At one point Friday morning, Michael Jackson accounted for programming in several languages, on no fewer than 18 TV stations.
Radio stations? Too many to count.
The sudden death of the “King of Pop” sprung editors and station executives into action, filling TV screens with videos, retrospectives and news coverage, while saturating the airwaves with his vast musical catalog.
It was a powerful testimony to our intense fascination with someone who was beloved and scorned and mocked ? but had a gift for touching global society that may be unrivaled among entertainers, including sports figures.
A few jocks, however, inspire passions to such a degree they at least approach such lofty status. With completely subjective criteria, here are 10, in no particular order.
Muhammad Ali: Ali levitated above boxing, above sports, above entertainment, becoming an icon for courage, activism and dissent. Conceivably the most fascinating athlete of the 20th century, Ali was a popular heavyweight champ whose profile soared with his matchless combination of looks, charisma, athletic ability and principle ? all of which helped negate his glaring imperfections as a man. Loved and hated.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson: They come as a pair because they represented racial harmony amid ferocious competition. Coming along after the turbulent 1960s and the adjustment decade of the ?70s, Magic and Larry conveyed a mutual respect that was seen and felt. Then, too, all fans over 35 know where they were when Magic announced he was HIV-positive. Widely loved.
Michael Jordan: MJ makes this list by virtue of being the biggest sports superstar at the dawn of the age of celebrity worship. He was an absurdly gifted basketball player who starred in an animated Disney movie, for crying out loud. Moreover, he managed through clever marketing to become a brand seen in every school, shopping mall and social event. Widely loved.
Al Davis: He lords over the Raiders, perhaps the NFL?s most recognized brand. Depending on perspective, Davis is famous or infamous, admired or abhorred, wise or insane. Never, however, does he fail to captivate. Put it this way: As identifying logos go, Al?s sweat suit is right up there with Jackson?s silver glove, Jordan?s jumpman and J-Lo?s butt. Loved and hated.
David Beckham: Guys marvel at his moves. Girls squeal at . . . his moves? The subject of abundant paparazzi, Beckham was plenty huge overseas as a soccer star/celebrity. Then he went and married Victoria, a stick figure who used to be a pop star known as Posh Spice. Commonly referred to as Becks, he is loved and hated.
Manny Pacquiao: A national monument in the Philippines, where he has run for political office ? and lost because he was deemed too valuable as a boxer ? Pacquiao is gaining traction around the globe. He draws crowds at every stop, in every country. That his fan base is predominantly Asian doesn?t hurt when one considers Asians represent the world?s largest ethnic group. Widely loved.
Tiger Woods: The quintessential ethnically ambiguous superstar, Tiger is an obsession for many, certainly among golf fans, whether rooting for him or against him. Of all the athletes on this list ? active or retired ? none has meant more to the profile of his sport. Hardly controversial and very private, Woods still is among the most recognizable individuals in the world. Loved and envied.
John Madden: The life of the former Raiders coach might not make good reality TV, but there?s something to be said for a man whose face is recognizable from 200 yards and whose voice would be recognizable from a TV three blocks away. Widely loved.
O. J. Simpson: The only individual on this list whose celebrity began with his huge head inside a cavernous football helmet, Simpson was the first successful double crossover star. Not only was he a jock/actor/pitchman but he also appealed across ethnic groups. Fame to infamy, we are now fixated on him for altogether different reasons. Widely hated.
Brett Favre: Had the legendary quarterback retired after his initial announcement, he wouldn?t be on this list, even if he is a deity in the Midwest. Refusing to leave has turned Favre?s life into a soap opera; he?s as annoying as he once was enjoyable. Being adored wasn?t enough; he seems intent on turning folks off. Loved and hated.
Among those disqualified because they?re no longer alive were Ty Cobb, Jack Johnson, Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth.
Among those who simply didn?t make the cut were Barry Bonds, Kobe Bryant, Brett Favre, Yao Ming, Joe Montana and Terrell Owens.
