Syracuse

Each day, we watch the NBA and NHL shuffle another season of games. Canadian franchises are now playing in front of empty arenas. How will these stoppages effect the high schools and colleges in upstate New York? Will the expected surge of positive COVID 19 test results shut down games to fans or even worse cancel games?

The 2002-03 Syracuse Orange, led by Carmelo Anthony, went on a title run through Albany's Pepsi Arena that fans still talk about to this day.

Jim Boeheim and his Syracuse Orange have struggled out of the gate this year. Losses to Colgate, VCU and Georgetown certainly have not been highlights on their road to a 5-5 record to start the season. A legitimate COVID outbreak has forced the program to be put 'on pause' since December 11th. With their 2nd game of ACC schedule just ahead, the Orange were in danger of possibly forfeiting conference games. Syracuse defeated Florida State 63-60 in Tallahassee on December 4th in there only ACC match-up so far.

Playing Division I opponents in exhibition games is nothing new for the College of St. Rose basketball program. The Division II program, nestled in Pine Hills section of the City of Albany, has made the I-90 trip to the Carrier Dome to take on Jim Boeheim's Syracuse Orange for a preseason matchup. Trust me, Boeheim doesn't waste time. If an exhibition opponent isn't going to challenge his players like he needs, they aren't playing his team in the preseason. That is why I could never understand why Siena nor UAlbany would play St. Rose in an exhibition.

The UAlbany and Siena men's basketball coaches, Dwayne Killings and Carm Maciariello, may not face each other on the court this year but they are continuing the tradition to team up for the 16th annual Coaches vs. Cancer Basket "Ball", Monday, October 4th at the Albany Capital Center. This is a tremendous evening of true community camaraderie centered around our two Division I college basketball programs. It is definitely one of the best events of its kind.

Sometimes you don't have to be in the "state of the art" football stadium to get a feel for the tradition of a football program. Let's take a look at 5 easy trips from the Capital Region in New York, for people who love college football! You won't just enjoy the ride, you'll love these trips from the pre-game tailgate parties to the post game celebrations!

Frank Sinatra passed away at the age of 83 more than 23 years ago, so when Matt Parrino from Syracuse.com was on The Drive with Charlie & Dan on Monday, I was pretty shocked to hear him say that Josh Allen was "listening to Frank Sinatra and some old school music to chill," I have to say I was pretty surprised. My mom was one of those women that would swoon over "Old Blue Eyes" but Josh Allen?

It's hard not to be skeptical of the NCAA or some of the larger conferences, aka the Power 5 schools, when it comes to things like, well, paying student-athletes above and beyond their tuition, room and board and more recently, a "cost of attendance" stipend. Yes, they are institutes of higher learning but over the years even some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, such as Notre Dame, Stanford, Duke and even Harvard have been marred by athletic scandals. Then add in the football and basketball powerhouses that occupy your tv screen every week and the list of improprieties would make your head spin.

Pandora’s Box has now been opened. The NCAA ruled that student-athletes may now own their NIL (Name, Image & Likeness). The ruling seems like it would be a common sense decision and it should be but it’s not.

However, when winning and/or ego become a priority in college athletics above student-athlete welfare, there is a serious problem. Chantel Jennings and Dana O’Neil wrote an article in yesterday’s Athletic titled, “Why the mass exodus from Syracuse women’s basketball? ‘Ego, manipulation...fear tactics.” Their investigation revealed disturbing details about the Syracuse Women’s Basketball program based on interviews with 9 former players and 19 others, including former team managers and staff members.

the Drive with Charlie and Dan will continue to bring you a fun look at sports, life and entertainment, with awesome local and national interviews everyday from 3 to 7pm on 104.5 FM.

2021 started off with sad news for New York sports fans