The Seattle SuperSonics have fired head coach Bob Weiss and replaced him with assistant Bob Hill. That means Gary Washburn, who used to cover the Orioles for MLB.com before taking the NBA gig at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, has to write about another in-season dismissal. Sorry, but you can't escape that stuff simply by moving out West. Somebody should have told him.
G-Wash has covered four managers and coaches since August. What's next, Ray Allen failing his steroid test and accusing Luke Ridnour of giving him tainted B-12? Maybe Allen's mood will change in the second half of the season after a rift develops between him and Danny Fortsen.
Weiss will remain with the team in an advisory role. Someone should advise him to stay out of coaching. And far away from Gary.
Changing topics completely, former boxing champion Thomas "Hitman" Hearns vowed to keep fighting "a long time" after beginning his comeback in July with an eight-round decision over somebody named John Long (I'm assuming it wasn't the former Pistons guard.) I understand how these geriatric types line up a couple of easy marks in the beginning, but taking on his 13-year-old son was a bit much. Even Mike Tyson had his limits.
Hearns is accused by Southfield, Mich., police of striking his son during an argument, and he now faces misdemeanor assault and battery charges. Yet another current or former athlete in trouble with the law. Who's keeping count?
The teenager ended up with a small cut and a bruise over one eye. Hearns was released on $10,000 personal bond and immediately challenged Sugar Ray Leonard's youngest son.
