He Feels Just Eiffel, er, Awful That He Can’t Hate World Cup
Bernie Lincicome of the Chicago Tribune writes that he isn’t emotionally involved with the World Cup:
“It’s no use. I can’t hate Switzerland. Or Romania or Colombia. Though France, now that’s another matter. Too bad France isn’t in the World Cup.
“I could do my patriotic duty easily if the U.S. soccer team were opening against France. I could get me some of that Cup fever for France. But I’m completely neutral on Switzerland.”
Trivia time: Which sport has the Detroit Neon, Arizona Sandsharks, Houston Hotshots and Las Vegas Dustdevils?
Sour note: Pitcher Jack McDowell of the Chicago White Sox, who plays the guitar, told the Men’s Journal the difference between the stage and the mound.
“Rock and roll musicians, they don’t step on stage and get booed,” he said. “Sixteen critics don’t come backstage after a concert and say, ‘You guys screwed up that C-to-the-A change there. Were you aware of that?’ ”
Un-endangered species: Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that a shaved head is the current NBA style.
“Fortunately for the Knicks, Coach Pat Riley hasn’t caved in to the bald look, possibly because no barber would cut his hair, which is protected under the Federal Wetlands Preservation Act.”
Terminal: Vernon (Mad Max) Maxwell of the Houston Rockets, commenting on his on-court behavior to USA Today:
“People think I’m crazy, wild, a lunatic. And sometimes I am. It’s because of the T’s (technical fouls) and the way I carry myself on the floor. I’ve been like this all my life.”
Appropriate: Doug Pike is the fishing reporter for the Houston Chronicle.
Status quo: From the Good Doctor in Inside Sports magazine:
Q: The L.A. Coliseum was seriously damaged by the big earthquake in January. Where do you think the Raiders will end up this season?
A: Third, behind Kansas City and Denver.
Many hats: Linford Christie, Olympic and world 100-meter champion, told L’Equipe, the sports daily, about his recognition at home:
“As a winner, I’m from Great Britain. If I’m beaten, I’m an athlete who runs for Great Britain. When I lose, sometimes I’m even known as a ‘native of Jamaica.’ ”
Gone and forgotten: On a recent “Sports Machine” show, George Michael had an update on former major league outfielder Dan Gladden, who is playing in Japan. In both references, Michael called him “Don.”
Looking back: On this day in 1933, Johnny Goodman won the U.S. Open golf championship, the last amateur to win the event.
Trivia answer: The Continental Indoor Soccer League.
Quotebook: St. Louis outfielder Mark Whiten, after the Cardinals lost three games in a row to San Diego: “To me (the Padres) are a bunch of triple-A players.”
