Parcells gets Johnson off hook
Senior U.S. District Judge James Lawrence King, overseeing jury selection for a civil trial at the Key West, Fla., courthouse, asked prospective jurors if anyone had cause to be excused. Three hands shot up. A lady said she cared for her disabled brother. Excused. A man explained he had a job-related issue. Excused. A third fellow stepped forward and said his name was James Johnson. He knew the importance of jury duty, but he had a special houseguest for a fishing trip and hoped to be excused. Besides, he said, he’d been a defendant in a few civil suits so maybe lawyers wouldn’t want him. After a few questions, King realized it was former coach Jimmy Johnson. His guest? Former coach Bill Parcells. King excused Johnson.
The Boss backs Torre — for now
George Steinbrenner has spoken: Joe Torre has his backing to turn around the Yankees following a start the owner termed “clearly not acceptable.” Steinbrenner challenged Yankees players and staff “to show me and the fans what they are made of” and said of his $195 million team: “I believe in them.” In a statement, Steinbrenner said of his last-place, 9-14 team: “The season is still very young, but up to now the results are clearly not acceptable to me or to Yankee fans. However, Brian Cashman, our general manager, Joe Torre, our manager, and our players all believe that they will turn this around quickly. It is time to put excuses and talk away [and] see if people are ready to step up and accept their responsibilities.”
AP
Majerus has a healthy attitude
Rick Majerus got out of coaching three years ago because of health concerns. Now his biggest worry is putting St. Louis on the basketball map. “I saw this as an opportunity,” said the 59-year-old coach, who signed a six-year contract to replace Brad Soderberg. “I don’t think I forgot how to do it. I love practice and I love the kids and I like the game.”Majerus, an ESPN analyst the last three years, led Utah to 10 NCAA appearances in 15 seasons. He also has coached at Ball State and Marquette and has a career record of 422-147. “I’m never going to wear a 42 regular,” he said. “But I swim one mile every day, and on a good day a mile and a half. I think my health is good, or I wouldn’t do this. It wouldn’t be fair to them.”
AP
