A Word To The Weis Is Sufficient

I suppose by now we all are fatigued by the "Spygate" comings, goings, and doings on the tube, internet boards, and in the press.

And, why is it called "Spygate?" Hell, it's small pickens compared to the shenanigans of Gordon Liddy, Chuck Colson and all the president's men of the Nixon era.

On the gridiron, unfortunately, Spygate is not small stuff, we are told.

Here's what we're dealing with, re the New England Patriots--Cheating, pure and simple. Trying to gain the edge, whether it's right or wrong, like a bunch of coaches and parents involved with those ankle-biter football programs for the small ones. It is wrong for high-salaried, so-called imaginative coaches. Ethics and Morality also fit in someplace.

If it is true, then Belichick, his conspirators, and Charlie Weis (if he was involved) should be ashamed of themselves. It's not like a wayward husband who has a mistress. Eatin ain't cheatin. Blowjobs don't count against you. Bilking fans and opponents should cost the guilty their reputations and credibility at the least.

Cheating of the signal-spying kind at the pro level, no less, is asinine and bush league, and is nothing new. I would expect better from Romeo and Charlie (not Belichick, however).

Let's face it: Fighting Irish faithful are at loose ends because of Charlie's alleged involvement by some. Otherwise, who cares? (It has brought in Notre Dame, that's why). Weis and the ND flaks should stop saying this is not a Notre Dame matter. Of course it is.

Having said that, Weis should get off the bench and onto the media field and give a straight answer, yes or no, and move onto some other topic. He'll be forgiven--although not by those who claimed he was an offensive genius.

But please Charlie, no more lengthy explanations about your son on the sidelines in full mini-me regalia. That deserves a mea culpa. Maxima!
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--Old Shillelagh

"Mirror, Mirror, on the (Locker Room) Wall"

"Ah, to see ourselves as others see us."

Thus wrote the poet/scribe, Robert Burns.

Charlie Weis, who has the tendency to talk through his rear-end because his head knows better, might give some thought to the masterful rhetoric of the Great Scot.

The so-called flag-waver of "no excuses" said he too could win with hoodlums and thugs if he so chose to recruit that way; and he also allows as how Michigan will exempt itself from victory over the Irish this year because of a new coach, new system and untested QBs.

Thus spoke the Fighting Irish coach: "To hell with Michigan."

Many friends and foes (Dana Jacobson doesn't count) alike are wondering about Weis' arrogant articulations that have exceeded his ability on the practice field and sideline.

From our perch in the bleachers we see a man who has a lot to prove as a mentor and as a speaker on the rubber chicken circuit.

Having said that, we also see a coach who has a fine staff, braced by messrs. Brown and Tenuta with obvious upgrades in Latina, Oliver, and a lot of "audacious hope" in Haywood.

The Y2008 edition of the Irish football team is veteran-laden, some damn-good depth on both sides of the ball, and a talented Freshmen crop. There were many positive signs in the spring; also a number of vets, led by Yeatman and Kuntz, who missed that session will be competing in August; and Michael Floyd, Ethan Johnson, Steve Filer, Hafis Williams, Braxton Cave, Trevor Robinson, Kyle Rudolph and other blue-chip recruits won't shy away from playing time or starting positions. This is an outstanding squad.

These are smart kids, good kids--not thieves or crooks, and should have a winning season under skilled coaching. That's a Notre Dame custom.

Hell, Charlie, that long-established tradition doesn't graduate.

No Excuses.

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--Wee Leprechaun & Old Shillelagh