I first heard on an AM sports station yesterday, about the rookie pitcher from the Angels. I heard he was killed in a car accident, and after his first outting in which he did well. I assumed what most people probably would with professional athletes. That he was either speeding, or drunk, or just doing something stupid in a car.

I was shocked to hear that it was a drunk driver that hit him. It was incredibly sad, and I can't imagine how his family can cope with such a tragedy.

It was a bit odd when the sports station brought this story up, and immediately started talking about the other usual sports topics: Will T.O. show up in camp, is Jay Cutler going to be happy in Chicago...

Now, I'm not one to say that things should change dramatically after someone dies. And the sports show probably thought people want to hear other stories as well. That's understandable, but odd going to a call from Diamond Bar, that has a guy complaining about the Lions having the number one pick in the draft.

I thought it was nice that the Angels cancelled their game, instead of using that cliche of "he would've wanted us to play tonight."

The other sad celebrity news story, isn't as sad.

It's actor Billy Bob Thornton, who went from being a talented writer and actor, to being a musician. And, also like Joaquin Phoenix, turned into a horrible interviewee.

At a Canadian radio station, he refused to answer questions. He gave snotty answers to other questions (the host asked something about music being a big passion of his, with Thornton asking "You wouldn't ask Tom Petty that.")

I really can't believe the radio host (Jian Ghomeshi) stayed so calm and cool. I would've gone Letterman on his ass.

I would've said, "Well, Petty made his name in music. You made your name in movies. So, I thought it was a valid question." I might have also offered him a piece of gum.

Apparently, Thornton didn't want to have an interview about his movie career. He wanted to promote his band. And he was furious that the host introduced him as an actor.

I would've explained to him, during the interview if I had to, that when you're introducing someone to an audience on the radio, they don't see the person. Someone might recognize the name, but not be able to place it. And if they don't know it's that actor, they might tune out.

I would then say "Look, I'm not asking you questions about your goofy marriage to Angelina Jolie, where you wore blood around your neck, and cheated on her constantly. If I ask you about that, then you can get mad."

Of course, that would get him even angrier, which would've been my point.

Maybe then I'd say, "Gee, all that time I thought you were acting in Slingblade. I guess not."

That might not be professional, but let's start making these Hollywood ego-trippin' jerks get a taste of their own medicine.

I once talked to Kevin Bacon after a show he did at the Belly Up Tavern. His brother Michael is in the band, and makes music for a living (mostly for commercials and movies). I noticed everyone was gravitating towards Kevin, and so I asked Mike a few questions. And in interviews with those two, people often ask Kevin questions about his movies. And he answers them politely, and cleverly gets the subject back to the music. It's really not hard to do.

I just thought of something. The next person that interviews Thornton, should just ask questions about Kevin Bacon and his band, The Bacon Brothers.