Sometimes the Best Highlights are After the Game

By Travis Williams
It’s 11:00pm on Saturday night in a nearly empty Conseco Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers just dropped off a drowsy Chicago Bulls team over an hour ago and almost every player has found the exit and made their way home. All that's left is Pacer scoring machine Danny Granger, guard Earl Watson, radio host Estel Walker and Main Event Sports blogger...me.

First you have to understand that my man Walker is a breathing sports almanac. He knows stats, dates and winners, but also knows the real reason behind a player stats, why the game was played on that date and exactly why the team won or lost. Pack that in a 6’4 lanky frame along with enough charisma to make you believe John Stockton would’ve won a dunk contest if he had got in it. 

Now pair him with Watson, a nine year NBA vet, former UCLA hooper, and a guy who is a Bruin to the core. The man actually keeps a UCLA media guide in his locker for the rare moments when he can’t recall the most insignificant Bruin fact. Now add Danny Granger and his love for his former school and surging 12th ranked New Mexico Lobos.

"We'll smack UCLA!” Granger yells across the room after Watson belittles New Mexico’s latest win over 13th ranked BYU. That’s all it takes for Watson to spend the next 45 minutes explaining to anyone (specifically Walker) that UCLA is the best athletic program.
Ever.

The funniest part of the entire night may have been this exchange.

Watson: UCLA is the greatest  program ever. There’s no other athletic program that comes close in total championships.

Walker: Ok, I see they’ve got you to drink the Kool-Aid too huh?

Watson: What? That’s the most racist comment ever. I don’t even like Kool-Aid! You think because I’m black I have to drink Kool-Aid? I’m part Mexican…Na, I’m just %&a*#*ing with you!

Walker: I've got to get you on my show.
Watson:  You don't want me on your show, I'll get it cancelled!  Holla at me when you get on XM.