An ex-O makes like Oprah...pacing's big race is snared by a hare...Clancy's new adventure
Announced
By prep basketball star Jason Kidd, that he will attend the University of California next year. Kidd, a 6'4" senior guard who led tiny St. Joseph High of Alameda, Calif., to the Division I state title last season, is widely considered to be the top high school player in the country. He spent much of this past summer competing against NBA guards Brian Shaw and Gary Payton in pickup games. Because Kidd never made an official visit to nearby Cal and had not listed the school among his top five choices, the decision surprised many, including his parents.
Named
By U.S. Swimming, as its 1991 Swimmer of the Year, Mike Barrowman, who becomes the only three-time recipient of the award in its 10-year history. Barrowman, a Michigan senior who spends his free time rebuilding Triumph sports cars, broke his 200-meter breaststroke world record twice this year. Since 1989, he has lowered the mark by nearly three seconds, to 2:10.60.
Revealed
By techno-thriller novelist Tom Clancy, that he is attempting to acquire an NFL expansion franchise for his hometown of Baltimore. Clancy was inspired with the idea when, as marshal for a local parade, he heard the old Baltimore Colt marching band perform the team fight song. By Oct. 1, Clancy must deliver a $100,000 filing fee to the league—only half of which is refundable if a franchise is not granted. Some NFL brass might have trouble with Clancy's application; his latest book, The Sum of All Fears, includes a scene in which terrorists plant a nuclear bomb at the Super Bowl.
Nixed
By the U.S. Soccer Federation, the San Diego Sockers' bid to sign Argentine World Cup star Diego Maradona, who was banned from international competition for 15 months by FIFA last April after he tested positive for cocaine. Socker owner Oscar Ancira Jr. said that signing Maradona might "inject passion" into his Major Soccer League franchise. "There are a million people in Tijuana who want to sec him play." said Ancira. "I don't think there's a sports arena large enough to hold everyone."
Paced
To straight heat victories at the Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio, Precious Bunny, driven by Jack Moiseyev. The 3-year-old colt, who has won 16 of 19 starts this year, recently recovered from a potentially career-ending lung infection. With the win, Precious Bunny locks up Harness Horse of the Year honors, and Moiseyev becomes the fifth driver to sweep two of harness racing's biggest events—the Little Brown Jug and the Hambletonian—in the same season.
Tossed
His cap into the daytime-TV talk show ring, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, who will host a syndicated program entitled Living Today. For most of the year, the 30-minute show will be taped in Baltimore. However, during the winter months it will originate from near Palmer's Miami home. The program, aimed primarily at female viewers, will feature segments on fitness and will address many of the same topics as other daytime talk shows, but in a more lightheaded manner. Says Palmer, "Sort of like the way Ferris Bueller would do it."
PHOTO
MARK KOEHLER/THE ALAMEDA JOURNAL
The Bears' latest California Kidd.