Hockey's class act Willie O'Ree, the NHL's first black player, enjoys teaching a new generation about the sport. [Times photo: Dirk Shadd] From The Wire Arizona Regains No. 1 Ranking in AP Poll Garnett Eclipsed by Jordan Farewell Report: Creditors O.K. Bid for Senators Green Surprises Earnhardt at Daytona UConn Remains Unanimous in Women's Poll Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

January 19, 1999

Hubert Mizell
For a year, Falcons QB is top gun
MINNEAPOLIS- Chris Chandler may be the NFL's best quarterback. John Elway is headed for the Hall of Fame, but right now Atlanta's guy is going better. Chandler outpitched Steve Young of San Francisco in the playoffs, then dramatically outplayed Randall Cunningham of Minnesota.

NFL playoffs
The Drive signifies Chandler's arrival
Several other teams, including the Bucs, believed he couldn't do it. The Falcons simply believed.

NHL
Penguins' Jagr learning how to lead
There was a time last spring when Kevin Constantine must have felt like a dizzy astronomer.

Isles get Janney for draft pick
At last, Lightning makes a deal for the center, who was destined for the minors if no trade was completed.

Lightning vs. Sabres
TONIGHT: LIGHTNING VS. SABRES WHEN/WHERE: 7; Ice Palace, Tampa.

Devil Rays
Two Devil Rays weigh their fate
Wade may accept deal, but McCracken likely is headed for arbitration.

Preps
Flying L's Who comes up with these names?
High school mascots range from the usual to the just plain wacky.

River Ridge gets second win over Rams -- finally
NEW PORT RICHEY -- To beat River Ridge, you have to believe that you can, insists Ridgewood coach John Herig, who had a hard time selling that point to his players Monday night.

Swimmer leaves school to pursue Olympic dream
Robert Margalis says goodbye to Clearwater in hopes of making it to Sydney in 2000.

Colleges
South Florida hoping for early invitation from C-USA
The I-AA Bulls say they don't want to be an independent any longer than necessary.

Top DB orally commits to Gators
It's non-binding, but the addition of Jacksonville's Lito Sheppard highlights a prosperous weekend of visits.