We all know how hot and sexy sports radio guys can be, so it should come as no surprise that MIKE RESPONTS is reporting Vegas sports radio host Paul Howard used to date upcoming Playboy Playmate Monica Chairez:

Howard dated Monica Chairez when she was an up and coming Las Vegas model. Now Chairez is scheduled to be a centerfold in an upcoming issue of Playboy

“Up and coming Las Vegas model” = Permanent keycard holder to Champagne Room at the O.G..

You’ll be shocked to know that Chairez has since discarded Howard, well before she got her big *break* as a nudie model. We also can’t confirm the veracity of the claim, as Howard’s credit card receipts and ATM withdrawls during the time of the alleged relationship have not yet been made available to the public.

That unlikely couple reminds of the long-forgotten Rory Markas-Lauren Sanchez (above) coupling here in Los Angeles. … anyone?

And while there are high-fives due all around for Howard, by the looks of Chairez’s test shots, you no longer have to wonder how far Playboy has fallen.

The DALLAS MORNING NEWS reports today that, “Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo were spotted having dinner with his folks at an Olive Garden in Janesville, Wis.” PEOPLE magazine reports than when the reservation was phoned in, the staff thought it was “a big joke.”

Hey! Leave Jessica’s dad Joe out of this!

Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson on the Dan Patrick Radio Show today on if the Barry Bonds #756 baseball will be displayed with the asterisk showing: “We feel it would be disengenious to accept the baseball and display it without the asterisk so that’s what we’ll do.” (audio)

Who do you think will be more irrelevant in five years, Bonds or Marc Ecko?

Not mentioned in our post yesterday about the USA TODAY piece on Mark McGwire: “If McGwire makes the Hall, the Cardinals will unveil the bronze statue of him that is sitting in a downtown St. Louis warehouse.”

Think that statue was commissioned before McGwire refused to “talk about the past” before Congress? (hello world’s largest doorstop!)

I loved Joe Buck’s admission today that he hates baseball. It’s no shock, considering him quitting Cardinals broadcasts this year and the long-floated rumors about him doing a late night TV talkshow.

A couple people have since asked me how this will affect him at Fox. I’m guessing he’ll be due a raise and hosting a Japanese game show-knockoff in no time.

In the aftermath of the Baron Von Clippers sign, we’re now waiting to see what happens with Elton Brand. The SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE reports today that, “League sources said that Brand, who also opted out of his deal Monday night, will re-sign with the Clippers for long-term deal worth about $13.5 million a year.”

Another day, another NBA-related deadbeat lawsuit involving a Vegas hotel & casino.

Lost in Marc Stein’s recent piece about Ron Artest once again changing his mind about opting out was this gem:

Artest also unsuccessfully reached out to USA Basketball officials earlier this month in a bid to convince them to consider him as an 11th-hour candidate for this summer’s China-bound Olympic team.

“My basketball skill and my character and community work speaks for itself,” Artest said.

The BOSTON HERALD has this suggestion for Red Sox fans when Mad-for-Madge ARod hits Fenway on July 25:

We are informed that the Fenway playlist contains no Madonna music. But perhaps that is something that the ballpark maestros may want to address before the Bronx Bombers roll into town on the 25th.

(We could suggest “Crazy For You,” “Forbidden Love,” “Hanky Panky,” ‘Who’s That Girl” “Justify My Love” and, of course, the ever-popular “Like A Virgin.” Not.)

In the meantime, Sox fans, get working on those pointy bras!

The Herald also has a Sam Cassell sighting, as he provided a Vegas pole dancer named Danielle Rueda-Watts some encouragement:

MDS at PRO FOOTBALL TALK found a detailed look by the BBC at youth American football in Britain. Or as they call the sport over there: armoured wankball.

Why do I have a sneaking feeling Carson Palmer wants Chad Johnson to meet this fate?

I usually walk the Venice boardwalk a couple times a week, and I’m thinking it’s just a matter of time before the cops down there have these installed:

A former KC Chief named Kendall Gammon is taking over sideline duties on the team’s radio broadcasts this season. He says this to the KANSAS CITY STAR: “Now, there’s a line you have to make sure you don’t cross in terms of giving out too much information and strategy. Other teams do monitor broadcasts and look for any edge.“

Right, so teams prepare with dozens of coaches and staff members for countless hours all week, monitoring video and scouting reports. But of course, that all goes OUT THE WINDOW if some dumbass in the opposing team’s radio booth gives out “strategy.”

And to top that off, the Patriots aren’t even on the Chiefs schedule this season.

In honor of Coach Gammon, we bring you America’s Worst Jobs:

1) New Orleans water treatment plant worker
2) San Ysidro ER Nurse (Advil for everybody!)
3) Early bird server at Boca Raton Perkins
4) Opposing NFL radio broadcast listener