Colombian Soccer & The Drug Lords
In the 1980’s and 1990's, Colombia was ravaged by an endless cycle of narco-violence that captured worldwide headlines, yet in the midst of this deadly scourge soccer thrived and even enjoyed a golden era. The unlikely catalyst for this phenomenon was the laundering of drug money that built soccer fields and paid top dollars for players and coaches.
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The 1st African-American Sports Champ, A Cyclist
Before there was Jack Johnson in the boxing ring, or Jesse Owens on the running track, there was Major Taylor on the bicycle. Predating 20th century’s most accomplished black athletes …
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Strawberries & Cream...and Debentures
Even the name screams of history and tradition: The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). Every year, this private institution serves up the best in competitive …
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“The Last Miracle I Did Was The 1969 Mets”
In the 1977 comedy film ‘Oh, God!’, actor George Burns quipped “The last miracle I did was the 1969 Mets”. Fifty years ago, the hapless New York Mets who had never finished higher …
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Pebble Beach At 100, A Real Estate Play As Much As A Golf Playground
The majestic public golf course that hugs the California coastline and costs $525 a round is celebrating its 100th year this summer. …
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Under The Radar, One Of College Sports' Greatest Rivalries
One of the most storied rivalries in college sports is housed in a 30-mile stretch inside the state of Maryland, pitting an elite private school against a major state university. …
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Title IX Reflections For The Women's World Cup
The excitement is palpable and the anticipation is real! As the United States prepares to cheer on Team USA against Thailand June 11 at the Women’s World Cup, …
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The Deadliest Race On The Planet
In the world of motorsport racing, pushing the boundaries of speed and chance means edging closer to death. Nobody knows that better than the daredevil …
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Playing The First French Open During A Revolution
In the late 1960s, the Western world was a boiling political mess, filled with dissent, assassinations, and protests in the streets. Tennis politics were also undergoing colossal changes. Since the late 19th century, …
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THIS WEEK
BOXING July 11, 2009 Boxer Arturo Gatti is found dead at his hotel while vacationing in Brazil with his wife. She is initially charged with homicide, but then released for lack of evidence. However, a 2nd autopsy performed later in Canada where the Italian-born pugilist was living, determined he died by strangulation. Gatti was a world champion in 2 lightweight classes, retiring in 2007 with a 40-9 record.
FOOTBALL July 18, 1999 Miami Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson marries long-time girlfriend, Rhonda Rookmaaker, in the Florida Keys; he has two sons from a previous marriage. The illustrious football figure started coaching college in 1965 before moving to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys (1989) and Miami Dolphins (1996). He won two consecutive Super Bowls with the former (XXVII, XXVIII).
GOLF July 16, 1989 Betsy King claims the 44th annual U.S. Women’s Open Championship, firing 278 (-6) at the Indianwood Golf & Country Club in Orion Lake, Michigan. Winning by 4 strokes ahead of runner-up Nancy Lopez, it was the first of her two consecutive victories at the event and the second of her six major career titles. The Pennsylvania native turned pro in 1977 and retired in 2005 with 39 LPGA Tour wins.
BASEBALL July 12, 1979 The Chicago White Sox hold a “Disco Demolition Night” at Comiskey Park during a double header with the Detroit Tigers. The event turns into a promotional fiasco as fans pelt debris and destroy the field while a box full of vinyl disco records is blown up by local radio disc jockey, Steve Dahl. The White Sox end up forfeiting the second game after the field is made unplayable.
