Coach Kelly Makes Gift to Alabama Residents

I'm not surprised that Brian Kelly would feel the need to help out Alabama.  ND fans will feel good after reading this story about Coach Kelly who was in Bama to meet with a Notre Dame Club:

LINK:  KELLY MAKES GIFTS TO ALABAMA

Isn't the SEC Already Paying Their Athletes?

I find this discussion to be the final leap by Athletic Directors and College Presidents to the "dark side." 

Should athletes be paid over and above their scholarship? 

How can schools in the Big East, Mid American Conference, Conference USA,  etc., financially justify paying their athletes over and above the scholarships, coaching salaries, travel, etc., when they don't fill their stadiums every Saturday?  Is BANK NCAA coming to the rescue?  Here's a link to the conversation:

LINK:  IS THIS GOOD FOR COLLEGE ATHLETICS?

Irish Hoops Recruit Picked As A Big Surprise!

Pat Connaughton committed to play for Mike Brey and the Fighting Irish this past recruiting season -- and he's been picked by ESPN experts as one of the BIGGEST SURPRISES out of the Class of 2011.  (Pat is also an ALL-STAR baseball pitcher).   Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  ONE OF THE BIGGEST SURPRISES