Hoyas Win, but Packer Gets Attention

Allen Iverson put on quite a show, scoring 37 points to lead No. 8 Georgetown to a 106-68 victory over No. 6 Villanova Saturday at Landover, Md.

But CBS commentator Billy Packer’s description of Iverson as a “tough monkey” got almost as much attention as Iverson’s performance.

It was reminiscent of the late Howard Cosell calling Washington Redskin receiver Alvin Garrett a “little monkey” during a 1983 “Monday Night Football” telecast.

After Packer’s comment, the Georgetown switchboard was flooded with calls, and the CBS affiliate in Washington received “dozens.” KCBS in Los Angeles got half a dozen or so.

After being told about the reaction, Packer apologized on the air.

“I hope nobody took offense to that . . .,” Packer said. “[It was] not meant to be a disparaging remark in any way.”

CBS spokeswoman Robin Brendle said, “Clearly, we see how people would be offended by what Billy said, but anyone who knows Billy knows it was just an unfortunate slip.”

Georgetown Coach John Thompson, defending Packer, said: “I get mad at Billy sometimes for trying to officiate games on TV, and I get mad at Billy sometimes for trying to coach games on TV. [But] one thing I do know about Billy though, is that he is not a racist. I was not offended by the remark, Allen was not offended, and that’s all there is to it.”

By beating the Wildcats, Georgetown, 26-6 overall and 13-5 in the Big East, finished its home schedule 16-0.

For the Wildcats (24-5, 14-4), playing without suspended Kerry Kittles, this was their worst defeat since a 116-77 loss to Oregon during the 1974-75 season.