An Associated Press story previewing this week's University of Miami vs. Houston game told the tale of Miami offensive tackle Eric Winston. A Texas native who originally committed to Texas A&M, Winston was thrown out of his parents' home when he decided to attend Miami.

Just in case you weren't convinced by the Bonfire, the Red River Shootout, the 12th Man, Varsity Blues and the upcoming Friday Night Lights, know it now: Texans think football is pretty important.

All choked up

The (Westchester, N.Y.) Journal News reported this week on fumbling and what it's like at the bottom of a football pile. The paper quoted players as they talked about the grabbing, pinching, twisting, punching, kicking and gouging that occurs. And then there is this from New York Jets center Kevin Mawae:

"I actually had a guy in high school who pulled a shoestring out of the equipment box during the game on the sideline, and when we asked him what he was going to do with it he said, 'I'm going to choke somebody with it.'

"And sure enough in the next series, we're at the bottom of a pile and he's got his shoelace strapped about the guy's throat."

Dubya removed from office

Fresno State East, otherwise known as Murray State, demoted athletic director E.W. Dennison this week after seven years on the job. During his tenure, 15 Murray State athletes had been arrested for charges that include burglary, drug possession, criminal mischief and auto theft. Also, according to the Associated Press, "some coaches have been suspended from competition for unsportsmanlike conduct and violation of NCAA regulations."

Big zero

Cleveland Browns signal caller Jeff Garcia registered a 0.0 quarterback rating at Dallas last Sunday, inducing the following response from teammate Ross Verba:

"Did he really? Wow. I'm sure he never wants to do that again."

Golden child

The Korean Olympic Committee awarded gymnast Yang Tae-young a replica gold medal this week. Yang, who finished with a bronze at this year's Olympics, was wrongly docked a tenth of a point on his second-to-last routine, the parallel bars.