Overthrow the owners!
By Gino Bona
Special to Page 2

It's amazing what over a million ticked-off people can do with only a pen. Now, California Governor Gray Davis will face a special recall election in October for fumbling through an energy crisis and, consequently, leaving his state $38 billion over the cap. I can't even imagine how much he'll pay in luxury tax.  

This pot-shot leads us to a valid question: If a million citizens can band together and sign a petition to force a recall election, why can't sports fans be empowered to overthrow the dreadful owner of their favorite team?  

After all, there are plenty of owners who offer minor league talent at major league prices, while we sit in stadiums paid for by our tax dollars. Throw in the overpriced beer, botched draft picks, unattractive cheerleaders and the annoying punks launching T-shirts into the crowd, and you've justified a case for mutiny.  

So crank up Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It," bust out your voodoo dolls, hang that appalling owner in effigy, and -- by all means -- get hordes of people to sign on the dotted line, because we're making a list of owners that need to go ... and we're not planning on simply voting them out!  

Kevin McClatchy -- Pittsburgh Pirates

Why he should be recalled: You'd think Pirate fans would be more jacked up than PDW picking up a 7-10 split to get the league's top strikeout artist in exchange for Kenny Lofton and Aramis Ramirez. Unfortunately, Jose Hernandez isn't a pitcher.

Likely method of revolt: Pirate fans force McClatchy into a one-on-one eating contest against Takeru Kobayashi at Manny's Bar-B-Q. McClatchy will likely leave his mark all over the Riverwalk.  

Donald Sterling -- Los Angeles Clippers

Why he should be recalled: For years of making the Clips a league-wide farm system due to his frugal ways. Oh yeah, and that sexual harassment lawsuit doesn't help either.

Likely method of revolt: Remember that scene from Airplane where the passengers formed a line to rough up the woman in hysterics? That line is growing around the Staples Center and everyone's waiting for a shot at Mr. Sterling. Surely, they can't be serious? They are serious, Donald ... and don't call them Shirley.      

Al Davis
60,000 people wearing Al Davis jumpsuits? Now that's scary.
Al Davis -- Oakland Raiders

Why he should be recalled: 1) His past lawsuits, 2) His current lawsuit against Coliesum, Ed DeSilva, Arthur Andersen, and, 3) His next inevitable lawsuit.

Likely method of revolt: Season ticket holders at Network Associates Coliseum will change out of their Battlestar Galactica costumes and into hideous jumpsuits frequently worn by Davis. The sight of 60,000 people wearing nylon jumpers will make him reconsider ever walking into his owner's box again.    

Peter Angelos -- Baltimore Orioles

Why he should be recalled: Angelos has pulled off the rare "Hated In Two Cities" feat. Baltimoreans hate Angelos for Albert Belle's contract, losing Mike Mussina to the Yankees, and probably for the lack of soft-shell crabs in the Chesapeake. Baseball fans 45 miles down I-95 loathe Angelos for being a human hurdle in their attempts to lure the Expos.

Likely method of revolt: A tug-of-war match between Baltimore and D.C. residents would be appropriate. No need for a rope. Just use Angelos instead.  

Jerry Reinsdorf -- Chicago Bulls

Why he should be recalled: You automatically make this list if you allow a monomaniacal GM to detonate a dynasty solely to waste top draft picks on kids who aren't permitted to drive past dusk without adult supervision.

Likely method of revolt: Hundreds of fans hide inside Michael Jordan's statue and wait for Reinsdorf to arrive at the United Center. Hey, it worked for the Greeks.  

Jerry Jones -- Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones
Doesn't Jerry look a bit like an Ewok in this picture?
Why he should be recalled: After three consecutive 11-loss seasons, many Cowboy fans would love to see a new face in the owner's box. Fortunately, Jones went out and bought one. But there's no way Jones can hide behind his disguise forever.

Likely method of revolt: A mass e-mail campaign aimed at forcing Jones to sell the Cowboys to a more popular sports owner in the Dallas area. Looks like Mark Cuban has been spending way too much time online again.    

Major League Baseball -- Montreal Expos

Why they should be recalled: A league shouldn't own any teams. If Pete Rose compromised the integrity of the game, then the MLB-owned Expos are doing their part to make things sketchy, too. The outcome to a jai lai match is less corrupt than Major League Baseball on some nights.

Likely method of revolt: Montreal fans will boycott home games. Wait a minute. Okay, Montreal fans will continue to boycott home games and road trips to Puerto Rico!  

Abe Pollin -- Washington Wizards

Why he should be recalled: What's a more disturbing visual: D.C.'s former mayor puffing on a crack pipe or the owner of the Wiz schooling MJ in a one-on-one match? At least Marion Barry apologized for his mistake.

Likely method of revolt:  Invite Pollin to move into one of Dick Cheney's bunkers. Hey, can we see that joint on an episode of "Cribs"?    

Mike Brown
Rumor has it Mike Brown recently canceled his internet service.
Mike Brown -- Cincinnati Bengals

Why he should be recalled: There are just too many jokes to make in such a limited space. 

Likely method of revolt: There's already a web site called www.MikeBrownSucks.com. The site's mission statement -- they have a freakin' mission statement! -- is for Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to remove Mike Brown in order to preserve the integrity of the game. If I were Brown, I'd be curled up in a panic room while clutching my blankie.

Wendy Selig -- Milwaukee Brewers

Why she should be recalled: Her name is Selig. That alone merits her removal.  

Likely method of revolt: Make her run in the Sausage Race on "Free Bat Night."    

James Dolan -- New York Knicks

Why he should be recalled: Dolan is more unpopular than an Isles uni inside Madison Square Garden. Plus, P. Diddy wants to be a shot caller for New York's pro ballers. I can see it now: Cups of Gatorade would be replaced with bottles of Cristal ... The Notorious B.I.G.'s jersey would be retired ... and a seat for J-Lo would be reserved each game in the event she finally comes back into Diddy's inked-up arms. Can you imagine watching Maciej Lampe's ghetto-fabulous makeover? And does anyone know the Polish translation for "Holla"?

Likely method of revolt: P. Diddy leads a raucous crowd as they plant themselves outside of Two Pennsylvania Plaza while rapping, "We ain't going nowhere" over and over again. P. Diddy will also outfit the crowd with the latest Sean John gear as a show of unity and another chance to get some pub.  

Jim Irsay -- Indianapolis Colts

Why he should be recalled: The RCA Dome is going to have a "For Lease" sign as soon as Irsay moves the Colts to Los Angeles.

Likely method of revolt: While Indy mourns the loss of their beloved Colts, thousands of Californians will wear Peyton Manning's L.A. jersey. The savvy fans from Indianapolis will then file a joint lawsuit with Al Davis, and they'll sue Irsay for every penny he's got.

Gino Bona is always the defendant on his Wink & The Gun website, which can be reached at www.winkandthegun.com. E-mail him at gino@winkandthegun.com.





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