Jordan Gross gives back

Jordan Gross donated $500,000 to the University of Utah to establish the Jordan and Dana Gross Offensive Lineman Scholarship on Monday. Not only does Gross pave the way for the Carolina Panthers powerful rushing attack, now he's paving the way for other small town offensive linemen to play for the Utes! Gross joins the ranks of fellow Carolina Panther Steve Smith, San Francisco 49er Alex Smith, Philadelphia 76er (now Portland Trail Blazer) Andre Miller, and Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut as athletes who have donated substantial sums back to the university. Read the full story on ksl.com.

Andre Miller a Trail Blazer

Andre Miller has signed an offer from the Portland Trail Blazers, ending weeks of speculation over where the stalwart point guard would be taking his game. While it was apparent that the 10 year veteran would not re-sign with Philadelphia, various reports had him going to Indiana, New York, or Portland. Miller will provide veteran leadership for the talented young Trail Blazer team, as Miller and Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard both cited in the team's official announcement. The team did not release the terms of the deal, but it is has been reported as $21 million over three years.

Shelton called up

Chris Shelton was called up by the Mariners on 7/9/09. In 4 games he's batting .250 with two hits, one run and one RBI, a go-ahead run against the Texas Rangers on July 12th. He did not play in last night's game against the Tigers, but remains in the clubhouse as what manager Don Wakamatsu deems an "extra potent bat off the bench."

Luke Nevill update

The New Orleans Hornets entry in the Las Vegas Summer League lost to the Denver Nuggets 107-105 in overtime yesterday, the last day of league play. Luke Nevill did not play in that game, one day after posting his best game with the Hornets. In 22 minutes against the T-Wolves Nevill scored 12 points on 6-9 FGs with 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists. In four games he averaged 10 minutes and 4 points per game on 57% shooting. Expect Nevill to play in the developmental league or overseas this year.

Update on Brian Johnson

One of the lingering questions left unanswered by the NFL Draft was what about Brian Johnson? The last time a quarterback led the Utes to a perfect season he went #1 overall in the draft. Brian Johnson had more career wins than Alex Smith, yet the Sugar Bowl MVP wasn't drafted. That question was finally answered by Gordon Monson in today's Salt Lake Tribune. See his article for more details.

Summer Camp

Luke Nevill did not hear his name called during the NBA Draft, but he is working out with the New Orleans Hornets as a free agent this summer. On July 2nd the USA Today reported that Nevill will play for New Orleans in the Las Vegas Summer League, alongside former Utah State Aggie star Jaycee Carroll. The 14 player team will play five games between July 10-19 at UNLV, a familiar venue for Nevill, one of three centers on the roster.