FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Excuse the players if they look a little sluggish at practice Friday morning, because the party scene in South Beach has picked up a notch. Which means I had to sacrifice and do the same (What? I’m “working.”)

The red carpet was rolled out Tinsel Town style at the Clevelander Hotel, with Warren Moon and Tony Gonzalez “presenting” the Pro Bowl Players Party. Plenty of guys made the short trek from Fort Lauderdale to Miami’s Ocean Drive. Fans and partygoers in general had a chance to revel among their favorite players. Among those who I witnessed mingling in the crowd and having a great time were DeMarcus Ware, Giants WR Steve Smith, Donovan McNabb, Joe Thomas, Johnny Knox, and Brandon Marshall. I saw Gonzalez sitting poolside in a private booth with an entourage, but I can’t vouch for Moon being there.

It was a sweet way to kick off the weekend a little early. And with Friday now here, I’d expect the party scene around South Florida to heat up from here on out. You’ve gotta love this.

As hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa preached in “Planet Rock,” time to “socialize, get down, and let your soul lead the way” — responsibly, of course.

– Simon Samano

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