Alison Moran

Griner injured, but it’s win or go home for Chicago Sky in WNBA Finals

September 12, 2014 by Alison Moran

“We want to be physical in all aspects of the game, but being strong mentally would help us out a lot more.”

Pokey Chatman, Chicago Sky head coach and general manager, on managing in the WNBA Finals

The ‘School of Hard Knocks’ opened at the WNBA Finals between first-time contenders Chicago Sky and 2007 and 2009 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury.

In a bruising game Game 2 in Phoenix Tuesday night, 6’6 Sky center Sylvia Fowles cut (accidentally or no?) 6’8 center’ Brittney Griner’s eye, for which Griner sat out four minutes. Reportedly, Phoenix point guard Diana Taurasi asked her…”Don’t you have TWO eyes?” And she was back in the game. Later, the Sky’s Sasha Goodlett caused further damage when she elbowed Griner hard in the mouth, knocking out a tooth. Griner spit the tooth onto the US Airways Center court and kept playing.

But damage was done. On Thursday, Griner underwent a procedure for a ‘retinal issue’ in Phoenix and is listed as a game-time decision if she will play Friday night in Game 3 at the UIC Pavilion. If ophthalmologist Dr. Jay Schwartz clears Griner to play, she’ll hop a plane from Phoenix and join the team in Chicago.

Griner’s possible absence gives some hope to the Sky, who are first-time contenders for the WNBA crown. Down 0-2 after two humiliating games in Phoenix, the Sky could force a Game 4 on Sunday.

But it’s going to be tough, Griner or not. All five Mercury starters, including Griner, scored in double-digits in a 97-68 slaughter, a Finals record. Diana Taurasi, with 18 points, moved into second place on the Finals all-time scoring list, passing Katie Smith. She trails only Deanna Nolan, who has 256 career points in the Finals.Despite what had to be excruciating pain, Griner finished the game with 19 points and four blocks.

But the scrappy Sky, who’ve endured lengthy absences this season from superstar Elena Delle Donne, All-Star Sylvia Fowles, Ephiphanny Prince, and Courtney Vandersloot, and came together relatively healthy in the postseason, have surpassed all expectations. Vandersloot explained:

“We’ve faced elimination in Round 1 and Round 2, and somehow we find a way to win it. We’ve been through a lot this season. We fight, we’ve got fighters on this team, we’re not happy with just being in the Finals, and I think if anything these first two games have been a huge wake up call for us. Obviously, we need to be better and we’re going to find a way to be better.”

Other encouraging signs from Tuesday night included Delle Donne, clearly suffering from a back strain, bouncing back from a dismal, painful Game 1 by delivering a game-high 22 points in 28 minutes. How about Epiphanny Prince turning in her best performance of the playoffs, scoring 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting? She also had 3 steals.

An extra day of rest also benefits the hurting Sky. Delle Donne said her back felt better. Sylvia Fowles is eager to get back home and onto the court that launched her career at the UIC Pavilion. And they know their competition pretty well. Delle Donne analyzed the keys to the Mercury’s success after Tuesday night’s loss:

“They have several superstars on their team and they’re all very unselfish as well. You know if you pay extra attention to D [Diana Taurasi], she will have 11 assists. So they really know how to spread the floor, read the floor and get each other open.”

The key to extending the season will be Delle Donne’s health and her ability to play.

Other keys include:

Limiting turnovers
Scoring points in the paint
Outside shooting
Avoiding blocks from Griner
Successfully guarding Dupree and Taurasi

And for those who think ‘no one’s watching…the WNBA reports the Finals are averaging 688,000 viewers per game across all networks, up +92% versus last season’s Finals (between the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream) to-date (358,000 viewers) through two games.

Game 1, where the Mercury beat the Sky 83-62, was the most viewed WNBA Finals Game 1 since 2000.

I Forgot the Gamecocks! NCAA Women’s Bracket Seeds DePaul #7

March 19, 2014 by Alison Moran

I predicted my top seeds for the NCAA Women’s Bracket on my Facebook Token Female page. Guess what they were…..Oh, never mind…..I’ll tell you:

UConn (34-0) #1 all year on the AP Poll
Notre Dame (32-0) #2 all year on the AP Poll
Tennessee (27-5) #3 or 4 all year
Baylor (29-4) #4 to end the regular season

Your Token Female was right on three counts. The fourth? Dead wrong. Where was Baylor? They’re a #2 seed, right under undefeated Notre Dame. I forgot the Gamecocks! There they are, at the top of the NCAA Women’s Bracket. Damn you, South Carolina! How could you sneak up on me like that? Aleighsa Welch, Tiffany Mitchell, and Alaina Coates, you surprised me!

The steely stare of South Carolina's Dawn Staley with Aleighsa Welch, Alaina Coates, and Tiffany Mitchell's joy. Hey, you're a #1 seed...lighten up! — The steely stare of South Carolina’s Dawn Staley with Aleighsa Welch, Alaina Coates, and Tiffany Mitchell’s joy. Hey, you’re a #1 seed…lighten up!

Well, here’s how they got to the top of the Stanford Region:

South Carolina (27-4) had won its most games in 34 years and earned its first-ever SEC regular-season title.
It’s South Carolina’s third straight trip and 11th overall to the Big Dance

I didn’t think they were going to be a top seed…maybe #2 or #3, because they lost to their better competition in the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Tennessee Volunteers during the regular season. They lost in the SEC Conference Tournament to Kentucky. Credit their coach, Dawn Staley. She’s making her ninth NCAA appearance as a coach. The Hall of Famer led Virginia to three Final Fours as one of the game’s best players. They will open up against Cal State Northridge in the first round in Seattle. Stanford, who lost early in the Pac-12 tournament, still managed a #2 seed. They’re coming to the home of the ketchup and mustard of Iowa State in Ames to play the first two rounds. Penn State is the #3 seed and North Carolina, #4. Closer to Home….

Chanise Jenkins leads the cheers for DePaul's #7 seed — Chanise Jenkins leads the cheers for DePaul’s #7 seed

Every time I hear someone say “There’s no Illinois team in the NCAA’s!” I JUST WANT TO FUME. For the 12th straight year, the No. 23/22 DePaul women’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Demons are one of just nine programs to appear in each of the last 12 NCAA Tournaments. They are joined in this elite category by Connecticut, Duke, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. A dozen times, they’ve been in the BIG DANCE. What are they…chopped liver? The DePaul women are the only basketball program – men or women – from the state of Illinois represented in the NCAA Tournament field this season. And it was a well-deserved honor. DePaul had one of the most successful seasons in recent history and set programs records for points scored (2,763), 3-pointers (285), assists (654) and its 27 wins ties for the second-most in school history. I thought their #7 seed was a bit low, but they will face No. 10 Oklahoma on Saturday, March 22 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. DePaul and Oklahoma’s first-round game will be played 30-minutes following the Duke vs. Winthrop game which is scheduled to tip at 10:00 a.m. (CT). Both games will air on ESPN2. Duke was chosen as the No. 2 seed and Winthrop is the No. 15 in the Lincoln, Nebraska Region. The winners of Saturday’s first round games play on Monday. DePaul (27-6) is making its 19th NCAA Tournament with its first appearance coming in 1990. As readers of Token Female noted last week, the Blue Demons earned the Big East’s automatic bid after capturing the league’s tournament title last week. #10 Oklahoma (18-14) reached the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament this season and is making its 17th NCAA Tournament appearance. The Sooners are 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 0-1 in neutral site games this season. The Sooners started their season by making the championship game of the Preseason WNIT The Blue Demons and Sooners are meeting for just the second time ever. The two schools last played when they opened the 2006-07 season in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners won the game 105-71. DePaul is 10-18 all-time in NCAA games and reached the Sweet 16 in 2011 and in 2006. The Blue Demons have reached the second round eight times, including in two of the last three seasons. Stay tuned for updates throughout the big dance. I’m expecting a serious dosey-doe.

DePaul Blue Demons Take Big East to the Big Dance; Party on…Monday

March 14, 2014 by Alison Moran

The DePaul Blue Demons) are ready to step up and lead the Big East”

Coach Doug Bruno, DePaul Blue Demons

Welcome to a new era in Big East athletics.

No more UConn. No more Geno Auriemma. No more Notre Dame. So long, Hall of Famer Muffet McGraw.

Hello, Coach Doug Bruno. You’ve been crowned.

After sweating it out year after year for NCAA selection and seeding, the Blue Demons can take it easy on St. Patrick’s Day, aka Selection Monday for women’s basketball.

In winning the Big East Conference, the Blue Demons also punched their ticket to their 12th consecutive NCAA tournament.

This time, it’s an AUTOMATIC bid.

It seems like it’s all coming together…finally…for the DePaul Lady Blue Demons. They secured their first Big East regular-season title ever, and enter the NCAA Tournament with a 27-6 record. They’ve won 16 of their last 17 games, and are ranked 23/22 in the nation.

“This was one of the best moments of my life,” said senior forward Jasmine Penny. “To see us work so hard all season and accomplish this is just amazing.”

Going into the Big East Conference tournament as the #1 seed, they battled Georgetown, Marquette, and finally, #2 seed St. John’s to take the Big East Tournament title on March 11. It was the first women’s championship game for the realigned Big East since powerhouses Connecticut and Notre Dame departed last year for the American Athletic and Atlantic Coast conferences, respectively.

From the opening tip, the Blue Demons were intent on scoring inside along with attacking the basket. A back-and-forth first half ended with the Blue Demons on top, 30-29.

But as they approached crunch time, DePaul held the Red Storm off, maintained a five-to-seven point lead, until Brittany Hrynko‘s reverse layup gave DePaul a 53-46 edge with over four minutes to go.

Hrynko was aggressive from the opening tip as if determined to impose her will on this championship game no matter what.

“I came out ready to play,” Hrynko said. “I wanted to attack the basket. Once I got into the lane, I was patient looking for my teammates cutting to the basket.”

Senior forward Jasmine Penny was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and junior guard Brittany Hrynko was voted onto the all-tournament team. Megan Rogowski chipped in with 14 points while Megan Podkowa came up big with 12 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

And now…it’s time for a party!

Join the DePaul women’s basketball team on Monday, March 17 for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Selection Special. Coach Doug Bruno and his team will gather at McGrath-Phillips Arena to watch the selection show on ESPN on DePaul’s big screen at 6 p.m. (CT). The event is open to the public and doors open at 5 p.m.

The selection show party includes food and soda while admission is free. Parking is available for $6 next door to the Sullivan Athletic Center at the 2335 N. Sheffield parking facility. Fans that plan on attending the selection show should RSVP to Katie Ramsey at (773)325-7504 or cramsey1@depaul.edu.

Blame Lolo Jones for Olympic bobsled fail?

February 19, 2014 by Alison Moran

Blame Lolo Jones for Olympic bobsled fail? It could have been three American bobsleds, not two, in contention for women’s 2-man bobsled medals.

If not for a bad choice on the part of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.

After all, USA-1 pilot Elana Meyers and brakeman Lauryn Williams, the most experienced of the bobsledders, are currently in first place with a two-heat time of 1:54.89, .23 seconds ahead of Canada-1 pilot Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse and .56 ahead of USA-2 pilot Jamie Greubel and Aja Evans, a Chicago native.

Where are the third American team…former Olympic track star Lolo Jones and and pilotJazmine Fenlator? They are currently in 11th of 19 bobsleds heading into Wednesday’s final two heats. On Tuesday, their first heat brought them in 58.27 seconds. In the second heat, they were .19 seconds slower at 58.46.

“Everything went as expected,” Jones told theWashington Post. “We knew we would have to fight. We knew it would be four tough runs.”

She expected to come in 11th? I don’t think that’s why the Federation picked her.

Though anything can happen in the final two heats on Wednesday, Jones and Fenlator, according toUSA Today and other media outlets, are unlikely to medal here.

I agree. Why blame Jones?

Actually, I blame the Federation, not so much Jones. They made two critical errors:

1) The Federation went for better publicity, not a better pushman

Yep my heart is hurting and moments like these I just praise and worship God. This song on repeat pic.twitter.com/eOIMGU0mBy

Lolo Jones ‏@lolojones

In this case, Jones was selected over the blonde, beautiful, and experienced Palos Hills native Katie Eberling. She was an immediate favorite for the Olympic team after claiming the 2011 U.S. National Push Champion title in her rookie season. Eberling, 25, was left off the team despite three bronze-medal finishes in four World Cup races this season. She was the national team’s most decorated brakeman and the reigning world silver medalist in the two-woman bobsled. She won three bronze medals on the World Cup circuit this season and finished second behind Evans at the national push championships, which clock how fast athletes can thrust the sleds off the starting line.

Katie Eberling, who’s an alternate on this year’s Bobsled team after being passed over for Lolo Jones

Yes, Jones had two silver medals in four bobsled races, and ultimately bobsled officials liked Jones’ chances. She’s also ‘hot,’ she’s charismatic, she’s a Christian, reportedly a virgin, and has achieved worldwide fame for her looks, her omnipresence on social media, and her ability to bounce back from failure. The Des Moines, Iowa native has a sad backstory, which always makes for good press.

And now, she’s a two-sport Olympian. More good press.

But she’s failed in heavy competition for any Olympic medal, let alone a gold.

The former U.S. track star missed bronze by a 10th of a second in the women’s 100-meter hurdles in the London Olympics in 2012, taking fourth place in her second attempt at the Summer Games. Her poor showing at the 2012 Olympics kept her out of the “world class runner” tag she has long desired.

She won indoor national titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the 60 m hurdles, with gold medals at the World Indoor Championship in 2008 and 2010. She was favored to win the 100 m hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but tripped on the penultimate hurdle, finishing in seventh place. She went on to win silver at the 2008 World Athletics Final.

2) They went with inexperience in USA-3

To earn her silver medal, Jones was paired with Elana Meyers, arguably the best of all drivers in US bobsled history. How much push was actually necessary?

Paired with Fenlator, their chances were weakened considerably.

Why would they have paired these two? Well, the bobsled federation cuts itself a wide berth when picking the Olympic team. The vaguely worded nominating procedures state that athletes should be selected based on current season results, past performance, push times, work ethic and driver input.

In her seven years as a ‘slider,’ Fenlator’s best finish was a silver during the 2012-13 season in Lake Placid, and a 5th in Park City. She ran track at Rider University where her coach encouraged her to try a bobsled camp after graduation.

Maybe on paper, the team looked like they could maybe muster a respectable run. But both lack the experience to win big in such an important event.

Yes, we have our publicity. But we also want our medals. Go USA?

But Elana Meyers, who I’m predicting will win gold on Wednesday, played the peacemaker on her Facebook page:

“In a sport where medals are won and lost by hundredths of a second, it is very important to analyze all the numbers and make the best decision to try to win Olympic medals for our country. Everyone may not agree with the decision, but the fact of the matter is, the numbers supported the selection committee’s decision and 3 athletes were chosen. The three that were chosen have worked hard to earn there spots, and I am proud to call them my Olympic teammates. “

Trestman Hints At Roster Cuts, Additions At Final Preseason Game

August 30, 2013 by Alison Moran

It really wasn’t the score that mattered in the Bears’ 18-16 loss at Soldier Field Thursday night in their final preseason game.

Nor did it matter that the Bears went 2-2 this preseason.

What really mattered at steamy Soldier Field, to the 46,932 attending the game, and most of all, to Head Coach Marc Trestman and General Manager Phil Emery were the impending, mandatory league-wide cuts that must trim the roster to 53 by Saturday.

If one could read their minds, they must have been asking themselves….who could back up and protect oft-sacked quarterback Jay Cutler, or take the place of the retired Brian Urlacher, and which men could best showcase their talent to prove what they had to be a Chicago Bear?

Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman was hired for one reason, and that was to shore up an offense that ranked 28th of 32 teams last season. He wanted players who could protect Cutler, receive passes from Cutler (besides Brandon Marshall, who was on a most-questioned four-day leave), and provide backup when the O-line gets injured.

Quarterback Jordan Palmer addresses the media after the Bears 18-16 preseason loss.

Jordan Palmer, previously known as longtime Cincinnati Bengals Carson Palmer’s younger brother, made a strong case as a backup quarterback for Cutler, completing 11 of 17 passes for 111 yards and a TD in the first half, for a 102.8 rating. He did better than his former football camp roommate Trent Edwards, who completed 10 0f 17 for 135 yards but had an interception in the fourth quarter, with 3:15 left, that eventually lost them the game. His rating sank to 59.7.

“It says a lot about his preparation,” said Trestman of Palmer at the half. “He dug in; he has learned a lot of the offense and spent a lot of time, on his own, trying to assimilate all of it. I’m happy for him that he came out and played very efficiently for us.”

Palmer expressed gratitude for the opportunity, and said he looked around the field for the last time, if it indeed was the last time he saw Soldier Field. “Whatever happens, I’ve learned so much, I’m a better quarterback, and I’ll keep my head held high.”

He did say he was hoping to cancel a long-planned trip to Europe with his wife, should he make the 53-man roster.

Trestman had no words for Edwards, except perhaps in a general quote that “no one played themselves off the team.”

Did that include troubled tackle J’Marcus Webb? He earned a “We’ll review the tape and make some tough decisions,” from Trestman. He didn’t help himself with a false start on the opening drive, earning Webb his third penalty on the preseason.

Trestman did wax eloquent about three rookies who earned their roster spots by sitting out this game: Right guard Kyle Long, right tackle Jordan Mills, receiver Marquess Wilson and linebacker Jon Bostic, who impressed with key tackles and interceptions in the first preseason games.

“It’s sort of a right of passage for rookies to play in the fourth game,” said Trestman. “Obviously, if D.J. (Williams) were healthy, we would probably play Jonathon (Bostic). Without a middle linebacker right now to replace Jonathon, we felt we had to keep him out.

“On the other side of it, ” Trestman continued, “We just feel

that Kyle and Jordan have really played well and practiced well. Going into next week, unless things change, it looks like they’ll be there at the guard and tackle positions. We’ll make some final decisions Monday. But it looks like they’ve proven they have the first shot.”

The roster will look very different come September 8, when the Bears open the regular season hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. They will be younger. And just maybe, a better team for it. Time will tell.

Oh, Susannah! Sports Vixen Releases Statement About Firing

May 8, 2013 by Alison Moran

Former CSN reporter Susannah Collins, fired for….what?

“As most of you know by now, I had a slip-up last week on the air while covering the Blackhawks playoff series. As a result of the attention it received, an old web-based sports comedy series I participated in several years ago came to light. The intention of that show was to present a satirical, tongue-in-cheek approach to sports but, unfortunately, some of the material it contained was off-color and offensive. I understand why some may have been offended by it and for this I am truly sorry. To be clear, that show in no way reflects my personal opinions.

It has always been my dream to cover my hometown teams on the network I loved watching. I have worked tirelessly to develop my skills as a sports reporter, anchor and host, and I want to thank the city of Chicago for allowing me that opportunity. The outpouring of support I have received is overwhelming and it will remain in my heart, as will Chicago. Always.”

–Susannah (Collins, former CSN Chicago reporter, via CBSlocal.com)

As former CSN Chicago Susannah Collins represents, women maintain a very delicate balance when working in a male-dominated field.

As Anne Doyle points out in an article in Forbes, there are growing numbers of talented, seasoned women broadcasters covering sports, including USA Today columnist and on-air commentator Christine Brennan, ESPN’s Pam Ward, (who was removed, for unspecified reasons, from football broadcasts) and athlete and NBC tennis commentator Mary Carillo.

"Dream Angel" Sarah Kustok, now of the Yes Network — “Dream Angel” Sarah Kustok, now of the Yes Network

In sports broadcasting, there are also the “Dream Angels” (my phrase,) like former Comcast Sports reporter Sarah Kustok and Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews, who maintain an ever-so slight distance from their subjects and maintain friendly, non-threatening eye contact. Audiences and advertisers just love them. Because they mean money and ratings to the station.

And then, there are the “Vixens (my phrase):” the energetic, opinionated women-with-attitude. The tart-tongued sharpie can hold her own with anyone, retort when threatened, and come away with the upper hand. One-line, double-entendre innuendos can roll off their tongue. And yet, they’re all having fun out there. Looks, brains and attitude. Think 80’s rockers Pat Benatar and Sheena Easton. Vixens can also mean advertising revenue to the station, because they’re so different. They exude sexuality, usually wearing more provocative clothing….a little cleavage here, skin-tight jeans and boots there.

Rachel Nichols, "Vixen" — Rachel Nichols, “Vixen”

For example, Turner Sports and CNN reporter Rachel Nichols and ESPNU’s Niki Noto are “vixens.”

Former Comcast Sports reporter Susannah Collins was such a Vixen. From her website:

“While reporting on the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, Susannah’s sense of humor and composure while deflecting inappropriate come-ons from intoxicated fans caught the eye of producers at Showtime Sports.”

Susannah Collins Blogsite

My take on Collins’ tenure at CSN Chicago was that she was highly energetic, knowledgeable about sports, and asked non-threatening questions of the players, which should have been fine with the powers-that-be at Blackhawks and Bulls. She was also, in the words of my male colleagues, a “smokin-hot babe.”

I thought she was a worthy and different successor to the beloved Sarah Kustok, whom she replaced.

But the category of “Sports Vixen” is growing specialty area for women in sports broadcasting. Looks, brains and attitude also sells. And yet, you gotta be careful when you’re the Vixen.

Collins is an example of something I always tell students at Moraine Valley Community College and Columbia College when I guest-lecture: if you can’t show it or tell it to your mother, you probably shouldn’t do it.

Usually, I’m talking about posting nude pictures, provocative poses, or compromising positions on their Facebook or Twitter pages.

Collins lost her prestigious, demanding gig last week for…what? Maybe a slip-up on the air, substituting the word “sex,” for “success? ”

Her reference to the Chicago Blackhawks’ “tremendous amount of sex” during a live shot — one she quickly corrected to “tremendous amount of success.” was no more than an innocent, funny mistake. One that all of us on live sports duty could easily have made. And corrected, just as she had.

Yet, a day or so later, Collins was dismissed from Comcast Sports.

An outcry followed, and speculation ran rampant in media circles as to the real cause of Colllins’ firing, since, as noted by Fox Sports’ Sam Gardner, CSN Chicago vice president and general manager Phil Bedella said Collins’ release was related to “circumstances unrelated to her on-air remarks.”

The Downers Grove native was more than likely fired for participating in a show that her own website labeled her “true calling,” allowing her to “combine her love of sports with her charismatic, on-camera abilities.”

This was her web-based series, “Sports Nutz” which she co-hosted between June 2009 and April 2010.

Nowhere listed on the website was the show’s ability to offend just about everyone, in the name of sports comedy. While researching this blog, I watched Collins in a tete-a-tete focusing on a male co-host’s bulging jeans. Okay, it was a little over-the-top. And I understand the need to be different, to be tongue-in-cheek, and to use talent who can pull off funny-sarcastic in a crowded field of internet-based sports shows.

My fellow ChicagoNow blogger and good friend Paul M. Banks compiled the best of the bunch of Sports Nutz shows. Just look at the titles for some of these shows…. the “Jew Fantasy Draft,” and “Douchebag Nation,” among others. Certain to offend someone.

I understand why Comcast Sports got nervous. Advertisers and viewers/listeners are the “kwon” of the broadcasting world, to use the “Jerry Maguire” word. Without these, the outlets don’t exist. Respect and political correctness, which was not a strong point of “Sports Nutz,” probably made the bosses fearful of retribution.

Given the outcome, I have to question why a broadcasting venue such as CSN Chicago failed to find and study these shows prior to hiring Collins. Or if they did, why would they reverse course and risk a lawsuit? It’s not as if “Sports Nutz” was difficult to find online. And her very own online bio provided links.

That said, I speculate that since she’s had a few jobs after she left “Sports Nutz,” Collins may not have submitted video from the show. They could have dealt with it, then.

Catching your bosses unaware in 2013 is the unpardonable offense. Full disclosure as to prior questionable, possibly offensive activity, no matter how tongue-in-cheek or comedic, is the responsibility of the interviewee, i.e. Collins, to provide.

Another point is how hiring decisions are made. As Doyle points out in Forbes, there is a clear double-standard, in that credentialed, skilled female broadcasters (see above) are competing for air-time with “smokin hot” babes.

Doyle asks a great question about the double-standard:

How long would Brent Musburger last if his contract depended on his ability to attract female viewers, measured against the likes of Ryan Gosling?

Anne Doyle, Forbes.com

And why is Musburger still employed anyway, after drooling all over Katherine Webb, the beauty queen who used to be known as the Alabama quarterback’s girlfriend before TV cameras made her a 15-minute wonder?

What I find most disturbing, though, is something that echoed in Doyle’s article: sports crazed young girls are getting powerful messages that beauty queen titles and tight pants may be hotter tickets to careers in sports (broadcasting) than athletic scholarships or college degrees. And that the more provocative you are, the better able you will be to find a job.

Collins’ case proves that being a smokin-hot Vixen can get you in the door. But if you have the mouth to call a “Jew Fantasy Draft,” and don’t tell potential employers about it, you might just be fired. Wise up, friends.

Carmody In or Out After Going 4-13 in Big 10?

March 7, 2013 by Alison Moran

(Evanston, IL) A school record four consecutive postseason appearances in the NIT. 189 victories in 13 years, or 14.50 per season, the second-most in school history. Two All-Big 10 players in John Shurna and Drew Crawford. Sounds okay for a Big 10 coach, maybe? Especially at a school more revered for academics than athletics for more decades than the coach has been alive.

Yet, in Northwestern University basketball coach Bill Carmody, we always seemed to want more. Why not an NCAA bid? Why did we do so badly in Big 10 Conference Tournaments? (Ohio State and Wisconsin, that’s why. And now, Indiana). Alumni grew impatient with coming so close…and yet so far…from the NCAA March Madness that kept eluding them.

At one point, even a play-in game in the field of 68 would have probably satisfied the NU faithful.

After all, Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s football team broke a 49-year drought by winning the Gator Bowl, winning over a tepid Missisippi State team. Why not the roundballers getting their first-ever NCAA bid to March Madness?

It all looked possible as the Wildcats zoomed through six consecutive victories to start the 2012-2013 campaign. They won the South Padre Island Invitational by beating the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs and the Illinois State Redbirds to take the championship. Senior Jared Shropshire was named tournament MVP. It looked good. It felt promising. Besides Shrop, there was fellow senior Reggie Hearn, ranking 13th in the Big Ten with an average of 13.5 ppg. And Naperville’s own Dave Sobolewski, who lifted the Wildcats over their first meeting with the Nittany Lions at Happy Valley with 18 points.

And then….in game number 7, at home in Welsh-Ryan Arena on December 27, against future Big 10 opponent Maryland, the Wildcats starting losing…77-57…then against city rival UIC, 50-44. And against Big 10 opponents…much worse. On January 3, the Wildcats lost big to Michigan, 94-66, then split with the Minnestota Golden Gophers, Fighting Illini, and lost twice to Iowa and Ohio State. They played impressively in a loss to #1 Indiana at home 67-59.

Injuries to key players, particularly the high-scoring Jared Shropshire, may have killed the euphoria, and possibly, the momentum of the first six games. Shrop was injured during the February 9 game at Iowa. Hurting his right knee, he had arthroscopic surgery two days before Valentines Day, thus ending his career at Northwestern. Shrop led the Wildcats’ injury parade, that also included Drew Crawford’s shoulder, Chier Alou’s knee, and Sanjay Lumpkins’ wrist. JerShon Cobb was lost to violations of team policy.

Penn State coach Patrick Chambers said.”I’ve never seen injuries like this in my entire life.”

“We won’t use injuries as an excuse for this season,” said Hearn, who said he was mad at himself and ignored a standing ovation from the crowd as he fouled out of the Wildcats’ 66-59 loss to Penn State on March 7. “The way we were able to compete and stay in games, it’s a credit to Coach Carmody.”

After 13 years as Northwestern University’s basketball coach, it looks like Bill Carmody is on the bubble. He said as much in the postgame press conference. He admitted that he’d been thinking about it. “We’ll have the Big 10 tournament, and then I’ll talk to Jim (Phillips, NU’s VP of Athletics and Recreation) after that.”

Wildcats’ Loss To Butler Tough Pill To Swallow

December 1, 2012 by Alison Moran

(Evanston) It was a tough, tough night for the Northwestern Wildcats as the sloppy game got physical, as shots didn’t fall, and ultimately, a 75-64 loss to the Butler Bulldogs, two years removed from their trip to the Big Dance in Houston.

A victory on Saturday would have given the Cats at least eight wins through their first 10 games for the fifth consecutive season.

But it was not meant to be. As Butler Coach Brad Stephens explained “I thought Northwestern had the upper hand physically the first eight minutes of this game. We got much better during the last 32. ”

Northwestern coach Bill Carmody agreed. “It was a very physical game. Hard-scoring. It’s tough when we lose.”

Scoring seesawed through much of the first half. Dave Sobolewski, the big sophomore guard out of Naperville”s Benet Academy, scored more than half the points for the Wildcats for a quarter and a half, going 6 for 11 in field goals, 2 for 6 in three-point attempts, and 7 for 8 in free throws for a total of 21 points. Until the last 10 minutes of the game, he had half the Wildcats’ point total.

And yet, he was gracious to the teammates who for all intents and purposes, let him down. “I have no problem with anything anyone did out there tonight,outside of shots falling.”he said.

It was a stunning letdown for a team that had scored a big 74-70 win at Baylor on Wednesday night.

Gator Bowl Awaits Northwestern Wildcats Following Lincoln Trophy

December 1, 2012 by Alison Moran

Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald and the Land of Lincoln Trophy after their 50-14 win over the Fighting Illini Now, they are Bowl-bound for Jacksonville, Florida!

Northwestern University’s Wildcats are bound for Jacksonville, Florida for the 2013 Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl. The coveted Bowl Trophy, which Northwestern hasn’t won in eons, would be the second trophy the Wildcats have won this season. How lucky can they get this season?

Already, they are the bearers of the Land of Lincoln Trophy, won in a game against a moribund Fighting Illini team with no fight in them. The November matchup, in fact, between Northwestern and Illinois will be remembered for many reasons, not the least of which was the Wildcats’ drawing even with the Fighting Illini at 27 wins and three ties, and an overall 54-47-5 record. Most importantly, Northwestern reclaimed the trophy on their home field for the first time in two years, in a trouncing game with few scoring opportunities for the hapless Illini.

After two years and four bowl games resulting in losses, the 2012 regular season ended on a very hopeful note, after their 50-14 drubbing of the hopeless, helpless Fighting Illini, who went 0-8 in Conference and 2-10 on the season.

Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald, himself a member of the 1996 Wildcats team that went to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, sat proudly in the postgame press conference, his face nearly hidden by a large top hat set in bronze.

In that moment, Coach Fitzgerald reminded me of Doug Bruno, the DePaul Lady Blue Demons’ intrepid dreamer, who thinks of his team as a “work in progress.,” who sees his Wildcats as progressing ever forward toward his goal: a BCS Championship for his young team.

Northwestern got off to a slow start to the Land of Lincoln trophy, giving up a touchdown on running back Donovann Young’s 15-yard run with 8:58 left. They trailed 7-3 until the second quarter, when wide receiver Tony Jones took a 9-yard pass from quarterback Kain Coulter, sending the Wildcats to 10-7 with most of the 2nd quarter remaining.

The Wildcats never looked back.

As SB Nation noted, Venric Mark was impressive on the ground, but quarterback Kain Colter was the star of the game. Colter completed 9-of-11 passes for 102 yards and three scores, while also rushing for another 88 yards and a touchdown.

Most important for the Wildcats were their 9-3 season, the best in many years, and their virtual assurance of a New Year’s Day bowl matchup. The win also tied Fitzgerald with Pappy Waldorf (1935-46) as the winningest coach in Northwestern football history with 49 wins.

This year’s five-year class won its 39th game, the most of any five-year Northwestern University class. The current seniors have helped the Wildcats advance to postseason play in all five years of their careers.

Northwestern takes on the SEC’s Mississippi State University Bulldogs. The Bulldogs finished the regular season with an overall record of 8-4 and will be returning to Jacksonville for the second timeThis will be the third consecutive Bowl appearance for the Bulldogs under Head Coach Dan Mullen.

“Northwestern and Mississippi State are truly among the greatest of football traditions in the nation. The Wildcats and Bulldogs will provide one of the most exciting games of the Bowl season and we are lookingforward to welcoming both teams and their fans to Jacksonville for this great New Year’s Day matchup,” said Selection Committee Chairman Greg Smith.

“Gator Bowl Mystique“

According to their website, the Gator Bowl Association has a storied 67 year tradition, showcasing many of college football’s biggest names including Heisman Trophy winners George Rogers, Pat Sullivan, Earl Campbell, and John David Crow. Outstanding players such as Dan Marino, Thurman Thomas, Archie Manning, Larry Csonka, and Peyton Manning are also part of the Gator Bowl Mystique. The Gator Bowl has also featured many of America’s best coaches including Bobby Bowden, Steve Spurrier, and Vince Dooley.

Let’s add Kain Coulter and Venric Mark to the list. Okay?

Kickoff is at high noon, Eastern time on New Years Day at EverBank Field, with a capacity of 77,510, and will be broadcast on ESPN2

The Undefeated: Northwestern Wildcats Perfect in Nonconference Games

September 24, 2012 by Alison Moran

Coach Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern University

(Evanston, IL) Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald is cautiously optimistic optimistic as his Wildcats completed the nonconference portion of their schedule a perfect 4-0, including a 38-7 win over the MAC conference’ South Dakota Coyotes on Saturday.

Previously, Northwestern had beaten Vanderbilt, Syracuse, and Boston College. The Wildcats’ 31-point margin of victory over South Dakota was the largest of the other three games combined.

Additionally, the combination of quarterback Kain Coulter to running back Venric Mark has proven lethal. Mark had three of the five touchdowns scored in Saturday’s game, with 117 rushing yards. Treyvon Green and Tyrus Jones added one each and 45 and 42 yards, respectively.

The five rushing scores were the most by a Northwestern team since Sept. 5, 2009, against Towson. Mark went over 100 yards on the ground for the second time this season. Northwestern has now had an individual reach the 100-yard rushing plateau in three straight games, the longest such streak for NU since early in the 2007 season.

Northwestern quarterbacks completed 12-of-15 passing attempts for 131 yards, keeping NU without an interception for the fourth time in four games this season.

And the offense wasn’t the only bright spot of the game. On special teams, punter Brandon Williams shined with his 56.7-yard punting average on three attempts, including a 61-yarder that pinned the Coyotes on their own 1-yard line.

With the game well in hand at 9:10 in the fourth quarter, Fitzgerald opted for a field goal instead of going for a touchdown. Fitgerald readily admitted in postgame interviews that he allowed kicker Steve Flaherty’s 39-yard field goal just because he wanted to give him some time out on the field.

Despite his team’s nonconference success, Fitzgerald worries about his team getting “fat and sassy,” and not giving an all-out effort as they face some formidable Big 10 teams the rest of the season, including Nebraska,

And neither is the team. “It’s a clean slate now,” said defenseman Quentin Williams. “(A perfect nonconference record) doesn’t mean much if we don’t do well in conference.”

Williams said that Coach Fitzgerald had brought in a Navy SEAL to help them with mental toughness. Our question was “how do you handle success?” said Williams.

When asked, Coulter said the Navy Seal taught them “to expect success. You can’t get too high or too low. But expect to win games.”

Northwestern takes its undefeated record into Big Ten play next week, hosting Indiana at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 29 in its 2012 conference-opener. Their first major test against a Big 10 rival comes on October 20 as the Wildcats host the mighty Cornhuskers of Nebraska.