Misc - World

Mike GodboutWhen you grow up with someone, I think you sort of become immune to their accomplishments and ambitions. I mean, you root for them, cry for them, feel pride, disappointment and all that -- but at heart, a childhood friend is always just that guy you used to walk across town with to play arcade games at the discount store. When you get together with them, the talk is about families, friends and old times, the stuff that's familiar. It's easy to take for granted the things that mark that person remarkable in other people's eyes. I had that realization this morning, when I was reading about an old friend that did something amazing.

Simply wonderful.I'm not old enough to remember the Watson-Nicklaus duel in '77 at Turnberry, but I am old enough to recall golf announcers bringing it up ad nauseum when Tom Watson was still at the top of his game in the 1980s. That seems like a long time ago because, well, it is a long time ago. I can't say that I was a huge Watson fan growing up in Iowa. I don't recall even being aware that he was from Kansas City. It's only been in the 12 years since I moved to KC that I gained appreciation for what a special presence he has in the local sports community. However, his accomplishments seemed to be well behind him. Fodder for ESPN Classic. That makes the last two days for Watson an incredible happening, the sports story of the year in Kansas City. It's the last hurrah of a champion, Watson's version of Jack Nicklaus at the Masters in '86.

Biba GolicI see that we have two consecutive hot chicks on UFR – an all-time record. So, I figured, why not set a record that can’t be broken – you know, like Cy Young’s 511 wins or Cal Ripken’s 2632 consecutive games-played streak. Of course, I needed a good excuse for a third straight hot chick, but I knew I could manufacture that. Besides, the number of UFR posts about women are less than the number of fingers I have on one hand. So, I’m just doing my best to promote women’s sports. How noble of me.

Jan StephensonOk, before I get a bunch of nasty emails and a stern politically-correct lashing behind the Editor’s woodshed, take the time to fully hear what I have to say – not jump to any conclusions. Of course, I can’t control whether you do or not, but suffice it to say… IMO, I have nothing to apologize for, but I doubt that my insistence of innocence will inhibit an inclined instigator. Nevertheless…

No Oxford blues for Myron Rolle.If you'll indulge me for a moment, I just wanted to link to a story that slipped under my personal radar yesterday, what with all the excitement around town. Florida State defensive back Myron Rolle, according to his brother, is going to pass on an immediate chance at the NFL to accept a Rhodes scholarship and will spend next year studying medical anthropology at Oxford. I'm sorry, but I think that's just a really neat story. Rolle is no scrub on the gridiron. As the Bloomberg story mentions, he was second-team All-ACC this past season and has been told that he projects to go in at least the top 49 of the upcoming draft, with the possibility of moving up if he shows strong at the combine. The story also mentions prominent former athlete-Rhodes scholars from the past: Bill Bradley, Tom McMillen and Pat Haden. Way to go Myron.