"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11/5/11

I recently attended the Chargers/Jets game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; not the best of games--ugly passes, too many penalties, etc.  However, I was very fortunate to see the Jets' "Flight Crew" cheerleaders perform--about 40 of the loveliest women you'll ever see.  Put it this way:  I've flown a lot in my life, but NEVER had a flight crew like THAT on any airplane I've ever been aboard..........TRIVIA QUESTION:  Who was the last NFL quarterback to lead the league in interceptions in back-to-back seasons?  Answer to follow..........Great point recently by WDRC-FM's Jerry Kristafer:  "How come football players wear baseball hats?  You never see baseball players wearing FOOTBALL HELMETS!"..........This week in sports history, November 8, 1970:  Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints kicks an NFL record 63-yard field goal with no time remaining on the clock--giving his team a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions at Tulane Stadium.  The Lions had actually taken a 17-16 lead with only 11 seconds remaining when Errol Mann booted an 18-yard field goal for the visitors.  But a 17-yard pass from Saints QB Billy Kilmer to Al Dodd just seconds later would set up Dempsey's memorable kick--seven yards longer than the NFL's previous best..........An open message to A-ROID's ex-girlfriend--actress Cameron Diaz:  Sports columnists are simply good "catches."  And personally, Cameron, I've never done steroids.  Question:  Could the fact that I've also never earned over $30 million a year be a slight turn-off?..........The other day, I saw former SI swimsuit model Kathy Ireland doing a TV commercial--plugging furniture for Raymour and Flanigan.  Message for R & F:  If Ms. Ireland ever needs a partner in a future commercial for loveseats, then I'm your man--and I work CHEAPLY..........Answer to trivia question:  VINNY TESTAVERDE--who led the league in 1988 and '89 with totals of 35 and 22 respectively while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers..........Former NY Giants defensive lineman Leonard Marshall was a recent 'no-show' on my TV program, "Monday Night Sports Talk."  A friend of mine asked me if he could have overslept.  My response:  "That could have been a legitimate reason--except for one thing:  the show airs at 9:00 PM."  I'll say it once again, folks:  loyalty/personal responsibility/dependability are SO underrated these days--and SCARCE..........Speaking of "scarce," anyone out there remember MAC SCARCE--the former crafty MLB reliever who pitched for three teams between 1972 and 1978?..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NFL tight end Jimmie Giles--who blows out 57 candles on November 8th.  A product of Alcorn St., Giles played 13 seasons in the league between 1977 and 1989 (mostly with Tampa Bay) and was a four-time Pro Bowler.  In his nine seasons with the Bucs, Giles caught 279 passes for 4,300 yards (34 TD's) and was an integral part of the Buccaneers 1979 NFC Championship playoff run.  It was announced this past summer that Giles will be the third inductee into the Bucs Ring of Honor--joining Lee Roy Selmon and coach John McKay.  That ceremony will take place during halftime of the upcoming December 4th home game vs. the Carolina Panthers.  Congratulations, Jimmie, and may you enjoy many more birthday celebrations to come..........Birthday wishes also go out to former major league pitcher Beiker Graterol--who blows out 37 candles on November 9th.  I know--his name doesn't ring a bell.  That's because the Venezuelan native pitched in just ONE big league game in 1999 while with the Detroit Tigers.  Starting the game, Graterol pitched just four innings--allowing three home runs, walking four, and giving up SEVEN earned runs.  Yes, folks, Beiker Graterol's career ERA is in the books at a robust 15.75.  Hey--they ALL can't be Mickey Lolich, right?  Best wishes, Beiker..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former college football player Anthony Germany--who died recently in Oklahoma of complications from a pulmonary embolism; he was just 25.  A safety who played at Tulsa from 2004-2007, the hard-hitting Germany was a key member of the Hurricane squad that won the 2005 Conference USA championship.  Sadly, Tulsa has lost three members of the 2007 team within the past nine months; former players Wilson Holloway and George Clinkscale have predeceased Anthony this year.  Germany is survived by his wife, Chevis, and his parents--Karen and Anthony.  Rest in peace, Anthony Germany--you'll surely be missed.