ESPN issued a statement on Saturday saying that it will "handle a matter with media giant Pat McAfee internally" after he "called out on an executive on his show." The comments came on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday when McAfee called out ESPN Head of Event & Studio Production Norby Williamson. McAfee on Friday's show said, "There are folks actively trying to sabotage us from within ESPN. More specifically I believe Norby Williamson is the guy attempting to sabotage our program." McAfee's comments came the same day ESPN released its ratings of "The Pat McAfee Show," with the company reporting December viewership "was up 21%" from September and "more minutes of the show are being watched." ESPN in a statement said, “No one is more committed to and invested in ESPN's success than Norby Williamson. At the same time, we are thrilled with the multi-platform success that we have seen from 'The Pat McAfee Show' across ESPN” (USA TODAY, 1/6).

A source said that ESPN management "values the importance of McAfee and Williamson and is looking into why McAfee denigrated an executive." There is "no planned suspension for McAfee," and ESPN "hopes to find a path forward for both Williamson and McAfee" (CNBC, 1/5).

Meanwhile, as of early Friday afternoon, Jets QB Aaron Rodgers was "expected to be back" on “The Pat McAfee Show” next week. ESPN SVP/Studio & Digital Production Mike Foss said, “Aaron made a deeply dumb and factually inaccurate joke about Jimmy Kimmel. It should never have happened, and we all agree on that point.” Foss on Friday before McAfee's comments on Williamson said that ESPN and McAfee "planned to move past the Kimmel episode" and preached ESPN’s "confidence in McAfee to handle the fallout." Foss: “Pat has created a multibillion dollar company, I don’t think he needs my advice on anything. We’ve certainly spoken about the shows this week and the shows beyond. Ultimately, Pat makes his own choices and I trust him to continue to make the right moves” (WASHINGTON POST, 1/5).

The Chiefs and Royals on Friday issued a joint statement announcing their “commitment to staying in Jackson County.” The teams proposed a “set of promises they would make to the county” if it can get an "extension of the 3/8th-cent sales tax for both teams’ stadiums on the April ballot and voters pass it." The move comes ahead of a “key vote in the Jackson County Legislature on Monday," when legislators will "consider not just one but two stadium sales-tax ballot measures." If either proposed ballot measure passes tomorrow, County Exec Frank White Jr. has “made it clear he would veto unless he has newly signed leases in hand from the Chiefs and Royals.” No agreements have been reached (K.C. STAR, 1/5).

The teams noted that they are asking for an “extension of the county tax, not an increase,” and outlined what they said would be “significant benefits to the county,” including:

• Paying to "insure the stadiums, a cost now paid by the county." The teams said that this would save $80-100M "over the course of the new leases."
• Allowing the county to "reallocate the teams’ share of an existing park property tax for other uses." The teams said that this would free up $140M for "other county purposes."
• Entering a "community benefits agreement they said would be similar to deals signed by other professional baseball and football teams" (K.C. BUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/5).

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh took time during Saturday’s media session ahead of tomorrow's CFP National Championship to "advocate for revenue sharing for college athletes.” Harbaugh said that coaches, administrators and television networks are "all 'robbing the same train' in making money off unpaid college players" and he hopes the “rapid pace of change in the sport can finally make revenue sharing a reality, not just in football, but in all collegiate athletics." Harbaugh said that his plan would be for "everyone to take a cut of their salaries and pool it to share with the players.” Harbaugh: “Anyone who is profiting from the student-athletes right now -- myself included -- coaches, somewhere between 5 and 10%, take 5 to 10% less. That would go for any administrator, any coach, any conference, any university, NCAA -- 5 to 10% less and maybe a 10% tax from the television stations, into one pot for the student-athletes” (ESPN.com, 1/6).

The PWHL's Minnesota franchise drew 13,316 to the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday for its home debut, which “shattered the attendance record for a women's professional hockey game," easily beating the previous record of 8,318 set days before in Ottawa. Minnesota is the league's “only team to play on NHL ice” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/6). Following the team's 3-0 victory over Montreal, Minnesota F Grace Zumwinkle said, “A huge credit to the state of Minnesota for the huge turnout. It definitely made it a good, professional environment out there.” Saturday’s crowd included a “large contingent of girls in hockey jerseys” (St. Paul PIONEER PRESS, 1/6).

The product on the ice “delivered.” It was “fast, physical, entertaining hockey being played by elite talent” in a league that “gives indications of being a credible, sustainable operation.” The “supportive reaction” from fans in Minnesota and other markets has “provided a gust of wind at the league's back.” If the product is “top notch and supported in the right way, fans will pay attention” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/6).

Panthers owner David Tepper has been "working with consulting firm Sportsology," according to sources. Sportsology Exec Chair Mike Forde helped Tepper with his "recent Charlotte FC coaching search and is expected to have some role in Panthers' coach search." Forde has "worked with several NFL teams in recent years," including the Rams, 49ers and Falcons. Tepper did "not use a search/consulting firm when he hired Matt Rhule or Frank Reich" (X, 1/6).

Meanwhile, the fate of Panthers GM Scott Fitterer "remains uncertain," as he has "received no assurances that he will still be employed with the Panthers in 2024." The team has posted a 14-36 record in his three years as GM, which is "worst in the NFL during that time period." But Fitterer is "well-liked in the building, well-respected in league circles and, for now, still doing the job" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/5).

Amid the backlash Tepper has faced following an incident at EverBank Stadium during last week's 26-0 loss to the Jaguars in which he appeared to throw contents of a drink into a crowd near the end of the game, Charlotte restaurant the Dilworth Neighborhood Grille featured a sign outside that referenced the incident (SBJ).

SBJ

Negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement between the Professional Referees Organization and the Professional Soccer Referees Association have “not resulted in a new deal” and, "barring changes over the next 10 days, a work stoppage feels 'imminent.'" A source characterized the negotiations between the two sides as being “a very discouraging process so far.” If the referees vote to strike, or if PRO locks them out, MLS would be "forced to use replacement referees in preseason and potentially when its regular season kicks off” on Feb. 21. The current CBA expires on Jan. 15. PRO will “soon face an additional challenge,” as the U.S. Soccer Federation will “withdraw its financial support for the organization in the near future.” Sources said that the PSRA "has a work stoppage fund," with one source characterizing it as “sizable enough for an extended stoppage.” Sources said that PRO in December “offered an overall 3% pay increase to its referees,” while the PSRA had “demanded an increase of up to 90%.” A source said that PRO last week increased its offer “marginally,” offering an "overall raise of 4-5%" (THE ATHLETIC, 1/5).

The newly formed Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority made “several recommendations” to help the industry, including the creation of a nonprofit which would “take over day-to-day racing operations” from The Stronach Group, which owns Baltimore’s Pimlico racetrack, the Preakness and "currently operates thoroughbred racing in the state." Stronach would “donate Pimlico to the state,” and the track would then be “renovated after years of delays and become the hub of Maryland racing.” Stronach, also known as 1/ST Racing, would “largely exit the Maryland racing scene,” but "continue to own the Preakness Stakes." The company would “license to the state-created nonprofit, for an undisclosed fee, the rights to the prized event," while the nonprofit would "operate the meet." More than $375M in state funds are “already earmarked for racetrack improvement” from a 2020 law. The state would "renovate Pimlico and add an off-site training facility" (BALTIMORE SUN, 1/5).

During a three-year redevelopment phase, the Preakness would "move to Laurel Park." The state would “pay for the renovations to the track facility itself -- using hundreds of millions of dollars in existing racing subsidies previously identified for the work" -- while private investors would "handle the other improvements.” Horses would then run at Pimlico “140 to 165 days of the year.” The long-term fate of Laurel Park would be "up to the Stronach Group, as would the future of a shuttered Stronach-owned training center” in Bowie (BALTIMORE BANNER, 1/5).

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to "launch the paid version of its B/R Sports Add-On several months from now, a shift from the company’s initial guidance.” When the sports tier carrying the Bleacher Report branding went live in October, it carried “no extra charge for Max subscribers.” The company said at the time that it “expected the add-on’s $10 premium pricing would take effect in February." That timeline would have allowed NCAA Tournament coverage WBD carries via a joint venture with Paramount Global to “help drive subscriber interest.” Now, the “expectation is for the add-on to go live as a premium option” well after the tournament subsides, at a “time to be determined” (DEADLINE, 1/5).

Spectators at this year’s Australian Open will be "prevented from displaying the Palestinian and Israeli flags” at Melbourne Park under rules that only allow fans to “bring in flags representing players competing in this year’s tournament.” The absence of Palestinian and Israeli flags is due to the fact “no players will compete for Palestine or Israel in the main draw of this year’s tournament.” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said "banning it we are not doing, you just can’t display the flag.” However, the tournament confirmed the "continued ban of Russian and Belarusian flags," which has been in place since 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (Melbourne AGE, 1/6).

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to a “micro tear” he suffered on Friday during the Brisbane International. Nadal was on the “comeback trail from a 12-month injury lay-off" that began when he "injured his hip in a second round loss" at the 2023 Australian Open (THE AUSTRALIAN, 1/7). 

Today’s FCS Championship Game between Montana and South Dakota State will be played for the 14th time in Frisco, Texas, marking the "longest stretch for one venue to host this game." But the “future location of the game for the first time may be up in the air.” The NCAA has a contract with the city of Frisco for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with an "option for the 2026 season." NCAA Dir of D-I Football Championships Ty Halpin said, “Frisco, obviously, is interested in retaining the game. We do have interests from others now. We're way ahead of talking about any of that. The bids are still open. So we'll see where we go.” Toyota Stadium and Frisco have seen “massive upgrades” since the championship first came to north Texas and attendance has “traditionally been exceptional” (Fargo-Morehead FORUM, 1/5).

The Flyers honored late team founder Ed Snider by holding its first Ed Snider Legacy Game on Saturday, which would have been his 91st birthday. Prior to a ceremonial puck drop by Snider's daughter Lindy Snider and new Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, fans "watched a video that tributes to Snider." The Flyers also announced a $300,000 donation to the Snider Youth Hockey & Education Foundation to "build a new ball hockey rink in the area.” Snider passed away in 2016, but the “connection between the organization and the foundation” is one that Flyers Chair & CEO Dan Hilferty said was “long overdue when it came to recognizing the late founder and owner.” Returning to their "roots, rebuilding a proud organization, and growing the game” are key strategies for the Flyers moving forward (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/6). Snider was part of the 2012 class of SBJ Champions.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley said actor Michael B. Jordan “is designing a kit that will go on sale shortly” for the Premier League club as part of his role as an investor in the organization. Foley said, “Mike is a great guy. ... He loves football. He is really helping us in terms of some of our international marketing and marketing in the U.S.” (“CBS Sports Golazo,” 1/5). Umbro is the current kit supplier of Bournemouth. The club initially partnered with Umbro ahead of the 2017-18 season and in 2021 signed a new five-year deal with the brand to "continue as the club’s technical kit supplier" (THE ATHLETIC, 1/5).

Maryland’s women’s basketball game against Purdue on Saturday was "postponed because of a leak in the roof" at the Xfinity Center. The two teams will "try to figure out a makeup date over the next 48 hours" (AP, 1/6).

Mark Cuban alerted Mavericks employees on Friday that they would collectively receive approximately $35M in "bonuses as a result of him selling his majority stake to casino mogul Miriam Adelson and her family." Cuban: “As a thank you for all your hard work and making the Mavs an amazing organization" (THE ATHLETIC, 1/5).

The L.A. TIMES looks at Fox NFL sideline reporter Pam Oliver's "unyielding resolve to stay in the game." Oliver has only "missed a handful of games in 30 years at Fox, and her family, or her health, were often the drivers." It was "usually when she felt like she’d be a detriment to the broadcast, rather than worrying about her own health." But, every week, "difficulties or not: there’s Pam Oliver on our television screens, trudging through it all, for less than 30 seconds at a time." So, as the "calls for her retirement have come more frequently -- even to the point where members of her crews ask her when she’s hanging it up -- she remains unbothered by the demands that she be done." There has "persisted an assumption" about Oliver for the last decade that she is "merely holding on for dear life at Fox." But she takes her role "as a responsibility, something that doesn’t come lightly." So, the idea she would give all of it up "pisses her off to even consider it."

Also:

• Mets radio host Pat McCarthy’s family-fueled recovery from a harrowing road accident.
• How Stanford soccer’s Nya Harrison is fighting NCAA to get athletes paid.
• Rory McIlroy’s interview is latest sign that the PGA Tour is in big trouble.
• College Bowl Games in Trouble? Send in the Memes.

While conversations are expected at the end of any season between NFL owners, their general manager and head coach, I was told by multiple high ranking sources there is currently no meeting set between Titans ownership, general manager Ran Carthon, and head coach Mike Vrabel.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 7, 2024

It’s going to be very tough for him to have the farewell he wants. The body just won’t cooperate. Exactly like Federer https://t.co/3qrCBpG0ty

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 7, 2024

Former @IowaWBB, @RutgersWBB, and @CheyneyWBB head coach C. Vivian Stringer was presented this season’s award for the Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Women's Basketball on Friday night when Iowa played at Rutgers in New Jersey.

Coach Stringer joins many other greats, going… pic.twitter.com/ZEkWgh6XMV

— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) January 6, 2024

Patriots players are warming up in hoodie sweatshirts with Captain 18 on the back, another sign that today is the last game for Matthew Slater after 16 seasons pic.twitter.com/sPYMJGZjat

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) January 7, 2024

I know it’s been a while since we had a nationally televised primetime game… But the RCA Dome was demolished 15 years ago!!! pic.twitter.com/bMuIiNChvn

— Matt Whisner (@WizIndy) January 7, 2024

ACC officials working Monday night's @CFBPlayoff title game b/w Michigan & Washington. Plan any conspiracy angles/outrage accordingly

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 5, 2024