‘Dancing’ athletes no match for ‘Kid’

Boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward will try to follow in the dance steps of Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and other pro athletes who have won ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" when they take part in the show later this month.

"I think it's all psychological. I think it's spiritual. I think it's all the mental preparation," the deep-thinking Leonard said of his approach to the competition.

Quipped host Tom Bergeron: "Have you ever watched the show?"

We haven't, either. But it's clear who the winner should be.

While Leonard will try to bob and weave his way past the nimble Ward, pro wrestler Chris Jericho and eight other contestants, look for actor Ralph Macchio, the original "Karate Kid," to sweep all of their legs and wax -- on and off -- the competition.

If all else fails, Daniel-san, er, Macchio always can break out his signature, one-legged "Crane" stance.

■ CHEERLEADER FOUL -- Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino said he has no hard feelings toward the male cheerleader who gave Pittsburgh a chance to force a second overtime Sunday in the Cardinals' 62-59 OT victory.

Louisville's Kyle Kuric appeared to seal the win with a dunk with less than a second left.

Thinking the game was over, some Cardinals cheerleaders on the baseline ran onto the floor. One of them, Jordan Alcazar, grabbed the ball and tossed it in the air.

Officials assessed Louisville a technical foul for delay of game and put 0.5 seconds back on the clock. Ashton Gibbs sank both free throws. Pitt then had a chance to tie, but Gibbs couldn't get off a shot in time, allowing Louisville to escape with the victory.

"All good things have to come to an end, and the male cheerleader (at Louisville) comes to an end," Pitino joked after the game. "Hopefully, he'll learn the rules."

A few hours after the game, Pitino said he encouraged Alcazar to "enjoy your moment of glory, have some fun with it. Your children will be able to keep the footage."

Or maybe he should show them a couple of cool cartwheels instead.

■ NAKED AMBITION -- Wearing clothes can slow a person down.

Maybe that's why Englishman Alex Stewart won't have any on when he tries to break the world record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

"This is the world's toughest rowing race over a sparse expanse of water with many hostile factors, including horrific weather and sharks," said Stewart, who hopes to complete the challenge in a record-breaking 38 days.

It's unclear why Stewart, 28, will be rowing in the buff. But his heart is in the right place, as he'll compete in the Woodvale Atlantic Ocean Race, with his friend Phil Russell, to raise funds for the Help for Heroes charity to aid wounded British troops.

Sponsors are encouraged to donate money to get their faces or other images emblazoned on Stewart's 23-foot vessel. Maybe they also could cover parts of his body.

Otherwise, don't forget your sunblock, bud.

COMPILED BY TODD DEWEY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL