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Archives for November 2009

NFL ON CBS Feasts on Thanksgiving Day

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THE NFL ON CBS: WEEK 12

(THURSDAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 26 & SUNDAY, NOV. 29)

AUDIBLES WITH LEAD “NFL ON CBS” PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER JIM NANTZ

The CBS Television Network, home of Super Bowl XLIV, continues its Golden Anniversary 50th year broadcasting the NFL with THE NFL ON CBS on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26 (4:00 PM, ET) and Sunday, Nov. 29 (1:00-7:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY, the Network’s studio show (3:30-4:00 PM, ET) and (12:00 NOON-1:00 PM, ET) respectively, live from THE NFL TODAY studio in New York City.

THE NFL ON CBS lead announce team of Jim Nantz, who this year is marking his 25th with CBS Sports, and Phil Simms call the action from the Thanksgiving Day game, Oakland Raiders-Dallas Cowboys, live from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  Lance Barrow is the coordinating producer and lead game producer and Mike Arnold is the lead game director.

Throughout the 2009 season, THE NFL ON CBS will broadcast all of its games each week in HDTV, the highest definition television format – 1080i lines of picture resolution – along with 5.1 digital audio.

Sean McManus is President, CBS News and Sports, and serves as executive producer of CBS Sports’ coverage of THE NFL ON CBS.  Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

* * * * *

JIM NANTZ

(On Thanksgiving Day games): Growing up, these were games that were riveting.  You scheduled your family feast around the lesser of the two games.

(On Oakland): Oakland continues to struggle because they can’t stop the run.  But there’s a new pulse felt around that team and it has to do with switching the leadership position at quarterback with Bruce Gradkowski starting last week.  The team really rallied behind him in beating Cincinnati, a team that was one of the real stories of the season coming into last week.  The Raiders only have only three wins but two of them are impressive; one against Philadelphia and one against Cincinnati.  It shows they are capable of playing at a very high level.  They’re just not very consistent.

(On Dallas): The Cowboys are definitely in the mix on the NFC side. They’re just not getting the headlines like New Orleans and Minnesota.  They consider themselves Super Bowl contenders in the NFC.  I don’t see any reason to dispute them in thinking that way.

(On Oakland-Dallas): With the way Dallas has struggled for points these last two weeks, and the Raiders proving all the experts wrong last week by beating Cincinnati, we’ve got a compelling story brewing here.

* * * * *

NOTE: On Saturday, Nov. 28, CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz returns to his alma mater, the University of Houston, to serve as honorary captain of the Houston football team for its game against Rice.  Nantz will join the team captains on the field for the coin toss.  And at halftime, Nantz will interview former Cougars quarterback Andre Ware in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ware winning the Heisman Trophy.

* * * * *

Following are THE NFL ON CBS assignments for Week 12, Week 13 and Week 14 (subject to change).

WEEK 12 – Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Day*)

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

4:00 PM, ET start:

●Oakland @ Dallas*                Jim Nantz/Phil Simms                            Lance Barrow/Mike Arnold

WEEK 12 – Nov. 29

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

1:00 PM, ET starts:

●Miami @ Buffalo                    Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker                    Victor Frank/Mark Grant

●Indianapolis @ Houston          Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf                   Mark Wolff/Bob Fishman

●Cleveland @ Cincinnati           Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon                          Bob Dekas/Andy Goldberg

4:00 PM, ET starts:

●Kansas City @ San Diego      Dick Enberg/Dan Fouts                        Bob Mansbach/Suzanne Smith

●Jacksonville @ San Francisco Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots             Jim Rikhoff/Bryan Lilley

WEEK 13 – Dec. 6

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

1:00 PM, ET starts:

●Tennessee @ Indianapolis       Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon                          Ken Mack/Chris Svendsen

●Oakland @ Pittsburgh             Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf                   Mark Wolff/Bob Fishman

●Denver @ Kansas City           Dick Enberg/Dan Fouts                        Bob Mansbach/Suzanne Smith

●Houston @ Jacksonville          Gus Johnson/Steve Tasker                    Victor Frank/Mark Grant

●New England @ Miami           Jim Nantz/Phil Simms                            Lance Barrow/Mike Arnold

4:00 PM, ET starts:

●San Diego @ Cleveland          Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots             Jim Rikhoff/Bryan Lilley

WEEK 14 – Dec. 13 – DOUBLEHEADER

GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

1:00 PM, ET starts:

●Denver @ Indianapolis            Dick Enberg/Dan Fouts                        Bob Mansbach/Suzanne Smith

●N.Y. Jets @ Tampa Bay         Ian Eagle/Rich Gannon                          Ken Mack/Andy Goldberg

●Miami @ Jacksonville             Kevin Harlan/Solomon Wilcots             Jim Rikhoff/Bryan Lilley

●Buffalo @ Kansas City           Bill Macatee/Steve Beuerlein                 Ross Schneiderman/Jim Cornell

●Cincinnati @ Minnesota          Greg Gumbel/Dan Dierdorf                   Mark Wolff/Bob Fishman

4:15 PM, ET starts:

●San Diego @ Dallas                Jim Nantz/Phil Simms                            Lance Barrow/Mike Arnold

Commissioner Bettman Statement Regarding Abe Pollin

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COMMISSIONER BETTMAN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ABE POLLIN

NEW YORK (November 24, 2009) – Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the National Hockey League, today released the following statement regarding the passing away of former Washington Capitals owner Abe Pollin:

“Abe Pollin always wanted the best for his teams, for the fans and for Washington — and all of those passions combined to create the arena that revitalized the entire downtown community. He was a man of commitment and principle and we all will miss him. The National Hockey League family sends sincere condolences to his loved ones.”

#####

Filed Under: NHL

Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano Headlines The Holiday Celebration On Ice This Sunday On NBC

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OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BRIAN BOITANO HEADLINES THE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION ON ICE THIS SUNDAY ON NBC

NEW YORK – November 25, 2009 – This Thanksgiving weekend, eighties recording stars REO Speedwagon and Rick Springfield will provide a magical night of music as 1988 Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano and cast mesmerize skating fans at the “Holiday Celebration on Ice” from the Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Ark. this Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.

Joining Boitano on the ice are 2008 World Champion Jeffrey Buttle, two-time Olympic silver medalist Elvis Stojko, two-time U.S. National champion Michael Weiss, two-time World Silver Medalist Ice Dancing Champions Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon and more.

LUCAS OIL OFF ROAD RACING SERIES, 1 PM ET
NBC Sports presents taped coverage of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is the evolution of the long-standing support of short course racing by Forrest Lucas and Lucas Oil. Coverage features the conclusion of the series’ 2009 inaugural season championships that were contested at the Primm Motorsports Complex on Nov. 14th and 15th.  Steeped in the Midwest tradition of short course off-road racing infused with a West Coast influence, LOORRS brings intense four wheel door to door action to challenging, fan friendly tracks.

Bill Weber, Wally Dallenbach, Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast, and Robert Stout will call the action.

DEW TOUR HIGHLIGHT SHOW, SUNDAY, 2 PM ET
NBC Sports presents a one-hour retrospective of the most exciting and dramatic action from the 5-stop Dew Tour of 2009.

The Tour is made up of five major events that take place over the course of five months, June through October. This year the first stop focused on BMX and the second on Skateboarding.  The last three stops featured all sports: skateboarding (park and vert), BMX (park, vert and dirt) and freestyle motocross. There is $2.5 million in prize money – the largest in action sports – and an additional $1 million bonus pool based upon year-end standings.

Kenan Harkin , Jamie Bestwick, Paul Zitzer, Chris Miller and Tiffany Simons will provide commentary.

REIGNING WORLD CUP CHAMPION LINDSEY VONN HITS THE SLOPES AS NBC SPORTS PRESENTS THE ASPEN WINTERNATIONAL

UniversalSports.com Presents Live Coverage of Both Slalom and Giant Slalom

NBC Sports, Universal Sports, UniversalSports.com Offers Season-long Coverage of the Alpine World Cup

NEW YORK – November 25, 2009 – Reigning World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn and her U.S. teammate Julia Mancuso take on the World’s best women on skis as NBC Sports presents next-day taped coverage of the Aspen Winternational from Aspen, Colo., this Sunday, 3-4 p.m. ET.  NBC Sports, Universal Sports  and UniversalSports.com offer coverage of the entire World Cup season with NBC Sports next event being the Birds of Prey downhill from Beaver Creek, Colo. on Dec. 6, 2-3 p.m. ET.  (Full schedule below).

ANNOUNCERS: Tim Ryan hosts NBC Sports coverage from Aspen, Colo., and is joined by former Canadian Ski Team member Todd Brooker and former U.S. Ski Team members Christin Cooper and Steve Porino.

COVERAGE ON NBC SPORTS: NBC will broadcast coverage of the Aspen Winternational Women’s Giant Slalom on Sunday, November 29 at 3 p.m. ET, as well as Birds of Prey Men’s Downhill on Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m. ET

COVERAGE ON UNIVERSALSPORTS.COM: UniversalSports.com will stream live the entire competition from Aspen.  Coverage follows (All times ET):
This Saturday:
Giant Slalom Run No. 1, 12 Noon – 1:20 p.m.
Giant Slalom Run No. 2, 3 – 3:50 p.m.

This Sunday:
Slalom Run No.1, 12 Noon – 1:20 p.m.
Slalom Run No. 2, 3 – 3:50 p.m.

2009 WORLD CUP ON UNIVERSAL SPORTS:  Universal Sports, available in 56 million homes, will offer coverage of the entire alpine World Cup season on its 24-hour television network, with simulcast streaming available on UniversalSports.com.  Key events in the schedule include stops in Aspen and Beaver Creek, as well as Lake Louise, Val d’Isere, St. Moritz, Val Gardena, Adelboden, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Kitzbuhel, Schladming, Garmisch Partenkirchen, and Are.  In addition, fans can visit the skiing channel on UniversalSports.com/skiing for updated schedules, news, video highlights, special features, photo galleries, sweepstakes and more.

UPCOMING ALPINE WORLD CUP PROGRAMMING ON NBC AND UNIVERSAL SPORTS:
(All times Eastern)

Nov. 28         Men’s Downhill – Lake Louise, Canada            1:30 p.m.       USTV
Nov. 29         Men’s Super G – Lake Louise, Canada             1 p.m.          USTV
Nov. 29         Women’s Giant Slalom – Aspen, Colo.             3 p.m.          NBC
Dec. 4                          Women’s Downhill  – Lake Louise, Canada         2:30 p.m.       USTV
Dec. 5                  Women’s Downhill – Lake Louise, Canada          2:30 p.m.       USTV
Dec. 6                  Women’s Super G – Lake Louise, Canada           1 p.m.          USTV
Dec. 6                  Men’s Downhill – Beaver Creek, Colo.            3 p.m.          NBC
Dec. 6                  Women’s Giant Slalom – Aspen, Colo.             7 p.m.          USTV
Dec. 11                 Men’s Super Combined – Val d’Isere, France      10 a.m.         USTV
Dec. 12         Men’s Super G – Val d’Isere, France                     10 a.m.         USTV
Dec. 12                 Women’s Giant Slalom – Are, Sweden              12:30 p.m.      USTV
Dec. 13             Men’s Giant Slalom – Val d’Isere, France            10 a.m.         USTV
Dec. 13                 Women’s Slalom – Are, Sweden                    12:30 p.m.      USTV
Dec. 13         Men’s Downhill – Beaver Creek, Colo.            5 p.m.          USTV
Dec. 18         Women’s Super Combined – Val d’Isere, France    10 a.m.         USTV
Dec. 18 Men’s Super G – Val Gardena, Italy                      2:30 p.m.       USTV
Dec. 19         Women’s Downhill – Val d’Isere, France          10 a.m.         USTV
Dec. 19 Men’s Downhill – Val Gardena, Italy                     12:30 p.m.      USTV
Dec. 20         Women’s Super G – Val d’Isere, France           10 a.m.         USTV
Dec. 20         Men’s Giant Slalom – Alta Badia, Italy          12:30 p.m.      USTV

*Schedule subject to change. Visit UniversalSports.com for up-to-date television and online event schedules and availability of Universal Sports’ 24-hour network.

BODE’S DIARY ON UNIVERSALSPORTS.COM: Bode Miller, 2008 World Cup overall champion and the most successful U.S. ski racer with 31 World Cup victories, continues his weekly diary on UniversalSports.com. In addition, UniversalSports.com features blogs from Julia Mancuso (Alpine), Kaylin Richardson (Alpine), Resi Stiegler (Alpine), Casey Puckett (Ski Cross), Scott McCartney (Alpine) and Tyson Bolduc (Freestyle).

COUNTDOWN TO VANCOUVER: Vignettes highlighting Olympic hopefuls will run daily on Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com.  Starting Dec. 1, Universal Sports will present a nightly show-Countdown to Vancouver-that will continue through Feb. 12, 2010, the day of the Opening Ceremony in Vancouver.  Airing nightly at 8 p.m. ET, the program will originate from Universal Sports’ Los Angeles studio and will include Winter Olympic sport news and highlights, as well as analysis, features, interviews and guests. The program will provide highlights of the more than 300 Olympic sporting events airing across NBC Sports, Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com from now until the start of the Winter Games in Vancouver.   A Countdown to Vancouver sweepstakes will also run on Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com during the shows.

WORLD CUPS ON UNIVERSAL SPORTS: Universal Sports is the home of the entire 2009-10 FIS Alpine World Cup season.  In addition, FIS Cross Country, Ski Jumping, Freestyle, and Nordic Combined World Cup events are all available on the network.  Universal Sports will be delivering coverage of many prestigious winter sporting events leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, including speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, short track, luge, bobsled and skeleton.

Filed Under: NBC

“[Tom Coughlin] is not conservative. He’s just trying to move the sticks and win the football game.” – Steve Mariucci on The Coaches Show on NFL Network

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Quotable from Week 11 Edition of The Coaches Show on NFL Network

(Airs Mondays at 6:30 PM ET with replays at 8:30 and 10:00 PM ET)

Quick Quotes:

“He’s not conservative. He’s just trying to move the sticks and win the football game.” – STEVE MARIUCCI on Giants head coach Tom Coughlin’s late-game play calls

“The league is very serious about protecting players…They’re trying to reduce the number of concussions that players have.” – STEVE MARIUCCI on the rules that the NFL is implementing to keep players safe

“The players are going to want to play because it’s their livelihood… But this has got to go to a whole other arena, away from coaching, away from the organization, out of the players’ hands to medical people who know and understand the severity of the situation.” – MIKE MARTZ on the importance of dealing with players who have concussions

“Boy did he have an impact in this game… This guy is gritty. He showed some moxy, he gave them a spark. He’s going to keep this job because he gives them a little bit of hope.” – STEVE MARIUCCI on Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski

“He was really quick with the ball – decisive and accurate. He’s playing very, very well.” – MIKE MARTZ on Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski

“They’re going to have to play well against top defenses to get in to the playoffs and then to go anywhere in the playoffs they’re going to have to score more than seven points.” – MIKE MARTZ on the Dallas Cowboys

“This is class and this is great sportsmanship.” – STEVE MARIUCCI on Eagles QB Donovan McNabb giving Bears QB Jay Cutler a few words of encouragement after their game

***        Video clips from Week 11 are available on NFL.com. These videos include:

–       Steve Mariucci and Mike Martz discuss Giants coach Tom Coughlin’s play calling in late-game situations

–       http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81471fab/The-Coaches-Coughlin-conservative

–       Mike Martz and Steve Mariucci break down the Eagles’ deep passing attack and Detroit’s game-winning play

–       http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8147205a/The-Coaches-Week-12-chalk-talk
Highlights from the Raiders-Bengals game

–       http://www.nfl.com/videos/oakland-raiders/09000d5d8146a7dd/NFL-GameDay-Bengals-vs-Raiders-highlights

–       And many more Week 11 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com.

6:30-7:00 & 8:30-9:00 PM ET Monday: The Coaches Show (HD)

Host: Charles Davis Analysts: Mike Martz and Steve Mariucci

The Coaches Show takes an inside look at the previous Sunday’s games, analyzing the big plays and tough decisions made by NFL head coaches on the sidelines in a 30-minute, roundtable program (Replays at 8:30 and 10:00 PM ET Mondays).

– NFL NETWORK –

“It’s a matchup of two teams that need a win to keep pace in their own division.” — Giants-Broncos On NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 — 8:00 PM ET

NEW YORK GIANTS AT DENVER BRONCOS ON NFL NETWORK

On Thursday Night Kickoff Presented by Sears:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Roundtable Interview

with Michael Irvin, Joe Theismann and Rod Woodson

Highlights from Packers-Lions and Raiders-Cowboys Thanksgiving Games

Josh McDaniels is Wired For Sound

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE…

  • “The Giants are a hungry team because they’re trying to catch the Cowboys. They are fresh, rested and healthier. The bye week helped them get players like Eli Manning, Aaron Ross and Ahmad Bradshaw back. They’re a solid football team and when they’re healthy they’re good.” – STEVE MARIUCCI on the main reason the Giants were able to snap their four-game losing streak
  • “They need to circle the wagons a little bit. Josh needs to keep doubt from creeping in, keep frustration from being an issue in the locker room and on the sideline, keep working hard and keep them from pointing fingers at each other. That’s a trick that every coach must figure out. You have to keep hope alive.” – STEVE MARIUCCI on what the Broncos must focus on if they want to end their four-game losing streak
  • “It’s a matchup of two teams that need a win to keep pace in their own division. After four straight losses, the Giants need to build upon their victory against Atlanta. The Broncos need to snap their own four-game slide. Can the Broncos defense create enough pressure to disrupt the Giants passing attack? 60 minutes on the field will answer that question.” – BOB PAPA
  • “The Broncos need to run the ball effectively and keep the Giants off balance. The Giants are going to come in running the ball downhill themselves and working to get their run game back. As long as the Broncos don’t give up the big play, it’s going to be an interesting game.” – DEION SANDERS on what the Broncos need to do to get back on track against the Giants
GIANTS (6-4) BRONCOS (6-4)
ANNOUNCERS Bob Papa, Matt Millen
PREGAME (6:30 PM ET) Thursday Night Kickoff Presented by Sears

Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Jason La Canfora, Scott Hanson (Eisen, Sanders, Mariucci and Faulk in Los Angeles; La Canfora and Hanson via remote in Denver)
PRE-KICK (8:00 PM ET) Lexus Pre-Kick Show

Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Bob Papa, Matt Millen

HALFTIME The Sprint Halftime Show

Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk
POSTGAME Kay Jewelers Postgame Show

Rich Eisen, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk
WHERE TO WATCH DirecTV – Channel 212 (SD/HD), DISH Network – 154 (SD/HD)

Verizon – Channel 88 (SD) 588 (HD), AT&T U-Verse – 630 (SD) 1630 (HD)

Check Comcast, Cox and your local cable listings

NFL.com LIVE – live “look-ins” at select moments of game

NFL Mobile Live only from Sprint
LOCAL OTA SIMULCAST* WB Ch. 11 (WPIX) FOX Ch. 31 (KDVR)

Thursday Night Football

Thursday Night Football’s Thanksgiving matchup is the perfect complement to a day filled with food, family and football. Sure to be an exciting battle, the Giants and the Broncos have identical records and are both fighting to take the lead their respective divisions.

NFL Network has assembled an award-winning team to cover its “Run to the Playoffs” slate. This season marks the debut of new game analyst MATT MILLEN who returns to the broadcast booth after a successful NFL analyst stint with FOX and CBS from 1995 to 2000. Millen is joined by second-year NFL Network play-by-play announcer BOB PAPA, the radio voice of the New York Giants who has called a pair of Super Bowls. Papa was also the lead voice for NFL Europa games including the 2007 World Bowl on NFL Network and has worked seven Olympics.  MARK TEITELMAN and CRAIG JANOFF produce and direct Thursday Night Football.

RICH EISEN hosts NFL Network’s Thursday Night Kickoff Presented by Sears, a two-hour pregame show from NFL Network’s Los Angeles studios.  Eisen, a two-time Sports Emmy nominee in the Studio Host category, is joined by fellow Sports Emmy nominee STEVE MARIUCCI, a former NFL head coach with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions who also served as Brett Favre’s quarterback coach in Green Bay; MARSHALL FAULK, who won a Super Bowl XXXIV ring with the Rams, earned 2000 NFL MVP honors and three Offensive Player of the Year awards (1999-2001) and has been selected to seven Pro Bowls; and DEION SANDERS, a two-time Super Bowl winner who was 1994 Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time Pro Bowler who holds the NFL record with 18 career return touchdowns. Coverage also includes on-site reports from insider JASON LA CANFORA, who is in his first season with NFL Network after an award-winning newspaper career with The Washington Post and reporter SCOTT HANSON, host of NFL Network’s NFL RedZone channel that airs every Sunday. Senior producer BARDIA SHAH-RAIS joins coordinating director JEN LOVE on the pregame, halftime and postgame shows.  MIKE MURIANO is coordinating producer of the pregame, halftime and postgame shows.  ERIC WEINBERGER is executive producer of NFL Network.

NFL.com LIVE features live programming including live “look-ins” of Thursday Night Football, game highlights and instant analysis from NFL Network talent. From the NFL Network studios in Los Angeles, FRAN CHARLES, JAMIE DUKES, BUCKY BROOKS and MICHAEL FABIANO provide expert analysis, commentary and fantasy information with contributions from Faulk, Mariucci and Sanders. Hanson, along with SOLOMON WILCOTS provide live reports from the stadium. New this year, Playbook analyst MIKE MAYOCK gives instant X & O analysis of key plays right after they happen from NFL Films headquarters.

NFL on FOX Serves Up Special Thanksgiving NFC North Clash – Coverage Begins Thursday at 11:30 AM ET

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FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

Who Will Win the 2009 Galloping Gobbler Award?

Packers & Lions Serve Up Special Thanksgiving NFC North Clash Thursday on FOX

Festivities Begins with America’s No. 1 Pregame – FOX NFL SUNDAY at 11:30 AM ET

Johnston: Teams That Play on Thanksgiving Benefit Down the Stretch

Strahan: Undefeated Saints Have Appeared More Vulnerable Than Vikings

THANKSGIVING DAY SPECIAL AIRS ON FOX – This Thursday, FOX Sports dishes out a Thanksgiving sized helping of football from Ford Field in Detroit, MI as rookie Matthew Stafford and the Lions host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.  Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver call the action and once again have the honor of presenting the game’s most valuable player with the NFL ON FOX GALLOPING GOBBLER AWARD.  As one of the most hallowed trophies in all of professional sports, the Galloping Gobbler was first introduced on Thanksgiving Day in 2002 and won by Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith when he rushed for 144 yards en route to a 27-20 victory over the Washington Redskins.

Coverage begins at 11:30 AM ET with a special edition of FOX NFL SUNDAY co-hosted by Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee along with analysts Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan. On Thursday’s show, the crew breaks down the Packers/Lions matchup and counts downs the top 10 Thanksgiving Day NFL moments. Comedian Frank Caliendo makes his annual Thanksgiving Day picks. Also reporter Pam Oliver sits with Packers star DB Charles Woodson to reflect on what the Thanksgiving spirit means to him through his charity work. At 12:30 PM ET, focus shifts to Ford Field where the Lions host the annual holiday clash, this year squaring off against their NFC North division rival Green Bay Packers. At halftime, the NFL and the United Way present a Motown 50th Anniversary Tribute featuring six of the brightest talents from the current roster of Universal Motown Records performing classics.  Following the halftime performance, fans can visit NFL.com/Thanksgiving to find out how to download a copy of the halftime medley as well as music from each of the artists.  Proceeds will benefit United Way.

NFL ON FOX GALLOPING GOBBLER AWARD

RECIPIENTS OF THE GALLOPING GOBBLER

2002 – Emmitt Smith, Cowboys RB

2003 – Dré Bly, Lions CB

2004 – Julius Jones, Cowboys RB

2005 – Michael Vick, Falcons QB

2006 – Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys QB

2007 – Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers QB

2008 – DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys DE

JOHNSTON: PLAYING ON THANKSGIVING DAY ALWAYS A POSITIVE – Having played in 10 Thanksgiving Day games, former Dallas Cowboy and current NFL on FOX analyst Daryl Johnston knows how beneficial it can be to a team in the playoff hunt. “Playing on Thanksgiving is a big plus because it gives those teams extra days off heading into December and that can play a major role in how well a team performs,” said Johnston.  “The extra days off will give players more time to get healthy and come out fresh that first Sunday in December.  They need to fight through soreness from previous week’s games to get ready for Thursday but it will be well worth it especially if your team is on the winning end.”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

NFL ON FOX STEAM ROLLS INTO WEEK 12 – On Sunday, Nov. 29 FOX Sports continues Week 12 with doubleheader coverage of six exciting matchups.  At 1:00 PM ET, NFC East rivals meet when Donovan McNabb and the Eagles host the Redskins at the Linc. Looking to rebound from their overtime loss to the Giants, Matt Ryan and the Falcons welcome their NFC South rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Georgia Dome. Steve Smith and the Panthers look to get back into the NFC playoff picture as they take on Mark Sanchez and the Jets in New Jersey.  The Seahawks and Rams round out early game action on FOX. At 4:15 PM ET the NFL on FOX features two of the NFL fiercest rivals as Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears travel to Minneapolis to face Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and the 9-1 Vikings. Also, Vince Young and the Titans welcome Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals to Nashville.

Coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET with America’s most-watched pregame show, FOX NFL SUNDAY.  Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee co-host the Emmy Award-winning program and are joined by analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson.  The crew is joined by NFL Insider Jay Glazer who presents the latest league news and scoops in the FOX NFL SUNDAY studio and comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo contributes his weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment. Reporter Pam Oliver visits with Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and his offensive weapons.

For instant updates during the week and games from the entire NFL on FOX crew, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NFLONFOX. Fans can gain more access to exclusive FOX Sports content by logging on to www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.myspace.com/foxsports.

STRAHAN: “VIKINGS LOSS TO STEELERS GIVES THEM EDGE OVER SAINTS FOR BEST IN NFC” – “Minnesota and New Orleans are the two best teams in the NFC right now and if I had to pick one, I’d have to go with Minnesota,” said FOX NFL SUNDAY Analyst Michael Strahan.  “The Saints have appeared more vulnerable and closer to losing than the Vikings have this month. Minnesota’s loss to Pittsburgh has helped them get back on track. That loss told them they had to work hard every week and they are vulnerable to losing if they don’t show their best stuff. If they turn over the ball, it can be their un-doing as well. I think losing at Pittsburgh earlier in the season could turn out great for Minnesota.”

For more from Strahan, click on http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/10415402/NFC-East-not-playing-up-to-its-potential

BRANDON JACOBS TELLS FOX’S JAY GLAZER ON THE AFTER PARTY WHAT HE LEARNED DURING THE BYE WEEK – “We had some time to think about what had been going right the first five weeks and what went wrong the last four weeks,” said Jacobs on Monday’s “After Party with Jay Glazer” on FOXSports.com.  “What I came up with was penalties.  A lot of penalties and we turned the ball over an awful lot and you can’t win like that.  We let San Diego back in the game, I thought we had that one won and a few stupid penalties put them right back in it.  Penalties and turnovers will lose games for you.”

Click here to access today’s show:  http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=0fce9f4b-19be-439b-8c61-404760af3bf3

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

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles          Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston                           59%         1:00PM

& Tony Siragusa

Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Carolina Panthers at New York Jets                             Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick                       18%       1:00PM

& Chris Myers

The Meadowlands – East Rutherford, NJ

MARKETS INCLUDE: Boston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, New York, Providence, Raleigh

Tampa Bay Bucs at Atlanta Falcons                              Dick Stockton, Charles Davis                            12%      1:00PM

Laura Okmin

Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA

MARKETS INCLUDE: Atlanta, Birmingham, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Orlando, Tampa

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams           Ron Pitts, John Lynch                                          6%        1:00PM

& Nischelle Turner

Edward Jones Dome – St. Louis, MO

MARKETS INCLUDE: Portland, Seattle

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings                            Joe Buck, Tory Aikman                      91%      4:15PM

& Pam Oliver

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome – Minneapolis, MN

MARKETS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Washington, West Palm Beach

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans                       Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan                                          5%        4:15PM

& Charissa Thompson

LP Coliseum – Nashville, TN

MARKETS INCLUDE: Austin, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Phoenix

ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE IN THE FOX SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT,

WE WISH YOU AND YOURS A VERY HAPPY & HEALTHY THANKSGIVING

— FOX SPORTS —

Week 13 Flex Scheduling: Minnesota-Arizona to be NBC Sunday Night Game on Dec. 6; Patriots-Dolphins Moves To 1:00 pm on CBS

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WEEK 13 FLEX SCHEDULING:

MINNESOTA-ARIZONA TO BE NBC SUNDAY NIGHT GAME ON DEC. 6;

PATRIOTS-DOLPHINS MOVES TO 1:00 PM ON CBS

The Week 13 Minnesota Vikings-Arizona Cardinals game on Sunday, December 6 will be played at 8:20 PM ET on NBC and the New England Patriots-Miami Dolphins game that day will move to 1:00 PM ET on CBS, the NFL announced today.

Following is the final Week 13 NFL schedule:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 (WEEK 13)

N.Y. JETS AT BUFFALO (TORONTO) 8:20p (ET)

NFLN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

PHILADELPHIA AT ATLANTA 1:00 PM (ET)

FOX
TAMPA BAY AT CAROLINA 1:00 PM (ET)

FOX
ST. LOUIS AT CHICAGO 12:00 PM (CT)

FOX
DETROIT AT CINCINNATI 1:00 PM (ET)

FOX
TENNESSEE AT INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM (ET)

CBS
HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM (ET)

CBS
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY 12:00 PM (CT)

CBS
NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI* 1:00 PM (ET)

CBS
OAKLAND AT PITTSBURGH 1:00 PM (ET)

CBS
NEW ORLEANS AT WASHINGTON 1:00 PM (ET)

FOX
SAN DIEGO AT CLEVELAND 4:05 PM (ET)

CBS
DALLAS AT N.Y. GIANTS 4:15 PM (ET)

FOX
SAN FRANCISCO AT SEATTLE 1:15 PM (PT)

FOX
MINNESOTA AT ARIZONA* 6:20 PM (MT)

NBC

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

BALTIMORE AT GREEN BAY 7:30 PM (CT)

ESPN

The flex schedule game time changes for this Sunday (Nov. 29) are Chicago at Minnesota and Arizona at Tennessee on FOX at 4:15 PM ET.

The NFL will utilize “flexible scheduling” on Sundays in Weeks 11-17.  Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups in all NFL Sunday time slots in those weeks and give teams a chance to play their way onto primetime and into the late-afternoon 4:15 PM ET time slot on CBS and FOX.

For each of the flexible scheduling weeks with the exception of Week 17, the NFL will announce the start times of games on Sundays no later than 12 days prior to that weekend.  To ensure a Sunday night game and doubleheader games with playoff implications in Week 17, the flexible scheduling decision for that Sunday may be made on six days notice.

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Jimmy V Week Showcases Effort to Raise Awareness for Cancer Research Dec. 2-8

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Jimmy V Week Showcases Effort to Raise Awareness for Cancer Research Dec. 2-8
Week-Long Initiative Features Special Content across Multiple ESPN Platforms
In an average week, more than 28,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 10,800 will die from the disease (source: based on National Cancer Institute statistics).
Through the third annual Jimmy V Week initiative and the inspiring words of the late Jim Valvano, ESPN will shine a week-long spotlight on making a difference against the disease that strikes one of every two men and one of every three women in the United States (source: NCI). From Wednesday, Dec. 2 to Tuesday, Dec. 8, Jimmy V Week will feature special content across multiple ESPN platforms and programs to drive awareness of and donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. In the first two years, Jimmy V Week has raised more than $1.4 million in net proceeds for cancer research.
Jimmy V Week will launch Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. ET with a simulcast of Valvano’s 1993 ESPYs Awards speech across ESPN’s U.S. media platforms. On ESPN2, prior to the speech, a show entitled Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!®, will be aired at 6:30 p.m. and will feature highlights of Valvano’s story; his daughter Jamie and her fight against cancer; comments from celebrities at V Foundation fundraising events and remarks by researchers.
The week will conclude with the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. (Florida at Rutgers on ESPN2) and on Tuesday, Dec. 8 with the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic doubleheader from Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. (No. 10 Butler vs. No. 19 Georgetown) and 9 p.m. (Indiana vs. Pittsburgh).
“Jim’s speech continues to resonate for all audiences and to inspire us to do more to beat this disease,” said George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports. “I’m proud of our employees’ efforts across the company and the many contributions of our fans. This is really Team ESPN and our slogan Fans Helping Fans in action.”
Jimmy V Week content will be incorporated into studio programs and event telecasts across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN.com, ESPN360.com, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Classic and ESPN Mobile. Details include:
Content:
  • A special open on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. featuring Valvano’s 1993 ESPYs speech aired simultaneously across multiple entities;
  • Jimmy V’s Team, a half-hour show on ESPN2 on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.;
  • Jim Valvano-themed marathon on ESPN Classic;
  • Special elements – including features, vignettes and public service announcements — during game and studio programming across numerous ESPN platforms;
  • Special guest interviews on ESPNEWS;
  • Student-athlete interstitials about how cancer has touched their lives on ESPNU;
  • Multiple chat sessions and special content on ESPN.com;
  • Special updates and user comments on various ESPN and V Foundation Facebook and Twitter pages;
  • Elements in ESPN The Magazine and Rise publications;
  • Special graphics, including a Jimmy V Week logo.
Other special efforts:
  • Referees donating a portion of their one-day salary to the V Foundation’s Blow the Whistle on Cancer Campaign®;
  • The V Foundation’s efforts with outreach on its web site (www.jimmyv.org) such as “Share Your Stories” about Jim Valvano, the personal effect of his speech on others and individuals’ battle against cancer.
Simultaneous Launch Across Multiple Entities
A special Jimmy V Week open featuring a complete presentation of Jim Valvano’s speech at the 1993 ESPYs will be aired across 11 ESPN media outlets as well as the ABC SuperSign in Times Square and every television in the Nokia Plaza in the Los Angeles LA Live complex Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN’s John Saunders, a friend and colleague of Valvano, provided a special introduction to the speech. The approximate 13-minute long open will be offered in high definition and can be seen simultaneously on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN2, ESPN2 HD, ESPNU, ESPNU HD, ESPNEWS, ESPNEWS HD, ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com and ESPN Mobile TV.
ESPN Deportes will air a special version of Valvano’s speech – featuring a montage of ESPN Deportes personalities reciting the speech over video of Valvano giving it – at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 2 because of a prior commitment to live programming.
The speech will be available for the entire week on ESPN.com, ESPN360.com and jimmyv.org.
Further Details:
Event and Studio Programming to Showcase Jimmy V Week Elements
Jimmy V Week segments on how cancer has touched the sports world will appear during studio and event programming across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU and ESPN360.com all week, including guest interviews, features, testimonials and vignettes. The live event schedule features 26 men’s and women’s college basketball games, nine college football matchups, three NCAA Women’s soccer contests, one college hockey game and six PRCA events.
Throughout the week, ESPNEWS will offer interviews with guests who have a personal connection to cancer. In addition, Jimmy V Week elements, guests and discussions will be aired across television shows SportsCenter, First Take, PTI and Outside the Lines as well as ESPN Radio’s national programs. Guests are to be determined. Among the segments are features on cancer survivors such as:
  • Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who missed the entire season while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for Ewing’s Sarcoma, gained strength during his battle from family, teammates and a nun he had never met. Sister Barbara Ann, a cancer survivor who lives near Boston College rival Notre Dame, frequently wrote letters of support to the football player. Tom Rinaldi reports on Herzlich’s opportunity to meet his pen pal for the first time when he accompanied the team for the showdown against Notre Dame.
  • Twelve-year-old USC fan Jake Olson, who had his left eye removed when he was one to retinal blasphoma learned in September that the cancer had spread to his other eye. He recently had the right eye removed after attempts to treat it with chemotherapy and radiation had not been successful, rendering him blind. Before he lost his eyesight, Olson wanted to see one more USC game to take that image with him into surgery. Shelley Smith reports on how what started out as tickets to a game has turned into a relationship with the Trojan family that Olson says is helping him endure his battle.
ESPN Deportes Feature
In addition to televising the entire speech on opening night, ESPN Deportes will offer a feature throughout the week on Salvadorian race walker Cristina Lopez, whose long list of accolades includes the 2007 Pan American gold. Her toughest walk will be the one she takes down the hospital corridor with her four-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with cancer.
Special ESPNU Interstitials
ESPNU will offer seven Jimmy V Week “For Love of the Game” interstitials featuring testimonials from student-athletes who have been touched by cancer, including from the Texas golf, Miami soccer, Oklahoma volleyball, Ohio State rowing and soccer, and Washington softball teams.
  • Madison Pressel, a member of the Texas golf team and younger sister of LPGA Tour player Morgan, who lost her mother to breast cancer;
  • Austen Everett, a member of the Miami women’s soccer team, who has battled cancer;
  • Oklahoma head volleyball coach Santiago Restrepo, who lost his four-year-old son to leukemia in July;
  • Washington softball player Bailey Stenson who battled leukemia as a child;
  • Julia Hodgson, a member of the Memphis golf squad, who learned the meaning of appreciation and hard work by witnessing her mom’s fight against breast cancer;
  • The Ohio State rowing team, specifically coxswain Erika Benford who lost her mother to breast cancer in the spring, and the team walk in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Columbus;
  • Ohio State men’s soccer player Matt Lampson who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Special ESPN.com Content, Highlighted by Multiple Chats
ESPN.com will have special Jimmy V Week content highlighted by multiple chat sessions with sports celebrities and ESPN personalities throughout the week (people and times TBD). Additional content includes Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPYs speech; feature stories on athletes who have been touched by cancer, including Phil Mickleson, whose wife was diagnosed with cancer this year, and a feature story by Andy Katz on BYU men’s basketball coach Dave Rose, who is battling pancreatic cancer; and links to a calendar of events and to www.jimmyv.org for more information on The V Foundation and how to donate.
ESPN Classic Never Give Up Marathon Featuring Games Coached by Valvano
ESPN Classic will offer a Never Give Up marathon featuring classic N.C. State college basketball games coached by Jim Valvano – including his 1983 National Championship victory over Houston — leading up to the simultaneous launch of Jimmy V Week Wednesday, Dec. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. The schedule:
Date    Time (ET)       Show

Wed, Dec 2 10 a.m. 1987 ACC Tournament Final: North Carolina vs. N.C. State
Noon 1983 ACC Tournament Final: N.C. State vs. Virginia
2 p.m. 1983 NCAA Tournament – West Regional: Pepperdine vs. N.C. State
5 p.m. 1983 NCAA National Championship: N.C. State vs. Houston

Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!
ESPN2 will showcase the dedication and assistance of numerous people to ESPN-supported V Foundation events in 2009 through a 30-minute Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up! program Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. The show – highlighting initiatives which raised millions of dollars for cancer research and created new awareness for The V Foundation through the generous participation of athletes, celebrities, ESPN commentators and private donors — will be hosted by Bob Valvano and feature his sentiments about his older brother and family, a testimonial from Jim’s daughter Jamie and a compilation of footage from several summer fundraising events, including the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic, the “Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Radio Auction,” The V Foundation Wine Celebration, The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic and an inaugural event at the Breeders Cup.
Jimmy V Week Message on BottomLine
The following Jimmy V Week message will be included across each of the ESPN networks’ BottomLines for live event programming: Jimmy V Week – Join ESPN and The V Foundation in the fight against cancer. Call (800) 4-JIMMY-V or visit jimmyv.org.
The V Foundation on Facebook and Twitter
Jimmy V Week updates and user comments will be available through The V Foundation Facebook and Twitter pages.
Watermark
In an effort to remind viewers of the special week-long initiative, a Jimmy V Week watermark will appear in the upper right corner of the screen during live event programming across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic and ESPN360com (excluding during live NFL and NBA telecasts).
Blow the Whistle on Cancer!®
In coordination with Jimmy V Week, all NFL and NBA game officials are participating in The V Foundation’s Blow the Whistle on Cancer! ® campaign by donating a portion of their salary from the week’s games to The V Foundation.  This will be the eighth year of participation for the NFL to Blow the Whistle on Cancer! ® and the NBA’s fifth season – both leagues have had 100% participation from their officials every year of the campaign.
All three game officials from the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic will also participate in Blow the Whistle on Cancer! ® and donate a portion of their game salary to The V Foundation.
Public Service Announcements
Public service announcements regarding the need to raise awareness for cancer research will be aired across multiple ESPN networks as well as on televisions in the Los Angeles located Nokia Plaza and on Staples Center TV, the AEG in-arena television network at the Staples Center. ESPN Deportes will air a Spanish language public service announcement as well.
The V Foundation
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $90 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received seven consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.
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Special Thanksgiving NFL Classic Game On NFL Network Features Dolphins-Cowboys 1993 Thanksgiving Matchup

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SPECIAL THANKSGIVING NFL CLASSIC GAME ON NFL NETWORK

FEATURES DOLPHINS-COWBOYS 1993 THANKSGIVING MATCHUP

LEON LETT MUFFED KICK RECOVERY IN THE SNOW

LEADS TO DOLPHINS VICTORY

MOST-WATCHED REGULAR-SEASON GAME IN PAST 19 YEARS

CLASSIC MATCHUP AIRS AT 9:00 AM ET THANKSGIVING MORNING

On Thanksgiving morning Thursday, November 26 at 9:00 AM ET, NFL Network will serve up an appetizer to the Thanksgiving Day tripleheader on CBS, FOX and NFL Network, as NFL Classic Games encores the wild 1993 Thanksgiving victory by the Miami Dolphins over the Dallas Cowboys.

In a matchup of first-place teams in an unexpected snowstorm, Dolphins kicker Pete Stoyanovich connected on the game-winning 19-yard field goal — moments after having a 41-yard attempt blocked — to give Miami a 16-14 victory. Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett muffed the ball while trying to recover the blocked kick. Miami recovered with three seconds remaining in the game and scored the winning points.  Had no Cowboys player touched the loose football, Dallas would have taken possession.  Kevin Williams scored both Cowboys touchdowns while Keith Byars had a club-record 77-yard touchdown run for Miami.  The Thanksgiving defeat was the Cowboys’ final loss of the season as they won their next eight games including Super Bowl XXVIII.

This NFL Classic Games telecast features the complete NBC broadcast with announcers Dick Enberg and Bob Trumpy calling the action along with all of the network’s original graphics.  The game was watched by 38.4 million viewers on NBC and is the most watched NFL regular season game in the last 19 years (since 49ers-Giants on ABC Monday Night Football drew 41.5 million on December 3, 1990).

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 onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

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TNT to Give Thanks with an Exclusive Thanksgiving NBA Doubleheader Featuring the TNT NBA Studio Team Speaking Live with U.S. Troops Based in Afghanistan

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TNT to Give Thanks with an Exclusive Thanksgiving NBA Doubleheader

Featuring the TNT NBA Studio Team Speaking Live with U.S. Troops Based in Afghanistan

TNT NBA Thursday continues Thanksgiving Night, November 26 with an exclusive doubleheader beginning at 8 p.m. (ET).  The first game will feature a match-up of Southeast Division rivals when Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks host Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.  Play-by-play announcer Dick Stockton will call the game alongside analyst Mike Fratello with Craig Sager reporting.  In the second game of the night, Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz will host Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls at 10:30 p.m. (ET).  Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) will be courtside with Cheryl Miller reporting.  The NBA on TNT studio team of Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst) will speak live via satellite with U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.  Additionally, throughout the night, TNT will be showing troops in Afghanistan wishing family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving.  The Emmy® award-winning studio show Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai with Johnson (host), Barkley (analyst) and Smith (analyst) will recap the games.

Complimentary coverage of the doubleheader will be available on TNT OverTime Extra on NBA.com, an interactive application that will feature an enhanced live stream that will provide users with an HD-quality experience as well as DVR functionality and alternate camera angles.  Fans will also be able to vote on the players that they want the cameras to follow each quarter.  Fans will also be able to see Thanksgiving well wishes from troops in Afghanistan.  Check out the NBA on TNT pages on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NBAonTNT) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com) to see the latest NBA on TNT schedule, news updates and special features from TNT announcers.

*Attached photo of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith visiting the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C., on April 4, 2002.

Inside the NBA Parris Island

TNT NBA THURSDAY SCHEDULE:

DAY/DATE

TIME (ET)         EVENT

Thursday, Nov. 26

8 p.m.                      NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

8:15 p.m.                 Orlando Magic @ Atlanta Hawks

Announcers: Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)

10:30 p.m.               Chicago Bulls @ Utah Jazz

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)

Post-game             Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

NBA ON TNT UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Thursday, Dec. 3

8 p.m.                      NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

8:15 p.m.                 Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst), Reggie Miller (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter)

10:30 p.m.               Miami Heat @ Denver Nuggets

Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Doug Collins (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)

Post-game             Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

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