Quote of the Day
"I leaned back on the bench and just looked around the whole stadium. It was just incredible."
-- Boston Univ. C Nick Bonino, on playing Boston College at Fenway Park in front of 38,472 fans (ESPNBOSTON.com, 1/9).
Top Stories
NFL Flexes Muscles After Strong Start To Playoffs The opening weekend of the NFL Playoffs sees the continuation of the league’s ratings success during the regular season, as all four games see healthy increases over the ’09 matchups. The thrilling Cardinals-Packers OT shootout earns the highest marks, giving Fox a 21.8 overnight rating, up 9.5% from the comparable Eagles-Vikings game last year. NBC also earns the highest two-game overnight rating for an NFL Wild Card Saturday in 10 years, highlighted by a 19.6 overnight for the Cowboys’ 34-14 romp over the Eagles. Meanwhile, with the American Needle case going before the Supreme Court Wednesday, Saints QB Drew Brees writes an Op-Ed in the Washington Post that becomes the talk of the Twitter-verse. While some are saying fans “should applaud” Brees for becoming the rare athlete to take a political stand, others claim the “misinformed” piece could serve as a distraction heading into the second week of the postseason.
The Weather Outside Is Frightful
Dick Ebersol confirms GE's contention that Vancouver will mark first time NBC will lose money on Olympics.
Leaving Good Enough Alone
Billy Hunter says NBPA wants to extend current CBA, has "already offered that to owners."
We've Only Just Begun?
McDonald's signs short-term deal to title sponsor Pro Bowl as the NFL eyes luring the QSR back for a longer partnership.
For Pete's Sake
Pundits outraged with Seahawks for making a "mockery" of Rooney Rule with Carroll's hiring.
The Next Best Thing
Jerry Jones lands a Pacquiao bout at Cowboys Stadium -- but Floyd Mayweather Jr. isn't invited.
The Rock & A Hard Place
Devils claim to take big hit financially after blackout at Friday's game extends it to Sunday.
Game, Set, Match
USTA business honcho Pierce O'Neil leaving the organization after successful 15-year run.
This Is The Story Of A Champion
SBD/SBJ introduce a new award recognizing pioneers and innovators in sports business.
