Sport? Not A Sport?

THIS WEEK: BUSHKAZI

Bushkazi, the most popular sport in Afghanistan, is a pololike game in which the "ball" is usually a decapitated and stuffed goat. (Centuries ago a human body was used.)

SPORT.
"It kind of reminds me of the game we used to play as kids: You used a ball, and somebody tossed it up, and then it was mayhem. I guess they don't have balls over there, so they use the goat."
—Eric Allen, Raiders cornerback

SPORT.
"I guess it's like a bullfight. They should have a disclaimer, like, 'Play at your own risk' or 'Sudden death likely.' I wouldn't play, but I would watch-from far away. Maybe in a cage."
—Adonal Foyle, Warriors forward

NOT A SPORT.
"It's about as much of bombs falling all over your countryside."
—Mike Shanahan, Broncos coach

SPORT.
"It's not what you would call a conventional sport, but hey, they probably don't think basketball is a sport either. It's not my idea of entertainment, but you play it in competition. If you call polo a sport, I guess you'd call this a sport too."
—Pat Garrity, Magic forward

NOT A SPORT.
"It sounds like a bad Italian dish. Or what we should do to Kabul-bushkazi it."
—Brian Anderson, Diamondbacks pitcher

SPORT.
"Anytime fans are involved, it's a sport. I don't know if I'd pay money to watch it. Shoot, whatever creams your Twinkie."
—Mark Grace, Diamondbacks first baseman