Larry Scott v. DirecTV, Part II

Here’s some more from Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott, who unleashed a barrage on DirecTV today, after the satellite carrier rejected a Pac-12 offer last week.
“Unfortunately, it’s become clear they don’t intend to carry the networks this year,” Scott said. “With a month to go before launching of the football season, we want our fans to know they’ve got ample opportunities with other distributors to carry the networks.”
I feel compelled to mention here that DirecTV added 21,000 U.S. customers in the first quarter of this year, which was better than the 10,000 estimated.

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What About Max Browne?

Lane Kiffin said at today’s Pac-12 media day he did not know if he would redshirt QB Max Browne if Browne does not win starting job. This makes sense because if Max Wittek and Cody Kessler are struggling midway through the season, Browne could become the starter.

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Track Signs Five Athletes

The USC track and field team signed women’s thrower Tanya Sapa, women’s 400m runners Stephanie Wicksell and Cameron Pettigrew, men’s 400m runner Alexander Rohani and men’s sprinter Armon Owens. Full release here.
On a slightly humorous note, the release says the signings were announced by new coach Caryl Smith Gilbert. The class was actually signed by former coach Ron Allice and Smith Gilbert’s been on vacation for most of July after getting hired last month.

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On That Pac-12 Poll

I’m a little surprised Stanford did not receive more support. They have the Pac-12’s best coach, most of the defense back and a good quarterback. And they beat Oregon in Eugene with Chip Kelly last year.

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Larry Scott Attacks DirecTV

The Pac-12 commissioner unloaded his strongest comments today on DirecTV’s refusal to pay what the conference wants to carry the Pac-12 Networks.
“I urge our fans that are intent on not missing their team’s games this fall to drop DirecTV,” Scott said. “All of our coaches and athletic directors that previously had DirecTV have now switched to a provider that has it and they are urging their fans to do the same.”
Really? I haven’t heard Pat Haden or Lane Kiffin ask anyone to drop DirecTV? And what happens if Time Warner does not carry Fox Sports 1? Should we drop them too?

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Marqise Lee Says Mindset Is Better This Year

USC wide receiver Marqise Lee said players are willing to take responsibility this season. As an example, he said last year if a player messed up in a practice, he would need to be told by a teammate to go run a lap. Now the players do it by themselves, Lee said.
What makes this interesting is last year we were told constantly that Matt Barkley and Co. exhibited great leadership. But as the altercation after the Sun Bowl proved, there was some dissension inside the team.

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Lane Kiffin Does Not Rule Out Using 2 Quarterbacks

During Pac-12 media day, USC coach Lane Kiffin said he does not like playing two quarterbacks but did not rule it out.
“It’s not ideal,” Kiffin said. “But all decisions are made in the best interest of the football team. Even though I don’t like it. I’m not going to say it never happens.”

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Lane Kiffin On Attire

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Here’s a quote from Lane Kiffin at Pac-12 media day: “Its not about what someone was wearing or any of that stuff.”
Sometimes it is. Especially when there is a mystery over that big scrape between your eyes.

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Lane Kiffin Recap

The good news (or bad news) is Lane Kiffin said again he will call plays. Was this ever in doubt? Not sure why he waited until July to announce when everyone at USC knew he would never give it up.
He also said he would pick a starting quarterback “sometime during fall camp.” Kiffin added that he feels no more on the hot seat than the day he was hired.

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