Doug Smock reviews "Tainted Glory: Marshall University, the NCAA and One Man's Fight for Justice"

I know David Ridpath and his tenure, dismissal, and lawsuit against Marshall University is a sore subject for many Thundering Herd fans but, it's not every day a book is published, even a negative one, about your school.

Any way, Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette reviewed Ridpath's account of his time at MU in "Tainted Glory: Marshall University, the NCAA, and One Man's Fight for Justice.

When you get a chance make sure you give it a read, some of my favorite moments:

• In chapter four of the book Ridpath describes Marshall's compliance department one of the country's worst upon is arrival to Huntington in 1997.
• Ridpacth claims that former Marshall athletic director Bob Marcum told him that legendary Thundering Herd football coach Bob Pruett was a "pathological liar".
• Ridpath describes current Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon as a "quintessential jock sniffer...".

Like I said, it is fairly entertaining, but it will make you blood boil.

A few random items from last week…..

Missed a couple Marshall related stories last week:

1) Former Thundering Herd quarterback Byron Leftwich signed a one year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Leftwich spent all of 2011 on Pittsburgh’s injured reserved list after breaking his non-throwing arm in the preseason.

2) Former University of Houston wide receiver Patrick Edwards reached a settlement with Marshall University stemming from a gruesome injury he incurred during a 2008 football game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Edwards suffered a compound fracture when his leg meet a band cart after catching a touchdown pass. The cart was left conspicuously close to the field and Edwards had little time to react after making the reception.

In related news, Edwards signed a undrafted free agent contract with the Detroit Lions last week.

3) Southern Miss has a new basketball coach, Donnie Tyndall. Tyndall lead Morehead State for the past six seasons, racking up a record of 114-84. He has also made two NCAA Tournament appearances with the Eagles, including a second round upset over Louisville in 2011.        

Marshall Football: First team takes Green-White game 21-7

Featuring a touchdown pass and run by quarterback Rakeem Cato, Marshall's starters defeated the second team in Saturday afternoons Green-White game 21-7.

For a full report on yesterday's action at Joan C. Edwards Stadium read Woody Woodrum's write-up at GoHerd.com.

Also, Dave Wilson of the WV Metro News has post game interviews (video) with a number of players and head coach Doc Holliday.

UTSA set to join C-USA in 2013

Pending a vote by the University of Texas board of Regents next week, the University of Texas San Antonio will join Conference USA for all sports in 2013.

Under former Miami Hurricanes coach Larry Coker, the Roadrunners completed their first year of football in 2011 as a FCS independent. UTSA's Olympic sports currently compete in the Southland Conference.

Prior to today's news UTSA was joining the Western Athletic Conference on July 1st.

UTSA's move to C-USA was first reported by RowdyReport.com.

Also, according to Bret McMurphy of CBS Sports, C-USA is likely to add three other schools in 2013, North Texas, Florida International, and Louisiana Tech. McMurphy writes that the leagues expansion probably signals an end to a merger with the Mountain West Conference.

Marshall Football: Brown signs contract with Ravens

Per this report from the Charleston Gazette, former Marshall football player Omar Brown has signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens after being passed-over in this weekends NFL draft. As a senior Brown was named an all Conference USA first team performer at safety, recording four interceptions and 95 tackles.

Marshall Football: Curry selected 59th overall in NFL Draft

Former Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry was selected in the second round, 59th overall, by the Philadelphia Eagles during day two of the NFL Draft Friday night.

Curry was Conference USA's defensive player of the year in 2011, recording 21.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

Curry joins an Eagles organization that already has two productive pass rushers, Trent Cole and Jason Babin. Last year Babin finished third in the NFL with 18 sacks while Cole recorded 11.

Pennington to retire from NFL

According to this Charleston Gazette article by Doug Smock, Marshall hall of fame inductee and NFL quarterback Chad Pennington announced his retirement during a event at John Adams Middle School in Charleston WV Thursday afternoon. 

As the Thundering Herd's starting quarterback from 1995 to 1999 (red-shirt year in 1996). Pennington set Marshall records for career yardage 13,143 and touchdown passes, 115. 

A former first round selection of the New York Jets, Pennington will retire as the NFL's all time leader in career completion percentage, setting a mark of 66%. During a 11 year career the Knoxville Tennessee native won two comeback player of the year awards (2006 & 2008) while making three playoff appearances with New York (2002, 2004, 2006) and one as a Miami Dolphin (2008). 

    

Marshall Football: Ward arrested for DUI on April 1st

Marshall running back Martin Ward was arrested for DUI on April 1st in Wayne County. According to various reports an officer from the Kenova Police Department stopped Ward on the 800 block of Oak Street after he jumped a pair of railroad tracks and kept travailing. Ward was pulled over and found with a blood alcohol content of .144. The legal limit in West Virginia is .08. After being arrested Ward posted a cash bond of $350 and was not transported to the Western Regional Jail. 


This is the second incident for Ward in the month of April. Along with three other Marshall football players Ward was arrested outside the Thirsty Wail in Huntington last Sunday morning and charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. The incident lead to the dismissal of corner back Phillip Warren who struck a police officer. Thundering Herd head coach Doc Holliday said Ward, along with two other players who were also arrested that night, Corie Wilson and Stefone Grace, would be disciplined internally. 


This story was first reported by Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 4/25/12

The Charleston Gazette

Young LBs catching on

The Charleston Daily Mail

Curry, Irvin's skills don't go unnoticed

Herd's Evans ready for fresh start

The Herald Dispatch

Battle for Curry's spot rages

MU roundup: Thundering Herd golfers finishes 8th in C-USA tournament

Andrew Ramspacher: Holliday had plan for stretching out spring practice

Chuck Landon: Frohnapfel brother's approach is identical 

Marshall Football: Warren dismissed, Ward, Wilson, and Grace to be disciplined internally

In a statement released earlier today Marshall football coach Doc Holliday announced that sophomore corner back Phillip Warren has been dismissed from the program for a violation of  team rules and policies. Warren, along with fellow MU football players Martin Ward, Stefone Grace, and Corrie Wilson were arrested early Sunday morning following an altercation with police outside of the Thirsty Whale in Huntington. You can find a detailed report of the incident here.

Warren appeared in 12 games last season starting one. In those twelve games he recorded 26 tackles and two pass breakups.

In the same statement Holliday announced that the other three players, Ward, Grace, and Wilson will be disciplined internally.

Marshall Football: Update on arrest of Ward, Warren, Wilson, and Grace

Two updates on the four Marshall University football players arrested early Sunday morning.

First, The Charleston Daily Mail talks with Captain Alan Rohrig of the Huntington Police Department who was on scene during the arrest.

Also, West Virginia Metro News reporter Dave Wilson tracked down the criminal complaint from Sunday's arrest and gives a detailed account of what occurred.

Marshall Football: Darius Marshall arrested in ugly post game incident

According to this Trib.com article, former Marshall University running back Darius Marshall was arrested last week for assaulting an opposing player after an Indoor Football League game.

Two players on the New Mexico Stars Indoor Football League team were charged with assault Friday night after they allegedly jumped a Wyoming Cavalry player in the parking lot of the Casper Events Center.

The Cavs player suffered minor injuries but did not require hospitalization, Casper police said. The identity of the Cavs player was unavailable Saturday night.

One of the two Stars players was identified as Darius Marshall, a running back who played for the Marshall University Thundering Herd and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the team’s roster. The identity of the other Stars player charged could not be learned Saturday.

This is Marshall's first year back in football after leaving the Thundering Herd following his junior season and going undrafted. In six games with the Stars, Marshall has rushed for 195 yards on 41 carries while also recording eight touchdowns. 

Marshall Football: Ward, Warren, Wilson, and Grace arrested last night

First and foremost all of this information comes from the Charleston Daily Mail's Chuck McGill via his MU Sports Blog or Twitter account, make sure you give both a read. 

Any way, four Marshall University football players were arrested Sunday morning. Below, you will find the players names, position, and what they are charged with.

Martin Ward, senior, running back - Disorderly conduct.

Phillip Warren, sophomore, defensive back - Battery on police, disorderly conduct, and obstructing an officer.

Corie Wilson, freshman, cornerback - Obstructing an officer and fleeing on foot.

Stefone Grace, freshman, linebacker - Disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer.

As of 3pm EST all four were still listed on the Western Regional Jail website.

Marshall football coach Doc Holliday has released a statement on the players arrest, visit this link to read.

Marshall Basketball: D.D Scarver & Ryan Taylor make weekend visits

According to various reports, two basketball prospects are taking official visits to Marshall this weekend.

One of the prospects is junior college guard/forward D.D. Scaver. Scaver hails from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens Texas where he averaged 24.1 points per game this season. A NJCAA All-American, Scaver had committed to Southern Miss but re-opened his recruitment once Larry Eustachy left for Colorado State. You can find a video of Scaver working out with former Marshall basketball player Justin Coleman here.

The second recruit is Hargrave Military Academy small forward Ryan Taylor. Scout.com ranks Taylor as the 27th best small forward in the class of 2012. At Hargrave Taylor averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds per game last season. As a high school senior Taylor committed to Louisville before going the prep school rout. See a video of Taylor in action here.

Marshall Football: Friday's scrimmage, 4/20/12

Marshall's offense exploded during Friday's scrimmage at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, gaining 699 yards on 101 plays with ten touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Tommy Shuler had a especially productive day, catching four Rakeem Cato TD's while also grabbing 13 passes for 169 yards.

For a complete report on today's scrimmage head on over Andrew Ramspacher's Marshal football blog here.

The Herald Dispatch also has a photo gallery from today's offensive explosion, see it here.

Report: C-USA/MWV merger not dead

In a interview with UNLV president Neal Smatresh, Las Vegas Review Journal columnist Ron Kantowski reports the merger between Conference USA and the Mountain West is not dead. In the article Smatresh, the chairman of the MWC board of directors, refutes a CBS Sports story published earlier this week citing a “college football insider” that the merger is unlikely.

                            

Read the whole column here. 

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 4/19/12

The Charleston Daily Mail

Herd QB recruit spends spring break in Huntington

The MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

Practice (scrimmage) change…

The Herald Dispatch

Dunston ascends depth chart

Chuck Landon: Too many members of Herd are hurting

Wright, Member of MU Hall of Fame, dead at 86

Marshall tennis team in Memphis for C-USA tournament

The WV Metro News

The Stampede with Dave Wilson Ep. 23

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 4/18/12

The Charleston Gazette

Marshall notebook: Safeties take their turn in the dog house

Marshall’s Brand to turn pro May 1

A teacher of gentleman

                                               

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall Football: Booked has time to adjust to position

The MU sports Blog with Chuck McGill

SP10: Rouse and his “deal”…Hunter and his club

Video: Holliday on Rouse, d-line, and safeties

The Herald Dispatch

In his brothers footsteps

Marshall played vital role in integration of college football

Andrew Ramspacher: Injury sidelines Rouse’s progress up defensive depth chart

Herd falls at home to Morehead State

Chuck Landon: Jaspers gets back to practice, but slowly

Bracket expert says Herd has shot

Report: C-USA/MWC merger looking unlikely

Citing college football industry sources, Brett McMurphy of CBS Sports reports that a tentative merger between the Mountain West and Conference USA will not happen.

According to McMurphy, both leagues will expand on their own, possibly forming an agreement to share T.V, marketing, and scheduling resources.

Read McMurphy's full report here.

C-USA Basketball: Larry Brown headed to SMU

According to various reports Larry Brown will be named the next men's basketball coach at SMU. Brown is the only coach to win a NCAA championship (Kansas 1988) and NBA championship (Detroit 2004).

It has been rumored that Illinois State head coach Tim Jankovich will join the 71 year old Brown and be groomed as his eventual replacement.

SMU has one year remaining in Conference USA before they move onto the Big East. 

Marshall Football: 1st scrimmage of spring practice

At this late hour we have one report from Marshall's first scrimmage of spring practice. For those of you looking for all the details head over to GoHerd.com where Woody Woodrum provides a complete run down.

You can also find stats for Saturday's scrimmage here.

Marshall Football: Brown dismissed from Herd

According to multiple outlets, safety Donald Brown has been dismissed from Marshall's football team. Brown rejoined the Herd this spring after being suspended for all of 2011 stemming from a domestic disturbance involving his wife. The safety had been back on a tentative basis and it appears he failed to meet coach Doc Holliday's expectations.

Today’s Marshall University Athletics News, 4/12/12

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Embrace 4 divisions, Charlotte

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall defensive coaches are connected

The Herald Dispatch

MU sweeps OU

Roberts adapting to spotlight

Chadwick goes home to Texas

Chuck Landon: Conference meeting can exclude four jumping ship

Marshall’s Manning all-state in Kentucky

The WV Metro News

The Stampede with Dave Wilson, Ep. 22

C-USA Basketball: Eustachy headed to CSU, Majerus top target for SMU

Two notes on the Conference USA basketball front.

1) Per multiple reports, including this one from CBS Sports, Southern Miss basketball coach Larry Eustachy has accepted the same job at Colorado State. Eustachy’s move is reminiscent of Donnie Jones departure from Marshall to UCF. As things stand now Southern Miss and CSU will be conference mates in 2013.

2) It appears that St. Louis head coach Rick Majerus has become the top target at SMU. If he accepts the job Majerus will spend one year coaching in C-USA before the Mustangs become Big East members.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 4/11/12

The Charleston Gazette

Marshall Notebook: Frohnapfel making progress

Green light for Marshall’s Hamrick

Inside Marshall Sports with Doug Smock

Wednesday in Herd-land

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall d-line coach got jump start at Virginia Tech

MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

SP7: Interceptions and things

Video: The ‘D’ dominates

The Herald Dispatch

Coach creates pressing situation

Chadwick leaving Marshall

Chuck Landon: Marshall’s Hamrick earned his extension

MU takes two from Coppin State

Marshall women to host Ohio for double header

Marshall Football: Cody Collins gives verbal commitment to Herd

Per Rivals.com, Arch Bishop Alter (Ohio) offensive lineman Cody Collins has given a verbal commitment to Marshall University. 

Standing at 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, Collins represents the Thundering Herd's fist commitment for the class of 2013. Besides Marshall, Collins also had scholarship offers from Bowling Green, Ohio, Toledo, and Western Kentucky.

For more on Collins follow the links below:

1) Rivals.com profile

2) Scout.com profile

3) ESPN.com profile

Woman’s basketball: Chadwick leaving for Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Per the Twitter account of Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon, Marshall University women’s basketball coach Royce Chadwick is leaving the Thundering Herd for Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Chadwick is coming off of a 16-14 season, 7-9 in league play, that ended with a first round loss to SMU in the Conference USA basketball tournament. As a head coach at the division one level Chadwick has complied 374 wins with Marshall, Sam Houston State, and Stephen F. Austin.

Texas A&M Corpus Christi competes in the Southland Conference where they finished at 9-20 last year. Chadwick replaces Robert Robinson who lead the Islanders for six seasons with an overall record of 73-113.

Marshall Baseball: Pitching prospect tears labrum

Last December Marshall baseball coach Jeff Wagoner signed a recruiting class of ten players including seven pitchers. It looks like the number of hurlers is now down to six. Taylor Knicely, a 6’3 right handed pitcher from Staunton Virginia, tore the labrum in his pitching shoulder Saturday afternoon. In one of Knicely's last starts prior to getting injured he tossed his third career high school no hitter.

According to this Stauton News Leader article, Knicley’s injury will require 18 months of rehabilitation but, coach Wagoner plans to keep the tall righty on scholarship and hopes to have him healthy by spring of 2013.

Marshall University Athletics News, 4/10/12

Herdzone.com

Marshall University Renews Hamrick’s Contract Through 2017

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall Football: Smith not your typical junior college transfer

The Herald Dispatch

Hammrick, MU agree to five more years

Chuck Landon: Bubba would fit right in at Greenbrier

Winless Coppin State to play MU

Andrew Ramspacher: Curry explains Herd DE situation

Marshall Football: Holcombe spending spring break with Herd

Per the Twitter account of  Marshall quarterback Blake Frohnapfel, incoming commitment Gunnar Holcombe will be spending his spring break in Huntington observing the Herd’s ongoing spring practice. A quarterback from the University school in Ft. Lauderdale FL, Holcombe will join the football team full time this August.

Today’s Marshall University Athletics News, 4/9/12

The Charleston Gazette

Roundup: Power rally falls short, Memphis completes sweep of Herd

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall Football: Wade trying to make Herd offensive line into dependable unit

Herd’s Vinny Curry meets fans, awaits NFL

The Herald Dispatch

Gale gets coaching start on offense

Memphis sweeps series from Herd

Herd tops OU in team challenge

The WV Metro News

Deep and Talented at Wide Receiver

Bengals release Chris Crocker

The Cincinnati Bengals released former Marshall football player Chris Crocker earlier today. Crocker started each of the Bengals 17 games at safety last year, registering 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and four passes defended. In addition to Cincinnati, Crocker has played for the Browns, Falcons, and Dolphins during a nine year NFL career.

For more details on this story click here.

Today’s Marshall University Athletics News 4/6/12

From the Charleston Gazette

Herd welcomes Memphis to Appalachian Power Park

The Charleston Daily Mail

Waiters tries to find new niche with Herd

The snubs continue for Herd hoops

The Herald Dispatch

Spring RBs relishing opportunities

Herd host Memphis

Marshall Football: ECU game date change

Per Marshall University’s athletic department, the Thundering Herd’s football game at ECU has been moved from Saturday November 24^th to Friday November 23^rd. Presumably, the change was made to accommodate television but, details are not known.  

Today’s Marshall University Athletics News, 4/5/12

The Charleston Gazette

Van Horn hopes to continue MU Woodrow legacy

The Charleston Daily Mail

Cato, offensive line developing for Herd

The Herald Dispatch

Wellman earns respect

Chuck Landon: Holliday gets help from old WVU pal

Andrew Ramspacher: A little weather no problem for this Thundering Herd

Mocs top Marshall women

The WV Metro News

The Stampede Ep. 21

Marshall Football: Spring practice, day 5

Despite a 50 minute delay due to rain Marshall was able to get in day five of spring football practice Wednesday afternoon.

The Charleston Daily Mail's Chuck McGill checks in with our only practice report. Make sure you give it a read, McGill has details on D.J Hunters broken fingers and continued struggles in the kicking game.

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 4/4/12

The Charleston Gazette

Herd filling holes in kicking game

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall Football: Cross country trek bought Niemeyer to the Herd

The Herald Dispatch

Herd receivers healthy, loaded

Chuck Landon: Help is on the way to help to better MU basketball

Andrew Ramspacher: Monday was a special day for family of coach Gerad Parker

Marshall Football: Spring practice, day 4

For the first time this week Marshall's football team returned to Joan C. Edwards Stadium for spring practice. 

Dave Wilson of the WV Metro news checks in with a full report focusing on quarterback Rakeem Cato and competition among the Herd's linebackers. You can also find post practice (video) interviews on the WV Metro news website here. 

The Herald Dispatch's Andrew Ramspacher has his own report with an interview from wide receivers coach and new father Gerad Parker.  

Today's Marshall University Athletics News, 4/3/12

The Charleston Daily Mail

Marshall Football: At safety, positions available for Herd

MU Sports Blog with Chuck McGill

ESPN's Todd McShay on Vinny Curry

The Herald Dispatch

MU players get another shot

Herd's Telles is hitter of the week

The WV Metro News

More aggressive defense

Marshall University AthletIcs News, 4/2/12

The Charleston Gazette

C-USA, MWC merger hits a snag

The Charleston Daily Mail

ESPN analyst high on former Marshall star Curry

The Herald Dispatch

Thundering Herd rallies for 12-10 win

Andrew Ramspacher: Herd’s Scott looking to step out, become more vocal

Herd sweeps past UTEP in softball