Detroit Free Press

First let me say that Isiah Thomas is quick and smart and warm and funny and an extremely talented basketball player who deserves everything he gets. So I am not surprised his face is on the front of Coke cans, and that he has just signed with a local TV station.It is the path of success: Isiah Thomas, the man. Isiah Thomas, the TV star. Isiah Thomas, the endorsement spokesman.Isiah Thomas, the horse.The horse?

Listen, Los Angeles. Hello? Excuse me? Los Ang----QUIET ON THE SET!I figured that would get your attention. Sorry to disturb the morning cappuccino, kids. But I have come from the Motor City to pass on a message that dates back to the Bible (you remember the Bible, don't you? Charlton Heston? Lots of sand?). When God made heaven and earth, He looked it over, leaned back, and said: "Nice job, Big Fella." And he left it alone.Get the message?Not everything has to be done twice.

WIMBLEDON, England -- In another world, they might be late for gym class, ditching the cigarets as they sneaked inside."SABATINI?" the teacher would yell."Here!""GRAF?""Here!"In another world they might streak their hair and wear Reebok sneakers that nobody paid them to endorse. They might jump in the car and crank up the radio, and Sabatini, 17, would beg Graf, 18, to let her drive."Don't tell my dad," Graf would say."No way," Sabatini would answer.

I would like to chat about the latest trends in the NFL, but I am busy hiring an NFL picks coach.One who's available on weekends.In the meantime . . .

NEW YORK -- Whiskers look good on a soldier. They suggest a mind locked on battle, on the hunt, not on such trivial matters as keeping a face clean. Like dirt stains and bloody knees, the beginnings of a beard somehow say to us: "effort." They look nasty, raw, not to be trifled with.

THE LIVE ALBOM:* Oh, goody. We now have the 1988 Official Sports Trend: Name Changing. Willie wants to be called Guillermo. Bert Blyleven wants to be called Rik.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Chuck looked at Darryl. Darryl looked at Chuck.Joe looked at Darryl.And Darryl looked at Joe.Then Joe and Darryl both looked at Chuck, who was still looking at Darryl, I think.You getting all this?"Oh, all right, get on in there," Darryl said.Ta da.The Long era begins.Let the history books show that with 2:06 left in a meaningless, late-season game in Florida, Detroit's quarterback of the future saw his first NFL action. And here it was.He called the play, stepped to the line . . .And handed off.