• PRO FOOTBALL TALK puts a leash on Antonio Pierce, as the New York Giant & Michael Vick critic faces his own accusations of animal neglect.

• BRUINS NATION checks the laundry, as USC will be wearing home uniforms at the Rose Bowl after all.

• Speaking of controversial clothing, the INDIANAPOLIS STAR dresses down Indiana U. officials for forcing a fan to take off his “Bring Back Bobby” shirt.

• SPORTS MEDIA JOURNAL tosses out this great comment from Beano Cook about pitchers & catchers reporting on Thursday: “I know Peter Gammons is in heat because of this date.”

• THE LEGEND OF CECILIO GUANTE has some late suggestions that would have made the Rocket’s time on Capitol Hill a blast.

• RIA NOVOSTI lobs over news that Maria Sharapova enjoyed her Fed Cup experience in Israel so much, she bought a penthouse there.

• AWFUL ANNOUNCING learns that a Wisconsin idea has been projected onto Texas, as movie theaters around the Lone Star State will be broadcasting the Feb. 18 Longhorns-Aggies basketball battle.

• THE WICKED WRISTER shoots word that Chicago wants to turn Soldier Field into a really big ice rink for a week.