Percentages Say Raiders’ George Fails With Fans

The Raiders are known for rehabilitating players, but Jeff George might be a challenge.

George has been out much of the season because of a groin pull and didn’t help matters by going on the radio recently and volunteering to sit out the rest of the way.

“We’ve been spoiled around here, without a doubt,” notes Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News.

Killion cites local legends such as Joe Montana, rising from a hospital bed after back surgery to lead the 49ers into the postseason; Steve Young starting a playoff game with cracked ribs, even Jeff Hostetler dragging himself onto the field in the ‘90s.

“What George did last week may not qualify as bizarre behavior in Indianapolis or Atlanta,” Killion writes. “. . . Then again, we’re used to quarterbacks with a higher winning percentage than .370.”

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Backup controversy: The Raider quarterbacks are Donald Hollas, who threw six interceptions against Miami last Sunday, and 39-year-old Wade Wilson. Halfback Harvey Williams had the team’s longest completion against the Dolphins, leading to jokes about starting him this week at Buffalo.

Said Tim Brown, “Now don’t start any rumors.”

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Trivia time: Bill Fitch, fired last summer, holds the Los Angeles Clipper coaches’ longevity record, having lasted four seasons. Who’s second?

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Pacesetters: While others spend their time politicking or gaining weight, the Indiana Pacers are holding daily workouts voluntarily, even free agent Rik Smits.

“It’s not helping us to be out right now,” says player-rep Antonio Davis. “The only way we can savor anything is to get together and work out as much as possible.”

Says New York Knick Coach Jeff Van Gundy:

“They’re showing their commitment now. What they’re doing is a great indicator of where they’re at. For our team, I haven’t heard those reports.”

Neither has Del Harris.

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Scouting for something: Amid speculation he wants to return to college basketball, New Jersey Net Coach John Calipari has been visiting campuses, supposedly to look at players.

Calipari says there’s an explanation:

“What’s the other option for me? Staying home and having my wife threaten to call David Stern and settle this thing?”

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Trivia answer: Don Chaney, who lasted two seasons and 21 games of a third.

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And finally: IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, on baseball players’ use of over-the-counter steroidlike substances: “It’s a big problem. It’s an American problem with a different mentality, different habits, and champions who boast about taking banned substances and become national heroes.”