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Sunday, Dec. 4, 2:45pm ET

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CFP Unveils Playoff Teams, Draws Praise Amid Tough Decisions

The CFP selection committee today put Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Washington in this year's playoff bracket, leaving Penn State, Michigan and Oklahoma out of the top four. After the announcement, CFP Chair Kirby Hocutt said, "We come back to our charge, our focus and our mission, and that is to select the four very best teams in college football. ... Conference championships are only one piece, one metric of that conversation that we have.” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum: “This was a very sobering deliberation, and I give this committee credit. I think they were wiser than some of the pundits out here who have been throwing darts at them." Finebaum added leaving Penn State and Michigan out "was the right decision" (“College Football Playoff Selection Show,” ESPN, 12/4).

The AP's Ralph Russo tweeted, "Come up with any conspiracy theory you want to validate your opinion, but leaving out PSU because ratings/$ = laughable. HUGE national brand." CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd: "Let’s cut the crap. For third year in a row CFP committee got it pretty much right." NBCSN's Ross Tucker: "The winner of CFP should play winner of Rose Bowl to determine who the best team in the country is RIGHT NOW." ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach: "Conference titles must not mean as much. 48 of the 58 coaches who voted in the final coaches poll left Penn State out of the top four." SI's Stewart Mandel: "People want a one-size-fits-all selection method, but there's no uniformity from conference to conference, and every season is different." Detroit News' Bob Wojnowski: "Be careful, CFP committee voters. Jill Stein is on alert" (TWITTER.com, 12/4).

Headline roundup: FOXSPORTS.com: "Here's Why Penn State Was Left Out Of The College Football Playoff." PHILLY.com: "Penn State Just Misses Out On College Football Playoff." MLIVE.com: "Michigan's No. 6 In The Final CFP Rankings, Orange Bowl Likely." NEWSOK.com: "Hocutt: Defense Kept OU Football Out Of Playoff Discussion."

Meanwhile, Penn State fans booed Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany last night following a win over Wisconsin in the conference's title game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Delany said, "I don't know why they booed. I don't know what that was for. Just fans being fans. It's cool – all good." PSU fans "booed because Delany didn't make a case for Penn State on national television while supporting Ohio State" for a spot in the CFP. Delany: "We wanted the human element in this process and regardless of what happens, I'll be supportive of the outcome" (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/4).

ACC Title Game Attendance Down Sharply After Moving To Orlando

The ACC "viewed its relocation of the league’s football championship to Orlando as 'a smooth transition,' though game attendance took a hit" last night at Camping World Stadium. The official attendance of 50,628 was the "lowest total in the ACC Championship's 12-game history." The lower bowl of 70,000-seat Camping World Stadium was "mostly full," but the upper decks were "sparsely populated" for Clemson's win against Virginia Tech. Ticket prices "plummeted on the secondhand market," and the ACC was "giving out free tickets to Orlando business partners." The ACC "removed all championship events from the state of North Carolina in response to House Bill 2" in September (Charleston POST & COURIER, 12/4).

  • Levi's Stadium drew a crowd of 47,118 for Friday's Pac-12 Championship, which saw Washington defeat Colorado (Pac-12). 
  • The Big Ten Championship game drew a crowd of 65,018 at Lucas Oil Stadium (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 12/4). 
  • Alabama beat Florida to win its third SEC championship in a row in front of 74,632 at the Georgia Dome (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 12/4). 
  • Temple defeated Navy to win the AAC Championship in front of 22,815 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (WASHINGTON POST, 12/4). 
  • Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State before 87,527 fans at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the "second largest attendance in the stadium's history" (KTUL.com, 12/3). 
  • Western Michigan on Friday beat Ohio before an announced crowd of 45,615 in the 65,200-seat Ford Field. That "blew away the previous MAC title-game record" (MLIVE.com, 12/2).

CBS' Verne Lundquist Gets Sendoff In Final SEC Football Broadcast

CBS' Verne Lundquist yesterday called his final SEC football game for the net, which honored him with a tribute video at the end of its broadcast of Alabama's 54-16 win over Florida in the conference's championship game. After the tribute video aired, viewers "got a live shot of an emotional Lundquist in the booth with analyst Gary Danielson"(WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/3). Lundquist received a "standing ovation" following the game (USATODAY.com, 12/4).

Before signing off, Lundquist and Danielson exchanged some brief but emotional words. Danielson: “You said, 'I'm really going to miss this.' And I have to say on behalf of ... our whole crew, college football and the SEC are going to miss you more, my friend.” Lundquist said, “It’s been a privilege to sit by your side for 11 years. Thanks.” Danielson: "Nobody can do it better" (“SEC Championship on CBS,” 12/3).

NHLPA Rejects Offer To Let Players Go To Olympics For CBA Extension

The NHLPA has "formally rejected the league’s offer to allow players to participate" in the '18 Olympics in "exchange for an extension" to the current CBA. NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr said that the players, primarily the exec board, "showed no interest in the idea." He said he hopes “we’ll still be able to conclude an agreement to go to the Olympics” (CP, 12/2). Ranger C Derek Stepan said, "There's got to be a little give and take. I felt it wasn't going to be a take-it-or-leave-it, and we hope there will be more discussions" (NEWSDAY, 12/4).

Selig, Steinbrenner Among Those Being Voted On For HOF Inclusion

MLB's “Today’s Game Committee” this morning convened at the league's annual Winter Meetings in Maryland and will announce the results of its HOF voting on MLB Network at 6:00pm ET. Former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig "appears to have the best chance from the 'Eras' committee" of entering the HOF. Among the 10 candidates under consideration are Braves Vice Chair John Schuerholz and late Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner. A panel of 16 will "vote on the 10 candidates, and 12 votes are required for election," though it is "possible no one will be elected" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/30). The panel is made up of eight HOFers, five MLB execs and three writers/historians (N.Y. TIMES, 12/4).

Selig is "considered a strong candidate for election" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 12/3). ESPN's Buster Olney wrote of Steinbrenner's candidacy under the header, "It's Time To Put The Boss In The Hall Of Fame" (ESPN.com, 12/3).

Johnson, Stewart, Earnhardt Jr. Honored At NASCAR Banquet

NASCAR on Friday night held its end-of-year ceremony at the Wynn Las Vegas, where Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson was "introduced by 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps." NASCAR also honored retiring driver Tony Stewart with a video and "surprise appearance by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder." Dale Earnhardt Jr. was "voted most popular driver by fans for a record 14th time despite missing the second half of the season" with a concussion. The event included a "musical performance by Sting and was hosted by comedian Jay Mohr for the sixth time." It also "marked the final event sponsored by Sprint in NASCAR's top series." Sprint VP/Corporate Marketing Steve Gaffney said, "That's 13 years, kindergarten through 12th grade. Thank you" (AP, 12/3).

As Team Penske’s 50th anniversary year comes to a close, owner Roger Penske was presented by NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France with the Bill France Award for Excellence during Friday's ceremony (Adam Stern, Staff Writer).

NFL To Launch Scouting Combine Fan Fest In Indianapolis

In a memo to NFL teams National Football Scouting Inc. President Jeff Foster said that the league will "launch a 'Combine Fan Fest' in the Indiana Convention Center that 'will include Super Bowl Fan Fest type activities' and be open to the general public for four days during the combine in March." The memo added that the bench press drill will be "moved from inside Lucas Oil Stadium to an exhibit hall inside the convention center and be accessible to a small group of fans." It was not "immediately clear what the NFL would charge for fans to attend the fan fest or how many would be allowed to attend" (USATODAY.com, 9/3).

Univ. Of Texas Approves Five-Year Deal For Tom Herman Worth $25M

Univ. of Texas regents have "approved a five-year contract worth at least" $25M for newly hired football coach Tom Herman. The contract "calls for an annual salary" of $5.25M the first year and "up to" $6.25M in the final year (AP, 12/4). Depending on future development across college football, Herman's initial pay will "make him the nation's sixth-highest paid public school football coach" (USATODAY.com, 12/3).

LeBron James Pays Off Bet With Dwyane Wade, Wears Cubs Gear

Cavaliers F LeBron James made "good on a bet with former teammate" Bulls G Dwyane Wade when he "wore a Cubs uniform" to United Center before Friday night's Cavaliers-Bulls game. James' pregame attire came "complete with his name and No. 23 on the back." James: "Where I come from if you make a bet and you lose you have to pay up. It's that simple." The levity of James "appearing in full Cubs regalia brought smiles to most everyone in the building." During the second quarter, video and photos of James in the uniform "appeared on the scoreboard monitors and brought cheers from the crowd of 21,775" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/3). Wade said, "Doesn't he look good, everybody? Look at him, he looks great" (ESPN.com, 12/2).

Asics Becomes Official Partner Of IAAF After Adidas Cuts Deal Short

Asics yesterday was "named as an official partner" of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), just a day after adidas "cut short its deal with track and field's governing body." Asics signed a "three-year partnership that will cover all IAAF World Athletics Series events," including the '17 and '19 world championships in London and Doha respectively. No financial details were given. The announcement was a "further boost for the IAAF" (AFP, 12/3). Sources said that Under Armour "was also a final bidder for the sponsorship" (WSJ.com, 12/2).

NFL Anticipates 500 Players Will Participate In Cleats Campaign Today

The NFL "anticipates that over 500 players will participate in the 'My Cause, My Cleats' campaign" today (WASHINGTON POST, 12/4). Around the league, the "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign will "be omnipresent" for those participating. Bears LB Sam Acho, whose cleats will represent Living Hope Christian Ministries, said, "The hope obviously is that this doesn’t become oversaturated. At first, I’ll admit I was hesitant to do this. I was thinking, ‘Man, everybody else is going to be doing this ... No one’s going to get the message.’ At the same time, this is something near and dear to my heart and if people can hear about this and support it we’ll be able to provide so help” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/3).

Lions players, including TE Eric Ebron, WR Golden Tate and DE Ezekiel Ansah, will wear customized cleats today (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 12/3). Chiefs players open up about their cleats and the causes behind them (K.C. STAR, 12/4). Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, Kevin Gorman wrote under the header, "One Week's Worth Of Cleats Not Enough To Help NFL Players Support Causes" (TRIBLIVE.com, 12/3). Bills RB Reggie Bush will honor late NFLer Joe McKnight on his cleats for his team's game against the Raiders.

Speed Reads....

F1 driver Nico Rosberg on Friday "unexpectedly announced" his retirement shortly after winning the series' championship. This was the first time a reigning champion had "decided to leave the series" since '93 (N.Y. TIMES, 12/3). Rosberg posted his retirement announcement on Facebook.

Dozens of military veterans and supporters of the armed forces "gathered outside Soldier Field Saturday morning to urge" 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick to stand for the National Anthem before his team takes on the Bears today (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/4).

The Raiders will be "honoring those affected" by the Oakland warehouse fire by observing a moment of silence before today's game against the Bills. The team has also "announced that it will match up to $30,000 donated at a YouCaring.com page" created by the A's (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 12/3).

The Warriors held a moment of silence for the fire victims before last night's game against the Suns. Additionally, proceeds from the Warriors Community Foundation 50/50 Raffle yesterday and tomorrow will "support family assistance services for the Oakland Fire" (SFCHRONICLE.com, 12/3).

NASCAR’s Mexico Series, now under the Peak banner, restarts today after a year off with an exhibition race in Mexico City. Mexican Xfinity Series champion Daniel Suarez will serve as honorary grand marshal for the race, which is a one off before the series starts back up in full next year (Adam Stern, Staff Writer).

Quick Hits....

"I made myself clear. It’s not about the money. It’s how you feel. I’m old, man" – Former MLBer David Ortiz, on if a massive contract from the Red Sox would make him reconsider his retirement (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/3).

"We could have done a little bit more. When I got to him, he had some choice words. ... We were fighting for our own lives in the playoffs. So I don’t think that we were paying so much attention to that he’s actually retiring" – Orioles CF Adam Jones, on the destroyed dugout phone the Orioles presented David Ortiz as the team's parting gift to the retiring ballplayer (BOSTON HERALD, 12/4).

"I didn't know the people in the league office were that smart when it came to your body movement" – Warriors F Draymond Green, criticizing the NBA office for its interpretation of an "unnatural act" after he was recently called for a flagrant foul (ESPN.com, 12/3).

"It’s magnificent, this stadium, and the same architects were involved in both the stadiums. I’m not saying they’re similar, but I can see the same quality of work" – Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, on HKS Architects, which designed the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium and the Vikings' U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/4).

"Are we on TV? That’s un(expletive)believable" – Eddie Vedder to Tony Stewart at the NASCAR Awards Ceremony on Friday night, when it was announced the racing industry had combined to raise $1.8M to donate to the EB Research Partnership in Stewart’s name (USATODAY.com, 12/3).

Sunday Comic....

A sneak preview of SportsBusiness Journal's weekly editorial cartoon:

Weekend Hot Reads....

The CHICAGO TRIBUNE goes with the header, "Start Taking Female Sports Fans – And Their Impact – Seriously." Teams and leagues "shouldn't continue to hope female fans have short memories when it comes to players who are accused of committing acts of sexual and domestic violence against women, but that is what still happens."

The N.Y. TIMES goes with, "In Canada, Homegrown Golfers Are Fine-Tuned For Pro Circuits." Golf Canada "identifies top male and female golfers from all the Canadian provinces and works with them as juniors, national team members and young professionals."

Elsewhere:

Twitter Me This....

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Today's Back Pages....

The Weekend Rap offers today's back page sports covers from some of North America's major metropolitan tabloids:

 N.Y. Post  N.Y. Daily News Newsday   Boston HeraldChicago Sun-Times

Hit The Ground Running: The Week Ahead

THE DAILY's Week Ahead December 5-11

MONDAY
• Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet (Charlotte)
• Soccerex Asian Forum '16 (Doha, Qatar)

TUESDAY
• IOC Executive Board Meeting (Lausanne, Switzerland)

WEDNESDAY
• Learfield Intercollegiate Athletics Forum (N.Y.)
• Int'l Sports Convention (Geneva, Switzerland)
• FINA World Swimming Championships begin (Windsor, Canada)

THURSDAY
• FIFA Club World Cup begins (Japan)
• PGA Tour Franklin Templeton Shootout begins (Tiburon GC, Naples, Fla.)

FRIDAY
• UEFA Exec Committee (Nyon, Switzerland)

SATURDAY
• Int'l Floorball Federation 14th General Assembly (Riga, Latvia)

SUNDAY
• 54th WBC Convention begins (Hollywood, Calif.)

Note: Events are subject to change. Information about upcoming events can be sent via email to calendar@sportsbusinessjournal.com.