The sports world has had a very rough stretch.

First came the passing of Wake Forest basketball coach Skip Prosser. He was a terrific father, teacher, coach and human being. Prosser had great integrity and his death at age 56 sent shock waves throughout coaches everywhere.

Then came the news of former Stanford and 49ers coach Bill Walsh's passing. He led the Niners to three Super Bowl championships.

Walsh did not get his first NFL head coaching job until he was 46 years old. Then he made his mark on the sidelines. Walsh was so impressive and there are so many current coaches from his tree.

I think some people forget what he meant to Stanford, taking the Cardinal to three bowl games. He could break down the Xs and Os as well as anybody.

Baseball fans may remember Bill Robinson. He played in the majors from 1966-83. Robinson was-30- on the Pirates championship team in 1979, and later served a coach. He was on the Mets staff that won the World Series in 1986. Robinson also worked as an ESPN analyst for Baseball Tonight in the early 90s.

He was one of the classiest guys in the game. Robinson was also a man of great integrity.

The sports world has suffered three losses, three ambassadors for their sports. They meant so much to their friends, families and programs.

Our sympathies go out to their families. They will all be missed in a big-time way.