Keep trash-talking on the court

Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva and Kevin Garnett of the Celtics got into a bit of an altercation during Tuesday night's game, and according to Villanueva, who suffers from alopecia universalis, a skin condition that causes hair loss, Garnett said he looks like a "cancer patient."

Villanueva delivered the news via his Twitter account, and it didn't take long for sports-talk radio and the blogs to sink their teeth into it. So much so that it forced Garnett to release a statement. Essentially, Garnett claimed he told Villanueva that he was "cancerous" to his team and the league.

Either way, I think we all can agree that what Garnett said was insensitive. It was stupid, and once it came out, he should have just apologized. Case closed.

But trash-talking in the NBA has been around for decades. It's an art form that likely started on the playgrounds and has reached great heights. From Larry Bird, to Michael Jordan to Gary Payton to Kevin Garnett, guys just run their mouths to get in the head of their opponent.

Do I think Garnett was thinking about sensitivity when he said what he said? Absolutely not. But at the same time, keep the trash talk on the hardwood. Ultimately, Villanueva is going to look like the chump here, running to his computer and whining about a name he was called. Speaking of playgrounds, that was a childlike move.

And moving forward, it'll be interesting to see what Villanueva does when someone talks about his Mama.

R.I. high school football media poll

With its one-point win over Portsmouth on Friday, Bishop Hendricken held on to its top spot, and for the third straight week, garnered all 11 first-place votes. Portsmouth dropped to No. 3, but remains Newport County's top team.
With a dominant performance at Moses Brown on Saturday, Rogers (undefeated in Division III) moved up to No. 8 while Middletown's 41-0 win over Tiverton, apparently, did not impress voters very much. The Islanders stayed at No. 18.

1. Hendricken (11) 220 1
2. Barrington 203 3
3. Portsmouth 199 2
t-4. East Providence 183 4
t-4. La Salle 183 5
6. Woonsocket 157 t-6
7. Tolman 156 t-6
8. Rogers 137 9
9. Cranston West 128 8
10. Chariho 126 10
11. Ex.-West Greenwich 90 13
12. Cranston East 70 15
13. St. Raphael 67 20
t-14. Johnston 65 11
t-14. Moses Brown 65 12
16. Burrillville 63 19
17. Central 58 16
18. Middletown 40 18
19. Mount Hope 26 14
20. Mount Pleasant 22 NR

Dropped from poll: Coventry 17.
Also receiving votes: Coventry 19, Westerly 17, Lincoln 10, Cumberland 2, Shea 1.

New England beats Minnesota 28-18

With Favre gone. New England right end Mike Wright sacks Jackson. Jackson running and passing leads Vikings to New England territory, but not to any points.
Pats win 28-18.

Pats in control late at 28-18

Green-Ellis runs great to get Pats a first-and-goal at the Minnesota 1. So what's with Brady getting piled up on consecutive plays to make it third-and-goal at the 2 at the two-minute warning?
A field goal only puts New England up six points. Never mind. Green-Ellis somersaults into the end zone and Pats survive a Vikings challenge for a commanding 28-18 lead on a 13-play, 80-yard march.
Take bows, Danny boy and BenJarvus.

Wonderman Woodhead

How about Danny Woodhead! On third-and-12 he takes a pass on his 46 and slithers 14 more for a first down at the Vikings' 40 with 3:45 to go and the Pats clinging to a 21-18 lead.

Vikings get within 21-18

Minnesota's not going down easily. Patriots help the Vikings with some defensive penalties in the secondary. Vikings go 80 yards on nine plays, with Tarvaris Jackson, in for a groggy Favre, passes for a 1-yard touchdown and then a 2-point conversion to bring the visitors within 21-18.
Will Favre be back after what a blow to the chin?

Pats increase lead to 21-10

The Halloween treats keep on coming for New England. Minnesota began a series at midfield. On second down and a yard to go, Favre seemed to connect with Harvin for a sizable gain. But the ball went off the hands of Harvin on the turf, seemed to hit his foot, and then ended in the hands of the opporunistic McCourty, who returned his interception to the Vikings' 37.
Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis got some big yards, with the most important the 13-yard run for a 21-10 New England lead.
Favre's going to need one of his famed comebacks to pull this one out for the Vikings.