Morning Hot Reads: Snub Speaks Volumes

The BOSTON GLOBE's Adrian Walker writes, "The refusal of five Patriots to celebrate their Super Bowl victory at the White House exemplifies the true spirit of patriotism." These players have "decided that they aren’t concerned about the prospect of offending the powers that be in the organization," as Owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady have all been linked to President Trump.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly yesterday was the keynote speaker for a sports business conference at Penn's Wharton business school. Among other topics, he discussed negotiations over
NHL players' participation in the '18 PyeongChang Games, saying, "Our business is in a lot different than it was when we first went to Nagano (in 1998), and some of the reasons underlining Olympic participation then don't necessarily transcend to today."

Also: 

• The MLB Rangers' ballpark funding victory "came down to huge ground game."
• New Texas football coach Tom Herman has "an extensive (and expensive) to-do list."
• Mariners GM Dipoto's "dizzying series of swaps" was the buzz of MLB's Hot Stove.
• Decision to withhold funds shows Big 12 members are clearly "angry with Baylor."
• Rio venues "sit idle and already in disrepair, raising questions" about Games' legacy.