Eye-Opener: Did NFL go too light on Brett Favre?

The NFL already has been branded a wuss league this week for not playing its Sunday night game on schedule in the snow. Now the question is whether Roger Goodell's organization also took the path of least resistance when it came to disciplining Brett Favre.

A cynic would suggest the NFL waited until the last possible moment to levy the $50,000 fine Favre was dealt yesterday for not cooperating in the investigation of whether he sent photos of his naughty parts to Jenn Sterger when both were employed by the New York Jets.

A realist might simply say the league had absolutely no intention of messing with Favre's consecutive-games streak until the iron man was ready to exit the stage.

What do you say?

Now then, let's roll out today's game balls for recommended reading, conversation starters and significant fluff that may have developed while you were sleeping.

Sean Payton is none too happy about the injury Robert Meachem suffered because of a photographer on the field.

As he lobbies for some Hall of Fame sympathy votes, Rafael Palmeiro decides to finally speak up about the elephant in the room.

The mamby-pamby resolution of Ohio State's NCAA violations in football isn't setting well with a lot of people.

Looks like Mark Sanchez will get a virtual day off against Buffalo on Sunday.

And fantasy players might want to also take note that Michael Vick won't be called upon for much work, either.

Phil Jackson sees some problems with the NBA owning the New Orleans Hornets.

Here's your guide to all the NFL playoff scenarios.

Alas, Sidney Crosby's scoring streak has come to an end.

Dwyane Wade drops in 45, and yes, we probably can stop worrying about the Miami Heat living up to expectations.

-- Tom Weir

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