Now that would be a timeout

Sporting News, The, July 12, 2004

As if the NHL labor mess isn't enough to deal with, now there's talk the NBA could have a lockout after the 2004-05 season. But don't look for that exact term to be used. Given the age of many of the players, David Stern and Billy Hunter will refer to the situation as a latchkey arrangement.

Bashing Sebastian is fashionable

Two weeks after the fact, the NBA draft pick still creating a stir is the Trail Blazers' selection of high schooler Sebastian Telfair over more proven commodities. The hook on Telfair's game is that it's flashy, colorful, filled with bad decisions and more style than substance. But what's the big deal? The same could be said of Tom Tolbert's wardrobe.

Pick 6

If you're looking for the N.L. position that packs the most punch, check here first:

1. Jim Thome;

2. Lyle Overbay;

3. Sean Casey;

4. Albert Pujols;

5. Todd Helton;

6. Derrek Lee.

At last check, he's still playing

When Randy Johnson struck out Jeff Cirillo for the 4,000th K of his career, it served as a stunning reminder about one's ability to continue to pull off something truly remarkable over an extended period of time. And, yes, Fly's talking about Cirillo still collecting big-league paychecks.

This holiday was brought to you by The Home Depot

A hot dog. Breaking in the grill. Fireworks. Road rage. Kind of makes you sad that another Fourth of July has passed. Oh wait, at least we still have Tony Stewart on race day.

Hey, didn't you used to be an NBA team's franchise player?

It's not fair way to treat people

In an effort to shake out of his slump. Tiger Woods has switched to a driver that has a bigger head. The benefit this new club is supposed to produce is greater distance, both when Woods uses it to hit off the tee and when his caddie throws it at a cameraman in the gallery.

Up next: All-Star voting fraud

There's a buzz that Major League Baseball soon will announce that the Expos will relocate to Washington. So let's get this straight: For years, this franchise has slashed budgets, operated at a deficit and dealt with endless red tape--and now it is going to Washington?