False Start

The future of the USOC is quickly becoming one of the most talked about sports business stories of '09, and it is generating more questions than answers. While the organization would want to seem stable and focused before a pivotal IOC decision about the site of the '16 Games later this year, the USOC continues to go through one organizational issue after another. Less than two weeks after the controversial appointment of Stephanie Streeter to replace Jim Scherr as CEO on an interim basis, USOC Chair Larry Probst says the organization will conduct a national search for a permanent CEO. The announcement should not come as a surprise, as it provides transparency to the process and alleviates concerns about Streeter's dual role of acting CEO and USOC BOD member. Probst also assures NGB officials who are increasingly concerned about Streeter's dual role that an ethics committee will review potential conflicts of interest.

Huddle House 
New NFLPA boss Smith takes populist tone in first press conference, noting lockout would reach far beyond just players.

Good Night & Good Luck 
Schreiber's farewell column discusses ESPN's "arrogance," offers advice “before fans turn ... the way investors have turned on bankers."

Triple Threat 
MLB advises teams to prep for three attendance scenarios -- even with '08, down 10%, down 20%.

Young & The Restless
A-B dropping NHRA deals as company looks for new ways to target “experimenters."

Half The World Away
Selig says WBC helps globalize baseball, but some think it compromises the MLB season. 

Technical Foul?
Do Warriors allow personal agendas to "trump sound judgment, with subjective moves sabotaging any real vision?" 

Shamrock Shake
Several NBA teams not pleased with league's St. Patrick's Day-themed initiatives.

Octo-Yum  
N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE scribe describes her first UFC telecast "sick but seductive."