Rock on . . .

Uninvited

If you're bothered by the Utes losing basketball games to teams such as Seattle U., consider this: Seattle may not be too shabby.

Or maybe Oregon State is just awful.

The Beavers lost by 51 points to the Redhawks, last week. It was a tie for the worst loss in OSU history.

Coach Craig Robinson, brother of first lady Michelle Obama, said: "I would love to just throw this one out."

Isn't that what his sister said about Glenn Beck at the White House Christmas party?

Crouching Tiger

Come on, admit it: You've been wondering where Tiger Woods is hiding out.

Possible answer: With someone even richer than he.

US Weekly claimed last week that Woods had been staying at the Long Island home of billionaire friend Jim Dolan, the Cablevision CEO who also owns Madison Square Garden and the Knicks.

But an MSG spokesperson dismissed the report, saying, "It is categorically false and preposterous on its face."

Sort of like Tiger's marriage vows.

Speaking of false and preposterous, did someone mention the BCS?

Charity case

It's no secret Texas Christian University is, well, a Christian-affiliated university.

Coincidentally, its basketball program is headed up by coach Jim Christian ... An administrative assistant in the women's basketball program is named Jodi Christian. Pamela Ruth Christian is an employee of the TCU police department.

Several students also appear in the directory with the same surname.

All of which helps explain why the Horned Frogs turned the other cheek in their Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State: They assumed it was the Christian thing to do.

Sending a message

Ute basketball coach Jim Boylen was pumped, Saturday, after a win over TCU, saying veteran players Luka Drca and Carlon Brown "texted me last night and said, 'You know, we're gonna get this one coach; we're gonna be ready, whatever it takes.' So when guys start buying in like that, it's fun."

Just making sure: He was talking about basketball, not texting, right?

McSecret

Former slugger Mark McGwire finally came clean, sort of, Monday, admitting he took steroids during his career.

"It's the first time theyve ever heard me, you know, talk about this," he told the Associated Press. "I hid it from everybody."

Yeah, its not like anyone could have known by his biceps or the 400-foot home runs he was launching.

Prognosis negative

BYU guard Jimmer Fredette missed Saturday's game against UTEP and was at low ebb the previous game against UNLV.

Turned out he had mononucleosis.

One factor in mono can be driving oneself too hard and not getting enough rest.

Which means the condition hasn't afflicted the Jazz the first half of the season.

e-mail: rock@desnews.com