A reader diddling around on the Toys R' Us Web site — don't ask — came across this lovely knick-knack: It's the official Brent Musburger action figure. Released in connection with Rocky II, this Brent is pumped up and ready to kick ass and drink some goddamn beer.

We wish the new movie had broadcaster action figures too; we would loved to have seen the Jim Lampley figure, now with dual stalking action!

Rocky II Brent Musberger Action Figure [MGM Store]
Brent Musburger, Public Nuisance [Deadspin]
Jim Lampley Charged With Violating Order [KFMB]

Oddly enough, most of the Michigan blogs reacted to the mention by...not calling for Carr's head at all. I'm imagining Musberger and Bob Davie must feel like a couple of parents who prevented their houses from getting egged on Mischief Night by hiding in the bushes. Limp-wristed fist pound to the whole ABC crew.

Kirk Herbstreit Is Curious About Blogs [The Big Lead]

We know Musburger isn't the most popular announcer among anyone under the age of 70, but we can't think of any broadcaster who's more entertaining. Last night, he actually said the phrase, "You've got to give serious props to Bruce Weber." His cadence makes every play — even a Brian Randle rebound and putback midway through the first half in an anonymous Big Ten midseason game — sound like The Shot Heard Round The World. This is excessive and repetitive, but we somehow we still love it; he's the broadcasting equivalent of whippets. But that enthausiasm is why we can't quit Brent; after 40-plus years in the business, after appearing in Rocky II and being mocked on "Saturday Night Live," the guy still is willing to hit the road and go cover a conference tilt in Madison in February. Musburger has been one of the few constants in all of our sports lives, and he keeps trucking along, saying "props," getting names wrong and giving us a head rush.

Plus, Brent's not afraid to drink in the car. Gotta respect that.

Brent Musburger, Public Nuisance [Deadspin]
Illini Get Huge Win At Wisconsin [Illini Wonk]

Some have questioned whether police were targeting Musburger, which would be a surprise to no one who has ever heard him broadcast a game. But we know what was really going on: Musburger was getting an early start on The Brent Musburger Drinking Game.

"Jack Arute". Whenever Brent says "Our ol' buddy Jack Arute" everyone has to say "AROOOOOOT!" Last one to do it has to do a shot. If everyone does it simultaneously, the Pardner must do a shot.

Musburger Cited By Lincoln Police [KETV] (via The Mighty MJD)
The Brent Musburger Drinking Game [Fanblogs]