While on a warm-weather vacation, the heat is rising on Rex Ryan. The embattled Jets coach was photographed by the Daily News on Thursday at The Atlantis in the Bahamas lounging by the pool reading a book. So far, so good. He was shirtless, which is what people do when it's 82 degrees. The photo revealed an interesting tattoo on Ryan's right arm. Just below a shamrock surrounded by the names of his sons Payton and Seth and his wife Michelle, is a drawing of a blonde-haired lady bearing a striking resemblance to Michelle wearing Sanchez's No. 6 green jersey and nothing else. ... Ryan doesn't wear sleeveless shirts to practice, so the ever-watchful media have never been privy to this ode to Sanchez. (New York Daily News) Comment

Credit Oregon athletics director Rob Mullens for trying. [After the Fiesta Bowl kickoff, Mullens] declined comment on the Ducks' succession plans for offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich should -- or when -- Chip Kelly bolts for the NFL, as first reported by USA Today. "We'll do everything we can to try to retain Chip," Mullens said. And with good reason. But good luck. Mullens said he's had zero talks with Kelly about the NFL and wouldn't discuss the issue with his coach until Friday at the earliest. That's when Kelly reportedly has interviews lined up, right after the BCS bowl matchup with Kansas State. A few hours before the game, Kelly -- a candidate for the Browns, Eagles and Bills jobs -- was in a shirt and tie and glad-handing with Oregon boosters. (CBS Sports) Comment

Yes, it's coming down to the wire. A veteran member of the NHL's board of governors says commissioner Gary Bettman is prepared to cancel the season on Thursday if a deal has not been reached or appears to be imminent. The chill that has settled on NHL labour negotiations is all part of a Don Fehr plan to push commissioner Bettman into a corner for one last squeeze and there could be unfortunate circumstances for hockey fans. ... The league believes Fehr is unwilling to do a deal until after Bettman has cancelled the NHL season and the union leader is now slowing the process one last time to increase pressure on the commissioner, said the governor late Thursday night. Such a gambit could be put to the test as early as next Thursday and the governor said it will come up empty for the players and finally the fans. (Winnipeg Free Press) Comment