The following column was written by senior writer Jason Grodsky.

Usually this end of the year column is reserved for graduating seniors to say there farewell and thank yous, but the senior class here in the sports department at the Daily Illini is a little thin and as the longest employed person in sports and someone who is moving on I’m going to do the honors.

I feel very grateful to have worked at the DI for the three years I’ve been here and to have had the opportunity to a side of Illinois athletics that few get to see. But it’s my time to step down and move on to bigger and better things and let some of the up-and-coming writers take the reigns and lead the way.

I’ve bled Orange and Blue since the day I was born and grew up watching Illini sports and sitting in the crowds at Memorial Stadium and the Assembly Hall. When I first started working at the paper as a freshman who came a whole two miles away from his house to go to college, I never thought it would take me to the places I’ve been and allow to meet some of the most interesting characters this campus has to offer.

This year alone I’ve gotten to travel to Maui and sit five feet away from the greatest basketball player of all time. The football team’s magical run took me to Pasadena to chat it up with some of the best sports journalists in the world today (even if getting there took a 54-hour Greyhound bus trip from hell). And the best part of all of those trips and the countless others I’ve taken to cover games: I was getting paid to do it. Well, if you call what gets deposited into my bank account every two weeks getting paid.

Getting to where I am couldn’t have been possible without the help from certain people along the way, so I’d like to take the chance to thank them.

First off I’d like to thank former sports editors Erin Foley, Mike Rodriguez, Dave Just and Steve Contorno, all of whom have helped me refine my writing. Erin you taught me the ins and outs and took a chance on a kid who loved sports and gave me my big break. Mike and Dave, you two were probably the most entertaining guys to work under, and Steve, we may not have seen eye-to-eye on everything but I know you’ll make a great Editor-In-Chief.

To my partners in crime: Dan Johnson, Mike Theodore, Alex Symonds, Adam Harris and Jermey Werner. Thanks for making this past year one all never forget. From football practices, to the list of questions we came up with at the Western Illinois game, to the trip on Route 666, to the “bucket o’ beers” in Indianapolis, to not remembering the DI Sports Desk bar crawls, it’s been a great ride and I know you’ll keep up the quality of the sports section and surpass what I’ve done.

A special thank you the Illinois Division I Hockey team and head coach Chad Cassel. Covering you guys was probably the best time I had covering a team. Congratulations on a well deserved ACHA National Championship this year. Figures, I come in after you guys win a national title the year before and then the year I stop covering you guys you win another one. Guess I was the bad luck charm.

A big shout out to all the guys on the Illinois Division II Hockey team (yes, there are two teams). Playing with you guys the last two years has been indescribable and I’m looking forward to another year of late night practices and bus trips next year. I told all of you guys I would eventually get you into the paper.

To men of Alpha Sigma Phi, you’ve made the studying part of college bearable. You truly are gentlemen and scholars, with hearts beneath your vests. My times at the Ole Gal will never be forgotten.

A lot of credit has to be given to a group of guys that I’ve spent a very large portion of the last five-plus years with talking sports and getting into all sorts of shenanigans with. You know who you are and there are too many memories and moments to even start mentioning. I know we have another summer to remember ahead of us, even if Fat City is gone. Lets just all try to stay out of the hospital this year when August rolls around.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank my family. You all have supported me over the years and helped me reach my goals. I’m still convinced that you guys are the only people who even read my articles. A special thanks to my mom who has pulled my all my clips of the things I’ve written to make me an organized portfolio.

The biggest thank you is reserved for my grandpa, John Maurer. You’ve been my inspiration. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today and I would be clueless in the world of sports, you’ve taught me pretty much all I know and I love you for that.

Finally, thank you to anyone who read any of the things I’ve written. It’s been a pleasure and trust me, I leave you in good hands.

Hey guys…the gang at Kissing Suzy Kolber has come up with exclusive blueprint to come close to beating the Patriots. ENJOY!

The crew at “And I am not lying” has devised a gem.

On behalf of the DI sports gang, this is the best pizza ever, as the headline so eloquently states. On the other hand, we at the DI are not liable for cardiac arrest, heart attack, total nervous system failure, death, or any other side effects of eating this glorious pizza. I might try it myself, and if you do try it, please take pictures and comment. I’m sure we also have a couple of brave staffers who would like to partake (this reporter included).

Snap, it’s been a while.

You get in a funk, kind of the like the one Cubs reliever Scott Eyre is in right now, and you can’t get back on track. I’ve been in one of those since finals week and, sorry, but the Sports Blog was in a coma. Luckily, no one pulled the Terry Schiavo plug on this one. (Too soon?)

Once I stopped for finals, I just couldn’t get around to writing. Even though there’s been pleanty to rap a few words about.
So I’m gonna Rachel Ray this thing and cook up a little 30-minute blog for you. Let’s get the ball rolling again.

First, a dash of tennis.

Nadal owns Federer on clay pretty much like Brett Favre verse the Bears on the Frozen Tundra during the ’90s. I’m willing to even put it out there that Nadal let Federer beat him in the clay match leading up to French Open, just to give him that Paris Hilton-jail sentence of hope before demolishing him once again.

But as Nadal won his third straight clay title, one of the kings of grass went down. Five time Wimbledon champ Bjorn Borg had to withdraw from his first grass-court singles match in 26 years after getting bit in the leg by a dog, after trying to break up a fight between his dog and another.

Michael Vick could not be reached for comment on the incident.

Something is seriously wrong with professional athletes. As if the rush of playing in front of a zillion watchers for bazillions of dollars isn’t enough, these chumps have to steal, shoot people, go to night clubs, beat women and, oh yea, fight dogs for money. Roger Goodall has been trying to clean up the NFL, David Stern has taken a hard line with the NBA and Bud Selig don’t take no stuff from no one. When will the real authorities start cracking down on professional athletes?

Speaking of crack, Amanda Beard showed her’s (and a little more), in the July issue of Playboy magazine. Now, people are trying to turn this into a women’s rights issue, claiming the photos are demeaning to females and what the gains they have made in athletics. Does posing nude for money take away from the accomplishments Beard has made? Are her gold medals less of a statement for women’s swimming in the U.S. just because she showed her breasts after showing off her breastroke? Tom Brady has never worn his birthday suit for a publication, but if I had a dollar for every time I heard a girl say they watch football because of how hot he is (their words, not mine), I’d be able to pay for the entire swimming team to get neked for Playboy.

But why are we talking swimming? It’s the NBA Finals. It’s been pretty cute to watch. The Spurs run their basketball clinic and the Cavs try to imitate it, but, aww, they just can’t quite get there. But don’t write LeBron off yet. Get him a Scotty or a Shaq and he’ll be back. It’s amazing he got this far as it is.

Just as amazing as how far Selig will go to try to fix this steroids thing. Jason Giambi is being asked to talk with steroid investigators and legislatures about his involvement in steroids. Giambi has all but admitted to the papers that he has taken illegal substances, and now baseball is giving him the opportunity to black list everyone else. But let’s not kid ourselves. There’s only one man they want and that’s Barry Bonds. Selig wants validation for his decision to boycott the chase of the home run record, and who can blame him. Bonds single-handedly destroyed the validity of his sport, just as he’s going to demolish Hank Aaron’s historic mark.

But mark my words, the biggest travesty in baseball isn’t the steroids scandal, it’s the NL Central. More specifically the Cubs. The whole division blows, and on paper, the Cubs have three players who could hit 35+ home runs and drive in at least 100, one of the best pitchers in baseball and supposedly, a great manager. They should be at least 27 games ahead of the Brewers, especially with how their 4th and 5th pitchers, Rich Hill and Sean Marshall have been throwing. Good God.

And good grief, too. People are still talking about Tony Romo’s botched hold that led to the Cowboys’ playoff loss last season. Even Charlie Brown doesn’t care that much about all his failed field-goal attempts after Lucy yanked the ball out from under him. Every time I see a special about the difference between game used balls and kicking balls, all I hear is “Wah wah wah wah wah wah.”

There’s nothing special about this year’s U.S. Open. It looks like scores will be over par again and 80 percent of coverage will be of Tiger even though a no-name will walk home with the title.

Anywho, that’s all I got. Just know the Sports Blog is back, breathing and should be able to play long toss sometime this week.

Should sports personalities have a social voice?

Steve Spurrier spoke. And it wasn’t about recruiting or starting quarterbacks or his old stomping grounds winning a National Championship.

It was about the state he coached in; not about bringing wins to it, but removing the South from South Carolina.

“The Old Ball Coach” elaborated on his feelings about South Carolina continuing to sport the Confederate flag in its state capital, calling it an embarrasment for him and his players. He cited a game last year when ESPN’s Game Day crew was at the South Carolina stadium and someone was waving the Confederate flag in the background.

The reaction to Spurrier’s comments have been split. Some people have lauded him for what he said, bringing a new voice to an old debate. Others have given him the Dixie Chicks treatment, telling him to just coach football and keep his mouth shut.

But why? Sports icons are some of the most influential voices in scaping culture beyond the arena. This past week, the ceremonies for the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s first game have taught us that sports have completely altered the way we look at society. Former athletes have become Congressmen, have worked to fight various diseases and end poverty in third world countries. Why is Spurrier any different?

The topic was very controversial, and the proximity in which he brought up the issue to those who would be greatly offended was very close. However, if anything Spurrier should have just as much of a right to speak as anyone else. Outside of having to recruit African-American athletes to a state that still proudly flies a symbol of slavery, Spurrier is also responsible for molding the minds of the young men he brings to his University. What kind of mentor would he be if he taught the kids to keep their opinions to themeselves, that you’re just an athlete and people just want to see you throw and catch, not speak your mind on politics and social issues?

This is America, the land of free speech. It’s ironic that those cursing Spurrier are supporting a symbol of suppression.

But maybe the most important factor in Spurrier said was not the words themeselves, but the voice in which he said it. In his perfect Southern dialect, Spurrier spoke in the same voice of those who raise this flag of hatred, which is why his words are so threatening.

Spurrier can become a football god in South Carolina, especially if he brings the state a National Championship. And his beautifully twangy voice will only grow stronger. You won’t be able to keep him from speaking, and you have no right to.

The Big Ten is a look at headlines in sports with a touch of local flavor.

11. Area’s MLB teams flounder in opening series.

2005 World Series Champion White Sox go 1-2, 2006 World Series Champion Cardinals go 0-3, 1908 World Series Champion Cubs go 1-2.

10. Devil of a goalie breaks win record

New Jersey’s netminder Martin Brodeur set the single-season record for wins with 48, breaking Bernie Parent’s mark of 47. No joke here–Brodeur, at nearly 35, may be the best goalie of all time

9. David Carr a Panther?

I’ve said it all along, this kid has talent. Delhomme is still the starter, but watch out for Carr, who has yet to throw a pass in the NFL without having to close his eyes and scream, “DEAR GOD DON’T HIT ME AGAIN. HERE, JUST TAKE THE BALL.”

8. Gilbert Arenas injurs knee, out for season.

Guess he is a zero after all.

7. Dice-K makes Boston (and America) debut.

Japan’s finest all but clinched the AL ROTY award in his first start. As if there was any doubt.

6. Yard Sale

The Chicago Cubs will be sold in the near future, ending the Tribune Co.’s reign of terror. Who will buy them and Alfonso Soriano’s contract? In the meantime, Zambrano waits for a new deal, Wrigley may not be sold and the Cubs are Vegas favorites to win the pennant. And it’s only three games into the season.

5. Griffey to wear 42 on Robinson anniversary

The boy wonder will wear Jackie Robinson’s league-wide retired number on April 15, the 60th aniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. A great gesture by Bud Selig, Griffey Jr. and the entire league on the most important day in American sports.

4. Who’s the Master?

Right now, it doesn’t look like Tiger will be.

3. Spurs can see the Sun

Tim Duncan and San Antonio are catching up the Nash and Pheonix. But does the NBA regular season even mean anything anymore?

2. Coaching Carousel

Even bigger than who’s moving (Gillespie to Kentucky, Huggins to West Virginia, Tubby to Minnesota, Beilein to Michigan, etc. etc. etc.), Billy Donovan will stay in Florida. When he got back to the hotel room after the NCAA Championship game, he said to his players, “Who wants to go for three?”

1. Florida Repeats

Florida has now won the last three big college games: Basketbal tournament, Football Championship and the little known Curling championship. Who knew they had ice in Florida?

Non-conference Results

• Candace Parker, Vols women’s champ
• Bruce Weber not leaving
• Bruce Weber staying

The Big Ten is a weekly look at the headlines in sports (with a touch of local flavor).

11. Phelps swims through record books.

What a disappointment at the last summer games, though. He only won like, what, five medals?

1o. Urbina gets 14 years in Venezuelan prison.

Former MLB player Ugueth Urbina was convicted of attempting to murder five of his ranch workers. Next to see time: Juan Uribe for allegedly killing a farmer in his home country of Dominican Republic, begging the question: WHY?

9. No small fry in McDonald’s All-American game

It’s depressing to watch 30 kids younger than you are who can dunk, hit NBA range threes and are less than four years away from making millions while competing in jerseys of the only restaurant you can afford.

8. The DL–coming to an ace near you.

Kerry Wood, Kenny Rogers, C.C. Sabathia (maybe), Kris Benson, etc. The season hasn’t even started and the disabled list is killing (fantasy) teams everywhere.

7. Former Illini Amer Delic upsets No. 4 tennis player at Sony Open

Dee, Deron and Delic. The Fighting Illini play on!

6. The Boss needs new “Prince”

Steve Swindal’s divorce from George Steinbrenner’s daughter means he’s no longer the successor to the Evil Empire. Steinbrenner has two sons so why was Swindal the go-to guy in the first place?

5. Briggs still barkin.

Only now he’s got agent Drew Rossenhaus doing his whining for him, putting the Bears in a tight spot: Trade Briggs to the Redskin, get the No. 6 pick overall and win the Super Bowl next year or draw a hard line and keep a guy who refuses to play for you, just to be stubborn. Tough call.

4. Four for Four teams left

The Final Four is all set. Florida, UCLA, Georgetown and Ohio State. Two 1s and Two 2s. And Joakim Noah’s annoying yelling.

3. Countdown to Opening Day begins.

Less than 100 hours to the first pitch, and less than a week before the Royals are already out of it.

2. Dirk goes Down

Even without the big guy, the Mavs can coast through the rest of the season to the playoffs, where they will choke, again.

1. Spring football begins.

How is this worthy of No. 1? Well, it means Illinois gets to start sporting its top 10 recruiting class. Bowl game or bust, baby.

Non-conference results:

• Prior starts season in AAA
• NFL Owners meeting pushes more discipline, keeps overtime setup
• Penguins stay put in Pittsburgh

The Big Ten is a weekly look at headlines in sports.

Sorry for the break in action. The Big Ten will recontinue its weekly publishing.

11. La Russa falls asleep at the wheel, charged with DUI.

I couldn’t find the mug shot, so I went with this lovely pic instead. Just as incriminating.

10. Ron Guenther not disciplined by UI for sideline actions.

Apparently, the AD was pounding on tables, yelling at Bruce Weber and calling Warren Carter an idiot during the Virginia Tech game. Guenther could not be reached for comment because he was attending a special seminar by Mark Cuban.

9. Spring Training heats up.

Ahh, the smell of new leather, pine tar, freshly mowed grass and Ben Gay baths with Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Baseball is here!

8. Duke bounced in first round.

Glorious.

7. Candace Parker to go pro?

If the Bulls get a lottery pick from the Knicks, look for them to pass on Durrant and snag this local product. But seriously, Parker could make people interested in the WNBA in the same way Jennie Finch has created a market for softball. Check back in three years.

6. Steve Alford leaves the Big Ten for New Mexico.

Too nice of a guy to be an Iowa coach. He’ll be staying in Bobby Knights’ retirement home for the time being.

5. Calvin Johnson impresses at combines.

Not only is this guy an all-around top talent, but he’s a class act as well. Think TO body, Moss’ speed and Ricky Proehl’s humility. Should be everybody’s number one.

4. Mavericks keep on rolling.

Dirk has his squad on pace to clash with Duncan’s Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Hasn’t this story been written already?

3. Trading Spaces

Thomas Jones to Jets for pick, Matthew Schaub to Texans for picks, Adam Archuletta to Bears for pick. More picking then a kindergarten in cold weather.

2. Mike Modano reaches 500 goals, No. 1 American goal scorer of all time.

I’ll give you props, Mike, even though Nashville stiffed you in the ceremony.

1. MARCH IS MADNESS

Sweet 16 comes with a few surprises, but the biggest one might be that Kansas hasn’t choked yet. I guess my Bill Self voodoo dolls isn’t working this year.

Out of conference results

• LSU women’s coach scandal
• A-Rod, NY hug … the kind where you stick your butt out and roll your eyes.
• NIT FEVER!

The Big Ten is a weekly look at the headlines in sports.

11. NFL Combine kicks off draftee inflation season

Last year, the NFL Combine found out Vince Young was too dumb to play quarterback, Marques Colsten was too slow to be a starting wide out and Mario Williams was the No. 1 overall pick. These NFL experts have this down to a science.

10. Kerry Wood slips into spring training

The excuse “I fell in the shower” is right up there with Jeff Kent’s “I hurt myself washing my truck” and Sosa’s sneeze that threw out his back. So glad baseball is back.

9. Woods falls short of winning 8th straight tour event

And sports reporters everywhere begin asking, “Is Tiger in a slump?”

8. Dead quiet trade deadline

The NBA was silent despite rumors all week that several big names would be moving. The Bulls are still without a proven playoff scorer, Kobe didn’t get his point guard and Jason Kidd and Vince Carter are stuck playing with each other.

7. LT’s father killed in automobile accident

Even for pro athletes, sometimes, sports just don’t matter.

6. Illini basketball off-court problems face a court’s decision

As the twisted events of the Jamar Smith accident unfold, the more unconfirmed rumors become fact. Smith pleaded not guilty, but could face significant jail time if the DA decides to fully pursue the case against him.

5. Illini basketball on-court success has team ready to dance

Nothing’s been clinched yet, but Illinois’ defense looks at top form and senior leadership is taking over at just the right time. All this despite the aforementioned.

4. Pacman’s bad posse

No, its not Mrs. Pacman. The Titan’s cornerback could be in trouble again after a friend of his allegedly shot someone at a night club. Don’t these players ever learn??

3. Clemens to reunreunreunretire?

We’re all waiting for an answer from the veteran hurler who we know still has the gas, but lets not hold our breath.

2. Daytona 500 ends in exciting fashion

Too bad I fell asleep around lap 145,000.

1. Chief Illiniwek dances for the last time…maybe

Imagine that, someone made an irrational decison concerning the Chief. While the former U of I symbol honorably performed it’s last dance on Wednesday, new information has come out saying that the whole Board of Trustees wasn’t involved in the decision. For more information go to the Daily Illini website.

Nonconference results:

• Schilling to move on in ‘08
• Former Chicago stars Sosa and Pippen look to make comeback
• Bulls, 3-0 since the break, keep Hawks from scoring in 3rd quarter of a game. First time in franchise’s history they have not let a team score in a quarter.

Every week, I’ll take a look at the headlines around sports in a blog entry called The Big Ten. This is week one.

11. Cowboys name their Coach

Finally, someone to take over the team in case Jerry Jones and Terrell Owens become incapacitated. Good luck with all that, Wade.

10. NFL season ends with thrilling Pro Bowl

Did I say thrilling? I meant pointless. Never has a 31-28 finish been more boring. And for all of you concerned, don’t worry, I didn’t watch it.

9. Tiki finds a second career

The guy finished on top with class just like Robert Smith and Barry Sanders. If only there was someone in the league we could watch with his talent that looked exactly like him …

8. Arbitration season roles on.

Carlos Zambrano tops the list of the arbitration-eligible players still not signed. Simple equation: If Ted Lilly is worth $4 million and Jason Marquis is worth $5.15 then Zambrano equals…$254 million?

7. O No! Baltimore’s ace out for season.

Poor Kris Benson will have to sit at home with his wife all season. If anyone doesn’t understand why this is a blessing, Google Anna Benson.

6. Nash sits out All-Star game.

He should’ve boycotted the game anyway when he wasn’t named a starter. C’mon Canada, get your act together. Take after China and blindly vote 2.5 million times for your countries only NBA player.

5. Sid the Kid has Penguins flying

Woohoo! Someone to resurrect hock—damn, Anna Benson is smokin.

4. A Dukeless AP Poll for the first time in 11 years.

I had a dream that happened once. It started with Coach K crying and ended with an Anna Benson foot massage.

3. U.S. tops Mexico 2-0

Finally, U.S. soccer is playing up to its potential. And only seven months too late. I can’t wait for the next World Cup!

2. Riley returns to Heat

Following in Shaq’s footsteps and rejoining the team just in time to capture that eight spot in the East and make a run in the playoffs.

1. Just Baseball reaches #1 Fantasy blog status

Ok, not really. But seriously check it out at blogs.dailyillini.com/justbaseball. He actually ISN’T a moron. I know. Surprised us all.

Non-conference results:

• Phil a threat to Tiger?
• Eagles Reid announces month-long vacation

• Time Warner shops Braves