A look-see around today's internets.
TONS of stuff today, with fall camp opening up I didn't have time to get to all the websites I usually do. Maybe it's time to consider going back to KU-only links? Let me know what you think.
Also, Trivia will be on a hopefully short hiatus as I collect new questions with which to stump misterbrain y'all with.
- Kansas Football -
University of Kansas Football Defensive Leaders Speak on Third Day of Camp
The Kansas football team conducted its second practice of the season Saturday, once again wearing helmets and shorts. Prior to practice, nine of KU's designated 'defensive leaders' were made available to speak with the media at the Anderson Family Football Complex following lunch.
University of Kansas Football Defense Highlights Sunday's Practice
KU is back on the gridiron for fall camp Monday, Aug. 11 at 2:40 p.m. Prior to practice, the offensive team leaders will meet with the media at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 will be the first day of full pads with Wednesday, Aug. 13 being the first two-a-day of camp. Stay up to date with fall camp by following the Jayhawks online at 2014 Fall Camp Central or on Twitter via @KU_Football.
What caught my eye at Saturday's practice: Aug. 9 | Tale of the Tait | KUsports.com
Center Keyon Haughton (#70) and Cozart were the two big communicators, which tells me something about Haughton. Obviously he was here in the spring, so that gave him some time to get comfortable. But if he's winning that battle over Joe Gibson (#77) and Jacob Bragg (#55) right now, it must be because the coaches and players trust him. Good sign.
(Mr. Ed says: For your fill of sunshine and rainbows, be sure to check out Tait's blog over at LJW, he'll be updating it almost daily.)
Smooth operators: Jayhawks open fall camp expecting efficiency | KUsports.com
“We’re way ahead of where we’ve been,” cornerbacks coach Dave Campo said Friday. “I’m excited, as coach Weis is I’m sure, to see the progress we’ve made.”
KU offensive coordinator John Reagan begins with blank canvas | Wichita Eagle
For Kansas, the roots of an offensive reboot began last November, as the Jayhawks’ offense was limping through a 3-9 season. Weis admits now that his pro-style system was a poor fit for the Big 12, where spread offenses are king. It was also a poor fit for Kansas, where the Jayhawks often lack four-star recruits on the offensive line or at receiver.
KU passing offense confident in turnaround | KUsports.com
For all the preseason affirmations about the passing game, the Jayhawks will have to prove this fall that it’s not just talk. First-year wide receivers coach Eric Kiesau said the action side of the equation has to start with consistently strong practices between now and the Sept. 6 opener against Southeast Missouri State.
A step ahead? KU coaches not worried about Montell Cozart's accuracy | CJOnline.com
Montell Cozart’s feet gave him away. Sure, Kansas quarterbacks coach Ron Powlus could tell his true freshman quarterback was dealing with jitters last season from talking to him on the sideline, sometimes offering words of encouragement to calm him down. Cozart’s tape, though, always displayed his true emotions. He often suffered from happy feet, many times shuffling in the pocket when he didn’t need to. And that, Powlus knew, was a problem.“The feet are a great indicator,” Powlus said, “of the calmness of the mind.”
Coaches: Kansas defense ‘on the cusp’ of success | KUsports.com
“There’s a different feel,” he said. “Every coach in America says the same crap every year, but the truth is, it’s there. I don’t even think it’s a belief. I think it’s knowing. Knowing what’s gonna happen? No. But knowing we’re on the cusp of something pretty good here.”
Kansas free safety Cassius Sendish highlights budding Jayhawks secondary | CJOnline.com
The 6-foot, 195-pound Sendish is named after boxing great Cassius Clay, but there’s more to Sendish than intrigue or name recognition alone. He’s the unquestioned leader of a secondary that is considered to have the potential to be one of the best in KU history — if not the best, rivaling the 2007 squad that featured Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and Darrell Stuckey.
Dylan Admire leaves KU football program to focus on academics | KUsports.com
Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis announced through a press release Friday that junior Dylan Admire would forego his final two years of eligibility to concentrate on academics.
Kansas AD wants signs of progress (wins) from football team | Wichita Eagle
“We need momentum,” Zenger says again, echoing recent private discussions with Weis. “Well, let’s be real clear: momentum is wins. (Charlie) can’t tell you; I can’t tell you; the players can’t tell you how many that is. But I would tell you the players, the coaches, our staff and the fans will know what that is as the season progresses.”
Football fever? KU fans weigh in on anticipation level for upcoming season | The Kansas City Star
So in an attempt to gauge the malaise, (Rustin Dodd) took to Twitter on Thursday, putting the question simply: “Scale of 1-10, what's your anticipation level for this football season?”
KU’s Sheahon Zenger looking forward to seeing plans for Memorial Stadium project | The Kansas City Star
The Star spoke with Zenger on Friday, the first day of fall camp for the Kansas football program, and the conversation turned to the ongoing plans for Memorial Stadium. The interview has been edited for clarity.
- Kansas Sports -
Kansas Basketball Roundup | KUsports.com
Wiggins 'excited' by trade; Wiggins signs autographs at Overland Park Price Chopper; Bill Self 'Ok' with O'Bannon ruling; Lucas scores 16; Ray Kasongo completed his visit to KU over the weekend; Tyler Dorsey to visit Kansas
KU retouches Allen Fieldhouse floor | KUsports.com
“It’s almost the exact same except the Big 12 logo will be placed in the lane and it’ll have the new (logo) design,” said Brad Nachtigal, KU’s associate athletic director for facilities, operations and capital projects.
University of Kansas Track and Field Pair of Jayhawks Notch Runner-Up Finishes at NACAC U23 Championships
Senior Michael Stigler and junior Sydney Conley each tallied second-place finishes in their respective events Sunday afternoon as they competed for the United States at the North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) U23 Championships.
University of Kansas Volleyball Kansas Slated Second on Big 12 Preseason Poll
Back-to-back Big 12 Coach of the Year Ray Bechard is adamant that losing Kansas volleyball's most successful senior class has not affected the expectations for the 2014 season. Just the opposite, in fact, as the Big 12 Conference coaches voted the Jayhawks to finish second in the preseason poll, the highest selection in KU's history.
University of Kansas Soccer KU Soccer Exhibition Moved to Jayhawk Soccer Complex
In an effort to keep the new pitch at Rock Chalk Park fresh for Kansas soccer's upcoming season at the newly-constructed facility, KU officials announced Friday they have opted to move the team's lone exhibition match to the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. The Jayhawks will take on South Dakota State in a friendly at 5 p.m., on Aug. 15 at the team's former game field on the KU campus. Admission will be free to the public.
University of Kansas Swimming & Diving Miller Ends Successful Summer in Irvine
The junior from Houston, Texas became KU's first Big 12 Champion in February before returning home over the summer to train and compete for Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club (FLEET) and coach Jack Madden. Miller qualified for the national meet in four events – the 200-meter butterfly, 200- and 400-meter individual medley, and the 800-meter freestyle.
- College Sports -
Ed O'Bannon says antitrust ruling is only the beginning of change - ESPN
In his first extensive interview since a federal judge ruled that college athletes can share in the billions of dollars generated from broadcast and other media contracts, Ed O'Bannon said that he is satisfied with the gains made by athletes, even with the NCAA receiving the ability to cap compensation at $5,000 per year above the value of a full college scholarship.
Q&A: What the O'Bannon ruling means for NCAA, schools and athletes - CBSSports.com
But there's enough in the decision of US District Court Judge Claudia Wilken to gain a sense of what it may mean for college sports. So with qualifiers attached, here are some questions and (attempted) answers about the ruling that the NCAA violates antitrust law by preventing football and men's basketball players from being paid for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL).
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby unapologetic about Power Five vote - ESPN
Bowlsby said Friday that too many athletes are using college sports simply as a stepping stone to achieve professional status.
"This [vote] is about higher education. It's about helping 18-year-old adolescents become 22-year-old adults. That's what it is," Bowlsby told ESPN. "It may not meet everyone's needs, but that's what I believe it always should be.
"We have too many people in college that are only there for the opportunity to get to the next level. While creating the opportunity for kids to have a professional career and participate in the Olympics is a highly desirable byproduct of the college athletic experience, it isn't fundamentally why we're here."
ACC, Maryland Terrapins settle legal dispute for $31 million - ESPN
Under terms announced Friday, the ACC will keep the roughly $31.4 million it had previously withheld from Maryland and the school will not owe the conference any more money. In addition, lawsuits filed by both sides will be dismissed.
The new College Football Hall of Fame, a digital museum with a leather heart - SBNation.com
Should you visit the College Football Hall of Fame, if you're a college football fan and/or near Atlanta? You should. It's a look at the future of museums, it's probably the single best visual gathering of college football's national history and presence, and you'll get one-of-a-kind digital mementos tied to your school.
- Professional Sports -
PGA Championship -- Rory McIlroy (-16) rallies to capture second straight major title and fourth of career - ESPN
The final par -- the easiest shot he faced all day -- gave McIlroy a 3-under 68 to outlast Mickelson by a stroke and beat the darkness that threatened to spoil this show. He became only the fourth player in the past century to win four majors at 25 or younger. The others were Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones, three of the game's greatest players.
Tony Stewart will not race after hitting, killing Kevin Ward Jr. - ESPN
Tony Stewart didn't race in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race after he struck and killed sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr., who had climbed from his car and was on the track trying to confront Stewart during a race in upstate New York on Saturday night.
Racetrack death involving Tony Stewart horrifies fans nationwide | The Kansas City Star
Former Lakeside Speedway champion Tim Karrick shuddered Sunday morning when he saw the video of NASCAR star Tony Stewart striking and killing a driver on a dirt track in upstate New York the night before.
With 2-0 win, Vancouver stops streaking Sporting Kansas City | The Kansas City Star
Sporting Kansas City’s five-match road winning streak ended with a thud and a 2-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday at BC Place.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers - Recap - August 10, 2014 - ESPN
The Los Angeles Dodgers ace walked two and allowed leadoff hitters to reach base in four of his first five innings but still came away with his 11th straight victory in a 5-1 win Sunday over the Milwaukee Brewers. He struck out six, nearly five below his average per nine innings. This equates to "struggling" for Kershaw.
You want crazy? The Royals are giving you crazy | The Kansas City Star
If you are a baseball agnostic, or if almost an entire generation of meaningless Royals games has given you the muscle memory to forget about them by this time of year, you might want to reconsider. The Royals — the freaking Royals — are baseball’s hottest team and perhaps the sport’s best story at the moment.
- In The News -
Banks, businesses get ready for switch in credit cards | Wichita Eagle
The reason payment networks such as MasterCard are pushing the EMV Standard – EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard, Visa – is because the United States is behind the curve. Most of the developed world already has switched to chip-based cards, and as a result criminals have turned their focus to the more vulnerable target – U.S. cards.
AP PHOTOS: Lunar show illuminates world's skies | Wichita Eagle
A supermoon will happen three times this year, with Sunday night's sky show the second. The first one occurred on July 12 and the third will take place on Sept. 9.
- This Day in Sports History -
1929 - Babe Ruth hit his 500th career home run.
1951 - The first MLB game televised in color was broadcast, with the Brooklyn Dodgers defeating the Boston Braves 8-1.
1971 - Harmon Killebrew of the Minnesota Twins nails his 500th and 501st home runs of his career.
1984 - Carl Lewis won his fourth gold medal of the 1984 Summer Olympics.
1984 - The Cincinnati Reds retired Johnny Bench's uniform #5.
- Videos of the Day -
VIDEO, GIF: Jackie Bradley Jr.'s amazing first step - CBSSports.com
That's simply an amazing read off the bat -- about as instananeous as is humanly possible. That kind of first step in tandem with Bradley's speed and knack for taking direct routes to the ball is why he's already established himself as one of the best defensive center fielders around.
VIDEO: Yasiel Puig breaks bat on check swing - CBSSports.com
The broadcasting crews offer up hand/wrist/forearm strength by Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, but he definitely doesn't feel like the strongest guy in baseball history to ever try and check a swing.
VIDEO: Clayton Kershaw, also good at fielding - CBSSports.com
While the sight of Clayton Kershaw taking to wing is probably enough to land manager Don Mattingly in the nearest cardiovascular ward, the deuce was turned, and the dominant young lefty was none the worse for it.
Thunderstruck by Steve'n'Seagulls
If only Grad's band was this cool.