2B
Quick Looks
Thursday March2,2000
HOROSCOPES
Today's Birthday (March 2). This year ponder the past and your future, and you may find a way to shed old fears. You've given up on a tough assignment before. If you don't give up in March, you might achieve mastery. A surprise brings money in April, but it could go just as fast. You'll learn well in May if you follow the rules. In August, the way you should serve should be clear. Heed a loved one's urging in November, but follow your own common sense. A secret about your career is revealed in December. Most of February is best spent planning. The more homework you do, the higher your chances of success.
Aries: Today is a 7.
You and your buddies accomplish quite a lot when you're all on the same track. Set your goals so everybody knows what needs to be done next. You're teaching and learning from each other, and that's good. Minimize travel, though, and keep costs down
Taurus: Today is a 6.
The thing you'll be most successful at can be quite difficult sometimes. This could be one of those days. If you're running into new barriers, that's because you've already gone past all the old ones. Congratulations! Accept coaching from a friend.
Gemini: Todav is a 7.
If anything of yours involves higher education, travel or the law, expect setbacks. Getting your meaning across could be difficult. Be as clear as possible, especially with those who speak different languages. It'll be worth the effort.
Cancer: Today is a 6.
There might be complications with travel again, so take care. If you're in school, you may feel kind of thick-headed. Just review the material again and again. It'll get through, eventually. Don't spend impetuously, either. Take your time and do it right.
Leo: Today is a 5.
How are you and a partner going to spend the money you share? Take a few notes so that there isn't a misunderstanding. Don't let nickels and dimes wreck your friendship. If you're considering a big purchase, little details become even more important.
Virgo: Today is a 5.
You are swamped. There's way too much for one person to do. Your partner doesn't seem to be much help, either. You're in a potentially stressful situation. Do you have a friend who always helps you calm down? Even if it's long distance, call.
Libra: Today is a 6.
Scorpio: Today is a 6.
You're pretty lucky, but there could be complications. Better not gamble now; it's not a sure bet. Love should go well, too, especially if you don't get into an argument about money. Emotions are running high, so avoid touchy subjects if you can.
Sagittarius: Today is a 5.
A lot is going on at home. You want to be there, so change things around so you can. Others want your attention, too, of course. You're a popular person! Save time and attention for the folks you love the most
A few things need to be discussed at your house.
A couple of things need to be fixed, too. You know it's a good idea, but you might not know how. You might not want to change, either. Learning new skills will make everything easier.
Capricorn: Today is a 7.
Quite a bit of money could be coming in. This is because you're imaginative and creative and you work hard. It could also be because of a coupon you sent off or taxes you don't have to pay. Don't spend this windfall, however. All might not be as it appears
Aquarius: Today is a 6.
You're looking pretty good. You still need to watch your money, however. If a friend is having financial difficulties, recommend a good bank. Don't make a loan yourself; that could lead to trouble. Don't be a borrower, either, by the way.
Pisces: Today is a 6.
You're pushed to take care of something important. You've been avoiding it, but that's not a good idea. Don't worry, either. This could be easier than you thought. Just take it one step at a time.
FOOTBALL
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Josh Evans of the Tennessee Titans was shocked to learn he failed an NFL drug test for the third time and plans to appeal his suspension for next season.
Titans' Evans to appeal 2000 season suspension
The defensive tackle said vester-
day that he had been on prescribed medication, including diet pills, and suggested that could account for the positive test
"I will not allow the game I love to be taken away from me without a fight," Evans said. "I believe that the NFL, after reviewing all the information, will remove my suspension."
A league source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the NFL suspended Evans for the upcoming season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Only a successful appeal will keep him from missing the 2000 season.
The NFL does not announce suspensions until the appeal process is complete.
The 27-year-old player has been in the league five years and made several big plays during the playoffs to lead to Tennessee's run to the Super Bowl last season.
Mitchell Frankel, Evans' agent, said he did not think the suspension would jeopardize his client's future with the team.
The Titans are prohibited by the league from commenting on suspensions under the substance abuse policy and refused to discuss Evans yesterday.
"I don't see any reason why he would not be part of the Tennessee Titans organization," Frankel said.
LAS VEGAS — David Reid is grateful to a judge. Not one who voted for him in a fight, but one who gave him a chance in life.
In 1993, Reid, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist and the WBA super welterweight champion, was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with dealing crack cocaine.
Note: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment purposes only.
WBA champion recalls judge's life message
BOXING
"I was looking at three years (in prison)," Reid said yesterday at a news conference leading to his 154-pound title defense against Felix Trinidad.
"I would have come out not wanting to box," added Reed, a blushing amateur at the time of the arrest. "I would have gone back to the thing I knew, which was selling drugs."
The judge let Reid go, telling him that if he ever saw him in court again he would be going to jail.
Amold Mitchell, the brother of Reid's trainer-manager Al Mitchell, told the judge that Reid was a good man.
Reid heeded the message.
He became a Pan American Games and Olympic champion and won the WBA title in his 12th pro fight. His record is 14-0, with seven knockouts. He has become a major star by beating Trinidad, a Puerto Rican who holds the WBC-IBF weightleave (147 pounds) title.
BASKETBALL
The Lakers showed plenty of grit Tuesday night in a 90-87 victory against the Portland Blazers, the team that could stand between the Lakers and the NBA finals this season.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Los Angeles Lakers have the NBA's longest winning streak all to themselves. And more than ever, they look like championship material
Blazers, Lakers rolling toward Western finals
"We think we're a great defensive team, though people seem to overlook
the Lakers have won 12 straight games, including six victories on an Eastern Conference trip. They have held Utah to 67 points, Minnesota to 81, Charlotte to 85 and Philadelphia to 84.
Kobe Bryant has been playing particularly well, shutting down the 76ers' Iverson and the Rockets' 'Steve Francis
us." the Lakers' Glen Rice said.
Verson and the Rockets Steve Francis in the second half
in the second half.
Trail Blazers were both on 11-game win streaks entering their showdown
The Lakers are positioned to gain home court advantage through the playoffs. But the Blazers have two more game homes than the Lakers, and as of Tuesday night, Portland had won 16 straight games at the Rose Garden.
GOLF
Heart-transplant golfer to compete on PGA Tour
MIAMI — Erik Compton is in awe.
Riverboat - LRK Corbin's in law.
Since he was a kid, he has been
competing around the famed Blue
Monster course at the Doral-Ryder
Open, watching Greg Norman and other
stars.
But Compton has more to think about or golf when it comes to his first PGA Tour event. He will be thinking about the beating of his heart.
This week, he has a locker next to them. He practices next to them on the range.
Today at 9:09 a.m., Compton will become the first heart-transplant recipient to compete on the PGA Tour.
"Deep down inside when I go to bed every night, I'm not thinking so much about the golf," he said. "I am with somebody else's heart. I think about how somebody is not here, and I am here right now. That's what keeps driving me to do better."
Two years ago, he became the first player with a heart transplant to compete in the U.S. Amateur and earn a scholarship to an NCA4 school when he signed with Georgia.
But he received a sponsor's exemption to Doral not just because he has a new heart, but because he can play — a three-time Miami high school player of the year, the top-ranked junior in the year 1998.
He has done plenty well already.
"I know he can make the cut," said Jim McLean, Doral's teaching pro and Compton's personal coach. "I will be very surprised if Erik doesn't play well."
Compton's illness was diagnosed as cardiomyopathy at age 9, a disease that enlarges and attacks the heart. Three years later, he became the youngest heart-transplant recipient at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
BASEBALL
Elbow surgery to keep Orioles pitcher benched
The Baltimore Orioles had their first big loss of the season before they even played their first exhibition game.
The Orioles found out yesterday that starter Scott Erickson would miss 6-8 weeks with bone chips in his right elbow.
"Hopefully, this won't affect the rest of
the starters too much," pitcher Mike Mussina said. "We can only do what we can as individuals." Erickson will have surgery tomorrow and
return to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., during the weekend. He will remain inactive for 7-10 days to allow swelling to subside before beginning his rehabilitation.
"I suspected it had something to do with particles. Sometimes they get lodged and it locks the elbow," said Syd Thrift, the Orioles' vice president of baseball operations.
The Associated Press
Sports Calendar
Wen's swimming at Big 12 Conference championships in College Station, Texas
Men's swimming at Big 12 Conference championships in College Station, Texas
sun.
Baseball vs. Iowa State at noon
Vitale now a dull, broken record
Women's tennis vs.
Texas Tech at 11 a.m.
Track at Last Chance
Meet in Ames, Iowa
Soccer in Iowa City,
Iowa, all day
mon.
Men's basketball vs.
Missouri at 1 p.m. in
Allen Fieldhouse.
Senior night.
Dickie V's time has passed.
The mouth that roared is spouting nothing but the same old crap laterly.
All the times he's spewed "Oh baby, he's a PTPer, hitting nothing but nylon, the Trifacta, then the follow and it's jam city, it's awesome baby!" in one exhausting breath have gotten old.
Growing up listening to Dick Vitale, it was obvious he was an integral part to the growth of college basketball. He was a relentless goodwill ambassador who had nothing but enthusiasm for student athletes. If you associated anything with college basketball, it was Vitale and his catch phrases proclaiming the best players in the NCAA.
But, like any colorful announcer, Vitale has grown — if this is possible — too bland for the college game. He's a stagnant old man who talks about his favorites incessantly and annoyingly. Every year Duke and North Carolina rule the Vitale radar screen, while other schools such as UConn and Kentucky receive endless praise. He doesn't pay enough attention to top-ranked teams like Tennessee, LSU and Temple.
Even Kansas, which Vitale seems to think rules the Big 12 Conference despite whoopings by Texas and Oklahoma State, gets praise when it isn't deserved.
During Monday's game against Texas, Vitale lauded coach Roy
Sports editor
Mike Miller
sports@ nsan.com
Williams for the miraculous job he's done with this year's Kansas team. He said the talent the 'Hawks have was the worst Williams has ever had.
Excuse me? Maybe the Jayhawks have received some harsh criticism this season, but by no means has this been a miraculous coaching job. With five McDonald's All Americans, plus standout Drew Goren, there's no way this has been an outstanding coaching job. In December, when Vitalte watched Kansas smoke Ohio State, he proclaimed the Jayhawks to be unbe livable.
If he wants to change his mind that's fine, but some kind of consistency would be nice.
Love him or loathe him, Dick Vitale has grown too big for the game of basketball — a man engulfed by his own myth.
The Hoops Malone commercials on ESPN make things even worse. They are take-offs on sitcoms like
Full House and Eight is Enough, in which Vitale is presented as a father figure who lives for basketball. Four or five years ago those ads would have been great.
Now — and of course they purposefully poke fun at Vitale and lame '70s sitcoms — they're a sorry excuse for an ad campaign. Happy Action Fun Time with its crude cartoons and obnoxious music last year was bad, but Hoops Malone is even worse.
When Vitale starts talking about Hoops Malone in his broadcasts like the ads are incredible and inventive, then something is wrong. He's bought into his own, old absurd myth.
And that's the sad part.
Vitale still has plenty to offer the college game, but he would be better served as an ambassador or administrator whose role is to endure athletes and schools. After all, that's what he does best. He certainly doesn't do color analysis anymore. It's all about who he talked to before the game, yapping about other schools besides the ones playing.
Vitale needs to do what he does best — endless enthusiasm — or find something else.
He's an old man who can't let go of the past image that the world fell in love with.
Miller is a Cheyenne, Wyo., senior in journalism
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