Friday Flashbacks: O.J.'s White Bronco, Len Bias, and Bowie over Jordan
By Jason Lisk
Len Bias dies of overdose two days after being drafted No. 2 overall by Boston (1986) . . . Heat defeat Mavericks in 6 games, as Wade dominates and Dirk struggles (2006) . . . Giants manager Dave Bristol sucker punches his own pitcher, John Montefusco, in post-game argument (1980) . . . Federal judge rules that Billy Cannon can play for the Houston Oilers, and not the Los Angeles Rams, after signing with both teams (1960) . . . Charlie Finley sues Bowie Kuhn for blocking trade, calls him “village idiot” (1976) . . . Deion Sanders arrested for fishing on restricted airport property (1996) . . . French teenagers brawl as the Beatles leave the stage (1965) . . . Chicago news station draws criticism for its World Cup graphic (1990) . . .
The Bulls may have passed on Michael Jordan if Sam Bowie had still been available (1984) . . . Brett Hull scores controversial triple overtime winner against Domenik Hasek and Buffalo to give Dallas the Stanley Cup (1999) . . . The NFL’s drug problems: Carl Eller believes 15% of players are problem users (1982) . . . Mickey Mantle hits his 27th home run 18 games earlier than Babe Ruth did in ’27 (1956) . . . Moses Malone signed with Maryland (but never played there) (1974) . . . Payne Stewart wins U.S Open as Scott Simpson bogies last three holes of playoff (1991) . . . “The San Francisco Warriors have their big ball grabbing rebounder” (1967) . . . Dick Howser dies of brain cancer (1987) . . .
Barry Switzer resigns amid turmoil of probation and player arrests, says he is frustrated by NCAA that doesn’t “recognize the financial needs of young athletes.” (1989) . . . Martina Hingis dates the guy that prosecuted her stalker (2001) . . . An agent representing Jerry Tarkanian, who was in town for talks with Jerry Buss for Tarkanian to become next Lakers’ coach, is found dead in his Rolls Royce (1979) . . . Grantland Rice on television and sports (1951) . . . Howard Cosell urges Congress to create commission to regulate sports (1972) . . . Ferret legging? (2004) . . . Dwight Eisenhower wants to see a baseball game on his return trip to the States (1945) . . . Little league coach seeks injunction against abusive mom (1971).
[photo via Getty]