College coaches, crocodile hunters share a new bond

dwilson

Recent actions have shown us that being a college coach is like being Steve the Croc Hunter -- one mistake and you're meat. And Rick Neuheisel just fell off the boat into the croc-infested waters, and there's little chance he'll survive.

Neuheisel says he's "confident" his appeal will overturn the decision made by the University of Washington because of the ambiguity surrounding the NCAA's rule against gambling. His band of lawyers said the NCAA's rule isn't "the epitome of clarity," but neither is the warranty on your new car battery. That's what the 1-800 number is for, to have it "clarified."

The NCAA does things to ensure coaches and players know gambling is against the rules for collegiate athletes. The NCAA hands out pamphlets and books, and even I see its commercials on TV.

Ignorance is bliss when the chicken you're eating is really cat. Any other time ignorance isn't an argument -- it's an excuse. Besides, it's hard for the university to ignore his winnings in this gambling escapade -- more than $12,000.

Neuheisel is in the news for a negative reason, and that negativity is staining the school's image. He can win all the hearts he wants through these seemingly innocent pleas, but that probably won't help -- just ask Larry Eustachy.

Anyway, try not to ignore your week ahead:

Thursday

The St. Louis Printers are hosting a beer-tasting party from 10 microbreweries from 4 to 8 p.m. at T.R. Hughes Stadium in O'Fallon, Mo. Cost is $10 and includes admission to the Printers' game against the Valmeyer Lakers at 7:30

The Missouri High School Rodeo State finals open at 7 p.m. and continue through Saturday. Flickerwood Arena winds up a busy schedule and hosts only two more events from now to the first week in August.

Friday

I always said people watch races for the same reason they watch the aforementioned Croc Hunter: It's dangerous. The real question is, are you willing to drive to Memphis to see crashes? The Craftsman Truck Series' O'Reilly 200 is at Memphis Motorsports Park this weekend. At 6 p.m. today, drivers will be on hand to sign autographs during Fan Fest. Tickets: 1-866-40-SPEED.

Saturday

Apparently the River City Rascals are hosting a Britney Spears promotional night, and they will bring in a professional Spears look-alike. She actually gets paid to look famous. Only in America. Mullet Night is a day later on Sunday. The Cillicothe Paints make it to O'Fallon for a two-game set. Game times are 7:05 p.m. Saturday and 6:05 Sunday.

Not only is it Southeast Night at Busch Stadium, but it's also Meramec Caverns night. That should mean they're going to play the game in the dark with bats. Even better, there will be a pregame party for Southeast alumni in the Drury Plaza Hotel at 4 p.m.

The Capahas host the crosstown Riverdogs in a doubleheader at 5 p.m. at Capaha Park.

The O'Reilly 200 drops the green flag at 2 p.m. in Memphis, with driver introductions at noon.

David Wilson is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School. His column appears every Monday.