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06-10-2004, 07:12 AM
• In the ’80s, it was tractor pulls and rodeo. In the ’90s, it was Australian Rules Football. Now, it seems like every time I turn on ESPN, I’m stuck with billiards and World Series of Poker reruns.Enough already. If I want to watch people shoot pool and play cards, I’ll go down to my local bar. I’ll bet the darts and video trivia people must really be ticked at the way they’re being dissed by ESPN.
Sports Update
Brownie Points: Parcells should have known better
By Jerry Brown, Tribune
No disrespect, no offense to Bill Parcells, but that was a pretty stupid thing to let spill out of your pie hole over there in Dallas.
The Tuna’s reference Monday to offensive coordinator Sean Payton running "Jap plays’’ — those that would surprise the defense — during practice may not have been meant as an insensitive, mean-spirited slur. But any comment, no matter what it is, that begins and ends with an apology proves that even Parcells knew what he was saying was out of place — even as he said it.
ANOTHER GOALIE?
Conventional wisdom has the Coyotes addressing their most pressing need — a skilled offensive forward — with the fifth pick of June 26 NHL entry draft. But many in the organization were very impressed by University of Michigan goaltender Al Montoya at the recent "NHL Combines" in Canada, and Montoya is considering skipping his final two years with the Wolverines and jumping right to the pro ranks.
The Coyotes already have a blue-chip goalie prospect in Cornell’s David LeNeveu, who played very well in Springfield last year. But the Coyotes not only see Montoya as a can’t-miss NHL goalie, but his Latino heritage could go a long way toward attracting new Arizona fans to the game. Phoenix has tried to pry Scott Gomez away from New Jersey several times, with the same thought process in mind.
The problem? Several teams are interested in Montoya and could trade up to take him first. If that’s the case, perhaps Phoenix should dangle its pick, moving down in the first round in return for an NHL-ready player who can assist in the rebuilding project.
QUICK HITTERS
• In the ’80s, it was tractor pulls and rodeo. In the ’90s, it was Australian Rules Football. Now, it seems like every time I turn on ESPN, I’m stuck with billiards and World Series of Poker reruns.
Enough already. If I want to watch people shoot pool and play cards, I’ll go down to my local bar. I’ll bet the darts and video trivia people must really be ticked at the way they’re being dissed by ESPN.
• Of all the completed and proposed tributes to the late Pat Tillman, the Pac-10's decision to name its defensive player-of-theyear award in his honor is easily the best of all.
• By the way, the Lightning did win the Cup Monday — although you might not be sure if you read Tuesday’s Tampa Tribune, which had a piece on the editorial page which began: "The Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t win the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup last night. But the team had a championship season nevertheless.’’ Of course, two versions were written in advance, and the wrong one ran. But the good news is they made deadline.
Contact Jerry Brown by email, or phone (480) 898-6528
Sports Update
Brownie Points: Parcells should have known better
By Jerry Brown, Tribune
No disrespect, no offense to Bill Parcells, but that was a pretty stupid thing to let spill out of your pie hole over there in Dallas.
The Tuna’s reference Monday to offensive coordinator Sean Payton running "Jap plays’’ — those that would surprise the defense — during practice may not have been meant as an insensitive, mean-spirited slur. But any comment, no matter what it is, that begins and ends with an apology proves that even Parcells knew what he was saying was out of place — even as he said it.
ANOTHER GOALIE?
Conventional wisdom has the Coyotes addressing their most pressing need — a skilled offensive forward — with the fifth pick of June 26 NHL entry draft. But many in the organization were very impressed by University of Michigan goaltender Al Montoya at the recent "NHL Combines" in Canada, and Montoya is considering skipping his final two years with the Wolverines and jumping right to the pro ranks.
The Coyotes already have a blue-chip goalie prospect in Cornell’s David LeNeveu, who played very well in Springfield last year. But the Coyotes not only see Montoya as a can’t-miss NHL goalie, but his Latino heritage could go a long way toward attracting new Arizona fans to the game. Phoenix has tried to pry Scott Gomez away from New Jersey several times, with the same thought process in mind.
The problem? Several teams are interested in Montoya and could trade up to take him first. If that’s the case, perhaps Phoenix should dangle its pick, moving down in the first round in return for an NHL-ready player who can assist in the rebuilding project.
QUICK HITTERS
• In the ’80s, it was tractor pulls and rodeo. In the ’90s, it was Australian Rules Football. Now, it seems like every time I turn on ESPN, I’m stuck with billiards and World Series of Poker reruns.
Enough already. If I want to watch people shoot pool and play cards, I’ll go down to my local bar. I’ll bet the darts and video trivia people must really be ticked at the way they’re being dissed by ESPN.
• Of all the completed and proposed tributes to the late Pat Tillman, the Pac-10's decision to name its defensive player-of-theyear award in his honor is easily the best of all.
• By the way, the Lightning did win the Cup Monday — although you might not be sure if you read Tuesday’s Tampa Tribune, which had a piece on the editorial page which began: "The Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t win the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup last night. But the team had a championship season nevertheless.’’ Of course, two versions were written in advance, and the wrong one ran. But the good news is they made deadline.
Contact Jerry Brown by email, or phone (480) 898-6528