Quote of the Day
"Believe me, if they felt the field had anything to do with the injury, they'd be screaming about it."
-- FieldTurf spokesperson Chip Namias, on Giants WR Domenik Hixon's season-ending knee injury suffered at the team's first practice at New Meadowlands Stadium (N.Y. POST, 6/17).
Top Stories
Scheduling Conflict
The long-simmering talk in NFL circles about an 18-game regular-season returns to the forefront of football discussions as the league and NFLPA resume talks for a new CBA. Members of the NFL owners' bargaining committee present the plan, which could take effect as soon as '12, and Packers President & CEO Mark Murphy notes momentum for the expanded schedule is building among ownership. The union receives the idea with tremendous caution, concerned about health care and offseason workout rules, among other things. The PR strategy is always part of the puzzle, as the union immediately questions the league's decision to hold a press conference after the bargaining session as both sides have been largely silent about talking points until this point. The NFLPA also counters the league’s claim of momentum for a longer season by bringing out heavy hitters Ray Lewis and Tom Brady in opposition to the 18-game proposal.
Going North In South Africa
ESPN seeing 64% viewership jump from '06 for World Cup with anticipated U.S. match to come Friday morning.
Recipe For Success
A-B InBev earns Facebook fans, YouTube viewers with Bud World Cup digital campaign.
Preventing A Swarm
Vuvuzelas officially banned at Wimbledon; fan's attempt to toot horn at Yankee Stadium denied.
Nothing Compares 2 Ute
Utah formally accepts invitation to become Pac-10's 12th member.
Tending Their Garden
MSG renovation expected to be completed by October '13, cost as much as $850M.
It's Not You, It's Me
ARIZONA REPUBLIC's Paola Boivin wonders if Suns GM Steve Kerr would have stayed if Robert Sarver had a "better work environment."
Tee For Two
Teen sensation Alexis Thompson inks deals with Cobra-Puma, Red Bull ahead of LPGA debut.
Losing Proposition?
Congressional reports indicate Paul Pelosi lost as much as $5M on UFL team investment last year.
