Archives for June 2014

Transcript of ESPN World Cup Media Conference Call with Taylor Twellman

June 20, 2014 By admin

Taylor Twellman, ESPN’s match and studio analyst for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, participated in a media conference call earlier today to discuss the month-long quadrennial tournament. Full details of 2014 FIFA World Cup on ESPN networks HERE.

A transcript of the conference call follows:

Q. There has been a lot of discussion, we’re getting radio shows and phone calls about the whole notion of stoppage time, because there were five minutes added on, and the team had no idea how much time was really left in the game after Brooks scored. Can you talk about how a player deals with that uncertainty and the excitement that comes when the guy walks out and holds up the knee on board to show how much extra time is going to be added, and whether the vagueness of it is fair?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: I don’t think there’s any problem with it whatsoever. I will say this: Eight out of ten times, a player, you know, you’re involved in the game, so you don’t necessarily see when the sign is held up. You don’t see the number. You’re playing the game. I mean, the game can be going on when the fourth official lets you know on that.

So I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, and I think the players deal with it as you go … You had Jozy Altidore’s injury and Clint Dempsey’s injury, and you had Matt Besler go down, and you had a couple challenges for Ghana. So it is what it is. It’s part of the game, and I don’t think players think about it too much.

Q. I know you’ve been calling the United States games, but I wonder if you’ve been able to pay any attention, or how much attention have you been able to pay to Costa Rica and their defense, and specifically the play of a guy like Giancarlo González? Have you taken much note of what they have done as a team and what Giancarlo has been able to do?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: Yeah, I think when you look at the first round of games, Costa Rica is, if not 1A the surprise of the tournament, 1B; the way they reacted going down early.

Giancarlo is very good. I think he has been a great addition to the Columbus Crew. But I think when you talk about Costa Rica and you are guy, that opening game, you have to marvel at how they broke, and they broke in transition very well against Uruguay. They made Uruguay look extremely slow on the back.

Giancarlo González, the back four in Costa Rica did very well. But I think what was very impressive to me was how anemic in the back Costa Rica made Uruguay seem, particularly in the second half. Joel Campbell, obviously special player in the books at Arsenal, and they were very good and a surprise of this tournament, and I think they are going to have something to say about getting out of the group.

Q. Could you give us a couple of the keys to the U.S. and Portugal match? What does the United States have to do to be successful in that one?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: A couple things. One, forget about the Ghana game. You put so much into three and one-half (3½) years of preparation. You put so much into playing their nemesis in the last two World Cups, and there’s this sense of jubilation, and there’s this sense of yes, we have achieved three points.

But the real goal is to get out of the group and advance as far as you can. As quickly as you celebrate it, it has to be even quicker that you forget it. And I think that’s one … Two, the game is in Manaus. We are going to see a game in a little bit here, Cameroon‑Croatia. Manaus is very humid — very much like playing in July and August in Houston — and I think it’s going to be very interesting to see what kind of pace, what kind of tempo this game is played at.

The number one thing you cannot do against Portugal is when you lose possession is leave Cristiano Ronaldo open. We saw in the UEFA playoff qualifier against Sweden, tactically they were very naïve, almost to a point where they looked like they didn’t even prepare. The three in the middle for Portugal, Moutinho, Veloso, Carvalho, Varela, William — it depends on who it is — but particularly Moutinho, will cause problems. Because immediately when that ball turns over, almost to a fault, they are looking for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now, the question is: How fit is Ronaldo? Obviously he’s dealing with knee issues, leaving training almost consistently with an ice pack on his knee. But if you control the counterattack immediately when that ball turns over, the United States will have a very good opportunity of getting a result.

Q. Following up on Portugal on the Sunday match‑up, I’m just thinking about watching Spain go down two‑nil, because of the Champions League, a lot of pressure and a lot of intensity, and just wondering if maybe the Iberian players are a little bit worn out too much.

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: I think it’s a good observation. I think there’s no doubt that the Champions League wore out some big players, whether from Atlético Madrid or Real Madrid. Yes, it’s a good observation, and yes, I think it’s a huge part of it.

Now, in saying that, I think Spain, that is part of their equation. The other part is, they have won three major tournaments in a row. If they were going to make a run at this, you’re still in the conversation of arguably the best generation to ever have played a national team. It’s just one of those things that it’s happened too soon.

I think what’s interesting, to go on that same topic, I don’t think I’ve ever seen in the first round of games, this amount of cramping, this amount of injuries, this amount of fatigue. And some of the analysts here disagree with me but I think the humidity is playing a huge factor in this.

I’ve been at two of the stadiums. It’s humid. We’ve seen comebacks. We’ve already seen six comebacks in games already, where in 2010 we only saw three, and we are only through the first round of games.

So weather is playing a factor in this. So I don’t know if it’s necessarily just Iberia. I do think it’s a product of the situation. However, you can’t not say that there’s too many games being played and there wasn’t a long enough break for some of these Champions League and the high‑quality teams.

Q. Who do you think starts up front Sunday for the United States? And as you watch the hype and tension build, there’s a very real possibility that Sunday’s game might be the most‑watched soccer game in U.S. history. What do you make of the growth of attention all of a sudden the last couple days?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: I think the ascension of the sport was inevitable. Does it help that the United States won their opening game against Ghana? Of course. But is Portugal going to be the most‑watched game? Probably. But guess what, Germany is going to outdo that, and if they get out of the group, you’re looking at some huge numbers. The sport is growing no matter what. The access we have to every league in the world: It’s 2014 – ESPN is doing a wonderful job. It’s just the sport is growing. It’s factual and you see statistics that back it up.

Up front for the United States, there’s still time to figure this out. I think Jürgen Klinsmann will have to address: One, what’s the state of Clint Dempsey – will he wear a mask, won’t he? I think, what do you get from Aron Jóhannsson, what do you get from Chris Wondolowski? Do you just play one up front and allow Michael Bradley free reign, so you clog up the midfield which makes life difficult for a Ronaldo in transition.

So I’m not sure what Jürgen does, he has a couple decisions to make but I think first and foremost he has to find out what he gets from Clint Dempsey. Because, again, everyone is talking Jozy out the door, Matt Besler and those injuries. Clint Dempsey has a broken nose. I’ve played with those. It’s a difficult situation.

So Clint and Jürgen need to figure out how much he can give, and in what spot does he need help up front.

Q. I wanted to get your thoughts on what the experience has been like so far broadcasting from Brazil. We think about this as the home for soccer and soccer fans nowadays, and compared to other things you’ve broadcast and other experiences you’ve had, I’m curious what it’s like — if there’s any emotion for you in the broadcasters booth and just being around that kind of environment.

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: It’s no different than playing. I think it’s an interesting question, because it’s no different than playing. It’s a World Cup. We are all fans of it. Put it this way: I slept, I think, four-and-a-half hours over the last two to three days. My travel from Natal back to Rio with (play-by-play commentator) Ian Darke is the same distance as St. Louis to Milwaukee. It took me 15-and-a-half hours; delays, strikes … whatever is going on here in Brazil. And yet there’s partying, and it’s like, yeah, I’m tired; yes, I’m exhausted; yes, I’m starving. And oh, by the way, there’s another game on. Let’s go watch the game, let’s go analyze it and let’s put some makeup on and do television.

It’s been a great experience so far. There’s so much left, and I’m really looking ready to go be a part of the broadcast and just being a part of enhancing the experience for the fans back home.

Q. When you talk about how it’s no different from being a player, I was just curious if you could expand on that a little bit, how in particular you’re bringing your experience from recently being on the field or how you’re bringing that to people back home and how you’re trying to do that?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: I think it comes from energy, excitement. Obviously calling the U.S. World Cup games, I’m going to give my professional, unbiased opinion. However, it’s difficult to remember that I’ve got a microphone in front of me and I’m not a fan. I’ve played 30 times for my country, so it’s very exciting to call those games.

I think it’s just talking about, you know, we are sitting here with a bunch of great analysts, players from all over the world, that know the game and we all look at the game very differently. You’ve got someone in Roberto Martinez, and then you have a Michael Ballack and an Alexi Lalas. So you have so many different angles in just talking about it, and then giving my opinion.

One thing that I’ll do is I’ll do my homework, and then the other thing is, I’m not going to hold back on opinion. And I’ll give an opinion and hopefully spark debate as fans and viewers watch at home.

Q. I was just thinking about Kyle Beckerman the other night was arguably one of the best players on the field; just was wondering as a former player, how you feel about the MLS guys are doing in Brazil?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: Well, I think you look at it, obviously the U.S. win, big for the United States, and also big for your domestic league, Major League Soccer. I think it’s a huge part of it.

Tim Cahill, for me, so far, goal of the tournament. To hit a ball that’s over your shoulder that way with that technique, great finish. Obviously that’s a feather in the cap of Major League Soccer. It’s part of the sport growing.

You know, I think, at times, we want the sport to grow so quickly here in the country. Yet, what are we, 19, 20 years in Major League soccer. There has to be a little patience. There has to be some evolution. You know, 2002, we had two teams fold and now we are growing with soccer stadiums and all that. There has to be a little patience. I think you’re starting to see some of that growth in the World Cup when you have a player like Tim Cahill, who everybody thought was done when he went to the Red Bulls. What has he done? He’s come in and scored two good goals in the World Cup. It’s all part of the process.

But to go back to my earlier comments, three points against Ghana is great. Getting out of the group with a huge contingent of your roster being from Major League Soccer is more important.

Q. How important do you think it is, then, for the other side of Klinsmann’s mandate to help the technical development of the game; that there’s at least significant progress at this group stage?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: I think it’s important because I think it’s positive reinforcement. I think three points against Ghana has already signified that.

Now, I want to remind everyone, the United States beat Ghana the old‑fashioned way. There was nothing new about how they won. They scored an early goal, defended like crazy and then won the game on a set piece. So there’s nothing new about what the United States under Klinsmann did against Ghana. There’s a time and place for it. You play the games now to win. You play the games the best way possible that you can to get out of the group. Then you assess it afterwards, and then you come together, and you then work on your technical plan to develop players at a younger age, and I think that discussion will be had here.

You know, we will have that discussion at ESPN during this World Cup at some point, but it’s hard to assess that now. Now Jürgen Klinsmann is only thinking about getting a result against Portugal and then you evaluate at the right time and hopefully make adjustments.

Q. You clearly laid this out about the growth of the sport and the interest that we are seeing back home in this particular tournament. It’s leading us to write about soccer in all kind of ways, including sort of the next generation. Do you see some guys in the pipeline you want to identify?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: Can you explain to me the question?

Q. I’m just really asking about the next generation of guys coming through and just wondering if there’s some of those folks that you’re seeing that potentially could be playing in the World Cup in Qatar or Russia?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: Well, to be quite honest, Russia or Qatar, it’s so far down the road. If you would have told me four years ago in 2010 that John Brooks would score the game‑winning goal against Ghana, I would have told you you were nuts. Or DeMarcus Beasley being the starting left back in the World Cup — for the first time, an American plays in four World Cups.

It’s one of those where you never know. As much as Julian Green is on this roster, there’s no guarantee he’ll be part of the roster four years from now.

So it’s such a long, tedious process. I’d be naïve if I gave you a couple names now that are on the bubble. I will say this: that DeAndre Yedlin being on the roster has been the carrot for a lot of those homegrown players, a lot of these academy systems within Major League Soccer, and quite frankly any American club team. You look at it, you get a young kid that comes through and now makes a World Cup roster at a very young age, now there are plenty of kids where that didn’t happen in 2002 when I was growing up watching in ’94 and ’98 and all that.

So there is that carrot at the end. There is that golden ticket, so to speak, of saying, listen, that could be me in the next four, eight years. But you know, whether I single a player out here or there, who knows around a month from now, let alone four years.

Q. If you look at Portugal, what do you think their mental state is right now? Is it, they are going to come in on Sunday really fired up or do you think they are going to come in nervous and the U.S. can take advantage of that?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: They are not nervous. They are a wounded animal with arguably the greatest player in the world, 1A, 1B – however you want to look at it if you’re a Messi guy or a Ronaldo guy. Very dangerous if you’re the United States against Portugal in the first 25 to 30 minutes, because they are wounded, and they have Cristiano Ronaldo.

In saying all of that, you can get inside of a player’s head and you can make life very difficult. What I saw in World Cup qualifying from Portugal is simply this – Israel, Northern Ireland got results against them … Making life very difficult to get Ronaldo on the break. When Ronaldo gets on the break, then you have any of the players running off of him, they are dangerous and they can kill you. When they have to try to break you down, and it’s very congested in the midfield and very crowded, they struggle.

Again, Israel, Northern Ireland got results against Portugal. To say the United States can’t would be extremely stupid. They can get a result, but you have to be careful. You want to be very careful of a wounded animal with a player like Ronaldo, which is why I think 25, 30 minutes, they have to be ‑‑ the United States has to be just smart, be very smart defensively, don’t sit in deep.

When you do play in Portugal’s end, push forward, and you know, let those thoughts creep in the back of the Portuguese mind that, wow, there’s potential here. We might only have one point after two games.

Q. How will Pepe and Coentrão being out, how will that affect?

TAYLOR TWELLMAN: It’s huge. Obviously it’s a huge impact. Now in saying that, they have quality players to fill in behind. Pepe, to me, it’s so out of character for him to headbutt a player when the ball is away, right? It’s kind of comical to me. But I don’t know, I mean, I think it will be very interesting to see. Jozy Altidore being out is much bigger than Pepe or Coentrão for Portugal if you ask me.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports

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NBA Digital to Offer Comprehensive Coverage of NBA Draft 2014 Presented By State Farm

June 20, 2014 By admin

NBA TV’s Coverage of the Draft to Feature NBA TV Draft HQ, NBA Rooks, NBA TV Mock Draft, NBA Draft Preview and Special Episodes of The Starters

NBA Digital will provide extensive multi-screen coverage of NBA Draft 2014 presented by State Farmincluding original programming on NBA TV and in-depth content across NBA.com and NBA Mobile platforms. NBA TV’s comprehensive coverage of the NBA Draft will feature expert analysis, behind-the-scenes access and in-depth previews of the top prospects and storylines surrounding the Draft. NBA Draft week programming tips off with NBA TV Draft HQ on Monday, June 23, at 9 p.m. ET, and leads up to the first pick on Thursday evening with a special episode of The Starters, at 5 p.m., followed by the 2014 NBA Draft Preview at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, NBA.com and NBA Mobile will continue to be the destination for fans seeking the latest draft news, player analysis and social conversation.

NBA TV’s original programming will include:

NBA TV Draft HQ on Monday, June 23, at 9 p.m. ET, with host Vince Cellini, Stu Jackson, Mike Fratello and Ronny Thompson, offering an insider’s look at the draft process from the perspectives of a former general manager, coach and scout.
NBA Rooks: Great Expectations on Tuesday, June 25, at 10 p.m., taking an all-access look at some of the draft’s top prospects including Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Marcus Smart and Shabazz Napier.
NBA TV Mock Draft 2014, on Wednesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., the network’s preview special airing the night before the 2014 NBA Draft. Vince Cellini will host the show with Greg Anthony, Jackson and Georgetown head coach John Thompson III, along with David Aldridge. The show will feature a simulated first round complete with analysis of each draft pick.
The Starters, on Thursday, June 26, at 5 p.m. featuring NBA Digital’s fan-focused voices with co-hosts J.E. Skeets and Tas Melas, along with Trey Kerby and Leigh Ellis. The Starters will also review the Draft on Friday, June 27, at 6 p.m.
2014 NBA Draft Preview on Thursday, June 26, at 5:30 p.m. with host Matt Winer along with Anthony, Jackson, Steve Smith and Thompson III.
2014 NBA Draft Review at midnight with all the latest news and insights. NBA TV reporter Jared Greenberg will be on-site with interviews from the draft’s top players in New York City.

Eastern and Western NBA Draft Review on Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m. (Eastern Conference) and 8 p.m. (Western Conference) with hosts Cellini and Winer working alongside Aldridge and Anthony to analyze the draft selections for every team.

NBA.com and NBA Mobile will feature the NBA Draft Hub leading up to June 26, providing fans a full section dedicated to NBA Draft news and content, while the league’s signature app, NBA Game Time will feature comprehensive coverage of the Draft:

NBA Game Time, NBA Digital’s mobile app available on iOS and Android, will deliver the latest news leading up to and throughout the NBA Draft, with video, interviews, analysis and more.
Prospect Profiles, an in-depth look at the top players featuring video of the prospects analyzing their own game and traits.
Playermetrics 360-Degree Camera, a custom interactive feature, allowing fans to use a 360-degree camera to review key information on each prospect such as height, wingspan and reach. Fans will also be able to compare those criteria to other recent draft picks. Fans will also be able to access Playermetrics via NBA Mobile.
Behind-the-scenes live videostream of players on the way to the Barclays Center on Draft night.
Draftee interviews at Barclays Center with Greenberg, and live news conferences with the top Draft picks; also live videostream from Media Day on Wednesday, June, 25.
Social Spotlightwill continuously keep fans up to speed on the latest tweets, photos and other social engagement by draftees, teams and the conversations surrounding the NBA Draft.
Draft Hub, with new features, including a new Draft order module and a new Draft board page.
Draft Trackerwillreturn toprovide live pick-by-pick analysis throughout the Draft.

About NBA TV

NBA TV is a part of NBA Digital, the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly-managed by the NBA and Turner Sports including NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband, NBA Mobile, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

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FOX Sports Programming Highlights: MLB, Golden Boy, FOX SPORTS LIVE Covers the World Cup and More

June 20, 2014 By admin

FOX Sports Live Nightly Reports & Analysis on

World Cup & Team USA

MLB on FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports Features Four Thrilling Matchups This Saturday Night

Golden Boy Boxing Event on FOX Sports 1 Headlined by IBF Flyweight Title Elimination Bout Thursday From Puerto Rico

#ICYMI: Does Alex Rodriguez shave his legs? Carlos Beltran had the story on last week’s BACK OF THE SHOP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDTQLU_YF4M

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FOX SPORTS LIVE – NIGHTLY WORLD CUP WRAPS AND TEAM USA REPORTS LEAD THE WAY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, nightly (11:00 PM ET)
Talent: Jay Onrait, Dan O’Toole, Charissa Thompson, Ryan Field, Cole Wright, Gabe Kapler, Bill Reiter, Andy Roddick, Cobi Jones, Warren Barton, Mario Melchiot, Eric Wynalda, Grant Wahl.
This Week: In the wake of both the NBA and NHL Finals’ series being clinched last weekend, FOX SPORTS LIVE’S focus shifts to the World Cup this week, with both on-site and in-studio coverage of soccer’s global event. Warren Barton, Mario Melchiot and Eric Wynalda join the crew in-studio, while Sports Illustrated senior soccer writer and Fox Sports 1 contributor Grant Wahl files daily reports from the United States’ team camp in Brazil.

AMERICA’S PREGAME – WORLD CUP BAR TOUR, CROMARTIE IN-STUDIO, SPECIAL GUEST HOSTS FRIDAY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, weekdays (6:00 PM ET)
Talent: Mike Hill, Molly McGrath, Jay Onrait, Dan O’Toole, Jenny Taft, Ronde Barber, Royce Clayton, Mario Melchiot, Frank Thomas, Eric Wynalda
This Week: Each night’s show features a new installment from FOX Sports 1 reporter Peter Schrager’s New York City World Cup Bar Tour. Throughout the week, Schrager scours different establishments accompanied by a camera crew, finding the most festive fans for the day’s biggest games, providing a unique perspective on the tournament. On Thursday, Arizona Cardinals’ three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie comes to the studio in advance of the team’s minicamp, previewing his first season with the club and a secondary that is now considered among the league’s elite. With Mike and Molly traveling to officiate the closing ceremonies of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey, hosting duties on Friday’s show belong to FOX SPORTS LIVE’S regular anchor duo of Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole.

NASCAR

NASCAR ON FOX SPORTS 1 FROM SONOMA RACEWAY

NASCAR, a sport that spends all its time turning left, cranks the wheel in both directions this weekend when the NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES descends on picturesque Sonoma Raceway in northern California, site of one of only two road-course races each season. FOX Sports 1 offers live practice and qualifying coverage from the 2.52-mile course, in addition to shoulder programming throughout the weekend.

FOX Sports GO, the app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, offers live streaming of all NASCAR races, as well as all practice and qualifying sessions and shoulder programming telecast on FOX Sports 1. Customers of participating video providers may access the live streams through the FOX Sports GO app for iOS devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com.

In addition, FOX Sports 1 continues exclusive, live coverage of the entire 2014 NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES next week with a rare Thursday night race on June 26 from Kentucky Speedway (7:30 PM ET).

NASCAR RACE HUB

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Monday through Thursdays (5:00 PM ET)
Talent: Co-hosts Steve Byrnes, Danielle Trotta and Adam Alexander; Matt Clark, Bob Dillner, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds
This Week: Part 2 of Danielle Trotta’s exclusive sit-down interview with NASCAR President Mike Helton regarding hot topics affecting the sport in 2015, a Marcos Ambrose interview regarding Sonoma, “Crunching the Numbers” and “Let it Ride” odds segment on Thursday, June 19

NASCAR RACEDAY FROM SONOMA RACEWAY

Network/When: FOX Sports 1 & FOX Sports GO, Sunday, June 22 (1:00 PM ET)

Talent: John Roberts, Jeff Hammond, Kenny Wallace, Bob Dillner and Rutledge Wood
This Week:NASCAR RACEDAY examines five surprise winners at Sonoma, as well as the nine different winners thus far in 2014

MLB

FOX SPORTS 1 CAPS SATURDAY NIGHT WITH THE TEXAS RANGERS TAKING ON THE LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

Network: FOX Sports 1, Saturday, June 21 (10:00 PM ET)

o Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Justin Kutcher & Eric Karros

Network/When: FOX Broadcast Network, Saturday, June 21 (7:00 PM ET).

o Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals:Joe Buck, Tom Verducci, Harold Reynolds & Ken Rosenthal

o Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians: Kenny Albert & Cliff Floyd

o Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs: Len Kasper & C.J. Nitkowski

MLB WHIPAROUND CONTINUES ON FOX SPORTS 1

Network/When/On-air Talent: FOX Sports 1, Weekdays

o Thursday, June 19 (10:00 PM ET) – Ryan Field, Frank Thomas & C.J. Nitkowski

o Friday, June 20 (12:00 AM ET) – Ryan Field & Frank Thomas

o Monday, June 23 (10:00 PM ET) – TBD

o Tuesday, June 24 (10:00 PM ET) – TBD

o Wednesday, June 25 (12:00 AM ET) – TBD

What: This nightly program expands FOX Sports 1’s commitment to baseball coverage with quick-turnaround highlights of in-progress games, MLB news and analysis. The hour-long program originates from Los Angeles.

UFC

UFC TONIGHT – CORMIER, ROCKHOLD AND PEARSON INTERVIEWS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Wednesday, June 18 (8:00 PM ET)
Talent: Kenny Florian, Chael Sonnen, Karyn Bryant and Ariel Helwani
This Week: On UFC TONIGHT, Florian and Sonnen interview light heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier, middleweight Luke Rockhold and lightweight Ross Pearson. They are also joined by Dr. Robert Klapper, who discusses recent injuries. Plus, Helwani and Bryant add reports.

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER – PENDRED AND GORDON BATTLE IN SEMIFINALS

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Wednesday, June 4 (10:00 PM ET)

Talent: BJ Penn, Frankie Edgar
This Week:On this episode of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, the semifinals kick off with a middleweight battle between the highly touted Irishman Cathal Pendred and the underdog from New York, Eddie Gordon. But first, UFC president Dana White brings the semifinalists to the MGM Grand, delivering an inspiring speech to those still in the tournament.

UFC ULTIMATE INSIDER: ALBUQUERQUE, UFC 100, EA SPORTS UFC

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Sunday, June 22 (7:30 PM ET)

Talent: Jon Anik
This Week: Albuquerque’s finest weigh in on how fighting has put the city at the forefront of the MMA revolution, as the Duke City hosts its first ever UFC event. Then, UFC stars honor the five-year anniversary of UFC 100 by looking back on what was billed as the biggest, baddest event in UFC history. Finally, get an inside account of how the UFC and EA Sports teamed up to make the most realistic fighting game the world has ever seen.

UFC PRESENTS MANA: BJ PENN

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Sunday, June 22 (8:00 PM ET)

Talent: BJ Penn
This Week: UFC PRESENTS MANA: BJ PENN is an in-depth portrait of one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Through candid new interviews and extensive archive footage, this program will tell the story of BJ Penn’s journey from MMA “Prodigy” to UFC legend.

UFC FIGHTER’S CUT: GILBERT MELENDEZ

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Monday, June 23 (7:30 PM ET)

Talent: Gilbert Melendez
This Week: UFC lightweight contender Gilbert Melendez relives his epic, three-round slugfest with Diego Sanchez, an instant classic and one of the best fights in UFC history.

UFC FROM ALL ANGLES: CAIN VELASQUEZ

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Wednesday, June 25 (7:00 PM ET)

Talent: Karyn Bryant, Cain Velasquez
This Week:Cain Velasquez has established himself as the greatest heavyweight champion in UFC history. From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, he remains true to his values despite soaring fame and adoration. Now, UFC FROM ALL ANGLES provides a candid and enlightening look at one of the most iconic fighters in UFC history.

BOXING

OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE AND HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE FAVOR ARROYO IN TITLE ELIMINATOR AT GOLDEN BOY BOXING

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Thursday, June 19 (8:00 PM ET)

Talent: Beto Duran, Daniel Jacobs and Jessica Rosales
This Week: GOLDEN BOY BOXING is headlined by the 12-round IBF Flyweight Title elimination bout between Puerto Rican rising star McWilliams Arroyo (14-1, 12 KOs) and unbeaten Filipino Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar (19-0-1, 12 KOs). FOX Sports boxing analyst Daniel Jacobs believes experience and the hometown crowd favor Arroyo. “A title fight is on the line with Arroyo and Saludar, and while Saludar is a great talent, Arroyo’s amateur experience as an Olympian, plus his home advantage in Puerto Rico may make the difference in that fight,” he says. Plus, in the 10-round super bantamweight co-main event, Puerto Rican favorite, Cesar Seda (25-2, 17 KOs), faces Alex Rangel (15-2-2, 9 KOs). “As far as the Seda vs. Rangel co-main event goes, we all know that when Puerto Rico takes on Mexico, it’s always a great fight,” adds Jacobs.

ORIGINALS

MLB AND NBA MIX IN THIS WEEK’S BACK OF THE SHOP

Network/When: FOX Sports 1, Tuesday, June 24 (8:30 PM ET)
Talent: Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Dee Gordon, NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia, Mets legend Dwight Gooden, and Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons all take their turn with Jordan the barber.
This Week: A new series from FOX Sports Originals and Relativity Media, BACK OF THE SHOP showcases some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment as they talk smack, let their opinions fly and share hilarious stories. In this week’s episode, top stars from the MLB and NBA, past and present, come together.

Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Atlanta Falcons debuts August 5

June 17, 2014 By admin

HBO SPORTS^®, NFL FILMS AND THE ATLANTA FALCONS JOIN FORCES FOR

A NEW SEASON OF THE ULTIMATE SPORTS REALITY SERIES WHEN

HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE ATLANTA FALCONS,

CHRONICLING THE RIGORS AND DAILY DEMANDS OF NFL TRAINING CAMP, DEBUTS TUESDAY, AUG. 5, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Atlanta Falcons team up for an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League when HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE ATLANTA FALCONS debuts in August. The first sports-based reality series – and one of the fastest-turnaround programs on TV – kicks off its five-episode ninth season, presented in HD, TUESDAY, AUG. 5 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Other hour-long episodes debut subsequent Tuesdays at the same time, with an encore play Wednesday at 11:00 p.m., culminating in the Sept. 2 season finale.

“We are thrilled that the ninth edition of the HARD KNOCKS series will spotlight the Atlanta Falcons,” says Ken Hershman, president, HBO Sports. “It’s exciting to feature a team, a franchise and a city for the first time on HARD KNOCKS. We are grateful to Coach Mike Smith and the entire organization for agreeing to participate and look forward to what we expect to be one of the most exciting seasons in HARD KNOCKS history. The series has become one of the few summertime programs that is truly appointment TV and we can’t wait for the premiere on August 5th.”

“We’re excited to work with the Atlanta Falcons and HBO Sports on HARD KNOCKS,” says Howard Katz, COO of NFL Films and NFL Senior Vice President of Broadcasting. “We want to thank Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith and the entire Falcons’ organization for the trust they have in NFL FILMS by allowing us unprecedented access into their training camp. The Falcons present numerous storylines with a veteran coaching staff, star players and newcomers all coming together to attempt to rise up back to the top of the NFC.”

The cinema verité series will focus on the daily lives and routines of playersand coachesas the Atlanta Falcons, who play in the talent-rich NFC South, conduct the franchise’s 49th training camp and prepare for the 2014 NFL season. HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE ATLANTA FALCONS will chronicle seventh-year head coach Mike Smith and an intriguing mix of high-profile veterans, emerging stars, free agents and rookie hopefuls throughout training camp and the four-game preseason schedule. Each week,players will experience drills, instruction, meetings and fun, while striving to prove they have what it takes to make the team and leave their mark on the NFL. The Falcons have earned a postseason playoff berth in four of the six years that Smith has been at the helm.

“We are excited about the opportunity to give our fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare an NFL team for the rigors of a 16-game regular season and beyond,” said Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur M. Blank. “This marks the first time that our franchise will be featured on HARD KNOCKS and we look forward to showcasing our great players and coaches to football fans all across America.”

A 30-person NFL Films crew will be at the Falcons’ training camp at team headquarters in Flowery Branch, GA, shooting more than 1,500 hours of footage over the course of the series. Camera and sound crews will have unencumbered access to the players’ and coaches’ meeting rooms, training rooms, living quarters and practice fields.

“We are looking forward to connecting with our fans across the country as the program chronicles our 2014 training camp,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. “The series will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the competition between players as we build our roster and prepare for the season. We are looking forward to the start of camp in late July.”

Two summers ago HARD KNOCKS moved its premiere night to Tuesday and the results have been a resounding success. The five-part series on the playoff-bound Cincinnati Bengals last August averaged 3.6 million viewers per episode. No other sports reality series can match the critical acclaim, awards and audience numbers posted by the HARD KNOCKS franchise.

HARD KNOCKS launched with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, followed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2002. The series resumed in 2007 with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Sports Emmy^®. In 2008, the series returned to the Dallas Cowboys, receiving a second Sports Emmy^® for production excellence. In 2009, HARD KNOCKS spotlighted the Cincinnati Bengals and captured two more Sports Emmy^® Awards, for Outstanding Edited Series/Anthology and Outstanding Post-Produced Audio/Sound. In 2010, the New York Jets were featured and the series captured three Sports Emmys^®, including Outstanding Edited Series/Anthology. The summer of 2012 spotlighted the Miami Dolphins, earning the franchise an eighth Sports Emmy^®, in the category of Outstanding Post-Produced Audio/Sound. The Bengals were featured again in 2013 and the series captured three more Sports Emmys^®, bringing to 11 the number of trophies awarded to the franchise for production excellence. Last summer’s spotlight on the Bengals was recognized with the Sports Emmy^® for Outstanding Editing, Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics and Outstanding Post Produced Audio/Sound.

Each of the last four teams featured on HARD KNOCKS has improved its won-loss record in the regular season that immediately follows the training camp presentation.

TimeMagazine called the show “riveting,” while NFL.com hailed the series as “undoubtedly the greatest football program in the history of the television medium.” Business Week observed, “As a workplace drama, it ranks among the best on television,” and New York’s Daily News termed it “the gold standard of sports reality programming.” ESPNW wrote: “The return of the NFL season also means the return of one of the best shows on television, ‘Hard Knocks.’ This rare look at how any given moment can be the end of a season or even a career.” Grantland.com observed, “Hard Knocks is when it really feels like we’re getting football back in our lives.”

Notes from NBA TV’s Coverage of The Finals Game 5 – Sunday, June 15, 2014

June 17, 2014 By admin

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Miami Heat 104-87 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the franchise’s fifth championship.

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

NBA Live at the Finals Pregame

Matt Winer, Rick Fox, Grant Hill and Chris Webber

Hill on the San Antonio Spurs: “The ball finds energy. You see that in how they play on both ends of the court. It has been fun to watch. San Antonio fans have to be pleased about how they are playing.”

Hill on the Heat changing their approach for Game 5: “You can do the lineup change but it really has to be the mentality. They have certainly come out lackadaisical; looks like they don’t have a lot of energy out there on the court. Four straight Finals appearances has got to be difficult. San Antonio went through a tough road to get through the Western Conference Finals. They look fresh, they don’t look tired or fatigued at all. Miami, mentally, has to manufacture energy somehow, some way to come out here and deal with these Spurs.”

Webber on what drives San Antonio: “The motivation is here for San Antonio. The first day of training camp they watched the bad plays of their last loss. The story of perservance and sticking together is the one for San Antonio. It is harder to stick together two years with a loss than it is one.”

Fox on the Heat realizing who the better team is: “I think this is just the first game (out of the four) where this team realizes that San Antonio is the better team. It doesn’t mean that they can’t still be champions. When they got smacked around with the historical shooting percentage, I think they chalked that up to that was just one of those games. It wasn’t until Game 4 they realized ‘We are the underdog.’”

Webber on Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard: “When he is engaged, active and aggressively attacking the basket, not only is he a great scorer but he’s a pretty good passer that makes problems for the other team.”

Fox on Boris Diaw’s impact on the Spurs: “He has a willingness to create for his teammates. He is constantly a second or third point guard on that floor. He’s been a matchup nightmare. He’s a complete player and I love the versatility he’s giving the Spurs on both ends of the floor.”

Hill on Spurs guard Danny Green: “He really does fit into this system in San Antonio. They need him to score in the high teens for them to have a win…for a Carolina guy, he’s not that bad.”

Webber on Tim Duncan’s longevity: “I expect him to play one more year and then be done. I expect him to lead with dignity and keep playing until he can’t play anymore. Just being on this team, whether they win or lose championships, it just seems as if this team is a joy to be around and that they play ball the right way. When you are in those type of situations, it’s not just winning that keeps you around it’s the relationships.”

Hill on the value of Tim Duncan’s role on the Spurs: “Kudos to him for accepting less of a role and letting his teammates flourish around him.”

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

NBA Live at The Finals Postgame

Winer, Fox, Hill and Webber

NBA MVP Kawhi Leonard joins GameTime

Leonard on improvements to his game: “When I first came in the league, I had to change my jump shot. I had to bring the ball down and that is what I was focused on. Year after year, I had to get comfortable with the players on the team and they just started believing in me. It’s just been a progression for me. I just believed in the hard work that I put in.”

Leonard on the difference between last year and this year’s series: “Last year was very tough. Losing that Game 6, up five with 20 seconds left, we felt like we lost the momentum. And then Miami came out and beat us in Game 7. My focus this year was that I have to do whatever it takes to win so that we don’t have to go back to Miami.”

Leonard on the unity of the Spurs: “Coming into the Spurs I was very excited. They just took me in as a family. Tim [Duncan], Tony [Parker] and Manu [Ginobili] and the rest of the guys believed in me. I took that to heart and started working hard. When I came in they were talking about championships and I was just a rookie so I had to step it up.”

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili joins GameTime

Ginobili on the growth of the Spurs: “We shifted the way we played in the last 10 years. When I got here it was every single possession in the post because that is what gave us the most. In the last two or three years it has been about ball movement and getting everyone involved. We had some pieces that made us shift.”

Spurs forward Tim Duncan joins GameTime

Duncan on his state of mind from last year’s Finals loss: “It was always in the back of my mind and the forefront of my mind when we played a game. You can’t address it until now. You had to get to the playoffs to start alleviating that. The focus the guys had from Game 1 to every series to playing through all of that…amazing team, amazing response, amazing to play with these guys.”

Duncan and his relationship with Coach Popovich: “He took last year’s loss harder than anyone else. He came back with a fire I hadn’t seen the entire time I’ve been with him. To come into another season and push us that hard just shows the passion and desire he had and it filtered down into all of us.”

Duncan on what this year’s championship means for him: “I appreciate this one more; it means more to me. The loss last year, coming to the end of my career…I appreciate it more for all those reasons.”

Tony Parker joins the GameTime crew

Parker on the team’s progression: “I think this is the best basketball – in the past five or six years – that we’ve been playing by far.”

Parker on playing a veteran role: “Timmy has been so unselfish since I’ve been here. He allowed me to grow up and become the player I became. He never took it for himself. Coming into this

series, I felt like it was my turn to be unselfish and Kawhi benefited from all of that. It’s my job as a veteran to let Kawhi grow and he played a great series.”

Parker on the Spurs: “The way we lost last year was cruel. We were lucky enough to put ourselves in that position and win a championship this year and it shows the character of the team.”

Parker on teammate Boris Diaw: “He’s the ultimate team player. All he cares about is how the team is doing as well as passing and getting a better shot for someone else. I’m so happy that everyone can see that on the big stage and can see what he can do. We dreamed about the NBA when we were 12/13 years old and to win with him is unbelievable.”

Hill on the Spurs: “They are the standard in the NBA and what they have done in this series proves that. What impressed me the most about this series and their season was their formula. They obviously have their Big Three – which are out of their prime – but, collectively as a team, it is not one or two guys carrying the load. It really goes against what the formula has been for the NBA having one or two All-Stars carrying the load. Everyone had a big moment throughout this series. You have to compliment [Gregg] Popovich and [R.C] Buford for establishing that culture.”

– 30 –

2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs Are Second-Most Watched Since 2006

June 17, 2014 By admin

2014 Stanley Cup Final Is Only Fifth Final Since 1994 to Average 5 Million Viewers

NBC Sports Live Extra Sets NHL Streaming Records for Playoffs, Final & Game 5

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 16, 2014 – On the strength of an NHL record 93 postseason games – including 46 one-goal games and 26 overtime games – a new playoff format that emphasized divisional rivalries, and a Stanley Cup Final that featured the nation’s two largest media markets, the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs became the second-most watched NHL post-season since NBC and NBCSN began their exclusive coverage in 2006, according to Fast National data provided by The Nielsen Company. Every game was televised nationally by the NBC Sports Group.

In addition, the Stanley Cup Final, won in five games by the Los Angeles Kings over the New York Rangers, was just the fifth Final in 20 years to average more than 5.0 million viewers. Digitally, NBC Sports Live Extra delivered live stream records in virtually all metrics for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Final and Game 5.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

NBC, NBCSN and CNBC combined to average a 0.87 HH rating and 1.445 million viewers, ranking the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs as second-most watched since 2006, the year NBC and NBCSN began their most-recent run of exclusive playoff coverage, and the fourth-most watched on record (since data became available in 1994). In the past 20 years, the 2014 post-season only trailed 1996 (1.564 million on Fox/ESPN), 1997 (1.523 million on Fox/ESPN), and 2013 (1.471 million).

CABLE: For the 77 playoff games telecast on NBCSN and CNBC, the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs averaged a 0.66 HH rating and 1.098 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched NHL playoffs on cable in 17 years (1997, 1.211 million viewers on ESPN/ESPN2).

This year’s average viewership was up 10% from the 2013 cable average of 1.000 million viewers (0.60 HH rating).

STANLEY CUP FINAL

The 2014 Stanley Cup Final, which ended in five games, delivered a 3.01 HH rating and averaged 5.001 million viewers, making it just the fifth Stanley Cup Final on record (since data 1994) to average at least 5.0 million viewers. It was also the most-watched Final on record that did not include either the Chicago Blackhawks or Detroit Red Wings. Games 1-2 and Game 5 aired on NBC, while NBCSN televised Games 3-4.

Following are the five most-watched Stanley Cup Finals since 1994 (viewers):

1.      2013: Chicago/Boston, 6 games (5.753 million)
2.      1997: Detroit/Philly, 4 games (5.289)
3.      2010: Chicago/Philly, 6 games (5.167)
4.      2002: Detroit/Carolina, 5 games (5.113)
5.      2014: New York/Los Angeles, 5 games (5.001)

Overall, the 2013 and 2012 Stanley Cup Finals both went to six games. This year’s Final was up 64% and 66% vs. 2012 (1.83 and 3.012), the last time the Kings appeared in the Final, and down 9% and 13%, respectively, vs. 2013 (3.31 and 5.753), which was the most-watched Stanley Cup Final on record.

GAME 5

As previously announced on Saturday, the thrilling Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, in which the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 in double overtime, averaged 6.0 million viewers; making it the most-watched Game 5 in six years and helping NBC win the night in primetime, according to Fast National data from The Nielsen Company. Los Angeles and New York both scored their second-best local-market ratings ever for an NHL game on NBC or NBCSN.

National

As previously released, Friday night’s Game 5 (8:13 p.m. – 12:47 a.m. ET) delivered a 3.7 HH rating and 6.0 million viewers, making it the most-watched Stanley Cup Final Game 5 since the triple-overtime fifth game of the 2008 Stanley Cup Final between Pittsburgh and Detroit (6.2 million, NBC).

Viewership was up seven percent vs. Game 5 on NBC last year between Chicago and Boston (5.6 million). It was also up a remarkable 82% compared to the fifth game of the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, which also featured the Kings (vs. Devils) and was a potential Cup-clinching game (3.3 million).

The game peaked at over 8.5 million viewers from 12-12:30 a.m. ET.

Local

Los Angeles delivered a 12.4 rating, ranking as the market’s second-best rating ever on NBC or NBCSN and up 41% vs. Game 5 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Final (8.8), which was a potential Cup-clinching game. Friday night’s game trailed only the Cup-clinching Game 6 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Final (13.6) as the most-watched in the L.A. market’s history for an NHL game on NBC or NBCSN.

New York also scored its second-best NHL rating ever on NBC or NBCSN with a 10.4 rating. It only trailed another double-overtime game, Game 2 of this series, by a tenth of a rating point (10.5).

Following are the Top 10 markets for Friday night’s Game 5:

Rank	Market	RTG
1	Los Angeles	12.4
2	New York	10.4
3	Buffalo	9.2
4	Boston	6.3
4	Minneapolis-St. Paul	6.3
6	Pittsburgh	5.5
7	Chicago	5.4
7	Providence	5.4
9	West Palm Beach	5.2
9	Las Vegas	5.2

Primetime

In primetime, NBC is expected to be No. 1 for the night among the four major broadcast networks in A18-49 (1.9 rating). A primetime win will mean that NBC will have won the night for all three Stanley Cup Final games that aired on the network (Games 1-2, 5).

REGULAR SEASON

On the strength of the inaugural NHL Stadium Series, the return of the NHL Winter Classic, and the second season of Wednesday Night Rivalry, the 2013-14 NHL regular season set a full-season viewership record for NBCSN. For more information on 2013-14 NHL regular-season viewership, click here: http://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2014/04/15/nhl-regular-season-sets-viewership-records-across-nbc-nbcsn/.

STREAMING

GAME 5: The final game of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, which was unauthenticated, delivered record traffic for an NHL game on NBC Sports Live Extra for virtually every metric, including uniques (274,473) and live minutes (11,423,556).

FINAL: Live streaming for the five-game 2014 Stanley Cup Final on NBC Sports Live Extra delivered 603,000 uniques and 37.14 million minutes, up 38% and 22%, respectively, vs. last year and made 2014 the most-consumed Stanley Cup Final ever.

Following are the Top 5 games of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final (minutes watched):

1.      June 13 – Game 5: New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings – 11.42 million (unauthenticated)
2.      June 7 – Game 2: New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings – 9.02 million (unauthenticated)
3.      June 4 – Game 1: New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings – 6.49 million (unauthenticated)
4.      June 11 – Game 4: Los Angeles Kings @ New York Rangers – 5.22 million (authentication-required)*
5.      June 9 – Game 3: Los Angeles Kings @ New York Rangers – 4.77 million (authentication-required)

*Best authentication-required Stanley Cup Final game ever

PLAYOFFS: For the entire 93 games of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, NBC Sports Live Extra delivered 1.52 million uniques and 201.50 million minutes watched. Those metrics are the best-ever for an NHL post-season and are up 180% in uniques and 183% in minutes vs. last year.

Following are the Top 5 games of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs (minutes watched):

1.      June 13 – Game 5: New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings – 11.42 million (unauthenticated)
2.      June 7 – Game 2: New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings – 9.02 million (unauthenticated)
3.      June 1 – Game 7: Los Angeles Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks – 8.15 million (authentication-required)*
4.      June 4 – Game 1: New York Rangers @ Los Angeles Kings – 6.49 million (unauthenticated)
5.      May 28 – Game 5: Los Angeles Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks – 5.49 million (authentication-required)

*Best authentication-required NHL game ever and best Conference Final game ever

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

USA-Ghana: ESPN’s Highest-Rated Men’s Soccer Match Ever and WatchESPN’s Largest Audience

June 17, 2014 By admin

USA-Ghana: ESPN’s Highest-Rated Men’s Soccer Match Ever and WatchESPN’s Largest Audience

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Ratings Up 19 Percent Over 2010 to Date with Increases in Key Demos
WatchESPN Shows Significant Audience Increases
Second Highest-Rated Telecast on ESPN in 2014
Rating Record for World Cup in 16 Metered Markets, including Washington DC, Boston and New York

The United States’ thrilling 2-1 victory over Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Monday, June 16, set numerous audience records for ESPN and WatchESPN.

ESPN’s telecast averaged a 6.3 US HH rating and 11,093,000 viewers, making it the highest-rated and most-viewed men’s soccer match – including 265 from the FIFA World Cup – on ESPN or ESPN2 on record, according to Nielsen.
The match also garnered a 469,000 average minute audience on WatchESPN, which set a product record for an event which had a total of 1,400,000 viewers and 62,400,000 minutes viewed for the contest.

USA vs. Ghana is ESPN’s highest-rated and most-viewed telecast since January 6 when its BCS National Championship coverage averaged a 14.4 US HH rating and 25,572,000 viewers (the third largest audience in cable history).
In addition to its record audience for USA vs. Ghana, WatchESPN generated its second best event ever in unique viewers for Monday’s Germany vs. Portugal contest with 1,100,000 viewers.
Washington, D.C., led all markets for ESPN’s USA vs. Ghana telecast with an 11.8 rating, followed by New York (10.2), Hartford-New Haven (10.1) and Boston (10.0) at a 10.0 rating or higher. The remaining top 10: Columbus, Ohio (8.9), Baltimore (8.7), Providence (8.4), Orlando (8.3), San Francisco (8.0) and Norfolk (7.8).
Boston’s 10.0 is the highest overnight ever in the market (on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC) for the men’s World Cup. An additional 15 markets recorded their highest overnight ever for a World Cup group-round match (on any network), including Washington, New York, Hartford, Baltimore, Providence and Orlando in the Top-10, and Buffalo, Charlotte, Dayton, Greensboro, Greenville, Jacksonville, Minnesota, Nashville, Portland and Richmond.

Audience Highlights Tournament to Date

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC have combined to average a 2.5 US HH rating and 4,112,000 viewers through the first 14 matches, marking increases of 19 percent (vs. 2.1) and 23 percent (vs. 3,346,000), respectively, over the 2010 World Cup.
In addition, ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC have posted significant increases in the key people and male demographics (18-34, 18-49 and 25-54) where the networks lead all networks in the United States that televises the World Cup action.
WatchESPN has averaged 247,000 viewers in the average minute across 14 World Cup matches, which represents a seven percent lift over the ESPN Networks’ English language TV audience for a total of 4,359,000 viewers across TV and WatchESPN.
In addition to Monday’s record telecast, 2014 World Cup coverage has delivered ESPN and ESPN2’s four highest-rated and most-viewed Group Play matches not involving a United States team on record.

In addition, WatchESPN has posted a 170 percent increase in viewers and 180 percent in minutes through the first 14 games, averaging 736,000 viewers and 31,900,000 minutes viewed per match.
Driven by the three World Cup matches on Monday, WatchESPN, posted its best day ever with 2,700,000 devices and 191,000,000 minutes viewed. It marks the third time since the World Cup began on Thursday, June 12, that WatchESPN has set a record for its best day.
Washington, D.C., continues to lead all markets for matches on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC through the first 14 games with a 5.0 average rating. San Francisco is second with a 4.4 followed by New York (4.1), Boston (3.8), Orlando (3.7), Los Angeles (3.7), Miami (3.7), Hartford (3.7), Atlanta (3.6) and (all tied) Seattle, West Palm Beach and San Diego (3.4).

Upcoming ESPN World Cup Coverage

ESPN’s FIFA World Cup coverage continues today with three matches: Belgium vs. Algeria (11:30 a.m. ET, ESPN), host nation Brazil vs. Mexico (2:30 p.m., ESPN) and Russia vs. South Korea (5:30 p.m., ESPN). ESPN will also televise the next match for the United States (against Portugal) on Sunday, June 22, at 5:30 p.m.

ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the tournament includes all 64 matches televised live on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN3 and WatchESPN, as well as 54 matches on ESPN Deportes and another 10 on ESPN Deportes+. ABC’s matches will also available on WATCH ABC. Schedule.

-30-

NFL Media Programming Notes — June 16-June 22

June 17, 2014 By admin

NFL MEDIA PROGRAMMING NOTES

(6/16-6/22)

NFL Network Shows & Scheduled Guests

The Top 100 Players of 2014 – Wednesday, June 18

9:00 PM ET – Players ranked #40-31 revealed

10:00 PM ET– The Top 100 Players of 2014 Reactions show

NFL AM

Monday, June 16

Seattle Seahawks DE Michael Bennett and Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett on “Bro to Bro” segment: http://on.nfl.com/1i4AAxA
New York Jets DE Sheldon Richardson: http://on.nfl.com/1q4moEV
Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II: http://on.nfl.com/T1aGPo
Comedian Jimmy Tatro from 22 Jump Street

Tuesday, June 17

Hall of Fame head coach Marv Levy
Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker

NFL Total Access

WEEK HIGHLIGHT – Guest Analyst: Rod Woodson in-studio analyst June 16-20

Monday, June 16

BaltimoreRavens WR Jacoby Jones

Wednesday, June 18

Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson

America’s Game: 1980-1989 – Monday-Friday at 6:00 PM ET and 7:00 PM ET

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

NFL Mobile from Verizon

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

The Top 100 Players of 2014 – Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 PM ET*

For the fourth consecutive year, current NFL players have voted to determine the top 100 players in the NFL on NFL Network’s The Top 100 Players of 2014.

The 11-episode, weekly series airs Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET, followed by The Top 100 Players of 2014 Reactions show at 10:00 PM ET with host Lindsay Rhodes and analysts Michael Silver and Warren Sapp.

***We will be releasing the 10 players’ names Tuesday on Twitter: @NFLNetwork.***

This week, players ranked #40-31 are revealed. Among those revealed are:

One player who was a finalist Heisman Trophy finalist within the past five years
Two players who did not make the 2014 Pro Bowl
Three players who have been in the league for nine or more years

For the players ranked #100-51, visit: http://top100.nfl.com/tracker

Last week, players ranked #50-41 were announced:

50. Eric Berry – Kansas City Chiefs, S

49. Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos, WR

48. Geno Atkins – Cincinnati Bengals, DT

47. NaVorro Bowman – San Francisco 49ers, ILB

46. Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers, RB

45. Haloti Ngata – Baltimore Ravens, DT

44. Vincent Jackson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR

43. Tamba Hali – Kansas City Chiefs, OLB

42. Muhammed Wilkerson – New York Jets, DE

41. Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots, TE

Returning for the third season, Player Rater – anonymous NFL player(s) – will be prominent throughout The Top 100 Players of 2014 series to give unfiltered reaction to the rankings of his peers. Under the Twitter handle@PlayerRater14">@PlayerRater14, the unidentified, current NFL player will live tweet during each episode. In The Top 100 Players of 2014 Reactions show, the Player Rater will further elaborate on his tweets featured during the episode.

Through the NFL Mobile from Verizon app, fans can watch all NFL Network programming, including The Top 100 Players of 2014 series, on the go.

Fans can vote on the greatest players going into the 2014 NFL Season at NFL.com/Top100. Each week, results will be shown on The Top 100 Players of 2014 Reactions show. Additionally, after players are unveiled at their specific rankings, fans can vote for the most overrated and underrated players.

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

Monday, June 16

Host: Nicole Zaloumis

Analysts: Terrell Davis, Shawne Merriman, & Mark Kriegel
Guests: Seattle Seahawks DE Michael Bennett and Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett on “Bro to Bro” segment: http://on.nfl.com/1i4AAxA

New York Jets DE Sheldon Richardson: http://on.nfl.com/1q4moEV
Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II: http://on.nfl.com/T1aGPo

Comedian Jimmy Tatro from 22 Jump Street

Tuesday, June 17

Host: Nicole Zaloumis
Analysts: Terrell Davis, Jordan Babineaux & Mark Kriegel
Guests: Hall of Fame head coach Marv Levy and Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker

Wednesday, June 18

Host: Nicole Zaloumis
Analysts: Mark Kriegel, Terrell Davis & Eric Davis

Thursday, June 19

Hosts: Nicole Zaloumis & Molly Qerim
Analysts: Steve Wyche, Eric Davis & Jordan Babineaux

Friday, June 20

Host: Molly Qerim
Analysts: Steve Wyche, Eric Davis & Jordan Babineaux

For more updates throughout the week, please follow @InsideNFLMedia

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

NFL Total Access airs Monday – Saturday at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network and offers analysis, reports from correspondents in several NFL cities and interviews with players and coaches.

This week, Hall of Fame safety Rod Woodson appears as a guest in-studio analyst on NFL Total Access from June 16 – 20.

Monday, June 16

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analyst: Warren Sapp
Guest Analyst: Rod Woodson
Guest: Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones

Tuesday, June 17

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analyst: Warren Sapp
Guest Analyst: Rod Woodson

Wednesday, June 18

Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis
Analyst: Warren Sapp
Guest Analyst: Rod Woodson
Guest: Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson

Thursday, June 19

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analyst: Warren Sapp
Guest Analyst: Rod Woodson

Friday, June 20

Host: Amber Theoharis
Analyst: Warren Sapp
Guest Analyst: Rod Woodson

Saturday, June 21 – Week in Review

For more updates throughout the week, please follow @InsideNFLMedia

America’s Game: 1980-1989 –Monday-Friday 6:00-8:00 PM ET

Monday, June 16

America’s Game 1980 Raiders at 6:00 PM ET
America’s Game 1981 49ers at7:00 PM ET

Tuesday, June 17

America’s Game 1982 Redskins at 6:00 PM ET
America’s Game 1983 Raiders at7:00 PM ET

Wednesday, June 18

America’s Game 1984 49ers at 6:00 PM ET
America’s Game 1985 Bears at7:00 PM ET

Thursday, June 19

America’s Game 1986 Giants at 6:00 PM ET
America’s Game 1987 Redskins at7:00 PM ET

Friday, June 20

America’s Game 1988 49ersat 6:00 PM ET
America’s Game 1989 49ers at7:00 PM ET

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

“Making the Leap” articles profiling the Top 25 players who the writers see making a leap in 2014, visit: http://on.nfl.com/1s36636

Top 20 Games of 2013:http://on.nfl.com/SLgSuH

NFL.com’s College Football 24/7

For all of the analysis recapping the 2014 NFL Draft, and for the latest news leading up to the 2014 College Football season, visit: http://www.nfl.com/cfb247

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.

NFL.com podcasts include:

The Dave Dameshek Football Program

Around the League
The Coaches Show

College Football 24/7
NFL Fantasy Live

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

http://www.nfl.com/podcast

SiriusXM Announces Coverage of U.S. Open Golf Championship

June 11, 2014 By admin

SiriusXM Announces Coverage of U.S. Open Golf Championship

June 12-15 from Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina

World Golf Hall of Famer and SiriusXM host Ben Crenshaw, who led recent restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, to host live show from course on June 11

NEW YORK – June 5, 2014 –SiriusXM will offer listeners nationwide live coverage of the 114^th U.S. Open Golf Championship with live play-by-play all four days of the tournament (June 12-15) as well as live talk programming throughout the week on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio.

Live tournament play-by-play, provided by ESPN Radio, will air on XM channel 93, Sirius channel 208 and SiriusXM channel 85 on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, and on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm/conclusion ET. Subscribers can access the live broadcasts on satellite radios, through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and at SiriusXM.com.

In addition to play-by-play of all four tournament days, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (XM channel 93, Sirius channel 208) will present a full week of U.S. Open focused talk programming, including shows hosted by World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw, 1977 U.S. Open champion Hubert Green and others.

The U.S. Open is returning to Pinehurst No. 2 for the third time and the first since the course underwent a significant renovation and restoration, led by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, which reestablished many of the features in the course’s original design. Crenshaw will host a special live edition of his show, Crenshaw on Golf, from the media center at Pinehurst on Wednesday, June 11 at 1:00 pm ET. On the two-hour program, Crenshaw and co-host Ed Clements will preview the tournament and discuss the Coore & Crenshaw led restorations that will feature prominently in this year’s tournament.

This year’s field will include World No. 1 Adam Scott, 2013 Masters Champion Bubba Watson, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson and many more of the world’s best golfers, plus many non-PGA TOUR card carrying players who earn open spots in the tournament by competing in local and sectional qualifiers.

“With live play-by-play and our expanded SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio schedule our subscribers will get an exceptional level of coverage for this year’s U.S. Open,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Our hosts will bring their listeners closer to everything happening at Pinehurst next week, particularly Ben Crenshaw, who will deliver extraordinary insight into this course and what it takes to play it.”

Additional highlights from the week on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio include:

World Golf Hall of Famer Hubert Green will host a special show airing Monday, June 9 at 10:00 am ET and 9:00 pm ET. Green won the 1977 U.S. Open, memorably doing so after receiving a death threat on the 15^th tee during the final round.

Matt Adams and former PGA TOUR pro John Maginnes will host a special U.S. Open Preview show that will air Tuesday at 1:00 pm ET, Wednesday at 11:00 am ET, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET leading into the tournament broadcast. U.S. Open Replay, hosted by Taylor Zarzour and Brian Katrek, will air each evening after tournament play-by-play.

Listeners will also get U.S. Open talk on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio’s other featured shows, including those hosted by Matt Adams, Brian Bateman, Rich Beem, Mark Carnevale, Chris DiMarco, Hank Haney, Brian Katrek, David Leadbetter, John Maginnes, Jim McLean, Sandy McIlree, Carl Paulson, Dennis Paulson, Larry Rinker, Lorne Rubenstein, Ben Shear, John Swantek, Jeff Warne, Greg Warmoth and Taylor Zarzour, as well as Golf Channel programming.

Visit www.SiriusXM.com/SiriusXMPGATOURRadio for a daily schedule.

USGA, the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico, annually conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and 10 national amateur championships. The USGA writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, maintains a Handicap System and celebrates the history of the game. For more information about the USGA, visit http://www.usga.org

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Day 57 – Los Angeles Kings Can Clinch Stanley Cup With Game 4 Win Tonight At 8 P.M. ET on NBCSN

June 11, 2014 By admin

Game 4 – Kings-Rangers at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN – Kings Lead 3-0

Pre-Game Coverage Begins at 7 p.m. ET with NHL Live

Josh Elliott to Conduct Live Pre-Game Interview with Rangers Fan and NBC Sports’ Tennis Analyst John McEnroe

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 11, 2014 – The Los Angeles Kings can win their second Stanley Cup in three years tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with a victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to complete a sweep of the New York Rangers. NBC Sports Live Extra – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will provide comprehensive of Game 4.

Emmy Award-winning play-by-play broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick,analyst Eddie Olczyk, and Emmy Award-winning “Inside the Glass” analyst Pierre McGuire will have the call of Game 4 from Madison Square Garden in New York.

Pre-game coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN with NHL Live, co-hosted by Liam McHugh and Dave Briggs alongside former NHL players and analysts Mike Milbury, Jeremy Roenick, Keith Jones and Anson Carter on-site from Madison Square Garden.

Tonight’s pre-game coverage will also include a live interview between NBC Sports’ Josh Elliott and NBC Sports tennis analyst and long-time Rangers fan John McEnroe prior to live game coverage at 8 p.m. ET.

The Kings aim for their second Stanley Cup title in franchise history and second championship in three years, with a victory tonight at Madison Square Garden to complete the first Stanley Cup Final sweep since 1998, when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Washington Capitals in four games. Two years ago, the Kings held a 3-0 series lead against the New Jersey Devils in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, and eventually won the series in six games.

The Rangers will now look to become only the fourth team in NHL playoff history to win four straight games in a series after falling into a 0-3 deficit. One of those four teams to complete the feat is this year’s Kings, who climbed out of a 0-3 hole to the San Jose Sharks in the first round. The 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs are the only team to win a Stanley Cup Final after losing the first three games of the series.

Following is the television schedule for the remaining games of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, all times Eastern and subject to change.

DATE	GAME	MATCHUP	NETWORK	TIME
Wed., June 11	Stanley Cup Final – Game 4	Los Angeles at N.Y. Rangers	NBCSN	8:00 p.m.
Fri., June 13	Stanley Cup Final – Game 5*	N.Y. Rangers at Los Angeles	NBC	8:00 p.m.
Mon., June 16	Stanley Cup Final – Game 6*	Los Angeles at N.Y. Rangers	NBC	8:00 p.m.
Wed., June 18	Stanley Cup Final – Game 7*	N.Y. Rangers at Los Angeles	NBC	8:00 p.m.

* if necessary

GAMES TELEVISED SO FAR

For the third consecutive year, NBC, NBCSN, CNBC and NHL Network are combining to televise every Stanley Cup Playoff game nationally.

Network	Games
NBC	13
NBCSN	61
CNBC	15
NHL-N	2
Total	91

One-goal Games: 43
OT games: 25

NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA

NBC Sports Live Extra — NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets — will stream all Stanley Cup Final coverage. NBCSN games will be live streamed 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;

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–

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