Monday Morning Quarterback

Vick To Plea On Monday

The trials and tribulations of Michael Vick touch several aspects of sports business. Much of the attention focuses on what Commissioner Roger Goodell will do. The N.Y. TIMES’ George Vecsey writes the league “has enough on Vick to justify keeping him out of the [Falcons’] uniform, probably forever,” but others say they’d be surprised by a complete banishment. Meanwhile, one Atlanta columnist believes the issue will get “very, very ugly” among the Falcons’ African-American fans, Arthur Blank vows “to be more thorough in looking into players before we sign them," and even Goodell’s wife, Jane Skinner, becomes part of the story, as the Fox News Channel anchor breaks the news of Vick’s plea.

Ducks Goosed 
Phil Knight, wife pledge $100M to UO athletic department, paving way toward new arena.

Hired Guns 
NFLPA hires attorney and noted Clinton adviser Lanny Davis to consult on retired players disability issues; former Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer stands up for metal bats in home of Little League World Series.

Countdown To Kickoff 
With nine days to launch, Big Ten Network not making many friends among Midwest columnists.

See Hawk
Replay technology currently used in tennis seeks approval from FIFA for use during English Premier League matches.

DNF 
After hopes of making inroads in NASCAR, Starter quietly reverses plans for the sport.

Plan B
Despite criticism from advocacy groups, Bills defend new policy creating separate parking lot for fans with handicapped-parking permits.

On A Roll 
Are all the cool kids wearing Converse shoes?

Turnaround Jumper
WNBA sees first attendance bump in five years, finishes the season averaging 7,742.