Games Begin With Splendor Amid Sadness

The horrific tragedy of an athlete’s death simply is an unimaginable way to open an Olympic Games, and the death of Georgia luger Nodar Kumaritashvili dominates the news from Vancouver. When you add that grief to other issues -- unseasonable weather, protests and some transportation problems -- it causes international media to focus on the poor start to the Games. In fact, one Canadian writer called the first few days a “disaster.” But the IOC comes out on Saturday claiming they have no worries about the state of the Vancouver Games, with their top spokesperson saying, “I think you will see over the next few days, they will just take off." For NBC, the opening weekend delivers strong ratings that carries the net into the first week with momentum. Good news also for the USOC, which has to be thrilled -- and a bit surprised -- by the six medals so far for Team USA.

Detailing A Difficult Decision
NBC explains to THE DAILY its decision to show footage of Nodar Kumaritashvili’s death during Friday's Opening Ceremony coverage. 

Stars & Stripes Forever
BP expected to sign deal with USOC; 24 Hour Fitness pumps up JR Celski; Hannah Kearney, Ohno have good stories to tell from first weekend.

Agree To Disagree 
Stern says NBA will lose $400M this season, takes shots at NBPA over tone of talks and accuses Kessler of “threatening” league; Barkley says All-Star Game is wrong venue for labor talk.

Weekend At Jerry's
Cuban, Jones, Stern and players deem All-Star Game at Cowboys Stadium an overwhelming success, but dunk contest needs new vision.

Fox Hole
Daytona 500 endures long delays caused by pothole; Fox sells out race with final spots going north of $500,000.

Getting The Itch?
Amid rumors about Nets, Colangelo says he would consider running an NBA team again.

A New Leader In Town
Sports marketing and media vet Jeff Price named to lead Sporting News.