SPORTSbyBROOKS

12:20 PM PFT reports that the Redskins have relaxed their ban on fan signage at FedEx Field. In a team release, Dan Snyder says signs are okay as long as they "stay within the boundaries of good taste and don't block the view of other fans." But blocking the view of the Redskins' lousy play *is* in good taste.

12:00 PM Congrats to the Rice Owls for getting their first win of the season Saturday in a 28-20 victory over Tulane. That now leaves Eastern Michigan, New Mexico & Western Kentucky as the only winless squads left in FBS play.

8:16 PM Jay Glazer of Fox Sports has news that might seem mystifying to casual NFL fans, but not to serious Miami Dolphins followers: "dolphins are deactivating joey porter tomorrow, coach's decision"

8:03 PM USC beat reporter Scott Wolf of the L.A. Daily News is notorious among diehard USC fans for his somewhat negative coverage of the Trojans. He didn't let us down today with this blog entry: "Airfares to El Paso are quite reasonable if you act quickly."