Man of the Year

Roger Carlson

There was good news Thursday night, and even better news, as well,

as Irrelevant Week founder Paul Salata accepted honors as Man of the Year

from the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the National Football League

Alumni at the Long Beach Marriott.

“I’m done, it’s over,” said Salata in regards to his bout with cancer.

“The doctor said everything is perfect and I asked him if he’d bet his

own money on it, and he said, ‘yes.’

“So I’m back and ready to roll.”

With that said he readied himself for yet another chapter in terms of

deeds and rewards, the latter a roasting and toasting as Man of Year from

an association with two specific goals -- enjoying the camaraderie and

making a genuine impact on youth around the nation.

Jim Tunney, an NFL official with 31 seasons under his belt who flew in

from Pittsburgh for the evening affair, answered a few of Salata’s barbs

with some of his own in the spirit of the moment, then added, “Only once

in a while is there truly a special person ... with his generosity of

spirit ... over the years he’s made a real difference.”

With his wife, Beverly, daughter Melanie and son Brad, the lifelong

USC Trojan listened to communiques from NFL Alumni National President and

CEO Frank Krauser, and NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, then went on to

accept the award and continued with another salvo of his patented

Salatanese, alternately roasting and toasting those who were there to

roast and toast him.

As for being “ready to roll”, it begins on Sunday in New Orleans as

the Rams continue their hunt in the NFL West, and, of course, the Super

Bowl and Pro Bowl in early ’02 before the groundwork for Irrelevant Week

XXVII begins.