MCCOLLUM'S COLUMN: A few sentences about a variety of current topics

Some quick and short takes today on a variety of issues:

SCOTTIE PIPPEN, TODAY: The former NBA star and University of Central was featured on "Today" yesterday morning in Little Rock in a segment with Al Roker as part of his "Lend A Hand" campaign saluting charitiable organizations. Pippen, along with former pro and UALR coach Joe Klein and the Arkansas State University cheerleaders, were on hand for some major contributions to the Rice Depot, one of the icon organizations for hunger relief in Arkansas.

NBA DRAFT: After Blake Griffin, it was a shallow, "throw the dice" draft. It has been known for awhile Griffin was going to the Los Angeles Clippers. Therefore, it was a mundane draft, greatly overshadowed by major trades (which were probably influenced by a ho-hum draft pool).

THE BIG TRADE: The Cleveland Cavaliers now have Shaquille O'Neal to complement LaBron James. Could it be known as "Shaq and 'Jack?'"

WEST POWER: Have you noticed that going into Thursday, the West All-Stars have had mastery over their East counterparts in Arkansas High School Coaches Association's all-star games?

U.S. OVER SPAIN: It's a benchmark soccer victory by the United States men over a Spanish team that had not lost in 36 games and was No. 1 in the world which is a really big sports deal about everywhere but the United States. It's a notable achievement and psychological boost to soccer in this country. Will elevate soccer to a higher status among the average sports fan in America? Doubtful.

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES: Now, a dozen championships for both LSU and Texas. It was pretty clear this year that the Tigers were the best team overall. They had everything you need.

A FEEL GOOD SCENE: Three days after Father's Day, it was heartwarming to see LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri receive a warm hug from his father, Demie, after he led a team to the NCAA championship. Demie Mainieri is a former college baseball coach at Miami Dade junior college and inspired his son to go into college baseball. It's neat to see a father be on hand to see his son fulfill a dream.

THE PASSING OF A THREESOME: This is not directly about sports but it touches all of us who are are followers of all types of entertainment. But it's interesting that Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson all died within a couple of days of each other. Each was an icon for an era, and theirs overlapped: McMahon was unforgettable for his voice, his status as the ultimate sidekick and the face of the Publishers Clearinghouse. Fawcett seemed to always have a good-hair day, had poster-girl looks; an omnipresent smile and was true "Angel" for a generation. Jackson was part of the ultimate and definitive music video, "Thriller," was a top-shelf entertainer from his child-star days. Rarely do you have three different but definitive individuals of a culture pass away within a few hours of each other.

(Sports columnist David McCollum can be reached at 505-1235 or david.mccollum@thecabin.net)