The firings close a rather sordid chapter of a storied Southern California football coaching career.

The omission of this sordid chapter of history prompts me to remember Hitler's comment when he was ready to embark on the Holocaust: "Who today remembers the extermination of the Armenians?"

He cannot say enough of the subtle poetic art with which Cabell has flung the light of romance about dark and sordid chapters of history.

Another sordid chapter in the Elf saga that is said to be covered by the magistrates' final report is the company's purchase in 1992 of the Leuna oil refinery in eastern Germany.

"I'm relieved the whole sordid chapter is over," said Jonathan Simon, a newcomer to Modesto who voted for Mr. Cardoza.

But Saartjie Baartman may finally be going home, closing a particularly sordid chapter in Europe's colonial history.

Or, this may be one of the most sordid chapters in the oft-opprobrious history of mineral science.

Hence it falls to the Union to act in accordance with its values and interests, doing everything it can to close this sordid chapter of our history.

This is called closure in sports, and Nelson seemed as ready as anyone to put behind this sordid chapter in his otherwise sparkling career.