Category: Cal Bears

Cal/Stanford Football podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal to open up season at home against Washington; Stanford at Oregon this Saturday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cal Bears head coach Justin Wilcox has been preparing the Golden Bears for the 2020 season which opens up against the Washington Huskies on Sat Nov 7th at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley (file photo mercurynews.com)

On the Cal/Stanford football podcast with Morris:

#1 The Cal Bears got a workout Saturday at the Berkeley campus after taking Friday off from practice. The Bears are preparing for the Washington Huskies for this Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium a game that head coach Justin Wilcox is looking forward to after a later than normal start.

#2 Morris the Pac 12 has emphasized on the safety protocols but with travel and everything that is involved with it is the protocols more tighter per say than the NFL’s because the NFL has had some positive tests during this regular season?

#3 Morris for Saturday’s game at Cal how important is it for the Bears to put pressure on Washington quarterback and to keep control of the Huskies offense?

#4 Turning to Stanford football quarterback David Mills whose entering his senior year has a career 1960 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. The five interceptions over the last three years tells you how much he’s been careful with the football.

#5 Oregon’s quarterback Tyler Shough is the probable starter against the Cardinal Saturday. Shough who was a red shirt is said to be in the lead for the starting quarterback job while Anthony Brown who was at Boston College transferred over to the Ducks is also competing for the quarterback job.

Morris does the Cal/Stanford football podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Cal/Stanford podcast with Morris Phillips: Pac 12 Commish Scott missed 8 game playoff opportunity; plus more on Cal and Stanford

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pac 12 Commissioner Larry Scott stands in front of So Fi Stadium in Inglewood addressing the media back on Feb 26, 2020. Scott tried to get the Pac 12 an eight game playoff format in September but those plans got rejected (AP News photo)

Cal/Stanford podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris, the Pac 12 Commissioner Larry Scott made news today he was called incompetent by missing a change to have an eight team playoff.

#2 Scott could have had a better playoff that had eight teams but delayed and missed an opportunity and the deal he settled for got rejected in September by the College Football Playoff management committee.

#3 Morris how important is it when Cal Senior Associate Athletic Director Josh Hummel says it’s important to bring back student athletes for voluntary conditioning workouts?

#4 Morris Cal quarterback Chase Garbers has started 19 of his last 21 games with a 13-6 record is remarkably 13-2 in games he’s played more than half the game.

#5 Morris for Stanford quarterback Davis Mills has played in his last eight games and made six starts, throwing for 1960 yards and 11 touchdowns how solid do you see him at quarterback in the all six game Pac 12 schedule?

Join Morris each Monday for the Cal/Stanford podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pac 12 Foootball podcast with Morris Phillips: Can Scott get the Pac 12 on network television?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

What will be the next move for Pac 12 Commissioner Larry Scott as major network television are not interested in broadcasting Pac 12 games (awfulannouncing.com)

On the Pac 12 Football podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris how much trouble is the Pac 12 in when they can’t get a TV deal?

#2 Morris talk about the networks who didn’t want any part of the Pac 12 CBS, Fox, and ESPN.

#3 Morris turning to Cal Bears football, outside linebacker Tevin Paul had opted out and lineman Luc Bequette transferred. Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said that since the season was switching to the fall from spring he had little time to find replacements and is working with what he has to get ready for the season.

#4 Sirmon said that he has enough players to develop outside linebackers in place of Paul’s departure for example Sirmon said he has Cam Goode is an excellent rusher and Braxton Croteau physically has developed into a good linebacker. Sirmon sounds pretty confident in the linebacking position.

#5 Cal lineman Brett Johnson had Covid 19 during the summer but has been cleared for practice. Johnson said while he had it he didn’t take a second test during his time in quarantine because of dead traces of the virus in your body. Johnson said he just stayed in his house playing video games and eating chicken pot pie.

Join Morris Phillips for the Pac 12 podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears Football podcast with Michael Duca: Is bringing back the Pac 12 all about health and safety or the big bucks?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cal Bears and Pac 12 Football will return on November 6th the first of a seven game schedule and will be headed up by Cal Bears head coach Justin Wilcox (USA Today file photo)

On the Cal Bears Football podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 There have been arguments already about the return of Pac 12 football namely that it is a mistake for them to return after it was originally postponed. The Cornavirus count has not gone down and could hit as many as 250,000 into January and February. Is the Pac 12 making the responsible decision in enacting a new season next month?

#2 The Pac 12 CEO and University of Oregon president Michael Schill said Thursday that health and safety is one of the Pac 12’s number one priority. Do you still see right through the real motive here that these universities are under immense pressure by the alumni donars, sponsors and parents of the student athletes because it’s really about the bottom line?

#3 The Mountain West also with the Pac 12 announced they will return in November and like the Pac 12 the MWC will tell you this is all about that the students and their academics come first, and as student athletes that their health and safety and following the safety protocols for the players and it’s team personnel and education come first before anything else.

#4 The Pac 12 has a seven game season starting Nov 6th and the MWC plans to have a eight game season starting October 24th. Did the conferences decide to play this fall because they feel it was better for more interest to than in the spring?

#5 Pac 12 men’s and women’s basketball is also set to return on Nov 25th which gives basketball just a month to prepare and get ready for regular season play other than the safety issues do you see this being like any other Pac 12 basketball season and being competitive and worry free?

Michael Duca does analysis on the Cal Bears at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Will the Pac 12 really be back?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pac 12 game between Arizona State and Kent State at the ASU campus at Tempe Arizona from Aug 29, 2019. The Pac 12 is reconsidering returning by November or December talks are still continuing. (AP News photo)

Morris on Cal Bears football podcast:

#1 Morris how serious how committed is the Pac 12 in 2020.

#2 The Pac 12 is taking information that the Coronavirus is either under control or it’s safe to return to contact football do you still see this as a risk to return for the players?

#3 The Pac 12 commissioner Larry Scott said that the partnership with Quidel a rapid Covid-19 test lab would have test results back and that should be a resolution for returning if the team knows whose negative or not.

#4 Morris, Scott told ESPN he is highly confident that the Pac 12 will start no later than Jan 1st. The players will have time to prepare for the season this month September as Scott said that the season can start as early as November and December.

#5 One thing the Pac 12 is confident about is that test results from Quidel could come back on game day to see if anyone is asymptomatic and prevent them from taking the field

Morris Phillips is a Cal Bears beat reporter at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears report: With California leading in Covid cases in the nation Pac 12 shuts down sports for the fall

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Cal Athletics image from calbears.com

By Morris Phillips and Michael Duca

BERKELEY–In what seems like no end in sight the Pac 12 group today voted to cancel all fall sports through the end of 2020 and will plan to resume play in the spring. This was given careful consideration after consulting with the Medical Advisory Committee and the athletic directors of each of the Pac 12 schools.

The committee made clear they were very concerned about practices that involved contact sports such as football. The Pac 12 said when they see that the virus has flattened in a safe way and that cases have gone to a safe number the conference will consider returning competitive sports with a target date of Jan 1, 2021.

Student athletes will have their scholarships guaranteed, the Pac 12 also is offering NCAA grant students who already have opted out of sports programs another year of eligibility for this school year. Those students will receive from their universities advisement and tutoring as support from canceled sports programs and their academic education.

University of Oregon president Michael H. Schill said that he along with students, coaches, and staff is disappointed that it had to come to this but Schill said putting safety is job number one, “All of the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors understand the importance of this decision, and the disappointment it will create for our student-athletes, the coaches, support staff and all of our fans,” said Schill. “Ultimately, our decision was guided by science and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of student-athletes. We certainly hope that the Pac-12 will be able to return to competition in the New Year.”

Cal Athletic director Jim Knowlton and Cal Chancellor Carol Christ put out a heartfelt statement knowing that this impacts students athletes who have worked all their school lives to get to this point only to see their season canceled under such pandemic circumstances, “We are aligned in our support for the Pac-12’s decision to postpone fall sports. While the decision was difficult, it is consistent with our shared commitment to the health and well-being of Cal’s student-athletes, coaches and staff. Our hearts go out to the student-athletes who will not have the opportunity to compete this fall. We are incredibly proud of how they have been navigating the disappointments and uncertainties surrounding their athletic pursuits, and we will do all that we can to support them during these difficult times. We look forward to the day when they will be able to, once again, train for and compete in the sports they love. We look forward to the day when we can, together with members of Cal’s extended family, once again cheer them on as they pursue excellence on the field of play.”

Morris Phillips and Michael Duca are beat writers and podcasters for Cal Football at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Pac 12 Commissioner dismissive on players demands

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pac 12 Commissioner Larry Scott said that he will not meet with Pac 12 players any further regarding stronger safety protection issues and eligibility protection status if they opt out for this season (file photo from mercurynews.com)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

#1 Pac 12 players have said that in their discussions with Pac 12 Commissioner Larry Scott regarding Covid-19 safety issues and stronger protection status said Scott had not offered any concrete mandates.

#2 Over the weekend Pac 12 players said they will opt out for this season if the following is not instituted out of concern for safety issues, continuous Covid-19 testing and the protection of players eligibility status that choose to opt out due to safety reasons.

#3 In the NFL close to 70 players have already opted out will that be kind of signal for college players that opting out might be the choice to make based on all the safety data and all the latest news

#4 The players had a statement through The Players Tribune which outlined the players needs before the start of the season, the players also said that Scott was “condescending, unprepared and unwilling” to meet with them again and that Scott said the players could go meet with conference’s medical advisory board.

#5 There were a combined number of Cal and Stanford players involved in the negotiations with the Pac 12 up to at least 15 players from both schools but after seeing how Scott handled his last meeting with the players do you see a number of players coming on board to opt out and joining in to be more vocal for their demands?

Join Michael Duca for Giants and Cal Bears podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Cal Bears Football podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Former ASU QB Rudy Carpenter leads Pac 12 in possible boycott if demands aren’t met

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter is leading the negotiations for player benefits for over 50 Pac 12 players who threatened to boycott if their demands are not met (espn.com file photo)

On the Cal Bears football podcast with Morris:

#1 Former Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter is the designated representative for all 12 Pac 12 schools stating players from the various schools are making demands for revenue sharing, Covid-19 protocols, and improved insurance for post graduation.

#2 It was reported that over 50 players are involved in the negotiations in the Pac 12 and that the Cal Bears are leading the protest. Carpenter says another meeting is scheduled and will later report how far apart are the players and the Pac 12.

#3 Carpenter reported that he has contacted other Pac 12 players and the amount of players are growing in the fight for more insurance protections and Covid-19 protocols Carpenter says the players are considering boycotting if there demands are not met.

#4 The NCAA is considering instituting rules saying players must be tested for Covid-19 72 hours before each game in sports that are considered a high risk contact sport such as football, men’s and women’s basketball.

#5 Cal has the third most four star players in the Pac 12 the Bears don’t have the most total commits but they have enough to ranked fifth good enough to be competitive this coming season.

Jerry Fietelberg  is filling in for Morris Phillips Join Morris each Monday for the Cal Bears podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headlines Sports podcast with Morris Phillips: Pac 12 scheduling conference games only; SEC Commissioner says season highly likely in jeopardy

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal Athletic Director Bernard Muir shared his concerns as the Stanford Athletic Department has already cut 11 programs and are looking at more than a $12 million deficit for the Stanford Athletics 2021 season (photo from sfgate.com)

On Headline Podcast with Morris:

#1 The Pac 12 took the Big 10’s lead and have scheduled only conference games only.  The decision is not only for the football program but it extends to other college sports as well.

#2 Cal reported that 47 new cases of Cornoavirus has spread these cases were confirmed just last week  when the Cal Greek Club met and reported that they were infected. Which confirms that classes won’t be held on campus this fall.

#3 At the beginning of the crisis back in March there were 23 reported cases of Covid-19 on  the Cal campus but since the re-opening at the end of last May these 47 new cases and the spiking of the epidemic have the Cal campus scrambling not to have classes at the campus.

#4 Last week Stanford canceled 11 athletic programs and as SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated he highly doubts their will be a football season in the SEC and that extends to the Pac 12.

#5 Not only is Stanford cutting sports programs they reported that their starting to have budget problems. Stanford Athletic Director Bernard Muir shared his concerns stating that even before the pandemic Stanford was looking at a $12 million projected deficit for 2021.

Morris Phillips does Headline Sports each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal’s Bynum leads eight players on Lindy’s pre season team

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

calbears.com file photo: Bears cornerback Camryn Bynum has a great track record not missing the last 38 games over the last three seasons and is first pick on Lindy’s 2020 pre season All Pac 12

On Headline Sports with Morris:

#1 Morris talk about first teamer cornerback Camryn Bynum who started Cal’s last 38 games over the last three years at cornerback.

#2 Bynum has 169 career tackles, six tackles for a loss (-13 loss) and 0.5 sacks (-5 yards) and five interceptions.

#3 Bynum got on the All Pac 12 honors in 2019 as a junior he was one of seven out of 12 players to start every game including one of five on the defensive side of the ball.

#4 Bynum was a first pick on Lindy’s 2020 pre season All Pac 12 on Cal’s first team pick

#5 Morris tell us about how the safety rules will work as the Bears open their season just next month on Sat Aug 29th at UNLV at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

Join Morris for Headlines podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com