A few stories that just won’t go away

Now that the Roger Clemens perjury case is mercifully behind us, it’s time for a few other stories to make their way into the archives. A brief list:

NFL bounty punishments and resulting lawsuits: Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended a few players for being part of a pay-to-injure scheme. Understandably, the players are unhappy. But it’s time to let it go, mainly so we don’t have to hear or read about it anymore.

Clemens and the Hall of Fame: It’s doubtful the sanctimonious wing of the Baseball Writers Association of America ever gives Clemens the nod, but surveys of the electorate and the inevitable debate are already surfacing. He’s one of the top 10 pitchers in baseball history. Of course he belongs. That should be the end of the discussion. If what players did in the Steroid Era constitutes cheat- ing, baseball has only itself to blame for turning a blind eye to it and paying attention only after a reporter spotted a suspicious product in Mark McGwire’s locker.

The two female track athletes who tied for third in the Olympic trials: The woman who declined the chance at a runoff knew she wouldn’t win and probably did the right thing, although it made her look cowardly and odd.

Dwight Howard: Even if you’re not an NBA fan, it’s hard to tune this one out as the Orlando Magic center tries to micromanage a trade to the Brooklyn (formerly New Jersey) Nets. Just out of spite, I wish the Magic could trade him to Charlotte.

Urban Meyer in any nonfootball context: Great, he’s a Reds fan. But he turned up in Cleveland claiming to be an Indians fan, too. Can’t have it both ways, Urb. Pick a side. You’re not running for office. Pete Sampras Roger Federer Bjorn Borg Rod Laver John McEnroe Boris Becker

“I’ll be watching the final on Sunday and like the rest of the country, will be getting right behind Andy Murray.”

British prime minister, on the tennis player who on Friday became the first British man to reach the Wimbledon final since 1938. The last Brit to win the title was Fred Perry in 1936

USA basketball chairman