Chuck Swirsky, the Toronton Raptors’ play-by-play guy, was the only person who didn’t vote for Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy as Rookie of the Year. Swirsky said he is receiving hate mail because of his decision to vote for Toronto’s Andrea Bargnani. Researchers at Cornell have announced they are launching a study into the racial preferences of Canadian basketball play-by-play men.

Bruins are the real Patriots

Boston Bruins teammates Brandon Bochenski and Phil Kessel each had a goal and an assist to lead the United States over Slovakia 4-2 at the hockey world championships. Bruins ownership is now crossing off “Duty to Country” off its annual list of excuses for not making the playoffs.

Alternate transportation

O.J. Simpson is picking Tiago to win the Kentucky Derby because he’s friends with the horse’s jockey, Mike Smith. In fact, in an upcoming book, Simpson will claim Smith was waiting for him with fresh horses once the white Bronco ran out of gas.

Maybe it’s just over, Chan

The Mets designated Chan Ho Park for assignment and purchased the contract of pitcher Lino Urdaneta from the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs Urdaneta has an infinite ERA after making one major league appearance, on Sept. 9, 2004. Pitching for Detroit against Kansas City, he faced six batters and gave up six earned runs on five hits and a walk without getting an out.

Denny Crum’s not walking through that door

Louisville coach Rick Pitino signed a three-year extension that will keep him with the Cardinals through 2013. He’ll be introduced as coach at Duke next Wednesday.

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