Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis had some fighting (Irish?) words for Michigan during a session with fans before Notre Dame's Blue-Gold spring game April 19, reports The Detroit News.
Weis, captured on video that was posted on YouTube, said the Irish must make a “statement” during their season opener against San Diego State on Sept. 6. He then talked about the Wolverines, Notre Dame's opponent on Sept. 13 in Sound Bend, Ind.
“I've always been one never to make excuses,” Weis told the crowd. “(I feel) you back your words by your performance on the field. I think that's the message our team is going to follow on September 6 with San Diego State. I think the first opportunity we'll have to make a statement is that day.
“Then we'll listen to Michigan have all their excuses as they come running in, saying how they have a new coaching staff (under Rich Rodriguez) and those changes. To hell with Michigan.”
At that point, the Notre Dame faithful cheered.
Michigan has beaten Notre Dame the past two years.
TRIVIA TIME
Who ended the Lakers' 33-game winning streak in 1971-72?
PACKAGING COUP
UPS believes Big Brown is the complete package.
The shipping giant is trying to capitalize on Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, whose minority owner named the horse in the company's honor.
The company said yesterday it has signed a marketing agreement with jockey Kent Desormeaux and Big Brown's owners.
The deal calls for the company logo to be the sole corporate sponsor logo on Desormeaux's racing pants during the Preakness Stakes on May 17 and the Belmont Stakes three weeks later.
The jockey also will don a UPS cap after the races. Brown is the main color on UPS' delivery trucks, and the word and color are a focus of its advertising.
GREAT MOMENTS IN HARDBALL
Forty-one years ago today, Hank Aaron hit the only inside-the-park home run of his career, against the Phils' Jim Bunning.
PARTING SHOT
Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, catching us up on Barry Bonds:
“Bonds is as retired as Hugh Hefner. Barry keeps his bats in the umbrella stand next to his front door and his Batmobile idling outside. But nobody phones.”
TRIVIA ANSWER
The Milwaukee Bucks, who beat the Lakers 120-104 on Jan. 9, 1972.
– COMPILED BY STEVE OAKEY
FROM NEWS SERVICES, ONLINE REPORTS
