In Hartford, John Altavilla cited sources as saying that ESPN and the WNBA "will likely move this year’s WNBA Draft from the cable giant’s Bristol headquarters to the floor of the Mohegan Sun Arena." The "reason for the move is logistical," as there is "renovation taking place at ESPN which would make it nearly impossible to host the event on its campus." Mohegan Sun has "hosted numerous WNBA all-star games" (COURANT.com, 3/11).
ARE YOU CLARK ENOUGH? USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale writes MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark "might not be as ruthless in labor negotiations as Donald Fehr, who didn't seem to mind what anyone thought about him personally." But Clark "doesn't think he'll be as universally liked as the late Michael Weiner, either." Clark said, "Establishing credibility is what I am focused on. That has less to do with perception but letting everyone understand what our vision is going forward." ESPN analyst and former MLBer Rick Sutcliffe: "You know the owners are going to test him. But I know Tony. I know what he's made of. I know the kind of leader he is" (USA TODAY, 3/12).
INDIRECT KICK: SI.com's Avi Creditor noted MLS replacement referees "will officiate league games in Week 2 as the struggle between the Professional Referee Organization and Professional Soccer Referees Association to find common ground continues." The latest round of negotiations "has been canceled," and regular MLS refs "have been pulled from their assignments as a result." That means "another week of uncertainty and another week of replacements with some major games on the horizon" (SI.com, 3/11).
