Denver Post sports columnist Woody Paige posts Woody’s Mailbag every Thursday on DenverPost.com.
To drop a sports-related question into Woody’s Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s . And to browse the archive of videos in Woody’s World, .
Woody – Why will George Karl not coach this Nuggets team? He just sits there chomping cough drops and failing to feign even mild interest in the game. He allows his team to be undisciplined on defense, statuesque on offense, and he will not stand up to the refs for his team. Why, Woody? Why?
— Jamie Hosmer, Denver
Because, Jamie, because. I have known George since he was a kid, and he always was an unbridled player and coach. I believe, truthfully, that his bout with cancer, and his son’s, and the fact that he is older have made George less of a proactive coach during games. IT’S A MISTAKE. He needs to be the wilder George Karl that he was.
I’m shocked that Doug Moe, Karl’s mentor, doesn’t kick George in the butt, because Doug was a wild man on the bench. A coach in the NBA has to protect his players against the refs. George hasn’t, so the players are always whining.
I hope George somewhat changes next year. He should be the coach. He wins more than 63 percent of his games, a big number in the NBA.
Woody – As a sports columnist, you have written that you attend roughly 200 or more sporting events a year! When you attend these events, are you sitting in the stands or walking the greens with the fans (in the sun, rain, snow and sleet) or are you in the comforts of a press box?
— Mary Ann, Tennessee
Mary Ann – What a splendid question. I wish I had a splendid answer.
I never sit in the stands. I always am working at games, not hanging out with my buds drinking Buds. I do walk the courses, inside the ropes, at major golf tournaments to smell the grass.
People think it would be a gas to sit in the press boxes at a Super Bowl or World Series. My friend came to the press box once and thought it was the most boring night he had ever spent at a game. At a Broncos game, for instance, you can’t hear the noise of the stadium. As my friend said, it’s like being in a library at closing time. There’s absolutely no excitement, and I’m sure you don’t believe me. The food isn’t any good, either. Splendid.
Woody – One comment of encouragement with . I believe it has already made a difference. Can you imagine the inspiration to see Jay play NFL football and providing the “overcomer” example for all to see? I’m already much more knowledgeable. And hey, I might just go get checked myself. If Jay can do it – so can I.
— Tony Ellsworth, Papillion, Neb.
Tony – As a diabetic whose father died from the disease, I understand. Jay will handle it well because he is 25 and intelligent (Vanderbilt) and wants to have an active life and a great career.
There have been so many athletes who have succeeded in spite of having diabetes. There just has to be awareness, and you’re doing the right thing. Everyone should be checked. And Jay can be a significant spokesperson now that he realizes what diabetes is about. Thanks.
I certainly . This is no way for an icon to go out! What a disgrace!
— Kevin Sarff, Fresno, Calif.
It was not a disgrace, Kevin. Detroit will win the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings are way superior to the Avs.
If Sakic wants to retire, I respect his decision. But he will be back. He wants to play in the Olympics in 2010 in his hometown, Vancouver. Trust me.
Mr. Paige – I enjoy watching you on ESPN’s “Around The Horn.” I love reading the blackboard of knowledge. I have one to submit: “Second place is first loser.” Thanks.
— Kelly, Austin, Texas
Thank you, Kelly. I have no clue what you’re talking about, but I love Austin.
Is Todd Helton the coolest pro athlete in Colorado, or what?
— Mike W., Denver
Or what. I really, really like Todd, and we have a good relationship probably because we went to the same college (Tennessee), and I love that he loves Colorado so much.
Coolest athlete in Colorado, Mike? Joe Sakic. He is an incredible person and plays on ice. Cool.
Woody – What’s with this year? I don’t get the convention connection.
— Brian, Fort Collins
Brian – It’s completely stupid. The convention ends before the game was scheduled. CU and CSU apparently don’t get it, or everyone in charge at the two schools is a Republican. Or a donkey.
I think that . I honestly think that we are ready to take back the AFC West. What do you honestly think?
— James P. Palmieri, Bloomfield, N.J.
James – Peter King, my friend who is the pro football writer for Sports Illustrated, has ranked the teams after the draft and free agency. The Broncos, he claims, are 23rd. San Diego is No. 1. Denver is No. 2 in the division. The Broncos have too many questions and not enough answers.
Woody Paige first joined The Denver Post in 1981 as a sports columnist. To drop a question into Woody’s Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
