In this week’s review, remembering two colorful local sports figures. Both entertaining fans in various ways and through some unique moments.

Overall, 2020 is beginning on a somber note in the sports world. With the passing of several notable sports figures. Former NBA Commissioner David Stern died on New Year’s Day. Along with Don Larsen, the only pitcher to have a perfect game in a World Series. While two beloved Cincinnati sports figures also passed away.

Former Cincinnati Bengals player and coach Sam Wyche died last Thursday. After a battling cancer and a few years after a heart transplant at age 74. Wyche was a quarterback for the first team in Bengals franchise history. Playing in Cincinnati for three seasons, including their first playoff team in 1970. He also played for the Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions and St. Louis Cardinals.

Wyche was the Bengals head coach through some of their best years from 1984-1991. Guiding Cincinnati to Super Bowl XXIII; their most recent Super Bowl appearance in 1989. He also led the Bengals to a divisional title in 1990. Plus, the Bengals most recent playoff victory 29 years ago today. After being fired in 1991, he coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for four seasons.

Outside of the Super Bowl appearance and playoff success. Wyche is remembered as an innovative head coach through using the no-huddle offense. Perhaps the best offensive strategy the Bengals have ever had. He was also known for being quite a colorful character. From a coaching rivalry with Jerry Glanville; to his famous “You don’t live in Cleveland” speech. A coach that had a vibrant personality on and off of the field. In contrast to the “strictly business” personalities exuded by some NFL coaches today.

Another local colorful character that died recently was Chuck Machock. The longtime Cincinnati Basketball radio analyst, player and coach was 82. He was a player from 1956-57 and a student coach from 1958-59. During Oscar Robertson’s legendary time playing for the Bearcats. In the 1980’s, Machock was the head coach for one season at Central Florida. He was also an assistant coach for the Bearcats from 1990-1993. Assisting Bob Huggins when Cincinnati’s went to the 1992 Final Four.

Machock was a radio analyst for Bearcats basketball games from 1993-2017. The most notable moment of his time at the microphone came in 2000. In one of the most interesting moments in modern local sports history. When Machock was ejected from an NCAA Tournament game. Ejected along with then-Cincinnati head coach Bob Huggins. During a tournament game against Gonzaga Basketball. The only time I can recall a broadcaster being ejected from a game they were calling.

That moment would later result in a unique gag. A tally towards the end of a Bearcats postgame show. When Dan Hoard would announce the number of games Machock went without being ejected. One of several things that made Machock one of Cincinnati’s most beloved sports personalities. Machock was inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

In non-somber Bearcats news, Cincinnati Football wrapped up their season last week. Beating Boston College Football 38-6 in last Thursday’s Birmingham Bowl. The game was delayed for roughly 90 minutes due to lightning. This was ultimately a mismatch both record-wise and the final score. With the nationally ranked Bearcats ending another 11 win season. Along with getting their tenth bowl victory in school history. Facing a Boston College team with an interim coach and a 6-6 regular season.

Finally, a new college basketball feature will debut in the next weekly review. One that will hopefully be a reliable resource as the season heats up.