor condo; now neighbors with Patrick Kane

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Talk about the top of the Chicago food chain. It seems Chicago Bulls franchise player Derrick Rose and his counterpart on the Blackhawks (although technically Jonathan Toews is the better/more important player) now live in the same building. And not just any building: Chicago's most recently built skyscraper of skyscrapers, Trump Tower. Rose just bought himself a $2.7 … [Read more...] about Derrick Rose buys $2.7 million 84th floor condo; now neighbors with Patrick Kane

Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters

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The 2011-12 Illinois Fighting Illini alpha dog (Brandon Paul) and second banana (Meyers Leonard)  have submitted their names to the NBA’s undergraduate advisory committee to receive feedback on their draft stock. Therefore, they will have the chance to receive feedback from NBA scouts on their game, but still retain the ability to return to school next season. I think I know … [Read more...] about Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters