"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 12/3/11

Did anyone out there see lovely supermodel Elle Macpherson reporting on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the "Today Show" last week? She's 47-years-old, folks. If N.Y. Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson had aged HALF as well as Ms. Macpherson has, then his team would be atop the AFC East by two or three games at this juncture...........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 2001 Jacksonville Jaguars--who finished 6-10 under coach Tom Coughlin--were led in rushing by a running back who tallied nearly HALF of his total career rushing yardage during that one season. Can you name this former player? Answer to follow..........Picture this: Noted east-coast-based executive chef Debra Queen marries ex-NBA player Kareem Rush, divorces, marries former MLB outfielder Daryl Boston--divorces again--then marries University of Miami assistant athletic director Ben Creed. Fans of rock music would surely enjoy seeing her cooking up a storm with the full married name of Debra Queen Rush Boston Creed..........This week in sports history, December 6, 1984: Tennis star Martina Navratilova's dream of a Grand Slam comes to a halt as she loses in three sets to 19-year-old Helena Sukova at the Australian Open. Martina was seeking the 100th title of her career and had not lost since the previous January; she had been victorious earlier in the year at the French, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open championships. Sukova's 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory also ended Navratilova's record winning streak of 74 consecutive matches..........ITEM: Vanderbilt football player Andre Simmons is suspended after being charged with felony counts of burglary and robbery; Simmons and an accomplice allegedly entered a dorm room and held a fellow student at gunpoint while making off with $5,000. Simmons had played in just one game this season--on special teams. Sheesh, I've heard of the term "gunner" before in reference to special teams play on the gridiron, but it's NOT supposed to come to mind when referring to college life/on-campus dorm living..........Did you know that the 1983 Detroit Lions had FIVE players on the team who tallied more than 400 yards receiving apiece? Jeff Chadwick, James Jones, Mark Nichols, Billy Sims, and Leonard Thompson each toppled the 400-yard mark--with Thompson leading the way with a total of 752. The team finished 9-7 that year under coach Monte Clark--winning the NFC Central--but eventually lost in the playoffs to the S.F. 49ers.........Answer to trivia question: STACEY MACK--who ran for 877 yards that year while tallying 1,751 total rushing yards over the course of a five-year career..........How 'bout the women's basketball game between UCONN and Fairleigh Dickenson last week--won by the Huskies 74-28? UCONN led this "laugher" 44-5 at halftime (not a misprint, folks) while FDU shot 9-for-55 (you read that correctly--that's 16%) from the field during this fiasco. I haven't seen anything THAT ugly since a former male roommate of mine at Fordham donned pantyhose before going to see "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" for the very first time..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NFL punter Douglas Riggs "Bucky" Dilts--who blows out 58 candles on December 6th. A left-footed punter who attended Georgia, Dilts played in the league for just three seasons between 1977 and 1979 as a member of the Broncos and Colts. A very small man in stature (5'9" tall), Dilts averaged just 37.5 yards per punt during his short career; his best season was during his rookie year with Denver when he averaged 39.2 yards per punt. He CAN tell his grandchildren that he played in a Super Bowl as he punted four times when Denver lost to Dallas in Super Bowl XII. Here's wishing you many more birthdays to come, "Bucky"..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NBA guard Walt Hazzard--who passed away recently in California from complications of heart surgery; he was 69. Hazzard was co-captain of UCLA's 1964 national championship team under John Wooden; he was also a member of the '64 U.S. Olympic team that won gold. Hazzard went on to play ten seasons in the NBA for five different teams between 1964 and 1974. His best year came in '67-'68 while with Seattle--a year in which he averaged 24 points and 6.2 assists per game. He later coached his alma mater for four seasons during the 1980's--compiling a record of 77-47. He is survived by a wife, Jaleesa, and four sons; may Walt Hazzard rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11/26/11

The Yale women's ice hockey team is dedicating its upcoming game at Ingalls Rink on Friday, Dec. 2, to former player Mandi Schwartz--a member of the Class of 2010 who passed away earlier this year. The game vs. Princeton will be utilized as a fundraiser for the Mandi Schwartz Foundation. Senior forward Aleca Hughes, Yale's captain, started the charity in memory of her friend, Mandi--who battled cancer for more than two years. The goal is to fill Ingalls Rink; all are encouraged to wear white in a show of support during the "White Out for Mandi." No admission will be charged, but donations for the Foundation will be accepted at the door. Special white t-shirts will be sold, and youth hockey teams are encouraged to come wearing white jerseys. The team is also lining up pledges from donors based on the attendance total. This special event will also help raise awareness of the need for marrow donors/umbilical cord blood donors. More information can be obtained by visiting www.yalebulldogs.com ..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last NFL running back to lead the league in rushing for THREE consecutive seasons? Answer to follow..........*ATTENTION, DEMI MOORE: Now that you've split from Ashton Kutcher, how 'bout someone your own AGE for a change (yours truly waving hands wildly)? Sports columnists may not have that "Hollywood glitzy-thing" going on, but most whom I interact with are very LOYAL..........Did you know that the 1992 Seattle Seahawks scored a paltry season total of just 140 points (8.8 ppg)? During that ugly campaign, the team had a six-game stretch (Weeks 5-11) where they scored a grand total of just 22 points. Yep, I guess that's a valid reason why they finished 2-14 that year, huh?.........This week in sports history, November 29, 1992: N.Y. Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd suffers a paralyzing injury when he collides with teammate Scott Mesereau during a game vs. Kansas City played at Giants Stadium. This unfortunate event occurred when the two men were attempting to tackle Chiefs QB Dave Krieg. Byrd would end up suffering a fracture of the C-5 vertebra in his neck before being taken to Lenox Hill Hospital; he'd later undergo surgery in order to stabilize the neck and keep swelling to a minimum..........Scenario: Team Canada kayaker Kia Byers marries former NBA guard Phil Ford, divorces, marries retired English footballer Greg Lincoln--divorces again--then marries former MLB pitcher Jose Mercedes. Certain automobile manufacturers would rejoice as she is then known by the catchy name of Kia Ford Lincoln Mercedes..........Question: Which two-word term have you heard most often over the past year or so: "rising prices" or "recruiting violations?"..........Answer to trivia question: EMMITT SMITH of the Dallas Cowboys--who led the league each year from 1991 to 1993 with totals of 1,563, 1,713, and 1,486 respectively..........Anyone out there catch the photo of the lovely, dazzling Charlize Theron on the cover of this month's Vogue? Sheesh--and I used to think that watching Gayle Sayers carrying the football was the ultimate thing of beauty. My goodness.........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Bob Tewksbury--who blows out 51 candles on November 30th. Drafted by the Yankees back in 1981, Tewksbury played for six teams between 1986 and 1998; he was a member of the Cardinals for six seasons. His best year came in 1992 while with St. Louis--a year in which he went 16-5 (best winning % in NL) and was named to the NL All-Star squad. All told, Tewksbury won 110 games in his career (31 complete games) and pitched to a respectable lifetime ERA of 3.92. Since his career ended, he has done a great deal of charitable work and has also worked as a sports psychology consultant for the Boston Red Sox. Best wishes, Bob..........Oh, another Bob would have celebrated a birthday this coming week, too. My Dad, Bob Sr.--who passed away last June--would have turned 84 on 11/29. Well, Pop, I just want to let you know that I've thought of you constantly over the past six months or so--especially when watching/writing about sports. Man, you were such a sports fan--and I miss your company. On those days when I feel a smidgen of sadness, I think of the good times we spent together; gosh, there were so many of them. In fact, you're probably watching some type of game as I write this--or talking sports with anyone who'll listen--so I'll just say "Happy birthday" for now. You're truly missed, "Big Bob."

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11/19/11

Ode to "Smokin' Joe" (1944-2011)

He was born in Carolina where his parents owned a farm,
The man became a boxer--and his fists could do some harm.
His name was Joseph Frazier--he was known as "Smokin' Joe,"
He bobbed and weaved like crazy--and possessed a knockout blow.
He became a pro in '65 and knocked out Woody Goss,
It wouldn't be for YEARS until this man would notch a loss.
He decisioned Bonavena and would take apart Chuvalo,
He KO'd Ellis, became the champ--but bigger things would follow.
The year was 1971--it was held at MSG,
It was Ali vs. Frazier--"The Fight of the Century."
Sinatra was at ringside and the audience was packed,
The fighters weren't considered pals--a validated fact.
Muhammad was the talking-type, but Joe had 'tunnel vision,'
He dropped Ali in round 15 and won a clear decision.

The champ would go to Kingston at the start of '73,

To fight a man named Foreman--who was larger than a tree.

"Smokin' Joe" was just too small--which pleased the Foreman camp,

"Down goes Frazier!" yelled Cosell, and George became the champ.

But Joe was far from quitting, he would fight Ali again,

One more time in NYC--a clash between these men.

Muhammad was the victor but no title was at stake,

There'd be another showdown--and lots more bucks to make.

Joe defeated Quarry and Jimmy Ellis once again,

Ali was now the champ--beating George in less than ten.

"Smokin' Joe" was truly pumped for Ali/Frazier III,

A rubber match between these two--if both sides could agree.

It would happen in the Philippines--the final time they'd meet,

Staged so far away from home--and in oppressive heat.

Ali continued talking--calling Frazier a "gorilla," 

The fight would be promoted as the "Thrilla in Manila."

Action-filled and brutal--yes, these two went toe-to-toe,

The crowd was cheering zealously with each and every blow.

After fourteen grueling rounds, Mr. Futch would stop the fight,

He knew his fighter--"Smokin' Joe"--absorbed too much that night.

Joe continued fighting--but would never be the same,

Again KO'ed by Foreman; were the Ali fights to blame?

He'd retire a short time later--but came back in '81,

Those who followed boxing KNEW that "Smokin' Joe" was done.

Looking back on Joe's career, he surely gave his all,

His courage was a major strength though he wasn't very tall.

He lived in Ali's shadow--but he came to grips with that,

He'd often joke about it as he wore his cowboy hat.

Truth be known, Ali and Joe, they made the fight game great,

They needed one another--becoming legends was their fate.

The years went by, he bought a gym, and tried his hand at singing,

I still recall the man's left hook--which left opponents stinging.

He'd train a son named Marvis--they had limited success,

Why he took on Larry Holmes is anybody's guess.

We lost this legend recently--he died of liver cancer,

He's remembered as a brawler--and surely NOT a "dancer."

I was saddened by his sickness--we all knew Joe might die,

I can picture Mr. Frazier now--he's high above the sky.

The man is gone, he left his mark--he had a massive heart,

I know I never met you--but I liked you from the start.

A fighter and TRUE warrior---I'm so sad to see you go,

But I'll always smile fondly when I think of "Smokin' Joe."

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11/12/11

*Yes, back by popular demand (seriously, folks!)--still more of the "athletic matches" that have appeared in this column over the past few years.......

Just thinking: If singer/songwriter Neneh Cherry ever married major league pitcher Phil Coke, soft drink lovers everywhere would delight in her full married name of Neneh Cherry Coke..........O.K.--here goes: Actress Tuesday Weld marries legendary North Carolina educator Bill Friday, divorces, marries former MLB outfielder Rick Monday--divorces again--then walks down the aisle with NFL center Jeff Saturday. She then graces film sets with the full married name of Tuesday Friday Monday Saturday..........Fathom this: English actress Jane March marries NFL assistant coach Bobby April, divorces, marries former MLB outfielder Carlos May--divorces again--then marries NFL linebacker Cato June. She then walks onto film sets with the full married name of Jane March April May June..........Picture this: TV personality/"Dancing With The Stars" beauty Brooke Burke marries former major league catcher Steve Lake, divorces, marries pop singer Billy Ocean--divorces again--then marries San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers. Her full married name carries an aquatic theme as she is then known as Brooke Lake Ocean Rivers..........Can you imagine if actress Lydia Cornell married former BC/Ohio St. basketball star Scoonie Penn, divorced, married Georgia attorney Bill Harvard--divorced again--then married former NFL QB Dave Brown? Fans of the Ivy League would surely delight in her full married name of Lydia Cornell Penn Harvard Brown..........Just imagine if legendary Canadian skier Nancy Green Raine married Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe, divorced, then married former MLB pitcher Steve Trout. Fish lovers everywhere would surely be enjoying her full married name of Nancy Greene Raine Bowe Trout..........Tennis great Virginia Wade marries Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, divorces, marries former MLB player U L Washington--divorces again--then marries major league pitcher John Maine. Geography lovers everywhere would surely enjoy her full married name of Virginia Montana Washington Maine..........Here's another: Let's say that Georgia-based artist Carol John married NBA guard Chris Paul, divorced, married Coast Guard football coach Bill George--divorced again--then married sprint car racer Nick Ringo. Fans of the "Fab Four" would surely delight in her full married name of Carol John Paul George Ringo..........Can you imagine if former Sacred Heart University scholar-athlete Kathleen Henry married ex-Florida State LB Andre Wadsworth, divorced, then married former Gwynedd-Mercy College pitcher Kyle Longfellow? Poetry lovers would surely take notice of her full married name of Kathleen Henry Wadsworth Longfellow..........Scenario: Famed socialite (I'll stop short of saying "actress") Paris Hilton marries Wake Forest track star Phillip Warsaw, divorces, marries former Miami quarterback Brock Berlin--divorces again--then marries sports talk show host Jim Rome. Fans of European geography would surely get a kick out of her full married name of Paris Warsaw Berlin Rome..........Can you imagine if USC standout rower Robin Hextrum married former NBA player Rory Sparrow, divorced, married NFL linebacker A.J. Hawk--divorced again--then married sportscaster Ian Eagle? Members of the National Audubon Society would surely take pride in her full married name of Robin Sparrow Hawk Eagle..........Scenario: LPGA golfer Catriona Matthew marries former Michigan wrestler Steve Luke, divorces, marries University of Cincinnati chemistry professor Jim Mark--divorces again--then marries former MLB pitcher Tommy John. Gospel followers would truly delight in her full married name of Catriona Matthew Luke Mark John..........Here goes: Shakopee, MN councilwoman Pamela Punt marries former Patriots RB Patrick Pass, divorces, then marries ex-Dolphins RB Jim Kiick. Fans of youth football competitions would surely take notice of her full married name of Pamela Punt Pass Kiick.........Finally, let's throw in a brand new one (courtesy of my good friend/CT high school football coach Frank Marcucio--who chimed in with this gem last weekend): Just imagine if the Big East and the MAAC conference merged at some point in the future. Could it then be called the Big MAAC conference????

More to come, folks.......

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11/5/11

I recently attended the Chargers/Jets game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; not the best of games--ugly passes, too many penalties, etc. However, I was very fortunate to see the Jets' "Flight Crew" cheerleaders perform--about 40 of the loveliest women you'll ever see. Put it this way: I've flown a lot in my life, but NEVER had a flight crew like THAT on any airplane I've ever been aboard..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last NFL quarterback to lead the league in interceptions in back-to-back seasons? Answer to follow..........Great point recently by WDRC-FM's Jerry Kristafer: "How come football players wear baseball hats? You never see baseball players wearing FOOTBALL HELMETS!"..........This week in sports history, November 8, 1970: Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints kicks an NFL record 63-yard field goal with no time remaining on the clock--giving his team a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions at Tulane Stadium. The Lions had actually taken a 17-16 lead with only 11 seconds remaining when Errol Mann booted an 18-yard field goal for the visitors. But a 17-yard pass from Saints QB Billy Kilmer to Al Dodd just seconds later would set up Dempsey's memorable kick--seven yards longer than the NFL's previous best..........An open message to A-ROID's ex-girlfriend--actress Cameron Diaz: Sports columnists are simply good "catches." And personally, Cameron, I've never done steroids. Question: Could the fact that I've also never earned over $30 million a year be a slight turn-off?..........The other day, I saw former SI swimsuit model Kathy Ireland doing a TV commercial--plugging furniture for Raymour and Flanigan. Message for R & F: If Ms. Ireland ever needs a partner in a future commercial for loveseats, then I'm your man--and I work CHEAPLY..........Answer to trivia question: VINNY TESTAVERDE--who led the league in 1988 and '89 with totals of 35 and 22 respectively while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers..........Former NY Giants defensive lineman Leonard Marshall was a recent 'no-show' on my TV program, "Monday Night Sports Talk." A friend of mine asked me if he could have overslept. My response: "That could have been a legitimate reason--except for one thing: the show airs at 9:00 PM." I'll say it once again, folks: loyalty/personal responsibility/dependability are SO underrated these days--and SCARCE..........Speaking of "scarce," anyone out there remember MAC SCARCE--the former crafty MLB reliever who pitched for three teams between 1972 and 1978?..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NFL tight end Jimmie Giles--who blows out 57 candles on November 8th. A product of Alcorn St., Giles played 13 seasons in the league between 1977 and 1989 (mostly with Tampa Bay) and was a four-time Pro Bowler. In his nine seasons with the Bucs, Giles caught 279 passes for 4,300 yards (34 TD's) and was an integral part of the Buccaneers 1979 NFC Championship playoff run. It was announced this past summer that Giles will be the third inductee into the Bucs Ring of Honor--joining Lee Roy Selmon and coach John McKay. That ceremony will take place during halftime of the upcoming December 4th home game vs. the Carolina Panthers. Congratulations, Jimmie, and may you enjoy many more birthday celebrations to come..........Birthday wishes also go out to former major league pitcher Beiker Graterol--who blows out 37 candles on November 9th. I know--his name doesn't ring a bell. That's because the Venezuelan native pitched in just ONE big league game in 1999 while with the Detroit Tigers. Starting the game, Graterol pitched just four innings--allowing three home runs, walking four, and giving up SEVEN earned runs. Yes, folks, Beiker Graterol's career ERA is in the books at a robust 15.75. Hey--they ALL can't be Mickey Lolich, right? Best wishes, Beiker..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former college football player Anthony Germany--who died recently in Oklahoma of complications from a pulmonary embolism; he was just 25. A safety who played at Tulsa from 2004-2007, the hard-hitting Germany was a key member of the Hurricane squad that won the 2005 Conference USA championship. Sadly, Tulsa has lost three members of the 2007 team within the past nine months; former players Wilson Holloway and George Clinkscale have predeceased Anthony this year. Germany is survived by his wife, Chevis, and his parents--Karen and Anthony. Rest in peace, Anthony Germany--you'll surely be missed.