The Rock Chalkboard

Aaron Miles checks out Kansas-Stanford, talks coaching career
“It’s great to be here in this building with all my Jayhawk family, man,” said Aaron Miles, KU's point guard from 2001-05, on the post-game radio show to Voice of the Jayhawks Brian Hanni.

Injury news: Bill Self gives update on Jalen Wilson's recovery
Wilson left the court early in his performance against UNC Greensboro, the Jayhawks' second game of the year. He was quickly announced out, and KU coach Bill Self said the path to recovery would be handled in a matter of months, rather than weeks.

Les Miles names Ben Iannacchione new KU football strength coach
KU football has hired its new strength coach to fill the recent loss of an assistant to the University of Missouri, Les Miles announced on Thursday.

Bill Self, KU basketball players excited for Big 12 slate
“We're really honest with our guys when we talk about [the schedule],” Self said. “In our non-conference, there are about six games, seven games that you circle saying these are the most important games of the non-conference. And you get into the league and you say there are 18 games that you're circling that are the most important games because they're all equally important.”

Bill Self clarifies 'zero truth' to latest NBA 'bold prediction'
"Well first of all, I haven't talked to Seth in five or six months," Self said. "Secondly and most importantly, I haven't talked to R.C. ever about it. He was in my wedding and I was in his, so I've known him pretty well, and we've never once discussed it."

Bits o Chalk

Christian Braun emerging as 'key' KU basketball bench performer
The Jayhawks are already down one freshman in wing Jalen Wilson, who injured his ankle early in the year and had surgery that will hold him out at least a few months. Wilson, a four-star prospect, may not return this season and could take a redshirt

Seth Greenberg predicts Bill Self leaves Kansas for Spurs
“My boldest prediction for 2020 is Bill Self to San Antonio,” Greenberg said during Wednesday’s appearance on ESPN's Get Up!. “He’s a great offensive coach, a great defensive coach, knows how to connect players and solves problems. I could see him making a seamless transition. There’s a connection there and I could see Popovich stepping down, saying, ‘You know what? Its your team.’ He can (hand) it over and handle personnel."

Cowboys to move on without Jason Garrett, source says
A source told ESPN's Ed Werder that after showing an "abundance of care and respect" for Garrett, team owner/general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have decided the coach will not be part of the organization moving forward.

Troy Polamalu, Reggie Wayne highlight finalists for Hall of Fame
Safety LeRoy Butler (Packers 1990-2001), wide receiver Torry Holt (Rams 1999-2008; Jaguars 2009), linebacker Sam Mills (Saints 1986-94; Panthers 1995-97), linebacker Zach Thomas (Dolphins 1996-2007; Cowboys 2008) and defensive tackle Bryant Young (49ers 1994-2007) also were named finalists for the first time, though all five previously had been eligible.

Eraser Dust

U.S. Strike in Iraq Kills Qassim Suleimani, Commander of Iranian Forces - The New York Times
— Iran’s top security and intelligence commander was killed early Friday in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport that was authorized by President Trump, American officials said.

Australia fires: Military rescues residents as entire towns threatened - CNN
Australian authorities are launching naval and air rescue operations along the country's southeast coast as deadly wildfires intensify, stranding residents and tourists in towns that may be wiped out by Saturday.

A family thought they were just baking a pizza. Then they found a snake inside their oven - CNN
The Helms noticed smoke in the kitchen of their Wake Forest home before realizing there was a snake in the oven, according to CNN affiliate WRAL.

FDA Bans Most Flavored E-Cigarette Cartridges | NBC Nightly News - YouTube
The ban includes fruit and mint, which are the most popular flavor among teens. The only exceptions are tobacco and menthol, and the flavored liquid in vape shops sold to adults to create their own flavors.

Ethan Couch, man who used "affluenza" defense for killing 4 people in DUI crash, jailed in Texas today - CBS News
A Texas man who used "affluenza" as a defense at his trial for killing four people while driving drunk was arrested Thursday after authorities say he violated the terms of his probation. Ethan Couch, 22, was booked into a jail in Fort Worth after he tested positive for THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, court records show.