SPORTS FOLDEROL

  Maybe the woeful Buffalo Sabres are doing  ZAC JONES   a favor after all. While the Sabres remain likely to run their NHL record  for futility to 15 straight playoff-less seasons, Jones is  leading their top farm team in scoring as a defenseman,  for crying out loud. In 18 games with the AHL Rochester (N.Y.) Americans,  prior to Friday night’s 6-3 victory at Charlotte, N.C., the  5-11, 190 pounder from Richmond had 20 points  including 19 assists and one (game-winning) goal. Jones  ranked 14 th  in league scoring overall, the only d-man  among the top 34. What’s more, you’ve got to believe the New York  Rangers, who signed him originally (as a third round draft  choice) six years ago, could use Jones now, especially on  the power play, with the loss of 2022 Norris Trophy  recipient  ADAM FOX  to what has been reported as a  lengthy injury. Jones unquestionably is at his best with the puck on...

  Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be more lack of civility and sportsmanship than displayed by those overpaid slugs in the NFL … along comes college football’s Ohio State/Michigan game Saturday from the Big House … which, under the circumstances, seemed appropriate. “ A little chippiness already. To be expected,” said Fox TV  analyst  JOEL KLATT  … later (but not much) amended  to “a LOT of chippiness.” A better, more accurate description would have included  “cheap shots, mayhem and/or assault” You almost felt  sorry for the game officials. Almost. On every snap there was, at a minimum, holding and/or  players getting in each other’s faces, exchanging  obscenities. And a lot worse. At one point a player head- butted an official and wasn’t tossed from the game Wonderful. Of course, just about every call that went against a player  or team was met by prolonged indignation. Whatever the  coaches are teaching players nowada...