THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 19, 1994 TAG: 9409190129
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Bob Molinaro
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
It isn't necessary to have a confusing private life, a defective personality, a penchant for controversy or a history of run-ins with the law to be a renowned sports figure.
But it helps.
We suspect as much from reading the newspaper. Or perhaps from glancing at Sports Illustrated's ``40 For The Ages.''
The Fabulous 40 is a celebration of the men and women (and one horse), says SI, who have ``most significantly altered or elevated the world of sports in the last four decades.''
It seems that the leaders of this hit parade are linked by something else, as well. Of the first five athletes selected (No. 3 is ABC-TV's Roone Arledge), all have revealed a questionable character or have been involved in one thing or another that seriously tarnished their image.
Muhammad Ali, No. 1 on The List, is so universally loved today that it's easy to forget the enmity he created 30 years ago when he changed his name from Cassius Clay, then refused to serve in the armed forces.
As time passed, and times changed, Ali came to represent something important to America and the world.
The same can't be said of Michael Jordan, No. 2 on The List. His gambling habits were embarrassing. But the most telling criticism of Jordan is that he doesn't stand for anything but the national anthem.
As a basketball superstar, Jordan showed far more enthusiasm for playing the huckster - promoting shoes, sports punch and hamburgers - than for using his celebrity to promote change and stimulate hope within the black community.
Jim Brown, No. 4, is a former football player and movie star who has grown into the role of social activist. Incidents of alleged assaults against women, however, have pointed to a darker side. Until recently, Brown was known, in more ways than one, as a bad actor.
Billie Jean King, No. 5, has always been true to herself - and her mission. For what she contributed to tennis and women's sports in general, she may be the most influential figure among the Top 40.
It's also true that part of Billie Jean's struggle against the establishment involved her own sexuality.
Then there is Pete Rose, who probably could have quoted you the odds that he'd appear at No. 6. Banned from baseball and jailed for tax evasion, he was a compulsive gambler who still doesn't seem to understand the origin of his own undoing. Yet he remains one of sport's most beloved figures.
The top entries in the Fab 40 tell us something about ourselves. Popular mythology aside, it is the antihero, the athlete who can be a little bit of trouble, whom we remember longest.
The appearance of these five at the top also makes you wonder if the drive required to become a great athlete, or a great anything, doesn't often spring from a tortured soul.
Otherwise, The List is notable for its omissions. Everyone notices the absence of Wilt Chamberlain, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Some things defy explanation.
And what of Vince Lombardi, the man credited with saying, ``Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing''? What would Little League coaches do without this First Commandment?
Lombardi, the Godfather of pro football, is not included, but Peggy Fleming, the figure skater, is. Go figure. If Fleming made The List, so should the guy who falls off the ski-jump ramp on the intro to ``Wide World of Sports.''
Arnold Palmer is here but, at No. 9, he's underrated. Only people with very short memories would place him lower than No. 3. Richard Petty, No. 28, should be moved up, as well. It's good to be The King.
If Magic Johnson and Larry Bird can be included as a single entry, why not Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola? Have they not significantly elevated our enjoyment of sports? They are the Rowan and Martin of the sweat set.
``It ain't over 'til it's over,'' said Yogi, unless Garagiola said it for him.
``Nobody ever goes there anymore,'' Yogi once observed, ``it's too crowded.''
And what of Dick Motta, whose ``It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings,'' has become our national mantra?
Sports Illustrated's list is as flawed as some of its most illustrious members. by CNB