Out of a job and then out of hardware
After being fired as a Sacramento Kings assistant coach, former Chicago Bulls guard Randy Brown learned he’s also going to lose his championship rings.
A federal bankruptcy judge in Sacramento ruled that West Auctions of Woodland, Calif., will auction off Brown’s 1996, 1997 and 1998 championship rings with the Bulls. Brown declared bankruptcy before being fired.
Auctioneer David West told WBBM 780 in Chicago that bidding will begin May 19 at $19,000 and expects each of the rings will be bought for at least $75,000. West said the 1996 and 1997 rings are size 12 1/4 and the 1998 ring is size 12 1/2 .
“If you can palm a basketball you have to have pretty big fingers,” he said.
Trivia time
When did the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes take place on the same afternoon?
Swine flu hits Texas
High school sporting events were postponed in Texas on Wednesday over worries of the swine flu outbreak. The move suspended the baseball and softball seasons as well as the regional track championships.
With 16 confirmed cases of swine flu in Texas, school officials told the Associated Press that 53,000 students are out of school and play would resume May 11. Charles Breithaupt, executive director of the University Interscholastic League, said league officials acted on the recommendation of public health officials.
Groundskeepers
and greenbacks
The grass is greener for groundskeepers these days.
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company signed endorsement deals this year with the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves that include the team’s groundskeepers helping with promotions and radio advertising.
The company learned in its marketing research that baseball fans represent a significant demographic for lawn products. That’s why Scotts plans to have groundskeepers broadcast tips during games.
“People want to use our products, but they are really confused about what to do,” Jeff Keyser, Scotts’ vice president of marketing, told CNBC. “That’s why producing educational tips makes sense.”
Trivia answer
On May 13, 1922, Morvich won the Derby at Churchill Downs and Pillory won the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course.
And finally
Brett Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, told ESPN that Favre won’t return to the NFL.
“He’s mowing his grass,” Cook said about Favre. “He’s working on his farm. He enjoys that stuff.”
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