I don't know if it amounts to a guarantee, but I declared the Jazz's postseason kaput in 2007, when they lost the first two games to the Rockets. Instead, the Jazz went on to earn a spot in the Western Conference finals. A colleague of mine declared the Bulls dead after Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals. No-siree. They came back to win their sixth title in eight years.

I figure declaring something and guaranteeing it are two different things. A guarantee should include a clear plan for payback. If a restaurant guarantees satisfaction, it should be prepared to comp the meal or at least redo it. If the FDIC guarantees your savings, it should be able to back it up with cash.

If an athlete like Williams guarantees something, it should include a stipulation that if he's wrong, the fans get something in return. For instance, 20 hours of community service, a ticket refund or maybe having Williams take everyone in the arena out for ice cream.

A good rule of thumb on guarantees is to look at it like sky diving.

It's fine to enjoy the thrill.

You just better have a plan if the chute doesn't open.

E-MAIL: rock@desnews.com