The lone-booster theory

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 1999

Caught on the FLY

Hey, didn't you used to be Pac-10 football?

* Conspiracy wonks up A-squared way've found another) mason to hate George Steinbrenner, Buckeye booster who's also national-past-its-prime leverage for UMich QB Drew Henson, the Pinstripes pick sharin' off-n-on cap-n-clipboard duty with Tom Brady. The Boss, Big House buzz goes, will wave checkbook to help the Yankees/hurt the Wolverines come November 20. (Seems George is desperate not to repeat '96 scene, when he was the one scuh-reamin' in the press box at a verrry quiet Horseshoe as Brian led a late drive to sink Ohowihateohio State.)

* Fly's fearless forecast: Boston's bump-bump-bumpy ride gets considerably smoother in the playoffs ... if fright's a factor. Ssserious flaws've got the Rangers, Yanks and Indians feelin' the fear-o-Pedro.

* Vail-ed threat outta Stars camp: Early (front) line on the defending StanCup champs is the roster dump-n-chase (mosly dump) they've done's gonna translate into a faster, pass-in-the-transition team Proof?. Lots-o-youngsters who can skate, skate, skate with Modano, Lehtinen and Nieuwendyk.

* Fly hears JoePa tryin' broken-field run about future of the Penn State-Pitt series after next season with a "that's not my call." Guy's in his 50th season-o-micromanaging this here program, and you-n-Fly're supposed believe Coach Control Freak'll let someone else make the final call on scheduling? Yeah, right, Lydell Mitchell-breath.

* Yeah, yeah, the 'Boys lips say they've found complement to what's left-o-Mike Irvin in Rocket Ismail, but the Spies say their eyes--not to mention multiple phone calls--say they coulda/woulda paid preme price for Joey Galloway.

* In short, NBA whispers go, Coach Cal's no longer up-n-comer.

* Buzz is Jim Hasty's retreat on eve-o-Game 1 was symptom not cause of what's wrong with these KChiefs. The root of all ills, not to mention unhealthy locker-room: a prez/G.M. who's evolved from tough negotiator to bully.

* Fly hears the in-flight announcement that, yes, the Indians backed into Central clinch on a Chisox L was greeted by the players' section with underwhelming cheer. Just bein' businesslike, fellas, realizin' how short this postseason could be?

* Finally, Jim Leyland ain't blowin' smoke when he says he's goin' home to be dad/family man (the play-by-play via cellie from 7-year-old Patrick's first ball season did it). But buggin' out on a long-term deal for third time in four years? Because the phone won't be ringin', you can assume it still ain't your bailed-on players or future employers.