The Beat

When it comes to Tonya Harding stories, you're never quite sure how far the envelope will be pushed. So when published reports last week said the figure skater had gotten breast implants and was looking to show off her assets by starring in a topless ice show at a Las Vegas casino, they seemed at least somewhat plausible. But a source close to Harding says the story is a little off-base. Apparently a Vegas hotel asked Harding in May if she would be interested in going topless in a Moulin Rouge-style revue. Harding said no. As for the cosmetic surgery, the source says that's old news: She had that done several years ago....

Michael Jordan and his wife, Juanita, have filled out applications for their three kids (Jeffrey, 12, Marcus, 10, and Jasmine, 8) to attend Francis W. Parker School, a private academy in Chicago. However, the Jordans aren't going to commit to the school until MJ sorts out some issues. Something about a potential job change....

Winning the Indy 500 has its perks. After his victory, Helio Castroneves dined with Donald Tramp, who offered to set up Castroneves on a date with Miss Universe, Denise Qui�ones August. (Trump owns the beauty contest.) Although the couple has yet to get together, the hook-up may be weighing on the driver's mind: One week after his Indy win, Castroneves crashed on the first lap of the Miller Lite 225 in Milwaukee....

A year ago at this time, John Salley was Shaquille O'Neal's backup. Last Friday, as L.A. was winning Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Salley (above) was preparing to host the late-night show at Carolines comedy club in New York City. Salley has been working the comedy circuit with the goal of getting his own TV talk show. Next month he'll shoot a pilot for Fox for a variety program called The Latest. For his first guest, Salley wants Bill Clinton, "because he was the first black president." But if TV doesn't work out, says Salley, I'll go back to the NBA. I may be 37 but I'm still 6'11"."