Better than the old man

Not Mark Howe ... and so far, not any of the Sutter kids ... not Steve Gainey, eithwe.

Hell, the 'nots' are easy.

 

Not Hank Williams Jr.

Not Roseanne Cash.

 

Ken Norton Sr. was a damn good heavyweight during the best period in the history of the division, with all-timers like Ali, Frazier, Foreman and Holmes.

He beat Ali and broke his jaw in their first fight and gave him complete hell in their other two fights, beat the tricky Jimmy Young, KO'd Jerry Quarry and exposed Duane Bobick. He lost a close decison to Holmes in one of the best heavyweight title fights ever but folded in two against Foreman who did that to plenty of guys way back in the day.

 

I have no idea if Jelly Bean was better than Kobe. Certainly a better nickname.

But to assert that Michael Douglas is somehow equal to or greater than his father as either an actor or a movie star is madness, I say! Madness!

 

Jesus, man. Get a hold of yourself.

 

Tell you what, e-mail Ted Silary at the Philadelphia Daily News. He too will probably confirm that COMING OUT OF JOHN BARTRAM HIGH SCHOOL, Jellybean was a better all-around player than Kobe.
And for those who don't know, John Bartram also spawned NBA Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.

As for Ken Norton Jr. and Ken Norton Sr., it's kind of hard because they played two separate sports. Norton Jr. had some good years in the NFL but wasn't a Hall of Famer. Norton Sr. had some memorable bouts but he never won the big ones. True he busted Ali up but I saw him go against the late great Jimmy Young and he couldn't handle him at all.

Of all the father and son tandems that I have come across, Junior Griffey was the most talented WHO NEVER worked at his craft. I think that's why his body betrayed him after he left Seattle.
And yes, he has always been called Junior and it doesn't both him. I can't say the same for Ken Norton Jr. although since his dad's health has deteriorated, he's come to accept the name with pride.

 

Not Alan Hale, Jr.

 

Richard Petty belongs on the list - Kyle doesn't

 

In his prime Jimmy Young made everybody - but Earnie Shavers, who knocked him out - look bad. I'm convinced he beat Ali in their title fight.

 

Yes, Jimmy got robbed.

 

Hal McRae did not suck. He's nowhere near a HOF discussion, but he was a damn good hitter for the Royals.

 

Barry Bonds.