Today is the first day of the rest of your notes. …
His football journey, the one he hopes leads to the NFL, is about to take Justin Holland to Winnipeg.
So what does he know about the city he’s about to call home?
“Nothing. They say it’s cold. They say it’s windy. That’s about it.”
OK, so Winnipeg isn’t exactly what he had in mind. But after a career at CSU defined more by injuries than accomplishments, Holland was grateful for the opportunity when the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers came calling.
“I’ve never doubted my abilities,” Holland said. “I just had some unfortunate things happen to me in college that didn’t allow me to reach my full potential. I have a feeling I’ll get another chance in the NFL. But if I have to stay in the CFL for a while, I will.”
Holland was cut by the Dolphins last year and wasn’t signed after a tryout with the 49ers. After passing on a chance to play Arenaball, he kept working out in Denver and waited for the phone to ring.
The good news is he still has the strong arm that made him one of the most highly touted prep quarterbacks ever from Our State. And nothing is more important in the Canadian game, with its extra-wide field, 20-yard end zones and 12 players a side, than a quarterback with a big arm.
“It’s a different game, but it’s set up for a guy like me,” he said. “It’s my natural progression. I didn’t have anything but my senior year in college. This is a step up from college and a step under the NFL. I need to go up there and compete and prove I can play.” …
Despite Curt Schilling’s rant, Barry Bonds never has admitted to cheating on his wife, his taxes and the game. Fact is, Bonds doesn’t say much of anything. During “Bonds on Bonds,” he spent more time talking to his fish tank than other people. …
Bonds isn’t the only ballplayer closing in on a magic number. Frank Thomas has 491 home runs and counting. But then, given the way the game has changed, 500 is the new 400. …
How about this for a compromise? Bud Selig shows up to watch Bonds’ record-setting homer, but wears a bag over his head. …
Re: Major league teams banning beer in the clubhouse. I don’t know about you, but getting rid of the stupidity-enhancing drugs wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. …
CU’s Dan Hawkins and Air Force’s Troy Calhoun headlining The Sports Corp Football Luncheon, June 26 at the Penrose House Garden Pavilion in Colorado Springs. Tix $30. Info: Jessica Klem, 719-634-7333, ext. 1009 or jessica@thesportscorp.org. …
Kirk Hinrich to reporters after the Bulls’ Game 2 loss at the Palace: “We’ve kind of lost our swagger.” No, you’ve run into the Pistons, the only team in the East that can beat Phoenix or San Antone. …
This just in. Roger Clemens sneezed Wednesday afternoon, earning him another $112 from George Steinbrenner’s bottomless vault. …
Who says a man can’t go home? The A’s, who left Kansas City in the late 1960s, are 28-6 in K.C. during the 21st century. …
Not that Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan are the biggest names in sports, but, with those two in the field, a certain struggling actor went all but unnoticed in last week’s Wachovia Championship pro-am. Guy by the name of Peyton Manning. …
David Thomas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, nominating a new entry for the title of the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”: “Dirk Nowitzki’s 2007 playoff highlights.” …
Phil Mickelson needed six shots during Tuesday’s practice round to hit the island green on the 17th hole at the TPC Sawgrass. Don’t laugh. I’ve stood on that tee box. All in all, I’d rather be in a bathroom stall with Jose Canseco. …
And finally, happy 50th birthday to the Mahre twins, Phil and Steve.
Staff writer Jim Armstrong can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
