Rebels rap leaves plenty to imagination

Today, Leftovers is taking a self-imposed 24-hour Olympic break. After all, we know what you really want - less Hungarian water polo and more UNLV basketball.

To that end, the group Alazae has released a rap song "Runnin' Rebels" that doesn't specifically talk about Dave Rice's team or single out any of his players. There probably would be copyright infringement issues with the school and the NCAA. Here's a lyrical sample from the 3-minute, 26-second song:

"I'll tell you go fish just to make you play my game,

"You destined to lose, so we ain't the same.

"I need my own road, so I'll run you out the lane,

"Trying to understand my membrane is insane."

Not sure if this is a reference to Anthony Marshall's ability to get to the rim, but if you want to hear the song and come up with your own interpretation, go to AlazaeMusic.com. The song is rated R for strong language.

■ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TARK - Wednesday was Jerry Tarkanian's 82nd birthday, and while the occasion was celebrated quietly with family and friends in San Diego, there was a time when Tark's birthday was almost a city holiday.

Most memorable was at the old Wet 'n Wild water park on Paradise Road when kids throughout the city along with former and current UNLV players would show up in the late 1980s and early '90s. There was cake and a massive singalong of "Happy Birthday," which probably left the old coach somewhat embarrassed.

■ CANVASSING CUBS VOTES - If Mitt Romney wants to win the hearts and votes of Chicagoans in November, the GOP presidential candidate figured he better focus on the North Side since President Barack Obama firmly is entrenched on the South Side as a loyal White Sox fan.

Romney paid a visit to Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse on Tuesday while stumping along the campaign trail. Of course, Romney is well aware of the Cubs' inglorious history, and the last thing he wants to do is add to the baggage that includes the billy goat, the Lou Brock-for-Ernie Broglio trade, the black cat and Steve Bartman.

But perhaps Romney can take solace in the fact that Caray was broadcasting the St. Louis Cardinals games when they were winning world championships in the 1960s. Of course, mentioning the Cards in Cubs Country is a surefire way to get voters to go the other way.

■ SAPP'S SNEAKERS - Did you bid on Warren Sapp's sneaker collection Wednesday?

If you're a size 15 and like Air Jordans, you might have scored big.

As part of his bankruptcy settlement, the former NFL defensive lineman was ordered by a Florida judge to put up his collection of 215 pairs of sneakers worth an estimated $6,500 for auction. The bidding began at $999, with the winner paying $16,700.

The money from the auction went to pay Sapp's creditors. Unfortunately for the 39-year-old Sapp, who claims to owe several million dollars, that won't square things.

But at least he'll have more space in his closet.

COMPILED BY STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL