Charles Barkley, who has announced he plans to retire after this season and perhaps enter politics, has received his first challenge in the political arena.
Alabama governor Jim Folsom, who may end up running against Barkley, called the Suns last week to challenge Barkley to a game of "horse." Barkley wasn't in but was notified of the challenge."I'll play him in `horse,' " Barkley said. "That would be good. We'll raise some money for charity."
Said Folsom, "I decided on the game of horse because if Barkley's interested in getting into politics, he'd better get used to being called certain portions of equine anatomy."
As to when the game may be played, Barkley said, "When I take his job," and added, "No, whenver the season is over."
Larry Johnson, the Hornets' $84 million man, is already causing eyebrows to raise. The reason, though, isn't the money he's making. It's that so far, he hasn't justified the reason for the largest individual contract in sports.
Johnson, who suffered a herniated disc last summer, lost 30 percent of the muscle mass in his right leg. Against the Jazz on Dec. 4, he was simply not a factor, scoring only eight points, taking six shots. In one five-game span he made only 17 of 69 shots.
"I find myself running away from the ball," he said. "At times, I could've gotten the ball if I wanted it. I guess it's just a lack of confidence. I'm taking myself out of the game mentally."
So far, Hornets' president Spencer Stolpen says they aren't concerned about any long-term effects of the injury, and the Hornets say they feel confident that the $84 million man will be worth every penny.
Several pro athletes, including San Antonio's David Robinson and Phoenix's A.C. Green, have joined in a fight to promote abstinence as the only safe sex. They call themselves "Athletes for Abstinence."
Green, Robinson, Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions, Darryl Green of the Washington Redskins and Reggie White of the Green Bay Packers have made a rap video, titled, "It Ain't Worth It."
While Magic Johnson insists abstinence is an unrealistic approach, Green disagrees. "(Kids) are starting to listen better."
In the "Sorry to See You Go" department comes this old classic from NBA veteran Kurt Rambis, on Bill Laimbeer: "I'm sure his parents love him. But you'll have to get confirmation on that."
The Jazz came 28.7 seconds from setting a club record for fewest turnovers in a game, Monday against San Antonio. Going into the waning moments, the Jazz had committed only five turnovers. But two quick turnovers gave the Jazz seven for the game - one above their all-time low.
ADDENDUM: Washington General Manager John Nash on 7-foot-7 center Gheorghe Muresan: "Right now he's being viewed as a sideshow here and that's a shame for him. Over in Europe, he would be viewed as the best player on his team." . . . Barkley on Philadelphia: "For the record, I'm not friends with anyone from Philly except (Phillies hurler) Mitch Williams. I know how he feels. It's not good to lose there."
This column includes materials gathered from outside news sources.