DURHAM, N.C. – He's 22 years old, but Kenny George doesn't own a driver's license – and it's not because he can't merge onto a freeway or parallel park.
At 7-foot-7 and 360 pounds, George is too big to fit behind the wheel of a car.
When the UNC-Asheville basketball team goes on road trips, the local bus company removes two seats in the back so George can extend his legs. He has to sleep diagonally to fit into hotel beds, and in class George often sits on the floor because he can't squeeze into a chair.
Suffice to say, the next time someone leans their seat back on an airplane, I probably won't complain.
George, a Chicago native, may be the tallest player in the history of college basketball. And while it may seem cool to dunk without leaving your feet, the truth is that his situation isn't always that fun.
Especially when it comes to travel.
Imagine talking with a friend in an airport and being interrupted every few sentences by a fan wanting a picture. Or being stared and pointed at as you chew your food at a restaurant.
It really is tough not to feel for George. He's college basketball's bearded lady, and everyone, it seems, wants a peek.
"There are times," George has told reporters, "that I wish I weren't so tall."
More and more these days, the Bulldogs are becoming protective of their friend and teammate.
"I feel bad for him," guard K.J. Garland told the Associated Press. "You go into a restaurant and he's not normal. He can't enjoy a normal meal. I try to take up for him at times. I'll tell people to back off a little bit. He's done a tremendous job of dealing with it."
Being under the spotlight has caused George to become soft-spoken and shy. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews and tries to avoid discussions about his health.
Gigantism is a condition in which a tumor on the pituitary gland causes an oversecretion of growth hormone. Deceased pro wrestler Andre the Giant – who weighed more than 500 pounds – is one of the more notable athletes who was affected by gigantism.
Nike has designed a size 28 shoe just for George, who stands 7-9 in sneakers. Academic issues forced George to miss his freshman season, and he redshirted the following year because of knee problems.
After averaging just 11 minutes a game last year, George has blossomed into one of the top players for the 14-4 Bulldogs. Along with 12.4 points, George is averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in only 20 minutes a game.
Even though he got dunked on by North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, George has provided plenty of YouTube highlights of his own.
George's passions include graphic design and animation, and although he'd love a career in comic books and cartoons, he's hoping his future includes a stint in the NBA.
"Can he play in the NBA? Yes," Bulldogs coach Eddie Biedenbach told the AP. "Do I think he will? He's got to stay healthy. If he stays healthy for these two years, he'll play in the NBA."
Memphis and Kansas – It's not far-fetched to think that both of these teams could finished the regular season undefeated.
|
Texas Roadhouse – Becoming one of my favorite non-wing restaurants. Steak, ribs, salad and loaded tater for 15 bucks. And don't forget the peanuts and the rolls with cinnamon butter. There's a reason this place is always packed.
DeMarcus Nelson – In one of the biggest goof-ups of my career, I somehow left the Duke standout off of my midseason All-Senior Team last week. Dumb as that was, I felt like even more of a moron as I watched from courtside as Nelson dropped 24 on Clemson Saturday.
Tennessee Hoops – Two schools (Memphis and Tennessee) in the Top 10 and another (Vanderbilt) in the Top 25. Just another reason to visit one of the country's most underrated states.
Rocco Russo – This guy e-mailed me and told me I would always be a wing fraud until I ate some bird in Buffalo. Hate to say it, but he's probably right. Luckily Rocco Russo – sorry, I just can't say the first name without the last – provided me with an extensive list of wing haunts for my trip there this spring. Now I need a tour guide.
WWE Royal Rumble – One of the year's top-grossing pay-per-views airs Sunday from Miami. Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, The Undertaker and Kane are great and all. But I'd love to see a surprise appearance by Kamala, just for old time's sake.
Torrie Wilson – Speaking of wrestling, you won't want to miss next week's Spicy Dish interview with the prettiest diva in the history of the WWE. Torrie couldn't have been any sweeter during our 25-minute chat, which included a discussion about her new business venture, Jaded. Click here for a sneak peak.
Gary Williams – Maryland coach has defeated seven No. 1-ranked teams during his career, with the latest victory coming Saturday against North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Lucky Dogs/Pinks – A few weeks ago I complained about size of the franks at the legendary Pink's Hot Dogs in Los Angeles. Although the toppings (bacon, chili, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, etc.) were tremendous, I felt like I was eating a Slim Jim on a bun. Luckily, I came up with a solution to this problem during a 3 a.m. trek back to my hotel from Bourbon Street.
After plowing though a few half-pound Lucky Dogs, I realized that Pink's needs to combine forces with the New Orleans chain. Meshing the creative concoctions at Pink's with the big wieners at Lucky Dog's would make for the world's best frank. Takeru Kobayashi would've met his match.
Michael Vick in Kansas – Vick has been transferred to Leavenworth prison, which is about 30 miles from my house. Suddenly my dog, Eddie, won't come out from under the bed.
Subway Smell – Thanks to Jared and the low-fat sandwiches's, I'll always be a fan. But every time someone leaves one of these joints their clothes end up reeking for the rest of the day. Seriously, what is that smell? Onions? Peppers? Bread? Ugh.
Southwest flight attendants who (try to) sing – Not that I'm a bitter person, but nothing grates on the nerves more than a flight attendant who mistakes the plane for a karaoke bar when she's on the intercom. Just hand me my peanuts, ma'am.
Eddie Sutton – Still think he's a good man, but returning to coaching (at San Francisco) just so he can get his 800th win is bad for his image and makes him look selfish.
Whataburger ketchup – Even one of the world's greatest fast-food places has a flaw. I'll eat my fries dry before I smother them with that nasty stuff.
|
Ohio State excuses – Spent most of the last 10 days being amused by the excuses I heard from Buckeyes fans about their team's 38-24 loss to LSU in the national title game. If we wouldn't have had five personal foul penalties, things may have been different. True, so next time, don't commit them. If we wouldn't have thrown two picks, we would've had a chance. True, so next time, don't throw them. We only lost by 14 points. How can you call that a blowout? I don't count touchdowns that are scored while the opposing coach is being doused with Gatorade.
Basketball in the Lone Star state – Texas loses to Missouri and squeaks by Colorado. Texas A&M gets embarrassed by Texas Tech and Kansas State. What's this? My alma mater, Baylor, is suddenly the class of the state? And people said we didn't belong in the Big 12. Ha!
|
If you've read this column before, you know that Friday Night Lights ranks as one of my favorite all-time television shows – right up there with Melrose Place, The Jefferson's Gomer Pyle, WWE Raw, Alice and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Still, every program has flaws, and I think I'm speaking for every FNL fan when I say "More Jana Kramer, please!"
Kramer, who joined the show this season, has done an excellent job in her role as Noelle Davenport, the significant other who also helped "advise" Smash during the recruiting process. Here's hoping her air-time expands.
As an actress, Kramer has proven she's more than capable of hanging with an extremely talented cast. And let's face it: She's the prettiest girl on a show that's already heavy in the hottie department with Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, Aimee Teagarden and Connie Britton.
Kramer, 24, was nice enough to chat this week about Friday Night Lights, her love of athletics and her aspiring country band, Moonshine. Do yourself a favor and click here to listen to the songs "Montgomery" and "Burn It." If you're a country fan you wont' be disappointed.
KOTR: You grew up in Detroit but now you're in Los Angeles? What has that transition been like?
Jana: It was tough at first, because I moved out here when I was 18. Right after high school I was like, 'I'm out of here.' I'm happy I did it. I'm a determined girl. It was hard moving away from my family, because we're all really, really close. It helps that they've been so supportive.
KOTR: What's the future of Friday Night Lights?
Jana: No one knows. Because of the strike they've shut down filming, so that really stinks. I think there are three episodes left.
KOTR: What if the show eventually returns to television? Will you be back?
Jana: I'll definitely be back. I still have episodes that I was guaranteed. So I'll definitely be back if we come back on the air.
KOTR: What was your reaction when you were asked to join the FNL cast?
Jana: It was already one of my favorite shows to watch, so I was so excited when I was asked to be on it. The whole cast is just amazing. Everyone is so sweet. Everything about it is awesome. Everything about the show is so realistic, from the mood of the town to the relationship between the wife and the coach. There's nothing in the show that's (far-fetched), which is unlike most dramas. Plus, I like the way it's shot.
KOTR: The way it's shot?
Jana: Yeah, it's kind of shaky, and I like that. The cameras and the angles they use ... it feels like you're right there and not like you're watching it.
KOTR: Any good stories about the cast?
Jana: I've become good friends with Adrianne Palicki, who plays Tyra. She's probably the sweetest girl I've ever met. Smash (Gaius Charles) is a great guy, too. As far as crazy stories … nothing too wild. We all went out in Austin on Halloween. We went to Sixth Street, and it was the biggest Halloween party you could ever imagine.
KOTR: I know you're a huge sports fan – especially when it comes to your beloved Detroit Red Wings. But are you much of an athlete yourself?
Jana: I used to figure skate for 13 years, so that was kind of my thing, and I played volleyball. Even when I'm on set, I just love throwing the football. I think every girl should know how to throw a football. I'm proud of myself. I'm actually not that bad.
KOTR: When did you give up figure skating?
Jana: I was 16, a junior in high school. Once my parents got divorced I couldn't do it anymore because it was so expensive. It's something I'd still like to do again. I used to teach figure skating, too. I'd still like to do that again if I ever get some free time. But right now I just can't do it.
KOTR: Would you ever want to be in sports movie?
Jana: I'd love to do that. I'd love to try something new that I haven't done before. Being a boxer would be fun because I'd get to train and learn something new. I actually love kick-boxing. All of my guy friends make fun of me, but you burn a ton of calories and you can take out some aggression.
KOTR: With Friday Night Lights on hold, what are you doing to keep busy?
Jana: I've got three movies coming out in the next year: Bar Starz (Feb. 15), Spring Breakdown (March) and Prom Night (April 11). Other that that, it's hard because there aren't many auditions right now. It's kind of scary, but I'm a singer, so I've been focusing on my music. That's been amazing.
KOTR: Tell me more about your band, Moonshine.
Jana: It's country and a little bit of rock. It's me and my best friend. We just got back from Nashville, so we're trying to get something started. We tried out for a (reality) show called "Can You Duet?" I think it starts airing on CMT in February. With the strike and all, it was the perfect time to do it.
KOTR: Are you enjoying the LA scene? What do you do in your free time?
Jana: I go to the beach, play my guitar, go on hikes with friends and hang out with my dog, Mia (a boxer terrier). I don't go out much. If I do it's just to a chill bar. Nothing too crazy. I'm not a big clubber.
KOTR: Last question: Who has been the biggest influence on your acting and singing career and, since we like to talk about food here, name your favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, Austin and Detroit.
Jana: For acting, it's Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep – she's amazing. Singing? I'd say Martina McBride and Sara Evans. As far as restaurants, I like Maestro's in Los Angeles because I love steak. There was a great sushi place in Austin but I can't remember the name of it. As far as Detroit goes, hmm, I can't think of anywhere, so I guess I'll say my mom's kitchen.
PREVIOUS SPICY DISHES
Amber Campisi | Danni Boatwright
|
If I can throw out my opinions each week then you certainly deserve to offer yours. From this point on, each King of the Road column will feature a Food Poll. The inaugural category: Best Fast Food Hamburger. Be sure to check back to view updated results.
Here are a few things I've enjoyed during my travels the last few weeks:
Sweet Tea at McDonald's – Maybe it's just a Mississippi thing, but it hit the spot when I was in Oxford.
Eggs Mexicana at Taco Cabana – Every college town should have a TC near its bar district. Their nachos, black bean burritos and fajita tacos are great, but there's something about scrambled eggs drizzled with cheese that tastes good on top of all those Miller Lites at 3 a.m. Or so I'm told.
Baked Cheetos – If you love chips – but are trying to cut calories – these are the way to go.
Chili's ranch – Order a cup of it with your chips and salsa.
General Tsao's Chicken – A staple of any trip to a Chinese buffet
A Kansas Citian is likely to go Gundy if you tell him the world's best barbeque resides in Texas. Others swear the meat to beat is in Memphis and North Carolina.
As for me, I'm an Oklahoma guy. I'm not about to claim that the Sooner State is elite when it comes to barbeque. But it does tout one of the country's best restaurants. On that, I'll bet the bank.
Now, I'd be tellin' a tall one if I said I discovered Leo's on my own. The truth is that I went there on a tip from Guy Fieri, who profiled the joint on his hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. When I walked through the door I was greeted by a photograph of former Sooners and Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer, who has made Leo's a regular stop for years. Another famous fan is Ice Cube, one of the great all-time rappers.
The top draw at Leo's is their pork ribs, so I was fully prepared to order a full slab of those bad boys when I sat down at my table.
But after scanning the menu – and realizing I probably wouldn't be back for awhile unless Bob Stoops quits calling on-sides kicks – I threw the waitress a curveball and ordered the Leo's special: brisket, hot links, fried bologna, potato salad, beans and, of course, three of their famous pork ribs.
I honestly hadn't come across a deal this good since I found a Mark McGwire's Olympic card for 25 cents at a garage sale nearly 20 years ago.
|
"The other one is coming," the waitress told me. "He wanted to make sure it was juuuussssst right."
Now I understood Leo's motto: "We make our food with love."
Speaking of love, there isn't a better word to describe the rest of the grub I scarfed down that afternoon. The fried bologna was sliced into triangles and reminded me of the fried bologna and mayo sandwiches my dad used to make, except Leo's drains off the grease. Probably the best touch, though, was the piece of strawberry and banana white cake that comes free with each meal. Glazed lightly with frosting, it was the perfect ending to what may have been the single-best eating experience of my life. The following day I actually caught a later plane back to Kansas City so I could go back to Leo's.
Hey, maybe that could be their new motto: "Leo's Barbeque: So good you'll change your flight."
The people who say that everything is bigger in Texas must not have tried the wings at Angry Dog, which is known in the Dallas area for having some of the best hot wings in the city. At least that's what the usually-reliable food critics at the Dallas Observer have said time and time again over the past five or six years.
Honestly, I could walk up to a candy machine with a dollar in quarters and get more filled up than I did by eating 20 of those little suckers at the Angry Dog. These aren't chicken wings – they're chicklet wings. And that tears me apart considering everything else about this bar is so great..
It's been awhile, so things may have changed, but the best wings I've ever had in Dallas were at the Renaissance Hotel off of Interstate 35 near downtown. Been there three or four times, and Raoul, the cook, has always hooked me up. The wings at the Renaissance are among the hidden food gems of the city – right up there with the taco stand at Fuel Stop on Industrial Blvd. and the chicken fried steak at Prego's on Greenville Ave.
***P.S. – If you're keeping track, I've had some nice things to say about the wings at The Watering Hole in Lincoln, The Peanut in Kansas City and the Lazy Dog in Boulder. I love suggestions, so don't hesitate to pass along a tip or two.
During our last visit we asked readers to cast their votes for the Sports Movie Awards. Thousands of you weighed in. Although it's not too late to participate in the poll, these are what I'll deem as the "official" results (first, second and third place only):
|
Walter Matthau, Bad News Bears – 37 percent
Pat Morita, Karate Kid - 29 percent
Dennis Hopper, Hoosiers – 19 percent
BEST SYMPATHETIC FIGURE
Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby – 33 percent
Derek Luke (Boobie Miles), Friday Night Lights – 28 percent
Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Beyond the Mat – 17 percent
BEST VILLAIN
Bill Murray, Kingpin – 29 percent
|
The Gopher, Caddyshack – 23 percent
TEAM MVP
Danny Noonan, Caddyshack – 35 percent
Marla Hooch, A League of Their Own – 23 percent
Meat, Porky's – 12 percent
MOST MEMORABLE PLAY/MOMENT
Rudy's sack, Rudy- 47 percent
Roy Hobbs' Home Run, The Natural- 29 percent
Lamar's Javelin Throw, Revenge of the Nerds – 11 percent
|
Dennis Haysbert (Cerrano), Major League – 45 percent
Tim McGraw, Friday Night Lights – 24 percent
Billy Barou (the golf club), Caddyshack – 16 percent
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Ali Larter, Varsity Blues – 40 percent
Hayden Panettiere, Remember the Titans – 32 percent
Cindy Morgan (Lacey Underall), Caddyshack – 17 percent
BEST ACTOR
Gene Hackman, Hoosiers – 46 percent
Kevin Costner, Bull Durham – 26 percent
Burt Reynolds, The Longest Yard – 19 percent
Lori Petty, A League of Their Own – 26 percent
Kate Bosworth, Blue Crush – 25 percent
Elisabeth Shue, Karate Kid - 22 percent
BEST PICTURE
Hoosiers – 28 percent
Remember the Titans – 27 percent
Caddyshack – 24 percent
WORST PICTURE
Caddyshack II – 31 percent
Rocky V – 27 percent
Side Out – 17 percent
Jason King is a college football and basketball writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Jason a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
read more | digg story
No comments:
Post a Comment