by Mitch Albom | Dec 30, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
Mama always said don’t go looking for trouble. But this is how bad it used to be: Come the third quarter, the game was often so lopsided that the Lions’ offensive linemen would say, “Damn, we’re losing anyhow, let’s go start a fight.”
And they would.
“One time, against Kansas City in 1987, we were just so frustrated,” recalls Kevin Glover, “we decided to start a scuffle, and Keith Dorney — remember him? — he was swinging so much he actually got thrown out. Which was fine by him. But then the official came over and told Keith, ‘Nah, forget it, just stay on in.’ “
by Mitch Albom | Dec 29, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
Contrary to popular belief, there is one thing Barry Sanders did not do that he was supposed to do this year. He did not appear on “Late Show with David Letterman.” Scheduling problem. A shame, really. The Letterman people see this supersonic little running back, great moves, beloved by kids, they figure
“Terrific. Dave will have a blast. Book him.”
What they don’t know is Barry’s verbal repertoire, with people he doesn’t know, usually consists of these three sentences:
1. “Hmm.”
2. “Is that right?”
3. “You think so?”
by Mitch Albom | Dec 28, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
The porch light is off. His mother says if you turn it on, “It just gives them something to shoot at.” Same goes for the lamp in the den, which can be seen from the street. Off. They sit here — on an old couch, in front of bare walls and a TV set — in semi-darkness. Hiding in their homes.
“You’ll want to move away from that window,” the mother suggests.
“How many nights a week do you hear shooting?”
She blinks, as if surprised by the question.
“Every night. They shoot like it’s their job or somethin.”
by Mitch Albom | Dec 25, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
I open my door, and what do I see? Some late Christmas carolers from the sports world . . .
Wayne Fontes, singing “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” God rest ye Barry Sanders, man, and please don’t stub a toe, You know my future’s on your back so keep those shoulders low Watch your knees, oh pretty please, keep running in fifth gear when you do, then my future is so clear Three more years! Tell Dave Krieg please to bundle up his ears.
by Mitch Albom | Dec 24, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
* Lions 27, Miami 21: Look, I don’t care how good they’re supposed to be. They wear turquoise, OK? Turquoise!* Chicago 23, New England 20: Last time this game mattered, Refrigerator Perry was actually good, not just fat.* Indianapolis 19, Buffalo 14: The...
by Mitch Albom | Dec 23, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
The bullets missed. So it was not his time to die. That is what his mother would say. Jamil Dowdell was leaning into the trunk of his 1977 Cutlass, getting a pair of gym shorts to play basketball. Suddenly, gunshots shattered the windows. Someone screamed. The kid...
by Mitch Albom | Dec 19, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
The funny thing is, he wasn’t even drinking when he hit bottom. He was too depressed, too twisted. He got on a bicycle, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, and he rode to the hockey office and burst through the door. “I am God!” he hollered....
by Mitch Albom | Dec 18, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
As the year fades to dust, we mourn an old friend in sports. His name was Grace. He passed away in 1994. Cause of death was neglect. They found him wrapped in a blanket, frozen and forgotten, in an alley behind a TV studio. He left no survivors. You may recall Grace...
by Mitch Albom | Dec 17, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
* Lions 26, Vikings 21: Purple is for prunes and Prince. Purple is not a winning color in a blue-collar town like Detroit.* San Francisco 20, Denver 14: Just how many houses did Deion Sanders have?* Green Bay 19, Atlanta 7: Andre Sinkin. * Chicago 28, LA Rams 9: After...
by Mitch Albom | Dec 16, 1994 | Detroit Free Press
Between plays, he walks in these nervous circles, as if chained to a tree. He goes halfway, then turns, heads back. His arms hang thick, pushed out by his well-pumped back muscles, the Incredible Hulk in a helmet. And there he goes again, another half circle,...
