It might not have helped his circulation

Newspapers are desperately trying to connect with readers, but the Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News might be trying too hard.

It allowed columnist Christopher Walsh to step into the ring with Olympic boxer Deontay Wilder for a newspaper video segment.

Afterward a punch-drunk Walsh reported: “Physically, I’m happy to tell you all that 48 hours after the strike the swelling below my eye has finally eased, although the right part of my mouth is still numb. Thursday night I had problems with my short-term memory, but that too is better.”

What’s next, wrestling alligators?

Trivia time

What NFL team is the oldest continuously run franchise in league history?

Out on a limb

The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets played a preseason game outdoors in Indian Wells on Saturday. The posh tennis setting was not at all like the setting for the Suns’ previous outdoor contest.

It was in 1972 against the Milwaukee Bucks in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans were unruly. Humidity was stifling. Birds were distracting and winds were gusting.

Recalled former Suns player Lamar Green to the Arizona Republic: “I hung my uniform up to dry and the wind blew it up a tree. I had to pay a kid to climb up and get it.”

A lofty performance

Kevin Reilly passed for 182 yards and rushed for 100 to lead his high school football team to victory Friday night.

Afterward he told the Anchorage Daily News, “I’m on top of the world right now.”

Of course he’d say that. His team, Service High, had just upset top-ranked North Pole in a playoff semifinal, 27-12.

Sports and politics

A deep thought from Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle: “Sarah Palin, what a great idea having her drop the first puck at the Philadelphia Flyers’ home opener Saturday. I hear fans loved it when she chased the Zamboni and tried to bite the tires.”

Trivia answer

The Arizona Cardinals, founded in 1898. They’ve also been known as the Phoenix Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cardinals, Racine Cardinals, the Normals and the Morgan Athletic Club.

And finally

From Ron Kantowski of the Las Vegas Sun: “One of the most exciting high school football players in the city this year is Rancho quarterback James Cammack, who told me he patterns his game after Michael Vick -- except the part about the dogs.”

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pete.thomas@latimes.com