RETIRING. Howard Cosell, 73, one of the most liked--and disliked--sports journalists in the U.S.; from his daily show for ABC Radio, Speaking of Sports, and his weekly interview program, Speaking of Everything; in New York City. In 1956 Cosell gave up his law practice, which served such clients as Willie Mays and Little League baseball, and turned to a broadcasting career that included 14 years as an outspoken commentator on ABC-TV's Monday Night Football.