| Monday, November 17, 2014 |
| Nationally certified program structured to support student needs | |
 | Aiken Village is regarded as one of the top pre-K programs in Northeast Mississippi and in the state. It is among 35 Mississippi centers to be nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is one of 11 to earn the highest ranking in Mississippi's Quality Ratings and Improvement System, the voluntary program the state uses to measure its early-learning facilities. It was the first in the state to earn that five-star distinction. The center, which is based at Mississippi State University and operated under MSU's Early Childhood Institute in the College of Education, is a small one with one 3-year-old classroom and one for 4-year-olds. Priority for attending is given to children of MSU students and staff. It also takes children from the local Head Start program, with which it partners. One of the biggest things that sets the program apart, experts say, is its child-focused approach. |
| Bryant's trip to Israel called a success | |
 | Gov. Phil Bryant on Friday declared a Mississippi business development mission to Israel this week the best such trade trip he's had as governor. Bryant and officials with the Mississippi Development Authority led 10 Mississippi companies and two research officials from Mississippi State University and Southern Miss on the trip to Israel. The USM and MSU representatives explored research and development opportunities in aerospace, unmanned systems, biotechnology and agriculture sciences. |
| Community invited to MSU Libraries' 'Home for the Holidays' | |
 | Mississippi State University Libraries will host "Home for the Holidays," a Christmas gala, on Nov. 23 from 2-5 p.m. at Mitchell Memorial Library. Former Mississippi State University First Lady Tommie Zacharias will begin the festivities with the lighting of the tree. Featured attractions include live holiday music, crafts for children and unique exhibits selected from the Library's Special Collections. Patrons can enjoy visiting with several authors and artists. Quilters, basket weavers, yarn crafters and a carver will demonstrate their arts. |
| Local educators fill roles as adjunct professors at MSU-Meridian | |
 | By day, Richard McDonald and Roy McNeill work with young students in the Lauderdale County School System, but in the evenings they bring their expertise to Mississippi State University-Meridian where, as adjunct professors, they teach the next generation of educators. Both MSU-Meridian graduates, they initially served together at Clarkdale Attendance Center where McDonald was school counselor and McNeill was principal. Over the years, their job responsibilities and schools changed, but their passion for the profession and K-12 education never waned. One of the strengths of MSU-Meridian's education programs is having "highly qualified" faculty like McDonald and McNeill that now work, or have worked, daily "in the trenches," said Julia Porter, Division of Education head. |
| Startup Weekend Visits Mississippi State | |
 | More than 40 Mississippi State college students gathered for the first Innovate Mississippi Startup Weekend in Starkville. The like-minded student entrepreneurs have only a few days to develop a business idea and turn it into startup company. "It's pretty intense, it's no sleep, kind of just an atmosphere of open entrepreneurship mixed with some of the business community that really knows what their talking about," said Dee Hamill with Innovate Mississippi. |
| Children learn more about farm products at Mississippi State | |
 | The Mississippi State Extension Service held its Farmtastic event this week at the Mississippi Horse Park. Volunteers from our area set up booths to demonstrate different aspects of farm life, including harvesting crops and manufacturing cotton. About 2,000 third graders from 10 counties came to Farmtastic this week. Organizers said the focus of Farmtastic is to get children to understand where many of the items in their everyday lives come from. |
| Delta irrigation experts to hold irrigation and conservation summit in Stoneville | |
 | Mississippi farmers enjoyed an abundance of rainfall for much of the 2014 growing season. But veteran growers know it doesn't take many dry days to turn a rainy season into a drought. With that in mind, the Governor's Delta Sustainable Water Resources Task Force is planning to host an Irrigation and Water Conservation Summit at the Delta Research and Extension's Capps Center in Stoneville, Miss., Dec. 10. Jason Krutz, Mississippi State University irrigation specialist, will present results from the 2014 MSU RISER program during the initial breakout session. Kay Whittington, director of the Office of Land and Water Resources at the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, will discuss the Governor's Task Force progress during lunch. |
| Mississippi's Christmas tree market stressed | |
| The Mississippi State University Extension Service says the market is stressed for state-grown Christmas trees. The reasons? Harsh weather conditions took some of the this year's supply, while the demand for the trees stays higher than what is available. In 2013, Mississippi's 85 growers sold approximately 29,000 trees with an estimated market value of $1.45 million. The extreme cold in early 2014 caused some growers to lose young trees, and a rainy spring and summer increased disease pressure from fungus. Stephen Dicke, a forestry professor with the MSU Extension Service, says the numbers for 2014 are expected to remain steady compared to last year's numbers despite the stressful conditions. |
| Demand outstripping Christmas tree supply as growers retire | |
 | Consumers who want Mississippi-grown Christmas trees to deck their halls should shop early for the best selection every year. "Choose-and-cut Christmas tree production in Mississippi is fairly flat because there are growers each year who retire," said Stephen Dicke, a forestry professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. "Growers still in the business are producing more trees each year, but demand in heavily populated counties is much higher than the supply of trees." |
| MSU Extension Service Hosts Forage Conference | |
| Forage and livestock producers had a chance to catch up on the latest trends and technology in their field during a seminar in Northeast Mississippi. The MSU Extension Service co-sponsored a forage conference. That conference included a number of presentations, a hay contest and an exhibit area with products and services. Organizers say the conference gives forage producers and those who raise livestock valuable information and networking opportunities. "Everybody can benefit, not only large cattle producers, but especially small producers in Mississippi that are looking for new ways to be more sustainable," says Rocky Lemus with the MSU Extension Service. |
| Local food pantries receive sweet potatoes | |
| About a hundred volunteers participated in a sweet potato drop in Starkville for Family Volunteer Day Saturday morning. A non-profit called the Society of St. Andrew collected excess sweet potatoes from area farmers for the event. The volunteers packaged the potatoes and loaded them into the cars of local food pantries and churches. The potatoes will be placed in food boxes for families in need this holiday season. |
| No evidence of arson in Ag Museum fire | |
| Investigators have found no evidence of arson in Thursday's fire that gutted three buildings of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Ricky Davis said that the fire marshal's office will continue its investigation this morning to determine exactly what happened. "Everything is still under investigation, but as of right now, there's no evidence of arson here," Davis said Monday morning. |
| Politics of pre-K evolves, but money still scarce | |
| Former Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, used to muse that during his lengthy legislative career as a committee chair the only bill he lost before the full House was a proposal to allow local school districts to provide pre-kindergarten classes. The bill was defeated in the early 1990s when McCoy served as Education Committee chair. Ever the legislative strategist, McCoy reasoned that the proposal was defeated because then-Speaker Tim Ford, a Baldwyn native, kept open too long the big board where it can be observed how members are voting. Some continue to make the argument that pre-K is a government overreach that grabs for the state a responsibility best left to parents. But that view is now the minority view. No longer does state law prohibit local school districts from offering pre-kindergarten classes. |
| Indictment of Ex-Official Raises Questions on Mississippi's Private Prisons | |
 | In 1982, Christopher B. Epps, a young schoolteacher, took a second job as a guard at the facility known as Parchman Farm, the only prison operated at the time by the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Eventually he had to choose a path. "It worked out that I was making more as a correctional officer than as a teacher," Mr. Epps would later recall in an interview for a corrections newsletter. By the time he spoke those words in 2009, Mr. Epps was being feted as Mississippi's longest-serving corrections commissioner. The state inmate population had quadrupled, five private prisons had been built to help house them, and, according to a federal grand jury indictment, Mr. Epps had found a new, secretive way to bolster his income. |
| 2015 Republican primary in Mississippi may grow again | |
 | Here's a number to watch in the 2015 statewide elections: Will more Mississippians vote in the Republican primary than in the Democratic primary? It's something that's never happened before in a gubernatorial race. During the brief period after the Civil War when Republicans were competitive in state elections, there were no primary elections. But the recent Republican U.S. Senate race won by Thad Cochran may be a sign that Republican dominance in general elections will finally translate into GOP primaries that are larger statewide than Democratic races. |
| Mississippi lawmakers poised for leadership roles | |
| With Republicans back in control of the Senate next year, Mississippi's GOP lawmakers are poised to head key committees, including panels that control federal spending and shape military policies. "From House to Senate, we're in a good position," Sen. Roger Wicker said of the Mississippi delegation. Republican leaders will decide early next year who will head the Senate committees. Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran, who was re-elected Nov. 4, is in line to chair the powerful Appropriations Committee. "That should have a major impact on his ability to bring more money into Mississippi," said Rickey Hill, head of the political science department at Jackson State University. |
| Big Data Companies Agree: Farmers Should Own Their Information | |
 | Some of the biggest names in American agriculture, ranging from farmers' organizations to private companies like Monsanto and DuPont, have agreed on principles governing the use of data collected from farms. That data increasingly drives farm operations. But some farmers are starting to worry about how that data will be used; whether, for instance, details of their operations will be open for all to see. Others wonder how the data companies will exploit their new-found ability to monitor what's happening on vast tracts of farmland. Those concerns led to the new "Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data," which were released this week. |
| Gordy Forum to highlight student research Thursday at MUW | |
| When Columbus native Amber Shoffner's younger brother Jacob received cochlear implants and began speech therapy nine years ago, she was inspired to pursue speech-language pathology as a career. With the opportunity to do research in the Gordy Honors College at Mississippi University for Women, she returned to her own family's experience as her guide, and now Shoffner's project will be featured as the Honors College showcases undergraduate research during its Fall Research Symposium. The symposium will be held Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. It is free and open to the public and each night's presentations will begin at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium on the MUW campus. |
| GoMRI chooses USM for Gulf oil spill research | |
| The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative has selected 12 research consortia to conduct scientific studies of the impacts of oil, dispersed oil, and dispersant on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and public health. This is the second round of funding provided by GoMRI to consortia -- research groups consisting of a lead investigator and collaborators from four or more other institutions, including the University of Southern Mississippi, "Consortium for Oil Spill Exposure Pathways in Coastal River-Dominated Ecosystems," and lead investigator William "Monty" Graham. |
| Delta State provost talks retention game plan | |
 | Despite recent budget cuts, there are several areas Delta State University plans to keep safe and untouched in order to best benefit the most important aspect of DSU -- the students. Steps have been taken to ensure recruitment and retention are on the rise and according to DSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles McAdams, for the first time in eight years enrollment has increased. "This was a significant increase. We not only stopped the decline but we turned it around. We want to go beyond this increase next year and make a difference in retention," said McAdams. |
| JSU Sponsoring Jackson Zoo Tiger | |
| Jackson State University is sponsoring a rare Sumatran Tiger cub at the Jackson Zoo as learning exhibits for children, teaching exercises for students, as well as marketing and zoo membership for university personnel. It will be the centerpiece of a Jackson State Tiger exhibit at the zoo. The zoo will host a JSU Tiger Day and will offer special rates for membership to students, alumni, employees and families. The university will pay $40,000 each year over three years for the sponsorship. |
| Community Colleges Challenge Students This Week | |
 | Community colleges all around the state are encouraging students to complete their degrees with College Challenge Week. Thirteen community colleges in Mississippi, including Meridian Community College and East Central Community College, are having a week devoted to that idea. Starting this week, organizations, faculty and advisers will be on hand to talk to students. Scott Elliot, president of MCC, says having an associate's degree will help you to earn about $400,000 more over your lifetime. |
| U. of Alabama police investigate two robberies | |
 | University of Alabama police say they are investigating two weekend robberies on University Boulevard near campus. At 11:30 p.m. Saturday, a victim told UA police that a man asked him for money in the 1400 block of University Boulevard outside a Shell gas station. The robber shoved the victim to the ground and took money from the victim's wallet, then fled. At 2:30 a.m. Sunday, a man told UA police that four men assaulted him as he was walking to his car in the 1100 block of University Boulevard. The victim said the assailants took items from him, then fled. |
| U. of Florida unveils historic-looking Heavener Hall | |
 | By now, Winter Park businessman James W. "Bill" Heavener should be accustomed to having his name on things at the University of Florida. The Heavener Football Complex. The Heavener School of Business. He also should be practiced at giving speeches on those occasions when he has things named after him, but he gave a teary speech Friday at the dedication of Heavener Hall, the new business undergraduate student building at the corner of West University Avenue and 13th Street. Heavener is a 1970 UF business college alumnus and CEO of the Heavener Company and Full Sail University in Winter Park, which entered into a business partnership with UF three years ago. Heavener has been a longtime supporter of the university and booster of the athletic association. |
| UF now keeps closer eye on stalking, domestic violence | |
| For the first time, the University of Florida has chronicled how many incidents of stalking, domestic violence and dating violence it handled in its annual campus crimes report to the U.S. Department of Education. University Police Department reported 13 cases of stalking, 20 cases of domestic violence and three incidents of dating violence in 2013. Under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, the information will be required of all colleges and universities that receive federal financial aid beginning next year. But UF and other institutions around the country decided to start providing that data this year. "We took a proactive approach to fulfilling this requirement once we saw the legislation signed by President Obama," UPD Maj. Brad Barber said. |
| Vanderbilt Seeks to Change Ties to Medical Center | |
 | Vanderbilt University announced Friday that it is working to make the Vanderbilt University Medical Center a "not-for-profit academic medical center that is financially distinct from Vanderbilt University." The announcement said that changes in the economics of health care require more flexibility and independence for the medical center. |
| Girls in Engineering, Math & Science at U. of Kentucky introduces big concepts to young minds | |
 | Most days, middle school Girl Scouts don't build their own model cities and figure out how to power the place and feed and house its people. Vicki Cooper, a staff assistant at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, thought the lack of regular information about such opportunities was unfortunate. As a Girl Scout leader a decade ago, she came into contact with lots of girls who needed career exposure in disciplines such as math, science and engineering -- and in her job, she found lots of people who could provide it. So Cooper helped create the Girls in Engineering, Math and Science annual event at the University of Kentucky, held Saturday on UK's campus. |
| Texas A&M Zachry building renovation underway for engineering complex | |
 | Texas A&M University regents, notable alumni and donors were on hand Friday afternoon at the ceremonial groundbreaking in the north lawn of the Zachry Engineering Complex for the $168 million renovation and expansion project that will transform the building into the Engineering Education Complex. Originally dedicated in 1972, the Zachry Engineering Center will undergo renovation construction in February 2015 and will be the largest academic building on campus by its December 2016 completion. It will serve as the undergraduate hub of engineering education when classes resume in spring of 2017. Dwight Look College of Engineering Dean Dr. Kathy Banks said the next generation of engineering students need a facility upgrade to thrive in an evolving field. |
| Texas A&M's Academic Building turns 100 | |
| The act of cramming a last-minute study session in before a quiz or a test while sitting on a bench outside of a classroom is a tedious task almost every Texas A&M University student has taken part in, but when it's done in the exact spot another student sat 100 years ago, then it becomes an experience. When The Academic Building celebrated its 100th anniversary Friday on Texas A&M's campus, it cemented its reputation as one of the university's architectural crown jewels and became one of just seven other A&M buildings to eclipse the century mark. The Academic Building was built in 1914 after Old Main burned down in 1912, when there was just over 1,000 students and a handful of other buildings on campus. |
| Association of American Universities commissions study on sexual assault | |
 | The Association of American Universities announced Friday it has hired a company to help design and administer a sexual assault climate survey to member institutions, including the University of Missouri. The survey, which will be optional to the 60 public and private U.S. member institutions, is slated to be prepared by April, according to a news release from the association. MU is one of 34 public universities that are members of the association. All member universities are research institutions. Mary Jo Banken, spokeswoman for MU, said the university fully supports the study and will gladly participate. |
| Digital Tools Predict College Admissions, Link Employers | |
| For many high school seniors, fall means deciding where to apply for college and maybe visiting a guidance counselor. A growing roster of online data crunchers is hoping to help. The popularity of social-media sites and advancements in the ability of software to analyze the vast amounts of information that are now online give members of the class of 2015 more online tools than ever to help chart their next step, even if finding the right college is an inexact science. Those sites are joining the game of college rankings as yet another tool to help high school students pick the right college. That has some education experts excited about the benefits of the new services, but others are rolling their eyes. |
| Whistleblower suit alleges Caltech allowed suspected spy to work in jet lab | |
| Did the California Institute of Technology ignore faculty reports that an Israeli spy might be working at a campus-controlled research facility so as not to jeopardize an $8 billion National Aeronautics and Space Administration contract? That's the basis of a whistleblower suit filed last week against Caltech by Sandra Troian, a professor of applied physics there who says the university, after dismissing her concerns, tried to retaliate against her for speaking with federal authorities during their own investigation into the matter. Troian says that a former postdoctoral research scholar in NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed by Caltech, violated federal law by sharing security-sensitive research information with an Israeli institution and on the internet. |
| BILL CRAWFORD (OPINION): Good politicians care for all of their constituents | |
 | Syndicated columnist Bill Crawford of Meridian writes: "The good politician cares for all his constituents. He knows them and they know him (or her). He understands their needs. They understand he is willing to put his political life on the line for their benefit. The hired-hand politician has no such relationship. His interests are money and power. When pressured, he readily abandons constituents because he truly cares nothing about them. So, the good mayor will make decisions that are best for his whole community, not just the coalition that got him elected. The good legislator will support and pass bills that are good for his entire district, not just the small percentage of constituents who voted for him." |
| SAM R. HALL (OPINION): MDOC review should extend beyond contracts | |
| The Clarion-Ledger's Sam R. Hall writes: "The most asked question regarding federal indictments against Chris Epps and Cecil McCrory is, 'Will there be more?' The popular opinion is, 'Probably so.' Sources close to cases say additional contractors and law enforcement personnel are under investigation. Whispers say a few elected officials may be under investigation as well. It's not a leap to believe federal authorities would be investigating county sheriffs who run jails that contract with McCrory or associated companies." |
| GEOFF PENDER (OPINION): Mississippi pushing Southern Super Primary | |
| The Clarion-Ledger's Geoff Pender writes: "SEC football has the nation's eyes focused on Mississippi and the South. Maybe it's time for a similar conference for the presidential primary in 2016. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann is working with his counterparts in surrounding states to create a Southern 'Super Primary.' This would entice presidential candidates to pay attention to, and campaign in, states such as Mississippi. ...Besides forcing presumptive presidents to consider a state's voters, being in the primary hunt brings some economic benefit, with campaigns buying advertising, hiring staff and making other expenditures." |
| SID SALTER (OPINION): In parking lots, it's amazing what passes for handicapped | |
| Syndicated columnist Sid Salter writes: "...in my previous life, I came to know what it's like for disabled Mississippians who confront disabled parking abuses and the general public's disregard for access by the disabled to curb cuts and other assistances that the laws afford to the disabled. During my late wife Paula's 23-year battle with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, I got a first-hand look at the utter disregard some people have for those afflicted with life-changing disabilities and their need for access in society to basic needs. Try finding a handicapped parking space on a rainy day in a crowded parking lot. Able-bodied people parked in those spaces are in them 'only for a minute' and are 'just running in.'" |
SPORTS
| Mississippi State's Mullen: 'Every goal is still right there ahead of us' | |
| Mississippi State has held the top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings since its debut three weeks ago. But after the Bulldogs' 25-20 loss to Alabama, there will likely be a shake-up when the rankings are released Tuesday evening. MSU will also need some help as the Crimson Tide moved ahead by a half-game in the SEC West standings and own the head-to-head matchup. "Everything that we've worked for and every goal that we have is still completely intact," said MSU coach Dan Mullen. "We never talked about going undefeated. Every goal is still right there ahead of us." |
| Mississippi State's Josh Robinson refused to give up | |
| Josh Robinson buried his face in his hands. The 17-year-old felt numb as he sat in the principal's office at Franklinton High School in Louisiana. A judge had sentenced his mother to an 18-month prison sentence for multiple crimes. It's a life that was never too distant for the Bogalusa, Louisiana native. "The boys I grew up with, they're in jail, dead, or still on the corner," Robinson said. "I just never was that dude. I was always out playing." He's one of the best running backs in the Southeastern Conference, representing Mississippi State. His journey would have forced many off the path. |
| ESPN 'GameDay' airs emotional segment on Mississippi State's Josh Robinson | |
| He's one of the best running backs in the SEC right now, and he may just be the most inspiring. On Saturday, ESPN GameDay told the story of how Josh Robinson went from being a homeless athlete in high school -- sleeping in his car next to the stadium -- to a star player at Mississippi State. |
| Mississippi State fans excited despite loss to Alabama | |
 | Woody's Roadside in Ocean Springs rocked with cheering from members of the Jackson County Chapter of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association on Saturday afternoon. The number one ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs didn't beat Alabama. In fact, they never led the game, but you wouldn't know it from the noise. True to the Bulldogs' huge season, the players and fans never gave up, making it close at the very end of the game. That's exactly why the spirit of these fans won't diminish after this setback. The season has helped Richard Cannon do his job as President of the Jackson County Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association, which boasts about 700 active members. |
| Reports: Mullen not a candidate for Florida job | |
| Dan Mullen's name rose quickly in the discussion for the open coaching position at Florida. The conversation appears to be over, according ESPN's Brett McMurphy. Mississippi State's sixth year head coach has been linked to Florida by fans, sports writers and commentators due to his background with the Gators. Mullen was Florida's offensive coordinator from 2005-08. He helped Tim Tebow to a Heisman Trophy. He also won two national championships. Florida was the first job analysts threw Mullen's name at. The dust settled quickly, but it's likely to be stirred up again. |
| Florida job opening could create distraction for Mullen, Mississippi State | |
| Mississippi State has navigated distractions off the field well this season, but chatter surrounding the future of head coach Dan Mullen could provide an increased diversion in the coming weeks. It was announced Sunday that Will Muschamp will step down as the Florida head coach after four years of unfulfilled expectations. Mullen, whose MSU team lost 25-20 at Alabama on Saturday, has been a popular name to attach to the Florida job ever since Muschamp's troubles began at Florida well over a year ago. Mullen told Fox Sports Live this week that MSU is "a primo destination place" and shrugged off any talk surrounding himself and other jobs. |
| Don't expect Dan Mullen to comment on other jobs | |
| As soon as the news broke that Will Muschamp would not return as Florida's coach next season, one of the first names that surfaced as a replacement was Dan Mullen. Mullen has coached Mississippi State to a 9-1 record. He has ties to Florida working as the school's offensive coordinator from 2005-2008. He won two national titles there. It's an easy connection to make, however easy doesn't always mean correct. |
| Mississippi State Needs More Cowbell | |
 | Mississippi State was long a lowly outlier in the Southeastern Conference. Now, somehow, this school is atop not just the SEC but all of college football. There are many explanations for this incredible turnaround. But one theory, in particular, rings so loud that it's impossible to ignore. This prescription for Mississippi State's fever: more cowbell. The cowbell is the symbol of Mississippi State football. Exactly how or why that happened is unclear. All anyone can say for certain is that cowbells became a school tradition by the 1960s and have yet to be silenced. |
| Mississippi State men entertain MVSU tonight | |
| Mississippi State is back in action off the heels of its season-opening 66-56 victory against Western Carolina on Friday. The Bulldogs continue their homestand at 7 p.m. tonight against Mississippi Valley State and will be streamed on SEC Network Plus. It will be the fifth meeting between the two on the hardwood with MSU winning the previous four by an average of 26 points. The Bulldogs won 94-72 last season in Starkville behind 23 points and 11 rebounds from Gavin Ware. |
| William pushes Mississippi State women to 2-0 start | |
| Don't try to tell Morgan William not to do something. It also has become quite apparent after two games that you better bring plenty of help if you're going to attempt to stop the freshman. William showcased all of the facets of her game Sunday night, pouring in a game-high 29 points and a team-high six assists to lead the Mississippi State women's basketball team to a 93-83 victory against Arkansas State before a crowd of 2,011 in the second round of the Preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament at Humphrey Coliseum. "The kid has no fear," MSU coach Vic Schaefer said. "She has an unbelievable first step, and the second one behind it is pretty quick." |
| Former Millsaps College player, Conerly Trophy winner killed | |
| Baton Rouge police are investigating the death of West St. John High School quarterbacks coach Juan Joseph. Investigators say the 27-year-old was shot during an argument early Sunday outside a nightclub near College Drive and Interstate 10. Joseph played at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. After his senior season at Millsaps in 2008, he won the Conerly Trophy, given to the top college football player in the state. He is the only player from a Division III school to win the Conerly Trophy. |
| Florida fires Muschamp | |
| A decision that seemed inevitable became reality for beleaguered Florida football coach Will Muschamp on Sunday morning. He was fired, effective at the end of the regular season. The decision, announced by UF on Sunday afternoon, seemed like a foregone conclusion after Muschamp suffered yet another devastating loss Saturday in The Swamp, the Gators' sixth loss in their last eight home games. Muschamp has lost 13 of his last 22 games. The Gators are 5-4 this season after going 4-8 in 2013. Saturday's 23-20 overtime loss to South Carolina eliminated UF from the SEC East race. UF made the official announcement Sunday afternoon, a few hours after the news broke. |
| Texas A&M football coach's safety no game for trooper | |
| When the cannon went off signaling the start of halftime, Trooper Clay Taylor jumped into gear, leading Coach Kevin Sumlin to a brief interview on the field before jogging into the locker room. He wasn't hard to miss on Saturday as he wore a neon yellow raincoat, battling the elements at Sumlin's side. A cold, wet matchup against the Missouri Tigers was no different than any other game for Taylor. He did for Sumlin what he's done for every Aggie football coach since R.C. Slocum in 2001. "I'm there for protection, there's no doubt about that," Clay said of his role as Sumlin's security detail. An Aggie from the Class of 1988, Taylor got the job as the coach's protector 13 years ago after working security for the Texas Longhorns during one of their trips to Aggieland. |
| Tennessee athletics to drop 'Lady' from women's programs | |
| For legions of loyal fans, the name "Lady Vol" is synonymous with success -- an identity to be proud of, a legacy to carry on. But the term, or at least its official logo as part of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's women's sports teams, is being phased out in a university-wide rebranding. Starting this summer, only the women's basketball team will retain the "Lady" in the Tennessee Volunteers. The other nine women's sports teams and all the men's teams will use a "Power T" logo that will combine the university's athletic and academic images under a single branding. Alumni and fans are displeased, to say the least. More than 4,200 have signed an online petition in the last few days asking the administration to change its mind. |
| Federal Investigation Into Painkillers Targets N.F.L. Teams' Medical Staffs | |
| Federal drug enforcement agents questioned medical-staff members from the San Francisco 49ers and several other teams on Sunday as part of a continuing investigation into the distribution of painkillers in the N.F.L. The unannounced visits by the Drug Enforcement Administration were spurred, in part, by reports of widespread abuse of painkillers that were included in a class-action lawsuit against the N.F.L. The suit, which is being heard in federal court in California, claims that team doctors routinely dispensed Percocet, Toradol, Novocain and other drugs to energize players before games and relieve pain afterward. More broadly, the agency has increased its policing of prescription drugs in recent years as addiction and abuse of painkillers and other medications have skyrocketed. |
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