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MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- According to Greg Swaim of The Swaim Show, the ACC is on the brink of collapsing. This after the University of Louisville reportedly became the 8th program in the ACC to agree to leave the conference. In order for the ACC's Grant of Rights to be invalid, eight programs must agree to leave the conference and with Louisville joining current ACC members Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech, it appears they now have the numbers to void the Grant of Rights deal which doesn't expire until 2036. This is a very big first step in the end of the ACC Conference. https://twitter.com/GSwaim/status/1658494618458116096?s=20

According to her official website, Cassandra "Cat" Sotos is an artist, songwriter and international-touring violinist, known primarily for her live and studio work in country, rock and pop. Today, however, she performed for an entirely new audience.  When Sotos boarded a Southwest Airlines flight, she was carrying a fiddle with her.  A flight attendant for Southwest had a guitar on the plane and asked her if she wanted to perform a song together. https://twitter.com/cassandrasotos/status/1292162688479637504?s=20   Sotos excitedly said that she would perform for the passengers and the song they chose to sing was none other than West Virginia's favorite song, "Country Roads." Sotos was later quoted as saying, "Especially after not being able to play live music for what feels like a million years, it was a wonderful reminder that music makes people so happy for so many reasons." Check out the outstanding, impromptu rendition of "Country Roads" below: https://twitter.com/SouthwestAir/status/1292161301091844103?s=20

Pete Thamel of ESPN reports that Colorado is “in discussions” regarding a move to the Big 12 Conference.   Boulder, CO - According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Colorado has completed a board meeting and is officially “in discussions” about a move to the Big 12 Conference. https://twitter.com/petethamel/status/1684308770065641476?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw The school has another meeting scheduled for tomorrow, and is expected to continue discussions about the potential realignment of their athletics. Thamel would add that the Big 12 is also holding a presidents meeting that will take place tonight. An update on the conference’s expansion is said to be discussed. The school is expected to make a move within the next 48 hours, per Jason Scheer of Wildcat Authority. https://twitter.com/jasonscheer/status/1684311955580788738?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates. (Photo by Colorado Athletics)

Whitney Cummings is a comedian and comedians are expected to make jokes about everything.  They are observant and find humor in every day life and this is how they make a living. People in general are far too sensitive about everything.  West Virginians are especially sensitive about the great state of West Virginia.  Our pride in where we’re from is inherent in our DNA.  We love the state and can’t fathom how anyone could possibly not see what we see. With that said, Whitney Cummings did absolutely nothing wrong during her appearance on the Late Late Show with James Corden.  If you’ve not seen the clip from the show, Cummings said that after he father passed away, she found out through records that she’s from West Virginia, not Western Virginia like she had always thought. Cummings obviously was aware of the difference between West Virginia and Western Virginia, and the joke was so obvious that it’s hard to believe that anyone took it seriously. Cummings went on to say, “There’s a big difference between Virginia and West Virginia.  Like, four chromosomes difference.  It’s like the skin tag of Virginia.” This is a cheap shot at West Virginia and its people, but certainly not out of bounds or unfair in any way.  Cummings continued by adding, “It’s like the taint of Kentucky.”  For those that don’t know, the “taint”, or perineum, is the area located between the anus and the genitals. Cummings made fun of herself for having “weak gums” and said that her dentist said that her “teeth are running away from your head”, joked about having “Hillbilly DNA” and revealed that she has always been attracted to men with beards. In the short, 3 minute clip, I laughed more than a few times and there’s no more proud West Virginian than Brad Smith.  The clip was amusing, silly and certainly not filled with any true ill feelings towards West Virginia. Being a successful female comedian is not an easy task. Very few women have broken through in the field of stand up comedy and Whitney Cummings has managed to do so.  She’s a fun, intelligent comedian and she did what she had to do to get some laughs on a talk show. Cummings, who spent a lot of her childhood in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, took to Twitter following her appearance and clarified about how she truly feels about West Virginia, saying, “I am sorry this upset you.  Not my intent.  I have family ther.e  I love the state and people.  Comics make fun of everything – I also made fun of LA and DC where I’m also from.  I think it’s the most beautiful place on earth and spent my summers in Harpers Ferry as a kid.  Just jokes.” https://twitter.com/WhitneyCummings/status/1182010560147099648 People from Los Angeles and Washington DC undoubtedly did not get angry by Cummings’ comments and neither should the people of West Virginia.  If we’re going to rise about the stereotypes, these ridiculous stereotypes must first not be taken seriously

Morgantown, West Virginia - Newly-elected Derrick Evans (R-WV) has been charged for taking part in the riots at the US Capitol yesterday. Governor Justice said the following at the end of his press conference today: "W.Va. delegate Evans has been charged federally with entering a restricted area, according to Federal Department of Justice." https://twitter.com/WSAZChadHedrick/status/1347629406043443203?s=20 Evans filmed the event and posted in on Facebook Live.  In the video, Evans can be heard saying, "Let's go, baby!  We’re in. We’re in. Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!” https://twitter.com/RexChapman/status/1347339050236194816?s=20 Evans claims was filming the event as an amateur journalist and has no intention of resigning from his position.

Morgantown, West Virginia - Last offseason, JT Daniels was one of the hottest players available in the transfer portal. A former five star quarterback, Daniels drew attention from several programs looking for an experienced, proven leader that could push their team over the hump. Ultimately, it came down to Missouri, Oregon State and West Virginia for his services. According to donors at Oregon State, Daniels had several major demands from their program if he was going to consider going there. Daniels reportedly asked for a four bedroom rental home, a personal chef and a six-figure endorsement deal. Daniels ended up choosing West Virginia University, where he was the starting quarterback for most of the season before being replaced by backup Garrett Greene. Daniels, who today announced his intention to enter the transfer portal again, will now attempt to play for his 4th team during his college career after playing at USC, Georgia and West Virginia. During his year with the Mountaineers, was 200 of 327 for 2,107 yards, 13 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in ten starts. Although terms of his NIL deal with Country Roads Trust was never revealed, he was rumored to have earned close to $500,000 or more for his year in Morgantown. https://twitter.com/PacFight/status/1600200231445929985?s=20&t=VuhsyCPNYpTc2Y7zyoqCoA

Madhouse Magazine, which calls itself the "greatest rock and roll magazine in the world", published an article stating that the Don Knotts statue that is located in his hometown of Morgantown, West Virginia would be removed following complaints. Knotts, of course, played Barney Fife, a goofball deputy officer on The Andy Griffith Show.  His role on this show, the article claimed, is what caused protestors to demand the statue's removal. According to the article, "Barney Fife was a nervous, twitchy little man with an itchy trigger finger.  He was dirty, always sniffling, and always looking to shoot someone with his one bullet.  I bet he was racist too, if there were ever any black people on the show we would have known (whether he was or not). The Don Knotts statue was unveiled in Morgantown in 2016 and was meant to honor the Morgantown native.  The statue can be found at 371 High Street in front of the Metropolitan Theatre in Morgantown. At the end of the Madhouse Magazine article, they pointed out in big, bold letters: *BTW – This is Satire – Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental !!!! It was merely a joke!  Good stuff during a very sensitive, difficult time.  See the full article below: https://madhousemagazine.com/wv-to-remove-don-knotts-barney-fife-statue-following-complaints/

The West Virginia Mountaineers, 13-2, are off to a sensational start to the season and could absolutely compete for a Big 12 Conference Championship and perhaps a National Championship this season.  After a miserable 15-21 season last year, it is an incredible time to be a West Virginia fan and this season and team should be appreciated. However, looking ahead, the 2020-2021 West Virginia Mountaineers will almost certainly be the best, most talented team in the program's history.  This of course depends on everything going right and everyone coming back, but the team could potentially be a National Championship favorite next season. Oscar Tshiebwe, the fabulous Freshman Forward, is absolutely athletically gifted enough to declare for the NBA Draft right now, but he is still very raw and would benefit from another season in Morgantown.  Bob Huggins will have the unfortunate story of Sagaba Konate to use as an excellent example of what happens if a player leaves prematurely.  I suspect that Tshiebwe will be back for one more season and then declare for the NBA following a remarkable Sophomore year. Derek Culver, although again very talented, is unlikely to be ready for the NBA after this season.  He's perhaps even more raw than Tshiebwe and leaving West Virginia early would be a tremendously poor decision for him to make.  To truly gain the attention of NBA scouts, Culver must improve his post play, develop his mid-range game and learn to play more under control. The players that the Mountaineers will likely lose next year are Seniors Jermaine Haley, Chase Harler and Logan Routt.  Haley is a big, consistent, talented guard and is a pretty massive loss for the team.  Harler has become a reliable shooter and aggressive defender off the bench and Routt is a big body who adds depth on the interior. With that said, there are players on the team currently who will step up to replace the departing Seniors (Sean McNeil and Taz Sherman will play a bigger role) and several incoming players who will make the team even deeper and probably better. Jalen Bridges, who redshirted this season, has benefited from a year of practicing and working out with the team.  A 4 star in-state recruit out of Fairmont, Bridges has the size and skill to get minutes off the bench and contribute immediately.  I erroneously said that West Virginia "didn't need Bridges" over six months ago, but he's clearly going to be an outstanding player for the Mountaineers. Isaiah Cottrell, a 6'10 four star forward, has been absolutely terrific for the juggernaut Huntington Prep team this year.  Although Duke commit Jaemyn Brakefield gets more attention, Cottrell has been the most consistent player on the team and his length and skill will be invaluable for the Mountaineers as a Freshman next season. Taj Thweatt, a three star 6'7 forward out of New Jersey, and Kedrian Johnson, a 6'4 guard who has been mentioned as one of the best JUCO players in the country this season, will be immediate big-time contributors off the bench as well. This year's team is very, very good, but next season's team will be extremely athletic, very deep and without a doubt the most talented team in West Virginia basketball history.  Imagine Miles McBride, Emmitt Matthews, Jr., Derek Culver and Oscar Tshiebwe with another year of experience!  Depending on how the team finishes this season, expect them to be a Preseason Top 5 team and a favorite to win the National Championship next year.

(Photo by WVU Athletics)  West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has once again tested positive for COVID-19, per a report by Jeff Jenkins of MetroNews. This news came immediately following the Governor’s meeting with WVU Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins and Athletic Director Wren Baker. https://twitter.com/wvgovernor/status/1615420030946054182?s=46&t=miypB5UzkycO_eRjuhWc-A   During the congratulatory visit for Bob Huggins’ Hall of Fame induction, Justice was clearly exposed to both Huggins and Baker without a mask on. This could pose to be a problem considering the Mountaineers have a clash with 14th-ranked TCU. There have been no updates on either Huggins or Baker, but we should expect to hear something prior to tonight’s 6 p.m. tip-off. The matchup between the Mountaineers and Horned Frogs will broadcast on ESPN+. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates.

Austin Kendall has become sort of a polarizing figure in the state of West Virginia since transferring to the Mountaineers from Oklahoma. Some love him, some hate him, some think he’s terrible, and others think he has a legitimate shot to regain his starting position. Today, however, we will not be discussing anything he has done or accomplished at WVU. Instead we will be taking a look back at his most embarrassing moment with the Sooners — and it didn’t come on the field. https://youtu.be/BbDJ2fFOwZg Prior to the Sooners and Ohio State Buckeyes meeting on the field in 2016, Kendall had the opportunity to speak with the media about the game. When asked about the Buckeyes’ defense, Kendall wouldn’t answer with the most praise towards the unit. Actually, he insulted them.   Kendall would state that Ohio State ran a “basic” defense, and that former Sooner quarterback Baker Mayfield would “light them up.” Well, anyone who watched that game remembers that wouldn’t turn out to be the case.   Ohio State would thump the Sooners 45-24, and Baker Mayfield would be held to a quiet 226 passing yards, and would throw two touchdowns and two interceptions. Not exactly “lighting them up,” Austin.   Former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops would “light Kendall up” in a press conference following the game. Stoops would call the comments made by Kendall “ridiculous,” and would even go as far to question whether or not the former 4-star had even watched any tape prior to the game.   Kendall is a Mountaineer, and we should all love him for it, but we all have moments like this where we more or less put our own foot in our mouth. It happens, Austin.

Morgantown, West Virginia - Moments ago, former West Virginia Mountaineers starting pitcher, Alek Manoah, was named to the Major League Baseball All Star team! Manoah, 24, is in only his second season at the Major league level and leads the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff with a 9-4 record and a 2.34 ERA. Congratulations and Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer!  https://twitter.com/wvubaseball/status/1546248853074100226?s=21&t=ljWdmojsKdk4LSdbHYzS8Q

Morgantown, West Virginia - Reports are leaking out that the Kansas Jayhawks are leaving the Big 12 Conference and will join the Big Ten! Kansas, according to multiple reports, intends to make the announcement official “within the next few weeks” and it could be announced as early as next week. The Big 12 Conference is in shambles after Texas and Oklahoma announced that they will leave the conference for the SEC. Since then, the remaining eight teams in the Big 12 have been scrambling to find a new home in a Power 5 conference. Although Kansas has been absolutely terrible in football during their time in the Big 12, their basketball team is one of the most successful and prominent programs in college sports today.   https://twitter.com/dillondavis3/status/1422665049815109632?s=21

Morgantown, West Virginia - Moments ago, it was revealed that Wren Baker will be West Virginia's new athletic director. Baker will replace Shane Lyons, who was forced to resign last week. Wren Baker, who was named the University of North Texas Vice President and Director of Athletics on July 29, 2016, has had an incredible impact on the Mean Green since then. Seven Mean Green programs (men’s cross country, volleyball, women’s soccer, football, men’s basketball, women’s golf and softball) have combined to win 17 conference or division championships during Baker’s tenure. Baker, who is considered one of the most respected young administrators in college sports, is expected to sign the deal that is reportedly a six year deal, according to Pete Thamel. Baker will now be responsible for the future of Neal Brown, which will be critical for the future of the West Virginia athletic department. https://twitter.com/rossdellenger/status/1597970431327277057?s=46&t=BQ2QdXux2PpKaKnDu7cCng

Next Saturday, Marshall will take on the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in their opening game of the 2020 season. Oddly enough, this will also be the case for the West Virginia Mountaineers when they open their season against the Colonels the following weekend.   As Mountaineer fans, our knee-jerk reaction is to root against the Herd anytime they take the field. However, in the case of next Saturday’s game for the Herd, I believe we should pull for Marshall to take down the Colonels in Huntington.     When the Colonels visit Morgantown, they will do so without having to play in a hostile environment. Last week, WVU announced that no fans will be allowed in the stands for at least the season opener. Though many do not expect it to be, losing the crowd as a factor could potentially be huge. If Eastern Kentucky is coming in with any momentum at all — particularly with a win over a FBS program under their belt — the Mountaineers could be in for a fight.   If the Herd can knock off the Colonels in week one, it will take the wind out of their sails. Any sort of momentum that Eastern Kentucky could potentially have coming into Morgantown would be short-circuited, and the emotions of the team would be in question. In a game without fans, the energy of a team will play a large part in how well the team competes. If Eastern Kentucky is coming in off of a loss, a hangover from their previous defeat could likely linger into their matchup against WVU.   It may be difficult to do, but pulling for Marshall is the right move here. West Virginia needs as many balls to bounce their way as possible before taking the field in front of an empty Milan Puskar Stadium. Yes, the Mountaineers are far more talented than Eastern Kentucky, but as the saying goes, “any given Saturday.”  

Morgantown, West Virginia - Shane Lyons, the current Director of Athletics for West Virginia University, is expected to be contacted for the open athletic director position at the University of Missouri, per Pete Thamel, a national basketball and football reporter for Yahoo Sports. Missouri, an SEC Conference school, is seeking a new athletic director after former AD Jim Sterk stepped down after five years with the school. Lyons released a statement yesterday reassuring West Virginia fans that he is doing everything possible right now to do what's best for the Mountaineers during conference realignment. Lyons has no ties to Missouri, but he has done a remarkable job at West Virginia and will likely get attention from other schools when they are searching for a proven, successful athletic director. Lyons has served as the Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President at WVU for the past nine years.  Before his tenure in Morgantown, Lyons was the Deputy Director of Athletics at Alabama and the Associate Commissioner of Compliance and Governance for the ACC Conference. https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1420030397811986432?s=20