Purpose

"I've been in games where somebody said, `Your numbers were good,' but we lost. It doesn't matter. Numbers mean absolutely nothing." Jake Delhomme Carolina Panthers quarterback "To get it to stop, what they have to do is they have to say, `If you retaliate on purpose and we can tell that it was done blatantly to somebody, or spin somebody out on purpose, you will sit out the next week. No questions asked. There will be no discussions.'" Greg Biffle NASCAR driver, on how to eliminate dangerous driving during Nextel Cup races

WASHINGTON -- The United States, marshaling its public relations apparatus to blunt a propaganda victory by Saddam Hussein, expressed deep regret over civilian deaths in Baghdad yesterday while advancing suspicions that the Iraqi government had deliberately put innocents in harm's way."The loss of civilian lives in time of war is a truly tragic consequence," White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said in an unusual televised statement at 11:45 a.m. after Cable News Network broadcast film of bodies being recovered from the rubble in Baghdad.

Gilman star Cyrus Jones is one of 53 seniors chosen for PARADE Magazine's 49th annual All-America High School Football Team, which will be published Sunday. In partnership with Sporting News, PARADE editors picked a team a players "whose on-the-field performances represent the best of high school football. " The list of previous PARADE All-Americans includes the likes of Emmitt Smith, Dan Marino, Marcus Allen, Tony Dorsett, Joe Montana, John Elway, Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow.

Terps freshman Stefon Diggs was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week after his performance in Saturday's 31-21 loss to West Virginia, the league announced Monday. Diggs had three catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 63 kickoff return yards and 25 punt return yards, in the defeat. With 201 all-purpose yards, it marked the second straight game that Diggs went over 200 all-purpose yards. The Gaithersburg native scored on a 42-yard catch in the first quarter and a 56-yard reception in the fourth quarter.

While the killing of the trainer-handler at Sea World by a killer whale was tragic, perhaps there is no better time to assess the importance and relevance of zoos and aquariums in our nation and the purpose they serve. The inherent purpose of these attractions is for the entertainment of the supposedly brighter species, the human being. Imagine that incarcerated animals and mammals had the gift, like us, of verbal communication. They would certainly voice their disdain for the lives they are thrust in to. Imagine being confined to the environments to which they are unwillingly subjected, taken from their habitats and placed in zoos and aquariums for our juvenile amusement.

Maryland's state leaders have redrawn the state's congressional districts yet again in an attempt to give the Democratic Party an edge. Already known for its gerrymandered districts, Maryland further contributes to the denigration of the democratic process. The problem lies in the fact that Maryland's leaders don't understand the purpose of these districts. All they care about is what party leaders tell them: "party first, state second. " These leaders, who come from both parties, care more about power than actually doing what is right.

WHEN IS IT acceptable to display the Ten Commandments on government property and when isn't it? That was one of the most contentious questions before the U.S. Supreme Court this term and the justices were narrowly but sharply divided on the issue. By 5-4 margins, the court found the display unacceptable in two Kentucky courthouses, but acceptable on the grounds of the Texas state capitol building in Austin. The difference hinged on what the justices considered the overall purpose and context of the displays.

We will be a nation perpetually at half-mast until we defend our children's' rights allowing them to grow up safely and reach their potential as youths and adult citizens ("Obama pushes on guns," Dec. 20). What was taken from us on Friday, Dec. 14 in Newtown, Conn. follows nationwide atrocities of gun violence, too common here in this city of Baltimore. It is unfathomable, heart-wrenching, beyond criminal. How can we as a nation have come to this tragic reality? We know. We have let greed and the promise of the dollar dictate our decisions.

Baseball American League -- Upheld Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens' five-game suspension and $10,000 fine for his actions in last year's playoffs.Atlanta Braves -- Placed P Mark Grant on the 15-day disabled lis retroactive to March 28.Baltimore Orioles -- Cut P Kevin Hickey (1-3, 5.13), P John Mitchell (6-6, 4.64), and P Dan Boone (0-0, 2.79 ERA in 4 games). Released non-roster OF Larry Sheets (.261, 10 HR, 52 RBI). Signed P Mike Flanagan (2-2, 5.31 in 5 games with Toronto) to a 1-year contract.

So it is today that the officialdom of baseball descended o our fair city for the purpose of conducting more of their off-season business-as-usual. In case you haven't been watching closely, that is business in which the agreements, rules and by-laws that govern the game no longer apply and, in the absence of any leadership at the top, everyone kind of does whatever suits their own purpose.On the surface, the expansion draft that was to be played out about some seven hours at the Marriott Marquis has provided baseball with a rare and welcome opportunity to whet the appetites of its otherwise disaffected fan populace.