LITTLE ROCK — Ink may be in, however Vick is not
Buffalo Bills defensive end Shawne Merriman is showing off his tattoos as a model for PETA to encourage people not to wear natural fur coats.
The animal rights group unveiled an ad campaign Thursday featuring a photo of a bare-chested Merriman under the title: “Ink, Not Mink.” The ad features the line: “Be Comfortable in Your Skin, and Let Animals Keep Theirs.”
Merriman is noted for his numerous tattoos, including one on his chest with the words “Heart of Gold” prominently featured in the photo.
No word on why PETA didn’t offer the spot to Michael Vick. He has lots of tattoos, too.
About time
Brad Dickson of the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald on Northwestern getting its first bowl victory in64 years Tuesday, beating Mississippi State 34-20 in the Gator Bowl: “I only hope the school doesn’t get cocky and think it’s going to win a bowl every 64 years.”Waitress tripping
It’s safe to say San Antonio Spurs forward Stephen Jackson didn’t leave a tip.
Jackson sprained an ankle Thursday against the New YorkKnicks because of a waitress working the sideline in front of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Jackson was hurt in the first quarter when he shot a threepointer from the corner. The shotmissed and he stepped backward out of bounds and onto the waitress, who was kneeling in front of courtside seats.
Although Bloomberg’s involvement in the incident wasn’t clear, he was seen eating popcorn shortly after the play.
It’s the turkey
The season is the reason Ian Poulter decided Tuesday to play at the Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii, this week.
“I figured I might as well knock some of the turkey rust off me and come and play for a few days,” Poulter said Thursdaybefore his pro-am round.
Of course, Poulter doesn’t figure to shed his holiday pounds with a victory.
He playfully told one follower on Twitter to “save your money” when he saw odds ofPoulter winning at 12-to-1.
Breaking up
Brad Dickson on Tim Tebow and his girlfriend for two months, Camilla Belle, breaking up: “I hope she didn’t decide to date Greg McElroy instead.”
The breakup happened the same week Tebow was leapfrogged by fellow backup McElroy to start at quarterback for the New York Jets. Of course, Tebow also is expected to break up with the Jets, whom he’s been seeing longer than Belle.
Tag-teamed
Dwight Perry of The Seattle Times on English twin sisters Lucy and Kelly Knott having daytime jobs as teaching assistants and spending their nights wrestling: “Classroom discipline probably isn’t a problem.”Quote of the day “I guess he’s finally
figured out he’s 6-10.” Arkansas forward Marshawn Powell, on the improved rebounding of forward Hunter Mickelson
Sports, Pages 18 on 01/04/2013