Yankees Brass Stand Behind Rodriguez

For followers of crisis management, there is no better story in sports today than A-Rod, and everyone has a review of yesterday's "performance" in Tampa. Unfortunately for Rodriguez and his handlers, they are getting hammered for not successfully controlling the message. One columnist writes the apology "could have been from the heart, but it's a heart that can't beat these days without being handed a list of talking points by advisers." Other reviews call A-Rod's performance a "dismal failure" and "incredibly unbelievable." Another writes the slugger is "just not very good at the truth." But there are pockets of support -- one writer notes A-Rod showed "sincere emotion and revealed more of himself and his story, which was a very good idea." One longtime crisis PR expert says "as long as no contradicting information comes to light, he accomplished his goal of putting this behind him -- at least in terms of legitimately being able to say he has addressed it."

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
As A-Rod meets the press, MLBPA sends talking-points memo to players; Selig continues to face blame, criticism for steroids era.

Stand By Your Man  
Yankees continue to support A-Rod, and Cashman offers his blunt assessment: "He’s our player for a long time, for better or for worse."

As The World Turns  
ATP World Tour may consider canceling next week's Dubai event if UAE denies visa for Andy Ram; Tennis Channel may boycott again. 

Seventh-Inning Stretch 
Facing local opposition to new ballpark plans, A's elect to delay presentation to Fremont officials.

Gimme Five! 
Sportfive, IOC reach deal for broadcast rights in 40 European territories of '14, '16 Olympics.

Bike Lock
Bad weather again thwarts Versus' planned aerial coverage for Amgen Tour of California.

Scratching & Clawing
NFL Panthers cut about 20 staffers as part of downsizing during tough economic times. 

As Easy As A B.C.
Vancouver officially approved for C$400M loan to help complete '10 athletes village.