40 Acres Sports

Twelve years after leaving school, Texas’ all-time leading scorer Terrence Rencher graduated this weekend. Brad Buckman also picked up his diploma.

Frank Okam and Jamaal Charles earn All-America honors. Third team and honorable mention respectively.

For the third time since he left Texas, [tag]TJ Ford[/tag] had to be carried off a basketball court on a stretcher last night late in the Raptors win against the Hawks. Ford had played very well throughout game (26 points & 8 assists) when he stole the ball and was off on a breakaway late in the 4th quarter. Hawks’ forward Al Horford tried to stop TJ’s drive to the basket and reached out and nailed him across the face. TJ’s head snapped back from the force of the hit and then again when his body hit the hardwood. Horford was called for a flagrant foul and ejected for the play.

ESPN video of the game and the play are below:

It’s scary to watch TJ laying on the ground screaming in pain, especially because of his history. He looks like he is scared and in an incredible amount of pain. The good news is that he had feeling in his arms and legs when he was taken off the floor. He was expected to be kept in the hospital at least overnight, but there have been no updates yet this morning on how he’s doing. We’ll post any news as we hear it.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to TJ for a speedy recovery.

Update: Ford was released from the hospital this morning. All X-rays and an MRI were negative. He was able to fly back to Toronto and was given a standing ovation when he entered the arena and joined his teammates on the bench. No word yet on when TJ might be back in action. (10:38pm)

Bobby Petrino resigns from Falcons, takes Arkansas job. If I’m Arthur Blank I sue the s*** out fo Petrino and get every dime back.

Norm Chow to UCLA? I haven’t been overly impressed with his NFL work so I think Vince will be fine without him if he leaves.

DJ Augustin named Big 12 player of the week. DJ had 47 points and 17 assists in wins over UNT and Rice.

Texas juniors underclassmen [tag]Jermichael Finley[/tag] and [tag]Roy Miller[/tag] both announced at the annual football banquet that they would be returning next year for their senior seasons. I hadn’t really heard much about Miller but there’s been rumors about Finley jumping early almost since the day he stepped on campus.

It’s still a long time before they have to make a final decision and as we saw with Vince things can change in a hurry, but it’s certainly good news that two of the team’s best players plan on being back for 2008.

(Source)

Fran Fraschilla on Rick Barnes’ transformation at Texas. Discusses his change from control freak to coach who let’s his player’s have freedom.

Former Horn Kendal Briles to join father Art’s Baylor staff. Not sure what position he’ll be in.

Colt McCoy and Jamaal Charles in top 15 on CFN’s early 2008 Heisman contenders list. Lots of Big 12 players near the top.