Monday, June 18, 2007 Sayson: How Eva turned me into a hush puppy By Homer Sayson Second Overtime
CHICAGO—Cigar smoke hung heavily in the air, burning my eyes as it gaze around a jubilant Spurs locker room that had just swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to capture their fourth title in nine years.
Team owner Lester Holt, clad in Spurs black, volleyed back and forth with the elbow-to-elbow media. In front of him sat a huge plastic container, full of ice and canned beer and lots of champagne.
Brent Barry, a bottle Dom Perignon in his right hand, was all smiles. So was Tim Duncan, Finals MVP Tony Parker and 11-year Michael Finley, who clutched the Game 4 ball that was now his to keep.
Robert Horry sat on a stool near the showers. He talked about how sweet his seventh championship was. And he reluctantly answered questions about possible retirement. Beno Udrih and pals clustered in the small room for coaches in a tiny hallway leading to the lockers.
It was a sight to behold, a roomful of happy faces taking turns in hugging and kissing the beautiful Larry O’Brien trophy.
I’ve been to a few NBA championship locker rooms in the past, but my experience at the Quicken Loans Arena Thursday night was the most fun I’ve ever had. Outside the Spurs locker room, I met and chatted briefly with the woman of my dreams, Ms. Eva Longoria, the soon-to-be Mrs. Tony Parker.
Ms. Eva made my knees buckle. Wearing the slightest amount of make-up, the former Miss Texas is even prettier up close, and she doesn’t have that movie star air about her.
I’ve mentioned her repeatedly on my NBA segment at radio dyAB, and I’ve written innumerable columns about her as well. I’m a big fan of hers and her show, the Desperate Housewives.
But when I finally got to meet her, cheek-to-cheek, in a crowded hallway, I turned into a hush puppy. My jaws locked. Talking became a labor. I tried opening my big mouth, eager to strike a conversation, but the words wouldn’t come out. It was as though I was brain dead.
Beside this column today is a photo of my chance encounter with Eva. Sun.Star Cebu readers on the Internet can also view the picture by subscribing to our e-paper.
Since I wrote about having a photo-op with Eva in one of my NBA Finals Diaries this week, I have been bombarded with requests for Eva’s pictures. Ok guys, you’re in luck. I’ve decided to share Eva’s pictures. It would be a crime to keep her to myself. .
THANKS. On a personal note, I’d like to thank City Hall super employee Jun Dumayhag of the office of Cebu City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera for his assistance in helping resolve a major school skirmish involving my son Lorenz and his school teacher.
The teacher named Mr. Mario Nardo, apparently a Manny Pacquiao wannabe, was accused of striking my eldest child two weeks ago. His alleged heavy-handed ways sparked a DepEd investigation, which led to a reprimand and a stern warning.
Honestly, though, I’m still mad beyond words. The thought of someone hitting my son makes my blood boil. And each time I think of the fear and the trauma that was inflicted upon my son, I feel a sense of rage, a thirsty need for retribution.
If other kids were also maltreated by this Mr. Nardo, I hope they come forward like my son did. Abusive teachers should be weeded out. Such teachers have no place in any learning institution. Our educational system needs role models, not pseudo-Hitlers who reign with terror.
P.S. I’ve received tons of e-mails since my trip to Cleveland for the NBA Finals. I haven’t forsaken you, my dear letter-writers, I just didn’t have the time and space to do it. But I’ll get to you sometime this week. Thanks for your support.
