Pitt Rumors. Bleacher Report. Stealing From The Joe Sports Fan Show. Trapped Inside an Elevator. Tom Brookshier.

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A different kind of show. In our middle segment, we steal some audio from this week’s Joe Sports Fan Show, with guests Josh Zerkle and….me. Consider it a teaser and a plug for the Vegas event all in one.

But first, Nick and I discuss the rumor mongering going around the internet about Pittsburgh going to the BIG TEN. From the looks of it, the rumor started on an OSU message board and Bleacher Report, the least reliable content network for news and information around. So of course, newspaper websites link to the rumors, thus making them more valid, and in turn, setting the internet ablaze.

It’s an issue of gatekeeping, but also of trusting what you read and making sure you illustrate what’s rumor and what’s sourced information. Nick brings up the 96-team NCAA tournament rumor that came up yesterday and we discuss how we, even at TSB or on this show or wherever any of you write, need to figure out if a rumor on SbB is more or less validREAD MORE

Will Carroll Talks Colts, Indy and Freeney’s Ankle. Plus PECOTA and Union Talk. Also: John Terry, Rex Ryan, Roger Federer.

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We throw a lot at you on this show. First, Will Carroll from Baseball Prospectus joins the show to talk about, what else, FOOTBALL!

Carroll is an Indianapolis guy, so I wanted to get his take on the scene in Indy. Is it the euphoria like in New Orleans or more of a “been there done that” after winning a Super Bowl not too long ago?

We discuss the depth of the Colts and how losing Dwight Freeney may not be that big a deal. Oh, and we talk about Freeney’s ankle in a conversation that may or may not make sense after reports that he might have torn ligaments and not just a sprain.

But, it wouldn’t be right to have Carroll on and not talk a little baseball. We discuss the PECOTA rankings and try to figure out if throwing a dart against a wall is more or less accurate than their division winners. Note, I will not be betting any houses against the Yankees making the playoffs.

We also talk about theREAD MORE

Trash Talk Championship Of the World – We have a Winner!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSH ZERKLE (Monday Morning Punter) FOR WINNING THE POLL. Good effort by Sebek as well, with both participants (and good sports, really) getting far more votes than I had anticipated. Thanks to everyone who voted. There will be more on the Trash Talk Championship in the weeks to come.

(Original Post follows) Look, if you’ve ever listened to the show or read some of my internet ramblings you know I like to talk some trash. And in no way can I back any of it up. Nevertheless, I was graciously invited to take part in the Trash Talk Championship of the World, taking place this February, in Vegas. The vital details:

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is challenging poker players to put their money where their mouth is during Superbowl weekend in Las Vegas by hosting the first annual Trash Talk Championship of the World. On Saturday, February 6th, Sin City’s premier party property will host a $1,000 +$70 no-limit hold’em tournament benefiting the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, theREAD MORE