We heard this one last week, and the reason we missed it is because … we’re going to be adding a weekend blogger to the stable, hopefully sooner than later. This is more time consuming than one would think. Or perhaps we’re just slow. It may start this weekend, we’ll know for sure tonight.

At any rate … the largest circulation paper in the country, USA Today, announced in November that the newsroom was going to lose 45 jobs. A buyout package was offered to anyone with 15 or more years at the company (Gannett) and four NBA writers took the money and ran. Roscoe Nance, David DuPree (whom you may know from PTI), Chuck Johnson (who also covers boxing) and Greg Boeck are all heading for the exits.

And if you’re wondering why they’d all take the buyout package, here’s one guess - this year, Gannett is probably offering a nice package. When the next wave of buyouts come in 2008 … will the offer be as lucrative? Also, for NBA guys with experience and contacts, they shouldn’t have a problem getting a job at an online outlet.

The good news in all of this is that the college grads have a great shot at leaping into a real nice gig. The bad news is, don’t expect any breaking NBA news from USA Today.

4 Blacks Leave USA Today Sports Department (Journal-isms)