Remember how Michael Jordan found the time to tell whomever would listen at his golf tournament press conference in Greenville, N.C., 10 days ago that he was “leaning towards retirement”?
Well, at the same time, Ernie Banks hit Greenville with a camera crew from “The Victor Awards,” the longest-running sports awards show on television, to tape a short segment with Jordan. Seemed like a good cause: a nice awards show, benefits cancer and diabetes research, and even reclusive legend Bill Russell was willing to attend the show for an award.
But no. Jordan refused, and no one’s certain why.
Flighty Irish
The Bears wanted to talk to wide receiver Rocket Ismail, but the former Notre Damer refused, choosing instead to take a $500,000 pay cut to stay in Carolina.
Thing is, Ismail also dismissed interest from Philadelphia, so it wasn’t just the fact that the Bears shape up like a team that’ll be lucky to win two games this season. At least, it’s not just that.
Bud wiser
Bud Selig will officially become commissioner of baseball on Thursday, just before his Milwaukee Brewers play host to the Cubs in what figures to be the biggest four-game bonanza in Selig’s ownership.
Which shows you how far baseball commissioners have come: Now, the “best interests of baseball” are solely about collecting interest.
Going good
You know the Cubs are living well when Kevin Orie, who has yet to introduce himself to major league pitching this year, draws a pinch walk in an eighth-inning rally.
And reserve outfielder Matt Mieske, who’s lucky to bat twice in the same week, suddenly is up there twice in the same inning.
Just asking
All of a sudden Ray Durham can move to his right?
On sale
Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton is auctioning off just about everything from his career, including a game-worn uniform from his wonderful 1972 season and his 1980 World Series replica trophy.
Everything must go, apparently including dignity.
Ziggy zags
The Islanders are willing to move high-flying restricted free agent Ziggy Palffy and his 136 goals over the last three seasons.
Sorry, Blackhawks fans, but this will only interest teams that understand the concept of paying for talent.
On net
The Toronto Maple Leafs are telling teams they will trade goalie Felix Potvin for offense.
I do
When Wolves left wing Scott Pearson got married this weekend in Cornwall, Ontario, his wedding reception featured the Turner Cup, the IHL championship trophy the Wolves won last month.
Kick this
Cobi Jones left the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS to play in the World Cup, missed eight games and was still tied for fifth in scoring when he returned.
And people wonder why Americans can’t find excitement in the sport.
Quotable
San Diego Padres manager Bruce Bochy, after Ed Giovanola hit his first home run in 182 at-bats: “Guess we’ll have to open the gates for batting practice.”
