Sources say NASCAR is expected to ban all political sponsorships as soon as this week following the controversy surrounding Xfinity Series driver Brandon Brown's voided deal with a meme cryptocurrency based on the "Let's Go Brandon" chant that has become a veiled insult of President Joe Biden. It is unclear whether the ban, which NASCAR has reportedly been considering since the summer of 2020, will be limited to political action committees or extend to interest groups like the National Rifle Association and other potentially divisive causes. (Sports Business Journal)
An Australian judge reinstated the visa of top-ranked tennis player Novak Djokovic, allowing him to stay in the country to compete in the Australian Open despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, though a lawyer for the federal government said the country's immigration minister will consider canceling the visa for a second time and deporting Djokovic. Such a response could not only prevent Djokovic from playing in this year's Australian Open, which begins next Monday, but also ban him from the country for three years. (The Associated Press)
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers on a last-second field goal in overtime of the final game of the NFL regular season, clinching playoff spots for themselves and the Pittsburgh Steelers while eliminating the Chargers. (ESPN) The league's schedule for wild-card weekend features the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams playing in the first-ever playoff game on a Monday night. (The Athletic)
COLLEGE SPORTS
Teams, conferences and organizers assess the financial damage from canceled bowl games Michael Smith, Sports Business Journal
Almost half of the bowls were canceled last season, but those announcements came before teams and fans traveled to the site of the game. The major difference this season is that the cancellations in four of the games came after one or both teams already were on-site.
Panic at the ACC: How Alston Case, Feds Fueled Financial-Aid Frenzy Daniel Libit and Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico
While the Alston ruling has confounded athletic departments, it has also caused confusion for schools' financial-aid officials. They have to reconcile the Court's decision with existing regulations regarding federal student assistance.
Hawaii lawmakers hear football program concerns The Associated Press
The University of Hawaii Board of Regents plans to address the issue of morale on the university's football team following a legislative hearing that featured testimony from former players and that the university system president criticized as one-sided. More than a dozen football players have said they are leaving the university by entering the transfer portal, KHON TV reported.
