2011 MLS Cup Playoffs on ESPN Networks

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
2011 MLS Cup Playoffs on ESPN Networks
International Stars David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane, Thierry Henry, Rafa Márquez;
Doubleheaders Sunday, Oct. 30 and Thursday, Nov. 3; Chivas USA Striker Alejandro Moreno Joins as Guest Studio Analyst
 
The 16th season of MLS Cup Playoffs on ESPN will kickoff Sunday, Oct. 16, with a doubleheader on ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes, beginning with the first matches of two conference semifinals, the New York Red Bulls vs. Los Angeles Galaxy at 3 p.m. ET, and Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamo at 5 p.m.:
Highlights:
  • The Galaxy, with former England captain David Beckham, U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan and Ireland’s national team striker Robbie Keane; and the Red Bulls, featuring Thierry Henry, a member of the 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning French national team and captain of the Mexican National TeamRafa Márquez, have two of the league’s highest payrolls and field the league’s most accomplished professional soccer players;
  • The MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal series between Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union will be the other match of the doubleheaders (Sunday, Oct. 30 and Thursday, Nov. 3).  The teams finished the season Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, on the Eastern Conference standings;
  • A conference semifinal matchup between Real Salt Lake, led by U.S. National Team player Kyle Beckerman, and the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 10 p.m. will round out five conference semifinal matches on ESPN networks.
 
MLS Cup Playoffs schedule:
Date Time (ET) Matchup Network(s)
Sun, Oct 30 3 p.m. New York Red Bulls vs. Los Angeles Galaxy

Adrian Healey and John Harkes
 ESPN2 / ESPN3/

ESPN Deportes
  5 p.m. Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamo

Rob Stone and Taylor Twellman
 ESPN2 / ESPN3 / ESPN Deportes
Wed, Nov 2 10 p.m. Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake

Healey and Harkes
 ESPN2 / ESPN3 /

ESPN Deportes
Thu, Nov 3 8:30 p.m. Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union

Healey and Twellman
 ESPN2 / ESPN3 / ESPN Deportes
  11 p.m. Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls

Ian Darke, Harkes and reporter Stone
 ESPN2 / ESPN3/

ESPN Deportes
 
Commentators:
  • Chivas USA striker Alejandro Moreno will join host Max Bretos and analyst Alexi Lalas in the studio to provide fresh off-the-field insight.  Moreno, who has played on three MLS Cup-winning teams, will work the two doubleheader days of MLS Cup Playoffs action – Sunday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Nov. 3;
  • Ian Darke, ESPN’s lead soccer play-by-play commentator, will call his first MLS Cup Playoffs match – Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls – Thursday, Nov. 3, at 11 p.m. on ESPN2.
 
More Soccer on ESPN Platforms: 13 Additional Matches; Two Barclays Premier League Matches on ESPN3 Saturday
In addition to the MLS Cup Playoffs, ESPN media platforms (ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes) will air 13 live soccer matches through Monday, Oct. 31.  Highlights:
  • Back-to-back Barclays Premier League matches on ESPN3 on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 6:55 a.m.: Everton vs. Manchester United (also on ESPN Deportes); and at 7:45 a.m. with Chelsea vs. Arsenal on ESPN2
  • Inter Milan vs. Juventus, a meeting of two legendary Italian Series A teams, will be seen exclusively on ESPN3 on Saturday at 2:40 p.m.
  • ESPN Deportes and ESPN3 will present Real Sociedad hosting La Liga giant Real Madrid on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 3:55 p.m.
 
Schedule:
Date Time (ET) Matchup Network(s)
Sat, Oct 29 6:55 a.m. Everton vs. Manchester United (Barclays Premier League) ESPN3 /

ESPN Deportes
  7:45 a.m. Chelsea vs. Arsenal (Barclays Premier League) ESPN2 / ESPN3
  9:30 a.m. Bayern Munich vs. Nuremburg (German Bundesliga) ESPN3
  11:55 a.m. Valencia vs. Getafe (La Liga) ESPN3 /

ESPN Deportes
  2:40 p.m. Inter Milan vs. Juventus (Serie A) ESPN3
  2:45 p.m. FC Twente vs. PSV Eindhoven (Dutch Eredivisie) ESPN3
  3:55 p.m. Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid (La Liga) ESPN3 /

ESPN Deportes
  5:55 p.m. Club Tijuana vs. San Luis FC (Mexican First Division) ESPN Deportes
  7 p.m. Virginia vs. Boston College (College) ESPN3
Sun, Oct 30 9:55 a.m. Fiorentina vs. Genoa (Serie A) ESPN3
  10:55 a.m. Osasuna vs. Levante (La Liga) ESPN3 /

ESPN Deportes
  3:40 p.m. Calgiari vs. Lazio (Serie A) ESPN3
Mon, Oct 31 3:55 p.m. Stoke City vs. Newcastle (Barclays Premier League) ESPN3 /

ESPN Deportes
**All matches and times subject to change.
 
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Filed Under: ESPN, MLS

MLB Network To Televise Three Arizona Fall League Games

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

MLB Network & Arizona Fall League Announce Three November Telecasts 

Phoenix, Arizona — The Arizona Fall League today announces that MLB Network will televise three upcoming events from three of the league’s six venues:

Rising Stars Game

Saturday, November 5 5:10 p.m. AZ (8:10 ET)

Surprise Stadium

United Concordia Dental Military Appreciation Game

(Mesa Solar Sox @ Salt River Rafters)

Friday, November 11 6:10 p.m. AZ (8:10 ET)

Salt River Fields

Championship Game

Saturday, November 19 1:10 p.m. AZ (3:10 ET)

Scottsdale Stadium

Rising Stars Game — The first two selections in Major League Baseball’s 2011 Draft — Mesa Solar Sox right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole (Pirates) and Peoria Javelinas left-handed pitcher Danny Hultzen (Mariners) — will be the East and West starting pitchers, respectively, for the sixth annual Rising Stars Game.

Rosters will be announced next week. MLB Network’s Paul Severino (play-by-play) and Dave Valle (color commentary) form the broadcast team.

Scouting and minor-league directors of every major-league organization, in consultation with Fall League Director Steve Cobb and his baseball personnel staff, select the players for the annual showcase that pits elite prospects from the Fall League’s East Division and West Division clubs.

Each major-league organization is offered the opportunity to be represented by at least one player.

The first five Rising Stars Games showcased some of baseball’s current standouts, including Ryan Braun, Jacoby Ellsbury and Hunter Pence in 2006, Brett Gardner and Andrew McCutchen in 2007, Gordon Beckham, Tommy Hanson and Drew Stubbs in 2008, Starlin Castro, Ike Davis, Buster Posey, Drew Storen and Stephen Strasburg in 2009, and Dustin Ackley, Brandon Belt, Eric Hosmer, Jason Kipnis, Ben Revere and Eric Thames last year.

Arizona Fall League — Known throughout professional baseball as a finishing school for Major League Baseball’s elite prospects, the Arizona Fall League is a six-team league owned and operated by MLB. It plays six days per week (Monday-Saturday) at six spring-training stadiums in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Salt River

Rafters) is the league’s newest venue, joining five returning sites — Mesa HoHoKam Stadium (Mesa Solar Sox), Peoria Sports complex (Peoria Javelinas), Phoenix Municipal Stadium  (Phoenix Desert Dogs), Scottsdale Stadium (Scottsdale Scorpions) and Surprise Stadium (Surprise Saguaros).

MLB Network — MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, featuring the Emmy Award-winning MLB Tonight, live games, original programming, highlights, and insights and analysis from the best in the business, including Bob Costas, Peter Gammons, Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds. MLB Network debuted on January 1, 2009 as the largest

launch in cable television history and is currently distributed in approximately 65 million cable, telco TV and satellite homes throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to www.mlbnetwork.com.

— afl —

Filed Under: MLBN

NFL Network Special Correspondent Andrea Kremer’s Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Vikings QB Donovan McNabb Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Andrea Kremer has an exclusive sit-down interview with Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb Sunday for NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning pregame show.

Kremer interviewed McNabb about going from the Vikings starting QB to backing up rookie Christian Ponder and if he thinks he should still be starting.  McNabb addresses the report last week by NFL Network & NFL.com analyst Michael Lombardi about his work habits in Washington and Minnesota following his successful years as the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. He also talks about what went wrong in Washington and his relationship with Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan.

 

In addition to the two-part sit-down interview on NFL GameDay Morning, NFL.com will also have a story written by Kremer about the interview on Friday.  She will also appear on NFL Network live Sunday morning during the pregame show that starts at 9:00 AM ET to discuss the interview with McNabb.

This is the first feature interview that Andrea Kremer has done for NFL Network as a special correspondent.

***Here is Michael Lombardi’s report last week on NFL GameDay Morning.

 

“Donovan really has not been putting the time in to be the great player. What happened in Washington, the lack of work habits in Washington, has now gone into Minnesota.” – Michael Lombardi on Vikings QB Donovan McNabb

 

“He said ‘that stuff’s crazy.’ He said he’s putting in his time. He says he’s doing what the coaches ask him to do in every situation.” – Kurt Warner on his phone conversation with QB Donovan McNabb and questions about his work ethic

 

Michael Lombardi’s ‘Front Office View’ NFL.com Column on Vikings QB Donovan McNabb:

Donovan really has not been putting the time in to be the great player. What happened in Washington, the lack of work habits in Washington has now gone into Minnesota. What I was told by people in the organization is that he is the last one in the building and he’s the first one gone. He’s not willing to put the time in. He’s late for meetings, late for practice; so they’ve just basically thrown up their hands and said, ‘we need to move on because ultimately, that’s not what we want in a quarterback.’

It happened in Washington and this is the reason he’s not in Washington. If you go back and talk to people in Philadelphia, there were questionable work habits. Donovan’s going to say, ‘hey, look, that’s not all true,’ but the reality of the situation is Minnesota knew this. Bill Musgrave, the [Vikings] offensive coordinator and Mike Shanahan have a relationship, so before Shanahan released McNabb and before Musgrave took him on; [Minnesota] knew exactly what they were getting. They were hoping they could change him. They were hoping he was going to rekindle his career, but essentially what’s happened in Minnesota is the same thing that happened in Washington.

For more with Lombardi on McNabb, please read his column Misguided Belief Leads Vikings to Turn to Rookie Ponder:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823542cd/article/misguided-belief-leads-vikings-to-turn-to-rookie-ponder

“I understand the text that he sent you and him calling back to defend himself, but the proof is in the pudding. The eye in the sky, the game film, does not lie. He looked like an unprepared quarterback out there on Sunday.” – Warren Sapp on the questions regarding QB Donovan McNabb’s work ethic

 

What’s wrong with McNabb – NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning analysts explain what is really wrong with Donovan McNabb as of late after being benched by three teams in three years

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d8236075c/What-s-wrong-with-McNabb

Filed Under: NFL, NFLN

Musical Performances and Ceremonial First Pitch — World Series Game Seven On FOX

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Filed Under: FOX, MLB

NASCAR.com Live Launches On Google TV

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

 

 

NASCAR.COM today announced the launch of NASCAR.COM LIVE, a new app available on Google TV, the open TV platform that brings entertainment from the Web to your TV.  Through NASCAR.COM LIVE, fans can access interactive features including HD video on-demand clips, driver profiles, standings and schedules for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series. NASCAR.COM LIVE is the first racing app for Google TV.

NASCAR.COM LIVE provides users with exciting free content throughout the week and brings fans closer to the action during the race. On a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race day, users can launch “Live Mode” to access the app’s lap-by-lap updates and follow lead changes and statistics with the live leaderboard.   Additionally, users can complement their viewing experience of the live race broadcasts on FOX, TNT and ESPN/ABC by pairing the app’s “Live Mode” with their existing TV service’s picture-in-picture feature. On Non-Race Days, users can access a library of HD video on-demand clips, upcoming race schedules, standings, archived race results, driver profiles and a NASCAR 101 section with information about the points system, common NASCAR terms, and an overview of how the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup works.

“NASCAR.COM LIVE is an exciting option for fans looking to consume NASCAR.COM content through their television experience,” said Justin Williams, senior director of business operations for NASCAR.COM. “Our partnership with Google TV is another example of NASCAR.COM’s efforts to deliver content through emerging platforms and technologies.”

 

“For the first time ever, NASCAR fans can consume the sport’s most popular content on one screen, on demand, and in High Definition,” said John Martin, managing director of digital media for NASCAR.  “NASCAR.COM Live is our first foray into the interactive TV space, continuing our commitment to provide the most loyal fans in sports with NASCAR content in as many places as possible. This new app will be a great complement to the television broadcast, giving our fans the ultimate companion viewing experience.”

 

Fans will see much of the same content that they see every day on NASCAR.COM as they navigate through the app, including the latest video features and preview shows, all optimized for web-enabled televisions running Google TV. Additional features for NASCAR.COM LIVE include:

  • Driver Profiles: Accessible through the standings and drivers sections, fans can drill down for additional details about NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers including current ranking, photos, and team and car details.
  • Schedules: Before the drop of the flag, fans can access a schedule of races for each series (NSCS, NNS, NCWTS). In addition, users will be better able to tune-in to NASCAR programming by setting reminders that alert them to the beginning of the qualifying round and official start of each race.
  • Real-Time Race Updates: In addition to lap-by-lap updates and live leaderboard module, on race day the app will automatically change its race flag background to green, white, yellow, red or checkered to reflect the current status in the race.

 

Google TV launched in 2010 and is a platform that brings all the great entertainment from the Web to your TV. Google TV is available on select televisions, Blu-Ray players from Sony, and a companion box from Logitech.

To access screenshots of NASCAR.COM LIVE click the link below:

http://galleries.nascar.com/gallery/NASCAR.COM_LIVE

 

ABOUT NASCAR.COM

NASCAR.COM, managed by Turner Sports, is the official online destination of NASCAR. As one of the top three sports leagues sites on the Internet, NASCAR.COM provides racing enthusiasts with an all-inclusive offering of engaging content including  fantasy games, video highlights, social elements, in-depth editorial content, schedules and standings. NASCAR.COM also offers interactive platforms including the award-winning TNT RaceBuddy and TrackPass RaceView.

 

Visit Turner Sports online pressroom at http://news.turner.com. Follow Turner Sports on Twitter @TurnerSportsPR.

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Filed Under: NASCAR

CBS’s Bill Cowher on NE-Pitt

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

THE NFL ON CBS: WEEK 8 (SUNDAY, OCT. 30)

AUDIBLES WITH “THE NFL TODAY’S” BILL COWHER

 

The CBS Television Network continues its 52nd year broadcasting the NFL with coverage of THE NFL ON CBS on Sunday, Oct. 30 (1:00-7:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY, the Network’s one-hour studio show (12:00 NOON-1:00 PM, ET), live from THE NFL TODAY studio in New York City.

THE NFL ON CBS lead announce team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms call the action from the New England Patriots-Pittsburgh Steelers game live from Heinz Filed in Pittsburgh, Pa.  Lance Barrow is the coordinating producer and lead game producer and Mike Arnold is the lead game director.

Sean McManus is Chairman, CBS Sports, and serves as Executive Producer of CBS Sports’ coverage of THE NFL ON CBS.  Harold Bryant is Executive Producer and Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

 

* * * * *

 

BILL COWHER

(On New England-Pittsburgh): Every year the identity of a team changes to some degree.  With both of these teams, while they’ve changed, the expectation level and to a large extent the results, haven’t changed.  They are both winning organizations.  Certainly, New England coming off a bye is well-rested.  Pittsburgh will be a very tough defense for them.  The Patriots have proven to be very resourceful week-in and week-out.  Their running game is probably as good as it’s been all year.

For Pittsburgh, their challenge is stopping Tom Brady in the spread offense.  That is something I’m sure that they’ve looked at, and thought about, the whole off-season.  Pittsburgh’s offense may be one of the most explosive in all of football.  This is the best receiving corps that they’ve had in years.  Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Hines Ward – these are the most weapons Ben Roethlisberger has ever had.  And it may be the first time they have an offensive line with some degree of continuity.  They are playing as well as they’ve played and are peaking offensively.  And they will be a challenge defensively.  This could decide home-field advantage, so there could be playoff implications in this game as well.

 (On this game having more importance to Pittsburgh at this point): This game is important to Pittsburgh because it’s a home game against a conference team that, at some point, you’re going to have to beat anyway.  The fact that Pittsburgh has two losses with a chance to stay tied for first place with Baltimore, and New England is going strong with only one loss, it’s important for both teams.  But when you’re playing this type of game at home, the pressure is certainly more on the home team.             

 

* * * * *

 

Following are THE NFL ON CBS assignments for Week 8, Week 9 and Week 10 (subject to change).

 

WEEK 8 – October 30 – CBS DOUBLEHEADER

 

GAME                                    PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST             PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

1:00 PM, ET starts:              

·Miami @ N.Y. Giants             Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf                   Mark Wolff/Bob Fishman

·Jacksonville @ Houston          Marv Albert/Rich Gannon                     Ken Mack/Jim Cornell

·Indianapolis @ Tennessee       Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots             Jim Rikhoff/Bryan Lilley

 

4:15 PM, ET starts:

·New England @ Pittsburgh      Jim Nantz/Phil Simms                           Lance Barrow/Mike Arnold

·Cleveland @ San Francisco     Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts                             Bob Mansbach/Suzanne Smith

·Cincinnati @ Seattle                Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker                    Victor Frank/Andy Goldberg

 

WEEK 9 – Nov. 6

 

GAME                                    PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST             PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

1:00 PM, ET starts:

·N.Y. Jets @ Buffalo               Jim Nantz/Phil Simms                              Lance Barrow/Mike Arnold

·Cleveland @ Houston             Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts                               Bob Mansbach/Suzanne Smith

·Miami @ Kansas City             Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots              Jim Rikhoff/Bryan Lilley

 

4:00 PM, ET starts:

·Denver @ Oakland                 Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf                   Mark Wolff/Bob Fishman

·Cincinnati @ Tennessee           Marv Albert/Rich Gannon                     Ross Schneiderman/Mark Grant

 

WEEK 10 – Nov. 13

 

GAME                                    PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST             PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

1:00 PM, ET starts:              

·Buffalo @ Dallas                     Jim Nantz/Phil Simms                            Lance Barrow/Mike Arnold

·Tennessee @ Carolina             Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots             Jim Rikhoff/Bryan Lilley

·Houston @ Tampa Bay           Marv Albert/Rich Gannon                     Ross Schneiderman/Mark Grant

·Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati            Ian Eagle/Dan Fouts                             Bob Mansbach/Suzanne Smith

·Jacksonville @ Indianapolis     Spero Dedes/Steve Beuerlein                Bob Dekas/Chris Svendsen

·Denver @ Kansas City            Bill Macatee/Steve Tasker                    Victor Frank/Andy Goldberg

 

4:00 PM, ET starts:

·Baltimore @ Seattle                 Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf                   Mark Wolff/Bob Fishman

 

* * * * *

 

Follow CBS Sports on Twitter: @CBSSportsGang

Filed Under: CBS, NFL

Buck: Cardinal Hitters Are To Blame For Game 5 Loss, Not La Russa

October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Texas Rangers Can Clinch Title – Cardinals Look to Force Game 7 Friday Night

Buck: Cardinal Hitters Are To Blame For Game 5 Loss, Not La Russa

Lynch Goes One-on-One with Tebow on FOX NFL SUNDAY

UFC PRIMETIME Features Intense, Behind-the-Scenes Look at Fighters’ Preparation

107th WORLD SERIES ON FOX BROADCAST SCHEDULE

World Series Game Coverage Broadcasters: Play-by-Play – Joe Buck, Analyst – Tim McCarver

Field Reporter – Ken Rosenthal

Pregame Show: Host – Chris Rose, Analysts – Eric Karros, AJ Pierzynski

 

Schedule Subject to Change/All Times Eastern

 

DATE                            GAME                                       LOCATION                                                       TIME

THURSDAY, OCT. 27     GAME 6                                   Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO                            7:30 PM

*Friday, Oct. 28             GAME 7                                   Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO                            7:30 PM

* If necessary

JOE BUCK: BLAMING LA RUSSA FOR MIS-MANAGING 8TH INNING IS MISGUIDED CRITICISM – MLB on FOX play-by-play broadcaster Joe Buck appeared on Fox Sports Radio this morning to discuss the St. Louis Cardinals Game 5 loss and criticism on the way Tony La Russa managed the 8th inning.  Buck believes La Russa is not to blame and the Cardinal hitters are at fault for that loss.  “The Cardinal hitters lost Game 5…period,” said Buck.  “There is no way you can tell me that years from now when somebody looks back, the story will be who came out of the bullpen in the 8th inning. The game was tied! This is not what cost you the win. That’s just baseball.  To blame that on the phone system and La  Russa, that’s just crazy.”

 

MOROSI: IF CARDINALS ARE COUNTING ON PUJOLS TO SAVE THEM, THEY’D BETTER FORGET IT – After his all-time great performance in Game 3, the Rangers have decided that Albert Pujols isn’t going to beat them the rest of the World Series. FOXSports.com national MLB writer Jon Paul Morosi notes that after his heroics in Game 3, Pujols has been silent at the plate. “As short as our attention spans may be, we haven’t forgotten what he did in Game 3,” Morosi writes. “The issue is what has happened since Pujols joined Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth as the only men to hit three home runs in a World Series game… Game 4: 0-for-4 with few pitches to hit — in a St. Louis loss… Game 5: 0-for-2 with three intentional walks and a botched, Pujols-initiated hit-and-run — in a St. Louis loss. The Texas Rangers have swung the series back into their favor, and they have done so by removing the bat from Pujols’ hands whenever possible.”

 

To read the rest of Morosi’s column, click here: http://on-msn.com/udUrGi

 

ROOKIE QBs MEET IN CHARLOTTE AND FOX SPORTS KEEPS INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR WITH NFL ACTION IN CANADA – Week 8 of the 2011 NFL on FOX season kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 30 as FOX Sports presents singleheader coverage of five games—each presented in true HD. While the Panthers’ Cam Newton has been the story of the of the 2011 rookie QB class, the Vikings’ Christian Ponder had a rather strong starting debut in a close loss to the undefeated Packers. The rookie signal callers meet at 1:00 PM ET as Newton’s Panthers host Ponder’s Vikings. In Baltimore, Ray Rice and the Ravens look to rebound from their Monday night effort as they host Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals. Coming off a 62-point explosion, Drew Brees and the high-octane Saints travel to St. Louis to face the Rams. The 4:00 PM ET window opens with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the Lions looking to end a two-game losing streak as they take on Tim Tebow and the Broncos. The international feel on NFL on FOX continues this week as the Redskins travel to Toronto to battle Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson and the Bills.  Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman & Pam Oliver have the call.

 

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched Sunday afternoon pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY. Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson.  NFL Insider Jay Glazer presents the latest league news and scoops from the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio while comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment.  FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira is also on hand to go over any impactful officiating issues. This week’s edition of “The Journey” opens the show and NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch goes one-on-one with Broncos QB Tim Tebow.

 

For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX. Follow the NFL on FOX on-air personalities @Jay_Glazer, @JimmyJohnson, @CurtMenefee, @MikePereira, @MichaelStrahan, @TroyAikman, @KennyAlbert, @CoachBillick, @TimBrewster, @CFD22 (Charles Davis), @DarylJohnston, @The_ChrisMyers, @LauraOkmin, @ChadPennington, @TimRyan99 & @TonySiragusa on Twitter as they provide insight and analysis all weekend. Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports.

 

 

GAME                                                                                     PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST/SIDELINE                COV.                       TIME 

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers                      Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                          22%                       1:00PM 

                                                                                                & Tony Siragusa

Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC

MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Knoxville, Minneapolis, Portland, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle

 

Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens                        Sam Rosen, Brian Billick                   14%                       1:00PM

                                                                                                & Laura Okmin

M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, MD

MARKETS INCLUDE: Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Hartford, Louisville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence

 

 

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams                         Chris Myers, Tim Ryan                                      11%                        1:00PM 

                                                                                                & Jennifer Hale

Edward Jones Domes – St. Louis, MO

MARKETS INCLUDE: Memphis, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tulsa

 

 

Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos                                    Dick Stockton, John Lynch                               29%                       4:05PM 

                                                                                                & Jaime Maggio

Sports Authority Field at Mile High – Denver, CO

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Tampa, West Palm Beach

 

Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills                           Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman                     23%                        4:05PM

                                                                                                & Pam Oliver

Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON

MARKETS INCLUDE: Austin, Buffalo, Dallas, Houston, New York, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Richmond, Washington

 

 

LYNCH: TEBOW INSPIRES GREATNESS; SUH NOT A DIRTY PLAYER – On Fox Sports Radio’s “The Jim Rome Show” today, NFL on FOX analyst John Lynch previewed the Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos game that he’ll call on Sunday at 4:05 PM ET.  Lynch weighed in on Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow’s ability to motivate his teammates and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s reputation as a dirty player.

 

ON TEBOW – “There is something special about Tim Tebow,” said Lynch.  “What I see is their defense playing a little harder.  I see their offensive line blocking a little harder.  He does inspire greatness.  He brings the best out of people and that’s what great leaders do.  There are some things that you wonder such as can this guy play quarterback consistently at a high level.  A lot of that has to do with being an accurate thrower of the football.  Against San Diego three weeks ago, he brought them back and gave them an opportunity to win.  And this week, albeit the Miami Dolphins, he had a terrific comeback and there is something special.”

 

ON SUH – “I don’t think he’s a dirty player.  He’s a tremendous football player,” said Lynch.  “If I’m around Ndamukong Suh, I’d say lay off all the stuff after the play.  That’s fake toughness.  He doesn’t need fake toughness because he’s the baddest guy going in the league right now.  Do your work in between the whistle, leave all the other stuff to other people that need to do that to make people think they’re tough, and play your game.”

 

 

FOX SPORTS MEDIA GROUP WEEKEND COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

*All Times Eastern

 

DATE TIME GAME OUTLET Play by play Analyst Sideline
Thursday, Oct. 27 8:00 PM Rice at Houston FSN Ron Thulin JC Pearson Jeremy Bloom
Saturday, Oct. 29 12:00 PM Northwestern at Indiana BTN Tom Hart Derek Rackley Lisa Byington
Saturday, Oct. 29 12:00 PM Missouri at Texas A&M FX Gus Johnson Charles Davis Tim Brewster
Saturday, Oct. 29 3:00 PM Washington State at Oregon FSN Joel Meyers Brian Baldinger Jim Knox
Saturday, Oct. 29 3:30 PM Iowa at Minnesota BTN Eric Collins Chris Martin Dionne Miller
Saturday, Oct. 29 3:30 PM SMU at Tulsa FSN Ron Thulin JC Pearson Jeremy Bloom
Saturday, Oct. 29 6:00 PM Dartmouth at Harvard FCS Eric Frede Steve DeOssie Katy Fitzpatrick
Saturday, Oct. 29 7:00 PM Iowa State at Texas Tech FSN Bill Land Dave Lapham Emily Jones
Saturday, Oct. 29 10:30 PM Arizona at Washington FSN Craig Bolerjack Joel Klatt Petros Papadakis

 

UFC PRIMETIME PREVIEWS VELASQUEZ VS. DOS SANTOS FIGHT – With the UFC on FOX landmark live debut only two weeks away, FOX Sports presents UFC PRIMETIME, an intense, one-hour, behind-the-scenes look at the fighters’ preparation leading up to the Saturday, Nov. 12 main event. Follow UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez as he gets ready to put his title on the line against No. 1 contender Junior Dos Santos.  UFC PRIMETIME airs opposite FOX’s singleheader NFL coverage – 3:00 PM ET (PRE-NFL for markets getting a 4:00 PM ET NFL game) OR 4:30 PM ET (POST-NFL for markets getting a 1:00 PM ET NFL game.

 

GUS JOHNSON SCHEDULED TO CALL NEARLY 30 BASKETBALL GAMES ON BTN – The Big Ten Network announced earlier this week that America’s favorite play-by-play announcer, Gus Johnson, returns for his fourth basketball season on BTN.  Johnson is scheduled to call nearly 30 men’s basketball games this season, including the network’s four Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament games, plus bitter rivalries like Indiana-Purdue and marquee matchups such as Butler-Indiana.  Johnson is scheduled to make an appearance on the vast majority of BTN Super Wednesday doubleheaders during the regular season. The Michigan native will once again team with Shon Morris during BTN telecasts of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis.  The network will carry four tournament games for the first time as the tournament bracket expands to include Nebraska. BTN will televise the first two games on Thursday and both Friday night quarterfinals.   The Big Ten Digital Network will also provide free, live streaming coverage of Big Ten Basketball Media Day on Thursday.  The conference’s men’s and women’s basketball coaches will address the media for 10 minutes each beginning at 9 AM ET.  Fans can find the schedules for the press conferences and watch them live at http://video.btn.com.

 

– FOX SPORTS –

 

Filed Under: Football, FOX, MLB, NCAA Basketball

Michael Bayle Joins ESPN as SVP and GM, ESPN Mobile

October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Michael Bayle Joins ESPN as SVP and GM, ESPN Mobile

ESPN has hired Michael Bayle as Senior Vice President and General Manager of ESPN Mobile. A former Yahoo! and Microsoft executive, Bayle will develop and manage all aspects of ESPN’s mobile strategy and execution, including content production, programming and publishing on every ESPN Mobile platform.  He will report to John Kosner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ESPN Digital and Print Media.

Most recently, Bayle was Vice President of Monetization and Marketing at Amobee, a leading mobile marketing developer, where he led global ad operations, North American business and market development and strategic partnerships. Prior to Amobee, Bayle was Senior Director of Global Mobile Monetization at Yahoo!, where he launched Yahoo’s mobile advertising business, while building a global team that created mobile campaigns for Fortune 500 partners in 29 markets. Bayle also held business development positions at Yahoo!, Microsoft and International Data Group (IDG).

“Michael’s depth of experience and expertise building mobile businesses on a global scale is right in line with our priorities for ESPN Mobile,” said Kosner. “We are very lucky to have him as we continue to innovate and develop new products to serve sports fans wherever they are on any and all devices.”

Bayle is a graduate of Stanford University, with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science, as well as a bachelor of arts in Japanese. He is also co-founder of Drink Exchange, a monthly global internet networking event.

ESPN Digital Media

ESPN’s Digital Media properties include ESPN.com, the world’s leading online sports service; ESPN3, the company’s 24/7 live sports broadband network; ESPN Mobile, which includes the leading mobile web destination and top-ranked apps for iPhone, iPad and Android; as well as Digital Audio, Interactive Games, Fantasy Sports, and other emerging digital media including Grantland.com. ESPN’s total digital footprint – ESPN.com, ESPN Mobile web and apps, WatchESPN, etc. – reaches more people each month than any other digital sports entity.

-30-

Filed Under: ESPN

NBC Sports Group Continues Its College Football Coverage This Saturday With Navy At Notre Dame On NBC

October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Fighting Irish host the Midshipmen this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET

Teams have played every year since 1927

NEW YORK (October 27, 2011) – The NBC Sports Group continues its college football coverage this Saturday when Notre Dame hosts Navy at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The teams will play for the 85th straight year on Saturday, making the matchup the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in the country. Notre Dame has won 44 of the last 47 meetings in the series, but the Midshipmen have won three of the last four, including the last two, after snapping a 43-game Irish winning streak in the series (NCAA record for longest streak against one opponent) in 2007. Notre Dame and Navy have met every year since 1927.

COMMENTATORS: NBC teams Tom Hammond (play-by-play) with Mike Mayock (analyst) and Alex Flanagan (sideline reporter) for its Notre Dame coverage. NBC and VERSUS will have an analyst reporting from the sidelines for all college football games to provide first-person analysis from the field and interact with the play-by-play and color announcers in the booth.

VERSUS will surround NBC’s college football coverage this weekend with pre- and post-game coverage, from NBC’s Football Night in America studio (Studio 8G) at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. VERSUS 30-minute pre-game show begins at 3 p.m. ET and the post-game show airs at 7 p.m. ET. The coverage will be hosted by Liam McHugh with 1984 Heisman Trophy-winner Doug Flutie and Super Bowl champion and former NFL tight end Roland Williams serving as studio analysts. NBC will also present a halftime show featuring McHugh and Flutie providing scores and highlights.

ROLAND WILLIAMS ON THE GAME: “We know that the Irish have more talent on both sides of the ball than Navy, but there is still the remaining question: Is Notre Dame going to keep turning the ball over, especially in the red zone? For Navy, they don’t have a complicated formula for success against anybody. Navy controls the time of possession and wears down their opponents with their option attack.”

NOTRE DAME EXTRA: All of NBC’s Notre Dame games will be streamed live on NBCSports.com. “Notre Dame Extra” features a simulcast of the broadcast feed in full HD quality plus one additional online-only bonus camera. The video player includes picture-in-picture capability and full DVR functionality, allowing the user to pause the live video and even review plays in “slo-mo.”

NBC also offers fans live in-game tweets from sideline reporter Alex Flanagan and a live in-game chat from Inside the Irish blogger Keith Arnold. Additionally, fans can also watch live coverage of the Notre Dame and visiting teams’ bands at halftime, in-game highlights, as well as a live, online-only postgame footage that will include head coach Brian Kelly’s press conference. Click on Notre Dame Central at NBCSports.com to access Notre Dame Extra: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/25889627/

NOTRE DAME CENTRAL APPS: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users can get complete NBC Sports coverage of the Notre Dame 2011 college football season with the Notre Dame Central apps. Users can get free, live access to every NBC Sports broadcast of Notre Dame football games. Plus, the app includes live scores, news, video highlights and much more. The iPhone and iPad updates for the 2011 season will be available prior to the Sept. 3 season opener against South Florida.

 

ADDITIONAL ONLINE FEATURES – NBCSports.com’s college football coverage will also feature video highlights and features from all of VERSUS’ Mountain West, Pac-12 and Ivy League games. In addition, NBCSports.com will feature online-only analysis from all of the VERSUS’ college football experts.

NBC Sports Group’s College Football Schedule (all times ET, subject to change):

 

NBC

 

DATE GAME TIME

Oct. 29 Notre Dame vs. Navy 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 Notre Dame vs. Maryland 7:30 p.m. (FedEx Field in Landover, MD)

Nov. 19 Notre Dame vs. Boston College 4:00 p.m.

Nov. 26 The State Farm Bayou Classic 2:30 p.m.

· Grambling vs. Southern

VERSUS

Mountain West Conference

DATE GAME TIME

Nov. 12 TCU at #4 Boise State 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Colorado State at TCU 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 UNLV at TCU 2:30 p.m.

Pac-12 Conference

DATE GAME TIME

Nov. 5 #23 Arizona State at UCLA 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 12 TBD 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 TBD 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 TBD 7:30 p.m.

Ivy League

DATE GAME TIME

Nov. 12 Penn at Harvard 12:00 p.m.

Nov. 19 Harvard at Yale 12:00 p.m.

– NBC Sports Group –

Filed Under: NBC, NBC Sports Network, NCAA Football

Golf Channel Scores Best Fall Series Ratings In History; Continues Network’s Momentum Toward Record-Breaking Year

October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Finishes the Four-Tournament Series 66 % Higher Than Previous Best in 2007

Double-Digit Ratings Growth for Every Fall Series Tournament

Viewers for Sergio Garcia’s Victory at Castello Masters Up 69% over 2010, Keeping European Tour Ratings Strong

Golf Channel Invests in Additional Events to Ensure Strongest Fourth Quarter of Tournament Coverage in Network History

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 26, 2011) – Golf Channel’s coverage of the entire PGA TOUR Fall Series was the most watched in history, topping the previous-best Series in 2007 by 66 percent and last year by 105 percent. This latest success builds on the momentum the network has created in 2011 toward a record-breaking year.

After record ratings were reported earlier this month to start the Fall Series, Golf Channel continued to set all-time records for each event in the 2011 Series:

· Frys.com Open was the highest-rated and most-watched Fall Series event in history.

· Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open was the second-highest-rated and second-most-watched Fall Series event in history.

· Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic tied the 2007 Valero Texas Open as the third-highest rated Fall Series event in history.

· The McGladrey Classic joined the top-five, highest-rated Fall Series events (out of 25 events since 2007) with viewership up 62 percent over 2010.

Ratings for all four tournaments comprising the Fall Series were up double digits over 2010. Through the CMN Hospitals Classic, viewership for the PGA TOUR on Golf Channel is up 28 percent over last year.

Luke Donald’s victory at the CMN Hospitals Classic at Walt Disney World earned him the PGA TOUR money title and kept his hopes alive to be the first player in history to win money titles on both sides of the Atlantic. The tournament telecasts drew 325,000 average viewers, up 68 percent over 2010.

2011 Event by Event Rating Viewers Change YOY
Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open 0.4 354,000 35%
Frys.com Open 0.7 727,000 165%
The McGladrey Classic 0.3 312,000 62%
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic 0.3 325,000 68%

Source: Nielsen MIT via Star Trak; Live+Same Day DVR HH Cvg Rtgs and P2+ 000s, 2007-2011

European Tour Up 69 Percent: Golf Channel’s coverage of the European Tour remained strong with Sunday’s conclusion to the Castello Masters in Spain. Average viewers for the tournament were up 69 percent over 2010 (0.1 / 59,000). Champion Sergio Garcia shot a closing score of 63 to blow away the competition and later dedicated his victory to the late Seve Ballesteros.

Presidents Cup Headlines Strong Fourth Quarter: Making sure the golf season is far from over, Golf Channel will televise an impressive tournament lineup to close 2011, which features established stars like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and young phenoms like Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson. Next week, the World Golf Championships – HSBC Champions event from Shanghai, China, will feature all four major winners from this year (Charl Schwartzel, Masters; Rory McIlroy, U.S. Open; Darren Clarke, Open Championship; Keegan Bradley, PGA Championship). The week prior to The Presidents Cup, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els will tee it up at the Barclays Singapore Open, and Tiger Woods and most of the USA Presidents Cup team will compete in the Emirates Australian Open in prime time. Also, for the first time, Golf Channel will air all four rounds of The Presidents Cup live from Australia, Nov. 16-19. More than 27 hours of live coverage – much of it in prime time – on Golf Channel and more than 50 hours total on Golf Channel and NBC will capture the excitement of team competition when USA Captain Fred Couples will lead his team against a strong International squad led by Greg Norman.

7 Nights at the Academy: Legends Nick Faldo, Johnny Miller and Raymond Floyd will share their secrets of success with Golf Channel viewers during a one-of-a-kind instruction series airing in December titled 7 Nights at the Academy. From driving to putting, iron play to course management, these golfing superstars will demonstrate the shots and techniques that made them some of the most decorated champions in the game.

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel
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