One of the lighter items in today’s Impromptus is a note on Jim Thorpe — no, not “The World’s Greatest Athlete,” as we used to call him (do we still?), but an athlete: a golfer, now on the senior tour. Actually, now in prison, or about to go there: He apparently decided not to pay his taxes.

Did I say this was a light item? It’s not so light for the guy going to prison.

In any case, a reader wrote me to point out a tidbit from Michael Bamberger, the sportswriter: “Years and years ago, Jim Thorpe bought a house from a friend of mine, for his mother, in Buffalo. He came to the closing with a suitcase filled with cash. I’ve always loved the man’s style, but he clearly went way too far.” (For the relevant article, go here.)

Thorpe is a piece of work, and, as I recount in my column, I’ve always loved watching him play. I hope, when he gets out, he’ll be back on tour, and in style — and paying his taxes.

By the way, here’s a memo to itchy-fingers: Up top, I refer to Thorpe as an athlete — and I will not get into a debate about whether golfers are athletes. Thanks! (Years ago, my friend Eddie said, “I bet Jack Nicklaus couldn’t do a chin-up.” I said, “Oh? That’s the sum total of athleticism?” Anyway . . .)