PITTSBURGH - As a football player, Oliver Luck was smart enough to be a Rhodes Scholar finalist and two-time Academic All-American.
As West Virginia's new athletic director, though, he created an unworkable situation where Dana Holgorsen was coach-in-waiting while Bill Stewart was still head coach.
Then there were allegations that Holgorsen was behaving like a frat boy, followed by allegations that Stewart was the source of the gossip.
When you have the word "allegations" twice in the same sentence, something's gone wrong.
Now Stewart is gone and Holgorsen takes over, which is what should have happened in the first place.
Tough week
The Pirates' alumni got a double dose of bad news from Florida last week.
Jose Pagan, a valuable role player from 1965-72, died in Sebring, Fla. at 76 after suffering for several years with Alzheimer's.
Pagan drove in the winning run in Game Seven of the 1971 World Series.
He coached for the Pirates from 1974-78 and was a mentor to Spanish-speaking players.
Don Robinson, who pitched for the 1979 World Series champions, suffered a mild stroke at his home in Bradenton.
Robinson was also diagnosed with diabetes and may need a heart procedure.
In recent years, Robinson and former catcher Mike LaValliere have been partners in a baseball training facility in Bradenton.
Robinson turned 54 last week, but there probably wasn't much of a party.
LaValliere said doctors have put the burly Robinson on an 1,800-calorie daily diet as he recovers.
Finally?
Could it be?
Some reports say an agreement is near in the NFL lockout.
Maybe both sides have come to their senses and realized how much money they'd be throwing away if the season doesn't start on time.
People just want their football season. They don't want to be bothered with the details.
It's insane to even think about keeping a product that successful off the market.
No deal
There are reports free agent forward Max Talbot wants a four-year deal from the Penguins.
If he gets four years, guaranteed it will be in a different zip code.
Mehno can be reached at johnmehnocolumn@gmail.com.
