They say better late than never, right? Well, as of last night the Patriots would say that anyway, as a late TD helped continue their season of perfection (will the end justify their means?). Love that Randy Moss goes from early career trash-talker to late-career man of wisdom, telling those jabbering Ravens to stop complaining so much when they haven’t (I’m paraphrasing, which means: not looking up the exact quote) “done anything all year.” I did hear the complaints on Sportscenter this morning and if the referees were jabbering back at the jabbering B-more squad, calling them “boy,” and such, Roger Goodell needs to step in immediately so it doesn’t get too crazy, too quick. In the wake of the NBA ref scandal, any problems with refs needs to be squashed ASAP; no need to feed into conspiracy theories, which lead to fan distrust. Meanwhile, Steve McNair was placed on the IR to have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. He’s in his twilight years but I wouldn’t count him out just yet. If Vinny Testaverte can play into his 80s… McNair’s got a chance.

Hank Steinbrenner is a chip off the old block, isn’t he? First, he helps escort Joe Torre out of New York. Now he’s running his mouth, saying that he would withdraw his offer for Johan Santana from the Twins if they didn’t give him a decision by… yesterday. Nobody believes you, Hank. You said you wouldn’t negotiate with Alex Rodriguez if he opted out of his contract and how did that one end up again? Oh yeah, your “word” fell through. Anyway, if you want to usher Santana into the BoSox’s hands, you’ll be sorry — yet again — in

San Antonio Spurs fans can exhale now that Tim Duncan’s MRI came back negative. Although he won’t play Wednesday versus the Dallas Mavericks, the results confirm no torn ligaments in his knee, so eventually he’ll be back in action.

The man informally known in the NBA as “Sideshow Bob,” Anderson Verejao, as agreed to an offer sheet with the Charlotte Bobcats. According to the Charlotte-Observer the deal doesn’t mean Verejao will end up in a Bobcats uniform. Cavs GM Danny Ferry said he’d match any offer sheets for Verejao and this current offer — reportedly for the mid-level exception for $5 mil + a year — is actually less than the $20 mil, 3 year deal offered originally to the Cavs big man. All I can say is — if he’s not around to help LeBron, Ferry needs to make moves to find someone who will be. How many injuries does Bron-Bron have to sustain before the team realizes that eventually the wear-and-tear will have “King James” running for the hills?

As of this week, the Washington Nationals have acquired two young, talented, controversial-off-the-field outfielders in Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes. Sometimes new scenarios and a fresh start helps kick-start the careers of young talent. Sometimes it does not. People deserve second-chances if they want them; as a fan I can only hope for the best, cross my fingers and hope Jim Bowden knows what he’s doing.