Leach takes care of a social media problem
A GRIP ON SPORTS
My goal was to write this intro today in 140 characters or less. Bingo. But what in the name of Twitter does it mean? Not much. Read on.
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• If you expect me to get into the Twitter debate concerning Washington State's football team, you are going to be a bit disappointed. It's not all that important. The Cougars football coach has final say on all things having to do with the program, so it's his decision. If the school policy is one thing (you can read some comments about how the school deals with social media, including Twitter, in this story) and Leach wants to do something else, he can. Heck, he's done it in regards to other things – the use of marijuana as the prime example – so why would anyone be surprised if he went his own way with Twitter?
• If you are wondering, WSU's football players have been part of my timeline forever (or since I – @vinceg55 – got on Twitter back in the Stone Age). I have read most of the tweets over the years, from guys who are active parts of the team to the guys in the background. Some of them were funny, some were odd, some were just plain impossible to understand – just like the comments the players make in real life. The ones posted between midnight and 4 a.m. were always the most interesting, though they were more about what was happening that night or not being able to sleep or the like than they were earth-shattering. In most cases, it was a way to reach out over distance, like texting or the phone, but with a wider net. And, now that Twitter is no longer an option, don't think the social interaction will stop happening. The venue will change, whether the players begin using Facebook more, with it's ability to screen others easier, or some other avenue. The wonderful thing about college students, even football players, is they push the edge of the envelope. That's how they learn, how they change from callow freshmen into mature seniors, ready to take their place in society. It's a process that's been going on for years. And it will continue, Twitter or not.
• By the way, you guys are smart. In the comments yesterday I love the fact you had fun with my Giants' rant – and were able to give it back. You also understand when I'm having fun, as I was yesterday, and when I'm being serious, as happens on rare occasions.
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• Washington State: The Twitter bomb was just part of Christian Caple's coverage yesterday, though it was a big part, including a story and blog post. He also has his Pac-12 notebook, which looks at the postseason, and his usual morning post. Christian will host a live chat today at 1 p.m. ... Former WSU star Klay Thompson (pictured) is about to break out in the national NBA consciousness, at least according to the league's GMs. ... Oregon will play Ohio State in a home-and-home down the road. If the Buckeyes don't pull a Kansas State and pull out beforehand. ... A former Pac-12 basketball player is playing his final season at a (very) small college. His reasons why are interesting.
• Gonzaga: The Zags' most famous basketball alum was honored once again last night and folks in Salt Lake City seemed surprised John Stockton is still as fit as ever. ... I would love to pass along an ESPN story on the WCC season but it's behind a pay wall and it's my policy never to link stories on purpose that everyone can't access.
• EWU: The Eagles don't have a quarterback controversy according to this Jim Allen story. They have two guys who both want to play but also want the other to do well. Jim's story also includes some injury updates. ... Former Eastern head coach Mike Kramer has been suspended for a game at Idaho State, but if you read this story, you'll find that's not enough for some.
• Idaho: Josh Wright caught up with Robb Akey (left) yesterday and discovered the timing of Akey's firing saved the university more than $100,000. Josh has a blog post and a story from the discussion. ... The Associated Press has a story on who could join Akey in looking for work. ... Jim Allen's college soccer notebook leads with a couple of Idaho players.
• Chiefs: Spokane is on the road, so Jess Brown has to be content with blogging about the team, not covering the games, the first of which the Chiefs won easily.
• Preps: It's time for the postseason, with Mead winning the district volleyball title (Jess has the story) and Central Valley did the same in soccer (Jim has the story).
• Seahawks: If you could change one thing about this year's Hawks, what would it be? My guess is you would have Russell Wilson pass the ball more efficiently. Well, at least more often. ... More on Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh, the coaches that keep on giving writers copy. ... Up next for Seattle: the Detroit Lions.
• Sounders: Former Sounder and now current Sounder goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann will start tonight when Seattle hosts Marathon of Honduras in a CONCACAF Champions League match.
• Mariners: The World Series starts tonight in San Francisco. Larry Stone has some thoughts.
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• We'll be on the radio today for a couple hours before the World Series game. We start at 3 p.m. and you can listen here. Until then ...
