sports

Via @chrisspangle: “It’s so nice to have a Bob Knight scandal again. It really takes me back to my childhood.”

The players of Crispus Attucks High School wrote a new chapter in the book of Hoosier basketball lore—one in which underdogs could be kids from urban ghettos, could grow up shooting in alleys and parks, could be black and be a vital part of the glory of the game.

The Hoosiers film crew couldn’t get quite enough warm bodies to fill the stands at Hinkle Fieldhouse for the championship game scenes, so they fudged with creative camera angles.

The Cali boy isn’t afraid of color or pattern, loves his Christian Louboutin studded shoes, and cleans up extremely well.

“I really want people to know how my story started and the values and hard work that I embody,” he says. “A lot of my friends are from these amazing mountain towns. I want people to know that where I come from, it’s different. I hope it says something about my character.”

Don’t feel bad for him, as—like any good, swift safety—he deftly turned and signed with the 49ers for $23 million. It was as if he sang “Don’t cry for me, Indianapolis” about the matter on Twitter.

“Soccer, whether it’s an inferiority complex or whatever, has never had the traditional media platforms,” says team president Peter Wilt. “To finally have one like that in Indiana is unique.”

Paul George is a soft-spoken homebody who’s pictured more often with a fishing pole in his hand than a martini glass. The good news: George says he likes the newfound attention. “Now it’s just [about] getting out of my comfort zone and being part of big events,” he says.

Spring’s new exotic trend, Hermes-style bracelets, and a sale sporty types will race to this weekend.

When Ian Mahinmi isn’t blocking shots in the NBA, the Pacer channels his French roots into a tailored fashion line popular with his teammates.

@ChetStrange: “My whole day is ruined cause Ellen ain’t on the tv! These god dang Olympics!” #overheardatthediner

As the 30-year-old Pacers star, Granger, heads east to Philly, the Hoosier-bred Goepper, just 19 years young, is clearly ready to stake out his space in this state’s sports lore.

Eleven parties, festivals, and games you won’t want to miss in 2014.

The tennis legend put on a show, faring far better in the same arena than his favorite Knicks do this season against the Pacers. He defeated two fellow former stars and went out downtown.

Says Jim Courier of castmates John McEnroe, Mark Philippoussis, and Ivan Lendl, “It’s Valentine’s Day, and you’ve got to be with the one you love. I’m going to be with Johnny Mac and Phlip, and Lendl.”