His Fines Really Stick

Jack Tatum, the former Oakland Raiders safety, whose hard-hitting style made him one of the game’s most feared defensive backs, is still punishing NFL players, although in a milder manner.

He is one of the league’s fashion police.

Tatum and 30 other former players work part-time tracking down offenders who wear their socks too low or don’t tuck in their shirts. They issued $1.6 million in fines to 218 players last season to make sure uniforms are properly worn and the logos of corporate sponsors are visible.

“They don’t give me too much lip,” Tatum said. “But I don’t put up with a lot, either.”

Born to be cut

Receiver/returner Tony Gaiter has been released and re-signed by one team more than any player in NFL history.

Gaiter was re-signed to the New England Patriots’ practice squad for the eighth time Thursday. He has been cut seven times by New England since the club took him in the sixth round in 1997 out of the University of Miami.

For once, they agree

The New York Mets bowed out of the Alex Rodriguez sweepstakes and New York’s bitter-rival tabloids, the New York Post and New York Daily News, must be kicking themselves for writing the same headline: “Nay-Rod.”

Every boy needs a hobby

Tom FitzGerald in the San Francisco Chronicle:

“Portland Trail Blazers forward Rasheed Wallace’s temper would have to cool considerably to be considered volcanic.

“Last season, he set an NBA record with 38 technical fouls. He had six in the first nine games this season, putting him on pace for 55.

“`I just try to go out there and play and be a monster, be a beast, be a goon,”’ Wallace says.

“`Athletes know how important it is to set goals.”’

Playing caboose for Sonics

Peter Vecsey in the New York Post: “Personally, I didn’t get all that excited about Patrick Ewing’s reunion with his former team (the New York Knicks).

“I would’ve been more inclined to see a reunion between Ewing and his former talent. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen anybody used as a trailer on the fastbreak for both sides.”

No pardons allowed

Jerry Greene in the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel: “So Jesse Ventura is going to be the No. 1 XFL analyst for NBC. As governor, does that mean he can have a player executed for dropping a pass?”

The last word …

“If you haven’t seen Patrick Ewing since he landed in Seattle, don’t look. The Space Needle has a quicker first step.”

- Jim Armstrong in the Denver Post