Weekend Hot Reads....

In N.Y., Filip Bondy notes N.Y. has gone five years without a pro sports team winning a title, something that "has become a drought of epic proportions, by our spoiled-rotten standards." It has been "nearly half a century since the region suffered for this long without a pro title of some kind." Bondy: "If this is a test of patience, it is too cruel a torment for our pampered lot."

ESPN.com's Scott Burnside wrote NHL players "have a long history of giving back to their respective communities, and frankly, their efforts often fly under the radar." But if you "peek behind the curtain and see how these events come together and the impact they have, you'll learn quickly that oftentimes it's not the financial commitment of players -- although that certainly is important -- but the investment of time, effort and, on a day like this, emotion, that shows how meaningful these kinds of moments can be for everyone involved.

Elsewhere:

• Ravens players and fans are "intrigued" by the team's '17 game in London.
• Michael Jordan "changed the game when he first took flight in Air Jordan 1s."
• Arizona State Rose Bowl teams "celebrate major anniversaries."
• Bud Selig’s HOF inclusion indicates fading stigma of Steroid Era.
• Dwyane Wade’s foundation makes an impact in Chicago.
• After the Cubs' World Series title, what is America’s next great sports story?
• "Silly" title sponsorships take over college football’s bowl season.
• The NFL is seeing increased violence by fans at games.
• Eagles' Malcolm Jenkins backs anthem protest with action to raise awareness.