He Gives U.S. Troops Seats at 50-Yard Line

Announcer Jack Buck, opening the CBS Monday night baseball broadcast of the Twins-Angels game at Anaheim, said: “ . . . and, thanks to the Armed Forces Radio Network, goooooooood morning, Saudi Arabia!”

Trivia time: Since the NFL began recording sacks in 1982, who has the most?

Environmental impact: From Joe Gergen of Newsday: “Nike calls its two lines of tennis gear ‘statement’--(Andre) Agassi’s brand--and ‘core’--John McEnroe’s. But the only statement Sunday was that Agassi still becomes invisible in his biggest matches. Not easy in those clothes.”

Attacked by Cougars: Commenting on his team’s upset loss to Brigham Young Saturday, University of Miami Coach Dennis Erickson said Monday: “We’ve got to improve in every area. I don’t think there was any area on that football team we were satisfied with.”

Not to mention what happened to John Routh, alias Sebastian the Ibis, the team mascot.

Routh suffered torn cartilage in his left knee Saturday when he was knocked down near the sideline by a ballcarrier going out of bounds. He will undergo surgery Tuesday, the school said.

No Hurricane player was injured against BYU.

Add mascots: In live animal news, Mike V, an 11-month-old Bengal tiger, became only the second Louisiana State mascot in 55 years to begin his career with a victory. LSU defeated Georgia, 18-13, Saturday.

Mike I and Mike II could only pace the sideline in their cages as their namesakes lost to Rice, 10-7 in 1935 and 20-14 in 1957.

Mike III’s tenure began with a 20-6 victory over Hardin Simmons in 1958, Mike IV’s with a 6-6 tie against Nebraska in 1976.

In his spell: In the exhibition season, Joe Walton, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, introduced a complex, gimmick-laced system that still has quarterback Bubby Brister confused and fans enraged.

The Steelers have yet to play a home game, but, according to Alan Robinson of the Associated Press, fans already are displaying signs reading: “J?e, where’s the O?”

There in spirit: Cody Risien couldn’t get to Cleveland Stadium Sunday to watch his former Brown teammates defeat Pittsburgh.

Risien, an offensive tackle with the Browns from 1979-89 and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was in Bay Village, a Cleveland suburb, being installed as lay assistant to the rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

Risien said after the service: “It has been in my heart for a long time to consider going into the ministry.”

The Rev. R. James Tasker, the church’s rector, described Risien as “a man with a gentle and pastoral nature.”

Red Raiders vs. Red Raiders: George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev can cooperate all they want, but in Lubbock, Tex., Texas Tech Coach Spike Dykes will describe things his way.

After his team had lost to Ohio State Saturday, 17-10, Dykes was all business as he prepared for a nationally televised game with offensive powerhouse Houston Thursday night.

Said Dykes: “We can’t mope around. We’ve got Russia coming here Thursday.”

Trivia answer: Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants, with 107.

Quotebook: Miami Dolphin running back Sammie Smith, who promised each of his linemen a watch if Smith gains 1,300 yards this season: “If I only get 1,000 yards, they might only get Seikos instead of Rolexes.”