Playing a contact sport for a living ain't an easy thing, I'm sure. It's a rare kind of person who has the ability to do it. But there is an even rarer breed--those who somehow manage to play two.
Bo Jackson always comes to mind first, of course. Bo knows baseball, Bo knows football (aaah...don't you just love the good ol' days?). There's the Good Reverend himself, "Neon" Deion Sanders. We all remember when Michael Jordan left the NBA hardwood for a baseball career (OK, bad example...really bad example). But former NBA star Danny Ainge did play a few years in the MLB with the Blue Jays. And who can forget the illustrious career of figure-skater-turned-professional wrestler Tonya Harding?
And now, a new name can be added to this exclusive list: 7-foot-7, 225-pound Manute Bol. In the pantheon of multiple-sport stars, he could be the best yet.
After spending 11 years in the NBA (he was one of the league's best shot-blockers, and straight money from beyond the arc), he demonstrated his physical prowess on national TV when he vanquished the great Refrigerator Perry in the now-legendary Celebrity Boxing on FOX.
And now? He's trying his hand (not to mention his dignity) in the realm of professional hockey as the newest member of the CHL's Indianapolis Ice.
Bo who? Deion who?
If my sources are right, he could be hockey's next big thing. This will be the era of Manute Bol, the Sudanese Sensation. Mario Lemieux, eat your heart out.
But as the news of Bol's signing was announced, it got me to thinking. Could this spur other athletes to press their luck in a second sport? Well, according to my sources, there are plenty of rumors floating around. Here's what we could be seeing in the next few months. Just remember, you heard it here first.
Mike Tyson Quits Boxing for the ATP or PGA
Good ol' Iron Mike just hasn't been the same since his prison stint. Perhaps it's time for a change of pace. Tyson's got millions of dollars sitting in the bank--so why not join all the other rich, elitist snobs and join the golf or tennis ranks?
After his infamous pre-Lennox Lewis speech, we all know his "style is impetuous." We know his "defense is impregnable." And that he's "just ferocious." So you can bet he'd be a force at the net on the Wimbledon grass.
And with the heydays of John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors long over, men's tennis needs a bit of a jolt--who better to provide it than Tyson? Can you imagine a confrontation between Tyson and a line judge?
You cannot be theriouth! That wath in, motha fu**a! That fu**in' ball wath in!
If the tennis career didn't work out, golf could be his fallback. After all, his nickname would be all too fitting for the PGA Tour.
And now, your 2003 Masters Champion, "Nine Iron" Mike!
Ricky Williams Buys a Chevy, Joins NASCAR
He likes to be by himself. He's already infamous for his fast driving (as evidenced by his 126-mph ticket last February, his subsequent arrest and suspended license). And he's probably got a whole legion of flashy cars. So a move to the world of auto racing wouldn't be much of a transition for Ricky Williams.
I can see it all now: Williams joins the Winston Cup circuit using the #34 car (orange and teal-colored, of course) sponsored by Paxil, his Social Anxiety Disorder medication. Tony Stewart's got nothing on him. I smell a points championship.
John Rocker Meets Vince McMahon, Signs With WWE
What's a controversial, washed-up, has-been, redneck baseball player to do when his career hits a standstill? Become a professional wrestler, of course!
For Rocker and World Wrestling Entertainment, the marriage would be almost too perfect. It's a match made in redneck heaven. Controversial, outspoken hillbillies don't belong on the baseball diamond--they belong in the ring, microphone in hand.
In no time, Rocker would be the WWE's most-hated man, from the perspective of fans and fellow wrestlers alike. He wouldn't even need writers for his trash talking--he's got it down to an art already. Who better to rile up a crowd than someone who doesn't like punks, gays, hispanics, blacks, Asians, Indians, Russians or Spaniards? In terms of star status, neither The Rock nor Stone Cold Steve Austin would have anything on John Rocker.
Jim Everett Joins Women's Tennis Association
...aaaah, memories of Jim Rome. I know, I know--it's a low blow. The ref just took a point away. But I just couldn't resist (Thank you, mom and dad, for making me such a smartass).
Shawn Kemp Studies Under Sumo Wrestler Akebono
Washed up? Washed out? On an NBA roster simply out of pity? Look no further than the tutelage of a former yokozuna and world champion sumo wrestler. Kemp might just might find his true calling in life.
Such is the case for Kemp, who is rumored to be hanging up his high-tops in exchange for a giant diaper. According to the sumo dictionary, the sport combines strength, power and agility--eh, two out of three ain't bad. I'm sure a healthy diet of cheeseburgers doesn't hurt, either. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing him compete. Tachi-ai!
And finally...
O.J. Simpson Joins the Timber Sports League
Hey, he's already shown he's good with a knife--why not an ax?
Chris welcomes feedback at cbellamy@chronicle.utah.edu
