Colin Cowherd can eat a d-*-*k (KSK)

In what seems like an extremely unclassy move, ESPN’s Colin Cowherd decided to unleash whatever clout he has (and we use that term loosely) upon our blogging colleagues at The Big Lead. Allegedly, Cowherd thought it was clever to tell his listeners to unleash some “DNS attacks” upon that website. Whatever he said ended up working as the site is still no longer running at this writing.

More after the jump »

Florida’s WIlson charged with aggravated assault, battery (AP/ESPN)

The University of Florida’s offensive lineman Ronnie Matthew Wilson (beware of those with three names) was arrested on Thursday after ‘making it rain’ another way — by shooting his semi-automatic rifle in a nightclub during a dispute with another man.  He was charged with aggravated assault and battery.

A semi-automatic rifle? Nice choice of weapons, Mr. Wilson.

Yankees have large lead on merchandise sales (BizofBaseball)

The New York Yankees still are far and away the most popular MLB merchandise to purchase according to information provided by SportsOne Source as of Opening Day 2007.

Our guess is those 10 colors of Yankee hats are the reason why.

MLB looking into alleged cheating of Rodriguez (DMN)

After a member of the blogosphere pointed out some interesting mannerisms of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez on Monday, Major League Baseball is going to look into these allegations, according to The Dallas Morning News.

For more indepth analysis of the situation, check out The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball blog.

(Thanks to a tipster in St. Louis for pointing this update to the story).

Cardinals, Tigers to sell champions ring on Intergold site (stlcardinals.com)

Nothing says fan love like buying a commemorative ring recognizing your team’s first championship since 1982.  If you consider yourself the ultimate fan and you have tons of disposable income (and who doesn’t, eh?), then click on that link for some championship ring goodness.

Apparently, you can get rings for other franchises, including the Detroit Pistons 2004 ring, the Tampa Lightning 2004 ring (holla!) and a 2006 Detroit Tigers AL ring (a ring for second place!).

A little bling on the pinky goes a long way, kids.

According to a report on ESPN Radio’s Dan Patrick Show, Kansas State basketball coach Bob Huggins has decided to jump ship to West Virginia after one season in Manhattan, Kans. He will replace departing coach John Belein, who was hired on Wednesday to take over the Michigan program.

Huggins is a West Virginia alum.

More soon…

***UPDATED at 2:43 PM CDT***

Jeff Goodman of FoxSports has all the scoopage on Huggins joining the Mountaineers program.

Donovan staying at Florida (AP/SI)

Today is “Billy Donovan Day” at The Lead –  The mystery and suspense is over as Florida hoops coach has officially announced (through a statement) that he will be staying in Gainesville.  An announcement will be made at a 4 PM EDT press conference at the school, where it is also expected that juniors Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford and Joakim Noah will be in attendance to announce their intentions of either going to the NBA or staying in school.

EchoStar not confident of getting done for ‘Extra Innings’ (BizofBaseball)

The Biz of Baseball is passing along that The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that EchoStar, the owner of Dish Network, isn’t very confident that a deal for MLB’s “Extra Innings” can be reached.

More after the jump »

Quick, hide the records (Arkansas Times/Deadspin)

Houston Nutt, the frequently embattled coach for the University of Arkansas, had his cellphone records released via the Freedom of Information Act.  It appears that an inquisitive Hawg football fan sent in the request for the phone records and, surprise surprise, the records were released.

Within these records, there’s some text messages to a KHBS news anchor named Donna Bragg (above).  Curiously, there’s one just minutes before kickoff of a game.

Enjoy!

News and notes while wondering how many gopher balls Jason Marquis gives up today…

Mariners give extension to Betancourt (Seattle Times)  Mariners lock up some youth till 2011.

ESPN scoops up Granderson blog (The Big Lead)  Curtis Granderson’s MLB blog jumps to “The Worldwide Teaser”.  St. Louis’ John Rodriguez can’t be far behind.

Wizards Arenas has menisicus tear (ESPN News Services) Injury forces star to miss 2-3 months.

BC, North Dakota meet in Frozen Four semifinal for second straight year (CSTV)  We had a hand in bringing this tournament to St. Louis, so we’ll be watching between Marquis ding dongs.

Kentucky gets permission to talk to Donovan (AP/ESPN)

Earlier, we mentioned that that Florida coach Billy Donovan “would listen” if Kentucky wanted to talk to him.  Now it appears that the school as been given permission to interview the back-to-back champion coach.

A surreal afternoon with Cardinals Tony LaRussa, Bob Gibson and Stan Musial (insideSTL.com)

Tim McKernan of insideSTL finds himself in Cardinals fan nirvana by sitting in on a conversation with three St. Louis greats — Tony LaRussa, Bob Gibson and ‘The Man’.

Breaking down the iNDemand deal (BizofBaseball)

BizofBaseball’s Maury Brown breaks down the financial aspects of Major League Baseball’s agreement with cable’s iNDemand for the “Extra innings” package.

Former Patriots wide receiver Stingley dead (AP/Yahoo! Sports)

Former New England wide receiver, who was paralyzed on a hit by Oakland safety Jack Tatum 30 years ago, has died at the age of 55 after being found unresponsive at his Chicago-area home.

Donovan says Kentucky yet to contact him (ESPN News Services)

Florida Gators coach Billy Donovan says he’s listen if Kentucky called him for an interview, but the back-to-back NCAA champion coach said the school hasn’t contacted him yet.

If it quacks like a duck, it must be an agent telling a client to publicly send out feelers for leverage.

News and notes while grabbing a Pop Tart and heading out the door…

All Dodgers to wear #42 for a day (AP/ESPN) Thursday marks the 60th anniversary of Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.

MLB, iN Demand reach agreement (BizofBaseball) Good news for people who like good news.

Butler hires Lickliter assistant to take over hoops program (AP/ESPN) Yes — no headlines of “The Butler did it: Hire Stevens” here.

Police officer struck by car during U of Florida celebration dies (AP/ESPN) Tough crowd in Gainesville.

Bonds hits 735 as Giants lose to Padres (AP/SI.com) Opposite field squeaker puts Bonds 20 behind Aaron.

TBS hires new Hall inductees Gwynn, Rikpen as analysts (SI.com) Ripken joins studio host Ernie Johnson while Gwynn will team with Chip Caray on the superstation’s number one broadcast team.

Little Lord Fauntelroy Commissioner Bettman says fighting should remain part of the game (USA Today) League will re-examine what it officially calls “fisticuffs” in the rule book due to scenes like one Todd Fedoruk of the Flyers experienced in a game against the Rangers and Colton Orr.