Fast Break

NFL

Porter’s mouth costs 10 grand

Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for what league spokesman Steve Alic called “vulgar, inexcusable statements” to Cleveland’s Kellen Winslow after the Steelers’ 27-7 win over the Browns on Dec. 7.

Incensed by a late hit on one of his teammates in the fourth quarter by Winslow, Porter made a derogatory slur questioning the Cleveland tight end’s sexual orientation following the game.

“That’s what (blanks) do,” the often outspoken Porter said. “He’s soft. He wants to be tough, but he’s really soft.”

NBA

Ballers for ethical treatment of mitts

Perhaps it was the violence unto players’ precious paws that finally convinced NBA commissioner David Stern to bring back the leather basketball as of Jan. 1

“I have to constantly put lotion all over my hands,” said Seattle guard Ray Allen, “because my fingers are cracking and it’s causing splits on my fingertips.”

Of course, that didn’t sit well with everyone.

In an “open letter” to NBA players, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals lamented the league’s decision to go back to leather. As a substitute, PETA has offered “a lifetime supply of cruelty-free hand cream to any NBA siss … excuse me, superstar who’d be willing to give the composite ball another shot.”

College football

Another honor for Whits’ Allan

Whitworth tight end Michael Allan, 6-foot-7, 264-pound senior, was named to the Associated Press Little All-America first team.

Allan, from Bellevue, Wash., caught 53 passes for 1,100 yards in one of the Pirates’ best seasons, which ended 11-1 following an NCAA Division III second-round playoff loss to Saint John’s (Minn.).

He led the Northwest Conference with nine touchdowns and yards per catch (20.8) and was named to the conference’s first team for the third consecutive year.

He ends his Whitworth career with school records in touchdown receptions (29) and yards per catch (18.7).

Allan has been invited to play in the Hula Bowl all-star game Jan. 14 in Honolulu.