Wallets at the ready

Can't wait to blow 80 bucks on that Reggie Bush jersey? First we need a number.

Ornstein's first order of marketing business Monday was to try and lobby the league's competition committee to allow Bush to wear his college jersey No. 5. But that seems like a long shot.

League rules state that running backs must wear a number from 20 to 49. League spokesman Greg Aiello said the competition committee can recommend rule changes, but changes are only made by a vote of league owners.

The Saints already are taking pre-orders for Reggie Bush jerseys on their Web site. They're just waiting to find out what number he will wear. A decision is expected shortly.

As long as it isn't 34. Something about that number produces bad luck for Saints players.. from Tony Gallbreath's drug problems to Ironhead Heyward's inexplicable persecution at the hands of the lame-brained Jim Mora to Ricky Williams's.... Ricky Williamsishness to Tebucky Jones's all around suckery 34 is bad news. 25 would make me said because it would come at Fast Freddie McAfee's expense. Maybe they'll let him wear 5 but I doubt it.

Update: Don't rule out those Los Angeles Saints just yet. I'm sure the league would like to see a Bush homecomming at some point.