ESPN...FSU.....AND WRESTLING

[billybud]

The expert authenticator says in that article...

[b]"[/bThe other, Ron Keurajian, a Baseball Hall of Fame autograph specialist, said that in his opinion, “These Winston autographs from the supposed signing are done by more than one hand. His authentic signature is very unstructured, which makes it harder to authenticate, but there are many here that actually are structured very well.”]

Hell...The haters gonna hate....regardless of any lack of proof whatsoever and some indicators that it just ain't so. And the media witch hunt had haters all too ready to hang the kid.


It was fraud...Burkhalter took money from folks to get a autograph...then could not deliver when Winston is not there...Burkhalter leaves and comes back with unauthenticated autographs...even the folks receiving the items were suspicious about the whole deal.

And the media witch hunt had folks all too ready to hang the kid

[billybud]

And..it was not a better article..it was almost identical. lifted from ESPN's...except the last two paragraphs....

The fact is that the tabloid type media has blasted this kid allover the public space re selling autographs...and you know what? People are all too willing to believe it...with no proof, and contrary evidence.

[Spence]

It was a better link - sorry

[billybud]

"Five sources said that James Spence Authentication got the items only after competitor PSA/DNA backed out of the February signing with Winston. PSA/DNA did so after being told that it couldn't witness the quarterback signing the items in person, sources said."

"Burkhalter denies that much of this happened... he has gotten items signed by Winston but has never compensated him."

"Those who had invested in the signing -- paying Burkhalter between $30 and $40 per autograph -- were very suspicious, sources said."

[Spence]

And..it was not a better article..it was almost identical. lifted from ESPN's...except the last two paragraphs....

The fact is that the tabloid type media has blasted this kid allover the public space re selling autographs...and you know what? People are all too willing to believe it...with no proof, and contrary evidence.

There is no "tabloid" media anymore. It is all that way so it is just media. I do not know whether the kid sold his autograph. If he did, I hope he doesn't get caught. I don't like how the NCAA has treated these kids I talked about Pryor earlier and he came out OK, but he wasn't the only kid caught up in that and several others didn't sign pro contracts and their football careers were ruined. Had Ohio State not had a program in place to give let them finish their schooling without football, they would have been out in the cold. That is the kind of rule the NCAA should have - if you lose your eligibility for any reason (even to try the NFL draft) you can come back and finish your degree. Ohio State does that now. It should be mandatory for all D1 schools.

The difference between you and I in this matter is you choose to believe the kid did absolutely nothing wrong and I choose not to care if he did sign things for money. I believe he should be able to sign things for money.

[donovan]

I'll give Winston the benefit of the doubt on Mr. Billybud's word. I am not ready to give him Sainthood. (Winston...maybe to Mr. Billybud)

I agree with Spence that Winston is the current target and the run amok sports entertainment world always has one in the wings...as soon as this one fades away there will be another.

I have decided I want FSU and OSU in the final game of the year.......I think this is the warm up.

[Spence]

We won't beat Wisconsin. We aren't built to beat a team like them. Playing indoors will help, but I always hate to play them. And Florida State is lots better than us. No matter what the talking heads say.

[billybud]

I do think that I see a different Winston then do those who only know him through the media.

Most folks have not ever talked to the guy, talked to his team mates...and thus their opinions are usually parroting of opinion makers.

For the last ten years, I have participated in an organization that provides emotional and Christian support to athletes, and FSU athletes....I play cards, canasta, hearts, and Texas Hold 'em poker with some of the guys (just chips, no real money).

The kids seem to love Jameis. They do think that he is a fun loving goof ball and maybe, just maybe, a little immature. He is seen as emotional, dedicated, and a ultimate competitor.

I know that I at 20 would not have been able to perform at his level with the constant denigration and hate spewing that seems present nationally. I marvel that he can pull it together and win games. Sometimes I wonder if it takes him deep into a game to settle down from the scrutiny.

He is a strong young man....but he is also very much still a boy (my read).

[Spence]

I would agree with that. He is a strong football player and a boy. He is only a sophomore thrown into the Heisman limelight at the end of his freshman year. The media spotlight can be crushing to a senior in his position. I don't doubt he is affable and the people around him like him. I don't think he is a "dirty" player. I don't think Gurley is either, not Pryor. Just kids that get caught up in a corrupt system. It's about time the NCAA looked in the mirror to find someone to investigate.

[donovan]

We won't beat Wisconsin. We aren't built to beat a team like them. Playing indoors will help, but I always hate to play them. And Florida State is lots better than us. No matter what the talking heads say.

If you don't win then we will be stuck with multiple SEC teams.... I'll watch Hogan Heroes reruns....

[donovan]

I do think that I see a different Winston then do those who only know him through the media.

Most folks have not ever talked to the guy, talked to his team mates...and thus their opinions are usually parroting of opinion makers.

For the last ten years, I have participated in an organization that provides emotional and Christian support to athletes, and FSU athletes....I play cards, canasta, hearts, and Texas Hold 'em poker with some of the guys (just chips, no real money).

The kids seem to love Jameis. They do think that he is a fun loving goof ball and maybe, just maybe, a little immature. He is seen as emotional, dedicated, and a ultimate competitor.

I know that I at 20 would not have been able to perform at his level with the constant denigration and hate spewing that seems present nationally. I marvel that he can pull it together and win games. Sometimes I wonder if it takes him deep into a game to settle down from the scrutiny.

He is a strong young man....but he is also very much still a boy (my read).

Always puts a different slant on this. Frankly...I think Assistant Coaches...especially Grad Assistants job is keep the players out of trouble. They are boys...there is not question about that to me.

[Spence]

The are all boys. I remember that age and I was a long way from being grown up as a sophomore in college. A really long way.

[Derek]

Oh Gawd Spence..

You should have been a Southern Baptist preacher.

"A man that will tell a lie, will steal from you. A man that will steal will kill."

I don't buy it.

You have to look at his fame as the price of being in the #1 spot. No one would care that he shoplifted crab legs if he played for Savannah State. It's the price of fame and being a star on the #1 team.

It's not a bias against FSU IMO.

[billybud]

Game Control?

Is there anybody more masterful than FSU at game control?

Anybody can grab a lead and hold it...but orchestrating game after game to allow a patented game winning drive in the final minute takes real mastery, restraint, and talent.

[Spence]

Game Control?

Is there anybody more masterful than FSU at game control?

Anybody can grab a lead and hold it...but orchestrating game after game to allow a patented game winning drive in the final minute takes real mastery, restraint, and talent.

They remind me of our 2002 team. We had some of the ugliest wins that year, but we won them all. The way this new committee works, though, is they will penalize you for winning if you don't win by "enough". I'm not a fan of this new system. I'm for getting rid of the committee and letting the conference champs fight it out.