* MLB has officially approved the $1.7 billion sale of the Rays to the group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski. BTW, Zalupski has been a big campaign donor to Gov. Ron DisAstrous.
* “We have a very small window here before the realignment discussions are likely to begin, and it requires all gas and no brakes.”–New USF CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins, on chasing bigger crowds and a grander conference affiliation.
* Among names mentioned as candidates to succeed fired Penn State coach James Franklin: USF’s Alex Golesh. His name also surfaced amid speculation for openings at Virginia Tech and UCLA.