For a lot of Carolina fans, the wish has been granted...

College basketball announcer, Billy Packer was ousted by CBS on Monday. In my book, CBS's dismissal of Packer is dismal for college basketball. What's more disappointing is that the large majority of Packer's detractors were Tar Heel fans.

Yes, Billy Packer is bombastic, but they dumped him because he speaks his mind. Whether or right or wrong, shouldn't you want that from an analyst when either your team isn't playing or if you don't care to paint your face for gameday?

Packer provided the in-game analysis and the tempo changes in that tandem. He was not only able to rely upon his knowledge of the game, but also letting the game call itself. Packer knows when to pause with his game calls, and he understands the ebbs and tides of the game. He doesn't blow his thoughts with volume and emotion on every positive play.

More importantly, Packer doesn't 'jock-sniff' coaches, players, and referees while making his points. He brought a national perspective on the broadcast. He is not only bashful about expressing his points, but also he is not afraid to pull a punch with his commentaries about the actors on stage...That makes him rare, rare...very rare.

The shame is that Clark Kellogg is not even close in comparison withthe guy in terms of both analyzing a game and even knowing the rule book...Now, this blogga is not saying he doesn't enjoy Clark Kellogg, but he's not even close in terms of an enlightening experience and educating fans upon the nuances of the game.

Seriously, I hope that Packer lands on more Raycom programming. And a major hope would be that he lands on the national telecasts for Fox, which I don't see. Unfortunately, we're stuck with Len Elmore and Marques Johnson for Fox national telecasts, which provide nothing in terms of tidbits other than the action itself. In fact, this blogga would argue that the special effects of the infamous Fox 'whoooshs' are more entertaining these days.

With the dismissal of Billy Packer, college basketball television programming has taken a major hit on this one. Packer respects the game.

Volume Down,

BD

I'm hyped up for this flick...In the long run, I'm waiting to see who will be the number one guy out of '06.

- Gunnin'

BD

Eddie "The King" Feigner passed today. This guy was an incredible softball player, and I'm telling you...He could really bring the heat.

"The King and His Court"

The Oakland Raiders finally made the move...Art Shell was finally put out of his misery tonight.

The move had to be done. The offense was woefully inept, and the losses piled up. Yet, at least Shell made it back to the organization where he belongs, and the 'D' was strong this season.

Now...What should the Raiders do? Hire Mike Leach.

After watching the last season's interview turnstile and the shock of even Pat Hill turning down the Raiders, I finally accepted the fact that there are a select few people who can man the Raiders.

A coach under 'Brother Al' has to realize that neither a coach nor player is bigger than the organization...And espically not 'Brother Al' Davis. Al Davis loves the guy who is not only an unpolished gem, but also who would be appreciative of the position of manning the Raiders.

And that's not all that bad...

So, with those thoughts in mind, why am I emphatic on Mike Leach as my choice to man the Raiders?

Now, I have to admit that after reading Michael Lewis's NYTimes article on Mike Leach last year my view of the Texas Tech program and his coaching style dramatically shifted my allegiances to him.

Yet, how can you deny Leach's impact? The article was dead-on with how his offense terrifies opponents and look at the results. Through his offensive sets and speedy receivers and lineman, Leach is innovating the game.

Leach's rep and persona are also 'under-the-radar' enough to fit right underneath Al's shadow. If Leach were to land the Raider job, there would be a high possiblity that Leach would not only be appreciative enough of the opportunity to man the Raiders, but also be humble enough to grasp that there is a something more to the Raiders than just a team for a season or an individual.

After all, the Raiders are about the organization!..And the organization is still Al's. Mike Leach is in Lubbock. Think he wouldn't get it?

With the gritty path from NFL Europe to Texas Tech, I think he would accept that fact.

After watching several schools pass on him this season in the coaching carousel, I'm led to believe that Leach's rebel game and attitude has turned off a lot of 'pristine' big-time public schools. Leach has to be absorbing the fact that a lot of NCAA programs must be scared of him and how he runs a program.

After all...When 'Bama and Miami turned the other way, you have to think. What schools are going to be a 'next level' move for him?

For those reasons, the Raiders should take a shot on him and get him early in the process.

Leach's high-octane 'O' would transfer well into the professional ranks, and he adores the 'against the world' attitude. He loves speed, the air, and renegades, which are right up Al's alley.

Keep the Raider 'D' intact. Go with Mike Leach to re-build the 'O'.

And please...Don't count out Brother Al...We Shall Return!

Raider Nation Lives,

IronDog