Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 December 2002 — Page 20

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Johnson to bo first Black majority owner of major sports team NEW YORK (AP) -Not too many people have beaten Larry Bird one-on-one. Robert Johnson, the billionaire founder of Black Entertainment Television, did just that, besting Bird in die competition to own the NBA’s new Charlotte franchise. The NBA officially announced Wednesday that Johnson will get the chance to put a team back in North Carolina, making him the first Black majority owner in major pro sports. “We are confident that Mr. Johnson’s background, resources and track record of success in the entertainmentindustry wiD make him an outstanding NBA owner,” NBA Board of Governors chairman and Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said Wednesday. Bird was devastated by the league’s decision, which followed presentations from both groups to an expansion committee Monday. * “I’m heartbroken,” the Hall of Famersaidinastatementreleased by his agent Tuesday night “It’s hard to realize that the dream I Ve had fin'so many years is not to be, and that an awesome opportunity, which would have been the grastest and most exciting challenge in my life, will not come to pass.” ! Bird has been a success at every level of his basketball career, leading Indiana State to anNCAA tide game and the Boston Celtics to three NBA titles as a player. As acoadi, he led the Indiana Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals. But with the expansion committee’s decision, Johnson denied Bird the chance to construct a tide contender from the groundup. “It’s difficult for me to properly express how deeply disappointed I am that we did not get the opportunity to build a championship team in Charlotte,” Bird said. Boston businessman Steve Belkin fronted the Bird group. The team is to begin play in the 2004-05 season and replaces the Hornets, who moved to New Orleans this year. After one season at the Charlotte Coliseum, the team will move into a new $260 million downtown arena. The franchise fee is expected to be $300 million. Forbes magazine estimated Johnson’s wealth at $1.3 billion this year, making him 149th on the magazine’s list of richest Americans. Though Johnson reportedly played down the issue of race in his expansion committee presentation, Chicago-based sports finance consultant Marc Ganis said there is no doubt if helped Johnson’s case. “As long as the person met the qualifications and paid full price for the franchise, it’s very important to bring controfling minority interests into professional sports, particularly the NBA’Ganis said. Johnson became a billionaire when media conglomerate Viacom bought BET for about $2.3 billion in stock in 2000. Ganis said the source ofhis wealth made the league's decision easier. “He has real deal presidents. He had something he created of value, that was easily identifiable and tangible,” Ganis said.

Miller needs to remain primary option for the Pacers

By JAMES M. KEOUOH Jit.

Hie Indiana Pacers are racing towards championship contention as the National Basketball Association season kicks into second gear. One of the surprises this season, the Pacers currently sport the best record in the East and appear poised to maintain this level of performance. What’s been the fuel that drives the Pacers? Youth, athleticism and a

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fensively have stimulated the team’s rejuvenated play. However, a quiet confidence and staunch competitiveness has been a key for the teams’resur-

igh, physical approach to the me both offensively and de-

gence. Third-year head coach Isiah Thomas has developed a corps of young players that emulate his philosophies and an unyielding quest for success is transforming boys into men. Certainly, the play of Jermaine O’Neal has helped catapult the Pacers into contention in the East O’Neal has become one of thebest forwards in the NBA. Heisathreat every

night both offensively and defensively. The tough, physical play and presence of Ron Artest has also been a catalyst for the team’s success. He leads by example and competes every time he steps onto theplayingfloor. Despite his relative youth, he has emerged as a team leader and exemplifies the team’s new identity. Swing player Ron Mercer has picked up where he left off in last year’s playoffs. Mercer, possibly the most versatile Pacer, plays small forward, shooting guard mid occasionally point guard and is a consistent contributor off the Pacers’ bench. Once he becomes more consistent, second-year point guard Jamaal Tinsley should emerge as one of the top point guards in the Eastern Conference. He has the vision, quickness and innate savvy to develop into a Thomas-like floor general. Coincidentally, Thomas is his idol and role model. Several Pacers and casual observers will tell you that Jonathan Bender is the best player on the team in practice. And there are times during games he emerges as the best player on the court Once he learns how to apply

his enormous skills to the Pacers attack, he just may emerge as the team’s best player. Bar none. However, the leader of the Indiana Pacers is Reggie Miller. Bottom line. While slowed by an ankle injury early in the season, Miller is working himself into playing shape and preparing for another playoff run. During the Pacers winning streak early in the season, the team was blowing past opponents and winning by significant margins. When the Pacers are in close games, his presence on the floor, in light of his reputation for game-winning heroics, gives the team an edge. This edge will be vital as this team, under Thomas’ leadership, tries to make it beyond the first round of the playoffs. There are times that Miller, the consummate team player, works too hard at being unselfish. He needs to remain a primary option in the Pacers offense. This will benefitthe team duringthe leaner times, as well as in the playoffs. The youthful, tough, athletic Pacers are a force to be reckoned with. Particularly if an elder statesman continues to be the pacersetter.

Thouqh Jermalna O’Neal's play has helped the Pacers this season, Reggie Miller continues to lead the team while on the court. (Photo/W.Thomas)

Harrison quietly keeps breaking records

Marvin Harrison makes it all look so easy: catchingpasses, breaking records, staying humble. The Indianapolis Colts’wide receiver doesn’t need choreographed celebrations or outrageous statements to draw attention. And he’s embarrassed when teammates suggest he’s been the NFL’s top player this year. “I don’t get into a lot of rahrah speeches or any of that,” said Harrison, who broke Herman Moore’s single-season NFL record of 123 catches. “I just go out and play. I know what I’ve got to do. I play hard.” Few could argue. He’s been as durable and productive as anyone in the league, even at a small-by-NFL-standards 6 feet and 175 pounds. Harrison hasn’t missed a game since 1998, rarely misses a practice and has spent the last four years establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers. Still, this has been the best season ofhis seven-year career andoneofthebestforawideout in league history. A glance at Ids accomplishments for the AFC South-lead-ing CoKs (9-5): • With two games still left, Harrison already has 127 catches, putting him on pace for 145.

Indianapolis Colts ractlvar Marvin Harrison (88) talks to quartarback Payton Manning (18) aftar tha Colts' 28-23 win ovar tha Clavaland Browns in Clavaland. (AP Photo)

•His 1^66 yards receiving puts • Harrison became the first him within 226 of the NFL’s sec- player in league history with four ond-highest single-season total, straight 100-reception seasons, and he even has an outside chance the first with back-to-back1,500-to challenge Jerry Rice’s record of yard seasons and probably will 1,848, set in 1995. make his fourth straight Pro Bowl. •His nine 100-yard games rank • He broke the Colts’ career third for a season, matching his records for catches (649) and career high and giving him an touchdowns (72), marks held by opportunity to tie Michael Irvin’s Hall of Famer Raymond Berry, record (11 in 1995). Even with all those big num-

bers, however, Harrison’s reticent personality has made him a somewhat unheralded star. Colts coach Tony Dungy has no doubt that Harrison deserves to be honored as NFL MVP. “But I don’t think that’s going to happen, because Marvin doesn’t have that type of persona,” Dungy said. "He doesn’t want that type of persona.”

Some of the other Colts are doing what they can to promote Harrison. Inthelocker room after Sunday’s 28-23 victory at Cleveland, Mow receiver Owhy Ismail interrupted an interview with Harrison by shouting “M-V-P! M-V-P!” With two-time NFL rushing champ Edgerrin James battling hamstring and ankle injuries after returning from a tom knee ligament, Harrison also has been the focus of every defense the Colts have played. Yet opponents haven’t slowed him down. He’s had at least six catches in 13 consecutive games and caught at least ninepasses nine times thisyear. Dungy often compares Harrison to the Hall of Fame receivers he played with in Pittsburgh, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. “What I’ve seen with guys who catch 100 or 120 balls, like Cris Carter or Keyshawn Johnson, is that it takes a toll on you,” Dungy said. “They couldn’t practice again till Wednesday or Thursday. Marvin’s not like that He’ll practice full speed Monday.” Harrison can’t explain it He only worries about a few dropped passes and the missed opportunities, and he doesn’t care how others depict his skills. He just wants to keep catching

passes.

“What I told myself was ‘stay hungry, never get satisfied,”* he said. “I think that’s why I do some ofthethingsldo.”

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