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A signature year for odd bounces Posted: Monday December 23, 2002 6:47 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Terrell Owens insists it was all in good fun, a little improvisational theater in a season otherwise ruled by routine. After scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Seattle during a Monday night game in October, the San Francisco star headed to a front-row box, pulled a pen from his sock, autographed the ball and handed it to his financial adviser. "I felt it harmless," he said. "At the same time, I thought it was funny, being creative." Owens received a mild warning from the league. Seahawks cornerback Willie Williams promised he would not forget the display. Owens was baffled by the fuss. "It wasn't like I made a gesture towards anybody or the team or anything," he said. "I just signed the ball and gave it to a friend." ------ Other athletes put their own unique signature on 2002:
Off with his headgearAt the conclusion of a Browns-Chiefs game, Cleveland linebacker Dwayne Rudd was certain he had made a game-ending sack when he ripped off his helmet and began celebrating.One small detail: Quarterback Trent Green had managed to flip the ball to an offensive tackle, who then lumbered 28 yards. Rudd was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and the Chiefs kicked a 30-yard field goal with no time left to win 40-39. "Guys make mistakes," Browns coach Butch Davis said. "And he made one." ------ Bol on iceIt was no mistake when the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League suited up 7-foot-7 Manute Bol for a game. The former NBA shot-blocker agreed to the promotion to try to raise money for his native Sudan. He sat behind the bench -- until his arthritic feet began to swell in his custom-made skates. He was out of uniform after one period."It's the first time I got up close to the rink," he said. "It's a beautiful game." ------ Who says there's no scoring in soccer?Soccer looked like anything but a beautiful game for those watching Stade Olympique de l'Emyrne play AS Adema in Madagascar. SOE felt it had been victimized by biased refereeing earlier in the playoff. To protest, the team began kicking balls into its own goal. The final score was 149-0. Irate fans reportedly demanded their money back.------ With an appetizer to be named laterIn Norway, soccer player Kenneth Kristensen faced a different sort of indignity when he switched third-division teams in a transfer between Floey and Vindbjart. He was sold for his weight in shrimp -- 170 pounds."No problem," Floey president Rolf Guttormsen told the newspaper Faedrelandsvennen. "We have enough shrimp." ------ Why do you think they call it doping?The International Olympic Committee has heard all manner of explanations from those accused of doping violations. And it wasn't buying one from the Austrian delegation following the Salt Lake City Olympics.After a house cleaner found blood transfusion materials at a residence used by the Austrians at the games, the IOC investigated. Two cross-country skiers and two team officials were disciplined. The Austrians contended the equipment was to treat and prevent colds. ------ Shaq feels a pain coming onShaquille O'Neal already has his excuse, and he's years early. The Lakers' center said he would play in the Athens Olympics in 2004 only if Phil Jackson were the coach.When asked about playing for Larry Brown, who subsequently got the job, O'Neal quickly prepared a medical update. "Larry Brown's the coach?" he asked. "There's a pain on the outside of my knee in 2004. So if Phil is not the coach, I probably will not play through the pain." ------ Whacked in WinnipegA CFL playoff game in Winnipeg may have provided the year's oddest development -- insight and reflection from a football fan who admitted to having too much to drink. Jody Remple ran on the field and jumped on a B.C. Lions cornerback. The 22-year-old construction worker was promptly beaten and kicked by players."I pretty much deserved everything I got out there," he told the Winnipeg Free Press. "I feel like a goof."
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