TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for March 19, 2010 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com
1. Quick Hits
- 16 games down, 16 to go today in the NCAA basketball tournament.
- So how many of you had 14th seeded Ohio,13th seeded Murray State and 11th seeded Old Dominion and Washington all winning? Nobody, that's who.
- With Georgetown, Marquette and Notre Dame losing and Villanova barely surviving Robert Morris, just call them the Big Least.
- 82-year old Dodgers broadcasting legend Vin Scully was hospitalized after falling at home. He's expected to be in the booth Sunday for an exhibition game.
2. Well Intentioned
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan thinks a college should have a 40% graduation rate of its basketball players to be eligible for the NCAA tournament. Sounds good in theory. But isn't it easier to graduate from East Cupcake than Duke? And college sports being what they are, won't that foster even more shenanigans with athletes' grades? Just askin'.
3. A Leadership Vacuum
When Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez got fired, and Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington fessed up to cocaine, I wondered about the lack of leaders out there. Have we forgotten Louisville coach Rick Pitino who kept his job despite a seamy sex scandal? How come some leaders keep their jobs, while if players did the same thing, they'd get fired? At Facebook "Len Berman's Top 5," some good guys in sports were mentioned. Derek Jeter, David Wright, Tony Dungy among others. Wendy D. wrote, "Setting a good example just isn't on the list of job requirements obviously."For the most part, not if your team has a winning record.
4. Friday eMailbag
From M.T. "A symptom of hyperthyroidism is bulging eyes, isn't it? Starting at shortstop for the Amazin's this year: Marty Feldman."Editor's Note: Or the runaway bride. When we played anagrams the other day, and I mentioned that Tiger Woods is Worst Dogie, I knew you guys would come through.B.B. Tiger Woods: It Does Grow.R.B. Tiger Woods; Word Its Ego. Manny Ramirez: Remain Zany Mr.And from M.P. "The best Yankee anagram of them all." Paul O'Neill: I Lou Piniella As for the dead guy in Britain who left all his betting slips to charity and they've been paying off, G.M. writes, "Cool if he wins, but if he loses it gives new meaning to 'getting stiffed' "Editor's Note: You just can't beat good corpse humor.
5. You Can Observe a Lot by Watching
Did you hear about the dog show that got interrupted by a streaker? It happened this week in Birmingham England. The guy bolted out of the stands wearing nothing but shoes and socks plus a little cat mask which was strategically placed. And in case you're wondering, the dog judged to be best in show, was named Yogi.Have a nice weekend everyone! Happy Birthday: Former Vikings and Patriots quarterback Joe Kapp. 72.Bonus Birthday: Actor Bruce Willis. 55. Today in Sports: What retirement? Michael Jordan returns after a two year absence scoring 19 as the Bulls lose to the Pacers in overtime. 1995.Bonus Event: I guess you could say this was kinda important to the history of Las Vegas, Nevada legalizes gambling. 1931.