Don’t mess with Little Sisters

Yes, Orville Redenbacher, there is a Little Sisters of the Poor.

Ohio State president Gordon Gee -- who resembles the late popcorn king -- admitted Wednesday he knew nothing about the Little Sisters or their mission of serving the elderly poor when he turned them into a punch line last fall. That's when he mocked other universities who don't play in football's power conferences.

Gee said in November that teams such as Mountain West members Texas Christian and Boise State don't deserve to play in the Bowl Championship Series title game because they don't play anybody.

"We do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor," said Gee, who shortly thereafter apologized for his remarks.

"What do I know about college football?" he said. "I look like Orville Redenbacher."

TCU fans got even following the Horned Frogs' Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin with a message on billboards around Columbus, Ohio, that read "Congratulations to TCU for their BCS Rose Bowl Victory." It was signed, "Little Sisters of the Poor."

Gee is back in the religious order's good graces after touring one of its homes for the elderly Wednesday in Oregon, Ohio. He said his wisecrack has turned out to be a positive because it's helped promote the sisters' good work.

"Out of inadvertent humor can come great deeds," said Gee, who shook hands with residents in wheelchairs and signed autographs for those wearing Ohio State jerseys.

The residents then reportedly exchanged the autographed memorabilia for tattoos, including one that read "Redenbacher For Life."

■ TIGER TAME TIPPER -- Turns out Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams might be the only person who ever received a 10 percent tip from the wealthy golfer.

Woods is America's worst celebrity tipper, according to the Miami New Times, which compiled a list of the top 10 offenders.

Woods reportedly made a woman in Las Vegas tip for him when they went out. While playing $10,000-a-hand blackjack, Tiger also allegedly took back a $5 tip after realizing he'd tipped the cocktail waitress earlier in the night.

Miami Heat star LeBron James was ranked fourth on the list. He reportedly left a $10 tip on an $800 tab at a Cleveland steakhouse that stayed open until 4 a.m. to accommodate him.

The best tipper? Former University of Miami booster Nevin Shapiro.

■ ABSTAIN FOR THE GAME -- In an odd attempt to unite fans of the New Zealand All Blacks, an ad campaign is encouraging fans to abstain from sex during the upcoming Rugby World Cup, which will take place from Sept. 9 to Oct. 23 in Auckland.

Participants will receive black rubber rings to show their support for the campaign, which has scrapped plans to produce signs reading "Think of your mum in a bikini -- Abstain for the All Blacks."

It appears the criticized campaign should be abandoned as well. A New Zealand Herald poll asking fans if they would abstain from sex has attracted nearly 25,000 votes, with 92 percent responding "No, are you kidding?" One reader joked, "Abstain for six weeks? None of the married guys should have a problem with that."

COMPILED BY TODD DEWEY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL