Wildcats not playing the numbers game with football jerseys
My Sunday best … Arizona fans will notice something different this season when they shop for a Wildcats football jersey. Only the No. 14, representing the year 2014, will be offered.
Responding to an increasingly litigious college-sports environment, the Wildcats are one of three schools that have opted to go a generic route and not offer jerseys with an athlete’s uniform number on it, according to a report by ESPN. Northwestern and Texas A&M are taking similar paths.
“We really have discussed it for quite some time and decided to implement it this year,” Wildcats Athletic Director Greg Byrne said Saturday from Pac-12 meetings in Newport Beach, Calif.
The decision comes just as the Ed O’Bannon trial is about to start. The plaintiff wants an injunction to end an NCAA rule that keeps players from being paid for the use of their names and images.
It also comes on the heels of the $40 million settlement between the NCAA and videogame maker Electronic Arts and licensee CLC, who were accused of using specific references to players in games without their permission.
As a result, EA announced it would not produce a 2014 college football game.
The decision has prompted some college players to say publicly that they are sorry to see their game likenesses go, especially since the payout to athletes, after legal fees, is relatively small.
“It’s been interesting to read the reaction of some former student-athletes now that the EA Sports games won’t be produced any more,” Byrne said.
Countdown begins
With its Final Four bid submitted, the Valley awaits the November announcement that will reveal host sites for the years 2017 through 2020.
The event hasn’t landed in
“It’s been interesting to read the reaction of some former student-athletes now that the EA Sports games won’t be produced any more.”
GREG BYRNE
UA athletic director
the West since 1995.
And since 1998, when Chase Field was completed, eight other retractable-roof stadiums has been built, including four football facilities: NRG Stadium in Houston, 2002: University of Phoenix Stadium, 2006; Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, 2008; and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, 2009.
Only one of those four hasn’t hosted a Final Four. Hint: It sits in Glendale. It’s time.
Loading up
Arizona State has made a strong statement about its commitment to improving its sports programs.
In the past month, three NFL executives have joined the athletic department.
First it was Greg McElroy, who left his position of senior vice president for sales and marketing with the Dallas Cowboys.
Then came David Cohen, who was director of new stadium sales for the Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium project.
And on Friday, ASU announced Scottie Graham, who was the director of player engagement for the NFL, will join the staff. A few thoughts jump out: Athletic Director Ray An
derson came in with fresh eyes and saw holes that needed to be filled. The added income the Pac-12 is generating is allowing member schools to do more.
Covering the bases
Diamondbacks TV voice
Bob Brenly has blossomed into one of the better analysts in the business. He delivers the right mix of information, perspective and humor. He shares entertaining anecdotes from his playing days and never takes himself too seriously. … Red Sox hitting coach Greg
Colbrunn, who was a member of the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series champions, has suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is bleeding between the brain and the thin tissue that covers the brain. He remains hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery. He was admitted after experiencing dizziness. …
Hard to believe that after 90 years, the Chicago Cubs are leaving WGN radio for WBBM. When the billy-goat excuse stopped working, management clearly had to find another reason to blame the dearth of World Series appearances. …
Brad Cesmat of Sports360AZ wrote Saturday that he hears one of Valley’s major sports teams is trying to make a similar exit from its longtime radio home.
Stat of the day
Seventy-seven. The percent of times teams win the Stanley Cup after winning Game 1.
Quote of the day
“He’s not dying. He’s just retiring.” — Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura, on the excessive gifts teams are giving to the New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter simply because he’s stepping away from the game