Fang's Bites

Attention! We Have Our First Flex of The NFL Season

Yes, boys and girls, the NFL has flexed Pats-’Fins out of the primetime slot and put in … wait for it now… Vikings-Cards into primetime! That means another appearance of Brett Favre on national TV and I know that’s something that makes you jump up and down. Ok, maybe not, but wait for the NBC hype machine… “Brett Favre! The Minnesota Vikings! They take on Kurt Warner! And the NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals!” It’ll happen.

Here’s the sched for Week 13 in the League Where They Play for Pay.

WEEK 13 FLEX SCHEDULING:

MINNESOTA-ARIZONA TO BE NBC SUNDAY NIGHT GAME ON DEC. 6; PATRIOTS-DOLPHINS MOVES TO 1:00 PM ON CBS

The Week 13 Minnesota Vikings-Arizona Cardinals game on Sunday, December 6 will be played at 8:20 PM ET on NBC and the New England Patriots-Miami Dolphins game that day will move to 1:00 PM ET on CBS, the NFL announced today.

Following is the final Week 13 NFL schedule:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 (WEEK 13)

N.Y. JETS AT BUFFALO (TORONTO)

8:20p (ET)

NFLN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

PHILADELPHIA AT ATLANTA	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
TAMPA BAY AT CAROLINA	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
ST. LOUIS AT CHICAGO	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
DETROIT AT CINCINNATI	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
TENNESSEE AT INDIANAPOLIS	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI*	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
OAKLAND AT PITTSBURGH	1:00 PM (ET)	CBS
NEW ORLEANS AT WASHINGTON	1:00 PM (ET)	FOX
SAN DIEGO AT CLEVELAND	4:05 PM (ET)	CBS
DALLAS AT N.Y. GIANTS	4:15 PM (ET)	FOX
SAN FRANCISCO AT SEATTLE	4:15 PM (ET)	FOX
MINNESOTA AT ARIZONA*	8:20 PM (ET)	NBC

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

BALTIMORE AT GREEN BAY

8:30 PM (ET)

ESPN

The flex schedule game time changes for this Sunday (Nov. 29) are Chicago at Minnesota and Arizona at Tennessee on FOX at 4:15 PM ET.

The NFL could schedule a few more games for the late afternoon slot instead of being so top heavy at 1 p.m. ET. That’s it for now. Links coming in the afternoon.

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

College Basketball

Cancun Challenge, Cancun, Mexico
Quarterfinal/Cleveland State vs. Kentucky – CBS College Sports, 4:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal/Stanford vs. Virginia – CBS College Sports, 7 p.m.

CBE Classic, Kansas City, MO
Consolation/Iowa vs. Wichita State – ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.
Championship/Texas vs. Pittsburgh – ESPN2, 10 p.m.

Maui Invitational, Maui, HI
Chaminade vs. Vandervbilt – ESPN2, 1:30 p.m.
Colorado vs. Arizona – ESPN2, 4 p.m.
Maryland vs. Cincinnati – ESPN, 7 p.m.
Gonzaga vs. Wisconsin – ESPN, 10 p.m.

Lipscomb at Ohio State – Big Ten Network, 7 p.m.
Florida State at Florida – Fox Sports North/Fox Sports South/FSN Rocky Mountain/NESN/Sun Sports, 7 p.m.
UNC-Asheville at Georgia – Comcast SportsSouth, 7 p.m.
South Dakota at Marquette – Big East Network, 8 p.m.
Wofford at Illinois – ESPNU, 9:30 p.m.

College Football
Ball State at Western Michigan – ESPN2, 7 p.m.

NBA
Oklahoma City at Utah – NBA TV, 9 p.m.

NHL
Columbus at Montreal – RDS/TSN/Fox Sports Ohio, 7:30 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Tennis
ATP World Tour Finals – Tennis Channel, 2 p.m.

Entertainment
V- ABC, 8 p.m.
NCIS – CBS, 8 p.m.
NCIS: Los Angeles – CBS, 9 p.m.
Frontline: The Card Game – PBS, 9 p.m.
Super Dave’s Spike-Tacular – Spike, 9 p.m.
Sons of Anarchy – FX, 10 p.m.
Big Break Disney Golf – Golf Channel, 10 p.m.
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel – HBO, 10 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – CBS, 11:35 p.m.

College Football Releases

Two college football press releases for you here and then two NFL releases in the next post will round out our posts for tonight.

First, here’s what games you’ll see this week on the ESPN family of networks.

No. 3 Texas on Thanksgiving; No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 6 Boise State on Friday

contact: michael.c.humes@espn.com

ESPN’s college football coverage this week will include telecasts involving three of the remaining six undefeated teams across Thanksgiving and Friday: No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. on ESPN; as well as No. 5 Cincinnati against Illinois and No. 6 Boise State against Nevada on Friday, Nov. 27, at noon on ABC and 10 p.m. on ESPN2, respectively. Additional highlights:

• No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia for the 102nd Backyard Brawl on Friday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2;
• The ABC split national window Saturday, Nov. 28, at 3:30 p.m. will feature two ranked ACC teams: No. 14 Virginia Tech at in-state rival Virginia and No. 17 Miami at South Florida from the BIG EAST;
• The ABC Saturday Night Football telecast Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. will include Georgia at No. 7 Georgia Tech and Notre Dame at Stanford. ESPN2 will reverse mirror the telecasts, offering the game viewers are not receiving on ABC.

Date	Time (ET)	Game	Network
Tue, Nov 24	7 p.m.	Ball State at Western Michigan Rob Stone & Robert Smith	ESPN2 / ESPN360.com
Thu, Nov 26	4 p.m.	Tuskegee at Alabama State Charlie Neal & TBD	ESPNU
	8 p.m.	No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M Chris Fowler, Craig James, Jesse Palmer & Erin Andrews	ESPN / ESPN360.com
Fri, Nov 27	11 a.m.	Rutgers at Louisville Eric Collins & Brock Huard	ESPN2 / ESPN360.com
	11 a.m.	Temple at Ohio TBD & Tom Luginbill	ESPNU
	Noon	Illinois at No. 5 Cincinnati Dave Pasch, Bob Griese & Chris Spielman	ABC
	1 p.m.	Northern Illinois at Central Michigan TBD & TBD	ESPN360.com
	3:30 p.m.	Nebraska at Colorado Ron Franklin & Ed Cunningham	ABC
	7 p.m.	No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia Mark Jones & Bob Davie	ESPN2 / ESPN360.com
	10 p.m.	Nevada at No. 6 Boise State Joe Tessitore & Rod Gilmore	ESPN2 / ESPN360.com
Sat, Nov 28	Noon	No. 18 Clemson at South Carolina Bob Wischusen & Brian Griese	ESPN / ESPN360.com
	Noon	No. 24 North Carolina at N.C. State Pam Ward & Ray Bentley	ESPN2 / ESPN360.com
	Noon	NCAA FCS First Round Game: South Carolina State at Appalachian State Michael Morgan & Jon Ritchie	ESPNU
	Noon	No. 25 Mississippi at Mississippi State Dave Neal & Andre Ware	SEC Network **
	Noon	Syracuse at Connecticut Mike Gleason, John Congemi & Quint Kessenich	BIG EAST Game of the Week **
	3:30 p.m.	Missouri vs. Kansas (from Kansas City) Dave Lamont & J.C. Pearson	ABC
		No. 17 Miami at South Florida * Mike Patrick & Craig James	ABC
		No. 14 Virginia Tech at Virginia * Clay Matvick & David Diaz-Infante	ABC
		Arizona at Arizona State Terry Gannon & David Norrie	ABC
	3:30 p.m.	Reverse mirror of ABC games *	ESPN / ESPN360.com
	3:30 p.m.	Boston College at Maryland Todd Harris & Tom Luginbill	ESPNU
	7 p.m.	Arkansas at No. 15 LSU Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge & Erin Andrews	ESPN / ESPN360.com
	7 p.m.	Tennessee at Kentucky Eric Collins & Brock Huard	ESPNU
	8 p.m.	Georgia at No. 7 Georgia Tech * Sean McDonough, Matt Millen & Holly Rowe	ABC
		Notre Dame at Stanford * Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit & Lisa Salters	ABC
	8 p.m.	Reverse mirror of ABC games *	ESPN2 / ESPN360.com
	10:30 p.m.	Navy at Hawaii Carter Blackburn & Charles Blackburn	ESPNU

* Reverse mirror: ESPN or ESPN2 will regionalize two games on ABC to markets not receiving the telecast

** Syndication

And this is what is on the Tony Barnhart Show on Tuesday on CBS College Sports.

RADIO HOST AND COLUMNIST PAUL FINEBAUM AND

TV NEWS PERSONALITY JACK FORD THIS WEEK ON

“THE TONY BARNHART SHOW” ON CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK

Barnhart Asks: Will Boise State Be Overlooked in Post-Season Bowl Games?

CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK’s THE TONY BARNHART SHOW, a new weekly one-hour primetime college football talk show, features influential radio host and columnist Paul Finebaum, and television news personality Jack Ford, who was a standout defensive back at Yale, on Tuesday, Nov. 24 (9:00 PM, ET).

“Mr. College Football” Tony Barnhart hosts the show along with Brian Jones. The hard-hitting program will debate and analyze the hot topics and issues facing college football both on and off-the-field. This week, Barnhart and Jones look at undefeated Boise State. Boise State is currently ranked sixth in the BCS, but will they be overlooked in the post-season Bowl Games?

Throughout the season Barnhart will invite a variety of high-profile guests from the college football community, including coaches, administrators, writers, broadcasters and former players to the program. The distinguished guests will offer in-depth, lively, opinionated, topical discussions on the world of college football.

The TONY BARNHART SHOW will air each Tuesday throughout the college football season at 9:00 PM, ET. Mike Aresco serves as Executive Producer. Tyler Hale and Stefan Van Engen produce.

NBA-centric Press Releases

Let’s provide you with three NBA-related releases that came in today.

First, TNT has an NBA doubleheader on Thanksgiving Night. No holiday is sacred in the NBA.

TNT to Give Thanks with an Exclusive Thanksgiving NBA Doubleheader

Featuring the TNT NBA Studio Team Speaking Live with U.S. Troops Based in Afghanistan

TNT NBA Thursday continues Thanksgiving Night, November 26 with an exclusive doubleheader beginning at 8 p.m. (ET). The first game will feature a match-up of Southeast Division rivals when Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks host Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. Play-by-play announcer Dick Stockton will call the game alongside analyst Mike Fratello with Craig Sager reporting. In the second game of the night, Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz will host Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) will be courtside with Cheryl Miller reporting. The NBA on TNT studio team of Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst) will speak live via satellite with U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan. Additionally, throughout the night, TNT will be showing troops in Afghanistan wishing family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. The Emmy® award-winning studio show Inside the NBA with Johnson (host), Barkley (analyst) and Smith (analyst) will recap the games.

Complimentary coverage of the doubleheader will be available on TNT OverTime Extra on NBA.com, an interactive application that will feature an enhanced live stream that will provide users with an HD-quality experience as well as DVR functionality and alternate camera angles. Fans will also be able to vote on the players that they want the cameras to follow each quarter. Fans will also be able to see Thanksgiving well wishes from troops in Afghanistan. Check out the NBA on TNT pages on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NBAonTNT) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com) to see the latest NBA on TNT schedule, news updates and special features from TNT announcers.

TNT NBA THURSDAY SCHEDULE:

Thursday, Nov. 26

8 p.m. NBA Tip-Off

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

8:15 p.m. Orlando Magic @ Atlanta Hawks

Announcers: Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)

10:30 p.m. Chicago Bulls @ Utah Jazz

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)

Post-game Inside the NBA

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

NBA ON TNT UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Thursday, Dec. 3

8 p.m. NBA Tip-Off

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

8:15 p.m. Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst), Reggie Miller (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter)

10:30 p.m. Miami Heat @ Denver Nuggets

Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Doug Collins (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)

Post-game Inside the NBA

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

To ESPN which picks up Bucks-Thunder for its Friday night doubleheader. And here are details of the NBA games it’s airing on Wednesday as well.

NBA: Milwaukee vs. Oklahoma City Added to ESPN Schedule

ESPN will televise the Milwaukee Bucks, led by rookie Brandon Jennings, against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kevin Durant on Friday, Nov. 27, at 9:30 p.m. Kevin Calabro will call the game with analyst Jon Barry. The telecast is a flex schedule adjustment, replacing the originally scheduled Phoenix at Minnesota. ESPN’s upcoming NBA schedule:

Date	Time (ET)	Teams/Commentators	Networks
Wed, Nov 25	7 p.m.	NBA Shootaround Mark Jones, Jamal Mashburn, Jalen Rose	ESPN, ESPN HD
	7:30 p.m.	Miami at Orlando Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy	ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV
Fri, Nov 27	7 p.m.	Washington at Miami Mike Breen, Hubie Brown	ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV
	9:30 p.m.	Milwaukee at Oklahoma City Kevin Calabro, Jon Barry	ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV

To Sirius XM Radio where NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse will host an NBA show for the satellite radio provider.

NBA ALL-STAR JERRY STACKHOUSE HOSTS EXCLUSIVE SHOW ON SIRIUS XM RADIO

“Stack’s House” airs weekly throughout the NBA season on SIRIUS XM’s Mad Dog Radio channel

NEW YORK – November 23, 2009 – SIRIUS XM Radio announced today that NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse has begun hosting a new weekly NBA talk show exclusively on SIRIUS XM Radio. Stack’s House airs Mondays (7:00 – 9:00 pm ET) on SIRIUS XM’s Mad Dog Radio channel, available nationwide on SIRIUS channel 123 and XM channel 144, throughout the 2009-10 NBA season.

Stack’s House will offer listeners the kind of perspective on the league that only a 14-year NBA veteran can provide, with Jerry and co-host Bill Lekas taking calls from listeners, interviewing players and coaches, and discussing the latest news from around the NBA. The hosts will also delve into the college game, with Stackhouse, a former All-American guard/forward for the University of North Carolina, discussing different teams from around the nation and talking with current and former college stars.

“Mad Dog Radio listeners are tremendous sports fans and I’m thrilled to be a part of the channel talking to people who share my passion for basketball,” said Stackhouse. “We’ll also take the discussion off the court to talk about our favorite cities and great restaurants around the country. Every week, everyone gets to be a part of the conversation – fans, guys I played with and played against, coaches and executives. All are welcome in Stack’s House.”

Each week’s show will also feature a segment focusing on one of Stackhouse’s favorite diversions off the court – food. After cross-crossing the country with his pro and college teams, Jerry has enjoyed some of the finest fare from many of America’s cities and will share his thoughts on the best dining establishments and dishes from a different city each week.

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers out of the University of North Carolina with the third overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, Stackhouse played 14 seasons for the 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks. A first team All-Rookie selection (1995-96), he went on to play in two All-Star Games (2000, 2001), led the league in scoring for the 2000-01 season, and helped the Mavericks win an NBA Western Conference title in 2006.

After being named a McDonald’s All-American High School All-Star in 1993, Stackhouse went on to play two seasons at the University of North Carolina for the legendary coach Dean Smith. His sophomore year at UNC he guided the Tarheels to the Final Four while earning multiple national accolades, including being named a first-team All American by the Associated Press. He was also named to the Wooden Award All-American Team and received All-ACC honors.

In 2002 Jerry founded the Triple Threat Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing funding for Diabetes-related research, patient care, and prevention; and promoting the importance of physical activity and a proper diet to lessen the risk of Diabetes and other serious medical conditions caused by obesity.

Ok, a few more releases coming up.

MLB Network Shows Classic Games This Week

Here’s a release from our friends at MLB Network about the classic games from years past on Thanksgiving Day. Should be fun to watch if you want a respite from football.

NEW EPISODES OF BASEBALL’S SEASONS & AN ALL-TIME GAMES MARATHON TO AIR ON MLB NETWORK THANKSGIVING WEEK

MLB Network’s Thanksgiving Week programming includes:

November 24, Studio 42 with Bob Costas ­– Juan Marichal, 8:00 p.m. ET

Premier Plays of the Year - 9:00 p.m. ET

November 25, Baseball’s Seasons – 8:00 p.m. ET

November 26-29, All-Time Games - 3:30 p.m. ET

I’ll post a couple of more releases before closing my eyes for the night.

Coming Up On The Next Real Sports for 11/24

Here’s a quickie preview of one timely segment that airs on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on Tuesday.

SEGMENT FEATURING INSIDER’S FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF

TIM DONAGHY BETTING SCANDAL ADDED TO NEXT EDITION OF REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL, DEBUTING NOV. 24 ON HBO

REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL presents more enterprising features and reporting when its 152nd edition, available in HDTV, debuts TUESDAY, NOV. 24 (10:00 p.m. ET/PT & 9:00 p.m. CT), exclusively on HBO.

*The Insider. Bryant Gumbel conducts an exclusive one-on-one interview with Jimmy Battista, a high school acquaintance of disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy. In his first media interview, Battista offers a detailed first-hand account of what took place when he teamed up with Donaghy and launched a betting strategy that would rock the NBA and end in prison terms for Battista, Donaghy and third associate Tommy Martino. At a dinner meeting in Philadelphia in Dec. 2006, the night before Donaghy was scheduled to work a 76ers home game against the Celtics, the three hatched a scheme in which Donaghy would provide inside information to Battista, a professional gambler. The trio kept their secret and cashed in their winnings for four months, until the plan unraveled amid a law enforcement inquiry.

Producer: Chapman Downes.

I wish I had a TV to watch Real Sports. I miss seeing the program.

A Tired Monday Linkfest

I’m a tired man after working until 2:15 this morning. Started at 10 a.m. Sunday and worked through with a couple of breaks for lunch and dinner, but I’m tired and naturally, I’m dragging. I’ll give you the links while I can.

Starting with the Sports Business Journal which looks at the 40 years of Monday Night Football in this week’s issue.

John Ourand writes about ESPN taking a back-to-basics approach with Monday Night Football and coming out with a winning formula.

Terry Lefton looks at the mixing of celebrities and sports in the early days of MNF.

Terry writes about some of the unique products that came from Monday Night Football.

Some of MNF’s past and present staff look back at one of sports longest running series.

And you can test your knowledge on MNF and there are a couple of trick questions here.

Thanks to SBJ for opening up this special section on Monday Night Football.

John Ourand tweets highlights of an interview ESPN.com’s Bill Simmons did with the Sports Business Daily about his Twitter suspension here and here.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand has TNT’s Marv Albert again denying a scuffle with 50 Cent backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live last week.

The Big Lead properly scolds Marv for backing off the story. And I have say I’m wrong to The Big Lead when I stated that the Bill Simmons suspension from Twitter is a non-story. Looking at it now, it’s a big story and something that stems from the ESPN policy on tweeting.

Hugging Harold Reynolds posts this interesting interview from October with Simmons’ boss, ESPN.com editor, Rob King about the Twitter policy and what Simmons has to do to get fired. It’s a very good listen.

Dan Levy of On The DL wonders in the Sporting News if ESPN’s Twitter policy includes ads.

Writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry says the original critics of Patriots coach Bill Belichick of the infamous 4th and 2 call against the Colts are getting roasted now.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk says Detroit will be able to see the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game.

Jesse Spector of the New York Daily News talks with my good friend, the always lovely Amanda Rykoff.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post reports that rare movie footage showing a clear shot of Ron Swaboda’s catch in the 1969 World Series, something that NBC missed, will be shown on MLB Network this week.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says there are plenty of stinkers in the NFL TV schedule for Week 12.

Pete writes that last night’s Eagles-Bears game was lower rated than last week’s Pats-Colts game.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette has some MLB Network programming news for this holiday week.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner lists his favorite NFL and college football announcers.

To the Miami Herald, Adam H. Beasley writes that the very pregnant ESPN NASCAR pit reporter Shannon Spake finished the Sprint Cup season as she’s in her final trimester (scroll down).

Tom Jones gives NBC a thumbs up for its Notre Dame coverage and looks at other issues from the weekend in televised sprots.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News gives credit to Cowboys fans for sticking with a rather boring game on Sunday.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that Kentucky basketball fans get a free preview of CBS College Sports this week so they can watch the Wildcats.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Cubs’ new owner plans to block a rooftop ad for a casino by erecting signboards in Wrigley Field.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business also has reaction to the Cubs’ new policy.

Ed also talks with the new head of marketing for the Cubs.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the Green Bay Packers are a mystery to some NFL TV analysts.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post has an issue with the Sporting News/Sports Business Journal list of best football broadcasters.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the schedule for the week in SoCal and national sports.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says ex-Toronto Maple Leaf Mike Johnson is carving a niche for himself on TSN and XM Satellite Radio.

Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that TSN didn’t get the job done at the beginning of yesterday’s CFL Western Final.

William Houston in his Truth & Rumours blog gets on a Globe and Mail columnist for attacking Maple Leafs fans.

Brian Gleason of the PR in Sports blog writes that the suspension of the Los Angeles Clippers broadcasters got more news for Fox Sports Net than their actions.

The Sports Media Watch notes that the SEC on CBS garnered lower ratings on Saturday.

SMW looks at the NBA and NHL ratings on the various Comcast SportsNet regional sports networks.

SMW says the MLS Cup moving from ABC to ESPN and from afternoon to primetime raised its ratings.

And SMW notes that NASCAR ratings ended its season as it began, down.

You have The Five hosted by Kristine Leahy on WEEI.com.

Those are the Monday links.

Even Against the AMA’s, Sunday Night Football Wins

Against some tough competition on ABC with the American Music Awards, Sunday Night Football with what ended up being a good game between big market Philadelphia and Chicago won the primetime ratings on Sunday. It’s becoming obvious that Sunday Night Football is a ratings juggernaut for NBC and one of its few bright spots in its primetime lineup.

This is the press release:

“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” POWERS NBC TO ANOTHER SUNDAY NIGHT VICTORY

SNF Top Rated Show of Sunday Night for Ninth Time in 10 Weeks

Tops American Music Awards on ABC by 22%

NEW YORK – Nov. 23, 2009 – Last night's "NBC Sunday Night Football" was the No. 1 broadcast on Sunday night for the ninth time in 10 weeks with the Eagles 24-20 win over the Bears. "SNF" was again the No. 1 show of the night in the metered markets (excludes overruns of NFL day games) on a night that faced original programming including ABC's American Music Awards, CBS's 60 Minutes and Amazing Race and Fox's Simpsons, Cleveland Show and Family Guy. Head-to-head from 8:30-11 p.m., "Sunday Night Football" out-rated the American Music Awards on ABC by 22 percent.

"Sunday Night Football" registered a 12.1 overnight rating and a 19 share (from 8:30-11:30 p.m. ET). That rating is off 10 percent from last year's Week 11 game, which featured an NFC East rivalry featuring the Cowboys and Redskins (13.5/20).

TOP 10 METERED MARKETS FOR SNF WEEK 11:
1. Chicago, 29.6/43
2. Philadelphia, 27.2/39
3. Las Vegas, 18.9/29
4. Nashville, 17.4/24
5. Norfolk, 15.8/22
T6. Dallas, 15.0/25
T6. Albuquerque, 15.0/22
8. Minneapolis, 14.8/23
9. New Orleans, 14.7/21
10. San Diego, 14.0/23

**Viewership numbers will be available when national ratings are released tomorrow.*

Good stuff.

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

College Basketball

CBE Classic, Kansas City, MO
Pittsburgh at Wichita State – ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.
Texas vs. Iowa – ESPN2, 9:50 p.m.

Maui Invitational, Maui, HI
Colorado vs. Gonzaga – ESPN2, 3 p.m.
Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt – ESPN2, 5:30 p.m.
Maryland vs. Chaminade – ESPNU, 9:30 p.m.
Arizona vs. Wisconsin – ESPN2, 11:59 p.m.

Paradise Jam, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
3rd Place Game, DePaul vs. St. Joseph’s – FSN, 6 p.m.
Championship, Tennessee vs. Purdue – FSN, 8:30 p.m.

Appalachian State at Louisville – Big East Network, 7 p.m.

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, final round – Golf Channel, 3 p.m.

NBA
Chicago at Portland – NBA TV, 10 p.m.

NFL
Tennessee at Houston – ESPN, 8:30 p.m.

NHL
Detroit at Nashville – Versus/TSN2, 7 p.m.
Columbus at New York Rangers – Fox Sports Ohio/MSG Network, 7 p.m.
New York Islanders at Toronto – MSG Plus/Rogers Sportsnet Ontario, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Florida – FSN Pittsburgh/Fox Sports Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at Ottawa – Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic/Rogers Sportsnet East, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at St. Louis – NESN/Fox Sports Midwest, 8 p.m.
Carolina at Dallas – Fox Sports Southwest, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Colorado – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia/Altitude, 9 p.m.
Phoenix at Edmonton – Fox Sports Arizona, 9 p.m.
Calgary at Anaheim – Rogers Sportsnet West/KDOC, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Tennis
ATP World Tour Finals – Tennis Channel, 2 p.m.

Entertainment
How I Met Your Mother – CBS, 8 p.m.
House – Fox, 8 p.m.
The Lost JFK Tapes: The Assassination – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
CSI: Miami – CBS, 10 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – CBS, 11:35 p.m.

The Amazing Race 15 – Elimination Station, Ep. 10

With no eliminated racers this week, there’s no phone call so the teams get a Taekwondo lesson. And Lance decides to spar. Then the teams get to pack to leave for the End City.

And next week, the teams are still in Prague. We’ll go to the final three from there.

Back next week with another edition of Elimination Station.

Golf Channel’s Schedule for This Week

This is what Golf Channel’s airing for this week. With the golf just about finished on all the tours, you pretty much get Big Break and studio shows.

COMING UP ON GOLF CHANNEL… Nov. 23 – 29, 2009

Tempers Flare During Match Play on Big Break Disney Golf

Encore Presentation of Uneven Fairways; Golf Central Special: President Clinton

Original Programming Premieres and Highlights

(All times eastern)

Big Break Disney Golf

Time: Tuesday 10 – 11 p.m.

Hosts: Vince Cellini, Stephanie Sparks

Tempers will flare on Tuesday’s new episode of Big Break Disney Golf, featuring head-to-head matches between the remaining six contestants in a prize challenge worth $5,000. The three players on the losing end of the matches will head to the elimination challenge, where they will play two holes of stroke play to stay alive. Tuesday’s episode of Big Break Disney Golf will re-air Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.

Uneven Fairways (Encore Presentation)

Time: Wednesday 8 – 9 p.m.

Thursday 1 – 2 p.m.

Host: Samuel L. Jackson

GOLF CHANNEL will air a special encore presentation of a first-of-its kind documentary revealing the story of the little known, but rich history of African-Americans who were forbidden to play golf at its highest level and refused to take no for an answer. Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, Uneven Fairways celebrates the men and women of the United Golf Association (UGA) who had the courage to challenge segregation, ultimately paving the way for future starts of the game. Featuring conversations with several of golf’s pioneers and their families, insight from golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and a personal tribute from Tiger Woods, Uneven Fairways tells the story of a time when African-Americans – denied a place on tour – found a place in the sun.

News and Talk Show Programming Highlights

Golf Central Special: President Clinton

Time: Wednesday 10 – 10:30 p.m.

Host: Jim Gray

GOLF CHANNEL’s Jim Gray sat down with President Clinton during the 2009 Presidents Cup for an insightful one-on-one interview that covered a variety of topics, including the current state of his golf game, the current economic climate in golf, golf in the Olympics, Tiger Woods’ impact in golf and his dream foursome on the golf course.

Golf Central

Live Airings: Monday – Sunday 6-6:30 p.m. (Live)

Monday – Tuesday 11:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Thursday – Saturday 10 – 10:30 p.m.

Sunday 11:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Monday – Wednesday, Golf Central will recap all of the top storylines from the LPGA Tour Championship and the Dubai World Championship and preview the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. Thursday – Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, Golf Central will recap the action from the Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf in China and preview next week’s Chevron World Challenge.

ESPN Celebrates NASCAR’s 4 Time Champion on Monday

We have a couple of releases for you from ESPN. As Jimmie Johnson won his 4th consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, the Alleged Worldwide Leader will have him all over the place on Monday.

ESPN to Welcome NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson on Monday

Johnson to Appear on Multiple ESPN Platforms

As has become a tradition, the newly-crowned NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, Jimmie Johnson, will appear on multiple ESPN platforms Monday during a visit to ESPN’s campus in Bristol, Conn.

Jimmie Johnson secured his record fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in Sunday’s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The new champion travels from Miami to Bristol on Monday morning for a day of interviews.

ESPN First Take will host Johnson for an interview at 11:40 a.m. ET on ESPN2, followed by a live chat on ESPN.com at 12:30 p.m. ESPN’s flagship news and information program SportsCenter will welcome Johnson for a live interview at 1:10 p.m.

A live appearance on ESPNEWS at 2:10 p.m. will precede an interview on the Scott Van Pelt program on ESPN Radio at 2:25 p.m. The final live interview will be on ESPN’s Outside the Lines at 2:40 p.m.

Before departing Miami, Johnson will start his day with an 8:10 a.m. phone interview on the popular Mike and Mike In the Morning program on ESPN Radio (simulcast on ESPN2). A recorded interview will air on the evening SportsCenter on ESPN Deportes.

And ESPN Classic will pay tribute to Johnson all day on Monday.

ESPN Classic Paying Tribute to NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson

On the day after winning his history-making fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson will be the subject of a tribute on ESPN Classic on Monday, Nov. 23.

ESPN Classic will replay highlights of the four races in which Johnson won his championships, starting with the 2009 event from Homestead-Miami Speedway at 1 p.m. ET. The 2008 race airs at 4 p.m., followed by the 2007 race at 7 p.m. The race from 2006, in which Johnson won his first title, airs at 10 p.m.

That’s it for this post.

NFL Pregame Quotage for Week 11

I’m in the home office doing work as the boss keeps adding page after page to this engineering specification which is becoming longer than War & Peace. And while I was waiting for him to give me a few pages, I saw the final minute of the Browns-Lions on DirecTV’s Red Zone Channel. I’m in shock how my Browns find ways to lose. They’re up 37-31, but on a Hail Mary, Matthew Stafford throws a pick, but lo and behold, the Browns are called for pass interference and since the game can’t end on a defensive penalty, the Lions line up. Stafford who was injured on the Hail Mary throws a touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew from one to one to tie. Then the extra point wins it for the Lions, 38-37. The Lions win on an untimed down. This only happens to the Browns. It was their second loss in 7 years on an untimed down, the last being in 2002.

As I try to get over my shock to this latest Browns loss, I give you quotage from the Sunday NFL pregame shows. And we begin as always with the NFL Network’s NFL Gameday Morning.

News and Sound Bites From Week 11 Edition of NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“This team is hot and they can go 16-0.” – Steve Mariucci on the Indianapolis Colts

“You’re only 8-1 and that’s not a season. You’re sending a bad message to the team. You’re saying, �?Hey, we’ve done something’ and you haven’t.” – Michael Irvin on Brad Childress’ Contract Extension

“The pendulum has swung in this matchup.” – Marshall Faulk on the Indianapolis Colts Having the Edge in the Rivalry vs. New England

“I used to call him �?Mr. Atlas’ because he would carry a team on his shoulders. For the first time, he doesn’t have to do that. He has a co-star and that’s Adrian Peterson.” – Michael Irvin on Vikings QB Brett Favre

“9-0 [Colts], 8-1 [Vikings]. When you have that record at this point in the season, you become like the Super Bowl champions. [Teams] measure where their team is by playing you.” – Michael Irvin

NFL GameDay Morning, the FIRST pregame show on the air Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM ET with a new four-hour expanded format, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Jason La Canfora and hosts Spero Dedes and Stacey Dales bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews.

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning:

“It’s better to start off fast than start off slow. You gain instant credibility in the locker room.” – Steve Mariucci on Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels

“For now we are going to go back and work on our tan.” – Reporter Randy Moss throwing it back to NFL Network studio from Green Bay where the weather forecast at Lambeau Field for 49ers-Packers is an unseasonably warm mid-50s with sun

“They’re explosive and you want to have one on your team if you want to be successful.” – Marshall Faulk on small running backs

“This team is hot and they can go 16-0.” – Steve Mariucci on the Indianapolis Colts

“He is the rookie of the year.” – Mariucci on Vikings WR Percy Harvin

“He was giving the two quarterbacks in this game the utmost respect. – Mariucci on Bill Belichick’s decision to go for it on 4^th-and-2 last Sunday night against the Colts

“He studies the opponent, but he knows his team.” – Marshall Faulk on Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

“He was disrespecting the Indianapolis defense.” – Michael Irvin on Belichick’s decision

“The pendulum has swung in this matchup. Every time we used to watch these two teams, Bill Belichick’s offense or defense would get the best of Peyton Manning and the [Colts].” – Faulk on the Colts-Patriots series and which is the better team

“You’re only 8-1 and that’s not a season. You’re sending a bad message to the team. You’re saying, �?Hey, we’ve done something’ and you haven’t.” – Michael Irvin on Vikings’ head coach Brad Childress receiving a contract extension

“I used to call him �?Mr. Atlas’ because he would carry a team on his shoulders. For the first time, he doesn’t have to do that. He has a co-star and that’s Adrian Peterson.” – Irvin on Vikings QB Brett Favre

“I believe the message that Bill Belichick sends is not getting down to the guys that they have.” – Faulk on the Patriots defense

“They have to become a better team at running the football. They cannot continue to put the [game] on Philip Rivers’ shoulders.” – Faulk on the San Diego Chargers

“He’s not just getting rings, he’s delivering rings to other guys.” – Irvin on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger

“9-0 [Colts], 8-1 [Vikings]. When you have that record at this point in the season, you become like the Super Bowl champions. Every team that plays you, they’re measuring where their team is by playing you.” – Irvin on the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings

“When you have two good corners, you can do anything you want on defense.” – Mariucci on Packers CBs Charles Woodson and Al Harris

�?Super Bowl Journey,’ Week 11 Edition – A Day of Golf at TPC with RB Maurice Jones-Drew & Vernon Davis Reflects on Week 10 Thursday Night Win vs. Chicago

“I’ve never been raised to be a �?me’ guy. It’s never been in my blood. It’s always been about team. The individual success will come with wins and being great as a team.” – Jones-Drew

“Tiger if you need tips, call me.” – Jones-Drew

“You have to be fired up before a game. You have to be ready.” – Davis

“When I get to the line, I think of ways I can win. I just think of ways I can dominate my opponent.” – Davis

To view Jones-Drew’s latest Super Bowl Journey, please visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-journey/09000d5d8145ebd1/Super-Bowl-Journey-Taming-Sawgrass

To view Davis’ latest Super Bowl Journey, please visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-journey/09000d5d8145e9b4/Super-Bowl-Journey-Stoking-the-fire

To view previous Super Bowl Journey editions from all five contributors, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-journey

News Reports from Jason La Canfora & Michael Lombardi:

On Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis and if his dismissal is imminent…

• Lombardi: Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis has a lot of money coming to him in his current contract, so he could take a step back. He’s still friends with both Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, so certainly if there were openings on either staff, he would get consideration. However, once you’ve been a head coach and you’ve made the amount of money that Weis has made, I think he likes being a head coach and would rather take a step back then go back to the NFL.

• La Canfora: At some point, I think we’re going to see him back in a coordinator position, waiting for the right situation where he can call his own shots. We know Weis can do some good work with quarterbacks and that’s always in demand in the NFL. To spin it forward, when the move is made, where does Notre Dame look? A guy like Jon Gruden, who has connections with Notre Dame could be targeted, however I’m told he cannot get out of his [ESPN] contract in 2010. I don’t know if Urban Meyer would want to leave Florida for Notre Dame, which has become a program of recent that seems to have trouble finding a tenureable coach. Other possibilities may include Skip Holtz, Lou Holtz’s son or Kyle Whittingham, a Meyer disciple in Utah.

On the firing of Bills head coach Dick Jauron…

• La Canfora: Bills owner Ralph Wilson is willing to spend upwards of $10 million to land the right person. Mike Shanahan is at the top of their list, they’re going to talk to him first. They also have an interest in Bill Cowher. Still, I don’t know anyone who actually sees Shanahan taking this position when there could be more attractive openings available. Maybe Washington, Dallas, Houston, even San Diego if things fall apart for the Chargers. Regarding Cowher, I’m told he won’t even interview for jobs until the season’s over. It’s very difficult to win in Buffalo. With the Patriots in the division and the New York Jets just building a billion-dollar facility; also the Dolphins, who are number two in player spending this year alone. For a small-market team in an old stadium like the Bills, it’s tough to compete, no matter who the coach is, and these big name coaches know it.

Additional Videos Available on NFL.com:

• Favre’s 300^th – Listen to the always entertaining Brett Favre as he makes his 300th start vs. the Detroit Lions

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-journey/09000d5d8145f365/Favre-s-300th

That’s followed by the notes and quotes from ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown.

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Notes and Quotes – Week 11

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn Johnson previewed today’s NFL action. Some excerpts:

On how the Baltimore Ravens can beat the Indianapolis Colts:
Jackson: “This is all about Peyton Manning … The Colts are not playing great football. Three games in a row without 100 yards per game rushing. He’s been sacked three times as much as he was the first six games … Peyton Manning has to be put on the ground. If he gets to the end of the game, with a chance to win, this is in his DNA. He may be the best that we’ve ever seen at ending these football games.

Berman: “Baltimore look, they’re offense has shot themselves in the foot. They have to hold their blocks on the two ends. They have to score points. The most valuable player today for the Ravens, their old kicker Matt Stover. If he’s kicking field goals for the Colts, rather than the Colts scoring touchdowns, he’ll be the MVP for the Ravens.”

On whether the loss against the Colts has affected the Patriots and their refocus against the NY Jets …
Carter: “What they really do better is move from play to play, and series to series, and game to game and from distraction to distraction better than anyone in the NFL. …But, ultimately guys, there is always an effect when you lose a game that way.”

Jackson: “I don’t think any team is better equipped to deal with this than they are because they do move, win-or-lose, on to the next game. They have their complete focus on the NY Jets. But make no mistake why that call was made, no Mike Vrabel, no Bruschi, no McGinest, and no Richard Seymour. The defense wasn’t good enough, at least coach thought, to stop Peyton Manning. He ended up being right.”

Johnson: “I don’t think it will affect them at all, especially the way people expect them too. They expect this organization and this team to crumble, which is so far-fetch from that. They’ve always responded in a positive manner, whether it be cutting Lawyer Milloy, trading Drew Bledsoe or Richard Seymour, spygate, or whatever you want to drum up for the New England Patriots. They seem to bounce back all the time.”

Ditka: “Here’s the key, its over. Beat the Jets today and no one will think about it.”

On Greg Garber’s report of NFL coaches who have studied the work of former Cal-Berkeley economics professor David Romer – who advocates coaches being much more aggressive going for it on fourth down – and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s fourth down decision against the Colts

Brian Billick, Former Ravens Head Coach (1999-2007) in 2002 report: “When it’s all said and done the equation is very simple. You’ve got a 50-50 proposition. You either make it or you don’t make it.”

Patriots Coach Bill Belichick in 2002 report: “I just read what the conclusions were and I didn’t really try to understand the formulas. The percentages added up to his conclusion, which was to go for it. I think in making those decisions every coach tries to calculate a little bit of how you match up against the other team, what the field conditions are and so forth. And, a little bit emotionally what your team needs at that time.”

David Romer, Cal-Berkeley economics professor: “It certainly wasn’t a crazy decision. It wasn’t stupid, it wasn’t the dumbest decision in the history of mankind…It’s a very defensible decision.”

Ditka: “What difference does it make? If it’s the right thing and turns out wrong, they didn’t make it. You do the wrong thing and execute it right, you look like the hero. I wouldn’t have done it. The man did it. He did it for the right reason I think. He did it because he didn’t trust his defense. Enough said, defense has to get better.”

Carter: “It’s not about right, it’s not about wrong, it’s about rolling with my coach. When my coach decides he’s going to go with it, based on the practically of getting it, I’m going to go with my coach.”

Johnson: “If I was on the team, I would have stopped him and said, �?look coach, punt the ball.’ I would have recommended it, to punt the ball. Dude let the defense play.”

Jackson: “It’s a result oriented business, this is not a computer. This is about people playing a game on a field… He didn’t trust the defense to be able to stop Peyton Manning. I have a bigger questions because this is about the team overall. It’s not the same football team. They’ve lost this year to three rookie head coaches. Lost to a rookie quarterback with one game under his belt. That is so unlike the teams of the past. I think he has to do an even better job coaching this team because that perception that they are the most elite team in football may not be quite accurate.”

Berman: “If he had a 10-minute time out I think he would have done it again and rolled the dice. He said Monday, �?you only get one chance.’”

On the Patriots looking ahead to play against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, would they make the same call?
Johnson: “I think he’d absolutely do it again. I think the situation has to present itself. It’s not Peyton Manning. It’s a different quarterback, it’s a different atmosphere. Knowing him, I’ll almost promise you, he’ll do it again.”

Carter: “I don’t care how much success Bill has had, no one wants to be embarrassed. He’s been embarrassed and ridiculed throughout the week. I think he’d be less likely to do it.”

On the Indianapolis Colts and Staying Undefeated:
Jackson: “I don’t want anything that gets in the way of me winning the Super Bowl. Does that mean I’m saying to throw a game or lose a game on purpose, no. But, I don’t want anything that gets in the way of me hoisting that Lombardi trophy. That means, when I get the chance to rest at the end of the year, I am going to rest.”

Carter: “You’re trying to prioritize your goals. First is to win your division and next thing is to try secure home-field advantage. Once you get your home-field advantage, there really is no advantage. I don’t care what commissioner Goodell says, there is no advantage to playing your players because you have the opportunity to get hurt.”

Ditka: “The most famous team in the league in the history that I know of is the Miami Dolphins because they went undefeated. Why wouldn’t you do that if you could? I’m not saying you jeopardize someone’s health…If you can go undefeated and you don’t give your players that chance, you’re cheating them.”

Johnson: “You should do what you can, if you go 16-0, 15-1, 14-2, has nothing to do with losing the Super Bowl. (Jackson: “You don’t know that.”). The New England Patriots got to the Super Bowl, Tom, at 18-0. You think they were that tired that they lost the game?

Atlanta Falcons or NY Giants: Who his more likely to make playoff push?:
Johnson: “I think it’s the Giants. They’ve always get themselves in this situation. Today they get back Aaron Ross and Michael Boley in the linebacker position. Defense has been the strength for the most part of this football team. If they do well today, then I think they go on a run, but if they lose, they go on a run, down.”

Ditka: “I think its Atlanta. I think a lot of the Giants problems may not be fixable, most of those are injuries. I think Eli’s foot may be worse than people think it is.”

NFL players on “cornerback islands” and covering wide receivers…
Al Harris, Green Bay Packers cornerback: “We call it Gilligan’s Island, but it’s not a vacation.”
Darrelle Revis, Jets cornerback: “You have to be on your game. A simple wrong move for me, if I don’t get that jam right, if I slip, anything, it can result in a touchdown.”

Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders cornerback: “You can’t remember that catch, you have to let it go because if you let that play on you, you can get eaten alive.”

Then to Fox NFL Sunday which I did not see today.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 11/22/09

Exclusive: Glazer Reports New NFL Policy on Concussion Treatment Effective Immediately

Johnson: Coaches Are Paid to Make Smart, Sometimes Unconventional Decisions

Long on JaMarcus Russell: I’d Like to See What He Can Do in a More Structured Environment

Bradshaw: There’s No Dominating Team in the NFC East

Strahan: If QBs Don’t Quit Trying to Take Out Defenders, Someone’s Going to Get Hurt

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FOX NFL SUNDAY Insider Jay Glazer exclusively reports Commissioner Roger Goodell issuing new concussion rules: “The NFL is implementing a new policy effective immediately. Commissioner Goodell informed every team and every team doctor that they have to go out and find an independent neurologist to work with their medical staff to help on concussion issues, to help guys like Brian Westbrook and Clinton Portis.”

Glazer also reports on collaboration between the NFL and the U.S. Department of Defense: “The Department of Defense has reached out to the NFL about the concussion issue and told the NFL that they’re having a very similar problem. The Department of Defense is dealing with the problem of not knowing when soldiers are healthy enough to go back out after suffering from head trauma. The medical staffs of the U.S. Government and the NFL have been trading information for quite some time and two weeks ago General Petraeus and Roger Goodell spoke and updated each other on the issue.”

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Former head coach Jimmy Johnson reacted to current Jets head coach Rex Ryan crying in front of his players: “Football is an emotional game. These coaches work long, long hours and sometimes their emotions are exposed. If the players respect that coach, they’ll respond.”

————————————————————————————————
Analyst Howie Long on whether it was smart for the Bengals to pick up Larry Johnson: “They’ve had some experience with troubled players. I think it’s a good move by Cincinnati.”

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Analyst Michael Strahan on the chances of Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell keeping the job next season: “I don’t think he has a shot because I think in Buffalo you need more presence and more of name. If he wins some games, that’s different but there’s only so many to go.”

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Analyst Jimmy Johnson to all NFL head coaches: “Don’t be afraid to abandon conventional wisdom but also be able to react to what the game is telling you. Don’t only be a number cruncher. Remember, you’re a leader who must make smart decisions and the occasional unconventional choice – that’s what you’re paid to do.”

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Analyst Michael Strahan on Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew downing the ball at the 1 yard line in favor of kicking a field goal to beat the Jets last week: “You never know what’s going to happen on that next play. When you have points, put them on the board whenever you can.”

————————————————————————————————

Analyst Howie Long on whether JaMarcus Russell should be considered a bust based on his time in Oakland: “I’d like to see what this kid can do in a more structured, positive environment. They’re just not playing well.”

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Co-host Terry Bradshaw on Brett Favre’s ability to bring out the best from his young receivers: “Brett Favre’s concentration level is amazing. The thing that a great quarterback never loses is the ability to process information quickly and that’s what’s happening in Minnesota with these young receivers. Brett’s mind sees stuff and he reacts immediately. That’s why these receivers are all running their routes hard. When Brett drops back, the first option at receiver may not be open, the third receiver can then become the No. 1 option and Brett goes right to him. He continues to process information.”

Analyst Howie Long on what’s motivating Favre these days: “The only knock you had on Brett was that he would always make that wild throw. Even when he had Mike Holmgren in Green Bay as his governor, he would still make wild throws. Brett’s �?governor’ this season are the naysayers. Brett’s not making those throws because he wants to prove everyone wrong.”

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Analyst Terry Bradshaw on the NFC East: “We overvalued the NFC East just a tad because there is no dominating team. I think Dallas will come out of the NFC East but I don’t even know who they are from week-to-week.”

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Analyst Michael Strahan on the trend of quarterbacks taking out defenders: “Don’t aim down low at defender’s knees when he’s not looking. It’s chicken. And talk about a double-standard. If a defensive guy lays even a finger on a quarterback, there are penalties, fines and Amnesty International starts an investigation. If these quarterbacks don’t cut it out, someone’s career is going to be put in jeopardy.”

We wrap the early pregame shows with the NFL Today which I did watch. Sandwiched in the press release is ratings news on yesterday’s wild SEC game between LSU and Ole Miss. That was another wild ending.

NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE, BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 11 ON NOVEMBER 22

?“SEC ON CBS’s” RATINGS DON’T MISS WITH OLE MISS OVER LSU

CBS Sports’ coverage of the SEC ON CBS on Saturday, Nov. 21, which saw Ole Miss defeat No. 8 LSU, 25-23, earned an overnight household rating/share of 2.6/6, up 4% from last year’s 2.5/5 (Ole Miss vs. No. 18 LSU).

?QUICK HITS

(On Buffalo considering Mike Shanahan for Head Coach)

SHANNON SHARPE: I had a great conversation with Mike Shanahan this morning. He is going to interview this week at some point in time. Having played for Mike Shanahan for seven years, if there is not a total commitment from the organization to win Super Bowls – it is not about winning division titles or beating a particular team in that division – if it is not about winning Super Bowls from players’ standpoints and the coaches around them standpoint, you are wasting your time with Mike Shanahan because that is the only thing that matters to him – winning championships.

BOOMER ESIASON: He’s not going to Buffalo.

?“INSIDE THE GAME” WITH CHARLEY CASSERLY

(On Charley Casserly being rumored for Cleveland GM position)

CASSERLY: I haven’t had any discussions with the Cleveland Browns about any position there nor do I have any discussions planned with the Cleveland Browns about any discussions there. The focus is on Mike Holmgren. In fact on Friday Mike Holmgren said he would love to meet with Randy Lerner to talk about a position there. I am told that contact has been made between the Browns and Mike Holmgren.

(On NFL memo regarding Super Bowl players having to participate in Pro Bowl ceremonies)

CASSERLY: The NFL sent out a memo recently which says, giving you the highlight, �?Although these players will not play in the Pro Bowl, it is essential that they participate in the Pro Bowl introductions at Dolphin Stadium on Sunday, January 31,’ which is the Sunday before the Super Bowl. Here is the problem I think it causes. If you want to have a full practice at your facility the Monday before the Super Bowl, which teams have done. When I was with the Redskins in our last Super Bowl, that is what we did. You are not going to have all of your players there for practice. How do you have a practice a week before the Super Bowl without all of your players there? There is a problem with that. Personally, I don’t agree with this. I think the routine you have and your team chemistry the week of the Super Bowl should take precedence over promoting the Pro Bowl.

? JAMES BROWN INTERVIEW WITH CLEVELAND BROWNS HEAD COACH ERIC MANGINI

(On criticism)

MANGINI: You probably get way more praise than you should when you win and way more criticism when you lose. I have no problem with criticism. Where I get disappointed is when the attacks become personal.

(On fans calling for him to be fired)

MANGINI: I understand their frustration. I understand their passion. We are frustrated and we are passionate too. And we are committed to doing everything possible to give them what they deserve, which is a winner. But you have to go through the steps. It is something that is a process.

(On security of job by getting vote of confidence from Cleveland ownership)

MANGINI: One of the reasons I am here is because of vision, and because of the fact that we share that vision. There will be criticism. There will be people who don’t believe. There will be all of those things. But if you keep changing based on that, you don’t believe in anything. You are not true to anything. To me, success comes by working towards something that you honestly and truly believe in.

?REACTION TO MANGINI INTERVIEW

BILL COWHER: You appreciate the fact that he answered the questions and did the interview. But you have to be yourself. A vision is fine, but understand the culture. Sometimes the culture is what you have to sit there and address. One thing he has to do is be sensitive to that and make sure he makes some changes and be accountable. He may have to make changes on his staff. He may have to make changes in what he really believes in and that vision because you have to change the culture first.

DAN MARINO: If you are going to make changes, you don’t want to lose your locker room. He needs to change the quarterback position. In my opinion, Derek Anderson gives them a much better chance of winning than Brady Quinn…If you are Eric Mangini, you want to win them back as a locker room, you have to have Derek Anderson.

?SUPER BOWL PICKS – With 77 days before CBS broadcasts Super Bowl XLIV, THE NFL TODAY analysts update their picks:

MARINO: Minnesota vs. New England

BOOMER: New Orleans vs. New England

COWHER: Minnesota vs. Pittsburgh

SHARPE: Minnesota vs. New England

When NBC’s quotage from Football Night in America becomes available, I’ll post it here.

UPDATE, 11:10 p.m.: Here is NBC’s quotage including an interview with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talking about a myriad of subjects including concussions.

FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA NOTES & QUOTES; WEEK 11

Olbermann: “The big news is that Tom Brady didn’t have any big news.”

Dungy on the Bengals: “This was a big step backwards.”

NEW YORK – November 22, 2009 – Following are highlights from NBC Sports' "Football Night in America." Bob Costas hosted the show live from Soldier Field. He was joined on site for commentary by Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. Co-hosts Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann, analysts Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison, and reporter Peter King were live from NBC's 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios, covering the news of the NFL's 11th week. Tiki Barber reported from Invesco Field at Mile High, site of the Broncos-Chargers game.

ON LAST WEEK'S COLTS-PATRIOTS GAME
Costas: "Bill Belichick said later, he was already inclined to go for it on fourth down. Now that claim is what made the next play call so puzzling. If in fact it was a two-down situation, why did they throw on third down instead of running the ball. If they ran, best case, first down, game over. If not, at least the Colts would have been forced to use their final timeout."

Collinsworth: "The way that the Patriots played it defensively really ended up getting them beat. If they had sort of all-out blitzed in that situation, maybe they come up with a sack, maybe they come up with a turnover to win the game on the defensive side. But at worst, you give up a quick touchdown and allow Tom Brady to get the ball back with around a minute to go and all you need is a field goal to win the game."

Michaels: "You can sum it up in four words: Great coach. Poor decision."

Patrick: "Some of the percentages back up Bill Belichick."

Dungy: "Those percentages are baloney."

Harrison: "This is when the Patriots are the most dangerous, when they feel like one of the members of their family has been personally attacked."

ON PATRIOTS-JETS
Olbermann: "The big news is that Tom Brady didn't have any big news."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Football Night in America's 30 Rock studios and discussed a number of league issues with Dan Patrick and Tony Dungy. On Thursday, Goodell named Dungy to lead the newly-created Player Advisory Forum.

Patrick: "Why now? Why announce this program (Player Advisory Forum) now?"

Goodell: "We are always taking player input on a variety of matters both on and off the field. We had a player advisory committee. Tony and I had been talking about how input has been so valuable to the league and we agreed that we could do more. Tony was gracious enough to give us his time and resources to be able to get the right kind of players in a room and give us that kind of feedback."

Patrick: "But why now? Why Week 11 and not before the season?"

Goodell: "I think this is something that will go on through the offseason. This is not something we're going to do for two-three weeks. This is something we intend to do for the long term."

Patrick: "Why Tony?"

Goodell: "People forget that before Tony was a great coach that he was a player in the league. He has a great credibility with the players and the NFL in general. I admire him so much. We've talked about this an awful lot the last couple of months."

Dungy: "That was one of the things we used to say when I was playing, 'Boy, if Commissioner Rozelle knew this. I wish I could get this message to him.' I think its great that the players can do that."

Patrick: Has there been any rule changes from prior player meetings (paraphrase)?

Goodell: We've had a lot of rule changes that have come directly as a result of the players input mostly around the safety issue. They identify techniques that are happening that they think are risky both to the player doing the striking and the player taking the hit – whether the hoarse collar, some of the cut-back blocks, the low-cut blocks; I heard from two teams this week. They're very concerned about those low-cut blocks."

Dungy: "A lot of players had issues about the player conduct – Pacman Jones for instance – I know you heard from a lot of guys that, 'Hey, we want to get this under control.'"

Goodell: "There's no question. The Personal Conduct Policy was really done in conjunction with the players. I must have spoken to well over 150 players who had a lot of input including our Player Advisory Committee and they helped us formulate a policy that I think is terrific and had a great impact. I like to think that this is not only football and business and life. They give us input on all three of those matters."

Patrick: "We know that you're knee deep in negotiations or at least talk on both sides with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Peter King from Sports Illustrated spoke with representatives of the players union said they wondered about the timing of this, that you're aligning yourself with some players as a backdoor way of creating favor with them. Your thoughts on that?"

Goodell: "I'm a Commissioner for everybody in the NFL. That includes the players, the coaches, the owners and I believe the fans also. I've always reached out to the players. That's not what this is all about. I've invited them if they wanted to come in. I just met with two teams this week. I regularly seek the input of the players. My record's clear on that one. I'm going to continue to do that regardless of the negotiations."

Patrick: "Are you surprised there's been that kind of reaction by the Players Association?"

Goodell: "I wasn't even aware of their reaction."

Patrick: "A report that Jay Glazer from Fox had where you're going to have independent neurologists looking at players with concussions. What was wrong with the previous plan?"

Goodell: "I don't think there was anything wrong with it. As we learn more and more, we want to give players the best medical advice. This is a chance for us to expand that and bring more people into the circle to make sure we're making the best decisions for our players in the long term."

Dungy: "Did the players ask for this? Was this input from the players, too?"

Goodell: "Not specifically, coach. But they've always talked about the concussions. One of the things I've always stressed with them is help us identify players when they have some type of a head injury and identify those players so they can get the proper medical care, not so they make the medical decision, but so they can identify a player who needs to see a medical person."

Patrick: "If you want to stay in the studio audience, you'd be welcome to."

Goodell: "Thanks. I watch every weekend."

Patrick (joking): "I noticed when you walked by Rodney Harrison, did you ask for more money?"

Dungy (joking): "Rodney left when he came in."

ON JAY CUTLER
Costas: "When they first acquired him, you were very enthusiastic about it. Do you remain so?"

Collinsworth: "Absolutely so. There just aren't many guys around that have his kind of talent."

Dungy: "These expectations are way through the roof. Jay Cutler was a good player. Jay Cutler was not an elite quarterback when they got him."

ON MIKE TOMLIN TAKING BLAME FOR STEELERS LOSS
Dungy: "Very much coach speak. Mike was trying to take the blame but what he meant was we played dumb football today but we won't play dumb football next week. We'll practice harder."

Patrick: "You look at this offensive line with Ben Roethlisberger. No running game. He's scrambling for survival. He's going to become extinct."

Harrison: "This is the weakest part of their team this offensive line. Every week, Ben Roethlisberger is running for his life. He's a great athlete but you can't expect him to deal with this every single week."

ON COWBOYS
Harrison: "It's definitely cause for concern. They go to Green Bay last week, get their butts absolutely kicked and then they come back against one of the worst teams in the National Football League and they only put up one touchdown. So if I'm in Dallas Cowboys nation, I'm definitely concerned."

ON BENGALS
Dungy: "This is bad. They had a chance to really lock up their division. Carson Palmer talked about this last week, he said we haven't accomplished anything yet. He was right. This was a big step backwards."

ON COLTS-RAVENS
Olbermann: "Manning looking for some table service. Garcon?"

Olbermann on Ed Reed's attempted lateral that resulted in a fumble that essentially ended the game for Baltimore: "Ed Reed drools the drool of remorse into the pillow of regret."

ON GIANTS
Collinsworth: "Eli Manning, the highest paid player in the National Football League, stepped up, ended that losing streak and he really was the difference today."

ON CLEVELAND-DETROIT
Olbermann: "Words you thought you would never hear: Cleveland and Detroit. Great game!"

ON SEATTLE
Olbermann: "Mr. Holgmren? Paging Mr. Holmgren."

ON DENVER RB KNOWSHON MORENO FUMBLING
Barber: "He's in danger -- me having been there before -- of being seen as a liability."

That’s it. We’re completed with the Sunday NFL quotage until next week. Expect an Amazing Race post after midnight.

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.

Saturday’s Linkage

Giving you some links while I’m working at the home office today. That’s no fun working on a Saturday, but we do what we gotta do to eat.

We start with what broke last night out in Los Angeles, that the TV announcing team for the Clippers, Ralph Lawler and Michael Smith were suspended by Fox Sports Net for last night’s game following comments they made earlier in the week about Iranian-born Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi. Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times who’s had a good week in breaking stories is on top of this one.

Lisa Dilman of the Times gets a couple of Clippers’ players reaction to the suspension.

One more story from the Times. Meg James in the paper’s Company Town blog writes that Comcast’s purchase of NBC Universal has hit a snag over General Electric’s and Vivendi’s bickering over the value of the 20% Venendi owns of NBCU.

Heading back to the East Coast, Richard Sandomir writes for the New York Times that the Manny Pacquaio-Miguel Cotto bout was a pay per view hit for HBO.

The New York Post’s Page Six is all over the firing of two ESPN executives whose affair was made public by both Deadspin and the Post.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football schedule isn’t all that attractive.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that ABC, ESPN2 and Speed will be all over the final regular season NASCAR races.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks about football, the NFL Network and TV ratings.

Jerry Garcia of the San Antonio Express-News has his weekend viewing picks.

Colin Seymour of the San Francisco Examiner likes Screamin’ Gus Johnson on Showtime boxing.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has a primer on who can and cannot attend the Baseball Winter Meetings next month.

We’ll end the links there for now. If anything happens, you’ll know I’ll post it. I’m also working so I’ll do my best to stay on top of things.

Two NBA-centric Press Releases

I’m going to post two NBA-related press releases and then go to bed. Sleep is calling me and it’s calling me rather loudly.

Starting with TNT, we have quotage from the network’s NBA doubleheader from Thursday.

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, November 19, 2009

TNT’s NBA Thursday coverage continues with a Thanksgiving doubleheader on Thursday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET featuring the Orlando Magic @ Atlanta Hawks followed by the Chicago Bulls @ Utah Jazz.

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TNT NBA Tip-off

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford joined the studio show.

Horford on what is different with the Hawks this season: “We’re playing with a lot of confidence. We are more experienced now and we’ve been playing together for a while. We added Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith and that gives us a lot of confidence. Those guys know how to play and therefore we just know how to play better.”

Horford on playing in front of small home crowds: “We have to come out and create our own energy and work with what we have. Obviously we want people to come out and support us more, but I think that we are an exciting team to watch. We have to keep working and make people believe out here.”

Horford on how the Boston Celtics have influenced the Hawks’ style of play: “I think our style of play, we like to run up and down the floor and defend and rebound. We watched (the Celtics) two years ago and watched how they do it. They defended and rebounded well. We try to mirror that a little bit and play that way. We feel very confident about our team, we know that we like to play up-tempo and we feel that we match up very well against some teams.”

Horford on his dad, Tito Horford, who played in the NBA: “(My dad playing in the NBA) got me motivated. He played in the league for three years and I always felt, a lot of people felt, that he had the potential to play for more (seasons). He would say that the one thing he could’ve done better is work a little harder. I made sure that when I got to this level that I would work hard and put myself in a position to work hard.”

Horford on Hawks teammate Josh Smith: “(Smith) is more focused. Josh is playing within himself, he knows what he does best. He’s rebounding and blocking shots for us, getting out on the (fast) break. He gets in the low post and just goes to work. I think Joe Johnson got in his ear a little bit and told him to stay within himself and it’s working for him. We need him to keep playing like that.”

Barkley on the Hawks: “I think the Hawks have a very good team. I’m proud of Josh (Smith) because he used to take all of those three’s and he can’t shoot a lick and he’s only taken one (three point) shot this year and that was because he had to (beat the shot clock). That’s part of growing from being young and talented to being a really good player. I also take my hat off to (coach) Mike Woodson. He does not get enough credit.”

Horford on keeping up with his former teammates at the University of Florida who are in the NBA: “(Joakim Noah) is playing well right now, I knew he would come around and he’s doing a great job with (the Bulls) this year. I also talk to (Timberwolves guard) Corey Brewer and (forward) Marreese Speights with the Sixers.”

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Game 1: Phoenix Suns (103) @ New Orleans Hornets (110)

Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller with David Aldridge reporting

Miller on Hornets guard Chris Paul being upset that he wasn’t consulted by ownership about the recent change at head coach: “In my 18 years with the Indiana Pacers, (general manager) Donnie Walsh never consulted me about a trade or if there was going to be a change in the coaching ranks. You just don’t do that.”

Miller on Amar’e Stoudemire’s injury helping his career: “When you’re injured you get a chance to step away from the game. You have the chance to watch Steve Nash and the rest of your teammates like Grant Hill who are true professionals in how they approach the game. You get a sense of missing the game and understand what it takes to get to the top. He understands that he’s healthy and one of the leaders on the team.”

Miller on backup Suns point guard Goran Dragic being more at ease in his second year in the league: “A lot of his ease comes from playing well this summer with the Slovenian National Team. He got some more minutes underneath (his belt). There were a lot of expectations because everyone is wondering who is heir apparent to the Steve Nash throne. He struggled in his rookie year and rightfully so, this is a tough league. He understood, went back to the lab, worked out this summer and played well for his national team.”

Miller on free agent guard Allen Iverson potentially signing with the New York Knicks: “I’m glad to see Allen Iverson get picked up by someone, but I’m not sure if (the right team) is the New York Knicks because he is going to take minutes away from someone. You’ve got Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson and you’ve got your first round draft pick Toney Douglas who has played well. Out of those three guys, he’s going to take time away from the development of Toney Douglas. Allen Iverson is still an explosive scorer, but I’m not sure that the New York Knicks is his best destination.”

TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed Hornets center Emeka Okafor after the first half.

Okafor on the Hornets playing without injured Chris Paul: “Chris is a big part of our offense and with him out of the way, everyone has to pick up the slack and the way we’re trying to do that is to run.”

**** **** **** ****

Halftime

Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Smith on the resurgence of the Suns: “There must be something that Charles hasn’t found yet in Phoenix and that’s the fountain of youth. Steve Nash and Grant Hill look younger.”

Barkley on Steve Nash being a constant presence on the Suns: “Steve Nash, that’s all it is. If you look at this team (now) and go back to when they had the best record in the West (Conference) when Mike D’Antoni was there, the only constant has been Steve Nash. This is the perfect situation for him. It’s an honor and pleasure for me, living in Phoenix, to watch this team every team. This guy has the heart of a lion, he is unbelievable.”

Barkley on Allen Iverson potentially signing with the New York Knicks: “I wish Allen (Iverson) would go to a good team, come off the bench and be instant offense. The Knicks stink, they are just going through the motions, they are trying to get ready for the LeBron (James) sweepstakes. All of the players are going through the motions because they know they won’t be there next season.”

Smith on Allen Iverson needing to accept a lesser role in order to succeed on a new team: “The one thing that Allen Iverson has to accept is the guys that he used to be able to dominate, he can only play well against (now). I don’t know if he can accept that. It’s like he’s the boxer in his last hay-day but still thinking that he’s the champ. He isn’t the champ but he’s a very vital piece to a team if he allows that to happen. He would still get the same accolades in a different role.”

**** **** **** ****

TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed injured Hornets point guard Chris Paul during the third quarter

Paul on the Hornets recent coaching change: “The good thing about that situation is that it’s over and done with. We’ve got to press on and we’re playing hard. We look really good against a Phoenix team that has been playing really well.”

TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed Hornets head coach Jeff Bower after the third quarter.

Bower on what he is advising rookie point guards Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison who are filling in for the injured Chris Paul: “Just understanding that we don’t have to get everything done in one possession. We’ve got to take our time, get the right people involved and whatever happens, you’ve got to be ready for the next play.”

Miller on the Suns’ ability to come from behind in the fourth quarter to win games: “That’s because you’ve got a player like Steve Nash. A true leader and you’ve got guys like Grant Hill and Amar’e Stoudemire that know how to finish games.”

Miller on Hornets forward David West needing to step up his game in Chris Paul’s absence: “It’s great to play with a superstar point guard in Chris Paul but now that he’s out for two or three weeks, (David West) is one of the guys that’s going to have to carry this team offensively. They are going to have to be creative and find ways to get the ball to him down low.”

**** **** **** ****

Game 2: Chicago Bulls (93) @ L.A. Lakers (108)

Announcers: Marv Albert and Doug Collins with Craig Sager reporting

Collins on the size of the Lakers: “(They have) the strength of Ron Artest, Kobe Bryant on the perimeter, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. This is such a big team and when they get all of these pieces together offensively, they are going to be a really terrific team.”

Collins on Bulls center Brad Miller: “Brad Miller has a nice shot and is an excellent passer. He has been a really positive force in the life of Joakim Noah. He’s really taught him a lot about this game. On road trips, they spend a lot of time together.”

Albert on Craig Sager sharing some information regarding the Phoenix Suns losing their 15^th consecutive game on TNT: “Craig Sager, who is auditioning for Comedy Central, just dropped a note off that said the only team that lost more consecutive games on TV was the Washington Generals.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers forward Pau Gasol after the first half.

Gasol on being comfortable in his first game of the season: “I was comfortable because my teammates make it so easy for me. That’s the quality of our team and the advantage that we have. Anybody can score, you feel really comfortable and you get a lot of space.”

**** **** **** ****

Halftime

Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Smith on the Lakers: “It’s tough to judge the Lakers when they don’t have all the elements, but what makes them so good when (Pau Gasol) is (in the lineup) is their athleticism and length.”

Smith’s analogy about what Paul Gasol brings to the Lakers: “Watching the Lakers without Pau Gasol is not a true testament of what they can be. He puts everyone in their right place. It’s like going into a house and you only see two love seats and there’s no sofa. You have to have the sofa in there. You have to have the full package of furniture to make it a living room.”

Barkley: “I want you to make a different analogy…that’s stupid.”

Barkley on Bulls point guard Derrick Rose needing to work on his jump shot: “Derrick Rose has got to learn how to shoot the ball. He’s got to get better at it. Teams are starting to back up (on defense). His jump shot is the only weak part of his game. They are going to make him shoot jumpers. He’s got to keep working on it, don’t get down and discouraged.”

**** **** **** ****

Collins on the Bulls’ struggles on offense: “(The Bulls’) defense is much better, but their shooting from the three (point line) is woeful. They miss the explosive scoring of Ben Gordon. They might be better defensively, but they have to find some ways to score the basketball.”

Albert on Pau Gasol’s recent cameo appearance on CSI: Miami: “I enjoy CSI: Miami but it looked like he was part of a Spaghetti Western.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers head coach Phil Jackson after the third quarter.

Jackson on the impressive return of Pau Gasol: “(Gasol) is a really terrific player so tonight is a good night for him.”

Collins on Lakers forward Ron Artest defense against Bulls forward Luol Deng: “(Ron) Artest really got (Luol Deng) out of his rhythm. He never gave him any cuts that he likes to make. Artest was very focused tonight defensively. When you play someone off the ball you have to be very disciplined, you can’t be looking around and peeking because that’s when the guy will make his cuts. Artest did a terrific job tonight (against Luol Deng).”

Collins on Bulls guard Lindsey Hunter mentoring teammate Derrick Rose: “Lindsey (Hunter) has been a great mentor for Derrick Rose. That was one of the reasons why they brought Lindsey back. He constantly talks to Derrick Rose when he’s on the bench, keeping his mind in the game and teaching him every single day.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers guard Kobe Bryant following the game.

Bryant on teammate Pau Gasol’s first game back from injury: “He gets an A-plus. He played extremely well and it looked like he was in good rhythm. He’s in pretty good shape too so it’s good to have him back.”

Bryant on passing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the second leading scorer in Lakers history: “It’s a great honor. I feel very fortunate to have a career free from injury. I’ve been very fortunate in that regard and I’ve played on some great teams. (I’ve been) fortunate enough to win four championships and I’ve been very blessed.”

**** **** **** ****

Inside the NBA

Johnson, Barkley and Smith

Smith on how to approach playing the Lakers: “You can’t really box the Lakers, you have to fight them. You’ve got to get in a fight, you have disable them.”

Barkley on the talent of the L.A. Lakers: “I said that this (Lakers) team could actually win the next three or four championships, I thought that three years ago. They are going to be tough to be beat because they aren’t missing anything. You usually say this team needs this or this team needs that. They’ve got it all, they can take (Pau) Gasol and (Andrew) Bynum off the team and they would still be the favorite to win the NBA Championship. Now with those guys together with Ron Artest they are going to take a lot of wear and tear off Kobe (Bryant). They are going to be tough to beat four out of seven times.”

TNT debuted the �?TNT All-Decade NBA’ showcase to help determine the top performances, games and moments from throughout the 2000’s. TNT unveiled the nominees for �?Individual Performance: NBA Playoffs’. A category’s nominees will be announced each week on Inside the NBA. Fans can vote for their top performance on NBA.com at: http://www.nba.com/alldecade

�? Allen Iverson, 2001 NBA Finals, Game #1

o AI’s 48 points in the Game #1 overtime win is Lakers’ only playoff loss.

�? Shaquille O’Neal, 2001 NBA Finals, Game #2

o Shaq puts on a show with a near quadruple-double: 28 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists and eight blocks

�? Tim Duncan, 2003 NBA Finals, Game #6

o Duncan’s near quadruple-double title-clincher: 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and eight blocks

�? Kevin Garnett, 2004 Western Semifinals, Game #7

o KG’s celebrates 28^th birthday with 32 points, 21 rebounds and a defining fourth quarter

�? Dwyane Wade, 2006 NBA Finals, Game #3

o D-Wade changes course of the Finals with 42 points to lead the Heat comeback.

�? LeBron James, 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, Game #5

o LeBron scores 48 points, including the Cavs’ final 25, in double-overtime win.

Moving to NBA TV which has the Fan Night Game selection plus programming for the upcoming week.

NBA TV’s Tuesday Fan Night Game will Feature Oklahoma City Thunder @ Utah Jazz

NBA TV’s Tuesday Fan Night will feature the Oklahoma City Thunder @ Utah Jazz match-up, winning with 45% of the fan vote on NBA.com, beating the next highest vote for the New York Knicks @ L.A. Lakers. The game will air on Tues., Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. (ET) with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Chris Webber and Kevin McHale on-hand for studio coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. (ET). Fan Night voting will continue on NBA.com from Tues., Nov. 23 (8 a.m. ET) – Thurs., Nov. 26 (Midnight ET) as fans select the match-up for Tues., Dec. 1 between six games:

Boston Celtics @ Charlotte Bobcats
Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors
Phoenix Suns @ New York Knicks
Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets
Miami Heat @ Portland Trail Blazers
New Orleans Hornets @ L.A. Lakers

Tipping off Tuesday night is The Jump on NBA.com, a live, interactive show that allows fans to submit questions and comments to NBA.com’s Kyle Montgomery, Dennis Scott and Brent Barry via NBA.com, Facebook or Twitter. The show will stream live each week at 1 p.m. (ET).

Every Wednesday NBA TV features original programming; this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (ET) the network will air REAL NBA: International Pioneers which takes a look at three players who are the first from their countries to make it to the NBA: Omri Casspi of the Kings (Israel), Jonas Jerebko of the Pistons (Sweden) and Hasheem Thabeet of the Grizzlies (Tanzania).

At 8 p.m. (ET), NBA ROUNDTABLE: 1970’s will feature that decade’s legends Earl Monroe, Rick Barry, George Gervin, JoJo White and Jack Marin as they talk about old times in this half-hour special.

In addition to the Fan Night game, NBA TV will also feature live games on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. (ET) with the Washington Wizards @ San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. (ET) with the Detroit Pistons @ Phoenix Suns and Monday, Nov. 23 at 10 p.m. (ET) with the Chicago Bulls @ Portland Trail Blazers.

Every Saturday at 1 p.m. (ET), NBA TV features a Euroleague Game of the Week. This Saturday, Nov. 21, the game will feature a match-up between teams filled with former NBA players. Olympiakos (Greece), whose roster includes Josh Childress (Hawks), Von Wafer (Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Blazers, Rockets) and Linas Kleiza (Nuggets), will face Efes Pilsen (Turkey) who have Bostjan Nachbar (Rockets, Hornets, Nets) and Igor Rakocevic (Timberwolves) on their roster.

NBA TV PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE:

NOVEMBER 21– NOVEMBER 22

SATURDAY, NOV. 21
12:30-1 p.m. FIBA World Basketball Studio Show
1-3 p.m. Euroleague Game of the Week: Olympiakos vs. Efes Pilsen
7-8 p.m. NBA GameTime
8-8:30 p.m. Pregame Show Andre Aldridge, Cheryl Miller, Eric Snow
8:30- 11 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Washington Wizards @ San Antonio Spurs Local Announcers
11p.m.- 1 a.m. NBA GameTime Andre Aldridge, Cheryl Miller, Eric Snow

SUNDAY, NOV. 22
7-7:30 p.m. NBA GameTime Marc Fein, Steve Smith
7:30-8 p.m. Pregame Show Marc Fein, Steve Smith
8-10:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Detroit Pistons @ Phoenix Suns Local Announcers
10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. NBA GameTime Marc Fein, Steve Smith

NBA TV SCHEDULE (all times ET): Nov. 23- 29

MONDAY, NOV. 23
12-1 p.m. NBA.COM FANTASY INSIDER Rick Kamla, Dennis Scott
8-9:30 p.m. NBA GameTime Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow, Brent Barry
9:30 – 10 p.m. Pregame Show Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow, Brent Barry
10p.m.-12:30 a.m. NBA Regular Season: Chicago Bulls @ Portland Trail Blazers Local Announcers
12:30-2 a.m. NBA GameTime Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow, Brent Barry

TUESDAY, NOV. 24: FAN NIGHT
1 p.m. (NBA.com) The Jump on NBA.com Kyle Montgomery, Dennis Scott, Brent Barry
6-6:30 p.m. THE BEAT Marc Fein, David Aldridge
8-8:30 p.m. NBA GameTime Rick Kamla, Steve Smith
8:30- 9 p.m. Pregame Show Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber, Kevin McHale
9- 11:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Utah Jazz Local Announcers
11:30 p.m.- 12 a.m. NBA GameTime Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber, Kevin McHale
12 – 1:30 a.m. NBA GameTime Rick Kamla, Steve Smith

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25
6:30-7 p.m. NBA ACTION
7-7:30 p.m. All-Access with Ahmad Ahmad Rashad
7:30-8 p.m. REAL NBA
8-8:30 p.m. NBA SPECIAL: NBA Roundtable
8:30-9 p.m. All-Access with Ahmad (REAIR)
9- 11 p.m. NBA GameTime Andre Aldridge, Kenny Smith, Eric Snow
11 p.m.-12 a.m. All-Access/REAL NBA (REAIR)
12- 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow

THURSDAY, NOV. 26
7 p.m.-2 a.m. BEST OF THE 2000′s

FRIDAY, NOV. 27
7 p.m.- 2 a.m. NBA GameTime Friday Rick Kamla, Steve Smith

SATURDAY, NOV. 28
12:30-1 p.m. FIBA World Basketball Studio Show
1-3 p.m. Euroleague Game of the Week: Montepaschi vs. Regal FC Barcelona
6:30-7 p.m. Pregame Show Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow
7-9:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Charlotte Bobcats @ Washington Wizards Local Announcers
9:30p.m.-2 a.m. NBA GameTime, Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow

SUNDAY, NOV. 29
5:30-6 p.m. Pregame Show, Marc Fein, Steve Smith
6-8:30 p.m. NBA Regular Season: Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat Local Announcers

That’s it. Good night.

Friday Night Links

I’ll do some links again during a late night. Things continue to happen in the sports media.

First, Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times reports that the TV broadcast team for the Clippers made fun of the only Iranian-born player in the NBA, center Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies and got suspended for tonight’s game.

Sports Illustrated’s Arash Markazi tweets that the Clippers were planning to host an Iranian heritage when the Grizzlies next visited Los Angeles before this incident.

Arash also tweets the reaction from Haddadi’s manager.

Greg Risling of the Associated Press reports that bail has been set for Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell is awed by a time lapse photography sequence taken before, during and after Game 6 of this year’s World Series.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says get ready to see a lot of classic baseball games over the next week.

Washington Post Nationals beat writer Chico Harlan announces that he’s leaving the beat to be replaced on an interim basis by Chico Harlan. Thanks to the great Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball for the link.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that the Florida Panthers will unveil a new third jersey on Monday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Times reviews the week in sports media.

KCRA-TV in Sacramento is focusing on former Kings star Chris Webber who called his former city a “Cowtown” in an interview with ESPN Radio.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star has some various news and notes in his blog.

Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com writes that MLB Walking, Talking Conflict of Interest Bud Selig is touting revenues from MLB Network that offset for lost attendance in 2009.

Evan Weiner of MCN Sports asks if Detroit is still a major market.

Amanda Bruno from Batter-up with Bruno notes that former Boston Globe Red Sox beat writer Gordon Edes has officially joined ESPN Boston.

Lynn Hoppes of ESPN.com interviews Gordon.

The Big Lead wonders what’s up with Suzy Kolber.

The Big Lead breaks news that Captain Blowhard, Bill Simmons of ESPN.com has been suspended from Twitter by the network for a tweet he made about Boston sports radio station WEEI.

ESPN.com editor-in-chief Rob King explains why Captain Blowhard was suspended.

Andrew Bucholtz in the Sporting Madness blog has a good post on why the whole thing is silly.

Even the Huffington Post is chiming in on the Captain Blowhard suspension.

paidContent also has a story on this really big non-story.

From the Eye on Sports Media, Chris Byrne goes in-depth on how a blog got credentialed for the Ohio State-Michigan game.

The Sports Media Watch has some idle notes.

SMW notes that the ratings for Thursday’s Dolphins-Panthers game on NFL Network dropped from the week before.

SMW says NFL Week 10 was a mixed bag for Fox.

NFL Week 10, however, was good for CBS.

CBS did not fare so well with the SEC as it slipped below ABC’s offerings opposite Florida-South Carolina.

But SMW says ABC’s ratings for college football continue to show signs of slippage. Or to cut down on the verbiage, I could have written, “ABC’s college football ratings slipped again last week.”

And SMW has various ratings news and notes.

That is going to conclude the links for tonight. I should be back on Saturday provided my day has not been planned for me behind my back.

Time for the Friday Megalinks

Let’s do the Friday megalinks as we steam into Thanksgiving holiday week. Lots of links to get to so let’s not waste any more time.

The Weekend Viewing Picks have what’s in store for college football, college basketball, NFL, NASCAR and plenty of other sporting and primetime viewing picks.

To the links.

National

We’re hearing rumblings of executive firings at ESPN. This has to do with an affair that was originally outed by Deadspin and confirmed by the New York Post. And there are more details including affairs involving the talent as well. As Chris Rock said, “people have gone lost their minds.”

Michael Hiestand of USA Today says both Fox and ABC will have familiar announcing crews calling the BCS.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings is taking the NBA by storm.

Darren says a plan to sell “stock” in the Boise State athletic program is off to a rip-roaring start.

Len Berman went on the Today Show this morning to pimp his new book “The Greatest Moments in Sports“.

Tom Van Riper of Forbes credits Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary pass against Miami 25 years ago for increasing the audience for college football.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports speaks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson will host a new program that will tour various sports stadia and arenas across the country.

The Sports Media says last Sunday’s NASCAR event on ABC fell in the ratings, mirroring the downward trend for the entire year.

SMW has notes on two sports media figures who passed away this week.

SMW mentions that ESPN’s ratings for the NBA are down thus far this season.

Chris Byrne in the Eye on Sports Media suggests how best to use links in social media.

Chris tells us that the University of Michigan sports information department is credentialing bloggers for Saturday’s Ohio State-Michigan game at the Big House.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe lists some of the best personalities in the local sports media.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette writes that Comcast SportsNet New England is ready to take on NESN on TV and on the web.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times profiles Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News is fed up of the talk leading up to the Jets-Patriots game this Sunday.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels the NFL should go back to the 1950′s.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks with ESPN/ABC’s Sean McDonough.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com writes in Press Box that Baltimore-Washington is becoming a huge media market.

Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post profiles John Riggins who has carved a niche for himself in the DC market.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has the highs and lows of the NFL Network’s production of the Dolphins-Panthers game.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle talks with noted college football writer and CBS College Sports host Tony Barnhart.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes that for the second year in a row, the State High School Football Championships won’t be televised.

In his media notebook, Mel writes that the first Oklahoma University basketball televised game was hard to watch.

Midwest

Jim Woods of the Columbus Dispatch says Erin Andrews’ alleged stalker apparently shot video of her in a local hotel room.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press writes about an 18 year kid who is calling college hockey games professionally.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says ESPN is hopeful that Jon Gruden will be with them for the long haul.

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

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times has the transcript of an interview NBC’s Bob Costas did with WMAQ-TV in regards to the Bears refusing interview requests by the network for Sunday Night Football.

West

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) News would like to see a local sports personality back on the Utah Jazz game broadcasts.

The Arizona Daily News prepares readers for College Gameday’s visit to Tucson on Saturday.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune is feeling melancholy over not being able to see the NFL Network.

To John Maffei of the North County Times talks with CBS’ Dick Enberg who is enjoying calling a number of “home” games this season and is being considered to join the Padres broadcast team.

Jim Carlisle from the Ventura County Star says the economy is very much different for the NFL and the Olympics based on their ad sales.

Jim writes that Fox Sports Net West is celebrating 50 years of the Lakers in L.A.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times breaks news of a scuffle between TNT’s Marv Albert and 50 Cent’s entourage backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live this week.

The Los Angeles Daily News’ Tom Hoffarth talks with ESPN soccer analyst Alexi Lalas about his days as L.A. Galaxy GM.

Tom has more with Alexi in his blog as well as some news and notes.

Daniel Lyght of the Fresno Bee talks with ESPN football analyst Trent Dilfer who got to call his first game this week.

Bob Condotta from the Seattle Times has the TV info for next week’s annual Apple Cup game between Washington and Washington State.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Glove and Mail gets on his high horse and scolds a Denver Post reporter for reporting a shouting match that was overheard behind closed doors.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star talks with former Rogers Sportsnet personality Mike Toth.

William Houston of the Truth & Rumours gets on the Globe & Mail for having its reporters and editors taking part in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal writes about the effect of CBC’s wildly successful Battle of the Blades will have on figure skating in Canada.

The Canadian Press reports that Rush’ Neil Peart is recording a new version of TSN’s Hockey Song (formerly the theme to Hockey Night in Canada).

And that’s going to end the megalinks. Back later with press release stuff and maybe a late night linkage session.

HBO Registered More Than 1 Million Buys for Pacquaio-Cotto

This just in from HBO, we find that there were about one and a quarter million purchases for last week’s Manny Pacquaio-Miguel Cotto fight. We have the announcement from the fine people at HBO Sports.

PACQUIAO-COTTO REGISTERS

1.25 MILLION PAY-PER-VIEW BUYS

Nov. 20, 2009 – NEW YORK — HBO Sports reported today that 1.25 million pay-per-view buys were generated from last Saturday’s welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight was promoted by Top Rank, Inc.

The 1.25 million buy total represents the highest performing boxing pay-per-view event in 2009, generating $70 million in pay-per-view revenue. The figure includes 650,000 buys from cable homes and 600,000 from satellite and telco homes. A record 110,000 buys from Puerto Rico, Cotto’s home market, are included. It is the second time that an event featuring Manny Pacquiao, a worldwide superstar, has passed the one million mark in pay-per-view buys.

Pacquiao vs. Cotto will be replayed this Saturday, Nov. 21 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ PT on HBO. The 12-round TKO triumph by Pacquiao marked his seventh world title in as many different weight classes.

Other HBO playdates of Pacquiao vs Cotto: Nov. 22 (10:00 a.m.) and 23 (11:40 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 22 (2:30 p.m.) and 24 (11:55 p.m.)

Megalinks coming up.

Weekend Viewing Picks

Saturday, November 21

Boxing
Super Six World Boxing Classic/Super Middleweights, Mikkei Kessler vs. Andre Ward – Showtime, 10 p.m.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto (replay) – HBO, 10 p.m.

College Basketball
Rider at Kentucky – Fox Sports South/Sun Sports, 1 p.m.
Presbyterian at Illinois – Big Ten Network, 8 p.m.

College Football Viewing Picks

English Premier League
Manchester City at Liverpool – ESPN2, 7:30 a.m.
Wolverhampton at Chelsea – Setanta Sports, 9:30 a.m.
Arsenal at Sunderland – Fox Soccer Channel, 10 a.m.
Everton at Manchester United – Fox Soccer Channel, 12:30 p.m.
Aston Villa at Burnley – Setanta Sports, 5 p.m. (same day coverage)
West Ham United at Hull City – Fox Soccer Channel, 7 p.m. (same day coverage)
Fulham at Birmingham City – Setanta Sports, 8:30 p.m. (same day coverage)

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, 3rd round – Golf Channel, 4 p.m.

Mixed Martial Arts
UFC 106, Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 – Undercard, Spike, 9 p.m./Main Event, PPV, 10 p.m.

NASCAR
Nationwide Series/Ford 300 – ESPN2, 4 p.m.

NBA
Washington at San Antonio – NBA TV, 8:30 p.m.

NHL
Calgary at Los Angeles – Rogers Sportsnet West/Fox Sports West, 4 p.m.
Washington at Toronto – CBC/NHL Network (US)/Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, 7 p.m.
Buffalo at Ottawa – CBC/MSG Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Montreal – CBC/RDS/Fox Sports Detroit, 7 p.m.
Florida at New York Rangers – Fox Sports Florida/MSG Network, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Atlanta – FSN Pittsburgh/SportSouth, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Carolina – Sun Sports/Fox Sports Carolinas, 7 p.m.
Columbus at Nashville – Fox Sports Ohio, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Dallas – MSG Plus 2/KDFI, 8 p.m.
New York Islanders at St. Louis – MSG Plus/Fox Sports Midwest, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at Phoenix – Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Edmonton – CBC/Comcast SportsNet Chicago, 10 p.m.
San Jose at Anaheim – Comcast SportsNet California/Fox Sports Prime Ticket, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 10 p.m.

Entertainment
Legend of the Seeker – WGN America, 5 p.m. or check your local listings
Cops – Fox, 8 p.m.
America’s Most Wanted: America Fights Back – Fox, 9 p.m.
Robin Hood – BBC America, 9 p.m.
When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
48 Hours Mystery: Death Row Diaries – CBS, 10 p.m.
The Wanda Sykes Show – Fox, 11 p.m.
Saturday Night Live with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and musical guest, The Dave Matthews Band – NBC, 11:29 p.m.

Sunday, November 22

College Basketball

Charleston Classic
Championship – ESPN2, 6 p.m.

Puerto Rico Tip-Off
7th Place Game – ESPNU, 10:30 a.m.
5th Place Game – ESPNU, 1 p.m.
3rd Place Game – ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.
Championship – ESPN2, 8 p.m.

Valparaiso at Michigan State – noon

Baylor at Cal (women’s) – FSN, 5 p.m.

English Premier League
Blackburn at Bolton – Setanta Sports, 8:25 a.m.
Portsmouth at Stoke City – Fox Soccer Channel, 11 a.m.
Wigan Athletic at Tottenham – Fox Soccer Channel, 5 p.m. (same day coverage)

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, final round – Golf Channel, 3 p.m.

NASCAR
Nationwide Series/Ford 400 – ABC, 3:15 p.m.

NBA
Boston at New York – Comcast SportsNet New England, 1 p.m.
Detroit at Phoenix – NBA TV, 8 p.m.

NFL Viewing Picks

NHL
Chicago at Vancouver -WGN/Rogers Sportsnet Pacific, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Tennis
ATP World Finals/Singles and Doubles round robin – Tennis Channel, 7:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Entertainment
60 Minutes – CBS, approximately 7 p.m.
The Amazing Race – CBS, approximately 8 p.m.
America Before Columbus – National Geographic Channel, 8 p.m.
JFK: The Ruby Connection – Discovery Channel, 9 p.m.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (season finale) – HBO, 9 p.m.
Dexter – Showtime, 9 p.m.
Californication – Showtime, 10 p.m.
Snapped: Michelle Michael – Oxygen, 10 p.m.

NFL Viewing Picks for Week 11, 11/22/09

NFL Gameday Morning – NFL Network, 10 a.m.
The NFL Today – CBS, noon

1 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Buffalo at Jacksonville – Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein
Cleveland at Detroit – Don Criqui/Randy Cross
Indianapolis at Baltimore – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Pittsburgh at Kansas City – Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon

Fox Coverage Map
Atlanta at New York Giants – Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
New Orleans at Tampa Bay – Sam Rosen/Tim Ryan
San Francisco at Green Bay – Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick/Chris Myers
Seattle at Minnesota – Dick Stockton/Charles Davis
Washington at Dallas – Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver

4:05 p.m.
Fox Coverage Map
Arizona at St. Louis – Ron Pitts/John Lynch/Nischelle Turner

4:15 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Cincinnati at Oakland – Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots
New York Jets at New England – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
Denver at San Diego – Dick Enberg/Dan Fouts

7 p.m.
Football Night in America – NBC

8:15 p.m.
Philadelphia at Chicago – NBC, Al Michaels/Cris Collinsworth/Andrea Kremer

11:30 p.m.
NFL Gameday Final – NFL Network

DirecTV Channel Assignments
Sirius Satellite Radio Channel Assignments
XM Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

College Football Viewing Picks for 11/21/09, All Times Eastern

College Gameday live from Tucscon, AZ – ESPN, 10 a.m.

noon
Ohio State at Michigan – ABC

Louisville at South Florida – Big East Network

Maine at New Hampshire – Comcast SportsNet New England/Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic

Minnesota at Iowa – ESPN
North Carolina at Boston College – ESPN2
Duke at Miami (FL) – ESPNU

Maryland at Florida State – Raycom

Chattanooga at Alabama – SEC Network (12:21 p.m. kickoff)
Mississippi State at Arkansas – SEC Network (12:21 p.m. kickoff)

Harvard at Yale – Versus

12:30 p.m.
Oklahoma at Texas Tech – FSN

2 p.m.
TCU at Wyoming – the mtn.

2:30 p.m.
Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M at Orlando, FL – ESPN Classic
UConn at Notre Dame – NBC

3 p.m.
College Football Today – CBS

3:30 p.m.
ABC/ESPN Coverage Map
Penn State at Michigan State – ABC/ESPN
Virginia at Clemson – ABC/ESPN

Big Ten Network Gamefinder
Purdue at Indiana – Big Ten Network
Wisconsin at Northwestern – Big Ten Network

LSU at Ole Miss – CBS
Air Force at BYU – CBS College Sports

Delaware at Villanova – Comcast SportsNet New England/Comcast Network

4 p.m.
Arizona State at UCLA – FSN
San Diego State at Utah – Versus

6 p.m.
Colorado State at New Mexico – the mtn.

7 p.m.
College Football Scoreboard – ESPN

Vanderbilt at Tennessee – ESPNU

7:30 p.m.
Tulsa at Southern Miss – CBS College Sports

Cal at Stanford – Versus

Kansas State at Nebraska – ESPN (7:45 p.m. kickoff)
Kentucky at Georgia – ESPN2 (7:45 p.m. kickoff)

8 p.m.
ABC Coverage Map
Kansas at Texas – ABC
Oregon at Arizona – ABC

10:30 p.m.
Nevada at New Mexico – ESPNU

Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks

College Basketball

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
3rd Place Game/Ohio State vs. Cal – ESPN2, 5 p.m.
Championship/Syracuse vs. North Carolina – ESPN2, 7:20 p.m.

Puerto Rico Tip-Off
Consolation/Georgia Tech vs. George Mason – ESPNU, 1 p.m.
Semifinal/Dayton vs. Villanova – ESPNU, 3:30 p.m.
Semifinal/Ole Miss vs. Kansas State – ESPNU, 8:30 p.m.

Toledo at Michigan State – Big Ten Network, 6:30 p.m.

College Football
Akron at Bowling Green – ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.
Boise State at Utah State – ESPN2, 9:30 p.m.

Golf
LPGA Tour Championship, 2nd round – Golf Channel, 4 p.m.

NBA
Orlando at Boston – Comcast SportsNet New England/ESPN, 8 p.m.
Denver at Los Angeles Clippers – ESPN, 10:30 p.m.

NHL
Montreal at Washington – TSN/RDS/Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, 7 p.m.
Boston at Buffalo – NESN/MSG Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.
Florida at Detroit – Fox Sports Florida/Fox Sports Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
New York Islanders at Minnesota – MSG Plus/KSTC, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Jose – NHL Network (US)/Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia/Comcast SportsNet California, 10 p.m.
Colorado at Vancouver – Altitude/Rogers Sportsnet Pacific, 10 p.m.

NHL On The Fly – NHL Network, 8 p.m.

Entertainment
Ghost Whisperer – CBS, 8 p.m.
Dateline NBC – NBC, 9 p.m.
Friday Night with Jonathon Ross – BBC America, 9 p.m.
The First Jesus? – National Geographic Channel, 9 p.m.
Stargate Universe – SyFy, 9 p.m.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Cartoon Network, 9 p.m.
Monk – USA Network, 9 p.m.
Psych – USA Network, 10 p.m.
20/20 – ABC, 10 p.m.
Late Show with David Letterman – CBS, 11:35 p.m.
Life On Top – Cinemax, midnight

Thursday Night Football Quotage

Nice of the NFL to send this quotage from tonight’s Miami-Carolina game within minutes of the finish of the broadcast. That’s efficient!

Thursday Night Football Telecast Notes
Play-by-Play: Bob Papa Analyst: Matt Millen

Quotes from Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers

Nov. 19, 2009 on NFL Network

FINAL: DOLPHINS 24, PANTHERS 17

FIRST HALF:

“It all starts with the running game and the play-action off of it. That’s the recipe for this team.”

– Matt Millen on the Panthers offense

“Excellent discipline and a great athlete.”

– Matt Millen on Dolphins CB Vontae Davis

“Now is the time from here on that you have to be playing your best football.”

– Matt Millen on the importance of gaining momentum late in the season

“The running game is about patience – both offensively by the runner and defensively by the linebackers.”

– Matt Millen

“In this league, centers usually fall into two schools. They’re either the big, physical guys or the quick guys who get to the edge. But the common thread through all of them is they control the offensive line. They’re usually very bright and they make all the calls.”

– Matt Millen on playing the center position

“There’s a lot to like with him…he doesn’t get intimidated by much. For a young corner, the game doesn’t get too big for him and the player he’s playing against isn’t too big for him.”

– Matt Millen on Dolphins CB Vontae Davis’ coverage of Panthers WR Steve Smith

Halftime: Dolphins 14, Panthers 3

HALFTIME SHOW

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall chats with Rich Eisen and Deion Sanders on the Denver’s upcoming matchup with San Diego:

“Every game in the NFL is a must-win game.”

– Marshall on the Broncos upcoming game vs. San Diego

“Coach can get it done anywhere. He’s a genius and a legend.”

– Marshall on if Mike Shanahan potential return to coaching

“That will be a game-time decision. Kyle [Orton] will test it out tomorrow and if he can go, he’ll go. If not, Chris [Simms] will lead us.”

– Marshall on whether QB Kyle Orton will play Sunday vs. the Chargers

“When you look at Chris and where he comes from, you don’t have to say anything or try to inspire him. He’s a guy that probably works harder than anyone on our team. It would be good for him to go out and lead this team.”

– Marshall on QB Chris Simms

“We got away from the thing that got us to 6-0. That’s fundamental football, from defense to offense, to special teams. If we continue to get back to being fundamentally sound, we’ll be okay.”

– Marshall on the Broncos losing streak

“That forced me to take a step back and come up with a game plan on how to attack the next day when I came back from my suspension; how to attack my career and look at things in a professional way.”

– Marshall on how his suspension during the preseason changed him

For video of Marshall’s interview with Eisen and Sanders, please visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-thanksgiving/09000d5d814567c5/Brandon-Marshall-interview

SECOND HALF:

“If you’re the Carolina Panthers, right now you get back to your running game, play the play-action, don’t try to force anything and have Jake Delhomme find Steve Smith.”

– Matt Millen on the Panthers game plan, down by 11 late in the 3^rd quarter

“He’s got to be happy with the offensive line tonight, particularly Jake Long working on Julius Peppers. They have not gotten a sniff of Henne.”

– Matt Millen on offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo and the Dolphins’ offensive line

“He is a pure football player. I’d love to put him at safety.”

– Matt Millen on Panthers WR Steve Smith

“The entire 3^rd quarter belonged to Carolina.”

– Matt Millen

“That’s a pretty well-thrown ball, but an even better catch.”

– Matt Millen on Panthers WR Steve Smith’s 27-yard touchdown catch from QB Jake Delhomme

Stat Graphic

Miami Dolphins 4^th Quarter Points Allowed

Season Points Allowed NFL Rank

2008 62 2^nd in NFL

2009 (through 10 gms) 99 31^st in NFL

QUOTES FROM THURSDAY NIGHT KICKOFF PREGAME SHOW

Host: Rich Eisen/Analysts: Steve Mariucci, Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk

Play-by-play Announcer: Bob Papa/Game Analyst: Matt Millen

Reporters: Jason La Canfora, Scott Hanson

Quick Quotes:

“November [games] are not must-wins. Important, yes, but not a must-win.”

– Steve Mariucci

“Nobody rallies the troops when there’s adversity or controversy like Bill Belichick.”

– Steve Mariucci on Patriots’ Sunday night loss

“What did they draft Pat White for?”

– Deion Sanders on Dolphins QB Pat White being utilized in the wildcat

“Every week there’s another step forward from him.”

– Matt Millen on Dolphins QB Chad Henne

“Bill Belichick has always made the right decision.”

– Marshall Faulk on Belichick’s fourth-down decision vs. Indianapolis

“He is one of the top players in this league and he has been for some time. He’s the guy that you could put on defense and he’d lead your team in tackles.”

– Matt Millen on Panthers WR Steve Smith

“They haven’t played the kind of football that got them to 6-0 since their [Week 6] win vs. San Diego…when you’re 6-0 as a head coach, they’re buying what you’re selling. Now that you’ve lost three straight, I want to see if he can sell it to them now.”

– Marshall Faulk on the Denver Broncos and head coach Josh McDaniels

“He is a big play ready to happen.”

– Deion Sanders on Panthers WR Steve Smith

Quotes from Stacey Dales’ Sit Down with Panthers QB Jake Delhomme:

“I was told a long time ago by an ex-college coach, �?paralysis from analysis.’ What that means is if you’re analyzing too much, you’re going to paralyze your play…you have to trust your preparation throughout the course of the week on the practice field and that’s something that I’ve gotten back to.”

– Delhomme on getting his passing game back on track

“I could care less what someone says about me outside the locker room, but you care about those guys in the locker room and that crushed us.”

– Delhomme on his 5 INT performance in the 2008 NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Arizona

“Absolutely not. That’s one thing that never crossed my mind.”

– Delhomme on his contract extension at the end of the 2008 season and if it has been the source of additional pressure

“We started out the season very poorly and certainly I was the reason.”

– Delhomme

“It’s something I would have thought about. If you’re not getting the ball there, not making the right run checks or not getting the ball in the end zone, somebody else has got to do it. That’s what this game is about.”

– Delhomme on benching himself

Jason La Canfora Pregame 1-on-1 with Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano:

“Losing a guy of Ronnie Brown’s caliber is hard to replace, but we have some young guys that I think will step up.”

– Sparano on losing RB Ronnie Brown

“Ricky’s [Williams] been involved in some of the wildcat. There will be a couple others involved one way or the other as we get going. We’ll see whether or not we use it and how much.”

– Sparano on the wildcat without Brown

“It’s interesting. Both teams are where they are right now for the same reasons. Both didn’t start the way we would have liked. They’re a physical team and like to run the football, we like to run the football, so who knows.”

– Sparano on the Dolphins and Panthers being similar teams

Quotes from Rich Eisen’s 1-on-1 Interview with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Regarding the Newly Formed NFL Player Advisory Forum:

On NFL Player Advisory Forum and its purpose:

“The number one thing that we want to get is input from our players on what’s going on in their lives and how they feel about the game and issues on and off the field. That’s incredibly valuable to me as I go through thinking about different issues that we have to deal with at the league level.”

On players voicing their concerns and critiques on league rules and guidelines:

“The first point you make is a really critical point, Rich. We don’t want to just hear about everything that’s going great. We want to hear from the players on what’s not going well, what we need to work on and what we can improve on; How we can do things better. And the players are very vocal and they have always given me great input. They have been valuable to us in whatever changes are made from rules to the personal conduct policy to changes in the Pro Bowl. We want them to set the agenda to a large extent and Tony will help shape that with the players. Then, I’ll be able to hear their feedback and we’ll be able to take that, whether it [applies] to league meetings, policies, relationships with the NFLPA that will likely participate. These are all inputs to us to make better decisions.”

On the logistics of the meetings:

“Tony [Dungy] and I already talked about it. The likelihood is that we’ll do it on a Tuesday, which is the player’s off day. We’ll come to the players. As an example, we’ll probably do it someplace in the Baltimore-Washington area where we can get three, four or five teams that can conveniently get there. We want to make it convenient for the players since they’re taking their personal time to participate. They’ll help set the agenda. What are the issues they want to talk about, that they want me to be aware of? So we can take that into consideration.”

On the NFLPA’s involvement:

“I mentioned to De [DeMaurice Smith] and asked if he wanted to participate and I’d welcome that. We’d be glad to have him sit in, either De himself or a representative.”

On if the Commissioner will use the forums to give his thoughts on issues to players:

“You do learn a lot from listening, but I’m also not a wallflower when I have a strong view on a particular issue, so yes, I will share my opinion on things. However I’m really hopeful that I’m going to learn a lot from these sessions. You know I met with retired players a year ago and continue to see them as I will hope to work with George Martin and the NFL Alumni to be able to hear what are the issues that we’re dealing with so we can develop solutions that make sense.”

On discussions between Goodell and Smith regarding CBA negotiations:

“Discussions are ongoing. I think the two negotiating teams, the owners and players team, led by DeMaurice Smith, are meeting and the issues have been put on the table. It’s a very professional, very open dialogue. There’s some give and take and I think that’s all positive. So hopefully those discussions will continue in a productive way.”

On with he and the NFLPA are on the same page when there’s a deadline for making a deal:

“I don’t know because I’m not sure we’ve tried to determine when a deadline is. We’ve both feel some sense of urgency. We both believe the earlier an agreement can be reached is good for the players, owners and the game; the better off we all are. So I think we both feel a sense of urgency, but I’m not in for creating artificial deadlines. And I believe that’s all we would be doing if we did that right now. The point is we’ll work as hard as possible to try to reach an agreement and I think that’s true for the owners’ [negotiating] team and the players’ [negotiating] team.”

On when the first Player Advisory Forum will take place:

“We hope to do that by mid-December. I think our initial focus will start in the Baltimore-Washington area, where we can reach the Redskins, Ravens, Eagles and maybe the two New York teams. They can get there easily and make it convenient for them on an off day.”

For a video clip of interview with Commissioner Goodell, please visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81453f0f/The-Commissioner-Rich

Jason La Canfora News Reports:

• Mike Shanahan is someone that the Buffalo Bills are very interested in to replace Dick Jauron who was fired earlier this week, but I have a hard time seeing this come to fruition for a lot of reasons. Bills owner Ralph Wilson is willing to spend if the right person is out there and they will get a big name who is an established head coach. Bill Cowher is another name that they like as well. When we see this whole thing resolve itself, I could see them going in a different direction. It’s hard to lure those guys to Buffalo.

• With Clinton Portis out this week and possibly the following week, it means that we’ll be seeing a lot more of Ladell Betts. The interesting dynamic here is for a few years now there have been guys in the coaching and locker rooms who have felt that Betts could out-produce Portis, if given the chance, as age and all the poundings have taken a toll on Portis. If Betts plays well the next couple of weeks and Portis comes back, head coach Jim Zorn’s got a decision to make. Most of Portis’ contract is guaranteed for next year and he’s a big favorite of owner Dan Snyder, but the coaches like Betts.

**Additional videos from NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football coverage of Dolphins vs. Panthers can be viewed on NFL.com**

• Strategy for Success: Steve Mariucci and Co. break down how Miami is so successful running the wildcat offense.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8145460d/Strategy-for-Success-The-Wildcat

• Around the League: Jason La Canfora has the latest on the Bills, important injuries, and more news.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d81455228/Around-the-league

NEXT WEEK ON NFL NETWORK’S THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:

NEW YORK GIANTS VS. DENVER BRONCOS

ON THANKSGIVING NIGHT at 8:00 PM ET

That concludes the posts for tonight.

Some Late Thursday Links

I am seeing some stories for Friday, but I’ll leave those for the megalinks. I can provide you with a few links before closing my eyes for the night.

Staci D. Kramer of paidContent.org notes that Fox Sports Net is softly launching local versions of its websites to rival the local sites offered by Comcast SportsNet and ESPN.

From the Nielsen ratings Wire blog, we discover that the NFL Touch clothing line ad was the most liked ad for a particular time period.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has some marketing suggestions for the winless New Jersey Nets.

Darren writes that Allen Iverson’s early dismissal from the Memphis Grizzlies won’t have too much an effect on his jersey inventory.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says a local TV sportscaster is leaving the market.

Pete reports that the Bills will be on Sunday locally as per the request of the local CBS affiliate.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says Time Warner Cable will air local high school football playoff games.

Laura Nachman waxes poetic about watching the old NFL Today featuring the late Jimmy The Greek.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times says Verizon Fios in Maryland won’t be picking up Comcast SportsNet Plus preventing fans from seeing overflow Capitals and Wizards games when there is a conflict.

Mel Bracht of the Oklahoman previews this Saturday’s college football action.

John Niyo of the Detroit News says the Browns-Lions game won’t be seen in the Motor City on Sunday.

Scott Dochterman in the Cedar Rapids (IA) Gazette says Big Ten Network will be handing out the conference awards on Monday.

That’s going to do it for tonight.

One More National Geographic Expedition Week Special

National Geographic has announced the discovery of five ancient crocodiles and this development will be part of a new special on crocs called, “When Crocodiles Ate Dinosaurs”. As usual, with our National Geographic Channel previews, we have a program description and some videos for you.

EXPEDITION WEEK: When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs

Saturday, November 21 at 9PM ET/PT

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/expedition-week/4280/Overview

Some hundred million years ago, crocodiles were the ruling T. rexes of the waters. They galloped on land, ambushed prey at the river’s edge … even terrorized dinosaurs. And more, these swift predators evolved through the ages into the modern crocs we know today. Now, armed with newly discovered prehistoric crocodile bones, Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Paul Sereno is determined to bring the ancient creatures to life — and tell their fantastic untold story. Learn about a croc that pursued prey across land, a supercroc that locked its jaws around dinos, with a startlingly canine face. Blending art, forensics and biology, a team reanimates a lost world of strange Cretaceous crocs that paleontology forgot.

Video “Preview: When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs” – Strange fossils give us evidence that Ancient crocodilian behemoths lived beside the dinosaurs…and ate them as snacks!

Video “Preview: When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs” – Examining the croc’s vital organs helps Sereno visualize the life and movements of this ancient animal.

Michelle Wie Drives Golf Channel to Good Ratings

Michelle Wie’s win in the LPGA’s Lorena Ochoa Invitational, her first career Tour win, sent Golf Channel to new ratings heights for women’s golf. Wie’s win on Sunday gave Golf Channel its second highest ratings for an LPGA round this year.

Wie’s Win Pulls Top Rating for

GOLF CHANNEL and LPGA Tour

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 19, 2009) – Michelle Wie’s first victory at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational garnered one of the year’s best LPGA Tour ratings for GOLF CHANNEL.

Sunday’s 0.72 final-round rating represents the second-highest-rated LPGA Tour round on GOLF CHANNEL and second-most-watched LPGA Tour telecast on any cable network this year. Day 3 of the 2009 Solheim Cup owns the top spot.

The number also represents a 60 percent increase over the tournament’s final round in 2008 and is double the typical final-round ratings for LPGA Tour events on GOLF CHANNEL in 2009 (excluding the SBS Open at Turtle Bay and McDonald’s LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola).

Also noted over the weekend, the 0.36 final round rating for the PGA TOUR’s Children’s Miracle Network Classic represented an 18 percent increase over 2008.

Additionally, GOLF CHANNEL’s heavily promoted “Tiger World Tour,” which began with the World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions event in China and concluded with a Woods’ victory in Australia at the JBWere Masters, achieved the highest-rated Saturday/Sunday tournament rounds for all European Tour telecasts in 2009.

Programming for Next Week

Well, I have some releases for next week.

And starting on Sunday, Tennis Channel airs live matches from the season ending ATP World Tour Finals live from London. Tennis Channel will have the entire tournament including the singles and doubles finals on November 29. This is something I look forward to watching every morning.

TENNIS CHANNEL TO CARRY WALL-TO-WALL COVERAGE OF THE 2009 ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS NOVEMBER 22-29

Live Singles and Doubles Matches at Year-End Championships Begin at 7:30 a.m. ET Daily, Followed by Prime-Time Replays Each Evening at 7 p.m. ET

Network to Dedicate 120 Hours Overall to Season’s Final Event During Upcoming Week

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2009 – Tennis Channel will provide live, wall-to-wall coverage of the round-robin 2009 ATP World Tour Finals from London, Nov. 22-29. The network will provide close to 60 hours of high-definition coverage of the season-ending tournament and more than 120 hours overall with same-day, prime-time replays.

Tennis Channel’s men’s championships broadcast team features play by play from Leif Shiras, analysis from Jimmy Arias and sideline reports from Justin Gimelstob. From Sunday, Nov. 22 to Saturday, Nov. 28, the network will broadcast live singles and doubles matches from 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ET and 2 a.m.-6 p.m. ET, followed by encore replays of the entire day’s broadcast, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Sunday, Nov. 23, will begin with the live doubles championship at 7:30 a.m. ET and the men’s singles final at 2 p.m. ET. Both matches will be replayed twice that evening, beginning with the singles championship at 7 p.m.

The ATP World Tour Finals, the largest indoor event in tennis, features the world’s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, in a competition that concludes the men’s tennis season. Singles qualifiers include Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco, Nikolay Davydenko, Juan Martin del Potro and Robin Soderling (replacing the injured Andy Roddick). The twin-brother team of star Americans Bob and Mike Bryan headline the year-end doubles teams in London, along with top seed Daniel Nestor/Nenad Zimonjic and third seed Mahesh Bhupathi/Mark Knowles.

Tennis Channel’s 2009 ATP World Tour Finals Schedule

Sunday, Nov. 22 -Saturday, Nov. 28

7:30 -11:30 a.m. / 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET – Live singles and doubles matches

7 p.m. ET – Encore singles and doubles match replays

Sunday, Nov. 29

7:30-9 a.m. ET – Live doubles championship

2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET – Singles championship (same-day delay)

7 p.m. ET – Encore singles and doubles championship replays

On Monday, Big Ten Network airs a special naming the annual All-Big Ten football awards.

All-Big Ten Football Selection Special Airs Monday Night

Annual conference awards to be revealed at 8 PM ET

CHICAGO – For the third year in a row, the Big Ten Network will present the exclusive, live announcement of the annual Big Ten football awards during Big Ten Tonight: All-Conference Selection Special at 8 PM ET Monday, Nov. 23.

Dave Revsine will host the show, alongside analysts Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith. Select award winners will be interviewed during the 30-minute program.

The show will reveal the All-Big Ten teams as selected by both the coaches and the media. Coaches will select a Big Ten Offensive Player, Defensive Player and Freshman of the Year. Media will also honor the Dave McClain Coach of the Year while the coaches will pick an Offensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Last year, the media and coaches both selected Iowa running back Shonn Greene as the Offensive Player of the Year, Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis as the Defensive Player of the Year and Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor as the Freshman of the Year. The conference’s media selected Joe Paterno as the Dave McClain Coach of the Year.

And next Tuesday, it’s the next edition of Studio 42 with Bob Costas. The guest will be Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal. Here’s a preview.

HALL OF FAME PITCHER Juan Marichal DISCUSSES HIS CAREER on MLB NETWORK’S STUDIO 42 WITH BOB COSTAS on tuesday, november 24

November 19, 2009 – Former San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal discusses his Hall of Fame career during an episode of MLB Network’s Studio 42 with Bob Costas on Tuesday, November 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Throughout the interview, Marichal, 72, discusses his pitching style, his former teammate Willie Mays, his upbringing in the Dominican Republic and his infamous fight with Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Johnny Roseboro on August 22, 1965 at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. A preview of the interview can be viewed here.

The interview, which was filmed at the 2009 National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, will re-air on November 24 at 11:00 p.m. ET. Prior to Studio 42 with Bob Costas, MLB Network will discuss the 2009 National League MVP results on Hot Stove, its live studio show in the offseason with updates and analysis of the moves all 30 clubs are making and planning in preparation for the upcoming season. Hot Stove airs at 6:00 p.m. ET and 7:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Highlights from the interview with Marichal include:

ON COMING TO PLAY BASEBALL IN THE UNITED STATES

When we got to Michigan City, all the white players had a hotel where they stayed. We had to live with a black family as they arrange rooms. So, the only time, we were together, with the white players, was at the baseball field and the clubhouse. My relationship with the white players was good. It was my first time in this country. I wanted to be a baseball player and everything was beautiful. But I was surprised.

ON SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS TEAMMATE WILLIE MAYS

You can’t throw Willie the same pitch twice, even if he looked bad on it the first time. Because, he was going to be looking for that pitch and hit it good and long.

Willie used to tell you how to pitch to guys and how he was going to play the guys. And if you make a mistake, he would come up and say, “Why did we talk before the game? We say play him that way, pitch him that way.” He let you know right away but he was the greatest. I don’t think were going to see another Willie Mays for the rest of our lives.

ON PITCHING A 16-INNING, COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT ON JULY 2, 1963

They didn’t pay much attention to pitch counts because I threw 227 pitches. And the next day, [Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn] was so nice. In the tunnel in Candlestick Park, he came to tell me how to prepare for the next start. That was such a nice thing he did. I still have that photo of Warren and I in the tunnel. Warren telling me what type of exercise I should do to be ready for the next start.

ON NEVER WINNING THE CY YOUNG AWARD

Well, I never won the Cy Young and when you show my numbers to anybody who knows baseball, they say, “What happened to this guy? He won so many games, 20 or more games in a year and never won a Cy Young?” I don’t know. The only answer I give people is that there was only one Cy Young award for both leagues up until 1967. But in 1968 I went 26-9, and [St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame pitcher] Bob Gibson came out with that phenomenal ERA of 1.12.

ON JOHNNY ROSEBORO

The only reason I signed with the Dodgers [in 1975] was because I wanted people to know I wasn’t the type of person that would hurt somebody over the head with a bat. When they announced I was a Dodger, the first one to come out in public and welcome me to Los Angeles was Johnny Roseboro. I will never forget that time and the way he took the whole thing.

I do have two more releases to post and expect those coming up.

Quotage Releases

I have two releases that contain quotage. First, from NFL Network, we have a transcript of various statements NFL Commish Roger Goodell made tonight before the Miami-Carolina game announcing the Player Advisory Forum to be headed up by former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Discusses New NFL Player Advisory Forum Tonight on NFL Network’s Thursday Night Kickoff Pregame Show

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s interview about the new NFL Player Advisory Forum aired tonight on NFL Network’s Thursday Night Kickoff pregame show at 6 PM ET. The NFL announced the new program today that will be lead by former NFL head coach Tony Dungy and will involve a regular series of meetings in various cities with NFL players, including Pro Bowl veterans such as Brian Dawkins of the Denver Broncos, Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, and Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals.

The following are quotes from Commissioner Goodell during the interview that was taped for the pregame show.

On NFL Player Advisory Forum and its purpose:

“The number one thing that we want to get is input from our players on what’s going on in their lives and how they feel about the game and issues on and off the field. That’s incredibly valuable to me as I go through thinking about different issues that we have to deal with at the league level.”

On players voicing their concerns and critiques on league rules and guidelines:

“The first point you make is a really critical point, Rich. We don’t want to just hear about everything that’s going great. We want to hear from the players on what’s not going well, what we need to work on and what we can improve on; How we can do things better. And the players are very vocal and they have always given me great input. They have been valuable to us in whatever changes are made from rules to the personal conduct policy to changes in the Pro Bowl. We want them to set the agenda to a large extent and Tony will help shape that with the players. Then, I’ll be able to hear their feedback and we’ll be able to take that, whether it [applies] to league meetings, policies, relationships with the NFLPA that will likely participate. These are all inputs to us to make better decisions.”

On the logistics of the meetings:

“Tony [Dungy] and I already talked about it. The likelihood is that we’ll do it on a Tuesday, which is the player’s off day. We’ll come to the players. As an example, we’ll probably do it someplace in the Baltimore-Washington area where we can get three, four or five teams that can conveniently get there. We want to make it convenient for the players since they’re taking their personal time to participate. They’ll help set the agenda. What are the issues they want to talk about, that they want me to be aware of? So that we can take that into consideration.”

On the NFLPA’s involvement:

“I mentioned to De [DeMaurice Smith] and asked if he wanted to participate and I’d welcome that. We’d be glad to have him sit in, either De himself or a representative.”

On if the Commissioner will use the forums to give his thoughts on issues to players:

“You do learn a lot from listening, but I’m also not a wallflower when I have a strong view on a particular issue, so yes, I will share my opinion on things. However I’m really hopeful that I’m going to learn a lot from these sessions. You know I met with retired players a year ago and continue to see them as I will hope to work with George Martin and the NFL Alumni to be able to hear what are the issues that we’re dealing with so we can develop solutions that make sense.”

On when the first Player Advisory Forum will take place:

“We hope to do that by mid-December. I think our initial focus will start in the Baltimore-Washington area, where we can reach the Redskins, Ravens, Eagles and maybe the two New York teams. They can get there easily and make it convenient for them on an off day.”

Here are quotes from ESPN NASCAR analyst Dale Jarrett as he talks about driver Jimmie Johnson who’s seeking to be the first ever to win for straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships.

Quotes from ESPN NASCAR Analyst Dale Jarrett on Jimmie Johnson

ESPN NASCAR analyst Dale Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, will be in the booth for ABC’s live coverage of the final race of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, the Ford 400, on Sunday at Florida’s Homestead-Miami Speedway. The telecast begins at 2:30 p.m. ET with the race’s green flag at 3:30 p.m. In an interview on ESPNEWS, Jarrett spoke of Jimmie Johnson, who seeks to make history as the first driver ever to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles.

What does Jimmie Johnson have to do to win the championship?

I think you have to focus in a number of different ways and break the weekend down. On Friday before qualifying, I want to make my car as fast as possible and see if we can start up front. That allows me to run the race I want to run. Obviously practice on Saturday, making the car fast once again will allow me to run the race that I want to, and I think that’s exactly what Jimmie Johnson is going to do. He’s going to try to lead some laps early if he can do that, get those bonus points, and then he’s just going to settle into a good position. I think what we will see, on the double-file restarts, Jimmie be extremely careful around traffic until things get single-file, and then he can pass cars one at a time; it’s much safer that way. I think we’ll see their normal 13-second pit stops become 13 ½, 14 seconds which will probably lose them a couple of spots in the pits, but they want to make sure they don’t have any problems with loose wheels or anything like that. And then he can run his race, finish somewhere in the top 10, maybe even 15, that’ll bring him another championship home.

What about the level of appreciation that Jimmie Johnson gets from the public?

From the public it’s a little suspect. I think in the garage area everybody appreciates what Jimmie Johnson the driver has done. I think the public perception of him is that he’s with the best organization in the sport, he has the best race cars, he has the best engines, he has the best crew chief in the business, so therefore why shouldn’t he win? But that’s not exactly the case. I would have to disagree with everyone. Someone has to get in there and make all the right moves, push the buttons, do the things that you need to do on the racetrack. Jimmie Johnson does all of those things. He’s a tremendous talent behind the wheel, has a great head on his shoulders, and that makes for a perfect champion.

I have more releases to post. They just flooded into the Fang’s Bites inbox today.

Previews of Weekend Programming

I’ve given you the college football and NFL previews. Let’s give you previews of other weekend programming.

NBC Sports airs plenty of figure skating and will air Skate Canada this weekend.

SKATE CANADA COVERAGE ON NBC SPORTS & UNIVERSAL SPORTS THIS WEEKEND FROM KITCHENER, ONTARIO

Universal Sports to Provide Coverage Throughout the Competition

NEW YORK – Nov. 19, 2009- NBC Sports and Universal Sports present almost nine hours of coverage this weekend of the 2009 Skate Canada, the sixth stop of the 2009 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series this weekend from Kitchener, Ontario. Skaters from Team USA will compete against athletes from 14 other countries, all vying for points and prize money and ultimately spots representing their country at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Coverage on NBC Sports begins Sunday at 2 p.m. ET and coverage on Universal Sports begins Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
 
NBC Sports will broadcast two hours of coverage featuring the Men's and Ladies Free Skate. Universal Sports will carry live coverage of the Men's and Pairs finals and the Men's, Ladies and Pairs short programs.
 
COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Olympic figure skating broadcast team of Scott Hamilton, Andrea Joyce and David Pelletier will call the action.

LADIES: Reigning U.S. champion Alissa Czisny has earned three medals in the Grand Prix Series, including the bronze at this event last season. Joining Czisny is the 2008 U.S. champion, Mirai Nagasu, who is competing in her second season in the Grand Prix Series. Reigning U.S. bronze medalist Caroline Zhang, also a two-time World Junior silver medallist, returns to Skate Canada after placing fifth last season.

MEN: Reigning U.S. champion Jeremy Abbott will compete at Skate Canada for the second time in attempts to top his eighth place standing from when he competed back in 2007. Joining Abbott is Stephen Carriere, the 2008 U.S. bronze medalist, who is making his first Skate Canada appearance.  The 2008 Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final silver medallist, Armin Mahbanoozadeh, is hoping to earn a medal in his debut season of the Grand Prix series. 

PAIRS: Reigning U.S. silver medalists Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett made their Grand Prix Series debut this season at the NHK Trophy, where they finished fourth. It is the first Grand Prix Series event of the season for Caitlin Yankowskas & John Coughlin, who won gold at Ice Challenge in Graz, Austria, earlier this month.

ICE DANCING: Reigning U.S. silver medalists Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates took fourth at Trophée Bompard last month. This is the first Skate Canada appearance for the 2008 World Junior champions, who last season won bronze at the NHK Trophy and placed fourth at Skate America. Competing alongside Samuleson and Bates will be the 2008 U.S. junior champions Madison Hubbell and Keiffer Hubbell. These 2006 Junior Grand Prix Final champions placed eighth in their Grand Prix debut at Trophée Eric Bompard in October.

UNIVERSAL SPORTS COVERAGE: Universal Sports, available in more than 56 million homes, will broadcast 8 ½ hours of same day coverage of Skate Canada from Kitchener, Ontario. Details below (all times ET):

Friday 11/20
Pairs and Ladies Short Program – 8-9:30 p.m. ET

Saturday 11/21 
Pairs Free and Men's Short Program – 5-7 p.m. ET; Men's Free Skate – 8-9 p.m. ET

Sunday 11/22
Ladies Free Skate – 4-6 p.m. ET (Reair of NBC Sports Show)

NBC also airs one of those figure skating specials that it has become known for. This one involves Motown legend Smokey Robinson.

SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIBUTE ON ICE THIS SUNDAY ON NBC

NEW YORK – November 19, 2009- Soul legend Smokey Robinson provides the musical background for "Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice" at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. this Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.  His classics include "My Girl," "You've Really Got A Hold On Me," "The Tears of a Clown," "I Second That Emotion" and "The Tracks of My Tears."

Among the skating stars featured this weekend are three-time U.S. Champion and two-time World bronze medalist Michael Weiss, 1996 World Champion and six-time U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge, 2008 World Champion and 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Jeffrey Buttle and eight-time British National Champion and three-time Olympian Steven Cousins

Hosting the event are Peggy Fleming and Andrea Joyce.

Before CBS’ airing of college football on Saturday, CBS Sports Spectacular airs some fishing competition.

CBS SPORTS BULLETIN BOARD — CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR ANGLES “TOYOTA TEXAS BASS CLASSIC” ON SATURDAY CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR goes fishing at the TOYOTA TEXAS BASS CLASSIC

on Saturday, Nov. 21 (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; taped 10/16-10/18). This unique bass fishing tournament is comprised of 60 of the top professional anglers from around the world competing for the first place prize of $250,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded to the inaugural Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Tournament Series World Champion. Last year’s winning team captain Kelly Jordan returns for this year’s event being held for the first time in Lake Conroe, Texas. This year’s event moves from a team format to an individual competition and combines the conservation aspects of Lake Conroe’s slot limits with certified observers and on-the-water scales, allowing anglers to weigh fish normally not allowed on a slot-limit lake. Robbie Floyd and Dave Mercer call the action for CBS Sports. CBS Sports’ Bryan Lilley serves as coordinating producer.

Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

And Sirius XM Radio will air the College Basketball Hall of Fame Inductions on Sunday as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird lead the Class of 2009.

SIRIUS XM TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE RADIO COVERAGE OF THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY ON NOV. 22

Live broadcasts from the College Basketball Experience and Midland Theater in Kansas City will air nationwide on SIRIUS channel 122 and XM channel 143

Listeners will hear one-on-one interviews with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and other inductees

SIRIUS XM offers unparalleled college basketball coverage throughout the season, airing dozens of games each week

NEW YORK – November 19, 2009 - SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it will offer listeners exclusive radio coverage from the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, November 22.

SIRIUS XM’s Sports Nation channel (SIRIUS channel 122 and XM channel 143) will carry live coverage of the induction ceremony from Kansas City’s Midland Theater (9:00-11:00 pm ET) as legendary players Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Travis Grant and Wayman Tisdale, coaches Jud Heathcote and Gene Bartow, and contributors Bill Wall and Walter Byers, are enshrined into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Prior to the induction ceremony, SIRIUS XM’s Gary Williams will be on site to host a special three hour preview show (6:00-9:00 pm ET on SIRIUS XM Sports Nation) from the College Basketball Experience, home to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, in Kansas City, MO. The special will feature one-on-one interviews with all of the inductees in attendance, as well as many of the other former players, current and former coaches, and other renowned figures from college basketball who will be at the event.

Throughout the 2009 season, SIRIUS XM offers college basketball fans unrivaled coverage of the sport with live play-by-play of dozens of games every week from colleges and universities throughout the country, including 22 of the top 25 teams in the current Associated Press college basketball poll. For a schedule of upcoming games on SIRIUS XM, visit www.sirius.com/collegesports and www.xmradio.com/collegesports.

In addition to live play-by-play, SIRIUS XM airs original talk shows that cover college basketball from tip off until the final buzzer with news, highlights and season-long analysis of the nation’s teams and conferences through the national championship in April.

Mad Dog Radio (SIRIUS channel 123 and XM channel 144) offers live sports talk daily including the exclusive show, Basketball and Beyond with Coach K, hosted by Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski every Wednesday night (7:00-8:00 pm ET).

Rivals Radio, hosted by Bill King and Chris Childers, covers the college game in-depth every weekday morning (7:00-11:00 am ET) year-round exclusively on SIRIUS XM’s Sports Nation (SIRIUS channel 122 and XM channel 143).

For more info, please visit www.sirius.com/collegesports and www.xmradio.com/collegesports.

For info on the College Basketball Experience and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, please visit www.collegebasketballexperience.com.