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Mad
About Mad Dog
by Kelly L. Martinez
"Interview
with a Mad Dog" was, by far, the most commented on article I have
written for Meridian. It's apparent that Meridian readers love the
Mad Dog.
Mark
Madsen and ubër-fan James Kanowitz.
One of the first
results I pulled up while researching for the Mark Madsen
interview was an eye-catching site called "Laker
Jim's Mad Dog Homepage." I had never heard of Laker Jim
before then, nor could I have imagined that Brother Madsen had such
a site dedicated to him.
Once on the
site, I immediately became engulfed in the world of Mad Dog. News,
stories, pictures (even the embarrassing type that only a mom could
love and have the nerve to share) and a message board...all dedicated
to Mad Dog. It was the perfect source of information for my preparations
for the interview.
Laker Jim?
James Kanowitz, 23, of New Jersey, is a recent communications graduate
of St. John's University. He has developed similar sites for former
Lakers John Salley and Kurt Rambis...not to mention others on various
topics. Laker Jim is a self-proclaimed "DIE HARD" Lakers fan...despite
the fact that he lives on the east coast.
So why a
Mad Dog Homepage?
"Mark was the nicest [NBA] player I have ever met," said Kanowitz.
"Possibly the nicest PERSON I have ever met. This site is kind of
a thank you letter to Mark."
Thanks for
what?
It all goes back to a cold and damp winter day in January of
2001. Kanowitz and a friend had traveled from their homes in New
Jersey across the Hudson to New York City in hopes of meeting some
of his favorite Laker players. Expecting to be tossed out by security,
Kanowitz approached Madsen in the lobby of the hotel the team was
staying in for an autograph. What happened next surprised Kanowitz
and deeply touched him.
"I asked him
to sign my jersey," said Kanowitz. "Most players scribble anything
and move on. [But] Mark actually cared. He shook our hands. I could
not believe how nice he was."
Laker Jim's
Mad Dog Homepage had been born.
 Mama
Madsen
One of the highlights of Laker Jim's Mad Dog Homepage is the section
called "The Madsen Report." After taking a look at Kanowitz's web
site, Erlyn Madsen, Mad Dog's mother, sent an email
to Kanowitz expressing her feelings on the web site.
"Last night,
Duane (Mark's dad) and I looked at your site and
we marveled," she wrote. "You are doing a great service. Surely,
all the work you have done represents so much time and energy. We
are quite impressed."
That impression
turned into a regular section of the Mad Dog Homepage. Sister Madsen
now regularly submits letters for posting on the web site...with
Mad Dog's approval, of course.
In regard to
how a woman at a Stanford basketball game had reacted at the sight
of Sister Madsen's version of the NBA World Championship Ring given
her by Mark:
"A lady I
hadn't met before come over and asked to hold it. So I let her.
When I put it back on my hand, she fell to her knees and began
to sob...and kiss my hand...repeatedly between sobs. This was
just a bit awkward for me to endure in front of everyone. So,
I gave her an extra Laker Cookbook, which I had in my bag and
ran up the stairs. At first, I was put off by this. But, now I
realize that perhaps this is actually appropriate behavior for
ALL OF YOU to adopt next time you see me."
Sister Madsen
provides the site with the wit and insight that only a mother could
have.
Touched
by an Angel
Stories submitted by other Mad Dog fans are also available on
the Mad Dog Homepage. Kanowitz met Madsen in person a second time
this season when the Lakers were in New York to play the Knicks.
A couple of weeks ago, Kanowitz and his uncle traveled out to Los
Angeles to see the Lakers play Dallas. Kanowitz' stories and impressions
about his experiences with Madsen can be found on the site.
Similar stories
of how kind and down to earth fans have found Madsen to be have
been submitted to, and posted on, the Mad Dog Homepage.
 Standing
Tall
Not since Michael Cooper and Kurt Rambis in the 80s has a Laker
reserve had the fan following that Madsen does now. LDS and non-LDS
alike have taken to the Madsen's personable, selfless and humble
attitude. Apparently, there is plenty of room in the NBA for players
that possess these qualities.
To some, this
might be interpreted as worship.
Perhaps on some
level it is. But it is indisputable that the influence of Madsen's
actions have touched many people's lives for the betterment of those
lives. Is this not the attitude and goal that we should all have?
As Madsen told
me in our interview, "When you play in the NBA, everyone tells you
what a great player you are; they tell you what a good person you
are. Sometimes, you can start believing it. But your performance
on the court has nothing to do with the person that you are. It's
important not to get caught up in the accolades and attention. We
have a responsibility to be good people. I think if we go about
our lives in a humble manner, the Lord will be on our side."
With positive
influences like Madsen's in professional sports, the effects can
only be positive.
(You can check
out the Laker Jim's Mad Dog Homepage at http://www.madsen35.com)
If you
are aware of an LDS athlete that deserves recognition in Meridian
Sports, please e-mail the sports writer at sports@meridianmagazine.com
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Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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