THE HEADLINES ebb and flow but this last week in American sport gushed in an entertaining torrent of confusion. It didn’t matter if the moment was glorious, seedy, violent or downright miraculous, skill and common sense ranked low and we, the humble onlookers, were all the better for it.

Talks will continue next week in an attempt to end the NBA lockout after the players’ union, the National Basketball Players’ Association, broke off negotiations today over a new collective bargaining agreement.

LAST night was due to be the start of the new NBA season in the US.

SOME were nude, others were almost nude but they all made a splash yesterday as the latest “Body Issue” of ESPN Magazine showed some of America’s top athletes in all their power and glory.

NINE US basketball players have been suspended after an on-court brawl spilled into the stands and nearly turned into a riot.