Links and videos from recent happenings around the sporting world. If you come across good articles, videos, etc. – please pass them along, I’d love to take a look.

College Football:

The National Football League and NFL Players Association are considering punishments for college rule breakers. I’m not sure if it’s something they’ll be able to do but there’s no doubt it could help deter some of the rule-breaking in college football.

The Big Lead examined the challenges of covering Texas for the World Wide Leader which is about to become the hardest beat to cover at the network with good quotes from Pat Forde and Stewart Mandel.

Dan Wetzel wrote a great overview of the Miami scandal and the the NCAA flaws. You have to think something must be done to fix the corruption throughout college football.

Several players named in the Miami scandal (that have enrolled elsewhere) have been granted “limited immunity” to provide information to the NCAA (HT Dr. Saturday). This is a huge twist to the investigation and seems to be a great way for the NCAA to gather information.

Patrick Rishe says the Miami college football program must receive the death penalty. The violations and scope of the mess in Miami has put the death penalty on the table but I’m undecided on this.

Mr. College Football (Tony Barnhart) suggests giving the death penalty to coaches and that the Miami case is worse than SMU’s among other items in his column.

Former NFL agent Josh Luchs suggests a very interesting way to clean up college football – “Take Compliance Departments off the school payroll and put them on an autonomous payroll of the NCAA.” He’s right, the schools would hate it but it might actually work (HT SportsbyBrooks).

Former Miami walk-on football player, Adam Bates, has a some very interesting thoughts on the recent allegations at Miami – On snakes, rats, weasels, and Hurricanes. I don’t agree but it’s definitely a school of thought out there.

Photo via zimbio.com

As I mentioned last week, Darron Thomas (pictured above) was in Cliff Harris’ vehicle when he was stopped for driving 118 mph. Here’s the fun part – Thomas says he was asleep in Harris’ car and wasn’t smoking pot. We believe you Darron – especially since this is the third time you’ve been in a cited vehicle involving marijuana… At least Cliff was honest when he told the police “we smoked it all.”

Highly touted running back Lache Seastrunk left the Oregon program and will transfer (to Baylor). Seastrunk told coach Chip Kelly that he wanted to be closer to home. I haven’t seen Seastrunk mention it, but there’s no doubt the NCAA investigation regarding Oregon’s $25,000 payment to Willie Lyles for his services had to have played a role in his decision. Here’s a good read from George Schroeder on the situation - Seastrunk not yet a bust, but certainly a victim.

Obviously this isn’t news to  me but it might surprise some of you - Boise State is the most underrated team in the pre-season AP poll over the last five years. Hmm, that’s weird.

Despite not being a stater, Boise State defensive end Jarrell Root is the team’s vocal leader. If you’ve ever been around Jarrell, this shouldn’t be a surprise.

One of the Broncos’ biggest concerns heading into the 2011 season – and especially the opener against Georgia – is replacing Austin Pettis and Titus Young at wide receiver. As a result, Boise State is counting on a deep collection of receivers to step up this season. Keep your eye on Matt Miller who missed a chance to play as a true freshman last year after injuring his Achilles during fall camp.

English Premier League:

Arsenal agreed to terms with Manchester City for a £22m sale of Samir Nasri. With Arsene Wenger threatening to use Nasri in today’s Champions League match I’m not surprised City closed the deal.

To top things off, Manchester United are reportedly poised to make a swoop for Wesley Sneijder. Just what Arsenal fans wanted to hear after selling Fabregas and Nasri.

Surfing:

Apparently the ASP and Billabong won’t give Bruce Irons a wildcard for this year’s Billabong Pro Tahiti despite forecasts of huge surf (Bruce’s forte) and AI helping to build Billabong’s brand – Teahupoo, The Forecast, and The Brucie. I have no idea who the author is, but he nails it. (HT Jamie O’Brien)

Speaking of Andy and Teahupoo – check out this great video from Billabong “Teahupoo’s Favorite Son”:

ESPN Surf caught up with Joel Parkinson to talk about regaining the No. 1 spot on tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti and more.

National Hockey League:

My all-time favorite hockey player, Chris Drury, decided to hang up his skates last week. Drury will be adored forever by Avs and Sabres fans for his leadership qualities, hustle and ability to score clutch goals.  According to John Buccigross, “from ’99-’02 no player had more game winning-goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs than Chris Drury’s 11.”

Coaching:

Legendary Tennessee Women’s Basketball coach Pat Summitt was diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s type dementia but has no plans of stepping down. The story says, “The 59-year-old Summitt, who has 1,071 career victories and has led UT to eight national championships, is determined to continue coaching and is planning for her 38th season at UT.” Dan Wetzel wrote a great column about the terribly sad news - The indomitable Pat Summitt faces her toughest opponent, dementia.

Any good articles or videos I missed? Happy Humpday Everyone!