In 35 years, the Review-Journal sports columnist has seen and heard it all. As he retires, he recounts some of his most memorable encounters and stories.
Ron Kantowski
![Ron Kantowski](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ron_kantowski_980x550.jpg?w=900&h=550&crop=1)
Ron Kantowski is a sports columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, covering a variety of topics and the Las Vegas sports scene.
rkantowski@reviewjournal.com … @ronkantowski on Twitter. 702-383-0352
Revered soccer icon Pele of Brazil, now in failing health, was honored with slot machines bearing his likeness at a Convention Center gaming expo.
Italy’s Marco Materazzi scored a goal and converted a penalty kick in the 2006 World Cup final against France, but rarely gets asked about it.
Rodeo great Ty Murray and former UNLV basketball player Larry Johnson were once friends in junior college. Now they’re both in the rafters at the Thomas & Mack Center.
When the NFR and I were still new to Las Vegas, most of what I knew about horses is the really fast ones ran in the Kentucky Derby.
![Eagles’ Sphere strategy: High prices, high expectations](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19314727_web1_Eagles-5.jpg?h=80)
![More affluent visitors finding their way to Vegas — and staying](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19291362_web1_GAMING-ABSTRACT_011923cs_002.jpg?h=80)
![Turmoil for M Resort owner Penn could affect Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19313624_web1_PENN-TURMOIL-JUN22-24-003e.jpg?h=80)
![Bidding starts at $1M, Las Vegas legend’s home for sale — again](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19316700_web1_web_Sam3.jpg?h=80)
![Aerial drone likely launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels hits ship in the Red Sea](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19319463_web1_19319463-c8f07622722b41fab8ca16d9e0166e88.jpg?h=80)