Team Unity Actually Exists
Rivalries between the stars of a basketball team aren’t uncommon, so it isn’t shocking there were reports of tension between Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes, whose Houston Comets have won all four WNBA titles.
But the Comets say rumors of dissension are not true.
Cooper, 37, has announced her retirement. She was the league’s most valuable player the first two seasons. Swoopes, 29, was the league’s MVP this season.
“Sheryl has been big enough to stand on her own,” coach Van Chancellor says. “There’s been enough attention for her and Coop on and off the court. On some teams, it would have been a problem. Not with us. We’ve never said this is anybody’s team. We just go out there and play.”
At least the flag wasn’t upside down
An arena employee pushed the wrong button to play the Canadian national anthem before the United States-Canada matchup of Olympic basketball teams Thursday night in Honolulu.
After Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” not “O Canada,” played for several seconds, the volume was lowered and the song faded out - much to the disgust of the Canadian basketball federation. The American anthem was then played, but “O Canada” wasn’t.
Officials insist there’s no truth to the rumor that the employee thought he was supposed to cue up an obscure tune called “Ode to Beer.”
Eight is enough for Chargers
This week’s selections from Los Angeles Times resident sarcastic wit T.J. Simers: As part of the team’s 40th anniversary celebration, the San Diego Chargers are asking fans to select the 10 greatest moments in franchise history.
They might have to settle for eight.
Andre Rison has been charged with passing $158,000 in bad checks, and will also go on trial next month on felony charges he took $1,000 in recording equipment from a Kansas business.
“I’m a beautiful father, and I’ve got a beautiful life,” says Rison, although Missouri officials reportedly will ask California to garnish his wages for nonpayment of $34,000 in child support.
A few weeks ago he was cited for giving police a false name after an altercation in a bar.
“I’m not saying I’m perfect,” he said. “But I am a Raider.”
The last word …
“It’s my birthday Saturday, and if I thought the Bruins were going to give me a victory over Alabama, I’d go and watch. Instead, I’m going to Las Vegas to get my own gift-wrapped present: minus six points and the Crimson Tide.
- Simers, prior to UCLA’s 35-24 victory.