Quote of the Day
"When I was backstage, I'm pretty sure I saw him slip a roll of toilet paper into his briefcase. Clearly, they need help."
-- Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert, prior to NBC Sports & Olympics Chair Dick Ebersol appearing on "The Colbert Report," on NBC's expected loss from the Vancouver Games(Comedy Central, 1/20).
Top Stories
Here Comes The Sun
The Dolphins yesterday formally announce a five-year naming-rights deal with Sun Life Financial, yet another name change for the 22-year-old facility. The Toronto-based company stresses the importance of gaining "significantly higher name recognition" in the U.S. through the agreement, and its timing could not be better, with Sun Life Stadium hosting both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl in the coming weeks. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the estimated annual payment of around $5M will see Sun Life pay "far less than what other financial sponsors have paid for stadiums with less visibility," a byproduct of signing one of the first deals in the wake of the economic downturn. However, there are some issues that could concern Sun Life execs with their return on investment, including the fact the third name change in less than nine months for the former Joe Robbie Stadium could result in an identity crisis among fans.
Chapter '11 Protection?
Rhetoric continues on the gridiron, as Kevin Mawae follows up John Mara's comments by saying players are "fully anticipating" a lockout.
You Can Go Your Own Way
AT&T did not pay to drop Tiger, indicating IMG simply allowed them to walk away from deal.
Cause & Effect
Karen Davidson's plan to explore a sale of Pistons, Palace Sports has accelerated efforts for NHL to find a new Lightning owner.
Loop, Swoop & Pull
FCC's vote to eliminate loophole called a "big-time victory for television sports fans."
Go West, Young Man
Majestic Realty resumes relocation talks with some NFL teams, but are Jags falling off the list?
Birds Of A Feather Flock Together
Cardinals' subsidiary in line to replace Centerplate as Univ. of Phoenix Stadium vendor.
Measure Of Convenience
White Sox back to normal start times as 7-Eleven ends sponsorship; ticket sales "strong."
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Olympic-themed "Colbert Report" features light-hearted back and forth with NBC's Ebersol.
