Billups (l), Stern Build Houses In New Orleans

One year after the chaos of Las Vegas, the NBA is earning rave reviews for its All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. It's rare when a league event is met with such accolades -- and the league and the city both deserve credit. While the safe and controlled environment is cited, the biggest score for the league was Friday’s All-Star Day of Service, which is being hailed as "a genuine new beginning for a league and its once-maligned players,” as the league “rediscovered its soul.” NBA Commissioner David Stern also played to four-star reviews, as the weekend was a "fascinating study in his ability to control a message.” But there were still plenty of pressing business issues for Stern, including his stated optimism on the future of the Hornets and the likely inevitable relocation of the Sonics.

Sunday Drive
Fox' 10.2/20 Nielsen rating for Daytona 500 up slightly with '07; net sees gains for all other Speedweeks broadcasts.

A Bronx Tale
Yankees shopping $20M sponsorship for new Yankee Stadium which would not include ballpark naming rights.

Pack Mentality
Dodge secures NASCAR presence, signing long-term deals with Penske, Ganassi. 

Sink Or Swim?
City, county officials to vote Thursday on $515M financing plan for Marlins ballpark at Orange Bowl site.

In The Net Gains
Brodeur, Hasek among NHL goalies proposing idea of placing corporate logos on jerseys.

Video Replay
Suit filed against Patriots continues Spygate scandal; Belichick vehemently denies ever watching walk-through tapes.

Freer Speech
IOC sets guidelines for athletes blogging from Beijing to ensure copyright agreements are followed.