Digging In

Upshaw Vows To Stay Until CBA Battle Is Solved

On the heels of NFL owners last month opting out of the CBA two years early, an in-depth examination of the league's labor dispute by the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS indicates the strife may not be short-lived. While the possibility of an uncapped season in 2010 previously was seen as a motivator to resolve the conflict, several league officials indicate a growing number of teams may embrace such a season. And NFLPA Exec Dir Gene Upshaw says he is "staying until this battle is over." Meanwhile, the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER cites federal disclosures as revealing the union last FY spent more than $12,000 on document shredding, but Upshaw vehemently denies any connection to the NFLPA’s ongoing dispute with retired players. However, in another instance of Capitol Hill's growing involvement in sports, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez says she would support removing the NFL's antitrust exemption as a result of the league's treatment of former players.

Oh, Henry
Samueli's guilty plea on fraud charges not expected to affect ownership of Ducks.

Bruce Almighty 
Supreme Court denies appeal against Atlantic Yards, clearing path for Barclays Center. 

Pop-up Blocker
IOC issues new restrictions forbidding non-rights holders from distributing online audio, video at Beijing Games. 

Eye Of The Storm
New Lightning owners diffuse relocation talk, vow to be "shockingly aggressive."

On The Mike
Strahan reportedly nets $2M for Fox studio gig, but will he fit with NFL pre-game crew?

Somewhere In Middle America
CWS scheduling changes producing a drop in attendance, not boosting TV ratings.

Flagrant Foul? 
Donaghy's lawyer calls NBA's restitution request an "attempt at witness intimidation."

Sketch Pads
Fallout from John Moores' divorce creating a cloudy future for Padres.

Traveling Lightly
China's tightened visa restrictions likely to limit tourism, business around Beijing Games.