Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 47

DETROIT FREE PRESS f-f Tuesday, Jan. 26, IS88 NBANHL SCOREBOARD 5 MOVIE GUIDE 7 MIL fr. The NBA's trading deadline is about a month away, so trade rumors some involving New York's Bill Cartwright .:,7 (left) are flying. See Clifton Brown's NBA column. 4 w2 The Red Wings' Steve Yzerman, although he's not i I complaining, is one of the NHL's most under- compensated stars.

Keith Gave reports. 11 'J Plus: Stats, local talent and players of the week. Complete report, Page 3D. Call with tporlt news: 222-6660 HBfl's 5-milHon man: Utah Jazz guard Rickey Green scored the NBA's 5 millionth point in a game against Cleveland. 4D.

Sports Phone (scores): 1-976-1313 Yankees won't pursue Gibson Hitch Media general formulates Super Bowl-is-hell strategy SAN DIEGO Good morning, men. Thanks for coming. Are the doors locked? Let's begin $1 .3 million in 1988, the final year of a three-year contract and Tigers third baseman Tom Brookens were among seven players declared free agents last Friday by arbitrator Thomas Roberts. In September, Roberts ruled that team owners conspired to stifle the free-agent market after the 1985 season. Gibson's agent, Doug Baldwin, said: "I've talked to teams in both leagues.

But there is no progress to report. Everything is exploratory nothing dramatic." Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Fred Claire said he talked to Baldwin Sunday and Monday, and that he expects to talk with him again this week. Before the arbitrator's ruling, the Tigers had agreed to trade Gibson, 30, to the Dodgers for Pedro Guerrero, but the Dodgers backed out of the deal because they feared Gibson might become a free agent. After the Gibson-Guerrero deal fell through, the Dodgers signed Mike Davis, a left-handed hitting outfielder, for $1,975 million spanning two years. Still, if the Dodgers were willing to spend the money, Gibson could help them.

"I don't know what the market is going to be this time around," Baldwin said. "I won't know that until the end of the week. Of course, Kirk is interested in remaining in Detroit." The Dodgers' outfield would already appear set with Mike Marshall in left field, John Shelby in center and Davis in right, with Guerrero moving to first base. But Marshall has been frequently mentioned in trade talks during the last few years, and the team has expressed a need for a left-handed By ERIC KINKOPF Free Press Sports Writer The agent for Kirk Gibson said Monday evening that he has talked to several teams in both leagues about the possibility of signing the free-agent outfielder. But that possibility apparently no longer exists for the New York Yankees, a prime Tigers rival in the American League East.

The Yankees, who have already signed free agents Jack Clark and Dave Righetti to multimillion-dollar contracts, said they would not pursue Gibson. General manager Lou Piniella said financial considerations were the key part of the decision. The Yankees had sought Gibson during the winter meetings, offering Dave Winfield for him. The Tigers rejected that proposal. Gibson who will get a base salary of power hitter.

Gibson will be a free agent until March 1 while continuing under terms of his current contract. If he wants to remain a free agent after March 1, his current contract would become void. He now can sign a new contract with any team, including the Tigers. Tigers general manager Bill Lajoie would not comment Monday on Gibson's situation. Although Lajoie wouldn't say so, the Tigers don't appear eager to give Gibson a multimillion-dollar contract.

He hit ,277, with 24 home runs and 79 RBIs last year after starting the season on the disabled list because of a rib-cage injury. Sunday, Lajoie and Darrell Evans agreed on a one-year contract that will pay the 40-year-old first baseman a reported $860,000. Free Press wires contributed. Most of you know me already. I am your Super Bowl media general.

I did Pasadena, San Francis' co, New Orleans all of the biggies. My goal, as usual, is to see that you writers have the wildest, craziest, hell-raising, gin-stinking week here in sunny California, while your bosses believe you are working like dogs. Now. In a minute I will get to the schedule What's that? Yes. We have the mermaid swim this year.

And the costume party. Say again? No. Miss January was busy. We got Miss August. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

But before we get to that, I have to raise some distressing news. It concerns a letter I received a A few weeks ago from one of our brothers in arm ime tor nype types chairs. Let me read it to you: Dear Media General can't believe it. My boss is sending me to the Super Bowl this year and, get this, he expects me to Jile a story each day! One a day! When I said this constitutes a cruel and unusual work load, he said. You guys Players only ones to keep perspective on Super Bowl don work Super Bowl week.

It one big party. Gentlemen, this is the type of thing we must address immediately, before it gets out of hand. I mean, what if other bosses find out? Watch for the waitresses SUPER BOWL XXII Let's face it. We have all heard the criticism: "You guys are so lucky. They pay you to spend a week in the sunshine and watch a football game.

Ouch. That really hurts. How did they find out? Well, with that in mind, I've taken special care with this year's schedule. Let's look it over. Sheila, honey, would you get us all some drinks while we do this? 'a- i i If I .1 (r Vt 1 OK, men.

Today. Tuesday. 9 a.m. Two buses will arrive at the hotel lobby. The first bus will take a group of actors, playing the parts of report' ers, out to a four-hour press conference.

DO NOT Redskins vs. Broncos SUNDAYftOOPM CHANNEL 7j GET ON THIS BUS. Yours will be the second bus. The one with the cocktail waitresses. We will cruise up toLaguna Beach, where tennis courts and wind surf boards will be made available.

Free, as usual. Also, all the lobster you can eat. When you come back we'll provide you with complete press releases, so you can dash of a story before dinner. Wednesday. Once again, two buses.

The first will drag those weary actors to hours of mindless By CURT SYLVESTER Free Press Sports Writer SAN DIEGO The super hype has begun for Super Bowl XXII. No matter where you go here in Southern California, you find reminders that the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos will play, for the NFL championship Super Bowl XXII banners are flying from lampposts on the downtown streets of San Diego. The newspapers carry frontpage stories on the impact of the game, and the sports sections are running over with Dexter Manley, Doug Williams, John Elway and the Three Amigos. Television cameramen zoom in on Snowbelt visitors enjoying the sun at poolside in 70-degree weather. One channel ran an editorial reminding residents to treat the visitors well so the NFL would return soon for another Super Bowl.

The Broncos and Redskins even got involved Monday, although the players might be keeping the game in better perspective than the promoters and the media. The Redskins arrived late Sunday and the Broncos flew in Monday afternoon, ready for the first of four days of press conferences before going into solitary confinement for the final hours of preparation. Some of the Redskins were awakened by an earthquake at 5:15 a.m. Monday that was 5.3 on the Richter scale. Tackle Russ Grimm said he thought 345-pound roommate Wally Kleine had fallen out of bed.

But will the game be earthshaking? "It's a big game, it's the headlines," Denver linebacker Ricky Hunley said. "But when you get out on the field, you're still going to line up against another body." Manley, usually a fountain of brashness, took a seat in the middle of a crowd of waiting newsmen, removed his stereo headset and allowed that, yes, the Super Bowl is what it's all about. "I like the excitement," Manley said. "That's what makes this game so unique all you people here, people watching all over the world. conversation with big, dumb football players inside a stuffy meeting room.

The second bus goes to the crawfish festival. You get on that bus, naturally. Thursday, while those actors, some of whom will have quit by now, spend five hours trucking back and forth to the players' hotels, begging for a five-minute interview, you will be on a private plane to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which is three hours away, but hey are we in some kind of hurry? After the mariachi bands, the buffet, and the lovely castanet dancers, we will provide you with complete press releases so you can dash off a Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams (above) worked with his teammates Monday at the first Super Bowl practice, but there was time for play. Below, Redskins guard Russ Grimm (left), defensive tackle Dave Butz (center) and tackle Joe Jacoby get in some relaxation. I like the cameras and the lights." But even Manley was on his best behavior, saying all the right Nothing too inflammatory, nothing to incite the Broncos.

"I'm gonna be me and what-ever's gonna be is gonna be," Man-' ley said. "I don't think I'm a controversial person. That's the way I whether people like it or not. "I have to do that. Sometimes I say shocking things but that's just the way I am." With the NFL title hanging in the' balance, however, Manley had nothing shocking to say.

Hadn't he said recently that Elway was a pretty average quarterback? someone asked. A look of shock settled on Man-1 ley's face. "That would be pretty stupid," he said. "John Elway is the best quarterback in the National Football League." Ah yes, Super Bowl diplomacy. Denver coach Dan Reeves and Washington coach Joe Gibbs apparently are approaching the game deliberately, hoping their players will not reach an emotional peak too early in the week.

Gibbs said he has put in "60 or 65 percent" of his game plan. Denver end Rulon Jones said the Broncos, who lost last season's Super Bowl to the New York Giants, aren't that far into their preparations. "Us being here last year could be a big plus," Jones said. "Maybe we See SUPER BOWL, Page 2D story before the dessert tray comes around. Friday we rent the yacht.

Just one little change On Saturday, a huge press room will be set up 1 W- in which the actors will type away at things like player matchups, historical data and predictions. It will look like it sounds: dreary and dull. You, of course, must avoid this room at all costs. Next door, in the Jambalaya Ballroom, is where we have the calypso music, and the judging for the World Professional Cheerleading finals. 1 9 liL'-i 1 The bullfight is Saturday night.

So is Miss August. We will provide complete press releases, so you'll be finished before the band begins "Let Me Entertain You." And finally, game day. We are modifying the rules here a little, gentlemen. Instead of the tradi Dantley still hurting 1 Overdue 'Train' happy tional 25-inch Sony Trinitrons with matching VCR that we normally provide for your room, along with aspirin and Worcestershire sauce for your hangovers, this year we are actually going to to reach Hall of Fame as Pistons limp home By CLIFTON BROWN Free Press Sports Writer dare I say it? ask several of you to attena the game. WHOA! HEY! Calm down! I know it's radical.

But we figure a few recognizable faces might help our campaign. Maybe one of your bosses will be watching. The Pistons returned home Monday from their five-game trip in worse shape than when they departed. Sunday night's 119-111 loss at Portland dropped Detroit 4 V2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the Central Division, So who's it gonna be? Any volunteers? Come and the status of leading scorer Adrian Dantley remains questionable. on Anybody i nere you go.

you two, in the sombreros. Thanks, guys. Next year we'll get somebody else. Dantley missed Sunday's game because of back spasms, Any questions, men? Good. That about covers "I was feeling a little put out about having to wait more than 1 0 years after getting into the pro Hall of Fame to get into the state," Lane said.

"But I'm happy that I'm finally in. It's a super feeling. I've adopted Michigan as my home." Lane, the 10th black among the 144 inductees, benefited from a local effort to include more blacks in the state's hall of fame. Lane, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974, said the state hall's selection process should be re- and he isn't sure whether he can play Wednesday night By DREW SHARP Free Press Sports Writer For Dick (Night Train) Lane, it was long overdue. Lane, a former Lions defensive back, was one of six selected for induction this year into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, it was announced Monday.

Joining Lane were Lions teammate Yale Lary; Sheila Young Ochowicz, a world champion speed skater and cyclist; Lynn Chandnois, former Michigan State football star; amateur golfer Glenn Johnson; and Jack Castignola, late Trenton High football coach. The induction will be May 26 at Cobo it. You can pick up your golf clubs and riding crops by the door, and please indicate how many guests you'll be bringing to the barbecue, booze and against Indiana at the Silverdome. The Pistons don't need any more bad news. Although they didn't play poorly, they finished their trip 2-3.

"I'm going to the chiropractor, and hopefully he can straighten me out," Dantley said. "I feel a little better than when it happened. But it's still sore." shrimp fry each evening. Oh, and by the way. You two volunteers? When you go to the game Sunday, think ahead.

Dantley's injury occurred in the first quarter of Friday's Don't let the cameras catch you with any of those pina coladas In your hands. 109-106 loss to Seattle, when he took a charge from After have an image to protect. See FAMt, Page 2D See PISTONS, Page 4D Adrian Dantley.