MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / January 22, 2000

Things to consider while waiting for a Jimmy Johnson press conference to begin…So “His Airness” has become “His Highness” as far as the Washington Wizards are concerned. The NBA has to be happy to have Michael Jordanback in the league, whatever form it may be in.

But if anybody thinks (including Jordan himself) that he can inspire the Wizarsd like he did the Bulls when he was a player, just look at Larry Bird’s situation at Indiana. Or go back a couple of years and look at MagicJohnson as coach of the Lakers. Today’s players might admire Jordan butwhether they will play harder for him is yet to be seen.

Another glorious tradition died this week when the offices of the National League and the American League were eliminated. Now all the powers thatthe respective league presidents had will be in the hands of the commissioner. Not only is Ban Johnson rolling over in his grave, but isn’tthat what the owners wanted to avoid when they all but did away with the office of the commissioner in the mid 1990s? Heavyweight boxing wants respect? How about starting with banning Mike Tyson from the sport. There is nothing he could possibly do now that couldbe of any benefit to the sport except retire. The British don’t want him intheir country? Many Americans probably feel the same way.

Do you think Jim More cringed a little bit watching Eddie George run around, over and through his defense last Sunday? George is just now getting the recognition he has earned throughout his career. The Saintsdrafting Alex Molden over him has to be one of the biggest “what if’s?” in a franchise that probably holds the NFL record in that category.

Of course, Mike Ditka might be thinking the same thing about not going after Marshall Faulk last Spring.

Lindsay Davenport might have a point in her complaint about the unequal prize money policy at the Australian Open. Women’s tennis has made farmore headlines over the past year and will probably will continue to do so with the likes of the Williams sisters and Martina Hingis. Other than PeteSampras and Andre Agassi, who has made any noise on the men’s tour as of late? Congratulations to Sue Gunter on getting her 600th win last week. I wason hand when she got her 500th victory in 1995 under difficult circumstances and Iam glad she got the chance to win another 100 with the Lady Tigers. She’s a classy person who remained so through the goodtimes and the bad.

I am in no way a big fan of instant replay but after the Indianapolis- Tennessee game last Sunday and the Texas A & M and Villanova contests in college basketball this week, it has shown to have its merits.

I usually do not pay much attention to point spreads but how can St. Louisbe favored by 14 over Tampa Bay in the NFC Championship game this week? I think the Rams will win but by less than 10. Tampa Bay’s defensewill keep it close.

In the AFC, I like Jacksonville by a touchdown. Tennessee has beaten theJaguars three times this season but Jacksonville appears to be getting better and better. But, hey, the Titans have also shown they might be ateam of destiny. It should be interesting.

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