Even as it aims to be politically correct, NFL can't get every vote in nation's capital

DESPERATE: Fanatically fanning the embers of the Patriots' Spygate story, Sen. Arlen Specter says, "If the public loses confidence in professional football, it will be like wrestling." No, it'll be like Washington politics.

Add Specter Politicians are the only U.S. citizens who shouldn't be allowed to make fun of pro wrestling.

Dust busters After receiving too many requests to have cremated ashes of deceased fans sprinkled on the field at Fenway Park, the Red Sox have discontinued the practice. That's fine with centerfielder Coco Crisp, who said, "It's kind of freaky knowing you're diving into somebody's grandpa."

Add ashes The Red Sox seem to be saying that departed fans can no longer urn their way into the park.

Bottom line Charles Barkley, who has acknowledged a $400,000 gambling debt to a Las Vegas casino, has always said that he hopes to be governor of Alabama one day. You don't think he'll run on a platform of fiscal conservatism, do you?

So early It's a nice story when two teams with the lowest payrolls - the Marlins and Rays - lead their divisions. It would be a much more important story if this wasn't May.

Plenty of seats Only once in Tampa Bay's four-game series with the Yankees this week at Tropicana Field did the crowd exceed 20,000 - and only barely. The Rays may have shortened their name and moved into first place, but they're still having a devil of a time drawing fans.

With a bullet Libby Callahan, 56, has qualified for the Beijing Olympics in pistol shooting, making her what is believed to be the oldest American woman to earn a trip to the Games. Can a woman entering her golden years bring home the gold?

Kids' stuff During a paternity claim filed against Bears linebacker Lance Briggs by one woman who bore his child, another pregnant woman showed up saying she was carrying a Briggs kid. Briggs wasn't present; supposedly, he's in Arizona living with a third woman who recently gave birth.

Net results Tennis players age in dog years, but nobody could have predicted No. 1-ranked Justine Henin's retirement two weeks before her 26th birthday. Not all retirements, though, have to be permanent. Right, Brett.

Sister act Maybe Venus and Serena Williams possess the best antidote for tennis burnout by indulging in their mini-retirements to pursue off-court interests. What's often viewed as indifference on their part for the tour may turn out be a savvy survival tactic.

Status quo The NCAA basketball rules committee missed a chance to improve the sport when it passed again on a proposal to join the NBA in adding a restricted-area arc under each basket. For another season, the college game is open to bogus charging fouls and outright flops that penalize aggressive offensive play.

Futurewatch If 6-foot-3 Memphis guard Derrick Rose is the first player taken in the NBA lottery - he's now considered the favorite over Michael Beasley - he'll be the first No. 1 overall pick under 6- 6 since the 76ers selected Allen Iverson at the top in 1996. Whatever team takes Rose won't regret its decision to downsize.