Zibby Set To Be Big Hit Again

So it looks like Tom Zbikowski won’t have to wait for spring practice to hit somebody. The Notre Dame safety is planning a boxing exhibition in South Bend next week.

Yes, it will be a chance for the public to see his boxing skills. They barely did during last summer’s pro debut, when Zbikowski knocked out Robert Bell in 49 seconds.

Who’s Robert Bell, you ask.

Who cares.

Anyway, this time Zbikowski will box for charity with a goal of raising $50,000, or about as much as Mike Tyson lost every three hours, not that we’re picking on No-Longer-Iron Mike.

With tickets ranging from $20 to $1,000 for a ringside table for 10, the money could add up fast. It will go to the Make-A-Wish and Cystic Fibrosis foundations, plus to Hannah and Friends, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis’ charity. It is named for his 11-year-old daughter and helps people with special needs.

So if you like Zbikowski and really like to see him knock the stuffing out of somebody and really, really like to help people, this is the event for you. And if you don't, well, get a life.

Good, Bad News For Weis

It’s been an interesting couple of days for Charlie Weis. The biggest news, at least personally, was the fact his malpractice suit was declared a mistrial after a juror collapsed and was helped by several doctors, including two who Weis was suing.

Weis claimed the two doctors botched his 2002 gastric bypass surgery. The juror collapsed while listening to testimony Tuesday. The trial was expected to go to the jury today. Weis’ attorney asked for the mistrial and the judge agreed.

The second bit of news was Weis got his first verbal commitment for 2008 from Mike Golic Jr., a lineman from Connecticut. Yes, that’s the same Mike Golic who is the son of former Notre Dame players Mike (his dad) and Bob (his uncle).

Golic is 6-5 and 260 pounds and can play offense or defense, although he’s projected to end up a center in college.

Notre Dame Signs 18

If you’ve heard the rumors swirling around that highly touted quarterback Jimmy Clausen has injured his throwing arm, relax.

The nation’s No. 1 football recruit is just fine. He’s already enrolled at Notre Dame, is taking classes and will participate in spring practice.

What is true is that Clausen threw a lot in games and in practice this past season. Coach Charlie Weis wants him to rest his arm to avoid any overuse issues.

“I told him I did not want him throwing a ball until end of February,” Weis said. “I’ve shut him down. I’ve mandated him not to throw. It’s not because he has some dire condition.”

Clausen was one of 18 recruits who signed today in what experts agree is a top-10 class.

Weis said the Irish addressed all their needs and if some players, particularly on defense, don’t bring gaudy ratings, that doesn’t mean they won’t be impact players some day.

“These guys are just what we’re looking for,” Weis says.

For more information, check out tomorrow’s News-Sentinel.