Weekend Hot Reads....

SPORTS ON EARTH's Selena Roberts noted of Russia's security forces patrolling Sochi during the Olympics, and wrote, "On this dystopian landscape, the Olympics will resemble the Hunger Games more than the Winter Games." Not even NBC's "band of cheery hosts ... can ignore the culture of fear and loathing infusing the backdrop of Sochi."

The N.Y. TIMES' Christopher Clarey writes as the '14 tennis season begins "in earnest Monday at the Australian Open, resentment and concern linger" over the Int'l Tennis Federation's antidoping program. As a result, the federation "is making changes."

The CHICAGO TRIBUNE's William Hageman in the paper's "Remarkable Woman" feature spotlights Bulls Charities President Nancy Reinsdorf, wife of team President & COO Michael Reinsdorf. Nancy has "helped reorganize the charity arm of the team, making it a visible and dedicated part of the franchise."

Elsewhere:

• Camila Giorgi epitomizes the financial strains many tennis players face.
• Extreme athletes dish on the double-edged sword that is action sports.
• Conferences aiming to take financial pressure off of schools playing in bowl games.
• When it comes to the College Football Playoff, "Be Careful What You Wish For."
• NFL-related lawsuits mean there is "more attention on head injuries than ever before."
• Texas football coach Charlie Strong's tough upbringing made him, well, strong.
• Super Bowl XLVIII organizers promise to "create thousands of temporary jobs."
• CenturyLink Field's unique design captures sound, a headache for visiting teams.
• Top tennis players are increasingly aligning themselves with former stars of the sport.
• A WASHINGTON POST editorial: "The NFL Should Let Its Players Smoke Pot."