Around the horn

Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan was suspended without pay by the newspaper for saying on television that Jason Kidd's wife needed someone to "smack her" because, in Mr. Ryan's words, the wife of the New Jersey point guard is an "exhibitionist." Nets coach Byron Scott invited Mr. Ryan to repeat his remarks in the New Jersey locker room.... Michael Jordan isn't just out as a Wizards player, he's out of the organization altogether. Team owner Abe Pollin asked the superstar to cut his ties with the Wizards. This came after former Washington teammate and fellow Tar Heel Jerry Stackhouse told The Washington Post, "Without Michael, we would be just as good of a team." The Wizards finished the season 37-45.... Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp said he figures 2003 will be his last season with the Bucs. Mr. Sapp said he'd like to sign an extension with the Bucs, but isn't offended the club seems unwilling to do so at this time. "The only thing they've allowed me to do in the last five years is collect almost $30 million. I ain't hurtin'. I'd be a fool to sit up here and rant and rave: 'They won't pay me.' They've already paid me. And if they say I'm no longer the commodity, we'll deal with it then." ... Even with the Detroit Tigers record of futility, this year's club may just enter the history books as the worst-ever Tigers team. Through May 3, the Tigers soured the majors with a 3-25 record. Tonight Show host Jay Leno said the Tigers weren't worried about the SARS virus when they played in Toronto because they can't catch anything. It makes one wonder exactly who the Tigers will send to the All-Star Game.