ESPN.com's Jeff Passan noted MLB "will rename the disabled list as the 'injured list.'" The change comes "out of concern that the term 'disabled' for injured players falsely conflates disabilities with injuries and an inability to participate in sports." Deputy Commissioner & Chief Legal Officer/Baseball Administration Dan Halem said that the change was "made at the suggestion of advocacy groups for the disabled." The rules of the list "will remain the same" (ESPN.com, 2/7).
BACK IN TOWN: The Arena Football League is launching a team in Columbus, set to begin play this spring at Nationwide Arena. The Columbus Destroyers played in the AFL from '04-08 (AFL). In Columbus, Jerod Smalley wrote the move is on an "aggressive timeline and the team hopes to announce a coach and management structure soon." It is "unclear whether the 'Destroyers' will remain the team nickname," although sources said that that is the "current plan" (NCB4I.com, 2/7).
COME TOGETHER: The ISPS Handa Vic Open began on Thursday in Australia, and GOLF DIGEST's John Huggan wrote the event, a joint men's and women's event at the same course, remains a "fascinating hint of a more enlightened future for professional golf." Golfer Geoff Ogilvy said, “The guys and girls thing just makes sense. Two real tournaments played at the same time on the same courses makes sense.” LPGA player Catriona Matthew said, “There is no downside to this event. It really is an inventive initiative and a fun format." Huggan noted there have been "one or two murmurings of discontent." Many of the women "have noted the sight of several of their tees sitting either directly alongside or marginally ahead of those of the men" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 2/6).
