More on the Super 'Bare': The Sports Business Daily (subscription required) has a nice summary of the latest updates in the Super Bowl Halftime Scandal. I will post more later for non-subscribers.

NFL Unhappy with Las Vegas Ads: The NFL expressed extreme displeasure with the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority ads purchased on the local CBS affiliates in five of the top seven markets during the Super Bowl. The NFL has called the ad, which promotes watching the Super Bowl in Las Vegas by saying "if only it were this much fun in Houston," a violation of league policy that prohibits gaming-related ad content. The advertising company responsible for the ads has attempted to buy national airtime during the Super Bowl the past two year, but both times the league intervened. By purchasing one of the few local ad slots in the top markets, LVCVA was able to reach a large audience while flying under the NFL's radar.



NFL spokesman Greg Aiello was quoted as saying: "If we had known about it, we would have taken steps to stop it. Whatever our policies are relating to (national) advertising on our games extends to the local spots from the affiliates. There is no loophole." Aiello also said that steps will be taken to prevent similar local ad buys during next year's telecasts. In response, the advertising agency has said that the spots promote tourism, not gambling, and in no way violate the NFL's policy.



I do not know the specifics of the NFL's television agreement with the networks, but I assume that their authority to dictate what ads can and cannot be shown is a factor of this contract. I also do not know what remedies the contract provides for a violation, if indeed was is found. The NFL has stated that it considers the actions of a local affiliate to be an action of the network as a whole.

More Problems for Clarett?: Maurice Clarett may have bigger problems than just the extra benefits given to him by Robert Dellimuti, which resulted in his suspension from the University. ESPN.com is reporting, based on cell phone records it has obtained, that Dellimuti is a frequent gambler and placed numerous bets leading up to last year's Fiesta Bowl, in which Ohio State defeated Miami for the National Championship. The NCAA frowns heavily on any contact between an athlete and an established gambler, for obvious reasons.



Now, this may just be a coincidence, considering the fact that thousands of people every year bet on sporting events. But it is more negative press for Clarett, who is drawing closer not only to losing his lawsuit with the NFL, but also not having a college game to rely on as a backup. Will Ohio State want to take a chance on a player who (1) has spoken out against the University, (2) may have taken payment from a gambler and (3) has not played football for a year? The answer is still up in the air, but the smart money is on "no."

Did Bobby Knight Violate His Contract?: Texas Tech basketball coach Bobby Knight was reprimanded by the University, but not suspended following an outburst aimed at a University official. Did Knight violate his contract? Judge for yourself, by reading the contract courtesy of FindLaw. Regardless, I agree with Dick Vitale, who says that for his own good, and the good of his team, Knight should try to keep a low profile.

'Playmakers' Cancelled: ESPN has decided not to continue 'Playmakers,' its fictionalized account of a professional football team, in part because of pressure applied by the NFL. I find this very disturbing, as I posted earlier.

Corporations Out of Style as Team Owners?: The LA Times has an interesting article about the changing nature of sports teams' ownership. Apparently, corporations are out and families are en vogue.

NHL Labor Strategy?: Mark Madden of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has an interesting take on the impending NHL dispute.