Requiem For A Touchstone: Stuart Scott Passes At 49

When you look up the word in the dictionary, the word is listed like this- and, for the sake of argument, we'll focus on the second and third definitions from Merriam-Webster:

2: a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of a thing

3: a fundamental or quintessential part or feature : basis

Stuart Scott was a touchstone... on a few levels- as an anchor and as a father...

The HQ will admit that, at first, we didn't "get" him. We didn't get his "schtick" on the air. It took a while and it took the reinforcement of a quote we saw that reminded us why he was what he was- as a person and as an anchor.

From Steve Wulf's piece on ESPN.com this morning:

And one of his best moments off the air came when a producer suggested he change a reference on his NBA show from Omega Psi Phi, the fraternity of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, to something more universal, like Animal House.

"I have friends who have no idea what that movie is about," Stuart told him. "That movie was made two decades ago, and black fraternities have been around since 1906."

And, with that, we are reminded that our styles are our own- and they should be always...

Emulation should always be encouraged, but not to the point of repetition and carbon-copy. Unfortunately, we see that a lot these days on television. People, instead of being themselves, try to be someone they're obviously not and end up being caricatures.

Stuart was never a caricature and he came at us all from a different place with a different look, approach, angle, and output. And, for that, we all should be thankful and grateful for widening our perspectives on story-telling.

Now, for the fighter...

We have seen his public battle and, in the end, we lose the physical representation. But we get to hang on to the memories, the style, and the impact that someone has had on our lives- lost to us too soon at 49.

I think it occurs every generation or so... there are people who cross your path that you remember for one reason or another. When our comtemporaries were half the age we are now, it was the Jim Valvano speech at the ESPY awards that reminded us never to give up and also reminded what the value of a full day should be.
((HT: ESPN))


Now, this time around as some of us get a little gray in the temples, we are reminded of what Valvano and his approach meant through a sports anchor that will now live on through far different and just as important means...
((HT: ESPN))


For those who fight and those who have fought...
For those who remember and are remembered...
For those who love and are loved...
The words are simple: Be yourself and make your mark your way...
Don't stop loving. Don't stop fighting.
Don't stop and don't give up...
#StuStrong

John Wall's Very Emotional, Very Long Day

((HT: CSN Washington))

John Wall played with what seemed like an endless supply of energy in the Washington Wizards-Boston Celtics game last night.

The reason was that Wall lost a very close, personal friend and fan in 6-year-old Miyah Telemaque-Nelson. Miyah was one of the many victims to cancer these days- one of the too many, really. After dedicating a double-overtime victory to her, Chris Nelson talked to Wall afterwards.

Here's his postgame reaction


There are times when sports is reduced to its emotional core and support for everyone else around you is shown in a raw fashion.

It's sad that takes events like Wall's loss to remind us of what is important...

DEVELOPING: Pat Quinn Passes At 71

((HT: Sportsnet))

The HQ really wanted Pat Quinn to come back to Atlanta and be coach and GM of the Thrashers at some point considering the amount of work he was able to do in turning around the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

But, alas, it was not to be...

The man who turned around those two squads has passed away and will be remembered for his toughness on the ice and relentless pursuit of perfection in constructing teams off it.

Here's how Sportsnet told Quinn's tale...

Tough dude who demanded results- and, most of the time, he got them...

DEVELOPING: Cards Taveras Dies In Car Crash

((HT: 120Sports))

Sad news out of the Dominican Republic...

120 is reporting that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras has reportedly died in a car crash in his native country.

“Obviously, we have deep condolences to his family. We are still waiting for more details before issuing a full statement,” said Cardinals GM John Mozeliak, via MLB.com’s Jen Langosch (on Twitter).

From MLB Trade Rumors:

Taveras’ girlfriend also reportedly passed away. A variety of outlets from the Dominican Republic had reported news of the accident. Taveras was 22 years old. ESPN Deportes' Dionisio Soldevila says the police report indicates that Taveras’ car had veered off the road.

KMOV-TV in St. Louis reports his death was confirmed around 7:30 PM. Taveras was scheduled to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic before returning for spring training where he was expected to compete for the starting spot in right field.

The 22 year old came to the majors in style earlier this season


More when we know more...

Kevin Ward, Senior Lashes Out At Tony Stewart

((HT: Syracuse Post-Standard/Hannagan))

The father of the sprint car racer killed in an accident with Tony Stewart has spoken to Syracuse media and is still not happy with Stewart and how things transpired on the track.

In an extensive interview with Syracuse.com's Charley Hannagan Kevin Ward, Senior feels that Stewart is solely responsible for what happened at the Canadaigua, New York track this past weekend.

From Hannagan is the collection of her quotes from Kevin Ward, Senior:

"Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn't see him," he said.

"Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night. Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there's no reason for it," Ward Sr. said.

"The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison. Is he going to say what he done?" Ward Sr. said.

Ward wants everyone to remember his son as someone who just loved to race and that seems to be the main reason he spoke to Hannagan for her article. But even if the investigation shows no malice on Stewart's behalf, he may not be completely free from any kind of charges from the Ontario County police.

"CBS This Morning" brought in Jack Ford to discuss the legal options...


The funeral for Ward, Junior is tomorrow...

Robin Williams On Golf

((HT: Youtube/HBO))

The news is sudden and shocking that Robin Williams has committed suicide at the age of 63

As an homage, the HQ has figured the best way to tip our hat to an amazing talent is to bring you one of his funniest routines

How golf was invented

Braves Broadcaster Pete van Wieren Dies At 69

Another voice of the HQ's youth has left us too soon.
Long time Atlanta Braves announcer Pete van Wieren has passed at the age of 69.

The "Professor"- nicknamed so for his encyclopedic knowledge of the sport and levels of preparedness- was a part of the Braves booth that spread the "Superstation TBS" across the country and turned the Atlanta Braves into America's team- even more so than WGN's Chicago Cubs during the battle of cable powers Tribune and Ted Turner.

The group of van Wieren, Ernie Johnson, Senior, Skip Caray, and then later Don Sutton and Joe Simpson were the voices of some very bad baseball but also got their shot when the Braves won their only World Series.

On November 4, 2009, van Wieren felt a bump on the back of his head; when he got it checked, he learned it was Stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He had been battling it ever since.

van Wieren retired from the Braves booth in 2005.

In October of 2008, Van Wieren announced his retirement after 33 seasons with the Braves. His departure came less than three months after the death of his longtime on-air partner Skip Caray.

During the 2008 season, Van Wieren announced that a publishing company approached him about writing a book about his time in the booth. His book, written in 2009, is titled "Of Mikes and Men: A Lifetime of Braves Baseball" and was released in April 2010. It was co-written with Jack Wilkinson.

The broadcast booth for the Braves' home games at Turner Field is named for van Wieren.

Here was "The Professor's" good-bye to his broadcast partner:

The Rockford Files And Football

((HT: Universal Studios Television))

James Garner passed today at the age of 86...

Frankly, the HQ didn't realize he was 86 and we also didn't realize he was a purple heart recipient for the time he served this country. We would like to thank him for all that he did in his time with us here on this plane...

So, as a tip of the hat to Garner, we found a "Rockford Files" episode that involves football and has Dick Butkus...


The HQ will still watch the Files when we can and we still maintain that Jim should have always been with Gretchen Corbett's character, Beth Davenport...

McNeill's 61 Good For Second At Greenbrier

((HT: PGA Tour/CBS Sports))

Jason Sobel did a terrific column explaining how George McNeill went out today and lit up the Greenbrier Resort for a final round-61. He finished runner-up to Angel Cabrera who finished 64-64.

McNeill's older sister was in a losing battle with cancer that had metastasized along her spine and he has been constantly getting updates on her condition while he is on tour.

She died 20 minutes before McNeill's tee time this morning, but he didn't know until he checked in with family after his round was over.

Here's the highlights as McNeill posted a hell of a number on a rough day...


And here's the discussion afterwards with Kelly Tilghman, Steve Sands, and Jason Sobel
((HT: Golf Channel))

Yet Another Bird Disintegrates From A Pitch

((HT: TinCaps Productions))

The HQ would really know the odds on something like this...

We remember the physics of Force = Mass (x) Acceleration and all those SAT problems about trains leaving stations and finding out what time they pass from each other if they leave opposing train stations and all that stuff...

The HQ always missed those math problems...

In single-A, Fort Wayne was taking on West Michigan when Jon Maciel of the Whitecaps did this...

Here's the pitch and the aftermath


And, no, the HQ doesn't think the bird was okay...

Lutzenkirchen Monday Update: Alcohol Suspected

((HT: OANow.com/Byington))

Sadly, this is not a surprise...

In the Byington article, Georgia state troopers are suspecting that alcohol is involved in the auto accident that killed former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and Georgia baseball player Ian Davis.

Blood samples were taken from those two and Troup County (GA) coroner Jeff Davis says that results could take a few weeks to be finalized. The other two passengers are suspected to have alcohol in their system at the time of the crash, but blood has not been drawn.

Our friends at WSFA-TV in Montgomery were at Toomer's Corner to see how the Auburn family was mourning
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Visitation for Lutzenkirchen, his family, and friends will start at 10:30AM Thursday at the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, Ga. A funeral Mass will follow at 1PM.

According to the Auburn Football Twitter account, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 8PM at Lassiter High School's football stadium in Marietta. Supporters are being asked by the Lutzenkirchen family to wear orange and blue.

Monday AM Update: Lutzenkirchen Reaction From The Plains

((HT: WSFA-TV))

It's still very raw for the Plains reacting to the loss to star tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen.

The University is trying to figure out how to properly respect his legacy and make sure #43 won't be forgotten.
It was an act as simple as rolling the trees at Toomer's Corner out of respect in a somber tribute.
It was remembering him through social media, which lit up with praise for a better man than football player.

All this for someone who was 23
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

More as we know more...

Auburn Speaks On Lutzenkirchen Tragedy

((HT: Auburn Tigers.com/Goldberg))

The Auburn family has spoken out publicly for the first time since it was released that former tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen was killed in a rollover crash early Sunday morning...

"I’m deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Philip Lutzenkirchen. He was a great young man who touched the lives of everyone he knew in a positive way," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "On the field, Philip was a great player and competitor, but more importantly, he was a great teammate and friend off the field. My thoughts and prayers are with Philip’s parents, Mike and Mary, and all of his family and friends who are grieving his passing. This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family. I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs:

"Philip’s death is a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends. Today is also a profoundly sad day for the Auburn Athletics family, who loved and respected Philip not only as a great player but more importantly as a friend and the epitome of an Auburn man.

"I came to know Philip well and I admired everything about who he was and the way he lived his life. He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others. Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can’t possibly be filled. My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to his wonderful parents, Mike and Mary, their entire family and his many grieving friends.”

Former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik:

"He was compassionate, determined, honorable and full of love, integrity and respect. In 27 years of coaching, I have come across what I would consider to be a few ‘rare’ young men. Phillip was certainly one of those ‘rare’ ones," Chizik said. "He truly, lived his life for other people and always found time to give to others. His family values taught him to be a great friend and teammate of everyone he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy is extended to his parents Mike and Mary, his sisters, and all of his extended family. We should all begin by honoring his life because he lived a life worthy of that. In his 23 short years, he has certainly left an impactful legacy to everyone he touched. I will miss him deeply."

BREAKING: Auburn's Lutzenkirchen, UGA Baseball's Davis Die In Car Accident (CONFIRMED w/Updates)

((HT: Auburn Undercover))

This is straight from them and there aren't may details at the moment"

Philip Lutzenkirchen, a member of the 2010 Auburn national championship team and one of the most popular players in recent Tigers history, died in an automobile accident early Sunday morning, AUC has learned.

He was 23.

At this time, no other details are known.

Lutzenkirchen was a graduate of Lassiter high School in suburban Atlanta and had Hutson Mason as his quarterback with the Trojans. He went to Auburn where he ws one of the most accomplished tight ends in recent decades.

His first flash with fame came in high school with this amazing play


And he was one of the most relied-upon receivers for Cam Newton in his time on the Plains
((HT: SEC on CBS))


More when we know more, but the HQ's thoughts and prayers to the families at Lassiter and Auburn...

UPDATE: The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Ryan Black can confirm the passing- having spoken with a state trooper who worked the scene.

The accident happened shortly after 3AM and Black caught up with Master Trooper B.N. Talley...

From Black's piece:

"It happened at the intersection of Upper Big Springs Road and Lower Big Springs Road," Talley said. "The vehicle was a 2006 Chevy Tahoe and the driver missed a stop sign at the intersection of those two roads, which is more or less a 'T-intersection.' They traveled through the intersection off into a churchyard. They were out out of control for about 450 feet."

At that point, Talley said, the vehicle overturned, ejecting all four passengers.

"Philip was one of them," Talley said," and he was killed at the scene."

Bulldawg Illustrated is also reporting that UGA baseball player, Ian Davis, has also passed away in the accident.

Black is also reporting in an update that Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt.

Tony Gwynn Honored In San Diego

((HT: MLB.com))

It was the first home game for the San Diego Padres after the death of their Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn- and the tribute was fitting for Number 19.


But, what may have been missed in all of this was the Dick Enberg tribute that happened from Seattle the night of his passing as part of the Major League Baseball remembrance

DEVELOPING: Tony Gwynn Passes At 54

After a prolonged battle with cancer of the salivary gland, 8-time batting champ Tony Gwynn has died at the age of 54. He had battled it in 2009 and again in 2012 when it recurred.

He was equal to Honus Wagner in batting titles and finished with 3,141 career hits (18th all-time) and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 with Cal Ripken, Junior.

The head coach of the San Diego State baseball program had taken a leave of absence from the program to fight the disease in recent months.

And, to tell you a quick story on how tremendous a physical athlete Gwynn was, he was once taken in for an eye test since people often wondered how a career .338 hitter could pick up the ball so well and so quickly out of a pitcher's hand.

The initial eye test came back with vision that was 20/10- meaning that he could pick up objects clearly at twenty feet that others could at only ten feet in front of them. A retest was demanded since the first round of results weren't believed.

The second test came back 20/8.

Here's a piece the Aztecs had done on them by ESPN's "Outside The Lines" group after Gwynn survived round one back in 2011. Tom Friend reports for OTL
((HT: goaztecs.com))

Panda Shatters Writer's Laptop

And by "Panda" the HQ means the San Francisco Giants Pablo Sandoval...

The writer is Reds.com's Mark Sheldon and he was banging away on his game story from last night's game in the 8th when...


Nick Hurm over at cincinnati.com interviewed Sheldon after he finished his night

Northern State's Don Meyer Passes From Cancer

((HT: KELO-TV))

The former head coach at Northern State University, a Division II NCAA basketball power under Don Meyer, passed early Sunday morning after fighting cancer for six years.

The knows what you're thinking... why focus an effort on a Division II basketball coach...???

We agree that Don Meyer is the best coach no one knows about
((HT: ESPN))


He retired from coaching in 2010 with 923 career wins and received the "Jimmy V" Award in 2009

Meyer was in hospital for three days with a feeding tube before returning home under hospice care earlier this week. His family said that his health has been drastically declining over the past several months.

The family released a statement earlier this morning:

"Don Meyer peacefully went to heaven on Sunday morning, May 18, 2014. He won his greatest victory and is now running again and gearing up to pitch nine innings. The family appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers and concern."

Here's the acceptance speech from 2009
((HT: ESPN))


That's why the HQ is spending time on Don Meyer and, full disclosure, we also have Buster Olney's book on Meyer...

OSG High: The Tale Of Two Hoops Stars Under One Roof

((HT: WFAA-TV))

This is the sad reality of high school athletics- kids transfer, their parents let them, and sometimes the best of intentions (no matter how illegal) turn into tragedy.

Two Dallas Independent School District high school basketball coaches are on administrative leave following the death of one player and the arrest of another who lived under the same roof. James Madison High and Wilmer-Hutchins High's head coaches- Roderick Johnson and John Burley- look like they were in a situation where they recruited two athletes and may have gone as far as having associates forge documents, signatures, and violated UIL (the Texas high school athletics association) residence guidelines when it comes to housing and enrolling athletes in their basketball programs and respective high schools.

Troy Causey of Wilmer-Hutchins and Johnathan Turner of Madison High School got in a fight in front of the home where they were both living in South Dallas. Causey died from his injuries and Turner has been charged with the murder. Turner says it was an accident.

Parents and relatives interviewed below were amazingly forthright in admitting their rationale for the actions they did.

Here's their Part Two with Brett Shipp
News 8 has uncovered two other DISD instances of improper recruiting and grade changing and they maintain that the DISD Athletics Director, Jeff Johnson, has not been held in any kind of account for all of this.
The HQ isn't naive into thinking that this stuff never happens- or never happens anywhere close to home. That would be an astronomically naive point-of-view in today's universe of cutthroat high school athletics. But to get events to spiral this out-of-control is a new level of out-of-control.

Richmond Confirms 2 WBB Staffers Dead In Hot Air Balloon Accident

((HT: WTVR-TV))

While the search intensifies for the third victim in a surprising and tragic hot air balloon accident in Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond has announced that two women's basketball staffers were among the dead.

Associate head women’s basketball coach Ginny Doyle and director of basketball operations Natalie Lewis were on the balloon that crashed.

The balloon containing Doyle and Lewis struck power lines and caught on fire and the gondola separated from the balloon itself. Two people were seen either falling or jumping from the gondola once it caught on fire and eyewitnesses report hearing people saying:

"Jesus, help us. We're going to die!"


Grief counselors were available on campus and baseball games with St. Bonaventure were cancelled.

"As alumnae, classmates, and colleagues and as invaluable and devoted mentors for our student-athletes Ginny and Natalie have been beloved members of our community,” UR President Edward L. Ayers said in a statement. “Their leadership and friendship will endure in the lives of so many.”

“Words cannot begin to express our sorrow,” UR Athletic Director Keith Gill said in a statement. “We are all stunned by the tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones.”

Here's the presser identifying the second victim


The Virginia State Police are now calling the search for the third victim a recovery mission instead of a rescue mission.