Quote of the Day
“You make every American in the world that comes after you look like crap.”
-- Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert, to Michael Phelps about him winning a record eight Gold Medals at the Beijing Games ("The Colbert Report,” Comedy Central, 12/11).
Top Stories
The Real Bracket Busters
College football wraps up a big week with its awards gala in Orlando and the Heisman Trophy presentation in N.Y. Saturday. But as many of the leaders of intercollegiate athletics met in Gotham this week to discuss the hot-button issues, one issue seemed to crystallize. Despite media and fan outcry, don’t hold your breath for a college football playoff or a plus-one system. In a discussion of top college presidents earlier this week, it was revealed that roughly 30% may favor a playoff, but a panel of ADs Thursday deemed that figure highly inflated. Wake Forest AD Ron Wellman said succinctly, “The presidents that I’m aware of have no interest in a playoff.” Reasons were plentiful, but most indicated an unwillingness to change a system that has been credited with increasing interest in the game. Univ. of Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione: “The one thing that can’t be disputed is that for all of its flaws, the BCS program has created more interest in college football than any other period in its history.”
Keep It On The Down Low
Kobe's low-top shoes a "gamble" for Nike, but could help boost share in basketball shoe market, spark new trend.
Brilliant!
Setanta grabs TV rights to Premier Rugby, a positive sign for the embattled broadcaster.
New Year's Resolution?
GM unsure if it will renew decades-old partnership with Daytona 500, DIS.
Slim Fast
Jacques Rogge calls for run of "lean Games," says enormity of Beijing will not soon be repeated.
All In A Knight's Work
Outgoing Rutgers AD blindsided by dismissal, fires back at school for its handling of situation.
New England Revolution
In a move to update their brand, the Red Sox unveil new primary logo, road uniforms.
The Lovin' Spoonful
THE DAILY talks fantasy sports with Atomic Moguls Founder Brenda Spoonemore.
Great Expectations
ESPN's documentary about '58 NFL title game, premiering Saturday, mostly well-received, though some question the colorization.





