JJ, here.

Yes, I watch “American Idol”. This year, however, I’m only doing it because its of interest to me as a Duck fan.

Right.

OK. So, how is “American Idol” connected to Oregon football?

Here it goes.

Up until this past season, there was only one occasion I could think of where one, single play changed the course of an entire season and cost the Ducks a Rose Bowl.

I’ll give you some hints.

1999.

At Washington.

Figured it out, yet?

Punt return.

An unsportsman-like conduct penalty.

Does this name sound familiar?

Sonny Cook.

Now, I want you to know that I’ve met Sonny (1999-2000) on several occasions. And he is a really nice guy. But Sonny’s penalty on a punt return single-handedly cost Oregon that game, the Pac-10 Conference Championship, and the Rose Bowl (For clarification, Sonny absolutely blew up the kick returner.). Stanford, with a 7-1 conference record, ended up winning the conference and going to the Rose Bowl. Oregon, with a 6-2 conference record, headed to El Paso. If Oregon and Stanford had had the same record, Oregon would have gone to the Rose Bowl based on the tie-breakers.

Sonny, if you’re reading this, sorry about this. But it’s true.

So, what’s the “American Idol” connection?

Sonny’s sister, Kristy Lee Cook, was on “American Idol” last night and made it Hollywood.

Now, I’m a bit conflicted. Kristy Lee clearly has the look, the talent, and the catchy name to go far in “American Idol”.

But should I hold what her brother did against her? Is that an even exchange? Oregon in the Rose Bowl for a chance to be the “American Idol”?

If I did, that would probably be an unsportsman-like penalty on me.

Jones, out.