At Vet, They Can Find Seam in the Defense

If they tried to hold a players-only meeting for the fan club of Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, it probably would be in an empty room.

Once again, that wonderful facility ranked last in an NFL players’ association survey, the least desirable surface to play on.

The reviews were as tough as the artificial turf.

“The turf there is pretty raggedy, the huge seams are very dangerous,” Tampa Bay safety John Lynch told the St. Petersburg Times.

“I think when it’s to a point where you’re putting yourself in danger by playing there, that’s something to be concerned about.”

Said Denver backup quarterback Bubby Brister:

“I hate it. . . . Everybody’s concerned about [the Vet]. When you go down, it’s like getting hit once by the player and again by the turf.”

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Trivia time: When was the last time Bobby Bowden’s Florida State Seminoles missed a bowl berth?

Have goat, will travel: Ah, the good old days.

Kenyan runner Joseph Kibor is getting to races a little more easily now. Ten years ago, he once needed to sell a goat for $7 to take the bus to the Commonwealth Games trials in Nairobi.

Shoes were another matter. He ran the race barefoot and qualified for the Games.

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Attention deficit: Philadelphia Phillie Manager Terry Francona was especially distracted during the team’s recent 11-game losing streak.

“Before I even stop to think what city we’re in, I’m worried about what we’re doing,” he said. “I’ll call home, and my wife will be telling me about the kids, and I’ll say, ‘Yeah, yeah.’ All I’m thinking about is how we’re going to get someone out that night.”

Lou’s lament: Seattle Manager Lou Piniella turned in a wish list of 18 players after the 1998 season. He went 0 for 18.

“When the players you get during the off-season are coming off down years or injuries, why would you expect them to improve your club? We didn’t add any speed. We didn’t add contact hitters. We didn’t get experience for our bullpen or our rotation. We get what we paid for.”

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Line in the sand: The Jacksonville (Fla.) Times-Union reported that the City Council’s skybox at Alltel Stadium won’t serve alcohol. At least part of the skybox.

The side for the mayor and his guests will serve beer and wine. But the other half will be dry.

“The decision I made not to have alcohol was the right decision for me,” council President Ginger Soud said.

“What other people decide is their decision.”

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Trivia answer: 1981.

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And finally: Ohio State’s John Cooper, on staying in the coaching business: “I feel good. I’ve got good young players in the program. So why not? If I wasn’t coaching, what would I do? I’d have to get a job.”