Fang's Bites

Some Long Overdue Linkage

Due to crazy personal schedules on Tuesday and Wednesday, I wasn’t able to update the site as much as I would like. I apologize to you as I’ve been trying to keep you apprised of the latest sports media news. A few housekeeping notes, first I did some Sports Media Thoughts earlier this morning and you read them here.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing was kind to ask me on his podcast and we recorded it on Wednesday while I was on the road so the phone quality isn’t great (damn you, AT&T 3G). You can listen to what Matt and I discussed at the Awful Announcing site.

And lastly, Keith Thibault and I recorded our latest Sports Media Weekly podcast this week and our guest is Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette and the subject is college hockey coverage.

Now to our links.

Michael Smith & John Ourand from Sports Business Journal look at the possibility of ESPN and Fox Sports teaming up once again, this time to control the media rights to the Big 12 Conference. The two companies combined for the Pac-12 last year in an attempt to keep NBC Sports out of college sports and it appears the two are back at work again on the Big 12 rights.

Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim makes a very good point on the perceived conflict of interests of ESPN’s tennis announcers and the players to which they’re connected, case in point, Mary Jo Fernandez seen sitting with Roger Federer’s wife during the BNP Paribas Open last week on ABC.

Andrew McCalvy at MLB.com writes that Milwaukee Brewers Hall of Fame voice Bob Uecker will be honored with a statue outside Miller Park. Congrats to Uke on a well deserved honor. We all remember his character, Harry Doyle from the “Major League” movies and his great quote, “Juuuuust a bit outside.” Classic.

Interesting study from the Media Behavior Institute which shows a great majority still watch the NCAA Tournament on TV, but online numbers comprise a large chunk.

Ben Grossman at Broadcasting & Cable reports that Major League Baseball is looking at placing postseason games on MLB Network to boost its subscriber numbers.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News writes that MLB Network will produce a pregame show for Fox Saturday Baseball.

Tom Comi of Channel Guide Magazine would like a halt to the Tim Tebow media circus.

Mike Miller at NBC’s College Basketball Talk notes that the NCAA Tournament ratings on CBS/Turner are just about even with last year.

Eric Goldschein of SportsGrid has video of ESPN’s Mike Tirico losing it during last night’s Lakers-Mavericks game.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Wheaties may be dying a very slow and painful death.

Ronnie Ramos in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says coaches and players are learning the proper use of Twitter.

Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy notes that Rogers Sportsnet picked up on a popular internet meme and used it in an on-screen graphic.

To Fishbowl NY where Jerry Barmash talks with Kenny Albert.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that NBC Sports Network set a ratings record for hockey in NYC.

Neil notes that ESPN has a new head man-in-charge.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that CBS/Turner will bring in two coaches as guest analysts for the NCAA Tournament.

Pete says ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball crew will be busy in the first week of the MLB season.

Keith Groller at the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says Lehigh left an impression on CBS during the NCAA Tournament.

Matt Brooks of the Washington Post’s Early Lead has your viewing guide for tonight’s Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has links to some of the best columns from the late Furman Bisher.

Some of Bisher’s friends pay tribute to the man.

The AJC has a gallery of pictures showing Bisher throughout his career.

Mel Bracht of the Oklahoman looks at HBO Real Sports’ update on the 2001 plane crash that hit the Oklahoma State basketball program extremely hard.

Mel says local viewers chose Fox Sports Oklahoma over ESPN for two Oklahoma City Thunder games last week.

David Jablonski of the Dayton (OH) Daily News says a local man leads the millions of entries in ESPN’s Bracketology contest.

John Kiesewetter at the Cincinnati Enquirer is not a fan of NCAA Tournament scheduling.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the radio analyst for Bucks games has been off the air since last month.

Bob says former Brewers voice Matt Vasgersian will host the MLB Network-produced MLB on Fox pregame show.

Tom Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times remembers pioneering sportswriter Lacy J. Banks who died Wednesday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has video of Bob Costas pontificating on the Saints suspensions.

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin writes about the media fighting over staged NHL fights.

The Toronto Sports Media blog explores the local newspapers imploring the Maple Leafs to apologize to their fans for missing the playoffs.

Sports Media Watching notes that ratings on NBA TV are up.

Media Rantz says ESPN got fooled by a fake Adam Schefter Twitter account during Tim Tebow coverage last night.

We have a picture of that fake Adam Schefter tweet. “Adarn Schefter”?

Ben Koo of Awful Announcing explores the Gus Johnson departure from CBS and how it may leave him without his signature event for a long time to come.

The Convoluted Mind of a Single Man site looks at the innovations John Madden brought to NFL broadcasting.

Dave Kohl at the Broadcast Booth says league-owned networks are making big strides in production and programming.

And that will finish our links for today.

Bringing Out The Saturday Links

Let’s do some Saturday linkage for you today. Since Wednesday, I’ve been trying to trying catch up here.

John Ourand of Sports Business Daily/Sports Business Journal notes that the NFL and Time Warner Cable have ended carriage talks on NFL Network without an agreement.

Phil Swann at TV Predictions says Time Warner Cable failed to get the job done.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch looks at the new Turner Sports documentary on the 1991 and 1992 national champion Duke teams.

Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times writes in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center takes ESPN to task for waiting too long to make a decision on the Hank Williams, Jr. mess.

John Eggerton from Multichannel News says the FCC has agreed to allow MSG Network until November to provide HD feeds of its programming to Verizon and AT&T U-Verse.

The big story of Friday was the impromptu interview of Red Sox principal owner John Henry by 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. Apparently, Henry walked into the radio station angry over some things said by hosts Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti in the wake of the now-infamous Boston Globe article on the collapse of the Red Sox. Bruce Allen of Sports Media Watch recaps the interview.

Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe also listened and has an extensive recap.

Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck, former NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol, NASCAR President Bill France, Jr. and NFL Films President Steve Sabol headline this year’s class for the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has an open letter to NBA Players Association head Billy Hunter on the so-far futile negotiations between the league and the rank and file.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir notes that HBO Sports has a new president replacing Ross Greenburg who stepped down earlier this year.

Richard writes about former Oakland Raiders coach and NFL analyst John Madden mourning the death of his friend, Al Davis.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call writes that HBO will have a documentary on a New Jersey high school basketball team in search of perfection.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner suggests the Big East go after schools in big TV markets to ensure the league’s survival.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the National League Championship Series is a big hit in the local markets, but not nationally.

Bob says the start time for Game 6 of the NLCS is still up in the air.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Turner Sports’ Matt Winer has had a homecoming this week in the Gateway City.

Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times says the Anaheim Angels are close to renewing a rights deal with Fox Sports West.

John Maffei of the North County Times is not a fan of Chris Berman calling play-by-play. Who is?

Sports Media Watch has some various ratings news and notes.

That will do it.

Bringing Out Some Saturday Linkage

While I’m at work on this Saturday, I’ll do some linkage for you.

Marcus Vanderberg at SportsNewser notes that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson used a gay slur to berate a caller on a Sirius XM radio show last week.

At The Grio, Marcus looks at the legacy of the train wreck that’s known as “The Decision” a year later.

According to The Wrap, ESPN Classic will become the home of the recently wrapped “Friday Night Lights” series.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at the record viewership for the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN.

At the Buffalo News, Greg Connors reviews HBO’s documentary on Curt Flood.

In the New Jersey Newsroom, Evan Weiner has written a FAQ on the NBA and NFL lockouts.

From the Baltimore Sun, Matt Vensel writes that a local sports radio talk show host is on the streets looking for a new gig.

At the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg notes that Capitals voice Joe Beninati and John Feinstein will call Kastles World Team Tennis matches this summer.

The St. Petersburg Times tells readers not to expect the NFL Network on Bright House cable systems anytime soon.

The Dallas Morning News’ Barry Horn says the incident from Thursday’s Oakland-Texas game where a fan died trying to catch a ball tossed into the stands by Josh Hamilton was greatly mishandled by both of the networks covering the contest.

Andrew Ferraro of the Houston Chronicle writes that an exhibition NHL game scheduled for Reliant Stadium in September has been canceled and Fox Sports Southwest is now looking for another way to get the Dallas Stars into the Houston market.

Berry Tremel at the Daily Oklahoman says the Longhorn Network taking a Big 12 Conference game from Fox Sports Net is opening a can of worms for fans.

Rick Noland from the Elyria (OH) Chronicle-Telegram says we should forget about celebrating any anniversary of “The Decision.”

Steve Watkins of the Cincinnati Business Courier says the ratings for the Reds on Fox Sports Ohio are up significantly from last season.

Dave Lubach of the Sheboygan (WI) Press recaps an appearance by CBS/Golf Channel personality David Feherty at a charity golf event.

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says Fox Sports North will be airing a Minnesota Wild reality show over the next few months.

Tavis Govindjie of the Marin (CA) Independent Journal gives us this profile of a Comcast SportsNet Bay Area graphic designer.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that Oakland A’s TV voices Glen Kuiper and Ray Fosse have come under fire for being insensitive during the incident in Arlington that killed a fan. In their defense, they did not know how far the fan fell nor did they know his condition. It’s easy to sit here and criticize, but at the time, they did not know how serious the situation was.

Cam Inman of the Oakland Tribune talks with former ABC/CBS/NBC NFL analyst John Madden about the lockout and the Madden NFL ’11 video game.

The Hamilton Spectator in Canada notes that some recently found CFL footage discovered in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame has been digitized and put online.

Derek Zona of SB Nation ranks all of the NHL TV broadcasters from top to bottom.

Mike Silva’s New York Baseball Digest didn’t think the Bob Costas-Al Michaels mashup for last night’s Mets-Giants game was anything special. I disagree.

Dave Kohl in Major League Programs explains why ESPN went all in for its Wimbledon bid.

World Cup Buzz says ESPN is doing the Women’s World Cup right this year.

EPL Talk has the US TV schedules for the English Premier League “friendlies” that will take place this month.

Quite a few links today which is good to see after working into the wee hours of this morning on the Megalinks. I’ll be back tomorrow with more linkage.

Cover Athlete of Madden ’12 Video Game To Be Announced on ESPN2′s SportsNation This Wednesday

For gamers, the big announcement on who will adorn the cover of the Madden ’12 NFL video game will finally come Wednesday on ESPN2′s SportsNation with ESPN Radio hack Colon Cowherd and Friend’s of Fang’s Bites Michelle Beadle. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis are the finalists for the cover.

Exclusive Announcement of EA Sports’ Madden 12 Cover Athlete on ESPN2’s SportsNation

Philadelphia Eagles All Pro quarterback Michael Vick and Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis will visit ESPN on Wednesday, April 27, when one of them will be unveiled as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden 12 video game. The announcement will be made exclusively on ESPN2’s SportsNation at 4 p.m. with hosts Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd. Fan voting for the Madden 12 cover began March 21 when Vick and Hillis coincidentally visited the ESPN campus together (photos) to help promote the initiative. In all, one player from 31 of the 32 NFL teams (as well as the Seahawks’ 12th Man) was represented in the bracket-style tournament.  Vick and Hillis – who upset Green Bay Packers Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers in the semifinals – advanced to the finals last week after four rounds of competition. In all, more than 12.5 million votes have been cast in the EA Sports competition on ESPN.com. Final voting continues through Wednesday afternoon. In addition to SportsNation, Vick and Hillis will appear on multiple ESPN Radio and television programs throughout the day. ESPNFrontRow.com will also provide real-time, behind-the-scenes photos throughout the day.

That’s all.

NBC Airs Madden NFL ’11 Celebrity Touch Football Game This Sunday

In a prelude to Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game, NBC airs a NFL legend/celebrity touch football game as part of the launch of the new Madden ’11 video game.

Madden NFL 11 Pigskin Pro-Am

Flag Football Game Featuring NFL Legends & Hollywood Stars to Air on NBC Sunday, August 8 at 7 PM ET

Madden NFL 11 on Sale Tuesday, August 10

Craig Robinson, right, of television’s “The Office”, chases Jerry Rice, newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, during the Madden NFL 11 Pigskin Pro-Am, in Malibu, Calif., July 22, 2010. The game will air prior to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 8.  Photo/EA SPORTS, Susan Goldman, handout.

Maria Menounos, actress and television host, grabs the flag off of Kurt Warner, left, former NFL Quarterback, during the Madden NFL 11 Pigskin Pro-Am, in Malibu, Calif., July 22, 2010. The game will air prior to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 8.  Photo/EA SPORTS, Susan Goldman, handout.

Maria Menounos, actress and television host, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) following her performance at the Madden NFL 11 Pigskin Pro-Am, in Malibu, Calif., July 22, 2010.  The game will air prior to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 8.  Photo/EA SPORTS, Susan Goldman, handout

Before the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals meet in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game to kick off the 2010 NFL preseason, NFL and NBC get fans back to football with the second annual Madden NFL 11 Pigskin Pro-Am on Sunday, August 8 at 7:00 pm ET on NBC. 

NFL legends join forces with Hollywood celebrities in this exciting, action-packed, high-scoring flag football game, complete with last-second drama.  The Pigskin Pro-Am took place in Malibu, California on Thursday, July 22. 

Fans can tune in to see “Montana-To-Rice” one more time, when Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback JOE MONTANA leads The Gamers with member of the Hall of Fame class of 2010 JERRY RICE as well as “Access Hollywood’s” correspondent MARIA MENOUNOS as she takes home the game’s coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.  On the other side of the ball, Super Bowl XXXIV MVP KURT WARNER, Hall of Fame DB ROD WOODSON and host of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” CRAIG ROBINSON are a few of the stars that make up The Famers squad.  [Full team rosters below]

The Pigskin Pro-Am is part of the launch of Madden NFL 11, which goes on sale August 10. 

Some highlights from the game:

• The Famers QB Kurt Warner returns to the field just months after announcing his retirement. Can he top his performance in Super Bowl XLIII or his 2009 Playoff run in this year’s Pigskin Pro-Am?
• The Gamers’ Jerry Rice takes it to the house and returns a “kickoff” 40-yards for a touchdown.
• The Gamers’ Maria Menounos records five receptions for 55 yards, one touchdown, has one sack and two tackles.
• The Famers’ JAMES VAN DER BEEK channels Jonathon “Mox” Moxon with six receptions for 71 yards and three touchdowns, and adds six tackles.
• Down a score, The Famers’ Rod Woodson picks off Gamers QB Joe Montana allowing The Famers to drive down and score with less than 20 seconds left to take their first lead of the day. 
• In the final seconds of the game, The Gamers get inside the 10-yard line on a pass to Deion Sanders and time seemingly expires… but Coach TONY GONZALEZ calls a timeout and The Gamers get one more play.  Tune in to see if Montana has one more classic game-winning drive left in him.

Full Team Rosters:

THE GAMERS

Quinton Aaron (Actor – Michael Oher in “The Blind Side”)

Marcus Allen

Shannon Elizabeth (Actress, Model)

Joe Manganiello (Actor — Werewolf Alcide Herveaux on HBO’s “True Blood”)

Ryan McPartlin (Actor – Chuck)

Maria Menounos (Actress/Journalist – Correspondent for “Access Hollywood”)

Joe Montana

Jerry Rice

Deion Sanders, Captain

Tony Gonzalez, Coach

THE FAMERS

Ashlan Gorse (Correspondent for E!)

Michael Irvin

Stacy Keibler (Actress/Former Pro Wrestler)

Jesse Plemons (Actor – Landry Clarke on NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”)

Craig Robinson (Actor/Comedian – Host of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”)

Shannon Sharpe, Captain

James Van Der Beek (Actor)

Kurt Warner

Rod Woodson

Terrell Owens, Coach

Madden NFL 11 will be available on the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system. Madden NFL 11 will also be available for download globally on mobile platforms including iPad® and feature phones.

Madden NFL 11 is developed in Orlando, Florida by the EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®, and EA SPORTS™ MMA.

That’s it.

Our Sunday Links

Let’s do some linkage on this Sunday. I found one of my all-time favorite movies, Goldfinger on BBC America so while I wait for the NCAA Tournament later, I’ll do linkage for you.

Multichannel News reports that MSG’s high school sports channel is setting up awards for original television content produced by students.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir remembers the life of former network television sports executive Chet Simmons.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News spews venom this morning.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner has some personal remembrances of Chet Simmons.

Jim also finds some trends in the 3rd day of voting for DC’s best sports sports radio talk show.

Arek Sarkissian II from the Savannah (GA) Morning News talks with Chet Simmons’ family about his life.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that Marquette basketball coach Buzz Williams has been performing well as a guest analyst on CBS College Sports this weekend.

In the Kansas City Star, Randy Covitz writes that the local market ranks 3rd in the country in the ratings for the men’s NCAA Tournament. 

The Daily Oklahoman’s Jenni Carlson interviews ESPN women’s college basketball analyst Kara Lawson about Oklahoma University’s chances to get to the Women’s Final Four.

Tom Hoffarth from the Los Angeles Daily News looks back at the week in sports blogging.

Tom talks with former Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum who will be inducted into a local Hall of Fame.

Tom has more with Crum in his blog.

The Los Angeles Times’ Sam Farmer talks with former NFL coach and broadcaster John Madden about several current league issues

Artie Gigantino from the San Francisco Examiner likes the new NFL overtime rules.

Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that the Pirates have signed a long term rights agreement with FSN Pittsburgh ensuring at least 150 games on the network.

NESN says it will air its final two Red Sox spring training games today and tomorrow.

Sean Leahy at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy looks at an ESPN NHL player poll which gives Commissioner Gary Bettman low marks as well as the league’s current TV coverage.

The Sports Media Watch gives its weekend ratings predictions.

SMW says NASCAR’s ratings continue to drop.

Sox & Dawgs has an ESPN Outside the Lines feature on UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

That’s going to do it for this Sunday. Enjoy your day.

NFL Network To Premiere Full Color Football This Week

In what has to be considered a very good move, NFL Network will air all five parts of the Showtime/NFL Films documentary series “Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League.” This is a very good series and with NFL Films’ touches, it comes off very well. Great rare footage that gives the viewer a feel for the play and the personalities of the league. Plus, John Madden who was a coach on the Oakland Raiders will offer introductions to each segment.

NFL FILMS’ FULL COLOR FOOTBALL: THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DEBUTS ON NFL NETWORK

NEW INTRODUCTIONS BY HALL OF FAMER JOHN MADDEN

Five-part documentary series premieres friday, Jan. 8 at 8:00 pm et

The highly acclaimed documentary series produced by the Emmy Award-winning NFL Films, Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League debuts on NFL Network, Friday, January 8 at 8:00 PM ET in high definition.  The five-part series features new introductions by Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden as he gives his personal insights into what made the AFL a special league.

Full Color Football follows the birth of the maverick American Football League from the beginning to the merger with the rival National Football League.  The series, which debuted on Showtime last year, profiles the personalities, teams, news events and more that the exciting new league brought to the fans.  The 2009 season marked the 50^th season of the eight original AFL teams who played their inaugural slate of games in 1960.

New for the episodes on NFL Network, John Madden provides his point of view on each episode of Full Color Football. As an AFL assistant and head coach, Madden’s eye for the times, faces, and moments of the 10-season history of the AFL is uncanny and telling. His introductions provide insights which compliment both his interviews within the shows, as well as the storytelling throughout the series.

The story of the AFL is told through rare interviews with some of the biggest names in the league including Joe Namath, Al Davis and many others in addition to highlights and previously unseen footage in every episode.

Episode One, “The New Frontier,” examines Lamar Hunt’s radical idea that was born on an airplane after the NFL refused his attempt to purchase a pro football franchise.  Follow the seemingly foolish dream into reality through the back stories of the AFL founders.  From the league’s humble beginnings of games played in mostly empty stadiums to the landmark 1962 AFL Championship – a double overtime thriller — Part One takes an in-depth look at the beginning of “The New Frontier.”

Full Color Football has been praised by the media:

“Like most NFL Films productions, it’s can’t miss TV.”– Randy Covitz, Kansas City Star

 “Full Color Football…was produced by NFL Films, so right away you know it’s a winner. If you are a fan of football, there’s no better way to spend 60 minutes.” – Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News

Additional episodes feature:

Full Color Football #2 (Thursday, Jan. 14 10:00 PM ET)

The new league faces challenges drawing attention and recognition but the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers gain national fame, plus how the Civil Rights movement changes pro sports.

Full Color Football #3 (Thursday, Jan. 21 10:00 PM ET)

The AFL and NFL had “signing wars” when it came to signing and drafting college players. A deal with NBC boosts the league and makes a media star of Joe Namath and the creation of the Super Bowl.

Full Color Football #4 (Thursday, Jan. 28  9:00 PM ET)

Joe Namath, the first major star of the AFL, leads the New York Jets to a stunning upset victory over the highly favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.

Full Color Football #5 (Thursday, Jan. 28 10:00 PM ET)

The AFL impact following the merger with the NFL is recognized as the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL beat the Vikings in Super Bowl IV.  The new “Monday Night Football” helps make football America’s most popular sport.

I saw the first two installments and the last twenty minutes of the fifth program. By all means, watch the documentary if you have NFL Network.

A Tuesday Link Thing

Let’s do some Tuesday links for you.

USA Today’s Michael McCarthy writes about ESPN ramping up its documentary unit.

Also from USA Today, Michael Hiestand looks at the ratings of some of the events from this weekend.

From yesterday’s Sports Business Daily, they look at how the US Olympic Committee is being given much of the blame for Chicago’s failed 2016 bid.

SBD says it appears that the USOC will pass on bidding for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The SBD notes that Rio’s win for 2016 will open the door for more first time bidders.

SBD reports that the Chicago 2016 group will shut down later this month.

Terry Lefton of the SBD says the NBA’s international exhibition games are seeing a record number of sponsors.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says corporations wasted a lot of tickets last year.

From the National Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University, Eric Deggans reviews tonight’s premiere of ESPN’s “30 for 30″ documentary project.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes that TBS’ David Wells is still angry at former Yankees manager Joe Torre.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says Sunday Night Football is a primetime series on which NBC can hang its hat.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman was surprised to hear SNY’s Keith Hernandez mention his contract negotiations on the air.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette links to the MAAC TV schedule.

Alan Sepinwall of the Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger reviews “Kings Ransom” which is part of ESPN’s “30 for 30″ series.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says NFL Network’s RedZone is fun to watch.

From Pittsburgh Today, Dev Meyers writes about a strange story in which the former boyfriend of the niece of late Steelers radio analyst Myron Cope is allowed to keep memorabilia Cope gave to her.

Nick Madigan and Frederick N. Rasmussen of the Baltimore Sun report that former assistant managing sports editor of the paper and business editor since May, Timothy M. Wheatley died of a car accident.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times looks at ESPN’s “30 for 30″ series.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that TBS is all over today’s AL Central Division playoff game.

Joseph Person of The State says CBS is considering airing the South Carolina-Alabama game on October 17.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has the NFL TV schedule for this week in the Metroplex.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle says the Texans’ ratings were decent on Sunday.

The Dayton Daily News’ Reds beat writer Hal McCoy says goodbye to his readers.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer suggests Pawsox announcer Dan Hoard to replace outgoing Reds announcer George Grande.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business wonders if the Windy City would tune out the Olympics in 2016.

Jeff Coen of the Chicago Tribune says the man accused of stalking Erin Andrews has been ordered to undergo home confinement.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says one thing that worked for ESPN during Monday Night Football in a night of hyperbole and overgushing was Jon Gruden.

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune says Brett Favre moved the ratings meter both in the Twin Cities and nationally.

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times was one of the select few to get an invite to John Madden’s Pleasanton, CA soundstage to watch some football on Sunday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the college football TV schedule for SoCal.

Tom reviews “Kings Ransom”, the first installment of ESPN’s “30 for 30″ documentary project.

Jerry Ulmer of the Oregonian writes that a high school football coach was surprised to see the highlights of his team’s games on SportsCenter.

To the Sports Media Watch. It says Fox saw its first ratings drop for the NFL on Sunday.

On the other hand, CBS saw its first ratings jump of the season.

ABC saw its highest overnight ratings of the season for college football.

SMW notes college football was also good to CBS and NBC.

Baseball continues to slump for Fox.

NASCAR’s ratings are also sliding.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that last night’s Monday Night Football game most likely set a cable ratings record.

Joe Favorito says good on the Dodgers for taking their brand to the people.

The Big Lead has video of ESPN college football analyst Mark May either yawning or making an obscene gesture on College Gameday Final.

Kristine Leahy has The Five at WEEI.com.

And we’re done for now.

John Madden Named As Special Advisor to the NFL Commish

Add a new title for John Madden. The former coach, former Emmy Award-winning analyst, Pro Football Hall of Famer and video game pioneer now adds Special Advisor to Commissioner Roger Goodell. I think Madden’s going to be busy this season.

JOHN MADDEN NAMED SPECIAL ADVISOR TO

COMMISSIONER GOODELL

Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach and legendary broadcaster JOHN MADDEN has been appointed “Special Advisor to the Commissioner,” the NFL announced today.

Madden will advise Commissioner ROGER GOODELL on matters pertaining to the game, including competitive issues, coaching and personnel development, technological innovations, player safety, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The position will be unpaid.

“John Madden still has tremendous passion for the game and offered to continue to play a constructive role for the league,” Goodell said. “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse. His experience, deep knowledge and unique perspective will be a major asset to our game.”

Madden will work with NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations RAY ANDERSON to provide input on multiple football-related issues and also chair the Coaches Subcommittee to the Competition Committee. Members of the subcommittee and topics for review will be jointly selected by Madden and Commissioner Goodell. The subcommittee will report to the full Competition Committee prior to the annual meeting.

“Throughout my life, I have always had a football season,” Madden said. “As a player, as a coach, and as a broadcaster. When I retired from broadcasting, I didn’t retire from my passion and interest in the game. This position enables me to continue that.”

Madden will participate in meetings of the General Managers Advisory Committee and take part in a weekly call with Commissioner Goodell or his designee to discuss issues from the previous week’s games. Madden will be available as needed for additional consultation.

Madden served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969-78, leading the club to a 112-39-7 record and a win in Super Bowl XI. Following his coaching career, Madden turned to television, where for the next 30 years he won 16 Emmys and became one of the most acclaimed sports broadcasters in history, calling NFL games for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC before retiring on April 16.

So Madden who said he’ll be watching practically every single game at his Pleasanton, CA home will be busy with NFL issues. I’d love to hear him talking about the NFL as a spokesman. That would be quite interesting.

The First NFL on CBS Announcing Assignments of the Season

For those of you into the NFL announcing assignments like I am, CBS has set their game lineup for the first three weeks of the season. Week 1 always has regional action as it falls on the same day as the US Open Men’s Final. Then CBS comes back with a vengeance with two consecutive doubleheaders in Weeks 2 and 3.

In addition, CBS had a conference call today and not only had Jim Nantz and Phil Simms partake, but former #1 announcing team Pat Summerall and John Madden as well. You can take a look.

THE NFL ON CBS: WEEK 1 (SUNDAY, SEPT. 13)

AUDIBLES WITH “NFL ON CBS” LEAD ANNOUNCE TEAM JIM NANTZ AND PHIL SIMMS AND LEGENDARY “NFL ON CBS” ANNOUNCE TEAM PAT SUMMERALL AND JOHN MADDEN

The CBS Television Network, home of Super Bowl XLIV, begins its Golden Anniversary 50^th year broadcasting the NFL with regional coverage as THE NFL ON CBS kicks off its 2009 NFL season broadcast schedule on Sunday, Sept. 13 (1:00-4:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY, the Network’s one-hour studio show (12:00 NOON-1:00 PM, ET), live from THE NFL TODAY studio in New York City.

THE NFL ON CBS lead announce team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms call the action from the New York Jets-Houston Texans game live from Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Lance Barrow is the coordinating producer and lead game producer and Mike Arnold is the lead game director.

Throughout the 2009 season, THE NFL ON CBS will broadcast all of its games each week in HDTV, the highest definition television format – 1080i lines of picture resolution – along with 5.1 digital audio.

Sean McManus is President, CBS News and Sports, and serves as executive producer of CBS Sports’ coverage of THE NFL ON CBS. Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

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EXCERPTS FROM “THE NFL ON CBS” CONFERENCE CALL ON SEPT. 1

OPENING REMARKS

(On having Pat Summerall and John Madden joining Jim Nantz and Phil Simms on THE NFL ON CBS conference call in celebrating 50 years of THE NFL ON CBS):

Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports

It’s a little different having two men on the CBS conference call that haven’t worked for CBS for quite some time. But we really wanted to do something very different and something dramatic to highlight the fact of 50 years televising any sport is pretty amazing. But televising the most important sport in America for 50 years, and having done more NFL football games and more Super Bowls than any other network, we felt we would do something very special by having John (Madden) and Pat (Summerall) on the call. When you look at the names that have been involved with the coverage of THE NFL ON CBS…going back to Chris Schenkel and Ray Scott, Jack Buck, Lindsey Nelson, Frank Gifford, Curt Gowdy, Jack Whitaker, Al Michaels, Vin Scully and Verne Lundquist. That doesn’t even include the lineup that we have today with such people as Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf, JB (James Brown), Greg Gumbel, etc. I firmly believe, and I think it is really a given, that when they were doing the NFL together there has never been a better team than Pat Summerall and John Madden on NFL football. I think that is an unquestioned fact. And I like to think now that they are no longer together that the two guys that we have in the booth, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, really are carrying on that tradition of being the best in the NFL booth. I’m proud to have two men who are legends on our call. I thank them for joining us. And I’m proud to have Jim and Phil up in the booth also carrying on the great tradition that John and Pat set so amazingly well when they were with CBS all those years.

Jim Nantz, Lead Play-by-Play Announcer, THE NFL ON CBS

I am honored to be on the call with these two great men and my partner Phil Simms. It’s really special to hear their voices. They’re both friends. Just hearing Pat’s voice, I could listen to Pat order breakfast and it would make my day. It’s really spectacular, a very big thing. Fifty years. We know it’s not a continuous 50, but it’s more years than anyone, more broadcasts, more Super Bowls, this being the 17^th for CBS, and just to be able to say you’re on the roster…it’s a real thrill.

Phil Simms, Lead Analyst, THE NFL ON CBS

I’m honored to be the phone call today. I played for the New York Giants and CBS covered most of those games. I sat in a meeting room a lot of times with John Madden and Pat Summerall. We had some laughs and I probably told them way too much information about the game. It was a lot fun. Now as an announcer, I’m proud to be a part of CBS’s football coverage.

Pat Summerall, NFL ON CBS Announcer (1962-93)

I don’t remember Phil ever telling us too much. I remember he was very selective in what he told us…The first one of the seminars (NFL ON CBS production seminar) that you mentioned Jim that I went to was in 1962*. I think that everybody who was at that meeting that day in 1962 has passed away…The Cowboys had just come into the League so there were 13 (teams) then…As I remember each team had its own set of announcers. It was unlike it is today. Of all those announcers that were in that room that day, I think I might be the only one still alive. What an honor it is to be a part of this group.

John Madden, NFL ON CBS Analyst (1979-93)

I love tradition and I love history. This is kind of what it’s all about – CBS, NFL – that just brings back so many great memories of the foundation of the game. That was my first job in television and they gave me an opportunity. The people that give you your first opportunity, your first chance in anything, you always have a certain loyalty to them. So this call, this time, this 50 years – it means an awful lot to me.

* The roster for the 1962 NFL ON CBS announce team: Joe Bach, Tom Brookshier, Bill Brundige, Tony Canadeo, Herb Carneal, George Connor, Ken Coleman, Jack Drees, Bill Fischer, Bob Fouts, Ed Gallaher, Jim Gibbons, Frank Glieber, Red Grange, Bob Kelley, Warren Lahr, Davey O’Brien, Van Patrick, Bosh Pritchard, Bob Reynolds, Gordon Saltau, Chris Schenkel, Ray Scott, Gil Stratton, Pat Summerall, Chuck Thompson, Clayton Tonnemaker and Joe Tucker

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Following are THE NFL ON CBS assignments for Week 1, Week 2 and Week 3 (subject to change).

WEEK 1 – Sept. 13

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST

1:00 PM, ET starts:

• Miami @ Atlanta – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
• Kansas City @ Baltimore – Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon
  
• Denver @ Cincinnati – Gus Johnson/Dan Fouts
• Jacksonville @ Indianapolis – Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
• N.Y. Jets @ Houston – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms

WEEK 2 – Sept. 20 – CBS DOUBLEHEADER

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST

1:00 PM, ET starts:

• New England @ N.Y. Jets – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
• Cincinnati @ Green Bay – Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon
• Houston @ Tennessee – Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker
• Oakland @ Kansas City – Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots

4:15 PM, ET starts:

• Pittsburgh @ Chicago – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
• Baltimore @ San Diego – Dick Enberg/Dan Fouts
• Cleveland @ Denver – Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein

WEEK 3 – Sept. 27 – CBS DOUBLEHEADER

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST

1:00 PM, ET starts:

• Kansas City @ Philadelphia – Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
• Cleveland @ Baltimore – Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker
• Jacksonville @ Houston – Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein
• Tennessee @ N.Y. Jets – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf

4:15 PM, ET starts:

• Miami @ San Diego – Dick Enberg/Dan Fouts
• Denver @ Oakland – Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon
• Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
  

So there you have the assignments. I like having Screamin’ Gus Johnson on the Browns-Ravens game in Week 3. He should have some gems in that game.

More Sunday Linkage

I have some more linkage for you on this Sunday. Some good stuff to get to while I try to forget the Yankees-Red Sox game and the fact that I still don’t have a TV right now. We’ll discuss that on Monday.

Anyway, Ben Grossman of Broadcasting & Cable talked with Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer who has calmed down after wanting to punch a few ESPN people for mocking his Favre-to-Minnesota story last week.

Glen Dickson of B&C says the High Def super slo-mo are beginning to catch up with technology.

Wayne Friedman of Mediapost says network ad sales for the NFL have been quite slow as the season opener approaches.

Elizabeth Kim of the Connecticut Post says NBC is expanding its production into Stamford joining the NBC Sports office which have been there since 1997.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times caught up with John Madden last week.

Josh Land of the Carroll County (MD) Times feels ESPN went overboard on the Vick and Favre coverage.

David Climer in the Tennessean says former Vols coach Phil Fulmer is using TV as a springboard to get another job on the sidelines.

Kyle Veazey of the Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger writes that SEC football fans will have to be prepared for a lot more games on TV and plenty of them to be played at night.

Rich Lieberman of the San Francisco Examiner feels new 49ers voice Ted Robinson is already in mid-season form.

Joe Favorito says the Baltimore Ravens reaching out to the military helps its standing in the community.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com writes about the number of players who are looking to broadcasting when they retire from the game.

Staci D. Kramer of paidContent.org says NBC Sports and the NFL will stream Sunday Night Football once again this season, but no embedding will be allowed.

Chris Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media has the entire 2009 college football on TV schedule.

The Sports Media Watch reviews last week in the sports media.

Dave Warner of EPL Talk says for the most part, ESPN2′s return to the English Premier League has gone well.

The CSMB blog notices that WBZ-FM/98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston is off to a not-so-good start.

That’s the poop for now. Back with more links on Monday.

Bringing You Tuesday Links

Here are some links for you today. Time to give you linkage. I was busy earlier compiling the list of NFL flagship TV stations for exhibition season. I’ll do a list of NFL radio networks as we get closer to the regular season. Right now, it’s the links so let’s get to them.

Bob Kimball of USA Today looks at the ratings of various events from the weekend.

ESPN.com offers a preview of tonight’s E:60 in which Cleveland Browns WR Donte Stallworth talks about his DUI arrest.

Lou Kesten of the Associated Press says EA Sports is teaming up with ESPN to promote the release of the Madden NFL 10 video game.

Newsday’s Neil Best says the Patriots’ Tom Brady acquitted himself well during an appearance on HBO’s Entourage on Sunday.

Neil reviews a new book on baseball icon “Moonlight” (Doc) Graham. If you saw Field of Dreams, then you know why Doc Graham is an icon.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times looks at a series of Tank McNamara comic strips regarding Michael Vick and NFL Commish Roger Goodell that caused the Washington Post to drop two installments this week.

Richard writes an appreciation of Eunice Shriver who died today at the age of 88.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News wonders where was the overboard coverage from ESPN on David Ortiz?

CNBC’s Darren Rovell feels Michael Vick is taking the wrong approach to the media.

Darren writes that the owners of a $16 million horse are still hoping to make money from their investment.

Evan Weiner writing for MCN Sports warns that hockey could be falling in popularity in Toronto of all places.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks about Donte Stallworth and Michael Vick starting their media apology tours this week.

Pete has the TV schedule for this week’s PGA Championship.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says the Terrell Owens VH-1 reality show is distorting present day reality.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call liked NBC’s halftime tribute to John Madden.

If you didn’t see it, this is the tribute that ran during the Hall of Fame game:

Ed McGranahan of the Greenville (SC) News looks at the new media restrictions imposed by the SEC.

Tommy Hicks of the Mississippi News writes that thanks to the new SEC media contracts, Mississippi and Mississippi State will be on TV a lot more.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks at a rare NFL double-dip coming up this week.

Mike Pryson of the Jackson (MI) Citizen Patriot says NASCAR nor Michigan International Speedway are worried about the TV ratings for this season’s races.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business pays tribute to the editor of Chicagoland Golf who passed away Monday.

Ed also looks at the commercial and media fallout from the arrest of Chicago Blackhawk star Patrick Kane.

Kevin Druley from the Dekalb (IL) Daily Chronicle profiles Golf Channel analyst Dottie Pepper.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says an ESPN publication has rated Packer Charles Woodson in the top 5 of all cornerbacks in the NFL.

Gieson Cacho of the San Jose Mercury News tells us that Monday Night Football will be all over the release of Madden NFL 10.

Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee says a former sports radio talk show host has landed on his feet with a hot girlfriend and a high profile gig on Comcast SportsNet California.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that ESPN Deportes gets its first “SportsCenter” ad campaign.

Mike writes that Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic is broadening its programming with its new media rights agreement with the Washington Redskins.

Tristan O’Connor of Media Week UK talks with the woman in charge of putting ESPN on the air in time for the English Premier League season this week.

The Sports Media Watch has the weekend ratings.

The Slashgear blog notes that the Roku media player has added MLB.TV to its TV offerings.

Steve Donohue from Contentinople talks about Turner Sports’ multiplatform coverage of this week’s PGA Championship.

Kristine Leahy of WEEI.com has the latest version of The Five.

Ok, that’s it. I’m going to be watching the Red Sox and listening to WBCN’s final farewell tonight.

A Sunday Grind

Now that I’m recovered from my night at Mohegan Sun, I’m back and ready to give you some linkage.

Before I provide the links, I’ll tell you that my experience at Bobby’s Burger Palace was really disappointing. I went because someone recommended the place to me and I decided to break my personal ban from hamburger joints for this one night (trying to lose weight). Number one, I’m not a fan of Bobby Flay, I think he’s arrogant and a self-promoter. Number two, the person who recommended the place is someone I trust. Number three, the burger I had, “Bobby’s Blue Burger” with blue cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato was not only not hot, but it was too salty (most likely the blue cheese) and his sweet potato fries were not that good. Very disappointed, but not too surprised since Bobby Flay is all-talk. I’ll never go there again. I’ll just head to the trusty buffets at Mohegan Sun.

To your links now.

Newsday goes over the best of Neil Best’s blogs from the last week.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman is already plotting to bring John Madden back to the broadcast booth .

Phil Mushnick in the New York Post admits that he missed WFAN’s Mike Francesa.

Alan Pergament from the Buffalo News caught up with Shaquille O’Neal who begins his reality show later this month.

Jason Lewis from the Tuscaloosa (AL) News writes that the SEC is instituting a new media policy thanks to its new contract with ESPN. Thanks to the Big Lead for the link.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bob Wolfley mentions that former Packer WR Sterling Sharpe is mentioned in an NFL Network program and the Packers brought in NBC’s Cris Collinsworth to talk about their media duties.

Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star says ESPN’s Chris Mortensen took a side trip from his bus ride across the country to visit Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The daughter of Chicago sports radio personality Dan Jiggetts got married yesterday.

Artie Gigantino of the San Francisco Examiner says ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has a dream gig this summer.

The Los Angeles Times’ Diane Pucin profiles NBC’s Cris Collinsworth who begins his first season as game analyst on Sunday Night Football tonight.

Diane urges the Tennis Channel to update some of their features that have been taped as many as two years ago. Diane and I exchanged Tweets about this last night.

The Tri-Cities (WA) Herald says Washington State and FSN Northwest have extended their rights deal for the next 8 years.

John Eggerton of Multichannel News writes that MASN appears to have lost a huge battle to get carried on Comcast systems in PA and VA.

The Sports Media Watch notes that the ratings for last week’s Pennsylvania 500 fell, but coverage of last Sunday’s rain delay drew the highest sports TV ratings.

SMW has some news on some various names including where Mike Vick will grant his first interview.

SMW has more ratings odds and ends.

And the Sports Media Watch has its usual ratings predictions for the weekend.

Joe Favorito says a public relations stunt done correctly can help expand a “global” brand.

The AfterDawn blog says NBC Sports is moving its HD programming online using Microsoft’s Silverlight technology. That includes the 2010 Winter Olympics.

That will do it. Expect a review of “The Lost Son of Havana” sometime today.

Statement from Al Michaels on John Madden

NBC’s Al Michaels made a statement today on the retirement of his broadcast partner since 2002.

STATEMENT FROM AL MICHAELS ON JOHN MADDEN’S RETIREMENT

John will always have a unique place in the history of pro football.

No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John. There's never been anyone like him and he's been the gold standard for analysts for almost three decades.

On a personal note, I'll miss working with John on many levels. As a broadcast partner, I could always count on him -- no one ever came to work more prepared. As a friend and confidante, loyalty has always been paramount to John. And all in all, he was simply just great company.

As John said today, 'it was time." That's John -- succint, pithy and right to the point. Working with John for the last seven years has provided memories I'll always treasure. My only regret is that it wasn't 27.

Over a broadcast career that spanned 30 years, you can count Madden’s broadcast partners on one hand. Gary Bender, Vin Scully, Pat Summerall, Verne Lundquist and Al Michaels. Not many people can say that.

Cris Collinsworth Joins Al Michaels on Sunday Night Football

Just confirmed by NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol in a media conference call formally announcing the retirement of John Madden.

Cris Collinsworth moves from the NBC Sports Football Night in America studio to the Sunday Night Football booth. He’ll join Al Michaels starting in August when the preseason gets underway.

We did have a taste of a Michaels-Collinsworth broadcast team last season when Madden took a week off on October 19, 2008 when they called the Seattle-Tampa Bay game.

Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on John Madden

NFL Commish Roger Goodell has the following statement on the retirement of John Madden from broadcasting.

STATEMENT FROM NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL

ON THE RETIREMENT OF JOHN MADDEN

There is one thing football fans have agreed on for decades: they all love John Madden.

John was a Hall of Fame coach before becoming one of the most-celebrated personalities in sports. He had an incredible talent for explaining the game in an unpretentious way that made it more understandable and fun.

John’s respect and passion for the game always stood out. He was the ultimate football fan who also happened to be an extraordinarily talented coach and broadcaster.

As namesake of the world’s most popular sports videogame, John also introduced the game of football to generations of young fans.

It is only fitting that his last game as an announcer was this year’s Super Bowl – the most-watched TV program of all-time. He is stepping down as a true Super Bowl champion.

The NFL has been good to John Madden and John Madden has been a tremendous ambassador for the NFL.

The Madden Broadcasting Timeline

1978 – Retires from coaching the Oakland Raiders

1979 – Joins CBS Sports at a color commentator and is teamed with Gary Bender on regional NFL games.

1981 – CBS Sports President Van Gordon Sauter and Executive Producer Terry O’Neil team Madden with Pat Summerall on the network’s “A” broadcasts.

1982 – Summerall and Madden call Super Bowl XVI, the first of five they would call together for CBS Sports.

1984 – Creates the All-Madden Team which became a regular network special before the Super Bowl.

1980′s & 1990′s – On Thanksgiving Day games, Madden would award turkey drumsticks to players of the winning team. Eventually, they became Turduckens, a combination of turkey and duck with eight drumsticks.

1993 – Summerall and Madden leave CBS Sports when it loses the NFL and move to Fox Sports where they would call three more Super Bowls.

2002 – Madden joins ESPN/ABC to call Monday Night Football with Al Michaels. They would call two Super Bowls for ABC.

2006 – Michaels and Madden leave ESPN/ABC to join NBC to be the announcing team for Sunday Night Football. Madden became the first man to work for all of the NFL’s network over the air TV partners.

February 1, 2009 – Michaels and Madden call Super Bowl XLIII.

April 16, 2009 – Madden announces his retirement from broadcasting.

John Madden’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Speech

With John Madden retiring from broadcasting today, I thought I would post his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, the same year he joined NBC Sports.

This is part one of his speech.

Here’s part 2.

Madden definitely made an impact on broadcasting, bringing his personality to the booth. In addition, the impact he made as a commercial pitchman for Lite Beer, Ace Hardware and Tinactin is immense. Of course, gamers love Madden as well.

BREAKING NEWS: John Madden Retires From Broadcasting

Just saw this on SportsCenter and just got the press release from NBC Sports. This shakes up Sunday Night Football. You have to believe Cris Collinsworth will be the analyst for NBC with Al Michaels. Where this leaves Collinsworth for the NFL Network is unknown, but I would think NBC would not allow him to do the Thursday Night games.

JOHN MADDEN RETIRES FROM BROADCASTING

NEW YORK – April 16, 2009 – NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol announced today that John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and the most honored broadcaster in sports television history, has decided to retire from broadcasting.

Madden issued the following statement today:

It's time. I'm 73 years old.  My 50th wedding anniversary is this fall. I have two great sons and their families and my five grandchildren are at an age now when they know when I'm home and, more importantly, when I'm not... It's been such a great ride... the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion – it still is.  I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have... that great life with the teams, the players, the coaches, the owners, the League... my broadcasting partners Pat and Al... the production people and the fans...is still great... it's still fun and that's what it makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision.  I still love every part of it – the travel, the practices, the game film, the games, seeing old friends and meeting new people... but I know this is the right time. John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and the most honored NFL broadcaster of all time, has served as the game analyst for "NBC Sunday Night Football" since 2006. Madden, who has won an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality, is renowned by football fans nationwide for his ability to analyze the details of the game with wit, candor and an inimitable style. Madden has been an NFL broadcaster for 30 years. On February 1, Madden earned rave reviews and critical acclaim in his final game, the 11th Super Bowl he called – Super Bowl XLIII on NBC.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has honored Madden with 16 Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality Emmy Awards, the most recent from this past season.  In all, Madden has been nominated for 18 Emmy Awards. In addition, the American Sportscasters Association named him Sports Personality of the Year in 1985 and 1992. In 1982, Madden became the first NFL analyst to receive the Touchdown Club of America's prestigious Golden Mike Award.  Sports Illustrated has called Madden "an American fixture" and said that he "brings an unequaled big-game buzz to the broadcast booth."

Prior to joining the broadcasting ranks, Madden had an outstanding career as head coach of the NFL's Oakland Raiders. He guided the Raiders to an overall record of 103-32-7, leading the team to seven AFC Western Division titles and a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. Madden's .750 winning percentage is the best of any head coach in NFL history. In 2006, Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Head Coach.

A linebacker coach when he began his NFL coaching career with Oakland in 1967, Madden became the head coach in 1969 at age 33, the youngest head coach in the American Football League. Madden retired in 1979 and started his broadcasting career at CBS later that same year.  Madden was the lead NFL analyst for FOX from 1994-2002 and the analyst for ABC's "Monday Night Football" for four years before he came to NBC Sports in 2006. He is the only person to work as the lead analyst for all four broadcast networks.

Madden's EA Sports video game "Madden NFL Football" is the No. 1 selling sports video game of all-time with more than 65 million copies sold since its release 20 years ago.  Madden is also one of the leading spokesmen in the advertising world, with endorsement relationships including Ace Hardware, Outback Steakhouse, Schering Plough (Tinactin), Verizon Wireless and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Before coaching in Oakland, Madden was the defensive coordinator at San Diego State from 1964-66 where the Aztecs were ranked first among small colleges with a 26-4 record. From 1960-64 Madden coached at Hancock Junior College in Santa Maria, Calif.

Madden started on both the offensive and defensive lines as a player for California Polytechnic College at San Luis Obispo in 1957 and 1958 and was voted to the All-Conference team. He was also a catcher on the school's baseball team. Madden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and a Master of Arts degree in 1961, both from Cal Poly. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the 21st round of the 1958 NFL draft, but a knee injury in his rookie season prematurely ended his career.

Madden is the author of several New York Times best-selling books: Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!); One Knee Equals Two Feet (and Everything Else You Need To Know About Football); One Size Doesn't Fit All; and All Madden, each written with New York Times sports columnist Dave Anderson. He has also written a cookbook titled John Madden's Ultimate Tailgating.

Born April 10, 1936 in Austin, Minn., Madden was raised in Daly City, Calif. He now resides in Pleasanton, Calif., with his wife, Virginia. The couple has two sons and five grandchildren.

More to follow. Crazy week.