Daily Madden: How To Beat Mariucci
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - John Madden told the KCBS morning crew he had a problem with his alarm clock this morning, and will use that as an excuse when he plays in the 13th annual Madden-Mariucci Battle of the Bay Charity Bocce Tournament Tuesday.
Madden said he does know how to beat former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci on the court.
"I don't like to use the choke word, you know that," Madden said. "But if you get one close and he (Mariucci) has to do it, he's been known to throw a shank out there... he's been known to throw one out the side door."
The coach also took time to point out that Giants rookie shortstop Brandon Crawford, who hit a grand slam in his first major league start last week, is a graduate of Pleasanton's Foothill High, where John's sons coach football.
Madden said Crawford, who played both football and baseball in high school, is an example of why parents and coaches shouldn't force kids to play just one sport or participate in just one activity.
"It's funny how we push kids too early and try and define what they're going to be or who they will be," said Madden. "You have to let them develop to whoever they are."
Also, NFL Hall of Famer and former New York Giants great Andy Robustelli died this week at 85.
"You know that combination of being a tough guy and tough player but a gentleman? That was Andy Robustelli," Madden said. "He was really a class guy."
(8:05)
