Sunday Night Countdown

The Super Bowl is less than a week away, and while plenty of attention will be focused on whether the Colts or the Saints hold an edge, the NFL’s labor situation serves as a very intriguing subplot. The rhetoric between the league and the NFLPA is only expected to increase leading up to the game, as both sides seem resigned to an uncapped ’10 season. Roger Goodell for the first time calls that scenario “virtually certain,” adding “not much progress has been made” in CBA talks. Meanwhile, despite many players opting out of last night’s Pro Bowl and some continuing to grumble about the game’s move out of Hawaii, Goodell says holding the event prior to the Super Bowl is a “good idea.” In other news, the league appears to back off its trademark ownership claims to the “Who Dat” phrase.

Interesting Dance Partner
CBS could alternate Final Four with TNT under discussed plan should NCAA opt out of current deal, expand tourney field.

Driving Hard To The Basket
NBA's first labor proposal likely to include player revenue percentage "well below" 50%.

A Different Kind Of Shoot Around
Nike under criticism for Kobe ad featuring gun language just days after Arenas suspension.

The Bucs Stop Here
Nutting reaffirms Pirates are not for sale after declining unsolicited bid from Lemieux, Burkle.

Union Dues 
Pennsylvania energy company PPL Corp. signs 10-year deal to title new Philly MLS stadium.

Free Credit Report
Greenberg, Ryan to meet with Hicks Sports Group creditors tomorrow about Rangers sale.

Hell Hath No Fury
CBS forces EA to change tagline for videogame being promoted during Super Bowl; N.Y. TIMES Sunday editorial weighs in on Tebow ad.

Teenager In Love
Winter X Games 14 sets multiple attendance records; White profiled on network news shows.