Sam Adams Sam Adams joined the Rocky Mountain News in 1996, first as the Denver Broncos beat reporter before taking his current role as sports notes columnist. The Colorado Association of Black Journalists voted Adams the Print Journalist of the Year award in 2003.

June 30, 2006

At some point, the comparisons between the Colorado Rockies of 2005 and 2006 have to stop. But for now, the noticeable differences are worth noting.

Take the Rockies play on the road, for example. They start this weekend's three-game interleague series against the Seattle Mariners having won 20 of their first 40 road games this season. The Rockies won only 27 of their 81 road games in 2005.

The Rockies never have won more than 36 road games in the franchise history. The club finished 36-45 on the road (83-79 overall) in 1997, while recording a franchise-worst 25-56 record on the road in 2003.

Keys to the Rockies' success on the road this season? A simple formula -- improved hitting and pitching. In 40 road games, the Rockies are batting .264, with a 4.14 earned-run average. Last year, the team batted .232 with a 5.07 ERA on the road.

The franchise record for the highest road batting average in a season is .257, set in 1998. The record for lowest road ERA is 3.70, set in 1995.

NOTEWORTHY

The top-rated American female free-style wrestlers will compete for roster spots at the U.S. World Team trials held today at Colorado Springs Christian High School Fieldhouse, starting at 9 a.m. Champions from seven weight classes will advance to the World Championships held Sept. 26-Oct. 2 in Guangzhou, China.

Quote, unquote: "I'm not entirely stupid. When you do something that's unheard of, it's not always popular and you're a target." -- Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, talking on FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period about allegations about his use of performance enhancers.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (1)

This reader's choice pairs Ukraine national soccer team member Andriy Voronin with controversial University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill. Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 29, 2006

The current A-List poll question addresses the Denver Broncos' decision to comply with an NFL request to no longer play "Rock 'n Roll Part II at games. There are five songs listed for readers to choose from, along with an option to pick "other" if those five songs don't suit your celebration taste. So here's what we ask -- if you don't like any of the five songs and decide to choose "other", don't stop there. Click on "comment" (above), and give us the song you would choose to play at Invesco Field at Mile High after the Broncos score a touchdown. We'll forward your choices to the Broncos for consideration.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (8)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss may not be welcomed in the Denver Broncos' secondary, but in Fort Collins he is appreciated with open arms -- and empty smoothie cups.

Fort Collins-based Inta Juice has lured Moss onto its board of directors. Last week he opened an Inta Juice store in his home state, West Virginia.

"The thing that's so unique is, typically in most endorsement deals you're chasing athletes with money," said Berkley Fuller, executive vice president and chief business development officer for Inta Juice. "The great story behind our situation is, it was the exact opposite.

"Randy's agents pursued us and came up with the idea of having him invest in the company in exchange for stock and becoming a shareholder. We looked at the synergy of having someone like him on board to promote us and get us into the national spotlight. It's been great thus far."

Moss visited with Fuller in Colorado before making his decision final to join Inta Juice. He watched Fuller's daughter play a soccer game, and even played basketball with Fuller and friends at a Fort Collins recreation center.

Fuller said the story of Moss' involvement with Inta Juice already has attracted the attention of numerous national media outlets. Inta Juice has 32 stores in eight states -- 15 of them located throughout Colorado.

NOTEWORTHY

"Think of (former George Washington High and University of Colorado athlete) Chauncey Billups with more athletic ability. That's who Randy Foye is." -- ESPN's NBA analyst Greg Anthony, in a pre-draft assessment of the guard from Villanova University.

The "Heat is On" . . . the St. Louis Cardinals. Sure, All-Star first baseman Albert Pujols is back in the slumping Cardinals' lineup. Unfortunately, three Central Division foes are creeping up in the rear-view mirror -- including the Cincinnati Reds with a rejuvenated Ken Griffey Jr., and revitalized Houston Astros with Roger Clemens.

The Denver Outlaws, who hold first place in the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse, host the Los Angeles Riptide on Saturday (7:30 p.m.), with a fireworks show to follow at Invesco Field. For ticket information call 303-830-8497 or 720-258-3606.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 28, 2006

The song "Rock 'n Roll Part II" has been a part of the Denver sports scene for many years. It was played first at Colorado Rockies hockey games, became a signature theme for touchdowns scored by the Denver Broncos and has been song of celebration at Colorado Avalanche games.

It might be time to pull a different song from the iPod.

Gary Glitter (born Paul Francis Gadd) performs Rock 'n Roll Part II. Earlier this month he was formally sentenced to three years in a Vietnam prison for committing obscene acts with children earlier. Shortly thereafter, NFL officials encouraged teams to drop the song from their stadium play-list.

The Broncos are considered to be the first NFL team to play Glitter's song during games. It has been a popular theme song heard at countless sporting events over the years.

"The Denver Broncos, of course, will comply and we simply no longer will play Rock 'n Roll Part II," Broncos spokesman Jim Saccomano told me on Tuesday. "We will make other plans."

NOTEWORTHY

Place 46 candles on the cake for Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, who celebrates a birthday today. Six years ago Elway scored his first hole-in-one on his 40th birthday, at the Celebrity Players Tour's Dodge Shootout / Big League Challenge in Tampa, Fla. Elway is one of several notables with local ties scheduled to compete at the American Centurty Championship July 11-16 in Lake Tahoe, Nev. The list includes Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, Avalanche star Joe Sakic, former University of Colorado athlete Dick Anderson, former Broncos quarterbacks Brian Griese and Steve Beuerlein and Olympic snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler.

"He has over 10,000 receiving yards and 62 touchdown receptions. And he will tell you about every one of them." -- FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Chris Rose, on former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, who celebrated his 38th birthday earlier this week.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM | Comments (6)

ESPN pro football analyst Mike Golic resembles actor Jeff Garlin, co-star of Home Box Office's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 27, 2006

Lately it seems that when Colorado Rockies pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim takes the mound at Coors Field, a shutout is going to occur.

The Rockies have won by shutout at home in Kim’s past two starts -- 3-0 on Sunday against the Texas Rangers, and 7-0 over the Oakland A’s on June 19. In Kim's other two starts at home this month, the Rockies lost by shutout -- 3-0 to the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 9, and 13-0 to the Florida Marlins on June 3.

Colorado already has been involved in 13 shutouts this season, having gone 6-7 in those games (going into Monday's scheduled games). The Rockies were involved in a franchise-high 16 shutouts in 2003.

For the season, Rockies pitchers have posted six shutouts -- which is tied for third (with Cincinnati and Arizona) among Major League Baseball teams going into Monday's scheduled games.

The Detroit Tigers lead the majors with nine shutouts, while the Boston Red Sox have been the only team in the majors that hasn't recorded a shutout in 2006.

The Rockies' franchise record for most shutouts thrown in a season is eight (done in 2001 and 2002).

NOTEWORTHY

This jab of humor comes from El Paso, Texas-based comedian Charlie Moreno, who said, "I was so broke I couldn't afford the George Foreman Grill. So I had to buy an Oscar De La Hoya Grill, which doesn't do anything, but it looks pretty."

Former Pueblo East High School athlete Andi Gross has been named asisstant women's basketball coach at Longwood University. Gross has served as an assistant coach at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for the past two seasons.

The first leg of the "Summer Circuit" of show jumping events at Colorado Horse Park in Parker will be the $25,000 High Prairie Grand Prix on July 8. Tickets cost $10 adults, $5 children. For more information call 303-841-5550.

Has anyone else noticed that the team with the best record in Major League Baseball is led by a former Rockies manager (Jim Leyland), and the team with the league's worst record is led by a former Rockies manager (Buddy Bell).

Sporting News magazine selected Denver Broncos safety John Lynch
as its "No. 1 Good Guy" in the NFL for his charity work for youths in Denver, Tampa and San Diego.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 23, 2006

This reader's choice pairs baseball Hall of Famer Paul Molitor with pop music icon Neil Diamond. Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 20, 2006

U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy is confirmed to play The International on Aug. 10-13 at Castle Pines.

As for Tiger Woods . . . by now you should know the drill.

A spokesperson for Woods from Cleveland-based International Management Group reiterated on Monday that he could wait until the tournament's entry deadline (Aug. 4) to give a decision. Woods missed the cut at the U.S. Open, and the schedule posted on his Web site calls for him to compete at two PGA Tour events (British Open and Buick Open) before The International is played.

Ogilvy is one of five players who recently notified tour officials of their intention to play The International. The others who confirmed their entries on Monday are Chris DiMarco, Charles Howell III, Carl Pettersson and Aaron Baddeley.

Two-time International champion Phil Mickelson double-bogeyed the 18th hole on Sunday, giving the U.S. Open championship trophy to Ogilvy -- an Australian who ranks second on the PGA Tour's money list this season with $3,919,394 in earnings.

For tournament ticket information call 888-755-1986, or go to the Web site www.golfintl.com.

NOTEWORTHY

The Colorado Rockies went to 35-35 with a 7-0 win over the Oakland Athletics at Coors Field on Monday. It was third consecutive start at Coors Field for Byung-Hyun Kim that resulted in a shutout. The Rockies lost in Kim's previous two starts at home by scores of 13-0 (Florida) and 3-0 (Los Angeles).

Your number worth noting -- six different players have competed at The International in the same year that they won the U.S. Open -- Ernie Els and Lee Janzen (each twice), Steve Jones, Hale Irwin, Scott Simpson and Ray Floyd.

The events which led to Ogilvy's improbable win at the U.S. Open began when Mickleson's tee shot at the 18th hole banged off a hospitality tent. When Ogilvy competed at The International last year, his first tee shot of the tournament banged off one of the lavish homes at Castle Pines. The ball bounced back into play, and Ogilvy was the morning leader in the first round.

The "Colorado Legends" baseball game will be played Aug. 18 at Security Service Field in Colorado Springs. Rosters will include former major league players Goose Gossage, Bob Knepper, Brian Fisher, Greg Brock and Mark Knudson, as well as several former NFL and NBA players and current Denver media members. Tickets are available at King Soopers stores and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox box office. Proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Colorado.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

This reader's choice pairs Edmonton Oilers defenseman Chris Pronger with Rocky Mountain News NBA beat reporter Chris Tomasson. Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 19, 2006

The Colorado Rockies are due for a power surge at Coors Field.

The Rockies hit eight home runs during their recent seven-game road trip, pushing the team's total for the season to 66. Only 26 of those homers have been at Coors Field, where the Rockies hit just 86 homers in 2005.

Colorado has hit 16 homers in its past 16 games. Third baseman Garrett Atkins, right-fielder Brad Hawpe and left-fielder Matt Holliday accounted for seven of the 16 homers, with Atkins belting three three-run homers during the 16-game stretch to boost his runs batted in total to 43 -- second on the club behind Holliday.

Going into Sunday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Rockies ranked 10th in the National League (20th overall in the majors) in homers.

NOTEWORTHY

Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer hosts his "Celebrity Bowl-O-Rama" on June 24 at Arapahoe Bowling Center (6850 South Dayton in Greenwood Village), with a number of Broncos players expected to attend. The pre-tournament "Bowling Ball”"dinner and auction will be held Friday at the Wildlife Experience (10035 South Peoria in Parker). The events benefit Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter, Family Tree and the Pat Tillman Foundation Colorado Chapter. For ticket information call 303-886-3950.

Quote, unquote: "In my day, this would have just been a love tap and life goes on." -- ESPN analyst (and former Denver Nuggets player) Paul Silas, commenting on the flagrant foul committed by Dallas Mavericks forward Jerry Stackhouse against Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 17, 2006

One might think that special provisions to guard against off-field activities such as skiing, piloting an airplane, rock climbing or riding a motorcycle are the norm for NFL contracts.

"In football, the reality is that you can ski -- even if (the contract) says you’re not allowed to," agent Peter Schaffer of Denver-based All-Pro Sports said. "It just says that if you do, then we can void the contract or not pay what we owe you."

Last year the Pittsburgh Steelers informed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in writing about their concerns with his riding motorcycles. Earlier this week Roethlisberger suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident.

The standard NFL contract does not address specific unacceptable non-football activities. “You really don’t need to prohibit a certain activity unless you wanted to strengthen a clause,” Boulder-based agent Jack Mills said.

"It's so broad. When they talk about some things other than football which may involve a significant risk of personal injury . . . you can cover a lot of things with that."

NOTEWORTHY

"Doctors say all brain activity is normal -- except for the part where he wasn't wearing a helmet." -- FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host Chris Rose, on the Steelers' Roethlisberger.

Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal has attempted more free throws -- 2,161 -- than any player in NBA playoff history. And "Shaq" has tossed bricks half the time, having made 1,093 playoff free-throw attempts for a .506 percentage.

CBS4's Colorado Sportswomen (hosted by Marcia Neville) airs on June 24 at 6:30 p.m., with features on Golden High School's 1976 girls basketball team, and Keystone resident Freda Nieters -- a grandmother who went skiing to raise over $30,000 for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

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Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 16, 2006

The Boston Herald has speculated that former Colorado Rockies pitcher Curtis Leskanic might be one of the players named in the Jason Grimsley affidavit.

Federal agents searched Grimsley's home last week after he admitted to using human growth hormone, steroids and amphetamines. Grimsley also identified several other players he said had used or supplied the drugs. Their names were blacked out in the search warrant affidavit.

Leskanic, who played seven seasons for Colorado (1993-99), and Grimsley were teammates with the Kansas City Royals for two seasons (2003-04). It was reported that Grimsley vented his anger when the Royals released Leskanic in June 2004. The following week, the Royals dealt Grimsley to the Baltimore Orioles.

In the affidavit, Grimsley told agents that a former teammate had access to amphetamines from a doctor in Colorado.

NOTEWORTHY

Bill's Sports Collectibles (2335 South Broadway in Denver) will be participating in the first National Baseball Card Day promotion, to be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free card set give-away is sponsored by Major League Baseball Properties, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and Topps and Upper Deck card companies. Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero, Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki will be among the players featured in the 13-card sets. For more information call 303-733-4878.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. has 547 career home runs -- one shy of tying Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt for 11th on the all-time list. Griffey needs 53 homers to become only the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to reach 600. The Reds host the Rockies for a four-game set July 13-16.

The Carolina Hurricanes have to be feeling the heat right about now. And the Hurricanes, who lead the Stanley Cup Finals 3-2 over the Edmonton Oilers, had better not blow Game 6 in Edmonton. Anything can happen in Game 7, and lucky breaks for Carolina teams usually are reserved for the Tar Heels in basketball.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 15, 2006

I spoke with Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana on Wednesday. Risk-taking was the topic of conversation.

That's risk-taking, as in Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffering severe injuries from riding a motorcycle. Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

"Really, you have to be true to yourself -- why put yourself in that kind of danger on a consistent basis when you just got to where you've been dreaming to get all your life," Montana said. "That's the part I don't understand."

Montana, who led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl championships, also spoke of risk-taking, as in people failing to monitor their blood pressure. He was diagnosed with hypertension in 2002.

Statistics show that more than 60 million Americans have been diagnosed with hypertension, but 70 percent of them do not have it controlled through medication. "I was in that category for a while," Montana said. "A lot of people don't understand how easy it is to get it under control."

Montana and his wife, Jennifer have collaborated with health experts on a book titled Joe Montana's Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure. The book, which can be obtained for free through the Web site www.getbpdown.com, offers simple tips on how to manage high blood pressure and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

NOTEWORTHY

FSN Rocky Mountain broadcaster Drew Goodman and former WB2 meteorologist Amy Freeze are the honorary chairpersons for the Summer Solstice Race: Miles To Fight Melanoma on June 21 at City Park. For registration information on the 5k run and walk, call 303-430-2817.

The 42-point, 13-rebound performance by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade wasn't enough to convince 950 The Fan's Joe "Hit Man" Williams that the Dallas Mavericks won't win the NBA championship. “I saw enough (Tuesday) night. Miami won’t win another game," Williams told listeners on Wednesday.

I played nine holes of golf recently with a pair of 85-year-old men, with one of them blaming my poor game on being left-handed. After losing badly to Bud and Bob, I checked the PGA Tour's money list and noticed that another lefty -- Phil Mickelson -- is in the lead, having won $3.54 million in 13 events played.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 14, 2006

Jeff Francis' win-loss record is reflective of a .500 pitcher. But at 5-5, the Colorado Rockies' left-hander has been one of the toughest .500 pitchers to hit in the major leagues this season.

Going into Tuesday's games, opponents were batting .211 against Francis -- fourth-lowest among major-league starters. Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs) and Pedro Martinez (New York Mets) led at .186, followed by Chris Young (San Diego) and Jason Schmidt (San Francisco) at .205, and Jose Contreras (Chicago White Sox) at .208.

Last season, Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens led the majors in lowest opponents' batting average at .198. Teams posted a .311 batting average in 2005 against Francis, whose earned-run average this season is 3.76 compared to 5.68 a year ago.

This season Francis has allowed 61 hits in 13 starts, with 56 strikeouts in 79 innings pitched. The Rockies had allowed the fewest home runs (49) in the majors prior to Tuesday's games -- eight of them by Francis.

NOTEWORTHY

Quote, unquote: "It opens up all the doors to the Pepsis and Nikes of the world . . . All of a sudden, your jokes become a little bit funnier and you become a little better looking." -- Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, telling FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period about how things changed after he won the NFL's Most Valuable Player award.

Denver light-welterweight Donald Camarena headlines the June 24 boxing card in a 10-round bout scheduled at Saint Vrain at Roosevelt Park in Longmont. Jesus Noriega, Joey Silva and Lillian Camarena also are featured on the card. For ticket information call 720-297-7654.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 13, 2006

Former Montbello High track athlete Chealsea Taylor is progressing by leaps and bounds at the University of Alabama.

Southeastern Conference track and field coaches voted Taylor the "Outdoor Freshman Athlete of the Year" for the 2006 season. She posted the SEC's fourth-best high jump of the season (5 feet, 11 3/4 inches), and finished second in the event at the Drake Relays.

Taylor, who was the News' female athlete of the year for accomplishments in field events during her senior season at Montbello, also was Alabama's top long jumper, posting a season-best 18 feet, 10 3/4 inches at the SEC Championships last month.

Taylor's teammate (also a former Montbello High athlete), Beau Walker, completed her senior season for the Crimson Tide. In 2004 Walker established the school’s current record in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 12.96.

NOTEWORTHY

Not to make light of the serious injuries Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
suffered from a motorcycle accident on Monday, but the two biggest off-field injuries suffered by Denver Broncos starting quarterbacks during the past few years were Brian Griese's tumble down Terrell Davis' driveway and Jake Plummer's foot fracture after he got up from his couch.

I've got your number for the day -- zero, as ini number of wins in the past nine NBA Finals appearances combined for Miami Heat coach Pat Riley (0-4) and his All-Star center, Shaquille O'Neal (0-5).

The Colorado Rockies are 31-32 after Monday night's 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals. In case you're keeping count, the Rockies won their 31st game of the 2005 season on July 9, upping their record to 31-55.

Last season opponents batted .311 in 33 games against Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis. In 13 games this season, opponents have hit just .211 against Francis, who improved his record to 5-5 with Monday's win against the Nationals.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 12, 2006

Watch for the latest Gatorade commercial, the one that features Kevin Garnett, Dwyane Wade, Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter and Jennie Finch as pals, with their adult-sized heads super-imposed onto bodies of little kids.

Here’s a little flavor -- Wade scores over Garnett in a game of one-on-one basketball. Jeter cracks a home run off Manning, and Finch says, "Aaagh. Why don't you try it underhand?" They tease Garnett during a neighborhood stroll, then laugh when he says, "Shut yo big head up."

Every time the commercial is shown, I laugh -- and wonder if Barry Bonds was invited to the casting call. Or Mark McGwire, Bret Boone and any other baseball player past or present who has come under the cloud of suspicion during the performance-enhancing era. Steroids. Amphetamines. Human growth hormones -- a.k.a. HGH, as in look at "His Gigantic Head."

The Arizona Diamondbacks were rocked by the news that teammate Jason Grimsley admitted use of performance enhancers and dropped names to federal investigators. While the D-backs played in a daze (losers of seven straight games), the Colorado Rockies have managed to gain ground in the National League West.

Steroids. Amphetamines. HGH. Exactly how long have they been used and abused in pro sports? Exactly where are the asterisks going to placed in the record books? For now, fans hear the accusations, look at their favorite baseball player and wonder one thing.

Is it in you too?

NOTEWORTHY

The Colorado Rockies have been shut out seven times in 62 games played this season. They were held scoreless 10 times during the entire 2005 season.

Remember former Denver Broncos quarterback Jarious Jackson? Jackson, who never could move past the No. 3 spot in the Broncos' quarterback rotation, is listed on the British Columbia Lions' roster in the Canadian Football League.

Quote, unquote: "Honey, if I can just get them to look at my (Super Bowl ring) instead of my face, maybe we’d have a pretty good chance." -- Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis, telling FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period what he tells his wife about recruits.

You don't hear much about the International Basketball League's Aurora Cavalry. The Cavalry lead the league's West Division with a 10-3 record going into its next game, on Wednesday at the Tri-City Ballers (9-4). The Cavalry's next home game is June 22 against the Eugene Chargers, at Gateway High School. For more information, call 303-321-1053.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 10, 2006

Marlin Briscoe' s story of becoming the first black starting quarterback in pro football could be headed for the silver screen.

West Omaha Films is negotiating to produce a movie on the life of Briscoe, who started at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 1968. Briscoe threw 14 touchdowns -- which still stands as a franchise record for rookie quarterbacks.

Briscoe, who was raised in Omaha, Neb., played nine seasons in pro football -- a career that included two Super Bowl wins as a member of the Miami Dolphins (1972-74). However, his private life outside of football was clouded by drug use. Today Briscoe resides in California, where he owns a storage business and serves as a youth mentor and volunteer high school football coach.

Actor John Beasley, who played college football with Briscoe at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, is working along with West Omaha Films on the movie project, which will be titled, "Third and Long." In 2002 Briscoe co-authored a book titled, "The First Black Quarterback."

"We're thinking that it will be completed within a couple of years," said Terry Hanna of West Omaha Films. "One thing we're trying to do is tie it in with Marlin's 40th anniversary of his first start."

NOTEWORTHY

ESPN Zone restaurant in Tabor Center will have extended hours to accomodate World Cup soccer fans - including a 7:30 a.m. opening on June 22 for the U.S.-Ghana match. For more information call 303-595-3776.

“It angered me. But when we talked about him coming back as a coach, I didn’t need an explanation . . . He believed we could win a championship together. That’s all I needed to know.” -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, on reuniting with coach Phil Jackson after being a target of criticism in Jackson’s book.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

Miami Heat coach Pat Riley has been likened to actor Michael Douglas. Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 09, 2006

Fans who are able to pick up the NBA TV network can watch the final minutes played in the American Basketball Association in the documentary titled "The Last Night of the ABA", which airs June 14 at 6 p.m.

The last game played in the ABA was Game 6 of the league championship series in 1976, won by the New York Nets over the Denver Nuggets. The Nets overcame a 22-point deficit to claim the league’s final championship.

The documentary will feature interviews with a number of former ABA stars, including Hall of Famers Julius Erving, Dan Issel and George Gervin. Others to be interviewed include Larry Brown and Doug Moe -- long-time friends and original ABA players who served as coaches on the '76 Nuggets.

ESPN2 will re-air documentary on June 16 at 4:30 p.m.

NOTEWORTHY

"I think he was surprised more than anything. But I still don't understand why he didn't fight back. Maybe it's because he’s not from the ghetto." -- Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter, talking on FSN's Best Damn Sports Show Period about the brawl involving his former teammate, A.J. Pierzynski.

The Gayles Foundation's golf tournament benefitting the Childrens Diabetes Foundation will be held at Park Hill Golf Club (4141 East 35th Avenue in Denver) on Aug. 4. For registration and sponsorship inquiries, call 303-901-6586 or 303-872-5774.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 08, 2006

Cherry Hills Village resident David Duval is feeling good these days about his golf game. How good? In the July issue of Golf Digest magazine, Duval, who hasn’t won on the PGA Tour since 2001, said he feels ready to re-join the tour’s top winners on the money list.

"I'm more confident in my golf swing than I've ever been," Duval told writer Bob Verdi. "But I still have some concerns and worries about my subconscious thoughts on the golf course, which is natural."

Duval also said his goal is to reach the top 30 before the end of the PGA season. "In January, I saw Tom Lehman. I told him I'm going to be on his (U.S. Ryder Cup) team in Ireland," Duval said. "I don't know how realistic that is. I didn't do anything last year when other guys were playing and making points. So it's basically my seven months this year against their 19 months.

"Maybe a more reasonable goal for me is to finish in the top 30 for 2006, make the Tour Championship. I believe I'm playing well enough to get there."

NOTEWORTHY

"Today it's a different ballgame out there, and I really don't see it being a problem. Now, if he's going out there and doing it every time, he's going to get knocked on his butt." -- Former major-league pitcher (and Colorado native) Rich "Goose" Gossage, speaking on ESPN's Mike and Mike Show about New York Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge celebrating with fans after hitting his first home run in the majors.

International Female Boxing Association bantamweight champion Terri "Lil' Loca" Cruz is schedule to fight Monica Lovato on June 30 at Denver Coliseum. The card also features Denver boxer Rob Frankel, and a post-fight rap concert with Chingy. For more information call 303-434-2836.

The Denver Broncos finished 10th among NFL teams in merchandise sales for 2005. The Pittsburgh Steelers were No. 1, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and New York Giants.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 07, 2006

The line was drawn some time between the fourth and fifth inning of Monday's Colorado Rockies-Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. There had to be someone at Coors Field whose bat could produce a run for the home team, and I was determined to find him. Or her.

The search for potential prospects would end at the batting cages in the ballpark concourse. Apparently, poor hitting is every bit as contagious as good hitting, because on this night, the fans swinging wildly in the cages were every bit as inept with a bat as the Rockies have been on the field in recent weeks.

The Rockies went into Tuesday night's game against Pittsburgh batting .260, and tied for the National League's low in runs scored (with the Chicago Cubs) at 229, and 28th among the 30 major-league teams with 215 runs batted in.

On their current pace, this year's Rockies will establish a franchise-record for least number of runs scored (in a non-strike affected season) with 651.

NOTEWORTHY

Quote, unquote: "The Rockies are hitting like Michelle Wie putted (in her U.S. Open qualifier) . . . nothing's falling." -- 950 The Fan's Sandy Clough, on Tuesday morning's Sports Guys show.

Rocky Ford native Marvin Cordova is booked to defend his World Boxing Council youth super-lightweight title on ESPN's "Wednesday Night Fights" card scheduled for July 5 in Colorado Springs. Cordova's pro record is 10-0.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 06, 2006

If you consider football as the source, there might be a wee bit of bad blood -- separated by 1,450 miles albeit -- between the cities of Denver and Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Steelers whipped the Denver Broncos 34-17 at Invesco Field in January en route to winning Super Bowl XL. The Steelers received their championship rings on Sunday. The Broncos beat the Steelers 24-21 at Three Rivers Stadium in the 1997 AFC Championship Game en route to winning Super Bowl XXXII.

Baseball, however, is a different story. There is no bad blood. Just bad baseball.

Both the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates finished at 67-95 last season. And both franchises have struggled mightly since 1993, when the Rockies joined the major leagues.

Going into Monday night's series opener between the two teams at Coors Field, Colorado had posted a better overall record since 1993 (976-1123) with four winning seasons than the Pirates (923-1171), who haven't posted a winning record since 1992. During that span, both teams have employed four different managers. One -- Jim Leyland -- has managed both teams.

NOTEWORTHY

Do you remember former Limon High School (and Otero Junior College) athlete Sean Jarrett? He is a pitcher for Oral Roberts University, which has advanced to the super regionals of the College World Series tournament. Jarrett, a 6-foot-6 senior, has gone 7-1 in 22 appearances, with a 1.98 earned-run average and team-high seven saves.

The heat is on the Rockies to find someone to hit for high average at the lead-off and/or two-hole positions. Here's one suggestion -- trade for Kansas City Royals second baseman (and former Trinidad Junior College athlete) Mark Grudzielanek. Grudzielanek is a career .288 hitter and would come with a $4 million price tag. But he's batting over .300 in 2006 and still carries a solid glove.

Why wait on the outcome of this year's Stanley Cup finals when you can re-live the moments of Colorado Avalanche championships past? Altitude Sports and Entertainment network will air specials celebrating the Avalanche's 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup championship seasons on the anniversaries of those title-clinching events. The Avalanche won Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals against the New Jersey Devils on June 9, 2001. Altitude will air highlights on Friday at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The Avalanche clinched its first Stanley Cup championship with a triple-overtime shutout win against the Florida Panthers on June 10, 1996. Altitude will air highlights on Saturday at 5 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Did you know . . . that both the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks are former Midwest Division rivals of the Denver Nuggets? The Heat played its first season in the NBA (1988-89) in the Midwest, starting out with 17 consecutive losses and finishing with a 15-67 record. The team moved to the Atlantic Division the following season. Current 950 The Fan talk-show host Scott Hastings was a co-captain on the Heat's first team.

To say that Air Force men's basketball coach Jeff Bzdelik is a stand-up guy would be an understatement, considering that Bzdelik returned this reporter's call last week while standing in the Atlantic Ocean. Even though he was vacationing with family in North Carolina, Bzdelik said it was important to return the call because of the subject -- Falcons guard Antoine Hood, who worked out on Sunday for the Denver Nuggets.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

This reader's choice pairs New York Yankees ace reliever Mariano Rivera with San Francisco Giants third baseman Pedro Feliz. Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 05, 2006

The life and times of former Negro Leagues baseball player Byron "Mex" Johnson will be remembered this week in Cooperstown, New York.

On Saturday, Denver resident Jan Sumner will present his biography of Johnson titled "Legacy of a Monarch: An American Journey", at baseball's Hall of Fame's Bullpen Theater. Johnson, who resided in Denver, played infield for the Kansas City Monarchs and also played with Satchel Paige's traveling team. He died last year at age 94.

Johnson's family is expected to attend the presentation, which is part of the Hall of Fame's 'Baseball Author Series.' Former President Bill Clinton penned the book's foreword, and former Colorado Rockies manager Don Baylor wrote the introduction. Both have been invited to the presentation.

"What an amazing tribute to Byron -- I'm just the messenger," Sumner said. "Here was a man who played at a time when of course (African-Americans) couldn't have a hope of playing in white Major League Baseball. Now his book and story is going to be (in Cooperstown)."

The Cooperstown Symposium on Baseball and American Culture also is being held during the week.

Johnson's biography is available locally at Tattered Cover, Borders and Barnes and Noble book stores, or on the Web site www.jadanpublishingcompanyllc.com.

NOTEWORTHY

Quote, unquote: "That sounds like if you had three wishes, you know that one would be if you got an out every time you threw a great pitch." -- Atlanta Braves announcer Chip Caray to his partner, Don Sutton, who replied: "Well, if that was your wish, you would not have to ask for a pot of gold on your second wish -- your agent would."

Last season the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates shot a lot of BB's, as in walks. The two teams combined allowed 1,216 walks in 2005.

The first "You Glow Girl" glow-ball tournament, a benefit for the American Heart Association, will be held June 10 on the par-3 course at John F. Kennedy Golf Course, with an 8:45 p.m. shotgun start. For more information call 303-755-0105.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

June 03, 2006

Air Force guard Antoine Hood is hoping to be released from his military commitment, thus giving him an opportunity to pursue a career in pro basketball. But Hood, who is scheduled to work out for the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, would not be the first player from the academy to be drafted by an NBA team.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich played at Air Force (1966-70), but was not drafted. Raymond Dudley, who is the academy's all-time leading scorer (2,178 points) was not drafted.

In the ninth round of the 1978 NBA draft, 6-foot-6 Air Force forward Tom Schneeberger was selected (183rd overall) -- by the Nuggets. He averaged 18.3 points per game as a junior and 15.0 points per game during his senior year.

Schneeberger worked out at the Nuggets' summer camp in '78, but was not invited back to the team’s drills in the fall. He went on to represent the U.S. as a team handball player, making the Olympic team in 1984.

Schneeberger, who resides in Fort Collins, currently ranks 10th on Air Force's all-time scoring list with 1,204 points.

NOTEWORTHY

There are two former Denver Nuggets first-round draft choices still remaining in the NBA playoffs -- Miami's James Posey (1999) and Phoenix's Nikoloz Tskitishvili (2002).

Baseball Hall of Famer Stan Musial is scheduled to appear at the DenverAutographs.com sports cards show on July 8 at Westminster Mall. Call 303-462-1145 for more information.

The Denver Pro-Am/Donnie Wilson Memorial Summer Basketball League opens play June 15 at the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center. For registration information call 303-745-9649.

"Now if you're a point guard, you don't really shoot. If you're a two-guard, you don't really dribble. The system has really taken away the versatility." -- Basketball Hall of Famer (and former Denver Rockets draft choice) Walt Frazier, on 950 The Fan.

Posted by Sam Adams at 12:05 AM

Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem bears resemblance to Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss. Posted by Sam Adams at 12:01 AM

June 01, 2006

David Robinson left the Naval Academy and became known "The Admiral" in the NBA. If he is allowed to follow the same career path, Antoine Hood says he wouldn't mind being called "Air Force 1."

Hood, who averaged 14.9 points per game for Air Force Academy last season, has been meeting with military officials in hopes of receiving an early release from a five-year service commitment. Hood wants to pursue a career in pro basketball, and his representative, Denver-based agent Lamont Smith, already has scheduled workouts with the Denver Nuggets (on Sunday) and New York Knicks.

"It's a phenomenal feeling to have the opportunity to be able to get a tryout, compete, put my best foot forward and let the chips fall where they may," said Hood, a 6-foot-4 guard. "Coach (Jeff) Bzdelik has been amazing in this whole process, as far as his knowledge and wisdom. He's done a great job of influencing me and guiding me."

Bzdelik, who completed his first season as coach at Air Force, has served as a head coach in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, and as an assistant coach and scout for the Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Washington Bullets.

"I would do anything for that young man -- I can't say enough about him, on and off the court," Bzdelik said. "I've done everything I can do, in terms of phone calls, DVD preparation, to make sure teams are aware of the talents he has. Antoine has the total package. From a basketball standpoint he can hit spot-up jumpers with deep range, take people off the dribble and finish at the rim. He can pull up off the dribble, has great tenacity . . . he's in optimum shape, a very intelligent player and he's all about winning.

"Talent alone is not enough. Character does count, and he takes a backseat to no one in terms of character. He's a young man that is very well-deserving of an NBA opportunity, but at the same time he wants to serve his country. Hopefully there's a way he can do both. It's been done in the past. I really think he deserves that opportunity. I don't think you'll meet a finer young man than Antoine."

Smith has represented several former AFA athletes who played in the NFL, including current Seattle Seahawks lineman Bryce Fisher and former Denver Broncos linebacker Steve Russ.

"I think it's a two-track process," Smith said. "The first track is to just put Antoine on their radar, given the traditional view of the academy in terms of them having commitments. A lot of people didn't have him on their radar because they just thought there's no possibility of him playing professional basketball.

"People had seen him and were impressed with what they saw. It just wasn't serious contemplation. So our first objective has been to put him on their radar and say look, we are working through some things and he wants to play professional basketball, and we believe he's been blessed with the ability to where he can play professional basketball, so please take a look at him.

“We’d like him to play (next season) because realistically, if someone is going to draft him they’d have to believe that he’s going to be available in ‘06-‘07,” Smith said. “We’re optimistic and hopeful that we’ll be able to get a good result on this.”

Hood knows that if he does receive a release from his military commitment, the next step would be prove that he has the tools to make an NBA roster. He's played four years in relative obscurity for an Air Force program that always has assumed the underdog role.

"I would put my career in a nutshell this way -- I've been playing half-court, playoff basketball for four years,'' Hood said. "You had to play defense, had to rebound, every possession was important. I think my game, my ability to run the team and set it up at half-court, defend, catch-and-shoot off the dribble, penetrate . . . the label I want to have as a player is winner.

"The fact that I was able to come to Air Force, go through three coaches, still have great teammates and win in a program that people said would never win, I think it speaks to what type of leadership I possess.

"Whatever team I can work out for, if they feel that I have the abilities and skills to fit their franchise, I'm definitely willing to suit up and do what I have to do to make it happen."

Posted by Sam Adams at 09:45 PM

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