Cleaning off the desk while wondering if the distinguished gentlemen who signed the Big 12 Conference charter now wish they had invited Texas Christian to join the league instead of Baylor. …

Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star sports editor John Mabry reported he saw Nebraska offensive tackle Richie Incognito “launch a Wilson-sized spitball” at Kansas University linebacker Nick Reid following Saturday’s KU-NU game. Incognito told Mabry that Reid spat first, but Incognito apologized for the incident, saying, “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.” …

Grubby Allen Fieldhouse, its limestone caked with mold and blackened by exhaust fumes, is on the state’s list for a cleanup in 2008. The scrubbing five years hence is part of a projected $253,000 makeover that would include replacing damaged mortar, caulking windows and applying a sealant. It’s possible, KU officials say, the refurbishing could be moved up. Let’s hope so. The venerable fieldhouse, a campus landmark, has become an embarrassing eyesore. …

Three teams, including Kansas, are still in the hunt for the Big 12’s eighth bowl berth. With two games remaining, 5-5 Kansas needs one more win to become bowl eligible while Colorado and Texas A&M, both 4-6, must win out. CU has a road trip to Iowa State and a home game against Nebraska left. A&M’s remaining games are at Missouri and at home against Texas. …

Coincidentally, two of KU’s non-league football foes — Northwestern and UNLV — also have 5-5 records at this stage. Northwestern still has a home game with Michigan and a road trip to Illinois, while the Rebels’ schedule has a home game with Colorado State and a trip to Wyoming Nov. 29. …

Wyoming, another KU non-league foe, is 4-5 with three games remaining. And Jacksonville State, the NCAA Div. I-AA team on the Jayhawks’ slate, has won four of its last five and stands at 6-3. …

By the way, frostbite could be a factor when UNLV and Wyoming clash two days after Thanksgiving. When KU played the Cowboys in Laramie, Wyo., two months ago, kickoff temperature was 48 degrees. …

Did you know Minnesota’s football team has won nine games for the first time since way back in 1905? Yep, they’re singing the praises of former Kansas coach Glen Mason, now in his seventh season as the Golden Gophers’ boss. Mason, who fashioned a 10-2 record at Kansas in 1995, can match his best coaching record ever with a win Saturday at Iowa. …

Arizona University basketball player Isaiah Fox issued a public apology last week after admitting he stole $2.58 worth of snack food from a university student store. Makes you wonder if Fox was involved in that alleged candy-vending-machine caper at a local motel when the Wildcats played Kansas in January, doesn’t it? …

Former Free State High basketball standout Keith Wooden will make his debut for Arizona State when the Sun Devils meet the EA Sports All-Stars in an exhibition game Wednesday night in Tempe, Ariz. ASU coach Rob Evans has labeled Wooden a “very versatile basketball player” who “can step inside and outside.” …

Add to the rising costs of doing business with the KU athletic department the purchase price of a basketball autographed by the men’s coaches and players. Last year you could buy one for $85. This year the price tag is $150. …

What do Kansas, Iowa State and Texas A&M have in common? They’re the only Big 12 schools that haven’t had at least one player chosen as a conference football player of the week this season. …

At home, they’re the Tigers. Away from home, they’re the tabbies. Missouri’s football team is averaging 43.2 points a game in Columbia, Mo., and only 16.2 points out of town. …

As impressive as freshman Adam Barmann has been filling in for ailing Kansas University quarterback Bill Whittemore, you have to hope Whittemore can return for the season finale against Iowa State. Whittemore, healing from collarbone damage suffered in the second quarter against Kansas State, deserves a break. In two seasons at KU, Whittemore never has played in a November game. …

Speaking of Barmann, he’s still such an unknown that this week’s Big 12 release lists him as a product of Weston (Kan.) West Platte High. Barmann is, of course, from Weston, Mo.