In The Red Zone

On "Meet the Press" Sunday, President-elect Barack Obama admitted that the U.S. economy is going to get worse before getting better, telling Tom Brokaw, “This is a big problem, and it’s going to get worse.” And those comments seem to be reflected in certain segments of the sports industry. Look at the recent spate of dizzying headlines: Honda’s shocking departure from F1 has the series reeling; a few hours later Audi announces it is leaving the American Le Mans series; and a report in sister publication SportsBusiness Journal has the NFL short of its top line revenue projections by up to $50M. Over the weekend came reports and speculation of possible shutterings within the AFL, and this week will be another indicator of the economic peril. The MLB Winter Meetings are underway in Las Vegas, where some say baseball's middle class will suffer during free agency. The NHL BOG also is meeting this week, and Gary Bettman is expected to address the impact the financial turmoil may have on the league's CBA.

Pumping Iron
Cowboys-Steelers draws 17.0/31 overnight on Fox, the highest NFL rating this season.

Southern Hospitality 
Florida-'Bama earns 10.4/21 overnight on CBS, highest ever for SEC title game; ACC game draws another disappointing crowd in Florida.

First Is The Worst
Dolphins-Bills game, generally seen as boring and dull, concludes disappointing debut in Toronto.

Laying Claim Over The Region 
NBA nearing deals to hand control of local digital rights to 29 RSNs covering the league's teams.

Emptying The Bullpen
MLBAM lays off 3-4% of its workforce, will reduce prices for '09 season.

Brooklyn Bridge Is Falling Down?
Jones Soda looking to escape from deal with Nets as move to Barclays Center faces trouble.

Fellowship Of The Rings
USOC approves $142M budget for '09, up 19% from comparable '05, and increased spend on athletes, NGBs, Olympic preparation.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Mark Cuban, public funding for stadiums, highlight latest episode of "The Simpsons."