Fang's Bites

Our Tuesday Linkage

Let’s do some linkage for you on this Tuesday.

Starting with USA Today, Edward C. Baig looks at ESPN’s planned launch of its 3-D network in June.

Michael Hiestand has the ratings of various weekend events.

EPL Talk reports that Fox is in talks to buy Setanta Sports US. 

SportsbyBrooks reports that the voice of the Anaheim Angels and USC basketball Trojans, Rory Markas died of a heart attack today.

Bil Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times also discusses Markas’ passing. 

The Sports Business Daily is reporting that Captain Blowhard is complaining that daddy doesn’t love him anymore. 

The Huffington Post also looks at Captain Blowhard’s whining.

I was going to write an open letter to Captain Blowhard about his incessant complaining and whining, but decided against it. A day later, I’m happy about my decision. It sounds to me as if Captain Blowhard wants to leave ESPN. Then leave and stop complaining. Captain Blowhard complains that the Mothership did not take his “scoop” seriously. Well, if he wants to be a serious sports journalist, stop writing stupid columns filled with pop culture references. You made your bed, Captain Blowhard, you must lie in it. You had a chance to be taken seriously when you were at the Boston Herald, but because editors didn’t recognize your “talent”, you left because you didn’t want to get stuck doing high school scores. And you decided to break out on your own doing your own niche and you did it well. But no one considers you to be an insider or a journalist. You were a comedy writer at Jimmy Kimmel Live. You’re more of a humorist who latched onto ESPN.com when it was in its infancy. Now you’re complaining that ESPN didn’t pick up your tweet. Do me a favor, Captain Blowhard. Shut up, do your job and write more pop culture references or leave the Mothership and start your own company so you can blow your own horn and pat yourself on the back for your alleged “scoops”.

Ok, so I wrote it anyway. I need to let go of my anger. Back to the links.

Writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times offers four New Year’s resolutions for sports media.

Stuart Levine of Variety says bowl games continue to do well for ESPN.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says a Tiger Woods lookalike is finding business to be awful in 2010.

Frank Juliano of the Stamford (CT) Advocate says Cablevision is adding NESN just in time for the 2010 baseball season. 

Darren says the movie, “The Blind Side” is becoming one of the most successful sports movies ever.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union also discusses the ESPN 3D launch.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says Time Warner Cable in the local area will produce weekly high school basketball games.

And Ken says Versus will air a package of NBA D-League games starting this month.

Keith Groller from the Allentown (PA) Morning Call writes that there has been plenty of football on the airwaves.

Laura Nachman says heritage Philadelphia newsradio station KYW will be outsourcing its weekend sports reports.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that CBS’ NFL Today insider Charley Casserly is saying that Mike Shanahan has already pieced together his coaching staff for the DC NFL team.

Tim Lemke isn’t too thrilled about the ESPN 3D announcement.

Tim says a former Washington Times staffer is joining MASN. 

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that the Lingerie Bowl will be held in South Florida on the night before the Super Bowl.

Sarah writes that the Orange Bowl and South Florida tourism officials are fearful of a college football playoff. 

The Miami Herald uses a wire report that ESPN has won an Eclipse Award for its coverage of the Belmont Stakes back in June. 

From the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Dave Walker says a local radio station will become a Fox Sports Radio affiliate. 

Jim Harris of Arkansas Business recaps an appearance by ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla at a local luncheon.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has the finalists for the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

John Kiesewetter from the Cincinnati Enquirer talks to a Queen’s City sports anchor who suffered a heart attack during the Christmas holidays.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business says Vanity Fair has a rather interesting Tiger Woods cover.

Ed also has one last interview with the late Chicago sportswriter Bill Gleason.

Greg Hansen at the Arizona Daily Star notes that ESPN/ABC has already picked some Pac 10 football games for next season’s schedule.

Patrick Finley of the Daily Star says the Pac 10 and Fox Sports Net will discuss how to adjust the conference’s basketball tournament in the wake of USC announcing a self-imposed postseason ban. 

Larry Bohannan from the Desert Sun (CA) says while TV will miss Tiger Woods, several West Coast PGA Tour stops won’t.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the final college football TV schedule until September.

CTV says 4 million Canadians watched the Olympic men’s hockey team announcement last week. 

Chris Zelkovich in the Toronto Star has some Canadian TV numbers.

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com speaks with Peter Gammons as he gets ready for his MLB Network debut on Wednesday.

Sports Media Watch says the ratings for the NHL Winter Classic were down from last year.

SMW writes that the Rose Bowl’s last airing on ABC did very well.

SMW notes that Fox’s final NFL doubleheader of the season finished strong.

Chris Byrne’s Eye on Sports Media has video of Boise State’s cowbell girl who looked so excited to be at the Fiesta Bowl. For a while, the cowbell girl was a trending topic on Twitter last night. Now we find that she’s blind. Oh well.

Chris shares some thoughts on whether he should have posted the video. 

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that Versus got its own NHL matchup wrong.

That’s it for now.

Doing the Sunday Links

While I’m working on an engineering specification from home, I’ll provide the links this Sunday morning.

Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples says ESPN/ABC forced him to go to Justin.tv to watch last night’s Oregon-Arizona game.

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams who flipped the double bird during last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills, has taken out a full page ad in the Buffalo News wishing the Bills luck today.

Michael David Smith writing in Pro Football Talk notes that NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci ripped the firing of Dick Jauron this morning.

Michael quotes ESPN’s Chris Mortensen in saying that the Patriots security chief will be reprimanded for knocking an NBC cameraman to the ground after the team’s game against the Colts.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that the lowly Knicks and Nets are leading to low TV ratings for MSG Network and YES respectively. Thanks to the Sports Media Watch for the link.

Phil Mushick of the New York Post makes it clear that he hates Personal Seat Licenses. Calm down, Phil. Nothing is that bad.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News praises Cablevision boss James Dolan for not going after Allen Iverson for his hapless Knicks team.

Nancy Dillon of the Daily News says Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker was apparently following a second woman.

Barbara De Lollis of USA Today’s Hotel Check-In blog also looks at this revelation.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union provides the college football TV schedule for this week.

Neil Rudel of the Williamsport (PA) Sun-Gazette says Penn State QB Daryll Clark overlooked ESPN’s Todd McShay’s dis and played well against Michigan State yesterday.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with Friend of Fang’s Bites Dave Sims about calling Sunday Night Football on radio and the UFL on Versus.

Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville (FL) Sun says College Gameday will be on-site of the Florida State-Florida game on Saturday.

Tania Ganguli of the Orlando Sentinel goes behind the scenes with ESPN’s NASCAR production crew.

Ken Suguira of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Hawks are happy to be playing the Magic on TNT this Thanksgiving night.

John McMullen of the Sports Network gives his two cents on Fox Sports Net’s suspension of Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth also weighs in on the suspension of Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times writes that the Las Vegas sports books are feeling the effects of the sluggish economy.

The Arizona Daily Star looks at some of the more creative signs during ESPN College Gameday’s visit to Tucson yesterday.

Jeff Smith of The Oregonian says ESPN’s Chris Fowler looks forward to calling Thursday’s Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State which will be for the Pac 10′s slot in the Rose Bowl.

Chris Hamilton of The Maui (HI) News says the upcoming Maui Invitational, aired on the ESPN family of networks, has a huge impact on the local economy.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that ESPN Deportes will be all over the Dominican Baseball League this winter.

Mike says ESPN is riding increased ratings momentum for MLS into tonight’s MLS Cup.

And Mike writes that the mtn. is adding 6 TCU women’s college basketball games to its schedule.

Sports Media Watch has news on various sports media personalities.

SMW also has its weekend ratings predictions.

SMW says TNT’s Marv Albert is denying the Los Angeles Times story by Diane Pucin that he got into an altercation with 50 Cent’s entourage backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media disagrees with me that Bill Simmons’ Twitter suspension is a non-story.

Joe Favorito says two members of the Harlem Globetrotters (Flight Time and Big Easy) are using The Amazing Race to help expand their team’s brand.

We’re done with the links for now. Coming up later, the quotage from the NFL pregame shows.

A Monday Linkfest

I’m here to give you some links this morning. Still no response on my quest to get a couple of TV’s. If any of the sports networks wants to dump a couple of HDTV sets, let me know. Yes, I can buy a couple on my own, but I’ve budgeted money for other personal purchases like for stuff around the house and a renovation, so I’m hoping to find alternate ways of finding TV’s. If you can help, e-mail the address in the profile to the left.

To the links.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes that former Monday Night Football voice Frank Gifford feels there’s too much screaming in the NFL announcing booths.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch talks with NBC’s Cris Collinsworth about taking John Madden’s place on Sunday Night Football.

To the Sports Business Journal which has a special section today on the Top Minor League markets. It explains how it reached the conclusion of Hershey-Harrisburg, PA as the top minor league market.

Here are the rest of the top 10 markets.

Here’s the ranking of all the markets.

The SBJ’s Theresa Manahan talks with two executives from Oklahoma City’s minor league teams to gauge the impact the NBA’s Thunder has had on the market.

David Broughton looks at certain markets that stand out for the right and wrong reasons.

Joe Favorito talks about a minor league team getting major league marketing buzz.

Walter Bingham writes in the Cape Cod (MA) Times how TV has changed golf over the years.

In a preview of his Tuesday column, Newsday’s Neil Best talks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden about Jets’ rookie QB Mark Sanchez.

Neil noticed that Kate Mara, granddaughter of Giants owner Wellington Mara, was on HBO’s Entourage last night.

Neil says good on SNY’s Gary Cohen for capturing the bizarre triple play ending to the Phillies-Mets game, but bad on him for not getting the history right.

Neil reports a former 1050 ESPN Radio staffer has surfaced down the dial at WFAN.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick is angry over a lack of sportsmanship at the Little League World Series and feels Nike is guilty by association in the release of the Pan Am 103 bomber.

Laura Nachman says CBS Radio has moved Eagles coach Andy Reid’s weekly show from WYSP to WIP.

Tom Knott of the Washington Times talks with former DC sports radio host and Washington Wizard Brendon Heywood.

Bob Molinaro of the Virginian-Pilot writes that the SEC with the help of ESPN has become the giant 800 lb. gorilla in college sports.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times reviews the weekend in televised sports.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News notes that the Cowboys exhibition game beat the Rangers in the ratings like a drum on Friday.

Barry also has the video of the tour that Jerry Jones took Fox Sports NFL host Curt Menafee on at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Warren Gerds of the Green Bay Press Gazette writes that eight Vikings games featuring Brett Favre will be seen locally this season.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business feels Tribune Company owner Sam Zell lost out on his sale of the Cubs.

Ed also has a huge suggestion for new Cubs owner-elect Thomas Ricketts.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says former Rams coach Mike Martz will be doing work for the NFL Network this season.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls (IA) Courier says E:60 will do a story on the high school football coach who was shot and killed earlier this year.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post writes that Colorado Avalanche voice Norm Jones deserved better than to be cut from his job to save money.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says ESPN plans to show the USC-Ohio State game next month in 3-D in select markets.

Diane writes that unless an agreement can be made, DirecTV plans to pull Versus on August 31.

Joe Flint of the Times writes about the WWE showing a softer side and also planning in the works to launch its own cable TV network.

On the 20th anniversary of Pete Rose being banned from baseball for gambling, the Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth feels that any chance of Rose being reinstated is slim to none.

Art Thiel writing in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer site says new Pac 10 Commissioner Larry Scott has his work cut out for him as far as generating new TV revenue is concerned.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says Maria Sharapova’s treatment of her coach proved to be more riveting than the Rogers Cup final on CBC.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says the war of words between Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and Research In Motion Jim Balsillie shows what’s wrong with the NHL today.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News outlines next week’s extensive TV coverage for the US Open in Flushing Meadow, NY.

Mike looks at some of the changes with the NFL TV partners this season.

Mark Sweeney in the Guardian in the UK says ESPN has hired former England and Newcastle United coach Kevin Keegan to be the network’s lead studio analyst for English Premier League games.

Dylan Stableford wonders in The Wrap if ESPN the Magazine is committing “publishing suicide” by offering a $1/year renewal rate.

Amanda Bruno in Batter-up with Bruno feels ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball crew did worse than Fox’s MLB crew during this weekend’s Yankees-Red Sox series.

Christy Hammond in the Sports PR blog looks at the SEC revising its new media policy.

Tracy Swedlow of Interactive TV looks at NBC’s 2.0 version of streaming Sunday Night Football this season.

WHDH TV in Boston says NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol was in town over the weekend as to honor the memory of his late son, Teddy.

And Kristine Leahy has today’s version of The Five on WEEI.com.

That’s it for today. Lots of links on this Monday.

An Actual Post with Links!

After spending most of yesterday and this morning at the home office, I’m now at my regular place of work and can give you some links. It always throws me off when I’m at the home office and have to behave.

A couple to tell you in the interim. I almost was a guest on Fox News yesterday as Shepard Smith was covering the whole Rick Pitino abortion mess that finally broke on Tuesday. FNC was looking for New England reaction. Unfortunately, just as I about to accept their invitation, Fox News booked another guest. Perhaps down the road, I’ll have another chance to go on. If I do, you’ll be the first to know.

I’m also trying to listen to the on-air stream for Boston’s new sports radio station, WBZ-FM, 98.5 The Sports Hub. As scheduled, the stream went on just before 1 p.m. today, but because so many people are trying to listen to the debut, the server crashed and I missed the first minutes of Michael Felger & Tony Massarotti’s debut. Around ten minutes in, the stream came back, but it cut in and out. I’m not a fan of Michael Felger, but perhaps this can be a good alternative to the 800 lb. sports radio gorilla, WEEI. We shall soon see.

Now, let’s give you some links.

Tripp Mickle of the Sports Business Daily talks about NBC extending its rights deal with USA Gymnastics.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says LeBron James has not been worth the money Nike paid him.

Darren points out that the backboard at which Michael Jordan shot his last shot with the Chicago Bulls is now up for auction.

Darren looks at the creative way the New Jersey Nets are marketing opposing players.

Last thing from Darren. In this video, Darren looks at the sign of the economic times, a local NFL game blackout in San Diego due to slow ticket sales.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks about YES expanding its in-market streaming of live games to Verizon Fios. Yankees games were first streamed on Cablevision systems.

Neil says Mike Francesa and Chris Russo have completed one full year without the other.

Thomas Grillo of the Boston Herald looks at the beginning of WBZ-FM.

Johnny Diaz of the Boston Globe writes about today’s debut of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Ben Collins of the Globe talks about one of the bigger stories in New England to happen last night, the return of Jerry Remy, albeit a short one, to Fenway Park and the NESN booth.

Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald says one of the battles for Remy this season has been with depression following his cancer surgery.

Ian Browne of MLB.com says Jerry still plans on returning to NESN this season, but is not sure exactly when.

The Sports Media Journal’s Keith Thibeault has another interview in his series of talks with NFL play-by-play men. The latest installment is with Buffalo Bills playcaller John Murphy.

Laura Nachman gives us the Eagles Television Network announcing crew.

A few articles from new Friend of Fang’s Bites, Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner.

He says the TNT and PGA.com will be all over the PGA Championship this week.

Jim says Ravens fans will be able to watch tonight’s game against the Redskins on MASN2 and WBAL.

And Jim writes that Redskins fans will also have two outlets to watch the game tonight.

Joey Johnston of the Tampa Tribune talks about former Buccaneers coach Jon Grudin making his ESPN debut tonight.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer enjoyed watching Hard Knocks.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business explores the consolidation of the Tribune Company’s sports departments in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Ed says Chicago Comcast subscribers now have access to ESPN360 online.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News writes that the USFL is actually attempting a comeback.

Chris Dufrense of the Los Angeles Times says the Pac 10 Conference is close to an agreement with the Alamo Bowl.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star tells Canadians that English Premier League games can still be seen on Setanta Sports Canada.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media talks with an associate commissioner at the SEC about its new media and ticket holder policy.

Christy Hammond of the Sports PR Blog says it appears the SEC will tweak the media policy after some backlash.

The Sports Media Watch notes that the T.O. Show saw another increase in viewing last week.

SMW says Tiger Woods helped the Bridgestone Invitational’s ratings on Sunday.

And the SMW has some idle news and notes.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball says now that baseball won’t be in the Olympics in 2016, MLB is now focusing on the World Baseball Classic.

The lovely Kristine Leahy has The Five on WEEI.com.

Ok, you’ve missed the links long enough. I’m done for now.

Even More Monday Links

We have a bunch of links this evening and let’s get to them before I start watching Weeds on Showtime.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe gives his impressions on NESN’s Jim Rice who finally got into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Neil Best of Newsday notes that Mets GM Omar Minaya called out a New York Daily News beat writer during a press conference to announce Tony Bernazard’s firing. Following that on Twitter, people were commenting on what a train wreck the press conference was. You can see video of Minaya calling out reporter Adam Rubin and Rubin’s reaction to SNY right here.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says backup Orlando Magic center won’t be wearing Reeboks next season after criticizing the company for not paying him enough.

Darren writes that Jack Nicklaus is not optimistic for golf course design next year.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette looks at MLB Network’s upcoming schedule of live games.

P.J. Harmer of the Oneota (NY) Daily Star says Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster Tony Kubek totally winged it during his induction speech yesterday.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes about the Bengals getting ready to be on HBO’s Hard Knocks this summer. Thanks to Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News for the link.

Richie Witt of the Dallas Observer says popular sports personality Dale Hansen is dropping his radio show.

Baxter Holmes of the Los Angeles Times says fans can Tweet questions to the Pac 10′s football coaches during the conference media days.

Zennie Abraham of the San Francisco Chronicle cannot believe that Erin Andrews topped a media listing on Mediate.

Ryan Leong of the San Francisco Examiner raves about Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s SportsNet Central programs.

Evan Weiner warns that Jacksonville could be losing the Jaguars to Los Angeles down the line.

Mike Fleming of Variety reports that ESPN Films, NFL Films and a Hollywood production company are teaming up on a feature on the late Packer coach Vince Lombardi.

Rich Thomaselli of Advertisting Age says with newspapers reducing their motorsports coverage, NASCAR is handpicking 28 motorsports blogs and credentialing them to help cover races starting this month.

The Sports Media Watch has caught ESPN. A week after refusing to initially report the civil suit against Ben Roethlisberger saying it doesn’t report on civil suits, ESPN is now reporting the civil lawsuit against Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison.

SportsbyBrooks reports that Fox Sports Radio demotes J.T. the Brick and replaces him with Tony Bruno.

Jay Busbee of Yahoo! Sports wondered why Golf Channel did not air the entire rain-delayed final found of the Canadian Open today.

Mike Bailey of World Golf says the estranged son of former New York City Rudolph Giuliani will be on the next edition of Big Break.

Deadspin says USA Today’s Christine Brennan continues to make statements against Erin Andrews.

MLB Network’s Victor Rojas who has his own MLB.com blog called “The Spoils”, talks about his experience at the Baseball Hall of Fame over the weekend.

Joe Favorito talks about Affliction getting out of the event production business to do what it does best.

Christopher Byrne of Eye on Sports Media talks about legendary Georgia football voice Larry Munson writing about his days in the broadcast booth.

Rafat Ali of paidContent.org talks about Fox Sports buying a stake into OpenSports and furthering its commitment into fantasy sports.

A photographer is suing ESPN for using one of her images without her consent.

Amanda Bruno (linked twice in one day!) of the Batter-up with Bruno blog discovers the actual height of Red Sox All-Star and reigning American League MVP Dustin Pedroia.

This has nothing to do with sports media or my Browns, but I promised Steelergurl I would link to her training camp preview if she would put me back in her blogroll after she redesigned her site. She did and thus I give you the link.

I found more links than I thought. That’s it. See you back here tomorrow.

Links for Your Saturday

Doing the links for you today. Just relaxing after having a late lunch.

Starting with Newsday’s Neil Best who talks with a Golf Channel official about the Bethpage Black course. Neil writes that with Golf Channel unable to show go live during the U.S. Open, it does what it can before and after NBC’s coverage.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times goes inside NBC’s main production truck at Bethpage Black.

Jack Bell of the Times wonders what happens to some of Setanta Sports’ programming with the demise of its English Premier League package.

ESPN has reportedly put in a substantial bid for English Premier League games.

David Goetzl of Mediapost reports that ESPN Radio will pick up some of next year’s World Cup tournament and may do them from the network’s headquarters in Bristol, CT.

Jon McGrath of the Westborough (MA) News does not miss having Jerry Remy on NESN’s Red Sox broadcasts. Wow.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette writes about the local New York-Penn League team having its games streamed online on the net.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says this year, viewers are guaranteed to get a live match from Wimbledon every day of the Fortnight.

Ellen Gray and Christine Olley of the Philadelphia Daily News say Gary Papa fought very hard against the prostate cancer that eventually took his life.

Ray Parillo of the Philadelphia Inquirer talks to a Phillies PR official about the death of his friend, the late sports anchor Gary Papa.

The Philadelphia Daily News’ Eagletarian blog picks up Iggles’ QB Donovan McNabb’s thoughts on Papa’s untimely passing.

Gary’s station, WPVI-TV, has a special section on his life, career and an area to leave your thoughts.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that Interleague baseball has some intriguing matchups this weekend. Jim says ESPN Classic will have live coverage of a heavyweight championship boxing match tonight.

Tim Lemke from the Washington Times says Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic plans to expand its web presence.

Mike Casazza of the Charleston (WV) Daily Mail says Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio is ready for his closeup with NBC.

If you want to see how the opening of Monday Night Football is shot, head to Nashville on Monday and Tuesday to see Hank Williams, Jr. do his famous “All My Rowdy Friends” video.

The Sun-Sentinel out of South Florida catches up with Fox Sports’ Chris Rose who will host a Hooters swimsuit competition tonight. Interesting.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News says rain will be the star during the U.S. Open this weekend.

Lewis Lazare of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that the Cubs are not helping WGN-AM’s ratings.

The Vancouver Sun picks up a Reuters story from Paul Thomasch that NBC plans to crack down on piracy for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The Pac10 conference has announced its TV schedule for the football season.

Joe Favorito writes that MLB has two important messages this weekend.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media has a good essay on whether the aging hockey writing corps is getting too old for the game.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV writes in Press Box that there will be plenty of NFL games to listen to on Baltimore radio this fall.

The 38Cliches blog which was originally founded to blast all things Glenn Geffner when he was a Red Sox announcing hack, tries to ignore the fact that Goofner returned to Fenway this week with the Florida Marlins.

California Golden Blogs had someone attend Blogs With Balls last week.

Famed HBO boxing judge Harold Lederman (“Heh, heh! O.K., Jim!”) celebrates 23 years with the network.

That does it for today. If there’s anything new on NBC’s start time for the U.S. Open on Sunday and further scheduling changes, I’ll have it here. So far, it appears NBC will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday as scheduled.

Tuesday’s Regular Links

Ok, now that I have the Joe Buck Live links out of the way, let’s get to the other sports media links of the day.

Ray Glier of USA Today has a very nice story on a sightless announcer who does the Spanish language broadcasts for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Paul Sanford of the Sports Business Daily measures how ESPN covered the Stanley Cup Finals.

Ben Klayman of Reuters says NBC Sports has extended its agreement to televise the New York City Marathon.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell wonders whether the University of Minnesota will allow beer to be served in its in new stadium. Darren looks at the sale of Tiger Woods’ worn shirts from last year’s U.S. Open. Darren feels it’s ok for company CEO’s to show their faces at the U.S. Open.

T.J. Donegan of the Sports Media Journal looks at NBC’s partnership with Pro Football Talk.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News gets on the SNY crew for getting on Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain.

Keith Groller from the Allentown (PA) Morning Call likes Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, but not his TV show.

Thom Loverro of the Washington Times says MASN’s Rob Dibble takes a different approach to broadcasting Nationals games than his predecessor, Don Sutton.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times goes over some NHL stuff as well as some TV and radio news over the weekend.

Kevin Price of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer says the local Fox affiliate has signed up to air ESPN Regional Television’s SEC package.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says a local station is misleading viewers when it says it will have “complete coverage” of the Reds-White Sox Civil Rights game this Saturday.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says the Windy City’s internet sports radio station is shutting down today. Ed talks with the station’s program director who has no regrets about leaving his old job.

Ameet Sachdev and Becky Yerak of the Chicago Tribune write that the founder of the station is being charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission with fraud.

Teddy Greenstein of the Tribune talks with NBC’s Dan Hicks as he gets ready to call this week’s U.S. Open.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Matt Millen has bounced back on TV with a vengeance (scroll down).

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News recaps last night’s 4th and Long episode.

Chris Dufrense of the Los Angeles Times talks with retiring Pac 10 Conference Commissioner Tom Hansen about his long tenure and the future of its TV rights.

John Ryan of the San Jose Mercury News says the NBA may have garnered higher ratings than the NHL for their respective league finals, but John notes that the NHL has to be happy.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star has has random thoughts about sports TV coverage from the last few days. Chris also looks at the sports TV ratings in Canada.

James Hibberd of the Hollywood Reporter says this year’s NBA Finals were the second most watched finals series on ABC.

The Sports Media Watch says Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals received 8 million viewers, the highest for an NHL game in three and a half decades. SMW says thanks to a short series and lower ratings for Game 5, the NBA Finals’ ratings finished down.

Real Clear Sports counts down the Top 10 Moments on Sports Blog History.

Ryan Lawler of Contentinople.com says NBC Sports will use Microsoft’s Silverlight technology to stream Wimbledon next week.

Puck the Media says Versus will carry the NHL Entry Draft and the annual NHL Awards later this month.

And that does it for now. Back later with another post.

Late Night Friday Megalinks Now Saturday Megalinks

Let’s give you the Friday megalinks.

Find the Weekend Viewing Picks here.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand writes about former Yankees pitcher David Wells moving to the TBS announcing booth.

John Paul Newport of the Wall Street Journal writes that former ABC Sports golf analyst Bob Rosburg died Thursday.

Matt Foran of the Nielsen ratings wire blog says internet buzz for Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez spiked as news of their steroids use broke.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell looks at one of the contestants for this year’s World’s Strongest Man.

Joe Favorito looks inside the Miami Dolphins’ Land Shark deal to rename its stadium.

Steve Lepore of Puck the Media says Versus nabbed over a million viewers for Game 7 of the Penguins-Capitals series. Steve says Versus has set its announcing teams for the NHL Conference Finals. And NHL fashionista Wrap Around Curl hopes the league will not follow MLB and market pink hats.

The Sports Media Watch writes that advertisers may have jumped the gun on hyping LeBron James and Kobe Bryant for the NBA Finals. SMW notes the excellent ratings for the NHL regionally, but not nationally. And Paulsen says that the NBA’s ratings on network TV have eroded thanks to all of the games on cable.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable reports that an FCC judge is ready to hear the case between MASN vs. Comcast on Monday.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says Thursday’s Game 6 of the Lakers-Rockets series set a basketball ratings record for ESPN.

Todd Spangler of Multichannel writes that MLB has been granted a patent on setting internet blackouts for its MLB.TV service.

Dave Kohl of the Major League Programs blog looks at the latest sports-related lawsuit.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the Boston sports fan has been quite busy with the Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox all playing simultaneously at times.

Newsday’s’ Neil Best talks with Sirius XM’s Chris Russo about life without former WFAN partner Mike Francesa. Neil adds his thoughts on Russo’s satellite radio show. Neil also looks at the new Spike TV reality show hosted by former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin on those hoping to get a team roster spot. Neil writes that Irvin used a premiere party for the show as a fundraiser for the Cowboys scouting assistant who was paralyzed when the team’s practice bubble collapsed. Neil has a bit more on the reality show. Neil marks an important date in the history of sports television.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News feels the New York Yankees need a refresher course in public relations as they’ve failed at it in recent weeks.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick lectures us on cheating. Just what we need.

Justin Terranova of the Post talks with NBC’s Donna Brothers about the Preakness Stakes. Justin has five questions for SNY Mets voice Gary Cohen.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union feels ABC is rooting for the Lakers to make it to the NBA Finals. Pete writes that a 50-1 shot winner in the Kentucky Derby is certainly bringining in some compelling storylines for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says the NHL Network will pick up Canada’s Memorial Cup tournament for Junior Hockey. Ken is tired of listening to the Yankees’ John Sterling.

UPDATE: 5/16/09, 12:15 p.m. – Well, I fell asleep trying to do the megalinks around 1 a.m. and listening to the Red Sox lose to Seattle. Well, picking up where I left off, I’ll add Saturday links here as well.

Back to Ken Schott, he reviews Spike Lee’s documentary on Kobe Bryant and actually likes it.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News feels the Kobe doc is a mixed bag.

Ray Frager of Sports Media Journal has some news and notes.

To Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner. He says Kobe Bryant’s documentary and the NBA’s Games 7 will be part of a busy viewing weekend. And Jim previews the Preakness Stakes with NBC’s Gary Stevens.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald enjoys Jeff Van Gundy on ESPN’s NBA broadcasts.

David Martindale of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram looks at the Kobe Bryant documentary.

Ray Buck of the Star-Telegram gave Dallas Mavericks TV analyst Derek Harper a chance to chime in on the Mavs loss to the Denver Nuggets.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle writes that a long time sports radio executive has left his station.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News reviews Spike TV’s reality show, 4th and Long. Barry looks at the various radio spots 4th and Long host Michael Irvin did across the country. Barry also tries to predict the finalists of 4th and Long.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman also looks at 4th and Long. And Mel has his usual media notebook.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press looks at the next generation of TV analysts.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says tonight’s ESPN doc on Kobe Bryant will show an insider’s look at the egomaniac.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business says Chicago-Detroit will get top billing in NBC’s NHL coverage. Ed also talks with Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz about his decision to televise home games full-time.

Ted Cox of the Chicago Daily Herald says the NHL Western Conference Finals will be difficult to find as Versus will air as many as five games in the series.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar urges the Rams to put ex-coach Jim Hanifan back in their radio booth. Dan notes other changes in the Rams radio broadcasts for this upcoming season.

West

Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic talks with Diamondbacks radio analyst Tom Candiotti.

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune talks with a long-time sports radio executive about a local station that’s getting a makeover.

John Maffei from the North County writes that the Mountain West’s conference baseball tournament will get some extra attention on TV and across the country next week.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star has a look at the Kobe Bryant documentary. Jim says former MLB on Fox pregame host Jeanne Zelasko will be calling Dodgers games on the internet.

Tom Hoffarth from the Los Angeles Daily News reviews the Kobe doc. Tom has more on the documentary in his extensive media notes. Tom looks back at the week in blogging and other media. Tom writes that it did not take long for the Dodgers to take Manny Ramirez’s mug off its billboards all over LA.

Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News looks at the Pac 10′s TV contract.

John Ryan of the Mercury News says despite the flap over his recent article in D magazine, David Feherty will be working at the Texas Open for CBS this weekend.

And that concludes the megalinks. Enjoy your weekend.

Your Thursday Linkfest

Let’s do some links before I do some work and finish what I have to do today.

Newsday’s Neil Best is amazed at the Red Sox beating the Celtics and Bruins in the ratings last Sunday night. Neil says Mets and Yankees fans are finding bargains on tickets. Neil writes that former ESPN NFL analyst Michael Irvin felt the network worked him hard.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that the number of sports movie companies is growing as more sports movies are being made. Darren says the old Yankee Stadium memorabilia sale is going well. Darren has finally heard from aspiring beach volleyball player Nora Tobin.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says Don LaGreca has returned to NHL Live, just for one day.

Jackie Majerus of the Bristol (CT) Press reports that ESPN lobbied the state legislature to keep tax breaks in place.

Cris Barrish from the Delaware News-Journal says the NFL is asking the state Supreme Court to block a proposed plan to allow sports betting.

Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that last night’s Game 7 of the Penguins-Caps set another ratings record for FSN Pittsburgh.

The Washington Post’s Leonard Shapiro reports that two DC area sports radio personalities were pulled from the air last week.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal tells us that Outback Steakhouse will continue to sponsor the New Year’s Day Outback Bowl through 2014.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News writes that Michael Irvin is on the publicity train for his new Spike TV show.

Buck Harvey of the San Antonio Express-News opines that CBS’ David Feherty should not be working the Texas Open this weekend.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that the Bengals will be on the next edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the owners of the local professional sports teams are not in Sports Illustrated’s Best or Worst Owners.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business tells us that NBC and Versus are rooting hard for Detroit to win tonight’s Game 7 against Anaheim.

Scott M. Reid from the Orange County (CA) Register says the Pac 10 Conference is now looking to launch its own cable TV network.

Stuart Levine of Variety reports that Versus is seeing a double digit ratings increase for the NHL Playoffs.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News says there were 800,000 thousand buys for the Manny Pacquaio-Ricky Hatton fight earlier this month.

Wayne Friedman from MediaPost talks about NBC making a deal to put sports programming on the Flo TV cell phone service.

Dave Hughes from DCRTV writes in the Baltimore Press Box site that the newest sports radio station in town is making a dent in the ratings.

Christopher Byrne of Eye on Sports Media wonders why a local newspaper has covered up the story of a DUI arrest.

The Sports Media Watch says the NBA Playoffs on ABC continue to perform lower than last year. And Paulsen has some various ratings news and notes.

Dennis Wyatt of TV Sports Daily is not a fan of TNT’s Charles Barkley.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball tells us that the Florida Marlins have launched a webcam showing the progress of construction of its new ballpark.

I’ll end it there for now. I have other things to do, but I will post a few press releases before then.

Catching Up on Press Releases

I left my office for a doctor’s appointment (nothing serious, just my yearly physical … I’m fine) and a few press releases flew into my inbox so let’s clear them out.

Here are some quotes from last night’s NFL Gameday Final on NFL Network.

Week 13 (Nov. 30, 2008) – Quotable from NFL GameDay Final on NFL Network (Airs Sunday at 11:30 PM ET)

“Right now, the Giants seem to be in a class by themselves.”
– Steve Mariucci

“Don’t be surprised if the Eagles surprise the Giants.”
– Deion Sanders on Eagles-Giants Week 14 matchup

“Everyone thinks the McCaskey family owns the Bears, but it seems like Adrian Peterson does.”
– Rich Eisen on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota’s 34-14 win against Chicago. Peterson has rushed for 554 yards and eight touchdowns in four career games vs. Bears.

“I don’t know why he’s always under scrutiny and criticism. (Teams) always want to replace him and he constantly makes plays.”
– Deion Sanders on Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia, who ranks sixth in the NFL with a 92.5 passer rating

“This is not the same Jets team we saw last week (vs. Titans), or the week before (vs. Patriots).”
– Deion Sanders on New York Jets’ 34-17 loss to Denver

“The Cable guy lost his connection there.”
– Rich Eisen on Raiders’ unsuccessful fake field goal in 20-13 loss to Kansas City

“What you have is a desperate team that might be able to win the division at 8-8, but it’s unlikely.”
– Steve Mariucci on San Diego Chargers

“He’s a good quarterback, but he’s not going to throw for 400 yards every game.”
– Steve Mariucci on Patriots QB Matt Cassel

Next, the National Football League tells us that New England and Tampa Bay will head to London for next year’s UK game.

BUCCANEERS & PATRIOTS TO PLAY IN LONDON IN 2009

The NFL’s International Series of regular-season games will return to the United Kingdom in 2009 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New England Patriots, the NFL announced today.

The game will be played on Sunday, October 25 at Wembley Stadium in London with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.

The Buccaneers and Patriots have been two of the NFL’s most successful teams in recent years, combining to play in five of the past seven Super Bowls. Both clubs are strong contenders for a return trip to the playoffs this season.

“Over the past two years, we have seen first-hand the excitement that exists for our sport in the UK,” said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “The games have helped us to deepen our connection with our UK fans as well as create new ones. We are looking forward to another outstanding game in 2009.”

The contest will mark the third consecutive year of an NFL regular-season game at London’s Wembley Stadium. On October 26, the New Orleans Saints defeated the San Diego Chargers 37-32 before a crowd of 83,226. The International Series began on October 28, 2007, when the New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-10 en route to a victory in Super Bowl XLII.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization is extremely excited and honored to be chosen to participate in the NFL International Series,” said Buccaneers Executive Vice President JOEL GLAZER. “We look forward to being part of the NFL’s global outreach and playing our great game in front of Buccaneers fans overseas.”

The Buccaneers captured Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season and are challenging for their third NFC South Division title in the past four years. The Tampa Bay community will be in the global spotlight at the culmination of this season when Super Bowl XLIII is played at Raymond James Stadium on February 1.

“We are proud to be selected by the NFL to be featured in next year’s international game,” said New England Patriots Chairman and CEO ROBERT KRAFT. “We have had a lot of memorable moments in recent years. I am sure our trip to the United Kingdom next year will prove to be an unforgettable experience for our players and coaches, as well as the many fans that will travel to the game. I think it is fitting that New England’s first game to be played outside of North America will be in England. I know that the UK is home to some of our most passionate Patriots fans and we look forward to the experience.”

The Patriots are three-time Super Bowl champions (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) and won their first 18 games last season in advancing to Super Bowl XLII. The team is bidding for its sixth consecutive AFC East Division championship.

Two things from ESPN’s College Football Department. First, College Gameday broadcasts live from the SEC Championship this Saturday. Only the third time this season that Gameday will be live from a site of a non-ESPN family of networks game.

College GameDay (Saturdays at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN) will originate from the SEC championship matchup pitting #4 Florida vs. #1 Alabama in Atlanta. College GameDay is hosted by Chris Fowler with analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard.

Second, ESPN will air four conference championship games on its family of networks this weekend starting Friday night.

Four Conference Championships Highlighted by #20 Missouri vs. #2 Oklahoma

This week’s college football schedule on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN360.com, ESPN Classic and ESPN Radio will be highlighted by telecasts of four conference championships:

• ABC will broadcast the Big 12 Championship – #20 Missouri against #2 Oklahoma – from Kansas City Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m.
• ESPN2 will televise the MAC Championship between undefeated #12 Ball State and Buffalo from Detroit Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:55 p.m.
• ESPN on ABC will offer coverage of the ACC Championship featuring #17 Boston College vs. #25 Virginia Tech Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m.
• The Conference USA Championship Saturday, Dec. 6, at noon on ESPN2 will pit East Carolina at Tulsa.

In addition to conference championships, Saturday’s coverage will include Pac-10 champion #5 USC at UCLA at 4:30 p.m. on ABC and BIG EAST champion #13 Cincinnati at Hawaii at 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

Date	Time (ET)	Network	Game/Commentators
Thu., Dec. 4	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/ESPN360.com	Louisville at Rutgers
			Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer and Erin Andrews
Fri., Dec. 5	7:55 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	MAC Championship: #12 Ball State vs. Buffalo
			Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Rob Stone
Sat., Dec. 6	noon	ESPN/ESPN360.com	#23 Pittsburgh at Connecticut
			Bob Wischusen and Brock Huard
	noon	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	Conference USA Championship: East Carolina at Tulsa
			Dave Pasch and Andre Ware
	noon	ESPN Classic / ESPN360.com	NCAA Division II Semifinals: Minnesota Duluth at California (Pa)
			Eric Collins and Jon Ritchie
	1 p.m.	ABC	ACC Championship: #17 Boston College vs. #25 Virginia Tech
			Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire and Stacey Dales
	4 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	NCAA Division II Semifinals: North Alabama at NW Missouri State
			Pam Ward and Ray Bentley
	4:30 p.m.	ABC	#5 USC at UCLA
			Mike Patrick, Todd Blackledge and Holly Rowe
		ESPN Radio	Terry Gannon and David Norrie
	8 p.m.	ABC	Big 12 Championship: #20 Missouri vs. #2 Oklahoma
			Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and Lisa Salters
		ESPN Radio	Dave Barnett, TBD and Joe Schad
	8 p.m.	ESPN/ESPN360.com	Arizona State at Arizona
			Mark Jones and Bob Davie
	8 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	South Florida at West Virginia
			Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham and Jack Arute
	11:30 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	#13 Cincinnati at Hawaii
			Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore

ESPN is already in college basketball mode (you should know that from the amount of games you saw over Thanksgiving weekend) and here is the schedule for this year’s ACC-Big Ten Challenge and Big12/Pac 10 Series.

This week’s men’s college basketball schedule on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN360.com’s will be highlighted by coverage of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series.

#1 North Carolina will play #12 Michigan State from Ford Field in Detroit, site of this year’s Final Four, in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 9:15 p.m. on ESPN.

• #4 Duke at #10 Purdue in the first-ever ACC/Big Ten Challenge meeting between the schools Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 9 p.m. on ESPN. Duke and Boston College are the only two teams to win all of their Challenge games. Boston College will host Iowa Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
• ESPN2 will televise a Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series doubleheader Thursday, Dec. 4: USC at #6 Oklahoma at 7 p.m. followed by #9 UCLA at #8 Texas at 9 p.m.

Date	Time (ET)	Network	Game/Commentators
Tue., Dec. 2	7 p.m.	ESPN/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Ohio State at #22 Miami
			Dave O’Brien and Steve Lavin
	7 p.m.	ESPNU	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Iowa at Boston College
			Clay Matvick, Ron Perry and Andy Katz
	7:30 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Clemson at Illinois
			Jon Sciambi and Fran Fraschilla
	9 p.m.	ESPN/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: #4 Duke at #10 Purdue
			Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale and Doris Burke
	9 p.m.	ESPNU	Georgia at Western Kentucky
			Dave Weekley at Mark Adams
	9:30 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Virginia at Minnesota
			Dave Pasch and Hubert Davis
Wed., Dec. 3	7:15 p.m.	ESPN/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Indiana at #17 Wake Forest
			Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes and Jeannine Edwards
	7:30 a.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Penn State at Georgia Tech
			John Saunders and Bob Valvano
	7:30 p.m.	ESPNU	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Michigan at Maryland
			Quint Kessenich and Mike Kelley
	9:15 p.m.	ESPN/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: #1 North Carolina vs. #12 Michigan State (from Ford Field in Detroit)
			Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale and Doris Burke
	9:30 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	ACC/Big Ten Challenge: Florida State at Northwestern
			Terry Gannon and Stephen Bardo
Thu., Dec. 4	7 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series: USC at #6 Oklahoma
			Bob Wischusen and Fran Fraschilla
	8 p.m.	ESPNU	Butler at Cleveland State
			Michael Reghi and Mark Adams
	9 p.m.	ESPN2/ESPN360.com	Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series: #9 UCLA at #8 Texas
			Dave O’Brien and Jay Bilas
Fri., Dec. 5	9:30 p.m.	ESPNU	Arizona at Texas A&M
			Doug Bell and Reid Gettys

Finally, NBC, CBC and RDS will combine with the National Hockey League for a promotion campaign for the NHL Winter Classic using Harry Caray’s version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”.

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE, NBC, CBC AND RDS UNVEIL “NHL WINTER CLASSIC 2009” TUNE-IN CAMPAIGN

TV Spot Features Legendary Broadcaster Harry Caray’s Iconic Version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Campaign Marks First Time Broadcasters And League Collaborate On Universal Campaign

NEW YORK (December 1, 2008) – The National Hockey League (NHL), in collaboration with NBC, CBC and RDS, has released a new tune-in marketing campaign to promote the upcoming NHL Winter Classic 2009 game on New Year’s Day at Wrigley Field. The TV spot, backed by the singing of the late, legendary baseball broadcaster Harry Caray and his iconic version of “Take Me Out To the Ball Game,” debuted last night in the U.S. on the “NBC Sunday Night Football Game” between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. NBC’s Bob Costas narrates the U.S. version. This marks the first time that the League and its rights-holders have worked together to create a universal campaign for a single event.

The creative begins with images of various Blackhawks and Red Wings as they prepare for NHL Winter Classic 2009 and pays tribute to the once-in-a-lifetime meshing of NHL hockey and Wrigley Field while featuring pre-game routine and rituals of players from the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, the teams competing in this season’s NHL Winter Classic 2009. Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, James Wisniewski and coach Joel Quenneville and Detroit Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Marian Hossa, Pavel Datsyuk and Chris Osgood are highlighted, with a final cut to the exterior of Wrigley Field on a snowy day.

The campaign is now running on NBC, RDS, VERSUS, NHL Network, regional broadcast carriers, NHL.com and other digital sites. CBC will begin airing the spot on Dec. 15th. This campaign also will live through digital banners and outdoor billboards in the Chicago market.

“The NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day is a unique event for hockey fans everywhere. This ad speaks to the excitement and magnitude of this game. It’s the sport returning to its roots, featuring two ‘Original Six’ teams playing under the elements in Wrigley Field — one of the most historic venues in the world,” said Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of Marketing, NHL. “We are especially proud to have created this spot with NBC, CBC and RDS to produce one unified voice for this event which, for one day, brings together hockey fans of every team to celebrate the game.”

The game will be the 701st all-time meeting of the clubs – no NHL opponents have played more regular-season games against each other. Face-off is at 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT. NBC will provide live broadcast coverage of the game in the U.S. In Canada, CBC and RDS will televise the event live. NHL Network and NHL.com will provide extensive coverage and NHL Radio will provide coverage for radio stations across North America. NHL Winter Classic 2009 will be the second regular-season outdoor NHL game played in the United States and the third regular-season outdoor game in League history.

There you have it. Plenty of stuff for today. I’ll have an update later.

Some Thursday Linkage

I can’t do a full-fledged update, but I will give you a truncated version of the links right now.

The LA Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth writes that ESPN will mark today’s 40 anniversary of the Black Power salute by John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

Christopher Byrne in his Eye on Sports Media blog discusses the SEC’s 12:30 p.m. kickoff times and Vanderbilt’s being showcased on Raycom this late in the season.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has Fox’s Troy Aikman being riled up about the Boomer Esiason comments that he was biased towards the Cowboys last Sunday.

Dan Lamothe of the Red Sox Monster blog says a songwriter is suing Bon Jovi for plagiarism stating “I Love This Town” used on TBS’ MLB coverage is similar to his work. The Sox & Dawgs blog has the songwriter’s statements from his MySpace blog.

Newsday’s Neil Best has Inside the NFL’s Warren Sapp calling former Bucs teammate Keyshawn Johnson a malcontent.

Laura Nachman has some thoughts on Game 5 of the NLCS.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has his reaction to Fox delaying Game 6 of the World Series for a Barack Obama time buy.

MG Siegler of the New York Times says ESPN is coming to the iPhone with an addictive bar game. Great.

Mike Campbell of the Anchorage Daily News writes that the Great Alaska Shootout has signed a local TV deal after ESPN dropped it earlier this year.

The Pac 10 Conference has released its mens basketball TV schedule.

Bob Thomas of the Florida Times-Union writes that ESPN’s Thursday Night Football can be filled with surprises.

Since this is the 20th anniversary of the Kirk Gibson home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers, here’s a video clip narrated by the great Vin Scully.

Bill Bradley of the Sacramento Bee says the NFL’s plans for spring football helps the league in several ways.

That will do it for now.

Sunday Links on an NFL Sunday

On this first Sunday of the NFL season, I have already DVR’d NFL Gameday This Morning, Fox NFL Sunday and plan to DVR Football Night in America.

In addition, thanks to DirecTV, I have the Red Zone Channel with Andrew Siciliano as the more than capable host and DirecTV Supercast which has improved greatly from last season enabling me to watch games online. I’m in football heaven.

So let’s give you some links on this Sunday.

Newsday’s Neil Best, back from vacation, has a Sunday column on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Maury Brown in the Biz of Football talks about ESPN’s use of Axis technology for MNF.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman wants MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann taken off Football Night in America until the election concludes.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post remains in a grumpy mood today.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand looks at the changes in the NFL TV partners’ rosters.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media site has found out what happened to Bob Trumpy on Westwood One Radio’s coverage of the NFL.

Mike Flaherty of Variety says despite the hard economic times, the NFL still can reel in the ad revenue.

Ben Grossman of Broadcasting & Cable talks with Fox Sports President Ed Goren about online streaming of the NFL and its other sports properties.

John Gonzalez of the Philadelphia Inquirer looks at the various programming devoted to the Eagles on TV and radio.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks separately to Fox Sports Joe Buck and Troy Aikman about each other.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has some NFL TV news and notes in his Sunday column.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has comments from John Elway on the Brett Favre saga on Fox Sports Radio’s Andrew Siciliano and Krystal Fernandez’s show.

The Sports Media Watch has its usual weekend ratings predictions.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union wishes TV production crews would help out official reviews during college football games.

Chris Olds of the Orlando Sentinel notices that Florida QB Tim Tebow has a fan in ESPN’s Hannah Storm.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says the Sabres’ road games will not be aired in HD this season.

Robin Finn of the New York Times profiles tennis analyst/Olympic host/Real Sports correspondent Mary Carillo.

And Richard Sandomir of the Times has noticed the Yankees have not honored Babe Ruth in the last season of the House that Ruth Built.

Gary Washburn of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer writes that with the loss of the Sonics to Oklahoma City, FSN Northwest has to depend on more Pac 10 programming in the winter months.

That’s all for now.

Your Tuesday Links

As I crank the air conditioning in my office, it’s time to give you some links so you can be a sedentary and remain cool on this scorcher of a day. We’re expecting temperatures to reach the upper 90′s here in Southern New England and it’s just too hot to be outside.

Starting with Newsday’s Neil Best, he writes in his Tuesday column about Michael Strahan’s retirement and his next career as a TV analyst. And Neil has more about Strahan in his blog. Neil has some items that did not make his column.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News also feels Strahan is headed for one of the TV networks. Raissman remembers Jim McKay while taking a backhanded slap at ESPN.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says Jim McKay was truly a broadcast pioneer.

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal admires McKay’s dedication.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Jim McKay certainly went the distance to bring Wide World of Sports into our living rooms.

Jim Carlisle from the Ventura County Star writes that Jim McKay never allowed himself to become part of the story he was covering.

From the New York Times’ archives, we have Richard Sandomir’s review of the 2003 HBO documentary, “Jim McKay: My World in My Words”.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says despite having a stellar matchup for the NBA Finals, the ratings have not followed the media hype.

Chicago Tribune media writer Teddy Greenstein says while Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti may not be liked nationally, he’s now taking hits from his own Sun-Times colleagues.

The San Jose Mercury News’ John Ryan says the International Olympic Committee should look in the mirror when it considers the problems in Communist China over potential broadcast restrictions.

Dusty Saunders from the Rocky Mountain News has a review of tomorrow’s HBO documentary on the 1960 U.S. Open.

Keith Groller from the Allentown (PA) Morning News says the HBO documentary is another in a long line of excellent programs by the network.

Craig Dolch from the Palm Beach Post says Tiger Woods is the only reason why this week’s U.S. Open is moving into primetime.

Molly Yanity of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer writes that 7 University of Washington games will be seen on national TV through ESPN, FSN or Versus.

And here’s the complete PAC 10 football TV schedule.

Greg Hansen of the Arizona Daily Star says the impending retirement of PAC 10 Commissioner Tom Hansen (no relation) may not be a totally good thing and may not mean migration of games to ESPN.

Joseph Mantone of the Wall Street Journal talks with Tennis Channel CEO Ken Solomon about the struggle to reach more subscribers.

Robert J. Terry of the Baltimore Business Journal reports that another arbitrator has ruled that Time Warner Cable must carry MASN in North Carolina. Back in January, a Federal arbitrator said Time Warner discriminated against MASN in favor of its own channels.

Roger Van Der Horst of the Raleigh News & Observer says Time Warner is not going to give up without a fight.

Jeffrey Flanagan of the Kansas City Star says Time Warner Cable missed one batter during a key stretch in the Yankees-Royals game yesterday.

Daniel Dale of the Toronto Star writes about CTV wrestling the Hockey Theme away from CBC.

Peter Cheney of the Toronto Globe and Mail says CTV came in and scooped up the song from under CBC’s nose.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Calgary Herald says fans will eventually get over hearing the Hockey Night in Canada theme on TSN.

I’ll stop here for now.

Some Saturday Links

I’ve been out running errands on the day before the Super Bowl. I am monitoring the Prof Football Hall of Fame announcements on the NFL Network as well and when they’re up, I’ll post them on the blog.

First, Newsday’s Neil Best writes that NFL Films President Steve Sabol is another person who’s been to every Super Bowl played. Neil advises us to keep an eye on Ryan Seacrest’s red carpet interviews for an interesting reason. And Neil writes that Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Arlen Specter has an agenda in this whole Spygate thing. Finally, Neil notes that today is Kenny Albert’s 40th birthday.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says glitz and glamor have hit the Super Bowl.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News profiles Fox Sports Director Artie Kempner who will be calling the shots in the production truck for the Super Bowl.

Jerry Garcia of the San Antonio Express-News writes about the beginning of ESPN Radio in San Antonio and what fans should know about the Super Bowl.

The Sports Media Watch says the Pats-Giants could bring big ratings numbers for the second time this season.

Jim Williams of the DC/Baltimore Examiner gives us a link to a preview of the Super Bowl ads.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News writes in his Farther Off the Wall blog that EA Sports simulations on Madden ’08 have the Patriots beating the Giants.

Chris Pursell of TV Week recaps last night’s ESPN Super Bowl pregame party in his Pressbox blog.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun in his Medium Well blog has a few news and notes.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady (NY) Gazette profiles New York State native Jamie Dukes who has his own show on the NFL Network.

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s William Houston says the Super Bowl is a couch potato’s dream.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald gives his winners and losers during Super Bowl Week.

George Hesselberg of the Wisconsin State Journal writes that a local theater won’t show the Super Bowl because of the silly NFL rules.

Carl Kotala of Florida Today says NFL replay officials will be doing their reviews for the Super Bowl in high definition.

Ed Sherman of the Chicago Tribune writes about the new technology that has helped viewers enjoy the NFL. Speaking about new technology, Sam Farmer from the Los Angeles Times talks with the inventor of the overhead cablecam, Jim Rodnunsky.

Dusty Saunders of the Rocky Mountain News talks with Fox Sports’ Troy Aikman about Patriots QB Tom Brady.

Will Leitch of Deadspin writes for the New York Times’ Fifth Down blog about his visit to Radio Row at the Phoenix Convention Center during Super Bowl week. Katie Thomas from the Times says the Super Bowl is not a place for the average fan.

Radio legend George Von Benko remembers the late Ray Scott calling the first Super Bowl on CBS.

Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star writes about ESPN coming into PAC 10 country for the first time in a very long time for tonight’s Arizona-UCLA game.

David Knox of the Birmingham News writes about Dick Vitale’s absence from ESPN.

George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press writes about a change in format for a college hockey show on FSN Detroit.

That’s it for now. Super Bowl pick coming up tomorrow morning. I’m going out.

Our Mid-Week Links

I don’t think I’ll be blogging as much as I did yesterday, but we’ll keep an eye on developments from the Super Bowl. If anything happens, we’ll put it here. In the meantime, your links for today.

USA Today’s Michael McCarthy talks about the incessant coverage of Tom Brady by both the sports and entertainment media.

David Scott of Boston Sports Media Watch writes about the departure of Tina Cervasio from NESN.

Here’s ESPN’s schedule for Super Bowl programming on radio and TV from Arizona today.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that Giants coach Tom Coughlin looked like he was enjoying Super Bowl Media Day. Neil writes in his blog that he tried to get a Super Bowl pick from former American Idol participant Kellie Pickler. Neil says Ines Sainz whom I thought was the one asking questions in a wedding dress was at Media Day as well. And as a follow up to his column today, Neil says Coughlin aced his first media test this week.Finally, Neil has Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman stating that he’s not biased against the Giants despite what Big Blue Nation thinks.

Jon Friedman of Marketwatch talks to ESPN’s Chris Berman about how the New York Football Giants could beat the Pats in the Super Bowl. Before the Patriots fans get up in arms, Friedman clearly states he’s a Giants fan so don’t kill him.

Barbara Yost from the Arizona Republic sets the scene of ESPN’s Super Bowl command post at SouthBridge. Yost also writes that there are plenty of chances for fans to get on TV during Super Bowl week.

Karen Crouse of the New York Times writes about Tom Brady having to deal with the Paparazzi.

David Bauder of the Associated Press says the ratings for the Super Bowl could set a record.

Karl Greenberg of Mediapost says Taco Bell plans to unveil a new meal deal during the Super Bowl.

The Buffalo News’ Alan Pergament talks about hack Ryan Seacrest hosting the red carpet portion of the Fox Super Bowl pregame show.

The Cherry Hill (NJ) Courier Post picks up a story from Mike Hughes of the Gannett News Service describing what Fox will air on Super Bowl Sunday.

David Thomas from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram talks about yesterday’s Super Bowl Media Day.

Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch talks about CBS and ESPN adding Ohio State basketball games to their schedules.

Jeff Eisenberg from the Press-Enterprise in California says ESPN’s telecast of the USC-Arizona game this Saturday is not a precursor for the Worldwide Leader to get into the Pac 10 long term.

Morgan Unger of the Marshall University student newspaper writes that the date of the rivalry football game between Marshall and West Virginia has been changed to accommodate ESPN.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell asks what does the internment of Barbaro’s ashes at Churchill Downs means for the track.

Nancy Stockdale of the Des Moines Register writes that NBC Sports and several companies are trying to get on the train of world champion gymnast Shawn Johnson who’s expected to do well at the Olympics in Communist China this summer.

There you have it for now. More later.

The 1st Annual Fang’s Bites College Football TV Awards

Every year, sports media columnist Rudy Martzke of USA Today would hand out his silly “Rudys” to announcers and sports show he felt were the most deserving. I will not call my awards the “Fangies” or something stupid like that. I’m just going to say “Best”, “Worst” or create a category and that’s it. I forgot to do them for MLB after this past season, but I’ll have to remember to do them after next season. I’ll also do this for NFL, NHL and College Basketball, the other sports I follow closely. NBA? I don’t care, but you can do one on your own.

Let’s get started.

The College Gameday Best Pregame Show Award goes to: College Gameday – ESPN. Who else? This has set the standard for pregame shows, both college and pro. I’m a critic of ESPN, but I’m also willing to give it praise when the network does something right and College Gameday is done right. Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit are a well oiled machine. I like the addition of Desmond Howard in small doses and of course, the atmosphere from the college campuses is a bonus. Fox NFL Sunday tried to copy the formula last season when it took its show on the road, but it was a dismal failure. College Gameday basically wins this until it goes off the air. Honorable mention: College Football Today – CBS. Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman do a bang-up job on their show and aren’t afraid to be critical of the BCS.

The Keith Jackson Award for Best Play-by-Play Announcer goes to: Sean McDonough -ESPN. Sean has basically been the announcer-in-exile ever since the Boston Red Sox took him off play-by-play for its broadcasts and for some strange reason, ESPN put him on Friday night games. He deserves to be doing the main games for either ESPN or ABC. I know Sean can’t go back to CBS because President of Sports and News, Sean McManus unceremoniously dumped him after the network hired Dick Enberg in 2000, but really, the guy should be on the main announcing team. Honorable mentions: Ron Franklin – ESPN and Verne Lundquist – CBS.

The Frank Broyles Award for Best Color Analyst: Named after Frank Broyles who did a great job for ABC in the 1980′s, we give this to Gary Danielson – CBS. He’s been one of the best college football analysts ever since ESPN teamed him with Brad Nessler in the 1990′s. Then he was pitted with Brent Musberger, but in 2006, he went to CBS to be teamed with Verne Lundquist on SEC games and this team has clicked very well. Gary has done very well on the SEC and has had the opportunity to call some big games this year including LSU-Arkansas and Georgia-Florida. In both instances, he was on top of trends and did a fantastic job. If CBS ever gets the BCS or the NCAA football tournament if it’s ever created, Danielson would be excellent on the lead team. Honorable mentions: Todd Blackledge – ESPN, Pat Haden – NBC and Charles Davis – Big Ten Network.

Best Overall Announcing Team goes to: Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis – Big Ten Network. They worked together for the first time last season on two NFL games, then the Fiesta Bowl featuring the Boise State upset of Oklahoma, then the BCS Championship Game so their chemistry wasn’t down. But they had a chance to really work together this season and have become a very good team. This season, they didn’t have to be saddled with a third wheel in Barry Alvarez, so they’ll work in an easier and more enjoyable two man booth. They did a fantastic job all season long. Now if the Big Ten Network can sign some more agreements for next season, Thom and Charles will get some more exposure. Honorable mention: Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson – CBS.

The Jim Lampley Award for Best Studio Host goes to: Rece Davis – ESPN. He’s in his element hosting the studio show and handing off to Mark May and Lou Holtz. ESPN does miss Trev Alberts, but Lou isn’t bad. But I digress. Rece also hosts College Football Live for ESPN. He does a tremendous job, especially starting in the morning and being in the Bristol campus sometimes staying until 2 a.m. on College Gameday Final. If Fowler ever leaves College Gameday, Rece could step in quite seamlessly. And for those of you who don’t know, yes, Lamps hosted the College Football studio for ABC in the 1980′s and probably is the best ever. Honorable mentions: Tim Brando – CBS & John Saunders – ESPN/ABC.

Best Studio Analyst: We don’t have anyone to name this after, but we give this award to Mark May of ESPN, by default. Spencer Tillman of CBS isn’t bad and Lou Holtz is ok, but I’ll give this to Mark May.

The Jack Arute Award for Best Sideline Reporter goes to: not Jack this year because he was doing NASCAR duties, but Bonnie Bernstein. Assigned to Brad Nessler, Bob Griese and Paul McGuire, Bonnie has sometimes had to fight for airtime, but whenever she’s on, she has solid information and can banter especially with Paul. Happy Hanukkah, Bonnie. Honorable mentions: Erin Andrews – ESPN & Charissa Thompson – Big Ten Network.

Most Valuable Network Award goes to: CBS for its SEC package. The games got consistent ratings every weekend often beating ABC’s 3:30 p.m. regional coverage. The games were certainly more compelling than the others in the same timeslot. Plus, CBS’ production of the games was top-notch. It’s no wonder why the SEC plans to renew its contract with CBS after next season.

Best Overall Coverage Award goes to: Yes, ESPN. The Worldwide Leader has this sport covered from beginning to end starting with College Gameday in the mornings all the way until College Gameday Final late at night. CBS and NBC sign off when their games are done with hardly any time for a postgame show. ESPN goes from 10 a.m. ET Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday and it works. And the addition of College Football Live during the week has only solidified its position. If you’re a college football fan, ESPN has it covered.

Best Debut of a Network goes to: The Big Ten Network for having the biggest upset in college football history, Appalachian State over Michigan in the Big House. Unfortunately, its dispute with the major cable providers, Comcast, Time Warner, Mediacom and Charter has prevented many across the Midwest from seeing it. But I give you the final moments of the game here.

And the interview of Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore leads me to the following award.

Best Ingénue goes to: Charissa Thompson – Big Ten Network. She did a great job on the sidelines for BTN. The lovely Charissa will be seen on Fox’s BCS coverage during the Sugar Bowl and the BCS Championship Game. She’s been given a bigger role on FSN so expect to see a lot of her in the coming months.

The Phil Stone Award for Worst Play-by-Play: Named after Phil Stone who did a few NFL regional games for NBC back in the 1980′s, Phil was horrible. He yelled and screamed, but never could quite get the feel for the games. He was just plain awful. Phil was a sports anchor for the San Diego NBC affiliate in the 1980′s. Some sports anchors are not suitable for play-by-play and Phil certainly wasn’t. So I give this award to, in a tie Pam Ward – ESPN and Brent Musberger – ABC. I’ve tried to give Pam the benefit of the doubt over the last two years, but I don’t think she’s good at calling a game. I have no problem with women doing play-by-play, but I don’t think Pam’s voice is good enough.

As for Brent, he’s slipped a lot over the years. He’s getting close to Phil Stone in yelling. Brent was very good at one time, but right now, he’s past his prime. Plus he has to travel to NASCAR locations right after games so his concentration has been off. Brent and Pammy share the award.

Worst Sideline Reporter goes to: Lisa Salters – ESPN/ABC. Not impressed by her work at all. Lisa is usually a solid journalist, but sideline reporter is not a role that suits her well.

Most Bizarre Moment goes to: ESPN’s Mike Patrick asking Todd Blackledge about Britney Spears right before Georgia beat Alabama in overtime. Todd was incredulous and asked, “Is she here?” I still shake my head.

Dishonorable mention: Last weekend’s Les Miles controversy when ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit announced on College Gameway announced Miles would leave LSU for Michigan. Then Miles had to call a press conference right before the SEC Championship Game to announce he was staying put at LSU. CBS’ Tracy Wolfson interviewed Miles about his plans and finally, Tim Brando throwing a shot at ESPN. Great stuff.

The Network Disappearing Act Award goes to: NBC for its Notre Dame games. Because Notre Dame had a 3-9 season, the ratings for Notre Dame home games fell into the toilet. Not even the win by Navy, the first in 43 years could save the ratings. But it wasn’t the fault of Pat Haden, one of the better college football analysts and he’s not afraid to be critical of Notre Dame.

Worst Studio Show Award goes to: ABC’s pre-game show. Surprising because it’s produced by ESPN and John Saunders is a very solid host. However, Craig James and Doug Flutie don’t mesh very well. There’s hardly any chemistry between the two. James was very good as the original co-analyst with Lee Corso on College Gameday, but he’s ill-suited in this studio. And it seems disconnected from the Worldwide Leader because the show is produced at ABC’s studios in New York instead of the ESPN headquarters. Plus, the show isn’t even in HD! What’s up with that?

Worst Debut by a Network Award goes to: Versus. It signed a contract with FSN to pick up ten Big 12 and Pac 10 games from TBS. However, like the Big Ten Network, it suffers from a lack of carriage. It had the big upset of Stanford over USC, but most of the country only saw the highlights and that’s too bad. And its coverage of the games was next to horrible. And Rod Thulin of Versus even got the game winning touchdown wrong. Listen as he calls the touchdown for USC.

And there you have it. Let me know what you think, if you agree, if you disagree. I certainly would like to hear from you.

Wednesday Links and Maybe Some Other Stuff

Let’s get to some links. We had a lot late last night so let’s see what we have now.

Starting with USA Today, Michael Hiestand writes that CBS will not do any extra hype for Sunday’s New England-Indianapolis game which is good. If Fox or ESPN had the game, you would see hype up the ying-yang, but CBS prefers to let the game speak for itself.

Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher should talk to the media instead of by-passing reporters.

James Day of the Salem (OR) Statesman Journal says ESPN and the Pac 10 decided to make Saturday’s Arizona State-Oregon a national broadcast.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times says if Joe Torre is hired by the Dodgers as manager, he would bring back a celebrity quotient to the games.

From the Raleigh News & Observer, Tim Simmons writes that Taco Bell got plenty of publicity for some mentions of free tacos thanks to the World Series.

David Scott & Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer write that if Time Warner gets the naming rights for the Bobcats arena, it could give up the cable TV rights and have Fox Sports South gain them.

John Denton of Florida Today says the Orlando Magic’s first game which will be aired on Fox Sports Net Florida will not be carried by Bright House Cable. Dick Scanlon of the Lakeland Ledger writes about the FSN-Bright House dispute.

The Arkansas-Tennessee game on November 10 will be carried on Lincoln Financial Sports. In other SEC news, the Georgia-Auburn game will be picked up by CBS Sports for the 3:30 p.m. ET slot on the same day. From the WAC, Brian McInnis of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin says a decision will be made today whether ESPN will pick up the Hawaii-Fresno game.

The Waterbury Republican-American’s Ed Daigneault says UConn’s athletic director feels ESPN is using the school as a pawn in an attempt to get ESPNU carried on Comcast. Shawn Courchesne of the Hartford Courant has another version on the UConn/ESPNU/Comcast story. And Chip Malafronte from the New Haven Register has more on UConn being angry at ESPN.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel talks with ESPN NBA analysts Hubie Brown and Jeff Van Gundy about the Bucks. And from Tuesday, Wolfley says ESPN spent too much time deferring to Packers QB Brett Favre.

Tom FitzGerald in the San Francisco Chronicle says Bay Area fans have a dilemma this Sunday. The Texans-Raiders game is not sold out and if it’s not by the Thursday deadline, CBS will beam Patriots-Colts instead. Mark Gillispie of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the local CBS affiliate won’t be able to show New England-Indianapolis despite not carrying the Browns this Sunday. David Heuschkel of the Hartford Courant talks with Jim Nantz and Bill Cowher of CBS Sports about the Patriots running up the score.

Neil Best of Newsday writes that the Yankees allowed ESPN into its conference call announcing Joe Girardi as manager.

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune writes that Comcast SportsNet and the Blackhawks have obtained a sponsor to present the team’s home games starting November 11. Tim Cronin of the Chicago Daily Southtown says it’s time the Blackhawks show its home games on local TV.

Jim Benton of the Rocky Mountain News has three questions for ESPN’s Suzy Kolber. Chuck Abrams from Insider Racing wonders what’s causing apathy towards NASCAR. Jon Lafayette of TV Week says ESPN/ABC’s overall ratings for NASCAR might be dipping, but it’s pointing to a rise in ratings for certain demographics.

Here’s ESPN’s press release touting its “multi-platform” approach to the NBA which will include carrying games on ESPN360, cell phones, live audio on ESPN.com and sending games to your home phone. I’m joking about that last part, but you just never know what ESPN is thinking.

Maury Brown in his Biz of Basketball website reports that NBA TV will air the D-League draft tomorrow. That will certainly be compelling TV.

A lot of links for midweek. We’ll be back later today.

Our Tuesday Links

I’m watching NESN’s coverage of the Red Sox Rolling Rally through redsox.com. There are other ways to watch it, either through Boston’s 5ABC, WBZ TV or Channel 7, but they’re all taking the interviews from NESN why not just watch NESN, it’s just easier. But MLB.com has decided to pick up coverage from New England Cable News.

Time for some links.

First, the final ratings for the World Series are in and while they are higher than last year’s St. Louis-Detroit series, they are still the second lowest of all time as noted by the Sports Media Watch blog. And also from the Sports Media Watch, we get the weekend TV ratings.

Michael Hiestand of USA Today looks at the ratings of selected events from the weekend including the Breeders’ Cup on ESPN which sank lower than last year.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News also has a story on the World Series ratings.

As the NBA is set to begin another forgettable season, David DuPree of USA Today gives us the ten games to watch. Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes about the digital platforms to watch NBA games.

Sandomir also writes about First Class Jerk Scott Boras hijacking Game 4 of the World Series with his news about Alex Rodriguez. Neil Best of Newsday talks with the person credited with breaking the Bores-Us/A-Fraud story, Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman says he’ll miss having Alex Rodriguez around.

In his blog, Neil Best writes that ESPN1050 in New York is saying it broke the story that Joe Girardi would be the next Yankees manager.

Turning to the Big Ten Network, there’s a lot of fallout regarding the channel picking up the Ohio State-Wisconsin this Saturday. George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal calls this a mistake. The Cleveland Plain Dealer says after this week, Ohio State will be seen on ABC for its remaining two games. Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch says because Time Warner Cable has still not piocked up the Big Ten Network, Buckeyes fans will have to go to a friend’s house or to their local sports bar to see the game. Adam Mertz of the Capital (WI) Times reports that the Mount Horeb Telephone Company is adding BTN this week in time for the OSU-Wisconsin game. Michael Poppy also of the Capital Times writes that many Wisconsin fans are angry over not being able to see the game. Mark Tupper of the Bloomington (IL) Pentagraph says BTN is still in a stalemate with the major cable companies. John Bohnenkamp of the Burlington Hawk Eye writes that Mediacom is not close to adding BTN to its lineup.

While the Ohio State-Wisconsin game will not be seen by a wide audience, the Oregon-Arizona State game will. Bud Withers of the Seattle Times says ESPN, FSN and the Pac 10 all came in to make sure the contest will be seen by a West Coast audience. The Pac 10 says the game will be seen on FSN on its Arizona, Northwest and West channels and nationally on ESPN. Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News explains the Pac 10 TV situation for this Saturday.

University of South Carolina fans are happy that the Gamecocks’ next two games are going to be on ESPN/ESPN2.

Keith Sargeant of the Ashbury Park (NJ) Press says because this Saturday’s Rutgers-UConn game will be on ESPNU, many Scarlet Knights fans won’t be able to see it.

Ed Sherman of the Chicago Tribune writes that the Bulls are moving back to ESPN 1000 after being away for a year.

Tom Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel writes that Magic fans won’t be able to see 14 of the first 18 games because Bright House Networks has not reached an agreement with FSN Florida as it has the rights to 35 games this season.

That’s it for now. Don’t forget to get your free taco today between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Wednesday Night Hoedown

I don’t know what to title this. And taking a look at “Private Practice” on ABC for the first time since the pilot back in May, I’m still convinced that Kate Walsh should have married me instead of the tool she got hitched to in the summer. I kid. I kid. I’ve liked Kate Walsh since first seeing her on “Grey’s Anatomy” and she’s a hot chick. Ok, enough of primetime TV and time to give you an update.

First we have an interesting development. NBC is outsourcing its halftime show for the USC-Notre Dame this Saturday to the NFL Network. I never thought I would see the day this would happen. That means the NFL Gameday crew of Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucci along with Marshall Faulk will get some prime exposure. John Consoli of Mediaweek says the halftime show is part of an increasing collaboration between NBC and the NFL Network.

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune writes that Minnesota Vikings rookie RB Adrian Peterson will be the subject of an NFL Network show on Thursday.

Neil Best of Newsday writes in his Watchdog blog that the ratings of the ALCS are on the way up. Way up. The Sports Media Watch blog also looks at the ALCS ratings which beat Monday Night Football and drew well Tuesday night as well.

On the other hand, the ratings for the NLCS weren’t very good and Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball website reports that even in the home cities of Phoenix and Denver, the interest was low.

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren was not happy about NBC’s overhead camera falling near his players and delaying action for 10 minutes during the Sunday Night Football game.

Last week, I linked to a story which stated that Time Warner Cable would not add the NHL Network to its system in Buffalo. Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News reports that it may be added after all.

If you scroll down in Bob Wolfley’s story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, you’ll notice that Wisconsin state legislators are appealing to Time Warner Cable and Charter Communication to put the NFL Network on their systems.

You can watch DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket package on a nice 42″ HDTV screen and free wi-fi at a bunch of Hyatt Hotels across the US. And here’s the web page from Hyatt and the list of participating hotels for the promotion.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with Agent Scott Boras about Alex Rodriguez.

And the NFL is crowing and for good reason about the ratings for the Patriots-Cowboys game. Here’s the press release:

Here’s the complete PAC 10 men’s basketball schedule.

I think that will do it for tonight. More links coming your way Thursday morning.

Tuesday is Linkage Day

Time to give you some links. With the Rockies sweep finishing late on the East Coast, there won’t be any final critiques of TBS’ coverage from the newspapers until tomorrow, but I’m sure there will be reviews of the NFL pregame shows from the weekend. Let’s check out the links.

First, John Molori of Boston Sports Media Watch is not a fan of either ESPN’s Keyshawn Johnson or Fox’s Terry Bradshaw.

The Sports Media Watch blog has a look at the League Championship Series ratings on both TBS and Fox and they’re aren’t pretty. And Paulsen looks at the weekend overnight ratings, but at the time of the post, the ALCS numbers weren’t available. And Michael Hiestand of USA Today analyzes the ratings of selected sporting events.

The Multichannel News says TBS isn’t doing well with the National League Championship Series. The State newspaper in Columbia, SC has a blurb on TBS’ low ratings. Jon Lafayette of TV Week says the short series in both the League Division and Championship Series have hurt TBS in both the ratings and in revenue.

Barry Horn on the Dallas Morning News writes that the Patriots-Cowboys game did well in the ratings for CBS.

Jim Williams of the DC/Baltimore Examiner profiles Fox Sports Radio talk show host and DirecTV’s Red Zone Channel (from NFL Sunday Ticket) anchor Andrew Siciliano, a DC area native.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has his choice for Best Sports Halloween Costume.

Patrick Kampert of the Chicago Tribune writes that the playoff chase helped midwest powerhouse radio station WGN Radio in the most recent ratings period. And the Trib’s Ed Sherman says this is the best time to be a Boston sports reporter or fan (isn’t that the truth?).

I hope you’re noticing that I’m making a conscious effort not to lead with New York papers as in the past. They seem to have their media columns every Tuesday like clockwork and Newsday’s Neil Best is no exception. Today, he writes about ESPN’s new E:60 newsmagazine which premieres tonight and about Versus getting two big Pac 10 upsets in the past two weeks.

Mike Battaglino of the New York Post talks with Jeremy Schaap who will be part of E:60. April Bethea of the Charlotte Observer previews one story on E:60 about the former University of North Carolina mascot who gave the gift of life in death.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News criticizes MLB and TBS for playing Game 3 of the NLCS on Sunday in horrible weather conditions.

The LA Times reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers have returned to KABC as its flagship station after being on KFWB for the last five seasons. Announcers Vin Scully and Charley Steiner have also signed contract extensions through 2009. Tom Hoffarth of the LA Daily News also has a story on the change in stations for the Dodgers. And the Ventura County Star picks up wire copy for the story.

With baseball over for Turner Sports, it now focuses on the NBA, its other signature sport and the Multichannel News writes that TBS/TNT wants to purchase NBA.com and get the rights to NBA League Pass, the PPV cable/satellite package.

Jim Carlisle of the Star writes in his regular Tuesday column that with all the ESPN hype surrounding the Patriots-Cowboys, you would think the Alleged Worldwide Leader was airing the game.

I’ll give you three press releases from ESPN. Former Houston Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy has found a job for next season, as part of the lead broadcast team for the NBA on ESPN. Second, here are the features that will on tonight’s premiere of E:60. And ESPN will pick up three Pac 10 regular season games for its upcoming college basketball season.

Chris Pursell of TV has a story on the Pac 10 on ESPN.

Mekeisha Madden Toby of the Detroit News says the Frank TV promos on TBS during the MLB Postseason went beyond overkill.

George M. Thomas in today’s Akron Beacon Journal prefers Joe Buck and Tim McCarver of Fox on the ALCS over Chip Carey, Tony Gwynn and Bob Brenly for the ALDS. He might be the only one.

The Michigan-Minnesota game on October 27 will be picked up by ESPN Classic. Carter Strickland of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that the annual Georgia-Florida game will be in its traditional 3:30 p.m. ET spot on CBS.

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun spent Sunday at ESPN looking at what goes on with the Sunday NFL Countdown studio analysts off camera.

Bob Molinaro of the Virginian-Pilot laments the late starts for baseball playoff games. Unfortunately, it’s a reality. Live with it.

Rene Hurtado, part of Time Warner Cable’s public relations team, writes an op-ed piece in the Newspaper Tree of El Paso against picking up the NFL Network.

Bob Young in the Arizona Republic talks with FSN college football analyst Petros Papadakis.

This is like a Friday megalink update. Coming up, I’ll have Saturday Night Live’s spoof of those horrible Dane Cook/MLB Postseason ads.

Monday Night Links

I just finished watching the second installment of Ken Burn’s The War on PBS. Just like The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, Mark Twain, Empire of the Air, and The West, this epic is excellent. I saw bits and pieces of the first installment on Sunday and all of tonight’s and Ken Burns’ storytelling is second to none. The interviews from those who experienced World War II whether on the front lines, from the air or at the home front cannot be duplicated. Plus, the footage that Burns has found from the War in Tunisia, Sicily and Rome is amazing. The newsreels can be seen over on Burns’ The War site which is linked above. This is compelling television and I will be recommending this in the Primetime Viewing Picks for Wednesday and Thursday.

Darren Rovell of CNBC has the outcome of the bet he made with Texas oilman and big-time Oklahoma State booster Boone Pickens.

Over to the Sports Media Watch blog where Paulsen has the broadcast teams for TBS during the MLB Division Series (as I told you last week, NESN’s Don Orsillo will be involved). And here are over the overnight ratings from the weekend. An offshoot from Paulsen’s story about the weekend TV ratings is this press release from NBC Universal touting the numbers for Sunday Night Football for Dallas-Chicago.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle in his Four DVR’s, no waiting blog says the Colts-Texans cleaned up in the ratings for the CBS affiliate. And Barron reviews the Sunday NFL pregame shows.

This is the official press release from Turner Sports about the announcer assignments for the MLB Postseason on TBS/TNT.

William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail has his take on the latest ESPN/MLB dispute.

Newsday’s Neil Best is also blogging tonight! My goodness! He talks about the 9.9 seconds of silence viewers had to endure during the halftime of tonight’s Monday Night Football game as Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser had trouble hearing each other for their mini-Pardon the Interruption segment.

The networks have selected the games and times for October 6. The Kansas-Kansas State game will be played at noon (11 a.m. local time) on FSN. Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News reports that the Red River Shootout between Oklahoma and Texas will played at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and FSN will pick up the Oklahoma State-Texas A&M game for 7:30 p.m. Mike Dearmond of the Kansas City Star reports that ESPN has selected Nebraska-Missouri for a primetime 9:15 p.m. ET slot. CBS will air Florida at LSU, also in primetime. From the Detroit News, Eric Lacy reports that the Big Ten Network will pick up the Michigan-Eastern Michigan game. Minnesota at Indiana will also be on BTN.

GoDaddy.com has announced that Cincinnati Bengals’ WR Chad Johnson will appear in its ads on ESPN college football games.

Bill Ordine of the Baltimore Sun blogs about the bizarre Mike Patrick comments about Britney Spears during the Georgia-Alabama game.

John Consoli of Mediaweek writes that advertisers are flocking to the NFL on the league’s TV partners’ broadcasts.

Nick Daschel of The Columbian (WA) interviews long time Pac 10 Commissioner Tom Hansen about his years as the Commish and the conference’s TV contracts with ESPN and FSN.

Jason Buhrmester of Wired magazine writes about NFL Films digitizing its extensive library and if you know the history of NFL Films, this is a huge project.

David Goetzl of Media Daily News reports that in exchange for carriage on basic, the Tennis Channel gave an equity stake to DirecTV.

Congratulations to LC who has got his old 38Cliches site back so again, adjust your bookmarks accordingly. You can put 38cliches.com in your bookmarks again and you’ll be able to see his entire site in its original glory.

A lot of links for you tonight. I’m heading to bed as it’s close to midnight, but I’ll catch a bit of Letterman before I do. I’ll see you Tuesday morning.

Thursday Afternoon Links

Ok, let’s give you some more links today.

Maury Brown in the Biz of Baseball site has a story from Sports Business Daily about the rise in TV ratings for 21 MLB teams. Teams like the Brewers, Indians, Dodgers, Cubs and Mariners are seeing major increases from last year.

Neil Best blogs about Mike Tirico’s cast of characters for his ESPN Radio show.

From his Farther Off the Wall blog, the LA Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth writes about the winner of a Maddencruiser contest.

I forgot to link to this last week, but the Head Chick in Charge at the excellent Leave the Man Alone blog has her fashion roundup from last week both on TV and on the field. Btw, Sage Steele (a Fang Bites fav from Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic) looks good on ESPN.

Awful Announcing looks at the first Mike Tirico show.

CBS Sports previews the NFL Today as Dan Marino will talk to Brett Favre. And CBS has a preview of its college football Saturday.

The Pac 10 has announced its Women’s Basketball schedule. All but one game will be on FSN.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that the Redskins-Eagles game was the highest rated sports telecast on ESPN in 2007.

That’s it for now.

Friday Mega-Update

If it’s Friday, it means a whole slew of sports media stories from all over the country. Let’s get started without any further delay. Some media writers took yesterday off for Rosh Hashanah so the links might be a bit lighter, but we still have a lot of links today.

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he writes about Alyssa Milano starting her blog on TBS’ Hot Corner at MLB.com. This Alyssa Milano story certainly has legs and Alyssa has nice legs herself (I can play the same game as Neil Best of Newsday). Before I get into trouble, that picture comes from the official Alyssa Milano website. Alyssa’s mom is very militant about protecting her daughter’s image.

In the Boston Globe, Susan Bickelhaupt has John Madden talking about Cameragate detracting from the San Diego-New England game on Sunday Night.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times reviews the changes in Monday Night Football, Football Night in America and the NFL Today.

The New York Post’s Justin Terranova has five questions for former Notre Dame coach and current ESPN studio analyst Lou Holtz.

Newsday’s Neil Best has his Friday column and he notes that there are a lot of books concerning the New York Giants’ 2006 8-8 season. In his Watchdog blog, Best writes that ESPN is unapologetic for giving high school sports a national stage. And another post concerns the signal for WLNG which becomes a Knicks and Rangers radio network affiliate for Eastern Long Island.

Last week, Laura Nachman of the Bucks County Courier Times wrote about the plethora of TV and radio shows devoted to the Philadelphia Eagles. She has another one today.

This blog entry is from September 4, but it’s worth posting. Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun explained why he had been absent for so long and I hope you’re feeling better, Ray.

The State’s Doug Nye says Fox Sports South caught lightning in a bottle when it contracted with Appalachian State to do a documentary on the school preparing for its season opener with Michigan. We all know what happened next. Nye’s best bet for the weekend is the PGA Tour’s season ending Tour Championship.

The Orlando Sentinel’s Dave Darling says Central Florida Dolphins fans are feeling ripped off this NFL season.

David Barron in today’s Houston Chronicle talks about the local sports radio scene.

Bob Wolfey of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about the networks missing re-starts in NASCAR and listening to the Brewers on the radio (not all at once).

Judd Zulgad in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a story on rookie Vikings radio analyst Mike Bercich getting on the job training while on the air.

The North County Times’ John Maffei says San Diegans can get a meaningful Padres-Chargers doubleheader on Sunday.

Jay Posner in the San Diego Union-Tribune has NBC’s John Madden saying stealing signals from the sidelines is no big deal, but videotaping them is. And he has the ratings from the last sporting weekend in San Diego.

Jim Carlisle in the Ventura County Star talks with CBS’ Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson about the SEC vs. Pac 10 debate.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth is a busy man. He has two stories in today’s edition. One is on Hoffarth talking with CBS’ Dick Enberg about his calling of US Open women’s champion Justine Henin, “Justine Henin-Hardenne” during the trophy presentation last Saturday. And the other is on ESPN’s Michelle Tafoya trying to work certain words or phrases in her sideline reports as part of a game with an LA sports radio station (for charity, of course) as well as him naming What Smokes and What Chokes. And in his extensive Farther Off the Wall blog, Hoffarth expands on the Tafoya story as well as giving us a big media notes update. I like Hoffarth. And let me mention that Michelle is the consummate pro on the sidelines.

One tidbit from Hoffarth is the Dan Patrick website which is counting down to the premiere of his new syndicated show from the Content Factory (17 days). Today, Dan talks about the Michigan-Notre Dame game, but you can also see various videos he has posted about him adjusting to life outside ESPN. They’re funny.

In the LA Times, Larry Stewart announces that he’s leaving the TV/Radio beat after 35 years to cover horse racing for the paper. Christine Daniels, the former Mike Penner, will take over. And Stewart talks about his memories on the beat. Good luck, Larry. I’ve enjoyed reading you.

William Houston in the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that the success of the Canada-Russia Super Series earlier this month may spark a Canada-US Super Series next year.

And in the Toronto Star, Chris Zelkovich reports that the end of regulation on Canadian TV could mean a huge invasion of American sports north of the border.

That’s it for now. I’ll have updates later including Primetime & Weekend Viewing Picks, College Football Viewing Picks, NFL viewing picks and possibly Videos of the Week. I’m going to New York on Saturday so I won’t be here starting late tonight. I have to get all this in before I leave. Check back here throughout the day.

Wednesday Night Update

This is what happens when I have to drive my mother in and around Boston. I can’t listen to Howard Stern on Sirius or Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio when they’re on breaks. Again, I won’t have internet access at work for the next few days. While that’s getting resolved, I’ll have to resort to listening to regular radio and also getting info later in the day. My apologies to you, but here we go.

I’m sure Mike & Mike talked about this today. They’re going to be the second team on the opening weekend doubleheader for Monday Night Football on ESPN along with Mike Ditka and Fang’s Bites fav, Bonnie Bernstein. Last year, ESPN had Brad Nessler and Dick Vermeil. This year, Mike & Mike get the second game. USA Today’s Michael McCarthy has the story. Mike & Mike have been kind of auditioning for the job doing Monday Night Arena Football League games. Broadcasting & Cable magazine has a blurb on that plus gives a list of celebrities who will attend the absolutely horrid ESPY Awards.

I gave you the link to this yesterday, but here’s official word that the New York Knicks and Rangers will remain on 1050 ESPN Radio.

Monday is the start of Wimbledon, the third leg of tennis’ Grand Slam. NBC, ESPN and MediaZone team up to put matches online …. for a price. GRRRRR!!!!!

Yesterday, I linked to a recap of ESPN President George Bodenheimer’s appearance at a Des Moines, IA luncheon. The Des Moines Register caught up with Bodenheimer afterwards.

You know about Brett Hull leaving NBC Sports.

The Pac 10 Conference has announced its TV schedule for football.

Subscribers to Insight Cable aren’t getting selected St. Louis Cardinals games on FSN Midwest.

Good background story on the Sports Media Watch blog on how the NBA left NBC five years ago for a cable-heavy contract with ESPN/ABC and TNT.

I’ll look for more links tonight.

Thursday Update

Some more links for you today.

Jim Williams of the DC/Baltimore Examiner has the preview of the sports weekend. He also mentions a new show, Fast Cars & Superstars, hosted by ESPN’s Kenny Mayne which premieres before the NBA Finals tonight.

In his Newsday blog, Neil Best reports that SNY Mets analyst Ron Darling has signed a contract extension.

ESPN2 and ESPN360 are showing the MLB Draft from 2 -6 p.m. ET, then MLB.com will pick up the coverage. Watching ESPN’s coverage online, it looks frighteningly similar to the NFL Draft. ESPN’s Karl Ravech, Steve Phillips and Peter Gammons are on hand at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is announcing the picks just like NFL Commish Roger Goodell did in April. This being the first year in covering this draft, ESPN is lacking in some video of players, but when they do have video, the network doesn’t hesitate to show it. Plus, Gammons and Phillips give a good perspective on the young players. We’ll see if this becomes successful and goes to the MLB Network in two years. USA Today was live blogging ESPN’s coverage for about an hour.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has info about Ana Ivanovic of Serbia. Who? She’s a 19 year old tennis player from Serbia and she easily defeated Maria Sharapova today in the French Open semi-finals. She’ll face Justine Henin-Hardenne in the finals on Saturday. If you watched either the Tennis Channel or ESPN2 the last two weeks, you will have noticed how gorgeous she is. Darren linked to some of her pictures from her calendar. I don’t have to link. I can embed it right here.

She’s definitely a rising star.

In our efforts to trash Red Sox announcer Glenn Geffner, the 38 Cliches blog points out that someone made an entry for him in Wikipedia, only to have it removed.

We told you in our Thursday morning links that Versus signed a sublicensing agreement with Fox Sports Net for 5 Big 12 college football games. That agreement also includes 5 Pac 10 games, so Versus basically gets the contract that went to Turner Sports last year (thank you, Sports Media Watch). Now college football fans West of the Mississippi will have the same problems NHL fans have had with Versus and that is finding the channel. Already, I’ve culled the following games to be on Versus, Iowa-Iowa State and Cal-Stanford. Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle says fans of both teams may have trouble finding the channel.

Ron Kantowski of the Las Vegas Sun remains skeptical that the Mountain West Conference can gain wider distribution for the Mtn. channel. Thus far, the Mtn. has a few deals with various cable companies, but nothing major.

DirecTV has announced expanded coverage for the US Open Golf Championships next week including four dedicated channels. DirecTV says:

DIRECTV’s U.S. Open Mix channel (216) will offer four channels on one screen, tunable by remote to full-screen channels that will include ESPN’s weekday national telecast and three channels that will air live from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14, and Friday, June 15.

DIRECTV’s U.S. Open coverage will include:

ESPN National Telecast – The first mix cell will be devoted to the ESPN national telecast of the championship. During the 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET window, the channel will feature the NBC national broadcast to coincide with NBC’s national broadcast rights for the event.

“Featured Group” and “Featured Holes” – During the morning and early afternoon, the second channel will feature specific players as they make their way through their round. On Thursday’s opening round, the channel will feature Tiger Woods and his player group; on Friday, Phil Mickelson and his player group will be the focus.

During the late afternoon and evening, the channel will feature coverage of championship play specific to either the 8^th and 9^th holes or 17^th and 18^th holes.

“U.S. Open Up Close” – This channel will be a hosted production featuring a mix of player interviews from the Oakmont Country Club driving range, as well as press conferences with players and championship officials as they occur.

“U.S. Open Highlights” – The fourth and final corresponding channel will offer a loop of U.S. Open highlights that will be continually updated as the first two rounds unfold.

Having DirecTV, the expanded coverage for the NFL, MLB, NCAA Tournament, US Tennis Open and French Open has been an absolute joy. I’m sure next week’s interactive golf coverage will be just as enjoyable.

Primetime Viewing choices coming up.