You Can Call It the Breakfast of Cowboys

Ann Killion in the San Jose Mercury News on Deion Sanders: “Accuse him of crass commercialism, and Sanders obliges with yet another product endorsement.

“Thursday [in San Francisco] he was announced as ‘the Honey Frosted Wheaties spokesperson.’ The cereal, Sanders said, “is sweet and has much flavor, like my playing style.’

“Sanders is pictured on the box in a Cowboys uniform, which he pointed out and then playfully said, ‘Oh, I forgot what area I was in.’ ”

Trivia time: Who holds the NFL record for the longest punt?

Filibuster: Tom Weir in USA Today: “Understatement of the year was tucked into an Associated Press story on Don King’s mail-fraud trial. AP said the trial was expected to last six weeks but that ‘defense lawyers said it might take a few weeks more, especially if King decides to testify.’ ”

Add Weir: “The more the California Angels play, the more they seem to be wearing those halos around their throats.”

Ouch!Pat Finebaum in the Birmingham (Ala.) News: “The only time [Florida football coach] Steve Spurrier didn’t run up the score was when he took the SAT. . . . Spurrier has such a large ego he bows when it thunders.”

Tribute: Blackie Sherrod in the Dallas Morning News: “It’s just one inexpert view, but I hate to see Danny Ainge retire from the NBA. Call him a crybaby or egoist or what, the stubborn rascal seemed to have no gear but full throttle regardless of situation or score.”

Mini-streak: Michael Barrow, Houston Oiler linebacker, after suffering a knee injury recently: “It’s frustrating because I wanted to break Cal Ripken’s record, and now my streak is in jeopardy.”

The diplomat: Chicago Cub broadcaster Harry Caray was hardly contrite after using the phrase “slanty eyes” in referring to Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo:

“If a guy’s got a broken arm, he’s got a broken arm. If a guy’s got slanty eyes, he’s got slanty eyes. What’s the big deal?”

Harry, wake up.

Looking back: On this day in 1962, Sonny Liston knocked out Floyd Patterson in 2:06 of the first round at Comiskey Park in Chicago to win the world heavyweight title.

Trivia answer: Steve O’Neal of the New York Jets, 98 yards against Denver on Sept. 21, 1969.

Quotebook: Arizona Cardinal Coach Buddy Ryan on tight end Wendell Gaines’ ankle injury: “That might keep you out of girls’ volleyball, but it shouldn’t keep you out of the NFL.”