Interested Fan Had Defense for Record Attempt
NBA officials are investigating the reasons why the retired Calvin Murphy was holding the ball right before Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf shot a free throw Sunday that could have broken Murphy’s single-season percentage record.
Abdul-Rauf shot his only two free throws in the third quarter of Denver’s regular-season finale against the Houston Rockets. He made the first but missed the second, blowing a chance to break Murphy’s record set in 1980-81.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. April 27, 1994 MORNING BRIEFING By MAL FLORENCE
Los Angeles Times Wednesday April 27, 1994 Home Edition Sports Part C Page 2 Column 1 Sports Desk 1 inches; 18 words Type of Material: Column; Correction
For the record: Bill Munson was the last quarterback drafted by the Rams in the first round, in 1964, not Terry Baker as reported.
--MAL FLORENCE
During a timeout before the shots, Murphy stood up from his courtside seat, got the ball from a referee, rubbed it, then handed it back to the official.
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Trivia time: Who was the last quarterback drafted in the first round by the Rams?
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Role reversal: Question to The Good Doctor in Inside Sports: What became of William (Refrigerator) Perry?
Answer: “Oddly enough, he’s now selling refrigerators and other appliances under the name William (Football Player) Perry.”
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It fits: Lake Tahoe publicist Phil Weidinger likes the name of the gym at the Stewart Indian School in Carson City, Nev.: “Moccasin Square Garden.”
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It’s about time: It might have been only a blip on the international tennis screen, but Jeremy Bates’ victory in Sunday’s Korean Open final in Seoul caused a royal stir in Britain. Bates became the first British male to win an ATP tour event since Mark Cox in 1977.
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Ice fantasy: From Steve Woodward of USA Today: “Has anyone at ESPN heard about truth in advertising? We’re wondering after seeing one of the cable network’s promos for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“The spot actually contends hockey is “a lot like life . . . only more beautiful.”
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Forty fallacy: Mel Kiper Jr., identified as an NFL draft expert, reported on ESPN radio before Sunday’s draft that Marshall Faulk of San Diego State has been timed in 4.33 seconds for 40 yards.
Get real, Mel. That’s in Carl Lewis’ class.
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Why not? Katarina Witt was asked by Ira Berkow of the New York Times whether she is often recognized on the street.
“Not always,” Witt said. “I mean, I don’t walk around with my skates.”
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Looking back: On this day in 1941, the Chicago Cubs became the first major league team to install an organ at a ballpark.
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Trivia answer: Terry Baker of Oregon State in 1963.
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Quotebook: Ralph Kiner, New York Met broadcaster: “Some guys are inwardly outgoing.”
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