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“Sunday MLB on TBS” Heads to the West Coast

July 31, 2009 By admin

“Sunday MLB on TBS” Heads to the West Coast

Philadelphia Phillies @ San Francisco Giants at 4:00 p.m. ET

“Sunday MLB on TBS” continues on Sunday, August 2nd at 4:00 p.m. ET with National League match-up featuring Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies taking on newly acquired Freddy Sanchez and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.  The Giants recently picked up the three-time MLB All-Star Sanchez from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies’ probable starting pitcher Cole Hamels is scheduled to take the mound against Barry Zito of the Giants.  Chip Caray (play-by-play) and Dennis Eckersley (analyst) will call the action from the broadcast booth.

Sunday MLB on TBS includes match-ups on TBS every Sunday afternoon throughout the regular season.  In October TBS will once again provide exclusive coverage of the Division Series and the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

TBS has broadcast MLB coverage for more than 30 years serving as the exclusive home of the MLB Division Series (DS) and one League Championship Series (LCS) since 2007 and home of Atlanta Braves coverage from 1977 to 2007.

SUNDAY MLB ON TBS SCHEDULE:

DAY/DATE

TIME (ET)             EVENT

Sun., August 2

4:00 p.m.                 Philadelphia Phillies @ San Francisco Giants

Announcers: Chip Caray (play-by-play) and Dennis Eckersley (analyst)

SUNDAY MLB ON TBS UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Sun., August 9

1:00 p.m.                 Minnesota Twins @ Detroit Tigers

Announcers: Chip Caray (play-by-play) and Dennis Eckersley (analyst)

-30-

Filed Under: MLB, TBS

MLB Network to Air Special Thurman Munson Segment on Monday, August 3

July 30, 2009 By admin

MLB NETWORK TO AIR SPECIAL THURMAN MUNSON SEGMENT ON MONDAY, AUGUST 3

Special segment surrounds the 30th anniversary of Munson’s death

July 30, 2009 – MLB Network will air on Monday, August 3 a special feature about former New York Yankees captain Thurman Munson, following the 30th anniversary of his death. Munson, who spent his entire career with the Yankees, died at age 32 in an airplane accident on August 2, 1979 in Canton, Ohio during his ninth Major League season. Munson biographer Marty Appel, author of the recently released Munson: The Life and Death of a Yankee Captain, gives an in-depth interview during the segment, telling first-person accounts of the accident that killed Munson and the aftermath that surrounded the Yankees in the days following his death.

The piece features interviews with Munson’s widow, Diana, and former Yankees teammates Goose Gossage, Lou Piniella, Gene Michael, Graig Nettles and the late Bobby Murcer. Included throughout are several clips of archival footage of the accident’s aftermath, breaking news from that day and the entire Yankees team attending Munson’s funeral.

“Thurman Munson’s death marked a very emotional time in baseball and 30 years later, that feeling still resonates,” said Tony Petitti, President and Chief Executive Officer of MLB Network. “Munson’s life and career continue to have a tremendous impact on the game and we feel a responsibility to fans to spotlight his legacy.”

The piece will first air between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. ET and re-air throughout the night on MLB Tonight and Quick Pitch.

Filed Under: MLB, MLBN

Weekly Features Across ESPN Platforms

July 30, 2009 By admin

Logo

 Enterprise Journalism
Weekly Features Across ESPN Platforms

July 30, 2009


A Team of their Own in Cleveland
Outside the Lines piece debuts on SportsCenter (Sunday, 10 a.m., 11 p.m. ET ESPN)
Companion piece by Tom Rinaldi and OTL video will be posted on ESPN.com (Monday morning)

Cleveland Wrestlers

While the old adage is that you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends, sometimes the best of friends form a family of their own. Such is the case in Cleveland, Ohio for Lincoln West High School senior wrestlers Leroy Sutton and Dartanyon Crockett, one with no legs being carried to and from every match, on and off every bus, into and out of every gym this past season by the other, his teammate who cannot see. Tom Rinaldi reports.

Baseball’s Magic Number: 100
Tim Kurkjian’s piece is on ESPN.com

Welcome to the new age of baseball, an age in which complete games are rare, an era that has brought a new magic number of pitches by a starting pitcher: 100. At that point everyone worries about his either getting hurt or getting rocked.


NFL Rookie-Veteran Salary Disparity
Outside the Lines (Sunday 9 a.m. ESPN; noon ESPNEWS)

NFL Rookies

Before they’ve played a single game, the top NFL rookies are already cashing in with large contracts based entirely on their college careers and their potential to play on Sundays. Matthew Stafford, this year’s first overall draft pick, received a six-year, $78 million contract from the Detroit Lions, while Mark Sanchez, the fifth overall pick by the Jets, received a five-year deal worth $60 million. The top 10 NFL draft picks in 2008 earned an average of $4.89 million last season, while the league average was $1.1 million. OTL’s Kelly Naqi examines the rising cost of contracts given to highly drafted, first-year NFL players before they step onto the field.

“The majority of the population over here, we’re sweating, we’re clawing, we’ve been doing this for awhile over here. Let the new guys earn it. Let the new guys join our group, earn their right of passage, and just don’t crown them ‘King’ with a big check.” – Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings DE and 2004 fourth-round draft pick, who earned the league minimum his first three years before making the Pro Bowl and cashing in last year with a six year, $74 million dollar contract.

“When people get upset about that (rookie contracts), I feel like this is the system we are in. I did everything I could to put myself in the best situation possible. This is what happened to happen to me, and you live with it.” – Mark Sanchez, 2009 fifth overall pick and the highest paid rookie in Jets franchise history

Broncos’ McDaniels: Mile High Expectations
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ESPN; noon ESPNEWS)

NFL Rookies

Denver Broncos’ 33-year old, first-year head coach Josh McDaniels has yet to coach a game, but in just a few months has already endured the controversial trade of quarterback Jay Cutler. If McDaniels wasn’t born to be a coach, he was at least raised to be one. The son of a coach, he attended two-a-day practices with his father from the age of four. He landed his first NFL coaching job with Bill Belichick, helped develop Matt Cassel into a star last season and became a legitimate head-coaching candidate. Ed Werder speaks with McDaniels and Denver’s President and CEO Pat Bowlen to find out what he sees in this unproven young coach.

“We’re all under pressure. If there’s a head coach or an organization right now that says there’s not pressure to win, I think they’re probably living in a fantasy world.” – Josh McDaniels, on trading Jay Cutler to the Bears and starting Kyle Orton, the QB they obtained in the deal

“The biggest threat that we could give him, if he didn’t clean his plate at supper table or make his bed, is that, ‘If you don’t, you’re not going to two-a-days tomorrow.’ Pretty quickly, the food got eaten, the bed got made.” – Thom McDaniels, Josh’s father, a high school coach who let Josh attend practices starting at age four

“Josh is smart, and he’s one of those people that can handle a lot of tasks at once. You can give him 10 things to do and he seems like he’s right on top of all of them, and then you throw a couple of more on there and it doesn’t faze him.” – Bill Belichick, Patriots head coach under whom Josh McDaniels served as an assistant

Rookie Anna Rawson on Course for LPGA Stardom
Companion piece, video and chat package to E:60 piece is on ESPN.com

Anna Rawson

With the LPGA facing a challenging future — the number of tournaments has decreased, prize money is down, and Commissioner Carolyn Bivens resigned – rookie Anna Rawson has thrived, using sex appeal and her ability to pick up high-profile sponsorships despite a current ranking of 104th on the prize money list.

For ESPN.com, ESPN correspondent Tom Farrey asked Rawson what she would do to revive the LPGA Tour:
“We aren’t saving lives here on the tour, so to make a living we need to entertain.

Rock the Tee: “Every player should tee off to her favorite song at the beginning of the tournament and have it played again when she approaches the 18th green.
Bring on the Men: “Some LPGA tournaments should be played in conjunction with PGA tournaments. Both tours would play on the same course during the same week — and at the same time — while still competing for separate titles.
Fashion to the Fairways: “Have a fashion designer create a piece of clothing or accessory for the trophy ceremony — a jacket specially made by Donna Karan, a gown designed by Vera Wang, CoverGirl could give the winner a makeover before the presentation.”

Other pieces on E:60 (Tuesday, 7 p.m. ESPN) were detailed in Wednesday’s MidWeek highlights release:
Surfer afflicted with autism
Evan Longoria

Reportaje Especial: Luis Tiant, The Lost Son of Havana
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter (Sunday, 11 p.m.)
Reportajes Especiales on ESPNdeportes.com

Luis Tiant

Cuba’s Luis Tiant made his Major League debut 45 years ago with two goals: enshrinement into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and a return to his homeland.

Thus far, the three-time All-Star, who went 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA and 187 complete games in 19 MLB seasons, has been shut out of the Hall, appearing the maximum 15 years on the Baseball Writers Association of America’s ballot, and now hoping to be voted in by the Veterans Committee. He had been unable to achieve his second goal because of political reasons until an emotional return home in 2007 when he was able to visit long-lost relatives. Tiant’s travels were recorded for the documentary The Lost Son of Havana, airing on ESPN Deportes next Sunday, August 9, and on ESPN on August 10.

“It was completely different, where I lived. The houses, the buildings, the streets needed a lot of work. It’s hard to understand why that happened, why those people are living that way.” – Luis Tiant, seeing his native Cuba nearly 50 years after leaving
Filed Under: ESPN

LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN ON CHARGERS CAM ON NFL TOTAL ACCESS FRIDAY — NFL Network Programming Notes (7/29-8/4)

July 30, 2009 By admin

NFL NETWORK PROGRAMMING NOTES (7/29-8/4)

LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN ON CHARGERS CAM

NFL TOTAL ACCESS FRIDAY

NFL.com’s On the Fringe Series Features Giants WR David Tyree,

Texans FB Boomer Grigsby & Cardinals WR Lance Long

Special 90-Minute Training Camp Editions

of NFL Total Access Continue

Debut of NFL’s Top 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises

Friday at 8:00 PM ET

THIS WEEK ON NFL TOTAL ACCESS: LB Shawne Merriman on Chargers Cam

Wednesday, July 29

  • Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian on Colts Cam
  • Randy Moss reports from the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp
  • Scott Hanson reports from the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp
  • NFL Network analysts Jamie Dukes, Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk and Steve Mariucci debate which receiver they would rather have on their team: Terrell Owens, Plaxico Burress, or Chad Ochocinco.
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora

Thursday, July 30

  • Randy Moss reports from the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp
  • Kara Henderson reports from the New England Patriots’ training camp
  • NFL Network game analyst Matt Millen takes part in the annual referee seminar held by NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora

Friday, July 31

  • LB Shawne Merriman on Chargers Cam
  • Randy Moss reports from the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp
  • Lindsay Soto reports from the Chicago Bears’ training camp
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora
  • A recap of the best moments and newsworthy items from July

Monday, August 3

  • Jason La Canfora reports from the Baltimore Ravens’ training camp
  • Fran Charles interviews Rod Woodson about his impending Hall of Fame induction
  • A look at former Dallas Cowboy and 2009 Hall of Fame inductee Bob Hayes’ impact on the NFL
  • Profile of Maxim All-College Team QB Tim Tebow
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora

Tuesday, August 4

  • Jason La Canfora reports from the Washington Redskins’ training camp
  • Scott Hanson reports from the New York Giants’ training camp
  • A look at Bills’ owner and 2009 Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Wilson’s impact on the NFL
  • NFL Network analyst Rod Woodson’s “Road to Canton” (part 1)
  • Profile of Maxim All-College Team TE Jermaine Gresham
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora

NFL’S TOP 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises – Friday at 8:00 & 11:30 PM ET

NFL’s Top 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises looks at the teams that never seem to have fate on their side. The Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings all make the list of franchises still looking to get over the hump.

NFL’s Top 10 provides a look at some of the most intriguing subjects in the NFL, creating and debating a top ten list for each category. Each 60-minute episode counts down from No. 10 to the top ranking in each category.

THIS WEEK ON NFL.COM: On the Fringe Series Features WR David Tyree, FB Boomer Grigsby & WR Lance Long

Wednesday, July 29

  • 4:30 PM ET – NFL Network analyst Rich Eisen chat
  • “On the Fringe” – An inside look into the journey of WR David Tyree’s quest to make the Giants roster.

Thursday, July 30

  • 12:00 PM ET – NFL.com writer Thomas George chat
  • 2:00 PM ET – NFL.com writer Michael Fabiano chat
  • “On the Fringe” – An inside look into the journey of FB Boomer Grigsby’s quest to make the Texans roster.

Friday, July 31

  • 12:00 PM ET – NFL Network reporter Jason La Canfora chat
  • 2:00 PM ET – NFL.com writer Pat Kirwan chat
  • “On the Fringe” – An inside look into the journey of WR Lance Long’s quest to make the Cardinals roster.

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

Wednesday, July 29

5:30 PM – NFL Follies: NFL’s 100 Greatest Follies (1993)

6:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – special 90 minute edition

8:00 PM – America’s Game: 1985 Chicago Bears (HD)

9:00 PM – America’s Game: 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HD)

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:30 PM – America’s Game: 1985 Chicago Bears (HD)

12:30 AM– America’s Game: 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HD)

1:30 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Thursday, July 30

12:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Fun and Games

1:30 PM – NFL Follies: Follies on Parade (1990)

2:30 PM – America’s Game: 1985 Chicago Bears (HD)

3:30 PM – America’s Game: 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HD)

4:30 PM – NFL Follies: NFL Football Card Follies (1991)

5:30 PM – NFL Follies: Follies on Parade (1990)

6:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – special 90 minute edition

8:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1998 Lineman Challenge

9:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 Lineman Challenge

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1998 Lineman Challenge

12:30 AM – NFL Film Session: 1999 Lineman Challenge

1:30 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Friday, July 31

12:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Fantastic Finishes

1:30 PM – NFL Follies: Legends of the Follies (2007)

2:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1998 Lineman Challenge

3:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 Lineman Challenge

4:30 PM – NFL Follies: 21st Century Follies (2000)

5:30 PM – NFL Follies: Legends of the Follies (2007)

6:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – special 90 minute edition

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Super Bowl Performances

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises

12:30 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Super Bowl Performances

1:30 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Saturday, August 1

1:00 PM – NFL Mic’d Up: Ravens at 49ers (10/7/2007)

2:00 PM – Game of the Week: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants (2007, Week 17) (HD)

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1985 Chicago Bears (HD)

4:00 PM – America’s Game: 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Super Bowl Performances

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: Week in Review (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets (10/23/2000) (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL Total Access: Week in Review (HD)

Sunday, August 2

9:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Follies

10:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Most Feared Tacklers

11:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Most Snakebitten Franchises

12 NOON – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Super Bowl Performances

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2008 AFC Championship) (HD)

2:30 PM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship) (HD)

4:00 PM – Live Wire: Championship Edition (HD)

4:30 PM – Starting 11: Championship Edition (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII)

6:30 PM – Live Wire: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

7:00 PM – Starting 11: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

7:30 PM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2008 AFC Championship) (HD)

9:00 PM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship) (HD)

10:30 PM – Live Wire: Championship Edition (HD)

11:00 PM – Starting 11: Championship Edition (HD)

11:30 AM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII) (HD)

1:00 AM – Live Wire: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

1:30 AM – Starting 11: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

Monday, August 3

6:00 AM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2008 AFC Championship) (HD)

7:30 AM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship) (HD)

9:00 AM – Live Wire: Championship Edition (HD)

9:30 AM – Starting 11: Championship Edition (HD)

10:00 AM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII)

11:30 AM – Live Wire: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

12:00 PM – Starting 11: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

12:30 PM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2008 AFC Championship) (HD)

2:00 PM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship) (HD)

3:30 PM – Live Wire: Championship Edition (HD)

4:00 PM – Starting 11: Championship Edition (HD)

4:30 PM – NFL Replay: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII) (HD)

6:00 PM – Live Wire: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

6:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – special 90 minute edition

8:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11/11/1990)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

12:30 AM – NFL Classic Games: Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11/11/1990)

Tuesday, August 4

11:00 AM – NFL Classic Games: Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans (1999 AFC Wild Card)

2:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Reunion in Canton

3:00 PM – NFL Film Session: Year in Review (1998)

3:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1971 Dallas Cowboys

4:00 PM – NFL Greatest Games: Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys (1967 Ice Bowl)

5:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Year in Review (1996)

6:00 PM – NFL Film Session: Year in Review (1998)

6:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD) – special 90 minute edition

8:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: John Madden: My Road to Canton

9:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Michael Irvin: My Road to Canton

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: John Madden: My Road to Canton

12:30 AM – NFL Films Presents: Michael Irvin: My Road to Canton

1:30 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Filed Under: NFL, NFLN

Rosenthal: From Top To Bottom, Mets Are A Dysfunctional Mess

July 29, 2009 By admin

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

MLB on FOX’s SATURDAY GAME OF THE WEEK:

Sizzling Yanks Head Into Chicago & Atlanta Hosts 1st Place Dodgers

Rosenthal: From Top To Bottom, Mets Are A Dysfunctional Mess

FIRST PLACE TEAMS HIT THE ROAD FOR MLB ON FOX WEEK 17 – On a tear since the start of the second half, the Yankees have seized first place in the AL East and on Saturday, August 1 (4:00 PM ET), Derek Jeter and the Bronx Bombers look to continue their hot play on the road in Chicago against the White Sox.  Atlanta welcomes Manny Ramirez to town as the Dodgers visit to take on Chipper Jones and the Braves.  Also, Carl Crawford and the speedy Rays host the Royals at the Trop. This week, the pregame show originates live from U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago with host Chris Rose.  Once game action begins, Rose joins the game crew of Thom Brennaman, Tim McCarver and Ken Rosenthal as a field reporter.  For instant updates during the week and games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.

Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST COV.

New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox                 Thom Brennaman, Tim McCarver                                 57%

& Ken Rosenthal

U.S. Cellular Field – Chicago, IL

MARKETS INCLUDE: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Hartford, Indianapolis, Louisville, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers: A.J. Burnett, RHP (10-4, 3.53 ERA) vs. John Danks, LHP (8-7, 3.89 ERA)

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves                     Kenny Albert & Mark Grace                                            36%

Turner Field – Atlanta, GA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Dayton, Denver, Greensboro, Greenville, Houston, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis

Probable Pitchers: Randy Wolf, LHP (5-5, 3.43 ERA) vs. Derek Lowe. RHP (10-7, 4.20 ERA)

Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays                     Dick Stockton & Eric Karros                                            6%

Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL

MARKETS INCLUDE: Fort Myers, Kansas City, Orlando, Tampa

Probable Pitchers: Bruce Chen, LHP (0-5, 6.39 ERA) vs. Jeff Niemann, RHP (9-5, 3.81 ERA)

ROSENTHAL: LEE TRADE TO PHILADELPHIA A COUP FOR BOTH PHILS & INDIANS – Earlier today, the Philadelphia Phillies traded four high level prospects to Cleveland for Indian’s ace Cliff Lee and OF Ben Francisco.  FOXSports.com senior writer & MLB on FOX insider, Ken Rosenthal thinks the deal is a plus for both organizations. “The Phillies would get Lee without giving up any of the three players the Blue Jays initially wanted for Roy Halladay. Francisco would fill the Phillies’ longstanding need for a right-handed hitter off the bench. The Indians, meanwhile, would get four of the Phillies’ top 10 prospects according to Baseball America’s pre-season rankings.  Carlos Carrasco was rated second, Lou Marson third, Jason Donald fourth and Jason Knapp 10th.”

For more on this story log onto:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9866900/Sources:-Phils-reach-agreement-for-Indians’-Lee

ROSENTHAL: METS’ ISSUES MORE THAN A REPORTER – On Tuesday afternoon, things went from bad to embarrassing for the New York Mets. During a press conference to announce the firing of VP for player development Tony Bernazard, GM Omar Minaya said that New York Daily News beat reporter Adam Rubin had “lobbied” for a job with the Mets. FOXSports.com senior writer & MLB on FOX insider, Ken Rosenthal thinks the Mets should be pointing the finger at themselves. “Minaya is the issue. The Wilpons are the issue. The Mets are the issue, for crying out loud, and no amount of finger-pointing is going to change that fact. Injuries, the Mets keep talking about their injuries. At this point, those injuries are just a convenient excuse. Even when healthy, this team is a dysfunctional mess, from the top down.”

For more on this story log onto:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9860956/There-are-plenty-to-blame-for-Mets’-dysfunction

FOXSPORTS.COM’S ALEX MARVEZ GOES TO CAMP – FOXSports.com’s Senior NFL Writer Alex Marvez kicks off his NFL training camp tour this week as he sets out to visit eight camps in the next two weeks.  His first stop brings him to the Chargers and the much anticipated return of Shawne Merriman followed a trip to the Minnesota Vikings as they move on without Favre. Later, it’s onto Kansas City as new GM Scott Pioli looks to turn the Chiefs around with QB Matt Cassel.  Follow Marvez’s camp tour and reports on FOXSports.com.

– FOX SPORTS –

Filed Under: FOX, MLB

Berman, Ley & Saunders to Host Special 30th Anniversary SportsCenter in September

July 29, 2009 By admin

Berman, Ley & Saunders to Host Special 30th Anniversary SportsCenter in September

On the eve of ESPN’s 30th anniversary, its three SportsCenter anchors of longest service – Chris Berman, Bob Ley and John Saunders – will team to host a special edition of SportsCenter Sunday, Sept. 6 at 11:30 p.m. ET.

The show will be reaired the following morning, Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, starting at 4:30 a.m. and will be seen five times through noon. Live updates with the latest sports news will be inserted.

The 90-minute show will primarily focus on the sports news of the day, and will also include retrospective segments on three decades of ESPN, the trio of veteran anchors and the sports they covered. Ley joined ESPN two days after its September 7, 1979, launch, while Berman soon followed in October. Saunders came to ESPN in 1986.

“These ESPN pillars are three of the most respected professionals in our business,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president, production. “Their contributions to ESPN are endless and it’s great to have them together on this special day.”

Berman has been selected the National Sportscaster of the Year (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 2001) six times by the members of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. He regularly hosted SportsCenter in ESPN’s first 11 years. He will begin his 24th consecutive season as studio host of Sunday NFL Countdown this fall and has been calling Major League Baseball since 1990.

Ley spearheads ESPN’s aggressive coverage of breaking news and issues. He has hosted the award-winning Outside the Lines since its inception in May 1990. Outside the Lines has captured 10 Sports Emmy Awards and three CableACE Awards as cable’s top Sports Information Series. He’s been a fixture on SportsCenter and continues to host weekend editions.

Saunders is one of ESPN’s most visible and versatile commentators. He plays a prominent role in some of ESPN’s highest-profile sports, including NBA, college football and college basketball studio host and/or play-by-play. In addition, he was named host of Sports Reporters in January 2002. Saunders consistently co-hosted SportsCenter during the 1980s and ‘90s.

30 for 30

The special SportsCenter is not the only anniversary related project. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th anniversary, ESPN Films launched “30 for 30,” an unprecedented documentary series featuring 30 of today’s finest filmmakers telling 30 remarkable stories from the ESPN era. Each of the films will be an intimate look at a specific story, relevant to larger themes from the modern era. Collectively, these films will be a diverse mosaic of what sports has meant to American and world culture in the last 30 years. Each filmmaker will bring their passion and personal point of view to their film detailing the issues, trends, athletes, teams, rivalries, games and events that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009. The one-hour films will begin airing Tuesday nights on ESPN in October 2009 and be televised through 2010.

Filed Under: ESPN

ESPN Films Announces Eight More to “30 for 30″ Filmmaker Roster

July 29, 2009 By admin

ESPN Films Announces Eight More to “30 for 30” Filmmaker Roster

Steve Bartman, Raiders, Marion Jones, NASCAR, BMX among subjects explored

ESPN Films is announcing eight additional films and filmmakers for its ambitious “30 for 30” film project, bringing the total of films announced thus far to 25. The filmmakers include Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary (Revelations Entertainment), Ice Cube, Academy Award winner Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side), Academy Award nominee Frank Marshall, John Singleton, Al Szymanski, and the trios of Spike Jonze, Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine (Dickhouse Productions), and Steve Michaels, Joel Surnow and Jonathan Koch (Asylum Entertainment). These noted directors and producers will delve into sports stories of the past 30 years – from unforgettable athletes, to NASCAR, soccer and the 2003 Chicago Cubs. Debuting in October 2009, “30 for 30” will gather 30 filmmakers to each create one-hour films on topics from 1979 to 2009, ESPN’s first 30 years.

The Films

Steve Bartman (Director: Alex Gibney)

With five outs remaining in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS, a foul ball descended from the cold Chicago sky, destined for the glove of left fielder Moises Alou. But it was not meant to be, as one inconspicuous hand reached down from the left field stands at Wrigley Field and seized the potential out. That hand belonged to Cubs fan Steve Bartman, and many believed that he snatched away Chicago’s chance of advancing to the World Series. Bartman attempted a public appeal, but his fate was already sealed by the Cub fans’ need for a scapegoat to explain a near-century of losing. Although Cubs Nation has since moved on to other seasons and other losses, Bartman remains ostracized from a community he lives in and a team he once loved. Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney will explore this relationship and try to answer the question, can Steve Bartman ever forgive Chicago?

One Simple Gesture (Director: Cliff Bestall, Producers: Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary)

Rugby has long been viewed in South Africa as a game for the white population, and the country’s success in the sport has been a true source of Afrikaner pride. When the 50-year-old policies and entrenched injustices of apartheid were finally overthrown in 1994, Nelson Mandela’s new government began rebuilding a nation badly in need of racial unity. So the world was watching when South Africa played host to the 1995 Rugby World Cup. When Mandela himself marched to the center of the pitch cloaked in a Springbok jersey and shook hands with the captain of the South African team, two nations became one. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman and director Cliff Bestall will tell the emotional story of that cornerstone moment and what it meant to South Africa’s healing process.

Birth of Big Air (Director: Jeff Tremaine, Producers: Johnny Knoxville, Spike Jonze)

In 1985, at the tender age of 13, Mat Hoffman entered into the BMX circuit as an amateur, and by 16, he had risen to the professional level. Throughout his storied career, Hoffman has ignored conventional limitations; instead focusing his efforts on the purity of the sport and the pursuit of “what’s next.” His motivations stem purely from his own ambitions, and even without endorsements, cameras, fame, and fans, Hoffman would still be working to push the boundaries of gravity. Academy Award nominee Spike Jonze and extreme sport fanatic Johnny Knoxville, along with director Jeff Tremaine, will showcase the inner workings and exploits of the man who gave birth to “Big Air.”

Straight Outta L.A. (Director: Ice Cube)

In 1982, Raiders owner Al Davis beat the NFL in court and moved his team from Oakland to Los Angeles. With a squad as colorful as its owner, the Raiders captivated large numbers of black and Hispanic fans in L.A. at a time when gang warfare, immigration and the real estate boom were rapidly changing the city. The L.A. Raiders morphed into a worldwide brand as the team’s colors, swagger and anti-establishment ethos became linked with “Gangsta Rap” and the hip-hop scene that was permeating South Central Los Angeles. Rapper-turned-filmmaker Ice Cube was not only witness to this evolution; he was also a part of it. As a member of the notorious rap group N.W.A, Ice Cube helped make the silver and black culturally significant to a new generation and demographic. Still a die-hard Raiders fan, Cube will explore the unlikely marriage between the NFL’s rebel franchise and America’s glamour city, and show how pro football’s outlaw team became the toast of La La Land.

Charismatic (Director: Asylum Entertainment)

In June of 1999, an unlikely chestnut colt named Charismatic, with jockey Chris Antley aboard, headed down the stretch at the Belmont Stakes, just seconds away from becoming the first Triple Crown winner in nearly 21 years. Thoroughbred racing was desperate for this story of deliverance, drug abuse and bulimia were becoming issues in the jockey colony, and America’s love affair with the Sport of Kings was waning. Into this void stepped Charismatic and Antley, both thought to be lost causes. Together, they became the biggest long shots in 59 years to win the Kentucky Derby, and then followed that up with another underdog win at the Preakness. The two may have been denied their Hollywood ending, but their story of redemption lives on.

Right to Play (Director: Frank Marshall)

He has won four Olympic gold medals, graced the cover of Time magazine and been honored as Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated. Yet if you say the name Johann Olav Koss in this country, you’ll usually be met with a casual shrug. “Oh yeah, speed skater…Norwegian…what’s he doing now?” Instead of cashing in on his Olympic haul, Koss embarked on a remarkable journey that has established him as one of the world’s greatest ambassadors of sports. As the founder, President and CEO of Right To Play, Koss and his army of volunteers, teachers, coaches and diplomats have used the power of athletics to elevate the lives of the world’s neediest children. As it turns out, Frank Marshall, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed producers and a member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, witnessed Koss’s triumphs on the ice in the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games. Now Marshall will reveal the epiphany that led Koss to start Right To Play, and attempt to uncover the motivation that drives him to crisscross the globe, establishing new programs and literally saving lives in the process.

Racing the Devil (Director: Al Szymanski)

Natural. Rock star. Outsider. In the 1980’s, race car driver Tim Richmond lived his life the way he raced cars…wide open. Born into a wealthy family, Richmond was the antithesis of the Southern blue-collar, dirt-track racers who dominated NASCAR. He also was a flamboyant showman who basked in the attention of the media and fans – especially the attention of female admirers. Nevertheless, it was Richmond’s on-track performances that ended up drawing comparisons to racing legends. But his freewheeling lifestyle caught up to him. He unexpectedly withdrew from the NASCAR racing circuit, reportedly suffering from double pneumonia. In reality, the diagnosis was much more dire: He had AIDS. Richmond returned to the track in 1987, but he was gone from the sport by the next year as his health deteriorated. He spent his final days as a recluse, dying on August 13, 1989 at the age of 34. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Al Szymanski will examine the life and tragic death of one of NASCAR’s shooting stars.

Marion Jones: Press Pause (Director: John Singleton)

Few athletes in Olympic history have reached such heights and depths as Marion Jones. After starring at the University of North Carolina and winning gold at the 1997 and ’99 World Track and Field Championships, her rise to the top culminated at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Jones captivated the world with her beauty, style and athletic dominance, sprinting and jumping to three gold medals and two bronze. Eventually though, her accomplishments and her reputation would be tarnished. For years, Jones denied the increasing speculation that she used performance-enhancing drugs. But in October 2007, she finally admitted what so many had long suspected – that she had indeed used steroids. Calling herself a liar and a cheat in a federal courtroom, Jones was sentenced to six months in prison for lying to federal investigators and soon saw her Olympic achievements disqualified. Now a free woman once again, Jones is running in a new direction in life and taking time to reflect. Director John Singleton will focus on the rise, fall and re-birth of Marion Jones, including her desire to slow down and come clean about her mistakes. Jones is determined to be a model of candor and credibility.


30 for 30

The eight films join previously announced “30 for 30” projects: Peter Berg (The Kings’ Ransom), Reggie Rock Bythewood (One Night in Vegas), Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman (The U), Academy Award winner Bill Couturié (The Gurus of Go), Jonathan Hock (The Best that Never Was), Academy Award nominee Steve James (No Crossover), the duo of Lucas Jansen and Adam Kurland (Silly Little Game), Peabody Award winner Dan Klores (Winning Time), two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple (The Steinbrenner Family Business), Academy Award winner Barry Levinson (The Band That Wouldn’t Die), Academy Award nominee Albert Maysles (Muhammad and Larry), Peabody Award winner Fritz Mitchell (Wizard of Odds), Academy Award nominee Brett Morgen (June 17, 1994), two-time NBA MVP and first-time filmmaker Steve Nash (Marathon of Hope), Academy Award nominee Ron Shelton (Jordan Plays Baseball), Academy Award nominee Mike Tollin (Who Killed the USFL?), and Jeff Zimbalist (The Two Escobars).

Films produced as part of the “30 for 30” project will begin airing on October 6 on ESPN, with seven films airing before the end of 2009. Air dates for fall/winter 2009:

All times Eastern Standard Time

· Tuesday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m.

· Tuesday, Oct. 13, 8 p.m.

· Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.

· Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.

· Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m.

· Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8 p.m.

· Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 p.m.

Filed Under: ESPN

Michael Irvin Returns to NFL Network’s Broadcast Lineup for 2009 Hall of Fame Coverage

July 29, 2009 By admin

MICHAEL IRVIN RETURNS TO NFL NETWORK’S BROADCAST LINEUP FOR 2009 HALL OF FAME COVERAGE

Seven Hours of Live Coverage on Saturday, August 8

Including Complete Live Broadcast of Induction Ceremony Hosted by

Rich Eisen for the First Time

NFL Network returns to Canton, OH for the 46th Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2009. NFL Network’s broadcast team is headlined by 2007 Inductee Michael Irvin, who joins Steve Mariucci, Rich Eisen, Fran Charles, Jason La Canfora and Kara Henderson for seven hours of live, high-definition coverage on Saturday, August 8 beginning at 5:00 PM ET.

This year’s induction ceremony holds a special significance for the NFL Network broadcast team as fellow analyst Rod Woodson is part of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2009. In addition, Eisen will emcee Saturday’s induction ceremony for the first time.

Known for his stirring induction speech, Irvin returns to NFL Network’s broadcast team for a second time, offering a first-hand perspective of the emotions felt by inductees as they enter the fraternity of pro football legends.

Induction Saturday coverage begins at 5:00 PM ET on August 8 with NFL Total Access 2009 Hall of Fame Pre-Ceremony, leading into the 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 7:00 PM ET. At 11:00 PM ET, NFL Total Access Post-Induction Show reviews highlights of the ceremony, along with scheduled live appearances by inductees Woodson, Bruce Smith and other special guests.

Coverage from Canton begins Friday, August 7 at 7:00 PM ET with NFL Total Access at the 2009 Hall of Fame. Woodson and 2006 inductee Troy Aikman will appear, along with a look inside the Ray Nitschke luncheon – exclusive to Hall of Famers – and coverage of the 2009 Hall of Fame press conferences.

Leading up to enshrinement weekend, NFL Network features a wide array of Hall of Fame-related programming all week-long, including an updated version of NFL’s Top 10 Players Not in the Hall of Fame Friday, August 8 at 8:00 PM ET.

A special NFL Classic Games debuting Monday, August 3 at 8:00 PM ET features a full re-air of 2009 Hall of Fame inductee Derrick Thomas’ memorable seven-sack performance for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Seattle Seahawks on November 11, 1990.

Following Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game, a 30-minute NFL Total Access Postgame Show wraps up all the action from the weekend, including Bills-Titans game highlights. Charles Davis hosts from NFL Network’s Los Angeles studio, with Jason La Canfora providing interviews from Canton. In addition, the 2009 Hall of Fame Game between the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills kicks off NFL Network’s carriage of all 65 preseason games, re-airing Monday, August 10 at 3:30 PM ET and Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00 PM ET.

NFL Network 2009 Hall of Fame Programming Schedule:

Monday, August 3

8:00 PM and 12:30 AM – NFL Classic Games: Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Nov. 11, 1990)

  • Derrick Thomas’ league record seven-sack performance versus Seattle on Veterans Day in 1990 is replayed in its entirety for the first time since its original airdate.

Tuesday, August 4

11:00 AM – NFL Classic Games: Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans (Jan. 8, 2000)

  • As Buffalo and Tennessee prepare to meet in the first preseason game of 2009, NFL Classic Games features a memorable matchup between both teams – the unforgettable “Music City Miracle” from Jan. 8, 2000.

2:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Reunion in Canton

  • During its history, more than 16,000 men have played in the National Football League, but only 211 have been selected for enshrinement into Pro Football’s Hall of Fame. 111 surviving members returned to Canton, Ohio, for one memorable weekend in 2000 that saw the game’s greatest players joined as one team at Pro Football’s Greatest Reunion. More than 60 Hall of Famers – men who built the game of NFL pro football and defined it for generations – share their love for football and the Hall of Fame.

8:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Madden: My Road to Canton

  • From his years on the Raiders sidelines to a legendary career in the broadcast booth, NFL Network profiles John Madden’s long journey to the Hall of Fame.

9:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Irvin: My Road to Canton

  • Michael Irvin virtually created the modern day persona of the NFL receiver and left a lasting legacy on the game. Irvin: My Road to Canton looks at the celebrated and controversial career of the man who will always be known as the “Playmaker.”

Wednesday, August 5

12:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Madden: My Road to Canton

1:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Irvin: My Road to Canton

2:30 PM – Legends of the Hall: Defenders

  • A roundtable hosted by Rich Eisen from the Pro Football Hall of Fame with a few of the Hall’s greatest defenders. Cast includes: Ronnie Lott and Merlin Olsen.

3:00 PM – Legends of the Hall: Quarterbacks

  • Rich Eisen sits down with a group of Hall of Fame players discussing the game and their contributions. Cast includes: Joe Namath, Jim Kelly and Dan Fouts.

3:30 PM – Legends of the Hall: Teams

  • A 30-minute roundtable show from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.  Rich Eisen hosts a discussion with various Hall of Fame players discussing the game and their contributions.  Cast includes: Nick Buoniconti, Ronnie Lott and Lynn Swann.

4:00 PM – Legends of the Hall: Coaches

  • A 30-minute roundtable show from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.  Rich Eisen hosts a discussion with various Hall of Fame coaches discussing the game and their contributions.  Cast includes: Don Shula, Mike Ditka and Marv Levy.

4:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Madden: My Road to Canton

5:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Irvin: My Road to Canton

Friday, August 7

4:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans (Jan. 8, 2000)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame (HD)

  • Hosts Rich Eisen and Fran Charles, alongside Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Jason La Canfora and Kara Henderson live from Canton, OH.

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Players Not in the Hall of Fame – updated

  • Ricky Watters and Kenny “The Snake” Stabler are two of the legendary players still awaiting their day in Canton. NFL’s Top 10 takes a look at the top players who have not been voted into the Hall of Fame.

Saturday, August 8

8:00 AM – NFL Films Presents: Madden: My Road to Canton

9:00 AM – NFL Films Presents: Irvin: My Road to Canton

10:00 AM – NFL Films Presents: Reunion in Canton

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Players Not in the Hall of Fame

5:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame Pre-Ceremony (LIVE; HD)

7:00 PM – 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (LIVE; HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame Post-Induction Show (HD)

  • Fran Charles hosts, alongside Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci, Jason La Canfora and Kara Henderson live from Canton, OH.

Sunday, August 9

1:30 PM – 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (HD) – encore

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access Hall of Fame Game Wrap Up Show

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football.  For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL NETWORK –

Filed Under: NFL, NFLN

Pritchett Brother’s Racing lands deal to air their Outlaw Drag Racing Series on FSN

July 29, 2009 By admin

*Pritchett Brother’s Racing lands deal to air their Outlaw Drag Racing Series on FSN*

Nate and Adam Pritchett from Pritchett Brother’s Racing located in central Maryland signed a contract to air their Outlaw Drag Racing Series on Fox Sports Network. The series will air as the feature events in the show, Inside Drag Racing reaching 86 Million homes nationwide. The shows will air on FSN Sundays’ at 11:30 am nationwide and repeat Mondays’ at 4:30 pm.

“These are exciting times for us at PBR. Bringing our events to the spotlight with national television coverage on FSN is the next step in our plan to promote the sport we are so passionate about. It has been a long journey over the past 5 years and I couldn’t be happier with this. The potential for growth is amazing and we are thankful to be part of such a powerful movement in racing” states Nate Pritchett.

PBR is joining forces with ORSCA (Outlaw Racing Street Car Association) to hold 4 events in 2009 to receive this coverage. The events are called the Ultimate Outlaw Series, powered by ORSCA and will primarily focus on northern venues in 2009. Johhny Fenn, Director of ORSCA states “ORSCA is looking forward to working with Pritchett Brother’s Racing. It should be outstanding for both groups as well as the racers and fans.” All race classes, rules, and locations that racers and fans are familiar with from the Pritchett Brothers will continue without interruption.

“Merging with ORSCA to do this is a natural fit for us. Nate and I have been very close with the ORSCA management and we share the same goals. It is time that we consolidate our efforts in the promotion of Outlaw drag racing. There are too many smaller organizations out there and this sport needs direction. I can think of no better partner than ORSCA to begin the process of unification in this sport” states Adam Pritchett.

For more information contact Pritchett Brother’s Racing at 240-235-3166.

2009 Schedule
Aug. 22-23
Holeshot Wheel’s Ultimate Outlaw Shootout
Lebanon Valley Dragway
West Lebanon, NY
Sept. 12
Pritchett Control’s Ultimate Outlaw Shootout
Maryland International Raceway
Budd’s Creek, MD
Sept. 26
Coast Chassis Design Ultimate Outlaw Shootout
Cecil County Dragway
Rising Sun, MD
Nov. 14
Davis Technologies Ultimate Outlaw Shootout
Carolina Dragway
Aiken, SC
Filed Under: Auto Racing, FSN

CBSsports.com Launches Rapidreports; Innovative Network Of Correspondents To Cover NFL

July 29, 2009 By admin

CBSSPORTS.COM LAUNCHES RAPIDREPORTS;

INNOVATIVE NETWORK OF CORRESPONDENTS TO COVER NFL

Correspondents embedded with all 32 NFL teams will file multiple RapidReports per day from team facilities and stadiums, providing the latest breaking news and updates

CBSSports.com is first media entity to cover a professional sports league with a dedicated reporter assigned to every team

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, July 29, 2009 – CBSSports.com today announced the creation of an innovative new way to cover the NFL. RapidReports will be a network of 32 correspondents, one with each NFL team. These reporters will file multiple bite-sized updates per day from each team’s practice facility or stadium that will appear at the top of the CBSSports.com (www.cbssports.com) homepage.

CBS will be the first media outlet to cover the NFL, or any sport, in this manner, with one embedded reporter attached to every team working solely for one entity. Additionally, the style of coverage, with a constant stream of short, original news updates has never been used in the world of sports and CBSSports.com users and highly engaged NFL fans around the world will undoubtedly embrace this new mode of news delivery.

“With RapidReports, CBSSports.com will provide the rabid NFL fan base with the one thing they crave most – the absolute latest breaking news and updates from around the league – and deliver it in a way that will distinguish our service from the competition,” said Jason Kint, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CBSSports.com. “We’re thrilled that CBSSports.com was able to find reporters for this initiative with a deep resume of sports experience and combine them with burgeoning new talent for a perspective and approach that fans won’t find anywhere else.”

The process to locate and retain 32 local correspondents began by teaming up with Bleacher Report (bleacherreport.com) – the world’s largest sports network that is powered entirely by fan-generated content. Word spread through the community on Bleacher Report as well as via advertising on CBSSports.com generating tremendous interest in the RapidReports initiative.

The result of this search is a mix of veteran sports journalists combined with some of the best new writers on the Internet coming from the Bleacher Report community. The network of RapidReports correspondents include Bob Gretz who has over 30 years experience covering the Kansas City Chiefs as well as Jason Butt, a 2009 graduate of the University of Georgia who will be covering the Atlanta Falcons. This unique blend of experienced sports reporters and fresh new talent will provide a distinctive look at the NFL and generate the most up-to-the minute football news and information of any media outlet.

2009 Network of RapidReports Correspondents on CBSSports.com

AFC South

AFC North

AFC East

AFC West

Tennessee: Aldrin Brown Pittsburgh: Brian Carson Miami: Jeff Shain San Diego: Tom Krasovic
Indianapolis: John Oehser Baltimore: Jon Gallo New England: William Bendetson Denver: Aaron Lopez
Houston: Jim McCurdy Cincinnati: Josh Katzowitz N.Y. Jets: Lisa Zimmerman Oakland: Eric Gilmore
Jacksonville: Jim Nasella Cleveland: Martin Gitlin Buffalo: Mark Ludwiczak Kansas City: Bob Gretz

NFC South

NFC North

NFC East

NFC West

Carolina: Steve Reed Minnesota: Darren Wolfson N.Y. Giants: Alex Raskin Arizona: Craig Morgan
Atlanta: Jason Butt Chicago: Gene Chamberlain Philadelphia: Kevin Noonan San Francisco: Michael Erler
Tampa Bay: Carter Gaddis Green Bay: Gerrard Diaz Dallas: Bryan Broaddus Seattle: Matt Rybaltowski
New Orleans: Larry Holder Detroit: Jimmy Trombley Washington: Ed Sheahin St. Louis: Cameron Hollway

5 Questions with the CBSSports.com RapidReports Correspondents

Top three vote getters

This recent free-agent signing will have the biggest impact for his new team this season:

Ø Terrell Owens (6)

Ø T.J. Houshmandzadeh (6)

Ø Albert Haynesworth (3)

Ø Bart Scott (3)

Ø Matt Cassel (3)

Which NFL team will Michael Vick play for next?

Ø Oakland Raiders (12)

Ø Washington Redskins (7)

Ø Jacksonville Jaguars (6)

Believe it or not, this current player will end up in the Hall of Fame:

Ø Donovan McNabb (4)

Ø Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2)

Ø LaDanian Tomlinson (2)

Ø Kurt Warner (2)

Ø Adam Vinatieri (2)

Which team that no one is talking about could win the Super Bowl this year?

Ø New Orleans Saints (9)

Ø San Diego Chargers (6)

Ø Houston Texans (3)

The 2009-10 NFL MVP will be:

Ø Adrian Peterson (13)

Ø Tom Brady (11)

Ø Drew Brees (6)

*At the date of issue, RapidReports was a working title for CBSSports.com

About CBSSports.com

CBSSports.com is at the leading edge of media companies providing Internet sports content, Fantasy sports and e-commerce. CBSSports.com is a unit of CBS Interactive, a leading online content network for information and entertainment. With more than 200 million people visiting its properties each month, CBS Interactive is the 8th largest Web property globally and the 5th largest Web property in the U.S. in terms of unique video viewers. Its portfolio of leading brands, which include CNET, CBS.com, CBSSports.com, GameSpot, TV.com, BNET, CBS RADIO and Last.fm, span popular categories like technology, entertainment, sports, news and business.

For more information about CBSSports.com and for the latest sports news, scores and expert analysis, please visit cbssports.com.

More information about CBS and its businesses is available at www.cbscorporation.com.

Filed Under: CBS, NFL
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