Trying to play their cards right

Are you a Toronto hockey fan looking to avoid a check?

Just sign up for the new Leafs Rewards MasterCard.

Check the fine print — rumor has it you only get two minutes for charging — but the credit card could have its advantages: If the Maple Leafs stay on their 5-11-7 course, there might not be any interest.

2015 news flash

Dateline Springfield, Mass.: Allen Iverson refuses to practice his Hall of Fame induction speech.

Bump and run

The co-chairmen of the NFL's committee on concussions have resigned.

Don't tell us — they kept bumping heads?

L.A., as in L-A-T-E

What's this — the Trojans and Bruins kicking off at 7 p.m.?

"Once, you could mow the lawn after USC-UCLA was over," wrote Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times. "Try mowing the lawn after Saturday's game, and it might cost you a toe and $500 for violating noise ordinances."

Net Gains Dept.

The New York State Supreme Court ruled that the New Jersey Nets can use eminent domain to clear homeowners and businesses in the way of building their new arena in Brooklyn.

Who said the 0-15 Nets couldn't win one this season?

Naming rites

Asked Gary Loewen of the Toronto Sun: "Who better to win the Champions Tour qualifying tournament than Peter Senior?"

Thrill the umpire

The umpiring shirt worn by St. Paul native Tim Tschida when he worked the final game at the Metrodome will be displayed next year in the Twins' new Target Field museum, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

The St. Louis Cardinals, not to be outdone, are scrambling to procure Don Denkinger's bulletproof chest protector.

Quote marks

• NBC's Jimmy Fallon, on South Carolina's Black Friday tax holiday on firearms purchases: "No taxes on guns — because one thing you want right after people have been drinking and arguing with their families is gun purchases made easier."

• Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets forward and budding artist, on his favorite thing to draw: "I like to draw fouls."

• Drew Curtis of Fark.com, on the start of baseball free agency: "Or as it's known to the Yankees, 'Very nice, how much?' "

• Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews, to the Chicago Sun-Times, on losing 135-134 to teammate Patrick Sharp at a charity bowling event: "He had the bumpers on his lanes, though. That doesn't really count."

Political football

Veteran NFL tackle Jon Runyan, just signed by the San Diego Chargers, says he'll retire at season's end to launch a campaign for the congressional seat in New Jersey's 3rd District.

In other words, he's taking a pass on football to work on his running game.

Dwight Perry: 206-464-8250 or dperry@seattletimes.com