OLYMPICS; Hidden impact of a boycott

Though many countries have agreed with the proposed US Olympic boycott in principle, few appear ready to withhold their own athletes from the Moscow competition. But even if few nations join the US in boycotting, an American decision to stay home would still make a substantial impact monetarily on just about everyone.

Why? Because part of the sum paid for TV rights goes toward balancing the budgets of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), other international sports federations, and national Olympic committees. NBC, with the largest stake in TV rights of any network would be due a $12.6 million refund from the IOC should it cancel plans to cover the Moscow Games.