More on the MNF flap

** MNF flap day two-- TK thinks it should have been an A1 story in the Post (it was in McPaper). As TK said yesterday afternoon, he thought it went over the line (thought Wilbon did not, when they discussed it on PTI). TK hates people who play the "what about the children?" card. TK's reason for disliking the skit has to do with sports being a "safety zone." Gary talked about the technical specs of the shoot, which had to be done with the knowledge of the Eagles and therefore, the NFL. And how about the NFL being in bed with the boner drugs? ESPN (which ABC owns) caved last year with Playmakers. And now ABC< still negotiating to renew MNF, isn't going to cause waves.
** Jason Aledxander was on Letterman last night and TK got name-dropped.
** Sam Smith from the Chicago Tribune --

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

A new view on the MNF sketch

TK has now seen the MNF opening and thinks it over the line. MNF is seen all over the country in the dinner hour and it's over the line, especially when you consider all the ramifications. TK brought up the Saving Private Ryan flap from last week. Was it clever and funny? Yes, but still over the line says TK. And ABC is going to cave, since they are still in negotiations with the NFL for their new contract. Czabe wondered where the "white stakes" are for this sketch. If she didn't drop the towel, would it be okay? and then there's the spectre of the "white woman" angle, which some people have suggested is part of the outcry. TK also took the time to slam "Sex and the City" and the horse-face toilet mouth, Sarah Jessica Parker.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Day 5 - the Whining Starts

We begin today with TK complaining about a) the bathroom situation and b) the lack of catered breakfast, both of which were part of his demands for coming back. He promises not to be back Monday unless they are addressed.

* Anna Nicole Smith is nuts. TK played clips from the AMA awards and wondered just what was she on during her air-time.
* TK's cousin Seth visits - He's the smart kid who went to Princeton.
* Cabinet Shake-up - TK talks about how he met the outgoing Agriculture Secretary at James Carville's birthday party. This segues into a discussion about how Gary won filmed some stuff with W in the White House. And back to the original discussion, where we talk about Condi Rice. Seth thinks this is a bad choice, since it will upset people around the world. TK counters by saying that it's a great political move.
* Later, phone calls about Junior and TK's trip to Jr's book party.

** El Riggo -- TO was good before, but now is seeminly unstoppable. Riggo says that Philly is just a superior right now. TK used to dislike TO, but "calls him my daddy." As for the QB changes for the week, Riggo is in favor of Eli Manning getting the Giants job over Kurt Warner. As for Patrick Ramsey, it's obvious that Gibbs didn't want to do it, but even he can't fight City Hall. And TK thinks that Gibbs has to goto Hasselbeck next before going back to Brunell.

** Trump -- TK says he's one of the few people who gets to play himself 24/7 (others include Bill Clinton and Bill Bradlee). There's an analysis of all the "billionaire reality" shows, the Cuban show (which died against LISTEN UP) and the new Richard Branson show (which has also tanked). TK played a hilarious clip of Trump TRASHING Branson's show. And we all know to TK loves people who trash their enemies.

** Junior's Book Party -- Junior was suprisingly well-dressed. TK calls Red Auerbach "a treasure" and is the greatest coach in NBA history. He retired in 1967 (at 50 years old) to concentrate at being a GM. And you could go to the China Doll today and see Red having lunch today.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss

Today's show... (more later)

* Problems with Streaming - "The Dinger" is working on it
* Belittling Sports Talk radio callers - "cockroaches" to use Andy's words

** Be Careful what you wish for -- Ramsey in, Brunell out. TK says that everyone has been clamoring for it, and now you have it. TK was also amazed by the quantity and quality of the booing the Fed Ex crowd gave to Brunell in the first half. Wilbon has given up on the season. TK kills him for this, since Wilbon wants to talk about the next Skins' QB NEXT YEAR, but Wilbon hates when TK talks about the Sawks and Yankees on PTI.
** Mark Maske from the Post -- Around the NFL. Mike Martz, Ramsey/Brunell,...
** Wilbon to lead off the second hour -- TK recaps his anti-Wilbon stance earlier with MW on the phone. Wilson's response, "Drew Brees, baby." MW brings up how his sorry, no-account Bears are always on the QB carosel and now the Skins are too. TK thought the quick hook Sunday was uncharacteristic for Gibbs. Was it too quick? No, says MW. Andy called Brunell's performance Sunday "[Heath] Shuler bad." The tough question, according to TK, "Has Gibbs failed so far?" MW says that the team is less complete than it was last year, even with a Defense that will probably still be # 1 this week. MW also might be on the "Gibbs as coach, not GM" bandwagon.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Scott Peterson and Arafat

We begin with the verdict in the Scott Peterson case. The main topic of conversation seems to be about how one of the jurors has a law degree and may have done some homework on his own about the case.

People have told TK that's been interrupting Andy Polley in the morning and that Andy should just hit Tony.

Briefly, there's mention of the Arafat funeral. TK wonders how people never seem to get killed when people fire guns in the air like that. And it seems like everyone has a gun. And wonders if any of the Palestinians are upset that it turns out that Arafat had over a billion dollars in the bank. And he may have died with some of the account codes in his head.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

How bout Linda Cohn?

The early recap... (more later)

* Everyone rips off Erik Rydholm
* Salisbury vs. Clayton
* Biggest disappointment so far in the NFL -- Skins, Pokes, Chefs or Panthers?
*Mustang Sally's anti-baseball column in the Post today
* Paul Daughtery from the Cincinnati Enquirer on the Skins/Bungles game this Sunday
* More on Ron Artest
* The Swami James Carville makes picks
-- UGA +4.5 Auburn, Boise State-32 Fresno State, Texans +9 Colts, Ole Miss +10 Arkansas

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Sports Content? No kidding.

On today's show (more later)...

* some suits from Binghamton hit up TK for an endowment
* John Riggins on the NFL Films special he did with Steve Sabol
* Bill Livingston from the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Maurice Clarett and OSU
* USA Today's David Dupree on Ron Artest ("he's not well"), the Lakers ("Kobe is the most hated player in the league") and brief movie talk
* Who does Andy hate worse - "contest pigs" or "cockroach callers"?
* discussing "King George" Michael and 20 years of the Sports Machine
* The radio version of the Kevin Bacon Game
* Old Guy Radio today -- Beach Boys "Don't Worry Baby" (TK's favorite song)


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

THE BIG DAY IS FINALLY HERE

The recap is coming. I was away all day. Sorry.

Some highlights:

Wilbon, Junior and Bos talking about the stadium deal in DC.

Also, phone calls, emails and the return of Gary 'Big Time' Braun.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Pre-Launch Update

Here's some news, fresh off the phone from Mr. Tony himself, asking your questions (well, my questions, as asked by emailers):

1. Will there be phone calls? -- maybe, probably at some point.

2. Will there be emails? -- Oh sure. The address (something involving "this show stinks") is yet TBA. Once we get it, you'll get it.

3. Email jingle? -- Yes. In fact, Gary "Big Time" Braun may be on the first show tomorrow.

4. Old regulars? -- Many of the old familiar faces (and Wilbon). Mel will likely be picking games this week on the show. Look for most of the friends of the show (Ryan, Sam Smith, ...). And, of course, there's Wilbon.

5. Movie reviews? -- Yes. Stephen Hunter is working on his next book, so either Stephen or Joe Barber will be on the show on Fridays. And Lisa De Moreas will be on the show, talking TV.

There's your primer. Remember, 9 AM at Sportstalk 980. Be there, you dope.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tony at a game?

As TK told us in his column today, he was at the Wizards game on Saturday.

TK is already fretting about his show (STARTING TOMORROW). And Czabe is happy as some of TK's demands have led to more bathroom opportunities. Although if someone is in there when TK has to go, he's getting his privacy. Similarly, TK has "his own" bathroom at home, which is on the top floor of Chez Kornheiser.

As for the DC baseball situation, TK wonders who the mystery stadium builder is (cough Dan Snyder cough) that got the stadium vote delayed today in City Council. And Linda Cropp, TK thinks, doesn't understand what happened when you tinker with sports issues, things that everyone cares about. Who else could it be? Uncle Abe Pollin? Bobcat Johnson? Would baseball greenlight the sale of the team to whomever builds the stadium? It's a thought.

TK doesn't mind the city paying for the infrastructure if someone privately funds the stadium. And people in DC may have been jaded because Jack Kent Cooke and Uncle Abe bought paid for stadia themselves.

Big News: Junior will be returning. TK joked that he already doesn't like his rate.

REMEMBER -- 9 AM to 11 AM and 11 AM to 1 PM. TOMORROW

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More Brunell Bashing

So what if there was a win? Skins fans still want to complain about the putrid performance of QB Mark Brunell.

TK fell on the side that said "Gibbs isn't going to change, so why bother?"

Also, TK got miffed at Andy for throwing Fred Smoot quotes his way. This was during the time when some of the Skins were comparing themselves to the Super Bowl Ravens teams (all D, no O). It is to laugh.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on TK's return

Of course, the big news today was the return of Tony's show. It will be 9-11 and then repeated from 12-1. (TAKE A SEAT, COWHERD, YOU NO-TALENT!)

(Thanks for the plug, Tony)

Everyone at 980 was there (except Czaban) to welcome Tony back to the station when he came in this morning. TK said he was very moved and the salespeople were probably happy they had someone to tell.

Yes, Andy will be back, in the Norton role he loves so much.

As for other news, there's a brief discussion about the new DC stadium proposal, one that would call for a new stadium next to RFK and not down by the river. TK didn't see the need to put a stadium elsewhere and now, if he were MLB, he wouldn't bring the team to DC now. This woman (Linda Cropp) was a big cheerleader when the announcement was made and now she wants a different deal. And the mayor must feel like Caesar right now. He said basically what TK said, this new deal will mean no team.

And if the DC council does this, baseball will NEVER come to DC proper. Czaban briefly tried to tout the NVA site (ha ha).

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The News We've All Been Waiting For.. TK RETURNS!

From today's Radio and Records:

Tony Kornheiser Returns To WTEM/Washington

R&R has confirmed that Kornheiser, who gave up his WTEM-based ESPN Radio show earlier this year, will return to "The Team" on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to host a new live and local radio show from 9-11am, Monday-Friday. Kornheiser will also continue as co-host of ESPN's weekday show Pardon the Interruption, along with fellow Washington Post sportswriter Michael Wilbon.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on TO

We begin with the TO/Ray Ray thing again. And TK is still amazed that TO dropped the "double murder" angle with his quotes. And also thinks that TO has a persecution complex. On the field, Ray is praised and TO is villified.

El Riggo agrees that it's amazing that Ray has become the poster child for the league after being connected to a murder trial. Riggo just sees TO as a funloving guy (albeit misguided) and Ray is a dark and moody figure and would be an anti-hero archetype.

And if the Eagles win the Super Bowl, TO would get plenty of attention and endorsements (although not as much as Donovan F McNabb). And even Andy Reid doesn't think TO is a bad guy off the field.

TK got annoyed with Andy, who compares to TO to classic Muhammed Ali.

There was a brief conversation about TK's column from the other day (TK flip flopping on the Sean Taylor situation). Riggo thought that Gibbs may have done it to protect Taylor from the press.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Post-election blues

We begin by TK asking who that woman was on the show yesterday (that would be Carol Maloney from Comcast Sportsnet). TK had no problem with her, just no one had told him there was going to be any other guests. Czabe quickly tried to blame Galdi, but TK said it's like Ashlee Simpson blaming her band.

On to the election. TK watched a variety of channels last night (except Fox) and found ABC too technological for him. TK liked how Rather appeared to be disgusted with everything. NBC didn't call the whole thing until the Today Show did this morning and he thought Brokaw was disappointed that nothing big happened last night. (Czaban points out that NBC could have called it if they wanted, but they would have had to call it for W.)

Wally Backman - Andy doesn't think he should be hired, due to the domestic abuse allegations uncovered by the NY Times. Is it worse than O'Leary's transgretions at Notre Dame? TK thinks the ND thing is worse, since it's an academic institution. TK said he would be stunned if the D'Backs didn't actually know about this. Andy thinks it sends a bad message, since they are trying to sell tickets to women and children.

Terrell Owens continues to take shots at Ray Lewis, bringing up the double murder charges and wondering why people hate him and not Lewis. TK had a good chuckle about this.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Today's TK column

TK's column today features both discussions of Sean Taylor and Chimiqua Holdsclaw.

Before discussing it, TK talks about the process of writing it and talk about how sports columnists have to write about things in a shorter turn around than other columinsts in the paper.

And, with a couple days reflection on said topics, TK mentioned that his opinions Taylor and Gibbs had flip-flopped since the stories broke last week.

This segued into a discussion of male and female mindsets regarding teammates. It seems to TK that female players are more accepting of atypical behavior than men would, for example, how teammates did toward Barrett Robbins and Ricky Williams.

Conveniently, there's a woman in the studio (Comcast's Carol Maloney) to actually represent the distaff perspective.

We briefly discuss Jim Bowden's hiring as interim GM of Les Expos, which TK likens to winning "Dream Jobs." It's a job that will be gone as soon as the new owners find their own man. The #1 player for the job is Cal Ripken. Czabe fears an MJ situation.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Brunell thru thick and thin

We begin again with Brunell talk. What else. Gibbs won't be changing QBs, so why discuss it anymore.

And the Skins have gotten thru "the easy part" of their schedule, with Philly and Pittsburgh coming in the next month.

TK thought that Mike Wise's column today was off-base, but it was written by "an outsider." The fans won't turn on Gibbs, no matter how bad it gets. They'll just go after The Danny again.

New coaches and new players every year don't help matters.

As for Wilbon's column, same old same old: Defense good, offense bad. And quoted Darren Sharper (one of the NFL's smartest players) about Brunell not being what he once was.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

What happened to Shamiqua?

Shamiqua was depressed. Not pregnant. Not drug-related.

Mustang Sally had an A1 story about this today in the Post.

TK discusses depression in sports and how it's very much covered up. And there's no family in the US that doesn't have a family member that copes with this.

But, Shamiqua kept it from her teammates and coaches. And what happened? The Mystics played better without her.

TK wished her well in overcoming this, but wished that she did it somewhere else.

Rapidly changing subjects, we talk about Larry Wiseman's role in the remake of "The Longest Yard." The upside? "You get paid when you do things like this." TK did not like the original, saying it pales in comparison to "North Dallas Forty." TK was sure that Larry was at the top of their want list, since no one could ask about "wamming the nose" like Larry.

We end the show with a discussion of the Not Expos and what they were called. Andy explains that the Senators' official name was Nationals, something TK didn't know. Yadda....

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Breaking News

Redskins S was arrested on a DUI last night and is unlikely to play. Being the Skins, this even bumps the Sox for being topic # 1 on TK's plate.

TK would have no problem playing Taylor this week and Riggo agreed. They wonder if Coach Gibbs is perhaps "Overreacting" by possibly benching for the game. Also, is the PR spin part of that decision too?

Czabe wondered if this is part of the larger problem the guys had discussed months ago, about Taylor's mental state, tying this to skipping the rookie symposium, the flap with all the agents.

Needless to say, Riggo's past was brought up as part of the discussion.

Very briefly, TK gave some DAP to the Sawks. As everyone keeps asking, do the Sox lose their gimmick, having won the World Series?

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

singles night at MCI center

TK begins by talking about the "Singles Night" promotion again at the MCI center at a Wizards game. Tony didn't want to talk about it yesterday, since his column hadn't run yet where he made fun of it in print.

Guest star David Aldridge was all for the idea, "its a win win for everyone." DA started covering Les Boulez since when La Sooze started working there many years ago.

TK again predicts 9-20 for the Wizards. After all, they might be missing 4 of their starters on Opening Night, due to injuries and the silly fight from the other night. And we all know who defended the players. Hint: He keeps a bowling ball in the trunk.

DA talked about some of the other teams in the Wizards' division and it's mostly dreck. The expansion Bobcats , according to DA, might be better than the Hawks.

TK also briefly talked about Pedro (his boy), who he compared favorably to Koufax, in terms of having a great shooting star few years. TK thinks that Pedro would make a great NL pitcher, since he would only have to pitch 5 or 6 innings and would get to face weaker line-ups.

TK doesn't think it's over and wouldn't be surprised if it still went back to Boston. But they won't collapse the way the Yankees did against the Sox.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Much too much about Lez Boulez

Andy quote some guy from the DC sports commission, who dropped Tony's name in a quote about TAFKATExpos.

Speaking of which, TK is okay calling them the Expos for a year, as a transitional name. And wondered about the old records.

Topic two: The Wizards brawl in an exhibition game last name. Wilbon defended some of the Les Boulez, but TK scoffed. This turns into a larger discussion about NBA players' behavior and if they might be rebranded as "thugs" again.

As for Kwame's contention that people didn't pick on Darko because he was white, TK said "Not only is he wrong, he's loud wrong." It's "crap-a-hoola" to play the race card, TK says. TK's advice to Kwame (Big Pouty): Play better. Period, end of sentence.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Golf, which leads to Spurrier of course

TK went golfing with Czaban and Steve was the man. He hit 13/14 fairways, the best he'd even done. Of course, TK accused their opponents of cheating, since they won.

TK doesn't mind playing in the winter, as long as the wind isn't too bad.

This turned into rant when some guys from Washington Golf Monthly denegrated TK's skills, which aren't stellar, but aren't horrible.

We then turn our attention to Ron Zook, his firing and if the Old Ball Coach will be the returning and possibly conquering hero to Gainesville. Sources say that Spurrier doesn't want to return to FLA, but may be eyeing a job like Texas.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Playoff baseball

TK loves playoff baseball and watches as much as he can (before going to bed, of course).

And TK is of an age that baseball holds a special place in his heart. And learning the strategy is not difficult.

Tk thinks that the Yankees were unlucky last night, like the GR Double and Gordon's inability to close the door meant using Rivera longer than Torre wanted.

Oddly enough, TK thinks the Sawks have the momentum, based on the last two nights. And for Schilling, it would be "Epic" and "Classic."

Tk says that "Listen Up" isn't doing as well as everyone had hoped. Andy brought up an interview done by Jason Alexander, where Jason said some nice things about TK. And TK is flattered that there IS a show, but he's still not emotionally invested.

A brief discussion of California Golf, as Czabe is in CA for FSR bidness. They talked up Pelican Hill, which is on a par with Pebble Beach. And the biggest celebrity Czabe saw was The Gnome, who is tight with TK, the same way Holyfield and Tyson are tight.

TK is also looking at fabric swatches, picking out samples for new solid-color blazers. TK is looking for black, gray and blue blazers, but wonders about if they come with gold buttons. Wilbon says all gold-button blazers are for dopes.





Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on Maggie and other topics

An emailer said that TK should get a baby-proof lock on teh frig. But as TK said, "I just don't want to have one of those."

TK then rapped poetic about the joy of having a dog. Mainly, you get love from the dog, even after you stop doing your radio show and writing your columns.

This nicely segued into a discussion of Qyntal Woods and his pitbull fighting story. TK thinks he needs to go for "re-education" if this story is true, to understand why this is a bad idea.

And this turns into a discussion on athletes and criminality. Leonard Little, Jamal Lewis.

And, the Boulez. Why did Antwoine Jamison play 52 minutes last night in a pre-season game? That, according to TK, is "idiotic." So what if they were going to lose to an expansion team in the pre-season? "They're going to lose to them during the regular season, anyway." Wilbon, of course, thinks they might have a good year.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The Cavalry ain't coming.

TK told everyone that there are no magic bullets. Things have to be done slowly, which is contrary to how the owner has occasionally tried to do things.

Hard as it may be to swallow, the Skins have been more liek Les Boulez and less than the 1980s Redskins. And all the surprise winners of late have led people to expect a "mystery team" to win the Super Bowl.

TK also wonders about why Gibbs doesn't like Ramsey. And Riggo agreed, saying there's been a change in Ramsey after Brunell was brought to the team. And Gibbs is staying with Burnell partially out of loyalty and partially out of not wanting his hand-picked QB to fail.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

JOe BUck

We begin by talking about The PTI interview with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Was Buck's comment about "selling out" mean-spirited or just tongue-in-cheek? Tk apologized if Buck was offended.

This leads to a discussion of whether or not sports journalists should do commercials. TK is against "journalists" doing them, if they are real journalists. Berman opened the flood gates at ESPN doing commercials, which led to Dan, KO, Schtu, Eisen and so on doing them.

The Post has rules about such things, so TK never did any in print or on the radio.

We then got a big discussion about Schtu, who "considers" himself a journalist. We all got a big laugh out of this.



Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

the return of Maggie and the Refrigerator

Ah, an old favorite.

TK had gotten the "invisible fence" to protect the refrigerator from Maggie. But, after seeing her get zapped one day, Tony had the voltage taken out of it.

But now, the collar has gone bad. And for the 3rd time in six nights, Maggie has gotten into the frig.

At least she hasn't gotten into the freezer (which not even Lupica could reach, let alone a dog).

Czabe suggests getting an old-time refrigetator, with a latch. His other suggestion is to get a frig where the freezer is on the bottom.

David Aldridge (today's guest) said that he thought the Maggie stories were fake, but after seeing a story in England where a dog was opening pens and a refrigerator.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Smile and the Redskins (not together)

Tk went to the Brian Wilson concert Sunday night. You can imagine how he raved about it.

As for the Redskins, eh, let's not dwell on the negative. Let's just say it's ugly and move on.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tony vs a Bee

TK got stung on the 8th hole at Valley Stream yesterday. And now, a day later, it's starting to swell up.

Then, TK started to feel badly and went into the clubhouse for some medical attention. And TK wanted to go back out and play (since he shot 40 on the front nine).

So, if any doctors want to call and leave TK a voice message at the Post, feel free to do so.

And TK get to play Balthastral (sp) a few day ago and was as beautiful as expected.



Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The Stern Sirius deal

Sirius is apparently paying $100 million a year. MR. Tony would like some of that cashola. It's a gamble worth taking for both Stern and Sirius, but will people pay for radio? People pay for sex, why not radio? ANd Stern is the only person who "moves" the needle.

TK said he'd like to be on XM or Sirius, since he's a fan of satellite radio.

And then, there's Wilbon's column on the Wizards today. (pucker pucker pucker) Andy discusses the current commercial campaign, where the players tout how great the other playesr in the league are and why not come and see them?

And who did TK play golf with today? Derek Whittenberg (now coach at Fordham), hero of the 1983 NCAA title. But he didn't have Lorezno Charles to help make his putts.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Now what?

We being by talking about TK's column today, which discussed Dan Snyder's tenure as owner and his misfortune.

TK's main point, which Andy has misconstrued, is just what can Danny do if the ultimate savior, Coach Joe, doesn't work. It was the right thing to do, but so did, at the time, the hirings of Marty and Spurrier.

TK has not talked to Danny in a while and doesn't know how he will feel about the column.

Meanwhile, we briefly talk about Les Boulez. Who really cares?

And Rodney? TK says he would be in the top three of greatest comedians. It would be Rodney, Pryor and Woody Allen. The dirty ones were funny and the clean ones were funny too.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Ouch.

The discussion of the Browns/Skins game was not prett (just like the game).

We'll just lie sleeping dies dogs lie for the moment.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Don't Forget the Orioles Now!

We begin by talking about the Indians pitcher shot while on the team bus and wearing the cheerleader outfit. The post ran a picture of the guy with him mom, while WEARING the cheerleader costume. TK wonders about why this guy's hazing took almost at the end of the season.

As for TK's column, he doesn't want Washingtonians to abandon the Orioles completely, even though the Expos are coming to town. While Baltimoreans didn't embrace the Skins when the Colts left, they do have an emnity to the District that folks in DC don't have back.

People apparently didn't agree with the column, with one guy leaving a voicemail telling him to "move back to China." that's funny, I thought Kornheiser was Swedish.

TK was on Mitch Albom's show in Detroit where nice guy Mitch was apparently nasty about DC getting a team (after losing a team twice).

The mayor was said today that the average ticket price at RFK would be $25, which TK thinks is a little high. Czaban brings up the specter of the PSL. But TK wonders just how many people will really want to go to the games and there won't be any buildings coming up around the old stadium.

And TK said that baseball is great in that you can leave early (in TK's case, to go home and go to bed) and no one minds, since there's always another game the next day.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

El Riggo

Since baseball is still topic du jour, TK talks with El Riggo about his baseball memories growing up in Kansas.

John was talking about watching the KC A's, and what a highlight it was a couple times a year it was to see them play live.

Riggo tells a story about shagging fly balls with Catfish Hunter, when he was at a try-out camp.

In other news, Listen Up was #25 for the week. If the show is successful, TK's job will be "to stand underneath and catch all the money." TK mentions how Chuck Yeager in the Right Stuff, and he'd like to make that kind of cameo, if it can be worked out, on the show.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

baseball in DC -- For Real this time!

Tony was on earlier in the day, during a show Andy Polley did about baseball returning to DC. They replayed it in TK's usual slot.

TK has been beating this drum for 6 months, so he's not surprised. HE still won't believe it until he actually sees them on the field. TK is tight with the chairman of the DC sports authority, so he's been hearing positive spin for a long time.

TK, who lives in the District, still plans to go to both stadiums.

As for what the Post will do? If TK were running the sports section, they would cover both teams, but the Washington team would get more coverage. If they cover the Ravens and the Redskins, why wouldn't they continue to cover the Orioles in the paper?

As for the name? TK think Senators is the logical choice, but if it were up to him he'd name them the Bullets. As long as they don't have "a phony, rigged contest" like Abe Pollin did when Lez Boulez became the Zards.

TK said, at some point in the future, he'd love to throw out the first pitch and possibly hit the mascot, as he did in Syracuse. And he would, of course, want to be someone's guest.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

They stink.

That was TK's initial reaction to the MNF game. The Skins lost to the two "easier" division rivals and don't look like they have any chance to beat Philly.

TK brings up Parcells' past by mentioning how Joe Morris and Dave Maggett used to throw the halfback pass,as Dallas FB Richie Anderson did last night.

Czaban wants TK to exert his influence and get the replay guy fired. TK said he might volunteer for the job, since he has nothing to do at night.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Bonus Tony

Tonight, we also get Tony on the pregame show before Skins/Pokes on MNF.

Topic 1 - Brunnell. Tony thinks they might be better off with Ramsey.

Topic 2 - Gibbs. Gibbs has been trying to deflect attention from himself. TK says that just won't happen.

Topic 3 - Tuna vs. Gibbs - Tk talks about the interview they did on PTI with Al Michaels. In terms of historical importance, how can you really choose between Gibbs, Walsh and Parcells. Each was successful in their own way and different than the other two.

Topic 4 - Listen Up. It is monday, right? 8:30 ET.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

golf tournament, the aftermath

Today was all about the Golf tournament.

If you read my report (and I assume you did, since you're reading this), you got the gist of most of what TK talked about today.

Well, TK and Czaban did get geeky, talking about golf formats, which you really don't need to read about today, now do you?

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The golf tournament

Sorry this is a day or so late. Had to spend time at work to catch up for when I was gone and then today was football.

Friday was the second annual TK/MW Golf tournament, created by the Post's Don Graham, for DC Cap program. There were plenty of celebrites there, from Riggo (who again drove the beer cart) to MD coach Gary Williams to many sportswriters, like David Aldridge and (Aunt Bea) Christine Brennan.

Since TK had a full compliment of people in his foursome this year, I didn't get to ride in the cart with him. I was, however, literally, a hanger-on, as I clung to the back of the golf cart as Mr. Tony and partners went around the back nine.

I missed going on with them on the front nine, so I sat at the Clubhouse and listened to James Brown do his mid-day talk show heard on Sporting News radio. I also spend some quality time talking with Andy Polley, ranging from his newly-licensed daughter (did that account for all the gray hairs he'd gotten since I saw him last) to some "inside baseball" radio gossip to how all the Jewish folks at the tournament were going to make it home before Sundown (since the tournament was being played on the beginning of Yom Kippur).

I can say that Mr. Tony played much better than last year. Quite a few times, he ended with the best drive or fairway shot for his partners to use (the format was scramble at the tournament). However, he didn't make any super-long putts, as he did a year ago.

Also, the weather was much, much nicer. You may recall, listeners of TK's late radio show, that the tournament had to be rescheduled after Hurricane Isabel. (the make-up day was in October and it was chilly and dank that day.) This year, it was in the 80s and sunny and I was NOT the only person wearing shorts this time. (see picture for TK and MW showing some skin)

After the golf, there was a GREAT lunch, done by the fine folks at Outback Steakhouse: some beef tips, grilled chicken and a sickeningly-rich chocolate cake. Then there was a silent auction, headed by Wizards broadcaster (and Sports Reporters regular) Steve Buckhantz. There were many great prizes (including going to a PTI taping and then dinner with the boys) auctioned off. I was bidding for a Capitals sweater signed by the team, but quickly got outpriced.

Then, there was the horror of the Beltway. You DCers know this all too well. Let's just say that I spent almost all of The Reporters on the Outer loop, going from 270 to the Mixing Bowl. It was not fun, especially considering how much iced tea I had drank while eating lunch.

And a special shout out to Maureen and her assistant (whose name I still don't know) for scoring me a golf shirt. I promise that my donation to DC Access will be in the mail this week.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

baseball in DC (again)

TK is not yet on the DC baseball bandwagon (pardon the use of the word bandwagon). He defers to Bos on the matter.

TK is under the weather , thanks to the difference in climates between DC and upstate new york.

And the topic briefly turns to the Shawn Green brouhaha (Again). Why do we discuss this every year? it never changes. TK doesn't think you should criticize a player for missing games for thinks like the birth of their children. And religious reasons are the same thing.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The post-mortem on Listen Up!

Andy's review of the show: "Not as funny as I hoped."

TK's whole day was spent dealing with people talking about the show. And, to Andy, he said lovingly "shove it."

TK's thoughts on the matter.... He was pleasantly surprised, since he feared for the worst.And he was happy so many people called to wish him well, even though he really has nothing to do with the show.

TK told Jason Alexander that "I don't see myself in you, but I HEAR myself in you."

And the character can't be as "mean" as TK in real life, especially for a family sitcom.

But TK's daughter ... "not too thrilled" about the whole thing.

"It's so weird to see someone playing you on TV." So, TK talked to Mitch Albom it today, since he had Hank Azaria play him in the "Tuesdays with Morrie."

Most importantly, it won its time period.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Listen Up!

Listen Up! debuts tonight at 8:30 ET on CBS (and CBS HD where available). The reviews, including TK's own Post, were not kind. But who are we kidding? We're all going to watch anyway.

TK was on this morning, discussing the Skins' debacle in the Meadowlands. Much like Czaban, TK would not be adverse to giving more snaps in practice to Hasselbeck. (Brunnell is officially out for the +MNF showdown with the Pokes.)

Talk also quickly turned to the Ryder Cup, where TK joined the mob in killing Hal Sutton (for teaming Tiger and Phil), Phil (for the equioptment change) and Chris Riley (for bagging the Saturday PM matches).

Remember, 8:30. Check your local listings.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

happy New Year

Both TK and Andy were off today for Rosh Hashanah (and presumably will be tomorrow too).

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Book Parties are Great

TK spent most of the segment talking about his "Mr Tony" experiences yesterday.

First, he went to an anniversary party at the Post for 20+yr staffers, where he imbibed. And then he went to Maureen Dowd's book party (which was at her house). TK drank them too and felt it all this morning. TK, apparently, is too old to enjoy the "Mr Tony experience."

Dowd, Mr Tony tells us repeatedly, is not only smart, but a hot babe.

The talk briefly turned to the Redskins and TK's "no bandwagon" column today. It turns out that Coach John Thompson, who is also on Sportstalk 980, would be a straphanger on the Bandwagon if it starts back up.

Lastly, everyone killed Tom Coughlin for his disciplinarian ways in NY. It won't work with a veteran team, the consensus seemed to be.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

One Win Down,...

TK joined Andy and Steve early Monday morning to discuss the Redskins win. Tony again centered his focus on Coach Joe.

The segment was rebroadcast later during TK's usual time slot.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The Diesel returns

Tony's segment today took place during the John Riggins Show.

TK mentioned how much he missed Riggins doing the radio show, especially now that the NFL football season is here. TK loved that he and Riggo didn't watch all the games, so they often ended up talking about non-sports.

Riggo has a 4-hour radio show on Sirius, so talk naturally came around to the need to go to the little boys' room. And satellite radio means no restrictions, where Riggo is at liberty to curse if he wants. But Riggo has not given into the temptation, partially because of the number of women that listen.

Sirius apparently sold 100,000 units in September, for people wanting to get the new NFL programming.

And Riggo has tentatively agreed to return to TK's golf tournament, which is coming up on September 24th.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

C-I-L-L Chamiqua

We start with Wilbon's column on Chamiqua, where he "killed" her, according to Wilbon. TK says it's barely a standing eight-count, especially compared to people TK has killed in the past, like, for example, Adam Oates.

Where does she rank of the "disappointment scale" in DC Sports? Above or below Heath or Desmond Howard? TK relates a story about Howard, who was deemed "can't play in the league" by Jeff Bostic after the first practice after Desmond signed a contract.

The real answer, she can't rank with people playing "real sports," like members of the Skins, Capitals and Les Boulez.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tiger DOWN!

Discussion about Tiger's fall from #1 and Vijay's rise.

Much of the segment was devoted to KILLING Billy Ray Brown, who asked many sycophantic questions of El Tigre after the round.

(the first version of this got eaten. This is the short version, Maybe more later)

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

No bandwagon this year

Tony had his little Redskins pregame bit with Andy tonight, since the Redskins Pregame show displaced the Sports Reporters.

There a little bit about Deion, little bit abou the QBs, little bit of Gibbs. Nothing you haven't heard before.

How about Wilbon taking another day off, after being back to work for two days after a month of vacation/Olympics? Way to enjoy that new contract, Mike. :>

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

good news, everyone

No Tony today (he was taking Michael to college in Philadelphia), but we did learn that TK and Wilbon have renewed their PTI contracts for FIVE YEARS!

Now, when's the radio show coming back?

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Breaking News

Will the Kobe Trial be dismissed before it even starts? Mr. Tony is in a holding pattern right now, since there are rumors the trail may be over.

(It's 5:35 if you know more than I do as I write this.)

And now, Deion, who was on PTI today. We discuss briefly the fact that Junior is writing a book about the Ravens and will Mr Tony help Junior with getting access to Prime Time.

More bashing and then praise of Junior. You've heard it all before.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The QB debate

Today's topic is Brunell vs. Ramsey, after Gibbs named the former the starter yesterday. Gibbs is more comfortable with older QBs, although TK wonders about the dropoff Brunell had over the last couple years.

And now, we talk about Serena's boots last night at the US Open. TK thinks she's cool, but wondered about the boots and the jean skirt. TK also talked about the olden times when he used to cover the US Open on a regular basis and how it's fallen.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Olympic Mayhem

TK wraps up the Olympics, including the marathon inteloper. They debated whether he was wearing a dress or a kilt.

And he got a suspended sentence, which was more than the guy who jumped in the pool.

And the guy who got attacked. No double gold medal, but maybe give him $50.

TK is also tired of Paul Hamm, especially on the Today show. TK took aim at the Aunt Bea's of the world, who wanted him to give the medal back.

As for the basketball team, "Richard Jefferson stinks." Tony was surprised how big Lamar Odom played and how Iverson represented himself.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on TK's Car and the Craft of Writing

More about DC TV anchor Wendy Rieger. She wrote an email to Andy, complaining that Tony called her 50 the other day. She's probably "only" in her late 40s.

A brief discussion of Jeremy Bloom, who has been defeated again by the NCAA. TK doesn't really care about the story. He cares more about Leopold Bloom (from Ulysses).

TK is in the middle of writing a column, but having issues. He's the Steve Blass of columinsts. The Ian Baker-Finch of columnists. "I'm now writing like an old man on a cruise," TK says.

There's a digression here about being in the Catskills and the guy who wrote the newsletter for the hotel. A woman introudces herself and says "it's not Mr and Mrs Melbourne. It's DR and Mrs Melbourne."

When Czabe asked if TK knew how many columns he's written, TK said, "I don't know, but I've used all the words the good Lord gave me."

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Surfin USA

We begin with one of TK's favorite topics: The Beach Boys. One of the touring Beach Boys groups was in DC over the weekend, which led to talk about various BB incarnations and Brian Wilson's nuttiness. TK dropped some trivia, including the fact that Glen Campbell toured with the BB during one of the time Brian Wilson went a little crazy. TK then does some BB analysis.

TK had a car situation last night. LeBatard took the PTI staff out to dinner and coming backthere was an issue with the new security device. It ripped up the bottom of TK's Infiniti G35 Coupe. And today, the security device had been removed and, as of now, they don't want to pay the damages. Oh yes they will, says Mr. Tony. Or he will go on the radio and "name names" as long as it takes.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Everyone's back

Andy's Back. Tony's Back. All is right in the world. Well, Wilbon is still in Greece and LeBatard is on PTI. But it's good enough.

was Tony's vacation restful? No, but there was lots of golf. TK's index went from 19 to 15, which included about 12 days in a row of golf.

A brief discussion on Paul Hamm. "first, he shouldn't listen to Aunt Bea. You SHOULDN'T GIVE BACK THE MEDAL!" says Tony. TK does, though, say that the Korean should get a second gold medal.

TK also made fun of "putting salads on people's heads."


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

thurasday show

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Wed show

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

PGA and gambling

Mr. Tony called in unexpectedly (since Andy is on vacation) to talk about the PGA and his trip to Atlantic City.

TK doesn't like Vijay, but gave him some DAP for his shots in the playoff.

TK also thinks Phil should Player of the Year instead of Vijay, mainly based on his performances in the majors this year. And Phil, Vijay and Ernie are all better than Tiger right now.

TK went to Atlantic City to play golf with some high school buddies. And then, he got rained on. Four rounds of golf turned into about 12 holes, so Mr Tony gambled. He gave a free shout out to the Borgata, where they stayed.

TK doesn't gamble for two reasons. One, he's now too well known. Two, he hates to lose money and doesn't get any joy from winning. So, on Saturday night, with nothing to do, TK gambled. TK was amazed at the knowledge held by the pit bosses in dealing with the crap tables. TK said he brought some money ($300) that was the cost of spending time with his friends, and with nothing else to do, he figured he might as well do some gambling. He gave his friend Eddie $200, which he lost before you could say "Wilbon" (or if you prefer, about 5 minutes). The last $100 and his friend Mark's $100 was gone in the time it took Mark (who is in a wheelchair) to go around the table.

The next day, TK found out that most of his friends made money after he went to bed. Including, of course, his friend Eddie. That's gambling for ya.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Back from Vacation (finally)

TK is finally back (although not on TV). He was in upstate NY and then Vermont, visiting relatives and playing golf. TK's cousin in Vermont is "the first Jewish goat farmer since the Old Testament."

TK came back just in time to watch the Redskins game on Monday night. TK complained about meaningless exhibition games and players getting injured. TK advocates the 18 game season and 2 preseason games, but knows it won't happebn, thanks to all the $$$ generated.

The Skins today brought back Ray Brown, who is so old that he was part of TK's Bandwagon columns in 1991.

TK's impression of a sheep, heard in Vermont: Mmmmmmah, not Baaaaaaa.

TK, Andy and Thom Laverro also discussed the Terrell Owens/Jeff Garcia brouhaha. TK quickly branded TO "a jerk," and probably not for the first time.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Vacation Hideaway

Tony is on vacation, as you may have noticed with Stephen A Smith and (the other guy) on PTI for the second straight week.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

From the golf Course

Tony called in today from the Golf Course. he's playing in the LPGA Futures Pro-Am, along with Lenny Shapiro, Christine Brennan and an editor for the Post. Tony's playing partner, a young Korean golfer, is wowing them today.

When TK had to putt, he handed off the phone to Aunt Bea. Czaban, of course, took some cheap shots. Christine agreed with Mr. Tony's comments yesterday about Chamiqua and her mysterious ailments that kept her AWOL for a few days.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Where is Shamiqua?

We start by talking about an article in the Post about kids flunking hs classes on purpose in order to help them in college. Don't ask me, I haven't read the story yet.

Also, where is Mystics "star" Shamiqua Holdsclaw? TK takes the opportunity to nail Wilbon, who wrote valentines to her before she came to DC.

Mystics coach Michael adams called her "jordanesque," to which TK said "So am I."

 
 
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The LaSalle scandal

TK discusses the brouhaha at LaSalle and an interview former coach Billy Hahn gave to the Philly Daily News.

TK says that a coach sometimes has to take the moral high ground, even when it means things might get blown up.  They should have gone to the police, rather than allegedly covering up the whole thing.

Knocke said that it's impossible to put yourself in Hahn's shoes and you can't ignore that his tenure as coach hasn't been stellar, which doesn't help matters.

TK also wondered if Gary Williams will bring back Hahn to College Park, if he can find room on the staff.

This segued into a discussion on the athletic dept.'s place on a college campus, where they might not always feel welcome. And maybe, if they were embraced more, things would not occasionally in such a bad place.
 
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Ricky, Don't lose that number

Mr. Tony referred to Ricky Williams as "an imbicile."

He then quickly talked about his golf game today with big-time R*B DJ Donnie Simpson. TK didn't want to talk about what he shot, but he did say he now "has a swing."

TK then skewered the Hatable Dan LeBatard for being Ricky's "Baghdad Bob."

This turned into a rant about how he turned on Lance Armstrong and "Baghdad Sally Jenkins."

And then he came back to Dan, killing him for his pro-Ricky toadying.
 
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Baseball in DC (again)

Again, there was talk about baseball in DC, based on the ESPN report yesterady.

Last night was a Mr. Tony night. TK went to an MPAA screening and dinner. The film shown was the remake of the Manchurian Candidate. And it was the last function in DC thrown by Ratings Fascist Jack Valenti.
 
TK said the original version (with Sinatra) was one of the 50 greatest movies of all time and one of the five best thrillers.  TK is normally not a fan of remakes and the movie has some great actors in it (Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington), but this movie is "a bucket of slop."

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tony on TV

As mentioned yesterday, TK filmed his scene for that CBS sitcom "clubhouse" on the PTI set. TK "overthought" his wardrobe, by dressing too conservative according to the TV people.

TK also picked up from yesterday the luv for the Ali G show on HBO.

There's some comedy on PTI today, involving LeBatard and Stephen A Smith. But, if you're reading this, you've probably watched PTI already.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tour De Excess

 
The people at PTI somehow ended watching the Tour today, which TK thinks was the first he had ever actually watched the coverage.

It only took about 25 seconds for the Breaking Away reference.

TK wondered about all the people lining the course, like where did they all come from and how come they don't cause more collisions with the riders.

BTW, Wilbon wrote a column today about auto racing, which someone who works with Wilbon on PTI, called "soft."

TK also did a press tour, via satellite, for "Listen Up!" TK was annoyed it took so long, since he couldn't go to the bathroom.

TK is also doing a cameo on a new CBS show, which is a big thrill for TK. Even though he's on TV every day, this is "prime time network TV."

There was also praise for the "Ali G Show," but Engineer Andy has to make the train run on time, so that will probably be on the agenda tomorrow.
 
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

What's up with Tiger?

Tony finally returns to the radio, today, albeit in a different timeslot.
 
The topic of the day, here and in Tony's column, was about Tiger and his fall from Superman status on the golf tour. They talked about how he's no longer outdriving out everyone and he has no accuracy. Tony said he finally realized that Tiger really isn't TIGER anymore.
 
TK also played a local "replica" golf course with Wilbon, Bob Woodward and the Post's publisher. Tony said he did good on the Augusta holes, but lost plenty of balls on the British Open holes.
 
 
 
 
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Where's Tony?

With Andy Polley on vacation this week on 980, there was no Mr Tony. He hopefully will be back on Monday.
 
Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Happy Birthday, Mr. Tony

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Different Time, Same Tony

The Sports Reporters was on a different time today (3-5 ER) and without both Andy Polley (filling in for Dan Patrick) and Czabe (still at the beach). On the plus side, the fill-ins were regular third guest Chris Knocke and ESPN's David Alridge. And with the show on during PTI's normal taping time, TK called in at the top of the show.

"Carlos Boozer is a snake" is what TK said, without mincing words. Hard to argue with that. TK compared the situation to what happened with Juwan Howard and Les Boulez.

According to DA, the people most angry about the whole thing were other agents, since this screws up things for everyone in the future.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tour De Lance

IN Listen Up News, the first wive cast has been replaced. I'd never heard of either, so there's no need for you to worry about it.

Tony slams Continental Airlanes, as they were the carrier that TK's son Michael flew when he was in London. They told him he would have to wait 2 days to get a shuttle from Newark to DC. Apparently, the trip involved lots of golf.

There was also a brief discussion of Lance Armstrong and his popularity despite participating in a sport most people don't care about in the US.



Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on Coach K

Both Tony and Wilbon wrote about Coach K staying at Duke.

IN his column, TK compared Coach K to Spurrier and Andy wondered about today's athlete. TK poo pooed the idea, noting that Larry Brown and Gregg Poppovich seem to handle them well enough.

TK again pointed out that he wouldn't trade Shaq and would let him sit rather than trade him.

There was also a discussion of Eric Gagne's save streak ending, as well as other baseball streaks and records.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tall Drink of Water

Today, in the studio was former Bullet George Mureshan. So, TK told a story...

In the Cap Center, there was an athlete entrance that the press had access to in the back of the arena. In George's first year, TK brought Michael to a game and he was outside the locker room. And after the game, George gave Michael a roll of Lifesavers like candies. And, according to TK, this was the nicest thing he ever saw an athlete do.

On the Coach K topic, TK said there were only three teams you must listen to when they come calling: The Knicks, Celtics and Lakers.

TK thinks that Gary Williams might be the happiest man in America today. (I'd say it might be Dean Smith, too.)

And briefly, we discussed the holiday weekend. Czabe loves the 4th of July. TK< as we know, hates it, since it's just an excuse to get "sticky and blitzed."

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

No whining

Tk was late today, since he was out playing golf (no PTI today). Lightning warnings sent him in early, only finisheing thru 16.

There was a brief talk about the Coach K/Lakers story, since TK really hadn't heard about it before now.

Instead, we talk about the tendinitis Tony has is in his right forearm. There were doctors and kvetching, but no shots, yet.

Probably more about this tomorrow.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Keeping Up with Jones

Today, we discuss Tony's column today about Marion Jones and USADA, which was a refutation of Mustang Sally's column fron over the weekend.

Although it's not the side TK is usually on, he wonders about all teh circumstancial evidence and whether there's fire to go with all the smoke.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Nailing Bud to the Wall

Yesterday's PTI made the news, as Tony and Ryan were talking about the Boner Drugs. TK asked where all these horny women were, that men need to take so much of these drugs?

There was a discussion about the articles in the Post about Bud Selig. Tk's short version: "Bud belongs in prison." And the Post skewering Bud probably doesn't help the city's chances of landing Les Expos. But Tony think there might be a reverse psychology thing at work and Bud will bring baseball to DC in spite of the articles.

This dovetailed into another discussion about where the best place for a staium would be, inside the city. This, in a round about way, led to Tony's greatest line ever. "I'm glad Jack Kent Cooke named his son Ralph and john (the "city" where Fed Ex Field is) and not Peter and Enis."
Peter and Enis.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Purple Parking

Tony got primo parking, which, as you know, is all that matters.

Tk walked 9 holes early Sunday morning with John Daly's group. Daly's drives were 60-70 yards past his playing partner. And they went super quick.

Tony also talked about the story making the rounds about the North Korean president who shot, in his first round of golf, shot 5 holes-in-one and went -38 under par. BWAH HA HA.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Draft Redux

Tony watched a good portion of the first round and didn't know anyone. Like many people, TK didn't understand why Telfair was taken over Jameer Nelson, other than the conspiracy theory about adidas advertising with the Trail Blazers in exchange for taking Sebastian.

TK wondered about the success rate of high schoolers vs european players.

There was a brief discussion of the Booz Allen. People are shooting amazingly low numbers, especially compared to the treachery of the US open last week.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Bye Bye Stack

We begin with TK talking about the Kemper Open, which is now the Booz Allen Classic, the PGA tour stop this week and from where Andy and Steve are broadcasting. TK is not going this year, since TK has not gotten a preferred parking spot for the tournament.

As for the Jerry Stackhouse/Christian Laettner for Antoine Jamison trade, TK says it's about time that the Boulez has a real player on it.

We segue into talking about the Mavericks part of the deal and TK thinks Cuban would be Steinbrenner if the NBA didn't have a cap.

At the end of the segment, WTEM head honcho Todd Casselberry comes up with the blue parking pass. So, we have a happy ending.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Whither the Expos?

There was a discussion about where the stadium would be Les Expos come to DC. Tony thinks anywhere but DC (downtown) is a stupid idea.

There was also more MD vs VA arguing, as Andy (MD) and Steve (VA) did for most of yesterday's show.

And now for something completely different... Regis was at PTI today (and made a cameo to boot). TK used the word parapetic (look it up) to describe the Reeg.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Curse of Les Boulez (again)

Tony's column today was about Les Boulez and the upcoming draft. Andy called the column "tough, but fair," mainly due to the hopelessness of the tone.

Tony doesn't have anything against Eddie Jordan and Ernie Grunfeld, but they have tons of history against them.

The draft is nothing but projects anymore. Stanford's Josh Childress said "I have college experience and high school ability."

TK also briefly talked about Ralph Wiley's funeral, which he went to a few days ago. One of the speakers told a story about how he had serendipitiously run into Ralph in Los Angeles, just a few days ago before he died. Tony said the anecdote could very well be the beginning of a movie.

Many of the country's biggest African-American sportswriters, including Stephen A. Smith, J.A. Adandae and Bryan Burwell, came from all over the country for the funeral.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tiger, Phil and More

Vigilante Justice is how Tony described Tiger's caddie Steve Williams bashing cameras. But, he wonders why there's more about Tiger than about Phil gagging on the last two holes at the Open.

There was also discussion about the conditions on the Island, Butch Harmon and, oh yeah, Goosin, the guy that won the tournament.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The Chase

Today is the 10th Anniversary of the White Bronco.

Lots of OJ talk. TK didn't remember what he wrote at the time. He suggested asking Junior.

Also, Maggie started acting up in the background and MR. Tony threatened to put her on the phone.

Both TK and WIlbon had columns today about the NBA Finals. You can guess the subjects.

No PTI Today (golf).

No Tony on the radio tomorrow.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The Camp Counselor Wins

Of course, Larry Brown talk.

TK hasn't talked to Larry yet, btw.

Anecdote time: After Larry won the NCAA title with Kansas, he told his agent and Tony "It's good, but not being [the summer camp rival all those decades ago]."



Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Lost in Translation

Tony got lost the other day. His subscription to OnStar lapsed and he chose not to renew, given the cost.

Tony was in Northern Jersey this weekend, but when by way of Pennsylvania.

So, a missed turn here and there and Tony was totally lost.

Did Tony call for help? No, he called home and yelled at everyone.

Eventually, a happy ending. But getting there.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

RIP Ralph Wiley

Sportswriter Ralph Wiley passed away last night (after being on ESPN radio Sunday morning with Dan LeBatard). Tony and Mike both talked about him today on the radio.

Tony talked about a time a few weeks ago when Ralph was on the radio and they talked about Ralph's son gradutating from Hampton and going on to Harvard Law School.He also told a story about an airport mix-up in DC involving Tony and Ralph and how people of different colors were treated with identically incorrect tickets.

Wilbon also had many good things to say. Wilbon actually got a call from Ralph's son (since Wilbon's number was in his phone), and so he had to make many phone calls last night.

They also did a tribute to Ralph on PTI.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Be True to Your school

Tony talked about his graduation speechat Mariet today.

Tony talked about his famous "Driver's Ed" story.

Tony didn't read his speech, which impressed a lot of people, but he does have 12 years of radio. Also, he had rehearsed it plenty over the last week.

There was a brief discussion of Zach hosting Around the Horn this week. It's nothing permanent, according to TK, and if he was making the decision, they would give the job to Stat Boy.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Pomp(ous) and Circumstances

Tomorrow is when TK gives the Graduation Speech at Mariet. Tony will not give away any of his material today. Tune in tomorrow to hear some of it.

Talking about the Senior dinner the other day segues somehow into a discussion of ANIMAL HOUSE.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The Camp Counselor

Lots of discussion about last night's Game 2. As you would imagine, TK sticks up for Larry Brown.

During the gab fest, you could hear Mayor McCheese yelling in the background, disagreeing with TK.

Also, the Larry Bird "white guys inthe NBA" topic came up. Tony said if Larry and Magic agree on the issue, he agrees with them.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Columns! We got Columns!

Tony Had a column today, comparing Larry Brown and Phil Jackson. You can just imagine what it said. In fact, go read it. We'll wait for you. TK likes both guys - Phil since he played for the Knicks and we all know about the Camp Counselor.

Czabe, of course, took some shots at Captain Smudgie, as you would expect.

TK thinks the Lakers will win big tonight.

TK was griping about PTI getting bumped from ESPN yesterday by the 2003 World Series of Poker. TK wonders about the Poker Fad. Ask Norman Chad.

There was a brief discussion of the Mark Cuban reality show. TK, of course, is very curious about it, since the show will air against LISTEN UP! in the fall.

BTW, Wilbon also had a column today, about the Finals.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

RIP President Reagan

We begin with Smarty Jones. TK found it interesting that the owner and jockey of Birdstone apologized for winning and spoiling the Triple Crown for Smarty Jones.

As for the death of Ronald Reagan, TK wondered about the shutdown of DC on Friday. Rumors going around town that the subway will be closed. Also, the funeral on Friday is the same day as the Mariet School graduation.

Like most people on the opposite side of the political spectrum, TK praised Reagan's charisma and communication skills.Tony also mentioned, like some media critics, that it's odd for the media to be so overly praising of Reagan, since he was often at odds with the press during his Presidency.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tony's Back

Tony is back from his trip to Upstate New York. The trip up was nice, but it rained on TK while playing golf.

There was a family brouhaha in the TK household. Maggie was sitting on one of the chairs in the dining room, which TK loved, but Mrs. TK and Elizabeth didn't like, since they believed a dog shouldn't sit on a chair where people eat.

TK briefly discussed the topic of the day, Red VS Phil. Tony, despite his love of the 1970s Knicks, leaned towards Red.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Andy's daughter has started to get college brochures and got one from Binghamton. Tony is on the list as "famous alumni," along with Paul Reiser and other people I've never heard of before.

As mentioned a few days ago, TK was in NY doing Sports Reporters and as always, he read the Sunday Times on the train on the way back. Tony talked about a lecture series in New York, where the Torre/Costas tickets are 4x more expensive than the ones for Mario Cuomo and other high-profile guests.

As for sports, TK has been picking the Lakers all the way (unlike Wilbon), but either Detroit Or Indiana could give them trouble, at least more trouble than Philly or Jersey did in previous years.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

A rare Weekend Update

TK had an article in the Post today, talking about the sitcom.

Also, as mentioned earlier, TK was on the Sports Reporters, with Ryan, Sal Pal and Napoleon, who was sitting in the host chair while John Saunders covers the Stanley Cup Finals.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Pre-Emption Horror Stories and NBA basketball

Tony is angry right now, since PTI has been bumped to the Deuce. For Women's College Softball. "That's a Joke."

TK talks about Bob Ryan's column in the Globe today (about the crappiness of today's NBA). Tony is on the other side, since he sides with the Camp Counselor, even against "the Quintessential American Sports Writer." Larry's Pistons are not Pat Riley's Knicks.

Programming Note: TK is on Sports Reporters this week, along with the aforementioned Bob Ryan and probably, unfortunately, the Napoleon of Sportswriting.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

We begin by talking about the kids and the fat guy fighting over the bat in Cincinnati. TK actually drops a Henry Clay reference, presuming causing a great deal of confusion to the WTEM sports talk radio audience.

TK segues nicely to the Ron Artest middle finger fine and discusses how viewing things in slo-mo often alters perception of an event after the fact. This turned into a discussion about Karl Malone's elbow and his not being suspended for the elbow he threw earlier in the week.

And...the draft lottery, where the Wizards are a participant. TK says he probably would take Okafor, but it's not a great year. And Les Boulez cannot, TK says, take another HS kid.

Also, there was a blurb in Martzke's column today about Tony's desire to do radio locally in DC, but also something that would be available outside the city, possibly on XM Radio.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Goff shots, nothing but Goff shots (and cicadas)

TK was great, so he says, on the links today. He shot 81 today and apparently only "missed" one shot all day.

Cicadas are stupid and clumsy, TK says. They fly into you when you're trying to hit a golf shot.

The basketball game from last night was also briefly discussed. TK did not hate it nearly as much as Andy Polley.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Victory? I guarentee it.

Today, lots of talk about Rasheed Wallace's guarentee of victory tonight in the Pistons' game 2 vs the Pacers.

Also, we learn why TK said "Snappy Jones" on PTI last week. It seems George Michael said it on the basketball related show they do in DC and it stuck in Tony's head.

Segueing nicely, TK asked what has happened to Bill Walton, who is barely visible (which isn't easy mind you) on the EPSN/ABC coverage of the NBA playoffs.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine