I thought you guys might enjoy this story. If not, deal with it, talking Michigan State basketball helps me cope with the Cubs.

"Tonight," King Leonidas screamed, "we dine in hell!"

For most of us, that will be breakfast today.

Those are the words of Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode, one of 21 media members who accepted Tom Izzo's invitation to be put through a Michigan State basketball practice. An ingenious idea, said to be the first media/team interaction of its kind, will either aid Izzo's goal or merely add some more fuel to any criticism directed his way.

"... the goal was for all of us -- journalists, coaches and players alike -- to recognize the rigors of our respective jobs, so we'd be a little more understanding of one another in the future."

The 2-hour practice included extensive fundamental work on dribbling and shooting, defensive communication drills, learning new offensive plays and ended with a 20-minute scrimmage pitting the print vs broadcast. The media also experienced realistic film sessions both before and after practice, first learning how to do the drills, and second, seeing what they did wrong with Izzo dishing out as much criticize as he could.

"We went back to the film room to watch Izzo critique our effort. He didn't hesitate to embarrass some of us and point out our mistakes.

Like my air ball. And my confusion attempting to run an offensive play.

"Were you drinking before you got here?" Izzo asked."

Not that Tom Izzo receives a lot negative press in the state of Michigan, but when given an opportunity these guys might be reminded of the push-ups forced upon them when they hold the media practice again next year. The highlight of the event might have been Spartan center Drew Naymick switches sides with Joe Rexrode, here's the interview video with the reporter dropping as many clichés as possible.