Simms Trips Over Future

Matt Simms suspended.

Four games.

Undisclosed violation of team rules at the University of Louisville

Way to go, Matt, completely eliminate yourself from the quarterback rotation for the first half of the season, and possibly forever if you get in trouble again. As one who seeks a leadership role, you are expected to set the example, get other players to trust you, have faith in your abilities, put themselves on the line for your protection, and follow you.

Had to be a pretty serious violation, the sophomore quarterback, in contention for backup QB, son of NFL great Phil Simms, had to know, whatever it was he did, that he would jeopardize his standing, possibly jeopardize his career.

The way these things usually happen is that a player is given an opportunity to redeem himself, get back in the coaches’ good graces and earn his way back into the rotation. Unfortunately, repeat violations often occur, and the player is finally sent packing.

New territory for a UofL quarterback. They usually know how to stay out of trouble.

RED OUT – The Athletic Department is asking fans to wear red to the opening game against the University of Kentucky, reminding this observer of a dream of Bernie Dahlem shared with him about 20 years ago, before Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium was considered a possibility. The dream included the UofL football team playing in its own stadium, packed to capacity with thousands of Louisville fans all wearing red.

Dahlem, a retired building contractor and a member of the University’s Board of Overseers, has been a season ticket holder since his youth, contributed $1 million to the Speed School, and was a major contributor to the Ralph Wright Natatorium on Belknap Campus. His dream occurred long before “white-outs” or “black-outs.” Wake up, Bernie, that dream of yours is for real.

BLEED RED, BUT DON’T EXPECT A CAR – The Red Cross says UK defeated U of L for the first time ever last year in the annual football blood drive competition.

What they don’t tell you is that the blood drive was expanded to include the entire state. This year’s drive ends Aug. 28, and all donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt. But there’s an added incentive for UK fans to give:

People who donate at a Kentucky Blood Center in Lexington, Pikeville or Somerset will be entered into a drawing for a 2009 Toyota Camry LE. People (Louisvillians) who give through an American Red Cross location will only be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the football game.

Hmm. A car vs. two football tickets. It all goes to a great cause, but the inequity defies logic.