Whether or not the rumors are even true, I for one would not like to see Notre Dame join a conference.

I've made no secret of my dislike for the Irish and all of the favoritism they get. But I despise them the way one despises a worthy foe. Out of respect, not hatred. When my team plays them, I don't relish the victory because it hurts Notre Dame. I relish it because that means my team stood with the best and prevailed. I miss those days.

Therefore, I want nothing less than to see Notre Dame return to prominence. Unlike other teams, the Irish don't gain a lot from tying their program to a conference, however. This is Notre Dame we're talking about. Indpendence is part of their mystique, along with tradition, Knute Rockne and Touchdown Jesus. As for their concerns about how the next BCS arrangement will shake out, please! The big bowls always have and always will accomodate the Irish.

So, Kobe effectively waived his right to a speedy trial, thus delaying the process until after the NBA season. Now I'm a Laker fan, so obviously I don't mind the thought of keeping our superstar around (assuming that he'll soon get his head screwed on straight) for as long as the Lakers last this year.

Here is where my love of sports, my interest in government and history, and my sense of fair play collide. Basketball is just a game, so it loses out. I don't like this one bit. Chris Webber received the same accomodation last year and I didn't like it then either.

If there is a valid reason why this thing needs to be delayed until next summer, perhaps to ensure a fair trial, allow for research, etc., that's one thing. But to delay simply to work around Kobe's schedule is preposterous.

If he did what he is accused of, how cruel it is to make the victim wait for closure, meanwhile being reminded several times each week that her attacker is out and about, leading his normal life.

Granted, our system holds that someone is innocent until proven guilty. I'm all for that. I'm not calling for a speedy trial because he's guilty. I'm calling for getting things moving because this is a serious matter, and the way it is being handled demonstrates mis-aligned priorities. Whatever the verdict, the NBA will still be there when the trial is over.

I hate to see Joe Pa go down this way. Here again, I never liked Penn State, but I sure do respect them and their coach. He's a great man, but I fear that today's college athlete has passed him by.

So, the 'Canes bench Winslow and Berlin - both for behaving like idiots on the field. While play was in progress, Brock Berlin was screwing up, and when the play stopped, Winslow took over. I think Larry Coker might be another one of those coaches I respect. This episode will be a good measuring stick. Benching one of your star players when you face a clutch game with the conference championship still up for grabs is a bold move. We already know that Winslow won't sit the whole game. Will Coker keep him down long enough for it to mean something? I hope so.

As bad as Berlin has performed, he'd still probably be welcome in Baltimore right now.

Volleyball update: the U of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine continue to cruise at 26-1. One last match against San Jose State and then tournament time begins. I must figure out how to track this more closely.