Biography
T.J. Simers' provocative sports commentary has been entertaining readers since 2000.
Named 2000 California Sportswriter of the Year by the ...
He's not juiced up over Mark McGwire's results
May 15, 2013
I had never met Mark McGwire before Tuesday night, but I knew of his reputation and the fact he has struck out so far as the Dodgers' hitting coach.
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Mother's Day brings a chance for a special visit
May 13, 2013
WHEATON, Ill. — I'm standing in a cemetery, which is probably better than lying in one.
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Arte Moreno and his Angels can't take the heat
May 11, 2013
CHICAGO — When the Angels got Josh Hamilton following the Dodgers' signing of Zack Greinke, owner Arte Moreno emerged from hiding, took a bow and told everyone:
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Josh Hamilton smiles, but he doesn't care what fans think
May 9, 2013
HOUSTON — Uh-oh, we've got another smiler.
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Angels' Mike Scioscia not the problem, but he might pay the price
May 9, 2013
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Logic is swept aside in Don Mattingly's crazy Dodgers comments
May 7, 2013
It's one thing to leave your heart in San Francisco, quite another to lose your mind there like Don Mattingly.
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Clippers fit the L.A. pattern
May 4, 2013
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bring on the next bunch of disappointing, underachieving, gagging local athletes.
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On a team of fleas, Clippers' Chris Paul is the only one with bite
May 1, 2013
The Clippers' public relations department sent out a notice announcing none of their players would be available Wednesday.
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Aside from Chris Paul, it's the same old Clippers
May 1, 2013
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Think the Lakers should let Dwight Howard go? Think again
April 30, 2013
We have a major difference of opinion.
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Clippers found lacking again
April 28, 2013
RATHOLE, TENN. — I survived, but the Clippers did not.
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Clippers sixth man Jamal Crawford should be first option in clutch
April 26, 2013
RATHOLE, Tenn. — Made it.
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After Game 3 loss Clippers are in a bad place: still in Memphis
April 26, 2013
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — I've put my life on the line to be here in this rathole with our Clippers.
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Clippers' Lamar Odom is payoff as T.J. Simers plays favorites
April 23, 2013
Oh me, oh my. Finally, the payoff.
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Clippers are still playing second fiddle to Lakers in L.A.
April 21, 2013
The Clippers have now sold out 92 straight home games with Saturday night's playoff victory in Staples Center.
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Clippers need to learn how to live with success
April 18, 2013
SACRAMENTO — The cow bell crowd came to beg some more for NBA attention, maybe the last Kings' game to be contested on this prairie before a move to Seattle.
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Jim and Shannon Mora make a difference in children's lives
April 16, 2013
We agreed to meet at the Kettle in Manhattan Beach.
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How to motivate a Mamba? It's a done deal for Lakers' Kobe Bryant
April 15, 2013
A couple of months ago, Kobe Bryant and I sat down over coffee in Minneapolis to discuss his future.
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Clippers bring their show to Memphis
April 14, 2013
The Clippers were in Memphis on Saturday night.
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Angels are unraveling, but why should anyone care? It's baseball
April 13, 2013
Whatever Mike Scioscia is being paid to manage the Angels, it isn't enough.
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Clippers' Blake Griffin could have a monumental career
April 10, 2013
Blake Griffin and I were discussing the statue that one day will be standing outside Staples Center.
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Clippers succeed thanks to him and really crummy Lakers
April 7, 2013
I don't want to take all of the credit for bringing the Clippers together; like Chris Paul, I'm more interested in the assist.
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A whole lot of maybes and might-have-beens for the Lakers
April 6, 2013
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Clippers' big kids shouldn't need a baby-sitter now
April 4, 2013
The Clippers are in trouble.
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Wake him when the Steve Alford era is over
April 2, 2013
I saw the guy working on TV, his team surprising folks in the NCAA tournament, but honestly I don't even know his first name now that he has become USC's basketball coach.
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Phil Jackson's agent disputes story on UCLA search
April 2, 2013
The other day I wrote a funny story, which failed to get a laugh out of Phil Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger.
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Vin Scully prompts memories of someone dear
March 31, 2013
I lost my dad decades ago.
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It turns out he has fans rooting for him to get off disabled list
March 26, 2013
What an experience it has been.
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When Page 2 faces dire medical situation, Dodgers come in for the save
March 18, 2013
PHOENIX — I'm told when you have one of these mini-strokes, your fingers might hit the wrong keys, so my meaning well in a column might come off as something else.
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Looking forward to nine more years of Albert Pujols
March 16, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. -- He remembers what he ordered: a chicken wrap.
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It would be a date with destiny for L.A. Lakers and Clippers
March 14, 2013
Sure, the criticism hurts.
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Others make case for bigger raise as Angels' Mike Trout soldiers on
March 12, 2013
Mike Trout got a $20,000 pay raise from the Angels, and I know I'm supposed to feel something.
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Welcoming Lakers and Dwight Howard to eighth place, with open arms
March 11, 2013
Dwight Howard is hugging me in the Lakers' locker room before Sunday's game.
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In memory of Jack Beasley, a guy you may not have noticed, but should have
March 10, 2013
Jack Beasley died.
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In memory of Jack Beasley, a guy you may not have noticed, but should have
March 9, 2013
Jack Beasley died.
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Are the Clippers fool's gold or the real thing?
March 7, 2013
I worry Charles Barkley might have the Clippers pegged correctly as "fool's gold."
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No need for papal conclave: Paul and Howard will be staying in L.A.
March 5, 2013
Dwight Howard and Chris Paul have big decisions to make about where they might play next year, maybe changing their lives forever.
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Young superhero has a team behind him
March 2, 2013
Sounds strange, I know. But I hope you never have reason to meet Dr. Noah Federman, who makes his living saving children's lives.
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Clippers' Chauncey Billups is the perfect complement to Chris Paul
February 27, 2013
I'm going to gush here, the local columnist going homer on you again as I do so often.
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What's wrong with the media? Just ask Dwight Howard
February 23, 2013
I have some things on my mind.
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Chris Paul has Clippers thinking big, despite thumping by Spurs
February 22, 2013
I'm thinking the best place for Dwight Howard's statue outside Staples is right beside Oscar De La Hoya's 7-foot likeness.
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If Jeanie Buss ran the show, could Phil Jackson's return be far behind?
February 20, 2013
Let's take this a step further.
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Shaq, Worthy are just more nagging pains for Howard
February 8, 2013
BOSTON -- So Mike D'Antoni, Kobe Bryant and everyone else wanted Dwight Howard to rush back. For this?
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Oh, rats! Lakers have some big injury issues
February 6, 2013
NEW YORK — The Lakers have won six of their last seven, but they leave here big losers.
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Not seeing eye to eye, Lakers' Pau Gasol takes long view of coach
February 4, 2013
NEW YORK — In this mess of a Lakers season, there has remained one crazy, befuddling constant: Mike D'Antoni's decision to embarrass and then bench Pau Gasol.
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Lakers' Dwight Howard says sitting out is painful for him too
February 4, 2013
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Kobe Bryant doubled over in laughter when I asked whether he thought the day would come when Bynum played so well.
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Lakers' Dwight Howard says sitting out is painful for him too
February 4, 2013
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Kobe Bryant doubled over in laughter when I asked whether he thought the day would come when Bynum played so well.
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Metta World Peace is better in Detroit than Ron Artest was
February 2, 2013
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — When Ron Artest first came to town I ignored him, wanting nothing to do with a wacko.
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Trying to figure out Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni's dance card
February 2, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — I came to this walk-in freezer hoping to get the best out of the Lakers because Coach Mike D'Antoni can't always get the job done.
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It has come to pass for Kobe Bryant
February 1, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — I'm liking the laugh-out-loud guy sitting across from me at Starbucks, maybe as big a shock as Kobe Bryant and I getting together to sip vanilla lattes.
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It doesn't take much to make these Lakers happy
January 28, 2013
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Lakers play host to a touching homecoming
January 26, 2013
The national anthem is just about to conclude Friday night before the Lakers' game.
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Mike D'Antoni isn't the one to flip the switch for the Lakers
January 22, 2013
Kobe Bryant said things aren't working and it's time for a change.
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So far, Clippers' Chris Paul is the NBA's most valuable player
January 22, 2013
It would be surprising if the chant in Staples Center isn't loud and persistent by now.
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Bill Walton never takes a timeout from talking
January 19, 2013
In a week when you thought you might have heard it all, I present to you Bill Walton speaking to USC students and bashing UCLA basketball.
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Get serious: Fun-loving Dwight Howard is not the Lakers' problem
January 18, 2013
Dwight Howard stood in the Lakers' locker room before the Miami game with an arm around his girlfriend.
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Lance Armstrong's inspiration wasn't a lie for many
January 16, 2013
The 7-Eleven Kid really is 7, a second-grader, and she recently did a report on George Herbert Walker Bush.
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Turnaround is wishful thinking for Lakers
January 12, 2013
Shaq was wearing a Dodgers sweatshirt at the Clippers game, enough blue cloth there to double as a Dodger Stadium infield tarp, and he was shaking hands with Manager Don Mattingly.
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Feel the passion, Lakers fans, as the moral victories pile up
January 12, 2013
I came to Staples Center on Friday night pretty darn excited, the Lakers coming off two incredible moral victories and Magic Johnson and Jim Buss full of good cheer.
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Watching the BCS on TV, Lane Kiffin thinks about big picture for USC
January 9, 2013
We're watching the BCS championship game together Monday night in Lane Kiffin's USC office — you know, the game the Trojans were going to be playing in Miami.
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Mike D'Antoni has been a huge failure with Lakers
January 5, 2013
The Lakers have a huge problem and it's not Pau Gasol.
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More Clippers voltage on an electrifying night
January 5, 2013
Everything is just a bit off for the Lakers so far.
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Clippers lay another sizable egg
January 3, 2013
OAKLAND — Double yikes.
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In this case, Clippers are guilty of slacking off
January 2, 2013
DENVER — How do you not show up when you have a chance to win 18 straight games and continue to change the way folks think about you?
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This is a crucial week for Clippers' winning streak
December 31, 2012
The Clippers' streak ends this week.
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Bruins' flat showing in Holiday Bowl takes fizz out of UCLA's season
December 28, 2012
SAN DIEGO — There have been rumors down here that the Chargers might be interested in UCLA's Jim Mora as a replacement for Coach Norv Turner.
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Vinny Del Negro's dad is in his corner — on the court and off
December 22, 2012
As homemade gifts go this holiday season, does it get better than this?
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Think Kobe's the problem? Here's the problem with that
December 22, 2012
I have the day off, recovering from a trip back East with the Lakers and old age.
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Those who blame Kobe are missing the big picture
December 21, 2012
I have the day off, recovering from a trip back East with the Lakers and old age.
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Always a superstar, Lakers' Kobe Bryant relies on his superpowers
December 17, 2012
— I am upset with Kobe Bryant, and when am I not?
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Steve Nash ready to step up as Lakers playmaker -- can he do it?
December 15, 2012
PHILADELPHIA — His life has already been one of amazing accomplishment on and off the court.
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Fun and games isn't much fun on this day
December 15, 2012
WASHINGTON — It just feels odd, maybe everyone is just a bit off.
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Mike D'Antoni's Lakers are very quick — to fall behind
December 14, 2012
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Dwight Howard cares so much it hurts
December 12, 2012
CLEVELAND — It's the start of a trip that will turn miserable in a few hours.
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For Kobe Bryant, Lakers' woes are question of characters
December 12, 2012
CLEVELAND — A rattled and clueless Mike D'Antoni, asked whether this latest Lakers' debacle against a Cleveland team with only four wins was embarrassing, said: "No.
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Dodgers spend as if there's a tomorrow, and this makes him giddy
December 9, 2012
Everyone is going to be quick to praise the Dodgers for spending roughly $208 million on Zack Greinke and a starting pitcher from Korea.
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Writing about the Clippers — and Mercy the Kitten
December 9, 2012
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Northern Illinois in Orange Bowl? Eat Huskies' dust, Herbstreit!
December 3, 2012
WE RULE!
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He's not shaken or stirred over UCLA-Stanford result
December 1, 2012
PALO ALTO -- What a great week, capped off by an entertaining and scintillating finish to a football game.
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Lakers' Mike D'Antoni puts accent on positive after going negative
November 28, 2012
Most of us don't speak West Virginian.
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Formerly fun Clippers are flat-out lifeless in loss
November 27, 2012
Obviously, Vinny Del Negro had to be asked whether the Clippers were holding something back on their recent trip while losing three in a row.
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Just wondering about UCLA's motivation against Stanford
November 25, 2012
To use an expression he knows so well, I don't give a rat's [tail] what Jim Mora says.
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Mike D'Antoni gets to work but looks as if he should call in sick
November 21, 2012
We hear about players playing hurt, but as Mike D'Antoni walks down the hallway for his first pregame media briefing as Lakers head coach, I'm telling him he looks like a wreck.
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Stand-up guy Pat Haden stands behind Lane Kiffin at USC
November 20, 2012
The hiring of Pat Haden as athletic director was universally hailed as a great move by an NCAA-troubled USC.
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No question the Rose Bowl is Jim Mora's house now
November 18, 2012
They announced Saturday that the press box in the Rose Bowl will be renamed the Terry Donahue Pavilion.
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Why not take a stab at sportsmanship?
November 16, 2012
In the name of good sportsmanship, what's going on around here?
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At least L.A. has one stable, winning franchise in Clippers
November 15, 2012
What an exciting night, and it's all about basketball.
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Mike D'Antoni's likable enough; time will tell if he's good enough
November 14, 2012
So here I am, the Welcome Wagon, the first media guy in Los Angeles talking to Mike D'Antoni and he's not quitting.
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It's unanimous: Lakers' selection of Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson is wrong
November 13, 2012
Phil Jackson was blindsided, and so were we.
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Lakers blow it with hiring of Mike D'Antoni
November 12, 2012
The Lakers say Jerry Buss, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak were unanimous in agreement, you know, in blowing it.
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Terry Donahue doesn't want to argue about it
November 10, 2012
I had lunch with Terry Donahue this week, happy to straighten out another UCLA football coach.
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Lakers' decision to fire Coach Mike Brown is all about the win
November 10, 2012
Great news.
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Imagine that — Jeff Kent voted off an island
November 9, 2012
The shock isn't that Jeff Kent is voted off "Survivor: Philippines" on Wednesday night, but that eight others go before him.
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Quite a late-inning comeback for Ross Porter
November 6, 2012
Ross Porter died.
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Marine veteran keeps a smile on his face, which is a medical miracle
November 3, 2012
So much bellyaching in sports today, so many athletes talking about the adversity they overcome, and Octavio Sanchez loses his right hand, two fingers on his left, his nose burns off and he says, "I've been blessed."
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If Chris Paul stays, Clippers may go far
November 1, 2012
The world as Lakers fans know it ending because their heroes apparently will need time to adjust, I thought I would check with someone who went through the same thing a year ago.
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Thoroughbred trainer Bob Baffert still has heart of a champion
October 29, 2012
Bob Baffert is flat on his back and hears those around him saying he has the "widow maker," like he doesn't already know his chest is killing him.
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UCLA ends up in upright position at end of roller-coaster ride
October 27, 2012
TEMPE, Ariz. -- I don't think it was too much to ask.
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Lane Kiffin is so promising — and so immature
October 24, 2012
I begin by calling the USC athletic department, and while on hold I'm getting Abbott and Costello doing "Who's on first?"
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You people in San Diego need to deal better with the Chargers
October 23, 2012
Obviously, the good people in Los Angeles are very different from you people in San Diego.
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Doug O'Neill earns respect, even if some won't give it to him
October 17, 2012
I like the guy, and that's before I hear about Armando Gonzalez and talk to Armando's brother, Ralph.
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Hooray! USC won! Now is that so hard to say?
October 16, 2012
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Nothing 'masterful' about UCLA's victory over Utah
October 14, 2012
I had such expectations, the cast sounding terrific, the early Oscar buzz.
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Watching the Lakers on TV . . . NOW how much would you pay?
October 12, 2012
The wife cooks every year or so, and there is no exaggeration there. Every night we eat out.
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USC's Lane Kiffin is doing fine, paranoia and all
October 10, 2012
My favorite TV show is "The Mentalist."
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Here's something nice: UCLA Coach Jim Mora is a lovable loser
October 9, 2012
It's a difficult admission, one that would trouble my poor mother if she were still alive.
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Jack Disney has lived, breathed and written of SoCal's sports icons
October 7, 2012
An athlete plays 15 or 20 years, retires and there is great fanfare upon his departure. Maybe tears, maybe gifts given, maybe his number hung in honor.
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Failures of Angels and Chargers have similar roots
October 3, 2012
It starts at the top.
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Dodgers' Andre Ethier tries to make talk about lefties right
October 2, 2012
There's no quit here, although I can only imagine how many folks wish I was on the verge of elimination.
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At UCLA, some dignity is lost in drive to succeed at football
September 29, 2012
BOULDER, Colo. -- Proving it was no fluke when Sacramento State, Colorado State and Fresno State somehow found a way to beat Colorado, UCLA did the same Saturday.
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Nice guy Don Mattingly is still looking for answers
September 28, 2012
SAN DIEGO — The other night after the Dodgers lost to the Padres, while the media met with Manager Don Mattingly, screaming could be heard from the nearby coaches' dressing room.
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McCourts' latest fight over money is real rich
September 27, 2012
SAN DIEGO — I swear I'm not giggling as I type this.
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Dodgers' fortunes took biggest hit when Matt Kemp hit the wall
September 26, 2012
SAN DIEGO — I drove down here alone so that I'll have plenty of room upon my return to bring back any Chargers wanting an early start finding a place to live in Los Angeles.
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Settle down all, Seahawks-Packers was a great end to the NFL week
September 25, 2012
I can't remember a better NFL weekend, a more entertaining end to a Monday night game.
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Bruins take the buzz out of their season
September 22, 2012
So I buy into this Jim Mora-walks-on-water hoopla.
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SodaHead Test Column
September 19, 2012
Right now it's just an experienced hunch, the NFL's version of two plus two equals the return of the Chargers to Los Angeles next March in partnership with the new owner of AEG.
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AEG sale may be a bolt from NFL blues
September 19, 2012
Right now it's just an experienced hunch, the NFL's version of two plus two equals the return of the Chargers to Los Angeles next March in partnership with the new owner of AEG.
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Adrian Gonzalez is worth getting to know
September 16, 2012
Find the nearest wall, start talking to it, and now you understand what it's like spending time with Adrian Gonzalez.
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Staying positive with the Dodgers, even during negative times
September 13, 2012
PHOENIX — Ninth inning, down by one run with Kemp, Gonzalez and Ramirez due up.
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Jeff Kent tries to remove foot from his cheek
August 20, 2008
I apologize.
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Lakers dont make it interesting
June 18, 2008
If Phil Jackson is supposed to be the best coach in the NBA, then how come he didn't send Vladimir Radmanovic off to another continent to do some snowboarding this last week?
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Schilling reaffirms that hes a jerk-of-all-trades
June 11, 2008
Curt Schilling is gutless.
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Giving the masses what they want: Lakers hype
February 27, 2008
The last few days much of the e-mail has been the same, but written the best in concise exasperation by Dustin Knackstedt: "The Lakers are No. 1 in the Western Conference and you are writing about NASCAR?"
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The Party's Already Over for an Old School Buddy
November 17, 2005
Here's what we know so far about the new Dodger general manager.