So much has happened in the last couple of days that we have not been able to address some critical news.  We want to make sure we get them down on the record. They all deserve their own posts, but given the speed of developments we put them all here.

First up, Brian Dohn reported in a rare fair and balanced report on UCLA football, that Rick Neuheisel is officially clear of any NCAA problems:

Sources said the NCAA has provided written documentation to UCLA saying it is all right to hire Neuheisel, and one of the NCAA's investigators also gave UCLA assurances Neuheisel was clear to hire.

The fact that UCLA requested such documentation and assurances is telling.  It says that Rick's past is indeed a concern (and obviously the cause in any delay in his hiring) but that also Rick is a serious candidate. If he weren't why would we go through the trouble of asking the NCAA. Sure, requesting the docs is most likely due diligence but getting the reassurance from the investigator does show the effort is there to consider him seriously.

Second, there was a back and forth yesterday that DeWayne Walker has been told he is not going to get the HC job. It started with Big Joe McDonnell saying on AM570 that Walker had been told he was out, according to DD reader Big Moe.  That report shot across the internet fast and Brian Dohn felt the need to address the report:

Just so you know, in talking to my various sources, DeWayne Walker has not been told he is out of the running. The final three, as of right now, is Walker, Philadelphia Eagles assistant John Harbaugh and former UCLA quarterback and current Baltimore Ravens Rick Neuheisel. None of the three have been told they are out of the running, according to my sources.

Straight from the Walker camp??  There is a not so shocking revelation on Dohn's blog that explains why he thinks UCLA must hire Walker.  Menalaus of BruinsNation breaks down Dohn's post and makes it look like the writings of a lonely little girl.  ABW.

Finally, DD reader Big Moe did point out another bomb that Big Joe made on the air, that Mike Leach is in fact being pursued by UCLA:

UCLA has made another big push for Mike Leach…except for two big problems: (1) Leach wants a minimum $2.5 million per year (more than we’ll ever pay!); (2) Leach wants to evaluate every coordinator and assistant, and make his own moves (UCLA wants the new HC to keep Walker as DC). Leach is out!

This news quickly made the rounds on the boards of both UCLA and Texas Tech.  There are abundant rumors going round that Leach is still in the running and is loosening his demands on money.  TT has their bowl game Tuesday and the TT boards are wondering if any of this is true. They point to Big Moe's report but counter it by saying that the TT AD made a public statement to the effect that UCLA has not contacted TT about interviewing Leach.  The date of that statement is Dec. 10.  Go Bruins!! 

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