Commissioners Facing Controversy

It’s the summer of sports’ discontent, and each major league commissioner is dealing with issues he would rather avoid. Roger Goodell continues his tough stand on player conduct by ordering Michael Vick to stay away from training camp; David Stern calls the scandal around former ref Tim Donaghy "the most serious situation and worst situation I have ever experienced"; Bud Selig is still dealing with Barry Bonds' pursuit of the all-time home run record; and Gary Bettman is facing an ownership struggle in Nashville, as well as a possibly angry union.

Sole Searching
Nike looking to build apparel line around NASCAR star; Dale Jr. will handle own licensing through JR Motorsports.

French Quarter
George Shinn sells 25% stake in Hornets to New Orleans-based execs for $62M.

Halfway House
Red Bull buys out AEG’s 50% stake in MLS stadium in New Jersey.

What The Hull?
NBC reportedly scrapping NHL studio show after departure of analyst.

Goat Farming
Tribune Co.’s sale of Cubs attracts 15 interested parties.

Foster Home
Premiership investing US$65.5M next season in grassroots initiatives, lower-tiered clubs.

Rusty Nail
Wallace says contract as ESPN analyst precludes expansion of race team into Cup Series.

Art Of The Deal
EchoStar asks FCC to declare Big Ten Network an RSN so it can pursue carriage through arbitration.