Ochocinco to try out for National Tetherball League

Yao Ming and Nate Robinson spend their summers in the N.T.L.

In the shadow of a possible NFL lockout, many players are looking to keep their options open. Chad Ochocinco is no exception.

“If this thing with Sporting K.C. doesn’t work out, I’m gonna need a backup. That’s where the N.T.L. comes in. Now I don’t know if I can get a starting position on a team, but even if I just get to be part of a practice squad, it should help me maintain my reflexes, stamina, and hand-eye coordination.

“I mean, I haven’t played tetherball since I was about 10 years old, but I’m pretty sure I can pick up where I left off. But don’t get me wrong—the players in this league are way better than I am. I mean, their skills are on a whole other level.

“If this doesn’t work out, there’s always the P.B.A. Bowling Tour and the N.A.S.P. (National Association of Snooker Players) Summer Snooker Slam.”

And who knows what else Mr. Ochocinco can do?