E.K. NATION

We call this a Brokeback Mountain game, because there's so much penetration and kickouts.

--Phil Jackson

Really? A Brokeback Mountain joke? What, is it 2005 already?

Look, there shouldn't be so much controversy over this joke. It really shouldn't be all that offensive. The only question is, why isn't it a Basic Instinct joke? There was certainly penetration involved in that story too. I guess it's because a lot of people think gay jokes are funny automatically. Guess what? They're not. But it got a laugh anyway, I hope because people were caught off-guard by it and not because it was a finely crafted quip. I mean, I know the writers are on strike, but please.

But then here came the "apology", courtesy of Jackson the next day:

It's poor humor. I deserve to be reprimanded by the NBA. If I've offended any horses, Texans, cowboys or gays, I apologize.

If by "I apologize" you mean "I do not apologize", I understand.

It's not a big deal. It's a bad joke, as you said.

But now, your apology has brought about the need for another apology, Phil: Brokeback Mountain was in Wyoming, not Texas! Sheesh! You think all Texans are gay, or that all cowboys are Texans? (Or that all horses are gay?) There's nothing wrong with a gay Wyomingan cowboy! (Or Wyomingian? Wyominger? Wyomingonain? Wyomingander?) You owe an apology, sir, and as soon as I figure out just whom you owe it too, I'll let you know!

Look out, Ducks: I'm a Cal fan from Portland who has resigned himself into rooting for the Oregon Ducks as they try to get into the BCS title game. I have to say, these Thursday night football games on ESPN are death for the favorites, or at least they seem to be, anyway. Should I call it right here? Okay, here we go:

Arizona 34, Oregon 31.

Another #2 bites the dust.