Bantom in charge of NBA officials

"Mike has been an invaluable part of the NBA for over 20 years and has excelled in leadership positions across both our domestic and international businesses," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement. "That experience, together with his considerable accomplishments on the court and his respect in the basketball community, make Mike an outstanding choice to lead the NBA's officiating program."

Bantom is the second man to hold the position, replacing Gen. Ron Johnson, who held the job from its inception in 2008.

The league started the program following the betting scandal involving former ref Tim Donaghy.

Numbers problem

There's a school district in Greeley, Colo. that wouldn't allow a third-grader to wear a Peyton Manning No. 18 Broncos jersey to class.

Why?

Because it suggests ties to a group of thugs known as the 18th Street Gang. Kids also can't wear clothing with the Nos. 13, 14, 31, 41 and 81 because they are also affiliated with area gangs.

A district spokesperson said the policy has been in effect for over 3 years.

Let's hope the numbers policy doesn't also apply to school work. It's pretty difficult to figure out the answer to 2 x 9 if you can't use No. 18.