Morning Hot Reads: Roll Of The Dice

USA TODAY writes the NFL’s public position on gambling has "become quite an artful dance," as the league is looking to "control players and personnel for the sake of appearances while making exceptions for the sake of revenue." The NFL has policies "rooted in old, negative perceptions against gambling," yet there is an increasing demand for "more lucrative ties between NFL teams and gambling businesses."

Under the header, "In Detroit Sports Downturn, Heat Is On The GMs," the DETROIT NEWS writes the city's teams are "owned by wealthy, entrenched owners – Chris Ilitch, Tom Gores, Martha Ford – who generally sign the checks and stay out of the spotlight." That "puts the onus" on the GMs, and "all four face similar, significant challenges, while fans face a sobering possibility – Detroit could go an entire year without a playoff appearance for the first time" since '81.

Also: 

• Blackhawks' first owner fought Canadian elitism in hockey.
• Ice Bucket Challenge founder gets original bucket inducted into Baseball HOF.
• Former A's Exec VP Andy Dolich examines the team's ballpark search. 
• Former NBAer Jason Collins takes part in WNBA Pride Night in Connecticut. 
• PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS examines MLB's rise in Latin American players.