trublue

[ QUOTE ] as long as the WVSSAC allows the private schools to play in Class A... [/ QUOTE ] Private schools are allowed to play in GA also. The AA basketball state title was won by Wesleyan, located in Gwinnett, both the boys and girls titles. The larger classifications, the premier public schools, get elite transfers that virtually ensure they will be playing for the state titles. The purity of the state titles are being replaced by the "haves" winning the championships and the "have-nots" becoming accustomed and "happy" they made it into the regionals.

Thank you for this posting. I'm sure many will hear the raw emotions in your wording and, hopefully, heed the message you delivered. You may have saved a life w/o ever knowing it.

For more info go to ATL TV station: www.wsbtv.com

A tornado struck before 10 p.m. in downtown ATL. I was watching a tv show and was interrupted by local station weather alert with a tornado warning. Have relatives downtown for past couple of days for a dental convention. Of course, I was getting very concerned and then they called me.They were at the GA Pacific Ctr. eating in a restaurant in the bldg.....they ran into the kitchen to escape flying glass. They made it back to their hotel,eventually, but were being held down in the lobby for precaution. The GA/KY BB game has been postponed for tonight. The roof was damaged but some video is starting to come out now showing water cascading like a river down the stair wells from pipes bursting from the pressure that built up in the Dome. As video is coming in now.....there appears to be alot of damage to many bldgs.in downtown. Centennial Park, associated with the Olympics has some major damage. The CNN Center and Omni hotel has structural damage from local reports. Many roads are blocked and power lines down, so, it's taking awhile for the news cameras to get the footage.

DeKalb football star suspended over gun charges Josh Jarboe released on bail but not allowed in school until hearing By KRISTINA TORRES The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 03/10/08 Classes had already ended for the day when the two teenagers pulled into the students' parking lot at Cedar Grove High School, got out and went around to the yellow Geo Storm's hatch. One teen —the school's star wide receiver and one of the nation's top college recruits— opened the rear door and pulled back the spare tire. That's when police say Josh Jarboe took out a black and silver handgun and tucked it into the waistband of his pants. Jarboe, 18, and 17-year-old James Davis were arrested Thursday evening by a school police officer and booked into the DeKalb County Jail. Both were charged with two felony counts of having a weapon on school property and receiving stolen property. Turns out the gun was stolen. Jarboe and Davis are seniors at Cedar Grove. Over the weekend each posted $4,000 bail and got out jail. But DeKalb school system officials said Monday that neither teen would be allowed back in school until a hearing on the incident is held. Jarboe was ranked by the recruiting Web site Rivals.com as the nation's 10th-best wide receiver in the Class of 2008. Last month, he signed with the University of Oklahoma, choosing the Sooners over Florida, Georgia and LSU. Officials at the University of Oklahoma said last week they were aware of Jarboe's arrest but declined to comment further. According to a police report released Monday, Jarboe and Davis were in Davis' car last Thursday when Cedar Grove assistant principal Karl Moton saw them pull into the school parking lot, get out and go to the hatch. Moton saw Jarboe pull out the gun. Moton called over a school police officer who was sitting in his patrol car nearby. The officer's approach apparently panicked Jarboe. Moton saw him try to hide the gun under the driver's seat, the report said. When the officer examined the gun, he saw that it was loaded. The officer removed four bullets, the report said, and also checked its serial number. It was stolen. Federal law requires school systems to expel students for at least a year for possession of a firearm. School hearings for Jarboe and Davis have not been scheduled.

I did not post this under SWVA basketball (originally posted under General Discussion) b/c I didn't want to "break the rules" as, obviously these are not SWVA teams. So, whomever, moved the thread if this gets some heat for being under this heading step up to the plate for me.

Aminu a man amongst boys against most high school teams.

basketball-ML-146662-ML-

Started to go see it last night at Gwinnett Arena but cold and blustery, so, stayed home and watched it on local TV. These 2 teams did not look like high school teams....very polished and skilled. I know Norcross(a Gwinnett team) had transfers on this team....don't know about Wheeler (both are public schools). I don't know how well this bodes for the schools that have good athletes but can't compete against the transfers that load up on a team to make it so superior. The days of small or medium schools outside metro/large areas winning state championships in any sport could become an anomaly in the future....I hope I'm wrong. ======================================================================================================================== ajc.com > Sports > High school AAAAA Boys: Norcross wins epic showdown with Wheeler Blue Devils solidify dynasty with third straight title By ROBERT HADDOCKS The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 03/08/08 They came into the game as the two of premier programs in the state and the country. And what they did on Friday night only enhanced that reputation. In an historic game that lived up to the hype, Norcross outlasted Wheeler, 57-54, to win its third consecutive Class AAAAA title. Norcross led by as many as 15 points early, but Wheeler, winners of three state titles in 2002, 2003 and 2005, pecked away at the lead as the teams traded baskets in a intense fourth-quarter, in which no team led by more than four points. But up by one point, 53-52 with 25 seconds left, Al-Farouq Aminu calmly drained two free throws to give Norcross a three-point lead. Wheeler's Phil Taylor answered with a fading jumper with 14 seconds left. After a timemout, Norcross' Zach Lamb inbounded to Taariq Muhammad who had broken free downcourt. Muhammad faked, pivoted and scored for the history-clinching bucket. No team in the largest classification had won three straight titles since Lanier did in 1938-1940. "Three-peat," Muhammad said in the jubilant Blue Devils' locker room. "This ain't happened since World War something. Defense wins championships. (Wheeler) didn't want to play D. Offense gets you points, defense gets you championships. That's what coach (Eddie) Martin has been telling us since Day One." Ranked No. 6 by USA Today, the Blue Devils (29-2) held Wheeler, the highest scoring team in the tourmament to their lowest total of the year. Their previous low was 66 points. Aminu sparked the defensive charge with six blocks with help from A.J. Hawkins. Aminu, the McDonald's All-American, was held to 17 points, six below his average, but played his usual terrific all-around game. After falling behind early, Wheeler (ranked No. 15 by USA Today) did some play defense, holding Norcross to a total of 20 points in the second and third periods. Ari Stewart led all scorers with 18 points and Richard Howell added 12. The Wildcats (30-3) made a valiant comeback that led to the thrilling finish but it wasn't enough. "They wanted it just as bad as we did," Hawkins said. "But we just had to take it away. This was something I've been wanting for alont time. It's a dream come true." Norcross came out on fire, scoring the first six points of the game. Halfway into the first quarter, Norcross was up 17-2 led by Aminu who had eight points, but wouldn't score again in the half. That gave Wheeler time to settle down and the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run to finish the quarter. Norcross led 28-24 at intermission. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ADDING BELOW LINK : see article about Wheeler "constructing" team to beat Norcross. http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.as...amp;TM=67422.27

Alum, I'll check w/the relative....it's possible he maybe willing to sell. The following is Braves "FUN" reading esp. for the golfers/hackers: ajc.com > Sports > Braves Smoltz, Braves teammates tee off with Tiger By DAVID O'BRIEN The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 03/04/08 Lake Buena Vista, Fla. - Jeff Francoeur has learned to temper the ferocity with which he swings a baseball bat. But with a driver in his hands and golf megastar Tiger Woods nearby, the young player reverted to swinging for the fences. He tried to outdrive Woods on the golf course. "Francoeur had trouble - he just could not calm down," Braves pitcher John Smoltz said, smiling as he described the 18-hole round that he and teammates Tom Glavine and Francoeur played with Smoltz's pal Woods on Monday at Isleworth Country Club, the PGA star's home course. "I was a little too fired up," said Francoeur, who added 17 pounds of muscle during the winter, and just might have been trying to show Woods what he could do with his additional strength. He tried to hit longer drives than the world's top golfer, at least for the early part of the round. "I did [try to] for the first three holes," Francoeur said, laughing. "Until I realized I sucked and couldn't do it." It's become an annual rite of spring for Smoltz and a couple of Braves he brings along for the round with Woods. Francoeur has been part of the group for two years in a row. Smoltz is a scratch golfer who has talked about seeing playing professionally after he retires from baseball. Francoeur is also a strong golfer, with emphasis on strong. He wins long-drive competitions at Braves events, and Smoltz said the young right fielder routinely hits 310- to 320-yard drives. "He can flat-out crush it," Smoltz said. "But he doesn't have nearly the control that Tiger has over where it's going." Smoltz said he and Glavine both played well Monday, though obviously not as well as their host. "I had three birdies," Smoltz said. "I think [Woods] had eight birdies." He smiled and added, "Actually, I know he had eight birdies." Smoltz said Glavine had what is a typical day on the course for his left-handed friend. "Glav's not fazed by it," Smoltz said of playing with Woods, which Glavine had done at least once before. "Glav's going to hit his shots, complain about some, be typical Glav." =========================================================== ajc.com > Sports > Braves Tiger takes on Smoltz at plate By DAVID O'BRIEN The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 03/06/08 Winter Haven, Fla. — Two days after John Smoltz, Jeff Francoeur and Tom Glavine played 18 holes with PGA star Tiger Woods, Smoltz faced his pal again Wednesday — this time in the pitcher's domain. Woods donned a batting helmet and Braves jersey (tucked into shorts) and stepped into the batter's box when Smoltz threw three simulated innings at Disney's Wide World of Sports. According to Braves officials who were present, Woods struck out twice and drew a walk before getting a "controversial" single in his final at-bat. "I've got the second baseman making that play," pitching coach Roger McDowell deadpanned. McDowell stayed back to watch Smoltz in the 11 a.m. session, then drove over to Winter Haven to join the Braves for their Grapefruit League game against Cleveland. Although Smoltz had fun facing Woods — "He really went after him," McDowell joked — he was otherwise serious in the second of the simulated-game sessions he is utilizing. Smoltz devised the plan — the Braves signed off on it — to enable him to work on his off-speed pitches and sinker away from the competitive game environment. He gave up a double Wednesday to Chipper Jones, who has missed four games after tweaking a hamstring and is expected back in the lineup Friday. Francoeur and Tim Hudson also hit against Smoltz. There were no fielders or umpires, and no other details such as hits, strikeouts or walks were provided. Smoltz plans to make two or three Grapefruit League starts beginning in mid-March.

Yeah, some former Braves wearing the dreaded Dodger blue.... Furcal and Andruw.....but, Andruw still makes his home here in Gwinnett County....said ATL was " home." I was in a local mall w/my sister (she was visiting from VA) and we are sitting down waiting on some of our group that was shopping; she asks me who is that guy approaching....I know him. I'm thinking now who would she know in ATL,...well, it was Andruw, his wife, and 2 kids...had some new sneakers/tennis shoes/whatever the slang is for them these days...(could tell by the bag.)

[ QUOTE ] I got to see Glavine pitch the season before last in ATL when he was with the Mets. Now I cant wasit to go see him pitch in a Braves uni. Man I am SOOO pumped about baseball season!! I am a HUGE Braves fan. I never miss a game. I have XM radio to listen in my car, MLB.TV to watch games online, and MLB gameday to watch pitch-by-pitch on my cellphone. Im addicted. TrueBlue, do you go to a lot of games in ATL? I try to come down at least twice a year to catch a couple of games. I was thinking about trying the "all you can eat/drink" seats this season, but was wondering if they were worth it. Is it the 28th yet? [/ QUOTE ] I have been to many games. Last game in old Fulton Co. stadium, playoff games during their great run, (saw Sid Bream cross the plate) also, World Series games. I'm a huge Braves fan....a very close relative just bought four season tickets behind the Braves dugout for this year....so, I'm extremely excited. Can't wait for the season to begin. Also, Gwinnett Co. will be getting the Richmond Braves in yr. 2009, they're building a new facility about 15 miles from where I live. The ppl here are hyped. Francouer (Frenchy) and McCann (B-Mac)are both from this county. Frenchy played football and baseball for Parkview (5A) school....B-Mac played baseball for Duluth (5A) school. Can't wait for the season to start. ============================================================ Added link to the Gwinnett Braves http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/cgi-bin/gw...innett%20Braves

Most Braves fans are glad to have Glavine back....I think he will contribute this year. Also, I want to see him go into the HOF wearing a Braves uniform Another article below on Chipper ============================================================ Jones enters ‘08 feeling chipper By Mark Bradley | Sunday, February 24, 2008, 06:08 PM The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Mark Bradley Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — At a time when much of the baseball-watching world believed Chipper Jones had nothing left to show us, he showed us he’s still Chipper Jones. At 35 he had one of his greatest years, hitting .337 with 29 homers, driving in 102 runs and scoring 108. And where, he is asked, would he rank 2007 among his 14 big-league seasons on the scale of purely personal satisfaction? “Fourteenth,†he says. He’s kidding. Spring training 2008 has dawned with Chipper Jones feeling … well, chipper. Apart from the bruised thumbs suffered when he tripped over the opposing third baseman (more about that later), last season was free of the injuries that limited him to 109 games in 2005 and 110 in 2006. A year ago we all were wondering if this demonstrably great player was near an end. Today, Jones says, “I want to play until I’m 40.†About last season: “It was awfully gratifying for me to prove I could still play the game at a high level when a lot of people were writing me off and saying they should get rid of my salary.†Some athletes pretend they don’t read and hear criticism. Jones admits he sees and hears everything. “I read y’all’s paper and go online and check out the rumor mill,†he says. (Indeed, he even participated, without being solicited, in David O’Brien’s AJC Braves blog two weeks ago. He logged in as “U Kno Who.â€) Does U Kno Who get mad when he sees someone post something less than positive? “No,†Jones says. “I use it as positive motivation sometimes.†The creeping consensus in spring 2007 was that Jones’ body was beginning to fail. Something was always going wrong — a hamstring, an oblique, a foot. What prevented him from believing he’d become decrepit was that it wasn’t always the same injury. “Those last two years were really fluky [injuries]. It hasn’t been my body breaking down.†Here he smiles in that wry Chipper way. “If Frenchy [Jeff Francoeur] takes a pitch and lets me steal third base [instead Francoeur grounded to third and Jones, running on the play, flipped over Pittsburgh’s Jose Bautista], I probably would’ve played 150 games last year.†He played 134, his most since 2004, and he finished sixth in the Most Valuable Player voting, his best showing since he won the award in 1999. “Last year could have been my best all-around year. I was in the running for a Gold Glove — my errors were way down, and my fielding percentage was up — and I challenged for a batting title. And I hit .300 and drove in 100 and scored 100 just like I did when I was a younger cat.†Sometimes it takes an outside observer to bring a familiar sight into sharper relief. Steve Phillips, once the Mets’ general manager and now an ESPN commentator, called Jones “the Derek Jeter of the National League†a couple of years ago, and Jeter is the most respected player in the sport. To be likened to him is the ultimate compliment. Jones took it as such. “Jeter and I are good buddies,†he says. “We’ve squared off in a couple of World Series, and I think he’ll challenge 4,000 hits before he’s through. He’s a winner. I dare say I don’t think he’ll have any problem going into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.†And his own Hall prospects? “I’m one of the guys who, if I quit right now, I wouldn’t make it. I’m on the cusp. The next five or six years will tell the tale.†Until July 2007, Mark Teixeira was one of those outside observers. Today he hits behind Jones and says, “He’s the most underappreciated player in the game … No doubt Alex [Rodriguez] is the most talented player I’ve played with, but Chipper is right behind him.†And then: “Chipper could get a lot more attention in New York or L.A., but he’s a country boy who likes to hunt and fish.†If Jones indeed plays until he’s 40, he wants it to be in the only place he has ever played. “I’ve always wanted to finish here,†he says. “Atlanta is a laid-back town, and I’m not a big-city guy. I know I could probably garner more attention and accumulate more accolades in New York, but that’s not me.†There was a time when the young Chipper was as beloved by Braves fans as Francouer is now, but the inevitable familiarity (and a messy divorce) took some luster off the golden boy. Still, Jones says, “I think I have a really good rapport with fans. They certainly make me feel that way when I’m out in public. You can’t go to dinner or to a movie without people showering you with praise. You’re never going to please everybody, and I’m not going to try. But I think I’m good enough for the majority.†So here he stands: Larry Wayne Jones Jr., age 35, about to go to work on another February morning, feeling rather better this February than he did a year ago. “Last year I was putting a little pressure on myself after what had happened. This year I’m a little more relaxed.†But not fully content. If he has learned nothing else, Chipper Jones has learned that baseball is about today and tomorrow, not yesterday. “At the end of the day,†he says, “I’ve still got to keep putting up numbers to hold everybody at bay. At my age, if you have one bad year everybody thinks you’re washed up. And I don’t want to hear it.â€

Smoltz prepping for '08 his own way Starter training differently to extend career By DAVID O'BRIEN The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 02/25/08 Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — The Braves have agreed to let John Smoltz follow an unusual spring training program that will include only two or three Grapefruit League starts and the rest of his work to be done on the back fields. The veteran ace will do most of his spring pitching in simulated games or minor-league games, where he can focus on his main goals for the spring, which include improving his change-up and especially working on his sinker and curveball. It's all part of Smoltz's plan to extend his career by improving his efficiency through inducing more contact and getting more double-play grounders. He's tired of hitters keying on hard stuff around the strike zone. "In the past, power in the zone allowed me to get away with mistakes," said Smoltz, who knows he's lost a little on his fastball and hardly ever throws the arm-stressing splitter that used to drop off the table. One couldn't tell from the results last season. Smoltz went 14-8 with a 3.11 ERA, tied for the second-most quality starts (26) among National League pitchers and ranked fifth in strikeouts per nine innings (8.6). But he pitched at times with more arm soreness than he admitted, and Smoltz said there were times he wasn't sure how he was getting such good results. "Put it this way — last year, I held my breath [on some pitches] and couldn't believe the results," he said Sunday. Thus was hatched his plan for changes in 2008, rather than keep throwing hard and keep trying to pile up strikeouts while holding his breath. Smoltz induced just eight double-play grounders in 205 2/3 innings, second-lowest per nine innings among NL starters.

...partial article only: Combine Report: NFL types sample nightlife By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER | Sunday, February 24, 2008, 10:46 AM The Atlanta Journal-Constitution That’s where news got out that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is not only battling a paternity suit, but that he told a team during an interview Saturday night that he has two children on the way. In addition to meeting with the Falcons, he met with the Raiders, who pick fourth in the draft, and several other teams.McFadden created a major buzz at the NFL scouting combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds on Sunday. McFadden ran right after Georgia running back Kregg Lumpkin ran a 4.64. On McFadden’s second timed 40-yard run, he was clocked at 4.33 seconds.

[ QUOTE ] Congrats to both Grundy and Christiansburg...looks like Region IV is going to be a huge battle this season... [/ QUOTE ] ----------------------------------------------------------- I thought I would post this about Collins Hill, it's in close proximity to where I live and same county. They're an AAAAA (5A) school. Very impressive that Christiansburg beat them in a dual meet in VA. Goes to show there's some great wrestling programs in SWVA area. ----------------------------------------------------------- The Battlefield Duals in Fairfax VA. Fri/Sat, Jan 4th & 5th The Blue Demons finished 4th at the Battlefield Duals this weekend with a 5-3 Dual record. Dual meets are all a matter of match ups and this tournament was a great example as this. Christiansburg lost a one point match to Colonial Forge, beat Collins Hill of Georgia handedly and lost to McDongh of Maryland. Yet Collins Hill easily beat McDongh, Christiansburg easily beat Collins Hill! Match up are the key in dual events! ------------------------------------------------------------ ajc.com > Sports > High school Collins Hill takes third wrestling title By KURT ASCHERMANN JR. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 02/24/08 Collins Hill had wrapped up the team title well before the finals, but Taylor Knapp put the finishing touches on one of the best seasons in Georgia's long wrestling history. Knapp (60-1) capped a dominant junior season by winning a 3-0 decision over South Cobb's Tyler Hollis in the 145-pound final to help clinch the Suwanee school's third Traditional title. "They've had a goal since the end of the year last year to win everything," Collins Hill coach Cliff Ramos said. "I think there's an argument [for this year's Eagles team] being the best team ever in Georgia." Three other Collins Hill wrestlers lost finals to some of Georgia's finest wrestlers. Joel Smith was pinned in 1:05 by 135-pounder Carson Fields, which was the Parkview wrestler's first state title after years of national success. Gary Tiller faced Class AAAAA's best pound-for-pound wrestler, Harrison's Josh Condon, and dropped a 5-3 decision. It was Condon's third consecutive state title, which completed a 60-1 season and a 205-8 high school career. Walton's Jeff Olsen won his first state title with a 10-9 decision over Nick Smith in the 171 final.

FORGETABOUTIT.....NOT A COLLEGE KID....AN IRON WORKER... ---------------------------------------------------- UPDATED: 10:53 a.m. February 23, 2008 Winning Mega Millions ticket sold in Portal, Ga. By JEFFRY SCOTT Published on: 02/23/08 A 47-year old iron worker from the tiny town of Portal, Ga., claims to have won the $270 Mega Millions lottery. He showed up Saturday morning to celebrate at Clyde's Market, where he bought the ticket Friday night. The winner, who would only give an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter his name as "Mr. Harris," said he lives in a mobile home with his wife and two daughters and drives to Atlanta to work on skyscrapers. "But all that's about to change," he said. "I used to live in a trailer. And I used to be an iron worker." Georgia Lottery officials could not be reached for comment Saturday morning to confirm that Harris purchased the winning ticket. Harris said he selected the winning numbers - 7, 12, 13, 19, 22 and Mega Ball 10 - by using the birthdates of his six granddaughters, but he did not elaborate. "I'm too happy and confused right now to think too clear," he said. Georgiana Mulrooney - a clerk who works at Clyde's Market on Highway 80, the main road through the town of about 600 - confirmed that the store sold Harris the ticket. She said the store and Harris have been in touch with lottery officials. Portal is between Statesboro and Swainsboro. At the only other place in Portal where lottery tickets are sold, Mighty Mike No. 19 on Highway 80, clerk Bridget Clarke said they were crossing their fingers earlier Saturday morning that the winning ticket had been sold there since a portion of the winnings goes to the retailer that sells the winning ticket. "It's just between us and the other store," she said. Guessing who had won was all the talk. Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn M. Anderson, who said he read that the ticket had been sold in Portal on ajc.com, said he and a group of five had bought lottery tickets Friday. One of the members was absent Saturday morning from their usual coffee gathering. "We thought maybe she already went to Atlanta to collect," Anderson said. At Portal Auto and Hardware, store owner Sammy Deal said the phone was ringing off the hook with people speculating who won. Were they from Portal or just passing through? And what would it mean to the town, which is a farming community? "With that kind of money," he said, "they could buy the place." Harris didn't mention the purchase of the city as one of the items on his shopping list.

Exactly. "Mom, Dad I do not need you to send money this week....I just won the lottery." THUUUUUDDDDDD....the sound of parents hitting the floor.

[ QUOTE ] If any of you guys win, don't forget about your old buddy Lance here on the forums...lol. Cash option is $164.3 Million....what would you do with that much money? [/ QUOTE ] The winner was someone in GA (not me). I heard the local TV guys saying this morning that the location was a community near GA Southern University. They were laughing and saying what if one of the college kids were the winner.....then, if so,would they change their major to business...lol.

ajc.com > Sports Tide football signee Jones witness in murder trial Associated Press Published on: 02/20/08 Bay Minette, Ala. — Two weeks after he announced his decision to play football at Alabama on national television, star wide receiver Julio Jones found himself in a new position - that of a key prosecution witness in a capital murder trial. Wearing a gray hoodie emblazoned with an Oklahoma Sooners' logo, Jones testified Tuesday that he witnessed the gunshot murder of a longtime acquaintance who was identified as a drug dealer. The slaying occurred in Baldwin County not far from Foley High School, where Jones became one of the nation's top football recruits. Jones, 19, said he and his best friend, 18-year-old Lugene Gibbs, watched from across a street as Labarron McDonald, 27, fatally shot Gibbs' uncle, Marlin Lashane Phipps, 33. Jones and Gibbs both said they heard three quick shots from a handgun. McDonald then yanked on Phipps' dreadlocks, pointed the barrel closer to his head and fired once more, they said. At the end of Jones' testimony, prosecutor Michael Pylant asked the player whether he identified McDonald as the gunman because of pressure from his friend's family or from police. "No, sir," Jones said. "Because I seen him." On cross-examination, defense lawyer Pascal Bruijn asked Jones whether Gibbs was his best friend. "Is that why he's standing in the door, keeping the cameras from taking your picture?" Bruijn asked Jones. Pylant objected, and Jones did not have to answer. During opening statements, Bruijn said McDonald was in Milton, Fla., when the shooting happened on May 12. Bruijn called Phipps a "violent, gang-banging drug dealer" who "made enemies and beat up on people." Gibbs, also a Foley High athletic standout, and Jones both denied smoking or drinking the day of the killing, but Gibbs said his uncle was a drug dealer. Jones was a Parade and USA Today All-American, and ESPN carried the announcement of his college decision. Named Alabama's Mr. Football by sports writers, he had 194 career catches for 3,287 yards and 42 touchdowns. He also had three rushing touchdowns and scored twice on kick and fumble returns.

Check out link about combine performances and the NFL http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3254529

My thoughts and prayers are with this family and all that knew this young man.

....time will tell.....

[ QUOTE ] thats the only reason he hasen't signed yet [/ QUOTE ] Let me add to the original post....the sports host also quoted his HS coach, (I might not get this exactly right, I might "disremember" ) ....the reason Terrelle isn't focusing on football right now is he's wanting to help his HS basketball team win a state championship. According to the sports host I was listening to yest., TP's team won or advanced (I might "disremember" this part also) to the state semi's. In the game, he had 24 pts., 20 (I think) rebounds, and 8 blocked shots. Now, I don't really care where he goes to school or when he signs but just posting this FYI.

I knew you were his #1 fan ....lol. Enjoy all the reads on there.