The season is pretty much over for the Carolina Panthers-except for one of them, whose season has
just begun. After starting 5-7, the Panthers are nearly eliminated from the playoffs. But, on Monday
night, undrafted rookie running back Brad Hoover, from West Carolina, had quick a coming out party, rushing for 117 yards and one touchdown. He also became an overnight hit in Carolina, as the
fans chanted "Hooooooover" throughout Ericsson Stadium against Green Bay.
Said coach George Seiffert, "I think (Hoover) has demonstrated in both these games that he's played now that he can be a factor." We're looking forward to more from Brad in the coming weeks.
BOTTOM OF THE WEEK
NOT READY FOR SHOWTIME
Showtime has garnered a lot of attention in the gay community recently for the impending premiere of their original rip-off series, ``Queer as Folk.'' The latest version pales in comparison to the original. This entry is louder, more obnoxious, more boring, and far less likable than the charming British original.
The new ``Queer as Folk'' also throws in the same old "gay guys don't know sports" stereotype that we are all so fond of.
The leading man, a troubled sex-crazed pedophile, at one point refers to the boxer "Oscar de la Renta." In true stereotypical fashion, it was a lesbian that had to correct him: "you mean 'de la Hoya' ''
Do yourself a favor and watch something else on Sundays instead.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
FLORIDA ELECTIONS
JUDGE IS GAY ... AND A FOOTBALL FAN
We are everywhere. Gay sports fans,
that is.
We were very impressed with the news conference held last weekend in Florida by Broward County Judge Robert W. Lee after the canvassing board he chaired finished its recount of the votes for president. Lee was composed and sincere and always ready with a quip. We must say our gaydar went up as he was talking. Maybe it was that Silverlake/Castro mustache or the fact that he had no ring on his left finger.
So it was no surprise when Time magazine reported that Lee is openly gay. But what endeared him to us was when he was asked what he would be doing on Sunday, the day the vote was to be certified. You knew by the tone of the question that the reporters were expecting Lee to
solemnly say he was going to watch the election coverage.
But no, what Lee said he was going to do was to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars try and beat the Tennessee Titans, something they had been unable to do recently.
Gay and a football fan? Judge Lee has our vote.
NFL
Before the season who could have thought that with the season three-quarters done that Minnesota, New Orleans and Philadelphia would be in first place in their divisions? The opposite would have been considered more likely: That all three would be in last place.
Fueling the surge by the three teams are young quarterbacks who are playing like vets: Daunte
Culpepper (Minnesota), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia) and Aaron Brooks (New Orleans). Here is a quick look at how each team stands:
Minnesota (11-2, NFC Central): It looked like a rebuilding year for the Vikes as Culpepper was seeing his first NFL action. But now Minnesota has a two-game lead for NFC home field. Strengths: Culpepper's poise, super running back Robert Smith, and brilliant receivers in Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Weaknesses: A defense that creates few turnovers and can be pushed around. Outlook: A first-round bye looks to be a lock. But a bad omen is that coach Denny Green is a perennial playoff choker.
Philadelphia (9-4, NFC East): Philly won a huge game Sunday by going into Washington and beating the Redskins. Second-year QB McNabb was awesome, scoring on an awesome 21-yard run and setting up the winning field goal with a 54-yard scramble. Strengths: The most underrated defense in football, excellent kicker in David Akers. Weaknesses: So-so receivers and running backs. Outlook: With games left against Cincinnati and Cleveland, the Eagles are a lock to make the playoffs and have an excellent shot at the division.
New Orleans (8-4, NFC West): The Saints have the same record as St. Louis but own the tiebreaker after their huge 31-24 Sunday over the Rams. Brooks was pressed into action last week after Jeff Blake broke his leg and the ex-Virginia star broke the Rams with two rushing TDs. Strengths: Maybe the best offensive line in the league and an aggressive, well-coached defense. Weaknesses: Brooks' inexperience and lack of a dependable running game with Ricky Williams out. Outlook: A playoff spot looks likely and the Saints can steal the division if the Rams keep stumbling.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Dick Bennett, the Wisconsin Badgers coach, has quit, citing "burnout" as his reason.
While Bennett always got the most out of his teams, his style of play has for years been the most boring in college basketball. At least when Princeton plays, they'll use some razzle-dazzle back-door cuts. Bennett's Badgers just played straight-up slow down
ball, winning games 51-46.
While Bennett will be remembered in part for his team's run to the Final Four this year, the scores of the games, in an era of offense, will be what stands out the most.