Track loses a true giant

Al Oerter died Monday. For those of you drawing a blank, Oerter won a discus gold medal in four straight Olympics in the 1950s and ’60s, setting an Olympic record in each one. Before the Eastern Bloc countries discovered steroids, in other words.

Not dressed for success

Donovan McNabb was sacked an NFL record-tying 12 times by the New York Giants in Philadelphia’s 16-3 loss Sunday night at the Meadowlands. Maybe the Eagles should seek special dispensation from the NFL to wear those ridiculous powder blue and canary yellow throwback uniforms every week. Having the defense bowled over laughing or vomiting before every play is a built-in advantage.

I never believed in evolution, but …

Haile Gebrselassie has knocked the world record for the marathon to two hours, four minutes and 26 seconds. Is anybody else frightened by the thought of somebody potentially running more than 26 miles in under two hours in our lifetime?

Does not play well with others

The United States won golf’s President’s Cup despite Mike Weir defeating Tiger Woods on the final day. Take heart, Tiger: Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds have made a living from super-human talent without winning a blessed thing for their teams.

Trouble in Tampa

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams and offensive lineman Luke Petitgout were lost for the season with injuries in Sunday’s road win over Carolina. There is now at least a 50 percent chance that the NFC South championship will be won with a record of 7-9.

The universal language

British fans gave a standing ovation when George Parros of the Anaheim Ducks and Scott Thornton of the Los Angeles Kings dropped the gloves and rumbled during Sunday’s NHL exhibition in London. Hmm, and I thought those Euros always looked down their noses at us Americans because we’re soooo unrefined.

Picture this

NASCAR will not penalize Tony Stewart for ordering an ESPN camera operator to “get the f— away from me” on live television during a practice session over the weekend. Before you criticize Stewart, think about what the audience’s virgin ears would hear if somebody followed your every move at work.