Playing Out Of A Hole

While attending yesterday's Patriots-Raiders game in Oakland, Roger Goodell admits he is concerned about the current economic crisis. The league last week announced plans to cut 150 jobs, and Goodell says the NFL is feeling the effect of the struggling economy "on a variety of levels," from ticket prices to sponsorships to broadcast partners. During his visit, in which he became the first commish to watch a game in the Black Hole, Goodell meets with a variety of city, county and Raiders officials. While he acknowledges "something has to get done" in Oakland to replace the aging Coliseum, he reiterates the G3 stadium fund will not be replenished. Goodell admits he is "worried about the California market in general" regarding stadiums, and he calls a shared Bay Area facility between the Raiders and 49ers an "ideal long-term solution," though the unification of the two disparate franchises and their fan bases seems unlikely.

King Of Queens?
All sports biz is abuzz about Fred Wilpon’s losses from Madoff fraud case, but Wilpon and MLB state financial losses won’t hurt Mets, Citi Field.

Turnover On Downs
AFL to suspend '09 season as big-named owners, including Jerry Jones, vote not to play; league remains optimistic about 2010 return.

Don't Mess With Texas
NBC earns season-best 15.4/24 overnight for last night's Giants-Cowboys battle.

Reeling In A Big Fish
While Nets Sports & Entertainment, Brett Yormark reach new long-term deal, Dolphins are reportedly tempting Kantarian as team's top exec.

A League Of Their Own
Puma signs on as first WPS partner, serving as official apparel and athletic sponsor.

Class Discussion
ESPN's "OTL" panel examining lack of minority head coaches in college football agrees something needs to be done -- is Obama the answer?

A Lasting Tribute
New Oregon basketball arena to be named after Phil Knight's late son, Matthew.

Overhead Smash
Agassi accuses former manager Perry Rogers of using father's TV network to go after him.