Did Pat White talk his way off Heisman ballots?

Sometimes we all have those moments where you just blurt something out without looking around to see what’s really going on. Pat White had one of those moments last week, making an issue of the West Virginia baseball team having few African American players, and claiming that it’s because coach Greg Van Zandt prefers it that way. There could be truth about Van Zandt or none at all, but the numbers really shouldn’t be shocking. There has a been a steady decline of African American baseball players for years and at all levels. If White looked coast to coast, he would see that it’s not just West Virginia with deflating numbers.

But the West Virginia quarterback made his statement and later issued and apology, and I wonder if it’s too late and damage done. White is an early Heisman contender, and represents the key figure in the Mountaineers’ offense. Although he wasn’t a Heisman finalist in 2007, he stood a better chance this year. But the Heisman is more than performance on the field. It judges character and community achievements, as well.

It surprised me that Colt Brennan was able to make the trip to the Downtown Athletic Club last December, having his legal troubles in Colorado, before heading to Hawaii. But there was obviously time to allow those negatives to blow over, and voters accepted the new Brennan. Pat White’s statements won’t go away. In fact, If someone would promise me a dollar for every time his summer words surface during telecasts this Fall, I could probably buy myself a decent meal. When it comes to the Heisman, those words will swirl and weigh on football achievements, sticking in the minds of eligible voters. In other words, his words may have cost him a shot at one of the most prestigious awards in all of sports.

It’s funny, though. Because every time I think about the tongue lashing, I’m reminded of a scene from Spike Lee’s “Do the right thing”, where a boycott of Sal’s pizzeria is being planned, because he has no African American heroes on the wall of his business that sits in a minority neighborhood.

Davis makes his network debut

Fred Davis has never been a stranger to the spotlight. He’s appeared in two BCS championship games and 3 Rose Bowls. I can’t even say he’s a stranger to NBC, after appearing every other year in South Bend for the annual Notre Dame/USC showdown. But on Sunday he made a first time appearance on network television, in the NFL, and as a Washington Redskin.

The 2008 Hall of Fame game officially kicked off the NFL preseason, giving us the injury-riddled Colts and Redskins. And although Davis’ play was limited and didn’t offer anything spectacular, he did make 3 receptions for 23 yards in Washington’s 30-16 victory. Aside for his sure hands, Davis displayed sound fundamentals and discipline, holding his own in run blocking to create lanes for Redskins backs.

Aloha

Overall, Jim Zorn’s offensive unit looked good, and especially the play of Mater Dei High school’s Colt Brennan. After playing the role of backup to Matt Leinart in High School, then moving on to shatter NCAA passing records in Hawaii, Colt Brennan found himself leading a professional franchise up and down the field with ease. He appeared physically larger than we last saw him, running for dear life against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl. And with a line that actually blocks, he flaunted his touch of accuracy, going 9 for 10 on passing attempts, for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brennan was easily the star in a game that had no others.

Running with Hart

Mike Hart was…well, Mike Hart. The Colts rookie looked to be the same player that rumbled up and down the field at the Big House. Though he had only 4 carries in the game, he ripped off chunks of yardage with each to average 13.3 yards and total 53. He also caught 3 passes for 28 yards, receiving more time with Joseph Addai leaving the game early with a head injury.

No Side Stepping: Bush ruling leaves door open for NCAA

A San Diego Superior Court Judge has ruled against arbitration in the Reggie Bush lawsuit. The ruling will send the case to court and leave the door open for the NCAA to gather any evidence to support improper benefits received by Bush while at USC, and any knowledge of those benefits by the Trojans Athletic department. Arbitration acts as a closed door affair, which brings conclusion to a disagreement without public knowledge, where trial is submitted evidence, under oath, accessible to the general public.

A key figure in the trial will be Michael Michaels, the former business partner of Lloyd Lake. Lake brought the suit, but Michaels has remained silent. Michaels previously agreed to a $200,000 settlement with the Bush family, but unlike Lake, isn’t looking to cash in on the sudden media publicity. Appearing as the most credible witness, the NCAA will have heavy interest in anything Michaels will have to say on the stand.

The show is set to begin again later this month, and pushing into early September. Bush lawyers have the right to appeal the latest ruling, which they more likely to do.

Off Topic: Many arrives; knows nothing about Dodgers

Manny Ramirez made his arrival in Los Angeles today and addressed the press. One thing he quickly learned is that he’ll fit right in, with this city having a very large Latino community. Just as quickly as the press conference began, is how quickly he started to take questions and give answers in Spanish. But based on some things said, Ramirez doesn’t know the Dodgers or this city.

When asked about his jersey number (99), Manny said he wasn’t sure why he was given that one, and that he requested No. 34 and doesn’t know what happened. What he obviously doesn’t know is that the No. 34 was worn by Dodger pitching legend Fernando Valenzuela. Manny was also asked about the city in general, and he claimed he’s only been here once for a Spring training game. I would take that as the record breaking attendance game played earlier this year in the Los Angeles coliseum between the Sox and Dodgers, in commemoration of the Dodgers’ 50 years in Los Angeles. But of course, that can’t be the only time he’s been here. Hello! The American League Angels play in this town. Sure, they technically play in Anaheim, but that’s like calling teams the Auburn Hills Pistons, Irving Cowboys, and the old Inglewood Lakers. They are the “Los Angeles” Angels of Anaheim.

One thing Manny does know about the Dodgers and Dodgers stadium is the dynamics and its notoriety of being a pitcher’s ballpark. He told the press not to expect him to be launching 40 homeruns out of this new stadium, as he did in Fenway Park. But anyone already in L.A, and knowing the Dodgers and their stadium, already know this as the obvious.

Welcome to L.A., Manny. I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of the place.