Sports Notes, 1/21/07

-- Kudos to the Oglala Sioux tribe for asking the University of Illinois to return its Chief Illiniwek attire. Perhaps this will finally end the laughably embarrassing “tradition” down at my alma mater.

-- Hey, Mike Ditka: You weren’t fooling anyone. We can understand if you don't want to say nice things about Michael McCaskey, but anyone who watches your playoff commentary on ESPN knows that not only do you want the BEARS to win more than any of us, but also that in your heart you’re still coaching them.

-- When the Bulls beat three-time NBA champion San Antonio on Monday, it was the Bulls’ first home win against the Spurs since December of 2000. Raise your hand if you’re surprised that streak wasn’t longer.

-- Now raise your other hand if you’re really surprised that the Bulls have beaten the Spurs in San Antonio in that time.

-- Now wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care!

-- Besides, Coach: Wasn't the Dave Wannstedt era punishment enough for McCaskey firing you?

-- Some cultures believe that every man dies a death befitting the life he led. Sammy Sosa’s career is certainly making them look prophetic.