Mike Mason has been dismissed from the Tar Heel football team.

I am inclined to believe his dismissal has to do with the zero-tolerance substance abuse policy recently implemented by the UNC athletic department.

I am extremely disappointed in Mike Mason. Disappointed he won't be able to contribute on the football field, and disappointed he likely won't complete his college education at UNC.

What are you thinking, putting an artificial high in front of a college football career? Putting your education in jeopardy in the middle of your junior year? Taking an opportunity so few people would get (and the rest of us would do anything for), and letting it go up in smoke?

I am not so naive as to think this is just a Mike Mason issue. It's not just a Carolina issue. It's a college athletics issue. These kids, 18-22, have an incredible opportunity to play a game and get a free college education for it. Kids know their jersey numbers. Hundreds line up two hours and 15 minutes prior to a game simply to see them walk by. People give up their Saturdays to see these young men represent their universities. And it seems to mean so little to so many of them.

I know it's a lot of responsibility to carry the heart and soul of a fanbase onto the field, but you've got to respect yourself enough not to throw these things away.

December 8 is HeelsBlog's first birthday. Here's a link to the very first HeelsBlog post.

I started the site as a forum for me to express my ideas and opinions on all things having to do with Tar Heel athletics.


It's been a whole lot of fun, even if I haven't been able to write as much as I'd have liked in the first year. There were a lot of posts that first month, as the basketball Heels were showing what kind of force they were going to be, and the football Heels were preparing for the Continental Tire Bowl. It's slowed down considerably since, but 244 articles is pretty good.

I want to thank you for making HeelsBlog a stop during your web surfing to check out one fan's opinion. Also many thanks to the contributors I've enlisted at various points along the way. A special note of appreciation has to go to HeelsBlogGirl, who's been right beside me at countless Tar Heel games. Football, basketball, volleyball, whatever. We've had a blast supporting our alma mater. She's also been great about throwing her two cents in on the topic of the day.

Last week, I renewed the domain for another year. I've had too much fun to stop now. Here's to a great first year, and more to come.

In celebration of HeelsBlog's birthday, I'd like everyone - EVERYONE - who has ever signed up for an account to comment on this thread with your favorite Tar Heel moment from the past year. It could be something you experienced personally (running into Rashad McCants at Barnes & Noble), or something we all experienced with the Heels.

But if you're going to say the NCAA Championship, tell me something specific about the game or season. The moment you knew this was special. A block, steal, dunk or shot that told you how much fun this was going to be.

I've had a lot of fun HeelsBlogging. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to your comments.

I'll grant that it was a sloppy first half. Of course it was: the Heels trailed by three at the break. But the second half of basketball might have been the most complete we've seen from this young team early in the season.

I think the first half was a combination of two. 1  - Fatigue from a big road win mixed with the pressure of being newly-ranked. 2- St. Louis is not a bad team, and came in with the same feeling that we took to Kentucky.

Don't laugh at me - St. Louis might be a factor in the Atlantic 14 this year. They've got good post play and solid guards.

Two game balls go out tonight - both to freshmen. Bobby Frasor had a huge game. Twelve assists? That's unheard of for a freshman. Big shot to end the first half - he's so quick.

Tyler had a dominant second half under the basket. I think I saw him almost crack a smile after the dunk follow.

Nice balanced scoring from the big three (Hansbrough, Noel, Terry). See the SI box score.

Will the real Wes Miller please stand up? He's hitting from everywhere, as long as he doesn't rush his shot.

Still some sloppy/lazy play at times, letting St. Louis stay in a game that should have been over before it was. That can be tuned up in the ten days off.

Grant Wahl has the Heels' freshman class as one of the nation's best. I can't disagree. These kids are being forced into action early, and that is something that will pay dividends for years.

Reyshawn Terry is carving out  his role in the Tar Heel system. He's finding his way and will only contribute more as the season progresses.

I'll look at each Tar Heel's role on this team in a more in-depth entry to come. Tar Heels off ten days before taking on Santa Clara on Dec. 17 at home.

Last note: My instant message to HeelsBlogGirl at the half: "I think we win this game 12+"

When you got it, you got it. :)

AP Photo

"I'm a little banged up, but I'm a tough soldier. I'm'll keep fighting on and on."
- Ivory Latta after the Tar Heels spanked the UConn Huskies, 77-54, in Hartford, Conn.

Goodness. I was worried about this game? This team and this game? The Tar Heels were up by 31 at one point. In Hartford. Geez, Louise.

They handed Geno Auriemma his worst home loss ever. Ever. Worst UConn loss in 13 years.

ESPN, SI and Tar Heel Blue don't have box scores up yet, but trust me, it was a dominating performance against a great program (I don't have to tell you about the UConn women).

The Heels play Wofford Thursday at Carmichael at 7, and Coastal Carolina Saturday at 2. Go see a great Tar Heel team.

Edit: SI story is up from AP

Check out the box score from ESPN. Latta, Little and Atkinson all over the scoresheet. Rashanda chips in 8. What a performance.

Box score

Heels defeat Wildcats in Rupp Arena. Who saw this one coming? I was worried, I'll admit. My best guess would be the Heels would fight hard but fall by 10 or 12. They fought hard, alright.
Kentucky went up early, but the Tar Heels took the lead for good on a Danny Green 3 with just under 11 minutes to play in the first half.

Where did this outside shooting come from? We certainly didn't see it against Illinois. Where did this free throw shooting come from? Ditto.

My hat is off to the young Tar Heels, who went into one of the most hostile arenas in college basketball and got a win. A win! I was hoping for a game effort. I got one.

Game ball goes to Reyshawn Terry, who must have heard us as a fan base imploring him to find himself. Reyshawn stepped up in a big way. Tuesday he was forcing shots. Today, he was creating opportunities.

David Noel was the senior leader. Bobby Frasor and Wes Miller were the floor generals. Marcus Ginyard continues to surprise. He's a special player in the mold of Jackie Manuel and Brian Reese (I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't try to make these comparisons, but everybody wants to do it).

Tyler Hansbrough didn't have his best game offensively. However, it's comforting to see the Heels hit from outside when the post is covered. I understand we don't want to rely on that per se, but when you're hitting, you're hitting.

I continue to enjoy watching this team represent my alma mater. I am as proud of them as I have been any North Carolina team. They continue to surpass expectations.

As I said after Tuesday's game, I originally looked at this season simply as a tune-up for the next one. I won't make that mistake anymore. Though I certainly am excited about the six special players that will join the roster, every game we can see a team of Tar Heels is to be enjoyed.

Lucas does it again.