Buddy Ryan Finds New Target for His Barbs

This week’s subject for Buddy Ryan is Mark Gastineau, the New York Jets’ All-Pro defensive end.

“He’s just a pass-rusher,” said Ryan, who since taking over as coach of the Philadelphia Eagles has had unkind words for everyone from Mike Ditka, his former boss with the Chicago Bears, to Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula.

According to Ryan, Reggie White, his second-year defensive lineman, is better than Gastineau.

“He’s probably the best defensive lineman I’ve been around, and I’ve been around a lot of good ones,” Ryan said, referring to White. “He’s a real football player. Gastineau’s just a pass-rusher.”

Said Gastineau, himself seldom at a loss for words: “If I wasn’t with a classy organization like the Jets, I’d say now that Buddy Ryan is separated from Mike Ditka, he’ll never win a game. It would be Buddy Who? I feel sorry for someone like that.”

Is the world ready for the Clipper girls?

Stealing a page from the Lakers’ book, the Clippers will have a female cheering squad this season.

Derek Smith may yet rue the day he left.

Dan Marino, the Dolphin quarterback who is in the final year of his contract, takes some shots at team owner Joe Robbie in the new issue of Sport magazine.

“I guess Joe Robbie never appreciates anything until it’s gone,” Marino told the magazine. “Joe Robbie wants a Cadillac, but he only wants to pay for a Volkswagen. It’s a shame Robbie is in a position where he can control people.

“Regardless of Joe Robbie, I’ll be playing somewhere next year. Yeah, I’ll be playing. Whether it will be in Miami or not, I just don’t know.”

Marino is reportedly seeking a five-year, $7.5-million guaranteed contract, much like the one Jim Kelly signed with the Buffalo Bills last week.

“It’s more than just keeping up with the Joneses,” Marino said. “I’m just dealing with an owner who has a history of having to be pushed to the wall before he’ll do anything. All things considered, I don’t want to leave. But you have to get the most out of it while you’ve got it. I’ve got no choice but to try.”

When Sid Fernandez was pitching for the Dodgers, they used to fret about his weight. Fernandez may have switched teams, but apparently things haven’t changed much.

Although Fernandez has a 15-4 record, Manager Davey Johnson of the Mets is upset that the right-hander has gained almost 15 pounds since the season began.

Or about one pound per win.

How Dry He Is: Offensive tackle Mark Behning of the Pittsburgh Steelers reported to training camp at 316 pounds last month, then shed 30 pounds and was scheduled to start Saturday’s final exhibition game against the New York Giants.

Tuesday night after practice, he had to be hospitalized for dehydration.

Steeler Coach Chuck Noll’s reaction? “Big people can’t handle losing that much weight at one time. He’ll start Saturday . . . if he makes it through the pregame warmups.”

Quotebook

Manager George Bamberger of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose team started Wednesday in last place in the American League East despite a 63-61 record: “Being in last place with a winning record is unbelievable. You begin to wonder if you’re going to get over the hump.”