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 NCAA conducted an educational Enforcement Experience for about 25 media members allowing them to participate in a mock investigation and infractions case. Pat Forde (ESPN) – one of the media members in attendance – says there’s nothing simple about catching cheaters. Stewart Mandel (SI) says the Enforcement Experience helped understand the process and solidify the need for changes.

Photo via blogs.orlandosentinel.com

Arizona State linebacker Votaze Burfict is one of the most physically gifted athletes in all of college football but he can also be somewhat of a loose cannon. If Burfict (pictured above) can keep his composure and live up to the hype, the Sun Devils could be a threat to win the Pac-12.

Utah’s Thretton Palamo – one of the best rugby players in the country – makes the transition from rugby to football for the Utes.

Former Seminole DB Deion Sanders and former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr headline the new college football Hall of Fame class.

If you dislike the Bowl System as much as I do you’ll want to read this – The Bowls: Silly Extravagance or Worthwhile Tradition? gives a detailed look at teams’ bowl expense reports. Clearly bowl games are a waste of money for schools across the country.

Boise State was among 14 schools that received an award from the NCAA for high Academic Progress Rate. The Broncos received the award for earning a multiyear APR in the top 10 percent of all FBS teams.

Soccer:

This story is hard to believe but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has earned the right to brag having won eight consecutive league titles at five clubs in three countries.

If you haven’t seen David Beckham’s free-kick goal from this weekend – enjoy the magic:

Arsenal could finish outside of the automatic Champions League places and play-offs may await the Gunners after the dismal finish to the season. I can’t say I’m surprised after Arsenal’s disaster finish in the Carling Cup.

A Pacific Passion Play – soccer has returned to the Pacific Northwest and as the rivalries rebuild (Seattle, Portland & Vancouver), the region is turning into a hotbed for the sport.

The two best players in the world – Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo – have been battling each other all season and remain rivals to the end. (HT Michael Brady)

National Hockey League:

Sharks center Patrick Marleau took some heat last week - especially from Jeremy Roenick – as San Jose appeared to be choking their 3-0 series lead to the Red Wings. Marleau answered his critics with the game-winning goal in game 7.

Surfing:

Quicksilver’s team of Young Guns raided the fabled North Shore for some typical grom shenanigans – here are some more photos from Island Time:

For those looking to keep up with the ASP here’s a recap from Day 1 of the Billabong Pro Rio.

National Basketball Association:

This was circulating last week but it’s too good not to put on here. Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw, a candidate to replace Phil Jackson has persevered despite tragedy.  You might want to have some Kleenex ready for this one.

College Basketball:

Former Villanova Basketball player Will Sheridan is gay and at peace as he explained/discussed his coming-out story. This is another great read.

Idaho:

One of Idaho’s best athletes ever – Harmon Killebrew – died Tuesday morning of cancer at age 74. Not only will “Killer” be remembered for his accomplishments on the field but also for making countless people’s days brighter.

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