it looked to me and my wife at the time, like Bobby threw it--
Posted on 08/28/2013 8:05:28 AM PDT by chessplayer
A few months back, when I was swatting away the absolutely absurd notion that Brittney Griner could play in the NBA, I snarked, “Then again, Billie Jean King did beat a 55-year-old former pro that one time, so maybe Griner will totes fit into the NBA.”
But even that bit of credit was unwarranted, apparently. Because it turns out the infamous battle of the sexes—in which the 30-year-old King routed the 55-year-old Bobby Riggs—wasn’t a legit match. Allegedly, the fix was in:
The story is filled with fascinating nuggets. Like JVL, I hadn’t realized that Riggs trounced—just absolutely crushed, in straight sets, giving up only three games over two sets—Margaret Court, then the most dominant* women’s player in the world, just a few months before playing King. Whereas he trained long and hard for the exhibition against Court, he slacked off before going to battle with Billie Jean. Riggs’ son was so angry with his lackadaisical approach he apparently wagered on King to win—and he wasn’t even in on the fix.
DONALD TRUMP ENTERS THE SCENE....
Trump Offers $1M for McEnroe-Williams Game
SOURCE: http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100632&page=1
EXCERPT:
Real estate mogul Donald Trump has approached John McEnroe about a new, million-dollar Battle of the Sexes against one of the Williams sisters, according to a published report.
Trump has put $1 million on the table for a winner-take-all battle between 41-year-old legend McEnroe and either 20-year-old Wimbledon champion Venus Williams or 18-year-old Serena Williams, the defending U.S. Open champion, according to the New York Times.
The plan calls for the extravaganza to take place at Trump’s Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City.
“I wrote a letter to my dear friend John making him the offer,” Trump told the newspaper. “I have not heard back from him, but I think it would be a great event, great for the game, and very exciting.”
Johnny Mac’s Challenge
Richard Williams, father and coach of Venus and Serena, said in the newspaper story that his daughters would not be interested in any such challenge.
Neat stat. Does it assume that the 40-50 year old man has 20+ years of prior experience, including combat? ;-)
it looked to me and my wife at the time, like Bobby threw it--
Yeah.
It’s easy to laugh at mobsters and goombah gangsters. But never underestimate them.
Not really. Anyone can have an "off" or "on" day. Happens in sports frequently where the underdog trounces the powerhouse.
If Riggs had really let himself go physically, it would have been even more likely that he would have had an "off" day.
I always suspected as much.
If Andre the Giant was involved, it was a fake match. Andre was a monster of a man and I am not sure that Mike Tyson in his prime could have taken him out.
I agree with your skepticism. But then, to quote the very unworthy Secretary of State: “What difference at this point does this make?”
Billy Jean King is one of the few LIVING persons with something named for her:
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is located in New York City, United States and has been the home of the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament played every year in August and September.
( I wonder if Serena will have something named for her in the near future ).
I thought the rules were BJK got to play the doubles lines while BR only played the singles lines.
Didn’t care then and certainly don’t care all these decades later.
Williams will have to increase her HGH dose.
In his other life, Chuck was a liquor salesman who serviced the night club I was working. Seemed to be a decent guy, not a loudmouth or any of that showman stuff.
Looking forward to Sept 14, when Texas A&M comes back to earth.
Roll Tide!
Its more than just strength and stamina
Its personality and women don’t have it same as men
More emotion
Not good for conflict and stress
Young folks today believe myths presented as fiction
He had so much the ‘normal dude’ look - makes sense. Now don’t get me wrong - I understand he could still mop the floor with me after like 3.9 seconds, counting the time it would take me to collapse. Thanks for the info!
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