3) Desire. Ward hasn't given any hearty indication that he wants to play in the National Football League. He's a projected second-or third-round choice in the NBA , and rumor has it wants to play basketball. Another rumor has him going to the Canadian Football League, whose style of play may better suit him.

4) Race. Deion Sanders thinks this a key reason--and I believe him. Despite the accomplishments of Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham and Warren Moon, a racist myth prevails: blacks aren't smart enough to be quarterbacks. They lack the "necessities," as Dodger executive Al Campaigns once put it, referring go black managers.

In addition to the aforementioned, Andre Ware and Rodney Peete bring the grand total to four black quarterbacks in the NFL.

People don't like talk about these things, but I will: If Charlie Ward were white, would he have been drafted?

Yes.

It's too bad pro-football hasn't seen fit to find a place for a gifted athlete like Ward.

He's a true game-breaker--and he'd make a fine quarterback, Defensive back, or wide-receiver. (Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz has got to be experiencing some serious schadenfreude).

So Charlie, go and make your way. Try your 5'11 3/4-inch body at point guard for some NBA franchise.

Have a long, injury-free career.

And may your name be remembered better than Pete Dawkins'.