Quote of the Day
“He’s carrying a big stick and he’s swinging a big stick, and I really think the players are going to take notice.”
-- ESPN’s Mike Golic, on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who yesterday suspended Bears DT Tank Johnson for eight games ("NFL Live," 6/4).
Top Stories
Death Of A Visionary
Tributes pour in today for the late Bill France Jr., who is being called “one of the true giants” and “one of the outstanding executives in all of the major sports.” Others say he “shepherded [NASCAR’s] rise into mainstream America" and was “one part white-lightning and one part Madison Avenue.” He was an “iron-fisted driving force” and a “great leader” who “rarely compromised.” He is called “a cross between P.T. Barnum and Don King" and a “common man who saw through the eyes of the common man, thought with the uncluttered mind of the common man, empathized entirely with what excited the common man.”
Motorsports World Fondly
Remembers Bill France Jr.
Credit Denied
Visa refutes reports that it is engaging in talks to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Grapes' Expectations
Stanley Cup Finals Game Four on NBC down 4.2%; CBC's Don Cherry calls out Dick Ebersol when saying that fighting is good for sport.
Fields Of Gold
Development group proposing $1B sports and entertainment resort in Kansas.
Signature Required
Kobe Bryant signs multi-year Nike extension; adidas inks Chauncey Billups to lifetime deal.
Magic Mountain
Five-year NBA ban could result from Billy Donovan’s decision to return to Florida.
Neck Pain
Gene Upshaw tight-lipped after threatening comment made about former NFLer.
Bait & Hook
Sharks hike ticket prices by largest percentage margin in 13 years.
Booster Seat
Notre Dame, Arizona State each receive major pledges for sports facilities.
