Jay, here.

While sitting on the north side of Autzen Stadium baking in the sun at the Spring Game, a couple of things occurred to me on Saturday.

“Wow. It’s a really nice day to be watching some football.”

“Justin Roper looks OK.”

“Chris Harper has potential.”

“Spring Games are better at assessing the fans than the players.”

“The University of Oregon’s ‘08 Spirit t-shirts should be that fluorescent yellow/green.”

Other than very general impressions, it’s tough for me to read too much into Spring Practices and Spring Games. Just like everyone, I’ve got questions. But I don’t look real hard for the answers. And the standards for my answers are pretty low, at this point in terms of next season.

Did the team look like they knew what they knew what they were doing? Yes.

Did I have a good time? Sure.

When will my sunburn stop hurting? I better suck it up because it’s going to be a few days.

As far as I’m concerned, I’m good until August.

However, all of this is tempered by one thing: for every good thing someone did Saturday, someone did something wrong. And both of those “someones” play on the same team. Because of that, I’m almost tempted to take the George Costanza approach before the first game: whatever your instinct is, do the exact opposite. Or in my case, whatever my assessment is of the situation, the exact opposite is the case. For example, I was in attendance at that super-secret scrimmage at the Nike facility in Beaverton last August. Going away from that display, I thought the team looked sloppy, undisciplined, and just plain bad. Whoops.

Disregarding my previous advice, I think I was pretty safe in my last thought from the Spring Game:

“I’m going to be hearing LeGarrette Blount’s name a lot in the Fall.”

If I’m hearing Blount’s (pronounced like “blunt”) name a whole bunch starting in August, visitors to Duck Sports News will be seeing his name in the headlines a whole lot more. In anticipation of those headlines, let’s get all of the “blount/blunt” puns (that includes drug and injury references, as well) out of the way now.

Here’s a short list of some of those elements you might have already seen and those you will definitely see in the Fall:

BLOUNT INSTRUMENT…

BLOUNT FORCE…

BLOUNT TRAUMA…

BLOUNT. FORCE. TRAUMA…

BLOUNT INJURY…

BLOUNT: HE’S SMOKIN’!

BLOUNT ROLLS…

LARGE BLOUNT OBJECT…

BLOUNT’S JOINT…

LET ME BE BLOUNT…

Am I missing any? And, please, be blount.

Jay, here.

This is called “Wilcox Over The Middle” for a reason: Josh is willing to venture into areas few dare to tread. And religion is one of those areas where you’re certain to take a few hits. And I don’t think this will be any exception.

In last Friday’s edition of “Wilcox Over The Middle”, Josh noted how ‘cool’ it was that the Pope blessed Kellen Clemen’s daughter. One reader disagreed with Josh on that assessment. And Josh felt compelled to respond.

As an editorial note, I have mixed feelings about what Josh has to say here. However, there is one thing that I am in complete agreement with Josh: people take note when you “talk the talk” and if you “walk the walk”.

Here’s Josh.

Wilcox Over The Middle
Josh Wilcox, DSN Contributor
April 28, 2008

In my last rambling, I wrote about how I thought it was “cool” that Kellen Clemens daughter was blessed by the pope. I feel I need to explain this a little more and where I was coming from. The reason I think it is pretty special is that does not happen to everyone and I am assuming Catholic’s think this is a big deal. Now realize I am not a Catholic, and never have claimed to be. I just think that it could not have happend to a better guy. Kellen is a man’s man and a great person. The only reason I heard about it is that the mega (ESPN or CNN) media wrote a story about it and how it brought him to tears. I just felt that in the world today a story like that was something good.

I agree 100% that religion is a personal choice. However, when you have seen the things I have seen and the new age of “Born Again”, I do not agree that it should play a giant role in sports. Everyone has their own views, ideas and beliefs, but there are instances and cases when religion plays a role in sports. Take for instance the Man of the Year in 1998, Eugene Robinson. The All-American Christian came to speak to the U of O team about making good choices and how his faith has helped him. I was not here at the time, but do know some of the players there at the meeting. However, on the night before the biggest game of his life, the franchise he played for, and his teamates, he decided to go get some action. Now it was not Elliot Spitzer by any means, but I would have thought that being a good Christan does not involve getting cheap hookers. I realize people make mistakes and no one is perfect, but to put on a front like your “Mr. Good Family Man”, and then the night before the Super Bowl get some relaxation, way to set an example.

Some players think it is their message to spread the word, and I am glad that they have that conviction. But also some of those same players become judgmental if you do not believe like they do. No one has ever asked me about my beliefs. But I believe in God and I believe that everyone has their own ways to connect with him. If you believe in something and that gives you the strength to perform, then that is really all that matters on the field. Does the fact that I did not go to the after-game prayer circle, or lead bible study make me a bad guy? Or does it? It might in some eyes, but my understanding is that you need to try to work with everyone no matter race, sex, religion, or any of that.

My roommate in Amsterdam was Kurt Warner. Now we all know his convictions, but I will tell you he never pushed anything and was always open to educate me on any questions I had. Danny Wuerffel was a player with the Saints when I got there. He was always a great man and had his convictions, but again he would never push anything on me or treat me different because I did not know what John 3:16 was. Once we were talking and I told him I had not read the Bible, and he asked, “Why not?” My comeback was “It’s not a pop up book”. A week later in my locker I found a Pop Up David and Goliath book. Still have it to this day. I have the utmost respect for those two and they helped me get some of my questions answered. In college, Josh Bidwell was one of those types of guys.  He was just a great guy and his faith has helped him along his journey.

But what does it mean when a guy is wearing a WWJD braclet with his wife or girlfriend at home, and he is out trying to get digits at a bar? I have seen that as well. Makes me just want to puke. I just don’t think Jesus would be doing tequilla shots with girls at a bar. These are the same guys out toting how they are good Christans, and praising GOD for everything. Now he may have played a role in some of the success, but last time I checked GOD did not throw a spiral, catch a pass, block a linebacker, or make a tackle.

However, I do realize that in a workplace, which a locker room is, you try to be respectful of others, and I am sure I have said some colorful things which might have used bad language. This may offend people as well, so I am sure I share some of the blame. So, I apologize for my part.

Let me just say I know for a fact that it will continue to be in the fabric of sports, and that is something I have accepted. Some of you will agree with me and some will not, but that is what makes the world go round. We all have our choice on what to believe.

Josh Wilcox, a Junction City, Oregon native was a four-year letterman with Ducks. In the Rose Bowl Season of 1994 against Arizona, Danny O’Neil threw 15 yards to Josh for the game’s only touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Oregon came from behind to win 10-9. Arizona was ranked No. 11 by The Associated Press and ranked 23d by The New York Times computer. Josh went on to catch 11 passes for 135 yards against Penn State in the 1995 Rose Bowl. After finishing his career at Oregon, Josh went on to play for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.

Jay, here.

Last Thursday, former Seattle P.I. sports columnist and current ESPN.com Pac-10 columnist Ted Miller joined George Schroeder and Justin Myers in studio on “The Writer’s Block” to talk Pac-10 football.

Ted was the special guest for the entire hour. So, his interview is presented here in four parts.

Part 1: Pac-10 vs. SEC Football

Part 2: Oregon - Washington Rivalry, Neuheisel, ‘08 Non-Con Pac-10 Games

Part 3: ‘08 Non-Con Pac-10 Games, ‘08 Pac-10 Preview, Oregon State

Part 4: Pac-10 Fans

April 27, 2008
University of Oregon Athletics Media Services

HAYWARD FIELD ACCESS RESTRICTED TO FACILITATE OLYMPIC TRIALS PREPARATIONS

EUGENE – Hayward Field will be closed to the general public beginning Monday,April 28, as preparations will begin to intensify for this summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials – Track & Field June 27-July 6 in Eugene.

Access inside the nation’s premier track and field facility, which also serves as the home for the University of
Oregon’s track & field teams, is estimated to be restricted to the general public throughout the months of May, June and July. Preparations for the hosting one of the world’s top track and field showcases continue, including the installation of the temporary bleachers.

The additional seating is expected to increase the seating capacity for the U.S. Olympic Trials by approxi-
mately 4,500-5,000 more spectators. The currently seating capacity of Hayward Field is listed as 10,500.

The restrictions will not effect access into the facility by the public for the remaining track meets held at
Hayward Field before the Olympic Trials, including the Oregon Twilight Friday, May 9, as well as the Prefontaine Classic Sunday, June 8.

After the conclusion of the trials, the facility will remained closed to help with the removal of the temporary
structures.

Jay, here.

Compliments of the Oregon Duckcast Network (A.J. Untermeyer and Cameron Resnick), here are a few photos from today’s Spring Game.

For me, however, the photos I would have liked to have had to remember today are the ones I did not take of the sunburn I got at the game and the two bass I caught after the game.

Enjoy the photos, sans captions.

Jay, here.

Cumulus Broadcasting in Eugene is shaking up the lineup on ESPN Radio 1320 “The Score”. Good news for some. Bad news for others.

First, the good news. Congratulations to our friend Steve Tannen. “Sports Talk with Steve Tannen” is returning to the sports talk airwaves next week on ESPN Radio 1320 “The Score”. With the addition of Steve to KSCR’s lineup, they not only have cornered the sports talk radio market, but they have also cornered the market on all local talk radio in the Eugene-Springfield area.

Now for the bad news. You may not know this, but Costco always maintains the same number of products in their stores. So, whenever they add a product, they have to drop a product. Well, with the addition of Steve Tannen, KSCR is dropping Jim Rome from their broadcast store. Clones, Jim Rome is now in the basement. Good night now!

Here’s the press release and new lineup from Cumulus Broadcasting.

April 25, 2008
For immediate release…

KSCR-AM adds Sports-Talk with Steve Tannen
And Revamps daytime lineup

(Eugene, Oregon)…Cumulus Broadcasting, owners and operators of ESPN Radio KSCR, 1320, announced today the addition of a new Live and Local sports-talk show and a re-vamped daytime program lineup.

Sports-Talk with Steve Tannen will begin Monday, April 28 at Noon. The daily two-hour, listener-involved sports talk show will be hosted by long-time Oregon radio personality Steve Tannen. A New Jersey native, Tannen has been a sports-talk fixture in Eugene for the past 15 years.

Cumulus also announced a revised daily program lineup on KSCR with the move of the Dan Patrick show to 9AM-Noon, Monday through Friday.

“I am thrilled and delighted to be back on the air in Eugene with 1320, The Score” said Steve Tannen. ”…there’s a terrific spirit of sports people and sports attitude inside this building, and I’m excited to be a part of it”.

Jerry Allen, KSCR Program Director and voice of the Oregon Ducks added: “Steve Tannen brings solid sports knowledge, a quirky fun attitude and a great passion for sports. His show will strengthen an already solid station”.

KSCR’s new program lineup:
4AM-6AM - Mike and Mike from ESPN,
6 AM-9AM - ESPN’s Colin Cowherd
9AM-Noon - Dan Patrick Show
Noon-2PM - Sports-talk with Steve Tannen
2-3PM - The Writers Block with The Register Guard’s George Schroeder
3-6PM - The Sports Idol with Justin Meyers
6PM-3AM - ESPN Sports (scores and coverage)

By Josh Wilcox
DSN Contributor
April 25, 2008

As this weekend approaches, there are two significant football stories to be told, of course that is if your an Oregon fan. The Spring Game and the Draft. Two different ends of the spectrum, but both offers opportunities.

Speaking for myself of course, I can say that I was not the biggest fan of Spring Ball or the Spring Game. Although I had a good spring in 1993, it only helped ease some of the anxiety of losing a great player, Willie Tate. I can honestly say Spring Ball ranks right up there with a 20 page term paper, something you really are not looking forward to. It is great in the sense that you can compete, and show your development. But with good weather and Spring Term, it was hard to stay focused.

Then you have the Spring Game. I can remember traveling to three places, two in Portland, and once in Medford to play the Spring Game. This was of course back in the day when there were no airplanes, and we had to walk five miles in the snow to get to practice, and we had no water breaks, just salt tablets. As much as I love football, the Spring Game to me did not get my juices flowing, because most of the time after the game, you and your buddies were ready to blow of some steam. This would be called the 5th quarter, and luckily for me I had friends that could play all five quarters.

Now for the NFL Draft. First of all, I wish all players from the U of O the best of luck. There no doubt will be some nervous people out there, as well as their friends and family. The best thing to realize is that as much as the Draft is in the spotlight, it really is a crap shoot. Lets face it, it’s a gamble on players which you think will help your team.

With the influx of “numbers” people into football, I think that the factor of what a player does on tape is sometimes overlooked. As much as you hear, “We watched tape”, there will be numerous players who help themselves in this draft by being workout warriors. Too often people get caught up in all of this and what the player looks like instead of how he plays the game. They are called “Fast Risers”. And just because someone falls in love with a player does not mean he is the pick to make. There are a million examples out there and it happens every year. Then some of these players are labeled “busts”. Well what are you going to do tell a team not to pick you? I mean I don’t think I have ever heard a story of someone telling a coach that they are drafting them to high! It is just funny that GM’s are always smart when they draft good and morons when someone busts. Have any of you noticed that it seems teams who make those mistakes, more often than not have a track record of making bad moves?

Sometimes people do just not fit into the right team or the player has tapped out their potential. I would say one of the factors in this new age is agents having the players practice interviews for scouts, and similar things. Anyone can say the right things if coached. And who can blame a guy for trying to make more money? This is just an example of the big business football has become. Many of the agents out there are not just looking to help the player, but make their name as well.

So this years draft already has a signed #1, and the Rams are on the clock. I was thinking about re-entering the draft this year as I have cut my 40’s down to 3 a night. I know bad joke. But honestly I am thinking about heading to Canada this weekend so I don’t get drafted. Me and my buddy the Cruiser.

Another note I would like to clarify is that as some of you know I was a pro wrestling fan, and still am to some extent. However there was another Oregon Tight End, Russ Francis, who was actually in WrestleMania 2. So I guess it kind of runs in the Tight End genes.

Also, congratulations To Gary Zimmerman. Another Oregon player in the NFL Hall of Fame. We are in the top 10 for all colleges with the amount of HOF’ers we have. Wonder if the will include my imaginary XFL hall of fame?

Did anyone else think it was just cool that Kellen Clemens child was blessed by the pope? I can not think of a better person, who handled adversity well and deserves it. The one common factor you will find about many Oregon players is they have lots of character, and he would be right up there. On that note, I saw somewhere where sources said the Jets were worried he was a system QB at Oregon. Well maybe we should get some of those crappy coaches out of the NFL and put them out to pasture, and get some new good coaches in. Didn’t he have like three offensive coordinators? Which system? Same as the Tedford effect. Just a bunch of crap. If they can get them to play in college where there are not all-stars at every eleven spots, then shouldn’t coaches at the highest level be able to get something out of them?

So, if you’re one of the guys who has his seventh version of his mock draft, good. If not and you watch the ticker good to, just have all the Oregon guys in your thoughts and wish them the best. Many of these guys gave more than many of us could ever give to the U of O. Thank you for all of your effort and you will be remembered. But young guys, here is your chance, seize the moment, and have some fun!

Ahoy, mateys! I be Gentlman O’Fortune Jay.

Arrr, you wantin’ t’ be findin’ them Pac-10 recruits! Shiver me timbers! That scurvy dog and scallywag John W. sent us this bit o’ sprog doubloons. By the Powers of Google! A recruitin’ treasure map!

Avast! Be warned. Thar be swabbies who be lookin’ t’ steal these sprogs.

Me hearty Duck fans, ye best keep checkin’ aft at Duck Sports News fer all th’ latest headlines.

Or walk the plank!

What else ye got to say? Be quick about it, I be shippin’ out soon! An’ ye best be learnin’ t’ be talkin’ like a buccaneer in th’ comments.

Raise th’ Ducky Roger!

Jay, here.

Duck Sports News debuted today on The Writer’s Block with George Schroeder and Justin Myers on Eugene’s ESPN Radio 1320 “The Score”. Actually, it was my debut on The Writer’s Block.  Ryan might make an appearance on there in the future.  But that’s probably going to take some doing.

I want to thank George, Justin, and Tony for having me on as a special guest.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to make regular weekly appearances (Wednesdays).  If that happens, will I be less special and more regular?   One can only hope.

Here’s what we talked about on today’s show:

- The origins of Duck Sports News

- Where Duck Sports News is headed

- Lessons learned from breaking the Jonathan Stewart story

- What are the most popular stories on DSN?

You can listen to my appearance on The Writer’s Block here.

Next week, we’ll start taking a look at the week’s most popular stories on DSN.

You can catch The Writer’s Block weekdays 2:00pm-3:00pm on KSCR 1320 AM and 6:00 pm-7:00pm on KUGN 590 AM.

Jay, here.

Almost a month ago, FOX News aired a story on a University of Oregon program to provide sensitivity training for Eugene residents in anticipation of the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials.

Take a look.

Politically incorrect? Overly sensitive?

Well, if you’re overly sensitive about politically incorrect parodies (spoofs seem to be in vogue right now), you might want to stear clear of this suggested sensitivity training video. What’s a parody? It’s a work that mocks an original piece of work. But that’s not important right now.

If you thought Barbara Billingsley talking jive in “Airplane!” was funny, check this out.