THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 21, 1997 TAG: 9702210015
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Bob Molinaro
LENGTH: 59 lines
Growing up: After two seasons of aches and pains, ups and downs, Redskins wide receiver Michael Westbrook says he's seen the light. ``I could have devoted myself a lot more to working out,'' he admits. The Redskins brass says ``Amen.''
Just wondering: Why does Major League Baseball limit its official gambling prohibition to wagering on baseball? Shouldn't players be forbidden from illegally betting on all sports?
For what it's worth: A 7-9 conference record gets Virginia into basketball's Field of 64. The Cavaliers can do it by splitting their last two home games.
No secret: North Carolina's resurgence within the ACC this season began when Vince Carter got healthy and freshman point guard Ed Cota grew smarter. Oh yeah, and the Tar Heels are still coached by a pretty smooth operator.
Declining Deacons: The reason for Wake Forest's slump? Maybe Tim Duncan's back is weary from carrying the team this far.
Futurewatch: With Duncan and Utah's Keith Van Horn the only seniors projected as Top 10 NBA draft picks, more underclassmen (and 12th graders) will be encouraged to bolt for the pros.
Do as he says: It does not escape notice that the same Charles Barkley who chastises young NBA players for failing to show the game the proper respect is the career leader in fines, suspensions, and assorted juvenile antics.
Changing times: Something to keep in mind while listening to the huff and puff of NFL draft mavens - since free agency, college prospects aren't as vital to turning around teams.
Back, back, back: In some towns, the NFL is your father's Oldsmobile. Three current head coaches - Dick Vermeil, Marv Levy and Ted Marchibroda - were members of George Allen's Rams staff a quarter century ago.
Shut up: Peter Angelos' request that umpire John Hirschbeck apologize to Robbie Alomar suggests that the Orioles owner must lie awake at nights thinking up stupid things to say. Mr. Angelos, kindly zip it.
Avis South: The Miami Heat own the NBA's second best record, but when coach Pat Riley was asked where his team ranks in the championship pecking order, Riles said, ``There's only one peck, and it's Chicago.''
Knight after Knight: Pat Knight, 26-year-old son of Indiana's Gen. Patton, is an assistant coach with the Connecticut Pride of the CBA.
Dynasty: The Petty clan that has already given car racing Lee, Richard and Kyle has a chip off the old engine block - 16-year-old Adam - warming up in the pits.
Bird feed: In keeping with his Iron Man status, Cal Ripken wants to play another three years which would make him 40 when his new contract expired.
New home: Raiders quarterback brat Jeff George may be potential trouble, but he's got the arm and touch on the ball that make his eccentricities bearable in a depressed quarterback market.
Get Shorty: After conquering the moribund Canadian Football League, Doug Flutie wants back in the NFL.
Fashion statement: People who pay attention to these sort of things have anointed the Seattle Mariners baseball's hot team for '97.
On ice: So that players can compete in the 1998 Japanese Olympics, the NHL will close up shop for 10 days next winter. Let's see if anybody notices.