Tonight's episode of the "COSBY" show on CBS "pays a
visit to a fantasy world where teachers, not athletes, make
millions of dollars and live a lifestyle complete with
groupies, shoe contracts and pencil and chalkboard eraser
endorsements," according to J.A. Adande of the L.A. TIMES,
who wrote that the episode "sets the sports world in its
place." Character GRIFFIN VESEY -- played by DOUG E. DOUG -
- is the "teacher subject of a 'pregame' show hosted by" CBS
NFL announcers GREG GUMBEL and PHIL SIMMS. Vesey is "so
large he hires TOM WOLFE to ghostwrite his autobiography"
and, as a "free agent," he "must choose between" a $50M
contract with his old school in Queens and a $75M deal from
Westchester. Knicks C PATRICK EWING, in a cameo, says, "I
blame the media. They treat these teachers like gods. I'd
like to see Griffin Vesey take an elbow from ALONZO
MOURNING" (L.A. TIMES, 11/16). Also in L.A., Karen Crouse
wrote that the episode "cleverly address[es] the absurdity
of society's values." Bills QB DOUG FLUTIE and 49ers WR
JERRY RICE also make cameos (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 11/16).
THE GOOD SIDE OF SPORTS: In N.Y., Selena Roberts
examines the impact of Trail Blazers G STEVE SMITH'S $2.5M
gift to his alma mater, MI State Univ. The "bulk" of the
donation went to the construction of a $6M student-athlete
academic center (N.Y. TIMES, 11/17).
KATHIE LEE TAKES A SHOT AT MJ: KATHIE LEE GIFFORD was
interviewed by NBC's JANE PAULEY on last night's "Dateline"
concerning criticism that her clothing label contracts out
to overseas sweatshops. Gifford said her husband Frank
"invited members of the sports world" who license their
names for goods to join a "fair labor association
committee," and said "very, very, very few people
responded." Pauley: "Who didn't come?" Gifford: "That I
was really disappointed in? MICHAEL JORDAN. You know what?
Michael Jordan, when asked about the problems with Nike in
Asia said, 'Hey, I'm a basketball player. I'm sure Nike
will do the right thing. I gotta stay concentrated on my
game.'" Jordan "declined to comment directly" (NBC, 11/16).
