… Finally, something the Democrats and Republicans can agree on. The uniforms for U.S. Olympic athletes are good ol’ red, white and blue, but made in China. That has many members of Congress fuming. How could the U.S. Olympic Committee let this happen? Think about it, the decision to dress the U.S. team in Chinese manufactured berets, blazers and pants is preposterous - all this while the American textile industry struggles economically with many of our workers desperate for jobs.

For a change I actually agree with our congressmen.

… The W.Va. state Board of Education has approved athletic transfer rules that were updated in response to a court order. This past Wednesday the board approved the rules that were proposed by the WVSSAC.

In December, a Monongalia County judge sided with a Morgantown man who challenged the rules after his daughter was ordered to sit out one year after she transferred from University High to private Trinity Christian. The judge said the SSAC rule didn’t treat public and private schools the same in considering transfers.

The changes now clarify attendance zones, setting identical zones for private and public schools located in the same areas. They also spell out rules for middle school enrollment, team membership and practice eligibility.

… Marshall University basketball coach Tom Herrion has extended a scholarship offer to 6-foot-9, 305 pound Levi Cook from Liberty (Raleigh) High School. Cook is only 15 years old thus making him the youngest player that Marshall University has ever offered a scholarship. Reportedly WVU is also interested in the in-state big man.

… West Virginia University basketball coach Bob Huggins announced that Pat Forsythe has left the team and plans to transfer to another school. Forsythe, a 6-foot-11 center, missed the majority of the 2011-12 season with a stress fracture in his right ankle. The freshman from Brunswick, Ohio appeared in seven games, averaging 2.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

… WVU is seeking bids for sideline and end zone banners. The gray walls of West Virginia University’s football stadium are getting jazzed up for the Mountaineers’ first season in the Big 12. Reports are that WVU is seeking bids for graphic vinyl banners for both sidelines and both end zones at Milan Puskar Stadium. The university plans to have the work done in time for the Sept. 1 season opener against Marshall.

…. My two cents worth on a couple of other hot topics -

…. Yes, Joe Paterno – his legacy is greatly tarnished. If he knew anything about Jerry Sandusky’s horrible abuse toward young boys, he should have immediately called the authorities. So should the other Penn State officials once they found out. Penn State should get the death penalty.

… And on Kobe Bryant’s comments that this version of the U.S. Olympic basketball team could beat the original 1992 “Dream Team” - there is no way !

Michael Jordan laughed at the comment. Magic Johnson made this statement, “The 1992 Dream Team had 11 HOFs, 23 championship rings and the greatest player of all time in Jordan. No chance this year’s team would take us.”

I loved what Larry Bird said, “They probably could. I haven’t played in 20 years and we’re old now.” Classic sarcasm, from one of the all-time trash talkers ….

(Kyle Lovern is the sports editor for the Williamson Daily News. Comments or story ideas can be sent to klovern@williamsondailynews.com)