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The Lance Armstrong comeback is drawing increasing media attention. Armstrong will allow his body to be monitored on a daily basis, with results posted on the net, to bolster his claims that he competes drug free. Recently, Armstrong expressed concern that he could be physically attacked by members of the public who crowd the roadways during the historic race. In my work I am often in contact with French citizens. Man, ask them about Armstrong and you will receive a passionate response. For or against, and the majority are definitely antagonistic, there is no sporting figure that galvanizes cycling fans like the American. I admit to a high degree of interest in his comeback. What if he can win an eighth Tour de France while demonstrating his commitment to fair competition? My many French colleagues tell me it is impossible for Armstrong to compete “clean” and win… a most intriguing NFL rumour has ex Steeler coach Bill Cowher settling in Dallas if the ‘Boys stumble en route to a Superbowl berth. The Cowboys with Cowher would be a vastly improved squad…S I reports the Chicago Bears are on Donovan McNabb’s radar if, as expected, his marriage to the Eagles ruptures at the conclusion of the season… Drew Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino’s record for passing yardage. The Saints were very impressive downing the Packers 51-29 last night…the Arizona Cardinals, 7-4, travel to Philadelphia to meet the 5-5 Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles have lost three in a row and are stalling on offense with minimum contributions from Bryan Westbrook. The spread for the game? Eagles by three. Hmmm. Feels like the House is daring you to take the Cardinals. When the House gets cocky like that I approach with caution. They are almost invariably correct…rumbles have the dismal Jacksonville Jaguars ready to remodel after an appalling season. Running back Fred Taylor has criticized his cohorts and that could be the thin edge of the wedge for as team that is reportedly divided in the room…it’s always darkest before the dawn file; the Wendel Clark ceremony on Saturday night was one of the most embarrassing moments in franchise history. Clark had two healthy seasons in Toronto. Two. He was a distraction and, contrary to current opinion, certainly did not give his best on every shift. In 1993 Clark was publicly called out by columnists Rosie DiManno and Christie Blatchford for his lack of effort in the Detroit - Toronto playoff series…don’t understand how anyone could be critical of yesterday’s move by Toronto GM Cliff Fletcher. Using the tried and tested rule of analysing deals, the best player, Lee Stempniak, comes to Toronto and that’s a win…both the Leafs and Atlanta Thrashers bring three game losing streaks into tonight’s game at the ACC…the Sam Mitchell watch begins now. With the Raptors giving up 100 points a game and sinking into mediocrity, Bryan Colangelo will almost certainly be pondering a shake-up move…check out Dave Bidini’s ESPN article on the Caballero - Molitor fight. It is a savagely stupid piece, attempting to link Molitor’s failure with the murder conviction of his brother Jeremy. I don’t think Bidini knows the first thing about boxing and overblown prose is employed in an attempt to hide that fact. He really dredges up some nasty ghosts in fashioning a third rate explanation of the Canadian’s loss…Dan Rafael of ESPN is effusive in his praise of Ricky Hatton following his convincing win on Saturday. I concur wholeheartedly. I don’t think his opponent, Paul Malignaggi, was particularly bad. He was just overwhelmed by the recharged Brit…and some great news. The Antonio Margarito - Shane Mosley fight is back on, penned in for Jan 24^th. The fight makes so much sense for both fighters. Margarito will score an impressive win while Mosley can grab some major scratch before riding off into the hills…very sad indeed to hear the news that local good guy and talented musician Kenny MacLean passed away yesterday. The ex bassist of Platinum Blonde was one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet. He will be missed…