Fang's Bites

A Quiet Wednesday Linkfest

Was out of the office again earlier today so I’m getting to these rather late. Let’s look at what we have today.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says the new CBS Sports/Showtime documentary on this year’s Army-Navy football game will have touches of reality TV.

Mike McCarthy of USA Today notes that TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal and ESPN bloviator Skippy Bayless are throwing insults at each other.

At the Hollywood Reporter, Carolyn Giardina and Adrian Pennington report that at least 10 Olympic venues in London are expected to get the 3-D TV treatment. About 16 people in the US will be able to watch that.

George Winslow of Broadcasting & Cable says ESPN will make its news feeds available to the Pulse mobile app.

Gregg Rosenthal at Pro Football Talk cites a Phil Mushnick report that the man who helped ruin the Cleveland Browns, Eric Manmoron Mangini will be an ESPN NFL analyst this season.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Eric Deggan of the St. Petersburg Times previews the ESPN Films documentary on the real-life Rocky Balboa who got his shot at the championship.

Lauren Indvik of Mashable looks at how Sports Illustrated is on top of digital technology by publishing a tablet edition of its magazine.

In SportsNewser, Marcus Vanderberg talks with Bomani Jones about the end of his morning show at The Score on Sirius Satellite Radio in Canada.

Cam Martin at SportsNewser tells us to get ready for the NASCAR-themed drama “Tits in the Pits”. You can’t make this shit up.

Dan Fogarty at SportsGrid notes that ESPN’s Merril Hoge took to Twitter to say that Tim Tebow isn’t going to be a good NFL quarterback.

Former Boston Sports Media Watch blogger David Scott writes in ESPN’s Front Row about the Alleged Worldwide Leader breaking ground on a new building and pledging to create an additional 200-800 new jobs in Connecticut over the next five years.

Kristi Dosh, the SportsBizMiss, of the Business of College Sports tries to predict the future and creates four potential BCS “Superconferences” out of the remains of the Big 12 and the Big East.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell notes that video game manufacturer EA Sports could stand to lose one billion dollars if a lawsuit by college athletes goes against it.

Darren talks with Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott about the league’s upcoming regional sports networks.

And Darren looks at a new venture that could bring fans closer to their favorite athletes by consolidating social media and personal websites into one site.

John Talty of the International Business Times writes that the NBA lockout won’t be much of a drain on the economy, only to the league’s fans.

Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal writes about the Big East Conference looking forward to a potential huge media rights payday in two years.

Kevin says Big East Commissioner John Marinatto is denying reports that the conference may have to drop a few schools in order to get big TV money.

Jeff Jacobs of the Hartford Courant says the next TV negotiations for the Big East will be the league’s most important in its history.

Mara Lee of the Courant talks about ESPN’s planned expansion in Connecticut.

JC Reindl of the Day of New London (CT) writes that Connecticut came up with plenty of tax breaks so ESPN could expand its Bristol headquarters.

Pete Thamel of the New York Times writes that despite conventional wisdom, the Big East is a big player in college sports.

Lenn Robbins of the New York Post says a lucrative TV contract will ensure the Big East’s success in the long term.

Sean Daly of the Post says NBC is really going after ESPN with its rebranding of Versus.

Newsday’s Neil Best notes that the winner of SNY’s Kidcaster contest got to call a Mets home run last night.

Neil says ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit is now downplaying reports that overzealous Ohio State fans forced him to move from his native Columbus to Tennessee.

Neil writes that there appears to be a cease fire between WFAN’s Mike Francesa and the New York Jets.

Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record says two local radio stations will pick up Compass Media’s NFL schedule this fall.

Ken says this month’s US Open tennis coverage will be divided among three networks again.

And Ken has the preliminary Westwood One Radio NFL schedule for the first six weeks of the season.

In the New Jersey Newsroom, Evan Weiner says the NFL and the league’s Players Association may not be done negotiating yet.

To the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog where Dan Steinberg notes previews from Sports Illustrated’s Peter King and ESPN Radio Hack Colin Cowherd on the DC NFL Team.

Bridget Cary of the Miami Herald says ESPN Deportes Radio is changing stations to get a better signal in South Florida.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman looks at the local ratings from the weekend.

Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman says the Longhorn Network has made Texas untouchable to other BCS conferences.

Jim Thomas of the Canton (OH) Repository profiles local native Dan Dierdorf on his second career as an NFL analyst.

Shane Hoover of the Repository notes that the NFL continues to find new fans via social and new media.

Steve Ballard of the Indianapolis Star notes that Sunday’s Brickyard 400 scored for ESPN.

David Brauer of MinnPost says the Twin Cities’ ESPN Radio affiliate is pulling Colin Cowherd and inserting a local talk show in his place.

Bruce Dowbiggin of the Toronto Globe and Mail says it’s not known if the NHL’s marriage to Versus will pay off in the long run.

To the Biz of Baseball and Maury Brown who reports that one section of Ohio that was hit with blackouts of the Cleveland Indians and the Pittsburgh Pirates won’t be blacked out anymore.

Larry Brown Sports has former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach sticking up for suspended ESPN.com writer Bruce Feldman on Fox Sports Radio last night.

The Days of Y’Orr Boston Bruins blog notes the creation of a new Jack Edwards soundboard. It’s tremendous.

Kissing Suzy Kolber notes that ESPN’s sponsored segments are getting a bit out of hand.

Melina Travis of Pro Sports Communications talks about the power of sports documentaries.

Ty Duffy at The Big Lead wonders if the Big East has any juice with fans.

Awful Announcing kicks around some ideas for the next batch of ESPN Films documentaries.

We have a lot of links today. That’s good for you. I’ll be back later tonight.

On To The Tuesday Links

Let’s get your Tuesday linkage up and posted today. Good stuff to get to.

Variety’s Stuart Levine talks with NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus about the Versus rebrand to NBC Sports Network and other subjects.

The Associated Press has Lazarus hopeful that he can make former NBC Sports Emperor Dick Ebersol proud.

Brian Steinberg at Advertising Age writes that NBC’s rebrand of Versus plus having the Super Bowl this season puts the network in position to be a real challenger to ESPN.

Marisa Guthrie in the Hollywood Reporter’s Live Feed blog says NBC’s top brass was never worried about losing NFL games this season.

Etan Vlessing of the Hollywood Reporter writes that Canada’s Rogers Communications will stream live video of Toronto Blue Jays games online and on smartphones starting this month.

Georg Szalai of the Reporter notes that Fox Sports is protesting a plan to sell the Los Angeles Dodgers’ media rights. Fox says it agreed to a long-term extension of its current deal with the team, but MLB has rejected it.

To Adweek and Emma Bazilian who says Fox is going to war over the Dodgers’ media rights.

Todd Spangler at Multichannel News writes about AT&T U-verse suddenly dropping ESPN3D citing the high carriage fees and lack of subscribers.

George Winslow of Broadcasting & Cable notes that ESPN has promoted one of its executives.

Marcus Vanderberg of SportsNewser notes that Chicago sportscaster Mike Adamle was cleared of DUI charges.

Cam Martin of SportsNewser looks at Awful Announcing’s Joe Morgan Memorial Tournament that left Craig James as its “winner”.

Ken Kerschbaumer at Sports Video Group wonders if 3-D will have a role in the 2012 London Olympics.

At Outkick The Coverage, Clay Travis says it’s Yahoo! that’s poised to be ESPN’s true sports media rival in the 2nd decade of the 21st Century.

The Sports Biz Miss, Kristi Dosh in the Business of College Sports explains why BCS Automatic Qualifying conferences are not knocking down Boise State’s doors to have the school join their leagues.

Kristi also looks at how the Pac-12 Network will be distributed to several Top 100 media markets within the Conference footprint.

To Yahoo’s Puck Daddy where Sean Leahy talks with ESPN’s John Buccigross about his NHL guilty pleasures.

Jose Martinez of Complex speaks with ESPN’s Erin Andrews about her country music and Saturday Night Live obsessions.

USA Today’s Mike McCarthy also talks with Erin, this time about Twitter and her assessment of her first year on the anchor desk at College GameDay.

All Access reports that Fox Sports Radio is hooking up with Mastercard for a Stand Up to Cancer promotion.

Greg Bordonaro of Hartford Business writes that ESPN plans to take advantage of a Connecticut tax break incentive offer to add more jobs in the state.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union looks at NBC/Versus NHL voice Mike “Doc” Emrick receiving another honor.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call catches up with iconic Philadelphia Eagles radio voice Merrill Reese.

Paul Farhi of the Washington Post speaks with outgoing local sports anchor Brett Haber about his decision to leave his local station.

Adam Kilgore of the Post writes that MASN has not exercised the option on Washington Nationals TV voice Bob Carpenter’s contract, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he won’t be back next season.

ESPN3.com will be streaming a Georgia rivalry high school football game later this month.

Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says Big 12 schools decided to compromise on the Longhorn Network for one season.

Randy Riggs of the Austin (TX) American-Statesman writes that means no high school football games on the Longhorn Network for now.

Mike Finger in the Houston Chronicle says the Big 12 did leave open the possibility of having a conference game aired on the Longhorn Network this season.

Anthony Schoettle of the Indianapolis Business Journal says an NBC Sports Group deal to put NFL games on Versus would be a big help to the channel’s IndyCar package.

Bob Wolfley at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that NFL Network and companion RedZone were picked up by Charter Communications.

Bob says Chicago Cubs radio voice Pat Hughes regales in telling stories about the late Marquette coach Al McGuire and their time calling the school’s games together.

In OnMilwaukee, Andy Tarnoff goes behind the scenes during a Brewers game production with the Fox Sports Wisconsin crew.

Aaron Barnhart of the Kansas City Star writes that NBC’s Sunday Night Football crew is ready for the NFL season to start.

Shad Powers of the Desert (CA) Sun says MLB Network came through on Sunday.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News discusses the rebranding of Versus to NBC Sports Network.

In the Daly Planet, John Daly notes that ESPN NASCAR analyst Rusty Wallace has a conflict of interest when calling Nationwide Series races.

Toronto Sports Media says Sirius and XM in Canada might be pulling the plug on The Score radio channel.

The Canadian Sports Media blog has some thoughts on the last week in Canadian sports media.

Sports Media Watch notes that ESPN has brought in former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas as a studio NFL analyst.

Dave Kohl at Major League Programs looks at the moves to rebrand of Sporting News Radio and Versus.

And we’re done with the linkage for today.

Yahoo’s Puck Daddy Is Now On The Radio

How about this? Friend of Fang’s Bites Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo’s tremendous Puck Daddy section now has its own radio show. I usually don’t lobby to be a guest on radio shows (although I am available), but this is perfect for Wyshynski and I to talk about hockey on TV. Steve Lepore of Puck The Media would be perfect too, but this is right my alley and I know Greg visits Fang’s Bites, so Greg? I’m available to be on the show anytime you want.

Enough groveling. Considering how many times Greg has been a guest on various shows across the US and Canada, this is the next logical step and very well deserved for Puck Daddy. The show will air on The Score in Toronto through its website, theScore.com as well as on Sirius Satellite Radio, channel 98. This is great news.

Puck Daddy Joins theScore Satellite Radio

Greg Wyshynski, a.k.a. “Puck Daddy” now on SIRIUS Satellite Radio channel 98 and theScore.com with live daily radio show airing from 1-2 p.m. ET

TORONTO, October 12th, 2010 – Score Media Inc. (TSX: SCR) today announces that Greg Wyshynski, a.k.a “Puck Daddy”, has officially joined its line-up of broadcast talent. Greg Wyshynski, the editor of Puck Daddy, Yahoo! Sports’ infamous and humorous hockey blog, today becomes a member of theScore with a live show on theScore Satellite Radio on SIRIUS Satellite Radio channel 98. Puck Daddy Radio will be hosted by Greg Wyshynski along with theScore’s Rob Pizzo, and will air Monday to Friday from 1-2 p.m. ET. Each episode will be rebroadcast at 5 p.m. ET daily and will be streamed on both theScore.com and on Yahoo.com’s Puck Daddy blog.    

Since 2008, Puck Daddy has blended in-depth analysis of the NHL with a humorous look at hockey culture. It is considered the leading hockey blog in North America for its innovation and influence. Award-winning editor, Greg Wyshynski, has written for many leading publications including Deadspin, AOL FanHouse, the Hockey News, The Fourth Period Magazine and SportsFan Magazine. He also spent 9 years as an editor for The Connection Newspapers of Northern Virginia, a chain of 16 weekly publications. 

Wyshynski frequently appears as a guest on radio stations around North America and through his many years as a hockey authority, he has developed an enormous following of devoted fans. His weekly play-off show and various other appearances on theScore during the 2009-2010 NHL season got rave reviews and left fans wanting more.

“After the success of last season’s Puck Daddy play-off show, we discovered that fans wanted more and that a weekly show was simply not enough so we made the decision to create a dedicated, daily show that will give both Puck Daddy and his fans an even louder voice in the hockey world,” says Mike Gentile, Program Director, theScore Satellite Radio. 

With Wyshynski’s wit and in-depth hockey knowledge, Puck Daddy Radio on SIRIUS channel 98 will be the go-to destination for hockey fans across North America.

“My goal is to take the insight and entertainment from Puck Daddy and bring it to theScore Satellite Radio. It’ll be exciting, informative and unpredictable,” says Greg Wyshynski, Host, Puck Daddy Radio. “I think theScore is a perfect partner in bringing the nonsense we do on the blog to an unsuspecting public and I look forward to interacting with the Puck Daddy audience on a more personal level as scary as that could get.”

More stuff coming up.

Thursday’s Linkage

Time to do a Thursday link thing for you. There will be a major announcement about Fang’s Bites and its future coming in the next day or two. I’ll give you that when the time is right. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Starting off with the Nielsen ratings Wire blog, it says EA Sports will have a major impact on the NBA Draft tonight.

Newsday’s Neil Best looks at the new in-market online streaming deal between the Yankees, YES, MLB.com and Cablevision. Neil feels other teams will most likely follow suit. Neil previews a new SNY documentary on the 1969 Miracle Mets.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times also looks at the Yankees-Cablevision deal.

David Kohl of the Major League Programs Blog tells us what’s wrong with the deal.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says you can buy actual U.S. Open scorecards at auction. Darren wants to come up with a new nickname for Shaquille O’Neal now that he’s a Cleveland Cav. Darren notes that golfer Vijay Singh still stands by Stanford Financial despite the company’s CEO being in tremendous legal trouble.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union says TNT will continue airing the PGA Championship through most of the next decade.

Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News says Terrell Owens and supermodel Joanna Krupa will see another day at The Superstars. Apparently T.O. has shot a mock apology for his performance.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says the Steel City watched Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in record numbers resulting in a 42.2 rating! Thanks to Steve Lepore at Puck The Media for the link.

From Crain’s Chicago Business, Ed Sherman talks with former Bear Steve McMichael about being a part-owner and coach of a local indoor football team.

Bob Wolfley in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about Packer Al Harris’ interview on Sirius NFL Radio.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News advises us that ESPN and TNT will air the Cleveland Cavaliers as much as possible next season.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman has ESPN.com’s mock top five NBA Draft choices.

Adam Rose of the Los Angeles Times looks at the first episode of The Superstars.

Chris Zelkovich from the Toronto Star says Setanta Canada is safe for now, but what about in years to come?

Steve Clarke of Variety says ESPN is considering launching a new UK channel in the wake of obtaining the rights to the English Premier League this week.

Kevin Downey from Media Life Magazine writes that the NCAA baseball postseason drew well for the ESPN networks.

The Sports Media Watch says the U.S. Open’s ratings were washed away this past weekend. Paulsen has some various ratings news and notes. SMW says Joe Buck and Tim McCarver will host a baseball movie marathon on FX on the Sunday before the MLB All-Star Game. SMW also has the NBA Draft ratings since 1999.

Chris Byrne’s Eye on Sports Media has the Mid-America Conference’s football TV schedule for this season. Chris also has the early TV schedule for the Big East Football Conference.

The Gamecocks on TV blog has found another affiliate for ESPN Regional TV’s syndicated SEC football and basketball package.

My phone is ringing off the hook for some reason. It’s driving me crazy so I’m leaving the office and shutting off my iPhone. See you later.

Keeping Track of the NHL Trade Deadline

There are several ways to monitor the busiest day in the NHL. When I wrote my column at Digital Sports Daily last night, I gave several options for you to track the trades. I have an update on the streaming coverage.

First, you can watch TSN’s excellent coverage online. It is available in the United States and you can launch the coverage through this link (make sure you right click and open it in a new window or tab).

Rogers Sportsnet which last year allowed its coverage to be seen in the U.S. has now closed it off to Canadian viewers only. You can go to its Trade Deadline page which will refresh when trades are made.

CBC will start its Hockey Night in Canada Radio show early today at noon (normally, it airs at 4 p.m.). Sirius subscribers will hear the show on channel 97 at noon, then channel 123 joins at 4 p.m. However, you don’t have to be a Sirius subscriber to listen. It will stream live at CBC.ca. It’s currently doing a live blog at its own Trade Deadline page.

NHL Network will produce its own show for the first time and air it at 3 p.m. Why NHL Network chose to do its own show and not pick up TSN’s coverage in the past is beyond me.

In New England, NESN will have its own two hour Trade Deadline special at 2:30 p.m., but it will not be streamed online. UPDATE, 10:07 a.m. – A NESN spokesman says video of any news from the show will be posted on its website so if the Bruins make a trade, NESN.com will have it. NESN.com is also doing a live blog and is updating it as trades happen. Thanks to NESN for responding to my questions on its coverage.

So you have plenty of sources to see check on the moves throughout the day. The deadline is 3 p.m.

Last Links of 2008

Your last links of the year come now. After I post this, I’ll be working on my Year in Review. Lots o’ stuff to go over, but first, let’s give you linkage.

First, thanks to Bob’s Blitz for putting Fang’s Bites 4th in his list of 2008 Sports Websites of the Year. Newsday’s Glauber Nation was ranked first. Nice to be on any list at the year’s end.

No. 2 on Bob’s Blitz’s list Newsday’s Neil Best and Neil says today is the last day for several Arena Football League staffers. Neil has the transcript of former Denver and New York Giants coach Dan Reeves expressing his desire to coach again on Sirius NFL Radio.

Next to CNBC’s Darren Rovell who writes in The New Republic that 2009 will be The Year of the Sports Fan. Darren has a transcript of his interview with baseball agent (and snake) Scott Boras. Darren says one of the best bowl sponsorships comes from the people at Chick-Fil-A. And Darren speaks with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about the Winter Classic.

Joe Favorito writes that MLB and NHL are using New Year’s Day for strategic launches.

Roger van der Horst of the Raleigh News & Observer talks about his experience getting a new HDTV box from Time Warner Cable.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News has the local options to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade. Tom has Charles Barkley’s mugshot from this morning’s arrest on DUI charges in Arizona.

The always lovely Lisa Guerrero writing for the LA Times’ Fabulous Forum blog chronicles her husband’s (former Orioles and Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson) comeback in Mexico.

The Sports Media Watch notes that Sunday Night Football finished 2008 higher in the ratings from last season. Continuing its look back at 2008, the SMW reviews the year in mixed martial arts. And the SMW looks at golf’s year.

Maury Brown’s Biz of Baseball reports that Comcast has placed the MLB Network on its digital cable lineup throughout its systems in New England.

Steve Lepore wants you to vote on which story will be #3 and #4 on the Puck The Media’s Top Ten Hockey Stories of the year. Steve, however, decided on his #2 story, the Detroit Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup. And Steve speculates on future sites for the NHL Winter Classic.

Mike Flaherty of Variety says football helped to rule the primetime ratings roost.

Monday Night Football and several college bowls occupied the first seven spots in last week’s primetime cable TV ratings.

The San Antonio Business Journal says the Alamo Bowl recorded good ratings for ESPN Monday night.

The Capital (WI) Times reports that ESPN Radio switches FM affiliates in Madison on New Year’s Day.

Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic talks with ESPN Radio’s Mike Golic.

That will do it for this year. I’ll be back with the Year in Review later tonight. Until then, have a Happy New Year.

Monday Press Releases

I have some press releases in my inbox and I’ll provide them here for you. This work computer is like molasses and is just awful. I hope to have this whole thing rectified within a week.

Here is quotage from NFL Network’s NFL Gameday Final last night.

Next, Sirius Satellite Radio’s NASCAR Radio has a big show coming up hosted by Tony Stewart.

TONY STEWART AND SIRIUS RADIO ANNOUNCE NOMINEES FOR SECOND ANNUAL ‘STEWIE AWARDS’

Presentation of “The Stewies” will take place in a live broadcast during 2008 NASCAR Champions Week

Fans around the country cast their votes to decide award winners

NEW YORK – November 24, 2008 - SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI), the Official Satellite Radio Partner of NASCAR, and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart, announced today the nominees for the second annual ‘Stewie Awards,’ honoring the best, boldest and funniest moments of the 2008 NASCAR season.

The ‘Stewies’ will be awarded during a special broadcast of Tony Stewart Live, the weekly talk show hosted by Stewart and Matt Yocum, at SIRIUS XM Radio’s New York City studios on Thursday, December 4 (6:00 – 8:00 pm ET) during 2008 NASCAR Champions Week. The live broadcast will air nationwide on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, available on SIRIUS channel 128 and on XM channel 128 with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package.

“After seeing the tears of joy stream down Kevin Harvick’s face after handing him his ‘Stewie’ for ‘Best Original Drama’ last year we knew that, while it would be tough to top last year’s event, the show must go on,” said Stewart. ”So we’re excited to be back for year two to celebrate all the great people and performances from the 2008 season. It’ll be a great way to cap off the season and we’ll have a lot of fun with our guests and our listeners on SIRIUS and XM.”

The 2008 Stewie Award winners will be determined by fans around the country who cast their votes online at www.sirius.com/stewieawards.

“Once again the fans, who are such a big part of Tony Stewart Live throughout the year, can get involved by voting in the award winners,” said Stewart. “And so, without further ado, the nominees for the 2008 Stewie Awards are…”

Golden Stewie Award – Honoring a driver from the Golden Era of racing (1960-85)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Best Original Drama – For year’s most dramatic moment or sequence

Ryan Newman wins the 50^th Daytona 500 (Feb. 17)

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. wins the Budweiser Shootout for first victory with Hendrick Motorsports (Feb. 9)

Tony Stewart announces departure from Joe Gibbs Racing to become a driver/owner with Stewart-Haas Racing (Jul. 9)

Kyle Busch wins 8 races, including 4 in a row, but finishes 10th in final Chase standings

Best Stunt Sequence (Hal Needham Award) – For year’s most spectacular crash

Michael McDowell’s tumbling crash during qualifying at Texas Motor Speedway (Apr. 4)

Jeff Gordon hits inner wall at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Mar. 2)

“The Big One” during the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway involves 11 cars and collects 6 Chase drivers (Oct. 5)

Brian Vickers’ wheel comes off during Coca-Cola 600 (May 25)

Juan Pablo Montoya triggers multi-car wreck at Phoenix International Raceway that ends with David Gilliland’s car resting atop Scott Speed’s car (Nov. 9)

Best Original Comedy – For year’s most entertaining “incident” or occurrence

Kenny Wallace falsely announces plans for his brother Rusty to come out of retirement

Goodyear tire controversy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Jul. 27)

The “Yellow Line Debate” after controversial finish at Talladega (Oct. 5)

David Starr takes on Germain Racing in melee on pit road at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Sep. 13)

Best Engineering and Special Effects (Smokey Yunick Award) – For year’s most creative – and ultimately illegal – modifications to a race car

Carl Edwards and #99 team get caught without oil can lid attached at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Mar. 2)

Joe Gibbs Racing cars get caught with magnets behind accelerator at Michigan International Speedway (Aug. 17)

Juan Pablo Montoya and #42 team are penalized for illegal shocks after winning pole at Kansas Speedway (Sep. 28)

Brian Vickers and #83 team are penalized for too thin sheet metal at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway (Oct. 19)

Bonehead Move of the Year

Carl Edwards pushes Kevin Harvick in Lowe’s Motor Speedway garage while discussing Harvick’s “pansy” comment after Talledega race (Oct. 9)

Michael Waltrip Racing allegedly steals sway bar from Roush-Fenway Racing

City of Concord, N.C. flip-flops on their stand against a drag strip after SMI Chairman Bruton Smith threatens to move Lowe’s Motor Speedway to another city.

‘I Got Dumped’ Award – For year’s most memorable on- or off-track bumping

Kyle Busch vs. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway: On May 3; Kyle takes out Dale Jr.; On Sep. 6 Dale Jr. overdrives a corner and gets into Kyle

After a great season, David Ragan narrowly misses Chase after spinning himself and collecting Roush teammate Matt Kenseth at Richmond (Sep. 6)

David Gilliland takes out Juan Pablo Montoya on backstretch at Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 2)

Roush-Fenway fabrication shop after Carl Edwards takes out himself and teammates Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth at Talladega (Oct. 5)

Best Driver2Crew Chatter Exchange – For year’s most memorable driver-to-pit crew communication (Visit www.sirius.com/stewieawards to hear audio of nominees)

Dale Jarrett signs off and ends racing career by crossing finish line in All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (May 17)

Clint Bowyer declares Michael Waltrip “the worst driver in NASCAR” at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway (Aug. 23)

Owner Rick Hendrick re-directs Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s anger at New Hampshire (Sep. 4)

Tony Stewart expresses concern paramedics will show up at #20 team pit box at Martinsville Speedway(Mar. 30)

Best Vocal Performance – For year’s most memorable quote or sound bite (Visit www.sirius.com/stewieawards to hear audio of nominees)

Jimmie Johnson sums up his run at Texas Motor Speedway after Dickies 500 (Nov. 2)

Steven Wallace reacts to Kyle Busch confronting him in race car after Nationwide race at Richmond (May 2)

Ron Hornaday rips Kyle Busch after Craftsman Truck Series incident at Michigan International Speedway (Jun. 14)

Kyle Busch is unwilling to accept Carl Edwards apology after being taken out in final laps at Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 23)

Carl Edwards describes his desperation off-the-wall move at Kansas Speedway and where he learned it (Sep. 28)

An annual Thanksgiving tradition takes place on ABC this weekend, it’s the Skins Game and at least there’s some star power in this year.

Skins Game a Thanksgiving Weekend Treat

Saturday and Sunday on ABC

Phil Mickelson, Rocco Mediate, Stephen Ames, K.J. Choi to Compete for $1 Million, Charities

The world’s No. 3 player, Phil Mickelson, will compete against 2008 U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, five-time PGA Tour winner K.J. Choi, and two-time defending Skins Game champion Stephen Ames in the 2008 $1 million Skins game from the Celebrity Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort Saturday (1- 3:30 p.m., ET) and (3:30-6 p.m.) on ABC.

Ames will be attempting to win his third consecutive title, which would match Payne Stewart’s record (1991-93). Mickelson seeks his first Skins title in his third appearance. Mediate, who earlier this year lost an epic U.S. Open sudden death playoff to Tiger Woods, will look to cap his comeback season.

Terry Gannon will host the high-definition telecasts with analysts Andy North and Judy Rankin and reporter/interviewer Tom Rinaldi. As in the past, all four players will be miked, providing access and intimacy to their banter and strategy. The telecast will also include the use of Trackman, to measure the flight of the ball with sophisticated phased radar. Among the features will be a look back at Mediate’s incredible second-place finish in this year’s U.S. Open.

Renowned for its high entertainment value on Thanksgiving weekend, the Skins Game is in its 26^th year. In the Skins Game, players compete for money for each hole rather than the low score for the round. A player must win a hole outright to win that hole’s “skin.” If a hole is tied, the skin(s) and money carry over to the next hole. Each of the first six holes (one through six) will be worth $25,000. Each of the second six holes (seven through 12) will be worth $50,000. Holes 13 through 17 will each be worth $70,000, and the 18^th hole, the Super Skin, will be worth $200,000. The foursome will play for $300,000 on Saturday and $700,000 on Sunday. Twenty percent of the winnings ($200,000 total) will be donated to the players’ favorite charities.

ESPN wants you to know about Jimmy V Week which takes place next week.

Jimmy V Week Returns Dec. 3-9 Following More Than $700,000 Raised in Inaugural Event

The second annual Jimmy V Week – a week-long initiative featuring special content across ESPN platforms and programs to drive awareness of and donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research — will begin Wednesday, Dec. 3 and conclude Tuesday, Dec. 9. The inaugural Jimmy V Week raised more than $700,000 in net proceeds for cancer research.

Jimmy V Week will launch Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. ET with a special Jimmy V Week introduction featuring Jim Valvano’s now-famous ESPYs speech simultaneously aired on numerous ESPN media outlets at 7 p.m. ESPN2 will televise the Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!® program featuring coverage of 2008 V Foundation fundraising events leading up to the launch at 6:30 p.m. The week will conclude with the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic (Georgia at Rutgers) on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 and the Men’s Jimmy V Basketball Classic doubleheader on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. (Davidson vs. West Virginia) and 9 p.m. (Texas vs. Villanova) on ESPN.

“Jimmy V Week is a shining example of sports and teamwork whose results go beyond any game. I’m proud of our employees and fans joining together for this great cause,” said George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports.

As part of a Team ESPN initiative, employees companywide have volunteered for several months to develop Jimmy V Week content and implement the strategy.

To highlight the initiative to drive donations and awareness for cancer research, Jimmy V Week content will be incorporated into studio programs and event telecasts, including SportsCenter, college basketball (men’s and women’s), football, soccer and hockey, NBA, PBA and more. The week will also include content on ESPN.com, ESPN360.com, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic and ESPN Mobile; special vignettes; and specific Jimmy V Week on-air graphics. Highlights include:

• A special open aired simultaneously across multiple entities;
• Special elements during game and studio programming across multiple ESPN entities;
• Multiple chat sessions on ESPN.com;
• Special guest interviews on ESPNEWS;
• Jim Valvano-themed marathon on ESPN Classic;
• ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning originating from the Medical City Hospital in Dallas;
• Referees donating a portion of their one-day salary to the V Foundation’s Blow the Whistle on Cancer Campaign®.

Simultaneous Launch Across Multiple Entities

A special Jimmy V Week open will be aired across 14 ESPN media outlets and the ABC SuperSign in Times Square Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Mike Krzyzewski, followed by a complete presentation of Jim Valvano’s speech at the 1993 ESPYs. The approximate 13-minute long open will be offered in high definition and can be seen simultaneously on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN2, ESPN2 HD, ESPNEWS, ESPNEWS HD, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, ESPNU HD, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes (subtitled in Spanish) and ESPN International outlets NASN and ESPN Middle East. The ABC SuperSign version will include English subtitles.

Elements During Event and Studio Programming

Jimmy V Week elements will appear during studio and event programming across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU and ABC, including 21 men’s and women’s college basketball games, nine college football matchups, two NBA telecasts, three NCAA Women’s soccer contests and two college hockey games.

Content will also be aired during studio programming across ESPN entities all week, including testimonials and features on how cancer has touched the sports world and guest interviews.

Jimmy V Week will conclude Tuesday, Dec. 9, with the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic doubleheader from Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. (Davidson vs. West Virginia) and 9 p.m. Texas vs. Villanova), a night after the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic from Rutgers University at 7 p.m. (Georgia vs. Rutgers on ESPN2).

Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!

Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up! will feature a compilation of footage from several ESPN supported V Foundation summer fundraising events, including ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic, the Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Radio Auction, The V Foundation Wine Celebration and The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic which raised millions of dollars for cancer research and created new awareness for The V Foundation through the generous participation of athletes, celebrities, ESPN commentators and private donors.

In addition to the debut airing on ESPN2 (Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.) and on ESPN Classic Monday, Dec. 8, at 1:30 p.m., the program will be available on ESPN.com throughout Jimmy V Week.

Special ESPN.com Content, Highlighted by Multiple Chats

ESPN.com will have special Jimmy V Week content highlighted by multiple chat sessions with celebrities and ESPN personalities throughout the week including N.C. State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow who is fighting cancer, Drexel women’s basketball player and 2008 V Foundation Comeback Player of the Year recipient Nicole Hester who returned to the court this year after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and more (additional people and times TBD).

Additional content includes an article by Dick Vitale on the importance of The V Foundation and his memories of Jim Valvano; Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPYS speech; feature stories on cancer survivors Paul Azinger, former NBA player Wayman Tisdale and Mark Barr, a swimmer with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; and links to a calendar of events and to www.jimmyv.org for more information on The V Foundation and how to donate. Details include:

ESPNEWS

Throughout the week, ESPNEWS will offer features on how cancer has touched the sports world and have interviews with guests who have a personal connection to cancer. Guests are to be determined.

ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning

ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning, weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., will be aired from the atrium of the Medical City Hospital in Dallas Tuesday, Dec. 2. The broadcast is a result of the opportunity for listeners to bid on the show originating from their home during the fourth annual “Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” held July 6-16.

Never Give Up Marathon on ESPN Classic

ESPN Classic will offer two Never Give Up marathons featuring classic college basketball games with “never give up” themes leading up to the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic December 8 beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic December 9 beginning at 1 p.m.

You’ll hear and see a lot about this ad nauseum on the ESPN Empire next week. Just warning you ahead of time.

ESPN has two college football-related announcements for you. First, a quick blurb on where College Gameday will be this week.

ESPN’s College GameDay live from #3 Oklahoma at #12 Oklahoma State

College GameDay Built by The Home Depot (Saturdays at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN) will originate from Stillwater, Okla. this Saturday, site of #3 Oklahoma at Big 12 intrastate rival #12 Oklahoma State (televised on ABC at 8 p.m.). College GameDay is hosted by Chris Fowler with analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard.

Here’s the second college football-related release from the Alleged Worldwide Leader highlighting what it’ll cover this week.

#2 Texas hosts Big 12 rival Texas A&M on Thursday on ESPN College Football Primetime; #3 Oklahoma featured on Saturday Night Football

This week’s college football schedule on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN360.com, ESPN Classic and ESPN Radio will be highlighted by #2 Texas, #3 Oklahoma, #4 Florida in intrastate showdowns, as well as #5 USC and two of the remaining four undefeated teams in action. Highlights:

• ESPN will televise Texas A&M at #2 Texas on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m., marking the first time ESPN will televise the in-state, Big 12 rivalry in 15 years.
• On Nov. 29, Saturday Night Football on ABC will feature #3 Oklahoma at in-state rival #12 Oklahoma State.
• ESPN on ABC will present a split national telecast Saturday, Nov. 29, at 3:30 p.m. highlighted by #4 Florida at #20 Florida State in a non-conference showdown. ESPN Radio will also broadcast the game. The other game will pit Maryland at #21 Boston College.
• The ESPN prime-time telecast Saturday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. will feature Notre Dame at #5 USC in the 80th matchup between the rivals.
• ESPN2 will televise two of the remaining teams making a push for a perfect season: #15 Ball State (hosting Western Michigan) Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. and #9 Boise State (hosting Fresno State) Friday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m.

Because the computer is so slow, it took me over an hour to do this. On my laptop, it takes less than 15. Shows you how bad the computer I’m working with is. That’s it. Enjoy your evening.

NFL Viewing Picks for Week 10, 11/09/08

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

1 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Baltimore at Houston – Ian Eagle/Solomon Wilcots
Buffalo at New England – Dick Enberg/Randy Cross
Jacksonville at Detroit – Kevin Harlan/Rich Gannon
Tennessee at Chicago – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf

Fox Coverage Map
Green Bay at Minnesota – Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver
New Orleans at Atlanta – Ron Pitts/Tony Boselli/Charissa Thompson!!!
St. Louis at New York Jets – Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
Seattle at Miami – Sam Rosen/Tim Ryan/Chris Myers

4:05 p.m.
Fox Coverage Map
Carolina at Oakland – Dick Stockton/Brian Baldinger/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin

4:15 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
Kansas City at San Diego – Gus Johson/Steve Tasker

7 p.m.
Football Night in America – NBC

8:15 p.m.
New York Giants at Philadelphia – NBC, Al Michaels/John Madden/Andrea Kremer

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

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

NFL Viewing Picks for Week 5, 10/05/08

NFL Gameday Morning – NFL Network, 10 a.m.
Fox NFL Sunday – Fox, noon

1 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Indianapolis at Houston – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Kansas City at Carolina – Kevin Harlan/Rich Gannon
Tennessee at Baltimore – Ian Eagle/Solomon Wilcots
San Diego at Miami – Screamin’ Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker

Fox Coverage Map
Atlanta at Green Bay – Ron Pitts/Tony Boselli/Charissa Thompson!!!
Chicago at Detroit – Matt Vasgerian/Brian Baldinger/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin
Washington at Philadelphia – Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver
Seattle at New York Giants – Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa

4:05 p.m.
Fox Coverage Map
Tampa Bay at Denver – Chris Myers/Tim Ryan/Tom Helmer

4:15 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Buffalo at Arizona – Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein
Cincinnati at Dallas – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
New England at San Francisco – Dick Enberg/Randy Cross/Dan Fouts

7 p.m.
Football Night in America – NBC

8:15 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville – NBC, Al Michaels/John Madden/Andrea Kremer

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

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

NFL Viewing Picks for Week 3, 09/21/08

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

1 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Cincinnati at New York Giants – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Houston at Tennessee – Kevin Harlan/Rich Gannon
Kansas City at Atlanta – Screamin’ Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker
Miami at New England – Ian Eagle/Solomon Wilcots
Oakland at Buffalo – Don Criqui/Dan Fouts

Fox Coverage Map
Arizona at Washington – Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa
Carolina at Minnesota – Ron Pitts/Tony Boselli/Charissa Thompson!!!
Tampa Bay at Chicago – Sam Rosen/Tim Ryan/Chris Myers

4:05 p.m.
Fox Coverage Map
Detroit at San Francisco – Dick Stockton/Brian Baldinger/Brian Billick/Laura Okmin
New Orleans at Denver – Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver
St. Louis at Seattle – Matt Vasgergian/JC Pearson/Nishelle Turner

4:15 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Cleveland at Baltimore – Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein
Jacksonville at Indianapolis – Dick Enberg/Randy Cross
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms

7 p.m.
Football Night in America – NBC

8:15 p.m.
Dallas at Green Bay – NBC, Al Michaels/John Madden/Andrea Kremer

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

DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel Assignments
Sirius Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

NFL Viewing Picks for Week 2, 09/14/08

NFL Gameday Morning – NFL Network, 10 a.m.
Fox NFL Sunday – Fox, noon

1 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Buffalo at Jacksonville – Screamin’ Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker
Indianapolis at Minnesota – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Oakland at Kansas City – Kevin Harlan/Rich Gannon
Tennessee at Cincinnati – Don Criqui/Dan Fouts

Fox Coverage Map
Chicago at Carolina – Sam Rosen/Tim Ryan/Chris Myers
Green Bay at Detroit – Matt Vasgersian/Jayice Pearson/Charissa Thompson
New Orleans at Washington – Dick Stockton/Brian Baldinger/Laura Okmin
New York Giants at St. Louis – Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver

4:05 p.m.
Fox Coverage Map
Atlanta at Tampa Bay – Ron Pitts/Tony Boselli/Nishelle Turner
San Francisco at Seattle – Kenny Albert/Daryl Johnston/Tony Siragusa

4:15 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
Miami at Arizona – Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein
New England at New York Jets – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
San Diego at Denver – Dick Enberg/Randy Cross

7 p.m.
Football Night in America – NBC

8:15 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland – NBC, Al Michaels/John Madden/Andrea Kremer

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

DirecTV Channel Assignments
Sirius Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

Monday’s Links

I’m here late after being at the office all day. I’ve been also dealing with the phone company which has been very unresponsive to my requests to correct the problem. In fact, I’ll out the company, Broadview Networks. This company plays games, drops your phone call and does not call back after it makes promises to do so. After restoring my phone service, it actually crossed my fax line into my main phone line and pushed my main phone line into line #2. And I have no idea where line #2 is. This is just tremendous work by Broadview Networks. Don’t ever use this company.

Now, onto the links for this Monday.

Let’s start with a bunch of stuff from the great Sports Business Journal.

John Ourand chronicles how the Big Ten Network managed to make deals with Time Warner Cable, Mediacom and Charter Communications this season.

Terry Lefton says Bank of America has apparently won the rights for sponsorship at the new Yankee Stadium.

Terry writes that T-Mobile has re-upped with the NBA as a sponsor for three more years.

Terry also writes that NFL Commish Roger Goodell is worried about reduced revenues for the league.

Eric Fisher says AOL Sports will undergo a site redesign to highlight its FanHouse blog.

Jon Show writes that the PGA Tour is in its second of year of adding parties and other peripheral events to its Fall Series tournaments in an attempt to attract more fans.

My thanks to the SBJ for opening up links to its site every week. It’s much appreciated.

USA Today’s Michael Hiestand says Brett Favre’s debut with the New York Jets could not have gone any better for CBS.

Paul J. Gough of the Hollywood Reporter says Sunday Night Football won the night for NBC.

CBS says the overnight ratings for its regional NFL action yesterday highlighted by Jets-Dolphins were the highest since the network returned to the league in 1999.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick goes after CBS for not showing both US Open men’s semifinals live on Saturday even though they were being played simultaneously.

The Sports Media Watch says ratings for the U.S. Open’s women’s finals were up over last year. The SMW says ratings for Fox NFL Sunday and NBC’s Football Night in America were down from last year. And the blog has a look at the ratings for the three NFL Sunday networks.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell applauds the changes that the Women’s Tennis Association will undertake for the offseason. Darren tells us why you probably won’t see a “Chad Ocho Cinco” jersey this season. And Darren says despite Tom Brady being lost for the entire season, Las Vegas still gives the Patriots good odds at winning the Super Bowl.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union lists the college football games that will be seen in the New York Capital Region this weekend.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun notices that CBS’ Kevin Harlan gives credit to offensive linemen for their blocks. And Ray liked one addition to the NBC Sunday Night Football scoreline.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media blog wonders why ESPN did not bother to show “The Hurdle” from Saturday’s Central Michigan-Georgia game. Here it is, by the way:

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times looks back at the weekend in TV sports.

Jeffrey Flanagan of the Kansas City Star talked with CBS’ Dan Dierdorf before yesterday’s Chiefs-Pats game.

Dusty Saunders of the Rocky Mountain News hopes ESPN will practice what it has preached about this season of Monday Night Football.

R. Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News says DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket PPV package has several improvements including more games in HD.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News gives his Top 10 Moments in LA Dodger history.

John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable says MASN has picked up some carriage deals in Virginia and North Carolina, but none of them with Time Warner Cable.

Ben Grossman of Broadcasting & Cable says reports of Lance Armstrong returning to the Tour de France next year could be a boost for Versus.

Jon Lafayette from TV Week says Versus has hired a new executive to be in charge of digital media.

Multichannel News says to celebrate its 10th anniversary, NBA TV will allow the fans to vote for what games they want to watch on Tuesday nights. I like this idea.

Being a big Beatles fan, this comes as good news to me and anyone who has Sirius Satellite Radio. Ryan Saghir of the Orbitcast blog says Sirius will begin airing the excellent “Breakfast with the Beatles” program starting this weekend.

That will do it for tonight. I hope my phone issues are over by tomorrow.

NFL Viewing Picks for Week 1, 09/07/08

Time to give you the NFL Viewing Picks. This season, I’ll give you the network announcing assignments as well as the coverage maps, DirecTV channel assignments, Sirius Satellite Radio channel assignments and anything else I feel is worthy. Here we go.

Fox NFL Sunday – noon

1:00 p.m.
CBS Coverage Map
New York Jets at Miami – Jim Nantz/Phil Simms
Kansas City at New England – Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf
Cincinnati at Baltimore – Kevin Harlan/Rich Gannon
Houston at Pittsburgh – Screamin’ Gus Johnson/Randy Cross
Jacksonville at Tennessee – Ian Eagle/Solomon Wilcots

Fox Coverage Map
St. Louis at Philadelphia – Kenny Albert/Moose Johnston/Tony Siragusa
Tampa Bay at New Orleans – Thom Brennaman/Brian Billick
Seattle at Buffalo – Ron Pitts/Tony Boselli/Charissa Thompson!!!
Detroit at Atlanta – Matt Vasgergian/Jayice Pearson/Nishelle Turner

4:15 p.m.
Fox Coverage Map
Dallas at Cleveland – Joe Buck/Troy Aikman/Pam Oliver
Arizona at San Francisco – Sam Rosen/Tim Ryan/Chris Myers
Carolina at San Diego – Dick Stockton/Brian Baldinger/Laura Okmin

7 p.m.
Football Night in America – NBC

8:15 p.m.
Chicago at Indianapolis – NBC, Al Michaels/John Madden/Andrea Kremer

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

DirecTV Channel Assignments
Sirius Satellite Radio Channel Assignments

Sirius Satellite Radio Kicks off NFL Season Tonight

As the exclusive satellite radio partner of the National Football League, Sirius will air the home, road and national calls of tonight’s season opener between the Washington Redskins and defending Super Bowl champs, the New York Football Giants.

This leads to coverage of every game throughout the season culminating with the Super Bowl in Tampa, FL in February.

Here’s the Sirius schedule for Week 1 plus channel assignments for the League Where They Play for Pay.

NFL on SIRIUS – Opening Weekend: (All times ET)

Thu., 9/4, 7:00 PM, Washington @ NY Giants, Redskins Radio Ch. 126, Giants Radio, Ch. 127, Westwood One Radio, Ch. 124

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Detroit @ Atlanta, Lions Radio Ch. 122, Falcons Radio, Ch.121

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Cincinnati @ Baltimore, Bengals Radio Ch. 107, Ravens Radio Ch. 119

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Seattle @ Buffalo, Seahawks Radio Ch. 125, Bills Radio Ch. 91

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, NY Jets @ Miami, Jets Radio Ch. 129, Dolphins Radio Ch. 118

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Kansas City @ New England, Chiefs Radio Ch. 126, Pats Radio Ch. 147

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Tampa Bay @ New Orleans, Bucs Radio Ch. 140, Saints Radio Ch. 127

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, St. Louis @ Philadelphia, Rams Radio Ch. 130, Eagles Radio Ch. 153

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Houston @ Pittsburgh, Texans Radio Ch. 158, Steelers Radio Ch.123

Sun., 9/7, 1:00 PM, Jacksonville @ Tennessee, Jags Radio Ch. 113

Sun., 9/7, 4:15 PM, Dallas @ Cleveland, Cowboys Radio Ch. 125, Browns Radio Ch. 122

Sun., 9/7, 4:15 PM, Carolina @ San Diego, Panthers Radio Ch. 123, Chargers Radio Ch. 127

Sun., 9/7, 4:15 PM, Arizona @ San Francisco, Cards Radio Ch. 126, 49ers Radio Ch. 119

Sun., 9/7, 8:15 PM, Chicago @ Indianapolis, Bears Radio Ch. 126, Colts Radio Ch. 127, Westwood One Radio Ch. 119

Mon., 9/8, 7:00 PM, Minnesota @ Green Bay, Vikings Radio Ch. 126, Packers Radio Ch. 127, Westwood One Radio Ch. 124

Mon., 9/8, 10:15 PM, Denver @ Oakland, Broncos Radio Ch. 122, Raiders Radio Ch. 123, Westwood One Radio, Ch. 124

There’s your schedule on Sirius Satellite Radio for Week 1.

Sunday Night Links

Well, my day was planned for me again today. Mom and dad recruited me to take them to Massachusetts and drive them all over the Commonwealth. I hate having to get up early on a Sunday morning and come in late unless I’m doing it on my own. Ruins my schedule especially for blogging.

Anyway, I’ll give you some links tonight as I’m DVR’ing Mad Men and yes, I’m taking a break from the Olympics for an hour.

Starting with Newsday’s Neil Best, he writes about life without Chris “Mad Dog” Russo for WFAN’s Mike Francesa.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News writes the success or failure of WFAN now rests on the broad shoulders of Mike Francesa.

The Orbitcast satellite radio blog delves further into the rumors that Russo could be joining Sirius.

David Scott of the Boston Sports Media Watch has a look at another new hire at Morrissey Blvd. in Boston.

Bill Carter and Richard Sandomir of the New York Times team up on an article about NBC being a huge winner at the Olympics. And we have three more links to Richard today. Richard says NBC’s Dan Hicks and Rowdy Gaines showed restraint in calling Michael Phelps’ record breaking 8th gold medal win. He also looks back at ABC’s coverage of Mark Spitz winning his 7th gold medal back in the 1972 Munich Olympics. He has a story on a website that aims to be the Facebook for sports fans.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun looks into the Olympic ratings from the Baltimore standpoint.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News has eight thoughts on the Olympics to date.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star preferred CBC’s live coverage of the men’s 100 meter dash to NBC’s taped package in primetime.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says there may be a method to Usain Bolt’s celebration madness during the 100 meter dash on Saturday.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union talks about John Sterling’s massive blown call during the Yankees game on Sunday.

The New York Post’s Phil Mushnick feels the NFL’s new Fan Code of Conduct is targeted at the wrong people.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel looks at the NFL Network’s latest installment of America’s Game that premieres on September 3.

The Sports Media Watch has its weekend ratings predictions.

That’s going to do it.

An Olympic-Themed Friday Megalinks

Time for your megalinks on this Friday. With the Olympics in full swing, the Games will be a major theme for the links and in the Weekend Viewing Picks. Without further delay, let’s get to your viewing picks.

Weekend Viewing Picks

The Olympics head into its second weekend of action with Michael Phelps going for a potential record of gold medals. On Friday in primetime on NBC, he’ll swim in the 200 meter individual medley for his 7th gold medal in these games. And if he wins tonight, all Phelps will have to do is help his USA teammates swim for the 4 x 100 meter medley relay for his 8th gold medal. NBC’s primetime coverage on Friday begins at 8 p.m. On Saturday night, coverage starts at 7:30 and Sunday, it begins at 7 p.m. You can see the entire TV and online listings over at NBCOlympics.com.

Baseball continues as the pennant races kick into high gear. Fox will have three American League games on Saturday, the Angels at Cleveland, Chicago White Sox at Oakland and Seattle at Minnesota, all starting at 3:55 p.m. The regional splits and announcing assignments can be see over here. WGN has the Cubs at Florida both on Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.). TBS’ Sunday baseball game has the Milwaukee Brewers taking on the Dodgers at 4 p.m. And ESPN’s Sunday night game pits the Phillies at San Diego at 8 p.m.

Exhibition football continues this weekend. Fox has the Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans tonight at 8. NFL Network carries Brett Favre’s first game as a Jet live as his new team takes on Washington at 7 p.m. Saturday. NFL Network also picks up the Patriots visiting Tampa Bay, Sunday night at 8.

The PGA Tour’s final regular season stop before the exciting FedEx Cup playoffs (sarcasm dripping here) is the Wyndham Championship. CBS has weekend coverage beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The LPGA heads north for the Canadian Open. Golf Channel has tape delayed coverage at 9 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

NASCAR is in Michigan for both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series. ESPN2 has the Carfax 250 race, Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ESPN has the 3M Performance 400, Sunday at 2.

And the US Open Series continues with the ATP Tour’s Legg Mason Classic championship match on ESPN2 this Sunday at 5 p.m.

The full listings can be seen at USA Today.

Let’s get to your links.

National

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he says NBC finally has gotten its primetime coverage of the Olympics right with plenty of live coverage.

Tripp Mickle of Sports Business Daily/Journal talks with NBC Olympics producer David Neal about his impressions of the Games to date.

The Sports Media Watch blog finds the reviews for the Tiki Barber and Jenna Wolfe-led Olympic Update on MSNBC are not very kind. And the SMW says NBC will not air Michael Phelps’ quest for a possible 8th gold medal live on the West Coast despite rumors to the contrary.

Joseph De Avila of the Wall Street Journal talks with the President and CEO of Major League Baseball Advanced Media which is the most successful of all of the four major sports leagues new media ventures.

It may be summertime, but it’s never too early to think about hockey. Maury Brown in the Biz of Hockey looks at the release of the NHL national TV schedules in the US and Canada.

Christopher Byrne of the Eye on Sports Media blog catches up with Bill Pidto who left ESPN in June after 15 years at the network.

East and Mid-Atlantic

I’ll start this region with Bruce Allen of Boston Sports Media Watch who has his thoughts on noted plagiarist Ron Borges joining WEEI.com. The move is one of the strangest I’ve ever seen.

David Scott of the BSMW goes more in-depth into this crazy move and he has inexplicable reaction from WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan. David first explores the decision by Tony Massarotti to leave the Boston Herald for a role at the Boston Globe’s website.

Joanna Weiss of the Boston Globe says a budding US vs. China rivalry is helping NBC’s Olympic ratings.

Marc Blaudschun of the Globe talks with NBC’s Bob Neumeier who’s in Communist China for the Olympics and he also takes a shot at former employer WEEI.

Now to Neil Best of Newsday who is most likely basking in the glow of seeing a story he broke back in June come to fruition. In today’s newspaper, Neil writes about the end of WFAN’s two decade pairing of Mike & the Mad Dog, with Chris Russo leaving the station yesterday. Neil goes over the history of the show which began in 1989. And here are some memorable moments from the show. Jim Baumbach of Newsday says WFAN will not be the same without Russo. Also from Newsday, Katie Strang says Russo’s departure has polarized listeners.

And Neil has a story totally unrelated to Mike & the Mad Dog. He says the Olympics are an event that has esssentially become group viewing.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times writes that it’s now Mike without the Mad Dog on WFAN.

Over to the New York Post where Phil Mushnick says for better or worse, Mike & the Mad Dog made radio history. Eric Lenkowitz says WFAN and Chris Russo decided to part ways even though he had a year left on his contract. Mushnick feels sponsors are wearing the viewers out.

Justin Terranova from the Post talks with ESPN’s Ron Jaworski about Brett Favre’s adjustment with the Jets. And Justin has five questions for ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla about the US men’s Olympic basketball team.

The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman looks into the breakup of Mike & the Mad Dog. Raissman also talks about the rumored move by Chris Russo to Sirius Satellite Radio.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette also discusses Russo’s leaving WFAN and Ken also gives props to Neil Best.

Ken McMillan of the Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record says the split of Mike & the Mad Dog will draw attention from all over. And Ken talks with ESPN Radio’s Freddie Coleman who was a big fan of Mike & the Mad Dog.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer says the Philly-based Comcast is kicking off Big Ten Network programming as of today.

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun says NBC is keeping things moving during its primetime coverage of the Olympics.

South

Doug Nye of The State in South Carolina talks about high school football getting more exposure on TV and radio.

One of the bigger stories to break yesterday along with Mike & the Mad Dog splitting up, the moves at the Boston Globe’s sports department and Ron Borges signing with WEEI.com, was CBS signing the longest college sports agreement in history, by agreeing to pick up SEC football and basketball for 15 years beginning next season. Tony Barnhart of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tells us what this new deal means for college football fans and college sports in general.

Alan Schmadtke of the Orlando Sentinel says the SEC stands to make a lot of money from this new deal with CBS. Jeremy Fowler of the Sentinel says the SEC also wants to finish deals with ESPN and Raycom within the next two weeks.

Jon Solomon of the Birmingham (AL) News says the CBS/SEC deal runs through 2023.

David Brandt of the Jackson (MS) Clarion Ledger says both CBS and the SEC have reasons to crow.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the Olympics are striking gold with viewers.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman says Oklahoma City is ranked 7th of all markets watching the Olympics. Mel lists the top ten markets watching the Olympics. Mel says these Olympics have become the multimedia Games. Among Mel’s sports media notes is CBS’ Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman calling Oklahoma University’s football season opener on pay per view. And Mel has his weekend viewing picks.

Midwest

George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal says compelling stories are helping to drive the ratings for the Olympics.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Michael Phelps’ drive for 8 gold medals has become must see TV.

Shannon Shelton of the Detroit Free Press feels it’s about time that Comcast has brought the Big Ten Network into the fold.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune writes about Michael Wilbon’s singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at Wrigley Field this week and the issues it has raised. Teddy lists his five weekend viewing picks.

Ted Cox of the Chicago Daily News talks with sports radio talk show host Dan McNeil.

Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says college football fans in Minnesota won’t be able to see the Golden Gophers as the Big Ten Network remains off Charter Communications.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a former sports radio host will continue his wrongful termination suit despite having a judge rule against him this week.

West

Moving to the Western part of the country where many are angry over the fact that NBC is delaying the Olympics in the Mountain and Pacific time zones.

Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret (UT) Morning News says NBC should stop using the “live” graphic during the Olympics when airing its primetime coverage in the West.

Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune says despite the tape delay, San Diegans are watching the Olympics.

John Maffei in the North County Times writes that West Coast viewers are being cheated by the taped delayed airings of the Olympics.

The Ventura County’s Jim Carlisle says no matter if the Olympics are live or on tape, West Coast viewers are watching.

Steve Springer of the Los Angeles Times writes that NBC is restricting its primetime Olympics coverage to beach volleyball, gymnastics and swimming with some diving thrown in.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News talks with NBC Olympics volleyball announcer Paul Sunderland. Tom has a bunch of media notes on the Olympics, baseball and other sports. And Tom says NBC will recap the women’s gymnastics all-around competition in the 8:00 hour of tonight’s primetime coverage as it ended at 1 a.m. today while many of you were asleep.

Canada

William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail gives his medals to CBC’s Olympic announcers. And Houston says the new TSN2 will be a boon to tennis and hockey fans.

Chris Zelkovich from the Toronto Star scolds CBC for leaving the Cuba-Canada baseball to go to water polo. And Zelkovich praises CBC primetime host Ron MacLean.

There you have it, your supersized Friday megalinks. Have a good day.

Sirius Satellite Radio To Air English Premier League Games Exclusively

Sirius Satellite Radio which has provided Euro 2008 soccer comes back this week with exclusive coverage of the English Premier League which kicks off its new season on Saturday.

SIRIUS listeners nationwide will have access to live EPL matches every week of the 2008-09 season

NEW YORK – August 12, 2008 - SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) will kick off its coverage of the 2008-09 English Premier League soccer season on SIRIUS this Saturday, August 16.

Multiple live EPL matches will air each week throughout the season exclusively on SIRIUS channels 125 and 122. SIRIUS’ opening weekend coverage will feature five matches including Sunday’s match showcasing defending champion Manchester United versus Newcastle United. SIRIUS listeners will have access to games from all 20 EPL clubs as they compete for the coveted league title, which will be awarded to the leader in the points standing’s at season’s end in May.

EPL on SIRIUS – August 2008 (All times ET)

Sat 8/16 7:45 AM Arsenal v. West Bromwich Ch. 125

10:00 AM Everton v. Blackburn Ch. 125

12:30 PM Sunderland v. Liverpool Ch. 125

Sun 8/17 8:30 AM Chelsea v. Portsmouth Ch. 125

10:58 AM Manchester Utd v. Newcastle Utd Ch. 125

Sat 8/23 10:00 AM Liverpool v. Middlesbrough Ch. 125

12:30 PM Fulham v. Arsenal Ch. 125

Sun 8/24 8:30 AM Wigan Athletic v. Chelsea Ch. 125

11:00 AM Manchester City v. West Ham United Ch. 125

Mon 8/25 3:00 PM Portsmouth v. Manchester United Ch. 125

Sat 8/30 12:30 PM Arsenal v. Newcastle United Ch. 125

Sun 8/31 8:30 AM Chelsea v. Tottenham Ch. 125

11:00 AM Aston Villa v. Liverpool Ch. 125

For a schedule of future EPL games on SIRIUS visit www.sirius.com/soccer.

This marks the 5th season for Sirius airing the English Premier League on its service.

Your Wednesday Night Links

Well, I was out of the office for most of the day and then I was in an office that had no wireless or high speed internet you got nothing today. I’ll do better tomorrow. Let’s do the links.

Michael McCarthy of USA Today tells us that ESPN has shuffled its NFL analyst lineup for its various studio shows.

Andrew Jacobs of the International Herald Tribune says the International Olympic Committee negotiated that Communist China could censor the internet during the Summer Games. But the Times of India is reporting that the IOC is denying any knowledge of Communist censorship. James Reynolds of BBC News tests out the internet censorship in a video you can see at YouTube or at the BBC’s website. The Canadian Press says the organization, Reporters without Borders, is offering a guide to working journalists how to skirt firewalls and censorship in Communist China. You can download the book calling for journalists to boycott the Olympics here.

Lisa Snedeker of Media Life Magazine reports that various negative issues are causes for concern for NBC’s broadcast of the Olympics.

Darren Rovell of CNBC catches up with Dan O’Brien and Dave Johnson, Dan & Dave, of the 1992 Reebok campaign for the Barcelona Olympics. And Darren looks inside the Nike decision to allow its swimmers to wear the cutting edge LZR swimsuit made by rival Speedo.

Jo-Ann Barnas from the Detroit Free Press says the enormous amount of Olympics coverage by NBC is a tremendous gamble.

William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail says CBC and NBC are taking different approaches to broadcasting the Olympics from Communist China.

The National Post of Canada says CBC will offer Olympic highlights in Mandarin Chinese.

Phil Swann of the TV Predictions website says Time Warner Cable and Cox will pick up NBC’s special Olympics channels and show them in HD.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says Madison Square Garden has shuffled its management lineup.

Newsday’s Neil Best tells us that Sirius Satellite Radio has made a sports hire, but it’s not who you think. And Neil says Yankees-Red Sox on Sunday was the highest rated baseball game on ESPN since, Red Sox-Yankees earlier this season.

Chris Pursell of TV Week writes in his Pressbox blog that the Chicago Cubs are driving the ratings for Comcast SportsNet.

The Sports Media Watch says the NASCAR race on ESPN last Sunday set a ratings record for the Alleged Worldwide Leader.

The New York Times’ George Vescey has a story on former ESPN anchor and current Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts surviving cancer.

The Dubuque (IA) Telegraph Herald opines that now is the time for the Big Ten Network and Mediacom to get together on a deal.

Doug Smock of the Charleston (WV) Gazette says fans are scrambling to find a way to watch the Wisconsin-Marshall game as it’s on the Big Ten Network.

The Big Ten Network has announced a month-long tour of conference schools’ football practices in August.

Steve over at the Sox & Dawgs blog couldn’t be happier to see WEEI.com’s Michael Felger drinking tobacco juice by mistake.

Tim Lemke of the Washington Times reports that former Baltimore Sun Orioles beat reporter Ryan Kubatko has been hired to write for MASN’s website.

Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post tells us that talk show host Phil Wood did not miss a beat after being let go by ESPN 980.

Andrew Harris of Bloomberg says boxing promoter Don King has lost a libel suit against ESPN and parent company, Disney for a SportsCentury installment.

Robert Marick of Broadcasting & Cable says ESPN led the way for Disney’s 3rd quarter profits.

Linda Moss of Multichannel News says two small cable operators debated big dog ESPN about its pricing for ESPN360.

That will do it for tonight.

Sirius NFL Radio To Air From Every NFL Training Camp

For subscribers of Sirius Satellite Radio (and eventually, XM), Sirius NFL Radio will be hitting every NFL training camp this summer starting with a visit to the New York Jets and Giants camps tomorrow, concluding with the Packers on August 14.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

SIRIUS NFL RADIO TRAINING CAMP TOUR KICKS OFF JULY 26

Popular annual series will feature live on-site broadcasts from all 32 NFL team training camps, plus Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

NEW YORK – July 22, 2008 - SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI), the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, will kick off its fourth annual SIRIUS NFL Radio Training Camp Tour on July 26, offering the most extensive radio coverage of all 32 NFL team camps plus the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, leading up to the start of the NFL season.

Over a three week period – July 26 to August 14 – SIRIUS NFL Radio hosts will broadcast exclusive shows live on location from all 32 NFL training camp sites around the country, giving listeners access to their favorite teams and players as they engage in two-a-day practices and full contact drills to prepare for the coming season. SIRIUS’ NFL insiders will provide an expert look at every team, interview players, coaches and franchise executives, and evaluate everything from the performances of fresh-out-of college rookies to the intense head-to-head competitions for starting roles. All shows air exclusively on SIRIUS NFL Radio channel 124.

On Saturday, July 26, the tour launches with back-to-back shows from the training camps of the New York Jets and the World Champion New York Giants. Former NFL defensive lineman Tim Ryan and longtime NFL front office executive Pat Kirwan will provide SIRIUS listeners with a first look at the defending Super Bowl champs when they host The End Zone live (2:00-6:00pm ET) from the Giants’ camp at the University at Albany in upstate New York. Immediately before The End Zone, veteran SIRIUS personality Adam Schein and former NFL lineman Ross Tucker will host The SIRIUS Blitz live (11:00am-2:00pm ET) from the Jets’ camp at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.

In addition to Ryan, Kirwan, Schein and Tucker, other SIRIUS hosts featured on the tour will include Gil Brandt, the longtime Pro Personnel exec for the Dallas Cowboys, former players Randy Cross, Shannon Sharpe, Solomon Wilcots and Jim Miller, former NFL coach Dean Dalton, plus NFL experts Vic Carucci, Zig Fracassi, Howard Balzer, Paul Allen and Steve Cohen.

A full schedule detailing show times, hosts and locations appears below.

On Saturday, August 2, SIRIUS will present a full day of live coverage from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH for the 2008 induction ceremonies. SIRIUS’ coverage will include live primetime coverage of the enshrinement of the class of 2008 – which includes former 49ers DE Fred Dean, former Redskins DB Darrell Green, former Redskins WR Art Monk, former Chiefs DB Emmitt Thomas, former Patriots LB Andre Tippett and former Broncos T Gary Zimmerman.

The following day, August 3 at 8:00pm ET, SIRIUS will broadcast the first game of the 2008 NFL campaign – the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, featuring the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Washington Redskins. SIRIUS will offer the local radio broadcasts of the Colts (channel 126) and Redskins (channel 127), plus the national radio broadcast (channel 124).

As the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, SIRIUS broadcasts every NFL game live nationwide, from the pre-season through the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. Listeners can hear home and visiting team broadcasts, national radio broadcasts and Spanish-language broadcasts for select games. SIRIUS listeners can also tune into SIRIUS NFL Radio, channel 124, the only radio channel dedicated to the NFL 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

2008 SIRIUS NFL Radio Training Camp Tour Schedule: (All times ET)

Sat, July 26: New York Jets, Hempstead, NY

11am-2pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Adam Schein and Ross Tucker

New York Giants, Albany, NY

2-6pm The End Zone with Tim Ryan, Pat Kirwan

Sun, July 27: New England Patriots, Foxborough, MA

12-4pm The End Zone with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Mon, July 28: Chicago Bears, Bourbonnais, IL

10am-1pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Howard Balzer and Jim Miller

Buffalo Bills, Pittsford, NY

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

San Diego Chargers, San Diego, CA

7-10pm Late Hits with Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt

Tue, July 29: Indianapolis Colts, Terre Haute, IN

12-3pm The Red Zone with Solomon Wilcots and Jim Miller

Detroit Lions, Allen Park, MI

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Dallas Cowboys, Oxnard, CA

7-10pm Late Hits with Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt

Wed, July 30: Cincinnati Bengals, Georgetown, KY

12-3pm The Red Zone with Solomon Wilcots and Jim Miller

Cleveland Browns, Berea, OH

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Thu, July 31 Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN

12-3pm The Red Zone with Solomon Wilcots and Jim Miller

Pittsburgh Steelers, Latrobe, PA

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Fri, Aug. 1: New Orleans Saints, Jackson, MS

12-3pm The Red Zone with Solomon Wilcots and Jim Miller

Sat, Aug. 2: Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, OH

Live coverage of the 2008 enshrinement ceremonies begins at 11am

Sun, Aug. 3: AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game: Indianapolis vs. Washington

8pm on SIRIUS channels 124, 126 and 127

Mon, Aug. 4: Atlanta Falcons, Flowery Branch, GA

7-10am The Opening Drive with Randy Cross and Shannon Sharpe

Seattle Seahawks, Kirkland, WA

12-3pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots

Carolina Panthers, Spartanburg, SC

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Tue, Aug. 5: Denver Broncos, Englewood, CO

1-3pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots

Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville, FL

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Wed, Aug. 6: Washington Redskins, Ashburn, VA

10am-1pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lake Buena Vista, FL

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Thu, Aug. 7 Houston Texans, Houston, TX

1-3pm The Red Zone with Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt

Miami Dolphins, Davie, FL

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Mon, Aug. 11: Baltimore Ravens, Westminster, MD

10am-1pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Adam Schein and Ross Tucker

Minnesota Vikings, Mankato, MN

1-3pm The Red Zone with Paul Allen and Dean Dalton

Arizona Cardinals, Flagstaff, AZ

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Steve Cohen and Pat Kirwan

Tue, Aug. 12: Kansas City Chiefs, River Falls, WI

10am-12pm The Red Zone with Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt

Philadelphia Eagles, Bethlehem, PA

12-3pm The SIRIUS Blitz with Adam Schein and Ross Tucker

Oakland Raiders, Napa Valley, CA

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Steve Cohen and Pat Kirwan

Wed, Aug. 13: St. Louis Rams, Mequon, WI

1-3pm The Red Zone with Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt

San Francisco 49ers, Santa Clara, CA

3-7pm Movin’ The Chains with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan

Thu, Aug. 14: Green Bay Packers, Green Bay, WI

1-3pm The Red Zone with Vic Carucci and Gil Brandt

** Schedule subject to change. **

Done Deal, Pal! XM-Sirius Merger Finally Completed

Yesterday, I called the XM-Sirius merger approval a bit early. It’s now official.

The Orbitcast satellite radio blog says the FCC gave its formal approval to the merger today, 3-2 right down party lines.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin tells Amy Schatz of the Wall Street Journal that an agreement in principle has been reached. XM and Sirius have agreed to pay $20 million in blackmail …. errrrr …. fines.

I’m hoping a formal announcement from both parties as to when subscribers can begin to listen to the expanded sports lineup. Once I hear something, expect to see it here.

Wednesday Night Links

Just when you think it’s safe to be free from linkage, you get some more.

You know that game show Wipeout ABC was promoting during the NBA Finals? The show looks like a ripoff of Ninja Warrior on G4. Well, Awful Announcing has discovered who the host will be. The one good thing is the co-host will be Mercury-Lincoln chick, Jill Wagner.

As you well know by now, Tiger Woods has announced that he will miss the rest of the PGA Tour this season because of his bad knee and double stress fracture in his left tibia. CNBC’s Darren Rovell says Tiger’s absence will definitely hurt his sponsors who pay megabucks to be associated with him.

Robert Marich of Broadcasting & Cable says Tiger’s absence will have an adverse effect on the PGA Tour’s TV partners.

The Sports Media Watch says the NBA Finals averaged a 9.3 rating and 15 million viewers for the six game series. And the blog tells us that ratings for MLB on ESPN and Fox are down by double digits this season.

Justin Terranova writes in the New York Post’s TV Sports blog that last night’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals had the highest ratings of the series despite being a 39 point blowout.

Lisa Snedeker of Media Life Magazine writes that the spectacular one year turnaround of the Boston Celtics also led to a spectacular one year turnaround for the NBA Finals on ABC.

Andrew Krukowski of TV Week says Game 6 of the NBA Finals won the night for ABC.

Jemele Hill has apologized for her anti-Celtics column on ESPN.com last week.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News says the Dodgers are getting their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

LC of the 38 Cliches blog enjoyed listening to Jon Rish calling today’s Red Sox game against the Phillies on the radio in place of Dave O’Brien today.

The Orbitcast blog on satellite radio reports that Sirius will be changing its lineup starting June 24 including the addition of more sports channels for live events.

Anthony Crupi of Mediaweek writes that Comcast will provide Versus and the Golf Channel with their own separate HD feeds instead of having to share one.

ESPN’s excellent Outside the Lines program will examine the poor air quality in Beijing which has many athletes concerned as the Olympics Games in Communist China fast approaches. Here’s a preview of Bob Holtzman’s report that will air this Sunday.

Nick Kappel of the Biz of Football blog says the Big Ten Network and Comcast are close to an “extended basic preview” deal meaning programming would be shown from August through the end of March.

That will do it for today.

A Thursday Afternoon Update

While I have computer access, I’ll give you an update. It looks like I’ll be getting my new computer next week so I ask that you be patient as I try to get through this rough stretch. It’s so nutty when you can’t use your own computer. But that’s the world we live in. We need a computer to blog and without one, we feel lost. So I hope that everything will work out later.

Let’s start with Newsday’s Neil Best who tells us that the next NHL outdoor game will apparently be played in Chicago. And Neil says there will be a public viewing of a rare tape of Don Larsen’s perfect game from the 1956 World Series.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell tells us that Upper Deck’s first baseball trading card is one of the most popular cards of all time.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette says the NHL Network will carry the first two games of the AHL’s Calder Cup Finals starting tonight.

William Houston of the Toronto Globe and Mail liked NBC’s broadcast of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Congratulations to NBC’s NHL voice Mike Emrick who was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Keeping with our hockey theme, the New York Post’s TV Sports blog notes that as the NHL Stanley Cup Finals moved to NBC, hockey outrated hoops in Detroit on Wednesday.

More hockey news, the Sports Media Watch notes that Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals on NBC saw an increase in the ratings from last year. And the SMW has some more ratings news and notes.

You want more ratings news? Maury Brown from the Biz of Basketball blog says TNT’s coverage of Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals was the highest rated NBA game on cable this season.

Mike Reynolds of the Multichannel News says bolstered by the NBA Playoffs, TNT won the month of May in the cable primetime ratings.

The Boston Sports Media Watch finds another mistake by the Boston Herald’s John Tomase in reporting about an incident regarding the Patriots.

Bob Wolfley from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about the Mark Madden story.

Sergio Ibarra from TV Week says the ESPY Awards will honor 1968 Olympians John Carlos and Tommie Smith with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Both men did the Black Power salute while on the medal stand.

ESPN says it has debuted a new statistical graphic on its MLB telecasts.

The Orbitcast blog tells us that Sirius Satellite Radio will carry every game of the Euro 2008 soccer tournament starting next month.

Memorial Day Monday Links

I’m at the office right now so I’ll do some linkage for you. I hope you’re enjoying your holiday and you remember those who served for our country to keep us safe for democracy. Whether you agree or disagree about the cause for this current war, remember those who are serving us while we’re at home and keep them in mind as you have your cookout or gathering today.

I’m going to have another NFL opening for you next Sunday. You can pretty much deduce which one it’s going to be, but you’ll have to wait until then to see which one it’s going to be.

But let’s do some links now. Newsday’s Neil Best has an article today. He has Mets analyst Keith Hernandez ripping former teammate Gary Carter for openly lobbying for the Mets manager position on Sirius Satellite Radio last week.

Shahnaz Mahmud of Adweek says the four major sports leagues are moving towards controlling their own content.

The Sports Media Watch says Versus really scored with Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Saturday.

Dusty Saunders of the Rocky Mountain News writes that NBC is really rooting for the Penguins to tie the Stanley Cup Finals tonight.

Chris Bradford of the Beaver County (PA) Times writes that NBC’s NHL voice Mike Emrick began his career covering hockey for the Times.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says CBC hockey play-by-play man Bob Cole is showing that reports of his demise are greatly exaggerated.

Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times gives his Two Cents on the sporting weekend on TV.

Eric Benderoff of the Chicago Tribune profiles a reporter who keeps track of baseball games for a number of clients including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, CBS Sports.com, the Associated Press and other media outlets.

Joe Lapointe of the New York Times writes about former Phillies pitcher Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams who has transformed himself from World Series goat to fan favorite as a TV analyst and sports radio talk show host.

Jake Trotter of The Oklahoman writes that it’s hard to predict kickoff times for Oklahoma football games in the fall because of the Big 12′s TV contracts with ABC, FSN and ESPN.

Because of my computer problems, I could not do the Friday megalinks as usual, but I will still link over to David Scott of Boston Sports Media Watch who has some leftovers from the John Tomase affair and some other stuff.

Jay Fitzgerald of the Boston Herald writes that the Celtics’ Kevin Garnett has scored in an ad for Verizon Fios internet and TV service.

I’m a litte late on this, but Sirius Satellite Radio is picking up coverage of the Formula 1 racing circuit. It started this past weekend.

Apparently ESPN is in Omaha, Nebraska doing some prep shots for the College World Series next month.

Milan Simonich of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that when ESPN got involved in the National Spelling Bee, it became a major event.

And lastly, this has nothing to do with the sports media, but the story gives me an excuse to post this picture. This is Ashley Harkleroad. She lost yesterday to Serena Williams in straight sets at the French Open. She has revealed that she has posed nude for the August edition of Playboy. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

That will do it for today. If I can get my computer at home to work, I’ll have an evening update.

A Tuesday Link Thing

I’m here to give you your links for this morning. Let’s get to them.

Starting with Michael Hiestand of USA Today, he has the ratings of selected events from the weekend.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell talks with Coca-Cola about why it chose Kobe Bryant to endorse Vitaminwater.

David Bauder, TV writer for the Associated Press, says Hannah Storm will join ESPN in August.

Neil Best from Newsday talks about the ESPN documentary on former Mets manager Bobby Valentine who’s thriving in Japan these days. And Neil has a bit more on the doc in his blog.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times also talks about the Bobby Valentine documentary which airs on ESPN2 tonight.

Bob Raissman from the New York Daily News says new Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni was greeted with plenty of skepticism from the media.

Laura Nachman has the video of a Philly sportscaster who got emotional after watching a story on Eagles’ coach Andy Reid visiting a cancer ward.

Keith Groller from the Allentown (PA) Morning Call says thanks to the Celtics and Lakers, the NBA’s playoff ratings have gone up.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Brewers drew well in the ratings with its weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

John Ryan from the San Jose Mercury News says his Morning Buzz column will go into summer mode.

Dave Del Grande of the Oakland Tribune profiles host Scott Ferrall who’s hosting a show on Howard 101 on Sirius Satellite Radio. And Dave writes about KRON-TV airing a local road race which is also a battle of the sexes.

William Houston from the Toronto Globe and Mail says Don Cherry has certainly struck a chord during his ESPN appearances.

Nick Rousso from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer writes about ESPN’s Kenny Mayne.

That will do it for now.

Some Additional Monday Links

I’ll give you some more links on this Monday afternoon.

From the Sports Media Watch, Tennis Week is reporting that ESPN has picked up the rights to the final leg of tennis’ Grand Slam, the US Open starting in 2009. Mike Reynolds of Multichannel News writes that if true, ESPN would have the rights to all four legs of the Grand Slam.

Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated says TV viewers were the big winners of this year’s NFL Draft.

John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal writes in his media notes that despite original criticism, ESPN’s Monday Night Football schedule actually makes sense for the network. Also from Sports Business Journal, Terry Lefton and John Ourand write that the NFL is planning to offer a Friday-before-the Super Bowl Awards Show broadcast to the network televising the Big Game each year. Ourand also talks with outgoing CBS Sports Executive Producer and incoming MLB Network President and CEO Tony Petitti. And Bill King of the SBJ writes about ten years of following Sports Business. How about lowering the cost of a year’s subscription as part of a ten year anniversary celebration?

The Monroe (LA) News Star picks up a story from Glenn Guilbeau who feels the NFL and ESPN should move the Draft up to March.

Liz Mullen of the Baltimore Business Journal writes about Fox Sports hiring former Ravens coach Brian Billick as a game analyst.

The Schenectady Gazette’s Ken Schott also writes about Brian Billick moving to Fox as well as finding Billick’s appearances on Match Game PM. Ken also writes in his blog that the Albany River Rats have worked out their conflict with the Yankees for tomorrow night.

Wayne Friedman of MediaPost Publications writes in his blog that the NFL Network may need to call an audible to get carriage from the major cable providers.

The Sports Media Watch says some uncompetitive first round series are actually hurting the NBA in the ratings.

John Consoli of Mediaweek writes that TV ratings for MLB are off to a slow start this season.

Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that a local TV sports anchor will be leaving his station in the fall as his contract was not picked up.

Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times, in his Two Cents blog, reviews what he saw on TV over the weekend.

A couple of satellite radio-related items for you. The Orbitcast blog writes that Danica Patrick will appear on a show hosted by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. on XM Satellite Radio later this week. And the Sirius Backstage blog reports that Scott Ferrall has signed a multi year with Sirius Satellite Radio continuing his sports talk show on Howard 101.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says some new faces have helped to bring CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada into the 21st Century.

It’s Wednesday – Another Writer Leaves the Boston Globe and NBC Reups with the NHL

Let’s get to your links.

First off, David Scott of Boston Sports Media Watch reports that another writer from the Boston Globe is leaving practically decimating the paper’s sports department. David says NBA beat reporter Peter May is the next to accept the Globe’s buyout. And David wants you to know that he’ll be live blogging the press conference introducing Derek Kellogg as the new UMass basketball coach.

Next, Michael Hiestand of USA Today says both ESPN and the NFL Network will air four hour pregame shows leading into the NFL Draft on Saturday, and Michael writes that NBC has renewed its option to pick up the NHL for next season.

Newsday’s Neil Best writes about NBC Sports taking on the NHL for another season (scroll down). And Neil has a bit more about NBC reupping NHL in his blog. Neil also lists the schedule for the Rangers-Penguins. As a matter of fact, I have the entire NHL Conference Semifinals schedules right here.

Business First of Buffalo picks ups John Ourand’s story from the Sports Business Journal about NBC’s renewal with the NHL.

Paul J. Gough of the Hollywood Reporter has details of the NBC deal with the NHL.

Matthew Futterman from the Wall Street Journal says NBC will pick up Games Four, Five and Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals under the new deal. It currently televises the finals starting with Game 3.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Hockey has a quick blurb about the NBC renewal.

The Toronto Star picks up an Associated Press story about NBC Sports and the NHL.

The Toronto Globe and Mail’s William Houston also writes about NBC Sports and the NHL renewing their relationship. And Houston says CBC caught a break with getting the Philadelphia-Montreal series in its traditional Saturday night slot for two consecutive weeks plus it will get the other Eastern Conference semifinal series of the Rangers-Penguins.

The final word on the NBC Sports’ extension with the NHL will come from NBC Sports itself.

Subscribers to Sirius Satellite Radio will be able to listen to every pick of the NFL Draft through Sirius NFL Radio.

We’re approaching the 25th anniversary of one of the best rants in sports history. Former Cubs manager Lee Elia was a bit fed up after a losing streak and he went after the fans who showed up for day baseball at Wrigley Field which at the time did not have lights and he went into a tirade. Listen here. Great stuff.

Bob Wofley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that ESPN’s Ron Jaworski now has a higher opinion of Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell says the New Orleans Hornets is the feel-good business story of the NBA season.

The Inside Track girls of the Boston Herald have an article on Heidi Watney, NESN’s newest hire for Red Sox games. Dan Lamonthe of the Mass Republican writes in his Red Sox Monster blog wonders if Heidi will take Red Sox Nation by storm.

Lisa Nicita of the Arizona Republic writes about the winner of FSN Arizona’s KidCaster promotion.

Gregory Broome of the Ocala (FL) Star-Banner says a local golf course will be featured on a Golf Channel reality show.

That’s it for now.

BREAKING NEWS: Andy Gresh to do Shows at Sirius NFL Radio

In the last few weeks, I had been hearing that Andy Gresh, talk show host of the late WSKO-AM/FM in Providence, was talking with one of the satellite radio companies.

Today, I got confirmation straight from Gresh that indeed, he will be hosting a couple of shows a week for Sirius NFL Radio, channel 124. He tells me what’s going on in an e-mail and I quote from it verbatim:

heres the latest. in addition to my now expanded work for espn radio, I’ll also be working for sirius satellite radio. my role to start will be to do a couple of shows a week on the NFL channel 124. Once we get our issues of connectivity sorted out I will start right away. Basically we are setting things up so I can work for them from my house in Mass. So I would be able to sit in my office, plug in and earn money while talking football. Dream come true.

So with my ESPN work and Sirius, along with ComcastSportsnet, my dance card is already full. This doesnt mean I wont do some local radio, but in a situation where most are struggling to find work, Im pushing people aside and turning down work. WHICH IS NICE believe me. I have been talking to more than one Boston entity about my future, but for now Im a national guy. BUT never say never. Things heat up quickly. Im also close on adding some local TV work and maintaining a presence in Providence. Which is very important to me and hopefully that is done soon and I’ll be able to speak about the demise of the Score, more than I have on the Gresh and Zo myspace page.

If you’re a regular listener to ESPN Radio, you already know that Andy has had more shifts there since the demise of the Score last month. In addition, as I linked to last night, Neil Best of Newsday reports that Steven A. Smith will leave ESPN Radio as of next Thursday.

How this will benefit Gresh, I don’t know. It could lead to more permanent work for Gresh with ESPN Radio, perhaps at night, we’ll see. In addition, he has done work at WFAN in New York so combined with his work at Sirius, perhaps the ever expanding empire of Gresh will lead to shifts there as well. Who knows? I’m just speculating.

I’ll keep you updated.

NCAA Final Four Tip Times and Announcing Assignments

Saturday, April 5

The Final Four Show – CBS, 4 p.m. (hosted by Greg Gumbel, Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis)
The NCAA Tournament Today – Westwood One Radio, 5 p.m. (hosted by Tommy Tighe and Jim Gray)
UCLA vs. Memphis – CBS/Westwood One Radio, 6:07 p.m, Jim Nantz/Billy Packer (CBS), Kevin Kugler, John Thompson and Bill Raftery (Westwood One)
Kansas vs. North Carolina – CBS/Westwood One Radio, 8:47 p.m., Jim Nantz/Billy Packer (CBS), Kevin Kugler, John Thompson and Bill Raftery (Westwood One)

Both games will be aired on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 123.

NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Tip Times and Announcing Assignments

Now that the matchups for the Regional Finals are set, it’s time to give you the tip times and announcing assignments for both radio and TV for the Elite Eight in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. Sirius Satellite Radio will pick up all of Westwood One’s broadcasts. All times are Eastern.

Saturday, March 29

Road to the Final Four – CBS, 5 p.m.
West Regional Final/Xavier vs. UCLA – Verne Lundquist/Bill Raftery (CBS), Ian Eagle/Bill Frieder (Westwood One), 6:40 p.m.
East Regional Final/Louisville vs. North Carolina – Dick Enberg/Jay Bilas (CBS), Kevin Kugler/Pete Gillen (Westwood One), 9:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 30

Road to the Final Four – CBS, 2 p.m.
South Regional Final/Texas vs. Memphis – Jim Nantz/Billy Packer (CBS), Brad Sham/Reid Gettys (Westwood One), 2:20 p.m.
Midwest Regional Final/Davidson vs. Kansas – Gus Johnson/Len Elmore (CBS), Wayne Larrivee/John Thompson (Westwood One), 5:05 p.m.

A Friday Update

Let’s give you some more links on this getaway Friday.

The voting for Darren Rovell’s Minor League Baseball Logo Contest has reached the Final Four. Darren wants you to vote for one finalist today.

Newsday’s Neil Best has been blogging like crazy today, this despite being on a vacation. But that’s ok. I’m always glad to give you fresh material. He has video from Wednesday in which WFAN’s Mike & the Mad Dog were discussing draining the snake at baseball games. This went on for five hours, I kid you not. Neil says CBS’ 60 Minutes will have an interview with baseball crackpot Bill James this Sunday. Neil reports that 1050 ESPN Radio has signed YES analyst David Cone to be a regular guest with Michael Kay. Neil says Mr. Steroids, Jose Canseco, will be a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday. And Neil tells us that CBS’ Sunday Morning program will look at

Scott Burgess of the Detroit News says Pontiac is a big winner thanks to its extensive sponsorship of the NCAA Tournament and one benefit is that CBS won’t mention stadia and arenas that are sponsored like Ford Field where the Midwest Regional is being played.

Screamin’ Gus Johnson of CBS Sports! March Madness! talks with SI.com’s Extra Mustard blog. Gus also speaks with Spencer Hall of the Sporting News.

The Big Lead has Charles Barkley going after Skip Bayless, Jay Mariotti and Mike Lupica during an interview with Dan LeBatard on 790 The Ticket in Miami.

If you’re a Verizon Wireless subscriber and have a V Cast phone, you’ll be able to listen to ESPN Radio.

Greg Wyshynski of the AOL Fanhouse blog says it appears that the NHL is not going to be returning to ESPN (thanks to Greg to linking to Fang’s Bites in his story).

Broadcast Engineering looks at ESPNews launching in HD this Sunday.

Anne Thompson of Variety says sports-themed documentaries and movies are doing well on the internet.

The Huntington (WV) Herald-Dispatch says CBS Sports golf analyst Gary McCord will be at the Huntington Classic in July.

Jeff Richgels of the Capital (WI) Times supports the Sirius-XM satellite radio merger saying it’s good for the sports fan and if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that I agree.

Michael Zuidema of the Grand Rapids (MI) Press talks with FSN Detroit’s Mario Impemba who goes into his 7th year of calling Tigers cames for the network.

Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says Peachtree TV, the former TBS in Atlanta, hopes to make a splash carrying 45 Braves games this season. Mark Tankersley of the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser says the 45 games from Peachtree TV will be picked up by Charter Communications locally.

Liz Farmer of the Maryland Daily Record says MASN and Comcast are headed back to court.

Christine McConville of the Boston Herald says former Red Sox outfielder and current NESN analyst Jim Rice is launching a blog. If you want to head over to Jim’s blog, the link is here.

Chris Reidy of the Boston Globe says NESN’s Jerry Remy will continue to be the on-air spokesman for Sovereign Bank ads on Red Sox games.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram talks to the voice of the New England Surge of the Continental Indoor Football League. To be honest, I didn’t know this league existed.

Keep it here for Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks, Weekend Viewing Picks and a Friday night update before I end blogging for the day. Keep your RSS feeds updated.