"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 12/7/13

*ATTENTION--all single, wealthy, attractive actresses out there (a la Sandra Bullock, Sharon Stone, etc.): Aging sports columnists may be underpaid and unable to afford to do things like stay in 4-star hotels/reside in the Trump Tower, but they're extremely loyal and EXCELLENT boyfriend material..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last member of the New York Knicks to lead the NBA in free throw percentage? Answer to follow..........Did you know that in 1986, WR Henry Ellard of the L.A. Rams led the team in receptions with a paltry total of just THIRTY-FOUR? Running back Barry Redden was second on the squad with 28 catches. In fact, the team recorded only 194 receptions during the entire regular season (just over 12 completions per game)--BY FAR the lowest total in the NFL that year..........I recently had Fordham football coach Joe Moorhead as a guest on "Monday Night Sports Talk"; the man's serious approach to his work was apparent and his knowledge of the hurry-up offense impressed me greatly. As soon as the interview was over, my co-host Tony DeAngelo offered these words: "That man WILL coach in the NFL someday."..........Another "Warner Wolf Moment": If you had the Illinois Tech women's basketball team and 67 points, YOU LOST!!! Recent final score from the Midwest: Buena Vista 111, Illinois Tech 43..........I continue to miss the presence of former Philadelphia 76ers P.A. announcer Dave Zinkoff--especially during basketball season. As I've said numerous times, his humor and colorful delivery remain incomparable. Another classic line of his--once delivered during a break in the action: "There's a car in the parking lot, Pennsylvania license plate # XXX XX. Your doors are locked, your lights are on, and your motor is HUMMMMMMMINGGGGGGG!" Yes, there was only ONE Zink........The definition of "ugly": My alma mater, Fordham, shot a pathetic 24% (19-for-80) during a 104-58 loss to St. John's last weekend. But WAIT--it gets UGLIER. The Rams' freshman sensation Jon Severe (who WILL play in the NBA someday) shot 1-for-21 from the field during this debacle. Listen--I know some players are capable of shooting their way out of slumps. But a freshman attempting to do this at Madison Square Garden during his first BIG college game? I'd call it a "severe" lack of good judgment on the young man's part--wouldn't you?..........More evidence of the continued downfall of sports broadcasting: NY Post columnist Phil Mushnick--quoting legendary sportscaster Verne Lundquist in his column last weekend: "I'd never be hired today, not by any network. I have no schtick, no profile, no gimmicks. I wouldn't get a second look." Yes, SO true, Verne--and SO very sad..........Just imagine if WNBA player Sugar Rodgers preferred older men and decided to marry former NFL QB Milt Plum. Fans of sweet treats would surely enjoy her married name of Sugar Plum..........GREAT NY Post headline last Sunday--after a Yankee team official talked about how A-ROID's disgraceful contract impacted negotiations with Robinson Cano: WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN..........Answer to trivia question: ALLAN HOUSTON, who led the league in 2002-'03 with a sizzling mark of 92%--converting 363 of 395 FT attempts..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former Arena Football League coach Tim Marcum--who passed away recently in Florida at the age of 69. Marcum won an astounding SEVEN AFL titles--one with the Denver Dynamite, three with the Detroit Drive, and another three with the Tampa Bay Storm. The majority of his career was spent in Tampa, where he compiled a record of 156-79 over a 16-year span. Marcum, a former college quarterback, is considered to be one of the most influential figures in league history--always promoting the AFL and being so honest/open with media members. Tim Marcum was elected to the AFL Hall of Fame in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Lynne, four daughters, a brother, a sister, and three grandchildren. May Coach Marcum rest in peace.