M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

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.

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)

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