May 17, 2012

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Tuesday, May 15, 2012

May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Tuesday, May 15, 2012

TNT’s coverage of the 2012 NBA Playoffs continues Wednesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. ET with a doubleheader featuring the Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers (Game 3) followed by the

Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 2)


***CLIP OF THE NIGHT*** 

EJ, Charles, Kenny and Shaq debate whether or not LeBron James was too passive at the end of Game 2


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Indiana Pacers (78) @ Miami Heat (75) – Series tied 1-1
Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with Cheryl Miller (reporter)

 

Kerr on Miami missing Chris Bosh due to his injury and what it means to the Heat: “This is about defense…and Bosh is a big part of that.”

Kerr on the difficulty of playing the Heat: “You cannot beat Miami when they’re playing fast.”

Kerr on how difficult it is to play against the Miami Heat: “You cannot really sense how fast Miami’s defense is until you play against it. Indiana has to rely on its execution to try and create offense and I’m not sure if they [Pacers] are good enough.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on the Indiana Pacers 7’4” center Roy Hibbert: “He should be devastating with his moves. His attitude should be ‘I’m dominating.’ He should be more demonstrative with his moves. He should be more aggressive and he should go up to dunk it every time.”

Barkley on the key to the Pacers success in the series: “The key to the series [for the Pacers]…unless Danny Granger and Paul George play better, this team is not going to win.”

**** **** **** *** 

TNT’s Miller interviewed Indiana Pacers forward David West following their win:

West: “We can’t celebrate over this. Our mindset is to win the series. We’re going to remain aggressive.”

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Los Angeles Clippers (92) @ San Antonio Spurs (108) – Spurs lead the series 1-0
Announcers: Matt Devlin (play-by-play) and Mike Fratello (analyst) with Marty Snider (reporter)

TNT’s Snider interviewed Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro following the first quarter of play:

Del Negro on the Clippers first quarter: “We don’t want to get into a track meet with them [San Antonio]. We’ve got to be smart.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Spurs mental toughness: “The Spurs are not going to make many mental mistakes.”

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Fratello on the Spurs pace and acumen of play in Game 1: “When you [Clippers] are running low on energy, low on gas, it’s tough to keep up with the passing [of the Spurs].”

Fratello on the heightened expectations of the L.A. Clippers after acquiring Chris Paul: “He was the big reason why they have become so much tougher mentally and physically…once they acquired Chris Paul everyone expected, ‘Wow, Chris Paul, we’re going to win the whole thing.’”

TNT’s Marty Snider interviewed San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan following his 26-point, 10-rebound night in the Spurs win:

Duncan: “We expected to go ahead and attack the basket. Early on I was just trying to get the rust off and get it going.”


**** **** **** ****

Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Spurs momentum: “I felt the Spurs had a little too much rest. They started off pretty slow. But once the game got going they picked it back up and do what the Spurs do…win at home.”

O’Neal on the Spurs: “They have been together so long and have so much experience that nothing impresses them. They know what to do, they know how to do it and they know when to do it. That’s why it looks so easy.”

Smith on Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich: “He exposes what you can’t do. If you aren’t good at doing something, he is going to expose it. He exposes everything that other teams are weak at.”

Barkley on the rest of the Clippers/Spurs series: “Chris Paul is not going to dominate in this series. I see the Clippers winning one game because their flaws are going to show.”

TNT reporter Marty Snider interviews Clippers guard Chris Paul in the locker room after the game

Paul on what the Clippers need to work on: “We missed a lot of layups, we didn’t get to the free throw line enough. But we felt like there were some good things we did and we just have to stay the course.”

O’Neal on the mentality Clippers forward Blake Griffin needs to have: “The mentality Blake has to have is ‘I have to outplay the almighty Tim Duncan.’ The Playoffs is where you make your name. Tim Duncan is a legend, if you want to be a legend you have to go at the legend and you have to take care of the legend.”

Barkley on the Clippers’ Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan: “It is going to be a learning experience for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan because their flaws are really going to show this series.”

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Filed Under: NBA, TNT

Former Eagles, Ravens & Browns Scout Daniel Jeremiah Joins NFL.com, NFL Network & NFL Mobile

May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah, who spent a combined eight seasons with three NFL clubs, has joined the NFL Media team, it was announced today.

Jeremiah will be a regular contributor on NFL.com (NFL.com/DanielJeremiah) and NFL Mobile, offering an Xs-and-Os look at players, teams and trends, and will play a key role in the site’s NFL Draft coverage. In addition, he will offer analysis on NFL Network. Jeremiah enjoys a wide Twitter following (@MoveTheSticks) among NFL media members.

In his first NFL.com column (http://tinyurl.com/78qr7kn), Jeremiah ranks starting quarterbacks by division – noting a shift over the past five years. “Things have definitely changed since 2007,” he writes. “The balance of power at the QB position has clearly switched to the NFC.”

Jeremiah joins NFL Media after serving for two years as the Philadelphia Eagles’ college area scout for the West.  Previously, he was a national scout for the Cleveland Browns and a west coast area scout for the Baltimore Ravens.

Prior to working in the NFL, Jeremiah was a production assistant for ESPN’s Sunday Night Football telecasts.

Jeremiah graduated in 2000 from Appalachian State, where he started at quarterback for three seasons.  He resides in Murrieta, Calif., with his wife and four children.

NFL Media properties include NFL Network, NFL Films, NFL RedZone, NFL.com, and NFL Mobile Only From Verizon.

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Filed Under: NFLN

Notes from NBA TV’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Thursday, May 10, 2012

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Notes from NBA TV’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Thursday, May 10, 2012

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NBA GameTime presented by AutoTrader.com
Matt Winer, Dennis Scott and Robert Horry

Horry on the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant sitting out of shoot around due to stomach pains:  “He knows his body better than anyone else. He’s getting the best rest for his body to be ready for tonight’s game.”

 

****    ****    ****    ****

Chicago Bulls (78) @ Philadelphia 76ers (79) –Sixers win the series 4-2
Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Greg Anthony (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)

Anthony on Bulls forward Luol Deng: “I have my all-glue team and he is my all-glue guy in terms of his ability to defend and rebound. He passes and he can obviously make shots.”

Anthony on Sixers guard Lou Williams: “Williams is a versatile player because he can play both guard positions…obviously a natural scorer of the basketball. The kind of guy you win with on your basketball team.”

Anthony on Lou Williams’ offensive ability: “Much like Loul Deng in Game 5, he’s come and established an offensive flow for the Sixers.”

 

****    ****    ****    ****
Sprint Halftime Report

Winer, Scott and Horry

Horry on Bulls forward Carlos Boozer: “Carlos Boozer is not being aggressive enough for me. He looks like he is not trying to get to Game 7.”

Scott on the Bulls’ biggest priority during the second half: “More offense. Somehow, get Boozer going.”

 

****    ****    ****    ***

Anthony on the Sixers’ strengths: “That’s where they are at their best, in the open floor. [Evan] Turner, [Andre] Iguodala, [Jrue] Holiday, those guys all have the versatility to make plays in the open floor.”

Anthony on the Bulls’ tenacity: “One thing Chicago has been all season is resilient.  They have dealt with adversity, injuries. They just go out and try to find ways to win games.”

 

NBA TV reporter Cheryl Miller interviews 76ers head coach Doug Collins prior to the fourth quarter

Collins on what has allowed the Bulls to get back in the game during the second half: “We are not rebounding the ball. If we don’t rebound the ball, we can’t get out and run and get into the half court game.”

Anthony on the Chicago Bulls: “They seem to want it a little bit more than the Sixers.”

Anthony on the inexperience of the Sixers: “It is so difficult to close a team out when you are expected to win. Whereas from the Bulls standpoint, no one expects them to win this series, so they are playing with a little more freedom and confidence than the Sixers.” 

Anthony on the defensive ability of the Bulls and Sixers: “These two teams are going to struggle against one other because of the defense and that has been the case here tonight.”

 

Anthony on Bulls center Omer Asik: “It doesn’t always show up statistically but Omer Asik has been the MVP of this game. He does not give up on plays.”

 

NBA TV reporter Cheryl Miller interviews Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala following the game

Iguodala on what was going through his mind:  “[Omer] Asik is a bad shooter, I knew I had a chance to get the rebound. Spencer [Hawes] did a great job boxing out. On the free throws, Tony Battie told me to think of something that you love when shooting free throws. I thought of my son and it was easy after that.”

Iguodala on the composure of the Sixers: “We have been in that position so many times this season, where we let games go; games we should have pulled out. Those were all learning experiences for this type of moment. I’m just so proud of my teammates.” 

****    ****    ****    ****

NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Winer, Scott and Horry

Horry on a Philly/Boston series: “It is going to be very ugly. Philly is a team that is very active. They can play a lot of positions and a lot of different roles. In the end, the Celtics would be too smart. If you look at tonight’s game, Philly didn’t play a very smart basketball game.”

Scott on what Bulls forward Carlos Boozer needs to do: “Carlos Boozer really needs to look himself in the mirror. Forget about the contract. You are in the part of your career where you want to show people what you can do. To go 1-11 in a close-out game….you let Taj Gibson come in and take your spot..in my opinion.”

Scott on what Philadelphia did well in Game 6: “Those last free throws. The little things down the stretch Philadelphia got done tonight.”

Philadelphia 76ers guard Lou Williams joins the GameTime crew via Arena Link after the game

Williams on the Sixers chemistry and finding a way to finish the game:  “I think it was just a stepping stone for a young group of guys to come together. Obviously we have had our ups and downs. We started out the season on fire and then we didn’t have as much success, so it has been a rollercoaster. It just feels good to prevail and move on to the second round.”

 

Filed Under: NBA, NBA TV

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Presents Mother’s Day Special May 12

May 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Presents Mother’s Day Special May 12

Carol Bickford, mother of Jeff Gordon, and Claire B. Lang will host two-hour special, “Dialed In to Mother’s Day,” live from Darlington 

Listeners will hear from moms of some of NASCAR’s biggest stars

 NEW YORK – May 10, 2012 – SiriusXM will present a special NASCAR-themed Mother’s Day special, hosted by Claire B. Lang and Carol Bickford, mother of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, on Saturday, May 12 (2:00-4:00 pm ET) on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.

Dialed In to Mother’s Day will air live from Darlington Raceway, site of this weekend’s races, and will celebrate the relationships between several of NASCAR’s star drivers and their mothers.  Lang and Bickford will talk with a number of NASCAR moms about their childrens’ accomplishments on and off the track and share stories and memories of their journeys from racing’s junior circuits to the pinnacle of their sport – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Among the moms who will be featured on the special will include Martha Earnhardt, mother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Sr.; Gaye Busch, mother of Kurt and Kyle Busch; Mary Lou Hamlin, Denny Hamlin’s mother; Pam Boas, mother of three-time and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart; Carl Edwards’ mom, Nancy Sterling; andTammy Kahne, mother of Kasey Kahne.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio is available to listeners nationwide on channel 90 on Sirius and XM Premier, and can also be heard on the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other mobile devices and online at SiriusXM.com.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will also have live coverage of the Bojangles’ Southern 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, May 12 (6:00 pm ET), as well as the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, May 11 (6:30 pm ET).

For more info visit www.siriusxm.com/nascar.  Follow the channel on Twitter @SiriusXMNASCAR.

 

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Filed Under: NASCAR, Sirius/XM

Hamilton & Pujols Battle in Texas on FOX Saturday Baseball

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES 

Josh Hamilton & Rangers Host Albert Pujols & Angels on the

FOX Saturday Baseball at 12:30 PM ET; Cubs/Brewers & Mets/Marlins Also Featured 

NASCAR on FOX Under the Lights From the ‘Lady In Black’ Saturday at 6:30 PM ET; Larry Mac Shares a Father’s Pride After Watching Son Win First ARCA Series Race 

Barclays Premier League ‘Survival Sunday’ Airs Across FSMG Beginning at 9:30 AM ET

Preview Press Call Tomorrow at 4:00 PM ET

 

HOME RUN HERO HAMILTON RETURNS TO FOX – It might be safe to say that no MLB player will have a bigger game this season than Josh Hamilton had at the plate last night. Hamilton, who hit four home runs against Baltimore, returns home to Texas as his Rangers host Albert Pujols and the Angels during the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK thisSaturday, May 12 (12:30 PM ET). After a slow start following his tumultuous off-season, Ryan Braun’s powerful bat has returned as he leads the Brewers in a home encounter with the Cubs. In South Beach, David Wright and the Mets get their first glimpse at former shortstop Jose Reyes’ new digs as they take on the Marlins.

Coverage begins with the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL PREGAME SHOW, a full 30-minute program, originating live from MLB Network’s state-of-the-art Studio 3 in Secaucus, NJ. The show is hosted by MLB Network studio host Greg Amsinger, who is joined by analysts Harold Reynolds and Kevin Millar.

For instant updates throughout the week and during games from the entire MLB on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/MLBONFOX.  Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on towww.facebook.com/foxsports.

 

GAME                                                                                     PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST                                                  COV.   

Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers                        Matt Vasgersian, Eric Karros                                                          38%

                                                                                                & Ken Rosenthal

Rangers Ballpark – Arlington, TX

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Portland, Providence, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa

Probable Pitchers: Jerome Williams, RHP (3-1, 3.38 ERA) vs. Matt Harrison, LHP (4-2, 5.11 ERA)

 

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers                           Daron Sutton & Bob Brenly                                                              31%

Miller Park – Milwaukee, WI

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Birmingham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City

Probable Pitchers:  Jeff Samardzija, RHP (4-1, 3.03 ERA) vs. Shaun Marcum, RHP (1-1, 3.41 ERA)

 

New York Mets at Miami Marlins                                    Kenny Albert & Tim McCarver                                                         23%

Marlins Park – Miami, FL

MARKETS INCLUDE:  Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Jacksonville, Miami, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Richmond, Washington, West Palm Beach

Probable Pitchers:  R.A. Dickey, RHP (4-1, 3.76 ERA) vs. Ricky Nolasco, RHP (4-0, 2.72 ERA)

ROSENTHAL:  RANGERS’ HAMILTON IN LEAGUE OF HIS OWN – Last night in Baltimore, Josh Hamilton became only the 16th major leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. Hamilton’s exploits only add to an incredible season he was already having writes MLB on FOX & FOXSports.com reporter Ken Rosenthal.  “This was not a night to lament what Hamilton might have become if he had not lost years of his career to injuries, addictions and suspensions nor was it a night to predict what he might earn on the free-agent market next offseason if the Rangers fail to sign him to a new contract. This was a night to celebrate one of the most gifted athletes ever to play the game, to revel in who he is, right now.”

To read more from Rosenthal click here: http://on-msn.com/JwbQrZ

NASCAR ON FOX PRESENTS THE LADY IN BLACK IN PRIMETIME – Another start, another top-five finish equals another week at the top of the points standings for Greg Biffle. On Saturday, May 12 (6:30 PM ET) NASCAR on FOX heads south for NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing from Darlington Presented By GoDaddy.com. As Biffle registered his sixth top-five finish, Matt Kenseth also notched his sixth top-five and remains only seven points behind the leader as the Sprint Cup Series heads to South Carolina.

Coverage starts with the FOX NASCAR SUNDAY prerace show hosted by Chris Myers, with up-to-the-minute reports, live interviews with drivers, crewmen and officials shaping the day’s action, and analysis from Darrell Waltrip and Michael Waltrip.

Veteran analyst Jeff Hammond takes his extensive experience as a former championship-winning crew chief to where the action is, in the garages and pit road.  Once the green flag drops, race announcer Mike Joy is alongside analysts Waltrip andLarry McReynolds to call all the twists and turns on the track while Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum patrol the pits for reports on teams and pit stops.

FATHER’S PRIDE: MCREYNOLDS WATCHES SON HEAD TO VICTORY LANE – When Brandon McReynolds headed to victory lane after winning his first ARCA race Friday at Talladega Superspeedway, no one may have been more excited than his proud father – NASCAR on FOX analyst Larry McReynolds.  “Parents can relate to what I am about to say. When something special happens to you personally, well that is great. When something special happens to your children, well that’s as good as it gets in my book.  As if this whole thing couldn’t have been made any more special, Brandon wins this race in Talladega. It’s my home track in my home state,” writes McReynolds.  “I won’t lie — it’s been a hard road. Nobody has beaten the bushes harder trying to get something lined up for him than I have. Sure I am his dad, but I also do it because I believe that much in his talent.  The folks at Turner Motorsports seem like they have really embraced Brandon.  Naturally everyone is hoping that this win will not only be the first of many in his career but also attract sponsors because they are the lifeblood of our sport.  I have told people many times that even if Brandon wasn’t my son, I would continue to try and help secure his future in a race car because I simply believe in his talent behind the wheel and the young man off the track that much.  Brandon has now won in every series he has raced in as he continues to move up the ladder.  The pieces of the puzzle are coming together.”

To read more from McReynolds, visit: http://on-msn.com/JZvbnL

FSMG PRESENTS NINE BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHES SIMULTAEOUSLY ON SURVIVIAL SUNDAY –For the first time in U.S. television history, FOX Sports Media Group features nine of the last 10 matches in the 2012 Barclays Premier League campaign simultaneously, showcasing vital matchups that secure coveted hardware, European honors and financial security. All 20 teams face off at the same time with the bottom three teams relegated from the BPL (clubs 18-20), while the top four sides ensure passage to the world’s most prestigious (and lucrative) club tournament – the UEFA Champions League.

Led by FX, FOX’s fully-distributed cable powerhouse, FSMG networks SPEED, FSN, FUEL TV, FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes, along with digital platforms FOXSoccer.com and FOX Soccer 2Go, are carrying all nine matches live at 10:00 AM ET.  Pre-match coverage begins at 9:30 AM ET on all networks with the exception of SPEED, with all outlets carrying post-match coverage of this hallmark event.  FX anchors halftime coverage.  Pre-match, halftime and post-match coverage (English) is hosted by Rob Stone, with analysis from Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton and Brian McBride. All FSMG outlets are showing the Barclays Premier League trophy presentation following the day’s events along with highlights from all 10 Survival Sunday games.

 

Sunday, May 13 (9:30 AM ET)

 

MATCHUP                                                                                             NETWORK

SUNDERLAND V MANCHESTER UNITED                                    FX & FOX DEPORTES

CHELSEA V BLACKBURN ROVERS                                               SPEED

SWANSEA CITY V LIVERPOOL                                                        FUEL TV

WEST BROMWICH ALBION V ARSENAL                                       FSN

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V FULHAM                                               FOX SOCCER

STOKE CITY V BOLTON WANDERERS                                         FOX SOCCER PLUS

EVERTON V NEWCASTLE UNITED                                                FOXSOCCER.COM

NORWICH CITY V ASTON VILLA                                                      FOX SOCCER 2GO

WIGAN ATHLETIC V WOLVERHAMPTON                                      WANDERERSFOX SOCCER 2GO

MANCHESTER CITY V QUEENS PARK RANGERS                     ESPN/MATCHTRAX

PREVIEW PRESS CALL FOR SURVIVAL SUNDAY:  A media conference call to preview Survival Sunday coverage, as well as the UEFA Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea will be held on Thursday, May 10 at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT.

Participants: FOX Sports Media Group Co-President & COO Eric Shanks, FOX Soccer Executive Vice President & General Manager David Nathanson, FOX Soccer Lead Studio Host Rob Stone, American National Soccer Hall of Famer & FOX Soccer Analyst Eric Wynalda. The telephone number to access the call is: 913-312-0733.

SCHRAGER: IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO FEEL BAD FOR T.O. – Earlier this week, former NFL superstar receiver Terrell Owens was a guest on the syndicated daytime talk show Dr. Phil where he faced three of the four different women he has children with.  The 60-minute confrontation painted T.O. as an absentee father and was the subject of FOXSports.com’sPeter Schrager column in which Schrager says he doesn’t feel sorry for Owens.  “We’re supposed to feel bad for Terrell Owens,” wrote Schrager.  “It’s been the theme of every reality TV show he’s ever done (and there have been a few), every ‘exclusive’ interview he’s sat down for, and every magazine feature he’s had written on him in the past two years.  As all three women expressed their displeasure with Owens as a deadbeat dad who owes child support and rarely sees his children, Schrager says he “couldn’t – in good conscience – have any sympathy for a guy who’s spent much of his adult life running away from responsibility.  Watching Owens go up against three of his ‘baby mama’s’ — and there’s a fourth, somewhere — in front of a live studio audience, I couldn’t feel bad for Terrell Owens. It just wasn’t possible.”

The interview was uncomfortable to say the least.  “As others were poking fun at Owens on Twitter, I had no jokes to crack; no quips to deliver.  The whole situation was just sad.”

For Schrager’s complete story, click here:  http://on-msn.com/KOIT9g

FUEL TV TELECASTS UFC FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT WITH TITLE IMPLICATIONS – FUEL TV kicks off the action for UFC ON FUEL TV: THE KOREAN ZOMBIE VS. DUSTIN POIRIER with the live weigh-in show on Monday, May 14 (4:00 PM ET), hosted by Jay Glazer, with analysis from former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans. Jon Anik hosts the weigh-ins live from The Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA, with two-time MMA Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani conducting backstage fighter interviews.

 

UFC TONIGHT ANALYST KENNY FLORIAN SAYS THE KOREAN ZOMBIE HAS KNOCKOUT POWER TO FINISH FIGHT – FUEL TV kicks off Fight Night for UFC ON FUEL TV: THE KOREAN ZOMBIE VS. DUSTIN POIRIER on Tuesday, May 15 (7:00 PM ET), with the UFC Prefight Show on FUEL TV hosted by Jay Glazer with analysis from former UFC ChampionRashad Evans and UFC Middleweight Number-One Contender Chael Sonnen. UFC Fight Night on FUEL TV begins at 8:00 PM ET, with Jon Anik and Kenny Florian announcing the six main card fights live from The Patriot Center. The main bout is between featherweight rivals Chan Sung Jung (The Korean Zombie) with a record of 12-3-0 and Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier with a record of 12-1-0. Says Florian about the title bout: “Both these guys are great finishers, but in different ways. The Korean Zombie likes to go forward and make it a brawl. He has knockout power and is looking to finish things off with one punch. Poirier is a more technical striker. He has to stay technical and use his reach to win the fight.” FUEL TV wraps up the fight night on immediately following the fights with UFC Postfight Show on FUEL TV, live. Glazer leads the one-hour recap, with Evans and Sonnen’s analysis and Helwani’s interviews.

Filed Under: FOX, MLB

NASCAR Star Carl Edwards to Join ESPN for Two Races

May 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Carl Edwards will move from the cockpit of his race car to the broadcast booth as he becomes an analyst for ESPN on two upcoming telecasts of NASCAR Nationwide Series races.

Edwards will make his debut during ESPN2’s live telecast of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on Friday night, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Edwards also will serve as an analyst for the June 29 event at Kentucky Speedway.

For the Darlington race telecast, Edwards will join lap-by-lap announcer Allen Bestwick and analyst Andy Petree in the booth. While Edwards has never called a race, he has worked closely with ESPN the past two years during ESPN’s portion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule by doing post-race analysis for SportsCenter.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to broadcast for ESPN and be part of their team,” said Edwards. “This Friday in Darlington, I will hop out of my Sprint Cup Car and trade my firesuit for a suit and tie to see the Nationwide race from a totally different perspective.

“I am honestly a little nervous as it will be my first time being part of the broadcast,” he said. “ESPN has been a great partner for everyone in NASCAR and I hope I can add some insight for the fans.”

Edwards, who drives for Roush Fenway Racing, stopped competing in NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season after racing fulltime in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series the past seven years. He was the Nationwide Series driving champion in 2007, and earned the 2011 series owner’s championship for Roush Fenway Racing, but decided to concentrate his efforts on the Sprint Cup Series this season.

“Having a past NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and active NASCAR Sprint Cup driver in the booth will certainly bring some unique perspective to our viewers,” said Rich Feinberg, ESPN vice president, motorsports, production. “We have a very strong on-air team for NASCAR and this addition makes it even stronger.”   

 Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN’s latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

About NASCAR on ESPN:

ESPN produces comprehensive, multi-platform coverage featuring telecasts of the final 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup races, including the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Additionally, ESPN is the television home of the NASCAR Nationwide Series. ESPN’s NASCAR coverage extends to ESPN.com, SportsCenter, ESPN the Magazine, WatchESPN, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio and ESPN International, among other ESPN platforms. ESPN aired 262 NASCAR Cup Races over a 20-year period starting in 1981 and returned to NASCAR coverage in 2007. The network’s award-winning, live flag-to-flag coverage on ESPN has been honored with 19 Sports Emmy Awards, as well as many industry honors. It is widely credited for helping to popularize the sport nationwide.

 

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Filed Under: ESPN, NASCAR

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Thursday, May 10, 2012

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

TNT’s coverage of the 2012 NBA Playoffs continues Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET with a doubleheader featuring the Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics (Second Round, Game 1) followed by the Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Lakers (First Round, Game 7)


***CLIP OF THE NIGHT***
(Please click the text below to view)

The Inside crew sends the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks fishin’

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Atlanta Hawks (80) @ Boston Celtics (83) – Celtics win the series 4-2
Announcers: Matt Devlin (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (reporter)

Fratello on Hawks guard Joe Johnson: “One area of major improvement for Joe Johnson is when he is double-teamed and in a trap, he’s more willing to give it up.”

 Fratello on veteran Hawks forward Tracy McGrady: “Tracy McGrady may not have the same hops that he used to have but he’s still long enough, big enough and smart enough to post up a smaller defender and shoot over the top of him.”

Fratello on the defense in the Celtics/Hawks series: “Neither team fouls a lot. Both teams play great defense and don’t put their opponent on the free throw line.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo: “He can control a game by getting assists or by scoring. He’s definitely the leader of the team and he plays with a little chip on his shoulder because they always talk about the Big Three.”

Barkley on the Hawks lack of consistency: “The problem with the Hawks is they aren’t consistent. They can rise up every now and then but they aren’t consistent.”

Smith on the Philadelphia 76ers: “In transition, Philly is tough to beat, but when the game slows down…you have to think your way through it.”

Barkley: “And when the game slows down, some people have trouble thinking.”
****    ****    ****    ***

Fratello on Hawks veteran reserve Erick Dampier’s contributions to the team this season: “Dampier has given them good minutes. He’s been very solid for them, doing things, protecting the front of the rim and using his big body down low.

 ****    ****    ****    ****

Los Angeles Lakers (96) @ Denver Nuggets (113) – Series tied 3-3
Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)
Kerr on the Nuggets offense: “The quicker they shoot, the more efficient they are on offense.”

Kerr on how the Nuggets cause matchup problems: “That’s what makes it so difficult to guard a team that pushes the ball ahead early in the shot clock. You can’t just guard your normal guy…you have to guard whoever is closest to you. The Nuggets do a nice job of exposing that.”


****    ****    ****    ****
Kerr on Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson: “Ty Lawson is the guy who really makes this [team] go in Denver. They don’t have a go-to scorer. It has to come from a team effort of pushing the tempo and the pace.  He’s one of the fastest guys, end-to-end, in the NBA.”

Kerr on the Lakers’ performance in Game 6: “This just doesn’t look like a championship team.”

Kerr on Ty Lawson: “His aggressiveness early [in the game] really set the tone for the Nuggets.”
****    ****    ****    ****

Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on what differentiates the Nuggets from the Lakers in this series: “There are two things [to consider] in a seven-game series when the teams are comparable. [Your] bench wins you one game and coaching can win you one game. Everyone knows the Nuggets bench is much better and Coach Karl is a better coach.”

O’Neal on the Nuggets maintaining composure:  “I think Denver did a great job of gaining the lead, keeping their composure and not getting too happy or celebrating too early.”

O’Neal on the Lakers’ Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol lack of scoring in Game 6: “I don’t know where they were…but when you are a part of a one-two punch, your numbers have to go up at least five or ten points, they have to dominate the game. Tonight, they did not play big. Playing against Denver they looked evenly matched.”

Barkley on the Lakers’ Gasol and Bynum’s lack of focus in Game 6: “If I was Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum, I would have said ‘Hey our man is sick, we are going to get it done tonight.’ The Lakers didn’t compete tonight.”

Smith on who will win Lakers/Nuggets Game 7: “I was rolling with the Lakers all the way up to this point. This is the toughest decision I’ve had in a long time while watching basketball. Talent-wise, I would say the Lakers should win this because they’ll be at home. But the last four or five minutes of Game 6 and the expression on guys’ faces and the way they acted, I’m actually, for the first time, rooting for a team to win…the Denver Nuggets.”

O’Neal on who will win Lakers/Nuggets Game 7: “Experience wins the series. I’m going with experience [with the Lakers].”

Barkley on who will win Lakers/Nuggets Game 7: “I’m going with George Karl. Their bench and coach are going to win them two extra games and they are going to win this series 4-3.”

Barkley on the Chicago Bulls: “Every young kid has to like the Bulls. That team competes. They compete; they don’t make any excuses for injuries. Even after they lost Rose, they still wanted to win. The city of Chicago should be proud of that team and they are set for the next few years.”

Smith on CJ Watson passing to Asik in the last Bulls possession: “He’s in a position he has never been in before. This is the first time that he had to make a decision [that he will probably regret] but then he will learn from because he did have a great season.”

Barkley on the impact of Metta World Peace returning for Game 7: “I don’t think he will have any. I don’t think he can join the race in the middle. If the Lakers are going to win this series it will have to be Bynum and Gasol. If they keep getting outplayed they are not going to win.”

Barkley on the Denver Nuggets: “When the Lakers were up 3-1, no one mentioned Metta World Peace. Now all of a sudden he’s going to help them a lot. If the Denver Nuggets stick to their game plan and get over 100 points they are going to win Game 7.”

O’Neal on the Atlanta Hawks: “They have a lot of young great talent..but just a little too cool. To me if you are cool, it seems as if you don’t care and if you want to win a Championship, you definitely have to care.”

Barkley on the Sixers/Celtics series: “I like Boston to win that series. I don’t think the Sixers can beat the Boston Celtics. Do I think they are going to beat them easy? Yeah, I do. Philadelphia plays extremely hard and are very well coached, but they just almost lost to a team without their two best players. Unless Boston loses their two best players, they are not going to beat them.”

O’Neal on the Sixers/Celtics series: “The Boston Celtics are built for this. During the regular season, they just wanted to get to the playoffs.  The first round wasn’t pretty, but they got the win.”

 

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Filed Under: NBA, TNT

NBC SPORTS NETWORK’S MLS COVERAGE CONTINUES SATURDAY WITH THE HOUSTON DYNAMO HOSTING D.C. UNITED

May 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

Houston Unveils BBVA Compass Stadium for the First Time; Match begins at 4:30 p.m. ET

“The day that the Houston Dynamo nation has craved for so long has finally arrived.” – Arlo White on the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium

NEW YORK – May 10, 2012 – NBC Sports Network’s coverage of Major League Soccer continues this weekend with an Eastern Conference match between #7 Houston Dynamo as they host the #3 D.C. Union, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET in the first game ever a the new BBVA Compass Stadium.

COMMENTATORS: The NBC Sports Group MLS announce team of Arlo White (@arlowhite, play-by-play), and Kyle Martino (@kylemartino, “Between the Benches” analyst) will call the game. Russ Thaler (@RussThaler) will host the pre-game, halftime and post-game segments live from BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Steve Busfield The Guardian sports blogger on Arlo White: “Arlo is fantastic. My Seattle friends all miss him, but you can’t blame NBC for picking him up.”

WHITE AND MARTINO BREAK DOWN THE MATCHUP:

WHITE ON THE: “The day that the Houston Dynamo nation has craved for so long has finally arrived. The opening of their new BBVA Compass Stadium will be a spectacular affair. I’m expecting a passionate sea of orange, which will make for great television.”

WHITE ON THE MATCH: “The matchup should be a cracker. D.C. United has been one of the most entertaining sides to watch all season, and there’s a fascinating sub-plot to keep an eye on. Dwayne De Rosario is the league MVP, and what a moment for him to return to his former club Houston.”

MARTINO ON D.C. UNITED: “Dwayne De Rosario is traveling with D.C. United to Houston this weekend for the opening of a stadium he helped build, BBVA Compass Stadium. If you don’t believe me look for the pillar named in his honor inside. Can he lead his current team to a big 3 points on the road against his former team who are opening the latest state of the art soccer specific stadium? I can’t wait to find out.”

UPCOMING MLS GAMES ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK: (All Times ET, Home Team Listed First)

Sat., May 26, Houston vs. L.A., 2:30 p.m.

Sun., May 27, Kansas City vs. San Jose, 4:30 p.m.

Sun., June 17, Chicago vs. New York, 5 p.m.

For the full NBC Sports Group 2012 MLS Schedule visit WWW.NBCSPORTS.COM.

ProSoccerTalk on NBCSports.com: Steve Davis (@SteveDavis90), a respected soccer journalist for more than two decades, is the featured writer for ProSoccerTalk on NBCSports.com. Davis, who has covered Major League Soccer, since its inception in 1996 contributes regular posts and will provide video reports to NBCSports.com, and is expected to be an occasional guest on NBC SportsTalk, the daily hour-long news and information show the new NBC Sports Network.

# # #

Last August, Major League Soccer (MLS) and the NBC Sports Group announced a three-year media rights agreement that calls for 46 MLS games and four U.S. National Team contests to be televised live across both NBC and NBC Sports Network each season. This agreement was the first rights deal for the new NBC Sports Network. All telecasts on NBC and NBC Sports Network will consist of pre-game and post-game coverage.

–NBC Sports Group–

Filed Under: MLS, NBC

Live Minor League Baseball Schedule Starts May 10 on MLB Network

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Secaucus, N.J., May 2, 2012 – Minor League Baseball (MiLB™) returns to MLB Network this year featuring live telecasts of select Triple-A® games throughout the 2012 season, plus the 25th annual Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 11, produced by MLB Network live from Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, New York, home of the Buffalo Bisons, the New York Mets’ Triple-A affiliate.

Game coverage begins on Thursday, May 10 with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A Philadelphia Phillies), managed by Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, facing Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospect Starling Marte and the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A Pittsburgh Pirates) at 11:05 a.m. ET.  The schedule continues with Matt LaPorta and the back-to-back Triple-A National Champion Columbus Clippers (Triple-A Cleveland Indians) at the Bisons, led by manager Wally Backman, on May 31 at 10:35 a.m. ET.

MLB Network’s complete 2012 Minor League game schedule is listed below.  Games will be telecast in each club’s local market, including local announcers.

-       May 10, 11:05 a.m. ET, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A Philadelphia Phillies) at Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A Pittsburgh Pirates)

-       May 14, 12:05 p.m. ET, Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A Minnesota Twins) at Syracuse Chiefs (Triple-A Washington Nationals)

-       May 22, 11:05 a.m. ET, Gwinnett Braves (Triple-A Atlanta Braves) at Rochester Red Wings

-       May 31, 10:35 a.m. ET, Columbus Clippers (Triple-A Cleveland Indians) at Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A New York Mets)

-       June 12, 12:05 p.m. ET, Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A Detroit Tigers) at Durham Bulls (Triple-A Tampa Bay Rays)

-       June 25, 12:05 p.m. ET, Buffalo Bisons at Durham Bulls

-       July 11, 7:00 p.m. ET, 25th Annual Triple-A All-Star Game

 

About 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, Jim Kaat, 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 68 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.

 

About Minor League Baseball:

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball clubs through their farm systems. The Mexican League and Mexican Academy are also members of the organization, but are not affiliated with any MLB clubs.  Total membership includes 20 leagues and 247 clubs.

Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at our ballparks. In 2011, the 174 clubs that charge admission attracted more than 41.2 million fans to their ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills.  From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901.

For more information about Minor League Baseball, visit www.milb.com  http://www.facebook.com/minorleaguebaseball  http://twitter.com/MinorLeagues

 

Filed Under: MLBN

NBA Playoffs on ESPN & ABC This Weekend

May 11, 2012 By 1 Comment

NBA on ESPN

The NBA Playoffs will continue on ESPN this weekend, beginning Friday, May 11, when the Los Angeles Clippers – led by their dynamic duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin host the Memphis Grizzlies and Zach Randolph in Game Six of their first round series. Coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and include Mike Breen and analyst Jeff Van Gundy providing commentary with Doris Burke reporting. Kia NBA Countdownwill preview the game at 8 p.m.

NBA on ABC

ABC will broadcast an NBA Playoffs doubleheader on Sunday, May 13, beginning at 1 p.m. with either Game Seven of the Clippers-Grizzlies first round series or Game One of the Clippers-San Antonio Spurs conference semifinals series. Breen, Van Gundy and Burke will call the game.  At 3:30 p.m., the Miami Heat – led by their superstar trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh – will host the Indiana Pacers and Danny Granger in Game One of their conference semifinals series. Mike Tirico and analyst Hubie Brown will call the action with reporter Lisa Salters. Kia NBA Countdown will precede the doubleheader at 12:30 p.m.

This weekend’s schedule:

Date Time (ET) Game Commentators Networks
Fri, May 11 8 p.m. Kia NBA Countdown Magic Johnson, Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon, Chris Broussard ESPN
  9 p.m. Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers Gm. 6 Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV, WatchESPN
Sun, May 13 12:30 p.m. Kia NBA Countdown Johnson, Barry, Wilbon, Broussard ABC
1 p.m. Clippers at Grizzlies Gm. 7 or Clippers at San Antonio Spurs Gm. 1 Breen, Van Gundy, Burke

ESPN Radio: TBD

 ABC, ESPN Radio
3:30 p.m. Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat Gm. 1 Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters ABC

 

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Filed Under: ABC, ESPN, NBA
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