1. A Glendale, Ariz., man came home from work to find his black Labrador had chewed up his two Super Bowl tickets, worth $900 apiece. He’s lucky: They will be replaced. Which is probably why he was still petting the dog on the 10 o’clock news.
2. Ex-Giant Phillippi Sparks, the father of reigning “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks of Glendale, appeared at a news conference marking the arrival of the Lombardi Trophy. Just a rumor, but Randy Jackson said his speech was “cool, dawg,” Paula Abdul told him she loved him and Simon Cowell thought he talked too much. Jordin Sparks is scheduled to sing the national anthem Sunday.
3. Local forecasters were apologizing for the rain and “cold” that greeted the teams and their fans Sunday. At 52 degrees and drizzly, Chamber of Commerce weather it wasn’t, but it’s a long way from the conditions both teams endured last Sunday.
Best ex-Bears nugget
Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty beat colon cancer that doctors diagnosed in May 2004, just months after he was fired with Dick Jauron’s staff. The Giants’ line has been a big reason for the running game’s success, though Flaherty deflects the praise. There hasn’t been a coach any nicer, or tougher, to pass through Halas Hall.
