Morning briefing
That’s what you call a hardship
Fresh off his national team’s failed effort to qualify for the European Championships, David Beckham arrived Sunday in Sydney, Australia, to play with the Galaxy in a friendly against Sydney FC.
It is Beckham’s first visit to Australia, and the local media are making a big hullabaloo about it, even though there was a recent national election.
The big Beckham story? He shunned an offer to stay in a presidential-style suite at a cost of $5,250 per night and will stay in a $235-per-night room like the rest of the Galaxy players.
“He hasn’t come through with a list of requests we’re used to here,” Star City official Richard Munro said. “He doesn’t want anything special, which is a real credit to a superstar like him.”
Clearly, Posh is not with him.
Good idea
Beckham is obligated to play at least 55 minutes because of a clause in the game contract. He was unaware of the clause but said he would honor it.
“Physically, I’m good -- I’m a lot better than I have been since I joined the Galaxy,” Beckham said. “I’ll be happy to play at least 55 minutes.”
Considering Beckham played 55 minutes or more only three times with the Galaxy, team officials are probably smacking their heads saying, “Why didn’t we think of that?”
Trivia time
Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner and Tom Brady are the only active NFL quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts and career passer ratings higher than 90. There are only two quarterbacks to retire having met those criteria. Who are they?
Who’s your daddy?
Former UCLA and Raiders offensive lineman Bruce Davis Sr. was an honorary captain Saturday for the Bruins’ game against Oregon and was with his son, UCLA defensive end Bruce Davis Jr., in the locker room after the game when the question came up: Who would get the better in a head-to-head matchup?
Davis Sr. shot his hand into the air, only to hear his son say, “This guy better put that hand down. I would have a little too much speed for him. I would give him a little shake here and there.”
And after the play?
“I would give him a pat on the butt and say, ‘Better tell your coach to get a tight end over here to help you,’ ” Davis Jr. said.
His dad’s version on what his son would be saying?
“Please don’t hurt me again.”
Still got it
Pete Sampras retired in 2002, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still compete with the world’s best.
Sampras defeated Roger Federer, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, in an exhibition match in Macao.
It was the last of a three-match exhibition series the two played. Federer won in Seoul and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
But despite doing what few other current pros have been able to, Sampras said he’s retired for good.
“Let’s not get carried away,” he said when asked about a comeback after the victory.
Federer, who calls Sampras an idol, said Sampras should still be on the tour.
“I’m sort of surprised,” he said. “This guy can play tennis, you know.”
No argument
A pair of Australian sailors were arrested and jailed in San Diego after assaulting an American man following an argument over which was a better sport: Australian Rules football or American football.
According to the San Diego Union Tribune, “the American football fan threatened to kill the Australians. The sailors, reportedly fearing the man would get a weapon, then hit and kicked him, breaking his eye socket.”
Maybe the American guy should have worn a helmet.
Trivia answer
Steve Young (96.81) and Joe Montana (92.26).
And finally
Yogi Berra seems to be channeling himself through New York Islanders Coach Ted Nolan, who was waxing philosophic after the Islanders defeated the Boston Bruins, 2-1, Saturday night.
“My philosophy has always been if we score one more than them, we have a good chance of winning,” Nolan said.
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