Thursday, September 25, 2008

SF Chronicle: Cal's Best deals with latest blow: a YouTube appearance

Link.

By Rusty Simmons

Sophomore tailback Jahvid Best said he's still getting grief about vomiting on national television after taking a big hit in the Sept. 13 loss to Maryland. On the play, Best was lined up in the slot, backed up two steps at the snap, and was crushed by Maryland cornerback Kevin Barnes as he reached for the quick screen.  "I've heard a lot about it, and I know I've got to take it," Best said. "I know they're going to play it and it's going to get publicity, but it's all right. Hopefully, I'll be able to make a different highlight this week and put that thing in the past." Best, whose sternum was bruised, crawled toward the sideline before lying down on his back. After a couple of minutes, Cal's medical staff rolled Best on to his side, and he vomited a neon green liquid. The video found its way to YouTube before the game's conclusion. The most popular four versions of the video have been viewed by more than 200,000 users, but one question had gone unasked until Wednesday's teleconference.

ESPN's Ted Miller said, "I've got to ask. What did you have for breakfast?" For the record, Best says it was a mix of blue Gatorade and yellow Cytomax. Colorado connections: Cal left guard Chris Guarnero has missed the last two practices with a sprained toe, but he promises he'll be ready for Saturday's game against Colorado State. He gives the impression that he'd tough it out for any opponent, but this week means a little more. "Any time you play a hometown team, there's something pretty special about it," said Guarnero, who grew up in Arvada, Colo., about 45 minutes south of the Fort Collins campus. "I was a bigger fan of Colorado, but growing up that close, I heard a lot of news about Colorado State, too."

Guarnero, a sophomore who backed up center Alex Mack last season, forced his way into the lineup by moving to guard during training camp. He received a game ball after making the key block on Best's game-opening, 80-yard run against Washington State on Sept. 6.  "I'm not really into individual things," Guarnero said. "The win was a great win and to get a game ball was a nice personal award that means a lot, especially early in my career." Coach Jeff Tedford said he doesn't expect Guarnero to practice this week, but Guarnero should be available Saturday. In his absence, Mark Boskovich has practiced with the first team.

Briefly: Tedford said safety Bernard Hicks' thigh bruise, which has kept him out of practice, shouldn't cause him to miss the game. ... Defensive end Cody Jones (ankle) is trying to rehab instead of having surgery that would sideline him through spring practices, according to Tedford. ... In an attempt to prove his health, defensive end Rulon Davis made a point to jump in the view of Tedford during Tedford's post-practice media address. Davis didn't start against Maryland because of a leg injury.

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