TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for May 7, 2010 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
* Giants great Lawrence Taylor is arrested for the rape of a 16-year old prostitute in Rockland County, New York.
* The Oakland Raiders release quarterback bust JaMarcus Russell. A waste of a number one pick and $39-million.
* Robert Allenby and J.B. Holmes lead the Players Championship after one round at 6-under-par. Tiger Woods is 4 back.
* Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts, who led the Phillies Whiz Kids to the 1950 National League pennant, is dead at the age of 83.
* Here we go again. A long day's journey into night, otherwise known as Yankees/Red Sox tonight at Fenway.
* Celtics G.M. Danny Ainge was fined $25-thousand for tossing a towel in an effort to distract a Cleveland free throw shooter.
2. L.T.
The news of rape allegations against Lawrence Taylor is sad, but not surprising. Taylor has always lived on the edge, playing fast and loose with drugs, money and the law. It's basically how he played on the field, but it was legal there. I co-hosted a TV show with Taylor at the end of his career. It wasn't half bad. OK, we had entertainers on the show as well as sports stars, and we did end one episode with Bruce Hornsby singing "My Girl." Sadly. No, we did not win an Emmy. The show originated from a N.J. restaurant called "L.T's." The eatery went belly up, soon after the show ended. Again, not a surprise.
3. Subscriber Larry K. gives us the laugh of the week courtesy of the satirical newspaper The Onion.
PITTSBURGH--PNC Park boasted a rare sellout crowd Tuesday when more than 38,000 eager Pirates fans showed up for "Fan Euthanasia Night," during which each attendee was guaranteed "the sweet release of a quick and painless death" courtesy of sponsor PepsiCo. [...]
Now when you go to the ballpark, you need to bring your glove and a video camera to catch a ball!
Happy Birthday: The great Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas was born on this date in 1933.
Bonus Birthday: In another 24 years he can wish himself a happy 100th. Weatherman Willard Scott. 76.
Today in Sports: 40 years ago tomorrow, in a galaxy far far away. Willis Reed limps out for game 7 and the Knicks win the NBA Championship over the Lakers. 1970.
Bonus Event: I happened to be listening on the radio when the great Cleveland pitcher Herb Score was hit in the eye by a line drive off the bat of Yankee shortstop Gil McDougald. 1957.
Thanks to all those who sent me email addresses of friends and colleagues who might enjoy receiving the Top 5. The lucky lottery winners for my books will be announced next week.