The Morning Dish – Thursday, May 22nd:
Richardson Back in the News: It’s been a while since former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson has been in the news, but today’s the day. Yesterday, it was announced that his settlement with Arkansas after his March 1, 2002 firing did not preclude him from suing the school. So guess what? Richardson is now suing the school, three top officials and the Razorback Foundation, stating that he was fired because he is black and outspoken. Plus, apparently the school is including language not in the settlement on the actual checks, stating basically by depositing the check doesn’t mean that Richardson won’t have to repay the amount on appeal. The school has asked a federal court to dismiss the suit, as Arkansas is doing enough with the $3 million buyout. Circle May 3rd, 2004 on your calendars, as that’s when the trial is slated to begin.
Assistant Bobcat: Ohio University has announced that Brian Townsend has been named assistant coach under Tim O’Shea. Townsend replaces assistant Gary Manchel, who took the head coaching gig at Division II Mercyhurst College (Erie, Pennsylvania). Townsend has a colorful past. He was actually a starring linebacker for the University of Michigan in the early 90’s. Drafted in the 11th round of the 1992 draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Townsend spent a total of two seasons with the Rams and the Bengals, before returning to Northwest High School in Cincinnati as an assistant. His last job was as head coach at Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School, across the street from Michigan Stadium, where he led the Pioneers to their first state championship in 1999, three 20-win seasons, and was Michigan Region 6 Coach of the Year in 2002. Townsend earned a bachelors of Sports Marketing and Communication in 1991 and a degree in physical education and social science in 1996.
Dayton Names DOBO: That would be “Director of Basketball Operations”. Flyers’ new head coach Brian Gregory has named Jon Borovich to the DOBO post. Borovich, who was a graduate assistant with Gregory during his stay at Michigan State, got his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan in Coaching and Psychology, and was captain of the Chippewas basketball squad and was named to the Mid-American Conference All-Academic team his senior year (2001). He served as video analyst for the Spartan squad while pursuing his Master’s in Athletics Administration.
Ping Pong Balls Tonight: A reminder that tonight’s NBA Draft Lottery is being broadcast at 8:00pm Eastern on ABC, prior to the Nets-Pistons Game 3 tilt. Both Denver and Cleveland have an equal 22.5% chance of getting the number one pick. Toronto, Miami, and the Clippers round out the top (bottom?) five. This marks the 13th year of ping pong ball watching.
