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There's an old French expression: "An actress is more than a woman, and an actor is less than a man." No one ever thought that of Paul Newman. In a way, men and women alike saw him more as a hero than an actor. Certainly, it's hard to think of anyone else in show business who had as many sports connections as Newman did.

Sport can take fans' minds off their troubles, but not in 2008. This year, Patriots coach Bill Belichick, our saint of the perpetual frown, reflects the glum national mood — especially with quarterback Tom Brady out for the season.

Tennis may seem rather dainty. But, in fact, the sport has always had a dark underside, populated by gamblers and match fixers. Commentator Frank Deford says he's not reassured by a ruling that cleared a top player of throwing a match.

Football season has begun — and that's a problem for some women who aren't crazy about the game but live with men who watch it nonstop. Frank Deford has a cure for the seasonal distress brought on by hours of TV football — and the bad behaviors it provokes.

Some players just don't seem comfortable in team sports, however talented they may be. Commentator Frank Deford says Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees is one such athlete, an outstanding player who nevertheless buckles under pressure to produce for his teammates.

When it comes to the people who run sports, look out for federations — and for officials wearing blue blazers. Commentator Frank Deford says team sports are easier to run than individual sports, and domestic sports are more manageable than international ones. That means the NFL trumps the Olympics.