Sports 180 with Josh Ward & Will West

August 31, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Texas A&M has officially decided to seek affiliation with another conference.

Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loften wrote the following in a letter to Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe:

“After much thought and consideration, and pursuant to the action of the (Texas A&M University System) Board of Regents authorizing me to take action related to Texas A&M University’s athletic conference alignment, I have determined it is in the best interest of Texas A&M to make application to join another athletic conference. We appreciate the Big 12′s willingness to engage in a dialogue to end our relationship through a mutually agreeable settlement,” Loftin added. “We, too, desire that this process be as amicable and prompt as possible and result in a resolution of all outstanding issues, including mutual waivers by Texas A&M and the conference on behalf of all the remaining members.”

The next step for Texas A&M will likely be to apply for membership into the SEC.

August 12, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Arkansas running back Knile Davis suffered an injury to his left ankle in yesterday’s scrimmage and is “expected” to miss the entire 2011 football season, according to a statement from the university.

“I am extremely disappointed for Knile,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. “He is a captain who was incredibly focused on the upcoming year. His leadership throughout the offseason was significant in the development of this team. Our athletic trainers and medical staff are the best in the country, and Knile’s mental toughness will be an asset to him during the recovery process. I am fully confident in the mindset of our running back group and their ability to perform.”

So where does Arkansas go from here without Davis, who rushed for 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns last season? Robbie Neiswanger shared some thoughts last night.

Neiswanger will join Friday’s show at 12:10 to discuss what Davis’ injury means for Arkansas and its SEC title hopes this season.

August 1, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Former Tennessee running back Toney Williams is trying to decide where he will finish his college career now that he’s decided to transfer from UT.

Williams, who has three years of eligibility remaining, told WNML Radio he plans to visit Ball State in the near future. He said he’s unsure what other schools might be interested in his services.

“I don’t want to rush my decision,” Williams said. “It’s an important decision.”

So was his decision to transfer. Williams, who rushed five times for 11 yards as a redshirt freshman last season, found himself caught in a crowded backfield at UT.

“I just felt like it was time for me and the program to go in different directions,” Williams said. ”I think (Tennessee’s) program is going in the right direction. Vol fans have a good thing to look forward to.”

July 24, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Tennessee senior linebacker Austin Johnson was arrested and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct on Sunday morning.

Johnson was released on $1,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on Aug. 4.

The news was first reported by Austin Ward of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Johnson is a key member of UT’s linebacking corps that enters the season with plenty of questions. What kind of punishment Johnson might face from UT coach Derek Dooley is unknown.

June 7, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Mike Hamilton will announce his resignation at 11 a.m. eastern time on Tuesday morning.

The timing is interesting considering Tennessee is scheduled to appear in front of the NCAA Committee on Infractions later this week.

Jimmy Hyams reported that Hamilton will stay with UT through June 30 and represent UT when they go in front of the COI.

Listen to The Sports Animal at 11 to hear Hamilton’s press conference live. We will take your thoughts on the move between 12-3 this afternoon.

May 27, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Many of us have grown up playing and watching baseball. Often we take for granted the opportunity to grab a ball and glove to go play catch in our backyard or down at the local field. But there are many children across America who don’t have the same opportunities to play baseball and learn  about the game. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Diamonds & Dreams, which is sponsored by Chevrolet and the MLB.

Diamonds & Dreams provides prizes, which include field makeovers, clinics and equipment packages for youth baseball communities across America. Anyone can enter for a chance to win the prizes as well as a trip for 4 to the MLB All Star Game or your own new Chevrolet! You can find out more and even play a mini baseball game here: http://on.fb.me/g2H59j

Here’s how you can help. Follow me on Twitter (@Josh_Ward) and either re-tweet my initial #playcatch tweet, or start a game on your own that includes the #playcatch hashtag and the link to the D&D Facebook tab:

http://on.fb.me/g2H59j

When you use the #playcatch hashtag with a friend, each unique thrower earns 1 ball for the Tennessee Youth Baseball Association up to 100!

Now let’s #playcatch !!

April 5, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

We have a new Twitter account for the show that allows you to follow us easily every day.

Keep up with the show by following us here: @Sports180.

Thanks,
Josh and Will

March 9, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Here are several stories that have been written since yesterday’s press conference involving Ohio State’s president, athletic director and head football coach.

The explanations from Jim Tressel and Ohio State shouldn’t be believed, writes Stewart Mandel. (SI)

Have you read Jim Tressel’s emails from last spring and summer? You need to. (SportsByBrooks)

Clay Travis explains why Ohio State and Jim Tressel are in big trouble. (Clay Travis)

Ray Ratto saw the arrogance from Ohio State that so many others noticed. (CBS Sports)

Is college football following apart? Bruce Feldman addresses that question. (ESPN Insider)

Gregg Doyel is bothered by Ohio State not firing Tressel. Bruce Pearl is mentioned, too. (CBS Sports)

David Whitley isn’t impressed with the ignorance defense of Ohio State. (Sporting News)

NCAA president Mark Emmert needs to clean up this cheating mess, writes Dennis Dodd. (CBS Sports)

March 4, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

It was a press gathering unlike most on Friday when former Tennessee defensive line coach Chuck Smith appeared in front of Neyland Stadium.

Smith, who was let go by Tennessee less than a week after signing day last month, wanted to clear the air about why he’s leaving UT. Smith did so much more than that. Watch the videos below to see everything Smith had to say to the media.

Smith also appeared on the 3 Hour Lunch on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville Friday afternoon. Click here to hear that interview.

March 2, 2011 in Blog by Josh Ward

Hello everyone. If you haven’t heard, I have decided to run the Country Music Marathon in Nashville on April 30. That’s 26.2 miles.

I’m running to help raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. If you would like to donate, click here.

New Balance Knoxville is helping me train for the marathon. They also want to help with the Boys & Girls Clubs. That’s why New Balance Knoxville would like to offer any customer that mentions “Josh Ward” or “The Sports Animal” a $5 donation in their name to the Boys & Girls Clubs with any footwear purchase.

Want to see how my training is going? Check out the video below.