Start Spreading The News

With the holiday season upon us, it appears some athletes may get coal in their stockings with news TMZ is reportedly planning to launch a sports-specific Web site. The ongoing Tiger Woods saga offers a glimpse at how tabloids add an entirely new dimension to sports coverage, and the proposed site no doubt will increase the scrutiny on every move an athlete makes. But perhaps a more interesting question is how mainstream news outlets will treat the tabloid gossip. Former ESPN Ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber believes news outlets that offer "celebrity scandal, sports-style," create a dilemma. Schreiber: "If another outlet caters to the celebrity approach, ESPN cedes that territory and loses eyeballs. But if they directly compete, they risk altering their own mission as a sports media entity." Meanwhile, current ESPN Ombudsman Don Ohlmeyer addresses the net's handling of tabloid news, specifically in regard to Tiger. He says while ESPN "covered problematic subject matter seriously, avoided rampant speculation and provided context," the Worldwide Leader's around-the-clock coverage leads to a "sense of overkill."

Down, But Out For The Count? 
Pacquiao-Mayweather bout in serious jeopardy over camps' differences in pre-fight drug testing demands.

Another Bogey
Golf Digest suspends Tiger's monthly articles, but keeps embattled golfer as Playing Editor.

Staying Out Of Dodge
Dennis Mannion says McCourt divorce yet to impact Dodgers' baseball, business decisions.

Saving Break Point
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison acquires BNP Paribas Open, preventing tourney from leaving U.S.

Energy Boost
Allegheny Energy CEO Paul Evanson latest to join Steelers' ever-expanding ownership group.

Topp Of Mind
Stephen Strasburg inks first endorsement deal in exclusive agreement with Topps.

Plenty Under The Tree
NBA again making Christmas Day appointment viewing for hoops fans, but is five games on national television too much of a good thing?