Former NBA player Charles Barkley, whose weight has ballooned since his playing days, beat 67-year-old referee Dick Bavetta by inches in a footrace during Saturday's NBA All-Star festivities.

Barkley, who trained for the event with former Olympic medalist John Carlos, celebrated by eating Bavetta.

ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale was named one of 15 finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame last week.

Shortly thereafter, the hall announced immediate plans to install soundproof insulation.

Another ESPN analyst, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, will not return to the network next year.

Looking for someone less grating and opinionated to replace him, the network has narrowed its search to everyone else in the world.

Michigan forward Brent Petway made headlines when he arrived for Saturday's game with a block "M" shaved in the back of his head.

Unfortunately for Petway, it was spelled wrong.