
Requiem for a revolutionary...the Stealth bombs...rocky times at the Doral Open
Dubbed
Whitney Houston's hot-selling Super Bowl rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. It was widely reported last week that although Houston sang along with the prerecorded anthem, her taped version was piped through the stadium's loudspeakers. "It's probably news because of Milli Vanilli," said Jim Steeg, the NFL executive director of special events. "But last time we were in Tampa [Super Bowl XVIII, in 1984], Barry Manilow did the same thing."
Bumped
The Japanese-made Dodge Stealth as pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500, in favor of the American-made Dodge Viper. Race officials cited pressure from the UAW and the current wave of U.S. patriotism as the impetus for their decision.
Disqualified
From the Doral Open for signing an incorrect scorecard, Paul Azinger, 31, who at the time was one stroke off the lead. Following the first round of play, a TV viewer from Colorado notified tournament officials that Azinger had violated USGA rules when he kicked away some stones while taking his stance for a shot out of a water hazard on the 18th hole. Upon reviewing the tape, officials found the caller's information accurate and disqualified Azinger—who said he was unaware that he had committed an infraction—for signing a scorecard that did not include a two-shot penalty for moving an impediment. "The Tour should protect its players," said Azinger. "It shouldn't allow some 36 handicapper to call in and disqualify a guy who's trying to win a tournament."
Earned
By former NBA guard Dick Barnett, 54, a doctorate in education from Ford-ham. Barnett, who helped the New York Knicks win an NBA title in 1969-70, was best known for his unorthodox lefthanded Fall Back, Baby! jump shot, in which he curled both legs up behind him. He now heads New York's Athletic Role Model Educational Institute, which uses professional athletes to persuade young people to hit the books.
Tossed
By five Livingston (Ala.) University pitchers, no-hitters in both games of a doubleheader against Miles College. The Tigers won by scores of 4-0 and 17-0. "It is certainly encouraging to have our pitchers throwing this well so early in the year," said Livingston coach Mark Hogan.
Choked
PBA bowler Del Ballard Jr., 27, who needed two strikes and seven pins in the 10th frame to win the Fair Lanes Open, in Randallstown, Md., last Saturday. Ballard got the two strikes but then rolled a gutter ball. Pete Weber won the match 213-207 and took home the $30,000 first prize. Ballard settled for $15,500.
Died
Inventor Howard Head, 76; from complications after quadruple-bypass surgery; in Baltimore. Head revolutionized both tennis, with his Prince oversized racket, and skiing, with his Head composite skis. In 1946 Head, who had worked as a scriptwriter, began redesigning athletic products to improve his own performance. Head's daughter, Nancy Everly, once said of her father, "If he gets annoyed with something, he changes it. Most people never get that annoyed, or they get frustrated and give up."
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AL MESSERSCHMIDT
Whitney's song: a tale of the tape.