Let’s do some linkage. Before I get into the stories of the day, you may have noticed that I have instituted a comment system using Intense Debate. If you were with me at my old Blogger site, you will know I used it over there, but then got rid of it as it was slowing down my site. Here with WordPress, it’s much faster and quicker. In addition, having an account with Intense Debate makes it easier to bring that here instead of using Disqus or another system. And for some reason, no matter how hard I tried, using WordPress’ comment system allowed for too many spammers to come in. Under Intense Debate, I can control that and also block people. You don’t have to create an Intense Debate account, you can sign in with your Facebook and Twitter accounts to comment. You can tell me I’m wrong and you can discuss posts, but one thing I don’t want is nasty, negative comments. No bashing of other commenters and don’t go overboard on negativity. So the comment system is up and feel free to talk about what I’ve posted.
To the links.
Michael Hiestand of USA Today notes that NFL Draftniks have their choice of two channels for coverage starting Thursday night.
Anthony Kaufman of the Wall Street Journal looks at the new ESPN documentary on Steve Bartman.
Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says with TV solidly in bed with sports leagues, it can sometimes lead to some awkward moments when it comes to covering stories.
Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News notes that ESPN and ABC’s NBA TV ratings are up significantly over last year.
Anthony Crupi from Adweek says the Fox Sports-owned Fuel TV is looking for a new Executive Vice President and General Manager.
At TVSpy, Andrew Gauthier says the lone remaining sports reporter at a Dallas TV station is leaving.
Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser has CBS’ Phil Simms slamming NFL Network. I think Phil is getting crotchety in his old age.
Toby Carrig at the Associated Press Sports Editors talks about the Washington Times re-establishing its sports section after dismantling it last year.
ESPN Front Row takes us behind the scenes at a Day In The Life of ESPN2’s SportsNation.
Jason Dachman at Sports Video Group says ESPN is taking a “less is more” approach at the NFL Draft.
To SB Nation where Puck The Media’s Steve Lepore wonders why NHL fans are cynical about the new TV contract with NBC/Versus.
CNBC’s Darren Rovell speaks with StubHub’s CEO about what’s next in sports ticketing.
Mary Ellen Fillo of the Hartford Courant says a couple of UConn stars attended the relaunch of the espnW website.
Newsday’s Neil Best has a review of the upcoming ESPN documentary on Chicago Cubs scapegoat Steve Bartman.
The New York Times’ Jeremy Egner speaks with the director of said ESPN doc.
Joe Drape of the Times writes about horse racing announcer Tom Durkin ending his career with NBC Sports.
The Albany Times Union’s Pete Dougherty wants to know what’s going on with Versus’ NHL coverage for the Western Conference Semifinals.
Crowing Philadelphia Flyers fan Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette notes that the local Fox affiliate is moving a June NASCAR race to its secondary digital channel due to a local commitment.
Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says legendary Baseball and Basketball Hall of Fame Announcer Bob Wolff will be making a local appearance this week.
Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says Tony Kornheiser has finally weighed in on the Dan Snyder lawsuit against the Washington City Paper. Kornheiser hosts a show on Snyder’s radio station.
And Dan talks about the departure of the DC NFL Team’s Editorial Director of Media.
Jeff Darlington and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald mourn the passing of former Miami Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich who became the team’s radio analyst and a beloved personality in South Florida. Mandich died Tuesday at the age of 62 after a battle with bile-duct cancer.
Greg Cote of the Herald says Mandich epitomized the Dolphins more than anyone.
Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel says Mandich was a larger-than-life figure.
And the Sun-Sentinel has Mandich’s radio station, WQAM, paying tribute through some of best radio calls.
The Miami Dolphins website has tributes from former teammates.
Jimmy Burch at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says the Big 12 has scheduled Texas A&M for the Sunday night before Labor Day for Fox Sports Net.
Brandon Chatmon from the Daily Oklahoman says ESPN has moved an Oklahoma State football game to a Friday night in the fall.
Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman talks with an ESPN.com NBA statistics expert.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob Wolfley has Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy hating on the media.
Bob notes that the Brewers get a national showcase on MLB Network next week.
Larry Bohannan of The Desert (CA) Sun says the premiere of Golf Channel’s Big Break will occur in May.
David Reardon of the Honolulu Star Advertiser says the NFL Draft vs. the Royal Wedding is a true battle for our TV remotes. It’s really no contest and they won’t be on against each other to begin with.
Sports Media Watch says NASCAR on Fox set a six year ratings high for its coverage at Talladega.
SMW says Saturday’s NBA games fared really well on TNT.
Joe Favorito says Indy Car is looking to get more fans to the oval.
The Canadian Sports Media Blog has the NHL Western Conference Semifinal schedule for CBC and TSN.
I think we’ll end it there.
