Many apologies for my extended leave today, but I had the rare opportunity to spend some time with Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan this afternoon. How's that for name-dropping?
Ryan, who is now in charge of the Texas Rangers organization, stopped by to honor Dallas-Fort Worth media icon Randy Galloway during his 5,000th radio show on ESPN 103.3. There are a couple of former professional athletes who still cause me to turn into a 6-year-old kid, and Ryan and Roger Staubach head the list.
A few minutes ago, President Bush actually called our show from his ranch in Crawford, Texas. I'm not making this up. Apparently he's a twice-a-week Hashmarks reader, which explains a lot.
In other name-dropping news, I spoke to Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, defensive end Chris Canty and defensive tackle Jay Ratliff this afternoon. All three players said they looked forward to playing with Titans cornerback Pacman Jones -- if this thing ever gets done.
Canty was excited to hear that Scouts Inc. had moved him into the first round of the 2005 re-draft. Some of you might recall Canty being involved in a nightclub incident before the draft that resulted in a serious eye injury. The eye is still a little bloodshot, but he now has full vision. He didn't have any other red flags coming out of Virginia, but the altercation caused him to drop into the fourth round, where the Cowboys traded up to select him.
That's probably why he said that Pacman could be "redeemed," and that he wouldn't hurt the Cowboys' public image.
"This is America's Team," Canty said. "I don't think one player can do anything to affect that, and I think it's a wonderful opportunity for him.
Oops. Gotta go. Staubach just walked in the building. Pretty remarkable day.
