The World Around You

As posted by me at Sports Blog:

According to a breaking news story on the website of the Montgomery Advertiser,

After concluding a 10-month investigation of the menÂ’s basketball program at Auburn, the NCAA has found evidence of major rules violations involving one current and one former assistant coach.

The NCAAÂ’s report specifically indicated, however, that there was no lack of institutional control or failure to monitor, which were two of the most serious charges NCAA investigators considered.

Athletic director David Housel declined comment this morning. University spokesman John Hachtel said the universityÂ’s brief release regarding the matter would serve as AuburnÂ’s only official comment.

The NCAAÂ’s letter, which outlines the specific changes in detail, will not be released to the public. Auburn has until Nov. 5 to respond to the allegations.

The Birmingham News editorial page begins closing the book on Amendment 1 today.

There is still a glimmer of hope for the plan’s supporters. They can hope that somehow in the final week of a 90-day campaign, Riley’s message sinks in and sways enough people; they can hope the poll numbers aren’t accurate, and the actual gap between opponents and supporters is much closer; they can hope for a massive turnout of “yes” voters; they can hope that “no” voters are complacent and decide to go fishing Tuesday instead of to the polls.

Or they can hope that by then the fat lady has a horrible case of laryngitis.

Unfortunately, I am beginning to agree. I am not one to throw in the towel and I will keep working for this package until the end. However, with great sadness in my heart, the Governor’s goose is cooked. I predict the vote will not be a landslide, something in the range of 58% to 42%, but a rousing defeat none the less.

Where do we go from here? That’s what I want to discuss over the course of the next week.

I really look forward to checking out the Anniston Star every Wednesday to see what Hardy Jackson has to say. Today is another gem. Excerpts would not do it justice.

Every blogger must reflect from time to time on what he values most, traffic or content. You can generate a lot of traffic if you don’t care what you post. Paul Muller has a nice take on this subject today.

I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiment.

WSFA hosted a debate between Governor Riley and John Rice last night. The archive of the broadcast is available on WSFA’s website. Take special note of the Where Do We Cut? link.