The 10 Spot: Nov. 14, 2005

1. Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher returned a missed field goal 108 yards Sunday for a touchdown, the longest play in NFL history. The previous record was a 2-yard pass completion that was reviewed for six minutes.

2. The NCAA will permit the University of Illinois to keep its Fighting Illini nickname but upheld the ban on mascot Chief Illiniwek. The ruling body determined that Chief Illiniwek, who is portrayed by a student dressed in buckskins and a feathered headdress, is as out of place at a major university as Ron Zook

3. A Philadelphia sports radio host plans to hold a mock funeral Monday for suspended Eagles wideout Terrell Owens. The host is encouraging fans to bring T.O. jerseys to discard in a coffin, which he pledges to donate to the homeless. In a related story, Drew Rosenhaus promises to continue burying T.O.'s career for real.

4. The unlikely duo of Ralph Nader and Rev. Jesse Jackson have added their voices to those who claim that the Eagles' suspension of T.O. for the rest of the season is too harsh a penalty. Owens thanked them for the support but says he hopes the growing "Let him play!" chorus will be led by Bob Watson

5. Former NFL quarterback Gary Hogeboom pulled off a dramatic Hail Mary in last Thursday's Survivor, finding a six-inch immunity idol hidden in a jungle to earn a last-minute stay of execution. While Hogeboom's eyes are undoubtedly sharp, his memory is a bit cloudier. Early in Thursday's show, Hogeboom mused to the camera about how his football experiences were helping him fight on. "In the NFL, we played against Detroit one year and we were down by 20-some points," he said. "I threw for close to 300 yards in one quarter and we came back to win it in the last part of the game. And that's how I'm approaching this game." Well, the 10 Spot dispatched its crack research staff (OK, it's just me) to verify Hogeboom's claim. On Sept. 15, 1985, Hogeboom came off the bench at the start of the fourth quarter to replace an ineffective and injured Danny White with the Cowboys trailing the Lions 26-0. Hogeboom threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns and added another score on the ground, all in one frantic quarter. So far, so true. Alas, that 2-yard touchdown run came with 20 seconds left and made the score 26-21. A Dallas onside kick was unsuccessful and the Lions hung on to win. Then again, the 10 Spot isn't inclined to believe Hogeboom had any malicious intent in crafting a happier ending to his remembrance of possibly the single best quarter of his career. Frankly, in 20 years, we fully intend to recall early 10 Spots as well-crafted gems rather than the ramblings of a nocturnal scribbler.

6. The Orioles have cut ties with Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa. The team is hoping to rebuild with some younger cheaters.

7. Defending NASCAR champion Kurt Busch has been suspended by team owner Jack Roush for the last two races of the season after being cited by police for reckless driving Friday night. After all, NASCAR fans have every right to expect drivers to save their reckless driving for the track.

8. The A's will no longer offer season ticket plans in the third deck of McAfee Coliseum and might even close the third deck entirely. GM Billy Beane has miraculously discovered some folding chairs that he believes can do the same job for less money.

9. After an 0-5 start, the Knicks got their first win of the season with a 105-95 victory over the Kings on Sunday. Coach Larry Brown, seizing the opportunity to go out on top, quickly resigned.

10. What a weekend of college football, at least from my narrow perspective. First at noon Saturday I watched my alma mater, Division III Williams (Mass.) College, beat archrival Amherst 34-23 in the 120th meeting of what we humbly dub The Biggest Little Game in America. Then I watched the LSU-Alabama game at an LSU viewing party at Blondie's in New York's Upper East Side. (A few years spent on the Bayou turned me into a Tigers fan.) In a game that some of you might actually have seen or read about, LSU pulled out a dramatic overtime victory. After spending so much time discussing surly wide receivers and boozy cheerleaders, it was nice to be reminded of how great it can be to be a sports fan.