The Dog Days of Summer: College Football Playoff turns five in 2018!

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Since the Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, issues have risen on the campuses of the Ohio State University and at the University of  Maryland in the football programs. Each head coach has been placed administrative leave.

What is going on with institutional prudence and ethics?

The University of Maryland President admits mistakes, in the handling heatstroke death of a student-athlete, back in June. Maryland has parted ways with strength and conditioning coach Rick Court, just before heading into the third season of D.J. Durkin. 

Durkin hasn't been fired yet, but he was placed on administrative leave. His coaching style is under attack and now under review. Complaints suggest the culture at Maryland was a problem. Maryland was heading into Year 3 under Durkin and S&C coach Court.

Over in Columbus, it was announced at Big Ten Media Day, that wide receiver and recruiting coach Zach Smith was fired after allocations of domestic abuse were made public. On Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer's return from Chicago, he was placed on administration leave, due to false statements he made to the media, on the Smith dismissal.

The USA Today reports in a August 15th piece by Christine Brennan' commentary story: Urban Meyer, DJ Durkin have failed as football coaches and human beings.

The breakdown of prudence and ethics around college football is certainly a disconcerting matter.

Big Ten's big mess: Will troubled conference ever reclaim its morality? Linked story!

                                                                                           

Former Iowa Football Player Tyler Sash Passes

Sash was standout defensive back for Hawkeyes from 2008-10

Former Iowa three-year safety 9 Tyler Sash passed away at age 27.

Sept. 8, 2015

IOWA CITY, Iowa - - Former University of Iowa defensive back Tyler Sash passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8. He was 27. Funeral arrangements are pending.

“We are all very saddened to hear about the untimely loss of Tyler,” said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. “It is always so difficult when it involves someone this young. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Tyler’s family during this extremely difficult time – and we want them to know they are not in this alone. The commitment, passion, and excitement that Tyler brought to football and to life will always endear him to Hawkeye coaches, teammates, and fans. He touched our hearts in many ways and will be missed by all of us.”

The Oskaloosa, Iowa, native lettered from 2008-10 before declaring for the NFL Draft prior to his senior season. Sash was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2011 draft and earned a Super Bowl championship in his rookie season.

Sash started the final 34 game of his Iowa career and had 37 career starts. He ranks fifth in career interceptions (13) and shares the Iowa single-game record with three thefts in a 35-3 win at Iowa State in 2009. He is Iowa’s career leader with 392 interception return yards, a total that ranks fourth all-time in the Big Ten. His 203 return yards in 2009 ties for second best in the Big Ten for a single season.

Sash earned first team All-Big Ten honors in both 2009 and 2010, and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award following each season. He earned Associated Press third team All-America honors in 2009 and was named to several freshman All-America squads in 2008.

Sash had an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 2009 win over Indiana, which ranks fifth longest in school history. He set Iowa bowl records for longest return (48 yards) and interception return yards (94) in Iowa’s 2009 Outback Bowl win over South Carolina. He concluded his Iowa career with 217 tackles and was twice a member of the UI Leadership Group.

A Sports Reporter for a Generation and More...

A man you made a major impact in his industry, the field of sports and an American generation who watched from their TV sets has passed at age 86 on Saturday.

• The 1972 Olympics
• ABC's Wide World of Sports
• College Football

Sportscaster Jim McKay was one of the very best. A man who I'll always remember for his humanity and his voice...

Rest in peace... the world was better for knowing you!

peace