Fresno jurors not too bright

Despite getting saddled with the easiest court case ever, Fresno jurors were unable to reach a verdict in a multi-misdemeanor extravaganza featuring ex-Fresno State star DT Jason Shirley. A few days ago, I posted an article about Pat Hill "testifying" on Shirley's behalf to acknowledge that Shirley had received a concussion playing against Nevada last season. A Bulldog team doctor also testified about Shirley's egregious concussion that was apparently so severe that it made him back his car into an apartment building and then blow a .12 on a breathalyzer over a month after said "mild" concussion occurred.

I believe that I have a very basic knowledge of law...even a rudimentary understanding of the physiological effects of a concussion—but has anyone ever successfully used a month-old concussion as reason for a DUI, hit and run and driving on a suspended license? Well, Jason Shirley is halfway there after a jury deliberated THREE DAYS and were unable to reach a verdict. A mistrial has been declared...the jury has been declared to be idiotic and Jason Shirley is off to Cinncinnati to make up for lost time (until a retrial date is set)

Now, I have nothing against Jason Shirley. He was a fine player for Fresno State and I wouldn't even have dug up this story if he hadn't played for a WAC conference-mate...but this whole trial is so laughably symbolic of the sad state of the U.S. legal system that it is kinda sad. Pat Hill and a team doctor should not have gotten involved. A concussion can be a difficult thing to get over, but it does not inject alcohol into the bloodstream. Shirley's defense attorney, Charles Magill, baffled by the hung jury—had this gem of wisdom about the mistrial:

"They are making an example of him," Magill said.

Yes, they are making an example of him, Chuck. What would that example be exactly? You can call in star witnesses to a slam-dunk DUI proceeding and somehow be fortunate enough to receive a mistrial? Sounds about right.

Oh, and in the interest of full disclosure I should mention that in 2002, I received a mild concussion while playing a game of ultimate frisbee...then 3 months later I knocked over a Keybank. Them concussions is crazy.

Fresno Bee article

Let's get social!

I discovered a mighty cool little online application at Ning.com that allows you to build your own social network. Now, I know that social networking is all the rage right now, but there is not a social networking community yet only for Bronco fans, so I created one. It aggregates RSS feeds from the 3 major BSU blogs and Bronco Country and hopefully will be a place where people can contribute groups, photos, videos and content that will then be easier to find by Bronco Nation. I'm going to set it up so it will import relevant Flickr photostreams too. I haven't had too much time to tinker with it yet, but hopefully Bronco Nation can help make it a richer experience for the social networking aficionados.

Join up HERE

BSU gets virtual respect

Boise State, though not raking in preseason media love this year, has still found itself in the top 25 of a much more important list—one that has taken years of winning football to secure. Boise State is rated the 24th toughest place to play on NCAA Football 09. First Jared Zabransky was the cover boy...now "the Blue" will be pwning noobs. The video game rankings appear to mimic real-life success rates at venues around the NCAA—it is because of this that I'm a little worried when I see #7 on the list...Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The Broncos, digital and otherwise, are going to have to bring their "A-game" on September 20th.

Full List

Pat Hill goes to bat

Fresno State's storied, mustachioed head coach testified at the DUI trial of embattled ex-Bulldog Jason Shirley yesterday—vouching for the defensive tackle, who was drafted in the 5th round by the Bengals. Hill was apparently asked to testify about witnessing Shirley suffer a concussion in a play against Nevada on October 6th. Hill's mind was on other things during the play in question, however:

"What I really noticed in that play," Hill said, "was recovering the fumble in the end zone."

Team doctor William Carveth testified that Shirley could have been suffering from the lingering effects of his mild to moderate concussion when he drove his car into an apartment complex in November. This dog and pony show seems to be overlooking one significant factor, however...that Shirley's blood alcohol level was .12 when the cops arrived after the accident. Unless a mild concussion can mimic alcohol in the bloodstream, it doesn't look like Shirley has a leg to stand on.

Hey Jason, it's a freakin' misdemeanor, not a capital murder trial! You failed the breathalyzer, man. No need to call in star witnesses. The fines will be a mere pittance if you make a signing bonus. This whole "trial" is wasting the mustache's time.

If convicted of the misdemeanors, Shirley will reportedly be punished by having to play for the Cinncinnati Bengals.

Full Story

Fantastic four

With June barely dawning and Fall camp right around the corner, no one is really thinking that much about the 2009 recruiting class. Heck, most of the '08 recruits haven't even set foot on campus yet—however, Boise State has already secured their 4th verbal commitment of the '09 class. Malcolm Johnson, a 6 foot-ish 185 lb. runningback out of Gresham, Oregon, had his verbal confirmed by Rivals.com yesterday. Johnson, rated the #67 back and a 3-star recruit after his junior year by Scout is regarded by many as the premier back in the state of Oregon. Malcolm was teammates with current Bronco linebacker Dan Paul, who played both Offensive Line and linebacker for the Bruins. Johnson was the 2007 Mt. Hood offensive player of the year and has racked up 3 straight 1st team all-state honors. At one point in his previous campaigns, Johnson threw down 29 rushes for 379 yards and 6 TDs. To say that Boise State looks to have got a good one would be a slight understatement as Johnson looked poised to garner a slew of Pac-10 offers after already being eyed by in-state programs Oregon and Oregon State. Check out Malcolm below or surreptitiously check him out at Boise State's summer camp next week if you can't wait.