Big D Avoids Parade-Planning Jinx

Unlike in 2006, Dallas is not counting any championship chickens before they hatch

The Mavericks may be one game away from an NBA title, but Dallas city officials say there is no plan whatsoever for any parade.

Dallas famously released parade plans in 2006 when the Mavs were up two games to none against the Heat -- the last time Dallas was in the NBA Finals.

City officials discussed parade plans that had been prepared earlier. A city council committee had been briefed on a plan at a public meeting in April that included a likely parade route.

But the Mavericks ultimately lost the series to the Heat.

A city official said Dallas changed the rules about planning major sports celebrations after that.

The official, who asked not to be identified discussing the sensitive topic, said Friday that the city now plans celebrations only after there is a reason to celebrate.

Back in 2006, the city was still concerned a repeat of the rowdy 1993 Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl parade in which 50 people were injured and 75 arrested, so advance plans were required and made available to media.

A similar plan was also prepared in 2005.

Dallas police spokesman Kevin Janse said the department has the skill and resources to handle such an event if the Mavs win -- but there is no plan, no timetable and no cause for any jinx.

Radio talk show host Norm Hitzges with 1310-AM The Ticket said he does not believe there was a parade jinx in 2006.

"I think, honestly, it's baloney," he said. "Games get played and won on the floor."

But Hitzges said many listeners do not share his opinion.

"I haven't had a single caller mentioning the 'P-word' so far this week," he said. "They've been there before. They've gotten burned before."

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