BY LEN BERMAN

TOP 5 FOR JAN. 15, 2013

1. Quick Hits

Lance Armstrong reportedly tells Oprah Winfrey that he used performance enhancing drugs.

Job well done. Oakland A's manager Bob Melvin gets a two year extension through 2016.

Atlanta scored 20 points in the first half. Yes the Falcons, but also the Hawks. Chicago trounced Atlanta last night 97-58.

Roger Federer and Andy Murray win their Australian Open debuts, so does Serena Williams 6-0, 6-0 despite rolling her ankle in the first set.

2. Mea Culpa

Lance Armstrong told staffers at his charity Livestrong yesterday that he was sorry. Of course he didn't say sorry for what. He saved that for Oprah.

It would certainly be a change of tune from his litany over the years. Top 5 subscriber K.F. has a good idea.

"Time for people to mark out the 'V' on their LIVESTRONG bracelets. Because that's what he did."

3. Testing 1-2-3

Word is that Knicks owner James Dolan had special microphones aimed at Carmelo Anthony to record audio during the game. He supposedly ordered that the tapes be sent directly to him. Dolan of course doesn't speak with the media, so he can't be questioned about it. It probably has something to do with the trash-talking between Anthony and Kevin Garnett of the Celtics which led to a confrontation and a one game suspension for Carmelo. I can just envision the late Yankees owner smiling somewhere. This all seems so Steinbrenner-esque.

4. Rule Book

So how many people can leave the dugout to go talk to the pitcher on the mound? This season, according to ESPN, an interpreter will be allowed. I'm assuming that applies to non-English speaking pitchers only. And another rule change may eliminate that fake pickoff attempt to third base and throw to first by the pitcher. It will be called a balk. What, and spoil all the fun? The maneuver actually catches a runner napping every blue moon.

5. Just Do It

Rory McIlroy has been signed by Nike for a reported $200-million. His new commercial with Tiger Woods is kind of cute. It's called "No Cup is Safe." Of course everyone is a critic (much like Top 5 readers). Just check out the comments below the video.

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Happy Birthday: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. 34.

Bonus Birthday: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 84 today.

Today in Sports: Green Bay beat Kansas City 35-10 in the first Super Bowl which wasn't called the Super Bowl. 1967.

Bonus Event: US Airways pilot "Sully" Sullenberger safely lands his plane with 155 aboard in the Hudson River. 2009.

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The next time you need a gift for that young sports fan in your life, check out my books. And if you'd like a personally autographed copy contact the Dolphin Bookshop at 516-767-2650.

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