Archives for March 2014

Men’s College Basketball: Exclusive Coverage of Every NIT Game across ESPN Networks

March 18, 2014 By admin

Men’s College Basketball: Exclusive Coverage of Every NIT Game across ESPN Networks

ESPN’s exclusive coverage of the entire 77th National Invitation Tournament (NIT) will begin with all 16 first-round games across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN3 over Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19. The networks will follow the first round with all eight second-round matchups (March 20-24), the four quarterfinals (March 25-26), both semifinals (April 1) and Championship (April 3).

Every NIT game on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN3 will also be available via WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members and on Apple TV to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.

The 32-team field for the oldest tournament in college basketball was announced Sunday, March 16, during the ESPNU NIT Selection Show and includes teams representing 23 conferences. The field includes 23 programs with at least 20 wins, and 13 teams that qualified automatically for winning their regular-season conference title without receiving an NCAA Championship bid. The top seeds are Florida State, Minnesota, St. John’s and SMU.

St. John’s, making its NIT record 30th appearance, is one of six teams in the 2014 event that appeared in the 2013 NIT: Florida State, Indiana State, Louisiana Tech, Robert Morris and Southern Miss. Florida Gulf Coast, which reached the Sweet Sixteen in last season’s NCAA Championship, will be one of three teams to play in the NIT for the first time: High Point and Utah Valley.

2014 NIT First Round Schedule:

Date	Time (ET)	Game	Network
Tue, March 18	7 p.m.	NIT First Round: West Virginia at Georgetown Mike Patrick & Dan Dakich	ESPN
	7 p.m.	NIT First Round: Florida Gulf Coast at Florida State Mark Jones & Darrin Horn	ESPN2
	7 p.m.	NIT First Round: Robert Morris at St. John’s Dave Pasch & Tim Welsh	ESPNU
	8:15 p.m.	NIT First Round: High Point at Minnesota Clay Matvick & Mark Wise	ESPN3
	8:15 p.m.	NIT First Round: Belmont at Green Bay Jim Barbar & Sean Harrington	ESPN3
	9 p.m.	NIT First Round: Indiana State at Arkansas Brad Nessler & Jimmy Dykes	ESPN
	9 p.m.	NIT First Round: Davidson at Missouri Bob Wischusen & Malcolm Huckaby	ESPN2
	9 p.m.	NIT First Round: Georgia State at Clemson Tom Hart & Bob Valvano	ESPNU
	11 p.m.	NIT First Round: Utah at St. Mary’s Dave Flemming & Sean Farnham	ESPN2
Wed, March 19	7 p.m.	NIT First Round: Illinois at Boston University Sean McDonough & Tim Welsh	ESPN2
	7:30 p.m.	NIT First Round: Iona at Louisiana Tech Brett Dolan & Daymeon Fishback	ESPN3
	8 p.m.	NIT First Round: Vermont at Georgia Joe Davis & Dino Gaudio	ESPNU
	8:30 p.m.	NIT First Round: Toledo at Southern Miss Roy Philpott & Joe Dean	ESPN3
	9 p.m.	NIT First Round: UC Irvine at SMU John Saunders & Fran Fraschilla	ESPN2
	10 p.m.	NIT First Round: LSU at San Francisco Roxy Bernstein & Bill Walton	ESPNU
	10:30 p.m.	NIT First Round: Utah Valley at California Trey Bender & Jon Crispin	ESPN3

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Conference Leaders And Stanley Cup Hopefuls Highlight NBCSN’s NHL Coverage This Week

March 18, 2014 By admin

League-Leading St. Louis Blues Visit Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday Night Rivalry at 8 p.m. ET; NHL Rivals Airs Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET

Eastern Conference-Leading Boston Bruins Host Minnesota Wild Tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, Followed by Blackhawks-Flyers on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET

Wild Visit Detroit Red Wings as Sunday Night NHL Coverage Continues at 7:30 p.m. ET

NBCSN Presents Hockey East Tournament Semifinal and Final, Beginning Friday with No. 7 UMass Lowell vs. No. 10 Notre Dame at 5 p.m. ET

Stamford, Conn. – March 17, 2014 – Conference leaders and perennial Stanley Cup contenders highlight NBCSN’s NHL coverage this week, including the Western Conference-leading St. Louis Blues and defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday Night Rivalry at 8 p.m. ET.

The Blues enter this week’s action with the league’s best record (46-14-7, 99 points) and an eight-game point streak (7-0-1), two points clear of the Anaheim Ducks and seven points ahead of Chicago in the Central Division. The Blues have won all three matchups against the Blackhawks this season by one goal, including two shootout victories, while Chicago looks to build off of a 4-1 win against Detroit on Sunday evening.

Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick, analyst Eddie Olczyk and Emmy Award-winning ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Pierre McGuire will have the call from United Center in Chicago, Ill.

This week’s coverage begins tonight in Boston at 7:30 p.m. ET when Zdeno Chara and the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins host the upstart Minnesota Wild, who have recorded at least one point in nine of their last 10 games to strengthen their position in the Western Conference playoff race. Kenny Albert and McGuire will provide live commentary from TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

NBCSN’s NHL coverage continues tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Blackhawks visit Claude Giroux and the Philadelphia Flyers, who have collected points in 10 of their last 12 games, including a 4-3 win in Pittsburgh against the rival Penguins in the NBC NHL Game of the Week on Sunday. Dave Strader (play-by-play) and Brian Engblom (analyst) will have the call from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. This week’s coverage concludes Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Detroit Red Wings host the Wild. Emrick and McGuire will provide live commentary from Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich.

NHL Live, NBC Sports Group’s live NHL pre-game and post-game studio show, will air at 6:30 p.m. ET prior to weeknight games, and will air at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Liam McHugh will host NHL Live alongside analysts and former players Mike Milbury, Keith Jones, and Jeremy Roenick. In addition, host Carolyn Manno and former player and analyst Anson Carter will anchor Hockey East Tournament studio coverage on Friday.

In addition to its NHL coverage, NBCSN will present live college hockey coverage of the Hockey East Tournament semifinals and final this weekend. Coverage begins Friday at 5 p.m. ET when No. 7 UMass Lowell faces No. 10 Notre Dame in the first semifinal, followed by No. 9 Providence vs. No. 18 New Hampshire at 8 p.m. ET. The winners of those two games will square off in the Hockey East Tournament final on NBCSN Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Steve Schlanger (play-by-play) and Ken Hodge (analyst) will provide live commentary throughout the Hockey East Tournament.

Following is this week’s NHL and college hockey programming on NBCSN:

Date	Coverage	Network	Time (ET)
Mon., March 17	NHL Live	NBCSN	6:30 p.m.
	Minnesota at Boston	NBCSN	7:30 p.m.
Tue., March 18	NHL Live	NBCSN	6:30 p.m.
	Chicago at Philadelphia	NBCSN	7:30 p.m.
	NHL Rivals – Blues-Blackhawks	NBCSN	10:30 p.m.
	NHL Top 10 – Top Sochi Hockey Moments (Encore)	NBCSN	11 p.m.
Wed., March 19	NHL Live	NBCSN	6:30 p.m.
	NHL Rivals – Blues-Blackhawks (Encore)	NBCSN	7 p.m.
	NHL Live	NBCSN	7:30 p.m.
	*Wednesday Night Rivalry –* St. Louis at Chicago	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Thurs., March 20	St. Louis at Chicago (Encore)	NBCSN	7:30 a.m.
Fri., March 21	Hockey East Semifinal – No. 7 UMass Lowell vs. No. 10 Notre Dame	NBCSN	5 p.m.
	Hockey East Semifinal – No. 9 Providence vs. No. 18 New Hampshire	NBCSN	8 p.m.
Sat., March 22	Hockey East Final – TBD	NBCSN	7 p.m.
Sun., March 23	NHL Live	NBCSN	7 p.m.
	Minnesota at Detroit	NBCSN	7:30 p.m.

NHL RIVALS – BLUES-BLACKHAWKS – TUESDAY, 10:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

This week’s episode of NHL Rivals, which debuts tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET following Capitals-Penguins on NBCSN, features the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, who have been division rivals since 1970.

Following are excerpts from this week’s episode of NHL Rivals.

Former Blues forward and current Blues executive vice president Brett Hull: “The electricity that would go through the arena (Chicago Stadium) – it was scary. If someone crossed the line, someone was going to pay…it was bedlam.”

Former Chicago Blackhawk and current NBC analyst Jeremy Roenick on 1989 playoff series: “I got tangled up with (Blues defenseman) Glen Featherstone behind the net. I started jawing with him, and he cross-checked me right in the mouth and knocked all of my teeth out. Then I scored the game-winning goal in the third (period) – it was pretty cool.”

Immediately following NHL Rivals, NBCSN will also present an episode of NHL Top 10, featuring the top hockey moments from the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA

NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will stream this week’s NHL and Hockey East Tournament coverage via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to authenticated customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

Games airing on:

NBC will live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra;
NBCSN will live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

2013-14 REGULAR-SEASON COVERAGE ON NBC & NBCSN

NBC Sports Group will deliver coverage of 103 NHL regular-season games during the 2013-14 season, featuring 13 games on NBC and 90 games on NBCSN. All games will be streamed live via NBC Sports Live Extra. Click here for more information on NBC Sports Group’s comprehensive NHL coverage this season.

NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS

NBC Sports Regional Networks, which serve top NHL markets such as Boston (Bruins), Philadelphia (Flyers), Washington D.C. (Capitals), Chicago (Blackhawks) and the Bay Area (Sharks), will air more than 300 live NHL games and surround the 2013-14 NHL season with in-depth news, analysis and original programming on the teams that matter most.

NBC SPORTS GROUP’S DIGITAL AND SOCIAL NHL COVERAGE

NBC Sports Group will continue to provide hockey fans with up-to-the-minute news, video, and information on the NHL and hockey from around the world via its digital and social properties, including NBCSports.com, Twitter and Facebook. Click here for more information on NBC Sports Group’s Digital and Social NHL coverage.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Shogun vs. Henderson 2 on FOX Sports 1

March 18, 2014 By admin

FOX SPORTS 1 FEATURES REMATCH OF ONE OF UFC’S GREATEST BOUTS AT UFC^® FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. HENDERSON 2

Sonnen and Florian Serve as Analysts on UFC FIGHT NIGHT on FOX Sports 1

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Ultimate Fighting Championship^® (UFC^®) returns to Brazil for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. HENDERSON 2 live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes on Sunday, Mar. 23 (7:00 PM ET), headlined by a five-round light heavyweight rematch of former UFC light heavyweight champion and current No. 7-ranked Shogun Rua (22-8) versus former Strikeforce^® Champion and No. 8-ranked Dan Henderson (29-11). Their first bout at UFC 139 in 2011 was considered one of the greatest UFC fights of all time, with “Hendo” scoring a five-round unanimous decision victory.

“It was what I would call a slobber-knocker,” says UFC announcer Joe Rogan of their first fight. “It was a fight that just went back and forth. One guy was rocked. The other guy was rocked. Dan Henderson almost had Shogun out in the first rounds. By the end of the night, Shogun was mounted on Henderson, dropping bombs on him. The crowd was on its feet. They’re two championship caliber fighters and former champions. It was about as good a fight as you could ever ask for. And they’re going to do it again. I expect nothing short of what they did the first time.”

The UFC FIGHT NIGHT main card also features a middleweight bout between The Ultimate Fighter Brazil season one winner Cezar Ferreira (8-2) and CB Dollaway (14-6). Plus two more The Ultimate Fighter finalists, Leonardo Santos (12-4) and Norman Parke (20-2), square off in a lightweight battle. Fabio Maldonado (20-6) takes on Gian Villante (11-4) in a light heavyweight matchup, while lightweights Michel Prazeres (17-1) and Mairbek Taisumov (21-4) face each other. Featherweights Rony Jason (14-4) and Steven Siler (23-11) kick off the main card.

Jon Anik and Brian Stann call the matchups live from Natal, Brazil, while veteran combat sports journalist Karyn Bryant hosts the show from the FOX Sports 1 studios in Los Angeles, with analysts Kenny Florian and UFC light heavyweight Chael Sonnen. Heidi Androl interviews fighters in Brazil.

Coverage of UFC FIGHT NIGHT begins Wednesday, March 19 (7:00 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1 with the UFC TONIGHT, with hosts Florian and Sonnen previewing the fights. Bryant interviews Henderson before the epic rematch, while Insider Ariel Helwani adds additional reports.

The UFC WEIGH-IN SHOW airs Saturday, March 22 (3:00 PM ET) on FOX Sports 2 with Bryant, Sonnen and Florian in studio as the 24 fighters attempt to make weight. Androl interviews fighters during the show.

On Sunday, March 23 (4:00 PM ET), the UFC FIGHT NIGHT PREFIGHT SHOW kicks off the action on FOX Sports 1, with the same studio crew as Saturday providing the live coverage.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS begin on FOX Sports 1 at 5:00 PM ET with four fights, including Diego Brandao (22-9) against Will Chope (19-6) in an exciting featherweight bout. Middleweight Ronny Markes (14-2) faces Thiago Santos (8-2). The No. 7-ranked flyweight Jussier Formiga (15-3) takes on No. 14-ranked Scott Jorgensen, and kicking off the prelims, Thiago Perpetuo (9-3-1) fights Kenny Robertson (12-2) in a welterweight bout.

Wrapping up Sunday evening, FOX SPORTS LIVE recaps the fights immediately following the conclusion of UFC FIGHT NIGHT, with interviews of the winners and losers.

In the week leading up to the main event, FOXSports.com features extended coverage of UFC FIGHT NIGHT, including interviews with the main fighters and a live blog during the fights. Follow @UFConFOX on Twitter and use the hashtag #UFCFightNight for the latest updates.

Fans can also catch the fights on FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports 1 content. Customers of participating video providers may access the live streams of the UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. HENDERSON 2 through the FOX Sports GO app for iOS devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.

Following the fights in Brazil, FOX Sports 1 has complete coverage of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER NATIONS FINALE: BISPING VS. KENNEDY, on Wednesday, Apr. 16 (7:00 PM ET).

Follow the link to watch UFC announcers Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan break down the main event at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. HENDERSON 2: http://bit.ly/Np3lWO

FOX SPORTS UFC PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

DATE	TIME	EVENT	NET
Wednesday, Mar. 19	7:00 PM ET	UFC TONIGHT	FOX Sports 1
Saturday, Mar. 22	3:00 PM ET	UFC FIGHT NIGHT WEIGH IN	FOX Sports 2
Sunday, Mar. 23	4:00 PM ET	UFC FIGHT NIGHT PREFIGHT SHOW	FOX Sports 1
Sunday, Mar. 23	5:00 PM ET	UFC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS	FOX Sports 1
Sunday, Mar. 23	7:00 PM ET	UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. HENDERSON 2	FOX Sports 1 / FOX Deportes
Sunday, Mar. 23	10:00 PM ET	FOX SPORTS LIVE	FOX Sports 1

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SHOGUN VS. HENDERSON 2 Fight Card

Fighter	Record	vs.	Fighter	Record	Class
#7 Shogun Rua	22-8		#8 Dan Henderson	29-11	Light Heavyweight
Cezar Ferreira	8-2		CB Dollaway	14-6	Middleweight
Leonardo Santos	12-4		Norman Parke	20-2	Lightweight
Fabio Maldonado	20-6		Gian Villante	11-4	Light Heavyweight
Michel Prazeres	17-1		Mairbek Taisumov	21-4	Lightweight
Rony Jason	14-4		Steven Siler	23-11	Featherweight
Diego Brandao	22-9		Will Chope	19-6	Featherweight
Ronny Markes	14-2		Thiago Santos	8-2	Middleweight
#7 Jussier Formiga	15-3		#14 Scott Jorgensen	14-7	Flyweight
Thiago Perpetuo	9-3-1		Kenny Robertson	12-2	Welterweight
Godofredo Pepey	10-3		Noad Lahat	7-0	Featherweight
Francimar Barroso	16-3		Hans Stringer	21-5-3	Light Heavyweight

–FOX SPORTS–

Men’s College Basketball: ESPN Analysts Thoughts from Selection Sunday; Make Final Four Picks

March 18, 2014 By admin

ESPN’s extensive multiplatform coverage of Selection Sunday, March 16, included instant and in-depth analysis across studio shows on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. Rece Davis hosted live coverage of up-to-the-minute tournament selection updates on ESPN’s 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter with analysts Jay Bilas, Digger Phelps, Greg Shaheen, Dick Vitale and Jay Williams. Following SportsCenter, ESPN aired a two-hour Bracketology Presented by Staples at 7 p.m. with Davis, Bilas, Seth Greenberg, Phelps, Vitale and Williams. The coverage included analysis, discussion on the field, upset predictions, final four picks and more.

On overall selections:

Shaheen: “The committee did a good job and seemed to focus on geography in the west region, and given a bit on the quality side.”

Vitale on Louisville seeding: “I thought they should have been a one seed, I could have understood a two seed. Bottom line is the eye test, and there is no way they should be the four seed.”

Shaheen on Louisville seeding: “It is reflective of their conference play. There is undoubtedly the influence of that. The availability of quality games within conference and the failure to take on non-conference competition gave the committee reason to move them further up. This region has two interesting scenarios that play out from earlier in the season, Duke beat Michigan early in the season and is seeded lower than them, and Kentucky beat Louisville. Kentucky is an eight seed and Louisville is a four.”

Bilas on SMU not getting in: “It is a fair call. Because of their number of top 50 wins. If you don’t have those numbers available in your league then you need to go out and get them.”

Thoughts on Wichita State

Bilas: “They will out tough Kentucky, but Louisville will beat them in the round of 32.”

Vitale: “I respect what they have done. The Missouri Valley Conference, on the road, is a tough place to win. Last year, I said [No. 1] Gonzaga would lose to Wichita State in the [third round]. This year, I think Kentucky can really change the perception of the year they have had by beating Wichita State. I look for Kentucky to beat Wichita State. They will have to be sensational to beat Wichita State, but I think they will rise to the occasion.”

Williams on returning to the Final Four: “I don’t see it. I think they are a very tough minded team and I think Fred VanVleet is one of the top point guards in the country, probably top two, him and [Florida’s] Scottie Wilbekin. Look at the path they have to take. Kentucky is hitting their stride right now; they’re playing really good basketball. And unfortunately for a team like Wichita State, Louisville gets the four seed in their bracket and we were just having a conversation about Louisville potentially being a one seed.”

Thoughts on Michigan State

Bilas: “I have felt from the beginning that healthy and together, Michigan State is the best team in the country. I think they are capable of getting to the Final Four.”

Greenberg: “Michigan State, to me, is a team that will make a deep, deep run to a national championship.”

Bilas on Arizona: “A nightmare scenario for Arizona is playing Oklahoma State in the [third round] game. That is not a no-brainer. Oklahoma State could win.”

Bilas on UCLA: “UCLA is not a great defensive team or rebounding team. They are more vulnerable in their first game [vs. Tulsa] than second [vs. either VCU or Stephen F. Austin].”

Vitale on Kansas: “Without [Joel] Embiid, I don’t think [Kansas] can beat New Mexico [in the third round]. I thought [New Mexico received] a raw deal with a seven seed. Without Embiid, Kansas would have a hard time handling [New Mexico’s] size in the middle.”

Phelps on Wisconsin: “[Bo Ryan] always teaches consistency and always teaches team defense and offense where you get in a rhythm. [Frank] Kaminsky, inside, has become the x-factor for them. He can go inside, outside, and he has been the go to guy.”

Bilas on Creighton’s Doug McDermott: “He was the best player this year, hands down. He deserves everything he has gotten, including the Wooden Award.”

12 seed most likely to beat a five seed

Vitale: “NC State or Xavier, the winner of that game, I think they advance and beat Saint Louis.”

Phelps: “It would not surprise me to see North Dakota State knock off Oklahoma”

13 seed most likely to beat a four seed

Jay Bilas: “Tulsa is the one I would pick, I don’t think it’s going to happen, but they are the one I would pick.”

Semifinal and Championship Predictions

Analyst	Semifinal Picks	Championship	Winner
Jay Bilas	Kansas vs. Michigan State & Wisconsin vs. Louisville	Michigan State vs. Louisville	Michigan State
Seth Greenberg	Florida vs. Michigan State & Arizona vs. Duke	Michigan State vs. Duke	Michigan State
Digger Phelps	Florida vs. Michigan State & Oklahoma State vs. Duke	Michigan State vs. Oklahoma State	Michigan State
Jay Williams	Florida vs. Michigan State & Wisconsin vs. Louisville	Michigan State vs. Louisville	Michigan State
Dick Vitale	Florida vs. Michigan State & Arizona vs. Louisville	Michigan State vs. Louisville	Michigan State

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NFL Network & NFL.com Programming Notes — March 17-23

March 18, 2014 By admin

NFL Network Shows & Scheduled Guests

· Dynasty Week – Pittsburgh Steelers

· NFL AM

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Former Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater, Steelers CB Ike Taylor, Saints DE Cam Jordan & Eagles LB Mychal Kendricks in-studio

· NFL Total Access
SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Steelers CB Ike Taylor in-studio guest analyst today & Tuesday; Bears LB Lance Briggs in-studio guest analyst Thursday & Friday; Saints QB Drew Brees in-studio Thursday

· Path to the Draft – Airs Monday – Friday at 7:00 PM ET

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Former Clemson WR Sammy Watkins in-studio today; former North Carolina TE Eric Ebron in-studio Tuesday; former Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater in-studio Friday

· NFL Network’s Day-by-Day Programming

NFL.com Content

· NFL.com Editorial Content

NFL.com Podcast Central featuring The Rich Eisen Podcast and Six Total Podcasts

PODCAST GUESTS: Seth Meyers & Ivan Reitman on The Rich Eisen Podcast; Steelers CB Ike Taylor on The Dave Dameshek Football Program; former Clemson WR Sammy Watkins on the College Football 24/7 Podcast

NFL Mobile from Verizon

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Dynasty Week on NFL Network – Pittsburgh Steelers

Each week during the month of March, NFL Network’s programming will focus on the five greatest NFL dynasties – the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys.

This week is Steelers Week, starting today and continuing through Sunday, March 23.

Every “Dynasty Week” will feature team-related segments on NFL AM and NFL Total Access, as well as interviews with guests associated with each team. Additionally, throughout the week NFL Network will show team-related editions of such shows as A Football Life, America’s Game, NFL’s Top 10 and Sound FX, as well as classic games and Super Bowl re-airs.

Provided below is the schedule for “Dynasty Week” on NFL Network:

· Week of March 17th – Steelers Week

· Week of March 24th – 49ers Week

· Week of March 31st – Cowboys Week

Steelers Week includes the following guests on NFL Network:

Today & Tuesday – Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor in-studio guest analyst on NFL Total Access at 8:00 PM ET

Tuesday – Former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward on NFL AM at 6:00 AM ET

Wednesday – Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor on NFL AM at 6:00 AM ET

For the entire schedule of Steelers-related programming shown during Steelers Week, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/networkschedule

NFL AM – Daily Episodes at 6:00 AM ET; Re-Aires at 10:00 AM ET

Start the day off with the NFL. NFL AM airs Monday – Friday at 6:00 AM ET offering analysis, reports from correspondents in several NFL cities and interviews with players and coaches.

This week, the following guests join the show:

· Today

o Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett & Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett on “Bro to Bro”: http://on.nfl.com/1d74Rtg

o New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain: http://on.nfl.com/Ow2HaI

o Former Indiana wide receiver Duwyce Wilson in-studio: http://on.nfl.com/1kXmSMS

· Tuesday – Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones in-studio and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward joins the show

· Wednesday – Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks in-studio

· Friday – Former Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in-studio

NFL Total Access – Monday – Saturday at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network

NFL Total Access airs Monday – Saturday at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network.

This week, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor joins as an in-studio guest analyst tonight and Tuesday.

Additionally, Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs joins as an in-studio guest analyst Thursday and Friday.

Monday, March 17

· Host: Dan Hellie

· Analysts: Heath Evans, Brian Baldinger, Kurt Warner & Ike Taylor

· Guest: Former Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins & free agent linebacker James Harrison

Tuesday, March 18

Host: Dan Hellie
Analysts: Heath Evans, Brian Baldinger & Ike Taylor

Wednesday, March 19

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analysts: Heath Evans & Brian Baldinger

Thursday, March 20

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analysts: Heath Evans, Brian Baldinger & Lance Briggs
Guest: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in-studio

Friday, March 21

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analysts: Heath Evans, Brian Baldinger & Lance Briggs

Saturday, March 22 – Week in Review

Path to the Draft – Airs Monday – Friday at 7:00 PM ET

Get ready for the 2014 NFL Draft with Path to the Draft Monday – Friday at 7:00 PM ET on NFL Network. NFL Network analysts Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) and Charles Davis (@CFD22) anchor Path to the Draft, and are joined by NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, Charley Casserly and Brian Baldinger, and former first-round pick Curtis Conway.

This week’s editions of Path to the Draft feature the following:

Today

– Former Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins in-studio

– Coverage of Louisville’s Pro Day, featuring quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and safety Calvin Pryor

Tuesday, March 18

– NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock from Florida State’s Pro Day

– Former North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron in-studio

Wednesday, March 19

– NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock from Central Florida’s Pro Day

Thursday, March 20

– Coverage from the following Pro Days: Missouri, Notre Dame & Fresno State

– Actor Billy Gardell in-studio

Friday, March 21

– Former Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in-studio

On the Clock – Every Thursday on NFL Total Access at 8:00 PM ET

Every Thursday on NFL Total Access at 8:00 PM ET, NFL Network’s On the Clock follows three of the top draft prospects throughout their journey leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft: Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr and Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix III.

This week’s On the Clock focuses on Barr as he prepares for UCLA’s pro day.

Provided below are video links to past On the Clock segments:

– UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr is on a quest to prove he is the best player in the 2014 NFL Draft: http://on.nfl.com/1gG2vNb

– See how Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins is getting ready to try and become the next elite wide receiver in the NFL: http://on.nfl.com/1fD9dmn

NFL Network Programming Schedule

Day-by-Day Programming Schedule:

To view the entire NFL Network programming schedule, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/networkschedule

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NFL Editorial Content – Daily on NFL.com

NFL.com’s Around the League Blog

o Get all of the latest news from around the NFL with the Around the League blog: http://www.nfl.com/news

o Around the League’s top 101 free agents: http://on.nfl.com/1fXkFtu

NFL.com’s College Football 24/7

o For all of the latest news, analysis, mock drafts and prospect rankings leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft, visit: http://www.nfl.com/cfb247

o NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock’s top 5 prospects by position: http://on.nfl.com/1fW8L6U

o NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 prospects: http://on.nfl.com/12KSo79

o NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks’ top 25 prospects: http://on.nfl.com/1m44WRT

o NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks’ top 5 prospects by position: http://on.nfl.com/1eSUDs9

o Latest Mock Drafts from NFL Network analysts:http://on.nfl.com/1bmOckD

Catch all of NFL Media’s writers work here: http://www.nfl.com/news

The Rich Eisen Podcast Highlights NFL.com’s Six Different Podcasts Each Week

NFL Digital Media offers six different podcasts, including The Rich Eisen Podcast which has amassed more than 11 million downloads and can be downloaded at NFL.com and iTunes.

This week on The Rich Eisen Podcast, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, Seth Meyers, and director of the upcoming movie Draft Day, Ivan Reitman, join Rich Eisen.

Other NFL.com podcasts include:

· Dave Dameshek Football Program – Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor

· Around the League

· The Coaches Show

· College Football 24/7 – Former Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins

· NFL Fantasy Live

To listen to all six of NFL.com’s podcasts, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/podcast

NFL Mobile from Verizon

For fans on the go, with NFL Mobile from Verizon fans can get all the latest news and access live, streaming video of NFL Network on their smartphone. NFL Mobile from Verizon is available to Verizon Wireless customers with a premium subscription for $5/month. For more information about NFL Mobile from Verizon, including how to purchase premium services, visit www.verizoninsider.com/nfl

2014 NCAA Tournament Tip Times and Talent Release

March 18, 2014 By admin

Announce Teams Set for NCAA First Four™ and Second Round Coverage

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2014 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will tip off with the NCAA First Four™ on truTV presented by Northwestern Mutual on Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19 (6 p.m. ET; both days). Second round game coverage will begin Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21 (Noon-Midnight; both days) with all games available live in their entirety across four national television networks – TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV. Additionally, truTV will televise a one-hour pregame show Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m.

Brian Anderson and Dan Bonner will call Tuesday’s First Four games with reporter Kristine Leahy. Kevin Harlan will team with analysts Len Elmore and Reggie Miller and reporter Rachel Nichols for Wednesday’s games. Studio coverage for the First Four will originate from Atlanta with Matt Winer hosting alongside analysts Seth Davis, Grant Hill and Steve Smith both days.

Following are the tip times for the First Four games, as well as the commentator assignments for the second round games. Tip times for the third round games on Saturday will be announced on Thursday after the conclusion of the day’s games. Sunday’s tip times will be released after the conclusion of play on Friday.

The Final Four on Saturday, April 5, will be televised on TBS for the first time along with “teamcasts” or team-specific telecasts airing on TNT and truTV. The National Championship Game on Monday, April 7, will air on CBS for the 33^rd consecutive year.

First Round Games Tuesday, March 18
Tip (ET)	Network	Site	Game		Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
6:40 p.m.	truTV	Dayton I	Albany vs. Mount St. Mary’s		Brian Anderson/Dan Bonner//Kristine Leahy

After conc. I	truTV	Dayton II	North Carolina State vs. Xavier		Anderson/Bonner//Leahy

First Round Games Wednesday, March 19
Tip (ET)	Network	Site	Game		Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
6:40 p.m.	truTV	Dayton I	Cal Poly vs. Texas Southern		Kevin Harlan/Len Elmore/Reggie Miller//Rachel Nichols

After conc. I	truTV	Dayton II	Iowa vs. Tennessee		Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Nichols

Second Round Games Thursday Afternoon, March 20 (Noon-6 p.m. ET)
Tip (ET)	Network	Site		Game	Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
12:15 p.m.	CBS	Buffalo I		Ohio State vs. Dayton	Verne Lundquist/Bill Raftery//Allie LaForce

12:40 p.m.	truTV	Milwaukee I		Wisconsin vs. American	Ian Eagle/Jim Spanarkel//Lewis Johnson

1:40 p.m.	TBS	Orlando I		Colorado vs. Pittsburgh	Anderson/Bonner//Leahy

2:10 p.m.	TNT	Spokane I		Cincinnati vs. Harvard	Spero Dedes/Doug Gottlieb//Jaime Maggio

After conc. I	CBS	Buffalo II		Syracuse vs. Western Michigan	Lundquist/ Raftery// LaForce

After conc. I	truTV	Milwaukee II		Oregon vs. BYU	Eagle/Spanarkel// Johnson

After conc. I	TBS	Orlando II		Florida vs. Albany/Mount St. Mary’s	Anderson/Bonner//Leahy

After conc. I	TNT	Spokane II		Michigan State vs. Delaware	Dedes/Gottlieb//Maggio

Second Round Games Thursday Evening, March 20 (6:30 p.m.-Midnight ET) (Announce Teams Same as Day Games)
Tip (ET)	Network	Site		Game	Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
6:55 p.m.	TBS	Buffalo III		Connecticut vs. Saint Joseph’s	Lundquist/ Raftery// LaForce

7:10 p.m.	CBS	Milwaukee III		Michigan vs. Wofford	Eagle/Spanarkel// Johnson

7:20 p.m.	TNT	Orlando III		St. Louis vs. N.C. State/Xavier	Anderson/Bonner//Leahy

7:27 p.m.	truTV	Spokane III		Oklahoma vs. North Dakota State	Dedes/Gottlieb//Maggio

After conc. III	TBS	Buffalo IV		Villanova vs. Milwaukee	Lundquist/ Raftery// LaForce

After conc. III	CBS	Milwaukee IV		Texas vs. Arizona State	Eagle/Spanarkel// Johnson

After conc. III	TNT	Orlando IV		Louisville vs. Manhattan	Anderson/Bonner//Leahy

After conc. III	truTV	Spokane IV		San Diego State vs. New Mexico State	Dedes/Gottlieb//Maggio

Second Round Games Friday Afternoon, March 21 (Noon-6 p.m. ET)
Tip (ET)	Network	Site		Game	Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
12:15 p.m.	CBS	Raleigh I		Duke vs. Mercer	Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Nichols

12:40 p.m.	truTV	San Antonio I		Baylor vs. Nebraska	Marv Albert/Steve Kerr//Craig Sager

1:40 p.m.	TBS	St. Louis I		New Mexico vs. Stanford	Jim Nantz/Greg Anthony//Tracy Wolfson

2:10 p.m.	TNT	San Diego I		Arizona vs. Weber State	Andrew Catalon/Mike Gminski//Otis Livingston

After conc. I	CBS	Raleigh II		Massachusetts vs. Iowa/Tennessee	Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Nichols

After conc. I	truTV	San Antonio II		Creighton vs. Louisiana Lafayette	Albert/Kerr//Sager

After conc. I	TBS	St. Louis II		Kansas vs. Eastern Kentucky	Nantz/Anthony//Wolfson

After conc. I	TNT	San Diego II		Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma State	Catalon/Gminski//Livingston

Second Round Games Friday Evening, March 21 (6:30 p.m.-Midnight ET) (Announce Teams Same as Day Games)
Tip (ET)	Network	Site		Game	Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
6:55 p.m.	TBS	Raleigh III		Memphis vs. George Washington	Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Nichols

7:10 p.m.	CBS	St. Louis III		Wichita State vs. Cal Poly/Texas Southern	Nantz/Anthony//Wolfson

7:20 p.m.	TNT	San Antonio III		North Carolina vs. Providence	Albert/Kerr//Sager

7:27 p.m.	truTV	San Diego III		VCU vs. Stephen F. Austin	Catalon/Gminski//Livingston

After conc. III	TBS	Raleigh IV		Virginia vs. Coastal Carolina	Harlan/Elmore/Miller/Nichols

After conc. III	CBS	St. Louis IV		Kentucky vs. Kansas State	Nantz/Anthony//Wolfson

After conc. III	TNT	San Antonio IV		Iowa State vs. N.C. Central	Albert/Kerr//Sager

After conc. III	truTV	San Diego IV		UCLA vs. Tulsa	Catalon/Gminski//Livingston

Follow us on Twitter: @MarchMadnessTV for schedule updates and the latest NCAA Tournament broadcast news and information.

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FOX Sports Programming Highlights, Notes & Quotes: NASCAR, College Basketball, UFC, MLB & More

March 14, 2014 By admin

FOX SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

NASCAR: Sprint Cup Series Heads to Bristol Motor Speedway

FOX COLLEGE HOOPS: BIG EAST and PAC-12 Champions Will Rise on FOX Sports 1

UFC 171 PRELIMS: Top-Ranked Women Bantamweights Battle on FOX Sports 1

SOCCER: UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League Coverage

Continues on FOX Sports

BASEBALL: MLB Players and FOX Sports Talent Visit Fort Bragg Troops

SUPERCROSS: Villopoto Looks to Build Lead in Detroit

MONDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: Special St. Patrick’s Day Boxing from Boston

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

NASCAR

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway for the season’s fourth race live on FOX on Sunday, March 16 (1:00 PM ET) with pre-race coverage beginning at 12:30 PM ET. Mike Joy leads the NASCAR on FOX booth with analysis from NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip and former crew chief Larry McReynolds. Chris Myers hosts with analysis from Michael Waltrip and pit reports from Steve Byrnes, Jeff Hammond, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum.

FOX Sports 1’s NASCAR RACEDAY (11:30 AM ET) kicks off Sunday’s coverage, immediately followed by network pre-race coverage on FOX NASCAR SUNDAY (12:30 PM ET). FOX Deportes telecasts the race on Monday, March 17 (3:00 AM ET), while FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, offers live streaming of the race, as well as all practice and qualifying sessions telecast on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. Customers of participating video providers may access the live streams of the race through the FOX Sports GO app for iOS devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.

FOX Sports 1 features live coverage of NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES and NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES practice and qualifying sessions from Bristol on Friday, while FOX Sports 2 picks up NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES FINAL PRACTICE on Saturday. Sunday’s NASCAR VICTORY LANE (6:30-7:00 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1 features complete post-race interviews and analysis of the day’s pivotal moments.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES RACING FROM BRISTOL

Network/When: FOX, Sunday, March 16 (1:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Mike Joy leads the NASCAR on FOX booth with analysis from NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip and former crew chief Larry McReynolds. Chris Myers hosts alongside Michael Waltrip with pit reports from Steve Byrnes, Jeff Hammond, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum.

LARRY MCREYNOLDS ON WHETHER SAFETY CONCERNS PRECIPITATED NASCAR MAKING MODIFICATIONS TO QUALIFYING PROCEDURES THIS WEEK: “Safety probably was the main issue, but I think competition also played a role. Bristol is a half-mile track and we’d have 45 or 46 drivers on the first qualifying run with some trying to cool their cars down by running slowly. Martinsville, though, would have been an even bigger issue. Bristol at least has an apron, but Martinsville doesn’t. The only way to run around and cool the car down at Martinsville is by running the groove. We saw some really close calls in Las Vegas with cars running 180 or 190 miles-per-hour and some running 45 or 50 miles-per-hour to cool down their cars. An alternative of simply taking tape off the grille sounds simple, but the three different manufacturer makes have three different grille openings, which could pose a bit of an advantage depending on the manufacturer. So, I could understand why that probably wasn’t even a consideration in NASCAR’s mind. It sounded simple, but it wasn’t the right fix because the openings are different. You couldn’t let one manufacturer be at a disadvantage because of a grille opening.”

DARRELL WALTRIP ON PAUL WOLFE AND HIS PAIRING WITH BRAD KESELOWSKI: “I like a gambling man. When it comes to sitting on that pit box, I don’t want a guy who says ‘We’ll do what everybody else does.’ If you think back to the first race he and Brad (Keselowski) won together, it was at Kansas. And how did they win it? He was running gas mileage, kicking it out of gear and coasting off into the corner. So, Paul (Wolfe) and Brad (Keselowski) – that’s the Chad (Knaus) and Jimmie (Johnson) on the horizon.”

LARRY MCREYNOLDS ON THE BEST TEAM SO FAR IN 2014: “When I look at the first three races, Hendrick Motorsports looks like they have their arms around it. They placed all four drivers in the top nine at Las Vegas. But Penske Racing has two drivers, three races, six attempts, two poles, four front row starts and five out of six top-five finishes. In the early going of the season, Penske Racing looks like they have their arms around 2014.”

DARRELL WALTRIP ON THE FAVORITE TO WIN AT BRISTOL: “Bristol is one of those tracks that because of the concrete, it doesn’t change setup-wise. It doesn’t matter as much what they do to the cars but more about who likes Bristol and is good there. Both Busches love it. It could be a Kyle (Busch) weekend. It’s a good Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick track. I don’t see any surprises. The guys who were pretty good at Phoenix probably will be good at Bristol. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch. They could run very well. And the way Brad Keselowski has run the first three races, he easily could be in the mix.”

FOX NASCAR SUNDAY BRISTOL PRE-RACE SHOW

· Network/When: FOX, Sunday, March 16 (12:30 PM ET)

· Talent: Chris Myers, Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda

NASCAR RACEDAY

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Sunday, March 16 (11:30 AM ET)

· Talent: Chris Myers, Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Hammond, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda

NASCAR VICTORY LANE

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Sunday, March 16 (6:30 PM ET; delayed)

· Talent: Chris Myers, Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, Larry McReynolds, Steve Byrnes, Jeff Hammond, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda

NASCAR RACE HUB FEATURES JOEY LOGANO INTERVIEW

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Thursday, March 13 (11:00 AM-12:00 PM ET), Monday, March 17 (4:00-5:00 PM ET), Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19 (12:00-1:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Co-hosts Steve Byrnes, Danielle Trotta and Adam Alexander; analysts Matt Clark; Bob Dillner, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds

· Features: Trotta’s “Crunching the Numbers” examines who has the best chance of visiting Victory Lane at Bristol; Darrell Waltrip interviews Joey Logano; and a top-five countdown of the most emotional outbursts ever at Bristol on Thursday, March 13.

TWELVE HOURS OF SEBRING STARTS ON FOX SPORTS 1 THIS SATURDAY

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Saturday, March 15 (10:00 AM ET, LIVE)

· Talent: Bob Varsha and Brian Till call the lap-by-lap action with analysis coming from Calvin Fish, Dorsey Schroeder, Tommy Kendall and Justin Bell. Chris Neville, Darren Law, Greg Creamer and Andrew Marriott have all the latest from pit road.

· This Week: FOX Sports 1 has live coverage from the opening three hours of the 62nd annual MOBIL 1 TWELVE HOURS OF SEBRING on Saturday, March 15 (10:00 AM ET); continuing to its conclusion on the FOX Sports Go mobile app starting at 1:00 PM ET. Then on Sunday, March 16 (8:30 AM ET), FOX Sports 1 delivers a full three-hour, race highlight show from Sebring International Raceway; round two of the newly consolidated TUDOR United SportsCar Championship featuring four classes of competition led by the high-powered Prototypes and popular GT Le Mans categories.

BASEBALL

FOX SPORTS SALUTES THE TROOPS SPECIAL

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Saturday, March 15 (4:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Former Major League Baseball players and FOX broadcasters Rex Hudler, David Nelson and Jose Tolentino join former players Chris Archer, Mike Dunn, Royce Clayton and Chris Hammond.

· This Week: The second annual FOX SPORTS SALUTES THE TROOPS SPECIAL is a 30-minute special that follows current and former Major League Baseball players, FOX Sports Broadcasters and the FOX Sports Girls as they embark on a goodwill visit to North Carolina’s Army Installation Fort Bragg. Trip attendees train with the soldiers, including morning physical training and a 34-foot tower jump, while the MLB participants conduct a youth baseball clinic, visit schools and join soldiers in a competitive game of Wiffle ball.

MEN’S COLLEGE BASEBALL: TEXAS TECH VISIT BAYLOR

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Saturday, March 15 (1:00 PM ET)

· This Week: The Texas Tech Raiders take their 15-3 overall record to Waco, TX for a battle with the Baylor Bears.

THE OFFSEASON SERIES PREMIERE FEATURES MLB’S BIGGEST STARS

· Network: FOX Sports 1, Tuesday, March 18 (10:00 PM ET)

· What/When: In an exclusive joint effort from MLB productions and FOX Sports Originals, THE OFFSEASON is a six-part series that profiles Red Sox outfielder and World Series champion Shane Victorino, Pirates outfielder and National League MVP Andrew McCutchen, Marlins pitcher and National League Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez, and All-Star slugger and new Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder, as they prepare for the upcoming season.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

CHAMPIONS RISE ON FOX SPORTS 1 THIS WEEK – Two conference tournament champions will be crowned on FOX Sports 1 this week, as FOX Sports 1 presents full coverage of the BIG EAST Tournament as well as three games, including the championship, from the Pac-12 Tournament.

The BIG EAST Tournament tips off Wednesday night live from Madison Square Garden, with coverage beginning at 6:30 PM ET. Gus Johnson, Bill Raftery and Erin Andrews call the tournament’s seven prime-time contests, while Justin Kutcher and Tarik Turner have Thursday’s afternoon games. Turner joins Austin Croshere and host Rob Stone for the FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF pregame show, which is live from “The World’s Most Famous Arena” all week long.

Aaron Goldsmith, Sean Elliott and Molly McGrath are live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for three Pac-12 Tournament games, including the championship on Saturday night.

FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Wednesday-Friday, March 12-14 (6:30 PM ET); Saturday, March 15 (5:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Rob Stone, Austin Croshere and Tarik Turner

· This Week: Throughout its tournament coverage, FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF presents exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of the top teams in the country. CREIGHTON ALL-ACCESS is a series of backstage features chronicling the Bluejays’ journey during their first BIG EAST Tournament, with one feature running each night of the tournament. Additional stories airing during the week include PLAYING IN THE GARDEN, voiced by Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Andre Braugher, and a conversation between legendary Georgetown head coach John Thompson and his son, FOX Sports 1 college basketball analyst Ronny Thompson. Villanova head coach Jay Wright joins live on set on Wednesday, March 12.

This week’s full college basketball schedule, including broadcaster information, can be found below.

Wed., March 12	6:30 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Wed., March 12	7:00 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Game 1: No. 8 Seton Hall vs. No. 9 Butler	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews
Wed., March 12	9:00 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS EXTRA	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Wed., March 12	9:30 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Game 2: No. 7 Georgetown vs. No. 10 DePaul	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews
Thurs., March 13	12:00 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Game 3: No. 1 Villanova vs. Game 1 Winner	Justin Kutcher	Tarik Turner
Thurs., March 13	2:00 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS EXTRA	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere
Thurs., March 13	2:30 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Game 4: No. 4 Providence vs. No. 5 St. John’s	Justin Kutcher	Tarik Turner
Thurs., March 13	6:30 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Thurs., March 13	7:00 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Game 5: No. 2 Creighton vs. Game 2 Winner	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews
Thurs., March 13	9:00 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS EXTRA	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Thurs., March 13	9:30 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Game 6: No. 3 Xavier vs. No. 6 Marquette	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews
Thurs., March 13	11:30 PM	PAC-12 Tournament Game 8	Aaron Goldsmith	Sean Elliott	Molly McGrath
Fri., March 14	6:30 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Fri., March 14	7:00 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Semifinal 1	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews
Fri., March 14	9:00 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS EXTRA	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Fri., March 14	9:30 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Semifinal 2	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews
Fri., March 14	11:30 PM	PAC-12 Tournament Semifinal 2	Aaron Goldsmith	Sean Elliott	Molly McGrath
Sat., March 15	5:00 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS TIP-OFF	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Sat., March 15	6:00 PM	PAC-12 Tournament Final	Aaron Goldsmith	Sean Elliott	Molly McGrath
Sat., March 15	8:00 PM	FOX COLLEGE HOOPS EXTRA	Rob Stone	Austin Croshere	Tarik Turner
Sat., March 15	8:30 PM	BIG EAST Tournament Final	Gus Johnson	Bill Raftery	Erin Andrews

BIG EAST TOURNEY TIPS OFF AT NYC’S GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL – Eighteen BIG EAST legends gathered in the heart of New York City on Tuesday to celebrate the start of the 2014 BIG EAST Tournament by playing a pickup game on a court inside Grand Central Terminal. FOX Sports 1’s BIG EAST TOURNEY TIP-OFF also featured fan giveaways and a free-throw contest and was hosted by FOX Sports studio host Rob Stone and college basketball analyst Tarik Turner, a former standout at St. John’s. Pictures of the event are attached.

UFC

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER NATIONS – DÉJÀ VU RECAP EPISODE

Network/When: FOX Sports 2, Wednesday, Mar. 12 (10:00 PM ET)

Talent: Patrick Côté, Kyle Noke
This Week: In this special edition, we revisit action from the Octagon and drama from the house in a look back on the first eight episodes. With insights from head coaches Côté and Noke, we learn fight strategies, witness dramatic in-fight action, and see never-before broadcast scenes.

UFC 171 WEIGH-IN SHOW: CORMIER JOINS AS ANALYST

Network/When: FOX Sports 2, Friday, Mar. 14 (5:00 PM ET)

Talent: Jay Glazer, Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, Heidi Androl
This Week: Coverage of UFC 171: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER begins on FOX Sports 2 with the UFC 171 WEIGH-IN as the 26 fighters try to make weight for their fights. UFC light heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier and light heavyweight Chael Sonnen join as analysts.

UFC 171 PREFIGHT SHOW: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER TITLE FIGHT PREVIEW

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Saturday, Feb. 22 (7:00 PM ET)
Talent: Jay Glazer, Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, Heidi Androl
This Week: Host Jay Glazer and analysts Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen preview the fights at UFC 171: HENDRICKS VS. LAWLER and break down the welterweight title fight between No. 1-ranked Johny Hendricks and No. 3-ranked Robbie Lawler.

UFC 171 PRELIMS FEATURE KEY MATCHUP BETWEEN TOP RANKED WOMEN BANTAMWEIGHTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 2, Saturday, Mar. 15 (8:00 PM ET)
Talent: Mike Goldberg, Joe Rogan, Jay Glazer, Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, Heidi Androl
This Week: The UFC 171 PRELIMS feature four exciting fights, including a welterweight fight between undefeated Kevin Gastelum (8-0) and No. 14-ranked Rick Story (16-7), No. 9-ranked women’s bantamweight Jessica Andrade against No. 13-ranked Raquel Pennington and No. 12-ranked featherweight Dennis Bermudez (13-3) facing Jimy Hettes (11-1). Kicking off the PRELIMS, Sean Spencer (11-2) faces Alex Garcia (11-1) in a welterweight bout.

UFC 171 POSTFIGHT SHOW RECAPS WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Network/When: FOX Sports 2, Saturday, Mar. 25 (1:00 AM ET)
Talent: Jay Glazer, Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, Heidi Androl
This Week: The UFC ON FOX studio crew recaps UFC 171 and analyzes the women’s bantamweight title fight between champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Sara McMann. The one-hour review also features exclusive interviews with the winners, plus UFC President Dana White.

BEST OF THE WEC PREMIERE FEATURES CLASSIC MMA BOUTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Wednesday, Mar. 19 (8:00 PM ET)
Talent: Kenda Perez
This Week: Peer into the WEC vault to watch some of the greatest mixed martial artist (MMA) battles of all time. Many of today’s biggest UFC stars like Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo, Carlos Condit, Brian Stann, Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz first rose to prominence in the WEC Octagon, and you can see all of their classic battles in this new six-part series.

BOXING

GOLDEN BOY BOXING HITS BOSTON FOR SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FIGHTS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Monday, Mar. 17 (8:30 PM ET)

Talent: Paulie Malignaggi and Beto Duran
This Week: Undefeated rising middleweight Julian Williams (14-0-1, 8 KO’s) faces former IBA Middleweight World Champion Freddy Hernandez (30-6, 20 KO’s) in the MONDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: GOLDEN BOY LIVE! main event. “I can’t think of a better atmosphere for a night of fights than being in Boston on St. Patrick’s Day,” says Paulie Malignaggi. “The crowd’s going to be great and they’re going to get a great main event with Julian Williams vs. Freddy Hernandez. Julian is one of the top prospects and he’s about to enter the top ten rankings. But Freddy Hernandez has fought the best, and he’s got the skills and experience to surprise Williams if he’s on top of his game.” Also, young Irish star Jamie “The Nuisance” Kavanagh (15-1-1, 7 KO’s) faces Puerto Rico’s Andres Navarro (9-4-1, 6 KO’s) in an eight-round lightweight opening bout. Undefeated heavyweight Alexis Santos (12-0, 10 KOs) battles Seattle’s Sylvester Barron (8-3, 3 KO’s) in the six-round co-main event and Irish Olympian John Joe Nevin (9-2) makes his U.S. debut against San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Alberto Candelaria (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) in a six-round bantamweight televised attraction.

SOCCER

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT ROUNDS RESUME: Europe’s top teams battle it out once more as the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 wraps up with the return legs. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St. Germain punched their tickets to the quarterfinals this week, while next week sees English sides Chelsea and Manchester United in action against Galatasaray and Olympiacos, respectively.

· Network/When:

o Chelsea vs. Galatasaray, FOX Sports 1, Tues., March 18 (3:00 PM ET)

o Real Madrid vs. Schalke, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Soccer Plus, Tues., March 18 (3:00 PM ET)

o Manchester United vs. Olympiacos, FOX Sports 1, Wed., March 19 (3:00 PM ET)

o Borussia Dortmund vs. Zenit, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Soccer Plus, Wed., March 19 (3:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Hosts Will Selva (Week 1) / Rob Stone (Week 2) with analysts Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton and Brian McBride.

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 KICKS OFF

· Network/When:

Leg 1

o Porto vs. Napoli, FOX Sports 2, Thurs., March 13 (1:30 PM ET)

o Basel vs. Salzburg, FSN, Thurs., March 13 (1:30 PM ET)

o Ludogorets vs. Valencia, FOX Soccer Plus, Thurs., March 13 (1:30 PM ET)

o Tottenham vs. Benfica, FOX Sports 2, Thurs., March 13 (3:55 PM ET)

o Lyon vs. Viktoria Plzen, FSN, Thurs., March 13 (3:55 PM ET)

o Juventus vs. Fiorentina, FOX Soccer Plus, Thurs., March 13 (3:55 PM ET)

Leg 2

· Talent: Hosts Julie Stewart-Binks (Leg 1) / Rob Stone (Leg 2) with analysts Eric Wynalda, Warren Barton and Brian McBride.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RETURNS WITH THE QUARTERFINALS

· Network/When:

Leg 1

o Sporting KC vs. Cruz Azul, FOX Sports 2, Wed., Mar. 12 (8:00 PM ET)

o LA Galaxy vs. Club Tijuana, FOX Soccer Plus, Wed., Mar. 12 (10:00 PM ET)

Leg 2

o Club Tijuana vs. LA Galaxy, FOX Sports 2, Tues., March 18 (10:00 PM ET)

o Toluca vs. San Jose Earthquakes, FOX Sports 2, Wed., March. 19 (8:00 PM ET)

o Cruz Azul vs. Sporting KC, FOX Sports 2, Wed., March. 19 (10:00 PM ET)

SUPERCROSS

VILLOPOTO TAKES 4TH DAYTONA TITLE, ROLLS INTO DETROIT WITH POINTS LEAD

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Saturday, March 15 (11:30 PM ET, SDD; replays Sunday, March 16 on FOX Sports 1 at 2:00 PM ET and FOX Sports 2 at 9:00 PM ET; available to subscribers on FOX Sports GO)

· Talent: Ralph Sheheen, Jeff Emig, Kevin Windham, Jenny Taft

· This Week: According to Sheheen, Villopoto is en route to being one of the greatest of all time. “Without question Ryan is a first ballot Hall-of-Famer. His numbers already are impressive and he isn’t done yet. If he wins his fourth consecutive title this year, that puts him right with Jeremy McGrath as the only riders to win four championships in a row. Now, with four Daytona Supercross by Honda wins, he ties Jeff Stanton for second on the all-time win list, and is one behind all-time Daytona Supercross winner Ricky Carmichael, who has five.” Rolling into Detroit this weekend, Sheheen expects the track to add a little excitement to the FOX Sports 1 program: “Detroit has had a long history with supercross, dating back to a very successful run of dates at the old Pontiac Superdome. For the return of the series to the Motor City, the track builders are taking the track right up into the grandstands, which should be very exciting for both the racers and the fans.”

RED BULL

WORLD’S BEST FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS RIDERS KICK OFF RED BULL X-FIGHTERS TOUR IN MEXICO CITY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Monday, Mar. 17 (7:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Andy Bell, Troy Manering

· This Week: The 2014 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour, featuring the world’s top freestyle motocross riders, revs up for another epic and spectacular season with its first stop in Mexico City. France’s Thomas Pagès is looking to defend his 2013 title in front of 42,000 spectators in the high-altitude of the Mexican capital. “With three different champions in the past three years, 2014 is set to be an epic year!” says FOX Sports 1 host Andy Bell. Dany Torres (ESP), Levi Sherwood (NZL), Rob Adelberg (AUS), Javier Villegas (CHI), Josh Sheehan (AUS), Adam Jones (USA) and the rest of the roster are expected to give Pagès a run for his money during the five-leg tour. Follow the link for a quick preview of the season: http://www.redbullxfighters.com/en_US/video/season-starts-soon

STUDIO SHOWS

FOX SPORTS LIVE

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, nightly (11:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Charissa Thompson, Gary Payton, Ephraim Salaam, Greg Wolf, Ryan Field, Don Bell, Mike Hill, Bill Reiter, Gabe Kapler, Marques Johnson, Will Leitch

· This Week: Sunday, Mar. 16 – Monday, Mar. 17: Todd Fuhrman and Clay Travis on location in Las Vegas. Tarik Turner and Reid Forgrave join the program. Monday, Mar. 17: Donovan McNabb on location in Louisville for Pro Day. Tuesday, Mar. 18: Kenny Smith (Retired NBA Player/Basketball Analyst)

FOX FOOTBALL DAILY

· Network: FOX Sports 1, weekdays (6:00 PM ET)

· Talent: Joel Klatt, Scott Fujita, Mike Garafolo, Kirk Morrison. Ryan Nece replaces Garafolo on Friday’s (3/14) edition. 2014 NFL Draft Prospect Eric Ebron joins FOX Football Daily Thursday (3/13).

CROWD GOES WILD

· Network/When: FOX Sports 1, 12:00 AM ET (pre-empted except for Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18)

· Talent: Regis Philbin, Georgie Thompson, Jason Gay, Michael Kosta, Trevor Pryce, Katie Nolan. Guest host Peter Schrager fills in for Jason Gay both days.

· Guests: Vin Parise (FOX Sports College Basketball Analyst) on Monday, March 17 and Chris Herren (Founder, The Herren Project/Former NBA Player)

SiriusXM Offers Live Coverage of 2014 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship

March 14, 2014 By admin

Subscribers get access to every minute of every game

Expert analysis throughout the tournament from Mike Krzyzewski, Bobby Cremins, Tom Brennan, Steve Lappas, Bruce Pearl, Mateen Cleaves and Miles Simon

NEW YORK – March 13, 2014 – SiriusXM will offer comprehensive coverage of the 2014 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, offering subscribers nationwide uninterrupted access to live play-by-play of every game.

Starting with the First Four® on March 18 and 19 through the Final Four® and national championship game in Dallas on April 5 and 7, all tournament games will be available to SiriusXM listeners in their entirety, with no blackouts, on Sirius channels 91, 85, 86, 92, 93, and 94 and XM channels 91, 86, 190, 191, 192 and 193. Tournament match-ups and SiriusXM channel assignments will be available at www.siriusxm.com/collegesports starting Monday, March 17.

On Selection Sunday™, March 16, SiriusXM will provide up-to-the-moment coverage as tournament teams and first round match-ups are announced. Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and Steve Torre will host live from 5:00 to 9:00 pm ET on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 86). Then from 9:00 pm to midnight ET, listeners can tune into continued live coverage hosted by former University of Vermont coach Tom Brennan and Mark Packer on SiriusXM College Sports Nation (channel 91). The shows will feature interviews with special guests, including team coaches and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee chair Ron Wellman, and will give fans a place to call in and share their reactions and opinions as the field is revealed.

Throughout the tournament SiriusXM College Sports Nation will continue to be the fans’ source for daily news and tournament talk. SiriusXM’s all-college sports channel showcases a stellar lineup of expert hosts and analysts including former coaches Bobby Cremins, Tom Brennan, Steve Lappas and Bruce Pearl, National Championship-winning guards Mateen Cleaves, and Miles Simon, both of whom were named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and college basketball experts Tim Brando, Mark Packer, Chris Childers and Jason Horowitz.

Legendary Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski will continue to host his weekly SiriusXM show throughout the tournament. Basketball and Beyond with Coach K will air Wednesdays at 6:00 pm ET on SiriusXM College Sports Nation.

Throughout Final Four weekend – April 3 through 8 – SiriusXM College Sports Nation will broadcast live from Dallas to deliver fans the latest news, one-on-one interviews and in-depth college basketball talk before and after a new national champion is crowned.

SiriusXM will also offer coverage of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, providing listeners with live play-by-play of every regional final, the Women’s Final Four and championship game.

All NCAA Tournament broadcasts are provided to SiriusXM by WestwoodOne.

NCAA, First Four, Final Four, and Selection Sunday are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

###

Notes from TNT’s NBA Coverage – Thursday, March 13, 2014

March 14, 2014 By admin

Notes from TNT’s NBA Coverage – Thursday, March 13, 2014

TNT’s NBA coverage continues Tuesday, March 25, at 8 p.m. ET with doubleheader action featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks followed by the New York Knicks @ Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 p.m.

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com
Matt Winer, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith

Barkley on Knicks head coach Mike Woodson: “Mike Woodson is not the problem with the Knicks. The Knicks stink. Mike Woodson has been totally disrespected throughout this entire process.”

Barkley on reports of Phil Jackson joining the Knicks front office: “The ‘Zen Master’ is going to have to go see Dr. Phil after seeing that team play.”

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Houston Rockets (87) at Chicago Bulls (111)
Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with Rachel Nichols (reporter)

Kerr on the Triangle offense: “It’s a great offense if you’ve got great talent…much like any offense.”

Kerr on the Rockets’ James Harden: “Harden is at the point in his career where he has star status…he’s so good offensively. When he’s making the three with his ability to get to the rim, with his strength, people just bounce off of him.”
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Sprint Halftime Report
Winer, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

Barkley on the Rockets: “They are a good solid team but they aren’t a contender.”

Smith on Houston point guard Jeremy Lin: “There are a lot of different variables that he offers but he gets discredited because of what happened in New York with ‘Linsanity.’ He’s very effective and tough to play against. The credit that he gets now works against him because he got too much already [while with the Knicks].”
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Kerr on Chicago’s chances in the playoffs: “They could do some serious damage [in the playoffs] if the match-up is right. I don’t like Miami [as an opponent] for them but Indiana, with their own offensive inefficiencies…I could see Chicago and Indiana going a long way [in a series].”

Kerr on how the Rockets lack of grit could impact them in the playoffs: “They are a happy-go-lucky bunch. Led by Dwight Howard, they are very loose and the chemistry is great; but you have to question the grit. Do they have enough fire in them to get through a playoff series with all the adversity they are going to hit? That’s what you have to get through as a team if you’re going to evolve through that pain and learn those lessons.”

Kerr on Houston guard Patrick Beverley: “He’s the one guy on the team that fires the Rockets up.”

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Los Angeles Lakers (102) at Oklahoma City Thunder (131)
Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Chris Webber (analysts) with Craig Sager (reporter)
Webber on the Lakers: “Think about how hard it is for a team like the Lakers to get any rhythm. They’ve had six different point guards. How can you have any consistency with different leadership [on the court]?”

Webber on Oklahoma City veteran Caron Butler: “He can score, he plays defense, he has experience and he’s happy to be [in Oklahoma City]. He wants to be sure that his impact is felt.”

Webber on the Thunder’s cohesiveness: “When you’re on a championship run, you have so many moving parts and things that may not go well. [The Thunder] have been together for so long, it seems like they can handle the misfortunes and the changes.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Winer, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

O’Neal on Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka: “Serge Ibaka is [Oklahoma City’s] third guy, he does everything. Every championship team has a guy that does all the small things.”

Barkley on the Lakers: “The Lakers made a huge mistake not re-signing Dwight Howard. They should’ve found a way to make it work. You can’t let the best big man in the game just leave.”

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Webber on the toughness of the Thunder: “They are tough and not only because of [Kendrick] Perkins. They have Ibaka, who is one of the best defenders in the game. They have Durant and Westbrook, who is an animal…he just goes.”

Webber on the Thunder: “There was a rumor that [the Thunder] were selfish. I don’t know who started that rumor but this team is fun to watch. When you’re putting up 115 [points] a game…it’s hard to be selfish.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Kia
Winer, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith

Barkley on Russell Westbrook: “He’s never going to be a conventional point guard. He’s too talented.”

Barkley on the Clippers: “The Clippers are the favorite in the West right now.”

Visit the Turner Sports online press room for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR

– 30 –

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC HOST TORONTO FC SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

March 14, 2014 By admin

“This has to be one of the most hyped-up and most-anticipated early season matches in MLS history.” – John Strong

Seattle-Sporting Kansas City MLS Opener Best Ever on NBCSN following Premier League Lead-In

Seattle vs. Defending MLS Cup Champion Sporting Kansas City Ranks as NBCSN’s Third-Most Watched MLS Match behind Only 2 Games with London Olympics Lead-Ins

Stamford, Conn. – March 12, 2014 – NBC Sports Network’s Major League Soccer coverage this weekend features Toronto FC in their season debut against Seattle Sounders FC (1-0-0, 3 pts.) at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN, immediately following Premier League coverage.

Toronto debuts U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Michael Bradley, former Tottenham Hotspur forward Jermain Defoe, Brazilian National Team goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Brazilian striker Gilberto and 2011 MLS MVP and Canadian National Team player Dwayne De Rosario against Sounders and U.S. Men’s National Team captain Clint Dempsey, who come off a 1-0 victory over defending champion Sporting Kansas City in the season opener.

Last week, bolstered by a lead-in and in-telecast promotion from the Chelsea-Tottenham top-tier Premier League match, the MLS season opener between Seattle and Sporting Kansas City on Saturday registered 330,000 viewers, ranking as NBCSN’s best MLS opener, up 208% from the ’13 opener and nearly tripling the 2013 season average MLS on NBCSN audience. Sounders-Sporting was also up 49% from the ’13 MLS opener on ESPN2 (Portland-New York, 3/3/13, 221,000 viewers).

In addition, the Seattle-Sporting Kansas City match is the third most-watched MLS game ever on NBCSN trailing only a pair of primetime matches which had 2012 London Olympics lead-ins (Dallas-Portland, 8/5/12, 405,000 viewers; Los Angeles-Dallas, 7/28/12, 392,000 viewers).

COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports Group’s lead play-by-play announcer John Strong will call the match and will be joined by former U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Kyle Martino and host Russ Thaler at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash.

Strong on Seattle Sounders FC v. Toronto FC: “This has to be one of the most hyped-up and most-anticipated early season matches in MLS history. I’m not sure what more you could ask for in March as two of the biggest stars of the U.S. National Team face-off alongside two highly anticipated debuts by European stars in front of another massive Seattle crowd. We have had this game circled on our calendars for weeks.”

MLS ON NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA

NBCSN’s coverage of Sounders v. Toronto will be streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra, NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices and tablets via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

NBCSN will live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

About NBC Sports Group’s Soccer Coverage

NBC Sports Group’s networks and platforms are leading destinations for soccer fans in the U.S. Its soccer portfolio includes Major League Soccer (MLS), U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches, the men’s and women’s Olympic soccer tournaments, and the Premier League. NBCUniversal, via the NBC Sports Group, is the home for all 380 Premier League matches, as well as comprehensive shoulder programming. NBCUniversal’s Telemundo and mun2 also provide comprehensive Spanish-language soccer coverage. Both channels will air Premier League matches, as well as serve as the U.S. Spanish-language home for the FIFA World Cup from 2015 through 2022. Online, ProSoccerTalk on NBCSports.com provides comprehensive coverage of the sport, from the Premier League to MLS to the U.S. National Team and other key international soccer stories.

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

– NBC SPORTS GROUP –

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