The more I let this Fryer column marinate, the more ticked off I get.

1. Why are Shrine Game organizers enlisting the help of a sportswriter to field rosters for THEIR game?

2. What is Fryer doing accepting the offer anyway? We sportswriters report the news, we don’t make it. Why do you think AP doesn’t want to be considered anymore in the BCS selecion process>
Side note: Yes, I have some say in the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic, but that’s MY COMPANY’S GAME. This isn’t the OC Register Shrine Game … at least not yet.

3. Where’s the game played? The SGV, not flippin’ Orange County.

4. Was Fryer chosen to be the Orange County liaison to the selection committee or was he going to help select all of the players, as in from ALL THE OTHER SCHOOLS IN SOCAL he doesn’t cover?

5. How much advance consideration does the OC Register give to the game? The Tribune’s coverage of this game FAR EXCEEDS that of any other newspaper in SoCal. Last year, I wrote two features leading up to game day and a preview of the game on game day. That’s right, I’ll take credit for a percentage of the seats that were filled by local fans (again, the game is played in the SGV). And I will then shift that credit to my editor Doug Spoon, who probably doesn’t understand why I push for blowout coverage of this game. That’s about to stop, so it’s a non-issue for future games.
Meanwhile, the Shrine Game is lucky to even have a 6-inch advance of their event in the Times or Register. So why enlist the help of the Register’s main prep guy?
Oh, I get it. Because if Fryer has involvement, then that means the Register might supply more coverage and lead-up which could then lead to an OC contingent of fans making their way to the SGV for the game.
Continue reading “OK, now I’m MAD!!!! Shrine Game can buzz off!” »

I know exactly what Fryer is talking about in relation to the Shrine Game selection process. I have seen players selected to this game that make you go “What?”
Anyway, the game is coming up later this month. Two years ago it was televised by Fox Sports Net and last year it was televised by some desert TV station. Like Channel 22 or something. All I remember is that they had the most beautiful sideline reporter you’d ever want to see and when she came up to the big man at practice and asked him about some of the players, I just about passed out! Of course, seconds into the conversation, she dropped the “I’m engaged to a pharmaceuticals salesman” line on me. Here’s the deal – if you’re engaged or married or have dude, please don’t talk to me.
Anyway, the point is that Fox Sports doesn’t want to televise the game anymore. No TV is signed on to do it this year, but I see Adelphia is a sponsor. The game format is boring now that it’s dwindled down to SoCal Public vs. Private. And, to make things worse, some of the kids playing in it aren’t legit all-stars.

Continue reading “Here’s a good OC Register column about the Shrine Game and more … and some pointless Shrine Game memories from last year by yours truly …” »

Usually the only attorneys around the San Marino High basketball program are the ones watching their kids play.

Continue reading “Can I get a spell check for “bad judgement?” … MUST READ …” »