(Long Island, NY) One thing that really bugs me is a guy misses his first free throw and his teammates all make it a point to come give him ‘five’. What does that represent? “Hey, nice job. See if you can follow that up with another brick”. How about telling him if he put more time and effort into practicing from the ‘charity stripe (and there’s a reason why it’s called that), he could probably make enough to shoot 90 percent…..Good for the diminutive Nate Robinson, the Knicks rookie guard, on winning the Slam Dunk contest at the NBA All-Star game in Houston. Brings back memories of the last Knickerbocker to win the contest, Kenny “Sky” Walker back in 1989. Let’s hope that Nate has more memorable moments, unlike ‘ol Sky’…..Sorry, but Larry Brown’s resume cannot give him a pass on the disaster that he had a hand in creating, better known as the latest version of the Knicks.
What do we take out of the Torino Olympic Games? Bodie Miller was as big a disappointment as that guy in the 1984 Nike commercials with Dan and that other guy that couldn’t make the team…..Curling will become the next fad and spawn a reality series…..Whenever there is not much excitement around a sporting event, interject a controversial, non-politically correct statement to give it a little juice…..Wayne Gretzky shedding a tear as Canada was eliminated in hockey- was it because of his hurt for his team losing or realizing that when he gets back the media circus and questions abound if his situation was a distraction?
Gary Sheffield unhappy? Say it ain’t so. His flip-flop blow up and take back just fits into not only his personal history file but the Yankees, as well. The Sheff stirring the pot on Team Turmoil…..Some things never change, they just are different. Sparky Lyle’s book, “The Bronx Zoo”, about the Yankees of the 1970’s, pertains as much to today’s team as it did 30 years ago.
I heard that the Mets people were impressed watching an early Spring Training throwing session by Victor Zambrano. Maybe they were happy that he didn’t take the head off the cardboard cutout hitter like Rick Vaughn (Charlie Sheen’s character) did in “Major League”…..Speaking of My Favorite Met Victor Z, aka Steve Blass and Rick Ankiel rolled-into-one guy, how long before he is either released, bounced from the rotation, or hearing the immortal words, “now pitching for Norfolk,…..”
Barry Bonds says he’s hangin’ em up after this season regardless of what happens. I actually believe him for once. As sad as it is, he is one of the game’s best but will not be missed as one…..The Sporting News actually gave credit to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals for going out and improving their teams over the winter. You just know that this is going to be a weird baseball season approaching.
LAST CALL: Here’s to the legendary Curt Gowdy, the wonderful announcer that passed away last week. A man of many talents leaves us wanting one more game for him to call.
And even though he is not a sports figure, let’s hear it for the great Don Knotts. Ol’ Barney Fife/R.F. passed away this week and will be missed, as well.
LONG ISLAND SPORTS UPDATE: The New York Dragons of the Arena Football League improved to 3-2 on the season with a 55-35 home win against their nemesis, the Orlando Predators. Unfortunately, star quarterback Aaron Garcia had to leave the game with a fractured tibia.
The Strong Island Sound of the ABA won their sixth straight with a 107-104 win at home versus the Maryland Nighthawks. They have improved their record to 15-14 on the season. When the ABA Power Rankings for the week are released, they should move up from their previous spot at number 15. They have one remaining game in the regular season, which is on Friday March 3rd. The Sound will be hosting the Florida Pitbulls, who will be led by their player/coach, former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway.
