Ellington

Soccer's World Cup and the NHL's Stanley Cup are going on this week. Both have lots of fans, but neither attracts hordes of casual sports fans the way the Super Bowl, the World Series and even the NBA Finals do.

The Chicago Reader's Michael Miner says the mainstream press' coverage of the World Cup treats Americans like they're soccer idiots. Meanwhile, slate.com's Chris Shott says the NHL should embrace its niche/cult sport status and quit trying to win over American sports fans. And while the NHL is at it, Shott thinks the league should get rid of all the teams in the Southeast Division. Doctor S wouldn't go that far …