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.' "
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?"
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."
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.
Mitch Albom writes about running an orphanage in impoverished Port-au-Prince, Haiti, his kids, their hardships, laughs and challenges, and the life lessons he’s learned there every day.
