My first actual report on this blog, and it's a sports post

I'm planning to address the controversy surrounding the selection of former Missouri governor and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to deliver the commencement address at Truman State University (my alma mater) next weekend. There is a lot to talk about regarding that, so I'm going to instead start with a commentary on something less testy:

The potential shake-up involving the starting quarterback position at Mizzou.

As reported yesterday by The Kansas City Star, freshman quarterback Blaine Dalton has been suspended indefinitely from the team following his arrest by Columbia police on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance. According to the police report Star reporter Blair Kerchoff mentions in this story, the Blue Springs South standout allegedly had in his possession 10 pills of hydrocodone, a prescription cough suppressant and painkiller, and alcohol. Additional traffic misdemeanors were also listed.

Dalton was, prior to this announced suspension, in the midst of a battle for the starting quarterback role at Mizzou against sophomore Blaine Gabbert (Parkway West). Also waiting in the wings are two names of personal interest, sophomore Jimmy Costello, who was QB at my high school (Liberty), and incoming freshman Ashton Glaser, the best quarterback to come out of Springdale, Ark., since Mitch Mustain.

Dalton has denied all charges, and the suspension is standard procedure according to a spokesman from Mizzou. But this is a disappointing distraction for a promising candidate to fill in Chase Daniel's shoes. With several candidates in the mix, a situation like this involving Dalton will impair his chances now, but hopefully he's learning from this, guilty or not. Quarterbacking in the Suburban Conferences is chump change compared to being a potential starting quarterback in one of the fiercest Division One FBS conferences, where everything from passing targets to off-campus antics is under the scrutiny of coaches, University figures, fans, major media and no-names bloggers like yours truly. If Dalton handles this incident well and/or proves his innocence, he can easily redeem himself. Else, Tiger fans will prepare for the Gabbert era.

The stock of Mizzou's athletic program has been on the rise the past two years, but fans have a lofty expectation of their beloved gold-and-black next season (third consecutive Big 12 North title) and are all too accustomed to being jilted. Hopefully this situation will be resolved quickly and amicably.