Kid gets a head start behaving like a pro

THE GRANDDAUGHTER made her athletic debut Saturday, officials still trying to determine the size of the crowd and the economic impact on Arizona.

But no question it was a historic day.

The 7-Eleven Kid ran onto the pitch for a huge soccer game, observers noting she has now played in this country more than Beckham. She also made herself available for interviews afterward -- without a publicist hovering nearby.

I have pictures of every play, of course, and although I have reports she just sat down in the middle of field at one point like a big baby, you know kids, she was just imitating Kobe.

No one scored, because it was a soccer game, but before her afternoon nap, she did say something about getting better teammates by the next time she plays.

She’s fast on her feet, but right now she wants to pick up the ball with her hands rather than kick it, and if Chone Figgins had started the same way, the Angels would be better off at third base.

At one point the coach called all the players over, and she listened to everything he had to say. She’s only 2 1/2 -- give her another year.

And according to her parents, “everyone had fun,” and that will change too, Mom and Dad getting all bent out of shape later if she’s not put in a position to score.

Witnesses say it’s pretty obvious she takes after her mom, the basketball player, and bears no resemblance whatsoever to her father. He was there, and someone explained to him the kids were playing soccer.

I would have been there, but in some ways I think I was -- as I’m now watching the Clippers play against the Pistons, as if it’s the first time they ever played basketball.

DONALD STERLING is not returning Mike Dunleavy’s phone calls since the two went at it here a few weeks ago.

When Dunleavy fired back in The Times, Sterling let it be known to a handful of people in Staples Center he was furious with his head coach.

The two had no communication at the trading deadline, which affected a proposed trade involving Sam Cassell and Memphis’ Mike Miller. The Clippers ended up cutting Cassell and getting nothing in return.

Dunleavy has three more years left on a $17-million contract, and although no one thinks Sterling will fire Dunleavy and take such a financial hit, they didn’t see how upset he was after reading Dunleavy’s retort. On that night, he would have dismissed him if pressed.

One reason why Sterling might consider paying Dunleavy off is the fact he knows he will get some cash in return if Dunleavy takes another NBA job.

“You have a detailed plan for next season; does everyone else in the organization agree with that plan?” I asked Dunleavy.

“I can’t answer that question,” Dunleavy said.

“Shouldn’t you be able to answer it?” I said.

“That’s correct,” he said, “and anything else you ask me, you’re going to get a ‘no comment’ in return.”

MARGARET FARNUM spent a good part of the last 40 years at the Coliseum making sure folks were given their due, so when it came time to honor a retiring Farnum, officials had to ask her to order her own plaque.

The Coliseum will now have the Margaret U. Farnum Administrative Offices, 400 admirers turning out to the Sports Arena to mark the honor.

“A long time ago a teacher asked a student to write four sentences about Socrates,” Farnum said, when it was her turn to speak. “Socrates was born a long time ago. He was very famous. Socrates gave very long speeches. His friends killed him.”

Farnum, as feisty as she is gracious, met them all at the Coliseum, and said the most memorable “was Gene Autry.”

When Rafer Johnson lighted the Olympic torch in 1984, she was sitting in the stands “and I couldn’t stop crying,” she said. “I just never thought I’d have the privilege of seeing the Olympic Games.”

As for everyone who counted on her for a ticket or parking pass in a time of need, they were heard to say the same thing about her retirement: “I couldn’t stop crying.”

CONGRATS TO A.B Jackson, and condolences to Jackson’s wife, Jackie, now that he has retired after more than 42 years working for the U.S. Postal Service -- just to spend more time with her. Jackson will continue to work in the Chick Hearn Media Room at Staples Center, so fortunately the woman will still have some peace and quiet on occasion.

I STOPPED by Santa Anita to check out two of the top prospects for the Kentucky Derby -- Colonel John beating El Gato Malo in the seventh race. Before that, I thought I might make some money, and took a look at Misery’s picks in The Times -- he’s a horse racing expert, you know.

I made one mistake. Instead of betting Misery’s picks from top on down, I should’ve gone from bottom up -- Misery selecting Meetingwithdestiny to finish last in a 10-horse race. Meetingwithdestiny, of course, won the first race.

I WAS also at a considerable disadvantage because I could not bet on trainer Jeff Mullins’ horses.

Mullins is serving a 20-day suspension, and if you go to the ballpark, you just know Barry Bonds has that little extra going for him that it takes to hit a home run or Roger Clemens has done everything he can to make sure he throws hard.

Same with Mullins when he puts a horse on the track, but darn if they don’t catch him on occasion, this time finding excessive medication in one of his horses.

You have no idea what it would be like if they ever put out a Mitchell Report in horse racing.

TODAY’S LAST word comes in e-mail from Franklin Son: “It’s quite clear you are not a professional sports writer. Would it kill you to write something nice about the Lakers? In case you didn’t know, every single basketball fan in L.A. hates you.”

Thank you. It’s really hard to get everybody to think alike on anything, but I do my best.

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T.J. Simers can be reached at t.j.simers@latimes.com. To read previous columns by Simers, go to latimes.com/simers.