Fang's Bites

Quick Mid-Week Links

I’ll do some linkage here.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says Dick Vitale finally gets to call the NCAA Final Four, but for an international audience.

John Ourand at Sports Business Daily reports that Fox is in talks with Regis Philbin to host a show on Fox Sports 1.

Ed Sherman at The Sherman Report wonders if having Gus Johnson on the World Cup will work for Fox.

Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter talks with CBS Sports Head Honcho Sean McManus about the network’s handling of Super Bowl XLVII.

Rick Kissell at Variety says the Super Bowl put CBS on top of the 18-49 ratings demographic and probably put it there to stay for the rest of the TV season.

George Winslow of Broadcasting & Cable says online streaming of the Super Bowl set a record.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News has NBC looking forward to the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Anthony CrupiCrupiCrupi of Adweek says CBS did not experience a post-Super Bowl bounce on Monday.

Brian Steinberg of Advertising Age notes that Fox is already pitching advertisers for Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey.

Bill Cromwell from Media Life Magazine says Budweiser’s touching Clydesdale Super Bowl ad was the most popular among the publication’s readers.

Jeff Pfeiffer at Channel Guide says Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl received its highest ratings ever on Sunday.

The Nielsen Wire blog has the final viewing numbers for Super Bowl XLVII on CBS. Still close to my prediction of 108.2 million.

The Tampa Bay Times’ Eric Deggans writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says CBS failed to address the main issues facing the National Football League before, during and after its Super Bowl broadcast.

Brandon Costa of Sports Video Group says ESPN has blanketed the country with satellite trucks in order to cover National Signing Day today.

ESPN’s Darren Rovell asks if movie ads were the true winners on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn writes that former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield will co-host a new reality show on MLB Network. Wait until you read about the premise.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says NBC will begin its Olympics coverage from Sochi a day early.

Newsday’s Neil Best says Lindsay Vonn’s injury at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships put a damper on NBC’s Olympic media kickoff event on Tuesday.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says Time Warner Cable has added MSG Plus and MSG Plus 2 in the Capital Region.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union notes that Tennis Channel will air Rafael Nadal’s return to tennis today.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call feels CBS did not step up to the magnitude of Super Bowl XLVII.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun says some local TV stations did not distinguish themselves during coverage of the Ravens Championship Parade.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros are changing radio stations.

Mel Bracht of The Oklahoman says Super Bowl XLVII set a local ratings record.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that the Reds will remain on its flagship station and with it, air more Spring Training games.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says on his weekly radio show appearance, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers offered the olive branch to Brett Favre.

Danny Ecker from Crain’s Chicago Business looks at how Windy City businesses fared during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News looks into Fox’s announcement of using Gus Johnson on soccer.

The Toronto Globe and Mail runs a Canadian Press story reporting that former pitcher Jack Morris will become a Blue Jays TV and radio analyst.

The Canadian Sports Media blog wasn’t happy about CTV cutting off Super Bowl coverage early for the second year in a row.

EPL Talk is not thrilled about having Gus Johnson on soccer.

Jason McIntyre at The Big Lead says SportsNation co-host Charissa Thompson has a new boyfriend and he works with the Alleged Worldwide Leader as well.

In Awful Announcing, Allen Kenney writes that due to ESPN’s high college football rights fees, Disney’s profits fell in the first quarter of its fiscal year.

Dave Kohl at The Broadcast Booth looks at the coverage that National Signing Day is receiving.

And that will conclude our linkage.

Your Tuesday Linkage

Let’s do some Tuesday links.

We’ll start with Matt Hayes of AOL Sporting News and he writes that the BCS is looking for a $5 billion TV deal over a decade for its new college football playoff.

In the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Michael Bradley says the new college football playoff still can be improved.

Eric Fisher and John Ourand of Sports Business Journal write that the Washington Nationals and MASN continue to be at odds over what the team’s TV rights are worth.

Maury Brown in Baseball Prospectus goes inside the Nats/MASN TV rights dispute.

Mark Buteau and Alex Duff of Bloomberg report that NBC has signed a long-term extension to lock in the Tour de France.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter says CBC and CTV are dropping their joint bidfor the 2014/2016 Olympic Games.

Charlie Warzel of Adweek says the PGA and Turner Sports are parting ways as the golf association will handle its digital rights in-house and no longer outsource it to Turner.

Tim Baysinger from Broadcasting & Cable writes that Ion will provide the WWE with a third night of programming.

In Multichannel News, Tim has an article about NFL Network’s NFL AM show.

Media Life Magazine notes that a Spanish language ad ran during ABC’s NBA Finals broadcasts.

Ty Duffy at The Big Lead says CBS’ Jim Nantz is now pimping his own wine label. Surprised it’s not called “Hello, Friends.”

Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing has the amazing video of Mike Tyson on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption giving a preview of his new one-man Broadway play.

Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy notes that the KHL has officially announced plans to play in the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn while trashing New York’s Madison Square Garden in the process.

The ESPN Front Row blog fires a shot at the new upstarts CBS Sports Radio and NBC Sports Radio Network on behalf of ESPN Radio.

Ben Lee at Digital Spy UK says Wimbledon’s primetime coverage on BBC2 drew over a million viewers.

Tara Pringle Jefferson at Loop 21 has six questions for ESPN’s Sage Steele.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says NBA Draft prospect Anthony Davis has trademarked his unibrow.

Darren wonders if US Olympic 100 meter sprinter Justin Gatlin can be marketable once again after sitting out a four year ban for steroids.

Sports Video Group notes that NESN has signedanother content sharing agreement with a third New England TV station, this time in Vermont.

All Access interviews a radio industry analyst who feels the new CBS Sports Radio will do well for the parent company.

Ian Bethune at Sox & Dawgs has the funny video of NESN’s Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy entertaining the viewers during a Red Sox rain delay last night.

Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston writes about the Red Sox being in no rush to replace their late public address announcer Carl Beane.

Claire Atkinson of the New York Post reports that a positive FCC ruling for Tennis Channel in its carriage dispute against Comcast could lead to more viewers for the network and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Bob’s Blitz has WFAN’s schedule for Sunday when it celebrates 25 years as the Nation’s first sports radio station.

Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday notes that E! will air a special on New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow.

Neil Best of Newsday looks at ESPN’s start-to-finish coverage of Wimbledon.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has MLB Network’s live game schedule through the end of July.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call profiles a former local sports anchor who’s making his mark in Detroit.

Laura Nachman says a part-timer at Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia is now part of the regional sports network’s starting team.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog notes that Washingtonian magazine readers aren’t enamored with the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin.

Tom Jones of the Tampa Bay Times chastises readers who complained about weather alerts about Tropical Storm Debby that cut into sports action.

At the Miami Herald, Barry Jackson looks at anti-Heat media comments almost a week after the team won the NBA Championship.

Marc Weiszer of the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald writes that ESPN is producing a documentary on the 2008 SEC Tournament game between Alabama and Mississippi State that was interrupted by a tornado that ripped through Atlanta.

Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times Picayune reports that the Hornets will have the soon-to-be Fox Sports New Orleans to call their home. Fox Sports NO will replace Cox Sports which is getting out of the pro sports business.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says NFL Network will air clips of a Brett Favre interview all week long.

Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business says the local Comcast SportsNet affiliate will launch a new trivia game show.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has a clip of Frank Deford’s appearance on last night’s Colbert Report.

Simon Houpt and Steve Ladurantaye of the Toronto Globe and Mail look at CBC and CTV ending their joint bid for the 2014/16 Olympics after two prices were rejected.

Ann Dempsey from the Toronto Star also has a story on the CBC/CTV disbanding.

Bill Harris in the Toronto Sun says Olympic viewing in Canada after this year is up in the air.

Monika Warzecha of Toronto Life wonders if Canadians will be stuck watching NBC for the 2014/16 Olympics.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes TSN did well in showing the NHL Draft and EURO 2012.

Sports Media Watch has some various ratings news and notes.

Emmett Jones at Sports Business Digest says NBC and Shazam have teamed up to provide interactive coverage of the London Olympics.

And that’s going do it for our linkage.

Doing Sunday Links

Well, the blog is blowing up thanks to my latest edition of the Five Women Who Can Make Me Stop The Remote. CNBC’s Darren Rovell linked to the post as Erin Sharoni of his show “CNBC SportsBiz: Game On” is on the list. That’s as good as when Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated puts a link in his “Hot Clicks”. The site will be busy for the rest of the day and that’s a very good thing.

Let’s do some links on this NFL Sunday.

Tim Malloy of Reuters reports that NHL Network has been taken off AT&T U-Verse systems.

Bill Gorman at TV by the Numbers writes that CBS won the Saturday primetime ratings over ABC in a battle of college football games.

Timothy Burke at SportsGrid says a week after Fox apologized for making up newspaper headlines, TBS was apparently guilty of the same thing yesterday in its MLB Postseason coverage.

Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has the video of the son of the Texas Rangers fan who died going for a foul ball earlier this year throwing out the first pitch of Friday’s Rays-Rangers ALDS game.

In the National Football Post, NFL superagent Leigh Steinberg notes that the NFL’s TV ratings are as healthy as they’ve ever been.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post isn’t a fan of seeing Jay-Z having a role in the Brooklyn Nets.

Phil claims pornography has taken over CBS. Go home, Phil.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says TBS messed up not once, but twice during last night’s Tigers-Yankees ALDS game.

Pete says MSG Network has gone to Canada to tap a new host/reporter for its Islanders coverage.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun writes that the Charm City is ready for its closeup tonight on Sunday Night Football.

David says an interview of former Maryland coach Ralph Friedgent exposed him as a fraud.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner writes that watching the NFL and tweeting is America’s newest obsession.

Stephen F. Holder of the St. Petersburg Times says Colts-Bucs game will be aired locally on Monday night as the team avoided a blackout.

Stephen teams up with Rick Stroud for a story on an emotional Jon Gruden returning to Raymond James Stadium for Monday night’s game.

Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune also writes about Gruden’s return to RayJay for the first time since joining ESPN.

The Orlando Sentinel has the Week 6 college football national TV schedule.

Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham (AL) News has a sneak preview of a new ESPN special on Auburn selecting its new starting quarterback.

David Knox of the News writes that Texas A&M won’t add much to the SEC as far as TV is concerned.

One more from the News, Jon Solomon wonders if the SEC is reconsidering establishing its own TV network.

Jason Munz and Alan Hinton of the Hattiesburg (MS) review Brett Favre’s TV debut on CSS last night.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks with TBS MLB analyst Cal Ripken about former teammate and current Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington.

Barry says Joe Buck’s voice is coming back slowly, but surely.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman liked the FSN pay per view crew working the Ball State-Oklahoma game.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the average ratings for the Brewers for the regular season set a new record for the team.

Bob likes TBS analyst Joe Simpson on the Diamondbacks-Brewers LDS.

In the Capital Times (WI), Rob Hernandez talks with ESPN/ABC’s Brent Musburger.

The Idaho Statesman interviews Versus college football analyst Shaun King.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times says Fox Sports is suing the Dodgers in an attempt to force an auction on the team’s media rights.

Tom Huddleston, Jr. of The American Lawyer Daily also looks at the Fox Sports lawsuit against the Dodgers.

The San Francisco Business Times notes that the Giants had their highest ratings ever on cable.

Sports Media Watch says the Fox NFL Week 3 doubleheader did well in the ratings.

SMW says the NFL on CBS is down this season to date.

SMW notes that the MLB on Fox averaged a record ratings low for the 3rd straight year.

And we’ll end it there for today. The Sunday NFL pregame quotage is next.

Friday Megalinks Or The Return of Linkage

Due to being at jobsites for the last few days, I haven’t been able post links like I’ve wanted to. I apologize for that. I have tried to be diligent in updating as much as I can.

I have quite a bit to catch up with. I may be a blogging machine as I have to post a lot of things today. Plus, I to get ready to head to New York tomorrow for Blogs with Balls 4 so I’m going to be quite busy. Let’s get to the linkage.

But first, there’s always the Weekend Viewing Picks for your sports and entertainment planning.

National

John Ourand at Sports Business Journal writes that ESPN will do everything it can to head off NBC/Versus at the pass.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch asks if sports broadcasting and politics should mix?

Jeff Latzke of the Associated Press says the Big 12′s TV contracts helped to keep the conference together for now.

The Nielsen Ratings Wire blog notes that among various TV programming, sports in primetime continues to do well.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy talks with CBS/WFAN/Westwood One’s Boomer Esiason on how the NFL should investigate the Dallas Cowboys’ medical staff for clearing Tony Romo to play last Sunday.

Mike says ESPN is denying any responsibility for the recent college football chaos and says the Longhorn Network doesn’t have anything to do with it. I think Texas A&M, Missouri and other Big 12 schools would beg to differ.

Bob Velin of USA Today writes that CBS’ 48 Hours Mystery program will investigate the mysterious and unsettling death of boxer Arturo Gatti.

Mike McCarthy and Michael Hiestand of USA Today debate whether schools or TV wield the power in college sports.

John Taylor of College Football Talk writes that Brett Favre gets his first taste of being an analyst next week for CSS.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable reports that the FCC has ruled that Cablevision-owned MSG Network cannot withhold its HD signal to other cable providers violating program-access rules.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that YES received its second highest rating ever for the American League East Division clinching game this week.

Mike says Golf Channel and NBC Sports are teaming up for a promotion to give a lucky viewer of “The Big Break” a chance to win a trip to see Notre Dame play in Ireland next year.

Tim Nudd of Adweek says the NFL has pulled an ad for its fantasy football product which used a picture of Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles after he was injured last week.

David Lieberman of Deadline reports that Time Warner Cable is planning to offer a low cost tier that will not include ESPN in the lineup.

Timothy Burke of SportsGrid has the video of ESPN sideline reporter Jenn Brown calling Cincinnati football coach Butch Jones something else.

Glenn Davis at SportsGrid has the sixth and perhaps final installment of New Era’s Yankees-Red Sox Alec Baldwin-John Kraskinski ads. They have been quite good. This latest one may have taken it a bit too far.

Also from SportsGrid, Dan Fogarty reviews the ESPN Films documentary “Catching Hell”, on Steve Bartman and the 2003 Chicago Cubs.

Sports Media Watch talks with the crew of ESPN’s College GameDay.

SMW says despite being on tape delay, Fox drew a decent audience for its first English Premier League game on Sunday.

SMW notes that the ratings for CBS’ 2nd game of its NFL doubleheader dropped from last year.

SMW says the NBA lockout has forced the cancellation of the start of training camp and over 40 preseason games.

And SMW has some various ratings news and notes.

Joe Favorito looks at one imaginative marketing campaign that helped Eye Black this week.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell reviews “Moneyball.”

Darren has some interesting facts on sports participation in America.

Karen Hogan of Sports Video Group looks at how CBS Sports Network was able to bring the Tim Brando Show into a TV simulcast from his base in Shreveport, LA.

Matt Yoder at Awful Announcing has this week’s network TV on-screen typos.

Ben Koo from AA says tomorrow is when Gus Johnson and FX get their real grand opening in college football.

At The Stir, Maressa Brown feels ESPN’s Erin Andrews is unqualified to demonstrate CrossFit.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe writes that WEEI’s Glenn Ordway has suffered a rather severe pay cut due to lower ratings for his afternoon drive show.

At SBNation Boston, Bruce Allen of Boston Sports Media Watch looks at a busy week in local sports media news.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette writes that Dale Arnold is pleased to be back with NESN after leaving in 2007.

Lang Whitaker and Ian Lovett of the New York Times give us an inside look at DirecTV’s Red Zone Channel and NFL Network’s RedZone.

John Jeansonne of Newsday reviews ESPN Films’ documentary on transgendered tennis player Renee Richards.

Newsday’s Neil Best says fans seem to be buying into the New York Islanders’ future.

Claire Atkinson of the New York Post has news that some Time Warner Cable subscribers have been waiting for, that the company appears to be close to a carriage agreement with NFL Network.

Phil Mushnick at the Post can’t stand ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Justin Terranova of the Post says last month’s Russian plane crash that killed 44 members of the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl really hit home for MSG Network analyst Joe Micheletti.

And Justin has five questions for Joe.

Lou Lumenick of the Post says “Moneyball” is one of the best baseball movies of all-time.

I’ll break my self-imposed embargo on the New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman for a week for this story on the Yankees’ radio rights which are in flux and so are the fates of broadcasters John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that MSG Network has named Steve Cangialosi to replace Mike “Doc” Emrick on New Jersey Devils games.

And Pete talks with Steve about his new gig.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette is not a fan of a new local sports talk show host.

Ken notes that NBC Sports is extending its “Summer at Saratoga” series for at least two more years.

At Press Box, Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com notes that Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic has announced its Capitals and Wizards schedules.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says the college football conference merry-go-round could have some legal ramifications.

Jim says the ratings for the NFL in both Baltimore and Washington were very strong.

South

In the Miami Herald, Joseph Goodman notes the irony of ESPN possibly saving college football from massive chaos.

Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel catches up with ESPN college football analyst Jesse Palmer.

Jeff Sentell of the Birmingham (AL) News says ESPN is not ponying up to air high school games from the region.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle notes that an Astros broadcaster is celebrating 25 years with the club.

David asks readers if they find the idea of the Longhorn Network offensive.

Mel Bracht at the Daily Oklahoman says an Oklahoma State wide receiver will be profiled on ESPN’s College GameDay.

Midwest

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says Cleveland MLB team radio voice Mike Hegan is leaving he broadcast after this season.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Reds voice Marty Brennaman can’t campaign on-air for his former partner Joe Nuxhall for the Baseball Hall of Fame Ford C. Frick Award.

Micahel Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press wonders why the DirecTV/NBC series “Friday Night Lights” didn’t do better in the ratings.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says actor Brad Pitt saw “Moneyball” as a compelling story.

Bob says the Green Bay Packers will be showcased aplenty in the late afternoon window on both CBS and Fox this season.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business writes that the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship failed to draw viewers away from the NFL on Sunday.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times talks with WMAQ-TV sports anchor Paula Ferris.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders why Cardinals TV voice Dan McLaughlin has been missing of late.

Kevin Haskin of the Topeka (KS) Capital-Journal writes that CBS Sports Network was in town to air an NCAA Division II football game this week.

West

Jay Posner from the San Diego Union-Tribune says Big Ten Network won’t allow the local Cox system to pick up Saturday’s San Diego State-Michigan game on a one-time only basis.

The North County Times’ John Maffei writes that unless fans can find a sports bar, they’ll have to listen to San Diego State on the radio.

Jim Carlisle at the Ventura County Star says it’s too bad Southern California couldn’t see the end of the exciting Oakland-Buffalo game due to silly NFL rules.

Jim says HBO will replay last Saturday’s controversial Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz fight.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says a bankruptcy court has given the Dodgers permission to change their flagship radio station for next season.

Tom says the NFL secondary market rule needs to be changed.

Tom also has a few notes that he couldn’t get into his Friday column.

Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News looks at the Pac-12′s decision to stand pat, TV’s role in the whole thing and where BYU may be headed.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that CBC’s P.J. Stock is regretting his initial comments on Wade Belak’s death.

The Toronto Sports Media Blog is not so fast to forgive P.J.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog notes that CBC has made some additions to its Hockey Night in Canada crew.

And there you have it for your links today.

Friday Megalink Action

With me not having to drive in between two offices, I’m able to provide you with the Friday megalinks during the day. And with things planned for me during the day for Saturday, it’s best to get these in now so it can tie you over while I’m gone.

The Weekend Viewing Picks provide your sports and entertainment programming for Mother’s Day and before.

To the links. Lots to get to today.

National

In USA Today, Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy debate whether Donald Trump should have pulled out of driving the pace car at this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Mike McCarthy broke news last night that Champion fired Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall over his tweets on Osama bin Laden’s death.

Sports Business Daily looks at the final sports TV ratings from this week.

At Sports Video Group, Carolyn Braff says the Pac-12 Network will take lessons from the Big 10 Network when it launches in 2012.

Cam Martin at SportsNewser notes a new website launch for the National Sportcasters and Sportswriters Association.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell has an extensive look at whether the newest marketing plan by Gatorade can bring the company to new heights.

Cork Gaines of the Business Insider’s Sports Page notes that the new Pac-12 rights deal will immediately pay dividends for two schools.

Ed DeRosa of the Thoroughbred Times profiles Larry Collmus who is the new Voice of the Triple Crown for NBC.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media has the ratings for Night 22 of the NHL Playoffs.

At SportsGrid, Glenn Davis is keeping track of whether Gus Johnson will stay at CBS or go to Fox.

Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing also has an update on the Gus Johnson saga.

The Nielsen Wire blog has news that will make NBC really happy, the Kentucky Derby is growing in popularity.

Dave Kohl at Major League Programs looks at the college conference rights megadeals and other sports media news that occurred this week.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Pawtucket Red Sox announcer Steve Hyder is very proud of his radio partner Dan Hoard for getting the call to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the NFL Network appears to have finally gotten its Thursday Night Football announcing booth down.

Dan Lamonthe of the Red Sox Monster blog in the Springfield Republican chuckles at the “so bad, it’s good” Sullivan Tire ad with second baseman Dustin Pedroia and pitcher Jon Lester.

Newsday’s Neil Best has New York Jets coach Rex Ryan realizing that he’s been doing too many interviews this week.

I’m not sure what Phil Mushnick is saying in today’s New York Post.

Justin Terranova of the Post has five questions for SNY analyst Ron Darling.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that a local radio personality gets to take his passion for NASCAR to a national level.

Tom Luicci of the Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger speaks with Larry Collmus of Monmouth Park who will call the Kentucky Derby for NBC.

Evan Weiner in the New Jersey Newsroom says sports business seems to carry on despite the sluggish economy.

Laura Nachman says Phillies radio analyst Larry Andersen has won a reader’s poll.

Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says Root Sports has a decision to make on its Penguins announcing team.

Mark Madden of the Beaver County (PA) Times also looks at the Penguins announcing situation.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun notes that MASN is seeing higher ratings for the Orioles especially among younger viewers.

Dave Hughes of DCRTV.com has a look at what’s going on in Baltimore and DC sports media in Press Box.

Steven Goff of the Washington Post says the MLS’ DC United and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic have forged a rights deal.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner likes how NBC and Versus are sharing coverage of the Kentucky Derby.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald is a fan of ESPN/ABC NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy.

Jeff Shain from the Orlando Sentinel looks at Golf Channel’s documentary on the late Frank Chirkinian of CBS Sports. It is a good documentary and airs tonight at 8 and throughout the weekend on Golf Channel.

Joe Biddle of The Tennessean notes that the new NHL TV contract with NBC/Versus gives the league stability, but hurts the younger generation with late starting times.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham (AL) News says Alabama native Rece Davis returns to report on the recent tornadoes for ESPN and how sports is helping the region to recover.

Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre tells WDAM-TV of Hattiesburg, MS that coaching or TV is in his future. Stay away from my TV, Brett.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle attempts to catch up with two weeks worth of sports media news in one column.

Peter Lim of the Chronicle says two local boxers get their national spotlight this weekend.

Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News takes a look at the control the University of Texas has over the ESPN-owned and operated Longhorn Network.

Mel Bracht in the Daily Oklahoman profiles ESPN basketball analyst Doris Burke of North Providence, RI.

Mel has various sports media tidbits in his weekly notebook.

Midwest

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal says it was the Big 10 Conference that paved the way for the Pac 10/12 to cash in on its media deals.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks into why the Bengals chose to change play-by-play announcers.

Mike Zuidema from the Grand Rapids (MI) Press has NBC’s Kentucky Derby crew talking the horses in advance of Saturday’s race.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his winners and losers this week.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Kentucky Derby has lost ties to the local area with the departure of race caller Tom Durkin.

West

Bill Husted of the Denver Post writes that ESPN’s Rick Reilly returned to his alma mater in Boulder, CO to give the final commencement address to its Journalism School.

Lya Wodraska of the Salt Lake Tribune says the Pac-12 Network has the potential to give Utah plenty of exposure.

Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star gives us a peek at how the Pac-12 Network might look like when it launches next year.

John Maffei from the North County Times notes that the Pac 10/12 has hit Powerball.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says keeping ownership of its own network is key for the Pac-12 Conference.

Jim talks about Michele Tafoya joining NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says Golf Channel will pay tribute to the late CBS golf producer Frank Chirkinian tonight.

Diane says the Pac-12 media deals show how valuable sports is to television executives.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News notes that the Pac-12 member schools are going to be very rich under the new rights deals.

Tom looks at the very busy week in sports media.

Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Pac-12 contract means more options for viewers.

Canada

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail feels Rashard Mendenhall and other athletes should think before they tweet.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has the ratings for CBC and TSN for the first games of the 2nd round of the NHL Playoffs.

The Toronto Sports Media blog has the April sports radio ratings for the local stations.

And that is going to conclude the Megalinks.

Coming Back For Sunday Links

After not being able to bring you the Friday megalinks or even Saturday linkage, I have some time to provide the Sunday linkage. Some good stuff here and don’t forget to read my Sunday thoughts.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy breaks news that former co-host of Versus’ The Daily Line, Jenn Sterger will give her first interview on the Brett Favre scandal to Good Morning America this week.

Mike notes that Jim Gray is not part of Golf Channel’s coverage of The Masters^® this year.

Rachel Cohen from the Associated Press says TV networks are trying to work out the kinks of shooting sports in 3-D.

From Yahoo’s The PostGame, Eric Adelson talks to former CBS golf announcer Ben Wright whose “Yes Sir!” call of Jack Nicklaus win in the 1986 Masters has been overshadowed and ignored by Verne Lundquist’s.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News notes that ESPN’s ratings for its opening round coverage of The Masters^® were down from the year before.

Mike says the ratings for The Masters^® did go up Friday when Tiger Woods got back into contention.

R. Thomas Umstead at Multichannel says UFC has signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with Bud Light.

Anthony Crupi of Adweek says when you take bar and hotel viewing into account, the ratings for the NCAA Tournament goes up 20%.

Dan Fogarty from SportsGrid writes that the Joe Buck hate reached a fever pitch on Twitter during yesterday’s Yankees-Red Sox game on Fox.

Mohammed Rahman of SportsGrid says ESPN’s Jon Gruden hasn’t met a player he hasn’t liked.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick goes after EA Sports for not toning down the violence in the Madden NFL 12 video game.

Annie Karni of the Post talks with Jenn Sterger’s ex-manager (not Jenn herself?) about how it’s all Brett Favre’s fault that she can’t get her career off the ground. If you read the story in full, you’ll see that apparently Sterger’s interview with Good Morning America could lead into her working for ABC. In what capacity, I have no idea.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says ESPN’s ratings for the 2nd round of The Masters^® were down from last year.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has former Nationals President Stan Kasten denying that former MASN TV analyst Rob Dibble was let go following an e-mail from the father of pitcher Stephen Strasburg.

At the WaPo’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg has Dibble responding to Kasten.

Mike Frandsen of the Washington Examiner says Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra DC radio station is defending its policy to pick up Baltimore Orioles games.

Greg Hardwig of the Naples (FL) Daily News talks with former CBS golf analyst Ken Venturi about watching The Masters without his good friend, the late golf producer Frank Chirkinian.

Mel Bracht from the Daily Oklahoman says 60 Minutes will profile St. Louis Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols today.

Evan Binns from the St. Louis Business Journal says Fox Sports Midwest has added some familiar names to its Cardinals games.

The Kirksville (MO) Daily Express reports that a local cable provider won’t be airing 20 Cardinals games this season over a rights fee dispute with Fox Sports Midwest.

David Southorn of the Idaho Press-Tribune has the complete 2011 Mountain West football TV schedule.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that NHL Network will reveal all of the playoff matchups tonight.

Awful Announcing says St. John’s basketball coach and former ESPN analyst Steve Lavin has prostate cancer. Our best wishes to Steve.

That’s going to do it for today.

Monday’s Linkage or Back to Regularity

At least I hope I’m back to a regular schedule. Saturday and Sunday were a lost weekend. I couldn’t finish your Friday megalinks after I started them. And due to having a weekend that was scheduled behind my back, I could not do any linkage. Silly family commitments on both Saturday and Sunday and by the time I could actually turn on my computer, it was Sunday night. My apologies for those of you looking for updated news, luckily, nothing broke. Let’s see if I can do better this week.

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he tells us that Fox Sports will have three consecutive primetime windows for its MLB on Fox series this season.

Mike McCarthy of USA Today has your first look at this week’s Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry looks at Dan Shanoff’s detective work that helped to debunk the Brett Favre-to-”Dancing with the Stars” rumor.

To Pro Football Talk where Mike Florio says cities might want to explore legal options at publicly-funded stadiums if an NFL lockout comes to fruition.

And Mike says once a lockout starts, the NFL’s legal tentacles can no longer touch players.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King talks about the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process and shoots back at Jason Whitlock who fired a shot at King last week.

Sam Mamudi of Marketwatch says newly-appointed CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus plans to upgrade CBS College Sports.

To Mediaweek where Anthony Crupi discusses the strong TV ratings and ad market for the NBA.

Noah Davis in SportsNewser says NASCAR on Fox received a ratings win on Saturday, but still has a long way to go to get back to its record levels.

Glenn Davis at SportsGrid has the video of Sky Sports’ Ewen Murphy chastising Tiger Woods for spitting on the green while lining up a putt at the Dubai Desert Classic over the weekend. Woods was fined by the PGA European Tour.

Also at SportsGrid, Dan Fogarty says Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is going on Oprah to apologize to the Women of America.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks with ESPN’s Sean McDonough who will be back calling baseball full-time this season after being unceremoniously and incorrectly dumped by NESN after the 2004 season.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman says the bidding for the Yankees’ radio rights could become an interesting battle.

Phil Mushnick is grasping for something to write about in today’s New York Post.

Jeremy W. Peters at the New York Times says Sports Illustrated has begun selling digital subscriptions on Android tablets.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union writes that NHL Center Ice is going to be free this week.

Dan Steinberg from the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says with the Wizards’ first road win this season, DC media members can now relax.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says both the Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles are changing their radio flagships this season.

Jim talks with Mary Carillo who will be hosting the Westminster Dog Show on USA Network tonight and tomorrow.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times can’t decide between NBC’s NHL broadcast and ESPN on ABC’s NBA telecast as the best of the weekend.

Eric Deggans of the Times wishes Happy Birthday to YouTube.

Adam Thompson of the Sheboygan (WI) Press says a local radio station has changed its affiliation from ESPN to Fox Sports.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Big 12 hoops fans are not being  served as in the past in the local market.

Dusty Saunders in the Denver Post says the newly expanded coverage of the NCAA Tournament should benefit fans this year.

The Orange County (CA) Register has two slideshows on ESPN. One on the best things about the network and other, naturally on the worst things. Did Bleacher Report get a hold of the OC Register?

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada chose to focus on heartwarming stories rather than get involved in controversy.

The Toronto Sports Media Blog notes that one local sports radio station is positioning itself as a crosstown format war is about to start.

Sports Media Watch notes that the NHL on Versus is doing well after the All-Star Break.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media feels Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire actually made good points during their debate on fighting yesterday.

Joe Favorito notes that a New York sporting goods chain has helped itself in positioning and branding by releasing viral videos.

That’s going to do it for now.

Some Quick Tuesday Night Links

My hopes of having a night off from the blog have gone by the wayside. Too many things going on. I’m going to give you an extra set of links this evening.

Our first story is in regards to the NFL Players Association complaint that the NFL improperly negotiated its TV contracts, insisting its TV partners pay for games even if there’s a lockout. A special master ruled against the union, however, did award damages to the NFLPA.

For its part, the NFLPA released a statement giving its reaction to the ruling.

In Sports Business Daily, John Ourand reports that Versus President Jamie Davis is being replaced by the NBC Sports hierarchy.

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! has details of a meeting between Fox Sports’ Terry Bradshaw and Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Fox Sports’ Brian Lowry looks back at Super Bowl XVIII where one particular commercial took hold and paved the way for advertisers.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser clears things once and for all on the back of John Clayton’s head.

Dashiell Bennett of the Business Insider’s Sports Page delves into ESPN’s rehiring of Stephen A. Smith to host two local radio shows in New York and Los Angeles.

Rob Gloster and Andy Fixmer from Bloomberg write about the new naming rights deal for Los Angeles’ new stadium which doesn’t have an NFL team.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell explains why he’s watching the Super Bowl from home instead of being at the game in person.

Milton Kent from Fanhouse writes about Stephen A. Smith’s return to ESPN.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union also writes about ESPN bringing back Stephen A.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci telling Packers fans that they’ll forgive Brett Favre eventually.

Lance Pugmire from the Los Angeles Times has a story on the new stadium naming rights deal.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks to various play-by-play men about Vin Scully.

First, Tom asks CBS’ Jim Nantz about Vin.

Tom also talks with one of the worst play-by-play men of all-time and a writer of Cheers, Ken Levine

Tom then talks with one of Vin’s former partners, Ross Porter.

Tom taps former Padres play-by-play man and current MLB Network host Matt Vasgersian to talk about Vin.

Tom finds current Anaheim Angels voice and Friend of Fang’s Bites Victor Rojas to discuss what he can learn from Vin.

And finally, Tom talks with Vin’s current partner, Charley “Follow Me To Freedom” Steiner.

David Shoalts from the Toronto Globe and Mail delves into the NHL US TV rights negotiations which get a bit more interesting now that Versus’ exclusive negotiating window has ended.

Bruce Dowbiggin from the Globe and Mail reports that TSN which obtained Euro 2012 & 2016 along with the Tour de France today, appears to have wrested the Canadian rights to Major League Soccer away from CBC and Rogers Sportsnet.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog looks into TSN’s acquisition of MLS.

Dave Kohl from Major League Programs writes about Super Bowl coverage from the local point of view.

That’s going to finish us for tonight. Glad to provide some linkage for you.

Thursday’s Linkage

I just keep accumulating tabs on my browser of sports media stories and I realized if I keep doing this, my computer will slow down and I’ll have to start rebooting Firefox. It’s a memory whore as it is, but keeping as many as 15 tabs open is not a good idea, so let’s do some linkage for you.

We’ll start with the big story of the day thus far, John Ourand’s scoop in the Sports Business Daily that ESPN and the NFL have agreed in principle for an extension for Monday Night Football into the next decade and increasing the rights fee to almost $2 billion a year.

Over to Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk who goes inside the numbers of the deal and what it all means.

The Associated Press reports that ESPN and Fox are appealing to the International Olympics Committee to auction four Olympic games instead of the normal two, making 2014/2016 and 2018/2020 into one package. 

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that ESPN is about to launch a college basketball highlights and cut-in channel similar to what it did during the college football season.

Mike feels the NHL Winter Classic through all of the promotion and hype should have received better ratings. 

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel outlines ESPN’s plans for the Year of the Quarterback.

Mike Fleming of Deadline writes about a new film on Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow that ESPN is airing as part of its Year of the Quarterback initiative.

Fox Sports’ Brian Lowry feels boxing lends itself to the silver screen. With everything that’s been going on, that’s the best a sports media columnist can do?

A couple of things from Fanhouse’s Milton Kent. First, he notes that Ron Franklin’s firing shows that ESPN is not sweeping gender issues under the rug.

Milton writes that with the latest problems for Brett Favre, networks are no longer eager to hire him once his playing career is over.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek looks at NBC’s NFL ratings which turn out to the best for a network in 12 years.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine says ESPN is jumping out to a cable ratings lead thanks to the BCS.

To Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy where he recaps the last episode of 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Martin Kaufmann at Golfweek looks at Golf Channel’s new graphics package for this year.

Ryan Ballengee of Pro Golf Talk also got to preview Golf Channel’s new graphics.

Lauren Kirchner of the Columbia Journalism Review says the New York Times is apologizing for altering a column after it was first posted online during the New York Jets-New England Patriots Monday Night Football game last month. 

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that ticket broker StubHub has pulled all BCS National Championship Game tickets.

The Boston Herald’s Steve Buckley informs the world that’s he gay. Buck has always been provocative and a very good writer. This is a very good column.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says based on the success of 24/7 Penguins/Capitals, HBO is now reaching out to other sports leagues for the next installment of its documentary series.

At the Albany Times Union, Pete Dougherty looks at the new rights deal between Fox Sports Media Group and Conference USA.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog has some behind the scenes video of Alex Ovechkin’s SportsCenter promo.

Dan also has two number 8′s getting together last night, Cal Ripken and the aforementioned, Alex Ovechkin.

And Dan has a look at the end of 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

I missed this from the New Year’s holiday. The WaPo’s Leonard Shapiro has his farewell column. I’ll miss linking to him.

Adam Kilgore of the Post says a favorite has emerged to replace Rob Dibble as Nationals analyst on MASN. 

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says the NHL Winter Classic proves the popularity of the Capitals.

From the St. Petersburg Times, Tom Jones says Ron Franklin deserved to get fired.

Tom also enjoyed 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Shannon Owens from the Orlando Sentinel says Ron Franklin got his just desserts.

Iliana Limon of the Sentinel writes that Central Florida will get more TV exposure statewide thanks to Conference USA’s new deal with Fox Sports.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says the local CBS affiliate has canceled plans to air a Bengals playoff special originally scheduled for this Friday. When did it know it did not need to produce one?

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that the Rose Bowl’s ratings were down in Milwaukee due to the game being on ESPN as compared to ABC last year.

And Bob talks about ESPN’s Herman Edwards suggestions for the Green Bay Packers to contain Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

In Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman says Comcast SportsNet will showcase local sports radio talent next week.

The Los Angeles Times’ Diane Pucin also weighs in on the Ron Franklin firing.

The Backyard Hockey blog found that the Manchester (NH) Union Leader lifted passages from one of its posts and got the newspaper to admit what it did.

Steve Lepore of Puck The Media gives his thoughts on 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Jason Clinkscales of A Sports Scribe talks to a few people (including your humble blogger) about 24/7 and its effect on the NHL for Norman Einstein’s Sports & Rocket Science Monthly.

Sports Media Watch notes that two bowls drew very low overnight ratings.

SMW says the Sugar Bowl held up decently in the ratings from last year.

Emmett Jones from Sports Business Digest notices that Tiger Woods is not on the cover of his own video game.

Mike Vitiello of Awful Announcing says ESPN is apparently making a long-term commitment to ESPN 3D.

Dave Kohl at Major League Programs has his weekly update.

And that is where we’ll end it today. Lots of good stuff for you. If anything else breaks, I’ll be here to bring it to you.

Breaking Out the Tuesday Linkage

I hope to get these links done without interruption. I hate working from the RI main office because I get bogged down, but that’s what happens when you don’t have a car like I do. I have to depend on others to get me where I’m going and I can’t get to my MA office as often as I would like. But you don’t care about that so let’s do as much linkage as I can.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy says ESPN has had to issue apologies for recent inappropriate behavior by employees.

Also from USA Today, Reid Cherner from the Game On blog notes that Fox News analyst Tucker Carlson has retracted his earlier sentiment that Michael Vick should be executed.

Again from USA Today, Mike McCarthy looks at some of the TV ratings from the past weekend.

Finally from the Nation’s Newspaper, Mike notes that CBS’ Jim Nantz is the voice of Tiger Woods’ new EA video game.

Richard Deitsch from Sports Illustrated explores the off-air spat between announcer Ron Franklin and sideline reporter Jeannine Edwards.

Sports Business Daily says the NHL would be hard-pressed to match this year’s record ratings for the Winter Classic in 2012. 

And SBD notes the final ratings for Sunday Night Football which ended up being the best for NBC since it started airing the package in 2007.

David Goetzl from MediaPost wonders why more women aren’t in the broadcast booth.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine writes about ESPN’s record ratings for the Rose Bowl. 

Noah Davis at SportsNewser says the Rio 2016 Olympics Committee has silently unveiled its logo.

Brad Cohen from SportsGrid has the video of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh snubbing Michele Tafoya after the Cardinal won the Orange Bowl last night.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid says the New York Daily News is having too much fun with the latest chapter in the sad Brett Favre saga.

Emmett Jones at Sports Business Digest notes that after settling a dispute, Anheuser-Busch is back sponsoring MLB for 2011.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times talks about ESPN disciplining Ron Franklin.

And Richard discusses the increased ratings for the NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Night.

Paul Farhi of the Washington Post discusses ESPN’s behavior towards women in the workplace.

From the Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg highlights three moments from Sunday’s radio broadcast of the Washington-New York Giants game.

Dan notes that there were plenty of Caps fans making their influence felt during the NHL Winter Classic’s singing of the national anthem.

Crain’s Chicago Business’ Ed Sherman has some various Windy City sports media notes.

Dan Caesar at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that the Rams-Seahawks game from Sunday night drew the biggest regular season audience locally for an NFL game in recent memory.

Scott Collins from the Los Angeles Times says under 21 million people watched the Rose Bowl on ESPN.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has ESPN’s new promo involving tennis doubles partners, Bob and Mike Bryan.

Eric Degerman from the Mid-Columbia (WA) Tri Cities Herald notes that FSN Northwest will undergo a name change in the spring. 

Carol Walker at the CawsnJaws blog found that ESPN ran the most ads during its NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage than any other network.

Some college football bowl ratings news from Sports Media Watch:

Fiesta Bowl hit a 13 year ratings low.

The Outback Bowl did well on ABC.

The Sun Bowl dropped on CBS.

And we have ratings news on three more bowls.

Ben Koo at Awful Announcing lists the sports media stories he’ll be watching in 2011.

And that will finish the links for today.

The NFL’s Statement On Brett Favre

Well, since this was also a sports media story as well as an NFL story, we are presenting you with the complete statement from the National Football League in regards to the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger situation. It’s not the punishment or suspension that Sterger nor her lawyer are looking for. Favre will not be suspended, but he will be fined. The NFL says it could not determine if the schlong shots that were texted to Sterger were from Favre. This all stems from when both Favre and Sterger were with the New York Jets and she claimed she was harassed by the quarterback. Commissioner Roger Goodell says based on the evidence, he could not determine if Favre violated workplace conduct policies.

In addition, the league said any additional claims of alleged harassment by Favre of other female Jets employees could not be substantiated. So Favre won’t lose any playing time, and may play if physically able on Sunday. Sterger’s lawyers did not file a lawsuit yesterday which was the two year anniversary of the first alleged sexting incident. The New Jersey Statute of Limitations on sexual harassment claims is two years. That deadline has apparently passed, but as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes, Sterger’s lawyers may be looking at another date to possibly file a lawsuit.

It’s all sticky, not to make a pun here. This is the statement in full from the National Football League. Thanks to the NFL public relations for sending this over.

NO VIOLATION OF LEAGUE POLICY ESTABLISHED IN FAVRE INVESTIGATION;

FAVRE FINED $50,000 FOR LACK OF COOPERATION

The NFL issued the following statement today regarding the Brett Favre-Jenn Sterger matter:

          

The NFL office conducted an investigation to determine whether Brett Favre’s interaction with New York Jets game-day employee Jenn Sterger in 2008 violated the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.

In reviewing the matter, the sole focus was on whether there was a violation of league policies regarding conduct in the workplace.  NFL policies do not extend to private conduct or make judgments about the appropriateness of personal relationships, except where that conduct or those relationships raise issues under the law or league policies.

The investigation included an analysis of publicly available reports; a series of interviews with knowledgeable individuals, including Sterger and Favre; a review of communications between the two furnished to our office; and independent forensic analysis of electronically stored material. The investigation was limited in several respects because the conduct occurred in 2008 but was not brought to our attention until this fall.  As a result, certain records and individuals were unavailable to the NFL.

The investigation also reviewed a second media report about allegations involving other women who worked at the Jets’ facility in 2008.  Misconduct by Favre regarding that claim was unable to be substantiated because individuals with potentially relevant information declined to be interviewed or otherwise cooperate with the investigation. In addition, our investigation took longer than might ordinarily have been the case due to difficulties in arranging to speak with certain key individuals, the time required to retrieve and review stored electronic records, and Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to meet personally with both Favre and Sterger before making a decision. 

On the basis of the evidence currently available to him, Commissioner Goodell could not conclude that Favre violated league policies relating to workplace conduct. The forensic analysis could not establish that Favre sent the objectionable photographs to Sterger. The review found no evidence to contradict the statements of both Favre and Sterger that they never met in person, nor was there anything to suggest that Sterger engaged in any inappropriate conduct.

However, Commissioner Goodell also determined that Favre was not candid in several respects during the investigation, resulting in a longer review and additional negative public attention for Favre, Sterger, and the NFL. The commissioner notified Favre that he has been fined $50,000 for his failure to cooperate with the investigation in a forthcoming manner. Commissioner Goodell stated to Favre that if he had found a violation of the league’s workplace conduct policies, he would have imposed a substantially higher level of discipline.

In a memo to clubs today, Commissioner Goodell reminded them of the serious nature of this matter and stated that NFL policies make no excuses for improper or potentially unlawful conduct in the workplace. “Every member of every club’s staff should be able to work in an environment free of harassment or hostility, and one in which every employee is valued, respected, and given a full opportunity to contribute to the goals of the club and the NFL,” Commissioner Goodell said. “Our new training program on workplace conduct will help all of us to promote the right kind of environment for all employees and I intend to dedicate the fine I have imposed on Favre to help fund that training program.”

And that will do it. While I hope this is the end of this story, me thinks we haven’t heard the last for a while.

Linkage Time

With the digging out from the Great Northeast Blizzard yesterday, plus having to finish some year-end work, I wasn’t able to provide linkage, but now with things slowly getting back to normal, it’s time to give you the sports media links once again.

The great Richard Deitsch of Sports lllustrated lists his best and worst of sports media in 2010. 

Michael Hiestand of USA Today has a look at the TV ratings from the Christmas holiday weekend.

Michael writes that CBS’ Bill Cowher finally addressed coaching rumors surrounding himself during the NFL Today.

Sports Business Daily recaps the media and political reaction to the postponement of the Minnesota Vikings-Philadelphia Eagles game until tonight.

Over to my always lovely Twitter Trophy Wife, Amanda Rykoff at espnW, and she defends the NFL’s choice to put the St. Louis Rams-Seattle Seahawks matchup into primetime on NBC.

Marisa Guthrie at the Hollywood Reporter notes that ESPN/ABC gave the NBA its highest Christmas Day ratings ever.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable writes that CBS and the FCC are still battling over Janet Jackson’s breasts from Super Bowl XXVIII in 2004. A quick aside, I was watching the Lingerie Bowl at halftime and switched back to the game just in time for the nip slip, but because I had my back turned, I missed the whole thing live until I read a statement by the NFL late in the third quarter and then I had to rewind my VCR to find the incident. Then I saw it.

John writing for sister publication, Multichannel News, says NFL Network is bringing in a new analyst tonight. 

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel says 2010 became the most watched season for NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football package.

Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk notes that debate is still raging over the NFL’s postponement of the Minnesota-Philadelphia game which will be played tonight.

Marcus Vanderberg from SportsNewser notes that former Jim Rome radio show producer Travis Rodgers will host a national show of his own starting after the New Year.

Andrew Gauthier of SportsNewser’s sister site, TVSpy notes a Cincinnati sports anchor who started 2010 at one local station and is ending it at another. 

Because of the off and on posting schedule here due to the holidays, I’ll catch up with SportsGrid’s countdown of Top 10 Sports Media Gaffes of 2010.

I’ll refresh your memory with #10, ESPN’s Chris McKendry’s slip of the tongue.

Now let’s go to #9, the Dallas Morning News’ Tim Colishaw having to eat his words on an alleged “scoop”.

To #8 which is Jeremy Roenick crying on national TV.

SportsGrid says #7 is the Washington Post’s Mike Wise making up a tweet in an attempt to teach a lesson to reporters and bloggers, but only hurting himself.

The #6 sports media gaffe is Jay The Rat getting arrested.

And bringing us up to date is the #5 gaffe which is the whole Cam Newton mess. 

I’ll post SportsGrid’s other choices as they come along.

At Yahoo’s Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski has posted a time lapse video of the NHL Winter Classic rink construction at Heinz Field. 

Brendan Wilhide from Sports Networker talks with the Director of Social Media for the San Francisco Giants.

Fanhouse notes that Jenn Sterger’s lawyer is once again complaining about the NFL’s investigation into Brett Favre’s alleged sexting.

Deadspin wonders where is the ESPN Ombudsman?

Wendy Parker writes that the late Olympic documentarian Bud Greenspan was always sure to include female athletes in his films.

John Powers of the Boston Globe says Greenspan managed to find stories that others missed.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says Comcast is willing to bid for the 2014/2016 on behalf of NBC, but only for the right price. 

Newsday’s Neil Best gives his impressions on watching Jets coach Rex Ryan’s press conference up close.

Neil mourns the loss of Bud Greenspan and others who passed in 2010.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has a look at the NFL Week 17 TV schedule for New York’s Capital Region.

Laura Nachman notes that a Philly sportscaster is filling a halftime host role for the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says unseasonably warm temperatures are threatening the NHL Winter Classic on Saturday.

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun feels CBS made the Ravens-Browns game rather laborious.

Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune writes about this guy, ESPN’s Jon Gruden returning to some familiar stomping grounds on New Year’s Day.

Barry Jackson at the Miami Herald says Heat-Lakers on Christmas Day drew better ratings in South Florida than Lions-Dolphins on Sunday. Thanks to The Big Lead for the link.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle is sad over Bud Greenspan’s passing.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci made an emotional appeal to Brett Favre.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business has part one of a three part series on the Year in Sports Business in the Windy City.

Ed also has some other sports business stories that caught his fancy.

At the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Dan Caesar wonders how much TV had a role to play in postponing the Minnesota Vikings-Philadelphia Eagles game until tonight. A lot.

Dan writes that the Gateway City’s NBC affiliate is anticipating to score in the ratings on Sunday night as it carries its first Rams game of the season in primetime.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post provides his best in NFL and college football TV. 

Eric Frandsen of the Cache Valley (UT) Daily says Utah State basketball games can be heard worldwide this season.

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times notes that with Christmas falling on Sunday next year, expect a full slate of Christmas Eve games.

Sam says NBC’s Sunday Night Football crew was looking forward to televising Minnesota-Philly in blizzard conditions.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says TSN has transformed the World Junior Hockey Championships into Must See TV. 

Russell Scibetti of The Business of Sports provides his top sports business stories of 2010.

Sports Media Watch notes ABC’s rise in ratings for its NBA Christmas Day doubleheader.

Joe Favorito has some book suggestions to close out 2010.

Joe says the NFL made the right call in postponing the Vikings-Eagles game. 

John Daly at The Daly Planet has a story on one of the most popular female drivers in NASCAR whom you probably never heard of.

Kartik Krishnaiyer at EPL Talk gives us a flavor of how the English Premier League is presented in his native India.

And I’ll end it there.

A Sports Media Festivus For The Rest of Us

Yes, we all know the classic Seinfeld episode, “The Strike” which introduced the holiday of Festivus. As this is December 23, it’s the day to celebrate Festivus and what better way to do so by taking out the proverbial Festivus Pole and start the Airing of Grievances. Since I’m writing a passage here, I really can’t do the Feats of Strength, but maybe you can consider the typing of this post as a Feat.

And now, I’ll air grievances and complaints about sports TV and radio. It’s Festivus!

I have plenty of grievances and I’ll start with the obvious choice, ESPN

• The Decision: What was that? That was a waste of 73 minutes that I’ll never get back.  The program was a study in ego stroking of one LeBron James. Let’s never have that again.

• Jon Gruden: Last season, he was refreshing. This season, he’s relying on “This guy/That guy/Those guys/This team/This Brett Favre” way too much. Because of “This guy”, I began a game on Twitter betting on when he’ll do the first mention of “This guy.”

• SportsCenter. There are too many editions now. You can see it in the morning, you can watch SportsCenter in the afternoon. It’s airing in the early evening to late at night. Why not rebrand ESPNews and just call it SportsCenter?

• JP Dellacamera: You’ve abused this man to the point where he didn’t call a World Cup match on TV this year? He was loyal to you and did everything you asked including call the World Cup on radio, but not on TV? I liked Ian Darke and Derek Rae, but the least you could have done was allow JP to call one or two matches on the Mothership. And he didn’t even get to call the MLS Cup this year. For shame.

On to other subjects:

• Sunday NFL pregame shows: These have become yukfests, yellfests and all-around messes. Time for a revamping of the format.

• Brett Favre: Retire. Now. Before the season ends. Talk to ESPN’s Ed Werder one more time so he can get his scoop and you’re free to go.

• NFL and NBA: Both of you are talking lockout. This will cut off your proverbial noses to spite your faces. Not a good idea. You’re both getting record TV ratings this season. A lockout will kill any goodwill you have with the fans. Think of your consumer base. Think of someone else for a change.

• PGA Tour: Drop your FedEx Cup or whatever you call your “playoffs”. No one gets it or cares. And it hasn’t caught on.

• DirecTV: Stop dropping channels I watch. I’ve lost G4 already and now Golf Channel could be next? What happened to the customer is always right?

• Comcast: Allow SportsNet Philadelphia and SportsNet Northwest on DirecTV and Dish Network please.

• NBC Sports: Stop preventing us from watching the Olympics. Allow us to watch events live online and tape delay whatever you want. Holding events for later viewing is obsolete now.

• Fox Sports: Don’t play music during live action. I know you’re experimenting with this as a possibility for the Super Bowl in February. Don’t do it.

• Sports Radio Hosts: Your shows aren’t about stroking your ego. Your job is to get calls. When you get them, don’t ridicule the callers and cut them off. You want conversation? Try listening every once in a while.

• NHL Network: Show both ends of the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader on Saturday nights. Imagine TNT airing one game of its NBA doubleheader and then shuffling the other game to NBA League Pass. Be considerate for a change.

And one non-sports media grievance, to the network morning shows: I don’t care about the Royal Wedding. Give me the weather forecast and stop trying to force feed coverage of a wedding that will take no more than 15 minutes! Please. We don’t care!

That will conclude the Airing of Grievances. I hope to find that one Festivus Miracle that makes this day the true Holiday that everyone enjoys.

Cranking Out Some Sunday Links

Let’s do some Sunday links for you today. Good stuff to get to. Let’s get cranking.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News reports that DirecTV is rebranding FSN affiliates in Denver, Pittsburgh and Seattle.

Mike writes that NFL Network hit a season-low audience for Thursday Night Football, not reaching an average five million viewers for the first time in 2010.

Dan Fogarty of SportsGrid has Charles Barkley’s comments on Brett Favre’s alleged sexting of Jenn Sterger.

The Waterbury (CT) Republican-American says ESPN filmed a local Christmas display for Sunday NFL Countdown.

Neil Best of Newsday talks with actor Christian Bale who co-stars with Mark Wahlberg in the excellent movie, “The Fighter”.

Bob Raissman with the New York Daily News claims Jets coach Rex Ryan will become a media target if his team doesn’t beat the Pittsburgh Steelers today.

Once again, Dr. Doom and Gloom at the New York Post says everything in sports television is bad and all telecasts should go back to the old black and white days.

At the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Joe Theismann discusses his role in “The Blind Side”.

To the Washington Examiner where Jim Williams talks with media lightning rod from earlier this year, Ms. Inez Sainz.

The Toledo (OH) Blade talks with ESPN’s Mike Tirico.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Patriots are big favorites over the Packers according to one national NFL pundit.

Bob says the University of Wisconsin football team gets a big spread in ESPN the Magazine.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News wonders why Mark Cuban’s college football championship proposal is getting rejected.

Debbie Arrington of the Sacramento Bee writes that Sunday Night Football is the dominant NFL primetime package now. 

John Daly at the Daly Planet says contrary to reports, Speed won’t be known as the NASCAR Network.

Sports Media Watch has its Weekend Ratings Predictions.

That will do it for today. Watch for the Sunday NFL pregame quotage throughout the day.

Stirring Up Some Linkage

I’ll provide some linkage for you today.

This has nothing to do with sports media, just a very well written article by Sports Illustrated’s Joe Posnanski who shares his thoughts on Bob Feller who passed away Wednesday night at the age of 92.

At the Wall Street Journal, Jason Gay facetiously writes that ESPN will have to cancel some shows now that Brett Favre is not playing football. 

Etan Vessing of the Hollywood Reporter says Canadian Olympic broadcaster CTV has been cleared of repeatedly airing the video of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili’s death despite numerous complaints.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News writes that Versus saw its biggest audience ever for a regular season NHL game this week.

At Mediapost, David Goetzl also writes about Versus’ ratings.

David notes that ESPN will be airing 3-D ads during its first NBA game to be produced in the third dimension.

David says CBS will be streaming live part of its college basketball schedule online.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with an inventor who hopes his 1st and 10 line will be seen inside NFL stadiums, not just on TV.

Darren is surprised to see boxing equipment manufacturer Everlast team up with Sears and Kmart.

At the National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times lists his top 10 Sports Media stories of 2010.

Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy recaps the premiere episode of HBO’s 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Ron Siwak of GolfWorld breaks news that the LPGA is not happy with its 10 year deal with Golf Channel that leaves it with tape delayed coverage even on weekend.s

Jessica Heslam at the Boston Herald says 98.5 the Sports Hub host Michael Felger is coming under fire from women’s groups for touting his wife in a hottest local news anchor online poll. Felger’s wife is Sara Underwood who works for WFXT-TV.

From the New York Times, Richard Sandomir says the NHL couldn’t be more pleased over the premiere episode of 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union notes that 24/7 Penguins/Capitals was well-produced.

Sad story. You may not have known Steven Smith, but 578 people on Twitter did. I learned of his passing through several Yankee tweeps. Steven was a diehard Yankees fan, and from what I’ve learned of him, he could not have been nicer person. His dream was to work in sports. Pete Iorizzo of the Times Union writes that Steven’s untimely death earlier this week shook many of his Twitter friends.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says 24/7 was a compare and contrast session between the Penguins and Capitals. 

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun notes that ESPNU will carry plenty of Charm City schools in its lacrosse schedule.

From the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg loved the premiere episode of 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Add Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times to those who loved 24/7 Penguins/Caps.

Kathy Vetter from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says ESPN will be using the City Where The West Begins as its Super Bowl headquarters over Dallas and Arlington.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that the Rose Bowl from January 2011 on, will be an all-cable affair.

Bob has Fox’s Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long discussing the end of Brett Favre’s consecutive start streak. 

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business says a Comcast SportsNet host gets an expanded role on the channel. 

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times talks with ESPN’s Ron Jaworski about Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

Eric Degerman of the Mid-Columbia Tri Cities (WA) Herald says it was local legend Bing Crosby who unknowingly helped to preserve a piece of baseball history.

Sports Media Watch says ESPN saw low ratings for the Heisman Trophy Presentation.

SMW also has some various news and notes.

Steve Lepore from Puck The Media liked 24/7 Penguins/Capitals.

Wendy Parker discusses the real purpose of espnW.

Joe Tetreault at Maury Brown’s Biz of Baseball talks about the new digital partnership between Fox Sports and NESN.

EPL Talk says ESPN2 drew the largest US TV audience ever for an English Premier match for Manchester United-Arsenal on Monday.

And we’re finally done. 

Providing Some Thursday Linkage

Doing my best to continue to provide linkage while I’m still locked in a nightmarish work schedule. And for some reason, I can’t access the Fang’s Bites at Boston Sports Media Watch page so if you access my links there, I can’t provide new ones for now. Trying to get that resolved and once we do, the links will be over there as well. In the meantime, let’s continue to do what we do here.

This comes from Multichannel News. John Eggerton writes that the president of the National Association of Broadcasters is warning the FCC that the Super Bowl might go to pay TV if the agency goes through on changing the rules for over the air retransmission disputes.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel writes that Golf Channel will air January’s Sony Open in Hawaii in full 3-D.

David Goetzl of Mediapost notes that ESPN is looking to get four marquee college basketball programs to play each other on a rotating basis over a three year period.

At Pro Football Talk, Michael David Smith writes that the Jacksonville Jaguars received an extension from the NFL to avoid a blackout this weekend.

Mike Florio at PFT notes that Jenn Sterger is trying to force the NFL to discipline Brett Favre over his alleged sexting. Sterger’s manager appeared on the Dan Patrick Show earlier today.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that seven weeks into its run, the Broadway play on Vince Lombardi is still going strong.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser lectures WNBA star Lisa Leslie for blaming the media for not covering women’s basketball.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner says the Ravens and the DC NFL Team cleaned up in the local ratings in Week 13.

Jim notices that there are plenty of gift bags and items for players to take home from various college bowl games.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says fans were upset when they found out that the Florida Panthers had revised a planned yarmulke promotion.

David Barron at the Houston Chronicle says there’s a lineup change at one local sports radio station.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business writes that Cubs fans’ love for Ron Santo was heightened when he entered the broadcast booth.

Ed writes that Michael Wilbon will be contributing to ESPN Chicago and ESPN Radio Chicago.

Frank Sennett of Time Out Chicago writes that noted Windy City media critic Robert Feder will be joining the publication as of January 3. This is a good move and I’m a fan of Feder so we’ll be linking to Time Out Chicago a lot.

Cecil Conley of the Roseville (CA) Press Tribune says Dish Network isn’t making any friends by keeping Comcast SportsNet California off their systems and preventing Sacramento Kings fans from watching the games.

Sports Media Watch notes that the Miami Heat’s TV ratings are up almost 100% this season.

Friend of Fang’s Bites Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball discusses MLB Network’s showing of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series next week. It’ll be the first time the game has been aired since 1960.

And we will end it there for now. If I can finish doing the Friday features early tonight, I’ll do some additional links.

Quick Monday Links

I’m traveling in between two offices this morning and I want to get some linkage in while I can. Let’s get it started.

First, a rare moment when Sports Business Daily opens up its Morning Fix feature and it has a couple of sports media notes including what’s happening at the new Comcast/NBC Sports division and a new Sports Science promo for SportsCenter.

Sports Business Journal’s Liz Mullen speaks with NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith who’s not optimistic about a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL.

John Ourand at the SBJ notes that a survey of college students finds that ESPN’s NBA coverage is catching up with TNT’s. 

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says the NFL TV analysts were singing the praises of Michael Vick on Sunday.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says NASCAR has too many problems for it to return to national prominence. 

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry has his take on the New York Islanders revoking the media credentials of noted hockey blogger Chris Botta.

Adam Gretz of Fanhouse has the video of Islanders TV voice Howie Rose getting frustrated during a commercial timeout.

Todd Spangler of Multichannel News asks if Time Warner Cable will be charging extra for ESPN3D.

Jim Romanesko at the Poynter Institute notes that the Washington Times is bringing its sports section back. This after the sports section was cut down a year ago.

Staci D. Kramer at paidContent looks at NBC Sports putting an app that puts its “Talk” blogs on the iPad.

Bill Carter at the New York Times looks at the new NBC corporate structure under Comcast.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post asks who’s holding the TV analysts accountable? Wouldn’t that be you, Dr. Doom and Gloom?

Ginger Adam Otis from the Post looks at the NFL going high-tech to try and solve the alleged Brett Favre pictures to Jenn Sterger.

John Gonzalez of the Philadelphia Inquirer says Michael Vick has caught the attention of the national media.

Patrick Berkery at the Philly Burbs papers notes that Comcast SportsNet will air the live demolition of the Spectrum on Tuesday. 

David Zurawik of the Baltimore Sun wasn’t thrilled with CBS’ work during the Ravens-Carolina game yesterday.

Tom Jones at the St. Petersburg Times has a look at the weekend on sports TV.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel recaps ESPN’s Mark Schereth’s comments about last Thursday’s Chicago Bears-Miami Dolphins game. 

Pete Alfano from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says ESPN will make downtown Fort Worth its center of operations for Super Bowl XLV.

David Barron from the Houston Chronicle says the Texans are making it easy for the Football Night in America crew.

Brandon Chatmon of the Daily Oklahoman writes about College Gameday coming to Stillwater, OK this Saturday. 

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about the carnival sideshow that is Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business says despite the 11th hour change for the Illinois-Northwestern game, the Cubs still want more football games at Wrigley Field.

Paul Banks writing for Chicago Now has a recap of College Gameday’s stop at Wrigley Field.

Dusty Saunders at the Denver Post notes that the Broncos are a big part of the history of Monday Night Football.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has your SoCal sports calendar for this week.

Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times profiles local sports talker Joe McDonnell who’s lost a lot of weight, but can’t find a full-time gig. 

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says Giants voice Jon Miller appears to be leaning against accepting ESPN’s offer to call Sunday Night Baseball on radio. 

Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail says Montreal Canadiens rookie defenseman P.K. Subban is drawing the attention of CBC for various reasons.

Dave Kohl at the Major League Programs blog says reporters who speculate without the facts should have their media credentials revoked.

We will end it there.

Quick Sunday Links

Let’s do some linkage on this Sunday.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News mentions that Tennis Channel has begun coverage of the year-ending ATP World Tour Finals this week.

Stu Hackel of Sports Illustrated looks at the New York Islanders’ silly ban of blogger Chris Botta.

Doug Farrar of Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner blog says NFL Network’s Matt Millen is not winning any popularity contests among viewers.

Martin Peers of the Wall Street Journal writes about Time Warner Cable’s plans to offer a cheaper cable tier without mainstay ESPN.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News says the NFL pregame shows will devote plenty of time to canonizing Michael Vick.

Ethan Sacks of the Daily News writes that the NFL is using electronic forensics in the Brett Favre-Jenn Sterger case. 

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post feels the NFL is still promoting violence.

In SB Nation New York, Puck The Media’s Steve Lepore talks about the Islanders revoking Chris Botta’s media credentials.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman notes that ESPN2′s crew tried to keep its audience interested in the Oklahoma-Baylor blowout. 

The Tulsa World says ESPN’s College Gameday is headed to Stillwater, OK this Saturday. 

Steve Daniels of Crain’s Chicago Business says the stalker convicted of secretly taping Erin Andrews is being sued by another woman.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the NFL is going high-tech on its investigation into Brett Favre’s alleged sexting to Jenn Sterger.

Sports Media Watch has its Weekend Ratings Predictions.

SMW has some NBA ratings notes.

SMW has more ratings news and notes.

Joe Favorito looks at college football hitting some non-traditional sites yesterday.

And we’ll end it there.

Monday’s Links

Plenty of things going on as we have hit November. In addition, we’re getting reports on the ratings from last night’s head-to-head matchup between Sunday Night Football and the World Series. For the night, Fox won the overall ratings, but with the NFL up directly against the World Series, it appears NBC has won that battle. Both Fox and MLB are claiming victory, but I’m sure I’ll receive dueling press releases from both NBC and Fox about this later today. When I do, you’ll see them here.

Ok, to the links.

From Mike McCarthy of USA Today, he writes that the Sunday NFL pregame shows were full of vitriol towards Brett Favre.

Mike also looks at the World Series ratings from Saturday and Sunday.

Fox Sports’ Jason Whitlock wants to know where’s the outrage surrounding Notre Dame student Declan Sullivan’s death. He’s the student told to go up in a scissor lift last week in the midst of heavy winds to video tape a football practice and died when the lift came crashing down.

To the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center where Jason Fry has a few suggestions where newspaper websites can continue to lead the way in innovation and experimentation.

Georg Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter has several analysts saying that Fox won in the dispute over Cablevision.

John Eggerton at Multichannel News writes that U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) is happy over the resolution of the Cablevision/Fox dispute, but says government intervention may be needed in future carriage fights.

In The Sports Commentary, Melinda Travis gives us some of the reasons why sports public relations works for athletes and clients.

Noah Davis at SportsNewser shoots down a theory that ESPN is getting out of the 3-D business. 

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid has video from CBS’ The NFL Today of insider Charley Casserly talking about Jenn Sterger ready to file lawsuits over the Brett Favre affair.

Phil Mushnick from the New York Post says Fox’s NFL analysts speak out of both sides of their mouths.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union has the NFL Week 9 TV schedule for the New York Capital Region.

Pete also provides the college football TV schedule for Week 10. Week 10!

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog says DC NFL team coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to bench QB Donovan McNabb during yesterday’s game against Detroit drew plenty of criticism from local analysts.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times shares his thoughts on the weekend in sports television.

Barry Horn at the Dallas Morning News writes that San Francisco is not only beating the Texas Rangers on the field, but also beating Dallas in the head-to-head ratings battle.

John Kiesewetter at the Cincinnati Enquirer notes that Fox Sports Ohio returned to Dish Network over the weekend.

John notes that a Kentucky exhibition basketball game will be aired locally tonight.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel likes Fox’s hiring of Mike Pereira as an NFL rules analyst.

Bob also talks about Jenn Sterger ready to file a lawsuit against anyone who has a living pulse.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business talks with the Sun-Times’ Rick Telander about his new book with former Bears coach Mike Ditka to commemorate the 1985 Super Bowl team.

Ed says the 1985 Bears will get together this week to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of winning Super Bowl XX.

Dusty Saunders from the Denver Post says Brett Favre had a rather tumultuous week. 

Tom Hoffarth at the Los Angeles Daily News has your SoCal sports calendar.

Awful Announcing notes that Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal doesn’t need to be told that he’s diminutive.

Sports Media Watch looks inside the first time the NFL has beaten the World Series head-to-head.

SMW says ESPN got good numbers for the Miami Heat home opener on Friday.

I got bogged down with work in the midst of doing the links so I’ll give you what I have for now.

Fox NFL Sunday Quotage For Week 7

The big news coming out of Fox NFL Sunday is the revelation from Jay Glazer that Brett Favre admitted to NFL Security that he made phone calls to Jenn Sterger, but denied sending pictures to her. That’s the video that we’ll embed as part of the Fox NFL Sunday quotage here.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 10/24/10

Glazer: Favre Admits Leaving Sterger Voicemail Messages to NFL, Denies Sending Photos

Long: If NFL Cares About Player Safety, They Should Consider 14-Game Schedule, Not 18

Lynch on Enforcement of Illegal Hits: What Has Been Accepted is Not Longer Accepted

Johnson: I’m Sick of Hearing How Talented the Cowboys Are

Bradshaw: Tonight’s Game is About Rodgers, Not Favre

—————————————————————————————

NFL Insider Jay Glazer reports on Brett Favre’s meeting with the NFL regarding inappropriate messages and photos: 

——————————————————————————————–

During the today’s State Farm Covers the Field segment, co-host Terry Bradshaw, analyst Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira and NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch weighed in on the NFL decision to step up the punishment and enforcement of illegal hits.

Mike Pereira talks about the enforcement from the officiating perspective: “You can’t lower your head against a defenseless receiver and hit him with the crown of your helmet, period. It’s been the rule since 1982 when it was put in the book. The only change is that they NFL ramped up the discipline, the fines and they’ve told the officials remember to eject any player in violation. We’re talking about three plays out 2,100 last Sunday. It’s not like there were a bunch of cheap shots out there, but the message needs to be sent. The NFL has to try to avoid these unnecessary and violent ones.”

Jimmy Johnson on how the players will react on the field: “I don’t see a lot of changes to be made a couple of weeks from now other than maybe eliminating a couple of blatant hits and the fines being a lot larger.”

John Lynch on the notion that the rules haven’t changed: “You can say the rules haven’t changed since 1982 but what they are emphasizing sure has. I can remember when I first became a safety at Stanford University and Ronnie Lott was around our practice field. The first thing Ronnie told me was, „you’re job is to make anybody that comes at your zone know that there’s going to be hell to pay for doing it.? That’s the culture. What the NFL is asking of the players has changed. I spoke with Roger Goodell on Friday and I told him he ought to acknowledge that the NFL doesn’t have dirty players. This is what they’ve been taught to do. We have new information on head trauma and we’re asking them to change. What has been acceptable is no longer going to be acceptable. The NFL has to change the culture.”

Michael Strahan on what punishment will have a real impact on a player’s behavior: “As a player, the money is one thing. It’s a big amount but it’s missing the time on the field that will hurt a player more because you feel like you’re letting down your teammates. You lose a little respect if you’re not out there to help them because they need you.”

Terry Bradshaw on the motivation of the NFL to enforce bigger fines and suspensions on dangerous hits now: “The NFL is very smart in realizing that if they don’t try and put these rules in effect someone eventually is going to get

seriously injured and there’s a potential lawsuit out there that’s devastating. I understand that the NFL’s whole point behind this is player safety of course but they also have to protect themselves.”

—————————————————————————————

 Analyst Howie Long on the defensive player solely being held responsible for safety during hits in this week’s Fired Up segment: “The (Brandon) Meriweather hit is a no-brainer, there’s no place for it and quite frankly he probably should’ve been suspended. The (James) Harrison and (Dunta) Robinson hits are different Yes, they were brutal, even frightening but I don’t see how you avoid either one. If those players gear down and pass up that hit they lose their locker room credibility and inevitably their jobs. The NFL?s solution is to put the onus solely on the defensive player. That’s not a solution, that’s totally unrealistic. Do defensive players bare responsibility to play the game the right way? Absolutely, and if they don’t, fine and suspend them. Not once did I hear anyone from the NFL talk about the responsibility the coaches and quarterbacks have to not put their receivers in harm’s way on crossing routes versus zone coverage, like the two plays in question. I also haven’t heard any discussion about the responsibility that wide receivers have to know the type of coverage their running a particular route against. I have a son that plays in the NFL, so obviously I want every player who walks on the field to walk off the field at the end of the day. For those of us who actually on both sides of these hits, we appreciate the NFL’s missions to protect the health of all its players, period. But I go back to a question that I posed recently. If we are in fact looking out for the player’s health and well being then the heck with the 18-game schedule, they should be talking about scaling it back to 14 games.”

—————————————————————————————

Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the 1-4 Cowboys: “I’m sick and tired about hearing how talented they are. They have to go 9-2 the rest of the way to make the playoffs. The world is full of talented, unsuccessful people.” 

Co-Host Terry Bradshaw added: “I would tell the Cowboys to look next door to who is in the World Series. The Rangers got it figured out. Everyone has each other’s back. At 1-4, you lose and you snooze. They have to turn it loose.”

—————————————————————————————

Co-Host Terry Bradshaw on the Kevin Kolb/Michael Vick starting QB debate: “I don’t think Kolb will lose his job if he plays well today. Prior to him going in, the Eagles did not have a good offensive line, He’s only been sacked twice in the two games. He’s been so efficient now. If he plays the way Andy Reid thought he we play when he named him the starter, why in the world would you bench him?”

—————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan on the lack of protection in Chicago for QB Jay Cutler: “You have to wonder if Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz is paying attention to the personnel. He has to look and say „we’re getting our quarterback killed, we have to protect him.? They have to make a change but if they do that they are taking away from the running game.”

—————————————————————————————

Bradshaw on the storylines in this year’s Green Bay/Minnesota matchup: “Favre has already thrown seven interceptions this season and he threw that all of last season. The story for me isn’t really Brett, it’s Rodgers. The key indicator for any quarterback is how do they perform in close games that are decided by four points or less, and the Packers are 1-11 in that situation with Rodgers at quarterback.”

That is it for the early Sunday NFL pregame quotage. NBC’s Football Night in America quotage will be up sometime after 10 p.m.

Fox NFL Sunday Quotage For Week 7

The big news coming out of Fox NFL Sunday is the revelation from Jay Glazer that Brett Favre admitted to NFL Security that he made phone calls to Jenn Sterger, but denied sending pictures to her. That’s the video that we’ll embed as part of the Fox NFL Sunday quotage here.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 10/24/10

Glazer: Favre Admits Leaving Sterger Voicemail Messages to NFL, Denies Sending Photos

Long: If NFL Cares About Player Safety, They Should Consider 14-Game Schedule, Not 18

Lynch on Enforcement of Illegal Hits: What Has Been Accepted is Not Longer Accepted

Johnson: I’m Sick of Hearing How Talented the Cowboys Are

Bradshaw: Tonight’s Game is About Rodgers, Not Favre

—————————————————————————————

NFL Insider Jay Glazer reports on Brett Favre’s meeting with the NFL regarding inappropriate messages and photos: 

——————————————————————————————–

During the today’s State Farm Covers the Field segment, co-host Terry Bradshaw, analyst Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira and NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch weighed in on the NFL decision to step up the punishment and enforcement of illegal hits.

Mike Pereira talks about the enforcement from the officiating perspective: “You can’t lower your head against a defenseless receiver and hit him with the crown of your helmet, period. It’s been the rule since 1982 when it was put in the book. The only change is that they NFL ramped up the discipline, the fines and they’ve told the officials remember to eject any player in violation. We’re talking about three plays out 2,100 last Sunday. It’s not like there were a bunch of cheap shots out there, but the message needs to be sent. The NFL has to try to avoid these unnecessary and violent ones.”

Jimmy Johnson on how the players will react on the field: “I don’t see a lot of changes to be made a couple of weeks from now other than maybe eliminating a couple of blatant hits and the fines being a lot larger.”

John Lynch on the notion that the rules haven’t changed: “You can say the rules haven’t changed since 1982 but what they are emphasizing sure has. I can remember when I first became a safety at Stanford University and Ronnie Lott was around our practice field. The first thing Ronnie told me was, „you’re job is to make anybody that comes at your zone know that there’s going to be hell to pay for doing it.? That’s the culture. What the NFL is asking of the players has changed. I spoke with Roger Goodell on Friday and I told him he ought to acknowledge that the NFL doesn’t have dirty players. This is what they’ve been taught to do. We have new information on head trauma and we’re asking them to change. What has been acceptable is no longer going to be acceptable. The NFL has to change the culture.”

Michael Strahan on what punishment will have a real impact on a player’s behavior: “As a player, the money is one thing. It’s a big amount but it’s missing the time on the field that will hurt a player more because you feel like you’re letting down your teammates. You lose a little respect if you’re not out there to help them because they need you.”

Terry Bradshaw on the motivation of the NFL to enforce bigger fines and suspensions on dangerous hits now: “The NFL is very smart in realizing that if they don’t try and put these rules in effect someone eventually is going to get

seriously injured and there’s a potential lawsuit out there that’s devastating. I understand that the NFL’s whole point behind this is player safety of course but they also have to protect themselves.”

—————————————————————————————

 Analyst Howie Long on the defensive player solely being held responsible for safety during hits in this week’s Fired Up segment: “The (Brandon) Meriweather hit is a no-brainer, there’s no place for it and quite frankly he probably should’ve been suspended. The (James) Harrison and (Dunta) Robinson hits are different Yes, they were brutal, even frightening but I don’t see how you avoid either one. If those players gear down and pass up that hit they lose their locker room credibility and inevitably their jobs. The NFL?s solution is to put the onus solely on the defensive player. That’s not a solution, that’s totally unrealistic. Do defensive players bare responsibility to play the game the right way? Absolutely, and if they don’t, fine and suspend them. Not once did I hear anyone from the NFL talk about the responsibility the coaches and quarterbacks have to not put their receivers in harm’s way on crossing routes versus zone coverage, like the two plays in question. I also haven’t heard any discussion about the responsibility that wide receivers have to know the type of coverage their running a particular route against. I have a son that plays in the NFL, so obviously I want every player who walks on the field to walk off the field at the end of the day. For those of us who actually on both sides of these hits, we appreciate the NFL’s missions to protect the health of all its players, period. But I go back to a question that I posed recently. If we are in fact looking out for the player’s health and well being then the heck with the 18-game schedule, they should be talking about scaling it back to 14 games.”

—————————————————————————————

Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the 1-4 Cowboys: “I’m sick and tired about hearing how talented they are. They have to go 9-2 the rest of the way to make the playoffs. The world is full of talented, unsuccessful people.” 

Co-Host Terry Bradshaw added: “I would tell the Cowboys to look next door to who is in the World Series. The Rangers got it figured out. Everyone has each other’s back. At 1-4, you lose and you snooze. They have to turn it loose.”

—————————————————————————————

Co-Host Terry Bradshaw on the Kevin Kolb/Michael Vick starting QB debate: “I don’t think Kolb will lose his job if he plays well today. Prior to him going in, the Eagles did not have a good offensive line, He’s only been sacked twice in the two games. He’s been so efficient now. If he plays the way Andy Reid thought he we play when he named him the starter, why in the world would you bench him?”

—————————————————————————————

Analyst Michael Strahan on the lack of protection in Chicago for QB Jay Cutler: “You have to wonder if Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz is paying attention to the personnel. He has to look and say „we’re getting our quarterback killed, we have to protect him.? They have to make a change but if they do that they are taking away from the running game.”

—————————————————————————————

Bradshaw on the storylines in this year’s Green Bay/Minnesota matchup: “Favre has already thrown seven interceptions this season and he threw that all of last season. The story for me isn’t really Brett, it’s Rodgers. The key indicator for any quarterback is how do they perform in close games that are decided by four points or less, and the Packers are 1-11 in that situation with Rodgers at quarterback.”

That is it for the early Sunday NFL pregame quotage. NBC’s Football Night in America quotage will be up sometime after 10 p.m.

Fox NFL Sunday Quotage For Week 7

The big news coming out of Fox NFL Sunday is the revelation from Jay Glazer that Brett Favre admitted to NFL Security that he made phone calls to Jenn Sterger, but denied sending pictures to her. That’s the video that we’ll embed as part of the Fox NFL Sunday quotage here.

FOX NFL SUNDAY NOTES – 10/24/10

Glazer: Favre Admits Leaving Sterger Voicemail Messages to NFL, Denies Sending Photos

Long: If NFL Cares About Player Safety, They Should Consider 14-Game Schedule, Not 18

Lynch on Enforcement of Illegal Hits: What Has Been Accepted is Not Longer Accepted

Johnson: I’m Sick of Hearing How Talented the Cowboys Are

Bradshaw: Tonight’s Game is About Rodgers, Not Favre

—————————————————————————————

NFL Insider Jay Glazer reports on Brett Favre’s meeting with the NFL regarding inappropriate messages and photos: 

——————————————————————————————–

During the today’s State Farm Covers the Field segment, co-host Terry Bradshaw, analyst Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira and NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch weighed in on the NFL decision to step up the punishment and enforcement of illegal hits.

Mike Pereira talks about the enforcement from the officiating perspective: “You can’t lower your head against a defenseless receiver and hit him with the crown of your helmet, period. It’s been the rule since 1982 when it was put in the book. The only change is that they NFL ramped up the discipline, the fines and they’ve told the officials remember to eject any player in violation. We’re talking about three plays out 2,100 last Sunday. It’s not like there were a bunch of cheap shots out there, but the message needs to be sent. The NFL has to try to avoid these unnecessary and violent ones.”

Jimmy Johnson on how the players will react on the field: “I don’t see a lot of changes to be made a couple of weeks from now other than maybe eliminating a couple of blatant hits and the fines being a lot larger.”

John Lynch on the notion that the rules haven’t changed: “You can say the rules haven’t changed since 1982 but what they are emphasizing sure has. I can remember when I first became a safety at Stanford University and Ronnie Lott was around our practice field. The first thing Ronnie told me was, „you’re job is to make anybody that comes at your zone know that there’s going to be hell to pay for doing it.? That’s the culture. What the NFL is asking of the players has changed. I spoke with Roger Goodell on Friday and I told him he ought to acknowledge that the NFL doesn’t have dirty players. This is what they’ve been taught to do. We have new information on head trauma and we’re asking them to change. What has been acceptable is no longer going to be acceptable. The NFL has to change the culture.”

Michael Strahan on what punishment will have a real impact on a player’s behavior: “As a player, the money is one thing. It’s a big amount but it’s missing the time on the field that will hurt a player more because you feel like you’re letting down your teammates. You lose a little respect if you’re not out there to help them because they need you.”

Terry Bradshaw on the motivation of the NFL to enforce bigger fines and suspensions on dangerous hits now: “The NFL is very smart in realizing that if they don’t try and put these rules in effect someone eventually is going to get

seriously injured and there’s a potential lawsuit out there that’s devastating. I understand that the NFL’s whole point behind this is player safety of course but they also have to protect themselves.”

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 Analyst Howie Long on the defensive player solely being held responsible for safety during hits in this week’s Fired Up segment: “The (Brandon) Meriweather hit is a no-brainer, there’s no place for it and quite frankly he probably should’ve been suspended. The (James) Harrison and (Dunta) Robinson hits are different Yes, they were brutal, even frightening but I don’t see how you avoid either one. If those players gear down and pass up that hit they lose their locker room credibility and inevitably their jobs. The NFL?s solution is to put the onus solely on the defensive player. That’s not a solution, that’s totally unrealistic. Do defensive players bare responsibility to play the game the right way? Absolutely, and if they don’t, fine and suspend them. Not once did I hear anyone from the NFL talk about the responsibility the coaches and quarterbacks have to not put their receivers in harm’s way on crossing routes versus zone coverage, like the two plays in question. I also haven’t heard any discussion about the responsibility that wide receivers have to know the type of coverage their running a particular route against. I have a son that plays in the NFL, so obviously I want every player who walks on the field to walk off the field at the end of the day. For those of us who actually on both sides of these hits, we appreciate the NFL’s missions to protect the health of all its players, period. But I go back to a question that I posed recently. If we are in fact looking out for the player’s health and well being then the heck with the 18-game schedule, they should be talking about scaling it back to 14 games.”

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Analyst Jimmy Johnson on the 1-4 Cowboys: “I’m sick and tired about hearing how talented they are. They have to go 9-2 the rest of the way to make the playoffs. The world is full of talented, unsuccessful people.” 

Co-Host Terry Bradshaw added: “I would tell the Cowboys to look next door to who is in the World Series. The Rangers got it figured out. Everyone has each other’s back. At 1-4, you lose and you snooze. They have to turn it loose.”

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Co-Host Terry Bradshaw on the Kevin Kolb/Michael Vick starting QB debate: “I don’t think Kolb will lose his job if he plays well today. Prior to him going in, the Eagles did not have a good offensive line, He’s only been sacked twice in the two games. He’s been so efficient now. If he plays the way Andy Reid thought he we play when he named him the starter, why in the world would you bench him?”

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Analyst Michael Strahan on the lack of protection in Chicago for QB Jay Cutler: “You have to wonder if Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz is paying attention to the personnel. He has to look and say „we’re getting our quarterback killed, we have to protect him.? They have to make a change but if they do that they are taking away from the running game.”

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Bradshaw on the storylines in this year’s Green Bay/Minnesota matchup: “Favre has already thrown seven interceptions this season and he threw that all of last season. The story for me isn’t really Brett, it’s Rodgers. The key indicator for any quarterback is how do they perform in close games that are decided by four points or less, and the Packers are 1-11 in that situation with Rodgers at quarterback.”

That is it for the early Sunday NFL pregame quotage. NBC’s Football Night in America quotage will be up sometime after 10 p.m.

Bringing The Sunday Links

Let’s get busy with the Sunday linkage. Some good stuff to get to.

On Fox NFL Sunday, Jay Glazer reported that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre denied sending pictures of his shlong to Jenn Sterger, but did admit to leaving voicemails on her cell phone. I’ll have video of that segment during the Fox NFL Sunday quotage later today.

Speaking of which, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk says the NFL is ready to move on from the Favre/Sterger story. a

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has video of Saturday Night Live entering the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger fray.

Mike also shoots down Jenn Sterger’s manager’s denials that she’s not looking for a payoff from Favre to keep quiet.

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says the American League Championship Series ended up being the most watched LCS in cable TV history.

Mike Farrell of Multichannel writes that there was no progress made in the Cablevision/Fox dispute on Saturday.

Back to Mike Reynolds who tells us that CBS College Sports will use a free preview to honor the Service Academies this week.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News isn’t surprised that MSG Network jettisoned Gus Johnson from Knicks games.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says MLB Postseason announcers don’t realize how things can change from pitch-to-pitch.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union has your World Series starting times.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that ESPN’s Trent Dilfer is a Green Bay Packers critic.

The Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent notes that CBS’ Greg Gumbel will be the keynote speaker at the annual Red Smith Banquet early next year. 

Dan Caesar at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that the attendance at ESPN’s College Gameday stop at the University of Missouri set a record for the show. 

David Briggs of the Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune says Missouri students turned out en masse for College Gameday’s first appearance at the school.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News looks into the background of Fernandomania which is the subject of the latest ESPN 30 for 30 documentary.

Tom also reviews the documentary.

Tom has a more extensive review here.

Tom wonders what local NFL viewing would be like if Los Angeles actually had a team in place.

The Sports Media Watch says TBS had a good audience for the ALCS.

SMW also has its Weekend Ratings Predictions.

That will do it.

Let’s Do Some Saturday Linkage

Time to provide some linkage on this Saturday. Lots of stuff going on.

Tom Van Riper of Forbes.com notes that Cablevision and Fox are now acting like spoiled little children. 

John Simon from Bloomberg reviews the Broadway play, “Lombardi”.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Dave Kindred wants to see the wall of ethics return in sports journalism.

Mandi Bierly of Entertainment Weekly writes that TBS has hired “Bull Durham” director Ron Shelton to create a minor league baseball comedy. 

The Lalate blog notes that the TOcho show on Versus garnered really low ratings on Tuesday. Really, really low. 

To SB Nation Boston, where Boston Sports Media Watch’s Bruce Allen discusses the local media and fan reaction to Patriots cheap shot artist Brandon Meriweather.

Dan Mangan of the New York Post reports that Brett Favre tried to contact Jenn Sterger a year after texting pictures of his manjunk. According to the Post, Favre allegedly called her when he was in New York for the premiere episode of HBO’s Joe Buck Live. Thanks to Robert Littal of Black Sports Online for this link.

New York Magazine chronicles Week One of the Cablevision/Fox dispute. 

Dave McKenna of the Washington City Paper notes that a group of former ESPNZone restaurant workers in Baltimore and DC is forming a class action lawsuit saying the the closing of the theme establishments was handled illegally.

Keith Groller at the Allentown (PA) Morning Call notes that the son of the late Phillies announcer Harry Kalas will sing “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch of tonight’s Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

Tim Guidera of WTOC-TV in Savannah, GA is angry over the NFL not allowing his station to air the Falcons and requiring it to show the Jaguars instead. Thanks to the506.com for the link.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News talks with ESPN’s Jon Gruden.

Victor Godinez of the Morning News has Fox skeptical of restoring its cable networks including its Sports Net affiliates to Dish Network anytime soon. 

Jim Ingraham of the Morning Journal (OH) assesses the MLB Postseason announcers.

Patricia Babcock McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald notes that there are mixed opinions on the new espnW.

Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune notes that the Timberwolves have finally released their TV schedule. 

The Boulder (CO) Daily Camera reports that FSN Rocky Mountain will be all over University of Colorado sports over the next four months. 

Joe Flint of the Los Angeles Times says the FCC wants proof from Cablevision and Fox that they’re bargaining in good faith. Certainly does not appear to be the case.

The Los Angeles Wave looks at the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.

The Eugene (OR) Register-Guard notes that Versus is picking up the Oregon-Cal game on November 13.

Sports Media Watch says CBS is seeing its highest NFL ratings in over a decade.

SMW points out that Fox garnered a season low for its early NFL window last week and wonders if that was a result of not having Cablevision subscribers.

And SMW says NLCS Game 5 got the highest ratings of this year’s MLB Postseason.

We’re done with the linkage for today. We’ll be on top of any breaking news if it happens.

Time For Some Friday Megalinks

I haven’t given you a full set of Friday megalinks since October 1, so it’s time to do some now. Let’s get to them.

The Weekend Viewing Picks has your sports and primetime viewing.

National

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand and Mike McCarthy debate what can be done to improve baseball’s ratings.

Fanhouse says Jenn Sterger appears to be ready to talk with NFL Security about Brett Favre.

Georg Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter says the FCC is urging Cablevision and Fox to talk in good faith on Monday.

John Eggerton from Broadcasting & Cable says the FCC is calling both Cablevision and Fox on the carpet.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News looks at how Time Warner Cable customers can legally watch Monday Night Football and other ESPN programming online.

Mike Farrell of Multichannel says Fox is telling Cablevision subscribers to buy an HD antenna so they can watch network programming.

Kelly Ridell of Bloomberg says the Cablevision/Fox dispute is heading into its second weekend with no apparent end in sight.

Noah Davis at SportsNewser says ESPN Boston will webcast the Head of the Charles event this weekend.

Wayne Friedman at MediaPost explores the story that won’t go away, Timeoutgate, from the Monday Night Football game in Jacksonville.

SportsbyBrooks looks at Jay “The Rat” Mariotti deleting his Twitter account. Good riddance, Jay.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that TSN has picked up 24 Montreal Canadiens games.

The Sports Media Watch notes that former NBA star Chris Mullin has apparently joined ESPN’s roster of analysts.

SMW says NLCS Game 5 received its highest ratings in three years.

Joe Favorito says a former New York Giant understands the value of a publicity stunt.

Emmett Jones of Sports Business Digest says NBC is asking in excess of $400,000 per 30 second spot for Sunday Night Football, up significantly from last year.

East and Mid-Atlantic

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe profiles Celtics TV duo Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn who have worked together for 30 years starting with two seasons calling Providence College basketball.

Thomas Grillo of the Boston Herald says a Tweet from the New England Patriots helped to prevent a blackout of the team’s game in San Diego this weekend.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette has TNT’s Reggie Miller singing the praises of the Boston Celtics.

Ken Belson and Richard Sandomir from the New York Times says former Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks is seeing his former team’s success as an outsider.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with polarizing New York Yankees voice John Sterling.

Neil has his weekend viewing picks.

Bob Raissman at the New York Daily News feels YES’ and ESPN Radio New York’s Michael Kay has been speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

As expected, Phil Mushnick of the New York Post takes his newspaper owner’s side in the Cablevision/Fox dispute. News Corp. owns both the Post and Fox.

Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union says NBA fans will overdose on seeing the Miami Heat this season.

In the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg notes that DC sports icons got to tape new “This is SportsCenter” ads.

Andrew Beaujon at the DC-centric TBD.com notes that co-author of the new ESPN book, Tom Shales is leaving the WaPo after 39 years as its television critic.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner talks with NFL RedZone host and former Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic anchor Scott Hanson.

South

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the Heat have terminated their agreement with their flagship radio station and are now looking for a new home.

The Dallas Morning News’ Barry Horn finds a way to jab Newsday’s Neil Best. A couple of years ago, Horn and Best had a friendly war of words in their respective blogs.

The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron talks with NBC’s Rodney Harrison about his statements about hard hits in the NFL.

Midwest

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks about the Dan Patrick Show premiering on Fox Sports Detroit on Monday.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob Wolfley notes that the Big Ten Network will profile a Wisconsin defensive end tomorrow.

And Bob says Joe Namath on his Sirius XM show likes Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers.

Ed Sherman in Crain’s Chicago Business has his weekly winners and losers.

Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune writes that ESPN has postponed the airing of a 30 for 30 documentary on the infamous Steve Bartman.

Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports that Jenn Sterger won’t talk to the NFL if Brett Favre pays her off. Thanks to Robert Littal of Black Sports Online for the link.

Dan Caesar in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says ESPN’s College Gameday loves being at the University of Missouri.

Dan says the Missouri Attorney General has weighed in on the Dish Network/Fox Cable Networks flap.

West

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune has CBS’ Phil Simms previewing this Sunday’s Patriots-Chargers game.

John Maffei of the North County Times gets Jim Nantz’s favorite San Diego sports moments.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News writes that even without a home team, LA still loves watching the NFL.

Tom has his extensive media news and notes.

I’m going to end it there.

Filling Out The Wednesday Linkage

Let’s do some linkage. I had to catch up on paperwork in the morning and I’ll provide some links now. Lots of good stuff today.

We begin with Sports Business Daily and a story on ESPN starting a three part series on how the public views LeBron James? Does this require three days? The Alleged Worldwide Leader continues to provide fodder for its critics with stuff like this.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand notes how a less than stellar Monday Night Football game beat the ALCS in the ratings.

Sean Leahy at USA Today’s The Huddle blog has Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher clarifying statements that ESPN asked him to call timeouts to get its commercials run during Monday Night Football. 

Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says it’s time for baseball to bring fans closer to the action through technology.

Amir Efrati of the Wall Street Journal watches his San Francisco Giants on delay and chronicles the silly ways he prevents from finding out the score until he watches the games some 8 hours later. Thanks to Barry Pachesky of Deadspin for the link.

Jon Wertheim at Sports Illustrated says tennis needs to improve its TV coverage. 

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggans of the St. Petersburg Times says the NFL needs to relax its TV blackout policy.

At Pro Football Talk, NFL Security wants to speak with Deadspin’s AJ Daulerio. 

Alex Weprin at SportsNewser says the Rose Bowl has a new presenting sponsor.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the NFL Players Association had no sense of humor and took a Twitter handle away from a group of fans. 

Darren notes that a shoe banned by the NBA is now bringing its manufacturer increased business.

Darren wonders what Magic Johnson’s intentions are after the former Lakers star sold his share in the team and also liquidated his Starbucks franchises.

John Eggerton and Mike Farrell of sister publications Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News say the Cablevision/Fox dispute rolls on.

In Multichannel News, John has the FCC Chairman unhappy over the Cablevision/Fox fight. 

John of B&C says Tennis Channel and Comcast are heading to arbitration.

John writes that MSG Network is willing to go to arbitration to settle its dispute with Dish Network.

Mike Shields of Mediaweek tells us that the NBA has a new social network app.

Anthony Crupi from Mediaweek says thanks to Monday Night Football, ESPN overtook TBS as the top network in the cable primetime ratings.

Mediaweek’s Katy Bachman has Massachusetts Senator John Kerry willing to step in to get the Cablevision/Fox dispute resolved.

Diego Vasquez at Media Life Magazine says nothing is new in the Cablevision/Fox dustup.

To gossip publication OK Magazine where ESPN.com and Comcast SportsNet Northwest personality Lindsay McCormick denies that she’s dating Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. 

In the New York Times, Brian Stelter and Bill Carter say Cablevision and Fox are intensifying their war of words.

Brian looks at how Fox extended this fight over TV carriage to Hulu.com.

Richard Sandomir in the Times says sports fans are a huge loser as the fight between the two parties drag on.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman says TBS was on top of Bengie Molina’s home run power before he hit a huge bomb against the Yankees last night.

Newsday’s Bob Glauber notes that Jenn Sterger’s attorney has had contact with the NFL in regards to the Brett Favre sexting investigation.

Newsday’s Neil Best says the ratings for the ALCS have been very good despite the Yankees being beaten to a pulp in Games 2-4.

Brendan Prunty of the Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger finds the Yankees fan who was caught by TBS cameras flipping off Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz after the fan interfered with a fly ball that eventually became a home run. Thanks to Matt Sebek of Joe Sports Fan for the link.

Jim Williams at the Washington Examiner writes that the Ravens and DC NFL Team dominated the TV ratings in their respective local markets.

Jim says the NFL may use regional rivalries to help promote a new 18 game schedule.

Jeff Elliot of the Florida Times-Union spent time in the ESPN Monday Night Football production truck for the Tennessee-Jacksonville game.

Jim notes that the American League Championship Series is bringing in the ratings for TBS.

Tom Jones at the St. Petersburg Times looks at the NFL’s impressive TV ratings.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says ESPN/ABC made a mistake regarding a trivia question that should have included former Sooner running back Adrian Peterson.

Mel notes that an Oklahoma football game got beat by the NFL in the local TV ratings.

The Detroit Free Press is giddy over Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio ripping of ESPN analyst and former Lions GM Matt Millen. 

Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne (IN) News-Sentinel speaks with ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen. 

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that the insufferable Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News was included in a book dedication by mystery author Elmore Leonard.

George Diaz in the Chicago Tribune writes that ESPN and NASCAR are searching for reasons why TV ratings are down significantly this year. 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says ESPN is making the College Gameday appearance at Missouri a big event. 

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls (IA) Courier notes that ESPN Dictator George Bodenheimer will be making an appearance in the Hawkeye State this week.

Bob Young in the Arizona Republic talks with Dan Patrick about Fox Sports Net simulcasting his radio show.

Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star previews tomorrow’s Pac 10 meetings which will also include talks on its TV contacts.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has a look at the NFL ratings in SoCal.

From the Fairbanks (AK) Daily News-Miner, we learn that Fox Sports Northwest will be picking up 9 Great Northwest Athletic Conference NCAA Division II basketball games.

MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez speaks with the TBS cameraman who had a close call with a broken bat during the ALCS last night. 

Sports Media Watch has the Weekend Overnight Ratings.

SMW says while the media is harping on the ALCS being beat by Monday Night Football, Paulsen notes that MNF had its smallest audience since 2008.

SMW has the local ratings for the LCS.

Susan Shan asks just what is the truth in the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger story.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media notes that Christine Simpson joins the New Jersey Devils TV crew.

Yardbarker’s Pete Vlastelica writes an open letter to explain what the Fox purchase of the blogging network means.

Dave Kohl at Major League Programs talks about some upcoming sports radio show TV simulcasts.

Mike Silva’s New York Baseball Digest has ESPN Radio New York’s Don LaGreca calling out WFAN’s Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton for being Yankee suckups.

And that will conclude our linkage for today.

Monday’s Links Wrapped In A Nice Bow For You

Let’s do your links on this Monday.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says MLB’s League Championship Series are in a position to do well in the ratings although last night, Sunday Night Football on NBC beat NLCS Game 2 on Fox quite handily.

Here’s big news. Nat Worden of Dow Jones Newswires reports that next Monday’s New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game will be streamed live as part of the new “TV Everywhere” service for Time Warner Cable customers only.

Adam Satariano and Andy Fixmer of Business Week report ESPN will start streaming some of its programming online for Time Warner Cable customers next week.

Jonathan Ratner of the Financial Post writes that ESPN’s content deal with Time Warner Cable could be the model for other networks and end carriage disputes altogether.

Tripp Mickle of Sports Business Journal writes that NASCAR’s Chief Marketing Officer will be showcased in an episode of CBS’ Undercover Boss.

Tripp and John Ourand team up for a story on how ESPN and NASCAR are befuddled over the precipitous ratings drop for the sport this year.

Sports Business Daily says the NFL has created a group to look at ways to battle blackouts.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Jason Fry says newspaper sports departments are actually digital innovators.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that Brett Favre’s Wrangler Jeans ads were pulled from NFL game broadcasts, but still aired on other programming.

Katy Bachman of Mediaweek writes about the Cablevision/Fox dispute which is now in its third day.

Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life Magazine has a story on Sunday Night Football taking down the National League Championship Series last night.

Toni also looks at the Cablevision/Fox dispute.

Kelly Riddell of Bloomberg says Cablevision and Fox are set to get back to the negotiating table today.

David Carr of the New York Times delves into the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger story and doesn’t like what he sees. Carr also doesn’t name Sterger in the story, but we know who he’s talking about.

Phil Mushnick at the New York Post says Fox left out some noticeable items during Game 1 of the NLCS.

Bobby Cassidy of Newsday reviews ESPN’s 30 for 30 film on the late NASCAR driver Tim Richmond.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette remembers a local TV sports anchor, Bob McNamara, who passed away over the weekend.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union also remembers McNamara and an incident that led him to leave TV altogether.

Mark McGuire at the Times Union writes the obituary. 

The anchor’s former station, WNYT in Albany has a story on his passing.

Neal Zoren of the Delaware County Daily Times would like the Philly ESPN Radio affiliate to pick up more national programming. 

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner notes that Sunday Night Football had a very strong local and national rating last night.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times says yesterday’s blackout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was truly disappointing.

Ed Sherman of Crain’s Chicago Business talks with Dan Patrick about his show which will be picked up on Fox Sports Net and Comcast SportsNet affiliates across the country starting next week.

Dusty Saunders of the Denver Post was not impressed with Fox College Sports’ production of Baylor-Colorado on Saturday. 

Mark Ziegler of the San Diego Union-Tribune says the NFL is fighting a losing battle with blackouts.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the week’s sports calendar for Southern California.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun is going to make for a very good analyst.

Sports Media Watch says Fox Sports received decent ratings for the NLCS, but not great.

SMW says CBS’ NFL ratings outdrew last night’s Sunday Night Football game.

Actor and director Ed Burns talks about his new movie on sports talk radio.

Ok, let’s end it here. I’ve been working on the links for three hours. I need to do some work.

A Sunday Linkage Grind

Let’s do some linkage for you on this busy Sports Sunday. NFL Week 6 and Game 2 of the NLCS. We also have the Cablevision/Fox talks that affects 3 million households in the nation’s largest media market. And there’s the Mad Men season finale tonight so I may have to hire a blimp to fly over my house, today is so big.

Let’s get busy.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News looks at TBS’ great ratings for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

Mike Farrell of Multichannel notes that fans in New York have to scramble to watch today’s Lions-Giants game due to the Cablevision/Fox dispute. 

George Szalai of the Hollywood Reporter says Cablevision subscribers in New York and Philadelphia are looking at blank screens again today when they turn to their local Fox stations this morning.

David Ubben of ESPN.com’s College Gameday blog says the show is heading to Missouri for Mizzou’s game against Oklahoma.

Nancy Armour of the Associated Press says the NFL’s broadcasters are walking a fine line in praising a big hit and talking about concussions.

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk notes NBC’s Alex Flanagan’s interview of NFL Commish Roger Goodell who broke news of Brett Favre going to be interviewed this week over the Jenn Sterger issue. While Favre will speak with the NFL on Tuesday, let it be noted despite saying she would cooperate with the NFL, Sterger has said nothing regarding this story making her word look very bad right now.

Mike Florio at PFT says NFL Network will bring back its “Official Review” segment to Total Access with new league head of officiating Carl Johnson.

Alan Greenwood of the Nashua (NH) Telegraph says ESPN is going all-Miami Heat, all the time.

Dave Ruden from the Stamford (CT) Advocate has ESPN’s Bobby Valentine in no rush to leave the network.

From last week, Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that legendary Big Apple sportscaster Sal Marchiano is suing his former TV station in an age discrimination lawsuit.

Brian Stelter and Bill Carter of the Times say consumers have to sit on the sidelines and watch Cablevision and Fox duke it out until someone blinks. 

Brian says it appears fans won’t be able to watch today’s Lions-Giants game on Cablevision.

Also in the Times, MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann reviews the new biography on Mickey Mantle.

John Branch of the Times looks at how Major League Baseball is digitizing its extensive archives.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News feels the TBS crew should have been more pro-Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS.

Without any evidence, Raissman says this will be the last season for Jon Miller and Joe Morgan on ESPN. He also said this in 2008 without any evidence.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post is a bit too giddy about a man who pleaded guilty in a mortgage fraud scheme and was the Jets’ point man in selling Personal Seat Licences.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says this year’s ALCS Game 1 on TBS was down slightly from last year’s opener on Fox.

Evan Weiner in the New Jersey Newsroom says the Cablevision/Fox dispute exposes the hypocrisy on both sides of the argument.

Kate Wheeler at MASN says Orioles TV voice Gary Thorne is calling the ALCS and World Series for MLB International.

The Washington Examiner’s Jim Williams talks with NBC’s Tony Dungy about DC NFL Team coach Mike Shanahan.

Dan Steinberg in the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog has John Riggins feeling that this is the last season for DC NFL Team radio analysts Sam Huff and Sonny Jurgensen. Again, no evidence.

Steve Kaminski at the Grand Rapids (MI) Press reviews ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on the late NASCAR driver Tim Richmond. 

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says Fox Sports Net got the job done for both the Oklahoma and Oklahoma State games.

Brandon Storlie of the Wisconsin State Journal looks at College Gameday’s visit to Madison.

The Sports Media Watch has its Weekend Ratings Predictions.

SportsGrid has the video of HBO’s Bill Maher picking on Brett Favre.

We’ll end it there.

Some Quick Mid-Week Linkage

I’m at a FedEx office in Cambridge, MA using its free wi-fi and taking every advantage of its LapNet Station. I could go all out and start using the copiers and printers, but free wi-fi is enough for me. I’m a happy blogger when I can connect from outside the office. It means you deserve some linkage. Let’s get started.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy has TNT’s Charles Barkley defending Brett Favre saying the media is a bunch of jackals. Chuck may be right about that, but he’s wrong about Favre not doing anything wrong.

Sean Leahy in USA Today’s The Huddle blog has ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. denying that he’s too close with certain agents. This week’s Sports Illustrated has a story of a former NFL agent who contended that Mel Kiper was used to help attract potential clients. That story is a must read. Tremendous stuff in the article.

Gregg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk says ESPN is now looking into Kiper’s relationship with agents as a result of the SI article.

Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal also talks about the ESPN investigation into Mel Kiper, Jr.

The Nielsen ratings Wire blog notes that the NFL is tops in commercial viewing for the first week of the 2010-11 TV season. 

Brian Lowry of Fox Sports says ESPN didn’t measure up to covering the surroundings of the Vikings-Jets game.

Jelisa Castrodale at NBC Sports says Jenn Sterger has become a hot topic for some very strange reasons. 

Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News says ESPN’s Monday Night Football matchup received the 6th highest audience in US cable TV history. 6th!

Toni Fitzgerald at Media Life Magazine says the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger saga helped to give Monday Night Football a big ratings spike.

The New York Times’ Richard Sandomir says the recently unearthed TV broadcast of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series will air on MLB Network later this year.

Richard talks with the author of a new biography on Mickey Mantle.

Newsday’s Neil Best delves into the unique arrangement between the New York Islanders and Hofstra University’s student-run radio station.

Ken Schott from the Schenectady Gazette says the NHL Network will be airing American Hockey League games this season.

The Tampa Tribune reports that the Buccaneers game with the defending Super Bowl Champions Saints this Sunday is blacked out.

John Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer says thanks to the Reds playoff run, WLW-AM topped the local radio ratings.

From the Indianapolis Star, Bob Kravitz says his journalism students believe the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger story is truly news. 

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business says the Blackhawks banner raising ceremony will be reaired tonight on Comcast SportsNet.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says Rogers Sportsnet is using a novel concept to talk about the NHL teams they cover.

We’ll end there for now. I’ll be back later with more linkage.

Let’s Bring You The Tuesday Linkage

Already, I’ve been all over Kent County in Rhode Island for no good particular reason so I’m hoping I can stay in one place for a bit to give you linkage.

Let’s begin with Michael Hiestand of USA Today who looks at the TV ratings from the weekend.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch has his Media Power Rankings for September. 

Marcus Vanderberg at SportsNewser writes that Richard and ESPN’s Jemele Hill had a friendly wager on last Saturday’s Michigan State-Michigan game.

Here’s something to watch. Eriq Gardner of the Hollywood Reporter says there’s a conflict brewing between the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat on Halloween as both claim they have priority on flagship radio station WBGG-FM and both will be playing at the same time.

Sports Business Daily notes that Game 4 of the Tampa Bay-Texas ALDS is the lowest rated MLB Postseason game in TBS’ history.

Even so, TV by the Numbers says thanks to the MLB Postseason, TBS won the cable ratings last week. 

Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand and Michael Smith report that Fox Sports has emerged as the favorite to become a partner with the University of Texas for its television network. Fox has a leg up being a minority partner on the Big Ten Network.

The Associated Press reports that the ESPN NASCAR producer who was caught masturbating outside a neighbor’s window has left the network. 

The St. Petersburg Times’ Eric Deggans, writing in the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, fears how Deadspin handled the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger story is how the sports media game will be played from now on.

Milton Kent at Fanhouse looks at why it took two months for the mainstream media to pick up the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger story. 

Gregg Rosenthal of Pro Football Talk says Favre was not happy with Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell for disclosing to ESPN’s Michele Tafoya what the QB said during a closed door meeting.

TMZ noticed that Sterger has apparently canceled a personal appearance in Chicago this coming weekend.

It doesn’t appear Jenn will be making a statement on the story anytime soon.

Mike Reynolds at Multichannel News says ESPN 3D will air its first Thursday night college football game later this month.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell writes that Wrangler Jeans is in a quandary over Brett Favre.

Darren says Nike will become the official NFL apparel outfitter in 2012 taking over for Reebok. 

Darren talks with a Nike official about the new NFL deal.

At TV Predictions, Phil Swann looks at who’s losing the Dish Network/Fox conflict. 

To Press Coverage (to which I owe a column), Dan Levy writes that it’s time to give ESPN its due.

NFL.com gives us an inside look at NFL Network’s NFL Gameday Morning.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that the Deadspin postings on Brett Favre has forced the mainstream media and the NFL to play catch up.

Bob Raissman in the New York Daily News says baseball needs to learn marketing from the NFL in order to pick up its TV ratings for the League Division Series. A lot of this has to do with a few factors. One, the Red Sox which has a large following is not in the postseason this year. Two, the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds are unknown entities to the casual fans. Three, there’s also the Tampa Bay Rays as well. Now, if the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers or Angels make it next year, those ratings shoot up and we’ll be talking how hot baseball is.

The Albany Times Union’s Pete Dougherty has the NFL Week 6 TV schedule for the New York Capital Region.

Pete also has the college football Week 7 TV schedule.

Pete has the preliminary MLB LCS schedule. This will be made final after tonight’s ALDS Game 5.

In the Philadelphia Daily News, Bob Cooney talks about Eric Snow joining the 76ers TV team. 

In the Delaware County Daily Times, Bob Parent says for ESPN to report on Brett Favre’s alleged transgressions is like having to report on one of its own.

David Teel of the Newport News (VA) Daily Press reports that Eagles QB Michael Vick will make weekly call-ins to a local radio station.

Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald says the Hurricanes will appear in primetime on ESPN2 later this month.

Sarah Talalay of the South Florida Sun Sentinel says hip hop artist Birdman’s announcement that he’s about to own a piece of the Miami Dolphins comes as news to the team itself.

Sarah and Tom Jicha team up for a story on the Heat filing a suit against Clear Channel over their radio contract.

Over to Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News who writes that the Texas Rangers have decided to let TV voice Josh Lewin go after nine seasons with the team.

Robert Feder tries to determine who’s to blame for encore presentations of Sports Writers on TV  being pulled from Comcast SportsNet Chicago after just four weeks.

Dan Caesar at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams’ debacle in Detroit led to the team’s lowest TV ratings of the season.

Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times speaks with former Lakers center Vlade Divac on tonight’s 30 for 30 documentary.

John Scheibe of the Times reviews “Once Brothers”.

The Big Lead goes into its archives and finds that Jenn Sterger was once available to appear at your New Year’s Eve party for a mere $600.

Jason Ankeny of Fierce Mobile Content says CBSSports.com is releasing 190 free mobile apps devoted to its college sports partners. 

Sports Media Watch says Saturday’s Alabama-South Carolina contest drew big ratings for CBS.

SMW says ABC’s primetime offering of Florida State-Miami drew higher numbers from the week before, but still were lower than last year.

SMW says Notre Dame football did not excite the masses for NBC.

SMW notes that NBC’s overnight rating for Sunday Night Football was the lowest of the season, but still outranked the competition.

Deadspin does another media roundup of the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger story.

Joe Favorito says the NHL using different ways to hype itself is not a bad thing at all.

Dave Kohl of Major League Programs talks about how radio stations try not to promote the competition.

And again, it’s taken me too long to get these together mostly due to interruptions here in Rhode Island. I hope to get back to the Massachusetts office soon so I don’t have to deal with this.