I can't help but laugh over this story about Kareem Jabbar whining about not having a statue of himself outside the Laker home at Staples Center. He feels disrespected. For openers, I think he might be the most underrated all timer in any sport. The credentials are astounding. That said, he was a complete and total jack ass, self righteous jerk his entire career and for many years after. We went through this when he was basically ignored as he pursued coaching opportunities. He burned every bridge he crossed, treated people like garbage, then can't understand why folks won't go the extra yard for him. This might sound odd, but eliminate the cheating and he's Barry Bonds. Dumps all over people, operates on a mega system of entitlement, then is confused he's not being overwhelmed with adoration. I have a couple of personal stories about this guy I'll share later on our shows.
This will get some play, but I wanted to acknowledge the retirement of Dick Ebersol. His work in the field of sports is legendary, but from my chair it's what he and Lorne Michaels did in the late summer/early autumn of 1975 that made it's impact. Three words. Saturday Night Live. In 1995 and 96 NBC was the home of World Series, NBA Finals, Super Bowl and the Summer Olympics. That was and is unparalleled in network broadcast history. After getting SNL off the ground, he returned to the program as executive producer and stayed from 1981 thru 1985 and bridged the era from Eddie Murphy to Billy Crystal. A couple of years ago he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from NATAS, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. On hand were the 6 most important commissioners in the biz, David Stern, Bud Selig, Roger Goodell, Gary Bettman(NHL), Tim Finchem(PGA) and NASCAR'S Brian France. The award was handed to him by Muhammad Ali. Quite an accomplished guy!
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