The Rock Chalkboard

Which NCAA tournament regional would KU basketball prefer?
"We didn't think that was right," KU coach Bill Self said. "If you have a great year, I guess you could be rewarded. That was a screwy deal that year because — the way the rules were written — it was like 10 miles closer, but it was a connecting flight and cost three times as much money and a quarter of your fanbase had a chance to go. So that was not good for us at that particular time."

KU football announces three future games against Fresno State
The latest scheduling update from the program is the introduction of a three-game series KU football will play against Fresno State, which will begin in 2025. The Jayhawks will play their first game against Fresno State at home on Aug. 23, 2025, around a week or two earlier than the regular season has typically started for the team. The next meeting will come in Fresno, as the Jayhawks face the Bulldogs in 2029. The final game will come back in Lawrence in 2031.

Kansas treating rematch with K-State as 'another road game'
The last time KU and Kansas State met, a brawl ensued in the final seconds of KU basketball’s 81-60 win. The fight garnered national attention and even prompted a response from KU athletic director Jeff Long.

National Defensive Player of Year semifinalists announced
It’s often said that defense is the best offense. Most times, the teams that advance to the Final Four each year are some of the best defensive squads in the nation.

Ri5e 7on7 team a blend of touted prospects and sleeper recruits
Adrian McPherson is excited about his Ri5e 7-on-7 squad that is coming off a 8-1 showing in Myrtle Beach over the weekend.

Bits o Chalk

Jerry Jones won't rule out WR Dez Bryant returning to Cowboys
"I've been thinking about it a lot in the shower," Jones said Thursday. "I have been. I'm not dismissing it. I don't want to sound like it should be dismissed by saying it. I'm thinking about it."

Tanner Tessmann opts to sign with FC Dallas over kicking for Clemson
Clemson signee Tanner Tessmann signed a three-year contract with FC Dallas on Thursday, opting to begin his professional soccer career over playing with the Tigers.

Punter Michael Turk steals show at combine on bench press
In a sea of All-Americans and award winners from this past college football season at the NFL scouting combine, it was a punter who snatched at least some of the attention away from the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends who were working out inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday night.

Timberwolves fined $25,000 for resting D'Angelo Russell
The NBA fined the Minnesota Timberwolves $25,000 Thursday for violating the league's player resting policy, marking the first time the league has enforced the load-management rules put in place in 2017 and clarified in November.

Alabama's Henry Ruggs wows at NFL combine with 4.27 time in 40
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III flashed rare speed at the NFL's scouting combine Thursday night, but he didn't quite get the record he had hoped for at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Source - Shoulder injury to keep Joel Embiid out at least one week
Joel Embiid does not have structural damage in his sprained left shoulder, Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown said Thursday, but the center will still be out for at least a week, a source told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Eraser Dust

USC Title IX: DeVos slams college for Dr. George Tyndall sexual abuse
Former USC gynecologist George Tyndall had been able to sexually abuse female students since as far back as 1989 because the university repeatedly failed to respond appropriately to notices of possible misconduct, officials said as they announced the results of their investigation.

WHO warns of coronavirus spreading worldwide as five countries report first cases - Reuters
The rapid spread of coronavirus raised fears of a pandemic on Friday, with five countries reporting their first cases, the World Health Organization warning it could spread worldwide and Switzerland cancelling the giant Geneva car show.

Bidding Farewell to the Brewery - Flathead Beacon
In addition to prompting an outpouring of tears and emotional sentiments from its local regulars, the brewery’s closure spurred the exodus of an untold number of mugs belonging to members of the elite and exclusive “Stein Club,” an institution that permitted its constituents to quaff reasonably priced beer from personalized mugs of their choosing.

The storied history of Noel Gallagher's Les Paul Florentine | Guitar World
“In 2001, I saw the Silver Sparkle Florentine at a guitar show,” recalls Richie. “I said to my mate, ‘That’s just like Noel’s!’ and this guy came over and said, ‘That is Noel’s.’ It was Rick Zsigmond of New Kings Road Vintage Guitar Emporium. He said, ‘Noel’s tech, Jason Rhodes, has been helping him have a bit of a clear out, so I’ve got a few of his guitars to offer.’