THE WRITING ON (AND OFF) THE WALL ON SPIN RECYCLE.

Byline: TOM HOFFARTH

We'll do our part for Earth Day by recycling some stories from the past week, hoping you'll turn them to mulch at the appropriate time:

What's the story: Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has agreed to appear on the cover of EA Sports' "Madden NFL 08" video game. But it comes with a caveat: The past six NFL players on the cover sustained a serious injury during the next season, starting with then-Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper (2001, knee), former St. Louis running back Marshall Faulk ('02, ankle), Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick ('03, broken leg), Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis ('04, broken wrist), Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb ('05, hernia) and Seattle running back Shaun Alexander ('06, fractured foot).

Young's agent, Major Adams, told the Nashville Tennessean: "We don't believe in no jinx. People said when they put Vince on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it was going to jinx him in the (2006) Rose Bowl game, and (Texas) won the national championship (over USC)."

What's the spin: The decision turned out to be a relief to fans of the San Diego Chargers, who, fearing star running back LaDanian Tomlinson might be picked, started a Web site petition called "Save LT From Madden," and gathered more than 1,100 signatures. Tomlinson reportedly wasn't interested anyway because the company offered a low six-figure deal for the cover endorsement that required many promotional appearances.

Meanwhile, Campbell's Soup announced that Young, Tomlinson, Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and Kansas City running back Larry Johnson were among a group picked to star in Chunky soup ads this season.

Anyone interested in some Cream of Tainted Spinach?

What's the story: Justin Timberlake, who claims to be a 6 handicap as a member at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, has reportedly set his sights on joining the PGA Tour, according to an entertainment Web site.

The 26-year-old singer "practices every day, has a coach and takes his clubs wherever he goes," according to some "source," who also says, "Justin is a very keen golfer and he's playing to a very high standard now."

What's the spin: The USGA Rules of Golf will add the word "Timberlake" to its list of lateral water hazards.

What's the story: A list by Forbes.com of the 10 most expensive celebrity divorces puts Michael and Juanita Jordan at the top, based on speculation that she could get in excess of $150 million from a pending settlement. The former NBA star made a reported $350 million since they were married in 1989, most of it from endorsements.

What's the spin: In Forbes' ranking of the value of all 30 NBA franchises, the Charlotte Hornets -- which Jordan is part owner and head of player personnel -- have been determined to be worth $277 million. What would keep Juanita from investing her settlement into a part-ownership of the team and move for the removal of the acting GM?

What's the story: Rapper Percy Romeo Miller, aka "Lil' Romeo" or just "Romeo," says he has given USC an oral commitment to play basketball for Tim Floyd's team starting in 2008. The 17-year-old Miller, a 6-foot-1 junior guard at Beverly Hills High who averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 assists this past season, has been "compared to Allen Iverson," according to his Web site. USC says the son of millionaire music mogul Percy "Master P" Miller has yet to sign any letter of intent.

What's the spin: Sure, it seems a bit Ludacris. But maybe it would be prudent for Floyd to get a copy of the 2005 CD entitled "Young Ballers: The Hood Been Good To Us," which Romeo did with his group, Rich Boyz.

What's the story: During a fundraising event in Houston, Andre Agassi swung his racket and accidentally hit his wife, Steffi Graf, in the mouth. She needed three stitches for her upper lip -- applied by a doctor who paid $70,000 for a trip to play tennis with the former stars.

What's the spin: So how deep again does that Forbes list go on the top divorce settlements?

CAPTION(S):

4 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1) Vince Young will be on the cover of "Madden NFL 08" and try to avoid being injured like the past six players who have been on the cover.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

(2) ALEX RODRIGUEZ

(3) JERRY WEST

(4) JOEY CRAWFORD

Box:

(1) sunday punch

- Tom Hoffarth

(2) The Pop Quiz