The Rockets contest is called the Direct Energy Driveway Challenge, and one fan will get to play ball on their driveway court with players Shane Battier (don't get into a three-point contest with him) and Carl Landry (a dunk contest may be a bad idea).

"Everybody thinks about shooting hoops against NBA players. I happen to do it for a living. Now one winner is going to see what it's like. This is a cool contest. I'm glad they asked me to be part of it," Battier said.

To register for the contest, click on www.directenergy.com/Rockets before Feb. 27. Three semifinalists will be chosen by random draw and get tickets to a Rockets game, where they'll compete during halftime to see who wins the visit from Battier and Landry.

The contest is open to Texas residents 21 and older who live within 40 miles of Toyota Center.

Alex Rodriguez ($29 million a year) says he took steroids because his dumb cousin said it was OK. Carlos Lee ($12.5 million a year) says he missed Tuesday's opening of Astros spring training because he thought camp started on Thursday.

Am I disappointed in these players because I'm a baseball fan? No, I'm disappointed because they think they can get away with lame excuses like that. Where's the creativity? Where's the effort? Where's the dedication to lying? Come on, blaming your "cousin" is sooo fifth grade.

This is the biggest bunch of bull since Rafael Palmeiro wagged his finger at Congress and said, "I have never used steroids. Period. I don't know how to say it any more clearly than that. Never." Five months later, he tested positive. Oopsie.

The only steroid-related excuse I've found acceptable so far? When appearing before Congress, Sammy Sosa forgot how to speak English. That showed me something. At least he made an effort.

Today's trivia: What is the largest city in America with a woman's first name? (Clue: It is the 19th-most-populous city and home to a pro team in one of the four major sports.)

Houston guitarist (and St. John's School graduate) Hunter Perrin is taking a break from touring the world with John Fogerty's band and will perform Thursday night with his own group, Thunderado, at the Continental Club, 3700 Main. The concert starts at 10 p.m. Doors open at 8.

Earlier this week, I wrote a column about hosting a spelling bee. One of the co-chairs of the event was HISD Superintendent Abe Saavedra. In the column, I misspelled "superintendent."

Several readers asked if I misspelled a word on purpose, as a joke. Sadly, I'm not smart enough to be that stupid.

Trivia answer: Charlotte, N.C., home of the NBA Bobcats.