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Thursday 4:00pm ET....Latest News....MLBPA Not On Manfred's Pace?

  • Sources: MLBPA To Reject Manfred's Revised Pace-Of-Play Rules
  • Kathy Carter Unveils USSF Commission Concept; Hope Solo Fires Back
  • United Airlines' Olympic Campaign Goes With Superhero Theme
  • Bridgestone Golf Signs Lexi Thomson To Multiyear Endorsement Deal

Sources: MLBPA To Reject Manfred's Revised Pace-Of-Play Rules

The MLBPA is "expected to reject" MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's "revised proposal on new rules to improve the pace of play," according to sources. That decision would "set the stage for Manfred to unilaterally implement his original proposal, which included a 20-second pitch clock and reduced mound visits." One player involved in the discussions said, "I've seen players unified on issues before but never like this." He cited fellow players' "resistance to the pitch clock and ball-strike penalties for those who exceed the time limit." Sources said that players are "not opposed to pace-of-play improvements and will act professionally if Manfred orders new rules" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/18).

Kathy Carter Unveils USSF Commission Concept; Hope Solo Fires Back

SUM President and U.S. Soccer presidential candidate Kathy Carter today "laid out her platform" at the United Soccer Coaches Convention. The "main focus of her plan" was the formation of an independent commission in charge of "reforming the federation at every level" (SBISOCCER.com, 1/18). The group would be chaired by Casey Wasserman, and Carter said he "has great access to independent thought." Carter said of the possible uncoupling of MLS and USSF in a future media-rights deal: "I’m in favor of what will drive the most revenue into our sport" (TWITTER.com, 1/18).

Carter's commission concept and Wasserman's involvement sparked backlash from rival candidate Hope Solo, who tweeted, "Blatant conflict of interest. How can @soccerkcarter propose that the head of a sports agency -- one with business ties to the USSF through representation of numerous athletes on the National Team -- lead an 'independent' commission to shape the future of the game? NO." TopDrawerSoccer.com's Travis Clark: "This is the first clear, tangible actionable idea I've seen from Kathy Carter, and it's... concerning. To put it kindly." Soccer America's Paul Kennedy noted, "About 50 people listening to Kathy Carter, and I know about 45 of them. Not good if she is trying to 'get message out.' But this is reality of convention."

United Airlines' Olympic Campaign Goes With Superhero Theme

By Ben Fischer

USOC sponsor United Airlines released its Pyeongchang Games TV spots today, using a superhero theme to highlight its role as the official airline of Team USA. The 30-second spots give superhero identities to both United employees and six sponsored athletes, such as "Ice Lightning" for short-track speedskater J.R. Celski and "Departicus" for LAX customer service rep Lemont Penn. The ads note that even Olympic "superheroes" cannot fly to the Games on their own and need United. The airline and ad agency McGarryBowen hired director Martin Campbell and music composer Brian Tyler for the work. The spots will run before and during Olympic broadcasts.

  

Bridgestone Golf Signs Lexi Thomson To Multiyear Endorsement Deal

Bridgestone Golf has signed Lexi Thompson to a multiyear agreement to exclusively play and promote its golf balls. The LPGA pro is currently using Bridgestone’s Tour B X ball, after having played its B330-S for the past two seasons in a non-endorser capacity. Thompson will be featured in marketing and promotional initiatives, encouraging golfers to play the best ball for their individual games. Other Bridgestone endorsers include Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Matt Kuchar, Fred Couples and Bryson DeChambeau (Bridgestone Golf).

MLS Extends Education Deal With Southern New Hampshire Univ.

By Ian Thomas

MLS has signed a three-year extension with Southern New Hampshire Univ., keeping it as its official education partner of the league. Terms were not disclosed. MLS and SNHU since '15 have been offering all MLS players and staff the opportunity to pursue an online degree through the private, nonprofit institution. In addition, SNHU has worked with MLS to expand access to education for underserved populations in the league’s markets. In total, more than 180 active players, retired players and staff have enrolled in SNHU degree programs, with four degrees already being awarded.

Temple Seeking Civic Approval For On-Campus Football Stadium

Temple is "ready to take another key step toward its goal of having an on-campus football stadium," as the university will "file a project submission" to Philadelphia's City Planning Commission seeking approval for the 35,000-seat venue. A Temple official said that the measure "must go through" the commission, the zoning board and then Philadelphia City Council. Temple President Richard Englert "estimated the entire process could take five months." This has been a "deliberate process for Temple," as it began in February '16 (PHILLY.com, 1/18).

Djokovic Calls Australian Open Heat "Brutal" After Monfils Match

The temperature of 102 Fahrenheit at Melbourne Park today was "not quite enough to trigger" the Australian Open’s extreme heat policy. But it "certainly looked like" Novak Djokovic and Gaël Monfils were "playing an extreme version of the game in Rod Laver Arena as Monfils staggered about and leaned on his racket." The temperature on the court hit 154, according to Australian TV. Djokovic: "The conditions were brutal, that’s for sure." Monfils: "We took risk." Djokovic won in four sets (NYTIMES.com, 1/18).

Speed Reads....

Coca-Cola unveiled commemorative 12-ounce cans celebrating the Univ. of Alabama's most recent CFP title (Coca-Cola).

Former golfers John Cook, Angela Garcia and Hally Leadbetter have joined SirusXM PGA Tour Radio's roster of hosts as part of the channel's new '18 original programming lineup (SiriusXM).

The Devils and Prudential Center announced a multiyear partnership with payroll processing and HR management company Primepoint (Devils).

Progress has officially started on USL club Louisville City FC's Butchertown soccer stadium as the team's owners "look to land a crucial piece of financing next week" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/18).

Tim Tebow was named the official "barketologist" of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan. Purina runs a $1M bracket challenge around the Feb. 12-13 dog show at MSG (Purina).

Quick Hits....

"If there are 232 Russian athletes in Pyeongchang -- the same number that was in Sochi -- then the IOC will have pulled off a total scam" -- USADA CEO Travis Tygart, on how many Russian athletes will compete at the Pyeongchang Games (NYTIMES.com, 1/18).

“Doing live stuff is my favourite thing in the world. It's like walking on a tightrope without a net, you know? It's just like, 'don't screw it up'” -- The CBC's Craig McMorris, on the thrill of live reporting (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/18).

“Tell your company we’d love to entertain having them as our naming partner” -- Mariners Chair John Stanton, to Forbes' Maury Brown, when asked about the future naming rights of Safeco Field (TWITTER.com, 1/18).

Twitter Me This....

Tonight's Events....

The Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America will hold its 79th annual awards dinner at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Expected attendees include Red Sox Chair Tom Werner, Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy, Yankees Senior VP & GM Brian Cashman and Astros manager A.J. Hinch.

The Starting Five....

The most-read stories today on SportsBusinessDaily.com:

1) Padres Building Solar Power System At Petco Park; Expected To Be Largest In MLB
2) WWE Sees Spike In Sponsorship Revenue As Global Brand Continues To Grow
3) Stats LLC Names Software Exec Carl Mergele To Replace Ken Fuchs As CEO
4) NBA Players, Referees Arrange Sit Down Over Contentious Season, Relationship
5) WTA Continues Major Push Into China Market With 10-Year Deal For Finals In Shenzhen

Channel Surf....

Ahead of NFL conference championship weekend, CBS Sports Network is airing late-night games that highlight the college careers of Vikings QB Case Keenum and Jaguars QB Blake Bortles. Tonight's telecasts are Southern Miss-UCF from '12 and Houston-UTEP ('11). The net tomorrow will air Houston-UAB ('11) and SMU-UCF ('12), with another telecast of Houston-UAB early Sunday morning.

Daily Digit....

$12M -- Amount the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation raised in pledges and gifts in '17, an ODU record. The funds will support "scholarships, capital projects, operating expense and the athletic department's endowment" (Norfolk VIRGINIAN-PILOT, 1/17).