FanSpeak

MU drama is no surprise

THIS ORDEAL with Ricky Clemons shouldn't surprise anybody. If you didn't realize college sports have gotten to this point, you've obviously had your head in the sand. Don't fool yourself and think that Mizzou isn't guilty of it. The only thing left to determine now is how harsh Mizzou's punishment will be.

Just bring onBrett

I'M A Southeast fan, but I'm having a hard time understanding one of coach Garner's coaching decisions. Before this season started, Brett Hale was picked by a magazine to possibly be the best shooter in the OVC this year. In the game against Arkansas, he only played eight minutes but scored seven points. What I don't understand is why would you leave one of your best shooters and players on the team on the bench for 32 minutes. Hale's too good of a player to be on the bench and not to be starting. I hope Coach Garner will change his mind and start using one of his best weapons instead of delegating him to helping the team's bench scoring stats.

Cardinals keep quiet

IT SEEMS like baseball teams around the league are picking up talent and traded big names for other big names. And what are the Cardinals doing?Good question.

Tigers took the low road

THE RICKY Clemons situation at Mizzou shows how low big sports programs will go to win. Is anybody surprised that these athletes received cash and clothes? The surprise is that the NCAA doesn't suspend all these corrupt programs for five years and clean house.

Teaching, not coaching

THIS IS to the caller who said football coaches shouldn't have to teach because it takes away from what's important which is football. I got the impression that your tongue was firmly in your cheek and you were being sarcastic, and I hope you were. But just to put your mind at ease, my child's science teacher is a head football coach. When we called to speak to this teacher, we were told he leaves early to take care of football business -- and this was after the football season was over. When I asked what he coaches right now, the secretary said, "well, nothing right now, but he's taking care of the business of coaching." So not only do they get to leave during the season, they leave all year long.

No word onJackson

I JUST wondered if you plan to cover the Jackson freshman basketball team this season?

Results are published when they're reported. Coaches or team statisticians are encouraged to call 335-6611 immediately after their game to report results.

Golson was the answer

GARY GARNER expressed respect for his team by sending Reggie Golson in to battle the Kangaroos from his hometown -- Kansas City -- last Saturday. That's how great coaches boost their players' confidence -- on a stage holding deep meaning to them. After year-long injury, Golson rose on this stage to mount his comeback, and what a heroic comeback he made. Just what the doctor ordered.

Time to clean up MU

IF THIS is how the Missouri basketball program is going to be run, then there's no time like the present to clean house.

Good job, fans

HATS OFF to the Southeast fans who made the trip to Carbondale to cheer on the Indians against SIU. Those who attended the game showed true support as they came dressed in red and black and were not afraid to flex their vocal cords throughout the game. Although it was not a huge group of fans, they were loud. I only hope that when the football schedule is released, everyone marks their calendars and attends the SEMO football game next year in Carbondale.