Update: Clay Helton to be OC at Memphis

OFFICIAL: Randy Fichtner leaving Tigers for Steelers (CVERNON.COM EXCLUSIVE)

I just got off the phone with Randy and he wanted to express his apologies for not being able to say anything about leaving when I asked him at the end of the week. But Fichtner is, in fact, leaving the University of Memphis. He will be on the show tomorrow barring a problem with the time of his meetings.

He is going to be the wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As many of you know, he told me at the end of the week that there was nothing going on (coaches will do this, even to friends). He was still recruiting for the school and nothing was concrete, therefore, he wanted nothing said. He set the record straight tonight. When he denied it, he was looking out for the best interest of Tommy and the team.

I appreciate him calling me and telling me. He was in the airport headed to Pittsburgh tonight and he meets with the Rooney's tomorrow to sign a contract. He expresses deep gratitude to Tommy West and everyone at Memphis, and told me that he thought the recruiting class was really good and he was proud of it. It is official though, Fichtner is leaving.

I wish him all of the luck in the world. Randy was good for the Tigers in 2 differents stints, and I for one, will miss him being here. Now the Tigers need 2 coordinators.

Interesting article from NY Times about West and Grizzlies

Good read for today. HERE IS THE LINK. Interesting quote...
"If West trades Gasol before the Feb. 22 deadline, he will most likely not receive a player to satisfy the Grizzlies’ goal: “We have to find a star here who will attract people,” West said.

Also, the Denver Post reports that Boston is the front-runner for Gasol, offering Al Jefferson and several draft picks.

I was just wondering...

What does Spain think about the game vs. Portland? Zach Randolph plays like an all-star, Pau plays like a... How many points did Randolph have in the 4th quarter and the overtimes? How many did Pau have? I was just wondering. This is what we in America call karma. How does the "best player in the world" get trashed by Zach Randolph when it matters most?

Jerry West Speaks

Jerry talks to Chad Ford about the Pau situation, draft, NBA (Audio)

Fox 13 Story (Video)

HERE IS THE LINK IF YOU MISSED IT

My petition to Spain through song

I LOVE SPAIN click for the song

Soy España apesadumbrada. Estoy apesadumbrado que usted no puede tomar una broma. Te quiero España.

I am sorry Spain. I am sorry you cannot take a joke. I love you Spain.

Spain can be funny...

These guys are photo-shopping the picture from the blog and they are hysterical. It is the Spanish forum on the Grizzlies message board. Now that is the way to react. That's funny.
http://grizzlies.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/480609274/m/3901043481

For my Spanish Fans, Welcome (I love Spain, Part 3)

See how much I love you... I will speak Spanish (Americans, use this)
Also, you can use the translator for the link to a new article today "Massive Answer to Vernon from Spain" in the Spanish paper. Here is another one. Also, Pau was not even named best Euro player today. What about this Spain? I thought he was the best in the world?

Pau no es el mejor jugador del mundo. Él no es uniforme cerca del mejor jugador. Estoy alegre él gané una medalla, incluso si él no jugó en el juego del campeonato. ¿Si América es tan mala, por qué Pau tuvo que venir aquí hacer baloncesto del dinero y del juego? ¿Si España es tan buena en el baloncesto, por qué él no justo permanecía en España? América entiende dureza. Pau permite más puntos que él anota. Hay dos extremos de la corte. En Memphis somos ventiladores de Grizzly, ventiladores no justos de Pau. ¿Cómo usted se sentiría si uno de sus mejores jugadores del fútbol deseó ser negociado? Pau no merece usar Memphis en su camisa. Amo España. Desea América viva el hermoso!

This is out of control (I love Spain, Part 2)

Between the posts on here and the emails I have gotten, this is crazy. It is a song. Pau is a basketball player. He asked to be traded. Then he said he loved Memphis and wanted to be here. Do you see how people would be upset? You either want to be traded or you do not, right? The people from Spain that have posted on here take Pau, basketball, and jokes waaaaaaaay too seriously. You should be ashamed. It is embarrassing and shows that you cannot take a joke. Fire away with more insults and threats, and then please go get a life. Why can you not laugh at yourselves? You see, in America, we joke around. It is not meant to insult all of Spain. It is goofing on a situation that happens to involve someone from Spain. We joke about Americans too. The Spanish reaction has been embarrassing and childish. I don't expect you to like the song, but stop taking things so seriously. Also, why does Pau always check for blood? Is that a Spanish thing?

I love Spain

Wow, Spain has a great sense of humor

Thank you for all of the kind comments Spain. A price on my head? Persona non grata? I guess you guys do not like the song? I will tell you that I wish I could understand all of the posts, but of the ones I could understand... I like the ones that call me mf and I like the guy that says I have fleas. Does fleas mean the same thing in Spain? If so, dig that. I love you Spain. (Scroll down to read the comments, that song must have been in the spanish paper today)

ROSER ON AMERICAN IDOL ONLINE! HYSTERICAL!

There was a bit of dissapointment when Roser was not shown on Idol last night. Then, I find that he was the official americanidol.com pick to win this year. hahahahahaha. My producer, Jon Roser, went over to the Forum when Idol came here and got himself interviewed during the tryouts and makes the most of it. He is the last one interviewed, the one that says he is the "most electrifying performer since Axl Rose." Jon Roser= The MAN. This is the best representation of him and the show ever. Thanks to all the listeners that encouraged this. He pulled it off. Absolutely classic. "I own you Taylor." World domination, it's how we roll.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/view/?vid=498

New Song-- Worldwide release

ODE TO PAU click on the link here for the song.

Worldwide Release of a new song today...

The show will include the release of the new original cvernon production...
"Who wants a Crying Spaniard?" It happens today, do not miss it.

As you know, this whole situation is like Christmas for me. Calkins turns on Pau today, and the fan club is completely disintegrating. This is the best.

Pau can be had...

Peter Vescey in New York gets the huge Grizzlies story...

GASOL, ONCE UNTOUCHABLE, CAN SUDDENLY BE HAD. We have talked about on the show that he looks like he wants to be traded. Don't kill the messenger on this, Vescey, instead focus on the message. I love it when people say that Vescey never gets anything right and forget who broke the Iverson being traded story, etc, etc. Again, you don't become Peter Vescey by getting everything wrong. I absolutely believe this. Make it happen Jerry. Vescey writes...

January 21, 2007 -- EARLIER this season, I revealed Boston had offered Memphis its choice of any combination of Celtics for Pau Gasol. Michael Heisley, a lame-duck owner at the time whose pending sale of the team recently ruptured, responded by anointing the franchise forward "untouchable."
Well, guess what, Heisley's uncompromising stance has been rewritten on dust in the wind.

Sources throughout the NBA disclose the 7-foot Gasol, an elite post-up performer, as tough a cover as there is within 15 feet of the rim, suddenly is eminently obtainable. Distressed at management's rebuilding-with-adolescence mood, the 271/2-year-old has asked to be traded to a playoff-positioned ensemble that, of course, would be instantly transformed into a legit title contender.
The offended Grizzlies aim to oblige.

I put this out there with utter certainty. Infallible informers report Grizzlies president Jerry West has explored prospective trade arrangements with at least three teams regarding Gasol. In order to protect my sources, the only one I'm willing to identify for the time being is the Bulls.

That may be enough. Obviously, Gasol's low-dock dealing (averaged 18.5 points on 50.5 field-goal accuracy his first five seasons as a pro before missing most of this season due to foot surgery) is what Chicago's off-shore drilling outfit needs.
The Bulls also own what Memphis wants, namely Luol Deng ($2.6 million) and Ben Gordon ($3.86M). In order to satisfy salary/transaction specs, Chicago would have to include P.J. Brown ($8.56M).

I'm told the Grizzlies are prepared to add Hakim Warrick ($1.2M) to a pot that so far does not include draft picks; Gasol currently is on the books for $12.8M and is owed $63M over the next four seasons.
That's as far as the exchange of ideas has progressed, so I'm told. As enthralled as Bulls vice president John Paxson surely must be by the opportunity to fill his team's lone conspicuous cavity, people in the organization claim he won't pull that particular trigger.

"Giving up Gordon and Deng would be very difficult," a Bulls insider insisted. "John will never go there. Not even if Scott Skiles and the rest of the coaching staff is beating on him to make that swap, which isn't the case."
As rapper DMX woofs, "Bad decisions lead to last decisions." Parting with the pair might prove to be just that bad, the same Bulls insider feels.

"Does Pau get you to the promised land minus both those players? We doubt it. He's an All-Star-caliber player, no question. But we're not sure he can be the best player on a playoff team expected to accomplish something significant," the insider said.

If the Bulls go strictly by what the Grizzlies failed to accomplish (0-12) in three straight playoff trips with Gasol as their leading scorer (20 ppg), I suppose that answers that. Rather than surrender both Gordon and Deng, I suspect Paxson prefers to roll the dice and hope inside force Tyrus Thomas matures faster than your average NBA toddler.

But don't misunderstand; this negotiation is only in its infancy. What's more, now that Gasol's availability is public, the bidding for his services figures to take a quantum leap.

Oh, I cannot wait. How funny that we find out in the NY Post.

This is the best news I have heard in a long time.

If you have not read Gary's column from Thursday...

It's a must for anyone. Big ups to G Peezy for a great, great article about this kid at Ark Little Rock. http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/9939146

Step your game up Coach O.

Thanks to Parrish for the link. Bruce Pearl is the incredible hulk. Get your joint on youtube Orgeron, Pearl has stolen your gig. I had no idea. The only thing is that I cannot help but like the guy because he does not take himself too seriously.

Losing Shane Battier

When the trade for Rudy Gay on draft day was made, I was for it. Losing Shane Battier for the chance at a possible superstar was worth it. I will not rush to judgement on Rudy Gay, but if I was a betting man, I would say he will never be a superstar. There are not a ton of superstars in the league. Let me go with this criteria... "a guy you can build a team around." That is what I do not think Rudy will ever be.

I was also alone in feeling that the team needed to recieve a legimate star in return for Battier. I understand what Shane means to a team. Many people do not. Numbers will never guage that guy and what he means to your team winning games. How many points does a guy keep off the board by deflections, taking charges, blocks, etc? Maybe if that added that to your ppg people would get it. Many will look at Battier's numbers and refer to him as mediocre, or average, and will never understand the impact.

I watched last night's Phoenix game and could not help but have full realization of what Battier meant. Gasol and Miller might lead the league in offensive ability/ defensive ability disparity. They are horrendous defensively, just awful. Battier always covered for these guys. He is not there, and he has not been replaced.

Can you build around the guy? No. Will having him translate to playoff wins? Obviously not. But he plays a huge role in making a team a winner. From Elton Brand, to Kevin Garnett, to Lebron James... in the 4th qtr. Battier was guarding them. He is also, if not the best, one of the top 3 "help" defenders in the league. Having the guy on the team made up for a multitude of defensive sins. You only have 5 players on the court, and when 2, or maybe more, of them are horrid defenders, you need a Battier to cover for them.

This team had to do something to shake things up. Battier had value. I understand that. But what I know is that I don't think many realize yet, or ever will, how important he was to making this team a winner at all. Here is what his new coach, Jeff Van Gundy, said about him...

Before Shane Battier took a last-minute charge for the second consecutive game, before he needed eight stitches to close the wound left by that charge, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy offered high praise. "He's the finest competitor I've coached in my 16 years in the NBA," Van Gundy said. "I've been fortunate. I've been around a lot of great competitors. I've never been around a competitor that plays every play, every day like he does. "The ability to sustain your concentration and your intensity and your focus every play, every day, every practice, every game, it's a unique talent that very few value. But that does have a huge impact on whether you are able to maximize your ability as a team."

People scoffed at losing the guy. People still say, "we only lost Battier." My point is that what the Grizzlies lost was their best post defender and perimiter defender, all in one guy. When people complain about the defense, realize that what is primarily complained about is what was covered up for the last few years by Shane Battier.

How about this? Battier meant more to making the Grizzlies a winning team than people will ever want to admit. Maybe he meant more than any Grizzly in terms of making them winners.

Vote or Die (isn't that what P Diddy said?)

Go Vote for the blog. You can find other nominees and VOTE HERE. If I don't win this thing after over a quarter million downloads of "Colonel Reb is Crying" I am gonna kick a cat. Actually, the cat that is on top of my car right now outside. Come to think of it, I am gonna kick that cat either way for tracking all over my car, but vote for me anyway or else I may do something else.
If you vote for me, I will come over to your house and kick the cat of your choice.

Also: Wright Thompson from www.espn.com just sent me his breaking news about Jerrell Powe re-signing with Ole Miss . I was always confused with this story. Why did his Mom say he could not read if he could? And how is he getting into school now? I bet he has been listening to the Chris Vernon Show and got a lot smarter very quickly.

A little off subject, but if you have not seen this...

Paula Abdul did an interview with a Seattle TV station and I have no clue as to what she is on. If you want to guess, let me know. There will be a story about what is wrong with her soon, that is for sure.

Can anything better happen?

Yesterday when we got a call from Andy Wise out of nowhere, and we knew we had it workin. Andy Wise from channel 3, one of the show favorites, calls in and I thought I should just retire. I should just walk away. I thought nothing better could ever happen... until today.

Cory B. Trotz called in out of nowhere. The man. Cory B. Trotz. The Heavy Hitter. Holler at your boy. I have no idea what could happen that would be better, what could be any funnier? Any suggestions as to what could possibly be more impressive? I cannot think of anything. What can possibly happen next? I should probably quit. I have reached the pinnacle of broadcasting in Memphis. The Chris Vernon Show-- what the stars are listening to. Cory B, Andy Wise, and you. Represent.

WOODY-- the listener that claims that Mark McGwire got snubbed by the HOF voters because he has an impressive physique and writers are jealous of great bodies was on the show and debated with the callers. It is broken into two parts. This guy is great. Enjoy.

Woody Segment Part 1

Woody Segment Part 2

Florida 41 Ohio St. 14

I thought that Florida would keep the game close, and said I would not be surprised if they won the game, but that was bananas. Seriously, I thought it would be a matter of Chris Leak. Troy Smith is now a joke of a Heisman winner. He goes down like Jason White. I got a text message from a friend when the Gators were up 14-7 that said that the BCS should know better than to let the SEC into a title game... it went on to say, what would Auburn have done? Makes you think. This certainly gives credence to the "tested more" argument. Also, Florida looked about 300 times faster than Ohio St. Chris Leak... what a story. Wrong team favored.

Our bandwagon segment is on today...

and NFL.COM has endorsed bandwagon fans just like the show. This is great. Ladies and gentleman... the nfl.com "which playoff bandwagon to get on" generator. If you do it, comment below and tell us who you got.

when i want to forget about what happened this weekend...

I do what I did when I was a child... I find refuge in the Hulkster. The end of this is my favorite end of an interview of all-time.

Feelings through art (season ending edition)

Learn to talk cool

Gary and I were joined by Taco Meat and a succession of callers in a quest to become cooler by learning black slang. We are doing are part in ending a racial divide in Memphis. Here is the audio of the segments. Learn to talk cool.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/how-to-talk-cool-taco-meat-mp3.html

http://www.zshare.net/audio/how-to-talk-cool-part-2-calls-mp3.html

Hope you liked that over in the Grizz game. If you don't have a million dollars by now, and you listen to the show, that is on you playa. I have beaten the brakes off Vegas.

Verno

I just saw the number posted for tonight's game

Grizzlies/ Boston over under set at 213. Vegas thinks the last game was about Golden State. This should be easy money on the over. You are welcome if it works out like I think, if not, I never said it. I do not condone gambling, I am just doing some philanthropy.

Grizz Coach Tony Barone interview from the show (1-4-07)

http://www.zshare.net/audio/tonybarone1-4-07-mp3.html I love listening to this guy, and I love what he has done with the team so far. Great to talk to him after a historic game (highest scoring regulation game since 1992). That's ballin.

Free Tickets for Website Visitors

I have 4 pair of tickets for Friday night's SHOWTIME BOXING EVENT at Desoto Civic Center. It is for the Super Middleweight IBO Championship between Jean Paul Mendy and Anthony Hanshaw (Both Undefeated) and 7 undercard fights. It is part of ShoBox The Next Generation series and it will be on tv on Showtime. If you are reading this, and you can go, email me at verno@730espn.com and I will hook you up with the tickets as long as you can get by the studio (on Beale) tomorrow by 5 pm. Sometimes, reading www.cvernon.com pays. Bookmark it.

Barone interview will be up later. Verno

If there is a question you want asked of Barone...

I will try to get it in... send it to verno@730espn.com.

Tony Barone on the Show Thursday (3 pm hour)

One of the great defensive minds of our time, Tony Barone (Grizz Head Coach for now) will join us coming off the Grizz posting 144.

Trivia Contest... Which of these things did Verno proclaim on Wednesday?

a. that you should bet a everything you have on over 212 in the Grizz game
b. that this game would be the highest scoring game in Forum history
c. that this game was the over/under GAME OF THE YEAR
d. all of the above

The answer is D and I cannot take it anymore, it is getting kind of old to be honest. I have to go cure cancer or something because I feel so guilty for analyzing sports with this brain I have.

I LOVE JOE KINES.

Please stop courting Nick Saban and hire this man Alabama. Please join me in supporting the hiring of one of the greatest men to ever walk this great earth. Joe Kines in '08. Step yo game up Coach O, this guy is taking over.





And while I am at it-- this is fantastic, no idea how they did this...

You play to win the game. Could it have been any better?

The 2 pt conversion to win. Hook and ladder, statue of liberty, give me a break. Incredible.

Mike Fratello has been fired

more on this on the show today (Grizzlies Power Hour)
Bert Sugars Bowl Picks in the third hour

Jimmy Denunzio (Friday performance)

I am pretty sure he was hammered. Rusty also gave us some picks.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/jimmydenunzio12-22-06-mp3.html

Rest of the Picks (Philanthropy)

Verno's-- Central Mich -9.5 over MTSU
Tampa +3 over Cleveland

Verno's Philanthropy NFL Game of the Year
Indy -9 over Houston

Gary's King TUT Parlay (live like a king)
T- Texas A&M +6 over Cal
U- UCLA -5 over Fl. State
T- Tulsa +1.5 over Utah

I also like San Diego -4 and S Fran -4
I will also be all over the Hawaiian Massacre Part 4 in their Bowl Game

Rice -4.5 is one of the picks (tonight) i will get the rest up by the morning

LATE MONEY UPDATE: do not touch this game, I just got strong information that Rice is terrible.

Seriously, could I have been more right

Yesterday on crown em/ clown em, I decided to crown Greg Paulus even before last nights game vs. Gonzaga. I love this guy. I said he would pound Gonzaga and Ravio would do nothing. Guess what? He killed them, and Ravio had 4 pts. Paulus had a career high 20 and dove into the scorers table twice. The guy is bleeding from the head, gets stiches, and comes back in the game. If you don't like this kid there is something wrong with you. Oh, and this is perfect... Check out what Gary was forced to write about him after last night. Justice prevails, and more people learn to never doubt me. I am trying to improve your sports brain... just let me. I tried to make this clear when I gave this speech a few weeks ago. Just let go and submit to my incredible brain.

David Eckstein Audio (on the show Thursday)

World Series MVP David Eckstein Audio

ESPN Columnist Wright Thompson in studio today

Wright Thompson on the show at 5:30. He has a must-read incredible article on espn.com right now about a teacher and the Mannings. HERE IT IS.

Merry Christmas

PLEASE DO NOT PRESS PLAY IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED BY CRUDE HUMOUR. OTHERWISE, YOU ARE WELCOME. Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg (this is the uncensored version from SNL with Timberlake this week)

Eckstein and the quick Rocky review

Change of plans with Eckstein. I am not sure if he will be able to make it to the studio in time, but regardless, he will be on the show at 5. The World Series MVP David Eckstein.

I went to see the new Rocky movie last night. I had high expectations for the flick. It did not disappoint. I always felt like Rocky V was a horrible ending for a series of movies that I loved. I know some are better than others, but I love I-IV. So, with that being said, I wanted Rocky Balboa to be a proper ending to a great series. When I left the movie, Gary and I agreed that it was. That is what it is, its a wrap up that makes things come full circle. I will also tell you that the girlfriend has never seen any of the Rocky movies and she really liked it. For Rocky fans, it ties things together from other movies of the past, which was nice. If you are a Rocky fan, you will dig it. Antonio Tarver is in the movie, and he was on the show, audio below still if you missed it.

David Eckstein in studio and Congrats, Michael Heisley is still your owner

WORLD SERIES MVP DAVID ECKSTEIN WILL BE IN STUDIO THURSDAY.

THE ECK--- IN OUR STUDIOS!

We had Antonio Tarver on Monday (audio below if you missed it). Nice week at the end of the year for the show.

Now to the Grizzlies...

I was beside myself with some of the commentary of the calls we took on Tuesday. As many of you know, I was stunned by the negativity surrounding the Davis group and its attempt to buy the Grizzlies. My position from the jump was that if Davis and his group did not have the money, they would not get the team. That was a huge if, obviously. My stance had always been that David Stern and the board would not give a guy a team if they did not feel it was a stable situation.

Did I want the group bid to succeed? Sure I did. As I would with any group that said they would move to Memphis, embrace the city and the fans, and commit to a winning product. I am guilty of that optimism in this case. In addition to those qualities, I loved the idea of having a young African-American owner in Memphis. There was always a huge question of the money, but that was not for me to decide. That was for the NBA to decide, if it ever got to that point.

Why did I get so irritated with the "I told you so" people? Because in the end, Michael Heisley is still the owner of the team. What did you tell me? That I should never have been optimistic? That is exactly what I was talking about in the first place, and today reinforced my point. I wanted to believe in something better. I have never and will never get a good explanation of why people were so negative about the idea. Why could they not think like me and concede that if the money is not there, it would not happen? Today proved nothing except that some of the callers have no ability to process logical thought. I love the idea that a new ownership would have run the team in an undesirable way. Like say....

Have a boring coach that no one likes?

Create an environment that has little to no excitement and 10,000 in the stands?

Holds back a great GM from doing what he does best?

Holds back that same GM from making personnel moves and taking a run at a legit superstar?

Cutting costs all across the board continually for 2 years?

Lying and saying his GM can make decisions in the basketball operations?

Wanting no part of owning the team anymore?

I apologize for wanting something better, and hoping someone could provide it. I am sorry. Do I wish they had the money? You are damn right I do. I will with the next group, and the next, and then next one after that.

My favorite line of the day was when a caller (Mario) blamed the Davis group for the Grizzlies not getting in the Iverson mix. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA, Seriously, Stop it, Hahahahaha! I was charged with being "duped" for wanting to believe in the Davis group. I host a radio show. Heisley was also just hoping too? He hand-cuffed Jerry West from improving the franchise status leaps and bounds without knowing for sure if the deal was kosher? He was just sitting at a table with his fingers crossed about the deal? He allowed an attainable superstar to be taken off the market for less than what the Grizz could offer because he was sure it was going through, right? Surely if Mario and my brilliant callers knew not to believe it could happen, a multi-millionaire should too, right? Don't give me that Davis gave him some piddly fee and that is why he thought it would go through. The facts are that Heisley is responsible for holding back Jerry West and he has been in cost-cutting mode for running on two years. Heisley should damn well better know that the deal is a sure thing before he makes the decision to not make moves that would help this franchise more than anything else ever has. Michael Heisley was at one time a very good owner. Now he is a guy trying to roll out, and he acts as such. This franchise could have gotten Allen Iverson. A franchise changing move stopped... and it is unforgivable. That was our chance, and I am supposed to blame a potential buyer who may never be seen or heard from again? Give me a freaking break. Unforgivable.

If you want to cheer, and celebrate, and act as if you knew all along, have fun. Are you happy that you were right and these guys did not have the money? Take pride in the fact that you were right in your assumption, but realize that now the mess only continues. Congrats, the Grizzlies are still owned by a guy that wants to get rid of them. Still happy?

Antonio Tarver Interview

Tarver is Mason "the line" Dixon in the new Rocky movie. He was on the show on Monday. Here it is... http://www.zshare.net/audio/antoniotarver-mp3.html

Just for you Geoff...

Couple of thoughts from last night...

I don't know what Mike Fratello says to the team before they come out, but I know it is terrible. Worst pre-game speech coach of all-time. He has to be. They can't even get to 20 in the first qtr.

It was only 2 minutes into his debut that Pau checked for blood. Hilarious. Of course I had several people mention this to me because they know how I love the toughness that Gasol exudes. 2 minutes in? Come on. I have not seen one other player in the league check for blood this year. 2 minutes. Battier had it all over his face, like a horror movie, and had to have someone bring it to his attention last year. 2 minutes. Also, good to see Gasol sold the Grizzlies 3 extra tickets for the game. Memphis was excited to get their paper all-star back. Max players are box office. And by the way, someone brought up Garnett yesterday... he sells you tickets.

Friday Incredible Brain

Tonight following the show from 6-6:30 stay tuned for the first Grizzly pre-game we will be doing on weeknight home games. Chris Herrington from the Flyer, who you hear on the show and is the leader in Grizz analytical insight and out-of-the-box thinking about the Grizzlies, will be my co-host.. BB Kings on Beale is the title sponsor and I encourage you to support them and the show by making it your stop before or after the games. I love BB Kings, it is Memphis, and could not be happier with having them on board.

Calkins predictably wrote about how great Pau is with Gasol's return coming in the next few games. Here is one of the quotes... "Consider the flotsam Gasol has had as teammates. Can you think of any really good, close-to-All-Star-level players he's had the opportunity to play with during his six years in the league?
Tim Duncan has Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli. Amare Stoudemire has Steve Nash and Shawn Marion. "

I have addressed this point of view a hundred times. Pau is not Tim Duncan, Pau is not Amare Stoudemire. He's not Steve Nash. The fact of the matter is this... it is more about those particular players than the players around them. All of the sudden, if Duncan was in the place of Pau, Miller would be awesome, and the other players all seem better. I will never understand how that is hard to understand. Superstars make the other guys better. I have no idea why it is always about who else is on the team. To constantly throw Pau in a category of a bonafide superstar like Duncan or Nash does a disservice to Pau and the players he has played with. He's not and will never be that guy. An offense that runs around Pau cannot win a playoff game. You think Tony Parker as a rookie wins more because of Parker, or could it be that he is on the team with Duncan? It is so absurd, yet professed as a fair point of view. But then again, there has never been a negative word written about Gasol in this town.... ever. When Pujols goes 0-5 in big spots, even in an incredibly easy media town like St. Louis, everyone doesn't blame the other players in the line-up. They put Pujols on the spot. Why? Because he is the guy. Gasol will never know how great he has it here media-wise until he goes to another city. And again, this team was built with Pau in mind, so when you lose him, you are gonna be awful. When the Grizzlies were good without Gasol in the past, the team was not built around him. And guess what... those "average" players won at a higher clip when he was out. How was that possible?

Thoughts...

Yao is the best center in the NBA, and it is not close right now.

Alex Smith is much, much better than I thought he would be.

I like when Joey Porter talks crazy. Especially about a guy like Kellen Winslow.

How many games are the Sixers gonna lose before they get a deal done for A.I.?

If the Davis group bid does not go down, will Heisley keep the Logo's hands tied?

I saw a story saying Jeff Bagwell was retiring. I thought he already had.

Holler.

Jerry West blows up at Mike Fratello

very, very interesting... here is the link if you want to read for yourself

Jerry West and Mike Fratello blow up on each other
Posted by Frank Hughes

The buzz in the Sonics' locker room before Wednesday's game vs. Chicago was an apparent blowup between Memphis Grizzlies GM Jerry West and coach Mike Fratello, who apparently got in each's other faces on Wednesday. West supposedly told Fratello that he needs to stop making excuses for the team losing. The Grizzlies are 5-16 and have the worst record in the league -- though, to their defense, they have played the entire season without Pau Gasol. Anyway, the players were saying that West never liked Fratello, and that he wanted to hire Eric Musselman all along, the reason West put Musselman on Fratello's staff before Musselman got hired by Sacramento. It was owner Michael Heisley who made the decision to hire Fratello. I don't have any insider knowledge, but to me that would seem to spell the beginning of the end for Fratello. There would seem to be no way he wins a power struggle with The Logo, although you have to wonder how the pending sale of the franchise factors into everything.

thanks to Mark for the link

more on this, etc. in the mornin

a big thanks to all of you that came out to Hooters on Wed.

verno

Today at Mt. Moriah Hooters

I've got the tix for Rocky Balboa. Eric Hasseltine will be out there with us. Make plans and come by from 3-6. It's the 2007 Hooters Calender signing from 5-7. Get there early if you can.
Teen Wolf would want you to.

Verno

SOUTHLAND MONDAY FROM 3-6.

As you may have heard, what was Southland Greyhound Park, has made about a bazillion dollars in upgrades and we are taking the show on the road there for Monday from 3-6 and then after for MNF.
I have possibly the greatest reason ever to come on, besides seeing the new Southland and the greatest radio show on earth.... I have passes for you to go to a sneak preview of the new Rocky movie before it comes out. Gary and I talked about this last week, and turns out, the powers that be were put in contact with us and made it happen. Come to Southland and get the passes, and we will have a bunch of other stuff to register for and win. Holler.

I mentioned the Rocky production folks getting with us for this. Big thanks to Johnny Betts, a Memphian, and his outstanding movie review site for regular people.... http://www.themoviemark.com/. Check out the site.

Come to Southland on Monday, sneak it in the schedule. Teen Wolf would want you to.

Jimmy Deunzio Segment

The world's greatest handicapper joins Gary and I every Friday. In this weeks installment, we finally talk to the mysterious Rusty. Here it is...

http://www.zshare.net/audio/jimmydenunzio12-8-06-mp3.html

BALLER

I have not seen anything like Chris Lofton's performance in a long time. That was a serious whoopin. Tennessee put it on Memphis something awful. I have said that I was looking forward to this game after every Tiger game so far (since Maui neutral court games) has looked like the Globetrotters vs. the Generals. Well, I saw it, and it was not pretty. They, like I said, have a lot of athleticism and not a lot of really "skilled" basketball players. When I say that I mean to say guys that really know how to play. Dorsey is 35 years old with still no clue. Tennessee could subdue the press and athleticism, and then had "that guy." The question of who will be the run stopper, and who will be "that guy" is still completely unanswered for Memphis. When that game was getting away, Hunt tried and he could not throw it in the ocean. There are only a few good games on the Tiger schedule, at least two of them have been embarrassing defeats so far. Chris Lofton= Baller.

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Verno's You Can Trust Me Ricky Peete No Losing Allowed Parlay
N-- Navy -20 over Army
L-- La Monroe +3 over La Laffayette
A-- Arkansas +3 over Florida

Verno's Reputation on the line, team with ancient city for name vs. awful team GAME OF THE YEAR!
Troy -10.5 over Fl Int

Gary's Claw Parlay
C-- Colorado St -4 over SDSU
L-- Louisville -24 over Uconn
A-- Air Force +17 over TCU
W-- West Virginia -8.5 over Rutgers

Gary's Since He can't bet against Memphis, the closest thing is betting against DeAngelo MNF
Philly +points over Carolina

Bert Sugar's Picks 68.5% this year on the show
Arkansas +3 over Florida
WVU -8.5 over Rutgers
Navy -20 vs Army
Oklahoma -3.5 over Nebraska
USC -13.5 over UCLA

Have a great weekend millionaires.

Bonus Pick.....

Lion Wins over the Bear in animal warfare.

The evidence continues to mount...

For all of you that have been on the grizzly bear side of the argument (including my own father, and I have gotten "you are so stupid" emails about), thanks to Listener Tim, we have this...
watch this "ferocious" Grizzly Bear get completely punked out. I am the smartest man.



Is that a big enough bear for you? And that isn't even a real lion punking him out. Submit to my incredible brain. I expect to be flooded with apologies. Put your snide comments up now.
Cougar Shows Bear - video powered by Metacafe

Still waiting on emailed apologies to read on show... More Feelings Through Art for now

We need to be clear on something...

We went back and checked the tape and the argument was generic bear vs. generic lion. That is exactly what we achieved in the video and the lion wins. Stop emailing and commenting otherwise. I am sorry that I am so intellectually superior to most of you and it is hard to accept, but it is clear that I have become the foremost authority on animal hand-to-hand combat in Memphis. Stop being stupid and submit to my incredible brain. All of you that do not agree with have been put in a mental casket and shall remain there until further notice.

If you care about who gets the Alabama job...

Loyal listener Gary has a blog that is tracking it ... http://memphistider.blogspot.com/

Lion vs. Bear

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Got a "Dashie Award"

It might as well be a damn Grammy to me...

The "DASHIE" Awards Pat Forde from ESPN.com writes:

Song Of The Year: The Memphis radio guy's "Coach O Song" (33), a tribute to the highbrow oratory of Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron. If you haven't heard it, find it. Anyone familiar with Orgeron's lingual skillz will die laughing.

Grizzlies news while I was gone, etc...

I read the article about the Brian Davis group and how they are going to (gasp) cut payroll and try to maintain a good product while not hemorrhaging money. It seems as Grizzlies fans are really scared about what this ownership group will do with the team. Count me as one that is not scared. The Grizzlies have had a stupid payroll for their last few years. The great teams in the NBA have reasonable payrolls, but they also have the ability to get FA's to sign at a reasonable price, which Memphis may never be able to do. There is no debating that it will be really hard to build a championship contender in Memphis. You have to either have a player that people think they can win a championship with, or play a style that will help them make more money in the future (think Toronto) to even have a chance.

It seems to me that everyone is disenchanted by the Davis group because of the articles written in the CA, yet we never hear from Davis. If I was him, I would talk. I know this... when guys don't talk to the media, they become targets to be portrayed however anyone that wants to talk about them wants them to be portrayed. That is what is happening with the Davis Group. I am withholding judgement until I hear from them. This idea that the local ownership should come in and save the day is a nice thought, but also worthy of questioning. What basketball acumen do any of them have? What makes anyone think that they would pay Jerry West and he would stay? The local owners come in on a white horse and save the city from the evil outsider trying to ruin and move the team, ahahhahahahahaha. I like the idea of an outsider, so I am rooting for the Davis group to work. Memphis has a problem with a small town mentality, and many always want to keep it that way. I could list 1000 examples, but I do not have time. Suffice to say that 7 years ago you could find anyone to tell you that the NBA would come to Memphis. Ever. I will update these thoughts as I hear more about the Davis group, and (novel idea) hear from them.

Peter Vescey said yesterday in his article that the Celtics were interested in acquiring Pau Gasol. Immediately everyone discredited Vescey by saying "he never gets anything right." Which is totally ridiculous. He puts out a ton of information and some is not right, but Peter Vescey is not Peter Vescey by consistently getting everything wrong. So anyway, the messenger was killed instead of dealing with the message. Here is the point... is Boston interested in Gasol... I absolutely believe that.

For the record, if I could get a great return on a trade for Pau, I would do it. The team is not going anywhere with him.

I would trade Miller for Maggette. Could Maggette score in May? We don't know about Maggette but we know Miller cannot.

Alabama better come up with a great hire this time.

I have long been in favor of adding one game to the end of the bowl season and have said it would provide a fantastic ending to the best regular season in sports. Now we would have Ohio St. vs. Florida, Michigan vs. USC and then one more game. Sounds perfect.

Mark McGwire is on the baseball HOF ballot but will never get in. It only takes 25% of the voters to keep a guy out. He never gets in.

Carlos Lee is comparable in stats to Chris Duncan. Carlos Lee just signed with the Astros for 100 Million. Lord help us all.

Listen to the show and your life will change.

Bert Sugar Picks

75 % THIS SEASON SO FAR ON THE SHOW

Boston College -4 over Miami (thurs)

Air Force -10.5 over UNLV (fri)

Ohio -3 over Miami Ohio (fri)

Ole Miss -3 over Miss St

N Carolina -7 over Duke

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Verno's Indian Involved Thanksgiving Parlay

Central Mich -15 over Buffalo
Ohio -3 over Miami Ohio
New Mexico -10 over SDSU

Mama Said don't mess with a good thing... HAWAIAN MASSACRE PART 4 (3-0 SO FAR)

HAWAII -17 OVER PURDUE (INFINITY STARS + A BILLION STARS + 1) aka. Tropical team in last game vs. team from Indiana GAME OF THE YEAR!

Gary's Gobble Parlay
G-- G Tech -1.5 over Georgia
O-- Ohio -3 over Miami Ohio
B-- Ball State -3 over Kent St
L-- Louisville -11 over Pitt

Gary's Happy Thanksgiving Utep Gold Miners Game of the Year!
Utep -11 over Memphis

BERT SUGAR PICKS TO COME...

RECE DAVIS= HERO

We have said it before, we will say it again, Rece Davis is our favorite ESPN personality. On College Football Final he gives us a huge subliminal shout-out just like he said he would on the show. Here are the Ole Miss/ LSU highlights where he references the song as many times as you can in one highlight. Rece Davis = Hero. Thanks to listener Hank for the recording.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/rece-davis-mp3.html

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Verno's Frank Thomas gettin paid Parlay

H-- Houston -16.5 over Memphis
U-- UL Lafayette -3.5 over Fl. Int (easiest pick on the board, incredibly simple pick)
R-- Rutgers -6.5 over Cincy
T-- TCU -17 over UNLV

Mama said don't mess up a good thing, with that in mind... The Tropical Team at home playing against a Team from Cali GAME OF THE YEAR (infinity to the third power stars)

Hawaii -25 over San Jose St

Gary Parrish One Year Plan Shawne Williams Parlay

O-- Oklahoma -20.5 over Baylor
Y-- Y-oming -9.5 over UNLV
P-- Purdue -12.5 over Indiana

Gary's Pay future Memphis Recruits Game of the year
Houston -16.5 over Memphis

Bert Sugar Picks

Yesterday, Bert joined us for the Weekly Cigar with Bert Sugar. These are his picks. (He is 73 % on the show this year) Rest of the picks will be up later today.

Mich +7 over Ohio St

USC -3.5 over Cal

Auburn -3 over Bama

Tenn -8.5 over Vandy

C Mich -3.5 over N. Illinois *Friday Night

Who said the Grizzlies can't play up-tempo?

Jerry West said the vets don't like to run. Mike Fratello said the team is too injured to run. I swear I saw a team run last night and had a real chance at winning, while being 5 times as entertaining as they had been all year. Truly amazing, I hope we have a trend on our hands.

Column in Baton Rogue about Colonel Reb is Crying

This week Ole Miss plays against LSU. The columnist for the Baton Rogue Advocate is Scott Rabalais, and he wrote his column about the song this morning.

Baton Rogue Advocate

New Arkansas Fight Song

Here is the song we played on the show today. Thanks to emailer Jason for the link.
http://allythigpen.com/woo2.swf

Here is a name for you...

So obviously getting ready for the show today I have put a lot of thought into what to do about the Head Coach position of the Memphis Grizzlies. Thus, all of the posts today.

In talking to people around the league, I have come to the conclusion that the guy that most everyone feels will be the first coach to be hired as a head coach, replacing a fired coach, will be Marc Iavaroni. I hope it is here. Funny that his bio sites him coaching with Fratello, but be not dismayed, Fratello coached with Hubie so that means very little.

Iavaroni is the lead assistant in Phoenix, and an excellent choice for any team attempting to create excitement.

This is what I hopes happens. Get rid of Fratello, let someone coach the team until the Dec. 1st deadline and you know what would happen with the impending sale... and then hire this guy. I would bet whoever owns the team, if they had any sense about them, would hire the guy that everyone else would too. He is the logical first hire. An up-and-coming coach for an up-and-coming team.

Contrary to what many would say, Memphis could and should run. It is what needs to happen. It hides a ton of weaknesses and they have the youth and depth to do it. You tell me what is better... having Lawrence Roberts running the lane finishing (which I am told he is excellent at), or having him post up and take a hook shot on Yao Ming?

Warrick, Gay, and Stro running down the court filling the lane. Lowry pushing the ball. Vets coming off the bench playing their 10-15 minutes. A rejuvenated Mike Miller.

I mentioned hiding weaknesses. Who saw Marion and Diaw play in the WBC? I will tell you that they did not look like Marion and Diaw in a half-court set.

Play like Phoenix.... Hire Marc Iavaroni before someone else snags him.

You heard it here.

In a perfect world... it's Jerry West coaching the Grizzlies

In my previous post I mentioned this, and here are some reasons why...

These are all his players. Outside of Pau, he has drafted ,or brought in, each of them.

Clean up the mess he made by not rolling the guy in the off-season.

Fans are immediately energized. People want to hear the interviews and pressers and it creates excitement.

Grizzlies become more relevant simply because the Logo is the coach.

There are no respect issues from the vets, or the young ones, or anyone for that matter.

He does have head coaching experience.

He has no worries of being fired.

Excitement, excitement, excitement. Even the fringe fan knows Jerry West.

I see only one problem, and that is that he hates losing. Unfortunately with this team, that is inevitable.

Jerry West for Grizz Coach.... One last hurrah. What would be a bigger bolt of energy for this team and franchise?

Someone will steal this and use it as their own idea I am sure. I figured I would mention that before you hear it as to humiliate the un-original. Hasseltine on from 3-4, should be fun.

Mike Fratello

Fans don't like him. The media does not like him. Players do not like playing for him. He is driving fans away from the arena. His style is to play slow. His style is to play vets.
I don't blame him. If management did not want him next year and they knew it, they should have rolled him.
Who would want to really help an organization, and put that ahead of their own interests this year, and put their stock in a future that they will not experience?
Mike Fratello is a good basketball coach, but right now if you were going to draw up the worst fit for this particular team, it would probably be Mike Fratello.

This sounds strange, but the Grizzlies need to put someone in the position that doesn't have to worry about how many games they win. Think about what Bernie Birkerstaff has been charged with doing in Charlotte. He is not worried about his job, because he is investing in a future that he will be a part of. So he is fine with getting guys experience. Its not normal, but it is what this team needs. I guy that doesn't worry about his record, because he is secure.

I would love to see Jerry West take over. Imagine the excitement. It would be perfect.

THE WORLDS GREATEST HANDICAPPER

JIMMY DENUNZIO HAD A VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCE ON FRIDAY. MANY OF YOU HAVE REQUESTED THESE TO BE POSTED. ENJOY.

HERE IT IS.

Philanthropy (the picks)

We give back to the community by giving our picks for free. Enjoy becoming a billionaire. Give back to others like we do.

Verno's BCS Parlay
B-- Boston College -29 over Duke
C-- Cal -13.5 over Arizona, or C Florida over Memphis
S-- South Carolina +13 over Florida

Verno's Tropical Team playing against Worst Defense Ever Game of the Year
Hawaii -36 over La Tech (aka the Hawaiian Massacre) Infinity * Infinity Stars

Gary's KFED Parlay
K--Kentucky -2 over Vandy
F--Florida St -8 over Wake
E--East Carolina -7 over Marshall
D--Denver -9.5 over Oakland

Gary's Lock of the Year
Central Florida -2 over Memphis

Bert Sugar Picks (over 70 % on the show this year)
Louisville pick was a loss
USC -7.5 over Oregon
Navy -11 over E Mich
N Dame -13.5 over Air Force
Southern Miss -7 over Tulane

I promise the Denunzio picks will be up soon.

Verno

Picks will be up today... until then... enjoy

No explanation needed.


It is impossible to be in a bad mood after watching this. I have found the cure for bad moods.

Every couple of weeks...

I feel the need to watch this over and over again. It is the greatest American sports moment of all-time.

How about this for a recruit... Memphis commit Derrick Rose

This is serious...

If you are here because you read the Knoxville News Sentinel Article today...

You can click on www.thechrisvernonshow.blogspot.com to get the songs and videos.

Philanthropy (the picks)

Verno's BORAT Parlay (first 5 gamer ever released to public)
B-- BYU -15 over Colorado St
O-- Ohio St -24 over Illini
R-- Rice +9 over Utep
A-- Arkansas -2.5 over S. Carolina
T-- Tulsa -3.5 over Houston

Verno's Tropical Team in Utah GAME OF YEAR (guguplex stars)
Hawaii -26.5 over Utah St.


Gary's T-Head Moy parlay
M-- Marshall -4.5 over Tulane
O-- Oklahoma -2.5 over Tex A&M
Y-- Y-Oming (whoever they play and whatever spread is)

Gary's Great Success High Five Lock of the Century
S Miss -7.5 over Memphis

Bert Sugar Picks
Air Force -6.5 over Army
S. Miss -7 over Memphis
Wisconsin -6.5 over Penn St
Ball State +34 over Mich
Pitt -5 over S. Florida

I will do my best to get the Denunzio audio up by Sat afternoon

Verno

CA Article runs on the song today

HERE IS THE ARTICLE

Big thanks to Scott Cacciola for writing the piece. Thank you to all of you that listen to the show, you made this happen. Holla.

Verno

A little explanation on the picks

All losing picks were taken off the board. Gary and I got late information letting us know that all of the picks that we made that lost should be taken off, and we took them off the board. If you did not call the millionaire line, that's on you homey. It's not a kids game.

Philanthropy (The Picks)

We are 12-0 on parlay picks the last two weeks between Gary and I. Here are the picks...

Bill Gates (massive philanthropist) Parlay
B-- Bowling Green -18 over Temple
G-- Green Wave (Tulane) -5.5 over Army
P-- Pirates (ECU) +6.5 over S Miss

Gary's "Carl Perkins Cadillac" and "My Best Girl" Parlays in honor of Drive By Truckers and Lucero
C--Colorado +2 over Kansas
P-- Penn State -3 over Purdue
C-- Cincy -6 over Syracuse

M-- Miami Ohio -5 over Ball State
B-- Baylor +4.5 over Tex AM
G-- G Tech -5 over Miami

Mine AND Garys Lock of Forever Eva and eva (infinity + infinity stars Master Lock)
USC -10.5 over Oregon State

Bert Sugar Picks (26-12-2 on year)
N Dame -13 over Navy
Northwestern +32 over Mich
Nebraska -5.5 over Okie St
Tenn -3.5 over S Carolina
Kentucky -1.5 over Miss St.

Denunzio Picks and Segment on the website Saturday

Have fun making millions--- Verno

That's a winner!

I am naming my first child Wainwright Vernon. For those of you that have read this blog for some time, you know may hatred for Izzy. My love for Wainwright is in direct proportion.

I will bet this will be the best Grizzlies Blog going

http://cmimemphis.com/grizblog/

Chris Herrington (regular guest from the Memphis Flyer) has his new blog up and running. Link it, Love it, massage it. He is the best in town at breaking down the game and NBA.

Now that is some high praise

Kevin Scarbinsky, the fantastic columnist from the Birmingham News, writes about the Coach O Song in his article today. (thank you to Chadd (the man Cowherd calls The Compass) from Colin Cowherd's show for the heads up).

Here is what was in the article...

"Orgeron is more than the Ole Miss football coach. He's a cautionary tale college presidents tell each other over tea. He's a ghost story athletics directors tell their children at night.
He's the heart and soul of the greatest parody of a college football coach in the history of college football. And parodies.
If you've watched the smash Internet video called Colonel Reb is Crying, you've laughed until you cried.
Unless you're an Ole Miss fan. In which case you were already weeping. "

Mentions everywhere from papers, to CBS, to ESPN, etc. Rece Davis (hero) mentions it at every chance. I have a feeling I will never top this, ever. Thank you to all of you that ever sent a copy somewhere.

UPDATE-- thanks to CBKnox for the link. Clay Travis from CBS Sportsline had this to say...

"Orgeron doesn't do himself any favors by sounding like the Incredible Hulk if the Incredible Hulk spoke with a small ferret attempting to escape from his esophagus. Which leads me to the link below that dozens of people have e-mailed me: Please watch this. I beg of you. If tears aren't streaming down your face by the time this song ends, you need to seriously reconsider your life.
Without a doubt the funniest song about an SEC coach in football history."

If you have seen any others, let me know. I was told it was in a Top 10 at a paper in Alabama and could not find it.


Verno

Jimmy Denunzio Segment and Picks

The Worlds Greatest Handicapper from Dicaprio Bail Bonds and Picks joins us weekly on Fridays. Here is the segment with the picks.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/jimmydenunzio1020-mp3.html

Philanthropy (the picks)

Verno's Harold Ford Jr. Buy your own Jet Parlay
J-- Jayhawks (kansas) +3.5 over Baylor
E-- ECU -6 over SMU
T-- TCU -12 over Army

Verno's Lock of all Locks in the last 25 years (infinity stars)
Southern Miss +17 over V Tech

Gary's Seven Nation Army Parlay
S-- SDSU +14 over Air Force
N-- Northwestern +7 over Mich St
A-- Akron -8 over Miami (Ohio)

Garys Who would bet on Memphis lock of the Century
Memphis +13 over Tulsa

Bert Sugar Picks
Wisconsin -6 over Purdue
S Carolina -3.5 over Vandy
TCU -12 over Army
Mich St -7 over Nwestern
Oregon -3.5 over Wash St

Audio File for Denunzio Picks up on Sat

Come to the Tailgate at Toby Park Sat 4-7 pm before Homecoming Game

Verno

New Miss.St Fight Song (2006)

Here is the song in audio form
http://www.zshare.net/audio/cowbells3-mp3.html



Please check out www.730espn.com


Send to everyone you know. Big thanks to Craig Bates (video director).. watch out Hype Williams.

Verno

LUIS GONZALEZ ON THE SHOW @ 5

Luis Gonzalez from Fox Baseball coverage will join us on the show today @ 5.

WORLDWIDE RELEASE OF NEW SONG TODAY!

We have the audio file and music video (thanks to Craig Bates in Knoxville) set to hit the internet at 3 pm CST. Gary Parrish of Sportsline.com calls it "hysterical."

Big Props to ESPN (Chris Fowler and Rece Davis both) for acknowledging the Coach O Song on the college football scoreboard shows on the worldwide leader.

Reports of it being sung at the Bama/ Ole Miss game, the media room at Auburn/ Florida, etc.

Thanks to all of you that listen to the show, you guys are great. Keep getting the word out. Memphis was the easy part, global domination is the only thing acceptable now. Get ready, today at 3 your life changes........

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Verno's CORN Parlay (price of corn going up-- buy all you want with this one)
C- Connecticut -4.5 over Army
O- Ohio State -14 over Mich State
R- Redhawks (Miami OH) -7 over Buffalo
N- New Mexico -2.5 over UNLV

Verno's Maddonas New Malawian Baby Lock of Century (Infinity Stars)
Tulsa -2.5 over ECU

Bonus Pick from Verno= Idaho +2.5 over LaTech

Gary Parrish Eric Gordon Parlay
Indiana +19.5 over Iowa
Ohio +6 over Illinois
West Mich +3 over N. Illinois

Gary's Lock of the Decade
North Carolina +3 over South Florida

Jimmy Denunzio Picks (Worlds Greatest Handicapper)
New Orleans +3 over Philly
Denver -15 over Oakland
Dallas -13 over Houston
Pitt -6.5 over Kansas City
Secret Double Triple Secret Lock *7 (42 lock guaranteed-- Bears -11.5 over Arizona)

Bert Sugar Picks
Maryland -4.5 over Virginia
Navy -1.5 over Rutgers
Pitt -9.5 over UCF (Friday Game)
Mich -6.5 over Penn St
Arizona -3.5 over Stanford

Bert is 20-8-2 on the show this year

you are welcome for the free money

verno

Today on the show

Madani's Musings
Dave Richard from Sportsline (Fantasy Writer Sportsline.com)
Weekly Cigar with Bert Sugar
Worlds Greatest Hadicapper Jimmy Denunzio
Gary Parrish and the Picks (Philanthropy)

And I will say the most intelligent thing ever said

Feelings through Art

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Verno's Christian Laettner my buddy owns this team, buy your own Parlay
D-- Duke +30 over Bama
U-- UAB -5 over Memphis (donate these winnings to school please)
K-- Kansas City -3 over Arizona
E-- East Carolina -6 over Virgini

Verno's Pick of the Millenium Baby Spinach Pick (a million stars)
Louisville -29.5 over MTSU (friday)

Verno's bonus Picks (cause I love da kids) Vandy, Navy

Gary's OCD Parlay
O-- Okie St -2.5 over K State
C-- Cincy -6 over Akron
D-- Duke +30 over Bama

Gary's Don't Screw Next Weekend Lock of Decade
Florida -1 over LSU

Bert Sugar Picks (Over 80% on show this year, 5-0 last week)
LSU +1 over Florida
Tenn -2.5 over Georgia
Texas A&M -2 over Kansas
Rice -2.5 over Tulane
Vandy -1.5 over Ole Miss

Coyote Ugly Pick of Week is KC -3 over Arizona

Have a great weekend. You now have no excuse to be struggling financially. Holla.

Verno

Click Here for interview with Maxed Out I did

Big thanks to Max Howell and the boys at Maxed Out.

Click here for the Video of the Song

Welcome all listeners and viewers of any media I have done for the song. Big thanks to Max Howell and the guys at "Maxxed Out" The song was featured on the show this morning (which is in 8 states throughout the south), and will be on their TV show which is in 72 markets on the Cox Cable Network. I got an email last night from Mike Hall (ESPNU Anchor) from ESPNU saying that they referenced the song on the college football show the Monday night 3-4 times in the hour. Jim Donnan had given it to Mike Gottfried and Mike shared with everyone at ESPN. I think my heart would have stopped if I had heard them reference it, but big-ups to these guys. Heros.

Thanks again to all the listeners of the show. Its a powerful group. Today is my birthday, and I never really made a big deal of anybody else's, so I could really care less about my own. I cant wait for the calls from family and friends wishing me a happy birthday, and then I say thanks, and then I am out of things to say.

Here is how is goes...

me: Hello
other person: Happy Birthday (or bad rendition of song that seems forever)
me: thanks
other person: So do you feel older?
me: (my brain is saying be nice) No, not really.
other person: So how is everything?
me: (oh dear God, not this conversation) Everything is great.
other person: Yeah... great... how is work?
me: (ohhhhhhhh no) Work is great
other person: Is everything else good?
me: (didn't we just go over this!, stay nice) Yeah, its great.
other person: Did you get anything?
me: (oh crap, I gotta get out of this) A few things, hey, I gotta run.
other person: oh, ok, well wanted to wish you Happy Birthday
me: (thank you Jesus) Thanks so much. Great to hear from you. (blah, blah, blah)

I always lie, but I am 28 now (seriously).

Thanks for listening.

Verno

Steam of conciousness

The song has now been downloaded over 11 thousand times and has been watched on youtube over 32 thousand times. Thanks to all of you that have emailed and enjoyed it. I started to work on another song. Any suggestions are welcome in terms of subject matter for new songs.

Earlier in the year we had a discussion about Jeter vs. Arod. Seriously, you can hate of the guy, which I am sure people will on The Haters segment today, but who would you rather have in the playoffs.

I have a terrible feeling about how this season is going to play out for Memphis.

I remember thinking that Ahmad Carroll would be good when he was at Arkansas. Do you know how bad you have to be to get cut by the Packers?

How is it possible that Culpepper is much worse than Ferrotte? That guy was made by Moss, like carbon-dated Cunningham, Jeff George, etc.

I like the new Killers CD.

The National League is not good. It seems like there is one great starter, and its Carpenter. There are some good ones, but 1 great starter in the playoffs?

Christian Laettner needs PR consultation. Jerry Stackhouse once beat him up on an airplane, you figure that may humble you a bit. I really hope we stop with the Duke stuff and "championship environment" etc. I loved Brian Davis, and Laettner took away from the excitement of a new local owner. "My team, our team, my best friend owns the team, Why did you laugh when we said I would be on the team?"... it was all abrasive and a bit unsettling.

Grizz PBP guy Eric Hasseltine, Chris Herrington from the Flyer, Gary Parrish (out of the hospital, but still messed up), and maybe John McEnroe on the show today.

Verno

Click Here for the Video of the Song

UPDATE-- New Grizz Owner Brian Davis Interview Online

We will have all interviews on the Website--- Brian Davis is there-- www.730espn.com
In the ARCHIVES section

NEW GRIZZLIES OWNER BRIAN DAVIS ON THE SHOW IN 3-4 HOUR

BRIAN DAVIS, WHO IS BUYING THE GRIZZLIES, WILL BE ON THE SHOW TODAY-- TELL EVERYONE.

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Verno's T.O. Cry for Help Parlay
S- Syracuse -5 vs Wyoming
O-- Ohio St. -7 over Iowa
S-- San Diego -2.5 vs Baltimore

Colonel Reb is Crying Lock of the Century (Infinity Stars)
Georgia -18 over Ole Miss (you can tease this one to -40 if you want to make it fun)

Gary's T.O. Parlay
P-- Penn State -19
I-- Indiana +11
L-- LSU -33
L-- Louisianna Laff. -8

Gary's Donate to the Tiger Scholarship Fund Pick
Tenn -13 over Mem

Bert Sugar Picks
Tenn, Oregon, Kentucky, Mich, Wash (against spread)

If you are here for the song.... here it is http://www.zshare.net/audio/coach-o-mp3.html


Rep yo hood

Verno