By Paul Trembacki
Sports Editor

Apparently Mackey Arena's lost-and-found was out of ties because Purdue men's basketball coach Gene Keady wasn't wearing one when he appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday night.

Keady — who was wearing a shiny black suit and a black, turtleneck undershirt — appeared on the show to read the Top Ten List, titled "Top Ten Gene Keady Tips for Looking Your Best." Item No. 9 on the list was "You can find some snazzy ties in the stadium lost-and-found."

After Keady read tip No. 6, "Tight pants highlight the fact that you’re a member of the Big Ten," Letterman responded by making a face and saying, "What?" three times.

After Keady read item No. 2, "Never, under any circumstances, go to Letterman's barber," Letterman responded, "No, you don't want to do that."

When Keady was done reading the list, Letterman got up from his desk to thank Purdue's coach while music played in the background. As the two shook hands, Letterman made a reference to Purdue's run to the Elite Eight in this year's NCAA tournament.

"I was pulling for you; nice job in the tournament," said Letterman. "Thank you very much. Thanks for coming on."

Letterman, though, didn't interview Keady. However, Keady's name was mentioned several times during the program before he came out to present. Before the first commercial, Letterman promised the audience that Keady would be appearing shortly.

After the commercial break, Letterman did the campaign 2000 segment, which featured new sponsor Janet Reno and the slogan "Don't get up. We'll let ourselves in," in reference to the INS's siege of the residence of Elian Gonzalez.

Keady's ad — with the slogan "Purdue basketball — It will comb you over!" — was the fourth and final sponsor of the segment. On Wednesday, the segment contained a video clip of a man whose wife drops a bowling ball on his head. Letterman made the smooth segue and introduced Keady right away.

David Billington, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts, watched the "Late Show" in the lounge of the Purdue Memorial Union.

"I specifically wanted to see it tonight because Keady was on there," he said. "I think he's a good sport; it's all in good humor."