Morning Hot Reads: Germ Theory

The WASHINGTON POST reports on an initiative conceived by a group of NFL and NBA cheerleaders who are "also scientists and engineers." It involved "swabbing down dozens of professional sports stadiums, identifying the microbes in the samples, and sending those species" to the Int'l Space Station to "see whether they would thrive."

The NATIONAL POST goes with the header, "Meet Seattle: Could 32nd Franchise Put An End To NHL Lockouts?" If there is "anything to pressure both sides into working towards a new collective bargaining agreement, it’s the added incentive of increased revenues and jobs that a new franchise will bring."

Also:

• With Olympic ban, Russia faces greatest sports crisis since Soviet era.
• Why sports gambling going mainstream looks like a sure bet.
• Should Redskins exec Larry Michael be a Pro Football HOF voter?
• Conference USA's "disappointing" football crowds evince "failing model."
• Examining the practice of giving college football coaches big buyouts.
• Making the case that Sacramento Republic FC belongs in MLS.
• Eagles fans make themselves heard during cross-country away games.
• What motivates Hornets F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in charitable efforts?