For the first decade-plus of its existence, the ACC Sports Journal was known as “The PooP Sheet.” Throughout those early years, The PooP Sheet was one of the earliest sources for insider news and recruiting news throughout the league. Our goal remains the same today – to provide our readers with accurate and compelling information about the ACC and its schools.
We take our readers back with some of our archives from the past.
35 YEARS AGO – 1980
Steve Spurrier was making plenty of news at Duke. The offensive coordinator first clashed with head coach Red Wilson on the sideline during a game. Wilson told Spurrier he wanted another quarterback to replace freshman Ben Bennett. Spurrier said he was sticking with Bennett, and he got his way. Spurrier also berated a Blue Devil defender when he sacked Bennett hard during a practice.
Mike Gminkski and Mike O’Koren signed NBA rookie contracts with the Nets. Gminski got $200,000 for three years, O’Koren $240,000 over four seasons. The minimum salary this year in the NBA is $525,093.
The subject of freshman eligibility was being tossed about – again. Clemson football coach Danny Ford had this to say: “If freshman couldn’t play, you’re gonna get a lot of coaches fired.”
30 YEARS AGO – 1985
George Welsh was asked how it felt to live in basketball coach Terry Holland’s shadow at Virginia. “I hope I’m not,” Welsh replied. “Maybe he’s gonna be living in my shadow sometime.”
The ACC was again being hailed for its basketball, as the overall status of football had tumbled. Only Virginia was showing progress while other programs declined.
A reflection of football’s fall (after a recent rise) was that North Carolina’s two top prep players of the year before were playing elsewhere – Lumberton’s Tim Worley at Georgia and Greensboro’s Todd Ellis at South Carolina.
25 YEARS AGO – 1990
Virginia football was again in the headlines. The Cavaliers had won 17 of their last 19 regular-season games and had Moore and Moore individual stars. Quarterback Shawn Moore was a Heisman candidate, and receiver Herman was one of the country’s most dangerous long-ball threats.
Florida State’s addition to the ACC became official. Meanwhile, South Carolina followers mourned what they felt was a missed opportunity to rejoin the league. Clemson fans were criticizing coach Ken Hatfield – even after Tiger victories. It would only get much worse.