May 7, 2007
Each week I will do a column on things going on in the world of sports …
• Someone else with one eye came through over the weekend. I'm talking about Street Sense, the winner of the Kentucky Derby. We have something in common, though our paychecks won't be as big this week. What a performance, coming from behind after sitting in 19th place at one point. The horse came through, winning in stride. Jockey Calvin Borel showed great enthusiasm and energy in riding Street Sense to the winner's circle.
• What about the showdown in Las Vegas between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya? It was worth every penny of the $54.99 I spent to see it on pay-per-view. Let me tell you, it was a show. From the introductions of all the celebrities in the stands, to listening to Mayweather's father ranting and raving before the fight. It was an unbelievable spectacle?. Then the show took a greater turn when Mayweather Jr. entered the ring wearing a sombrero and Mexican colors on his trunks. Talk about a psyche job! It was showtime at its best and the action did not disappoint at all. Often, the hype is greater than the action, but not this time, my friends. Some questioned how De La Hoya was ahead on one of the judge's scorecards, and I don't know that much about the fight game, but I gave the edge to Mayweather. He showed his great ability to dance, hit and then get away, utilizing his boxing skills. Floyd is unblemished, baby, and in today's day and age that's special. I had a fight party at my house and everyone was thrilled with the performance.
• I know that some people are screaming about the Yankees, that they struggled in April. The boost given with the signing of Roger Clemens is just one positive. The future Hall of Famer will be a difference maker. Mike Mussina looked good in his return. Chien-Ming Wang was brilliant on Saturday, taking a perfect game into the eighth inning until Ben Broussard said bye-bye to the perfecto, the no-hitter and the shutout with one powerful swing. Andy Pettitte is a veteran who knows how to win. Let me tell you, the Yankees are going to make their run. Hey, Red Sox fans, talk to me about the Yankees in September and October, not in April.
• What about the performance by the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, winning Game 7 at Houston. For all of those critics who have screamed about Duke players not making it in the NBA, go to the tape and look at Carlos Boozer. Ask Jeff Van Gundy if Boozer didn't make it? Boozer had 35 points and 14 rebounds in the crucial Game 7. Ask people facing the Bulls if Luol Deng didn't make it. What about Elton Brand? Do you want a few more? Come on, give me a break. They have contributed big-time. That was a big win for the Jazz and disappointment once again for Tracy McGrady.
• You know McGrady will face the same critiques that Dirk Nowitzki is meeting up with in Dallas. Don Nelson did a marvelous job leading the surprising Warriors to the upset of a Mavericks squad that won 67 games during the regular season. Nowitzki most likely will win MVP since the voting occurred prior to the playoffs, and he is a special, special player. Don't knock him, and while he came up short in the postseason, what about his teammates? It's amazing how Nowitzki takes the brunt of it. If you want to be known as the best of the best, you have to get it done at money time. Nowitzki will face an offseason similar to what Alex Rodriguez dealt with a few seasons ago after winning the MVP. He was ripped left and right because of the Bronx Bombers postseason failure. That's the price you pay, baby! Life as a superstar isn't always easy!
• I love the fact that the NCAA rules committee has voted to move the three-point line back one foot. It should pass through later this month to become official. Hooray, it is a super move that will extend defenses, get more play down in the post, and added screening and cutting inside. It's great for basketball that we won't have everybody just launching up trifectas, instead putting the shot in the hands of legitimate three-point shooters.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
