Fans deserve apology

Mississippi State athletic director Greg Byrne issued a statement Wednesday apologizing for the actions of what he called a "few" fans during his school's 81-75 overtime loss to Kentucky on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs nearly upset the second-ranked Wildcats in Starkville but lost after three questionable calls went in favor of Kentucky in overtime.

The fans weren't happy, raining water bottles onto the court to show their displeasure.

Official Mike Kitts and Kentucky star John Wall were almost drilled by the flying objects.

The outrage might have been aimed in the wrong direction.

While the calls had an impact on the outcome, Mississippi State allowed a 7-point lead to evaporate in the final 2:45 of regulation.

As of now, no apology has been issued for the horrible execution down the stretch that allowed Kentucky to come back.

■ WHAT AISLE IS THAT ON? -- ESPN personality Barry Melrose caught a bit of heat when he twice uttered an expletive on live TV on Tuesday.

The network's hockey analyst was asked by First Take host Jay Crawford what product he uses on his skin to maintain his complexion.

Melrose said, "Chicken (expletive)," then repeated the phrase when he was asked to clarify.

On live television, those things happen. It is understandable, especially in this case, when Melrose was off set and just participating in unscripted banter with the host.

The real question is whether the stuff really works. And where do you buy it?

You just have to hope nobody asks Melrose what he uses in his trademark hair.

■ EUGENE CRIME WAVE -- The Oregon football program's turbulent offseason keeps getting worse.

Two more players were arrested this week, including leading rusher LaMichael James on Tuesday for five misdemeanor charges that include strangulation, bringing to five the total of Ducks players involved in legal issues this offseason.

According to the police report, James grabbed his girlfriend around the neck and pushed her to the ground in a parking lot, leaving her with neck pain and abrasions.

In 2008, James was arrested just after graduating from high school and charged with disorderly conduct and third-degree battery. Those charges were later dismissed.

Oregon's other offensive star, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, was named in a police report alleging theft of laptops and other electronic equipment from a Eugene fraternity house.

Who would have thought LeGarrette Blount, who punched a Boise State player in the season opener, would prove to be the program's model citizen.

■ NEW HANDICAP -- Dropping more than 100 pounds does have its downside, golfer John Daly told the San Francisco Chronicle: "With the putting, I don't have anywhere to put my elbows now."

COMPILED BY ADAM HILL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL