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Archives for July 2009

The 2009 ESPYs: Los Angeles Lakers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Michael Phelps among the Night’s Big Winners

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Los Angeles Lakers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Michael Phelps among the Night’s Big Winners; Special Message From President Barack Obama To Arthur Ashe Courage Award Honoree President Nelson Mandela at the 17th Annual ESPYs, Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson

 

Tennis Ace Serena Williams Takes Home an ESPY for Best Female Tennis Player; Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James Honored as Best NBA Player; U.S. Olympians Recognized in Several Categories; The Fifth-Straight Best in Sport Wins for Roger Federer and Tiger Woods

The 2009 ESPYs co-presented by Under Armour and Land Rover to be televised Sunday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN HD.  

The biggest stars from the worlds of sports and entertainment gathered in downtown Los Angeles at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday night to celebrate the best sports stories of the year at The 2009 ESPYs co-presented by Under Armour and Land Rover.  Samuel L. Jackson entertained the all-star audience throughout the night with a humorous and creative performance that emphasized his passion for sports, including a musical performance “Take It Like A Fan“ with Wyclef Jean.  The 17th annual industry-wide sports celebration will be televised on ESPN and ESPN HD Sunday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET. 

 

The NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers added to their trophy collection, winning ESPYs in two categories: Best Team and Best Coach/Manager for Phil Jackson, his third overall ESPY.  The Pittsburgh Steelers were honored for Best Game and Best Play, the latter for Santonio Holmes’ brilliant catch of a Ben Roethlisberger pass in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds left that gave the Steelers a record, sixth Super Bowl title. Michael Phelps broke Tiger Woods’ five-year streak winning the Best Male Athlete ESPY, and took two more trophies home for Best US Olympian and the Best Championship Performance for becoming the first athlete to win eight gold medals in one Olympics. Winning his fifth straight ESPY for Best Golfer, Woods’ win builds his record to 22, more than anyone in ESPYs history. 

 

Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks took home her third overall ESPY winning Best WNBA Player. Best International Male Athlete went to sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica for setting an Olympic and world record time of 9.69 in the 100 meters, and becoming the first man in history to set world records in all three events at a single Olympics. Other Olympic ESPY winners are Nastia Liukin for Best Female Athlete, and the U.S. Swim Team’s thrilling finish in the Olympic relay for Best Moment with veteran team member Jason Lezak hitting the wall first ahead of Alain Bernard of France, the world-record holder in the 100-meter freestyle at the time. 

 

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award — which recognizes individuals whose contributions transcend sports — was awarded to Nelson Mandela, with a special taped message from President Barack Obama followed by a presentation by Serena and Venus Williams to his daughter Zindzi Mandela and grandson Zondwa Mandela.  President Nelson Mandela, who at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa delighted black and white sports fans across the country by wearing a Springbok rugby shirt and cap, presented  the William Webb Ellis Cup to South African captain Francois Pienaar following the victory of the host team. This iconic gesture helped to unite a previously divided nation through a shared passion for sport, and further cemented the transition from apartheid to democracy. The Arthur Ashe Courage Award coincides with Mandela Day, which will fall on July 18th, Nelson Mandela’s birthday. Mandela Day will act as a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and help change the world around them for the better.

In another emotional moment, Northern State University basketball coach Don Meyer was presented the Jimmy V ESPY for Perseverance, in honor of the late Jim Valvano and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Meyer refused to give up on life while battling cancer and surviving a major car crash in the same year.

The ESPY for Best Comeback was awarded this year to swimmer Dara Torres who, after an eight-year absence and at 40 years old, competed in the 2008 Olympics, winning three silver medals.

           

Other ESPY winners included Roger Federer, who won his fifth straight ESPY in the Best Male Tennis Player category, Shaun White, who won his fifth ESPY for Best Male Action Sports Athlete, Jimmie Johnson and his second ESPY for Best Driver and Lorena Ochoa, who brought home two ESPYs for Best International Female Athlete and Best Female Golfer. Other winners included Sidney Crosby (Best NHL Player), Calvin Borel (Best Jockey), Norm Duke (Best Bowler), Manny Pacquiaio (Best Fighter), Landon Donovan (Best MLS Player) and Larry Fitzgerald (Best NFL Player).

 

In addition to those named above, this year’s guest presenters included, Chris Berman, Jeff Gordon, Wyclef Jean, Rashida Jones, Miranda Kerr (Victoria’s Secret Angel), Rob Lowe, Seth Meyers (Saturday Night Live), Marisa Miller (Victoria’s Secret Angel), Demi Moore, Danica Patrick, Jeremy Piven, Jaime Pressly, Zachary Quinto (Star Trek), Condoleezza Rice, Andy Samberg (Saturday Night Live), Stuart Scott, Olivia Wilde, Venus Williams, will.i.am and Stevie Wonder.

 

Below is a complete list of 2009 winners. 

 

The 2009 ESPYs – WINNERS 

SPECIAL AWARDS

 

ARTHUR ASHE COURAGE AWARD: President Nelson Mandela

JIMMY V AWARD FOR PERSEVERANCE: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach

BEST COMEBACK: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.

 

BEST IN SPORT

 

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics

BEST MALE ATHLETE: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming

BEST MOMENT: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay

BEST TEAM: Los Angeles Lakers

BEST COACH/MANAGER: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers

BEST GAME: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII

BEST CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming

BEST PLAY: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD

BEST UPSET: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals

BEST BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

BEST RECORD BREAKING PERFORMANCE: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming

BEST SPORTS MOVIE: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

BEST MALE COLLEGE ATHLETE: Tim Tebow, Florida Football

BEST FEMALE COLLEGE ATHLETE: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball

BEST MALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY: Erin Popovich, Swimming

BEST INTERNATIONAL MALE ATHLETE: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEMALE ATHLETE: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)

 

INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

 

BEST BASEBALL PLAYER: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

BEST NBA PLAYER: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

BEST WNBA PLAYER: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks

BEST NFL PLAYER: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

BEST NHL PLAYER: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

BEST MLS PLAYER: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy

BEST MALE ACTION SPORT ATHLETE: Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding

BEST FEMALE ACTION SPORT ATHLETE: Maya Gabeira, Surfing

BEST BOWLER: Norm Duke

BEST DRIVER: Jimmie Johnson

BEST FIGHTER: Manny Pacquiao, Boxing

BEST MALE GOLFER: Tiger Woods

BEST FEMALE GOLFER: Lorena Ochoa

BEST JOCKEY: Calvin Borel

BEST MALE TENNIS PLAYER: Roger Federer

BEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER: Serena Williams

BEST US MALE OLYMPIAN: Michael Phelps, Swimming

BEST US FEMALE OLYMPIAN: Shawn Johnson, Gymnastics

 

SPONSORED AWARDS

 

LAND ROVER “ICON” AWARD: Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals

 

UNDER ARMOUR ALL AMERICA MOMENT: Andre Debose and Russell Shepard, Football

The ESPYs

The ESPYs gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. The 2009 ESPYs will recognize both sport-specific achievements, such as “Best MLB Player” and “Best WNBA Player,” and best-in-sport winners, such as “Best Team” or “Best Female Athlete” that pit nominees from different sports against each other. The ESPYs honor ESPN’s commitment to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a partnership launched with the late Jim Valvano at the inaugural ESPYs in 1993. 

“Best In The Biz” Series Continues On NFL Total Access With Top 5 Fan Bases, Organizations And Players- NFL Network Programming Notes (7/15-7/21)

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NFL NETWORK PROGRAMMING NOTES (7/15-7/21)

 

“BEST IN THE BIZ” SERIES CONTINUES ON

NFL TOTAL ACCESS WITH TOP 5 FAN BASES,

ORGANIZATIONS AND PLAYERS

 

Inaugural IFAF Junior World Championship

To Be Re-Aired Saturday at 8:00 PM ET

 

Debut of NFL’s Top 10 Meltdowns

Friday at 8:00 PM ET

 

 

 

2009 IFAF Junior World Championship: USA vs. Canada – Saturday at 8:00 PM ET 

The Gold Medal Game of the first junior world championship, played earlier this month in Canton, Ohio’s historic Fawcett Stadium, will be televised nationally on NFL Network Saturday, July 18 at 8:00 PM ET. 

After taking part in a tournament that was comprised of teams from eight countries, spanning four continents, 45 of the best American football players ages 19 and younger took on challengers from Canada. 

 

NFL’S TOP 10 Meltdowns – Friday at 8:00 PM ET 

They are the moments players and fans live to forget – from a key fumble to a late season losing streak by a first-place team, on Friday at 8:00 PM ET, NFL’s Top 10 takes a look at the most memorable meltdowns in NFL history.

 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 TOTAL ACCESS: Best in the Biz Fan Bases, Organizations and Players

 

Wednesday, July 15

  •  ‘Best in the Biz’- Top 5 Fan Bases
  • Around the League with Michael Lombardi
  • ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – #5 Philadelphia Eagles

 

Thursday, July 16

  •  ‘Best in the Biz’ – Top 5 Organizations
  • ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – #4 Indianapolis Colts

 

Friday, July 17

  • A compilation piece of NFL players and experts commenting on the sacrifices they made to compete at such a high level
  • ‘Best in the Biz’ – Top 5 Players
  • ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – #3 New York Giants

 

Monday, July 20

  • Seattle Seahawks facility tour
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora
  • ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – #2 New England Patriots

 

Tuesday, July 21

  • Miami Dolphins facility tour
  • Around the League with Jason La Canfora
  • ’32 Teams in 32 Days’ – #1 Pittsburgh Steelers

 

 

 NFL.COM CHAT SCHEDULE: Raiders LB Kirk Morrison & Browns LB Willie McGinest

 

Wednesday, July 15

  • 4:00 PM ET – Raiders LB Kirk Morrison

Thursday, July 16

  • 12:00 PM ET – NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks
  • 5:00 PM ET – NFL Network Analyst Solomon Wilcots         

 

Friday, July 17

  • 12:00 PM ET – NFL.com writer Jason La Canfora
  • 5:00 PM ET – Browns LB Willie McGinest

 

 

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

 

Wednesday, July 15

5:00 PM – Year in Review: 2003

5:30 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders (1974 AFC Divisional Playoff)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – America’s Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers (HD)

9:00 PM – America’s Game: 1999 St. Louis Rams (HD)

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – America’s Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – America’s Game: 1999 St. Louis Rams (HD)

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

 

 

Thursday, July 16

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Harshest Cut

2:00 PM – Year in Review: 2005

2:30 PM – Year in Review: 2006

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers (HD)

4:00 PM – America’s Game: 1999 St. Louis Rams (HD)

5:00 PM – Year in Review: 2005

5:30 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: Washington Redskins vs. San Francisco 49ers (1983 NFC Championship)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 QB Challenge – Part 1

9:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 QB Challenge – Part 2

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 QB Challenge – Part 1

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Film Session: 1999 QB Challenge – Part 2

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

 

 

Friday, July 17

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Big Time Fun

2:00 PM – Sabol’s Shots of the Year 2008

3:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 QB Challenge – Part 1

4:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1999 QB Challenge – Part 2

5:00 PM – Year in Review: 2006

5:30 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns (1987 AFC Championship)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Meltdowns

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Controversial Calls

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Meltdowns

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Controversial Calls

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

 

 

Saturday, July 18

1:00 PM – Game of the Week: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2004 AFC Divisional Playoff) (HD)

2:00 PM – Game of the Week: New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Super Bowl XXXIX) (HD)

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers (HD)

4:00 PM – America’s Game: 1999 St. Louis Rams (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Controversial Calls

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Meltdowns

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

8:00 PM – 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship: USA vs. Canada

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access: Week in Review (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT– 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship: USA vs. Canada

 

Sunday, July 19

9:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Football Myths

10:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Clutch Quarterbacks

11:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Meltdowns

12 NOON – NFL’s Top 10: Top 10 Controversial Calls

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

2:30 PM – NFL Replay: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

4:00 PM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

5:30 PM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

7:00 PM – Live Wire: Wild Card Edition (HD)

7:30 PM – Starting 11: Wild Card Edition (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Replay: Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

9:30 PM – NFL Replay: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

11:00 PM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

12:30 AM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

2:00 AM – Live Wire:  Wild Card Edition (HD)

2:30 AM – Starting 11: Wild Card Edition (HD)

 

 

Monday, July 20

7:00 AM – NFL Replay: Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

8:30 AM – NFL Replay: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

10:00 AM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

11:30 AM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

2:30 PM – NFL Replay: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

4:00 PM – NFL Replay: Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins (2008 AFC Wild Card) (HD)

5:30 PM – NFL Replay: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (2008 NFC Wild Card) (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship)

10:30 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:30 PM – NFL Classic Games: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship) (HD)

 

Tuesday, July 21

11:00 AM – Live Wire: Super Bowl XLIII (HD)

11:30 AM – NFL Classic Games: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals (2008 NFC Championship) (HD)

2:00 PM – NFL Film Session: San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers (Super Bowl XXIX)

2:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburg Steelers (Super Bowl XXX)

3:00 PM – Road to the Super Bowl: 2003

4:00 PM – Road to the Super Bowl: 2004

5:00 PM – NFL Film Session: Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills (Super Bowl XXVII) (HD)

5:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills (Super Bowl XXVIII) (HD)

6:00 PM – NFL Film Session: San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers (Super Bowl XXIX) (HD)

6:30 PM – NFL Film Session: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl XXX) (HD)

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

8:00 PM – Game of the Week: New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 12, 2005) (HD)

9:00 PM – Game of the Week: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts (2005 AFC Divisional Playoff) (HD)

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access (HD)

11:00 PM – Game of the Week: New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 12, 2005) (HD)

12 MIDNIGHT – Game of the Week: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts (2005 AFC Divisional Playoff) (HD)

1:00 AM – NFL Total Access (HD)

Jordan, Barkley, Romo, Roethlisberger Headline American Century Championship

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Jordan, Barkley, Romo, Roethlisberger Headline American Century Championship

NEW YORK – July 16, 2009 – NBC presents live coverage of the 20th annual American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, from Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Lake Tahoe, Nev., Saturday and Sunday starting at 3 p.m. ET. More than 80 sports and entertainment stars are participating including Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Mario Lemieux, Ray Romano and Emmitt Smith.

Among the sports figures making the trip to Tahoe for the first time include NBA star Shane Battier, NFL Head Coach Jack Del Rio, NFL offensive rookie of the year Matt Ryan and Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.

The tournament benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation for the fourth consecutive year. The Lance Armstrong Foundation raises money for cancer research, and also provides information and support for people living with cancer.

Dan Hicks, Roger Maltbie, Gary Koch, Mark Rolfing, and Jimmy Roberts provide commentary.

MALOOF MONEY CUP SUNDAY 2 PM ET
NBC Sports and Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports present taped coverage of The Maloof Money Cup this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET from the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, Calif.

The Maloof Money Cup showcases the world’s best skateboarders competing in Vert and Street for a chance to win $450,000, the largest prize purse in skateboarding.

Sponsored by Joe and Gavin Maloof, the brothers who own the Sacramento Kings, the Maloof Money Cup features skateboarding’s top stars including Ryan Sheckler, Pierre Luc-Gagnon, Bob Burnquist and Paul Rodriguez.

Designed by leading skate park designer, Joe Ciaglia, the street course features obstacles such as ledges, stairs, handrails and a picnic table that were all inspired by real locations including the Sunset Boulevard up-down corner ledge, 12-stairs from Rincon, San Diego and the Barcelona ledge.

Alli represents a collaboration of NBC Sports and MTV, broadcasting the largest array of action sports in the world.
 

80th All-Star Game A Landslide Winner For MLB & FOX Sports

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THE VOTES ARE IN: 80TH ALL-STAR GAME A LANDSLIDE WINNER FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL & FOX SPORTS

President Obama’s Appearance Coupled With Exciting 4-3 AL Victory Results In

Most-Watched Midsummer Classic since 1999;

Retains Status as Television Event of the summer

St. Louis — The 80th MLB ALL-STAR GAME, an exciting 4-3 American League victory, was watched by an impressive total of 33.6 million viewers, supplanting last year’s Yankee Stadium extravaganza as the most-watched Midsummer Classic since 1999 (36.9 million), according to fast national figures released today by Nielsen Media Research.  It is the fourth consecutive year the All-Star Game’s total audience has risen year to year, and the sixth time it’s risen in the seven years since the rule tying home field advantage in the World Series to the winning league was adopted.  Total viewing of last night’s game was +13% higher than the same figure in 2002, the last year before the adoption of the World Series home field rule (33.6 million vs. 29.7 in 2002).

“Anyone who can figure a batting average knows that going six for seven is pretty good, and we’ve seen the All-Star Game’s audience rise six times in the seven years since the outcome determines home field advantage in the World Series,” said FOX Sports President Ed Goren.  “The All-Star Game is the foundation for the highest-rated night on any network since the AMERICAN IDOL finale in May and this audience reaffirms the All-Star Game as the television event of the summer.  We exceeded our expectations and our advertisers are extremely happy.”

Additional highlights:

  • The 2009 MLB ALL-STAR GAME also soared to a multi-year high in average viewership on FOX garnering 14.6 million viewers, the best for the All-Star Game since 2002 (14.7 mill.).
  • Last night’s game saw viewership figures rise despite having a 4% decline in the year-to-year household rating (8.9/15 vs. 9.3/16).  Typically, when a program’s rating is lower, but viewership is up, more viewers are watching per home.  The number of viewers per home for this year’s game was up +3% over last year, which suggests that last night’s live appearance by President Barack Obama resulted in more groups and families watching the game together.
  • Although the All-Star Game rating was down slightly versus last year, which was played in New York, a far larger market, last night’s 8.9/15 surpassed the rating for the 2007 game in San Francisco (8.4/15), and also beat recent All-Star Games in Detroit (8.1/14 in 2005) and Houston (8.8/15 in 2004).
  • Last night’s PEPSI PRE-GAME SHOW, which featured President Obama’s live appearance, as well as taped messages from four former Presidents, earned a 7.0/13 (11.2 million viewers), up +3% over last year’s 6.8/13. The show ties the highest average audience for an All-Star pre-game show in seven years (since 12.4 mill. in 2002) and was the highest-rated All-Star pre-game since 2004’s 7.1/13.
  • FOX’s game and pre-game combined to average an 8.4/15 (13.8 mill. avg, viewers) nationally in prime time last night, the highest-rated night on any network since FOX’s AMERICAN IDOL finale in May.
  • FOX won the prime time race handily with an average audience of 13.8 million beating second-place NBC by +49% (9.2 mill.).  Among Adults 18-49 FOX’s 4.3 prime time average matched the combined ratings of NBC (2.5) and CBS (1.8).  The All-Star Game also ranks as the top-rated program of the summer among Men 25-54 (6.4) and Adults 25-54 (4.9).
  • In a good sign for baseball’s health among younger audiences, ratings hit multi-year highs in most younger, more valuable demos.  Year to year, viewing was up +4% for Men 18-34 (5.4 vs. 5.2), +2% for M18-49 (6.1 vs. 6.0), and +1% for M25-54 (7.0 vs. 6.9), which were all three-year highs.  Viewing was flat among Adults 18-34 (4.1), but up +4% for A18-49 (4.7 vs. 4.5) and +2% on A25-54 (5.3 vs. 5.2), both five-yearhighs.
  • Last night’s 8.9/15 beats the five-game average of the 2009 NBA Finals (8.4/15), marking the fourth straight year that the All-Star Game has beaten or tied the NBA’s final round. The last such four-year stretch ran from 1989 to1992.  The MLB All-Star Game has also topped the final round of this year’s Master’s (8.3/20) and the 2009 Kentucky Derby (7.3/18). The All-Star Game also easily affirmed its status as far and away the #1 all-star event in sports, beating this year’s Pro Bowl by +65% (5.4/10).
  • Viewing peaked after 11pm at a 9.3/17 (15.0 mill.) as Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera combined to close the door on the junior circuit’s 13th straight All-Star Game without a loss. Additional quarter hour ratings are not yet available.
  • Host city St. Louis led all local markets with an astounding 37.0/56, the highest host city rating since Seattle scored a 38.1 in 2001.  St. Louis was followed by Milwaukee, 17.9/29; Philadelphia, 16.4/26; Detroit, 15.7/25; Boston, 15.5/27; Minneapolis, 14.2/23; and Providence, 13.2/21.  Chicago & Kansas City each registered a 12.8/21 and New York, last year’s host city, rounded out the top 10 with a 12.3/20.

NHL & NBC Announce Multiyear Extension

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NHL & NBC Announce Multiyear Extension


Innovations Such as Winter Classic, Inside the Glass and Ratings Milestones Highlight Partnership

NEW YORK – July 15, 2009 – The National Hockey League and NBC Sports today announced an extension through the 2010-11 season of their successful revenue-sharing partnership — one that has achieved viewership milestones, programming and production innovations, awards and critical acclaim. The joint announcement was made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Ken Schanzer, President, NBC Sports.

“The NHL/NBC partnership has been terrific. Our association has led to such technical innovations as the ‘Inside the Glass’ reporting and to such programming advancements as the extremely popular Winter Classic,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final was broadcast television’s most-watched hockey game in 36 years, which makes clear the NHL and NBC are building an audience, are building momentum and are perfectly positioned to continue growing the game.”

Schanzer said: “We’re thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with the NHL and build on all the positive momentum on and off the ice. Together, we have attained viewership milestones not seen in more than three decades. And the Winter Classic, in just two years, has become one of the highlights of the sports calendar. We strongly believe this is a league that is poised for continued growth.”

RECORD VIEWERSHIP: NBC Sports has achieved a number of ratings milestones including broadcasting the most-watched regular season game in 34 years (2009 Winter Classic) and the most-viewed NHL game overall in 36 years (Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final).

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION: NBC Sports and the NHL have introduced many innovations to help grow the game, including the “Inside the Glass” analyst position, which has revolutionized the way hockey is covered and of which USA Today said “is as close to the action as TV gets.”

AWARDS: NBC Sports received a Sports Emmy Award for its promotion of the 2009 Winter Classic and the inaugural event garnered a Sports Business Journal Sport Business Award as Event of the Year.

ACCOLADES: NBC’s NHL production has received critical acclaim, earning praise for innovations such as “Inside the Glass,” a reporter position between the teams’ benches first introduced by NBC hockey producer Sam Flood. The Toronto Star called “Inside the Glass” invaluable. ESPN.com said of NBC’s hockey coverage, “the NHL has never looked or sounded better in its free, on-the-air history.” The Hockey News called “Inside the Glass,” “the biggest innovation to hit televised hockey in recent years.” ” Hockey has found a network that will let the sport be the sport,” said the San Jose Mercury News.

NBC Sports’ 2010 NHL coverage begins on New Year’s Day with the third annual NHL Winter Classic.

NBC Sports will also continue to broadcast games throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs and up to five Stanley Cup Final games.

NHL & NBC: The successful partnership, which was announced in May 2004, launched in January 2006 and previously extended in 2007 and 2008, has been highlighted by innovations, awards and ratings milestones. NBC Sports’ NHL coverage is produced by Sam Flood, the originator of the Inside the Glass position. Emmy award nominee “Doc” Emrick, Eddie Olczyk (analyst), Pierre McGuire (Inside the Glass analyst) and Mike Milbury comprise NBC’s NHL broadcast team.

For The First Time, All 65 Preseason Games In HD – Only On NFL Network!

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FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALL 65 PRESEASON GAMES IN HD –

ONLY ON NFL NETWORK!

Record 12 Live Broadcasts Includes First-Ever Live Preseason Tripleheader on August 15

Coverage Features Debuts of Terrell Owens, Jay Cutler and

First-Round QBs Matthew Stafford & Mark Sanchez with New Teams

NFL Network is home to all the NFL preseason games for the first time with 65 games airing on the only network dedicated entirely to football. In addition for the first time, the entire NFL preseason schedule will be seen in high definition nationally including 12 live preseason games, the most in the network’s history.

Week 1 of the 2009 NFL preseason on NFL Network features five live games highlighted by the debuts of first-round quarterback draft picks MATTHEW STAFFORD and MARK SANCHEZ. The live coverage kicks off with a doubleheader on Friday, August 14 at 8:00 PM ET with the St. Louis Rams vs. New York Jets, followed by Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers. Saturday, August 15 features the first-ever live tripleheader with the Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions beginning at 4:00 PM ET, followed immediately by Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers.

There’s no better place for Fantasy Football fans to prepare their picks and depth charts for the 2009 regular season than with NFL Network and NFL.com’s all-encompassing coverage of the 2009 preseason. All 12 live preseason games will include halftime shows featuring NFL Network’s team of analysts from its Los Angeles studios and five-minute NFL Network Now updates between game broadcasts reporting the most up-to-date news and information. NFL Network’s schedule includes a total of 162 telecasts as it includes every game, live games and game replays of all the preseason action.

Here is a preview of the 12 live games on NFL Network:

St. Louis Rams vs. New York Jets (HD) • Friday, August 14 at 7:00 PM ET

Former USC and #4 overall draft pick QB Mark Sanchez makes his NFL debut with the Jets. New head coaches Rex Ryan (Jets) and Steve Spagnuolo (Rams) lead their teams for the first time.

Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers (HD) • Friday, August 14 at 10:00 PM ET

49ers first round draft pick WR Michael Crabtree makes his debut in San Francisco, while Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels begins his tenure in Denver with a new QB.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions (HD) • Saturday, August 15 at 4:00 PM ET

Lions QB and 2009 #1 overall pick Matthew Stafford looks to replicate the success of Falcons QB and 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan in this NFC matchup.

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills (HD) • Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 PM ET

Two of the biggest names to change teams this summer are on display as Bears QB Jay Cutler and Bills WR Terrell Owens debut with their new teams.

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers (HD) • Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 PM ET
It’s a new season and new beginning for NFL veterans Matt Hasselbeck and LaDainian Tomlinson, who both look for a fresh start in 2009.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins (HD) • Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 PM ET

Albert Haynesworth makes his debut with the Redskins against Ben Roethlisberger and the defending Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks (HD) • Saturday, August 22 at 10:30 PM ET

The Broncos look to unveil an improved defensive unit against the Seahawks and newly acquired offensive weapon T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions (HD) • Saturday, August 29 at 1:00 PM ET

Colts head coach Jim Caldwell and Lions head coach Jim Schwartz embark on Week 3 of the preseason at the helm of their new teams.

New Orleans Saints vs. Oakland Raiders (HD) • Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 PM ET

A young Raiders offense looks to outscore QB Drew Brees and a Saints offense that led the league in 2008.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets (HD) • Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles and top picks Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy take on rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets.

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks (HD) • Thursday, September 3 at 10:00 PM ET

Head coach Tom Cable and the Oakland Raiders face new head coach Jim Mora and the Seattle Seahawks in both teams’ final game of the preseason.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings (HD) • Friday, September 4 at 8:00 PM ET

Rookie WR Percy Harvin takes his final preseason reps against the Cowboys as Dallas and Minnesota meet in their preseason finale for the fourth consecutive year.

NFL NETWORK SCHEDULE FOR 2009 PRESEASON GAMES

(BOLD INDICATES LIVE GAMES / FIRST AIRINGS ONLY / ALL TIMES EASTERN)

Monday, August 10

9:00 AM – Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans (HD)

Thursday, August 13

11:00 PM – New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles (HD)

Friday, August 14

2:00 AM – Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders (HD)

3:00 PM – Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (HD)

7:00 PM – St. Louis Rams at New York Jets (HD)

10:00 PM – Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers (HD)

Saturday, August 15

1:00 AM – Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts (HD)

7:00 AM – Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints (HD)

1:00 PM – Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (HD)

4:00 PM – Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions (HD)

7:00 PM – Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills (HD)

10:00 PM – Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers (HD)

Sunday, August 16

1:00 AM – Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers (HD)

10:00 AM – Houston Texans at Kansas City (HD)

1:00 PM – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans (HD)

Monday, August 17

11:00 PM – Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (HD)

Wednesday, August 19

1:00 PM – Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (HD)

Thursday, August 20

11:00 PM – Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots (HD)

Friday, August 21

1:00 PM – Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts (HD)

11:00 PM – Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings (HD)

Saturday, August 22

2:00 AM – Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams (HD)

1:00 PM – Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys (HD)

7:30 PM – Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins (HD)

10:30 PM – Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks (HD)

Sunday, August 23

1:30 AM – San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals (HD)

7:00 AM – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars (HD)

10:00 AM – Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns (HD)

1:00 PM – Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins (HD)

4:00 PM – Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers (HD)

7:00 PM – New York Giants at Chicago Bears (HD)

10:00 PM – Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (HD)

Monday, August 24

1:00 AM – New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans (HD)

Wednesday, August 26

1:00 PM – New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (HD)

Thursday, August 27

11:00 PM – Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles (HD)

Friday, August 28

2:00 AM – St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals (HD)

1:00 PM – Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HD)

Saturday, August 29

1:00 AM – Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (HD)

7:00 AM – New England Patriots at Washington Redskins (HD)

1:00 PM – Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions (HD)

4:00 PM – New Orleans at Oakland Raiders (HD)

11:00 PM – Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs (HD)

Sunday, August 30

7:00 AM – Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers (HD)

10:00 AM – New York Jets at New York Giants (HD)

1:00 PM – Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers (HD)

4:00 PM – San Francisco 49s at Dallas Cowboys (HD)

Monday, August 31

12:00 AM – Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (HD)

7:00 AM – San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (HD)

4:00 PM – Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos (HD)

Tuesday, September 1

10:00 AM – Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (HD)

Thursday, September 3

7:00 PM – Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets (HD)

10:00 PM – Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks (HD)

Friday, September 4

7:00 AM – Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams (HD)

10:00 AM – Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons (HD)

1:00 PM – Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints (HD)

4:00 PM – New York Giants at New England Patriots (HD)

8:00 PM – Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (HD)

11:30 PM – Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans (HD)

1:00 AM – Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos (HD)

Saturday, September 5

10:00 AM – Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HD)

4:00 PM – Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears (HD)

8:30 PM – Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars (HD)

11:30 PM – Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (HD)

Sunday, September 6

7:00 AM – Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills (HD)

4:00 PM – Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers (HD)

2:30 AM – San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers (HD)

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 –

NHL To Make History At Fenway Park

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NHL TO MAKE HISTORY AT FENWAY PARK
Award-Winning Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic To Return On New Year’s Day

Boston Bruins Will Host Philadelphia Flyers Outdoors At Revered Ballpark

Bridgestone Returns As Title Sponsor

NEW YORK / BOSTON (July 15, 2009) – The National Hockey League’s annual outdoor game will return on New Year’s Day with the Boston Bruins hosting the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park — home of the Boston Red Sox — in the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter ClassicTM.  The Eastern Conference rivals will face-off at 1 p.m., ET in the classic, which received the SportsBusiness Journal “Sports Event of the Year” award for its inaugural edition in 2008.

“A unique event deserves a unique venue, and we are delighted the Bruins and Flyers will renew their rivalry with the ‘Green Monster’ providing the backdrop,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “We welcome our fans, our teams, our sponsors and the great city of Boston to this annual celebration of our sport.”

Bridgestone brand will return as the title sponsor, showcasing its status as the Official Tire of the NHL® and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) to a broadening viewing audience. Last season’s 2009 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic attracted 5.6 million North American TV viewers and gathered more than 750,000 visitors on NHL.com. The 2009 event at Chicago’s Wrigley Field drew 41,818 to the historic ballpark, with demand for tickets exceeding 240,000.

“The Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic has become a huge annual event in the sports world, which provides great exposure for our Bridgestone Brand,” said John Baratta, President, Consumer Replacement Tire Sales, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, (BATO).  “Having this year’s Winter Classic in Fenway Park, one of the truly iconic venues in sports, will only add to the excitement level and fan interest surrounding this year’s event.  We can’t wait for the puck to drop.”

Some of hockey’s brightest stars will be on display at the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic, including the Bruins’ recent NHL Awards winners: Tim Thomas (Vezina Trophy and William M. Jennings Trophy), Zdeno Chara (James Norris Memorial Trophy) and coach Claude Julien (Jack Adams Trophy). The Flyers’ roster boasts marquee talent such as Selke Trophy Finalist Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and the newly acquired Chris Pronger.

These two cities have a long and contentious sports rivalry, with the Flyers earning their first Stanley Cup™ in 1974 against the Bruins, the Celtics and 76ers battling in the NBA Playoffs of 1981 and 1982 and the Patriots-Eagles showdown at the 2005 Super Bowl, making for a classic match-up on New Year’s Day.

“Landing the Winter Classic here is something that we have worked hard to achieve for our fans for quite some time.” said owner of the Boston Bruins and Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors Jeremy Jacobs. “In Boston, we have been home to more than our fair share of great sports moments… too many to list. But there is no doubt that on New Year’s Day 2010, we will be adding another indelible memory to that long list.”

“On behalf of our Chairman Ed Snider, and the entire Philadelphia Flyers organization, we are honored and thrilled to be participating in this historic and milestone event at Fenway Park,” said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. “The Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins have a long and storied history between our two franchises and we look forward to extending that Philadelphia-Boston rivalry when we face-off against each other on New Year’s Day in the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park.”

The 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic will be the third regular-season outdoor NHL game played in the United States (the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year’s Day 2008, and the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day last season), and the fourth regular-season outdoor game in League history (the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens at Commonwealth Stadium on Nov. 22, 2003).

NBC will provide live broadcast coverage of the game in the U.S. In Canada, CBC and RDS will televise the event live. NHL Radio and SIRIUS XM Radio will provide radio coverage and NHL.com will provide extensive digital video coverage.

More details on the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic, including ticket sales information will be announced soon.

“On behalf the entire Boston Red Sox organization I want to express our sincere thanks to the National Hockey League and the Boston Bruins for selecting Fenway Park as the site for the 2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic,” said John Henry, Principal Owner, Boston Red Sox.  “From the day we arrived at Fenway Park, our ownership group has been committed to preserving and protecting this historic venue, and we have taken extraordinary steps to ensure it can serve fans for generations to come.  We have been equally as committed to promoting all that is good and unique about Fenway Park, and this is an exciting opportunity to open the ballpark to fans, neighbors, and the City.  We can’t wait to see Fenway Park full of people and energy in December and January.” ‪ ‪

“The players of the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers are extremely excited to participate in an outdoor game within the confines of historic Fenway Park,” said Paul Kelly, NHLPA Executive Director. “This is special for the players, getting a chance to reconnect with their roots by playing the game outdoors. I am sure that this event will be something that they will all remember as a highlight in their careers.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome the NHL Winter Classic to Boston,”  Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “Hockey is a global game, and Boston is a global city. The NHL Winter Classic will be more than a great hockey game. It will be a celebration that attracts fans from around the world and showcases the people, culture, and local businesses that make our city special. The Bruins – an original six team – have once again made Boston the hub of hockey, and I can’t wait to experience the NHL Winter Classic with the most passionate fans in the country.”

About The NHL
The National Hockey League, founded in 1917, is the second-oldest of the four major professional team sports leagues in North America.  Today, the NHL consists of 30 Member Clubs, each reflecting the League’s international makeup, with players from more than 20 countries represented on team rosters. According to a Simmons Market Research study, NHL fans are younger, more educated, more affluent, and access content through digital means more than any other sport. The NHL entertains more than 100 million fans each season in-arena and through its partners in national television (VERSUS, NBC, TSN, CBC, RDS, RIS, ESPN America, ASN and NHL Network™) and radio (NHL Radio™, Sirius XM Radio and XM Canada).  Through the NHL Foundation, the League’s charitable arm, the NHL raises money and awareness for Hockey Fights Cancer™ and NHL Youth Development, and supports the charitable efforts of NHL players. For more information on the NHL, log on to NHL.com.

### (7/15/09)

HBO Sports documentary Assault in the Ring

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HBO SPORTS DOCUMENTARY ASSAULT IN THE RING REVISITS THE ILL-FATED 1983 JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT BETWEEN BILLY COLLINS JR.  AND LUIS RESTO WHEN IT DEBUTS AUG. 1 ON HBO

HBO Sports presents ASSAULT IN THE RING, a documentary about the ill-fated junior middleweight bout between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and its subsequent effect on both boxers.  Debuting SATURDAY, AUG. 1 (10:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO, the special explores the events that profoundly impacted the New York sports landscape and the world of boxing, and changed the lives of two athletes.

Other HBO playdates:  Aug. 1 (3:00 a.m.), 3 (11:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m.), 6 (12:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.), 9 (10:00 a.m.), 12 (5:20 a.m.), 14 (6:30 p.m.), 18 (4:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 22 (9:30 a.m.) and 29 (6:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  Aug. 2 (10:00 p.m.), 7 (5:30 p.m.), 11 (2:10 a.m.), 15 (3:30 p.m.), 27 (6:30 p.m.) and 31 (11:00 a.m., 11:00 p.m.)

HBO On Demand availability:  Aug. 3-31

“This film will revisit one of boxing’s saddest days,” says Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports.  “But it’s a compelling story that we feel needs to be told, because so many lives were changed forever on that night at Madison Square Garden.  This is an in-depth, comprehensive examination of that tragic event.”

“There were so many unanswered questions surrounding what really happened and who, if anybody, was responsible.  What we discovered was much worse than had ever been imagined,” says director and producer Eric Drath.  “However, what we ultimately found was a story that went far beyond fact-finding; what unfolded before our cameras is a story of redemption.”

ASSAULT IN THE RING revisits a boxing scandal considered one of the sport’s darkest hours, and traces a man’s despairing journey following his alleged involvement in a criminal plot.  The documentary examines new evidence about this boxing match turned 30-minute assault, and reveals much more about the pre-fight activities of Luis Resto, his trainer Panama Lewis and the athletic commission representatives.

On June 16, 1983, undefeated prizefighter Billy Collins Jr. set out to fulfill every boxer’s dream of fighting in the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden.  Collins’ opponent, Luis Resto of the Bronx, moving up from welterweight, had his own dream of rising to the occasion in front of hometown fans.  But what began as a match that Nashville native Collins was favored to win changed both athletes’ lives – ending Collins’ career dreams and landing Resto in prison.

Resto seemingly reached a fighter’s ultimate goal by upsetting Collins, but his post-fight victory celebration was short-lived when it was discovered that the padding had been illegally removed from Resto’s gloves by his trainer, Panama Lewis, before the fight.  Resto was subsequently incarcerated and banned from the sport, while the brutally beaten Collins went into a tragic downward spiral.   Resto gives his account of the story in the documentary.

Lewis, whose official career as a trainer came to an end that night, was also subsequently banned, and speaks for the first time in ASSAULT IN THE RING about the events of the fight and their impact.  Others interviewed include: former New York State Athletic Commission chairmen Jack Prenderville, Randy Gordon and Ron Scott Stevens; members of the prosecution, defense and jury from the 1985 trial in New York, including former New York prosecutors John Bicks and Thomas Moore; attorneys Robert Beecher and Mickey Joseph; referee Tony Perez; New York State forensic scientist Charles Pampa; boxing promoter Johnny Boz; former New York City police detective James Rodriguez; Luis Resto’s sisters, Marta Resto and Susan Lopez; Luis Resto’s sons, Brian and Luis Jr.; and Billy Collins Jr.’s former wife, Andrea.

HBO Sports presents a Live Star Entertainment Production; director and producer, Eric Drath; for HBO:  executive producers, Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; executive producer, Barry Murphy; supervising producer for HBO, Joe Lavine; writers, Aaron Cohen and Eric Drath.

MLB Network to Air “30 Clubs / 30 Report Cards” Midseason Report Today, July 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET

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MLB NETWORK TO AIR 30 CLUBS / 30 REPORT CARDS MIDSEASON REPORT ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

July 15, 2009 – MLB Network will televise 30 Clubs / 30 Report Cards, a midseason report, today, Wednesday, July 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Following predictions made during Spring Training on MLB Network’s 30 Clubs / 30 Days, analysts John Hart, Dan Plesac, Victor Rojas and Mitch Williams will host a two-hour conversation as they review report cards for each of the 30 Major League Baseball clubs.

The show will include analysis on the second half of the season and potential American League and National League MVPs, Cy Young Award winners and Rookies of the Year. Hart, former general manager of the Texas Rangers, will also discuss farm reports, giving updates on Minor League players to watch.

30 Clubs/30 Report Cards will re-air until 12:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 16. Attached is a 30-second on-air promo of the show.

MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 53 million cable and satellite homes. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to mlbnetwork.com.

MLB Net Preview

The next Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel debuts July 21

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REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL

SITS DOWN WITH SUPER BOWL NO-SHOW BARRET ROBBINS,

VISITS FREDDIE ROACH, ONE OF BOXING’S MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS,

TELLS THE INSPIRING STORY OF A YOUNG CANCER PATIENT ADOPTED BY THE NORTHWESTERN WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM AND UPDATES ITS REPORT ON

YANKEE JORGE POSADA AND HIS SON’S BATTLE AGAINST CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS

WHEN THE EMMY®-WINNING SHOW RETURNS JULY 21, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

Winner of 21 Sports Emmys® in 14 years, REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL presents more enterprising features and reporting when its 148th edition, available in HDTV, debuts TUESDAY, JULY 21 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Other HBO playdates:  July 21 (5:55 a.m.), 23 (5:30 p.m., 12:10 a.m.), 25 (11:30 a.m.), 28 (9:30 a.m., 8:00 p.m.) and 31 (3:30 p.m.), and Aug. 2 (10:30 a.m.) and 5 (7:00 p.m., 2:25 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  July 22 (7:00 p.m.), 24 (3:30 p.m.), 26 (noon), 27 (11:00 p.m.) and 29 (10:00 p.m.), and Aug. 1 (8:00 a.m.), 4 (12:30 p.m., 1:40 a.m.) and 7 (8:30 a.m., 7:00 p.m.)

HBO On Demand availability:   July 27-Aug. 17

Segments include:

*AWOL. As the Oakland Raiders took the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII, they did so without their Pro Bowl center, Barret Robbins.  In one of the strangest Super Bowl controversies ever, Robbins went AWOL two days before the biggest game of his career, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.  For the Raiders, Robbins’ disappearance was a major distraction; for Robbins, the episode was only the beginning of a dark and tragic story that would include a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, substance abuse, numerous stints in rehab and multiple run-ins with the law.  Now, more than six years after his Super Bowl no-show, Robbins sits down with REAL SPORTS/Sports Illustrated correspondent Andrea Kremer to look back on his troubles.

Producers:  Chapman Downes, Mike Sullivan.

*All the Right Moves. Like elite fighters, trainers can get on a hot streak, and no teacher in the sweet science is currently hotter than Freddie Roach.  A journeyman prizefighter in his younger years, Roach has fashioned a potential Hall of Fame career, working out of his famed Wild Card Gym in Hollywood with his most accomplished pupil, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, among other sluggers.  Roach’s own story includes a troubled childhood and a battle with Parkinson’s disease today.  As REAL SPORTS correspondent Mary Carillo shows, it’s easy to see why this three-time BWAA Trainer of the Year is currently the man in demand.

Producer:  Lisa Bennett.

*Friends of Jaclyn. Boasting five consecutive national championships, the Northwestern women’s lacrosse team might be the most dominant program in NCAA history.  For those close to the team, it’s common knowledge that their magic run began only after a secret weapon was brought in:  Jaclyn Murphy.  Diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at age nine, the Hopewell Junction, NY native was in desperate need of a lift when the team reached out to her.  Four years later, Murphy is a healthy, cancer-free 14-year-old, while Northwestern hasn’t lost a national championship since their initial meeting.  Inspired by their uplifting relationship, the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation has been established to link other children with malignant brain tumors to college teams around the country.  Correspondent Frank Deford reports this remarkable story.

Producer:  Chapman Downes.

*The Next Posada. In 2003, REAL SPORTS profiled three generations of the Posada family, revealing the struggles of the son of New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.  A month after the Yankees won the 1999 World Series, Jorge’s wife Laura gave birth to Jorge IV, who was afflicted by craniosynostosis, a life-threatening condition that causes the bones of the skull to fuse before the brain finishes growing.  Following many complicated and lengthy surgeries, Jorge IV appeared ready to turn the corner and live the normal life of a three-year old.  Six years after the original segment, host Bryant Gumbel updates Jorge IV’s extraordinary story and reports on the efforts of the Jorge Posada Foundation to help other families affected by craniosynostosis.

Producers:  Jill Klapper, Joe Perskie.

REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL recently won the Sports Emmy® Award in the category of Outstanding Sports Journalism for Bernard Goldberg’s piece “Running for Their Lives.”  REAL SPORTS has won the Sports Emmy® for Outstanding Sports Journalism 12 of the last 14 years, in addition to being the first sports program honored with the duPont Award for excellence in broadcast journalism.

The executive producers of REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; Kirby Bradley is senior producer.