Columnist Sal De Filippo: Holmes works magic to dethrone Burton

Friday, Jan. 24, 2003 | 10:30 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4076.

Heading into the final week of the regular season, it appeared as if master magician Lance Burton had a comfortable grip on the Golden Nerf, the traveling trophy retained by the winner of the Sal's Celebrity Selectors handicapping contest.

In the contest, Burton had a two-and-a-half game lead over variety singer Clint Holmes. Because participants only choose three games against the spread every week, the only way Holmes could win would be for Burton to lose all three of his selections while Holmes picked three winners.

"I should have just tried to figure out what teams Clint would take, and just picked one of those," Burton said. "Then there would have been no way I could possibly lose."

But, because all selections are kept confidential (translation: nobody bribed me), Holmes still had a chance. When all six games finished in his favor, the championship and the trophy were his.

"I love that ball. I kept it in my green room all year and I'm looking forward to taking it back next year," Burton said as he handed the traveling trophy to his friend.

"What really happened is I got tired of hearing Clint calling and whining to me every week, so I let him win," Burton added with a grin.

Holmes, who headlines at Harrah's, was quick to jab back at his pal.

"Just sign it and hand it over. It's mine now. I'm going to get a case for it and keep it in my dressing room," Holmes said.

Holmes posted a 30-21 record against the point spread, an impressive 59 perfect, to beat a field that included Burton, Mirage impressionist Danny Gans, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, KLAS Channel 8 meterologist Kevin Janison, KMXB-FM morning radio hosts Mark and Mercedes, Stardust entertainer and "Mr. Las Vegas," Wayne Newton, and New York-New York comedian Rita Rudner, whose new television advice show, "Ask Rita," debuts Monday on KVBC Channel 3 at 10 a.m.

With the Golden Nerf securely in his possession, Holmes turned his attention to Sunday's Super Bowl matchup. His pick: the Raiders, minus the four points.

"I like Oakland to win, by about a touchdown," Holmes said. "I love Jerry Rice and his work ethic and I'd love to see Tim Brown get a ring. Tampa Bay is good, but I just think Oakland's offense is so diversified that they are going to find a way to score and I'm not sure Tampa will be able to keep up.

"It will be a close game, but Oakland will pull away in the second half and win it."