Papa Andy, Candid Derrell, Nervous Jim

Andy Fales is a father. Wow. I'm so excited and happy for him. I think he'll be a great dad too. Andy and his wife, Kahala, had a cute baby girl with a full head of hair, Elin. I can't imagine what it's like raising a girl. I hear it's great---until all the drama starts in middle school...

I've done many interviews, but I've never seen reaction and feedback like Andy and I had after our sit down with Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. DJK was an open book. I, and many others, found that refreshing. I also believed Derrell when he said the worst parts of being arrested for seven drug charges were having to call his mother from  jail, and having his little brothers taunted at school. Derrell got caught up in being DJK. He screwed up big and bad. He's paid a price, one that continues. Instead of being drafted into the NFL, Johnson-Koulianos will likely have to hope someone takes a free agent flyer on him. I hope he's sincere about learning from his mistakes---I think he is---but it always comes down to actions, not words. I like Derrell. I wish him well... (if you missed it: http://www.kxno.com/cc-common/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=murphnandy&selected_podcast=Full%2520DJK%2520Interview%25204-22-11%25202.mp3



Many NFL players smoke pot. NFL GM's and coaches know that. The problem for former Hawkeye Christian Ballard is he reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL combine. The (apparent) stupidity of being caught in the most important job interview of your life raises red flags. He'll be drafted in the first three rounds anyway (see Warren Sapp, among others)...

More and more national college football "experts" say Ohio State's Jim Tressel won't survive lying to the NCAA and covering up violations. I think they're wrong. Why? Because he's 9-1 against Michigan...

Brian Brown does a great job running the Drake Relays. The Grand Blue Mile is just one more way the iconic event keeps growing...

Paul Rhoads told me Tuesday the Iowa State quarterback job is Jerome Tiller's to lose...

How sad is it that Chicago police are worried Arizona State's new mark is too similar to a street gang called Satan's Disciples? Police fear some innocent person wearing ASU gear being shot, stabbed, or beaten by a rival street gang...



I'm not a hater. I wish William and Kate the best. But I could not care less about the royal wedding...

NBC wore me down with its relentless promos for The Voice. I'm watching it on DVR as I type. So far, I'm surprised I like it as much as I do. There's something appealing about people being judged on their talent before anyone sees their looks...



Peace...