* I’m not a big NFL fan; the league and its network enablers have turned the pro game into a choreographed, look-at-me lounge act. But that pales next to the image conveyed by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett who assaulted Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph with his own helmet. A concussion–or much worse–could have occurred. Maybe it has. This was no lounge-act performance. This was not another play-to-the-cameras optic. This looked like a thug in attack mode. Appalling. BTW, wonder if Garrett would have done the same to “Big Ben.” That’s Steelers regular quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is injured and out for the season.
* The Bucs’ home field advantage was compromised last Sunday in the loss to New Orleans. A large number of Saints fans cheered on the visitors. Best way to limit that oppo dynamic at RayJay: Win more. That hikes season-ticket sales and increases the possibility of sellouts.
* Latino outreach: The Rays Class A Stone Crabs minor league affiliate will–for two series–play as the “Frijoles Saltarines de Puerto Carlota” (Jumping Beans of Charlotte Harbor.)