MLAWyer

September 18th, 2009 at 5:06 PM ^

It will be interesting to see how Fitzgerald plays. Fitzgerald is a sophomore who was a relatively well-regarded linebacker recruit (as opposed to the safeties-turned-LB's). Mouton has not been particularly impressive thus far, so it could be an opportunity for Fitzgerald to get himself into the lineup. On the other hand, I assume that if Fitzgerald was even remotely ready he probably would've gotten in before now given our LB struggles.

SD Go Blue

September 18th, 2009 at 5:26 PM ^

Looks like Charlie got his way. He must have bitched long/loud enough for the B10 to finally do something to appease him. I'm glad they didn't decide to appease him by feeding Mouton to him. That would be weird, but Charlie sure would've enjoyed himself.

BlockM

September 18th, 2009 at 4:51 PM ^

Hi. My name. Is Jim. Rome. I was born. Because. My mother had sex. With. A telegraph. Machine. I was never. Taught. Punctuation. In school. Periods. Go after every. Word. Right. ?.

With regards to the ruling... I don't have a problem with it. I don't think it was bad enough to warrant a game suspension but if they see a clear punch to the face, so be it.

Beavis

September 18th, 2009 at 4:42 PM ^

Yeah I just saw that too. Rome is a total douche. I have no idea why ESPN employs him. One second he is belittling RR for they way he handled the Mouton punch and the next minute he's calling Dana White the best interview out there. 1+1=3 I guess.

Still one of the best sports moments of all time when he kept calling Jim Everett "Chris" (as in Chris Evert) and Jim E. beat his ass.

PhillipFulmersPants

September 18th, 2009 at 8:19 PM ^

I guess kudos to those guys. I have to say, this news totally ruins what I thought was pivotal cultural moment in America where sports mouth meets athlete in a physical confrontation, and sports mouth eats words.

I guess can still hold onto the gripping drama of the Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler battles (though I suppose, Sommy, you're now going to try to tell me those were staged, too).

jmblue

September 19th, 2009 at 12:17 AM ^

I've always assumed it was staged. I mean, it was a remarkable coincidence that shortly after the ESPN2 network was launched - and Jim Rome given a primetime TV slot for the first time - that this newsworthy event (which conveniently was covered by ESPN itself) happened. Also, Everett's punches look fake.

Block M

September 18th, 2009 at 4:47 PM ^

...PTI and Around the Horn when I get the chance, but always avoid the annoying Jim Rome. They should just call the show 'Jim Rome has Gonorrhea, which explains the burning and anger issues'...

ish

September 18th, 2009 at 4:56 PM ^

RR should have taken some disciplinary action, like not starting him. That would've been appropriate and then the conference wouldn't have done anything.

ATrain32

September 18th, 2009 at 5:10 PM ^

Jim Rome is at times entertaining ... but not really important in the scheme of things. (Now a case might be made for the other Rome of course...).

RR made a choice and he has his reasons for not announcing any action or suspending Mouton. I don't know what the team might have said or done behind the scenes in private so to speak. I'm not convinced RR owes anyone on the outside an explanation. It's an 'in house' matter.

Watching the clip of the incident:
I'm curious why the B10 responded to this specific situation. Are they throwing a bone to Charlie? or is it common practice for the conference to 'police' incidents that occur in games?

I'm curious how often the Big10 hands out suspensions like this and whether they 'screen all games'.

My guess is that Charlie was not just talking big when he had in mind to send game tape to the conference when his went on his 'not blaming the officiating' binge. After all, Charlie is a man who makes 'no excuses' for the officiating.

AMazinBlue

September 18th, 2009 at 5:24 PM ^

Saying Mouton was getting "untangled" was kinda weak. The punch was obvious and to avoid the circus, RR should have disciplined Mouton earlier.

Unfortunately, it's media fodder again, even though it wasn't enough to get excited about the first time.

michman79

September 18th, 2009 at 6:18 PM ^

I hate Jim ROme. Looking at how Colin Cowherd is crushing him in the ratings, it is clear that everyone else does as well.

His show starts with an interview in the first half hour. Then he reads emails about the interview the rest of the show.

"Dear Jim-Thank you for that epic interview with Bee Arthur. She showed why the Golden Girls were on top in the 65-85 year old women demogrpahic for 6 straight years. Truely epic. War Blanch Deveraux, Rose, and Estelle Getty...I'm out!"

Seriously, radio show is bad. He is even worse on TV.

JewofM

September 18th, 2009 at 7:00 PM ^

alone on this, but I think Mouton's suspension is complete and total BS. I could careless if he threw a punch. I saw the play and it was no big deal. Hence no penalty called. Hell even Olsen, got right up and walked away. Didn't even look in Mouton's direction. If it was really a big punch I seriously doubt than Olsen would not even retaliate or at least get in Mouton's face to try and get a flag thrown. Let the players play. If you call the penalty great. If you wait until close to a week later right before the next game, that is total crap. I do not blame RR at all for not suspending Mouton. As a matter of fact, if we were playing a tougher opponent like PSU or OSU, I would appeal the ruling.

maizenbluenc

September 18th, 2009 at 7:58 PM ^

I'm with you, though I also agree maybe Rich should have not started him, or turned him over to Barwis for a week.

It was more like a beatch slap than a punch. I watched it again today. ND scored three plays later. Does Charlie feel better now? Does this make up for loosing?

On the upside, Jonas did move quickly. That's what we want is fast players.

I swear, I want little bro pounded, but it would be funny if the Big Ten officiating crew this weekend call ND on every single hold. Weiss is a self centered ass which is the opposite of a leader.

So here we go. After every game fans can review the DVR, send in clips, and their coach can screw their opponent retoractively.

In reply to by The King of Belch

Magnus

September 18th, 2009 at 11:02 PM ^

I think the Big Ten is cleaning up Rodriguez's mess once Rodriguez publicly announced that Mouton wouldn't receive any punishment. If Rodriguez had nipped it in the bud, nobody (including the Big Ten or Jim Rome) would have said anything about it.

Bad move on Rodriguez's part.