Take for instance the old adage: “cheaters never prosper.” That works with sports. Errr….maybe that’s not such a good example when considering Kelvin Sampson didn’t exactly follow the rules, and he received a cool $750, 000 for doing so.

That’s all right. We can find other mottoes.

Like “patience is a virtue.” Okay, that one probably doesn’t work either after watching the Tennessee/ Memphis game. Neither team passed up many shots in the matchup of the nation’s #1 and #2. (On a side note did anyone else catch the Chesterfield Kings song – “Up and Down” being used by ESPN as commercial lead in?)

Then there’s “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” The New Jersey Institute of Technology men’s basketball team probably doesn’t see any wisdom in this idea. The Highlanders are 0-29 this year and have lost thirty-three in a row overall.

Well we can try “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” That works right? Unless you consider Brad Daugherty. The eight-year NBA veteran has now shown his expertise in left –hand turns as a NASCAR analyst for ESPN.

Okay so those don’t work. There are others.

“A man should protect the good name of his wife.” There you go. Sports reinforces that rule…ooops…Mr. McNamee, in the bedroom, with a hypodermic needle.

We’ll find one that works.

How ‘bout – if a>b, and b>c, then a >c, right? Unless you ‘Self’-destruct. The Kansas Jayhawks annihilated the Oklahoma Sooners earlier this year by the count of 85-55. Oklahoma beat cross-town rival Oklahoma State 64-61. Kansas should handle the Cowboys right? Not quite. Okie St. won 61-60.

Maybe “the best things in life are free.” Sports personify that right? Snap, New England Patriot fans might not agree – the AFC Champ increased its highest-priced tickets by $44. Does that mean parking fees around Gillette Stadium will also increase?

Here’s one that works – “what goes up; must come down.” Check out Leonard Houston, #5 in blue, climbing the ladder. Throw it down, young man!!!!!

More that work:

“A good friend always has your back.” Andy Pettite can attest to this. As he responded to media questions this week about his HGH use, teammates Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Riviera sat nearby to offer support.

“There’s no place like home.” Yeah, the Boston Celtics, mired in a three-game road skid, would gladly trade the warm breezes of Phoenix for the snow-covered streets of Boston. Sorry Muels.

Remember always take your B-12 orally.