PITTSBURGH (PR) - Panther Rants has learned through a source close the athletic department that former Ohio Congressman and Pitt quarterback James Traficant is a candidate for the Panthers' vacant defensive coordinator's position.
The source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that head coach Dave Wannstedt and athletic director Steve Pederson are intrigued by what Traficant could offer the program.
"They realize that college football recruiting is a dirty game, and they feel that adding one of the school's filthiest alums to the staff could be beneficial," the source said. "Jim's one of the greatest cheaters to be spawned by the University of Pittsburgh. Yes, he did get caught and is currently incarcerated, but all the NCAA ever does is slap you on the wrist as long as you're paying off the right people. If we're going to compete with such blatantly great cheaters such as Ohio State, Michigan, USC and LSU, we need Jim Traficant.
"Plus, he's a 'Pitt Guy.'"
The source went on to explain that Traficant's football knowledge is questionable. But he also pointed out that Paul Rhoads was no less suspect.
"The guy coached one good game since 2002 and suddenly he's a star," the source said.
The other problematic issue is that Traficant is serving an eight-year prison sentence and won't be released until Sept. 2, 2009, after being convicted of taking bribes, filing false tax returns, racketeering, and forcing his aides to perform chores at his farm in Ohio and on his houseboat in Washington.
"How would they get around it?" the source asked rhetorically. "You really think going one season without a defensive coordinator in place is any different than how things were the past eight years?"
Notes: Panther Rants also learned on Friday that Dinocat is a candidate for the defensive coordinator's position, but has not yet be named to the position ... All Penn State graduates have herpes ... West Virginia graduates receive the same degree as those who never attended a class.
5 comments:
That's what I call leading edge reporting, way to go to all!
Did not know Traficant went to Pitt, much less was a QB. Thought he was just some guy with a bad toupee and always on hannity and colmes. Damn, I really learned something today. Thank you Panther Rants!
Not only was Jim Traficant a quarterback at Pitt, but his number 1 receiver was Iron Mike Ditka.
Now that he is in prison, he is playing receiver. (wait for laughter.) You might call him the #2 receiver.
http://www.scarletknights.com/stadium/
Post a Comment