I came up with new leads for game stories by being observant and clever, by using the many gifts of the English language to intrigue and hook a reader.

I got to know Sugar Ray but I certainly would not say we were good friends.

I began learning the sportswriting business very early in life.

I worked with Rocky Graziano and Rocky was certainly a character.

My writing improved the more I wrote - and the more I read good writing, from Shakespeare on down.

Also, I am driven by a wonderful muse called alimony.

If I got paid, it was no more than five dollars a column, and I still think I was overpaid.