In his decision, Arbitrator Richard R. Kasher found that Smith's firing violated the paper's CBA with the Philadelphia Lollipop Newspaper Guild, and ordered the Inquirer's parent company to make things right. This could potentially pave the way for Smith's return as a columnist, or (more likely) lead to some type of monetary award. And based on how much Smith was scheduled to earn, it could be a nice chunk o' change:

According to the Guild account, [Smith's] agreement called for Smith to write a minimum of 75 columns a year for an annual salary of $125,000. At the end of one year, in February of 2006, Smith would have the option of resigning, of extending the agreement, or of returning as a full-time columnist, at a salary of $190,000.

The Guild reported the contract said if he went back to full-time employment, his salary would increase to $205,000 in June 2006, and to $225,000 in June 2007. Smith ultimately chose to return to work at the paper full-time.

With newsroom layoffs taking place at the beginning of 2007, Editor William Marimow [Ed. note: Hey, that's David Simon's old boss!] balked at awarding a $20,000 raise.

While Stephen A. has since moved on to bigger and better things, this has to be a welcome result for him. Now he can focus his attention on that other gross injustice plaguing his career- his continued exclusion from the Deadspin Hall of Fame.

Firing of 'Inky' Sports Columnist Stephen Smith 'Unjust,' Arbitrator Rules [Editor & Publisher]

Among changes in its January 24-25 board of directors meeting in Indianapolis:

Changes in Rules 7-2-5 and 2-14-2 clarify the numbering-exception rule from when it was originally approved in 1982.

"The definition of a scrimmage-kick formation was clarified to differentiate formations that have been used traditionally for attempting a field goal or kick try from those used for a punt," Colgate said. "In addition, the circumstances under which the numbering exception can be utilized have been changed to clarify what can be done on first, second, third and fourth downs."

The A-11, invented and developed by Kurt Bryan and Stan Humphries at Piedmont (Calif.) High in 2007, used the loophole in the rules that all 11 players were eligible to catch a pass if a team lined up in the scrimmage kick formation for every play. The rules committee has seemed to have closed that loophole.

So, a victory for slow, dim-witted linemen everywhere. Hey, I was one of those!

Of course, it remains to be seen how each state will interpret the rule change; some may ignore it completely, just as some had chosen to outlaw the A-11 before the new ruling ever came down. So we'll see.

Horse Collar Tackle To Be Penalized In High School Football [NFHS]

TMZ, has the dirty details, but The Smoking Gun has the full report:

According to the officer who wrote the report, "He told me that he ran the stop sign because he was in a hurry to pick up the girl I saw get in the passenger seat."

The officer continues: "He asked me to admit that she was 'hot.' He asked me, 'You want the truth?' When I told him I did he said, 'I was gonna drive around the corner and get a b**w job. He then explained that she had given him a 'b**w job' one week earlier and said it was the best one he had ever had in his life."

The report says when Barkley was taken to the station, he told one of the employees, "I'll tattoo my name on your ass" if he helped "get him out of the DUI." According to the report, "He laughed and then quickly corrected himself and said, 'I'll tattoo your name on my ass' and then laughed again."

The report also says officers "found a handgun in the vehicle" which was immediately impounded. The report doesn't say if the handgun was legal or not, and the only thing that we know for sure was loaded...

Hmm. This is probably not the best way to kick off his political career. Anyway. Back to New Year's. I'm sure we'll be talking about this more on Friday.

Barkley: All I Really Wanted Was Oral Sex [TMZ]
Charles Barkley's Oral Statements [Smoking Gun]

Tyson recently offered his services to troubled former Newcastle United star Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne, who was placed in a loony bin two weeks ago after a complete mental breakdown. Iron Mike told the BBC news that he's effectively pieced back together plenty of fragile, eggshell minds and he feels like this is a situation where he can really be helpful:

"I know all about Gazza and I feel I can help him. A lot of top sportsmen have suffered in their private lives, including me, and that is why I want to help. I still see him as a superstar and would like to meet him if he feels up for it."

Tyson says he's counseled many athletes who've been through similar mental traumas (including Manchester U. Star Wayne Rooney) and he's ready to open up his blackened heart to those who need it. He's been there, man, he's been there.

Tyson Offers Counsel To Gascoigne [BBC News]

BTW……I co-hosted the Steve Harvey Morning Show today with the morning crew. It’s Freedom Friday, so, unfortunately, I had to give it to Nephew Tommy a little bit, who completely underestimated my skills with the slow jamz (Starship, Lady (Whispers), Adore and Call Me (Prince), Just to be close (Lionel Richie), etc.

Shame on the brother! But I’m not going to hold it against him too much.

When ya don’t know,…ya don’t know. (smile!!!)

[stephenablog.typepad.com]

Yeah, so, enjoy tonight.

ESPN Fortifies Its Franches [USA Today]