Fang's Bites

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

MLB
American League
Red Sox at Toronto – NESN/Rogers Sportsnet, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Detroit – WFTC/Fox Sports Detroit Plus, 7 p.m.
New York Yankees at Baltimore – WWOR/MASN, 7 p.m.
Oakland at Tampa Bay – Comcast SportsNet California/Sun Sports, 7 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at Texas – Comcast SportsNet Chicago Plus/Fox Sports Southwest, 8 p.m.
Seattle at Kansas City – FSN Northwest/Fox Sports Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Anaheim Angels – STO/Fox Sports West, 10 p.m.

National League
Game 1/Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets – MLB Network/KCAL/SNY, 4 p.m.
Game 2/Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets – ESPN/Fox Sports Prime Ticket/SNY, approximately 7:30 p.m.
San Diego at Florida – Cox 4, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at St. Louis – Peachtree TV/Fox Sports Midwest, 8 p.m.
Cincinnati at Houston – Fox Sports Ohio/Fox Sports Houston, 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee – FSN Pittsburgh/Fox Sports Wisconsin, 8 p.m.
Washington at Chicago Cubs – MASN2/WCIU, 8 p.m.
Arizona at Colorado – Fox Sports Arizona Plus/FSN Rocky Mountain, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Francisco – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia/Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 10 p.m.

MLB Network Live – MLB Network, 7 p.m.
Baseball Tonight – ESPN, 10:30 p.m.

NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 5/Miami at Boston – NBA TV/Comcast SportsNet New England, 7 p.m.
Game 5/Chicago at Cleveland – TNT, 8 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 5/San Antonio at Dallas – NBA TV, 9:30 p.m.
Game 5/Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers – TNT, 10:30 p.m.

Inside the NBA – TNT, 1 a.m.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Western Conference
Game 7/Detroit at Phoenix – Versus/TSN/RDS/Fox Sports Detroit/Fox Sports Arizona, 9 p.m

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, midnight

Tennis
ATP Tour/Rome Masters, 1st & 2nd round – Tennis Channel, 7 a.m.

UEFA Champions League
Semifinal
Olympique Lyonnais vs. Bayern Munich – Fox Sports Net, 2:30 p.m.

Entertainment
NCIS – CBS, 8 p.m.
NCIS: Los Angeles – CBS, 9 p.m.
Frontline: The Vaccine War – PBS, 9 p.m.
Deadliest Catch – Discovery, 9 p.m.
The Battle for Late Night – A&E, 10 p.m.
Survivors – BBC America, 10 p.m.
Explorer: Fatal Insomnia – National Geographic Channel, 10 p.m.
30 for 30: Run Ricky Run – ESPN2, 11 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – CBS, 11:35 p.m.

ESPN Announces Thursday Night College Football Schedule

I’m not sure why I’m not receiving ESPN press releases lately, but I found this again from its PR website. So here’s what the Alleged Worldwide Leader is saying about its college football primetime schedule. Pretty strong Thursday night slate if you ask me and I know you didn’t, but you got my opinion.

2010 ‘ESPN College Football Primetime’ Schedule to Feature UCLA at Washington on Nov. 18

ESPN and the Pac-10 announced today that the 2010 season of ESPN College Football Primetime will feature head coach Rick Neuheisel and the UCLA Bruins visiting head coach Steve Sarkisian, preseason Heisman hopeful Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

“Having the UCLA vs. Washington game join our Thursday night lineup in 2010 is a tremendous addition to our schedule,” said Dave Brown, vice president, programming & acquisitions, ESPN. “We look forward to showcasing both programs, the great city of Seattle and the great atmosphere of Husky Stadium for the first time on a Thursday night.”

The matchup comes on the heels of the Bruins’ 24-23 victory over the Huskies in 2009, which ended a seven-game drought in Pac-10 matchups for UCLA. It will be the Bruins’ second Thursday night appearance of the season – after the Oct. 21 matchup vs. preseason No. 10 Oregon at 9 p.m. – and joins a list of previously announced ESPN College Football Primetime matchups:

2010 ESPN College Football Primetime Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Matchup	Network
Thu, Sep 2	7:30 p.m.	Southern Miss at South Carolina	ESPN
	11 p.m.	No. 15 USC at Hawaii	ESPN
Thu, Sep 9	7:30 p.m.	Auburn at Mississippi State	ESPN
Thu, Sep 16	7:30 p.m.	No. 22 Cincinnati at NC State	ESPN
Thu, Sep 23	7:30 p.m.	No. 13 Miami at No. 16 Pittsburgh	ESPN
Thu, Sep 30	7:30 p.m.	Texas A&M at Oklahoma State	ESPN
Thu, Oct 7	7:30 p.m.	No. 9 Nebraska at Kansas State	ESPN
Thu, Oct 14	7:30 p.m.	South Florida at West Virginia	ESPN
Thu, Oct 21	9 p.m.	UCLA at No. 10 Oregon	ESPN
Thu, Oct 28	7:30 p.m.	No. 21 Florida State at NC State	ESPN
Thu, Nov 4	7:30 p.m.	No. 17 Georgia Tech at No. 5 Virginia Tech	ESPN
Thu, Nov 11	7:30 p.m.	No. 16 Pittsburgh at Connecticut	ESPN
Thu, Nov 18	8 p.m.	UCLA at Washington	ESPN
Thu, Nov 25	8 p.m.	Texas A&M at No. 4 Texas	ESPN
Thu, Dec 2	8 p.m.	Arizona State at Arizona	ESPN

Once again, I’m sure we’ll have the filibustering Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer and Craig James in the booth with Erin Andrews (provided she returns to ESPN) on the sidelines.

NBC Sports Wins Five Emmy Awards

During the 31st Annual Sports Emmy Awards, NBC Sports took five including Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host (Bob Costas, who else?), Outstanding Sports Personality, Event Analyst (Cris Collinsworth) and Outstanding Live Sports Sports Series as well as Outstanding Live Sports Special. Quite an achievement.

Here’s the press release, our first from one of the networks.

“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” & SUPER BOWL XLIII WIN SPORTS EMMYS; NBC SPORTS EARNS FIVE OVERALL

John Madden Receives Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented by Dick Ebersol and Jerry Jones

Bob Costas & Cris Collinsworth Honored

NEW YORK – April 26, 2010 – NBC Sports was recognized with five Emmy Awards, four for its NFL coverage, and former “NBC Sunday Night Football” analyst John Madden was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award tonight at the 31st Annual Sports Emmy Awards, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Madden, who served as “NBC Sunday Night Football” analyst from 2006-2008, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by NBC Universal Sports & Olympics chairman Dick Ebersol and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

“He defined forever what the term analyst is,” said Ebersol. “It means somebody of great passion teaching you with the same enthusiasm they have for what they love.”

“As an owner in the National Football League,” said Jones, “I want everyone in this room to know how much we appreciate what you have done for the National Football League.”

For the second consecutive year, NBC Sports won Outstanding Live Sports Series: “Sunday Night Football.” NBC Sports has now won the award three of the last four years, also winning in 2007 for its NASCAR coverage. NBC Sports also won for Outstanding Live Sports Special: Super Bowl XLIII. The victory marked the second consecutive year that NBC Sports won the category after claiming the award last year for its 2008 U.S. Open coverage.

Bob Costas was awarded his 21st career Emmy and second consecutive for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host. Costas hosted NBC’s “Football Night in America” live from the site of the game in 2009. He won the Emmy in the same category last year for his work at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.

Cris Collinsworth was awarded his second consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst. It was Collinsworth’s 11th career Emmy, which includes wins in 2007 and 2008 in the Studio Analyst category for work on NBC’s “Football Night in America.”

NBC Sports won an Emmy for “Countdown to Vancouver, NBCOlympics.com” in the category of Outstanding New Approaches – Short Format.

NBC Sports won five Emmy Awards in the following categories:

• Outstanding Live Sports Series: “Sunday Night Football”

• Outstanding Live Sports Special: Super Bowl XLIII

• Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host: Bob Costas

• Outstanding Sports Personality, Sports Event Analyst: Cris Collinsworth

• Outstanding New Approaches – Short Format:
  • Countdown to Vancouver, NBCOlympics.com

A complete list of winners will be made available at www.emmyonline.org.

I’m waiting for that complete list of winners and I’m hoping to see it soon.

2010 Sports Emmy Awards Semi-Live Blog

I’m getting information on the 31st Sports Emmy Awards second-hand. I’m not there so I can’t give you my impressions or thoughts on the ceremony. However, I’ll post the entire list later tonight, but I’m picking up info here and there. You can refresh this post or bookmark and then return on Tuesday for the full list.

Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly
College Gameday – ESPN

Outstanding Studio Show – Daily
Pardon The Interruption – ESPN

Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst
Kirk Herbstreit, College Gameday – ESPN

Outstanding Technical Team Remote
Red Bull Air Race World Championship – Fox Sports Net/R.A.C.E. Productions

The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award
US Open Tennis/Flomotion – CBS Sports

Outstanding Short Feature
Inside the NFL – CBS Sports/Showtime

Outstanding Live Event Audio
NASCAR on Fox – Fox Sports

Outstanding Production Design/Art Direction
(tie) SportsNation – ESPN2
MLB Tonight – MLB Network

Outstanding Technical Team Studio
MLB Tonight – MLB Network

Outstanding New Approaches Sports Event Coverage
Sunday Night Football Extra – NBCSports.com

Outstanding Edited Sports Series/Anthology
24/7 Pacquaio/Hatton & Pacquaio/Cotto – HBO

Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics
Ted Williams – HBO

Outstanding Sports Promotional Announcement – Episodic
24/7 Jimmie Johnson Race to Daytona – HBO

Outstanding Camera Work
24/7 Pacquaio/Cotto – HBO

Outstanding Sports Personality – Event Analyst
Cris Collinsworth – NBC Sports

Outstanding Post Produced Audio/Sound
(tie) Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals – HBO Sports/NFL Films
Inside the NFL: Sounds of the Year – CBS Sports/Showtime/NFL Films

Outstanding Open/Tease
College Football on CBS: Army-Navy Game – CBS Sports

Outstanding New Approaches Sports Event Coverage
CBS Mobile NCAA March Madness on Demand – CBS Mobile

Outstanding Sports Personality – Play-by-Play
Jim Nantz – CBS Sports

The Dick Schaap Writing Award
24/7 Pacquaio/Hatton – HBO

The list trails off from here. I’m missing a couple of awards like Studio Host. I do expect press releases to come tonight as well as the official list from the Sports Emmys. I’ll post them as soon as I receive them.

UPDATE, 9:20 p.m.: The trail has suddenly come back. More awards

Outstanding Live Sports Series
Sunday Night Football – NBC

Lifetime Achievement Award
John Madden

Outstanding New Approaches Sports Programming
Super Bowl MVP’s – ESPN.com

Outstanding Editing 
24/7 Pacquaio/Hatton – HBO

Outstanding Long Feature
(tie) E:60/Catfish – ESPN2
NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship/The Magic of J-Mac – CBS Sports

Outstanding Sports Journalism
E:60/Wanted: Fugitive – ESPN2 (upset over four Real Sports features)

Outstanding Live Sports Special
Super Bowl XLIII – NBC

Outstanding Live Event Turnaround
Inside the Headsets/The 25th All-Star Race – Speed/NASCAR Media Group

Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Host
Bob Costas – NBC (surprise)

That’s it. Expect some press releases and more Emmy stuff coming later.

Golf Channel’s Original Programming This Week

This is what you’ll see on Golf Channel this week before the tournaments kick in on Thursday.

Coming up on Golf Channel…April 26 – May 2

Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime Special Presentation

Daly vs. Mediate on Donald J. Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf

Original Programming Premieres and Highlights

(All Times Eastern)

Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime (Special Presentation)

Airtime: Tuesday, 9-10 p.m.

Hosts: Tom Watson, Steve Sands, Frank Nobilo

In conjunction with the release of his golf instructional two-DVD set, “Tom Watson – Lessons of a Lifetime,” Golf Channel will air an hour-long special Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET. Watson will join Steve Sands and Frank Nobilo in-studio to share memories from his illustrious career and give viewers a sample of the instruction tips and techniques available on his DVD.

Donald J. Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf

Airtime: Monday, 9-10 p.m.

Match: Rocco Mediate vs. John Daly

Hosts: Donald Trump, Dayana Mendoza

Video Preview: Mediate vs. Daly

PGA TOUR professionals and good friends John Daly and Rocco Mediate will battle it out on the golf course in an 18-hole match for charity and bragging rights at Trump National Golf Club in Puerto Rico on the third episode of Donald J. Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf. Hosted by Donald Trump and 2008 Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza.

Golf Fitness

Airtime: Monday, 6:30-7 p.m.

Subject: New Technology

Hosts: Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips

On the second episode of Golf Fitness, Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips will introduce viewers to new technologies and how these can improve viewers’ golf games and health.

News and Talk Show Premieres and Highlights

 (All Times Eastern)

Golf Central

Live Airings:   Monday-Saturday, 6-6:30 p.m.

                         Sunday, 6-7 p.m.

Golf Central will recap all of news and highlights from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and throughout the world of golf early in the week, and preview Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s returns to the PGA TOUR at the Quail Hollow Championship. Thursday – Sunday, Golf Central will deliver comprehensive news coverage from the world’s golf tours featuring highlights, analysis and interviews.

Golf Central Pre Game (90 Minutes Thursday-Friday)

Live Airings:    Thursday-Friday, 12:30-2 p.m.

                        Saturday-Sunday, 12:30-1 p.m.; 2:30-3 p.m.

                       

Thursday – Sunday, Golf Central Pre Game will prepare viewers for live tournament action on the various tours, featuring interviews, analysis and early highlights from the Quail Hollow Championship. Thursday and Friday, Golf Central Pre Game will air for 90 minutes leading up to live tournament coverage.

The Golf Fix (Live)

Host: Michael Breed

Airtime: Monday, 7-8 p.m. ET

Host Michael Breed will re-create the key shots and moments from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Breed also will give tips and instruction and answer viewer emails throughout the course of the show.

Grey Goose 19^th Hole (Live)

Host: Kraig Kann

Panelists: John Hawkins, Jeff Rude

Contributor: Win McMurry

Airtime: Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.

Host Kraig Kann and panelists John Hawkins and Jeff Rude will debate the hot topics and storylines heading into the Quail Hollow Championship and throughout the world of golf. Win McMurry and members of GolfChannel.com’s editorial team also will contribute throughout the show.

Special Programming Highlights

Tin Cup (Movies that Make the Cut)

Airtime: Wednesday, 8-10 p.m.

Done.

2010 NFL Draft Is The Most Viewed Ever

Here’s a release from the National Football League crowing about the audience and ratings for the Draft last week. To say a 3 day, 2 night event was a success is like saying Dunkin’ Donuts serves a lot of coffee. Let’s put it this way. The Draft will remain a 3 day, 2 night event for the foreseeable future based on these numbers.

2010 NFL DRAFT: MOST VIEWED EVER

45.4 Million Total Viewers On NFL Network, ESPN & ESPN2

NFL.com’s 2010 NFL Draft Coverage Sets Records

A record combined total viewership of 45.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the 75th NFL Draft on NFL Network, ESPN and ESPN2 – up 16% from last year’s record of 39 million, according to Nielsen Media Research. Total NFL Draft viewership has nearly doubled over the past decade (from 23.5 million in 2001 to 45.4 million in 2010).

In addition, a record 32.9 million viewers watched for at least six minutes, up 23% from last year’s 26.8 million. (The 45.4 million total represents fans watching at least one minute of the Draft. This one-minute qualifier has been used for the Draft over the last decade).

NFL.com set records with its coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft. There were a record 12.5 million visits to NFL.com during the Draft — up 61% from last year — and users watched 40% more video than a year ago. LIVE coverage on NFL.com also saw record growth with 1.1. million fans watching the Draft on NFL.com and watching 89% more of the Draft on NFL.com than they did last year. By the end of the Draft, fans had made more than 500,000 comments in the Fan War Rooms. In addition, there were 13 million page views on NFL.com’s mobile site, a 125% increase over a year ago. Since its launch earlier this month, NFL Mobile has been one of the most successful and popular entertainment applications downloaded by Verizon Wireless customers.

In addition, a record 12,275 fans attended the 75th NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall over the three days.

Perhaps the times for the Draft will be adjusted to allow the West Coast to watch in their primetime, but that’s down the road.

Legend of the Seeker Canceled

Damn. I loved this show. The news came from Michael Ausiello and Andy Patrick of Entertainment Weekly.

We’ll still have our various Bridget Regan sightings on the blog, so they won’t go away. Here’s a scene from Legend from the 1st season as Bridget as Kahlan is bathing at a waterfall. Don’t worry, there’s no nudity. It’s safe for work.

We’ll definitely miss the show.

Back to Work Links

Back to work after a weekend that was much too short. I’ll do some linkage for you now.

Starting with USA Today’s Michael Hiestand who says ESPN’s Jon Gruden has adjusted to being a TV personality.

John Ourand and Michael Smith of the Sports Business Journal give us the anatomy of the CBS/Turner deal for the NCAA Tournament.

John has a story on Fox Sports.com and the Wall Street Journal sharing editorial resources for the first time this week.

In the Sporting News’ Sporting Blog, On The DL’s Dan Levy talks with ESPN’s Trey Wingo and goes over the weekend’s NFL Draft coverage.

John Consoli of Mediaweek says as the NHL’s ratings are hot and that’s good for the league as it enters a TV rights renewal.

Writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry is wary of six Gannett newspapers taking stories about the New Jersey Devils written by a team employee.

Dan Lamothe of the Springfield Republican’s Red Sox Monster blog notes that Heidi Watney returned to work on NESN after a brief absence.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks at the history of the Mets and Yankees theme songs.

Lynn Zinser of the Times says now that the NFL Draft is over, it’s time to get back to regular sports viewing. 

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post feels WFAN’s Mike Francesa should have scolded Giants co-owner John Mara on personal seat licenses during an interview.

Larry McShane of the New York Daily News chuckles over the fact that a BBC reporter was not allowed into Augusta National Golf Club to cover The Masters and did live shots back to the UK from a nearby course. 

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Daily Gazette looks at the record viewership for the NFL Draft.

Aaron Nathans of the Delaware News-Journal says a Philly sports fan isn’t too happy that he can’t watch Phillies games on DirecTV. 

Jim Williams from the Washington Examiner has a preview of tonight’s NBA Playoff action on TNT and NBA TV.

Eric Frazier of the Charlotte Observer says teams are turning more to social media to attract fans. 

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times looks over the weekend in sports TV.

Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the NFL couldn’t be more pleased over the Draft’s TV ratings. 

In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman says the Cubs-White Sox Crosstown Series will get its own trophy.

Ed talks with Comcast SportsNet Chicago President Jim Corso about the channel’s relationship with the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks.

Robert Sanchez of the Chicago Daily Herald says former Chicagoan Greg Gumbel will be in town this week to give a motivational speech. 

Dusty Saunders from the Denver Post says Avalance TV voice Mike Haynes sees a bright future for the team. 

Tom Hoffarth from the Los Angeles Daily News has the SoCal sports calendar for this week.

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Globe and Mail says TSN host Michael Landsberg was not offended by an anti-Semetic remark made by analyst Jacques Demers.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says NHL TV coverage can be confusing at times.

The Sports Media Watch says the Boston-Miami NBA playoff game on Sunday did not perform well on ABC.

SMW notes that four of five NBA playoff games on ESPN increased on their ratings from last year.

SMW says San Antonio-Dallas, Game 4 on TNT really went up from last year.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says NBC had matching ratings for its NHL coverage this past weekend.

Joe Favorito says Rutgers is waiting on a big decision on whether to go to the Big Ten or remain in the Big East.

We’ll finish there.

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

MLB
American League
Red Sox at Toronto – NESNplus/Rogers Sportsnet, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Texas – Fox Sports Detroit/Fox Sports Southwest, 8 p.m.
Seattle at Kansas City – FSN Northwest/Fox Sports Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Anaheim Angels – STO/Fox Sports West, 10 p.m.

National League
Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets – ESPN/Fox Sports Prime Ticket/SNY, 7 p.m.
San Diego at Florida – Cox 4/Fox Sports Florida, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at St. Louis – Peachtree TV/Fox Sports Midwest, 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee – FSN Pittsburgh/WMLW, 8 p.m.
Washington at Chicago Cubs – MASN/Comcast SportsNet Chicago, 8 p.m.
Arizona at Colorado – Fox Sports Arizona/FSN Rocky Mountain, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Francisco – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia/Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 10 p.m.

MLB Tonight Live – MLB Network, 5:30 p.m.
Baseball Tonight – ESPN, 10 p.m.

Minor League Baseball
Gwinnett Braves at Durham Bulls – MLB Network, 11 a.m.

NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 4/Orlando at Charlotte – TNT, 8 p.m.
Game 4/Atlanta at Milwaukee – NBA TV, 8:30 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 5/Portland at Phoenix – TNT, 10: 30 p.m.

Inside the NBA – TNT, 1 a.m.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 6/Washington at Montreal – Versus/TSN/RDS/Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, 7 p.m.
Game 6/Buffalo at Boston – CBC/MSG Buffalo/NESN, 7 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 6/Chicago at Nashville – TSN/Comcast SportsNet Chicago/Fox Sports Tennessee, 9 p.m./Versus, 9:30 p.m. (joined in progress)

Tennis
ATP Tour/Rome Masters, 1st round – Tennis Channel, 7 a.m.

Entertainment
The International Sexy Ladies Show – G4, 8 p.m.
House – Fox, 8 p.m.
24 – Fox, 9 p.m.
American Experience: My Lai – PBS, 9 p.m.
Nurse Jackie – Showtime, 10 p.m.
United States of Tara – Showtime, 10:30 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – CBS, 11:35 p.m.

ESPN Loves The Three Day NFL Draft

Don’t know why I didn’t get this press release from ESPN. Usually, I get most everything the network publishes, but for some reason I happened to stumble upon this at its PR website as I was looking for something else. Anyway, no crying over spilled milk, we find that the NFL Draft was the most-watched in viewer numbers as primetime on the 1st and 2nd days of the Draft were very friendly to ESPN.

ESPN’s Most-Watched NFL Draft Ever Among Viewers

ESPN’s live three-day telecast of the 2010 NFL Draft – including the first two nights in prime time for the first time – was the most-watched NFL Draft ever among viewers and the second most-watched ever among households in the network’s 31 years of televising the event. Overall, the 14 ½ hours of 2010 NFL Draft coverage on ESPN and ESPN2 averaged 2,853,000 households and 3,717,000 viewers (based on fast nationals) — up 24% and 27%, respectively from last year, according to Nielsen Media Research. 

The 2010 Draft finished just 2,000 households shy of the record-setting 2006 audience (2,855,000 households).

On Friday night, ESPN’s one-hour of coverage (6-7 p.m. ET) for the start of Round 2 delivered a 2.6 rating, 2,534,000 households, and 3,152,000 viewers. Coverage continued on ESPN2 from 7-10:30 p.m., delivering a 2.6 rating, 2,606,000 households, and 3,369,000 viewers. Together, the two networks averaged 2,590,000 households and 3,320,000 viewers Friday night – up 10% and 6%, respectively, for Round 2 a year ago.

ESPN’s day-long coverage on Saturday (10 a.m.-5:19 p.m.) delivered a 1.8 household rating, a 10% increase from a 1.6 for the corresponding coverage (on Sunday) in 2009. 

As previously reported, ESPN’s Thursday night telecast (7:30-11:20 p.m. ET) of Round 1 delivered a 5.3 household coverage rating and 7,290,000 viewers, 23% higher than last year’s first round (4.3). Also, the telecast equaled the 5.3 rating from ESPN’s first round in 2006 and surpassed that year’s viewership mark of 5,925,000.

There you have it.

Make Way For Sunday Linkage

Time for some Sunday linkage. Good stuff too.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News recaps the conference call that announced the partnership between CBS and Turner Broadcasting to air the NCAA Tournament over a 14 year peirod.

Staci D. Kramer of paidContent talks with Turner Sports President David Levy regarding the streaming rights for the NCAA Tournament.

Gregg Rosenthal at Pro Football Talk notes that Jon Gruden was a no-show for ESPN’s third day at the NFL Draft.

And Mike Florio at PFT says ESPN resident moron Matt Millen used an ethnic slur on Ron Jaworski yesterday.

From the Boston Herald, Jessica Heslam writes that a local sports radio host pulled out a Nazi reference regarding Tim Tebow’s draft party. Thanks to The Big Lead for the link.

The Boston Globe says NESN’s Don Orsillo will be voicing new D’Angelo’s ads. 

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News feels having Charles Barkley on the NCAA Tournament would create instant buzz for Turner Sports.

Phil Mushnick at the New York Post continues his diatribes against primetime footall, personal seat licenses and professional wrestling.

Neil Best sighting! Neil Best sighting! The Victoria (TX) Advocate picks up a Neil column from Newsday which looks at the NFL Draft as successful primetime programming. You may be aware that I can no longer link you to Neil Best blog posts or columns because Newsday is behind a dreaded pay wall so finding a column is a rare treat. 

Laura Nachman says Phillies radio announcer Scott Franzke is a proud new dad.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner likes Versus’ The Daily Line and speaks with one of its four hosts.

Nick Scala of the Charleston (WV) Gazette mourns the passing of the voice of minor league baseball in town.

Barry Tramel of the Daily Oklahoman talks with ESPN Radio NBA analyst Dr. Jack Ramsey about the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Bud Shaw in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer felt ESPN’s Jon Gruden liked every single person taken in the NFL Draft. I noticed this as well. 

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Packers’ first round draft pick certainly looks a Packer.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks with famed Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer about his love for hockey.
Tom has more with Bruckheimer in his blog.

In the San Francisco Examiner, Artie Gigantino likes the way organizers of a local bowl game handled things in signing a three year sponsorship deal.

The Sports Media Watch has its weekend ratings predictions.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media also has some Kings NHL Playoff ratings news.

That’s it.

NFL Network Quotage From Day 3 At The NFL Draft

Here’s the quotage from the final day of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Mike Mayock could not take part as his voice went out, but major props go to Corey Chavous, former Rams safety for stepping in and filling the role of Mayock. But the quotage in this release goes to Mayock who continued to do draft analysis on NFL.com via live chat. Plus the coverage at the end with Rich Eisen, Charles Davis, Texas coach Mack Brown and Chevous got silly (yes, I was watching).

NFL NETWORK DRAFT COVERAGE RECAP – DAY 3 NFL TOTAL ACCESS AT THE 2010 NFL DRAFT

QUOTES FROM MIKE MAYOCK’S DRAFT COVERAGE ON NFL.COM

Due to losing his voice following more than 16 hours of on-air coverage during Day 1 and 2 of the 2010 NFL Draft, expert Mike Mayock continued his analysis live throughout rounds 4 through 7 on NFL.com. 81 players on Mayock’s Top 100 list were drafted in the first three rounds (98 picks).  

Mayock’s entire day three Draft thread can be found at http://chat.nfl.com/front/index/883. The following are selected quotes from the day’s chat:

156 & 157 — Ravens — WR David Reed and DT Art Jones

The Ravens just executed back to back picks. Reed is a quicker than fast receiver with excellent hands and will have an opportunity to compete on the Ravens’ special teams. He had 81 catches, including a 91-yard TD against Air Force Academy on a slant in which he broke two tackles and took it to the house. Very impressive play.

Syracuse DT Jones had a second-round grade heading into his senior year but had a knee injury in early November, followed by surgery. His draft stock plummeted, but, when healthy, he’s a very talented up-field pass rusher that will give the Ravens yet another option on defense.

181 — Bears — QB Dan LeFevour

This is Corey Chavous’ favorite player in the draft. He believes he might be the best QB to come out of this draft class when we all look back at it in 10 years. I gave him a fifth-round grade and think he can be a quality backup.

197 — Texans — KR Trindon Holliday

Holliday is really an interesting pick for the Texans. He’s one of the smallest players in college football, but arguably the fastest. His primary use will be on special teams as a return man. But, over time, he could develop into a slot receiver and someone you try and get the ball to on reverses and bubble screens. He’s a play-maker in space.

207 — Titans — SS Myron Rolle

I like the third day picks by the Titans. I thought Verner was an underrated corner out of UCLA, and Johnson an underrated safety out of Utah. Smith, the QB from FAU, was off most people’s radars except for Corey Chavous. Finally, Myron Rolle with the last pick in the sixth round is a huge bargain for the Titans. His intelliegence goes without saying, but he brings a core competence to his playin the secondary. He’s a little tight, and he didn’t make a lot of big plays, but he’s solid and dependable.

209 – Bills – QB Levi Brown

Buffalo finally got a QB in Levi Brown from Troy. I believe he’s been undervalued all along. He was invited to the Combine, but only as a throwing QB, not a participant. I liked him on tape, and feel like he has a chance to be a very solid backup QB.

For a complete thread of all of Mayock’s thoughts of the selections in rounds 4-7, please visit: http://chat.nfl.com/front/index/883

ADDITIONAL FEATURED VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF NFL NETWORK’S 2010 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE:

Commissioner Fan Forum – Commissioner Goodell fields questions on rookie salaries and other league issues with selected NFL season ticket holders at the NFL Draft

• http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817c5d5c/Rookies-cash-in

Interview with Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones – Jerry Jones discusses the Cowboys draft selections, Miles Austin’s contract and more

• http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817c4286/Jerry-Jones-interview

The Year of the Hug – There were plenty of emotions, tears and hugs as players were picked in the 2010 NFL Draft

• http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d817c4321/The-year-of-the-hug

Commissioner on Set – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks about the 2010 Draft and the league’s success

• http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817c36dc/Commissioner-on-set

Dhani Tackles the NFL Draft – What’s the draft really like? See for yourself with Dhani Jones’ wild behind-the-scenes look.

• http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817c465b/Dhani-does-the-draft

NFL Network offers an encore of first round coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft Sunday at 8:00 PM ET.

Linkage is coming up.

Saturday’s Links

Let’s do some links for you today.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch says NFL Commish Roger Goodell could not be happier about the ratings for the primetime Draft.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News looks at the tremendous ratings for the NFL Draft on ESPN and NFL Network. 

Wayne Friedman of Mediapost also writes about ESPN’s ratings for the NFL Draft. 

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that despite the economy and troubles with the designer, work on the only Tiger Woods-designed golf course continues to move forward.

The Buffalo News’ Alan Pergament says ESPN ignored the Bills on the second night of the Draft.

Alan is not a fan of Sabres analyst Harry Neale.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner says there’s plenty of baseball to watch this weekend.

Jim talks about the NBA Playoff action this weekend.

And Jim has the NHL postseason action as well.

John Feinstein of the Washington Post feels a 68 team NCAA Tournament is enough. 

Maurice Patton of the Tennessean says SportSouth is finally being added to Comcast systems after a 10 year (!) dispute.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks about the great ratings for the NFL Draft nationally and in the Metroplex.

Barry also talks with former San Antonio Spur Bruce Bowen who has joined ESPN as a studio analyst. 

Barry tells us what we should know about the CBS/Turner deal with the NCAA.

Charlean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says NFL Commish Roger Goodell is dismissing Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s criticisms about moving the Draft against the NBA Playoffs.

Scott Dochterman of the Iowa City Gazette feels NFL Network’s coverage of the Draft has surpassed ESPN’s.

In his first public comments since ESPN unveiled its World Cup announcer lineup, JP Dellacamera tells Big Apple Soccer that he would have preferred calling the tournament on TV rather on radio.

Barry Litvack writing for Business Insider is worried where March Madness on Demand is going to land and how it will be handled under the new CBS/Turner contract for the NCAA Tournament.

Sports Media Watch says Thursday’s coverage of the NFL Draft was the most watched 1st round ever on ESPN.

SMW says Lakers-Thunder on TNT held up decently against the NFL Draft.

And SMW has some various ratings news and notes.

John Daly of the Daly Planet motorsports blog says NASCAR fans continue to be angry at Showtime.

Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball says it’s a free weekend for MLB At Bat users on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says Versus is drawing its best audience ever for the 1st round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Steve has some more Versus numbers.

Sox & Dawgs has the video of a new Dunkin’ Donuts ad featuring Red Sox closer Jonathan “Heart Attack” Papelbon.

And we’ll end it there for today.

The Fed Cup Back on Tennis Channel

This weekend, the US women’s tennis team has a chance to reach the finals of the Federation Cup with a win over a strong Russia team. It’s a “home” game for Team USA as the semifinals are in Birmingham, AL. Tennis Channel has live coverage all weekend.

2010 FED CUP CHASE CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND WITH 2009 RUNNER-UP UNITED STATES HOSTING RUSSIA

US Open Quarterfinalist Melanie Oudin Leads Americans into Semifinals

LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2010 – Tennis Channel will provide exclusive live coverage of the U.S. Fed Cup semifinal against Russia in Birmingham, Ala., this weekend, with telecasts Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25.  The competition between the 2009 Fed Cup runner-up Americans and Russia will consist of two singles matches on Saturday, followed by two singles matches and the doubles match Sunday.  Tennis Channel will carry all matches live, beginning at 2 p.m. ET each day, followed by same-day encore coverage each evening.  

Coverage from Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena is as follows (all times ET):

Saturday, April 24:

2 p.m. – Live Singles #1

4 p.m. – Live Singles #2

{7 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #1}

{9 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #2}

Sunday, April 25:

2 p.m. – Live Singles #3

4 p.m. – Live Singles #4

6 p.m. – Live Doubles

{9 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #3}

{11 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #4}

{1 a.m. – Instant Encore Doubles}

The United States and Russia have faced each other seven times in Fed Cup play, with the Americans holding a 4-3 advantage.  Russia has reached the Fed Cup semifinal round against the United States on three occasions – 2005, 2007 and 2008 – and eventually went on to win the Cup each time.  This will be the sixth time the Russian team has reached the semifinals in the past seven years.  The United States enters this weekend’s matchup after defeating France 4-1 in Lievin, France, to reach the Fed Cup semifinals for the sixth consecutive year.  The United States has been crowned Fed Cup champions 17 times, the most recent in 2000 when it defeated Russia 5-0 in Las Vegas. 

After leading the 2009 U.S. Fed Cup team to its first final appearance since 2003, retired tennis star Mary Joe Fernandez will return for her second year as team captain.  Melanie Oudin joins the 2010 Fed Cup team again this season after an impressive US Open performance in 2009. She defeated 2008 Olympic gold medalist Elena Dementieva and former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova during the tournament to become the youngest American to reach the US Open quarterfinals since 1999. She enters this weekend’s match after reaching her first semifinal of a WTA Tour event this year at the Paris Open and the quarterfinals in both Memphis and Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who won three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour doubles titles last year is also on the team, as is doubles specialist Liezel Huber, who holds four Grand Slam titles and recently reached the finals of the Australian Open. The fourth roster spot has not been announced.   

Russia, which has clinched the Fed Cup trophy four times since 2004, enters this weekend’s matchup after defeating Serbia 3-2 in Belgrade. The Russian team is captained by Shamil Tarpischev and features World No. 6 Elena Dementieva, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Ekaterina Makarova and Alexandra Kudryavtseva.

I think I can do one more press release post before doing some linkage later.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Notes

I have three press releases which I can group here so you have a jump break to deal with later. Let’s go over what you’ll see this weekend on the NHL TV partners in the US and Canada plus I have some ratings news. Let’s get to it.

First, NBC previews what it will air today and tomorrow.

RED WINGS-COYOTES SERIES CAN BE CLINCHED WITH GAME 6 WIN ON SUNDAY; BLACKHAWKS HOST PREDATORS IN GAME 5 ON SATURDAY

“This is America’s team against the Cinderella team of the year.” – NBC Sports’ Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick on Detroit-Phoenix

“It’s hard to find any network right now that covers a sport better than NBC covers hockey.” – St. Petersburg Times (4-19-10)

NEW YORK – April 22, 2010 – The Detroit Red Wings-Phoenix Coyotes Western Conference Quarter-Final series can be decided this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC Sports when the two teams face off in Game 6. NBC Sports’ second weekend of NHL playoff coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET this Saturday when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators in Game 5 of their series.

Mike “Doc” Emrick (play-by-play), who is nominated for a 2010 Sports Emmy Award, Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (inside-the-glass reporter) call the action for both games. McGuire will pull double duty, hosting NBC’s studio show alongside analyst Mike Milbury.

The Coyotes host the Red Wings in Game 5 of their 2-2 series Friday night. The winner will have a chance to clinch the series on NBC Sports on Sunday.

MCGUIRE: “This is an old fashioned hockey series. It’s been a lot more physical than people thought. Both teams are extremely well coached. Detroit’s stars have not shied away from the physicality. Phoenix is playing like a really cohesive, tight unit. They play for one another and listen to their coach. They are showing surprising playoff composure.”

EMRICK: “This is America’s team against the Cinderella team of the year. It will be an incredible return if Phoenix’s Shane Doan can come back from his injury. He’s the team’s inspirational leader, but the rest of the Coyotes showed what they could do without him. And we’ll have to see if that professionalism the Red Wings are know for and that we all admire pays off.”

The Predators currently lead their series, 2-1, over the Blackhawks. The teams play Game 4 tonight in Nashville. If the Predators win and take a 3-1 lead, they will be able to clinch the series with a victory over the Blackhawks on Saturday.

MCGUIRE: “The speed of Nashville has surprised Chicago. The goaltending of Pekka Rinne has been a major story, and that’s combined with Nashville’s defensemen taking a lot of the offensive thrust out of Chicago’s game. The Blackhawks need more energy and thump and passion. They’re not playing on the edge like they were earlier in the year.”

EMRICK: “We certainly know that Finland is going to be well taken care of in goal in the next Olympics with these two great goaltenders. Similar to Phoenix last week, it will be good for the country to see Nashville. They’ve earned it. It’s unfair to say that this is David vs. Goliath. But the Predators are definitely on a mission.”

FIRST WEEKEND RECAP: Viewership for NBC Sports’ first weekend of NHL playoff coverage was up five percent compared to the comparable weekend in 2009. Boston-Buffalo and Detroit-Phoenix averaged 1.74 million viewers, up from 1.66 million for New York Rangers-Washington and Philadelphia-Pittsburgh in 2009.

“It’s hard to find any network right now that covers a sport better than NBC covers hockey.” – St. Petersburg Times (4-19-10) after NBC Sports’ first weekend of NHL playoff coverage.

NBCSPORTS.COM: NBCSports.com’s “Star-cam” continues in the playoffs. “Star-cam” tracks a player(s) from both teams throughout each of their shifts. Following the game, NBCSports.com will present bonus material, including “Star-cam” and “Net-cam” and bonus analysis from NBC Sports commentators.

A programming note from CBC plus great ratings on one of the Comcast regional sports networks coming up right after the jump.

CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada will carry Game 6 of the Vancouver-Los Angeles series from the Staples Center on Sunday.

PROGRAMMING ADVISORY: UPDATED SCHEDULE FOR

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA, SUNDAY, APRIL 25

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Round One 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs broadcast schedule for Sunday, April 25 has been updated.

Sunday, April 25

8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT   Hockey Tonight

9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT              Vancouver at Los Angeles (Game Six)         

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA continues to go live and interactive throughout the Playoffs on CBCSports.ca/stanleycup. Each CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA broadcast is streamed live and on-demand at CBCSports.ca/stanleycup, where hockey fans can catch up to the minute news, features, previews, highlights and analysis for every game.

And Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic continues to rack up the ratings for the Montreal-Washington series. Nice to see Washington become a hockey town.

CAPITALS PLAYOFFS ON COMCAST SPORTSNET RATINGS NOTES:

• Game 4 of the Capitals first-round playoff series against Montreal on April 21 delivered a 5.3 average household rating in the Washington television market, which is equivalent to approximately 125,000 households, the highest rating of the postseason. Combined with the 1.8 average household rating earned in the Baltimore market, the game drew an average combined audience of approximately 147,000 households.

• After four first-round games, Comcast SportsNet’s coverage of the Capitals playoffs has earned a 5.0 average household rating in Washington, which is an increase of 79 percent compared to the first four games of last season’s playoff coverage on the network. In the Baltimore market, the first four games have seen an increase in average household viewership of more than 42 percent compared to last season. For the series, Comcast SportsNet has delivered a combined average audience of approximately 144,000 households in the Washington and Baltimore markets.

• Four of the ten highest-rated Capitals playoff games in Comcast SportsNet history have been the first four games of this year’s first-round match-up versus Montreal. Game 4 tied for the second-highest rated Capitals playoff game in network history and the highest rated non-Game 7.

• CSNwashington.com’s coverage of the Capitals has also earned increased viewers since the beginning of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Since Game 1 (April 15) of the first-round series against the Canadiens, the site has earned an increase of more than 36 percent in unique visitors, with overall visitors and page-views up more than 24 percent and 20 percent, respectively, compared the previous week (April 7 to 14). Compared to the same time-period last year, the network’s website has generated a 251 percent growth in unique visitors and a 180 percent jump in page-views.

• During the 2009-10 NHL regular season, the Capitals delivered their highest-rated season in Comcast SportsNet history and their third consecutive season of double-digit ratings growth on the network, earning a 1.6 average household rating in the Washington market, which is equal to approximately 37,000 households. Combined with the Baltimore DMA, the Capitals attracted an average audience of approximately 45,000 households this season. Since 2006-07, Capitals ratings on Comcast SportsNet have increased more than 300 percent, the largest increase of any NHL team during that span.

CAPITALS 2010 PLAYOFFS – ROUND ONE (MTL)

Game                  WSH HH              PEAK              M 25-54            

Game 1                     5.1                    7.4                   5.9                   

Game 2                     4.4                    6.1                   4.7                   

Game 3                     5.1                    6.4                   5.3                   

Game 4                     5.3                    7.0                   6.2                   

AVG.                        5.0                      -                     5.5                   

2009 ROUND ONE (NYR)                 2008 ROUND ONE (PHI)

Game*                WSH HH                 Game*              WSH HH

Game 1                    3.3                     Game 1                  2.3

Game 2                    2.6                     Game 2                  2.6

Game 3                    2.8                     Game 3                  3.3

Game 4                    2.3                     Game 4                  3.8

AVG.                       2.8                      AVG.                     3.0 

*First Four Games on Comcast SportsNet

HIGHEST-RATED CAPITALS PLAYOFF GAMES ON COMCAST SPORTSNET (WSH DMA):

1.)        5.5        MAY 13, 2009               GAME 7 VS. PIT           ECSEMIFINALS

2.)        5.3        APRIL 21, 2010             GAME 4 VS. MTL          EC QUARTERFINALS

            5.3        MAY 11, 2009               GAME 6 VS. PIT           EC SEMIFINALS

            5.3        APRIL 22, 2008             GAME 7 VS. PHI           EC QUARTERFINALS

6.)        5.1        APRIL 19, 2010             GAME 3 VS. MTL          EC QUARTERFINALS

            5.1        APRIL 15, 2010             GAME 1 VS. MTL          EC QUARTERFINALS

8.)        4.7        MAY 9, 2009                 GAME 5 VS. PIT           EC SEMIFINALS

9.)        4.4        APRIL 17, 2010             GAME 2 VS. MTL          EC QUARTERFINALS

10.)       4.0        APRIL 28, 2009             GAME 7 VS. NYR         EC QUARTERFINALS

That’s it.

Universal Sports Airs London Marathon

On Sunday, Universal Sports will air the historic London Marathon live from the UK. There are a few marathons I’ll actually try to watch, Boston, New York and London. Unfortunately, I don’t have Universal Sports so the point is moot, but if you have it and want to watch some live sports Sunday morning, then London might be for you.

Universal Sports’ Coverage of the Marathon Majors Series Continues this Sunday with the Historic London Marathon
TV Coverage Starts at 11am ET; Online at 8am ET this Sunday, April 25
Organizers Pull Out All The Stops To Ensure Elite Athletes Make The Event In The Wake Of Iceland’s Recent Eruption

LOS ANGELES – April 23, 2010 – Fresh off coverage of the legendary Boston Marathon this past Monday, Universal Sports continues its focus on the World Marathon Majors with the London Marathon this Sunday, April 25.  Universal Sports’ two-hour television broadcast will kick-off at 11:00 am ET, with re-airs at 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm ET.  As the world-class field competes for the London title, the runners will also be chasing the World Marathon Majors Series $1 million jackpot.  For channel listings in your area, please go to UniversalSports.com.

The London Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, is a highly competitive and unpredictable event known for producing fast times and numerous personal records from its elite field of runners. Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya currently holds the course record at 2:05:10, set in 2009, in a race where a mere 10 seconds was the difference between second place and the title. Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain holds the women’s course record at 2:15:25, set in 2003. In addition to the athletic competition, the marathon also becomes a city-wide festival, as the route comes alive with bands, cheering crowds and costume-wearing fans, many spilling out from the 81 pubs along the course.  The London Marathon is also regarded as the most historically dramatic of all the majors, putting runners on a flat course around the River Thames and by many of London’s most historic landmarks including Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and the Buckingham Palace. 

Iceland’s volcanic eruption has become a major storyline in Sunday’s Marathon, forcing organizers to pull out all stops in getting their elite field to London, as heavy smoke and ash has shut down Europe’s airspace. Organizers have been implementing emergency measures – including chartering planes and using rail and car services. Coaches are concerned that runners with extended travel schedules will arrive fatigued, compounding issues surrounding the normal acclimation process.

Olympic champion and race favorite Wanjiru (Kenya) is set to defend his London title after organizers have arranged for a private jet to fly him to London.  Wanjiru is currently leading in the Marathon Majors Series points race with 50.  Joining Wanjiru on the flight will be competitors Duncan Kibet (Kenya), Rotterdam Marathon champion, and former Amsterdam Marathon champion Emmanuel Mutai (Kenya). Kibet, who will be making his London debut, clocked a 2:04:27 last year, the second-fastest marathon time ever.

Defending women’s champion Irina Mikitenko (Germany) will headline the women’s field, traveling via rail to reach London to avoid air-travel delays.  She is also leading the Marathon Majors Series with 40 points. Mikitenko will face stiff competition from last year’s runner up Mara Yamauchi (Britain), who is traveling by car and then rail to reach London. United States challenger Deena Kastor, as well as several top Japanese runners, are still facing uncertainties with their travel arrangements.

London is the second race in the World Marathon Majors Series, as the elite athletes compete in five world-class marathons with the goal of earning the $1 million jackpot. Universal Sports will follow the athletes along their journey through the Marathon Majors Series, and offers in-depth coverage of the world’s most renowned marathons.
 
In addition, UniversalSports.com will offer the ultimate online experience for marathon fans: On-demand viewing (VOD) of the race, beginning at 8:00 am ET, for $4.99 that will include athlete profiles, course maps, field previews, highlights, photos and recaps. 

That’s it for this post.

Free Baseball! On Your iPhone!

This weekend, you can watch plenty of baseball on your iPhone and iPad through the MLB At Bat App. Even though the app is expensive at $14.99, it’s certainly worth it as last week, I was able to see the final moments of the Colorado Rockies no-hitter and did it over AT&T’s overloaded 3G network. The video was actually good quality. And my friends and I were able to see the last outs in real time. Very much worth it. So this weekend, MLB is opening up games on the iPhone for you.

FREE WEEKEND OF LIVE BASEBALL VIA MLB.TV ON iPHONE, iPOD TOUCH & iPAD

Saturday and Sunday matchups available to all At Bat 2010 subscribers for free

NEW YORK, APRIL 23, 2010 – As a thank you to baseball fans for making At Bat 2010 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad the top paid sports Apps in the App Store, MLB.com announced today that it will offer free live streaming video on those mobile devices via MLB.TV on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25. This free weekend of MLB.TV will be made available exclusively to At Bat 2010 subscribers on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, subject to blackout restrictions.

At Bat 2010 provides easy, exclusive and reliable access to live Major League Baseball games for listeners and viewers wherever they are with their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Every radio feed, including home- and visiting-team broadcasters, and in-game video highlights are at fans’ fingertips, as is the real-time presentation of official pitch-by-pitch data.

MLB.TV subscribers can watch the live home and away broadcast feeds for every regular season game, subject to blackout restrictions, and get access to interactive features such as up-to-the-minute statistical overlays and controls to pause or rewind live game action.

Of course, the dreaded blackout restrictions means you can’t see games that teams designate as your home area, but for watching out-of-town games, it’ll be worth it.

On The Next 24/7 Mayweather/Mosley

Tonight at 8:30 is the latest installment of 24/7 Mayweather/Mosley. HBO has your preview.

24/7 MAYWEATHER/MOSLEY:  APRIL 24 EPISODE

            Episode #3

            Debut:  SATURDAY, APRIL 24 (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET/PT)

            The two men who shaped Floyd Mayweather’s fighting career are profiled.  As the May 1 welterweight pay-per-view showdown nears, the action in Shane Mosley’s camp at Big Bear heats up under the watchful eye of his trainer, Naazim Richardson.

            The finale of 24/7 MAYWEATHER/MOSLEY debuts Friday, April 30 (8:30-9:00 p.m.), just one night before the super showdown.  All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand.

            On Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), HBO Pay-Per-View presents “Mayweather vs. Mosley,” live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 
            The executive producers of 24/7 MAYWEATHER/MOSLEY are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Scott Boggins; producers, Jon Crystal and Bentley Weiner; writer, Aaron Cohen.  Liev Schreiber narrates.

One more press release post coming up.

Former Manager and Current Tampa Bay Rays Analyst Kevin Kennedy Takes Down Attemped Terrorist

You may have seen this story on the news Friday, but a man threatened to blow up a plane flying from Los Angeles to Tampa. Former Texas Ranger and Red Sox manager and current analyst for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kevin Kennedy was on the flight. He and several passengers decided to take action and subdue him, but before a struggle.

Kennedy went on Sirius XM’s MLB Network Radio to talk about what happened. Here’s a press release from Sirius.

According to reports, early Friday morning (Apr. 23) a Los Angeles-to-Tampa flight was diverted to Albuquerque because of an unruly passenger who allegedly threatened to blow up the aircraft and attempted to open the main cabin door before he was subdued by the crew and fellow passengers.

SIRIUS XM host and former Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy was on the flight and involved in the effort to restrain the passenger.

Kennedy went on MLB Network Radio on SIRIUS XM with colleagues Jim Bowden and Casey Stern to discuss the incident.

Kevin Kennedy: “The guy was serious. He said, ‘I’m gonna blow this plane up. I’m serious about it. I’m gonna take you all down with me.’ So we thought, number one, he had a bomb on him, whether it be a homemade or whatever. So we had to make a quick decision and as soon as he started to go for the door – he said, ‘I’m going to open this door and suck you all out’ – we charged. And we took him down and took him out and hog tied him and then put him in the front row and two guys had their feet on him while he was hog tied. I got in the front row as well and was right there with him. We eventually diverted to Albuquerque, 25 minutes away. The FBI, the police got him. The FBI came on and we had a 4-hour layover and the 8 of us that were involved in taking this guy down were asked to do an interrogation, which we did willfully of course. We’ll see what happens from there but it was surreal, Casey and Jim. I don’t wish that on anybody but I think you guys or any of us out there in the same situation probably would have done the same thing that the 8 guys involved in taking this guy out did.”

Jim Bowden: “Was there much of a fight from him? Can you describe what he looked like?  How long of a takedown was it?”

Kennedy: “He was a pretty big guy. We have his name, of course. It’s out there on the internet now. He’s 46 years old. I would say he was about 6-foot-plus, a good size, well over 200 pounds. And, I mean, he was strong. I tell you there were a couple of younger guys, younger than I, that were on top of him as well and they were having a tough time keeping him down. I had his left arm. Let me tell you, Jim, how strong he was. He broke the first set of handcuffs behind his back that we got locked on him, those plastic tie ones that the airlines have. Fortunately they had a another set and we then got our belts off, we used the seatbelts, and we got his hands finally tied behind his back. And then we got his legs tied hog-style. That was the only way to keep him down. But he was strong. He was a tough fight. You’re talking several guys on him to put him down. He just had that adrenaline from whatever the reason was. I’m not going to speculate on that. But it was not an easy takedown, let’s put it that way.”

Kevin Kennedy hosts “Power Alley,” weekdays (10am-2pm ET) on MLB Network Radio, available to listeners nationwide on XM channel 175 and SIRIUS channel 210 with the “Best of XM” programming package.

Certainly a harrowing experience, but one that came out on the right side because of the actions taken by Kennedy and the other passengers.

NFL Network Quotage From Day 2 At The NFL Draft

We have quotage from Day 2 of the NFL Draft from NFL Network. Always appreciate getting quotage. So let’s post what we have without further delay.

NFL NETWORK DRAFT COVERAGE RECAP – DAY 2 NFL TOTAL ACCESS AT THE 2010 NFL DRAFT

PRE-DRAFT COVERAGE QUOTES & VIDEO:

“He’s a first round talent, but the perception of him as a ‘me first’ kid pushed him out of the first round.” – Mike Mayock on QB Jimmy Clausen not being selected on the first day.

“They got the perfect corner for their system.” – Michael Lombardi on Jets selecting CB Kyle Wilson No. 29 overall

“He avoided the trap of taking USC players. He picked the best guys.” – Jamie Dukes on head coach Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks

“Whether or not you believe they should have traded down, they got the guy they wanted. But they’re open to criticism because a lot of people think they still could have gotten him and picked up some extra picks.” – Mike Mayock on Jaguars selecting DT Tyson Alualu No. 10 overall

“That’s what San Francisco wants to be: a physical running team. Somewhere, Frank Gore is celebrating.” – Charles Davis on 49ers selecting OT Anthony Davis No. 11 overall and OG Mike Iupati No. 17 overall.

“This means that Josh McDaniels is going all in.” – Mike Mayock on the Broncos’ offseason and draft.

Final part of Mike Mayock’s exclusive sit down with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick: The Rolling Stones had a dramatic effect on one draft. Bill Belichick recalls how it happened.

·         For video, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817bd486/Belichick-interview-Part-4

DRAFT COVERAGE QUOTES & VIDEO:

“We all get caught up in team needs, but you need to go back to the best player on your board.” – Mike Mayock on draft strategy

“Maybe someone needs to go under the hood to find out what’s going on.” – Rich Eisen on the uncertainty surrounding the 42^nd pick in the second round that the New England Patriots acquired through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders

“Roger Goodell must feel very loved.” – Mike Mayock on Commissioner Goodell receiving big hugs from the draftees on stage

FEATURED VIDEO OF 2^ND AND 3^RD ROUND DRAFT PICKS:

To access video with NFL Network analysts sharing their thoughts on 2^nd and 3^rd rounds selections from the night including Dexter McCluster, Jimmy Clausen, Colt McCoy and Toby Gerhart, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/tracker#dt-by-round-input:2 (round 2) and http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/tracker#dt-by-round-input:3 (round 3).

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEAD COACH MACK BROWN INTERVIEW WITH FORMER QB COLT MCCOY:

After announcing former Texas QB Colt McCoy being selected No. 85 overall by the Cleveland Browns, Texas head coach Mack Brown chats with his former quarterback on the NFL Network set: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817c011f/McCoy-interview

NFL Network’s coverage of Rounds 4 through 7 of the NFL Draft begins Saturday at 9:00 AM ET with Total Access at the NFL Draft. University of Texas head coach Mack Brown joins Rich Eisen, Mike Mayock, Charles Davis and Corey Chavous for the one hour pre-draft show, followed by day three of the 2010 NFL Draft at 10:00 AM ET.

Two more posts and that’s it.

NFL Draft Scores Big in Primetime

The NFL is definitely going to do the Draft in primetime from now on. Check out this press release from the National Football League. You watched the Draft in droves.

2010 NFL DRAFT: MOST VIEWED FIRST ROUND EVER

23.3 Million Total Viewers On NFL Network & ESPN

NFL Draft in Primetime Second Only to CBS’ Primetime Lineup 

NFL.com’s 2010 NFL Draft Coverage Sets Records

First-round coverage of the 75th NFL Draft drew a record combined total viewership of 23.3 million viewers on ESPN and NFL Network – up 48% from last year (15.7 million), according to Nielsen Media Research.  

The combined average viewership of 8.3 million viewers also set a record. The average audience is an increase of 33% over last year (6.3 million viewers, Saturday 4:00 – 7:30 PM) and up 41% from 2008’s NFL Draft (5.9 million viewers, Saturday 3 – 6:30 PM).

The NFL Draft in the 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm ET primetime window (8.7 million average viewers) topped all networks other than CBS’ primetime lineup (13.4 million).  In addition, more people on average tuned into the 75th Draft than watched hit shows including ABC’s ‘Private Practice’ and NBC’s ‘The Office.’

The first round’s 8.3 million average viewers more than doubled the average viewership of the next most-watched sporting event (NBA Playoffs First-Round Game 3 on TNT, Lakers-Thunder; 3.9 million viewers).

NFL.com set records with its first round coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft.  Unique visits were up 28% and video views were up nearly 20% versus Round 1 last year.  LIVE coverage on NFL.com also saw record growth with fans watching 61% more of the first round on NFL.com than they did last year. In addition, 83% more fans than last year accessed NFL.com on their mobile devices to follow the first round of the Draft.

I’ll have more later.

NFL Draft Scores For ESPN

Based on the numbers we’re seeing for the NFL Draft’s 1st round on Thursday night, I have a feeling it’s going to remain a primetime affair for the foreseeable future. While some media writers across the country were spewing hate at the concept, fans seemed to like it and the discussion certainly dominated Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites.

ESPN led the way, of course. NFL Network also had good numbers, but with limited distribution, did not come close to ESPN in the ratings. Here’s the ESPN press release.

ESPN’s Most-Viewed NFL Draft First Round

ESPN Wins the Night Among Key Male Demos, Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49 

ESPN’s live telecast of the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft – conducted for the first time in prime time – was the most-viewed first round ever in the network’s 31-year televising the event.  The ESPN telecast (7:30-11:20 p.m. ET) delivered a 5.3 household coverage rating and 7,290,000 viewers (based on fast nationals), according to Nielsen Media Research, 23% higher than last year’s first round (4.3). The telecast equaled the 5.3 rating from ESPN’s first round in 2006 and surpassed that year’s viewership mark of 5,925,000.

The telecast ranks as the fifth most-watched cable program of the year among households (5,273,000) and the eighth most-watched among viewers.

From 8-11 p.m. last night, ESPN averaged 7.7 million viewers, making it the second most-watched network of the night. ESPN won the night among all key male demos, adults 18-34 and adults 18-49. In addition, ESPN’s Draft telecast was the top program of the night among all key male demos.

Note: Final ratings will be released late this afternoon.

Highest-Rated Markets for ESPN’s Thursday night coverage (7:30-11:20 p.m.):

1. Jacksonville – 10.9
2. New Orleans – 10.8
3. Austin, Texas – 9.7
4. Cleveland – 9.2
5. Oklahoma City – 8.6

2010 NFL Draft Continues

ESPN’s coverage continues with Rounds 2-3 tonight, Friday, April 23, at 6 p.m. on ESPN (switches to ESPN2 at 7 p.m. through the conclusion of Round 3).  Day 3 will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. on ESPN with a one-hour SportsCenter Special: On the Clock followed by all seven hours (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) of Rounds 4-7 on ESPN

That’s it.

It’s a Friday Megalink Thing

Let’s do your Friday megalinks while I have some time.

Your Weekend Viewing Picks give you everything you need to know on sports and entertainment.

Now to your links.

National

Steve Wieberg of USA Today looks at how the new deal between CBS/Turner and the NCAA came to fruition for an expanded NCAA Tournament.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today explores the ripple effects of CBS/Turner winning the rights to a 68 team field NCAA Tournament.

Dave Kindred, writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center yearns to be a young sportswriter again.

Dan Levy of On The DL writes in The Sporting News’ Sporting Blog about the winners and losers in Thursday night’s NFL Draft coverage.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at the sports business winners and losers of the NFL Draft.

Darren says a Division II football player could be a big steal of the Draft.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Weekly says the ratings for the NFL Draft on ESPN and NFL Network blew away the NBA Playoffs on TNT.

Sports Business Daily has an extensive look at CBS Sports recruiting Turner Sports to assist in keeping the NCAA Tournament away from ESPN. 

Georg Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter writes about the combined CBS/Turner bid that won a long-term deal to air the NCAA Tournament starting next year.

David Tanklefsky and John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable look at Turner Sports joining the NCAA Tournament party.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes about Turner taking the plunge to become an NCAA Corporate Partner.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek looks at CBS sharing the NCAA Tournament rights with Turner Sports.

And Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine also writes about CBS/Turner teaming up for the NCAA Tournament.

Sports Media Watch notes that the NFL Draft was a hit in primetime on Thursday.

SMW notices that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are top draws during the NHL Playoffs on Versus.

SMW says the NHL Playoffs on NBC got off to a great start last weekend.

SMW says the NBA Playoffs on TNT, ESPN and ABC are up slightly in the ratings from last year.

And SMW states that last week’s Mets-Cardinals 20 inning marathon on Fox got the exact same ratings as when the Yankees were blown out 22-4 for the same week last season. 

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the viewership of the NHL Playoffs on Versus for the first 7 nights.

Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball writes that MLB.TV’s internet out of market package will now be available on Sony’s PS3 platform in HD.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes about the upcoming changes in the NCAA Tournament as CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting team up to air the event next year.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News hates the NFL Draft going into primetime, but then again, Raissman hates just about everything.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels NFL Commish Roger Goodell is blind.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says the primetime NFL Draft needed some sprucing up.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News writes that NFL Network’s Mike Mayock nailed the Bills’ first round draft pick once again.

DCRTV.com’s Dave Hughes writing in Press Box says former Baltimore sports talk show host Anita Marks is back in town, but not for a job.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says CBS and Turner are partners for the NCAA Tournament for the long haul.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald looks at the CBS/Turner partnership for the NCAA Tournament.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says former Tampa Bay Bucs QB Shaun King is joining a local sports radio station.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has the local ratings for the NFL Draft and Dallas-San Antonio.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle explores the new CBS/Turner agreement with the NCAA.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman also writes about the expanded NCAA Tournament on CBS/Turner.

Mel has details of the new CBS/Turner contract with the NCAA.

Midwest

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Fox Sports Ohio airs spring football on Saturday.

Kyle Nagel of the Dayton Daily News did not enjoy watching the NFL Draft in primetime.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feels the NCAA got it right by expanding to four teams for the men’s basketball tournament.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has the winners and losers in sports business and media.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch talks about a local sportscaster who’s battling health problems.

Dan writes about the NFL TV analysts raving about the Rams’ selection of Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford.

West

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune says the NCAA Tournament got it right by expanding to 68 teams rather than 96.

John Maffei of the North County Times says the San Diego Chargers are primetime TV darlings this season.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star notes the real story about the NCAA Tournament is not about the field expansion, but the expansion of TV channels airing the games.

Jim adds that the Los Angeles Kings’ postseason play is scoring for Fox Sports West.

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times laments cable busting into the NCAA Tournament.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News discusses why a 68 team field for the NCAA Tournament is good for fans and why having Turner airing games is a win-win for viewers.

Tom also has a story in today’s Daily News on the CBS/Turner partnership for the NCAA Tournament.

Tom says last night’s NFL Draft coverage turned into “Where’s Jimmy Clausen?”

Tom also has his weekly media news and notes.

Tom is amazed at the number of college football bowls game for the upcoming season.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s sometimes maudlin treatment of the media gets him no favors with reporters.

Chris Zelkovich in the Toronto Star notes another Canadian has been hired by ESPN.

William Houston in Truth & Rumours critiques the performance of CBC’s Bob Cole and Gary Galley during the Ottawa-Pittsburgh triple overtime thriller.

We’ll end it there.

NASCAR on Fox At Talladega

This week, the NASCAR Sprint Cup heads to Alabama and the Talladega Superspeedway for what’s called the Aaron’s 499. Can’t be 500 or 501, it’s 499. It’s different. Anyway, this is what Fox is saying about the race.

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

NASCAR on FOX Rolls into Talladega Sunday at 12PM

McReynolds: Childress & Harvick Have Decisions to Make

NASCAR ON FOX ROLLS INTO TALLADEGA – FOX Sports heads to Talladega Superspeedway on April, 25 (12:00 PM ET) for NASCAR Sprint Cup racing. Fresh off his remarkable win in Texas and winner of two of the last three races, Denny Hamlin looks primed to challenge points leader Jimmie Johnson. Coverage starts with FOX NASCAR SUNDAY host Chris Myers, along with analysts Waltrip and Jeff Hammond from the Hollywood Hotel, FOX Sports’ traveling prerace set providing live interviews with drivers, crewmen and officials shaping the day’s action. Once the green flag drops, race announcer Mike Joy will be alongside analysts Waltrip and Larry McReynolds to call all the twists and turns on the track while Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum patrol the pits for up-to-the-second news and notes.

For instant updates throughout the week and during the race from the entire NASCAR on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 – NASCAR SPRINT CUP RACING FROM TALLADEGA, 12:00 PM ET

MCREYNOLDS: SHAKEUP AT RCR RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT HARVICK’S FUTURE – This week, Shell-Pennzoil announced a sponsor shakeup taking their dollars from Richard Childress Racing to Penske beginning in 2011. The move has forced all eyes in the NASCAR community to focus on RCR driver Kevin Harvick whose contract with RCR runs out at the end of this season. Without a sponsor for 2011, is Kevin Harvick staying with RCR? NASCAR on FOX analyst Larry McReynolds believes Harvick’s decision has solely to do with competing for championships. “If he feels like he’s at an organization that can win races and can contend for championships, why would he want to leave? Richard Childress has a very tough scenario: You’ve got to have a driver to sell a sponsor, you’ve got to have a sponsor to sell a driver. He’s got the worst of both worlds staring him in the face.”

PROUD PAPA: LARRY MAC’S SON TAKES ON DEGA – Brandon McReynolds, son of NASCAR on FOX analyst and former crew chief Larry McReynolds, continues his 2010 season racing in the ARCA 250 this Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. For proud father Larry, the event will add to his already fond memories of Talladega and Davey Allison. “Talladega is my home track and where I saw my first race when I was 10 years old. I finally got my first win as a crew chief there with Davey Allison in the 28 Texaco car in ‘92,” said McReynolds. “To have Brandon, my 18 year old son, racing there as Davey’s Godson and to have the support of Ken Allen and the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame is really special. It’s going to be a very overwhelming experience for me and my family and I are really looking forward to it.”

That’s it.

Baseball On TV This Weekend

We have your viewing fare for MLB this weekend. Lots of stuff to look over and it’s not necessarily live action that I’m listing in this post. Let’s take a look.

First, Fox Sports has regional action of two American League games on Saturday, plus it takes a look back at least week’s 20 inning marathon between the New York Mets and St. Louis. And lo and behold! We have Joe Buck working this weekend, his 2nd game this season, but he’s not working with Tim McCarver. Check out the press release.

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

World Champion Yankees Visit the Angels for an ALCS Rematch Sat at 4PM on FOX

Kenny Albert Reflects on Last Saturday’s Mets/Cardinals 20-Inning Marathon

ALCS COMBATANTS FACE OFF IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – Week three of the MLB on FOX schedule takes FOX Sports to Anaheim, CA for a rematch of the 2009 ALCS. Derek Jeter and the World Champion Yankees are off to a hot start and look to continue their strong play as they take on former Yankee Hideki Matsui and the Angels. In Chicago, the resurgent Andruw Jones and the White Sox host the revamped Mariners. This week, the pregame show originates live from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA with host Chris Rose.  Once game action begins, Rose joins the game crew including Joe Buck, Eric Karros and Ken Rosenthal as a field reporter.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels, Joe Buck, Eric Karros & Ken Rosenthal, 86% of USA

Angel Stadium – Anaheim, CA

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: Andy Pettitte, LHP (2-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. Joel Pineiro, RHP (2-1, 1.77 ERA)

Seattle Mariners at Chicago White Sox, Kenny Albert & Tim McCarver, 13% of USA

U.S. Cellular Field – Chicago, IL

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle

Probable Pitchers:  Ian Snell, RHP (0-2, 5.14 ERA) vs. Freddy Garcia, RHP (0-2, 8.10 ERA)

ALBERT LOOKS BACK ON EPIC 20-INNING GAME OF THE WEEK — FOX Sports’ Kenny Albert is no stranger to working overtime. In 1998, he called a 17-inning game in Seattle and a few years ago he called the last tie game in the NFL (Eagles/Bengals) but last weekend’s Mets/Cardinals 20-inning marathon was the longest game, he or analyst Tim McCarver had been behind the mic for. Albert looked back on what he’ll remember about last weekend’s game. “Even though the game went nearly seven hours, it didn’t feel that long. Part of the reason is it ended at 10:00 PM central, a normal time for a night game. If it had started at 7:00 PM and ended at 2:00 AM, it would have felt different. As far as the preparation and the notes in the later innings, once it got past the 12^th and 13^th inning that’s when it really started to get fun. We had our production crew and statisticians pulling together graphics and facts and Tim talked about the 19^th inning Mets/Braves game he worked back in July of 85 in Atlanta and how Ted Turner still went ahead with the fireworks when the game ended at 4:00 AM. All I know is that for Tim’s first two weeks this season, he’s had a CC Sabathia no hitter until the 8^th inning and then a 20-inning marathon. What will happen this week?”

I’ll give you more stuff after the break.
Also on Saturday, MLB Network premieres a new Studio 42 with Bob Costas and the guest will be prolific home run hitter and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.

HALL OF FAMER HANK AARON Talks with BOB COSTAS ON MLB NETWORK

New episode of Studio 42 with Bob Costas airs Saturday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT

April 22, 2010 – Hall of Famer and 21-time All-Star Hank Aaron discusses his legendary 23-year career and his 33-year home run record in a new episode of MLB Network’s Studio 42 with Bob Costas on Saturday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. Taped on April 8, 2010, the 36^th anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, the one-hour interview includes Aaron’s thoughts on breaking the record, African-Americans in baseball, his childhood in Mobile, Ala., his playing career in Milwaukee and Atlanta, former San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds and fellow Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Don Drysdale  and Stan Musial.

A preview of the interview can be viewed here.

Following Studio 42 with Bob Costas, MLB Network will air the St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants at 9:00 p.m. ET as part of Saturday Night Baseball. The game will be a carriage of a local telecast, including local announcers, and will be blacked out in each team’s home television territory. 

Highlights from the interview with Aaron include:

ON BREAKING RUTH’S RECORD:

It’s no different but it’s a proud moment, not only for me, but it’s a proud moment because you know I think about having the opportunity to do something that nobody said would ever be done. That’s number one. 

There will always be … one Babe Ruth. That’s fine. The only thing I was trying to do was tell people that records are made to be broken, no matter who they are or who set the record. No matter what you do, my record that I hit 755 home runs, Barry Bonds came along and broke it. So you have all of this to look at and say, “Hey, that’s the improvement in America. That’s what happens in America.” What we did today is not going to be standing tomorrow because there are going to be other players coming along that’s going to break records.

ON THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO HIM CHASING THE HOME RUN RECORD:

I got thousands of pieces of mail from white fans [of mine] across the country. And I remember every one of them. And I got millions and millions of pieces of mail from people that were resentful simply because of the fact of who I was and they just were not ready for a black man to break that record.

ON PLAYING IN MILWAUKEE:

I played in Milwaukee for 12 years. In no other city. I played in Milwaukee for 12 years. And if someone had said, “Would you have rather played in Milwaukee or New York?” I would have said Milwaukee. I say Milwaukee now, I say Milwaukee tomorrow, I say Milwaukee two weeks from now. I loved Milwaukee. Milwaukee is my favorite city.

ON WILLIE MAYS & MICKEY MANTLE:

Willie was probably one of the greatest ball players, all-around ball players that I’ve ever seen. … There are not too many players that could do the things that he could do on the field. And I’m the first one to acknowledge that. I’m also the first one to know that I was, personally, I think, I was a better hitter than he was. Now he may think different or somebody else may think different. That’s good.

I realized that I played in Milwaukee. I realized that I played in Atlanta. I realized that the press was not as big in Atlanta and Milwaukee as it is in New York. I’d been knowing that for a long time. But I had no problem of trying to understand that the only thing and the only person that I could control was myself. I couldn’t control what Willie did in New York. I couldn’t control what Mantle or anybody else did. So as far as jealousy, no, there was never any strife, anything in my heart for jealousy for any ball player.

TBS’ Sunday Afternoon game pits the Chicago Cubs taking on National League Central rival Milwaukee.

“Sunday MLB on TBS” Continues With the Milwaukee Brewers Hosting the Chicago Cubs

“Sunday MLB on TBS” continues on April 25 with a match-up of NL Central division rivals when Derrek Lee and the Chicago Cubs travel north to take on Ryan Braun and the Milwaukee Brewers at 2 p.m. (ET). Dave Bush is scheduled to start for the Brewers against the Cubs’ probable starter Randy Wells. Calling the action will be Brian Anderson (play-by-play) and Ron Darling (analyst).

“Sunday MLB on TBS” includes match-ups on TBS every Sunday afternoon throughout the regular season. The network will also exclusively televise the MLB All-Star Selection Show on Sunday, July 4. Additionally, beginning in October TBS will once again provide exclusive coverage of the Division Series and the American League Championship Series (ALCS). 

TBS has broadcast MLB coverage for more than 30 years serving as the exclusive home of the MLB Division Series (DS) and one League Championship Series (LCS) since 2007 and home of Atlanta Braves coverage from 1977 to 2007. 

SUNDAY MLB ON TBS SCHEDULE:

Sun., April 25

2 p.m.                      Chicago Cubs @ Milwaukee Brewers

Announcers: Brian Anderson (play-by-play) and Ron Darling (analyst)

SUNDAY MLB ON TBS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Sun., May 2

1 p.m.                      Chicago White Sox @ New York Yankees

Announcers: Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Ron Darling (analyst) and John Smoltz (analyst)

Sun., May 9

1:30 p.m.                 Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies

Announcers: Brian Anderson (play-by-play) and Ron Darling (analyst)

Finally, we give you what ESPN will carry for primetime baseball starting this Sunday.

Sunday Night Baseball (April 25)

Atlanta at New York Mets, 8 p.m.

(ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV)

Commentators: Jon Miller, Joe Morgan, Orel Hershiser

Monday Night Baseball (April 26)

Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets, 7 p.m.

(ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV)

Commentators: Dan Shulman, Chris Singleton, Nomar Garciaparra 

*Telecast available in Los Angeles and New York 

Wednesday Night Baseball (April 28)

Minnesota at Detroit, 7 p.m.

(ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN3.com, ESPN Mobile TV)

Commentators: Dave O’Brien, Rick Sutcliffe

*ESPNews will be seen in team markets

And that will conclude this post.

NFL Network Quotage From Day 1 At The NFL Draft

I thought I would get quotage from one of the networks covering the NFL Draft and indeed, the NFL Network comes through with a press release from last night. Here’s a few quotes from last night’s coverage.

NFL NETWORK DRAFT COVERAGE RECAP – DAY 1 NFL TOTAL ACCESS AT THE 2010 NFL DRAFT

DRAFT COVERAGE QUOTES:

“Tim Tebow’s winning trumps Jimmy Clausen’s talent.” – Marshall Faulk on Broncos selecting QB Tim Tebow  No. 25 overall over QB Jimmy Clausen

“They are not booing, they are ‘Suh-ing.’” – Mike Mayock on the Detroit Lions picking Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh with the second overall pick

“Suh is expected to restore the roar for the Lions.” – Rich Eisen

“A good pick by the Raiders.” – Mike Mayock on the Raiders selecting Alabama LB Rolando McClain

“If there ever was a head you want to put a big piece of cheese on, that’s the guy (Bulaga) right there.” – Mike Mayock on Green Bay drafting Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga

“Kyle Wilson is a tremendous value at No. 29.” – Mike Mayock on New York Jets’ selection of CB Kyle Wilson at No. 29

“Who needs excitement more than the Detroit Lions? No one.” – Michael Irvin on the Lions selection of RB Jahvid Best at No. 30 overall

“That’s been one busy intersection tonight.” – Rich Eisen on NFL Network’s NFL draft theme, ‘The Grand Crossroads of Hope’

To view NFL Network’s draft open theme, ‘The Grand Crossroads of Hope,’ narrated by Academy Award-Winning actor Chris Cooper, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d817b4f49

NFL Network brings fans wall-to-wall coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft. Day two coverage with rounds two and three begins Friday at 11:00 AM ET with Path to the Draft and Total Access at the NFL Draft, followed by the 2010 NFL Draft at 6:00 PM ET. Tomorrow’s pre-draft coverage includes the fourth and final installment of Mike Mayock’s exclusive interview with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Saturday’s coverage of rounds four through seven begins at 9:00 AM ET.

That’s it.

Weekend Viewing Picks

Saturday, April 24

Boxing
24/7 Mayweather/Mosley – HBO, 8:30 p.m.
Super Six World Boxing Classic/WBC Super Middleweight Title, Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler – Showtime, 9 p.m.
Boxing After Dark/Heavyweights, Cristobal Arreola vs. Tomasz Adamek & Jr. Middleweights, Alfredo Angulo vs. Joel Julio – HBO, 11:15 p.m.

English Premier League
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur – ESPN2, 7:30 a.m.
Hull City vs. Sunderland – Fox Soccer Plus, 9:55 a.m.
West Ham vs. Wigan – Fox Soccer Channel, 10 a.m.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City – Fox Soccer Channel, noon
Bolton vs. Portsmouth – Fox Soccer Plus, 4 p.m. (same day coverage)
Wolverhampton vs. Blackburn – Fox Soccer Channel, 5 p.m. (same day coverage)

Golf
Champions Tour/Legends of Golf, 2nd round – CBS, 1 p.m.
PGA Tour/Zurich Classic of New Orleans, 3rd round – Golf Channel, 1 p.m./CBS, 3 p.m.

MLB
American League
Cleveland at Oakland – Fox, 4 p.m.
New York Yankees at Anaheim Angels – Fox, 4 p.m.
Seattle at Chicago White Sox – Fox, 4 p.m.
Toronto at Tampa Bay – Rogers Sportsnet, 6 p.m.
Baltimore at Red Sox – MASN/NESN, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Kansas City – Fox Sports North/Fox Sports Kansas City, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Texas – Fox Sports Detroit/Fox Sports Southwest, 8 p.m.

National League
Atlanta at New York Mets – SportSouth/WPIX, 1 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington – Fox Sports Prime Ticket/MASN, 1 p.m.
San Diego at Cincinnati – Cox 4/Fox Sports Ohio, 1 p.m.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee – WGN America/WMLW, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Houston – FSN Pittsburgh/Fox Sports Houston, 7 p.m.
Florida at Colorado – Fox Sports Florida/FSN Rocky Mountain, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at Arizona – WPHL/Fox Sports Arizona, 8 p.m.
St. Louis at San Francisco – MLB Network/Fox Sports Midwest/Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 9 p.m.

Baseball Tonight – ESPN2, 10 p.m.
Quick Pitch Live – MLB Network, midnight

MMA
UFC/WEC – Prelims, Spike, 9 p.m./Pay per view, 10 p.m.

NBA PlayoffsEastern Conference
Game 3/Orlando at Charlotte – TNT, 2 p.m.
Game 3/Atlanta at Milwaukee – ESPN, 7 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 4/Phoenix at Portland – TNT, 4:30 p.m.
Game 4/Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City – ESPN, 9:30 p.m.

NFL
NFL Draft, 4th – 7th rounds – ESPN/NFL Network, 10 a.m.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 6/Pittsburgh at Ottawa – Versus/CBC/RDS/FSN Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 5/Nashville at Chicago – NBC/TSN/RDS, 3 p.m.
Game 6/San Jose at Colorado – Versus/CBC/RDS/Comcast SportsNet California/Altitude, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Track & Field
Penn Relays – ESPN2, 8 p.m. (same day coverage)

Tennis
ATP Tour/Barcelona Open, semifinals – Tennis Channel, 7:30 a.m.
Federation Cup Semifinal/USA vs. Russia, singles – Tennis Channel, 2 p.m.

Entertainment
Legend of the Seeker – WGN America, 5 p.m. or check your local listings
Cops – Fox, 8 p.m.
America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back – Fox, 9 p.m.
Doctor Who – BBC America, 9 p.m.
You Don’t Know Jack – HBO, 9 p.m.
48 Hours Mystery – CBS, 10 p.m.
America’s Worst Driver: New York – Travel Channel, 10 p.m.
The Wanda Sykes Show – Fox, 11 p.m.

Sunday, April 25

English Premier League
Aston Villa vs. Birmingham City – Fox Soccer Plus, 6:55 a.m.
Everton vs. Fulham – ESPN2, 9:55 a.m.
Burnley vs. Liverpool – Fox Soccer Plus, 10 a.m.
Chelsea vs. Stoke City – Fox Soccer Channel, 11 a.m.

Golf
Champions Tour/Legends of Golf, final round – CBS, 1 p.m.
PGA Tour/Zurich Classic of New Orleans, final round – Golf Channel, 1 p.m./CBS, 3 p.m.

MLB
American League
Baltimore at Red Sox – MASN/NESN, 1:30 p.m.
Toronto at Tampa Bay – Rogers Sportsnet/Sun Sports, 1:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Kansas City – WFTC/Fox Sports Kansas City, 2 p.m.
Seattle at Chicago White Sox – FSN Northwest/WGN America, 2 p.m.
Detroit at Texas – Fox Sports Detroit/Fox Sports Southwest, 3 p.m.
New York Yankees at Anaheim Angels -YES/Fox Sports Prime Ticket, 3:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Oakland – STO/Comcast SportsNet California, 4 p.m.

National League
San Diego at Cincinnati – Cox 4/Fox Sports Ohio, 1 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington – KCAL/MASN2, 1 p.m.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee – TBS/Comcast SportsNet Chicago/Fox Sports Wisconsin, 2 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Houston – FSN Pittsburgh/Fox Sports Houston, 2 p.m.
Philadelphia at Arizona – WPHL/Fox Sports Arizona, 4 p.m.
St. Louis at San Francisco – KSDK/Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 4 p.m.
Florida at Colorado – Fox Sports Florida/FSN Rocky Mountain, 5 p.m.
Atlanta at New York Mets – ESPN, 8 p.m.

Baseball Tonight – ESPN, 7 p.m.
Quick Pitch Live – MLB Network, 7 p.m.

NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series/Aaron’s 499 – Fox, noon
Nationwide Series/Aaron’s 312 – ESPN2, 5:30 p.m.

NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 4/Boston at Miami – ABC, 1 p.m.
Game 4/Cleveland at Chicago – ABC, 3:30 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 4/Dallas at San Antonio – TNT, 7 p.m.
Game 4/Denver at Utah – TNT, 9:30 p.m.

Inside the NBA – TNT, midnight

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Western Conference
Game 6/Phoenix at Detroit – NBC/TSN/RDS, 2 p.m.
Game 6/Vancouver at Los Angeles – Versus/CBC/RDS/Fox Sports West, 9 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Tennis
ATP Tour/Barcelona Open, finals – Tennis Channel, 10 a.m.
Federation Cup Semifinal/USA vs. Russia, singles & doubles – Tennis Channel, 2 p.m.

Entertainment
Sandra’s Money Saving Meals: Japanese Restaurant – Food Network, noon
60 Minutes – CBS, 7 p.m.
The Amazing Race 16: I Feel I’m Like In, Like, Sicily – CBS, 8 p.m.
America the Story of Us – History Channel, 9 p.m.
The Pacific, Part Seven – HBO, 9 p.m.
The Tudors – Showtime, 9 p.m.
Breaking Bad – AMC, 10 p.m.
Treme – HBO, 10 p.m.

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

Golf
PGA Tour/Zurich Classic of New Orleans, 2nd round – Golf Channel, 3 p.m.

MLB
American League
Baltimore at Red Sox – MASN/NESNplus, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Tampa Bay – Rogers Sportsnet/Fox Sports Florida, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Texas – MLB Network/Fox Sports Detroit/Fox Sports Southwest, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Kansas City – Fox Sports North/Fox Sports Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Seattle at Chicago White Sox – FSN Northwest/Comcast SportsNet Chicago, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Oakland – STO/Comcast SportsNet California, 10 p.m.
New York Yankees at Anaheim Angels – YES/Fox Sports West, 10 p.m.

National League
Atlanta at New York Mets – SportSouth/SNY, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington – KCAL/MASN, 7 p.m.
San Diego at Cincinnati – Cox 4/Fox Sports Ohio, 7 p.m.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee – WGN America/Fox Sports Wisconsin, 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Houston – FSN Pittsburgh/Fox Sports Houston, 8 p.m.
Florida at Colorado – FSN Rocky Mountain, 9 p.m.
Philadelphia at Arizona – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, 9:30 p.m.
St. Louis at San Francisco – Fox Sports Midwest/KNTV, 10 p.m.

MLB Tonight Live – MLB Network, 11 p.m.

NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 3/Boston at Miami – ESPN/Comcast SportsNet New England, 7 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 3/Dallas at San Antonio – ESPN, 9:30 p.m.
Game 3/Denver at Utah – ESPN2, 10:30 p.m.

NFL
NFL Draft, 2nd & 3rd rounds – ESPN/NFL Network, 6 p.m./ESPN2, 7 p.m.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Eastern Conference
Game 5/Boston at Buffalo – CBC/NESN/MSG Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Game 5/Montreal at Washington – Versus/TSN/RDS/Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, 7 p.m.

Western Conference
Game 5/Detroit at Phoenix – Versus/TSN/Fox Sports Detroit/Fox Sports Arizona, 10 p.m.
Game 5/Los Angeles at Vancouver – CBC/RDS/Fox Sports West, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Entertainment
Live From Abbey Road – Sundance Channel, 8 p.m.
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (season finale) – ABC, 9 p.m.
The Ricky Gervais Show – HBO, 9 p.m.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Cartoon Network, 9 p.m.
Dog Whisperer – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
20/20 – ABC, 10 p.m.
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross – BBC America, 10 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – CBS, 11:35 p.m.
Zane’s Sex Chronicles – Cinemax, 11:50 p.m.
Funny Or Die Presents … – HBO, midnight

Mike Mayock’s Final Mock Draft For 2010

You can follow along as you watch the Draft. Here’s the last mock draft as done by Mike Mayock of NFL Network.

NFL NETWORK DRAFT EXPERT MIKE MAYOCK RELEASES FINAL MOCK DRAFT

NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock releases his final mock draft before the start of the 2010 NFL Draft on NFL Total Access at the 2010 NFL Draft Pre-Draft Show.

MAYOCK 2010 MOCK DRAFT

1. St. Louis Rams                       Sam Bradford             QB                   Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions                            Ndamukong Suh         DT                   Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Bucs                    Gerald McCoy            DT                   Oklahoma
4. Washington Redskins             Trent Williams             OT                   Oklahoma
5. Kansas City Chiefs                 Russell Okung            OT                   Oklahoma State
6. Seattle Seahawks                   Eric Berry                    S                      Tennessee
7. Cleveland Browns                   Joe Haden                  CB                   Florida
8. Oakland Raiders                     Anthony Davis            OT                   Rutgers
9. Buffalo Bills                             C.J. Spiller                  RB                   Clemson
10. Jacksonville Jaguars              Dan Williams               DT                   Tennessee
11. Denver Broncos                      Brandon Graham        DE                   Michigan
12. Miami Dolphins                       Derrick Morgan           DE                   Georgia Tech
13. San Francisco 49ers               Bryan Bulaga              OT                   Iowa
14. Seattle Seahawks                   Dez Bryant                  WR                  Oklahoma State
15. New York Giants                    Rolando McClain        IL                     Alabama
16. Tennessee Titans                    Jason Pierre-Paul       DE                   South Florida
17. San Francisco 49ers               Kyle Wilson                 CB                   Boise State
18. Pittsburgh Steelers                  Mike Iupati                  G                     Idaho
19. Atlanta Falcons                       Maurkice Pouncey     G/C                 Florida
20. Houston Texans                      Ryan Mathews            RB                   Fresno State
21. Cincinnati Bengals                  Jermaine Gresham     TE                   Oklahoma
22. New England Patriots             Jerry Hughes              DE                   TCU
23. Green Bay Packers                Kareem Jackson        CB                   Alabama
24. Philadelphia Eagles                 Earl Thomas               S                      Texas
25. Baltimore Ravens                   Demaryius Thomas    WR                  Georgia Tech
26. Arizona Cardinals                    Sean Weatherspoon   OLB                 Missouri
27. Dallas Cowboys                      Charles Brown            OT                   USC
28. San Diego Chargers               Patrick Robinson        CB                   Florida State
29. New York Jets                        Sergio Kindle               OLB                 Texas
30. Minnesota Vikings                   Jimmy Clausen           QB                   Notre Dame
31. Indianapolis Colts                    Rodger Saffold           OT                   Indiana
32. New Orleans Saints                Daryl Washington       OL                   TCU

Thursday’s Total Access at the NFL Draft featured Mayock’s exclusive interview with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. To view the first three parts of Mayock’s four-part interview with Belichick, please visit the following links. The fourth and final portion of the sit down will air in Friday’s Total Access at the NFL Draft at 1:00 PM ET.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d817b3016/Bill-Belichick-interview  – part 1

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d817b3f7e/Belichick-interview-Pt-2  - part 2

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d817b45c8/Bill-Belichick-interview-Pt-3  - part 3

In addition to Mayock’s mock draft, fans across the country are weighing in on who they believe should be the top pick of their favorite franchise in NFL.com’s Fan War Rooms. Please visit www.nfl.com/draft/2010/war-rooms to join the nationwide LIVE discussion.

NFL Network brings fans wall-to-wall coverage of the 2010 NFL Draft. Day two coverage with rounds two and three begins Friday at 11:00 AM ET with Path to the Draft and Total Access at the NFL Draft, followed by the 2010 NFL Draft at 6:00 PM ET. Saturday’s coverage of rounds four through seven begins at 9:00 AM ET.

I will post more stuff as it comes in. I wonder if we’ll get quotage from tonight’s coverage. We’ll see.

Saints QB Drew Brees To Present The Top Ten On Letterman

Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew Brees who made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman after the Big Game returns to the show to present the Top Ten tonight. Here’s the press release and the occasion.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS QUARTERBACK AND  SUPER BOWL XLIV MVP DREW BREES, NEWLY-SELECTED COVER ATHLETE FOR THE “MADDEN NFL 11″ VIDEO GAME, WILL PRESENT THE TOP TEN LIST ON CBS’s “LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN,” THURSDAY, APRIL 22

NEW YORK, April 22 – Super Bowl XLIV MVP and New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, the newly-selected cover athlete for the “Madden NFL 11″ video game, will present the Top Ten List on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Thursday, April 22 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Brees was selected by fans in a special online vote to become the latest NFL star to grace the cover of the new edition of the popular EA Sports video game, it was announced earlier today. “Madden NFL 11″ hits stores August 10.

Also featured on the LATE SHOW tonight will be actor and comedian David Spade, star of the CBS comedy series “Rules of Engagement”; EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, who will be making a special Earth Day visit to the broadcast; and musical guests Broken Social Scene.

The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated.  Barbara Gaines, Matt Roberts, Jude Brennan, Maria Pope, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.

Official CBS website:  http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/

Enjoy the Late Show.