I don’t watch tennis. Ever.  But when a signed copy of Andre Agassi’s “Open Book” was a steal for $10 at a thrift store in 2021.  I bought it.  Such an autograph ho, yes, I am. 

But why would I buy an autograph of somebody I hardly know?  Well, here’s my free association of “What do I know about Andre Agassi?”  Tennis champion, Wimbledon winner, media darling, his mullet and hair, was married to Brooke Shields, Greek, now married to Steffi Graf, not a dick on the court like McEnroe. 

Now, I just checked Wikipedia to see what I got wrong or missed.  Olympic medalist.  Felt pressured and uncomfortable with so much media coverage.  Wore a hairpiece.  Not Greek; Armenian and Assyrian. Admitted to methamphetamine usage. And apparently DID cause a lot of outbursts on court.

So, what do I know? “Wrong, sir wrong!”  He has a nice autograph, though. 

Recently watching the "Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields" documentary, it was eye-opening to hear her talk about Andre's super-controlling ways. Brooke had innocently thought that marriage would enable escape from the controlling grasp of her mother. Instead, she landed in an equally controlling relationship with Andre. She talked about Andre smashing all of his trophies after Brooke Shields did a hand-licking scene with Matthew LeBlanc in "Friends". Damn! That must've been a bit scary.

Brooke Shields is a separate story, inextricably tied into my teenage years and such a lovely, sweet woman in person. Andre was just part of her personal growth. Hopefully, he's mellowed over the years and he and Steffi "call me Stefanie now" Graf are having a peaceful life.