Twenty-six years ago, on May 29, 1985, hooligan Liverpool supporters broke down a fence separating them from Juventus supporters before the start of European Cup Final, setting off a riot that ultimately resulted in 39 deaths, and changed English football. The FA immediately announced a one year ban on English teams participating in European competitions. Not satisfied, UEFA announced a ban of indeterminate length (it would ultimately be five years before English clubs returned).

Gordon Johncock wins a rain-shortened and tragic Indy 500 (1973) . . . And Gordon Johncock wins again nine years later (1982) . . . Magic vs. Michael in the NBA Finals (1991) . . . The Great One-along with Barry Melrose’s sweet mullet-reaches the Stanley Cup Finals (1993) . . . Tom Yawkey hints he may move the team if reporters don’t take it easier on the Red Sox (1960) . . . Dr. Jerry Buss purchases the Lakers, Kings, and Forum from Jack Kent Cooke for 67 million (1979) . . . Supreme Court rules in favor of Casey Martin against PGA (2001) . . . A survey of, from what I’m gathering after reading it, hobbies of the dorkiest kids in America. Sewing? Really? (1967) . . .

Jim Bouton’s upcoming book “Ball Four” is controversial (1970) . . . Scott Goodyear penalized for passing the pace car while leading with 11 laps to go at the Brickyard (1995) . . . A good article on the Celtics and race (1987) . . . Birmingham voters (read: white voters) favor an ordinance for segregation of sports activity (1954) . . . Conn Smythe winner Mark Messier gets a Pontiac Trans-Am (1984) . . . Sales of gas guzzling sport utility vehicles on the rise (1978) . . . Gary Barnett calls Katie Hnida “a terrible player” after she claims to have been raped by teammate 4 years earlier (2004) . . .

Pele comes out of retirement to play for the New York Cosmos (1975) . . . Silver Charm readies for a run at the Triple Crown (1997) . . . Mike Tyson and Robin Givens get divorced (1989) . . . Ford Frick vs. Dizzy Dean (1937) . . . The baseball strike is delayed, temporarily (1981) . . .  Ricky Williams signs with the Toronto Argonauts (2006) . . . Are Sports Stadiums worth the cost? (1976) . . . Football player sues Time for libel after cartoon portrays him as a dirty player for hit on Bart Starr (1964) . . .  Todd Hundley is not happy with the Mets after the Piazza trade (1998).

[photo via Getty]