Bowling, The Wright Way - December 2, 1998 by Don Wright
Lights Hits, or Cheap Shots

I just finished reading ABC Hall of Famer and award winning writer John J. Archibald's column regarding the Pete Weber interview in Gentlemen's Quarterly (GQ).

When I first began reading his column, which he calls "Light Hits," I thought he was unhappy with the magazine and the writer. But, the more I read the more obvious it became that he should change the name of his column to "Cheap Shots."

I admit I have not read the column in GQ, but I have read column after column on Pete Weber and have found very few writers who say anything positive, or extend a hand to help Weber.

Weber's problems are not unique to "ugh, bowling." Alcohol, substance abuse and other problems are found within the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and yes, ugh, the PGA. The difference it seems to me is that all those organizations have programs to assist their athletes and promote their well being.

With Weber, it seems fashionable to bash him and make him appear to be bowling's bad boy. And, while we are at it, let's make a few comments about his wife, father and his financial situation. Looking back over the years bowling has not been without its "badboys." Yet very little was written about them because hard drinking, hanging out in the center lounge and partying was more readily accepted. Further, many of those bad boys didn't have the ability of Weber, nor the high profile father and probably weren't considered newsworthy.

Prior to Sainthood being bestowed on Marshall Holman after he became a broadcaster, he too was considered an outspoken, ill-mannered bowler. Yet, few remember his 1981 Hustler interview and the picture of Holman holding a bowling ball with well placed fingers giving all the readers "the bird." At least GQ doesn't have to go to court to defend its content.

This column isn't intended to defend GQ, Mr. Steve Freidman for his technique, or Pete Weber. This column is about the manner in which Archibald fails to camouflage his feelings and dislike for "ugh" Pete Weber.

Cheap shots such as "speculation on his future," "He's saved none of his $2 million and has nothing else going for him," smack of tabloid headlines.

If Archibald's intent was to review the interview, he blew it. If his intent was to bash Weber he was very successful. He not only bashed Pete; I can't help but think he hurt bowling's greatest Ambassador, Dick Weber.

My Grandson said it best when he commented "it's easy to write or talk about someone when you don't have to face them."

It's only about 12 miles from Webster Groves to St. Ann, Mo., and if Archibald believes the interview with Weber did not reflect favorably on bowling he should simply drive there and conduct his own interview. With all his awards and credentials I'm sure a major magazine would give him space to set us all straight.

See you on the lanes.