Dr. I catches up on things with some much-needed spring cleaning
I dle Thoughts, while waiting for the WNBA Draft, warmer weather and for glasnost between YES and Comcast:
• Dr. Idle, Dr. I to his close friends, found it curious that his invitation to the recent Leadership Conference among ECC student-athletes must have been lost in the mail.
But then, why would 18 athletic directors and a commissioner think to invite the media to a league-wide function of kids talking sportsmanship and exchanging other ideas?
No opportunity for positive press there. Nah. • News item: The hierarchy of the Connecticut Sun decides to do away with the Senior Sun Dance Team as well as sound engineer Mike O'Farrell for the upcoming season.
Dr. I was rather entertained by the senior dancers and O'Farrell's cleverness over the years.
Sure more interesting than the basketball team since Mike Thibault left.
All parties involved were told the team is “moving in another direction.” It's the Sun's prerogative, no doubt.
But you know what really needs to “move in another direction?” The team's record. That's what. • Sorry, but Daniel Hamilton isn't ready for the NBA.
Storrs isn't lovely any time of year, but college basketball sure beats the NBA D-League. Which is where he's headed. Wouldn't you rather spend another year with the UConn Huskies than the Fort Wayne Mad Ants? • David Ortiz on a Farewell Tour? You mean like the ones for Jeter and Rivera? Oh, Papi. Get over yourself. By the way: What is he, exactly, supposed to receive as parting gifts? Commemorative pill bottles? • Dr. I's pal Dave Bergeron sent a link to a recent story on npr.org about seven Patriots fans suing the NFL over losing draft picks because
of Deflategate. That's pathetic enough. But it turns out one of the plaintiffs is named … wait for it … Mike Dimauro. No, really. NPR reported that Dimauro has lost sleep and can't bear to follow his team.
"It's too bothersome for me — it leaves a big hole in my heart," he said. (Sigh.) Just goes to show you that not all Mike Dimauros are insightful, witty, brilliant guys.
• Dr. I raises a glass to the great Jim Butler of Oakdale upon his recent induction to the Connecticut Football Officials Hall of Fame.
Butler has been officiating high school football around here for the last 40 years.
Can't think of anyone who deserves this more.
Butler joined Eastern Board colleagues Gordie Mauer and Joe Perry at the recent enshrinement ceremony.
• Dr. I hopes East Lyme boys' lacrosse coach Gary Wight is feeling OK.
He willfully went out and scheduled state power Joel Barlow to begin the season, thus missing the ECC bylaw that requires all nonleague opponents in every sport to feature the word “Tech.”
Imagine: a coach who wants to improve his team, not pad his record. Go figure. • In case you missed it: The women's Final Four was played in Indianapolis. Site of Giants 21, Patriots 17. • Saw this on Twitter recently: Nurse: “Doctor! This man needs an IV right away!”
Roman Empire Doctor: “Four? He needs four of what?”
• Really glad ESPN trumpeted it was first to report Kris Dunn is going to the NBA. Who knew? • So Notre Dame couldn't win Hockey East … and announces its intention to leave.
Typical. This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro.