So it makes perfect sense Notre Dame would play the first football game at the Yankees’ $1.5 billion ballpark that opened last year. It’s such a special occasion, the Irish will be wearing kelly green jerseys for the first time under coach Brian Kelly.
“I just think being in New York and having Notre Dame there is going to be a great thrill for everybody,’’ Kelly said. “I’ll be a little preoccupied.’’
It’s the 50th game between Notre Dame and Army, and the 23d time they have met in the Bronx, the last coming in 1969.
“It’s one of those iconic things — Notre Dame football, Army football, Yankee Stadium — that’s American sport,’’ Army coach Rich Ellerson said.
This will be the first of two football games this year at Yankee Stadium. The first Pinstripe Bowl will be held Dec. 30.
Stressing efficiency NCAA president Mark Emmert thinks investigations such as that of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton should be done as quickly as possible — as long as the NCAA gets the facts correct.
“I want our people to be as efficient and expedited in the way they manage these things as possible, but at the same time, you’ve got to get the facts right. The burden of proof is higher than what it is for somebody who’s writing in a blog,’’ Emmert said.
Emmert did not specifically address the case of Newton, a leading Heisman contender for the second-ranked Tigers, during a taped interview for the Big Ten Network. Newton’s father, Cecil, reportedly sought money from Mississippi State when his son was being recruited as a junior college transfer.
“You’re dealing with young people’s careers and education. You’re dealing with institutional reputations,’’ Emmert said. “You’re dealing with a process that is, by it’s very nature, complicated.’’
Brennan hurt in crash Former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan and two women were seriously injured in a two-car crash on Hawaii’s Big Island. Brennan’s agent, Ryan Tollner, said Brennan’s condition was serious, and Brennan was transported to Honolulu for further medical treatment. His father, Terry Brennan, told a local television station his son suffered three or four broken ribs and head injuries . . . Authorities in Hattiesburg, Miss., arrested the man suspected of shooting three Southern Mississippi football players during a fight outside a nightclub last weekend. The three players remained hospitalized. Martez Smith was paralyzed from the waist down.
