"Haven't they suffered enough?" - Beano Cook, after hearing that MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn intended to give the hostages lifetime passes upon returning from Iran in 1981.

Beano Cook, 81, passed away today. College football needs a new pope. Nobody loved it more. Nobody talked it better.

Beano taught me how to pronounce "Notre Dame" properly (noh-truh daym), and how to bring any and every topic around to talking about Joe Paterno. More important, Beano showed me that CHARISMA TRUMPS ALL when it comes to working in the media.

Think about it: This fat, frumpy, wrinkled guy who talked like a cartoon character was ALL OVER ESPN. Beano had CHARISMA.

Beano also liked BACON. I once saw him eat a PLATEFUL OF BACON at a Penguins' game-day media breakfast. Fifty strips of bacon, at least. One strip at a time. AWESOME. Then he left before the game started. Beano loved free food. Hockey, not so much.

Beano once gave me advice (Beano voice): "It's one thing to be crazy, but you GO TOO FAR. DON'T GO TOO FAR."

Today's show is dedicated to the memory of Carroll H. "Beano" Cook. Beano, who loved bacon. A big influence. A unique media personality.

Beano was Pitt's biggest critic, but also Pitt's biggest fan. Pitt needs to BATTLE UP FOR BEANO when Louisville visits Heinz Field Saturday. Win one for the crazy bastard.

Photo courtesy of University of Pittsburgh.