Ray Lewis doesn't seem quite so daunting

Looking at Albert Haynesworth's 350-pound frame, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize the big man may not be the healthiest guy in the world.

Notable for his nickname "Fat Al," Albert Haynesworth is one of the larger proportionate guys in football, and has gone through his career with quite a bit of luggage in the truck.

However, when it comes right down to it, Albert Haynesworth isn't the only big guy in the league.  For name's sake, Ray Lewis himself is quite a large athlete, but somehow manages to squeeze through fitness tests year in and year out.

So why has Big Al been singled out as an unfit player?  Sure, he's failed a handful of fitness tests and has had his stroke of controversy in the past two months, but like every player who strikes up a headline, there is normally a good reason behind such a saga.

Yes, fortunately for all of us, Albert Haynesworth is no exception.

"And what is the reason?" I hear you ask.  It's simple...two words: Mike Shanahan.

For those who are unfamiliar with Mike Shanahan, let me break down his demeanor in one very simple word: Strict.

Ask anyone, and they won't hesitate to tell you Mike Shanahan firmly implements a no-nonsense policy, and he frowns upon laziness and tardiness.

All of a sudden, going eyeball-to-eyeball with Ray Lewis doesn't seem quite so daunting.

Rams running back Steven Jackson has a whole new outlook after viewing sharks from one of those underwater shark cages during his extended summer vacation in Africa.

"It was pretty amazing, to see great whites up close and personal," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I actually witnessed one hunting and devouring a seal. That was pretty nerve-wracking. ... It makes you forget about the cold, icy water, I'll tell you that. ...

"The scariest thing is not seeing the shark; it's when Ray Lewis disappears into the murky water. It didn't help that I was watching 'Shark Week' the whole week going into it."

Brad Dickson in the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald, on Sidney the garden mollusk winning the World Snail Racing Championships in Congham, England: "Right now Sidney is taking a victory lap, which should be completed sometime in March."

Perdita Felicien, to the Toronto Sun, after beating Priscilla Lopes-Schliep in a clash of world-class 100-meter hurdlers Saturday night: "When you get 'P' versus 'P,' you've got to bring your 'A' game."

Comedian Argus Hamilton, after USC plucked Vols football coach Lane Kiffin and the NFL Titans' running-backs coach: "There haven't been this many Tennessee stars headed west since 'Hee-Haw' shot on location in Bakersfield."