Bullish on Brazil

Monday, Feb. 25, 2008 | 3:20 p.m.

First, there was soccer. Then there was auto racing. Then ballroom dancing featuring one of its auto racers who is light on his feet. Now there is bull riding.

Let's hope they don't start playing baseball in Sao Paulo anytime soon.

I'm not sure why guys from Brazil choose to ride bulls, only that they seem to be pretty good at it. This weekend at the Professional Bull Riders stop in St. Louis, boys from Brazil swept the first three spots at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Invitational with Renato Nunes (Burtima), Robson Palermo (Rio Branco) and Guilherme Marchi (Leme) doing the honors.

I wonder if Pele gets VERSUS on cable.

"I am in the United States to win money," said Nunes, whose first-place check for $31,180 will buy a lot of Brazil nuts.

OK, at least now I know why guys from Brazil choose to ride bulls.

Other than nobody named Slim or Red finishing in the top three in St. Louis, the most interesting development in the PBR is that this week's event will be held in Baltimore.

That's right, Baltimore.

At Camden Yards and Corral, I guess. Cal Ripken Jr. will throw out the first tumbleweed.

You think he speaks Portuguese?

Well, at least we've got a little time to brush up on ours. The PBR will decide its championship in Las Vegas over two weekends in November.