The arrests keep coming. After our last weekly recap featured several stories about arrests in the college football world, the theme seems to continue on into this week’s headlines. College Football weekly recap July 12 – 18
Eleven Fighting Irish Athletes arrested
Joe Montana’s son Nate was among 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish athletes arrested for underage drinking at a party Friday night. Montana was the backup quarterback to starter Dayne Crist coming out of spring.
City police arrested a total of 44 people. Two non-athletes were charged with providing alcohol to minors. Irish basketball player Tim Abromaitis, who was the team’s second-leading scorer last season, was among the arrested athletes.
NCAA investigating UNC football
The NCAA is reportedly investigating the Tar Heels’ football team for possible rules violations. UNC football players have been interviewed about agents and receiving gifts and extra benefits. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin was among those interviewed.
The NCAA reportedly asked all players who are projected to make it to the NFL to provide phone records, so the organization could determine which agents they have been in contact with.
Johnson retires
Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson has announced his retirement in a surprise move seven weeks before the opening of the 2010 NCAA College Football season. Johnson said that he wanted to figure out what to do for the rest of his life and wanted enough time to go in the direction he desires for the rest of his life.
Robbie Caldwell, who has been with the coaching staff for eight years, takes over as interim head coach. Johnson had been the head coach at Vanderbilt since 2002, but failed to produce a winning season. He had a 29-66 record as Vandy’s head coach, and holds a total coaching record of 89-102.
The timing of the retirement leaves the team reeling to get organized in time for the season. Caldwell has coached the offensive line in his time with the Commodores and it looks like he will keep doing that job while taking on head coaching duties.
He helped prepare Chris Williams for his NFL career with the Chicago Bears. Williams was called undersized when he came to the school and didn’t look like he was going anywhere. With the help of Caldwell, the offensive tackle ended up the 14th pick in the 2008 draft.
Mallett should be ready to go
Ryan Mallett, the Arkansas Razorbacks starting quarterback, says he should be ready to go for fall camp. Mallett broke his foot in February and the healing process is going well. The quarterback got hurt during conditioning drills.
He was initially expected to be ready after three to four months, but was extremely limited in spring practice. Mallet had a screw replaced in his left foot in June, and was optimistic about his recovery.
He has said that he can participate in passing drills and he is keeping his conditioning up by swimming. He threw for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns last season and led the team to an 8-5 record.
