Archives for February 2009

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

February 20, 2009 By admin

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

TNT NBA Thursdays continue on Thursday, 26 at 8 p.m. ET featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers @ Houston Rockets followed by the Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Announcers: Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley

Barkley on his return to the TNT set: “I’m glad to be back. Let me start by saying something. Clearly everybody knows that I got a DUI; that’s unacceptable and it’s 100% my fault. I let my family down clearly, I let TNT down clearly, I let T-Mobile down clearly, but also I let the NBA family down…All I can say is that it will never happen again and I’m sorry, that’s all I can say. It’s been interesting sitting back and listening to all these people tell me this and this and this and listen to what everybody’s got to say. I screwed up, I made a mistake, I’m sorry and I apologize.”

Barkley on what positive will come out this experience: “I will never get behind the wheel when I’ve been drinking. Every person who’s drunk thinks they’re alright to drive, so I challenge everybody out there to really…I could be a hypocrite and tell you that I hope nobody drinks and drives, but I think that’s unrealistic. I want everybody to really, seriously think about if you’ve had something to drink…I hope that somebody else out there thinks about that before they get behind the wheel.”

Barkley on Rafer Alston being traded to the Orlando Magic: “I think that’s an upgrade, clearly, but are they better than the Cavaliers or the Celtics? We’ll have to wait and see. It is an upgrade, I like Rafer Alston, I think he brings toughness to the table and if there’s one thing Orlando needed it was toughness.”

Smith: “Honestly, I think this puts (Orlando) over the hump of Cleveland. Boston is still clearly the best team but it took them over Cleveland because what Rafer does different than Jameer (Nelson) is (Jameer) doesn’t get the ball to (Hedo) Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and to Dwight Howard as easily and less reluctantly as Rafer Alston does. He wants to give the basketball up so those guys are going to actually be better because he’s there. Whereas with Jameer Nelson there he was having a great year but I think Rafer is actually going to propel those guys – those three guys are going to score more and score easier.”

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Game #1: San Antonio Spurs (83) @ Detroit Pistons (79)

Announcers: Marv Albert and Reggie Miller; Craig Sager reporting

Miller on why Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson should come off the bench: “(Allen Iverson) could be the new version of Vinnie Johnson, the great Detroit Piston (also known as) ‘The Microwave.’ All you had to do was hand him the ball and say, ‘You can take 18-22 shots, do whatever you want with that second unit.’ Rip Hamilton needs to be pampered and when you have AI and Rip (Hamilton on the floor) at the same time it takes away, that’s why Tayshaun (Prince) is probably going to be the primary ball handler when those two guys are out there at the same time.”

Miller on Allen Iverson not wanting to come off the bench: “I think in his head (Allen Iverson) doesn’t feel that way, but he’s going to have to learn to come off the bench on whatever team he goes to after this – if Joe Dumars doesn’t sign him. I think that’s why Rip Hamilton probably took the high road because he’s like look, ‘AI will probably be gone next year and I’ll probably be back in the starting lineup.’ But AI at some point in time is going to have to learn to come off the bench, and you know what? For a team that’s contending, Allen Iverson coming off the bench, that would be scary for 25-30 minutes.”

Miller on the trade at the start of the season that sent Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons and Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets: “Everyone talks about the (previous) trade with Chauncey (Billups) and (Allen Iverson). If you look at their numbers as individuals they’re pretty much the same. Both of them are averaging 18 (ppg), shooting 42 percent from the field, Chauncey is probably averaging one more assist. But Chauncey has a better supporting cast – Nene, Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith. The guys are underachieving here in Detroit for AI.”

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T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Smith, Barkley

TNT Insider David Aldridge joined the show via satellite to weigh in on the trade deadline.

Aldridge on the Houston/Orlando/Memphis trade that sent guard Rafer Alston to the Magic: “(Rafer Alston) was a great pick up for Orlando. They were going south in a hurry without Jameer Nelson at the point and to pick up Rafer Alston for Brian Cook, essentially, that’s pretty good. Rafer Alston is a starter in this league, he’s started for a playoff team for the past couple of years. You’re not going to find a better player who’s available for less than what Orlando was able to do. Now they can take Hedo Turkoglu off the ball, put Rafer on the ball, he’s a shooter playing off Dwight Howard he should have some real success there. Great pick up by Orlando.”

Aldridge on why the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t make a trade: “(The Cavaliers) tried (to make a trade), they really did try. They were all over the place. They tried to get Antawn Jamison from Washington, they tried to get Amar’e Stoudemire, they tried to get Richard Jefferson, they tried to get Shaq. I can tell you this, they were more interested in Shaquille O’Neal than they were in Amar’e Stoudemire. That’s a fact. They wanted Shaq badly and they really tried to get him.”

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Miller on the Phoenix Suns scoring 140 points in back-to-back games under their new interim coach Alvin Gentry: “I’m happy for Alvin Gentry, it’s nice that he was given another chance. That’s really a slap in the face to Terry Porter. What that’s saying is, ‘We laid down for Terry Porter when you were brought in to change the culture and make us more defensive-minded. You’re gone, now we’re going to run the score up to 140 in back-to-back games.’ That’s a slap in Terry Porter’s face.”

Miller on mentoring a young Rip Hamilton: “When I was an older player and Rip (Hamilton) was in Washington he would wait for me after games and say, ‘Hey Reg, can you teach me some things about coming off screens and things like that?’ Fast forward to some of our hotly contested match-ups when he was in Detroit and he was using some of my own moves against me. What is up with that? Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Spurs forward Bruce Bowen following the game.

Bowen on how important it was for him to guard Allen Iverson during the final seconds of the game: “It was important. I’ve been known as a defender and I take pride in that. It’s not a situation where you feel like you’re going to be able to stop everybody, but you want to make the shot as difficult as possible. That was my main goal, try to use my length against him and hopefully he’d miss the shot.”

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Game #2: Boston Celtics (85) @ Utah Jazz (90)

Announcers Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins with Cheryl Miller reporting

Collins on the Utah’s style of play at home: “One of the reasons why Utah is so good at home, obviously there’s altitude, but they run more at home. They get into the open court, they create turnovers.”

TNT’s Cheryl Miller spoke with Jazz forward Carlos Boozer who recently had knee surgery.

Boozer on when he will return: “I’m very close. I did some shooting drills yesterday with the team and tomorrow hope to go through practice. I’ll get a couple more practices in and hopefully be back next week.”

Cheryl Miller interviewed Celtics head coach Doc Rivers after the first quarter.

Rivers on the strong Celtics defense in the first quarter: “Charles’ return inspired us tonight. Welcome back, Charles. It was great, the defense was great. I thought we were a little clumsy offensively, but as long as our defense was good we get a chance to win the game and that was great to start the half.”

Collins on matching up against the Celtics: “When you play against the Celtics you better meet their toughness. You better meet the physical challenge they bring to you and also the verbal challenge they bring to you.”

Collins on Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer: “(Ronnie Brewer’s) calling card really is his defense and now he’s starting to pick up his offense. One thing about these Utah Jazz younger players is how much better they get from year-to-year. They really do a great job here developing young players.”

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T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Smith, Barkley

Barkley on Celtics forward Kevin Garnett’s injury that sent him to the locker room in the second quarter: “You gotta be concerned because you can see that (Kevin Garnett’s) ankle didn’t turn, he hurt it on liftoff. You just have a pray that it’s not an Achilles (injury). For a guy who represents everything good about the game, you hope it’s not a season-ending injury. It would be monumental for the Eastern Conference and the entire NBA to lose a guy like that.”

Barkley on the Jazz struggling without forward Carlos Boozer: “You can see that Utah is never going to be a complete team until they get Carlos Boozer back. They got off to tough start shooting the ball, and then between jump shooters and guys who can get you easy baskets or wide open jump shots, is your inside game. So you can’ really judge this Utah team until they get Boozer back.”

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Following halftime Cheryl Miller gave a report on the status of Kevin Garnett.

Cheryl Miller on Kevin Garnett sitting out the rest of the game: “It was a hold-your-breath type of moment. Kevin Garnett gave it his best shot, he went back out on the court. Even before he went out on the court he was stretching and I was told by the team representative that he strained his right knee. Doc (Rivers) came out and told me there is no way he’s going to play and that they were shutting it down, but Kevin did want to play. But they are going to error on the side of caution.”

Colllins on Celtics center Kendrick Perkins: “Kendrick Perkins, it’s so important to see him. When he was out with a shoulder injury (the Celtics) missed him. His size and strength and toughness on that front line, very underrated in the Celtics’ success.”

TNT’s Cheryl Miller interviewed Deron Williams after the game.

Williams on how the win against the Celtics matches up against the recent win against the Lakers: “This is our second statement win. Both of these wins have been huge for our confidence. This was a great defensive win and we battled it out with them all night. It’s a great win for our team.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Announcers: Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley

Barkley on Rockets guard Rafer Alston being traded to the Magic: “(Rafer Alston) will speed up the tempo of the game. Orlando shoots too may threes, you don’t live by threes you die by threes. Rafer is really going to help (Hedo) Turkoglu and Rashard (Lewis), they’re going to get easier baskets.”

Barkley on the Cavaliers not making a trade: “The Cavaliers made a mistake (by not making a trade)…They should have said, ‘We’re going to keep LeBron (James), we’re going to keep Mo Williams, you can have anybody else we got.’ If they would have done anything to get a big body they would have been better off.”

Smith: “I told you what they would’ve heard. A dial tone.”

Smith on the Rafer Alston trade having a big impact on the Magic: “Some people say some trades aren’t big, like because Rafer Alston doesn’t have that household name in terms of superstar status. I remember when Mario Ellie came to the Houston Rockets and people asked if that was a big trade and I said, ‘That’s a big trade for us because he’s a guy that puts us in position to win it all because he can grab so many different things.’ And then he went to San Antonio and it was a big trade. It is a big trade when a guy can put you in position to win it all. Regardless of his stat line, he puts them in position to win it all now.”

Barkley: “I think he’s a good leader because I noticed last year in the playoffs he was talking to (Tracy McGrady)….and that’s what a leader does, especially a point guard.”

Barkley’s Oscar picks:

Best movie: Slumdog Millionaire

Best actress: Angelina Jolie, Changeling

Best actor: Sean Penn, Milk

Best supporting actress: Viola Davis, Doubt

Best supporting actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Log onto TNT OverTime on NBA.com for a full replay of Inside the NBA and exclusive reports from TNT announcers.

Turner Sports, NBA Digital Showcase NBA All-Star with Record-Breaking Multi-Platform Coverage

February 19, 2009 By admin

Turner Sports, NBA Digital Showcase NBA All-Star with

Record-Breaking Multi-Platform Coverage

More than 44-million fans tune in to TNT during All-Star 2009;

NBA All-Star Scene leads NBA.com to record breaking 14 million video streams

Turner Sports and NBA Digital announced record-setting numbers for their NBA All-Star 2009 multi-platform coverage which included exclusive programming across the TNT and NBA TV networks, and NBA.com. In total, more than 44.1 million people watched NBA All-Star coverage on TNT (+15-percent, 38.3 million in 2008), while an additional seven million viewed it online and via mobile devices from Fri, Feb. 13 through Mon., Feb. 16.

TNT hit a ratings milestone with its coverage of NBA All-Star Saturday Night on Sat., Feb. 14 which garnered double-digit growth in total viewers (+26%, 6,554,000) over the year prior and ranks as the most-watched telecast of the event in its 24-year history. Additionally, the network’s coverage of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game on Sun., Feb. 15 had 7,621,000 million total viewers, a 20 percent increase over 2008. TNT’s NBA All-Star programming secured the network the #1 ranking in primetime for both Saturday and Sunday among ad-supported cable television. The NBA All-Star Game and NBA All-Star Saturday Night also became the #1 and #2 telecasts, respectively, on ad-supported cable year-to-date for A18-34, A18-49, M18-34, M18-49 and M25-54.

“The success of NBA All-Star 2009 speaks to the strength of the NBA brand and Turner’s ability as a company to engage consumers with unique content on a multitude of distribution platforms,” said David Levy, President of Turner Broadcasting Sales, Inc. and Turner Sports. “By serving NBA branded content across multiple platforms, we are growing consumers’ interaction between events on our air and unique features offered on our sites, strengthening the NBA on TNT brand and creating a fully integrated experience for our advertisers.”

NBA.com experienced record traffic during the weekend bolstered by the new NBA All-Star Scene feature on the site. The section received 1.4 million video streams and included more than 400 videos featuring and/or uploaded by NBA players, celebrities and fans. Additional NBA Digital coverage highlights included:

o TNT OverTime Access, a mosaic featuring live streaming angles of the Saturday and Sunday All-Star events, with video streams up 60 percent.

o NBA Digital establishing the new record for video streams during All-Star, with more than 14 million, an increase of more than 35 percent from last year’s record.

o More than one million fans utilizing mobile devices to access All-Star content.

“The unprecedented success of NBA All-Star Scene shows how TV, the Internet and Wireless can be coordinated into a highly-engaging, multi-platform experience for fans and demonstrates the strength of the NBA Digital assets,” said Bryan Perez, SVP/GM of NBA Digital. “By taking fans where they’ve never been able to go before, in almost real-time and then allowing them to share that experience, not only with other fans on NBA.com, but on mobile devices, social networks and blogs, we’ve been able to raise the bar for interactivity in sports digital media.”

TNT ratings highlights include:

NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam

- Adults 18-34 +35% (774,000 vs. 574,000)
- Adults 18-49 +23% (1,203,000 vs. 978,000)
All-Star Saturday Night:
- NBA All-Star Saturday Night out-delivered all CBS and NBC programs for the night on key demos.
- Ranked as the #1 program of the night (Broadcast and Cable) on Total Viewers and all key adult and male demos.
- Ratings +25% (3.9 US Ratings vs. 3.1 US Ratings)
- Households +27%, (4,466,000 vs. 3,513,000)
- Adults 18-34 +35% (2,439,000 vs. 1,803,000)
- Adults 18-49 +28% (4,069,000 vs. 3,173,000)
- Adults 25-54 +22% (3,386,000 vs. 2,784,000)
NBA All-Star Game 2009:
- NBA All-Star Game 2009 out-delivered Fox’s coverage of the 2009 Daytona 500 on adults and men 18-34.
- Ratings +17% (4.5 US Ratings vs. 3.8 US Ratings)
- Homes +18% (5,127,000 vs. 4,333,0000)
- Adults 18-34 +19% (2,708,000 vs. 2,281,000)
- Adults 18-49 +17% (4,426,000 vs. 3,792,000)
- Adults 25-54 +23% (3,803,000 vs. 2,083,000)

Turner Network Television (TNT), one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama and home to such original series as the acclaimed and highly popular detective drama The Closer, starring Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, starring Holly Hunter; Raising the Bar, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben and Jane Kaczmarek; Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton; and Trust Me, with Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanagh. TNT also presents such powerful dramas as Bones, Cold Case, Law & Order, Without a Trace, ER and Charmed; broadcast premiere movies; compelling primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards^®; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA. TNT is available in high-definition.

Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting, Inc., presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming. With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports’ line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATour.com and PGA.com. Turner Sports also operates NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com.

*NBA Digital data sources: Turner internal metrics as measured by Omniture for online and July Systems for wireless

ESPN and Sun Belt Conference Reach Agreement on Extension for Multiplatform Rights Through 2011-12

February 19, 2009 By admin

ESPN and Sun Belt Conference Reach Agreement on Extension for Multiplatform Rights Through 2011-12

ESPN, Inc. and the Sun Belt Conference have reached a multi-year agreement to extend their current contract for rights across multiple platforms for football, men’s and women’s basketball and Olympic sports through the 2011-12 academic year. The new pact will begin with the 2009-10 academic year and provide ESPN outlets with a 60 percent increase in Sun Belt Conference games, including the addition of telecasts on ESPNU.

As a result of the comprehensive deal, ESPN will receive national exclusive rights to distribute Sun Belt Conference games across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN FULL COURT, ESPN International, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Classic.

“We are thrilled to remain the exclusive national television home for the Sun Belt Conference,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN senior vice president, college sports programming. “Through this extensive agreement, ESPN’s long relationship with the Conference will continue to grow with additional coverage across our multiple platforms, including ESPNU.”

Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters added, “The Sun Belt Conference’s negotiation with ESPN, Inc. is one of the most significant events in the conference’s 33 year history. There have been many great steps taken in the history of this league including the Sun Belt becoming a member of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and the Bowl Championship Series. I firmly believe that this new deal and our partnership with ESPN, Inc. is another important step for the success of the Sun Belt Conference.”

As part of the agreement, ESPN will potentially televise more than 40 Sun Belt Conference team appearances each academic year. Details include:

A minimum of two nationally televised football games a year on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU with an opportunity to add games as the season progresses. In addition, ESPN Regional Television receives the rights to syndicate up to five matchups.

A minimum of four men’s regular-season basketball appearances a year on ESPN or ESPN2 including the men’s Sun Belt Conference Championship. In addition, ESPN Regional Television receives the rights to syndicate up to eight matchups.

National coverage of Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball for the first time with either the Conference Championship or two regular-season games on ESPNU.

Right to select Olympic sports for coverage across ESPN platforms.

“He’s the best player in the world.” – NBC’s McGuire on Ovechkin

February 19, 2009 By admin

OVECHKIN & CAPITALS HOST CROSBY & PENGUINS IN NHL GAME OF THE WEEK, SUNDAY ON NBC

“He’s the best player in the world.” – NBC’s McGuire on Ovechkin

NEW YORK – Feb. 19, 2009 – The Washington Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin who NBC’s Pierre McGuire calls “the best player in the world,” host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Game of the Week, Sunday, 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, presented in high definition. Mike “Doc” Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and McGuire (inside-the-glass reporter) call the action. McGuire will pull double duty, hosting NBC’s studio show alongside analyst Mike Milbury on site in the nation’s capital. NBC will employ a “Star-cam” to follow Ovechkin and Crosby on each of their shifts, which will air simultaneously on NBCSports.com and NHL.com (see more below).

In addition to Ovechkin and Crosby, the game features some of the game’s brightest young stars including Evgeni Malkin of Pittsburgh, who leads the NHL in points with 82 and Capitals defenseman Mike Green, who recently scored a goal in eight straight games, a record for NHL defensemen. Ovechkin’s 42 goals lead the NHL, while Crosby ranks third in the league points, one behind Ovechkin. (link to spectacular 42nd Goal- http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?&id=34091)

The Caps are in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Pens, Stanley Cup Final runner-ups last season, stand six points out of a postseason berth. Earlier this week in an effort to jump-start its playoff push, Pittsburgh fired its coach Michel Therrien, replacing him with Dan Bylsma.

MCGUIRE ON OVECHKIN: “He’s the best player in the world. Alex just obliterates whoever plays against him. He can take over a game with raw emotion. You have to go all the way back to ‘Rocket’ Richard to find a player like him.”

MCGUIRE ON THE COACHING CHANGE: “The Penguins need to start having fun and playing an up tempo game. It’s incumbent on the coach to create roles for the players that will allow them the best chance to succeed.”

MILBURY ON THE COACHING CHANGE: “It’s an interesting change. He’s a guy with no NHL coaching experience but is bright, fair and a good guy. Still, it’s a curious call. Is there another one in waiting?

“The Pens just need to simplify everything. They’re going to need their goaltending to be consistently good and their special teams to be superb in order to make the playoffs.”

NBCSPORTS.COM & NHL.COM PRESENT “STAR-CAM”: NBCSports.com and NHL.com will offer a “Star-cam” in conjunction with NBC broadcasts, which will follow one player on each team throughout each of his shifts. Following the game, NBCSports.com will present a post-game show with game highlights and highlights from “Star-cam” and “Net-cam,” along with analysis from McGuire and Milbury.

FLEX SCHEDULING & CONSISTENT 12:30 PM ET START TIME: For the first time, “Game of the Week” broadcasts have a consistent start time – 12:30 p.m. ET on Sundays (except for April 12, 2 p.m. start time). For the second straight season, the NHL and NBC will utilize flex scheduling and will be able to select from up to four games on Sunday afternoons. Thirteen days prior to the scheduled games (on Mondays), NBC, in conjunction with the NHL, will select one of those games as the “Game of the Week” to be broadcast during the NBC window. The other games will remain available to the teams’ regional carrier but will not be televised during NBC’s broadcast window.

NBC will also broadcast weekend games throughout the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and up to five Stanley Cup Final games (Games 1, 2, 5, 6 & 7).

REMAINING 2009 NHL GAME OF THE WEEK REGULAR SEASON FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
(All Games Announced At Least 13 Days Prior)

Sunday, Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh @ Washington

Sunday, March 8, 12:30 p.m. ET
Boston @ New York Rangers
Pittsburgh @ Washington
Phoenix @ New York Islanders
Colorado @ Chicago

Sunday, March 15, 12:30 p.m. ET
Philadelphia @ New York Rangers
Detroit @ Columbus
Boston @ Pittsburgh

Sunday, March 22, 12:30 p.m. ET
Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh
New Jersey @ Boston
Los Angeles @ Chicago

Sunday, April 5, 12:30 p.m. ET
Minnesota @ Detroit
Pittsburgh @ Florida
Atlanta @ Washington

Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m. ET
New York Rangers @ Philadelphia
Detroit @ Chicago
Boston @ New York Islanders
St. Louis @ Colorado

ESPN Announces Los Angeles-Based Anchor Team

February 19, 2009 By admin

ESPN Announces Los Angeles-Based Anchor Team

Neil Everett and Stan Verrett to Anchor 1 a.m. ET SportsCenter

Stuart Scott to Anchor a Select Number of Shows

ESPN’s anchor team for the 1 a.m. ET (10 p.m. PT) edition of SportsCenter, which will originate live five days a week from the network’s new, state-of-the-art production facility in Los Angeles beginning in April, will feature longtime SportsCenter anchors Neil Everett and Stan Verrett. They will relocate to California from Connecticut to serve as co-hosts of the show. In addition, Stuart Scott, who has been one of ESPN’s most prominent studio anchors for 15 years with roles on SportsCenter, and the network’s NBA and NFL coverage, will also be hosting a select number of shows throughout the year from Los Angeles, including the premiere on Monday, April 6.

Steve Anderson, ESPN executive vice president, news, talent & content operations said, “One of ESPN’s strengths is the breadth and depth of our lineup of commentators, and we’re fortunate that Stan and Neil, longtime SportsCenter veterans, were interested in making the move to Los Angeles. Both are terrific writers with an energetic and entertaining approach. We’re very pleased to have them as our late SportsCenter team and to lead this new, important effort.”

Judi Cordray, who joined ESPN last October as the general manager of the facility, will oversee all day-to-day operations; support all programming produced in it or remote traffic routed through it, and will be ESPN’s most senior representative in the Los Angeles production community. Cordray reports to Anderson.

ESPN’s new facility will feature three production control rooms, two master control rooms; eight craft edit suites, a music room, a voiceover room and two studios totaling more than 12,300 square feet. ESPN’s owned & operated L.A.-based radio station will be relocating to the new facility in an adjacent building. Additional ESPN content will originate from this facility over time. This facility is held by ESPN subsidiary Los Angeles Cable Sports Productions, LLC.

Tony Gwynn Interviewed On MLB Network Tonight

February 19, 2009 By admin

TONY GWYNN ON MLB NETWORK’S HOT STOVE TONIGHT AT 7:00 P.M. ET

Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn called in to MLB Network studios today for an interview that will air on tonight’s Hot Stove, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET and airing again at 10:00 p.m. ET. Gwynn is currently the head baseball coach at San Diego State University, which will compete in this week’s Urban Invitational Baseball Tournament at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif., with live coverage of Saturday’s games on MLB Network and MLB.com. Gwynn talked with Victor Rojas and Harold Reynolds about the tournament, and also had some comments on the Alex Rodriguez situation.

Highlights of the interview include:

ON THIS WEEKEND’S URBAN INVITATIONAL AT THE MLB URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY IN COMPTON, CALIF.:

“There’s no question Major League Baseball has really stepped up and opened up these facilities. We’ve got the one in Compton, I think they opened up one in Florida and they’re talking about another one in Houston, and we were honored when they asked if we could come and play. The teams that are there, Southern and Bethune-Cookman, it gives them an opportunity to get some national TV exposure. Obviously USC and us [San Diego State], we’re thrilled to be on TV too, but it’s a little bit tougher for those programs. Funding is always a problem, and the fact that they asked us to come, we’re thrilled to go, and hopefully we can play well.”

ON HOW COLLEGE COMPARES TO THE BIG LEAGUES:

“The college game is a lot different than the major league game. The rules are the hardest part. When you’re a pro player, that’s all you do, every day is based upon getting better as a baseball player. In college it’s a lot different [as a coach]. You’re part coach, part psychologist, part father figure, and I’ve had a ball, it’s been great. The fact that you play an important part in these kids lives is a lot of fun.”

ON ALEX RODRIGUEZ:

“I’m surprised because he’s such a good player. This kid came up as an 18-year old, he did things that most of us wish we could do and I’m just really surprised that he would take some stuff that he knew was illegal. I’m sure that he’s had to live with the fact that if this ever came out that it would be a bombshell like it has been. But I really don’t think he handled it real well yesterday. I really kind of thought he should have fessed up, spoke from the heart. I think fans are a forgiving group and I didn’t sense that yesterday. I think a lot of people who saw him yesterday didn’t sense that, so, I think this thing will drag on. There’s no question as the season starts, as he starts to play spring training games and regular season games, we’re gonna be asking that question every time he comes to the plate. The people I really feel for are the guys who played it straight, the guys who have gone about their business every day and tried to be the best players that they could without crossing that line because those guys are getting, unfortunately for them, they’re getting mixed up with all the guys who have crossed that line. I’ll say it again; I think the testing is good. I’m glad they have some sort of testing, so at least from the point that they started that they are being checked. But until we have a test for all that stuff that’s out there, I think the public’s going to question. They’re going to question who’s doing what, and that’s unfortunate because the majority of guys are out there doing it right. They’re trying to be the best players that they can be. They’re trying to put numbers on the board the honest way and unfortunately for them, that’s not going to be the focus for a little while, it’s going to be the other stuff.”

ON TALKING TO HIS COLLEGE PLAYERS ABOUT STEROIDS:

“They’ve been asking questions for the last ten days and the number 1 question is, ‘Why would a guy as good as Alex Rodriguez go in this direction?’ And to be honest, I don’t have the answer. I preach good, hard, old-fashioned hard work and learning about yourself and what you do well and what you don’t do well you have to work on. You try and talk to them about doing things the right way, but they’re seeing constant examples out there of guys who didn’t and have reaped the benefits, even though they did cross the line. A lot of coaches are having to do a lot of explaining here, and we’re probably going to have to continue to do that for a while.”

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Joy: Dale Jr.’s Spotter Could Have Prevented 10-Car Wreck

February 19, 2009 By admin

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

FOX Sports Brings ‘Hollywood Hotel’ Home For Autoclub 500 Sunday

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Returns to FOX Saturday

NASCAR ON FOX RACING FROM AUTOCLUB SPEEDWAY – Week two of the 2009 NASCAR on FOX season rolls into California this Sunday, Feb. 22 (5:00 PM ET) for the Autoclub 500. Fresh off his Daytona 500 win, Matt Kenseth looks to continue his success at the two mile oval in Fontana, having won this race in ’06 & ’07. Prerace host Chris Myers along with analysts Jeff Hammond and Darrell Waltrip bring fans all the news and features from the Hollywood Hotel, FOX Sports’ traveling prerace set. Once the green flag drops, race announcer Mike Joy will be alongside Waltrip and Larry McReynolds to call all the twists and turns on the track while Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum patrol the pits for up-to-the-second reports on teams and pit stops.

NCWTS COMES TO FOX THIS SATURDAY – The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series takes over FOX on Saturday, Feb. 21 for the San Bernardino County 200. Coverage begins at 3:00 PM ET as race announcer Mike Joy, analysts Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip handle coverage for the highly competitive Truck Series. Defending champion Kyle Busch and the 30-plus driver field look to push their truck past the 130 MPH barrier and tame the 2-mile D-shaped oval of Fontana. Krista Voda, Dick Berggren and Matt Yocum provide all pertinent racing info as they account first-hand on the fast paced nature and decision making on pit row.

JOY: DALE JR.’S SPOTTER COULD HAVE PREVENTED 10-CAR WRECK – Dale Earnhardt Jr. has taken some heat in the world of NASCAR for causing a 10-car accident in lap 124 of the Daytona 500 when he attempted to pass Brian Vickers. However, NASCAR on FOX lead race announcer Mike Joy says his spotter neglected to inform him effectively. “Dale Jr. didn’t know the consequences of the action he took in trying to pass Brian Vickers. I don’t believe he knew that he and Vickers were racing for the free pass position to see who, if another caution came out, would be given the free pass and come back around on the lead lap. That’s something his spotter should have made him aware of. According to one person I talked to who carefully reviewed the team communications, he did not hear the spotter telling Dale Earnhardt Jr. who the other cars were in that pack that were one lap down. I agree with Dale Jr. Under normal conditions, he’s a lapped car, let him go! But there was a lot at stake and the risk to reward ratio was a lot higher than Dale Jr. knew.”

— FOX SPORTS —

NFL’s Newest Head Coaches and Others on NFL Network’s Coverage of Combine

February 19, 2009 By admin

NFL NETWORK PROGRAMMING NOTES (2/18-2/24)

25 HOURS OF EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF 2009 NFL SCOUTING COMBINE PRESENTED BY UNDER ARMOUR

BEGINS THURSDAY

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Jon Gruden

Joins Analyst Team For Combine

Exclusive Coverage of 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour

NFL Network’s and NFL.com’s coverage of the NFL’s annual showcase of college football’s finest, the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour begins with NFL Total Access live from Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday, February 19 at 2:30 PM ET. NFL Network and NFL.com will have exclusive coverage of all the combine workouts plus interviews, press conferences and all the NFL news from Indianapolis.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden joins NFL Network’s 16-person analyst team during the workout week. Gruden will make his debut on NFL Network’s NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM ET and contribute analysis through Monday, February 23. Gruden joins Brian Billick, Paul Burmeister, Charley Casserly, Fran Charles, Charles Davis, Jamie Dukes, Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Scott Hanson, Kara Henderson, Steve Mariucci, Mike Mayock, Deion Sanders, Warren Sapp, Adam Schefter and Solomon Wilcots to provide all-access pass to all the action.

For six days, fans will be given an all-access pass to more than 300 college stars as they converge on the Combine for on-field drills, physical testing, exams and interviews with more than 600 NFL personnel including head coaches, general managers and scouts.

NFL Network will provide 25 hours of live combine programming in high definition. The 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour covers all the action including press conferences, positional workouts, the 40-yard dash, bench press and everything in between. Coverage will go beyond the statistics to learn more about the prospects using interviews and features.

Thursday, February 19

Falcons head coach Mike Smith
Colts head coach Jim Caldwell
Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano
Player press conferences
Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford prepares for the Draft
What Should the Lions do with the first pick?
Mike Mayock on who to watch at the Combine
Adam Schefter goes ‘Around the League’

Friday, February 20

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff,
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan
Titans head coach Jeff Fisher
Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels
Jon Gruden on interviewing quarterbacks at Combine
Inside the weight room as offensive linemen and tight ends hit the bench press
Player press conferences
Adam Schefter goes ‘Around the League’

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET):

Wednesday, February 18

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: American History

NFL Films President Steve Sabol hosts a roundtable discussion featuring recent Super Bowl winners Tony Dungy, Jerry Reese and Mike Tomlin, along with Super Bowl coach Lovie Smith.

8:30 PM – NFL Replay: Super Bowl XLI (Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears)

10:00 PM – America’s Game: 2006 Indianapolis Colts (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (R)

Thursday, February 19

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Super Bowl XLI (Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears)

2:30 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Press Conferences (HD)

4:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: American History

5:00 PM – NFL Replay: Super Bowl XLI (Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears)

6:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: American History

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine, Presented by Under Armour (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Football Factories

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Coaches Who Belonged In College

10:00 PM–NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD) (R)

Friday, February 20

12 NOON – Live Wire: Super Bowl (HD)

12:30 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Football Factories

1:30 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Coaches Who Belonged In College

2:30 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Press Conferences (HD)

4:30 PM – Live Wire: Super Bowl (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Football Factories

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Coaches Who Belonged In College

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD)

8:00 PM – 2009 Under Armour Senior Bowl (HD)

11:00 PM–NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD) (R)

Saturday, February 21

11:00 AM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Kickers, Offensive Line, Tight Ends (HD)

2:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Workout Coverage; Press Conferences (HD)

4:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Kickers, Offensive Line, Tight Ends (HD) – encore

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD)

8:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Kickers, Offensive Line, Tight Ends (HD) – cut down from live coverage

10:00 PM–NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD) (R)

11:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Kickers, Offensive Line, Tight Ends (HD) – cut down from live coverage

Sunday, February 22

11:00 AM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Wide Receivers, Quarterbacks, Running Backs (HD)

2:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Workout Coverage; Press Conferences (HD)

4:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Wide Receivers, Quarterbacks, Running Backs (HD) – encore

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD)

8:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Wide Receivers, Quarterbacks, Running Backs (HD) – cut down from live coverage

10:00 PM–NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD) (R)

11:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Wide Receivers, Quarterbacks, Running Backs (HD) – cut down from live coverage

Monday, February 23

11:00 AM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Linebackers, Defensive Line (HD)

2:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Press Conferences (HD) – encore from Saturday

4:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Linebackers, Defensive Line (HD) – encore

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD)

8:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Linebackers, Defensive Line (HD) – cut down from live coverage

10:00 PM–NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD) (R)

11:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Linebackers, Defensive Line (HD) – cut down from live coverage

Tuesday, February 24

11:00 AM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Defensive Backs (HD)

2:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Press Conferences (HD) – encore from Sunday

4:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Defensive Backs (HD) – encore

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Defensive Backs (HD) – cut down from live coverage

10:00 PM–NFL Total Access at the 2009 Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour (HD) (R)

11:00 PM – 2009 NFL Scouting Combine Presented by Under Armour: Defensive Backs (HD) – cut down from live coverage

Battle For Tobacco Road On HBO

February 19, 2009 By admin

HBO SPORTS DOCUMENTARY

BATTLE FOR TOBACCO ROAD: DUKE VS. CAROLINA,

EXAMINING COLLEGE BASKETBALL’S

FIERCEST RIVALRY, DEBUTS MONDAY

The HBO Sports documentary BATTLE FOR TOBACCO ROAD: DUKE VS. CAROLINA, chronicling what many hardwood observers consider college basketball’s fiercest rivalry, as well as examining the different cultures and characteristics of the programs in Durham and Chapel Hill, debuts MONDAY, FEB. 23 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT & 8:00 p.m. CT) on HBO.

Other HBO playdates: Feb. 26 (1:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.) and 28 (10:30 a.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT), and March 3 (10:30 a.m., 10:00 p.m.), 8 (8:15 a.m.), 11 (6:30 p.m., 1:35 a.m.), 16 (5:30 a.m.) and 19 (4:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Feb. 27 (noon, 8:00 p.m.) and March 5 (10:30 p.m.), 10 (3:30 p.m.), 14 (8:30 a.m.), 20 (11:30 a.m.), 24 (11:30 p.m.) and 29 (noon)

HBO On Demand availability: Feb. 24-March 24

Separated by fewer than ten miles, the two schools have been going at it on the hardwood since 1920. But over the past 25 years, their heated competition has steadily grown in intensity, with Duke and North Carolina gearing up each season to reach a common goal: to beat their archrival twice in the regular season, regardless of rankings or won-loss records. These two Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouses frequently dominate the conference standings, and routinely compete for the top spot in the national polls. Remarkably, since the NCAA Tournament expanded to its current configuration in 1985, these two schools alone have combined for more national titles (five) and made more Final Four appearances (18), than any other entire conference.

The high-profile list of interviewees from the Blue Devils and Tar Heels programs weighing in on the intense rivalry in BATTLE FOR TOBACCO ROAD: DUKE VS. CAROLINA includes: Hall of Fame coaches Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski; players Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Charlie Scott, Larry Brown, Art Heyman, Kenny Smith, Phil Ford, Eric Montross, Mitch Kupchak, Chris Collins, Grant Hill, Alaa Abdlenaby, Jay Bilas, Mike Gminski, Johnny Dawkins, Brian Davis, J.J. Redick, Jeff Capel and Christian Laettner; commentators Jim Lampley and Seth Davis; former Duke athletic director Tom Butters; and current Tar Heels coach Roy Williams.

The executive producers of BATTLE FOR TOBACCO ROAD: DUKE VS. CAROLINA are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; produced by George Roy; music composed by Brian Keane; narrated by Liev Schreiber.

Highlights:

Alaa Abdlenaby, who played for Duke, on the intensity of the rivalry: “I would catch myself hyperventilating in lay-up lines.”

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski: “There’s no rivalry like this one. And that’s the way it will be unless they decide to move – because we’re not.”

Lakers executive Mitch Kupchak, who played for North Carolina: “My freshman year, I had a Duke t-shirt that I had gotten on a recruiting trip, and it must have been the end of my laundry cycle. So I wore the Duke t-shirt one day on campus. And at the end of class, I was back in my room. There was a bang at my door, and the next thing I knew, there were ten Carolina basketball players carrying me down the stairway and into the pool out in front of the dormitory. At that point I realized – there’s something different going on here.”

Michael Jordan, who played for North Carolina: “When we look at it, we always say Duke is a great college school, you know? None of their guys come out and become great players in the pros, because they don’t have that in their blood. So there was no love lost at all – and even to this day, that is still ingrained in all Carolina guys, there’s no way you’re going to like anything about Duke.”

Mike Krzyzewski: “You have two of the storied basketball programs in the history of our sport, and then you place them eight miles apart. Something crazy’s going to happen.”

Raleigh-Durham radio host Bomani Jones on Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke’s home court: “It is the best place to watch a basketball game. So good that the old-timers on press row, and even young-timers on press row, don’t even think about the fact that there is a blue kid sweating over you and staining your shirt.”

Eric Montross, who played for North Carolina: “We were playing at Duke and one of the Cameron Crazies had dressed up as Frankenstein. He had bolts on the side of his neck, blood coming out of his eye, and he had a jersey that said ‘OO Montross’ on the back. He was walking around with his arms straight out and his hands down – and my Dad got a little irked by that.”

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer: “The Cameron Crazies are the best thing that’s happened to the rivalry, other than Krzyzewski and Dean Smith.”

Maryland fan Peter Rosenberg: “The Cameron Crazies are maybe the most annoying thing about Duke. The dedicated level of cheering is so nerdy. And I know they’re smart, they’re probably going to make more money than me, and they’re doing really well for themselves. But for four years, they are effing dorks.”

Bomani Jones on Duke’s appeal as a national TV draw: “The college basketball season for ESPN could often be described as a reality series starring Mike Krzyzewski and Duke.”

Sports Illustrated’s Seth Davis, who attended Duke: “We’re good-looking, we know it. And we can back it up. If Justin Timberlake were 6’10” and had a jump shot, and a pissy attitude, he’d be Christian Laettner.”

Phoenix Suns star Grant Hill, who played for Duke: “You can win the national championship, but if you lose the head-to-head matchup, the national championship doesn’t mean anything down there in the Raleigh-Durham area.”

ESPN commentator Jay Bilas, who played for Duke: “How lucky are we that we’ve got this down the road to go against? Duke and Carolina are pretty damn lucky to have each other. It’s made us all better.”

###

SPORT SCIENCE Returns for Second Season on March 22

February 19, 2009 By admin

SPORT SCIENCE RETURNS FOR SECOND SEASON

ON SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Emmy-Award Winning Show Delivers Bigger Names,

More Technologically Advanced Laboratory,

Eye-Opening Experiments

LOS ANGELES – FSN is pleased to announce the return of one of the most riveting shows on television, the Emmy-Award winning SPORT SCIENCE, debuting its second season on Sunday, March 22 at 9:00 PM local.

Each week, the best athletes in the world enter the SPORT SCIENCE lab and run through a series of tests designed to question everything fans think they know about sports. Hosted by creator and executive producer John Brenkus of BASE Productions, under the scientific guidance of Dr. Cindy Bir, Ph.D, SPORT SCIENCE tests not only the limits of athletic performance, but challenges the assumptions athletes have of their own abilities.

Following a first season in which athletes left the lab stunned at the information they acquired, sports stars were lining up to enter the SPORT SCIENCE set this season, including such big names as: NFL stars Ravens LB Ray Lewis, Saints QB Drew Brees, Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald, 49ers TE Vernon Davis, Cowboys DT Tank Johnson, Bengals WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, NBA stars Stephon Marbury, Wolves F Kevin Love, Suns F Amare Stoudemire, Lakers F Luke Walton, Blazers C Greg Oden; MLB’s Matt Kemp and James Loney from the LA Dodgers, Padres P Jake Peavy, Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds; Plus golfers Brad Faxon and Padraig Harrington, drivers Kyle Busch and Marco Andretti, fighters Fedor Emelianenko, Gina Carano and Chad Dawson, and many more.

Hosted in a huge airplane hangar outside Los Angeles, the SPORT SCIENCE lab is a technological marvel, containing a basketball court, baseball testing area, a 50-yard football field, a fight/MMA area, a cardio gym and the most specialized, modern testing equipment that can accurately measure pressure, force, acceleration, impact, biorhythms and the most sophisticated crash test dummy available. Each experiment is conducted using the latest scientific technology, with the most complex results presented in easy-to-understand comparisons, such as the fact that a Ray Lewis bull rush creates more force than a SWAT team battering ram.

Airing every Sunday night at 9:00 PM local, SPORT SCIENCE debuts this season with its most dangerous experiment ever — testing what generates more punching power: natural adrenaline or an adrenaline shot as MMA fighter Houston Alexander puts his life at risk by agreeing to be injected with a dose of epinephrine to see how it affects his punching power. The goal is to determine if adrenaline could turn a fighter into a real-life “Incredible Hulk.”

Throughout the show’s 13-week run, Brenkus and his crew conduct more than 100 creative experiments: NFL quarterbacks are called gunslingers, but who actually has a quicker release, NFL Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees or a gunslinger? And Seahawks DB Marcus Trufant is one of the top cover corners in the league, but can he run faster backwards than a Corvette can drive in reverse?

One of the most devastating techniques in a mixed martial arts fight is the choke out – but can a human outchoke an animal? International MMA superstar Fedor Emelianenko goes neck to neck as SPORT SCIENCE tests the power of one of the world’s most well-known chokers: the deadly Burmese python. Light heavyweight boxing champion Chad Dawson faces off against the western diamondback rattlesnake to see who strikes quicker. And in a battle of the sexes, can a woman hit as hard as a man? The answer promises to surprise.

SPORT SCIENCE also recreates one of the most notorious moments in all of sports: a parachutist with a propeller strapped to his back crash landed at the Evander Holyfield-Riddick Bowe title fight. Could he have made it into the ring? And the movie character Happy Gilmore gained fame with a swing based on his hockey swing. What if that swing wasn’t just used for a movie? PGA Player of the Year Padraig Harrington tests his distance off the tee with a Happy Gilmore-like run-up. Plus golfer Brad Faxon challenges the toughest lie – in this case hitting out of such hazards as Jell-o and pasta.

Brenkus, in addition to hosting the show, proudly serves as human lab rat. In the show’s debut season, he got punched, used as a ragdoll and almost broke his foot kicking a frozen soccer ball. But it wasn’t enough; He needed to push his limits to deliver better results. This year, he’ll go head-to-head with NFL All-Pro defensive tackle Kris Jenkins in a line of scrimmage battle, try to hang onto NFL TE Vernon Davis with a ski rope, get choked out by Fedor Emelianenko, try to stop a free kick from a pro soccer player, channel his inner Mike Tyson as he bites a chunk out of a pig’s ear and push his body each week as he prepares to take whatever punishment the world’s best athletes can deliver.

SPORT SCIENCE is overseen by FSN’s Bob Thompson, George Greenberg and David Leepson. The show is created and produced by John Brenkus and Mickey Stern of BASE Productions.

—FSN—

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