Quote of the Day
"Before the uncapped year, we were willing to extend the current deal for another six years. So right now, the players on the 18% rollback issue aren't really looking for anything other than an explanation of why."
-- NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith, on the main issue involved in ongoing CBA talks ("Mike & Mike in the Morning," ESPN Radio, 7/21).
Top Stories
A Fresh Start
Incoming USC President Max Nikias had seen enough, and he makes a surprisingly aggressive move to have the school reach back to its past glory in hopes of future success without running afoul of the NCAA. The school names Pat Haden AD as Mike Garrett leaves office after 17 years. The Trojans are attempting to change the culture in the athletic department after both the football and men’s basketball programs were hit hard by the NCAA for multiple transgressions during Garrett’s tenure. Haden, a former USC QB, presents a “friendlier public face than the prickly Garrett, who became a public-relations nightmare.” Haden already is being praised for a change in attitude, saying, “We want to win, we're passionate about winning, but we want to win ethically." Meanwhile, Garrett leaves a mixed legacy -- he was highly successful in fundraising, but also was called unaccountable for what happened on his watch and rarely accepting of mistakes.
