Email Author John Gonzalez

2003 Stories by John Gonzalez

• Pull the Plug

  published December 25, 2003

  Years ago, before the world beat me down and left me a cynical shell of a man, I had dreams. I wanted to go places and do things. (What, you think... More >>

• Bad Rap

  published December 18, 2003

  In sports, particularly among the media, rumors are like venereal diseases: There are a lot of them out there, and they're quickly and easily... More >>

• Head Cases

  published December 11, 2003

  PHILADELPHIA--The week leading up to the Cowboys-Eagles clash told the story before a down had been played. It was quiet in Dallas, almost eerily... More >>

• Thanks for Nothing

  published November 27, 2003

  At some point, my attitude about Thanksgiving shifted from acceptance--even, on occasion, anticipation--to discontent. That probably had a lot to... More >>

• Where's the Love?

  published November 20, 2003

  Warren Sapp is a large, loud man who is hated by some, loved by others. He is also a truth-teller. A few weeks back, the Tampa Bay Bucs defensive... More >>

• Delk Does Dallas

  published November 13, 2003

  This is not what Tony Delk wants to hear. Not now, not when he's just finished practicing, not when a warm shower and some rest beckon... More >>

• Stretch Armstrong

  published November 6, 2003

  As you might expect, I've gotten my ass kicked plenty during the past 26 years. Generally it's a direct result of opening my stupid mouth--an... More >>

• License to Thrill

  published October 30, 2003

  It was early Monday morning, and I was on my way to the dentist. A friend called with good news just before my appointment: Raef LaFrentz had been... More >>

• Mr. Nice Guy

  published October 23, 2003

  It is midafternoon, and another day of Mavericks training camp has wrapped up, sending the players scurrying from the practice court in the lower... More >>

• Cowboy Up

  published October 16, 2003

  It was Saturday night before the Eagles-Cowboys game, and some writer friends of mine from Philly were in town. They were looking for a grand... More >>

• Out of Luck

  published October 9, 2003

  I'm a loser. There's really no other way to put it. This probably doesn't shock most of you, particularly those who know me personally or those... More >>

• Carrying the Load

  published October 2, 2003

  Legends don't wait in line. That's just the way it works. Tony Dorsett was out at Valley Ranch recently. He was standing with various media... More >>

• Mr. Behind-the-Scene

  published September 25, 2003

  Terdema Ussery is in his office. He's talking on the phone in lengthy, measured sentences, answering every question with cool aplomb, which... More >>

• Kick Ace

  published September 25, 2003

  Everyone is pissed at Billy Cundiff. On most days, no one really cares enough about him to develop any emotion whatsoever. But this isn't most... More >>

• Hilarity Stripe

  published September 18, 2003

  My childhood can only be described as traumatic. When my mother wasn't finding excuses to hand down a beating with her big wooden spoon (You... More >>

• Backup Plan

  published September 11, 2003

  This won't do. This won't do at all. Tony Romo is absorbed in the book he's reading, which would otherwise be fine, except this is... More >>

• Summer Reruns

  published July 31, 2003

  It's vacation time. Has to be done. The heat here is unbearable, and the sports aren't much better--a good time to flee Dallas. A chance to get my... More >>

• Decked

  published July 24, 2003

  About a month ago I was in Shreveport on the back end of a 10-hour poker session. I was struggling to keep my eyes open. The cocktail waitress who... More >>

• The Kids Are All Right

  published July 3, 2003

  "Ernie Kent" sounds like a superhero name, or at least the name of his alter ego. Which is fine, because his mannerisms and speech fit that mold.... More >>

• Dog Days

  published June 19, 2003

  It's June in Dallas--a horrible combination. The weather is hot and sticky. The bars are crowded. Bastard children with no one to school them run... More >>

• Amateur Hour

  published June 12, 2003

  I didn't do it. I swear. I wish I had, but this time someone else orchestrated the whole wonderful scheme. And bless them for it. Bill... More >>

• House of Cards

  published June 5, 2003

  One week later, no one can forget the Great Mavs Collapse of Game 6. It'll probably be that way forever. It's going to become one of those "where... More >>

• Hot in Here

  published May 22, 2003

  This wasn't supposed to happen. Don Nelson wasn't supposed to be at the podium talking about the Western Conference Finals and looking at ease. He... More >>

• The Nick of Time

  published May 15, 2003

  Strange things happen on Saturday nights in Dallas. People roam the streets freely, wildly intoxicated and blissfully oblivious. It is a night of... More >>

• Life's a Pitch

  published May 8, 2003

  The back-road drive into Tomball is stereotypical Texas. Cattle graze on long, flat prairies spotted with yellow dandelions. Trees are scarce;... More >>