If I'd had covered [ Brett Favre] in Atlanta, I'd presume he'd go down as another Todd Marinovich. Talent out the gills, but lacking the control and discipline to make much of himself.

When I was covering baseball the Reds had a first baseman, Sean Casey. His nickname was "The Mayor" because he knew and connected with absolutely everyone. Incredibly lovely ... even invited Red writers to his wedding. And that never happens.

Dyan Favre, Brett's nephew, is also a gem. Not just a favorite person from the book - a favorite person, period. I actually wound up writing this about him. Simply a good, righteous man.

Another riveting one was Sterling Sharpe - mainly because everyone told me he's horrible. Sterling was playing in a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, and I drove up to see him (and others). I approached cautiously, figured he'd blow me off, etc. But, instead, he was fantastic. I mean, gracious, down to earth, funny, terrific memory, pinpoint insights. Could not have enjoyed my time with Sterling sharpe any more than I did. And how many journalists have ever said that before?

A ton of athletes, even if they know your name, pretend they don't.

There are more great guys than jerks, so it's a huge list.

I'm not saying - in any way - that Donald Driver is lying or lacking sincerity. But I trust my reporting.