You would think that after the Albert Means scandal, the University of Alabama would have figured out that they have a big, crimson target on their backs.  But apparently, in the wake of textbookgate, they haven't.

Now, before you start sending me your hate mail Bama fans, realize this.  I was in Birmingham when the Means story broke and actually covered it.  I was on the air the day the sanctions were announced, in fact, I read them.  And the reaction of everyone we talked to that day, from Kevin Skarbinsky to Tim Brando was "Holy crap, I never thought they would get hit that hard."  So, I'm not just a yankee boy spouting off about problems at the Capstone.  Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

The fact is this.  No matter how small this problem may be in reality, the NCAA will watch it carefully.  And even if Alabama falls on it's sword, admits an issue and then shows how they will correct it, some at the NCAA will not be happy with them.  While there is no way that they will ever get the "death penalty", the NCAA could pull several schlorships, and in football that could become an issue. 

Why did Dennis Franchione run off to Texas A&M?  Because when he realized how stiff the penalty was against Alabama (when he was told that it was handled and Bama would get off with a slap on the wrist), he knew he couldn't have a winning program for a few years.  And Fran is all about how Fran looks.  However, Coach Satan is the same way, and you wonder that if there is some sanctions against Alabama that will hurt Satan's ability to stockpile blue chip players, does he depart for say Michigan when Lloyd Carr leaves? Or FSU?

I know that this scandal looks small, but with Alabama, there are no small scandals.  They are the habitual offenders of the NCAA, just daring a judge to throw a book at them.  Keep an eye on this story because it's going to get a lot more interesting.

Lighting Round

• Do you still think the Rockies have a chance?  Seriously.
• Ozzie Guillen wants the White Sox to hit and run more.  He wants a lead off hitter.  He wants a thinner Juan Uribe.  Sounds like the 2006 off season all over again and we know how that worked out, don't we?
• Bobby Bowden's staunchest defender, AD Dave Hart, is leaving---early.  A lot of FSU alums would like Bobby to go with him.  Don't be surprised if there is some succession plan announced following the season.
• Let's see now, granted you set a record this season, but you are 43, can't run in the field anymore and are the focus of at least two investigations.  Yet you complain because the Giants didn't ask you back.  Clueless, thy name is Barry Bonds.
• Former White Sox second baseman Tad iguchi has told the Phillies he won't play third for them next year.  Kenny Williams, do you still have his number?
• Former Purdue coach (and all-time good guy) Gene Keady is joining the Big Ten network for basketball.  If a former coach does a tv show and no one watches does he make a sound?
• Looks like the Cat in the Hat has problems with Thing 99 and Thing 17.  Elsewhere, one of Joe Gibbs' young guns, Brad Coleman, is leaving for Brewco.  Who the hell is Brewco?  In any case, he'll be driving the Kleenex mobile in the Nationwide Series next season.
• You seriously wonder if Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino regrets not staying at Louisville.  God Knows Steve Kragthorpe regrets Petrino not staying.
• Bill Callahan is says the uncertainty regarding his staying at Nebraska may cost him recruits.  Um, Bill, I hate to tell you, there is no uncertainty.  You're gone.
• Evansville Native Don Mattingly says he's ready to manage the Yankees.  And, I'm ready to do brain surgery.  Blindfolded.
• Remember the movie where all the old guys got together one last time to rob a bank?  Meet your 2008 Seattle Mariners coaching staff.