Flyers' Exit Extends Philly's Title Drought to 100 Seasons

Even LeBron James makes the list—relatively speaking, of course

(NEWSER) - If you set aside the fact that even the minimum-earning NBA player ($457,558) is still in the top 1% of American earners, you can appreciate that some sports standouts are relatively underpaid. Yahoo! Sports lists some of the biggies:

• Tim Lincecum, MLB, San Francisco Giants: Though he’s set to win a second straight Cy Young Award, he makes nearly 20 times less than another pitcher on his team at $695,000.
• LeBron James, NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers: He’s making the maximum possible—nearly $16 million—and he’s still a steal, considering he saved his franchise.

Off the field, most team records aren't promising

(NEWSER) - As investment portfolios dwindle and businesses suffer, more professional sports teams' owners are falling on hard times. League bosses worry that potential buyers, already an endangered breed, won't go for newly available teams because their primary businesses are foundering. Even the Cubs, one of MLB's few profitable franchises, can't find an owner, reports the Wall Street Journal. More»

Don't feel bad, Armando, you're not alone

(NEWSER) - In honor of Armando Galarraga's perfect one-hitter, Salon decided to compile a list of some of the biggest blown calls in history. And we decided that it would be more fun to watch those blown calls than to read about them. So check out this video gallery, and get ready to curse some umps, refs and, if you're English, Diego Maradona. More»

BCS playoff bill the latest in a long line of similar measures

(NEWSER) - A House subcommittee ushered through a bill that would keep the BCS from billing its title game as the “national championship,” unless the NCAA institutes a playoff system. Where does Congress get off telling college administrators what to do? Well, sports are considered interstate commerce, according to the Explainer column in Slate . That gives lawmakers the jurisdiction to look into nearly any sports matter they please. More»

NAACP to march at stadium, while SPCA throws 'tailgate' party

(NEWSER) - Michael Vick’s first NFL game since his conviction for dog fighting has triggered strong reactions among animal and civil rights advocates in Philadelphia and they plan to let him know it, AP reports. Before he steps onto the field today as the Eagles’ quarterback, the Pennsylvania SPCA will throw a “tailgate” party across town to support its 2nd Chance Dogs campaign—a stab at Vick, who was granted a second chance by the Eagles. More»