Column: Payne's influence on American sports is undeniable

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Billy Payne is pondering the next chapter in his life.

No, it won't be anything close to organizing an Olympics.

Or guiding one of the world's most famous golf tournaments.

"It could be as simple as going fishing every day," the 70-year-old Payne said with a chuckle.

Not to worry.

While his name doesn't roll off the tongue of the average fan, nothing more is needed to assure that William Porter Payne will go down as one of the most influential people in modern American sports.

He almost single-handedly pulled off an upset that ranks right up there with Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson.