Morning Hot Reads: Made In China

The N.Y. TIMES notes, "Grooming the next Ronaldo or Messi has become a national project in China, where the country’s No. 1 fan, President Xi Jinping, is bent on transforming the country into a great soccer power."

The WALL STREET JOURNAL goes with the header, "Abuse Allegations Rock Gymnastics." After a "banner year for the U.S. women’s gymnastics program in which it dominated" the Rio Games, the sport’s governing body is "facing a tumultuous 2017, stemming from sex abuse allegations."

Also: 

• CFP Exec Dir Bill Hancock may be the "nicest guy in college sports."
• Nike, adidas, Under Armour take retail arms race to Manhattan.
• An oral history of the Eagles ejecting reporter Jeff McLane from game.
• Sharks to honor NHL forebears Golden Seals, who had more fun than success.
• Panthers QB Cam Newton's fashion choices add to charismatic presence.
• Columnist: sportswriters do not belong in Baseball HOF balloting process.
• Should the Chargers look to stay in San Diego or relocate to L.A.?
• NHL should do better job of marketing All-Star Game, other big events.
• Capitals' T.J. Oshie uses electrical current machine to improve performance.