FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Here are some morsels to savor through the weekend:

• MLB commissioner Bud Selig has announced a new rule that postseason games can’t be shortened by weather. Man, you know games are taking too long when they can’t even be sped up by God.

• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says he feels partially responsible for Pacman Jones’ latest suspension because he hired the bodyguard that scuffled with the DB. And in retrospect, Jones also wishes he hadn’t apologized to Pacman by sending over a bottle of Grand Marnier.

• Michigan upset No. 4 UCLA 55-52 last night in college hoops, the Wolverines’ first win over a top-five team in 11 years. Unfortunately, UM fans were too focused on the dismal economy to notice.

Injured Wizards star Gilbert Arenas says that a last-place finish could be “for the better.” And at 1-8, Washington is certainly off to a good start.

We at the 10 Spot applaud Arenas for finding the bright side of a dark situation. Indeed, there are many potential benefits to bringing up the rear. (No, that’s not what she said.)

Here are some upsides to residing in the basement:

10. Shorter restroom lines

9. Sets up next year’s catchy “worst to first” rally cry

8. Throws a bone to the Knicks

I know it's Thursday, but please keep your pants on:

• Cowboys QB Tony Romo reportedly took a homeless man to the movie Role Models recently. Wow, is Jessica Simpson that painful to talk to?

• Former Vikings WR Troy Williamson, a first-round bust now with the Jaguars, says he wants to “duke it out” with Minnesota coach Brad Childress when the teams meet this weekend in Jacksonville. Hey, at least Williamson can hold onto a grudge. That’s a start, anyway.

The NFL has decided to give Cowboys DB Pacman Jones a second chance. Or is it his third? Fourth? Ahh, math was never my thing.

Pacman will be allowed to return from his latest suspension for the Dec. 7 game against the Steelers, presuming he can stay out of trouble between now and then.

As always, the 10 Spot had its spies present when the NFL’s decision-makers made this call. Here’s some of what they overheard:

10. “He’ll be fine once the team gets him some bodyguards”

9. “He can’t return this weekend, because me and Pac have plans to get stoopid wit’ it”

8. “If I can’t convince you rationally that my position is correct, I plan to toss this giant stack of singles into the air”

(AP)

Welcome back to another edition of Caption This. That’s Kentucky fan Ashley Judd in the white T-shirt last night watching her Wildcats lose 77-58 to UNC in Chapel Hill. Just FYI, UNC All-America Tyler Hansbrough missed the game with a shin injury.

Feel free to supply a suggested caption in the comments section. I will post some selections tonight.

(UPDATED)

Here's a baker's dozen of picks:

“Ashley got very angry when an ignorant fan called her a Cougar and not a Wildcat.” (Midvalley)

“I guess the ‘Wildcat Offense’ only works in Miami.” (Mark G; also ningkee)

“This is the scariest two hours of my life since Kiss the Girls.” (tiacheryl)