against the school basically saying much of what he brings up is irrelevant. Apparently, Leavitt (read: Leavitt’s lawyers) believe he’s entitled to at least one-twelfth of his remaining contract. USF believes his contract very clearly states he is only entitled to one-twelfth of one season’s pay. The difference is over $300,000 so let’s assume Leavitt fights this until the very end. Regardless of which side you choose to be on in this matter, the black eye seems to be on Leavitt’s face, not USF’s. The school fired a man who they believe had crossed the line (they may have been looking to head in a different direction sometime in the near future anyway). By continuing to fight it, Leavitt seems desperate while his attention should be focused on finding another job. I understand Leavitt possibly wanting to stand up for what he believes in, but in the end, he’s coming out as the bad guy. He should consider himself lucky he is even getting one month’s pay. Most of us are in positions where we could be let go at any moment without a dime. But a coach gets fired and it’s
“you didn’t work out and we’re heading in a new direction, but here’s a check to ease your fall.”
Matt Grothe may be heading north to play after all. After working out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their rookie minicamp, Grothe was not offered a free-agent contract. Other former Bulls Ben Busbee and Aaron Harris weren’t either. Although Grothe has the heart to play the game, he lacks the size and unfortunately the decision making to be a successful NFL quarterback. While there have been smaller quarterbacks in the league over the years, not playing most of his senior year hurt Grothe. He was always labeled as a great athlete who was erratic at times. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a final season to improve upon bad throws and bad decisions. He was a great player and left USF as probably the most popular in the school’s short history, but decision making was something that was always brought up when discussing his future in the sport. Hopefully Grothe can catch on in the Canadian Football League and if he can, you never know what could happen. For now, he’ll get shots playing somewhere.
After FSU head man Jimbo Fisher stated it might be a good idea to move the Seminoles annual matchup with Florida to the beginning of the season, the Gators issued a response. Through spokesman Steve McClain, Florida feels a move is not a good idea. Fisher states with conference championship games, you don’t want to be playing your biggest rival the week before another solid matchup. The Gators have been doing exactly that for years and seem perfectly fine with continuing to do so. Although the rivalry would be big any time of year, there’s something special about closing out the regular season by taking on the Seminoles. Yes, the Gators may have a matchup with Alabama or LSU right around the corner, but in college football every week is important regardless of who your opponent is. Count my vote for keeping the game right where it is.
We now know what former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger did to get himself kicked off the team. He partook in a game a grab-ass. Mettenberger plead guilty to two counts of sexual battery after getting too hands-on with a woman at a bar back in March. Part of his punishment includes being banned from the city of Valdosta. You know you’ve taken trouble to a new level when you are banished from an entire city. Congratulations Zach! If the SBE of the Week still existed (and I’m thinking because of you, it might be making a comeback), you would be taking home the honor.
The List: Questions I pondered while watching the Montreal Canadiens drop game three to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night:
1. How come I never noticed Sidney Crosby was that much of a whiner?
2. Is Marc-Andre Fleury really that good?
3. Has P.K. Subban officially become my favorite hockey player?
4. When does football start?
5. No seriously, when does football start?
The Sixth Man: There’s still a chance star guard Dominique Jones could return to USF. Jones has a workout with a NBA team on Friday, but that’s the first he’s had so far. His father has stated that while most of the reviews his son has received have been positive, there have been mixed feelings. Jones could go somewhere late in the first round of the upcoming draft, but could also fall into the second. Going in the second round doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily end up on a roster. Due to that, Jones is considering returning. At the moment, he could go either way, but the door for him in a Bulls’ uniform next season is open. Jones’ return would be a huge boost for a team on the rise. You always welcome your star player back. Keep your fingers crossed USF fans.