Uneasy Riders

Jazz officials must have shuddered when Karl Malone announced he'll drive a monster truck on the U.S. Hot Rod Association's Monster Jam Circuit. The Mailman, though, is apparently within his rights. "I have one stipulation in my contract with the Jazz," said Malone, an avid hunter, "and that's not shooting off a horse." Other odd contract riders:

?When soccer player Spencer Prior moved from English club Manchester City to Cardiff City in June, he was contractually obliged to eat sheep's brain and testicles. Cardiff City's Lebanese-born owner, Sam Hammam, believes the Middle Eastern delicacies helped his players win promotion to the second division the previous season.

?In 1999, injured Red Wings defenseman Uwe Krupp's rehab regimen included weekends spent dogsled racing, a practice the team contends violated his contract. Detroit is refusing to pay Krupp $8.2 million in salary from the past two seasons. Krupp says his deal does not ban dogsledding.

?When first baseman Will Clark played for the Giants, he could not participate in 54 specific activities, including wood chopping, ice boating and spelunking. Roger Clemens wasn't allowed to play jai alai when he pitched for the Red Sox.

?Though Major League Soccer contracts forbid skydiving (as well as riding mopeds and hang gliding), Columbus Crew striker Brian McBride took a plunge on a whim in 1997. He was fined $500.

?Then, of course, there's Michael Jordan, who famously had a "love of the game" clause written into his Bulls contract, stating that MJ could play hoops anytime and anywhere he wished. Wonder if he'll have the same deal with the Wizards?