Chair Slam 2012, Departure Derby, Noah's Heart

Chair Slam 2012 just doesn't end. Big Ten commish Jim Delany talked to Fran McCaffery's boss, Gary Barta. Delany didn't suspend, reprimand, or ask for an apology. Delany says he focused on the future. As in a future with no chair abuse. Barta praised McCaffery's passion but says he wants to make sure McCaffery's passion doesn't cross the line.

Jon Miller wrote an interesting column where he says Barta should not have called McCaffery out publicly (you can read the story for free at www.hawkeyenation.com). I'll admit, I was surprised at Barta's comments to the Register because Barta never criticizes his coaches, even when they deserve it. If Barta's going to consistently appear in charge, I'd support what he said. However, if this is a kowtow to Delany, Miller is right...

A.J. Derby is the latest Hawkeye to leave the football program. Derby leaves next to no statistical void. Here's the big question: Why was Iowa unable to find a productive role for a four star high school All-American, and keep happy a guy whose father and brother played for Iowa?...

I don't know what kind of manager Dave Bialas will be for the I-Cubs, or how many people will even care, but I am glad Bialas is a good storyteller. (Bialas is pronounced like Cialis with a B, though I doubt you'll find that in the I-Cubs pronunciation guide)...

Joel Hanrahan will make $4.1 millon next season---more than Kirk Ferentz, as one of you pointed out. Imagine if Norwalk school teachers could promise all their alums they'll go on to make millions playing games...

John Elway says Tim Tebow has "earned the right to be the starting QB going into training camp next year". This statement was treated like big news Monday. What else is Elway going to say? And take a closer look. It means nothing. Elway did not say, "Tebow is our starting quarterback next season". This story has several chapters to go, and Elway will age several years before it's over...

Will we still see the Discount Double Check every few minutes during the playoffs now? I really don't mind much. The ads are good...

I'm not sure what Subway did to get Ndamukong Suh on the CBS NFL Today set, but I'll buy more five dollar foot longs if they'll keep Suh away next weekend...

As I write this, I'm finally watching the A-Team. This might be the noisiest movie of all time...

Noah on the news set.

I can't say enough about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Who can? Sunday night, 13 year old Noah Wright of Earlham and his parents came to see SoundOFF and to take a studio tour. Noah was so cool. We all liked him right away, and we'll keep him in our thoughts as he moves toward a kidney transplant...

Al from Make-A-Wish, Andy, Noah, me, Noah's mom & dad.

One more shout-out. Kelly Brinkman, former channel 13 sports intern, qualified for the United States Olympic Trials marathon this past weekend. Kelly didn't win, but just making the field is a lifetime memory for her, and a proud thrill for us...

Kelly, in red, at the Olympic Trials. She's a former Cyclone, so she enjoys wearing red.