My take: Chalk one up for China. No pro-Tibet protesters were anywhere to be found.
News item: Seattle Mariners first baseman Richie Sexson was suspended for six games and fined for "violent and aggressive actions" after charging the mound and throwing his helmet at Texas Rangers pitcher Kason Gabbard on Thursday night.
My take: Six games is a little stiff. Sexson got extra credit for the helmet, even though pitchers get away with throwing at hitters all the time.
News item: Papa John's "Pizza Apology" to LeBron James in the Cleveland area -- a promotion that allowed customers to buy a large pizza for 23 cents -- ran into some predictable supply-and-demand problems but still was considered a success.
My take: Apparently, Papa John's didn't totally account for the possibility that a lot of people like pizza and even more like it when it's almost free.
News item: The New York Knicks reportedly have outbid the Chicago Bulls for the services of highly regarded coach Mike D'Antoni, who is believed to have agreed to a four-year, $24 million deal.
My take: I was sure he would choose the Bulls. The pressure of trying to replace Isiah Thomas is just too great.
peter.schmuck@baltsun.com
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) at noon most Saturdays and Sundays.
