Mississippi State just picked up their first win against an SEC West opponent not named Ole Miss with Dan Mullen as head coach last weekend, so you would think things are all smiles this week for the Bulldogs. The news that a booster gave freshman Will Redmond $200 may take away from that sort of buzz, though.
The report comes from a claim from a 7-on-7 football coach in Nashville, Byron De'Vinner, who claims he witnessed money exchange hands between Redmond, a freshman defensive back, and a booster. He made the claim on a radio show in Mississippi yesterday and mentioned a handshake and suggested Mississippi State wide receivers coach Angelo Mirando was aware of the interaction. It is also worth noting that De'Vinner interviewed for a job at Mississippi State in January, and it would seem he clearly did not receive the job he applied for. Is this the case of a rejected candidate exacting some form of revenge out of spite? Or is this a legitimate infraction? The NCAA is currently investigating a potential recruiting violation, and it would seem this is at least part of the investigation.
Michigan defensive lineman Frank Clark pleaded guilty to a second-degree home invasion charge Tuesday. Clark has already been reinstated by head coach Brady Hoke and played against Air Force in week two. When asked about the decision to reinstate Clark, Hoke said Clark has "paid a lot of consequences internally." What that means is anyone's guess.
Former Miami Hurricane Ray Ray Armstrong has been ruled ineligible to play this season at Faulkner University, an NAIA program. The decision was made according to NAIA rules banning any player who has been permanently banned in a sport at any four-year institution.
Also in the NAIA, North Dakota State College of Sciences in Wahpeton has kicked Jamie Kuntz from their football program. The reason for Kuntz's removal? On the record, he lied. But there is more to the story. Kuntz is gay and was kicked off the team soon after being found to be kissing his 65-year old boyfriend in the press box when he was supposed to be filming the team. Kuntz believes he was kicked off the team because of his homosexuality more so than because he lied about his relationship with the man.
Washington State safety Deone Buchannon was suspended by the Pac-12 for the first half of Washington State's next game for this hit against Eastern Washington.
We mentioned in yesterday's Morning Playbook that Purdue was awaiting further word on the status of quarterback Robert Marve. Later in the day we learned he will be out indefinitely with a torn ACL. Reports are suggesting he may only be out for a few weeks, which is obviously atypical of ACL injury news.
Penn State lost wide receiver Shawney Kersey, who left the team due to "personal reasons." After already losing Justin Brown (transferred to Oklahoma) and Devon Smith (dismissed, transferred to Marshall), Kersey was the team's top returning receiver but just third on the team in receiving after two games.
Arkansas State has given one of their wide receivers, Allen Muse, the boot following a third-degree assault charge.
There was some buzz about Air Force not making players available to the media following their game against Michigan. Head coach Troy Calhoun said it was so he could get his team back to focus on academics. Umm, ok. Clearly Air Force does not agree with the advice offered by Football Scoop to let your players market your program.
The latest Crystal Ball Run Podcast talks about Florida vs. Tennessee. We are joined by Ryan Wooden of Checkerboard Chatter.
Is the Big Ten done this year? The coaches ask you to wait before judging.
Please Tennessee, don't ever wear these. Ever.
UTEP is organizing a chips & salsa contest for their game against New Mexico State. May I volunteer to be a judge?
Tweet of the Day
Ohio State fans are not happy with Tim Brando after Brando had some not so flattering statements about Urban Meyer apparently campaigning for the Buckeyes to be able to play for a Big Ten championship, and having the likes of Paul Finebaum and Aaron Taylor agree with him. I don't know what published reports Brando was referencing but as far as I know Meyer was never fighting for Ohio State to have a chance to play for a Big Ten title. Am I completely oblivious to this, or is Brando not up to speed on what's going on in the Big Ten with division trophies?
Sick and tired of hearing from fools on Twitter from Ohio St. I've read the published reports on what Urban wanted from your Commissioner.
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) September 11, 2012
Oh yeah Timmy B? I'm curious what quote you are referring to. Brando later shared this AP story, but there is no quote from Meyer that suggests he was campaigning to play for a Big Ten title.
Whatever the case may be, I know I will be tuning in to today's Tim Brando Show.
Video of the Day
When TCU opened their season against Grambling State they had the game ball delivered by a rocketman. Alright then…
