Sports Redux: R.I.P. D.J.

The defining moment in the career of Dennis Johnson - who Larry Bird called the best teammate he ever had - came in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals against the evil Pistons (as seen on this clip). Everyone remember's Bird's steal, but it was Dennis' layup that won the game. And check out the clip; DJ is breaking towards the basket even before Bird picks off the pass. It was like telepathy. And now DJ is gone, dead of a heart attack at 52. Jackie Macmullan, Steve Bulpett, and Bill Simmons were the first out of the gate with their memories.

Red Auerbach, Dennis Johnson, and an 18-game losing streak. And it turns out Delonte West's been dating crazy. Miserable times on Causeway Street. The only silver lining might be that NBA will let you order a personalized jersey to wish upon, and keep under your pillow at night.

In other local sports news, the Red Sox and Curt Schilling may be parting ways after all after the 2007 season. Schilling said he was OK with it, and understands, but he must have been furious - his press conference was only four and a half minutes.

Sad times in Foxboro, too, as Patriots running back/workhorse Corey Dillon is ready to hang it up. He's experienced the high of a Super Bowl victory, and the low of seven seasons with the Bengals. We don't know what the future holds for Corey, but we're sure he'll chew up the clock somehow.

And because we need a laugh after all the rotten news all over town today: someone (nobody's taking credit, apparently) has created South Park characters representing major college football coaches. How come nobody's done this with the 2004 Red Sox?