Everybody loves a new face

Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings barreled ahead for three yards in the final minute Sunday to break Jamal Lewis’ single-game NFL rushing record. Peterson amassed an astonishing 296 yards in the Minnesota Vikings’ 35-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers. Peterson is a monster who will break every record imaginable if he stays healthy, and he deserves the adulation. But imagine the nationwide talk radio insanity if Bill Belichick fed Laurence Maroney the ball three straight times in the last minute of a game the Patriots were leading by more than two touchdowns.

No-win situation

John Russell accepted the Pittsburgh Pirates’ managerial job Monday after Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell reportedly declined it over the weekend. Other than its significance for involving a former Maine Guide (Farrell) and a former Maine Phillie (Russell), the story demonstrates that Farrell is a brilliant man and that Russell is a glutton for punishment.

The game of life

Assistant coach Tom Thibodeau is running the Boston Celtics indefinitely in Doc Rivers’ absence after Rivers’ father died Sunday morning. Speaking from experience, it doesn’t matter how old you are, where you are in the world, what you’ve accomplished or how much people love or hate you on any given day; losing a parent is losing a part of yourself, and it stinks. My thoughts and prayers are with Doc and his family.

Not as bad as it looked, thankfully

Tests on Chad Johnson’s neck were negative Sunday afternoon, allowing the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver to join his team on its flight home after a scary moment on the field in Buffalo. That was great news, especially in light of the Kevin Everett injury at the same scene two months ago. So how long is the grace period before we’re allowed again to call Johnson an obnoxious showboat who never shows up in important games?

Catch a Torre

New Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre was introduced in a press conference Monday at Dodger Stadium. Not sure if that was smog or dry ice, a la every 1980s heavy metal concert, clouding the stadium, but it seemed like an over-the-top introduction. And it came on the heels of the confetti-laden, downtown hello to soccer deity David Beckham several months ago. So why doesn’t Kobe Bryant bask in this much love from the, um, fiercely loyal L.A. sports fans? Just askin’.

They deserve each other

Former University of Colorado football coach Gary Barnett reportedly is interested in the soon-to-be-vacant job at SMU. That would unite a coach who left his previous job in disgrace with a program that was banished by the NCAA for myriad violations 20 years ago and has never recovered. Yes, what a great idea. As marriages go, it ranks right up there with Spears-Federline.

Reid beyond the chalk lines

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid won’t face discipline from the NFL office for his sons’ drug convictions last week. So why was this even a question? Last time I checked, it wasn’t a crime to be a workaholic, absentee parent. Although based on the recent track record of coaches being confronted with trouble on the home front, the league might be wise to crack down on how much time these guys are spending in the office.