Turpin Time

Elton John Needs A New Song: Benny and the Bulls

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Sunday, October 19, 2008 10:56 AM

     The Friday night game was great.  Deron, Roger, Rose, etc.  No complaints there.

     But, Benny and his wierd assortment of friends went all out to provide fun-stuff at every time-out, end of quarter, half-time - and sometimes while the game was going on.   The Bulls didn't have to do all this:  they could have sent the players and coaches and forgot about it. 

     Benny was the man - but he had plenty of help:

        1.In a video he threw stuff off the top of the United Center to see what would bounce.   A ball, a computer, a jug of water, a watermelon - and finally, Benny himself.  Dave Letterman would have loved it.

     2.  The Matadors - with apologies to the band of the same name, these guys were really Tons Of Fun.  Obviously, Jennie Craig has not been around.   Next up for the Mats:  a TV gig on the Biggest Losers.

     3.  Oh, that dance team!!!  There was a whole lot of shakin' goin' on - especially close up to broadcast row.  Red Ed Bond will never be the same after getting a close-close-up view .

     4.  At one point Benny appeared with a 6-foot leafy potted plant and plunked it down right in front of a guy who had paid big bucks for a front row seat - then Benny walked off.  It was hilarious watching the guy and two of his friends try to move the thing - so he could continue to see the game.

     5.  Benny showed his remarkable athleticism and dancing ability in a one-man dance recital to a variety of tunes - country, hip-hop, two-step, etc.,  and then a waltz with one of the refs.

     6.  And, how about those high-flying dudes.  They soared high above the rim - looked like they could have slapped the top of the board - while doing acrobatic dunks.    Great stuff!

     And, they didn't forget the Illini.   The Illini dancers and cheerleaders performed.  Then Mike Small's number-one ranked golf team was introduced followed by Bruce Weber's upcoming basketball team.

     Years ago the DIA marketing crew decided Illinois needed a guy like Benny.  They brought him out one night in a big decorated box.   He jumped out and began prancing around and the fans booed him off the court.  At that time we had the Chief - we had no need for a guy like Benny The Bull.

     What about now?  With the Chief gone, does Illinois need a 'thing' comparable to the other 'things' we see around the league?   A Bucky Badger type?

     One thing we do need is a return engagement of the Bulls and the Jazz next year.  Why not?

     Would nearly 14,000 fans turn out again?

     You betcha!

     (sorry Tina.  I mean Sarah)

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