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Deep thoughts, by Sir Charles

Now that the NBA lockout is over, Charles Barkley’s philosophy of his sport is more meaningful than ever.

“We have done irreparable harm to the game of basketball,” Barkley says. “I care about the game. Basketball has given me everything I have in my life. It has made me rich, made me famous.

“Everybody talks about the fans. I don’t play for the fans. I want every player to feel there is nobody in the stands and we play like we did when we were little kids. Shirts and skins, just play to win the game.”

He’s no Clinton, that’s for sure

Jesse “the Body” Ventura was inaugurated as governor of Minnesota on Monday, but his former boss, World Wrestling Federation chairman Vince McMahon, says it’s only the beginning.

“As a former WWF superstar, he has what it takes to survive in any area - be it politics or sports entertainment,” McMahon said. “Jesse has mentioned his presidential aspirations many times. We could do worse than elect Jesse president. In fact, some say we have!”

Would that be boxers or briefs?

Brigham Young’s leading runner next year will probably be sophomore Junior Mahe, and he has requested that his last name be pronounced “Mahay,” and not “Ma-hee.”

In the Tongan language, ma-hee means underwear.

High on chocolate

The latest doping scandal in sports doesn’t involve androstenedione or high levels of testosterone. It apparently involves chocolate.

The British Whippet Racing Association recently stripped several dogs of wins and championships because they tested positive for theobromine and caffeine - both found in chocolate.

That would be a grueling flight

When golfer Billy Andrade decided to take his wife and two children with him to Hawaii where he was going to play in the Mercedes Championship and the Hawaiian Open, he had this to say about the long flight from Rhode Island: “Good luck to the passengers.”

Daughter Lelia is 20 months old.

Early leader for understatement of the year

After Oregon State point guard Deaundra Tanner went 2 for 20 from the field and 0 for 5 on three-point shots, coach Eddie Payne said, “He didn’t do a good job of picking his spots.”

What have you done for your owner lately?

Jim Fassel, 1997 NFL coach of the year with the New York Giants, had better beware. It apparently doesn’t pay to win such an award.

Ray Rhodes, 1995 coach of the year, and Dom Capers, who won the same honor in 1996, were both fired last week.

The last word …

“That’s a big King Kong off my shoulders.”

- Florida Panthers defenseman Paul Laus after ending ended a scoreless drought of 188 games last week.