For the last few weeks, we’ve been having issues with the server and some of you have complained to me. Suffice to say that I hope to have this fixed very soon. I will keep you apprised of the situation. In the meantime, thanks for your patience on the matter.
To the links.
We begin with the passing of legendary Atlanta sportswriter Furman Bisher who died Sunday at the age of 93. Even though he had retired from full-time writing in 2009, he continued to write for his old newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as well as his own website. And he was planning to cover The Masters in April.
He covered practically every big sporting event in his 59 years at the AJC and was also instrumental in bringing professional sports to Georgia. Bisher also co-authored Hank Aaron’s autobiography. His career began in 1938 in his native North Carolina and he began with the Journal-Constitution in 1950.
Alexis Stevens of the AJC writes that Bisher passed in his sleep.
Bill King of the AJC says Bisher’s shadow looms large in Atlanta.
Bisher also wrote an occasional column for the Albany (GA) Herald for the last three years and the newspaper also mourns his passing.
He also wrote guest columns for the Newton (GA) Citizen.
The Augusta (GA) Chronicle picks up an Associated Press obituary on Bisher.
Bisher has been inducted into several Halls of Fame including the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame as well as the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame.
And yes, when news of Bisher’s passing hit, it even trended worldwide on Twitter.
Bisher was a prolific writer even during retirement and was revered by colleagues and athletes. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
To other links now.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today says CBS/Turner’s Clark Kellogg had to miss seeing his son, Nick, playing in the NCAA Tournament in Ohio, and will do so again this weekend.
Anthony Crupi of Adweek writes that regional sports networks are already raking in strong ad sales for the upcoming MLB season.
Stephen Williams from Advertising Age notes that Jeremy Lin has signed an endorsement deal with Volvo which could make him the focus of a campaign in Communist China.
Toni Fitzgerald at Media Life says the NCAA Tournament is off to a strong ratings start.
Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing has video of CBS/Turner’s Charles Barkley making the obligatory Hardcore Pawn joke. I saw this last night and was in stitches.
The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick is swinging the ax once again.
Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union says CBS/Turner continue to see ratings increases for the NCAA Tournament.
The Washington Post’s Dan Steinberg in the DC Sports Bog notes that the local ESPN Radio affiliate has found a replacement for John Thompson’s show.
Tom Jones at the Tampa Bay Times has his take on the weekend in sports television.
John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that the city’s two NCAA Tournament team will be on CBS during the NCAA Tournament regional semifinals.
Robert Feder at Time Out Chicago writes about Ed Sherman leaving Crain’s Chicago Business’ sports business and media and launching a new website of his own.
The Denver Post’s Dusty Saunders is enjoying Charles Barkley on the NCAA Tournament.
Jay Posner at the San Diego Union-Tribune says two local sports radio hosts are switching stations.
Tony Jackson at ESPN LA writes about Vin Scully cutting back on broadcasting the Dodgers this season.
Raju Mudhar from the Toronto Star says sports is moving online, but at a snail’s pace.
The Toronto Globe and Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin says the Blue Jays’ Omar Vizquel is a natural fit for television.
The Canadian Sports Media Blog reviews TSN’s NCAA Tournament coverage.
Timothy Burke gets a screengrab of the Dan Patrick Show showing Oderus from the great band, GWAR, working as a temp today. I love the look on Fritzy’s face. Hilarious.
Jim Weber at Lost Letterman says it’s time to end the Kenny Smith/Charles Barkley experience on the NCAA Tournament.
And I’ll finish it there for now.
