Sports Column

Dancing Drexler's happy to see it end

Fair Game

By kerry eggers

The Portland Tribune, Apr 27, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

“Dancing With the Stars” was an enjoyable experience for Clyde Drexler.

But when the Hall-of-Fame basketball star and his partner, Elena Grinenko, were voted out of the competition April 16, “I felt like I’d won the NBA championship,” Drexler says.

Drexler and Grinenko made it through four weeks of the ABC reality show by virtue of their popularity with fans, whose call-in support counts for 50 percent of a couple’s grade.

Judges weren’t as fond of the pair’s performance, giving them 13 points of a possible 30 on their final night.

The former Trail Blazer felt the judges “were overly critical because I had so many votes from (the TV audience). They were trying to be constructive, but I don’t think they should treat their guests that way. But hey, it’s reality TV – plain and simple. They like to shock the viewers.”

Did Drexler have visions of winning the competition, following in the footsteps of former NFL standout Emmitt Smith?

“I’m absolutely happy I got out when I did,” Drexler says. “We were practicing five to six hours a day for two dances in one week. I didn’t want anything to do with that anymore.”

Drexler says he most enjoyed the company of Heather Mills – “what a sweet lady,” he says.

“Apolo’s (Ohno) the best male dancer, but it’s probably time for a woman to win, and Laila Ali is really good,” Drexler says.

The 6-7 Drexler felt he was at a disadvantage being paired with the 5-4 Grinenko.

“She’s a wonderful dancer, but that was a lot of disparity in height,” he says. “I felt like I represented tall guys fairly well. I didn’t trip and fall.”

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