Each Wednesday I share links to good articles/columns from recent happenings from 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:

I touched on this last week (4/27/11) – The antitrust suit vs the BCS can succeed without “winning” which is potentially great news for college football fans.

Amid all the terrible destruction from the tornadoes in the south, Alabama football player Carson Tinker was injured and his girlfriend killed in the tornado that tore through Tuscaloosa.

If you can stomach reading any more of the NCAA issues at Ohio State – here’s why the six suspended Ohio State players were allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl. Having read that, it’s absolutely ridiculous those players allowed to participate in the Sugar Bowl.

Oregon had their spring scrimmage last weekend and there’s no question who the Ducks’ leader is.

Alleged “street agent” Willie Lyles broke his silence calling the recruiting rumors false. What did you expect him to say? Oregon paid him $25,000 where as LSU paid $6,000 and Cal paid $5,000 – seems a little peculiar to me.

Photo via idahopress.com

Boise State held their underclassmen pro-day last week and CB Jamar Taylor, RB Doug Martin, S George Iloka and WR Geraldo Hiwat (pictured above) were among the standouts.

The PAC-10 – soon to be PAC-12 – signed a $3 billion television deal with Fox and ESPN to televise the conference’s football (and basketball) games for the next 12 years.

ESPN.com’s Mark Schlabach released his post-spring Way-Too-Early 2011 Top 25 if you’re looking for something to debate with your friends or co-workers.

Boise State has been cited for lack of institutional control by the NCAA for a major violation by the women’s tennis team and secondary violations in four sports including football.  Good thing the NCAA is going after Boise State for providing $4,934 on lodging, meals and transportation to 63 students from ’05-’09 but it’s cool that Cam Newton can be shopped for $180,000.

As a result of the NCAA violations Boise State self-imposed penalties of three fewer pre-season practices this year and next along with three fewer scholarships over the next two seasons.  I guess they decided to take swift, decisive action in hopes of preventing further sanctions.

National Football League:

Rookie 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh got his man in Colin Kapernick. Harbaugh wanted a quarterback who loves to practice, learn, and play and it sound’s like he got what he wanted. It will be intriguing to see how well Harbaugh can bring Kaepernick along and if he’ll play this season.

Surfing:

The Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Winners were announced last weekend.  Here’s Danilo Couto’s RIDE OF THE YEAR at Jaws, Maui (no sound unfortunately):

Soccer:

Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan received the longest suspension in MLS history – 10 games and a $5,000 fine – for his horrendous leg-breaking tackle on Seattle’s Steve Zakuani.  I saw (and heard) the replay of the tackle once and wont be watching it again but I wouldn’t have been opposed to an even longer suspension.

To my amazement, Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday at the Emirates. Unfortunately for the Gunners it appears to be too little, too late after struggling through April but for Man United and Chelsea the title race is back on. I can’t wait for Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford between the Blues and Red Devils.

Speaking of the Gunners, the club released photos of their home kit for the 2011-12 season.  I don’t like them as much as the current kits but I can’t complain too much.

National Hockey League:

This is a little long but worth the read for any Colorado Avalanche fans – TSN’s Off-season Game Plan for the Avs.

National Basketball Association:

Photo via everyjoe.com

It seems as though many casual and avid NBA fans don’t like watching Tim Duncan or think he’s too boring but appreciate him while you can; he may be gone soon.  Despite the Big Fundamental’s “boring” playing style, he’s arguably the best power forward of all time. (HT Dave Smith)

Osama bin Laden:

This obviously isn’t sports related but I’ve been fascinated by the event, circumstances, details, etc. of the Navy SEAL raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.  I could post at least 20 links about all of this but thought I would just put a few on here.

Osama bin Laden’s 6 page obituary in the New York Times – The Most Wanted Face of Terrorism.

Twitter user Sohaib Athar (@ReallyVirtual) unknowingly live-tweeted the Osama raid. Click on his twitter name and scroll down to see all of his tweets from that night.

What life was like in the Bin Laden compound – BBC

How the raid happened – BBC

The team that killed Bin Laden – BBC

Lastly, I want to give a shout out to all the Navy SEALs involved in the raid to take out Osama bin Laden and all the other soldiers & veterans that protect this country.

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