Caught on the fly

Sporting News, The, Feb 4, 2005

During the deep freeze of winter, thoughts often turn to spring training. So let's start the countdown: only 22 days till pitchers, catchers and urinalysis technicians report.

Putting the Buck in Buckeyes

The Gannett News Service says Ohio State's athletic department reported a $30.1 million surplus from its football program during the last fiscal year. See, that's the big problem with college athletics. A university is making millions off these kids, who in return aren't even seeing a dime ... oh, wait, bad example.

No airmail needed

To the delight of Jets fans, beleaguered offensive coordinator Paul Hackett quit last week. And really, is there any question that Hacker handed off his resignation to Herm Edwards?

Heads, it's Moe; tails, it's Milhouse

Various online gambling services are offering wagers on which Simpsons character will get outed as being gay in an upcoming episode. Now, you don't feel so bad for betting on the outcome of the Super Bowl coin flip, do you?

UGA GOES HOLLYWOOD

An Athens-based film company has released a DVD called Damn Good Dog, which is a "dogumentary" about the life of the University of Georgia mascot. The DVD includes 110 minutes of extra footage, with the highlight being a look at past Bulldogs mascots and the lowlight being a segment entitled "Uga, Between the Hedges."

THE AWARD WAS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY RED BULL AND SUNSWEET PRUNE JUICE

At the Cardinals' annual winter banquet, 35-year-old outfielder So Taguchi was honored for being the team's 2004 rookie of the year. It's just like the saying goes: His future's so bright, he's gotta wear prescription sunglasses.

BRONCO WANTS OUT OF THE STABLE

The Broncos granted permission for Reuben Droughns' agent to explore a trade. Why Droughns would want to leave Denver is a mystery. After all, he gets to run behind a top-notch line, the team's system is extremely friendly for running backs, and he gets to practice against a defense that doesn't hit anyone.

Hey, didn't you and you used to be on the road to Jacksonville?