During the overwhelming majority of time in our sports world, we are engulfed with games, scores, plays and personalities.

However, what about the confrontational side of sports — one that can often get ugly.

Recently, former Eagles center and current ESPN personality Jayson Kelce was accosted by a fan on a College Gameday set, and Kelce responded by destroying the heckler’s phone. Kelce did apologize to the fan.

Also, Sixers center Joel Embiid shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in reference to Hayes’ comments about his family. Former Eagle Brian Mitchell also had a confrontation with Hayes in 2002 over the latter stage of his career.

In this week’s version of my Yesterday column — reminiscing about sports and pop culture from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and sometimes before and beyond — I’ll look back at some local and national athletes who have clashed with the fans and the media.

Also, what former Philly athlete was donned with a billboard titled, “Let George Do It?” What former Rams quarterback once attacked Jim Rome? Did you ever collect a Super Bowl book from McDonald’s? Finally, what popular 70s sitcom began its opening with “On November 13th?”

Rebel Richie ... In 1964, Dick (“don’t call me Richie”) Allen burst onto the scene in Philly with an eventual Rookie of the Year campaign. Allen didn’t want to be called “Richie,” but most reporters referred to him as “Rich.”

If you recall, Allen was targeted to play third instead of his normal first base. When he had trouble with his fielding, Allen became the victim of catcalls and boos, and he eventually had to wear a batting helmet due to being attacked by batteries and other objects. He also had an altercation with a teammate (see below).

Allen also had a tough time being the first African-American player at the Phils’ then Triple-A affiliate in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also was constantly harassed there because of his race, and reportedly received little support from future Phillies’ manager Frank Lucchesi.

However, Allen’s often aloof style didn’t help him.

If you have memories of Allen, please share them. I was too young for his first turn, but I do remember when he returned in 1975.

Silent Steve ... After a 13-20, 3.90 ERA season in 1973, which followed his 27-10 campaign a year earlier, Steve Carlton didn’t speak to the media after they questioned his training tactics. Carlton also reportedly was annoyed about the media noting a facial tic.

Carlton would twist his wrist to the bottom of a five-gallon tub of rice and also used meditation, weight training and martial arts through Phils’ strength coach Gus Hoefling.

Carlton kept his silence until he retired in 1987.

They Didn’t Like It ... Until he won a World Series and even afterward, Mike Schmidt had a rather turbulent affair with the fans, as he always felt under appreciated because of being booed often in critical situations, especially in his sub-.200 (.196) rookie season.

Schmidt was once remembered for this controversial quote in 1985 when he also called the fans “jealous” about his $2.1 million salary.

“I’ll tell you something about my playing in Philadelphia — whatever I’ve got in my career now, I would have had a great more if I’d played my whole career in Los Angeles or Chicago, you name a town, somewhere where they were just grateful to have me around.”

Former Eagle Ricky Watters, who had a short stay, will also be remembered for his “for who, for what,” comment after he short-armed a pass in his first game in 1995. Watters also claimed that he played for “his teammates and not the fans.”

Watters decided to sign with Seattle after three seasons, but he did regain Eagles fans’ trust after an initial fallout.

How about Shawn Bradley? The 7-6 wonder was originally seen as the next Wilt Chamberlain, but he proved to be a bust over his three years that began in the 1993-94 season.

Bradley heard more boos than cheers and was quoted as stating that “Philly fans expect you to play every game as if it is your last.”

There also was George McGinnis. “Big Mac” came to Philly in 1975-76 as the club’s anointed savior, and the city posted billboards stating “Let George Do It.”

A year later, Dr. J arrived, and the duo presumably would lead the team to a championship. Instead, we had the “We Owe You One” campaign, and McGinnis was gone after three seasons.

He became the subject of fans’ frustrations for his presumed lack of intensity on the court.

Bigger Picture ... In 1994 on ESPN’s Talk 2 program, Rams’ quarterback Jim Everett flipped a table at host Jim Rome after Rome criticized him for his play and repeatedly called him “Chris.”

You should check it out again on YouTube.

Giants’ linebacker Lawrence Taylor grabbed New Jersey reporter Ernie Palladino by the throat in 19995 after Palladino insinuated Taylor might be done after the team’s 0-3 start.

And do you recall the “Malice at the Palace?” In 2005, Detroit’s Ron Artest went into the stands after a fan threw a drink at him. Both benches went into the stands and a full-fledged battle royal took place.

It is another great video to watch.

Readers Write

Right Time, Wrong Runner

Jeff,

Jim Ryan was not the first to crack the four-minute mile. He was the first high schooler. Roger Bannister was the first to run a sub four-minute mile.

Bill Lawson

Editor’s Note: Ryan ran a 3:59 as a high school junior in 1964. Englander Bannister clocked a 3:59.4 10 years earlier in Oxford during 1954.

Good catch, Bill.

WWF/WWE Wrap ... Each week, I’ll look back at a former pro grappler from our past.

However, this week there is a different twist.

Do you remember the wrestling magazines from the 1960s and 70s? Some date back to the 1950s, but there were plenty that surfaced in the 60s and 70s and are still available today.

Some of the titles that I remember were “Wrestling,” “Wrestling Review,” “All-Star Wrestling,” “The Wrestler,” “Wrestling World,” “Official Wrestling,” “Matmania,” and “Pro Wrestling Mania,” to name a few. “Boxing Illustrated” also normally had a wrestling section.

You were sold bold and broad action photos on the cover, and especially the bloody wrestler ones. They were packed with pictures and some interesting articles.

For me, it was seeing wrestlers who I didn’t normally see on TV as well as the favorites. If you have any, hold onto them.

Another Classic Game (Book) ... In 1977, McDonald’s published its version of a “Super Bowl” book. The books were available for a hamburger meal, and some reports stated that you could get them for a certain soft drink.

There were three books — one for Super Bowls I-IV, the second from V-VIII, and the final was from IX to XI.

I don’t remember these, and usually collected these types of things. I’m sure some of you do have one or more.

On This Date(s) ... We have all heard it many times, but how many of us actually paid attention to the beginning of a legendary TV show that began, “On Nov. 13, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife.”

Those lines were from “The Odd Couple” that ran on Channel 6 from 1970-75. I would also try to watch it Friday nights and also in reruns.

Staying with the Eagles-Redskins, Donovan McNabb made his first career start against Washington Nov. 14, 1999. He completed eight of 21 passes for just 60 yards in the Birds’ 35-28 victory.

Memory Lane ... Each week, I’ll look back at a former player, manager, coach or media personality from our yesterday.

Do you remember former Phillies’ first baseman Frank Thomas? His claim to fame with the Phillies was hitting Richie Allen with a bat during the 1964 season. Thomas was acquired from the Mets in August 1964. He was purchased by Houston in July 1965.

In his two short years, Thomas hit .282 with eight homers and 33 RBIs in 74 games. Over his 16 years, Thomas clubbed 286 homers and knocked in 962 runs with a .266 average. He also played with the Pirates, Cubs, Milwaukee Braves, Reds and Astros.

Your thoughts are always welcomed; email them to tnsports@tnonline.com