The Rock Chalkboard

Les Miles on 4-star signee Devin Neal: 'He's just what we need'
Les Miles is no stranger to coaching a prospect who plays both football and baseball. In fact, even before Devin Neal, who signed in the Jayhawks' 2021 class with the intention of playing both sports, Kansas signed 2020 tight end Trevor Kardell, who had the plan to do the same.

California ties have Kansas football in good spot with 2023 QB
Even so, the Jayhawks have dipped into the 2023 and 2024 classes at the quarterback position. One player to receive a KU offer back in November was 2023 dual-threat passer Israel Carter, who is listed at 6-1, 180 pounds out of Centennial HS in Corona, Calif.

Nimari Burnett leaving Texas Tech
Texas Tech freshman and former four-star recruit Nimari Burnett is leaving the program, according to a report from 247Sports analyst Travis Branham. He was the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the Red Raiders, according to his profile on the school’s website.

Bits o Chalk

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James: U.S. Capitol siege shows 'we live in two Americas'
"If those were my kind storming the Capitol, what would have been the outcome? And I think we all know," James said. "There's no ifs, ands or buts -- we already know what would've happened to my kind if anyone would have even got close to the Capitol, let alone storm inside the offices, inside the hallways."

Fired Los Angeles Angels clubhouse attendant names pitchers in ball-doctoring case
A revealing text message from star pitcher Gerrit Cole has been submitted as evidence in Brian Harkins' quest to prove he was unfairly made a scapegoat when the Los Angeles Angels fired him as their clubhouse attendant for supplying ball-doctoring substances to pitchers.

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson bothered by team's hiring process, sources say
By hiring former New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio to solve a large set of problems within the organization, the Houston Texans have created additional ones with star quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Philadelphia 76ers' Seth Curry tests positive for coronavirus, sources say
Philadelphia 76ers guard Seth Curry returned a positive test for the coronavirus, which the team learned of near the start of its 122-109 loss to the Nets in Brooklyn on Thursday night, sources told ESPN.

Eraser Dust

Trump finally admits defeat: 'A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20'
“Now Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th,” Trump said in a two-minute video posted to his Twitter feed. “My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power.”

NBA players weren't surprised by DC. We live with white supremacy every day | Sport | The Guardian
It reminds me of what Dr Martin Luther King has said, that there’s two split different Americas. In one America, you get killed by sleeping in your car, selling cigarettes or playing in your backyard,” he said. “And then in another America, you get to storm the Capitol and no tear gas, no massive arrests, none of that. So, I think it’s obvious: It’s 2021 – I don’t think anything has changed. We want to still acknowledge that. We want to still push for the change that we’re looking for. But as of yet, we have not seen it. We want to continue to keep conversations alive and do our part.”

Betsy DeVos, Education Secretary, is Second Cabinet Member to Resign. - The New York Times
“We should be highlighting and celebrating your administration’s many accomplishments on behalf of the American people,” Ms. DeVos wrote in the letter, which was obtained by The New York Times. “Instead, we are left to clean up the mess caused by violent protesters overrunning the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to undermine the people’s business.”

Trump Prepares Pardon List for Aides and Family, and Maybe Himself - Bloomberg
President Donald Trump has prepared a sweeping list of individuals he’s hoping to pardon in the final days of his administration that includes senior White House officials, family members, prominent rappers -- and possibly himself, according to people familiar with the matter.

Soundtrack Of My Life: Butch Vig – from Nirvana to The Who
The song I wish I’d written

The Verve – ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’

“My wife and I got married in the woods up in Northern California, and we played this song when we walked down to the glen where [the ceremony was]. I love it for its majesty – and the the lyrics that Richard Ashcroft wrote. It sounds kind of timeless.”

South Korean Court Orders Japan To Compensate 12 WWII Sex Slaves : NPR
A South Korean court has ordered the Japanese government to pay compensation to a dozen South Korean women who were forced into sex slavery during World War II. The decision has renewed tensions between the two countries, with Japan immediately rejecting the ruling

Well-known Flathead Valley musicians team up with Whitefish COVID Task Force
Flathead Valley musicians, and father and son duo, John and Andy Dunnigan partnered with the Whitefish COVID Task Force to write and produce a song about wearing a mask when visiting downtown Whitefish.