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Try to Put This in Your Scrapbook

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Among the sports collectibles offered in the Upper Deck Authenticated catalogue is the airplane formerly used by the Kings. The price: $5 million.

“Now your company, family or just 70 of your best friends can enjoy the same level of comfort and relaxation that helped (Wayne) Gretzky and the Kings perform to their highest potential,” reads the advertisement for the Boeing 727. “The jet is signed by the team. A must-have for the ultimate Kings fan!”

Signed by the team?

At $5 million, it’s a steal.

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Add Kings: A spokesman for owner Bruce McNall said the New York Yankees have inquired about buying the plane.

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Some, it seems, would pay anything for Gretzky’s autograph.

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Trivia time: Who was the most valuable player in the Pro Bowl last year?

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Still believes in miracles: Herb Brooks, who coached the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal in 1980 at Lake Placid, N.Y., does not believe that professionals should be used in the Olympics.

“The Dream Team in basketball didn’t do anything for me, and seeing NHL players in the Olympics brings no magic,” Brooks told the Sporting News.

“The uniqueness of amateurs from all over the world, battling head to head, is what made our gold medal so special. I know the NHL is looking for exposure, and this is nice, but there’s something about the story of a kid training since he was 4 and finally realizing that dream that would be missing if professionals are used.”

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Ernie (No) D? John Stockton of the Utah Jazz has been compared to Hall of Famer Bob Cousy, but Cousy told Sport magazine: “I’ve seen John play half a dozen times, and I don’t relate to his game in any way. The only player I’ve ever related to, believe it or not, was Ernie DiGregorio.”

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Glory days: Arnold Palmer, who will make his 34th consecutive appearance in the Bob Hope Classic this week, scored his last victory on the regular PGA Tour in the same tournament 20 years ago.

Thumbs down: Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post, on Michael Jackson’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl: “This is what people paid $175 for, Michael Jackson lip-syncing? Yes, lip-syncing. May as well have been Milli Vanilli. Ten-year-old dance steps and more crotch-grabbing than a major league baseball player stepping into the box.

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“Talk about a guy who’s lost a step.”

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Like, groovy: The Sporting News describes California freshman Jason Kidd as “the best thing to happen to Berserkley since sprouts ‘n’ bean curd.”

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Trivia answer: Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys.

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Quotebook: Shaquille O’Neal of the Orlando Magic, on how he handles the acclaim: “I don’t read the stories about myself. I just look at the pictures.”

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