OF ALL THINGS ... BRIEFLY TOLD
ROBBIE NICHOLS? Yes, that R. Nichols, who
spent time (if briefly) in Richmond as coach and
general manager of hockey’s Riverdogs during their
third and final season (2005-06) … Well, he’s back
… as coach of a new franchise in Topeka, Kansas …
the Scarecrows who will make their debut in 2025-
26 ... guaranteed to be the Federal Prospects
Hockey League team everybody loves to hate
(everywhere but Topeka, that is) … A career minor
leaguer, Nichols dropped the gloves a lot as a player
(2,283 PIM in 581 games), and his teams since then
have reflected that old-school style of play … If
there was any doubt the FPHL should expect more of
the game … first player to sign with the Scarecrows
was JUSTIN SCHMIDT, 39 year old brawler
whose fights while a member of the league’s
Columbus (Ga.) River Dragons were mostly
premeditated … invariably taking center stage
immediately following the opening faceoff … As
popular as his Scarecrows figure to be at home,
Nichols has a major problem: where to put
everyone? His rink only seats 1,150, the league’s
smallest but not by much.
Hard to believe … but international futbol’s once-
dominant/proud Manchester United is 16th after 36
games in the English Premier League. That is only
two places from relegation, for crying out loud …
not that there’s any danger of that but only because
the three teams leaving this year – Ipswich, Leicester
City and Southampton -- have been so incredibly
awful.
You know … it’s not too late for Cooper Flagg to
change his mind and opt out of leaving Duke for the
NBA … where he should be the overall No. 1 draft
choice. He has until May 28 … unless, of course, he
has burned all NCAA bridges, like hiring an agent,
etc. Come to think about it, given the way college
athletics have become more pro than the pros, it’s
doubtful anyone or any rule could keep Flagg from a
second season in Durham, N.C.. a third, even a
fourth.
Dijon Johnson … remember the name. The Florida,
University of, junior cornerback was arrested May 2
on multiple charges including “possession of a
firearm during commission of a felony and
possession of a controlled substance.” Also, he’s
facing “misdemeanor charges of possession of
cannabis and resisting an officer without violence.”
… As a sophomore, Johnson had 27 tackles (two for
losses) and broke up two passes. Shoulder surgery
limited spring practice as well as an opportunity to
be a starting cornerback … In other words, very
good but definitely flawed. Sounds like the perfect
transfer-portal candidate for the University of
Georgia, eh?
Until next time ...
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