Columnist Ron Kantowski: UCLA has the ticket — but using it is optional

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002 | 9:59 a.m.

Ron Kantowski's insider notes column appears Tuesday and his Page One column appears Thursday. He can be reached at ron@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4088.

Based on early returns, it would appear New Mexico is going to bring a lot more warm bodies to the Las Vegas Bowl than UCLA, but maybe that's because UCLA is marketing the game to the wrong group of warm bodies.

Instead of Bruins fans, many of which are looking at the Christmas Day game as little more than a lump of coal for a disappointing 7-5 season, perhaps still coach-less UCLA should be targeting blackjack or keno players or anybody else from Southern California who gets his jollies in Las Vegas.

According to its website, UCLA is offering several Las Vegas Bowl packages, all of which include game tickets and "deluxe accommodations" at the MGM Grand, beginning at a modest $220 per person.

But nowhere does it say you have to use the game tickets.

The Bruins' website has tried to put a positive spin on the game -- "UCLA fans are encouraged to attend Las Vegas Bowl" says the headline. Which translated means "UCLA fans are encouraged to look forward to next year."

But the tone of a story on CBS SportsLine.com probably is more indicative of the indifference the typical Bruin backer feels for fired coach Bob Toledo's not-so-lovely parting gift.

"Much of the joy of a bowl season has been taken away by a two-game losing streak, an uninspiring bowl opponent and a change of coaches," begins the story.

In fact, the identity of UCLA's Christmas Day opponent is never mentioned in the story.

So take the Lobos and that bushel of points local sports books are offering. Or even take a flier on New Mexico on the money line. At least it wants to be here.

A recent item in this space explaining the real origin behind the nickname of ex-Las Vegas XFL Outlaw Rod "He Hate Me" Smart generated some curiosity as to his current whereabouts.

These days, Smart is known as "He Cover Me," at least unofficially. He leads the NFL's Carolina Panthers with 17 special teams tackles.

You have to wonder if he would have been given the chance had his Las Vegas jersey only listed his surname above the number, as it does now.

One indication that the home team's basketball opponent is less than formidable is when it contains a hyphen in its name. Another is the price of admission. If it's lower than usual, plan on getting an early start home.

Admission to tonight's UNLV vs. Tennessee-Martin game at the Thomas & Mack Center is lower than usual. It's free, at least to anybody who brings an unwrapped toy to the game.

Perhaps it's a good thing that LeBron James, the prep phenom from Akron, Ohio, whose game against perennial high school juggernaut Oak Hill Academy was televised live by ESPN2 last week, won't be playing in this week's Holiday Prep Classic in Las Vegas (although Oak Hill is). From what we hear, Cheyenne High already has all the transfers it can handle.

But if I were only going to one local prep game this winter, Friday's Oak Hill vs. Cheyenne tilt at Green Valley High might be it. Oak Hill was rated No. 1 in the nation until running up against James last week.

AROUND THE HORN: While pro rodeo seems to have finally made inroads on network and cable television, the sport still has a long way to go, based on how the final round of the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center was covered by USA Today -- one measly paragraph, in the briefs section. ... The Nation's Newspaper should feel fortunate that it didn't have to witness that bucking bull snapping its spine and being euthanized following Thursday night's performance. That said, most rodeo bulls are treated like pets by their owners, which certainly beats being treated like dinner. ... My Thursday column mentioned in passing that former heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry was still suffering from pugilistic dementia. In reality, Quarry was taken off life support a couple of years ago. The guy simply had too much guts for his own good. ... With a 9 -4 record, the fledgling CCSN men's basketball team has hit the ground running. The CCSN women, on other hand, have just hit the ground. They are 1-11 upon breaking for the holidays, which is much more indicative of a first-year program.