THE MORNING BRIEFING ... THE LIGHTER SIDE OF SPORTS

Well, that’s one way to discourage shots to NFL players’ heads. “The spiked helmet,”wrote Ray Ratto of Cbssports.com. “and not just the old Prussian orangejuicer on the top, either. A helmet with a series of pointed spikes, like a Mad Max sunburst for the head.

“You want to go upstairs with malicious intent now, you come back with the nickname ‘Stumpy.’”

 WHERE’S THE SERVICE?

Slugger Albert Pujols, signed to a 10-year, $240-million contract, finished his first month as an Angel with no homers, four RBIS and a .217 batting average.

“Although Pujols’personal-services contract does not kick in until he retires,”wrote Mark

Whicker of The Orange County Register,“the club would definitely consider a home run a ‘personal service.’”

 III’S COMPANY

Say this for Robert Griffin III: The rookie is entering the NFL with a humble attitude.

“As ofthursday as of 8 (p.m.) and 8:10, me and Andrew (Luck) are two of the worst quarterbacks in the Nfl,”griffin told The Washington Post after the Redskins took him with the second pick. “There’s Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton

Manning, Eli, I could go on for days — sorry if I didn’t mention you; don’t be mad.”

 TALKING THE TALK

Poker star Amarillo Slim, who died Sunday at 83, on playing the game:“look around the table. If you don’t see a sucker, get up, because you’re the sucker.”

—MCT