Somber News for Fans of Hawks Great Mikita

Growing old has its upside. It means you’re alive. And that’s generally a good thing. Growing old can have its downside. It means you’re susceptible to a variety of life-altering or life-ending circumstances. And so, as Chicago sports fans await Saturday’s memorial service for Cubs icon Ernie Banks, there is news that Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita has dementia.

Video below of Playboy Playmate Kayslee Collins.

“Stan has been diagnosed with suspected Lewy Body dementia, a progressive disease and is currently under the care of compassionate and understanding care givers,” his family said in a statement released Friday. “The family of Stan Mikita truly appreciates the support he has received over the many years he has played, worked and lived in the Chicago area. They hope the fans will keep him in their thoughts and prayers and respect his privacy during this difficult time.”

Like Banks, Mikita played his entire career with one franchise. Like Banks, Mikita has his own statue (outside the United Center alongside one of teammate Bobby Hull). Like Banks, Mikita is a Hall of Famer. Like Banks, Mikita is admired by fans, young and old.

Banks would have been 84 on Saturday. Mikita is 74. Both will remain in the minds and hearts of many for many years to come.

In the few times I was around Stan Mikita, he always was cordial and generally wearing wild plaid slacks. Or possibly a similarly wild sport coat. As if he was ready for the golf course or country club. For a man so successful on the ice, he seemed every bit as comfortable — and humble — off it. Maybe it’s a function of being from a certain generation. Or maybe it’s a function of being a hockey player. Or maybe it’s a function of his upbringing. Or maybe it’s a combination of all that and more.

“We are aware of the unfortunate health news regarding Blackhawks Ambassador and Hockey Hall of Famer Stan Mikita,” the Hawks said in a statement. “We are thinking of Stan and his family at this difficult time, and wish him well. Stan’s family has asked for privacy, and we hope all will respect their wishes.”

Here’s hoping Stan and his family can enjoy as much time as they can in this world and can find peace and comfort in knowing how highly people who know him or merely know of him think of him.

The good news for Bulls fans is the team was more aggressive in its’ game Friday at Phoenix. The bad news is the Bulls tended to miss layup attempts and free throws in their 99-93 loss.

Derrick Rose was 8-for-23 (0-for-6 on three-point attempts) from the field and 7-of-9 free throws in scoring a team-high 23 points. Jimmy Butler had 22 points in going 8-of-18 (1-of-6 three-pointers) and 5-of-8 free throws. Pau Gasol was 5-of-14 from the field in scoring 10 points and missed all five of his foul shots. Blame it on the double-overtime loss Thursday night, if you want. The Bulls have shown all season they are this capable of such efforts (or lack thereof).

The Atlanta Hawks won their 18th in a row, the Cleveland Cavaliers won their ninth in a row, while the Bulls lost their second in a row. In case you were wondering about some of the teams in the Eastern Conference that are playing better than the Bulls.

For those who missed Thursday’s “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris on Talkzone.com, here is the show with guests Jim Marshall (the former Minnesota Vikings defensive end) and February 2015 Playboy Playmate Kayslee Collins (not necessarily listed in order of appearance or importance to some of us). To partake of the audio and video, simply click here.

Here is where to go for a daily dose of non-gratuitous video (thanks to the elegant efforts of the editorial and video departments at ElliottHarris.com):

Advertising opportunities are available on ElliottHarris.com. For information and rates, contact sales@ElliottHarris.com.