Home Football Ducks in Hot Water? (Update: 3/3/2011)

Ducks in Hot Water? (Update: 3/3/2011)

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UPDATE: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=cr-oregon030311

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6179423

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Original Post:

Normally I prefer to focus on my Alma mater's problems, but John Canzano's rumors in the Oregonian are too juicy to ignore.

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2011/03/canzano_blog_oregon_football_d.html

Could this be the news we've all anticipated?

I don't want to be one of those Beavers who prefers a Ducks loss to a Beaver win. They are deranged people (like Great White Hunter ;) ). But, seriously, this real life drama should be good. I am going to sit back, kick up my feet, and fire up a bag of popcorn…

It's hard to guess who the article is implicating, but from the day Lache Seastrunk signed I wrote that something was awry. The last minute change of heart when Oregon wasn't really on his radar going into the final week? Come on. Then they steal De'Anthony Thomas from USC's backyard at the last minute? If I were a betting man I'd guess it's one of these two (if not both) signings that boils these particular Ducks in hot water.

Okay, that's enough Duck chatter…back to the Beavers. James Rodgers had his second surgery last week. He's well behind schedule and will likely sit out the entire 2011 season. Personally, I don't think he ever suits up again for the Beavers. Now Quizz's dash for the NFL makes even more sense. Speaking of Quizz, he ran a 4.67 and 4.64 at the combine. That's not going to help his stock. But, there's going to be a GM or two who realizes he can block, protect the ball, receive, and cut like Barry Sanders. He'll go in the 4th or 5th round. Stephen Paea set the combine bench pressing record, and many national papers wrote "Oregon DT Stephen Paea…"–we finally  have a player do something well, and the Ducks get publicity for it. Watch them land a 5-star DT because of it. Gotta love the Oregon State marketing machine. Ah, to be a Beav…

105 COMMENTS

  1. It’s multiple programs in hot water. My guess is Alabama and Oregon. Oregon I feel strongly about, Alabama is just a wild guess. Oregon is in trouble most likely for Lache Seastrunk, DeAnthony Thomas and Anthony Wallace.

    • Cowherd said it’s a top 10-12 program.
      Alabama is a top 5 program. Oregon fits the bill.
      Apparently SI is going to break the story tomorrow…can’t wait. *kicks up feet, spills popcorn on shirt*
      *Burp*

      • Well, it is Cowherd and he often screws things up. If it is indeed Oregon, I will call my brother, whom is a student at UO, and see if he’s devastated lol This is HUGE news and it could definitely impact the Pac-12 in a big way. I’m loving it. Least we don’t have to worry about allegations towards the Beavers with Mile Riley as the head coach.

      • I was just thinking that regarding Riley. Unless coaches are paying him to take their crappy 2-stars. ahah. That would be amazing and hilarious.

  2. Riley falls more into the “if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying” category! Sad news about James, but I think everything is pointing in the direction that his career is over. The thing that pisses me off is that it was on “non-play”. Riley was pretty casual about the play at the time, I wonder how he feels about it now that it may be a career ender?

    • Riley, “pretty casual about the play”…..no kiddin’ !
      The play on James was only one of several where I wanted to see some emotion out of Riley. He is a great man and a good coach, sure wish he’d get fired up. That would certainly have a positive effect on the team.

  3. I think James could be back. I am guessing the second surgery was just ligaments which is a fast recovery. Any cartilage damage (or the dreaded MF) would have been taken care of the first time. That said with as much time as he has had away from any sort of explosion training he will be a shell of his former self. Riley is on record as saying he only wants to play James if he is the old James so we’ll see.

  4. Angry,

    I know its hard for a beaver to fathom that the Ducks are really attractive to star players, but seriously, your suspicions reeks of Beaverism when you say Lache came to Oregon out of the blue. Lache visited Oregon on 12-18 and said he had an awesome visit. He committed on 1-27, some five weeks later. According to most Auburn die-hards, his number 1 school of choice, there was a serious falling out with Lache and some of the coaches, so they cooled on him as they already had 2 top rated r-backs and didn’t want to play his games any longer. Auburn fans openly recognize their coaches pushed Lache away. Some didn’t like it, some did and this was openly being discussed before he committed to Oregon on the Auburn boards – us Duck fans were happy to read it as it was happening. Most of us thought LSU had a bit of a lead, but it was close. Anyway, your stick up your wazzu about Lache coming to Oregon sure seems like grasping at straws my friend. You might be right, but I just don’t see it. And as you likely don’t follow Duck recruiting much, there was always a solid chance for Oregon with Lache as he routinely mentioned the Ducks as a strong possibility following his visit. When Auburn backed away, bingo. His other strong consideration was LSU, he chose the Ducks. Secondly, DeAnthony’s best friend, Snoop’s kid is a huge Oregon fan. Even Snoop has admitted this in several interviews along with his disdain for it. Apparently, DeAnthony started having second thoughts about how he would fit in with SC’s pro offense and was afraid they would move him to corner as had been openly discussed as an option by SC coaches. He wants to be a RB. Honestly, which school would you suspect that DaT might turn to the Pac-10 in order to be a RB given his size and skill? He is a west coast kid and is small and fast? = no brainer.

    Look, I am not saying the Ducks are pristine in every way, and perhaps you will have the last laugh here. My “blind love” of the Dux is probably no different than your blind “wanting them to fail” feelings. However, I do my best to stick to known facts. FWIW, I’d bet there are some skeleton’s in the every Pac-10 team’s closets. The difference is Phil’s money makes it so much inviting to openly speculate on a national level. On a local level, it seems like a Beaver obligation to make blind accusation about Duck successes and I honestly get it to a degree. If the current tables were turned, I’d be doing the same.

    Sorry to ramble, but I’ve seen you mention Lache’s recruiting a few times and I just don’t get it?

    • Sorry to ramble, but I’ve seen you mention Lache’s recruiting a few times and I just don’t get it?

      Auburn had only signed 1 running back, Michael Dyer, at the time they pulled away from talking to Lache Seastrunk. They later signed another, but he was not highly recruited.

      The reason Seastrunk’s name has come up repeatedly is that it was heavily rumored in early 2010 (by reliable sources) that Seastrunk would sign if you paid him (or his street agent proxy). Oh, that street agent Baron Cortez Flenory…he played football for chip Kelly at New Hampshire. He also delivered Anthony Wallace to Oregon. And likely got paid for it. And he promised Tajh Boyd, even announcing it at a press conference…but at the last second, he got gazumped by a street agent from Clemson who found a booster who was willing to pay more than whatever Oregon booster (or just Nike itself) was willing to pay.

      You make it sound as if Seastrunk simply CHOSE Oregon over LSU. LSU dropped him, pulled the scholarship and told him, effectively, to lose their phone number. He didn’t pick LSU so much as he was delivered to Oregon by his street agent. Why would LSU drop him at the last second with no viable options at RB? Because they were worried that they were going to get caught. And now it seems as if, possibly, Oregon may have been caught.

      PS – Love how EVERY Oregon fan I have talked to after the NC game mentions how sCam Newton and Auburn are evil, money paying, evil, evil, no good, really bad people… Now when there are mere rumors of how Oregon may be illegally using street agents…poor, poor Oregon is being picked on by big bad rumors! It’s injustice I tell you!

      I’ll admit it…that’s part of my schadenfreude about this. I do hope it’s true. And I think it is true. Even though the more likely outcome is that nothing happens.

      • I never said poor Oregon or did I take a shot at anyone. I just don’t see how Lache choosing Oregon is so odd,

        I would hope that kids that used to play for Chip say good things about him. If Quizz gets into running football camps in Texas you wouldn’t want him to tell a kid OSU is great?

        Lastly, give me one piece of credible evidence Oregon is in trouble? Just one? Because a radio talk show host said he heard rumor that a top 10 program is in trouble? And you assume it is Oregon?

  5. I’m with casey cutler , F the ducks!!! I hate everything about them and thier fans. To see the ship go down would be amazing. It’s not like thier level of play is going to digress. It’s going to shut the mouths of all thier cocky, egotistical and a$$hole fans up.

    • OSUBABY: Thank you for your honesty. I don’t have the same feelings about OSU but I do regarding washington so I completely understand your perspective. You, my friend, are in touch with your inner man and call as you feel it. Now, I my arrogant, egotistical self can say I can’t wait for UofO to kick Beav ass again in ’11. But I really, really want to see a smoldering, heaping mass of flesh and blood up at washington. Thanks again for you honesty and passion.

      • Hey cutler, that UO team has nothing to do with you or any of the other numerous A$$holes who call themselves duck fans. It is the product of a billionaire egomaniac who made his sweatshop US job killing fortune with a friggin sneaker world-wide marketing machine. Has virtually nothing to do with the home town idiots who are A$$ puppets for the friggin billionaire. Could have just as well been Eastern Washington. They ought to be, and for that matter, should have been kicking OSU’s butts a lot more consistently than they have over the last decade or more.

        • Your insight and lucid mutterings are an inspiration. Let’s see. Am I an asshole because I’m a Duck fan or because you seem to think that I believe that I have something to do with the athletics program success? I have followed the UofO for over two decades and will continue to do so and have no illusions that there is some sort of virtue in being a fan of any sports team. Nike as a corporation is no different than any other that holds its bottom line as the highest standard. Multi-national corporations exploit workers because that is the capitalistic model under which they operate and the U.S. has prospered greatly for it. Knight’s ego has no influence on my being a fan but I do believe that he relishes the fact that one of his alma-maters is successful as evidenced by his emotional enthusiasm when they win. If you are comfortable with the assertion that the UofO has been significantly superior to OSU over the last decade or so and that it should have showed in wins and losses you are welcome to it. In my mind it simply illustrates how hard it is to be very, very good over a long period of time and that the difference between wins and losses are on a micro level not macro. Now I must go and have my ass sized for Phil Knight’s left had as I have some puppetry to demonstrate.

  6. I’m waiting for the duck fans to come back and admit they were wrong and their school cheats. This is like steroid allegations; when you’re accused of NCAA violations, it’s ALWAYS true.

    • That’s just it OneEyed, we are not being accused of anything. Maybe in the future, maybe not. You have my word I will man up, but I would be willing to bet you would not admit or apologize to us for these rumors/assumptions if this ends up being nothing. Even if we are cleared, I will still hear, yah, but….Same thing.

      I agree with Jack, if we are dirty, it stinks and will definitely take the enjoyment out of all of this for me and will be a BIG embarrassment. But I’ve seen NOTHING yet that leads me there. Just a bunch of hot air at the moment. As far as Colin Cowherd goes, he is becoming one small step away from being nothing more than a FM shock jock.

      • UofDuck I agree with you about Colin Cowherd. He’s a joke and always has been. Ever since he was doing a radio show in Portland I’ve hated him. He knows virtually nothing of what he talks about. I would not be the least bit surprised if he was BS-ing about this.

  7. 1) Fuck the Ducks.

    I don’t wish them to be caught to make me feel better about OSU’s failures. In fact, I have so much apathy for OSU athletics that I’m now watching games with no expectations and out of a morbid curiosity to see how much retarded bullshit our fans will put up with…especially when we lose a fourth civil war in a row. The trifecta of Riley/Robinson/DeCarolis are ruining the department and I accept that until 1,2, or all 3 are gone I shouldn’t expect success on a level beyond middling.

    With that said, while I feel nothing for OSU right now, I have a distaste for Oregon that parallels the hate I have for anyone that believes they can swing a money dick around and that everyone else has to take the mushroom stamp. You can be pious little ducklings, believing yourselves to be victims on a BEAVER BLOG of all things, but don’t tell me for a second you didn’t feel what happened to USC didn’t make you feel like a team got its comeuppance. Now the shoe is on the other foot and you can’t believe how ANYONE could perceive possible corruption coming from a university that has a corporate owner with pretty well-documented, less-than savory business practices and then demonstrate a lack of class by telling Beavers the only reason we’d love to see you go up in flames is to help our damaged egos.

    My ego is just fine, thank you- as I’ve learned there are things like banging my girlfriend and doing well in work and studies to attach my ego to rather than a sports team. I want the Ducks or whoever else it is to receive sanctions because they deserve it, especially if it’s my school- because doing otherwise would be like saying I abhor rape…unless of course it’s my buddy that raped someone.

    That is, if I’m permitted to use an analogy…or am I too dumb for that?

    Piss off, Casey Cutler.

        • I’m being selective because Basketball and Football are the sports that have more of a following and make more money than baseball. It’s nice to take solace in baseball, but UO money will buy that sport, too. That- and while I think it’s awesome we do well in baseball- I ultimately don’t give a shit about the sport- so there’s some more of my bias.

    • Once again I am regaled by great wit and insight. Money dick. Would that be cash, check, charge or in change? Piety has nothing to do with any of my comments thus far. Money has and always will be instrumental in success in big time sports. There is absolutely no question in my mind that if Nike or a like corporation threw resources at OSU it would also succeed. I do not think that feeling better about OSU’s sports in light of UofO burning is the only reason a Beav fan would be delighted by the Ducks demise but it certainly plays a major roll. The fact you spend such effort to insult me and insinuate that I feel victimized by this blog underscores your distaste of all things UofO and by extension Nike. God I hope your “banging” your girlfriend and doing well continues to inspire you to such noble posts and that whatever you do for a living is free and clear of all possible human rights violation, pollution concerns or other untoward practices. Yes I feel wonderful about USC’s sanctions and hope they twist, rot and stink long enough for the Ducks to take advantage and stay Pac. 10 (12) champs and keep going to big time bowls where evil money thrives. It gives me vicarious thrills to see the teams I have watched (with frustration, dread and depression) now succeed in this most American of systems.

  8. OT, but anyone else think it’d be fun to see Detroit draft Paea? Can.t believe I’d wish that on a plsyer, but Suh/Paea would be a backfield’s nightmare, a LB’s dream…..

    • I’m still pissed that Suh did not come to OSU. As a Lions fan that would be very cool to have them together.
      As for the Oregon stuff, I hate Duck sports with an unbridled passion and want them to fail on multiple levels, but I hated them when they were bad, so I think it is genetic and not really based on jealousy. I attended UO for a year and still rooted against the sports teams. If your team can’t win then a rival losing is not a bad substitute!

    • Have to say that Suh/Paea combo would be one of the most feared tandems in pro football. It would make Detroit entertaining to watch, especially if Stafford can stay healthy to help the offense.

  9. Cowherd is a joke…trying to be the coolest metrosexual in Bristol, Conn. Since I can’t stand listening to him, I’m surprised he mentioned any sports on his dating tips, whiny how to dress, it’s all about me agenda of a national radio show.

    That said, if UO is shady, throw the book at them–but I’d rather focus on the extraordinarily average program OSU is running these days…

    • I like how Oregon has been saying they paid Lyles the money within the rules. I’m sure they paid a well known street agent $25,000 who is highly connected to their top recruits, and that it had nothing to do with getting them recruits. How ’bout that. Auburn and Oregon the two teams in the national title games will probably have to vacate their wins. Just awesome.

      • NCAA investigating the relationship between Lyles and LaMichael James as well as Lyles and Seastrunk. This is getting real good.

    • from joe schad’s twitter: “”Lyles billed Oregon $25,000 after Seastrunk’s committment, when his former company billed $16,500 for previous two years of service”

    • Not sure I understand all of this, but it seems like using “scouting services” aka street agents was legal for a time. What I find interesting is that UO openly admits to doing so and claims it was within NCAA rules to do so – and openly used funds to do so. If they were hiding something, payments would have been made under the table I suspect. I honestly don’t know whether or not this is really an issue other than bad PR, or if it is much more?. Was is a competitive loophole recruiting advantage, or was it illegal? I’m honestly asking.

      The ESPN report says, Texas, USC, Oklahoma, LSU, TaM, Auburn…etc all do the same, so I am not sure it really was illegal. I’d be careful about assuming anyone’s school didn’t do some of this. It might come back to bite you too. I guess the coming weeks will tell us more, or not.

  10. What the hell is going of with the refs and calling the travels on OSU? Are they protecting UA’s seeding for the tourney?

  11. Lack of institutional control anyone? They have both basketball and football violations within the same time period… Add in Belotti’s lack of contract. You have the elements, they need one or two more large pieces of evidence though.

  12. UDuck, yes this is a big deal, and yes right now it is speculation/nothing officially illegal. Big time red flags, though, that point to illegal activity.

    1. 25k is a ton of money to pay a “recruiting service”
    2. The street agent receives the money right after L. Seastruck signs
    3. Lyles “advised” LaMichael James, who has unexplained money in his bank account and a vehicle swap.

    Also, the mother does not sound happy:

    “Willie said he was a trainer,” Evelyn Seastrunk said. “Now Oregon says he’s a scout? Is he on Oregon’s payroll? If Willie Lyles collected $25,000 off my son he needs to be held accountable. The NCAA must find out for me. I don’t know how to digest someone cashing in on my son.”

    I’d be shocked if Seastrunk doesn’t transfer ASAP.

    As far as sanctions. That is a ways off…there definite red flags, and I’m sure links and evidence can be found if the NCAA is willing to put in the effort. At the very least, expect Oregon recruiting to take a dive now that they’ll be playing by the rules.

    Finally, I find it beyond ironic that a school that pines for attention is now praying for the spotlight to turn elsewhere.

    • They prayed for the spotlight to turn elsewhere last season also, lol.

      Also, knowing that the NCAA pres is the former UW pres (and alum right?) do you think he pushes hard to get sanctions for UO?

    • “I don’t know how to digest someone cashing in on my son”

      Bwahaaaaahaaaaa….seriously lady? Put down the crack pipe and get used to it….that’s kind of why sports teams and the hoopla aroun them exist.

    • that’s not ironic at all, they want controlled, perception management – marketing.

      The reference to the proposed legislation below is disturbing to me, but not surprising. Look at the hiring of Kilkenney, the Bellotti handshake contract, the means to give Knight more control in building construction, and the dodgy recruiting. This school is losing sight of its purpose, and is focused too much on big money and attention for its athletics. Maybe its time for them to just become a private institution?

    • the fact that the billing was filed under “books and other things” or whatever is so suspect.
      *vroom goes the shredder*

  13. Angry, I promise I am not trying to defend against the issue, but I’m still not sure I really understand what the issues actually are even after your post.

    Most of what you are saying seems illegal, but was it? The whole street agent deal might appear to be slimy, but I’m not sure it was illegal. For instance; “Oregon paid the scouting service after Lache signed”. The response might be as simple as so what? If there was a corporate invoice created and sent, and then paid sometime following…. that would almost indicate standard operating procedures more than, “here’s some cash, thanks, now beat it”. Most corporations are paid for services rendered at least a month following work performed. I had an IT firm doing some computer work at my office just yesterday. I almost guarantee that work will not be paid for, for at least 45 days by the time it is all said and done. See what I mean? What seems slimy with the way it is painted might in fact be slimy, but might also be legit and legal. And even though 25k is more than normal, is that illegal if the NCAA had no rule against it?

    Again, not defending or taking a stance on this, just holding judgement until I know more. Even Joe Schadd (sp?) said it is way to early to know if any of this is even an NCAA issue – and that most big programs would be guilty of exactly the same thing as it appears the NCAA did not have rules against it. If most of the biggest programs are involved and feel they were within their legal rights to do so, what do you think the NCAA will do to fight them all? It may be that they quickly realize they blew it by leaving the loop-hole wide open in the first place. Chip’s stance seems to be, we did nothing wrong and we admit what we did, here is the paper trail, have at it.

    It appears this all might simply be another case of – as Jack has previously pointed out on the field in our hurry up offense pushing the limits, where Oregon (and others) had done its homework and found loop holes in rules recruiting that produces results. Much like tax loop-holes that are later closed. I believe I heard that the holes have now been closed. Perhaps the NCAA is looking to make sure it all happened before the closure. I have no idea.

  14. PS, there have been rumors for months that Lache might transfer. From what I’ve heard previously he assumed he would be starting as a true freshman and was bummed he couldn’t crack through and was red shirted. This whole mess would certainly give him an excuse to jump ship if indeed that is what he has been debating. But I’m not sure what is rumor and what is real regarding Lache.

  15. Chad Doing just had a hard-hitting interview with Baron Flenory on 95.5. He really got after him. Sample question: “Tell, me, how awesome was Deanthony Thomas in 7 on 7 drills?”

  16. UoDuck,
    I enjoy your posts and think your blind love for the Ducks is adorable…don’t loe that innocense kid!

    I remember telling my idoit duck-fan brother in law over the holidays that it wouldn’t be long before there were investigations into the Duck program becasue:

    1) No one bothers to investigate the United Methodist Institute of Technology University fighting Nerds…top teams get investigated and they are a top team.

    2) The Ducks are landing 5-star recruits who’ve been told that they are god’s gift to the sporting world since they were 2…and they know they can get paid. So they try to get paid. Not saying that’s the “rule” with 5-star recruits, but I don’t think it’s an anomoly either.

    3) Just because I wanted to see it happen. Sorry, but in case you are new here…I f’ing hate the f’ing Ducks.

    -GWH

    • I’m still up for that bike if you are GreatWhite (up Canfield where I can push you off). Lets grab a cup of cocoa on the way you Beaver Nazi!

      Honestly, do you cycle? I lived in Cd’A for a decade.

      • LOL…I was wondering if anyone caught my ADD quip…I ride for purpose – like to mountain bike into road closure areas for hunting and such. Biking is huge up here…just another hobby that I don’t have time for!

    • Ducks inexperience as a top flight program is showing. You can’t “stockpile” 5 star recruits in this day and age. Kids want/need to play immediately or else be given a clear succession plan. They sure the hell are not there for the education.

    • Not to be overly harsh here, but Cunningham was stupid enough to admit in print that Haynes has been his “mentor” over the past two seasons! Nice to have your “leader” disappear against the top team in the league.

      • I think we should be as harsh as possible on Cunningham. He needs to change his game. He makes his teammates worse. He stops the ball from moving.

  17. From what I gathered, here is a list of recruits this “scouting agent” has worked with:

    Here is the list in the first article about this agent.

    Patrick Peterson – LSU
    RJ Jackson – LSU
    Brandon Lafell – LSU
    Terrence Tolliver – LSU
    Lache Seastrunk – Oregon
    Shaun Lewis – Oklahoma State
    Toney Hurd – Oklahoma State
    Ahmad Dixon – Baylor
    Mike Goodson – A&M
    Martellus Bennett – A&M
    Trent Richardson – Bama
    Reggie Bush – USC
    Joe McNight – USC
    Trevon Randle – LSU

    If Oregon goes down for this, LSU must be pee’ing their pants.

  18. FWIW – Here’s the statement released by the AD’s office.

    UNIVERSITY OF OREGON STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE OF MEDIA SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS REGARDING THE SCHOOL’S USE OF FOOTBALL SCOUTING SERVICES
    The athletics department paid for services rendered by a pair of scouting services that were processed through the athletics department business office to Complete Scouting Services and New Level Athletics. This is no different than services purchased by a number of colleges and universities throughout the country.

    This is something we remain confident that is within the acceptable guidelines allowed by the NCAA and occurred with the knowledge of the department’s compliance office.

    We have previously stated that we have not been in contact with anyone from the NCAA or Pacific-10 Conference in regards to these practices and that situation remains unchanged.

  19. If nothing else, this situation doesn’t pass the smell test.

    “A handful of FBS football coaches surveyed by ESPN.com on Thursday said recruiting services typically charge $5,000 or less per season for video footage and information about high school prospects.”

    “Oregon paid at least two other scouting services for their services: $8,000 to Gary Howard of Northern California Scouting and $1,995 to PrepTracker, LLC of Nashville, Tenn.”

    But UofO paid this company 25 grand? And coincidentally three highly recruited players they have at their camps sign with the ducks?

  20. College Football News has UO/LSU as the top non-conference game next year:

    http://cfn.scout.com/2/1053826.html

    I’m a bit surprised there’s not mention of UO’s potential trouble with recruiting.

    OSU v. Wisconsin is in there somewhere (the 30’s I think), but its more about gauging Wisconsin than being a good game. In their view, if Wisconsin doesn’t blow out OSU, it won’t look very good for Wisconsin.

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