LITTLE ROCK — T.O. show, Daly drama quite similar
Shannon J. Owens of the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel wants to compare vilified wide receiver Terrell Owens’ “rap sheet” with that of much-loved golfer John Daly (Dardanelle, Arkansas Razorbacks).
“I’m quite sure Daly’s is more vast considering he has nearly two decades of personal and professional destruction,” Shannon Owens writes.
“But Daly’s slate was just about wiped clean with one inspired round of golf at the 2010 British Open. He shot a 66 in the first round and catapulted himself into the ray of positive light again. Stories about a potential comeback were a-spinning. His circus explosion pants seemed more comical than crazy. One golf fan even held up a sign ‘Daly for President’ as shown on the Rick Reilly ESPN television story titled ‘John Daly: The Comeback?’
“John Daly is lovable and rootable. Again.”
And Shannon Owens believes that highlights a double standard when compared to how people have reacted to Terrell Owens’ plight: “Some people are redeemable, while others are not.
“Daly can be redeemable because he’s never done pushups in his front yard for a camera crew. Daly is accepted because he owns up to his ‘damaged’ persona. And Daly was an overnight contender in the British Open after ... one great day. Daly is the comeback king?
“But Owens is banished in his sport and to the public because he says really stupid things.
“Funny thing is, Daly and Owens aren’t much different in personalities. Both are divas ... who demand attention.
“Both have felt misunderstood and harshly judged throughout their careers. But fortunately, the stars have aligned, once again, for one of them.
“Maybe Owens should just retire and go play golf.” Tip of cap
Ray McNulty, a columnist for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers in Florida, sees one major problem with LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all signing with the Miami Heat.
“If three of the NBA’s top players, including two of its biggest stars, can afford to take less money to play for the same team, then it’s fair to wonder about the league’s $58 million salary cap,” McNulty writes.
“Is it too high? Apparently so, given that even some of the game’s marquee names don’t need to make the max-contract money the cap allows. Even second- and third-tier players seem willing to take less cash to play with these guys.
“So here’s an idea for the next collective bargaining session between the NBA’s owners and players: Lower the cap, shrink salaries and reduce ticket prices to a level where the average working stiff can afford to go to games.
“Yeah, right.” Fine whine
From Dwight Perry of The Seattle Times:
“Cleveland’s Great Lakes Brewing Co. says it sold out 30 gallons of ‘Quitness’ - a bitter ale named in dishonor of LeBron James leaving the Cavaliers - in just three hours at its downtown pub.
“What’s next, a LeBron Chardonnay Whine, made from only sour grapes ?”Quote of the day
“He can be nervous for the next days ... this gives me anger. I’m not
the one who will get
chased any more, I’m
the one who chases.” Andy Schleck, on losing his overall lead in the Tour de France to Alberto Contador
Sports, Pages 16 on 07/20/2010