I have met presidents, more than one of them. I HAVE MET movie stars, more than one of them. However, sports people are the best.
Yesterday a former Oilers P.R. guy posted a clip ON FACEBOOK of Johnny Carson mentioning my name as he was introducing Bum Phillips for a guest spot on the TONIGHT SHOW in 1981. Chip Namias was kind enough to let me know he had the video. I did not. As for Bum, I recall my first meeting with the legend. It was a preseason game in the Dome in 1980 and my sportscaster partner at Channel 2, Ron Franklin, did the honors. He told Bum I was the new guy and had looked forward to meeting him. Bum said, "You have to set your standards higher".
I met Bob Knight in the mid 70's. He shook my hand and said, "I hope you aren't as stupid as most of the media." I don't recall my answer. We did become friendly. Hakeem once tried to knock my block off in the Cougars locker room. I asked if he was talking to the media. He just looked at me. I said, "Your playing does the talking". For whatever reason that didn't translate. Guy Lewis stepped between us. Guy may have saved my life or kept me from hiring expensive lawyers.
Maybe the best however, was my first meeting with Rudy T. Ray Patterson, the general manager, introduced me to him. After about five minutes it was obvious he had to leave so we shook hands and Rudy said "Nice to meet you Frank."