TankTalk

Actually Swamp, I respect the TSSAA for the job they have and do. I just don't understand a few of the small details and policies that they have. But, the book is almost complete.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I would never put someone down for what they thought. However, when you say the "school" should pay, you do understand that these kids spend their summers, their weekends and their effort to raise these small amounts of money? You understand that most school systems, if not all, give NO funding to athletics? With that said, if you feel the schools, or rather the kids, should pay for something adults are responsible for, then so be it...I don't feel that way.

Why have the TSSAA pay? Who forces the school to use three officials? Who makes all regulations dealing with atheletics? Who makes up and executes this ridiculous fines? The TSSAA does. Also, do you not think it is rather funny, that the people who make our young athletes work so hard to raise money and then take it from them, make more than our school officials and teachers? I do...they make the salaries they make...then they pass the rules they pass....and you don't expect them to help pay for the officials? Perhaps I am just missing something.

Just guessing, the school will pay the fine...but I can't say without a doubt that's the case. I can say, without a doubt, that the fines that are levied each year by the TSSAA, around 99 percent of them are paid by the schools. Therefore, the programs are fined and not the ones truly responsible.

I am sorry, I was told by the school official it was $75 per official and $195 per night is a big blow to some schools. And you actually think if $195 is kind of high for a program, they should drop it? It may not break them, but why couldn't the TSSAA and their high-paid executives not pay 20 or 30 percent of that? By the way, I have officiated in the past and $30+ each game is too high, in my opinion. Now, since you are quite aware of the basketball officiating situation, what guidelines and standards are these officials held to? I know there are some outstanding officials during basketball season...but don't kid yourself, some have no clue.

For years, I have whined about the TSSAA and their fine system. I see fines for up to $250 that come out of athletic funds, when adults (coaches, ADs, etc. who are playing ineligible players or taking some money to send a recruit somewhere) are the ones who break or lead to breaking the rules. The fines don't hurt the adults financially, it hurts the kids who have worked hard to raise money for their program. I think the TSSAA does a super job with the eye-candy situations (Title games, etc.) but the fine system is just too much, especially for some smaller schools. If they must fine, the money should come from the adult rulebreaker's check. That's my opinion. And the TSSAA should also pay for a percentage of the official's take during the regular season. In basketball, three officials at $75 a pop can all but negate a single A basketball financial draw. Let's be honest, with the standards and quality of some officials lately, are they worth $75 a night? And the ones who are, should be compensated some by the TSSAA. While the organization has many problems, these are two that really gripe me. [Edited by TankTalk on 10-17-02 10:20A]

A Knoxville station does a piece on this game each year because it is the oldest high school football series in the state of Tennessee. Maurice has all the game scores and stats I think recorded and I believe one poster was very accurate, the margin is under 5 games for Rockwood, I think.

Maybe they rolled the K up and took it with them on the Road swamp.

Think I will take Sweetwater big in this one. And King is right again, Sweetwater will compete well, but if they win the state like their fans have delusions...or illusions about...I will be very surprised. And OS, be sure to double lock the locker room door this game.

And the next big question...who will be responsible for the booster bus?

Tinker was one of the best sports editors I have ever known. Talk about someone who could utilize his skills and cover so many things...he was something else.

If that was not you with the "mistake" comments, I humbly apologize. It is quite obvious that you are not a person that can handle honesty in posting so this will be my last post on this thread. You have somehow mistaken everything I have said and turned it into a "poor me, Tank is picking on me" thread. As for your latest post, it is even more obvious you are one who judges people and therefore this thread is no longer fun. Best of luck with your business, hope it goes well. I too, will stick with what I feel...any business that makes money off the kids, should give back. And the OS Roller Rink has always scared me.

Hmmm, if there is going to be a "rasslin" match, I need to work out some.

Have you always got so defensive when questioned? Take it easy. All I did was question whether 6 or 8 people would be able to cover 60 plus schools in east Tennessee. I did mention that I would love to talk with the ones involved and I did have a little experience. I was not boasting. If being confident about your life experiences and work ethic is boasting...then I should be ashamed. And your post was so off, it was rather amusing and you were still able to avoid answering any questions. You made all these points about me questioning you and your posts, well...what's your point? You shouldn't post on this board and not expect to get questioned especially when you "tease" people with your paper. If the people who you claim to be doing this are rich and the best sports writers in east Tennessee, I am happy. If you are blowing hotair, which you have been known to do on here, then I won't be the only one shocked. I have no chip on my shoulder, but being a person who has been involved with sports media my entire adult life, the thought of an all-sports publication in east Tennessee of course got me perked up. Don't confuse a chip with anticipation of something potentially wonderful for the area. And I would hope you and your business partners use your paper for good and not to make money off the hard work of high school athletes. Goose and myself gave MUCH money to all county schools in our first year and had planned on doing so throughout our time with the paper. So many organizations, papers, radio stations and TV stations, roll into town and sell their advertsing and make a load of cash of high school athletics and NEVER give a dime back. I think you should stick with "mistake on the lake" comments instead of trying to tear down my credibility. In any situation I have ever been in, the kids and love of the game was my primary concern. I have quit jobs before because the kids have been used and treated unfairly. If I am a bad person because I truly care about the future of high school athletics, then you are blinded by something. This is a board and words have never affected me, but don't tear down an individual you have no idea about. People for the most part know who I am on this board. They know your Username.

Bah, I erased the post I had put, remembering that I was an adult. OS91, I don't know you...but do wish you would tell me your real name. And I hope this paper flies high. My paper died because of the events of 9/11 and not because of content. It was close...real close to becoming a reality but a few minor mistakes on my part ended that. With all the brain power you have assembled I am sure the 60 plus schools your promise close coverage on will be very happy, but some advice from me to you....change your terrible attitude. Many of us have witnessed it on these boards and if you are part of this sports dynasty in the making, you will need to mellow out. You will be covering high school kids...try and remember that. I asked a simple question and I got a quirky response from you. I will be waiting for your paper to come out to see if it is what you claim it is. All the "experts" you have will need DEEP pockets...and I am sure they do according to you. [Edited by TankTalk on 10-11-02 9:47A]

Hmmmm, 6 yo 8 eh? And all that coverage. So, a couple of other questions. Is the 6 or 8 just the writers or the entire staff. I mean, you have to have sales, production, circulation, office staff. To cover all the counties you have mentioned would take mega dollars. Give me one name I can contact, that's all I am asking. I would love to speak with the person who is doing this. I mean, surely someone who is taking on this venture would love to hear from someone who has covered east Tennessee sports and could perhaps offer some assistance....so just one name is all I am asking.

Actually swamp take a look at the Georgia Tech season...then tell me if Fulmer wishes Suggs was around. I like Leak's mechanics...and feel fine if he has to see duty. I mean Suggs is 4-2, but his completion percentage is in the low 50s, he has just about as many INTs as TDs and two of those wins came against Uconn and Vandy....two jobbers. UNC isn't that impressive either and Clemson, average at best, downed the Jackets and then Wake Forrest....so yeah, I will take a Vol backup over Suggs who I always thought had that look on his face....you know the look I mean...the lights are on, but nobody is home look. [Edited by TankTalk on 10-10-02 2:33P]

Local newspapers have better coverage...because they are supposed to. All the folks you have named are great and do wonderful jobs. But, in all fairness, that's what they should be doing. Extra-special attention to sports in their area is what makes them local papers. I hate seeing a small paper trying to look like The Tennessean, when their advanatage should be the extra attention they are giving teams in their county. I really hate the all-sports paper Goose started and I took over had to fold because east Tennessee may be the only area of the state it would have worked. And OS91, I have heard you talk about this all-sports paper for quite some time, how about some specifics? Who is doing it....where are they located....when will we see the first issue...how in the heck will they cover all you said they would cover and not have an editorial staff that would rival Sports Illustrated? [Edited by TankTalk on 10-10-02 11:02A]

Maurice Grief is a good PA man and dedicated beyond belief. He has a lot of knowledge when it comes to Rockwood history. Pat Sheets...while I consider him a friend...I don't consider him a great PA man. He acts a little too excited for my liking, but like I said..as a friend, I would hope that would be considered constructive criticism and it's nothing I haven't said to him.

Oh my God Goose...you have got to be kidding me? Well, that explains quite a bit. I suppose that proves anyone can get on the radio these days.

That gang you heard from 92.7 was NOT the regular Kingston announcers, who can be heard on 90.1 FM. 92.7 FM is actually a Rockwood radio station and partnered with 105.7 FM. I have heard the announcers on 92.7 FM and had to wipe the blood from my ears.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department have arrested two men today and charged them with the murder of Bochette. The men were both 20 years old and the homicide was drug-related. Both are in the Wilson County jail with bond being set at $750,000 each. That's all the information I have right now, the police chief just called me with that small amount of information.

Here is the story that I have...as of tomorrow's edition..and my prayer's are with his family as well. Editor's Note: Due to press time constraints, The Chronicle was unable to cover this tragic situation as well as needed. There will be much more in next week's issue, which will include a look at the life of Michael Bochette, Jr. By David Johnson Editor A 2-day ordeal turned into a nightmare for a Mt. Juliet family Tuesday afternoon as the body of Michael Bochette, Jr., was discovered inside his truck, submerged in Percy Priest Lake. The Cumberland University sophomore had been missing since Sunday evening, when he had called his mother and told her he would be home after picking his dog up at a friend's house. The dog provided the break in the case for authorities as it was discovered at the Seven Points boat dock near the lake. An article of Bochette's clothes was found around noon and that's when the divers were sent into Percy Priest Lake. A little more than an hour passed and the truck was discovered about 100 feet from the dock. After being raised slightly using equipment, the body was discovered in the cab of the 1995 red Ford Ranger. "The body was found inside the vehicle in what I can best describe as an unnatural way," Detective Roy Dunaway of the Metro Police Murder Squad said. When questioned about his "unnatural" comment, Dunaway said they are not ruling out anything and it looks like this will be a homicide investigation. Due to the upcoming lab work, the body was left in the truck as workers retrieved it from the lake. "The next step is the lab," Dunaway said. "We will have detectives talking to friends and trying to figure out what he was doing out this way. I will be working with the lab team to determine the cause of death and we should know much more tomorrow," Dunaway stated. The crime scene was an emotional boiling pot as friends, family and teammates gathered near the dock area as workers worked on removal. Bochette was an honor student and standout fullback for Cumberland University. While in high school at Mt. Juliet High School, Bochette was an all-state football player, as well as garnering several academic awards. Dunaway seemed confident that foul play was involved and assured members of the media that the lab and autopsy would be of great benefit to the investigation.

Dang you Goose...don't you know as a member of the sports media, you can NEVER miss a prediction.

You are bringing up some wonderful counter-points and stories...but the facts are still there. How many people are honestly surprised that Moss is now showing thug behavior? I bet not many...in fact the only thing I am surprised about is that it took this long. You can take all the talent in the world and couple it with his attitude and it's just a matter of time before it crumbles. His teammates hate him....his old fans are starting to abandom him and that's where an athlete hits the crossroad. He either straightens up or he becomes a statistic.