Breaking News: College Football Hall of Fame to Possibly Move to Dallas

Norm Hitzges, radio personality from 1310 the Ticket in Dallas, reported this morning that there will be a conference this morning in Dallas to discuss a bid to move the College Football Hall of Fame from South Bend to Downtown Dallas. Norm reported that the facility would be funded completely by private investors and would serve to honor all amateur football (so I would assume a high school wing would be added).

Norm’s sources have reported to him that Dallas is currently the front-runner for this move. On the radio he said it was a deal that could easily be done if “all the T’s are crossed and I’s dotted.” There are several Dallas connections on the college football board that runs the Hall of Fame as well — the biggest being the president of the board, whom is a current Dallas resident.

Norm concluded that a decision on the matter will be publicly announced on November. From the sounds of his report as well, the Hall of Fame will definitely be moved somewhere.

This news rather floored me. The Hall of Fame was one thing that I didn’t get an opportunity to visit while I was in South Bend. Looks like I should definitely take the time to stop by this next football season. Being in Dallas, this does excite me; however, I must say I always thought it was cool that the Hall of Fame was centered in South Bend. With the Hall being there, it felt like just another huge slice of college football tradition that was attached to ND.

As a final note, this wasn’t a story that I could find a news release on. However, I easily trust the word of Norm on this matter. He is a sports radio legend around here and his sources and reporting are beyond reproach. I have no doubt at all of this story’s validity.

Hopefully My Last Post on “Obamania”

(Side-note: Hope everyone enjoyed yesterday’s post)

It would appear that my sentiments on this issue are quite in line with the class of 2009. The Observer put out an article March 27 that broke down the Viewpoint letters for and against Obama speaking at ND. The breakdown actually rather surprised me to a point:

Of the 612 Letters to the Editor The Observer has received as of 2 p.m. Thursday, 313 have been authored by alumni. Of those letters, 30 percent are supportive of the University’s decision to invite the president and 70 percent are against.

And while more alumni have written to The Observer than students, their voice must not be lost. In fact, of the 282 letters authored by students, the breakdown is a bit different: 73 percent of students who have written Letters to the Editor are supportive of the Obama selection, while 27 percent are against it.
Looking at the senior class’ response, the sentiment is even more extreme: 97 percent of seniors are supportive, 3 percent are not.

Now, I know that letters alone aren’t a perfect poll, but the numbers are still rather staggering nonetheless.

The article continues, remarking on some of the same statements that I myself have tried to express:

There is a clear disconnect between alumni and the student body as a whole on this issue.

This is the seniors’ graduation, their last memories of Notre Dame as a student. Protesters would do well to remember this. Make your views known; healthy debate is welcomed. Photographs of aborted fetuses are not.

The “healthy debate” seems to be getting completely glossed over as an option. In my opinion, that is were the biggest disconnect seems to come from. Students do see the outrage and understand why people want to protest — the issue has been though why try to protest via shock tactics and being purposefully disruptive to other members of the Notre Dame family (of which some alumni have threatened in previous letters). I am hoping that some of the more outrageous protest threats do not go through and cooler heads will indeed prevail some May.

For instance, some better ideas for protests:

  • The South Quad Cross display done every year during a football weekend by the Pro-Life group
  • Organizing a protest at the airport when Obama arrives, keeping the circus away from campus
  • For students in the class of 2009: Spelling out “Pro-Life” or “Choose Life” on your caps with a group of your friends
  • Those in attendance at the ceremony: Do not stand/applaud Obama.

All these can get the point across without resorting to ridiculous shock tactics or asking the University to slap the President in the face by resending his invitation to speak. Sometimes very simple gestures and demonstrations are the most profound. For instance, I for one always thought the cross display on South Quad was one of the more chilling demonstrations that I’ve ever seen, and that is even after seeing it multiple times as a student.

The article concludes with a recent quote from Fr. Hesburgh:

University President Emeritus Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, without a doubt one of the most influential American Catholics, a man who has fought tirelessly for civil rights in this country and to transform the University into a respected institution of higher learning, said this Friday speaking to a group of alumni, parents and friends of Notre Dame:
“No speaker who has ever come to Notre Dame has changed the University. We are who we are. But, quite often, the very fact of being here has changed the speaker.”

I believe this is what any protester should hope for and should try to embrace this challenge. It is my hope that this is what alumni or any other protester will keep at the front of their minds if they are around the campus come May.

Random Ramblings

Lot of news to catch up on, so I’m just going to bypass some form of witty (or not) introduction and just get to it.

Weis Drops Bombshells in Presser

Charlie Weis made two major announcements in his last spring ball presser.

The first of which was that Weis is petitioning the NCAA to give Brady Quinn and extra year of eligibility. This news comes somewhat on the heels of Cincinnati head coach, Brian Kelly, getting a sixth year of eligibility for DB Drew Frey and petitioned for USC transfer Vidal Hazelton to have the usual “sit out year” waved. This news, it seems, was the catalyst for this rather bold and slightly insane move by Weis:

“Well, you see the reasoning is really two fold,” Weis responded, “First of, I figure that if Kelly can make up the rules as he goes along why can’t I? Seems the NCAA doesn’t have too much of an issue with it, so why not. Secondly, it seems there was a rather large contingent that wanted Kelly to be sitting in this chair rather than myself. So I took at look at the two of us. What does he do differently than I do? I am simply giving the fans what they want.”

“Also think about it. Imagine Quinn throwing downfield to Floyd and Tate all day long. We will be unstoppable and get the National Title everyone wants to desperately.”

When asked if Weis would be willing to sacrifice the integrity of the school in order to pull of such a maneuver he simply replied, “The hell is wrong with you? Do you read what people write out on NDNation.com? No one cares about academics or head coaches that keep their noses clean — they only care about titles and that is what I am doing.”

As if that wasn’t enough, Weis then, in a very unprecedented move, announced the pep rally speaker for this years ND/USC game:

“I know we usually don’t do this, but I feel it would be an important boost for our fans and our team for this year’s game against USC. The pep rally for that game should needs to be something that can help put or team over the top because we are all sick of losing to USC. Therefore, we have invited President Barack Obama to speak at the USC weekend pep rally, which will be held in Notre Dame Stadium and he has accepted.”

When asked what business Obama had at the pep rally of a Catholic institution, Weis responded, “Well, he clearly has some ideas for the BCS and there will be a Congress investigation into it, so firstly, we need to make sure we protect ND’s interests in the matter. Secondly, I’ve been reading the Viewpoint in the past few weeks — let me tell you, this man hasn’t even said a word on campus yet and more people are calling for his head than yous guys were calling for mine after the Syracuse game. This should be a great way for everyone to completely ignore any of my faults on the football field while at the same time, getting our fans so riled up and pissed off that I can guarantee they will take it out on USC at the game.”

With a smirk he concluded, “I’m killing three birds with one stone. It is a schematic advantage.”

I’m not sure if Weis has completely lost his mind or if he is a complete genius. All I know is that I’m going to find it very funny as people write into the Viewpoint saying they will no longer go to a ND football game again in their lives and the 2009 season will still see a full stadium for every home game.

Brey Attempts to Explain ND’s NIT Loss, Fails Miserably

Mr. No-Tie was back at it again in his post game press conference, desperately making excuses for his team that failed to show up in a horrid loss that more or less summed up the ND B-Ball season in a single game.

“Well you know, when we were seeded #2 in the NIT tournament, I thought to myself, are we really the #2 seed? I mean, take a look at the bracket we were in, we easily had the toughest possible bracket schedule in the NIT and I just knew it would be a tough road. In fact, on the plane to New York, I called my wife as we were boarding and told her ‘0-1’, I’ll be home Wednesday.”

When pressed on how in God’s green earth that would cause the Irish to have the worst scoring first half in Brey’s tenure, he replied “Well, I mean that’s what happens with a tough schedule. It finally gets to you and wears you down. Our guys just hit the limit.”

Brey was also questioned about how he handled the comeback attempt — most notably why he didn’t have the Irish try to draw fouls when in the bonus with over 5 minutes to go in the game and why he called his last timeout with over a minute left and only 8 seconds on the shot clock (which turned into a shot clock violation). Brey answered “Well, we were down by 6 once we finally hit the bonus I think. At that point the answer was simple — two threes and we are tied up. Why drive the lane? You can only get two points on those free throws if you draw the fouls. I’d clearly want to try for that extra point no matter what every time down the court. As far as the timeout goes — we needed to take the time to plan a three point shot. We were obviously going to press a bad shot inside the arc at that point and I couldn’t allow that.”

…uh yeah, no real comment here.

Texas Ranger’s GM John Daniels to Make “Major Changes”

Upon hearing time and time again on how the Texas Rangers by far have the best farm system in baseball, John Daniels feels now is the time to make some “major changes” that will “define his GM tenure.”

“As I look at all the young talent we have in our system, I think to myself — why are we keeping that all to ourselves?” Daniels asked. “We clearly have a lot of room to make a lot of trades here. I know we have been saying we were rebuilding for 2010, but seriously, why should we wait any longer? I am confident we can make some major changes to get solid veteran talent in here to make a pennant run this year! These trades will definitely be something that will define my GM tenure as the man that was able to turn this franchise around.”

Rumored top interests of Daniels are Chan Ho Park, Reuben Sierra, Ricky Henderson, Kenny Lofton, and Byung-Hung Kim.

If anyone wonders why I feel so tortured as a Rangers fan — well, there you go…

Jerry Jones Receives Naming Rights Offers for New Stadium

It looks like Jones’ struggles for selling naming rights to the new Cowboy’s Stadium may soon be at an end. From a recent report:

Sources within the Cowboys organization have said that Jerry Jones is now considering a few different offers for the naming rights of his new stadiums. The top bidders appear to be Tampax, Midol, and Kleenex. The front-runner right now seems to be Kleenex as they have even put together a few different ads for the stadium. We were able to get our hands on one of the proposed ads:


Oh boy can’t wait…

To the Garden We Go

I feel like I’m going slightly schizophrenic switching back and forth between the Obama thing and ND Basketball, but I digress.

Once again, the Irish manage to play a game in which I was not near a TV or a radio in which to watch/listen, and I am rather disappointed because this seemed like one of the best victories of the year for the Irish. ND pounded the Wildcats of Kentucky 77 – 67, and even more impressive, they never trailed the game. Even more impressive than THAT was the fact the Wildcats shot 50% FG and 3-Pt and the Irish still easily won (and only shot 45% FG and 48% 3-Pt).

The major differences in the stats were only in Turnovers and the number of 3-Pts made. The Irish led the turnover battle 10-6, and made 12 3-Pts to Kentucky’s 7. Rebounds were practically even with a slight Wildcat advantage 28-27.

Luke Harangody dominated the game with a solid double-double of 30 points and 11 boards. Jackson, McAlarney, and Ayers all recorded double digit scoring in the game as well.

When the biggest story post-game for Kentucky is whether or not your head coach is going to get canned, you definitely know you dominated completely. Kentucky’s major scoring threat Jodie Meeks was non-existant for most of the game, and his 21 points were not enough for Kentucky (19 of which came from the second half).

Solid game for the Irish. While being in the NIT is never something I’ve been too excited about, the Irish putting together this little run has been a refreshing change from most of the season’s results. Now that we have made it to the semis, I definitely want to see the Irish win the whole thing.

The semifinal game will be Tuesday, March 31 against Penn State at Madison Square Garden (and yes, I have it right this time). Tip-off is scheduled for 9pm EDT/8pm CDT on ESPN2. Thankfully, this should a game I can actually watch!

The other NIT semifinal game features Baylor against San Deigo State, whom just knocked out NCAA Tournament-snubbed St. Mary’s just a little while ago. The game will also be on Tuesday and will be before the Irish’s game at 7pm EDT/6pm EDT on ESPN2.

Go Irish. Beat Lions.

Obama/ND Followup

I’ll be honest, I figured I wouldn’t feel the need to post past my initial response to this issue. However, this seems to be a far bigger issue than just me venting in a blog. I write in here mostly because I like it. If people decide to come visit, it is a bonus. I usually get no more than five visitors on a given day, mostly all friends of mine I would believe.

However, yesterday, I posted my entry as my Facebook status message. Something I usually do if I make a major update like the other day. I had a friend that has no affiliation with ND whatsoever read my post yesterday and passed it along. Out of nowhere comes 50+ visits from over 10 different countries.

Now, I don’t say this to brag about visits to my blog, but to give some perspective on what is going on here. My blog is a very small slice on what is being thrown out there right now regarding this issue. There is an online petition that has gained over 65,000 signatures Obama speaking at ND and this story also made the front page of Fox News’ website. There are two opposing Facebook groups that have been formed and are growing exponentially, one of which started an online petition for Obama speaking at ND. Some of these people have ties with ND, but many do not. To say this has blown up is an understatement.

Seems everyone has forgotten about the students of the class of 2009.

And this gets to the true purpose of my post. As every day passes, people are quickly losing perspective of the people this ceremony is actually for. I have many friends in the class of 2009 that are angry — no, they are furious. Not because Obama is speaking, not for pro-life/pro-choice, but because thousands upon thousands of people are using their moment of triumph into a political platform and the class of 2009 be damned if they are in the way.

They did not work for years to reach this moment to be treated like this. Their families do not deserve this. They should not be needing to spend their last months of their college careers trying to fight for their day to be what it should be: for them.

They are slowly, but surely, getting lost in the shuffle.

One of my fellow dorm-mates, friend, and member of the class of 2009 recently wrote about this on his own Tumblr blog:

In the name of multiple of my friends and acquaintances who have expressed to me and others, directly or indirectly, via facebook, observer letters to the editor, and casual conversation, I decided to post a request on the Notre Dame Alumni Network Discussion thread on linkedIn.com.

This was a petition asking the members of this particular network to refrain from venting and ranting about thoughts on economic, morals or politics President Obama might have that don’t align with those of the Catholic Church, on a public manner that would encourage others to lobby for the protesting of Obama’s invitation, as such demonstrations would disrupt our commencement ceremonies.

I do not, by any means, show my political preference, nor do I defend any particular individual or institution. I simply ask of those in the group to help me with my cause, which is to give our graduating class the oportunity to share a quiet and peaceful ceremony, much like those before us have enjoyed (with few exceptions).

This was a very simple and well-thought out idea. He is putting things in the proper perspective. He is not preaching a different belief system, simply that people are able to let the students enjoy their last moments at ND in peace. However, just like everything else surrounding this circus, people still refuse to keep this perspective:

In asking for this simple favor that does not ask or expect people to change their personal opinions,I found people who are unwilling to show compassion for our cause (100% apolitical) claiming a duty to defend their moral fiber. Advocating for the rights of the unborn and framing themselves as self-righteous Christians who want nothing but oh-so-hateful Obama to be uninvited from this commencement ceremony. Like Tim McGuire, a 1985 graduate who found himself being a great Christian and clearly showing me his respect for others, his tolerance of what he cannot change, and his obvious desire to “do upon others as [he] wish[es] they do upon [him].”

If you are interested in knowing what what he wrote as a response to my petition, read the quote I posted below….

“

Gonzalo,

I gave 20 years of my life to protect and defend the Constitution. This man’s record is decided Pro-Abortion Rights…not Pro-Choice. We are Catholics. Notre Dame apparently pretends to be a Catholic University. You cannot reconcile this. Carter and Clinton were both Pro-Choice…that is different than being Pro-Abortion Rights…significantly different. I hope that the Catholics who can, march on the University. I hope they disrupt your Ceremony.

When Jose Napoleon Duarte spoke at our commencement, we had to pass through metal detectors (unusual at the time). Protesters had to be pulled from the bleachers. Hey, it made the experience memorable.

I hope the faithful march on South Bend. I hope they exercise their Rights. And, ultimately, I hope that Fr. Jenkins is gone by this Summer.

Good luck, that Notre Dame diploma means a lot in this World. Much of that has to do with the University’s standing as one of the greatest Catholic Universities on this Planet.

Semper fi, always faithful.

http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=802&discussionID=2198681&goback=.anh_802


I simply cannot believe this. Once again my fellow alumni are completely losing perspective again.

I hate to break it to everyone, but ND is respected for a lot more than being “one of the greatest Catholic Universities on this Planet.” It is respected for being one of the top academic institutions on this planet. It is respected for being a Catholic institution, but not being afraid allow their students to be exposed to differing viewpoints, political stances, religions, and keeping an open dialouge about it all while keeping the Catholic faith at the forefront.

If ND was not like this. I would have not been admitted to the University as a Protestant. I would have been shunned from attending my dorm Mass. My views would simply be laughed off instead of discussed. I would not have been able to take a class entitled “Christianity and World Religions” which an amazing and elightening view of the world. I would have not been thought Philosophy by an atheist man who was the best professor I had at the University.

Through it all though, ND opened my eyes to several things. It also allowed me to strenghten my faith through all the things I listed above. It gave me some of the best memories of my life and a college experience like none other because of everything I listed above.

Above all else, I got to be a part of the amazing Notre Dame family. So to those alumni that are refusing to gain the perspective that the class of 2009 is requesting, I ask you this:

Why are you turning your back on the Notre Dame family?

The ND family isn’t just about preserving Catholic faith. If that was the case, I would’ve been cut from it a long time ago by being Methodist, choosing to remain Methodist, and not holding the exact same views as the Catholic Church. We are supposed to fight for each other, help each other. We all talk so much about the ND family and how it is a bond that surpasses everything.

From the actions of some alumni, I am wondering if that message ever sunk in.

Instead of trying to protect the members of the class of 2009 from the thousands of people that have chosen to make their graduation a political battle ground, some alumni are choosing to throw more fuel onto that same fire. This is simply not acceptable. Whether you like to admit it or not, taking those actions is turning your back on the entire class of 2009.

I understand you want to fight for the Catholic identity of ND. I do not fault you for that. I encourage it. However, have the perspective to realize that graduation ceremonies are not the time nor the place to do this. Just as Obama will not be using his commencement speech to speak on abortion, no one should be using the ceremony as a political battleground.

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8)

Fellow members of the ND family, the celebration of the achievements of the class of 2009 is not the time for these protests. Give them their moment.

Our ads that ran through football season had the theme of “We are the Fighting Irish” and “What are you fighting for?” I encourage every to hold fast to their beliefs and fight for them. Fight Obama, the ND administration, whatever before and after. But do not, and I repeat, do not, forget to fight for the fellow members of the ND family.

Personally, I will be fighting for the class of 2009. I encourage everyone to do the same.

NIT Quarterfinals Correction.

Back to the realm of sports.

The Irish will take on Kentucky tomorrow night, 7pm EDT/6pm CDT. In my basketball previous post I had said that the game would be at Madison Square Garden, and it seems I was mistaken. Looks like I can’t read the NIT bracket worth anything… Anyways, the game will be at the JACC tomorrow night.

Go Irish. Beat Wildcats.