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Legend Passes The sports world lost one of its all-time greats, when John Wooden passed away at the age of 99. He didn't care for the nickname of "Wizard of Westwood"; he preferred to be called "Coach". And boy, was he ever. John Wooden should be on everyone's short list of the best that ever lived, when it comes to this debate. He didn't care for the awards and adulation; it was always about the players and the team concept. His ability to see the big picture that sports was just a small part of the game of life was his strength. His quips, stories and quotes about how to approach life's struggles were simplistic, but right on the money. Perhaps it was his mid-west upbringing back in Indiana and his ability to relate to others....he was a great communicator and he had that perfect touch....add it all up, and you have one of the best coaches...and people, to ever grace the world of sports. They don't make 'em like "Coach" anymore. You wonder if he was in his early 30's, if he could survive today's cut-throat college athletic scene? Something tells me he would have been successful, no matter the time or the place. John Wooden was truly one of the greats.....and he will be missed. Another former UCLA coach, Larry Brown, has been having some fun with the local media. The Bobcats' coach....and yes, he's still the coach....has been smug about his future. To be honest with you, I have no idea why some of the local scribes are too damn stupid to figure out that Larry is still in charge. The Bobcats have been working out a bunch of prospects for the past week....and this is a team that currently has zero picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. If I had no picks available for the June 24th draft, the last thing I would be worried about is working out A.J. Slaughter of Western Kentucky....whoever that is. But Larry Brown is front and center with the dozens of guys that have traveled to the Queen City to show off their talents and skills. If Larry didn't have any interest in coaching the Bobcats for the upcoming season, why would he even bother showing up? Hell, Michael Jordan is so concerned about these scrubs, that during Game 2 of the NBA Finals in LA, he was waving a towel and pretending to be a Chicago Blackhawks fan while sitting in a suite watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. I'm not exactly sure how the Bobcats get better on the court, when Jordan pretends to be a hockey fan. But, back to Brown....he mentioned the possibilities of going back to Philly with his family and working for the Sixers. Obviously, that didn't pan out, since Philadelphia hired retread Doug Collins and made no moves with their front office. As far as I'm concerned, Larry Brown is the head coach of the Bobcats until there is a press conference to announce a new coach. Of course, for that to happen, somebody has to get Jordan either off the golf course, or away from Lord Stanley's cup. The best line delivered so far this year in sports belongs to NASCAR driver Joey Logano. After another altercation on the track with points leader Kevin Harvick, Logano unleashed a one-liner for the ages to a national television audience when he stated that "Harvick's wife is the one that wears the firesuit in the family and tells him what to do". To Harvick's credit, he created a new t-shirt on his website using the line from Logano. Kevin Harvick should split the profits...assuming anybody buys the merchandise. The kid is still learning on the track, but that line was a classic. Speaking of NASCAR, the race in Michigan this week marks the two-year anniversary of Dale, Jr.'s last win on the circuit. It's the only win for Earnhardt since joining Hendrick Motorsports......ouch. The NCAA Baseball Tournament enters the Super Regional phase this weekend, and it has a "Southern Fried" feel to it. As of this entry, there is one more regional to be finalized between Miami and Texas A&M.....if the Canes win, the ACC and SEC will place 9 of the 16 teams remaining in the tournament. Right now, the ACC has Virginia, Florida State and Clemson advancing and each one hosts their respective Super Regional. The SEC has Florida, Vandy, Arkansas, Bama and South Carolina still in the mix, too. That's pretty impressive. You got World Cup fever, yet? The USA takes on England this weekend, and for once, I'm somewhat interested. The reason....I'm taking my family to Europe this summer, and our first stop is London. The last thing I want are the hooligans celebrating a World Cup title the day we arrive on foreign soil. We get to town the morning after the World Cup final. Hopefully, Team USA sends a message in the opening game that they mean business. For once, I'll be watching and paying attention to a soccer match that doesn't include Brazil and their lovely followers. Go, USA. |
Packman
on Sports Commentary
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