Sir Charles to Gov. Barkley, It’s a Political Transition Game

Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns told Joseph Tybor of the Chicago Tribune that he’s dead serious about running as a Republican for governor of his home state.

“I’m going to be governor of Alabama in 1998,” Barkley said, “but I don’t know what I’ll be doing until then.”

Said former vice president Dan Quayle, who played in a recent celebrity golf tournament with Barkley:

“I told him I will come into Alabama and campaign for him, or campaign against him--whatever way will help. He hasn’t decided which yet.”

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Trivia time: What is the modern--since 1900--U.S. Open golf record for the largest winning margin?

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Soccer fan: Blackie Sherrod, in the Dallas Morning News: “The most attention this buying public ever paid to soccer was caused by an influx of soccer-style kickers into our American football.

“Soccer is something our chillun play on Saturday mornings to keep them out of the mall.”

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Of course not: The Detroit Tigers recently sent Kurt Knudsen and his 13.50 earned-run average back to triple-A Toledo, prompting this candid response from Knudsen:

“I expected it. Let’s face it. Would you want me on your pitching staff?”

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Different breed: Bob Verdi, in the Chicago Tribune: “At least when the (New York) Knicks won their last title in 1973, they had solid citizens like Bill Bradley, who went on to become a U.S. Senator.

“John Starks’ future in public service is more along the line of making license plates.”

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Choices: Frank Brown, in the New York Daily News after the Vancouver Canucks beat the New York Rangers to tie the NHL Stanley Cup finals, 3-3:

“It’s a one-game season now for the (New York) Rangers, who will write history either as the biggest bunch of choking dogs or the most memorable group of players the franchise ever assembled.”

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Philosopher: Charles Oakley of the New York Knicks, analyzing his own team: “All I know is we play ugly ball. We don’t play pretty ball. One moment we’re down, next moment we’re up. (Stuff) happens. Who knows why?”

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Trivia answer: Tony Jacklin, by seven shots at Hazeltine Golf Club, Chaska, Minn., in 1970.

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Quotebook: Bob Twynham, in charge of World Cup security in Dallas: “I don’t think I’d necessarily let in a guy with a tuba, but it’s kind of a judgment call.”