Sports Beat

Teams in other sports are known for making rookies cross dress, carry bags and sing fight songs, but the NHL's traditional hazing ritual is a little classier. And a lot more expensive.

It's called the "rookie dinner." Once each season, every NHL team goes out for a fancy meal on the road and the rookies foot the bill. The object for the veterans, of course, is to make sure that bill is as outrageous as possible. Piles of appetizers are ordered and not eaten. Wine lists are scoured for the priciest picks.

The four rookies on the Tampa Bay Lightning felt the sting last week when the team dined at a fancy steakhouse in Los Angeles -- to the tune of $6,000 each. The group of 21 players and five trainers (coaches aren't invited) racked up a $24,000 dinner bill, spending an average of $960 per person.

Hopefully the rookies had a coupon.

NOT A SHOCK

Reports after the fact indicate it was the wife of Knicks forward Antonio Davis who instigated last week's altercation with a fan during a game. According to ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons, that shouldn't come as a surprise:

"Davis' body language as he entered the stands wasn't, 'Oh my God, somebody is threatening my wife, I'm gonna kill the guy, I have to protect her!' But rather, 'Oh, no, she's doing it again, this just happened two weeks ago at Target, I hope she doesn't stab the guy with her sunglasses or something.' "

NEW TOWN, SAME ANNA

Speaking of athletes' wives, Kris Benson's trade from New York to Baltimore of course included Anna Benson, the pitcher's attention-seeking ex-stripper wife. She says she has no intention of toning down her act in her new city.

"Yes, I will continue my fun-loving antics in Baltimore," she told the New York Daily News. "I am sexy and I won't shy away from that."

Benson also said she plans to "christen" Camden Yards by having sex in the parking lot.

HOLLYWOOD BOOSTER

The Steelers had Michael Keaton as a guest on their sideline before Sunday's AFC Championship Game, the actor mugging it up with players and coaches.

A Pittsburgh newspaper characterized it as a visit from Batman, but let's face it, it was also a visit from Mr. Mom.

T.O.'S HAVING A PARTY

Terrell Owens is going to the Super Bowl! Well, he's at least throwing a Super Bowl party in Detroit.

According to his Web site, he's hosting a bash at a downtown nightclub the night before the game. Prices range from $50, which apparently gets you into a tent outside the club, to $500.

-- David Andriesen