Answer Friday, Take 4
Sports questions! A novel concept.
Q: Scott, why hasn't Steve Sarkesian been given interviews like other college coordinators.Is it because he is overrated by people. Is he not interviewing so he will stay at USC to be in position to be the next coach at USC after Pete Carroll leaves for the NFL. He turned a chance to be a NFL Head Coach for Oakland to stay here. So what is the reasons surrounding this issue.
A: Considering he was offered the Raiders job, I'd say a lot of college coordinators wish they had his job options. But Steve Sarkisian is very selective about where he would like to be a head coach. Ideally, it would be a fairly large Pac-10 school, like a Washington or Arizona State. He can be choosy because he is well paid and likes working with Pete Carroll.
Q: Some people are wondering what kind of a relationship you have with Coach Carroll, especially after your ill-advised sarcasm regarding how he is not going to Iraq. What kind of a relationship do you have with him, Mr. Wolf?
A: This is question that arises frequently. Unlike some, Pete Carroll has a good sense of humor and there are no problems with him. I know that disappoints many readers, who wish there were friction, but unfortunately it just isn't there.
Q: I really like our new jc transfer---------what's your evaluation of him, and why can't he play for us this fall?
A: Because he is not even close to meeting the academic requirements to enroll at a Division I university right now. There's a reason people go to junior colleges. And one thing to remember: USC does not allow JC recruits with Ds on their transcripts, so he will need to get passing grades.
Q: What alumni athletes are involved with the school?
A: This question is too open-ended to know what it means. Does Mark Prior donating money to the baseball program mean he is involved? Does Riki Ellison having a son on the team mean he is involved?
Q: What are the chances Lance Stephenson and Renardo Sidney both sign with USC to play in 2009, it doesn't matter that they will stay one year they can do what Mayo, Desmond Farmer( remember him) and Sam Clancy couldn't do. Both want to play together and are a rumored package deal like Demar DeRozan and Romeo Miller except both are top players .
A: I think USC would be thrilled if one signed. I'm not convinced they would be a package deal but who ever thought a player like O.J. Mayo would come to USC? So anything is possible but I'd say unlikely at this point.
Well, Scott, when you chastise Coach Carroll for doing the usual recruting and alumni circuit instead of going to Iraq like the Georgia coach, it does leave you open to the possibility that your sense of humor is not the same as most people's.
But I am glad to hear you and Carroll are cool. Of course, I give most of the credit to Coach who is a renaissance man; because some people might not "get" your sense of humor i.e. a bit heavy on the sarcastic side.