Spellman’s Scorecard: News on Pistorius tough to take

I fell for it, I admit.

I loved the saga of Oscar Pistorius. I loved how he seemed to be uniting his country, how he was fighting to overcome his disability despite constant obstacles, and how he had become an inspiration to millions around the world.

He was the Blade Runner and, honestly, the only Olympian I can remember actually rooting for in eons.

Now comes news that Pistorius has been charged with murdering his girlfriend.

Ugh.

I’m disappointed in myself for buying the hype and sad for all those who saw him as a hero.

Bottom line:Charles Barkley is still right.On a much more upbeat note:Isn#146;t it nice that the shootout order is about the only controversy surrounding the Blackhawks these days?Sure, that might change when Daniel Carcillo returns full time, but for now let#146;s just enjoy the ride.No, you#146;re out of order:Here#146;s my pick for the third guy Coach Q ought to send out for shootouts: Brandon Saad.Why not?Just wondering:How are all those snapped-up Twinkies selling on eBay these days?Petal to the metal:I guess it#146;s appropriate that during Valentine#146;s week we#146;ve been hearing so much about Flowers and Rose.One needs to bloom quickly, but the other can #151; and should #151; wait #146;til fall to re-emerge if that#146;s what#146;s best for him and his ailing knee.Michael at 50:That shot of Michael Jordan on the cover of this week#146;s SI took me back.So many great memories.Unfortunately, the one I can#146;t erase is that of M.J. delivering that snarky Hall of Fame speech.Oh for a do-over on that one.Remember that one time?The only other year the Bears have had the 20th pick in the NFL draft was 1974, when they selected defensive lineman Dave Gallagher out of Michigan.Yeah, I don#146;t remember him either.What may lie ahead:For an idea of what caliber of player might be available at the No. 20 spot, here are the Bears picks in the 18-22 range over the years:Otis Wilson (19th, 1980), Willie Gault (18th, 1983), William Perry (22nd, 1985), Stan Thomas (22nd, 1991), Alonzo Spellman (22nd, 1992), Rashaan Salaam (21st, 1995), Rex Grossman (22nd, 2003) and Shea McClellin (19th, 2012).Gotta say:Sooo glad they#146;re not picking 22nd this year.Too close for comfort:That asteroid that#146;s passing awfully close by today isn#146;t going to hit us, right? Right?BTW, is there a plan in place if one was actually coming straight toward us?Tell me someone#146;s on this!Question:In a shortened season like this one, does the winning NHL team hoist the Stan Cup?Yeah, that was stupid.For your viewing pleasure:If you haven#146;t seen it yet and have a minute of free time, check out the video of the condor getting loose before a hockey game.Typical horse racing calendar:Hawthorne opens its spring meet Friday, while Arlington and the ITHA continue on their year-round squabble.Good times.Kudos Padre:When I was in grade school at St. James #151; wearing a uniform straight out of the #145;husky#146; section at Crawford#146;s #151; Father Bill Zavaski was always known as the cool priest.Now the pastor at St. James, Zavaski this week was honored by the village of Arlington Heights for all his hard work and dedication.Obviously, still a cool dude.Wait, what?Part of the selling point of the Bears#146; upgrade to Halas Hall was that it would enhance the fan experience.My first reaction: Bears fans go to Halas Hall? I did not know that.Sounds like it#146;s for Bears fans who also just happen to be corporate sponsors.Nothing but good wishes:To Johnny Knox.mspellman@dailyherald.com