Alex Karras, who died Wednesday at 77, always knew when it was time to go.

In 1961, the Lions' All-Pro defensive tackle refused rookie teammate Pat Studstill's pleas to leave a bar during training camp, even though the 11 p.m. bed-check time was fast approaching. As Studstill told the Detroit Free Press:

"He said, 'Boy, you see that guy sittin' over there?'

"I said, 'Yeah.'

"He said, 'That's Les Bingaman. He's the coach that checks beds. As long as he's here, we're safe. We don't have to worry.'

"We were there 'til probably 1 o'clock."

N.Y. headlines

• At TheOnion.com: "Tim Tebow spends all night refreshing Jets depth chart on ESPN.com."

• At SportsPickle.com: "A-Rod exceeds fan expectations by fouling off pitch."

Stroke of Luck Dept.

Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps recorded the longest putt ever televised — more than 150 feet — on the sixth hole at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

So what does he do for an encore, hole one out of a water hazard?

Wrong delivery

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, in a 1,000-page report, said Lance Armstrong's U.S. Postal Service team ran "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."

Responded Drew Curtis of Fark.com: "If only they were talking about the mail."

What, no tip?

A Columbus pizza-delivery man says he was fired for criticizing Ohio State's tackling ability to the wife of Buckeyes defensive coordinator Luke Fickell when she phoned in an order.

If true, we're guessing she requested one with an extra-thin crust.

Quote marks

• Janice Hough of LeftCoastSportsBabe.com, after San Francisco won a playoff game despite batting 3 for 32: "Normally when a team wins with as little offense as the Giants displayed tonight, penalty kicks are involved."

• Ex-Lions linebacker Wayne Walker, to the Detroit Free Press, on Alex Karras' penchant for bluntness: "You can do that when you're 6-2, 260 and you can lift the roof off the house."

• Comedy writer Tim Hunter, on Sarah Palin penning a fitness book: "I didn't know she worked out. All I had heard was that she ran four years ago."

• College football guru Beano Cook, who died Thursday at 81, on his fear of flying: "You only have to bat a thousand in two things — flying and heart transplants. Everything else, you can go 4 for 5."

And it's a big one

Astronomers say they've just found two more black holes.

One in Alex Rodriguez's bat, and what's the other one again?

Dwight Perry: 206-464-8250 or dperry@seattletimes.com