Yesterday was a blast. I’m now going to treat signing day with the same reverence that I do for when the NCAA basketball seeds are announced. Three or four news sources going, constant checking the different blogs and of course some really good scotch at the end of the day.
Thanks Coach Neuheisel!
PS: I’m looking forward to the day that we won’t even have to measure ourselves against those bums across town.

Dohn’s reporting that UCLA has said if he doesn’t decide soon, the scholership offer will be pulled. It’s an unfortunate situation, but you can’t blame CRN and co for it. Hopefully Toma inks with us as expected.

1. There Was No Baggage: Many of us here, including some of us with law degrees, did research on the “charges” against CRN and the factual predicates that were supposed to support them. We reported, early on, that many of the “charges” were bogus. Nothing in the realm of what is accepted by the NCAA, daily, (can you say Bushgate or OJ2?) occurred. The UW settled the case CRN had brought against it rather than face a verdict. Can you spell “exonerated”? I am so tired of all of this being brought up, over and over, by people who never looked at the primary source material to determine exactly what was alleged to have been done and the facts that allegedly supported the charges.

2. The Recruiting Victory Had Many Fathers: We know that and I want the larger sports community to know that. Yes, CRN is the head coach, but it is clear that — like he has done since he got here — CRN led a TEAM effort. And, what a team! I cannot tell you how impressed I am with our entire staff and the unity they displayed in bringing us this incredible recruiting class. That said, I must say that CNC has captured a special part of my Bruin spirit. For a man whose reputation was that he was aloof and disinterested — but brilliant, he has shown passion, warmth and excitement with each step down the path. I knew we were getting a great offensive mind, but the package is so much bigger. In a way, I really cannot understand why he didn’t get his own program to run — but boy are we lucky he didn’t. And, kudos to CRN for sharing the credit and bright lights. (CRN and CBH both have their egos under control and reflect well on the standard set by Coach.)

3. To the Recruiting Junkies — you made my day yesterday — and it was a tough day to make. Feb 4, two years ago, my Dad died. A couple of days later, I wrote a Fanpost here about the role UCLA sports played in my wonderful relationship with him. I miss my Dad. It doesn’t get better. But, I couldn’t help but catch the recruiting excitement you all generated; I’ve never followed recruiting or signing day before — but yesterday, I was totally into it; your control of the facts and frenzied enthusiasm were contagious. And, it made me smile. Later, last night, I put a picture of my Dad on the recliner next to me, in front of the TV, and watched the sc game with him. I ended the day OK. Funny what sports can do.