‘Bama pummels LSU in rematch, Saban gets another title

Alabama pummels LSU in rematch as Nick Saban claims his third BCS title (NYDN) NEW ORLEANS — There is a statue of Alabama coach Nick Saban that, along with monuments to the Tide’s other national championship coaches — Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings — guards the Walk of Champions that leads to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The 60-year-old Saban is a living legend in that campus town. He solidified his reputation as the best coach in college football Monday night as his second-ranked Crimson Tide rolled to a 21-0 victory over top-ranked SEC rival LSU in the BCS national championship game. Saban became the first coach to win three BCS title games. He coached LSU to a national title…

Heisman winner Griffin sacks black QB stereotypes

Heisman winner Robert Griffin III sacks black quarterback stereotypes (theGRIO) Andrew Luck is the best NFL prospect since John Elway. In April, he’ll be the No. 1 pick in theNFL draft. Tonight, the Heisman trophy was awarded. The Heisman is annually given to the most outstanding college football player who is most vital to his team’s success in a given year. Andrew Luck is the best NFL player playing college football. But he didn’t deserve to win the Heisman. That honor was given to Robert Griffin III. Griffin, a junior quarterback from Baylor, meant more to his team that Luck or any other player did this year. Luck had all the hype – and deservedly so – but from a pure production standpoint,…

College Football Player Drops Dead From Heart Attack

Fred Thompson, Oregon State football player, dies of apparent heart attack at 19 (NYDN) Oregon State football player Fred Thompson, 19, died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday evening, leaving the university and its storied football program in shock. Thompson was playing basketball at the campus recreation center when he collapsed, a statement from the university said. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. local time. The university said it planned to hold a news conference Thursday to discuss the freshman defensive tackle’s death. Brandon Sprague, a local reporter, tweeted that he “talked with Fred a month ago. Told him a lot of people thought he could be a…

Hall of Fame Defensive End Lee Roy Selmon Dies

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lee Roy Selmon, the Hall of Fame defensive end who teamed with his brothers at Oklahoma to create a dominant defensive front that helped lead the Sooners to consecutive national championships, died Sunday — two days after being hospitalized for a stroke. He was 56. A statement released on behalf wife Claybra said he died at a Tampa hospital surrounded by family members. “For all his accomplishments on and off the field, to us Lee Roy was the rock of our family. This has been a sudden and shocking event and we are devastated by this unexpected loss,” the statement said. Selmon was hospitalized Friday, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed later…

Why Miami Football Didn’t Get Off Scott Free

(theGrio) South Florida just let out a collective sigh of relief as the early repercussions of the Nevin Shapiro/University of Miami scandal was revealed to the nation on Tuesday evening. The NCAA decided on eight player suspensions, five of them for just one game, which most agree is not nearly as bad as it could have been. UM will play one game without Jacory Harris, Sean Spence, Travis Benjamin, Marcus Forston and Adewale Ojomo. Multiple games without Olivier Vernon, Daron Dye and Ray-Ray Armstrong — still even the most optimistic Hurricanes fan must have shared in the sense of relief I think most of us experienced once the word came down. We have heard the screams from the…

NFL Mock Draft: Yes, the Panthers Cam

NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers could make Cam Newton one of three top-10 quarterback picks (NYDailyNews) The NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night from Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. In Thursday’s first round, Tom Coughlin and the Giants hold the 19th pick, while Rex Ryanand the Jets select 30th. The Daily News’ Gary Myers scouts around the league and presents his take on how the first 32 selections may shake out, including three quarterbacks in the top 10: 1. PANTHERS - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Tremendous ability, limited experience, carries some baggage. Will either be great or stink. Won’t know for sure for a year or two. 2. BRONCOS - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M John Elway is in charge and he should play QB…

NFL COMBINE: Which Prospects’ Draft Stocks Are Soaring High?

(FoxSports) The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine is now in the books. As is the case every year, there are players who stand out above the rest. Some names you may know, but some players you probably never have heard of. Here’s an inside look at the top 10 performances during the workouts. — Adam Caplan 2011 NFL Scouting Combine winners

Cam Newton Labels Himself An “Entertainer and Icon”

Uh oh. That’s what NFL personnel men may be saying about Heisman Trophy-winning QB Cam Newton afterSI‘s Peter King tweeted the following from the former Auburn star: Newton: “I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon.” Ron Rivera, Chan Gailey, John Harbaugh blanch. Of course King is referring to some of the head coaches who could be pondering Newton as their first-round selection in April’s draft amid his seeming recent climb into top 10 consideration. However this quote from Lebron James‘ playbook may give NFL teams pause over a kid who’s already been the center of plenty of controversy during his college career. GIL BRANDT: ‘Would shock me’ if Newton doesn’t go No….

Cam Newton Skipping Senior Year, Will Enter NFL Draft

(NO) MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft after leading Auburn to a national championship and drawing nearly as much attention for a pay-for-play scandal as for his dynamic performances. Auburn released a statement Thursday night announcing the quarterback’s decision following his lone year as a major college starter. Newton led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night. “This decision was difficult for me and my family,” Newton said, adding that he made it after talking to coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. “It’s been a blessing…

Auburn The Champ, But For How Long?

GLENDALE, ARIZ. (FoxSports) The toilet paper streamed down from the upper deck, “Family All In” signs waved in the crowd and the “War Eagle” fight song played on. But in the midst of top-ranked Auburn celebrating a national title for the first time in more than five decades after defeating Oregon 22-19 in Monday night’s BCS Championship Game, its star quarterback Cameron Newton made his way to the University of Phoenix Stadium’s east side and climbed in to the first row of the stands. Frenzied Tigers fans crowded him as they slapped his shoulder pads, snapped his photograph and yelled, “We love you Cam!” During it all, he was oblivious. Instead, Newton carefully scanned the crowd…