Rock on . . .

Stewing mad

USU coach Stew Morrill claims he isn't the slickest guy around, but it would be hard to tell by his press releases.

After being reprimanded by the WAC for swearing at New Mexico State's Jahmar Young during a March 6 game, Morrill responded: "It was a loose ball situation, words were exchanged and my response was inappropriate. I made a mistake and will work to improve my language. New Mexico State has a good team, and Jahmar Young is a good player. He was called for a technical foul on the play, and I now have been disciplined by the WAC. That should cover it."

Reading between the lines, I've decided Morrill is craftier than he pretends. In apologizing, he pointed out that there was an exchange (meaning Young was at fault, too) and that Young was called for the technical, yet Morrill was the one who was disciplined.

So he said what the league bosses wanted him to say, while at the same time indicated they're out of their minds.

That, too, should cover it.

Bad idea, bay-by

USU forward Tai Wesley said that as the Aggies watched the NCAA bracket being filled out Sunday, they feared they would be overlooked.

Said Wesley: "We had this overwhelming feeling of despair."

I know what he means. It's the same feeling I get when I see Dick Vitale in those Hooters commercials.

Backside boots and blunts

Former Jazz problem child Robert Whaley was arrested outside a Salt Lake apartment complex last week after police noted suspicious activity.

He spent one season with the Jazz, never living up to his talent. He was convicted in 2008 of running a drug house in Michigan.

Police documents say cops found several bags of marijuana between Whaley's buttocks, not to mention an imprint matching Jerry Sloan's foot.

Nameless

Whaley was involved in a scuffle outside a Park City bar in 2005. When police asked his name, he identified himself as Bobby Williams and was subsequently cited for providing false information.

This time, he reportedly told police his name was Kareem Johnson.

Considering his history, maybe he should just change his name to John Doe and get it over with.

e-mail: rock@desnews.com