Jordan Not Only One to Pass on Awards Show

In recent columns, Larry Stewart and Jim Murray stated it was a shame that Michael Jordan didn’t have two minutes to tape an acceptance speech in behalf of the City of Hope Victor Awards. The same holds true for Pete Sampras, who has turned down the City of Hope the last two years.

Also, Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson and NFL rookie of the year Corey Dillon had committed to come and canceled the day of the event, after their hotel reservations were made, their airline tickets were in their hands and they had told the City of Hope they would be with us in Las Vegas.

But Coach Tubby Smith of Kentucky did a last-second taping, and since Eddie Robinson got ill at the last minute and could not attend, he phoned in live during the telecast.

And Tony Dungy, George Karl, Pat Summitt, Carl Lewis, Picabo Street, Chamique Holdsclaw, Chick Hearn, Yolanda Griffith, Cammi Granato, Randall Cunningham and Nick Van Exel felt the City of Hope meant enough to take three days out of their busy schedules to be a part of this show.

DAVID MIRISCH, Victor Awards, Athlete Coordinator