No Mistake Mania

Ever since mid-September, when President Bush urged the world to "make no mistake" that the U.S. would rid the globe of evildoers, the phrase has been turning up everywhere—and not only on MAKE NO MISTAKE bumper stickers. Coaches in many sports have taken to the expression. Here's a sampling of recent usages and ensuing events:

The Grizzlies' Sidney Lowe, after Memphis upset the Lakers 114-108 on Dec. 21: "It's a big win. Make no mistake about it."

Follow-up
The Grizzlies lose two subsequent games to Los Angeles by a combined score of 220-166.

South Carolina's Lou Holtz on running back Derek Watson before the Gamecocks played Ohio State in the Outback Bowl: "Make no mistake about it, Derek is a big-game guy. I'm glad to have him."

Follow-up
Watson gets 64 total yards in 31-28 win over the Buckeyes; on Jan. 14, Holtz kicks Watson off the team after Watson is charged with possession of marijuana. (He has pleaded not guilty.)

The Packers' Mike Sherman, before a Jan. 20 playoff game against the Rams: "Make no mistake, we'll practice this week and go up to win a football game."

Follow-up
Rams 45, Packers 17.

U.S, Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, on his team's prospects: "Make no mistake, we're going into this thing to win it, and we will be very disappointed if we don't.

Follow-up
Tune in next week.