Croom and his honey-do list

With the start of practice just a little more than two weeks away, you might think Sylvester Croom is gearing up for one last vacation.

Think again.

Speaking engagements and meetings with assistants to finalize practice schedules are high on the agenda.

Yet, so are buying birthday and anniversary gifts and doing those honey-do lists before he slips away for the next few months to coach a little football.

“Right after spring is over is really when we begin preparing for the fall,” he said. “That’s what we do the entire month of May. Practice schedules are in order and the preliminary game plans for the first four games are in place. That’s all done by the first of June.”

Now, all that’s left to do are to buy birthday and anniversary presents for the wife.

“You buy, stick them in your trunk so that when the dates roll around, you are ready,” he said with a laugh. “Sometimes, they sneak up on you, so you better be ready.”

As for that honey-do list . . .

“She’s got me cleaning windows,” he said. “I’ve about got them all done.”

Back on the clock; appreciation for life

Don’t get me wrong. I really, really, really loved being off and taking a break from the daily grind, but at the same time, I was ready this morning to get back to work.

First off, let me just say thanks to those of you who posted news while I was away. Much appreciated.

But if you missed it, here are a few things that happened while I was on vacation . . .
• Rick Stansbury’s new contract was finalized and he’ll now be paid roughly $1.2 million. Not bad.
• MSU is getting a new video scoreboard, the biggest in the SEC. Impressive. And needed (now, if they’ll just upgrade that lousy press box).
• Greg Byrne officially took over as AD.
• MSU announced its new 10-year deal with Learfield Sports, effective immediately. And that means a lot more money for the university. A lot.
• Sylvester Croom received commitments from WR Patrick Patterson (Noxubee Co.), LB/DE Deontay Skinner (Noxubee Co.), FB/DL William Shumpert (Itawamba) and WR Montez Phillips (Lafayette Co.). Now note, I’ve heard Phillips is about to change his mind.

And that all just happened in 2 1/2 weeks. Whew!

As for me, did some fishing, went to a place outside of Branson called Big Cedar, went to Chattanooga and did a lot of projects around of the house. Also participated in an adult vacation bible school, which was outstanding.

But if there’s one thing I did that left a lasting impression, it was the trip I made last week to visit Farley (a loyal reader and poster since Day 1) and his family at Lebonheur Children’s Hospital.

By now you’ve heard their son, Aedan, was born with a defect in his heart. I don’t know why, but I felt a need to go and visit. And note, I had never met Farley face-to-face. And I admit, on the way to the hospital, and more so in the elevator up to the ICU, I was worried how it would go.

What would I say? Would it be awkward? Would this be a disaster? Is it smart to make contact with a blog reader? Again, never met the man and here I was about to visit with him at a very vulnerable and scary time in his own life. But as it turned out, it was a great and inspiring visit, and I’m so glad I went. And let’s just say, Farley’s personality in real life isn’t exactly like the one that comes across on this blog. LOL!

So, you ask, why go?

Well, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for kids, something that was exposed back in December when I went to St. Jude’s with the MSU football players. It was a situation where I left feeling grateful for my kids’ health and sorry for those parents who were there with sick children, many of whom were on death’s door. I can’t imagine how they deal with those trials and tribulations on an everyday basis.

And because of that, I wanted to take my son, Zach, with me to see the Farley clan. Just in case it was the worst-case scenario, he would at least be a buffer (fortunately, that wasn’t necessary). But more than anything, I also wanted him to see what other kids that are less fortunate health wise encounter every day.

He was uncomfortable, perhaps a little scared, at first. And it didn’t help that he dropped the bag of goodies we had put together as we were getting out of the car in the parking garage, which resulted in me yelling at him for not paying attention.

But when it was time to leave after roughly an hour and we were heading out of the door en route for some lunch at Huey’s (highly recommended), he turned to me and said in the sincerest tone, “Dad, I’m really a lucky kid and should be grateful.”

Needless to say, this proud dad had a lump in the back of my throat. I was hoping for a that kind of response, and was so glad he said it without being prompted. And at the same time, I realized it was stupid that I yelled at him for dropping the bag. I know he didn’t mean to. Perhaps it was just a nervous response from me. I don’t know.

Anyway, I encourage you all to make that kind of visit at some point in your life. Trust me when I say it will be a life-changing experience.

As for little Aedan, Farley sent a text saying Monday’s surgery went great (a shunt was inserted) and the doctors are encouraged with how he is recovering. Hopefully, they will be able to take him home for the first time in the next week. Then in 6 months, he’ll have the big one - open heart.

I know a lot of you have been praying for him, and I ask that you continue. And trust me, Farley and his wife are so grateful for all you have done. And let me say how proud of you I am. So many readers have visited, called and helped out financially. Amazing.

It’s funny, I’ve even had complete strangers come up to me and ask about Farley and Aedan and tell me they are praying for them. Who would have ever thought this blog would have led to that. See, that stormy personality Farley has showcased here from time to time is now paying off. Again, LOL!

What a great society we live in. Sometimes, we just a story like this to remind us.

Two preachers and a sportswriter go fishing . . .

Sounds like a good joke, right. Well, sorry. There is no punch line.

Early this morning, and I mean early, my preacher (Bryan), a visiting preacher from Auburn (Rusty) and myself ventured out to a lake in Shannon (to be more exact, somewhere out in the middle of nowhere, but very scenic) for some bass fishing.

Two of us actually caught fish. One of us, which will remain nameless, didn’t. Still, I had a great time and as I have mentioned before, I have discovered fishing it to be relaxing (catfish more than bass). And it should be noted it was the first time this nameless person had gone bass fishing.

So, I got to thinking about you guys. Fishing and yardwork are two of my stress release activities. What is yours?

Expansion or new HD board

Which is more important, bowling in Scott Field or the newly announced HD board, which will be the largest in the SEC?

Tupelo’s Stratton Commits

By Brad Locke

Tupelo right-hander Chris Stratton made a verbal commitment Sunday to play baseball for Mississippi State.

The 2008 Daily Journal Player of the Year posted a 10-1 record with a 1.95 ERA in leading Tupelo to the Class 5A state finals. The rising senior struck out 98 batters in 75.1 innings, and he hit .367 at the plate.

MSU has always been on Stratton’s radar, but the hiring of new coach John Cohen sealed the deal.

“I’m just real excited about the new staff and what they’re all about, and the new era of State,” Stratton said. “Coach Cohen, he’s unreal. Coach (Butch) Thompson, the new pitching coach, is real good. He’s real intense, and I’m real excited about getting close to him.”

Stratton, who’s 16-1 over two seasons, throws a mid-to-upper-80s fastball with a good curveball, and he’s working on a changeup. His biggest strength is his pinpoint accuracy.

“He has the ability to throw any of his pitches for strikes at any time in the count,” Tupelo coach Gary Enis said.

Read more about this story in Tuesday’s Daily Journal.

I’m clocking out

OK, sports fan. It’s time for me to say good-bye for a few weeks.

It’s the real vacation and I’ll be gone until July 15. It feels strange leaving with so much going on involving Jamont Gordon, but I know others will step up and keep you guys informed.

Feel free to post updates you might hear or come across.

I also ask that you keep Farley and his family in your prayers. Their son, Aedan, was born early Saturday morning but with some heart complications. He’s been airlifted from Oxford to LeBonheur in Memphis. It’s kinda scary for them right now and some divine intervention would go a long ways in comforting them. Also, if one of you will keep this blog updated on Aedan’s condition I would be greatly appreciative.

Hang in there, Farley.

As for everyone else, have a great two weeks and I look forward to getting back to the blog on July 15.

Rhodes heading to Dallas

Apparently, free agency is working well for Charles Rhodes.

The Dallas Morning News is reporting C-Rhodes is about to join the team.

Now, we’ll just wait and see what happens with Gordon.

NCAA and eligibility issues facing Gordon

I have obtained a copy of a letter from the NCAA offices to student-athletes contemplating declaring for the NBA draft as an upperclassman.

Here are the key points, which I cut and pasted . . .

Six Points to Remember:
You will lose your eligibility IF:
• You agree orally or in writing to be represented by an agent or any individual acting on behalf of the agent [e.g., runner].
• You accept any benefits from an agent, a prospective agent or any individual acting on behalf of the agent [e.g., runner].
• If you participate in a tryout with an NBA team that lasts longer than 48 hours, which you have not personally financed.
• If you tryout with a professional team during the academic year and miss class.
• If you enter the draft AND do not take the appropriate steps to withdraw and declare your intention to resume intercollegiate participation.
• If you enter the draft AND are drafted by a professional team.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Am I allowed to enter the NBA draft early?
YES! You may enter a professional basketball league’s draft one time during your collegiate career without jeopardizing your eligibility; provided you are not drafted by any team and you declare your intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 30 days after the draft. This declaration must be in writing to your director of athletics.

2. Am I allowed to participate in the NBA predraft camp in late May-early June?
YES! If you are invited, you may attend the predraft camp and accept actual and necessary expenses from the NBA to participate in the NBA predraft camp. You are permitted to attend the entire camp (even though it might occur during the academic year).

3. Can my college coach arrange and schedule a professional team workout/tryout on or off campus during the academic year?
NO! It would not be permissible for a student-athlete’s institutional coach to organize and be present during a professional tryout that occurs on or off campus.

4. Can NBA teams pay for my private workouts/tryouts?
YES! You may tryout with an NBA team during the academic year if you are enrolled full-time as long as you do not miss class. You may receive actual and necessary expenses from the NBA team in conjunction with one 48-hour tryout per team. The 48-hour tryout period begins when you arrive at the tryout location. At the completion of the 48-hour period you must depart the location of the tryout immediately in order to receive transportation expenses.

5. Can any other individual (e.g., agent, runner, or “advisor”) pay for my private workouts/tryouts with NBA teams?
NO! Unless an NBA team pays for your expenses in conjunction with a private workout or tryout, you and your family are responsible for paying all expenses associated with any tryouts as they are incurred.

6. Can I pay for my own private workouts/tryouts with NBA teams?
YES! A tryout may extend beyond 48 hours if the individual self-finances additional expenses, including return transportation. A self-financed tryout may be for any length of time, provided you don’t miss class.

Gordon update

Jamont Gordon’s future remains cloudy.

First, no one is sure whether he signed with an agent. Second, his academic status is still unclear.

This we do know . . . According to NCAA bylaws, if he wants to return for his senior season he has 30 days to submit a written letter to Greg Byrne stating he wants to come back.

When I learn more, you’ll be the first to know.

Weatherford signs with Rockies

Former Mississippi State reliever Aaron Weatherford has signed a contract with the Colorado Rockies, who selected him in the third round with the 103rd overall pick.

He’ll begin his professional baseball career in the Northwest League with the Tri-City Dust Devils, located in Pasco, Wash.

He joins Tyle Moore, Jeff Flagg and Brandon Turner as members off last year’s MSU team that signed contracts.

Raffo among candidates for ASU job

Is Tommy Raffo going to Arkansas State?

According to a story in the Jonesboro Sun, the former longtime MSU assistant is one of many, many candidates.

He interviewd for the position on Thursday.

Katz on Gordon and other underclassmen

ESPN’s Andy Katz has story this morning on Jamont Gordon and other underclassmen who went undrafted last night.

Even though I didn’t think Gordon would go in the first round, I thought he would be taken by at least the 45th overall pick. I’m guessing last night was as miserable of a night as he has ever encountered.

Rough day for Jamont Gordon

Sixty picks, and not one featured Jamont Gordon.

Thursday’s NBA draft has come and gone and Gordon nor Charles Rhodes were drafted. As for what this means for Gordon, I’m not sure.

It’s still unclear if he signed with an agent, and even more unclear is his eligibility status. Well, you know what I’ll be working on tomorrow.

On to round two

Well, Jamont Gordon didn’t get drafted in the first round. Now, we’ll see what his fate is as far as the second round is concerned.

Also, keep an eye on Charles Rhodes. If he goes, it will likely be around the 55th-60th pick.

483

The significance of this number?

When talking with Larry Templeton for my Sunday piece on him, he informed me that he had seen 483 MSU football games in row.

The last game he missed was the 1963 Liberty Bowl in Philadelphia, Pa. We’ll give him a pass on that considering he was just a young whipper-snapper.

Any of you got a good streak going?

With this pick . . .

Those are words Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes hope to hear tonight during the NBA’s draft, which will be aired live on ESPN starting at 6 p.m.

In today’s Daily Journal, both Gordon and Rhodes discuss their futures.

Where do you feel these two will fall in the draft?

Meet the proposed basketball practice facility

This is the artist rendering for Mississippi State’s basketball practice facility, in case you missed the story and picture in Sunday’s Daily Journal. I say it looks quite impressive.

One more year for Larry Templeton? Perhaps

For the last three years, Larry Templeton has served as chairman of the NCAA’s baseball selection committee. Most thought this would be his final year due to him no longer being the AD as of July 1.

However, baseball insiders and powers to be are currently working on a proposal for Larry to retain his title for at least another year.

When I called him in Omaha, where he’s been for the last 16 days, and asked him about it, he said, “Yeah. If they ask me to do it, I will. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun, too.”

In other words, he’s going to remain chairman.

On Sunday, I’ll have a story on Larry Templeton regarding his career at Mississippi State. During our interview, he really had some interesting things to say. There is no question the man bleeds Maroon & White and always will.

Some news and notes

Here are some nuggets regarding MSU, directly and indirectly, I thought you might find interesting . . .

• Mississippi State placed 77 student-athletes on the SEC’s spring honor roll, the fourth most of any school behind Florida, South Carolina and Arkansas. The Diamond Dogs had 23 players that earned honors.
• Remember Joe Dean, Jr., an MSU alum who was interested in the MSU athletics director job? Well, he just agreed to serve as Chairman of Community Relations for the Papajohns.com Bowl. He’ll still keep his job as Birmingham Southern’s AD.
• The NBA draft is tomorrow. Keep an eye on Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes.

Your take on the schedule

With each game, place a “W” for a win, “L” for a loss or “?” if not sure . . . Hey, it’s June.

at Louisiana Tech
Southeastern Louisiana
Auburn
at Georgia Tech
at LSU
Vanderbilt
at Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State
Kentucky
at Alabama
Arkansas
at Ole Miss

And if there’s a bowl, pick that too.