* Finally. Jon Gruden will be inducted into the Bucs’ Ring of Honor. His predecessor as Buccaneers’ head coach, Tony Dungy, is already in the NFL Hall of Fame. Both were fired by the Bucs. Weird.
* In another testament to Tampa’s ascendance as a proven host of mega events, this city will be hosting the NHL All-Star Game January 27. It’s a big deal. It’s also challenging, since the weekend festivities will overlap with the Gasparilla Parade. Think security and mess transit.
* Local Gator football fans had to be pleased that UF coach Jim McElwain is making big strides in recruiting Tampa Bay blue-chippers. USF fans and Charley Strong had to be concerned. Recruiting prime local prospects–football and basketball–has always been an issue for the Bulls.