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NBC OLYMPICS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF “THE PODIUM,” A WEEKLY PODCAST SERIES TAKING LISTENERS INSIDE TOKYO OLYMPICS

May 4, 2021 By admin

Hosted by Lauren Shehadi, The Podium Launches Weekly Episodes Beginning Today Featuring Personal Stories and Analysis from Olympic Athletes & Experts

The Podium Daily Begins Episodes July 23 with the Opening Ceremony

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 4, 2021 – NBC Olympics has launched The Podium, a weekly podcast series taking listeners inside this summer’s Tokyo Olympics. The first episode of The Podium is available now and is produced by NBC Sports Audio in collaboration with Boombox Group.

The Podium, hosted by Lauren Shehadi, explores stories that have come to define past Olympic Games and will ultimately shape the Summer Games in Tokyo. Throughout the 12-episode series, with new episodes dropping each Tuesday in the leadup to the Tokyo Olympics this summer, Shehadi speaks with athletes and experts who have first-hand Olympic experience.

Beginning July 23 with the Opening Ceremony, the series shifts to daily episodes with The Podium Daily, dropping a new episode each day throughout the 17-day Olympic Games until the Closing Ceremony on Aug. 8.

Ranging from athlete’s experiences at the Games to how the Olympics have been transformed by technology to Opening and Closing Ceremony traditions, The Podium provides listeners with behind-the-scenes stories and insights for every facet of the Olympics.

Today’s debut episode, “The Power of the Torch,” launches the series by discussing the significance of the Olympic torch.

Podcast episodes are available for download on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePodcasts, TuneIn and iHeart.

The Podium weekly schedule:

Release Date Title
May 4 The Power of the Torch
May 11 Transformed by Tech
May 18 Aching for Gold
May 25 Routinely Great
June 1 New Kids on The Podium
June 8 A Family Affair
June 15 Big in Japan
June 22 Winning Silver Losing Gold
June 29 Women of Tokyo
July 6 Experience and Youth
July 13 Olympic Waiting Rooms
July 20 Ceremony Do’s and Don’ts
July 23 The Podium Daily begins

 

About NBC Olympics

A division of NBC Sports Group, NBC Olympics is responsible for producing, programming and promoting NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic Games. NBC Olympics is renowned for its unsurpassed Olympic heritage, award-winning production, and ability to aggregate the largest audiences in U.S. television history. NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights on all platforms to all Olympic Games through 2032. NBC Olympics also produces thousands of hours of Olympic sports programming throughout the year, which is presented on NBC, NBCSN, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms.

 

-NBC OLYMPICS-

Filed Under: 2020 Tokyo Olympics, NBC, Olympics, Podcasts, Uncategorized

“BET THE EDGE,” NBC SPORTS EDGE’S NEW DAILY SPORTS BETTING PODCAST HOSTED BY SARA PERLMAN, DEBUTS TODAY

April 26, 2021 By admin

PointsBet’s Comprehensive Odds and Bet Types will be Utilized with EDGE’s Advanced Tools and Data as “Bet the Edge” Offers Analysis and Actionable Insights

Perlman is Joined by Sports Betting Analyst Drew Dinsick

This Week’s Shows Focus on this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby and the 2021 NFL Draft with Guests Including NFL Insider Peter King, Horse Racing Analyst Randy Moss, Horse Racing Handicapper/Reporter Eddie Olczyk and Football & Betting Analyst Warren Sharp

STAMFORD, Conn. – Apr. 26, 2021 – NBC Sports EDGE today launched its new daily sports betting podcast, “Bet the Edge,” which is hosted by Sara Perlman and analyst Drew Dinsick. The first episode is available now.

Each weekday, Perlman and Dinsick discuss and analyze news, trends, and upcoming games through a sports betting lens to help listeners make more informed predictions and picks. Throughout each show, “Bet the Edge” will incorporate advanced insights from NBC Sports EDGE as well as odds, data and analysis from PointsBet, the official sports betting partner of NBC Sports.

“I am thrilled to start this new venture with NBC Sports EDGE,” said Perlman. “Drew and I plan on giving our audience engaging, knowledgeable and entertaining information to help them find their edge in the sports betting space.”

This week, “Bet the Edge” will have daily segments leading up to the 147th Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC) and the 2021 NFL Draft.

Perlman and Dinsick will regularly be joined by guests to discuss upcoming events and news within the sports betting world. On today’s debut episode, Perlman and Dinsick welcome football and betting analyst Warren Sharp and horse racing handicapper/reporter Eddie Olczyk. On Wednesday, guests include NBC Sports NFL Insider Peter King, who joins the show to discuss the NFL Draft, and horse racing analyst Randy Moss, who previews the Kentucky Derby. Steve Kornacki, NBC News’ and MSNBC’s celebrated national political correspondent who will join NBC Sports’ Kentucky Derby coverage this Saturday, will join Friday’s show.

NBC Sports EDGE sports betting analysts Corey Parson, Vaughn Dalzell, John Daigle, Thor Nystrom, Will Gray and more, as well as PointsBet Head of Trading Jay Croucher and PointsBet Senior Editor Teddy Greenstein, will also regularly join Perlman and Dinsick to provide actionable insights.

NBC Sports EDGE, which follows its early February relaunch by continuing to build out its sports betting content and is the industry leader in fantasy sports information, launched its new app earlier this month, featuring in-depth coverage of the 2021 MLB season, NHL and NBA analysis as the playoffs approach, and prospect notes heading in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Formerly Rotoworld.com, the new NBCSportsEDGE.com includes the latest player news updated  around-the-clock, injury reports, fantasy advice, and exclusive analysis. In addition, the popular Rotoworld magazines and draft guides now carry the NBC Sports EDGE name.

Podcast episodes are available for download on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, NBC Sports’ Scores app, Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart.

-NBC SPORTS-

Filed Under: NBC, Podcasts, Uncategorized

STEPH CURRY JOINS HOSTS DOUG SMITH AND WILL LOWERY ON SPECIAL MASTERS EPISODE OF “BEYOND THE FAIRWAY” PODCAST

April 7, 2021 By admin

“We’re trying to fill that gap and be that support that can create a pipeline and get more representation on tour.”– Curry on How His SC30 Brand will Impact Golf

 “I was so excited that you used your platform, you used your own cash to really prop up this university.” – Smith on Curry Funding Howard University’s Golf Program

“It is unbelievable…It’s heaven.” – Curry on Augusta National Golf Club

Video of Episode Available Tonight on GOLF Channel Digital Platforms and On-Demand on Peacock Beginning Friday

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 7, 2021 – Three-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry joined co-hosts Doug Smith and Will Lowery on the latest episode of Beyond The Fairway podcast. In a special Masters edition of the weekly podcast, Curry discusses how he started playing golf as a kid with his dad, his work in funding Howard University’s golf program, his memorable first experience playing Augusta National Golf Club, and more.

The complete episode can be heard here. Video clips starring Curry, Smith and Lowery will be available tonight on GOLF Channel digital platforms, and the full interview will be available on-demand on Peacock beginning this Friday, April 9.

The Beyond The Fairway podcast aims to examine golf from different perspectives through interviews with celebrities, athletes and golf influencers and expanding the reach of the game. Previous episodes have featured NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen, Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, Grammy-award winning rapper Macklemore, Tiger Woods’ former coach Sean Foley, among others.

The following are highlights from Curry on “Beyond the Fairway”:

Curry on how he started playing golf: “It was always just my go-to in between obviously school, basketball, I played AAU baseball around the time I started playing golf, but it was really chasing my dad. Anytime he had a free moment, he was going out to the course. So, I started out just driving the cart with a little sawed-off putter…I eventually found the game for myself, started to play, obviously basketball from the time I was 13, which was the only sport I really played. It was the focus, but I was always searching for that free couple of hours to go to the course and play.”

Curry: “In high school, in the spring after high school basketball season right before AAU, I was on the school golf team for three years – my freshman, sophomore and senior years. So, that’s like a little known fact…I didn’t know what I was doing my first two years that I was out there, but my senior year I was the No. 1. So let’s say we didn’t go that far if I’m the No. 1 in high school, but it was nice to claim that spot.”

Curry on how his SC30 brand will impact the game of golf: “As you start to ask questions and do your homework on where the opportunity gap is in the game and getting more representation in the game, that’s what we’re trying to do…There’s so much talent at that early stage, especially in the black community and underrepresented communities. They get left behind because of access and support and equipment and coaching and even just the access to get to courses and just play and be around the right people, and so we’re trying to fill that gap and be that support that can create a pipeline and get more representation on tour.”

Smith to Curry on his funding to help Howard University’s golf program: “As a person that understands the financial strain of HBCU golf, having been on both sides of the ball – high-level D1 and high-level HBCU – we know the strains. When those announcements came out, just brother to brother, I was so excited. I was so excited that you used your platform, you used your own cash to really prop up this university.”

Curry on his first experience playing Augusta National Golf Club: “In 2015 after we won our first championship…myself and Andre Iguodala, the two biggest golfers on the team at the time, we didn’t need any extra motivation chasing the ring, but coach (Steve Kerr) told us, ‘Guys, if we win this championship, we have an invite and can celebrate at Augusta.’ We were both like, ‘What?’”

Curry on Augusta National Golf Club: “It is unbelievable. It’s wild because you know every hole already, you’ve seen it over and over again…It’s heaven.”

Curry on his prediction for this weekend’s Masters: “It’s tough. I’ve been thinking about it for a little bit, and to be honest, I like what Jordan Spieth is doing right now. He’s playing well enough to be in contention every week…I like where’s he at right now.”

Curry on if he could’ve had a professional golf career had he dedicated himself to the sport: “The thoughts do kind of rattle around in there if golf was the main thing…So, who knows? We’ll never know. I feel like I would’ve been scratching the surface. Let’s say the grind and the will that I have in basketball, I could take it out there and figure it out, so it’s a good alternate ending. I don’t know. We’ll never see that movie.”

Lowery to Curry: “I think we all want to know…When the sun sets on your (basketball) career, will you make a real push to try to get on some type of tour?”

Curry: “We’ll do another Beyond The Fairway with Ayesha (Curry) and we’ll ask that question.”

The Beyond The Fairway podcast is available for download on all major podcast platforms including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, and iHeart.

Beyond The Fairway is part of NBC Sports’ slate of podcasts spanning the NFL, the NHL, NASCAR and other motorsports, MLB, the NBA, golf, rugby, and more.

–NBC SPORTS–

Filed Under: Golf, NBC, Podcasts, Uncategorized

ESPN Podcasts Set Record in 2020 with 500M Downloads – Up 28%

February 3, 2021 By admin

ESPN Podcasts experienced strong growth in 2020, with downloads growing 28% to nearly 500,000,000, a new record (499.3 million).  The old mark was set a year ago.

The post ESPN Podcasts Set Record in 2020 with 500M Downloads – Up 28% appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..

Filed Under: ESPN, Podcasts

“MY FAVORITE KOBE STORY” – THE NEWEST NBC SPORTS’ “SPORTS UNCOVERED” PODCAST, HOSTED BY MICHELE TAFOYA – DEBUTS TODAY

January 21, 2021 By admin

Kobe Bryant’s Close Friends Share Memorable Stories of his Life & Career Leading Up to One-Year Anniversary of Tragic Death

Speakers Include Sue Bird, Sabrina Ionescu, Usain Bolt, and More

STAMFORD, Conn. – Jan. 21, 2021 – Leading up to the one-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, Michele Tafoya hosts a new episode of the Sports Uncovered podcast series, “My Favorite Kobe Story,” which looks back at the Basketball Hall of Famer’s life and career.

“I think he was starting a movement,” Seattle Storm player Sue Bird said of Bryant’s support for the WNBA and women’s athletics in the episode. “And that movement was what he saw in his daughter.”

“I knew I always had to be at my absolute best against Kobe, mentally,” said Shane Battier, who played 14 years in the NBA. “It was like stealing yourself for like, a cage fight. And I knew if I didn’t have that every single time, I was going to be embarrassed. And there’s no other player I can say that about. Not one.”

Speakers on “Sports Uncovered: My Favorite Kobe Story” include Bird, Battier, former Lakers coach Mike Brown, eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, Bryant’s high school coach Gregg Downer, WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, Michael Jordan’s son Marcus Jordan, two-time Olympic medalist April Ross, NBA champion Brian Scalabrine, who was nicknamed the ‘White Mamba,’ and more.

Click here to listen. Podcast episodes are available for download now on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart.

Previous episodes of Sports Uncovered, including season two episodes featuring Jon Gruden and Gayle Sierens, can be found here.

–NBC SPORTS–

Filed Under: NBA, NBC, NBC Sports Audio, Podcasts, Uncategorized

BEYOND THE FAIRWAY – NEW NBC SPORTS PODCAST HOSTED BY DOUG SMITH AND WILL LOWERY – DEBUTS JAN. 19

January 13, 2021 By admin

“The Intersection of Culture and the Lifestyle of Golf.”

Podcast to Examine Golf from Different Perspectives with In-Depth Interviews with Celebrities, Athletes and Golf Influencers

Debut Episode to Feature Two-Time NBA Champion Ray Allen; Don Cheadle, Larry Fitzgerald, Kyle Lowry and Cedric The Entertainer Slated to Appear

New Episodes Drop Each Tuesday – Trailer and Preview Available Now

Video Clips on GOLFChannel.com and GOLF Channel YouTube Page

STAMFORD, Conn. – January 13, 2021 – NBC Sports has launched Beyond The Fairway, a new podcast hosted by professional golfers Doug Smith and Will Lowery, aimed at examining golf from different perspectives through interviews with celebrities, athletes and golf influencers and expanding the reach of the game.

Basketball Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Ray Allen will be the first guest on Beyond The Fairway, which will debut on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Click here to listen to a preview of Beyond The Fairway, which is available now across major podcast platforms.

Additional guests slated to appear on Beyond The Fairway in the coming weeks and months include actors Don Cheadle and Cedric The Entertainer, Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, and Toronto Raptors PG Kyle Lowry.

“We want Beyond The Fairway to be the intersection of culture and the lifestyle of golf,” said Smith. “Let’s dive into why people love this game so much. Why do we do such crazy things to chase a little white ball around grass? What drives our obsession and passion for this game? And never before have two black men been opposite each other to talk golf like this. It shows how NBC Sports and GOLF Channel are actually doing something to help diversify the golf landscape.”

“We’re going to be talking golf from a different clubhouse,” said Lowery. “Beyond The Fairway is going to have a relaxed atmosphere and welcome all golfers, opening the door to the casual golfer who might not care about greens-in-regulation statistics on the PGA TOUR. We’re not afraid of going out-of-bounds with conversations – and we might not make may holes-in-one either – but you’ve got two individuals who are from the rough to guide you through the experience.”

Lowery was a cast member on GOLF Channel’s hit reality series, “The Big Break,” and appeared on both “Big Break Indian Wells” and “Big Break NFL: Puerto Rico.” He currently competes on the SwingThought Tour and Advocates Pro Golf Tour, has several top-10 finishes and two victories on the mini-tour circuit, and advocates for minorities through production and content creation in the entertainment space.

Smith played collegiate golf at Florida A&M University and the University of Louisville, was the first African-American to play golf at Louisville and won the 2005 PGA National Minority Collegiate Championship during his time as a Cardinal.

Beyond the Fairway will be available for download on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart.

Video clips of Beyond The Fairway will be posted on GOLFChannel.com as well as the GOLF Channel YouTube page. Beyond The Fairway joins NBC Sports’ slate of podcasts spanning the NFL, the NHL, NASCAR and other motorsports, MLB, the NBA, rugby, and more.

-NBC SPORTS-

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel, NBC, NBC Sports Audio, Podcasts, Uncategorized

Record-Breaking September for ESPN Podcasts

October 14, 2020 By admin

September was a month of breaking records for ESPN Podcasts as the combined podcast network of ESPN / ABC / FiveThirtyEight / National Geographic posted a new high audience of 9.3 million unique listeners.

The post Record-Breaking September for ESPN Podcasts appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..

Filed Under: ESPN, Podcasts

NEW EPISODE OF NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS’ ‘SPORTS UNCOVERED’ PODCAST SERIES: “THE BILL BELICHICK YOU DON’T KNOW” AVAILABLE NOW!

July 16, 2020 By admin

Final Installment of Six-Part Initiative Details Side of New England Patriots Head Coach the Public Doesn’t Get to See Through Conversations with His Closest Confidants 

Podcast Features Interviews with Doug Flutie, Rodney Harrison, and Charlie Weis; Introduction from Mike Tirico 

Original Storytelling Franchise, Which Began May 28, Explores New & Forgotten Aspects of Well-Known Sports Topics

NEEDHAM, MA, July 16, 2020 –NBC Sports Regional Networks’ six-episode podcast anthology series, “Sports Uncovered,” which re-examines some of the most memorable and compelling storylines and events in sports history, continues today with the debut of the sixth and final episode, “The Bill Belichick You Don’t Know” from NBC Sports Boston. The podcast features some of the famed NFL coach’s closest confidants revealing the side of Bill that the public doesn’t normally get to see, and is now available for download here.

Bill Belichick has been New England’s head coach since 2000, and, over his 20 seasons at the helm of the Patriots, has won 267 games, six Super Bowl championships — the most by a head coach in NFL history — and is famous for his unique approach to addressing media and press conferences. He is known for his serious stares, long pauses, and general irritation with communication.  “The Belichick You Don’t Know” Podcast — narrated and led by NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran — catches up with former players and coaches to better understand the lighter side of Bill that the media and the public don’t get to see.

The podcast features exclusive comments and recollections by many NFL icons, including:  former Patriots defensive back and NBC Sports’ Football Night in America analyst Rodney Harrison, former Patriots quarterback and NBC Sports Notre Dame Football analyst Doug Flutie, former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich, former Patriots quarterback Vinny Testaverde, and more.

PODCAST DOWNLOAD HERE 

 

Among the highlighted quotes from the “The Bill Belichick You Don’t Know” podcast:

    • Rodney Harrison on Belichick’s lighter side:
      • “Coach is absolutely fantastic – every year during the holidays, he sends us gifts and baskets. He’s an easy-going guy; conversations are always light; he doesn’t really take himself too serious, as much as other people think that he’s this really serious guy; he’s caring; he’s just an open relaxed guy.”
    • Charlie Weis on Bill Belichick’s fun personality off the field:
      • “He’s got a good sense of humor. It’s just that…that’s not him the football coach. That’s him the person, and he’s always been able to divide church and state. I mean this is the same guy that’s close friends with Bon Jovi….he’s the same guy that me and him were at a charity event for my charity and we’re singing background to ‘Wanted dead or alive.’ So, I mean…it’s the same guy.”
    • Rob Ninkovich on Bill Belichick throwing snowballs following a win:
      • “So I’m walking out after the game, walking to my truck. All of a sudden, a snowball comes flying in, and I’m like, ‘Who the heck is throwing snowballs?’ and it was Bill throwing snowballs at guys. It was just kind of like a fun moment where you were like, ‘He’s not so bad…he’s not so bad’”
    • Martellus Bennett on how Belichick is funny like Larry David:
      • “Larry David…like curb your enthusiasm…that’s how Bill is.”
    • Matt Cassel on Belichick ripping players:
      • “He was critiquing Asante Samuel’s play about how we need to be more physical, and this runner was running out on the video and Bill goes, ‘That’s it Asante, hit him with a pillow, ok let’s throw marshmallows at him next time.’”
    • Rob Ninkovich on Belichick busting player’s chops:
      • “He’d say, ‘This guy is out here looking for Easter eggs’ when a guy would have his head down. Hunting for Easter eggs…that’s always his line.”
    • Rob Ninkovich on Belichick knowing how to get respect from players:
      • “Bill is probably the master of understanding balance. You can’t be too friendly with your players; it just doesn’t work that way as far as the respect thing. I think that he just makes it very clear that, yeah, he can laugh and have a good time, but at the end of the day he’s going to do what he feels is best for the team. He can easily flip the switch and go into the ‘winning at all costs’ Bill Belichick.”
    • Matt Cassel on the line between player and coach:
      • “There’s a clear distinct line that Bill draws between player and coach. The respect you have for him as a coach is because he doesn’t blur those lines.”

 

NBC Sports Regional Networks’ “Sports Uncovered” podcast series began on May 28 and utilizes exclusive, in-depth interviews with prominent participants, witnesses and experts to explore new, underreported or forgotten aspects of well-known topics centered in each of the NBC Sports Regional Networks markets.

All “Sports Uncovered” podcast episodes are available for download on ALL major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, NBC Sports’ Scores app, Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart.

# # #

Contact:  Laura Hannon, NBC Sports Boston: 781.270.7240 or laura.hannon@nbcuni.com

Filed Under: NBC, NBC Sports Boston, nbc sports regional networks, Podcasts, Uncategorized

NEW EPISODE OF NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS’ ‘SPORTS UNCOVERED’ PODCAST SERIES, ‘THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE THAT CHANGED A SUPER BOWL,’ AVAILABLE NOW

July 9, 2020 By admin

Never-Before-Released 2011 Interview with Former Oakland Raiders Center Barret Robbins from Prison Featured in Fifth Installment of Six-Part Initiative 

Robbins Reveals Why He Disappeared and Missed Playing in Raiders Loss in Super Bowl XXXVII Following 2002 Season

NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California’s Podcast Production Features Interviews with Tim Brown, Rod Woodson and Amy Trask; Introduction from Mike Tirico 

“Sports Uncovered: The Lost Barret Robbins Interview,” a Half-Hour Version of Robbins’ 2011 Sit-Down Interview, to Air on NBC Sports Bay Area Tonight at 10 P.M. PT

 STAMFORD, Conn. – July 9, 2020 – NBC Sports Regional Networks’ six-episode podcast anthology series, “Sports Uncovered,” which re-examines some of the most memorable and compelling storylines and events in sports history, continues today with the debut of The Mysterious Disappearance that Changed a Super Bowl, the story of former Oakland Raiders All-Pro offensive lineman Barret Robbins’ Super Bowl XXXVII disappearance. The episode is available for download here. 

Produced by NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California, the fifth installment of “Sports Uncovered” features a never-before-heard 2011 Robbins interview previously believed to be lost but recently found in the network’s San Francisco offices, as well as 2011 interviews from Raiders teammates Tim Brown, Lincoln Kennedy, Bill Romanowski, Barry Sims and the late Mo Collins. Robbins – in a South Florida prison at the time of the interview – details the mental-health and addiction issues that caused him to leave the Raiders for Mexico just two days before Super Bowl XXXVII. That ultimately led to his benching for the game and eventually the end of a promising NFL career, followed by a post-football life filled by run-ins with the law.

Other stories uncovered in the podcast:

    • How a former Raiders teammate found Robbins in a San Diego bar and brought him back to the team hotel, one day after the center had gone missing.
    • Why some ex-Raiders believe one coaching decision put too much pressure on Robbins and also sabotaged the team’s chances to win the Super Bowl against its former coach, Jon Gruden.
    • Why the Raiders’ locker room might not have been the best place for Robbins, and why the team decided to bring him back for the 2003 season, despite his Super Bowl disappearance.
    • Deeper details about Robbins’ troubled post-NFL days, including his first-person account of being shot by Miami Beach police in 2005, and a recently uncovered 2019 arrest that could hint at his current whereabouts and well-being.

 

Those stories and more are told by numerous notable guests, including Robbins’ former Raiders teammates, team executives and media members in recent interviews. The list of contributors also includes ex-Raiders players Rod Woodson, Calvin Branch and Anthony Dorsett; former Raiders executives Amy Trask and Bruce Allen; Emmy-winning NFL reporter Andrea Kremer; former Raiders radio play-by-play announcer Greg Papa, who conducted that 2011 interview with Robbins; and others. 

Following are selected quotes from The Mysterious Disappearance that Changed a Super Bowl:

“Came to the hotel in a cab with a couple guys that just were hanging out with me. And I don’t – to this day, I don’t know who they were – but I got to my hotel, filled my backpack up with all the liquor from the minibar and took off toward Mexico.” – Barret Robbins on leaving the team hotel for Mexico two days before Super Bowl XXXVII

“After the walk-through, we informed the league. They’re able to put out an all-points bulletin for him. We don’t know if he’s been kidnapped. We don’t know where he is or what condition he’s in.” – Former Raiders GM Bruce Allen on informing the NFL of Barret Robbins’ disappearance

“There were a number of players who felt that Barret’s absence was so deflating for the team, that they felt they had lost the game before it had even begun.” – NFL Network’s Andrea Kremer on Barret Robbins’ absence and its effect on his teammates 

 “I was crying. I was in bad shape, man. I was so sad at that point. I knew it was going to end up leading me to not be able to play in the Super Bowl and live my dream.” – Barret Robbins on returning to the team hotel and realizing he might not play in the Super Bowl

“He was in a difficult condition, in that he was cheery. Because at the beginning, you’re thinking, ‘Wow. This is interesting.’ He had told me he was excited about that we had won the game and he asked to catch a plane for the Pro Bowl the next morning.” – Bruce Allen on Barret Robbins’ return to the team hotel and thinking the Raiders already had won the Super Bowl

“I saw a couple plays on TV. They were watching it there (in the hospital) when I got there. But I didn’t sit and watch it. Was there while I was on suicide watch.” – Barret Robbins on watching the Super Bowl from the hospital

“I can remember one day, almost a month in the offseason, where I couldn’t get out of bed. I mean, to think a man could have a $2 million house and $500,000 worth of cars, and whatever he wanted, but still be depressed and not be able to get out of bed. That tells you that depression is very powerful.” – Barret Robbins on his bout with depression

“I had actually, quite early that morning, had gone out on a run, and I saw Barret in the lobby. I ran into him, went up to my room, and not long thereafter, Al (Davis) called me and said, ‘Barret’s not playing.’ I said, ‘I just saw him in the lobby. He can play.’ And Al shared with me that others had made the decision to send Barret home. And I hung up the phone, and I looked at my husband, and I said, ‘We just lost the game.’” – Former Raiders CEO Amy Trask on her reaction on Barret Robbins not playing in the Super Bowl

“I think this guy was probably the worst thing that ever happened to the Raiders organization.” – Hall of Famer and former Raiders receiver Tim Brown on former Raiders coach Bill Callahan

“It was a shocker to everybody. I know for me, I just couldn’t believe it. I dropped my book in the meeting when he said it. I know my 17 years of play, even in the preseason, you don’t do that.” – Hall of Famer and former Raiders safety Rod Woodson on Bill Callahan changing the offensive game plan just two days before the Super Bowl 

“So, we go into the Super Bowl knowing that we don’t have a chance to win. The guy who this is going to affect the most is Barret Robbins. Because Barret Robbins is the one who has to make all the calls. He is begging Callahan, ‘Don’t do this. I don’t have time to prepare for this. Please don’t do this.’ I was with him, and he’s begging him, ‘You can’t do this to me.’… Well, it’s that night that Barret went out and went AWOL. That night. Now, does one have to do with another? I say yes. You may say no. I say yes.” – Tim Brown on Barret Robbins pleading with coach Bill Callahan not to change the Raiders’ offensive game plan

“That was the Raider way, you know. You work hard, you play hard. That was the mindset. That culture was very dangerous, looking back now because when you’re in your 20s and the world expects you to win every day, every week, every season, it’s a lot of stress and pressure on you. And if you had no one to talk to about it, then any type of underlying mental issue you have, they’re going to come out sooner or later.” – Former Raiders defensive lineman Rod Coleman on the pressures of playing in the NFL

 

“Sports Uncovered: The Lost Barret Robbins Interview,” a half-hour version of Robbins’ 2011 sit-down interview from the Dade Correctional Institution, will air on NBC Sports Bay Area tonight (July 9th) at 10 p.m. PT. The show will also be available on NBC Sports Bay Area and California’s YouTube channel.

An original storytelling audio franchise, “Sports Uncovered” utilizes exclusive, in-depth interviews with prominent participants, witnesses and experts to explore new, underreported or forgotten aspects of well-known topics, personalities and events centered in each of the NBC Sports Regional Networks markets, but that have had national impact and relevance.

The next “Sports Uncovered” episode, The Bill Belichick You Don’t Know, features an in-depth look at the New England Patriots head coach. The debut episode of the series, which launched May 28, detailed Michael Jordan’s NBA return, the second installment covered how the University of Oregon ignited a uniform craze that revolutionized college football, the third installment focused on the late Washington Redskins and Miami Hurricanes star defensive back Sean Taylor, and the fourth installment featured the Philadelphia Flyers’ marathon five-overtime thriller.

NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico introduces each episode of “Sports Uncovered.” The list of notable guests featured throughout the series includes: basketball greats Dominique Wilkins, Chris Mullin and Steve Kerr; Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie and finalist Joey Harrington; Pro Football Hall of Famer Tim Brown and former Flyers Brian Boucher and Keith Jones.

Click here for the “Sports Uncovered” series. Episodes are available for download now on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, NBC Sports’ Scores app, Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart. Following is the full “Sports Uncovered” schedule:

RELEASE DATE NETWORK TITLE
May 28 Chicago “I’m Back”
June 11 Northwest “The Uniform Craze That Revolutionized College Football”
June 18 Washington “Sean Taylor, the NFL Superstar We Didn’t Get to Know”
June 25 Philadelphia “Marathon on Ice”
July 9 Bay Area, California “The Mysterious Disappearance that Changed a Super Bowl”
July 16 Boston “The Bill Belichick You Don’t Know”

 

NBC Sports Regional Networks is NBC Sports Group’s portfolio of nine regional networks that delivers more than 2,200 live sporting events and original content to more than 35 million homes. Aligned within Eastern and Western Divisions, the NBC Sports Regional Networks are: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBC Sports Philadelphia +, NBC Sports Washington, NBC Sports Washington + and SNY; and NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago/NBC Sports Chicago+, and NBC Sports Northwest. For more information on NBC Sports Group properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios, headshots and logos, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 – NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS –

Filed Under: NBC, nbc sports bay area, NBC Sports California, nbc sports regional networks, Podcasts, Uncategorized

NEW EPISODE OF NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS’ ‘SPORTS UNCOVERED’ PODCAST SERIES, “MARATHON ON ICE,” AVAILABLE NOW

June 25, 2020 By admin

Fourth Installment of Six-Part Series Delves into the Storied History of the Philadelphia Flyers – Pittsburgh Penguins 2000 Stanley Cup Semifinal Five-Overtime Game

NBC Sports Philadelphia Production Includes Interviews with Keith Jones, Brian Boucher, Keith Primeau, Rick Tocchet, Mark Recchi, Chris Therien, and Others; Introduction from Mike Tirico

Original Storytelling Franchise, Which Launched May 28, Explores New and Forgotten Aspects of Well-Known Sports Topics

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 25, 2020 – NBC Sports Regional Networks’ six-episode podcast anthology series, “Sports Uncovered,” which re-examines some of the most memorable and compelling storylines and events in sports history, continues today with the debut of Marathon on Ice, the story of the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins five overtime game during the 2000 NHL Eastern Conference Semifinals. The episode is available here.

Marathon on Ice, narrated by Marc Zumoff, delves into the storied history of the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, and the significant impact the five-overtime game had on the players, coaches, broadcasters and fans during the series and the ripple effect this game had on both franchises. The Penguins led the series, 2-1, when the teams took the ice for Game Four on May 4, 2000, in Pittsburgh. After 6 hours and 56 minutes, and five overtimes, the Flyers’ Keith Primeau scored to end the game, the longest NHL game in modern history. The Flyers went on to win the series, 4-2.

Following are highlighted quotes from Marathon Ice:

“Man, somebody end this thing, seriously. I’m going to die.” – Keith Jones, former Flyer and current NBC Sports Philadelphia hockey broadcaster and NHL on NBC Studio Analyst

“I got an IV after the fourth period. And I went out, and I started, and I completely seized up. I completely cramped up and I’m standing on the ice going, ‘I can’t move now.’” – Mark Recchi, former Flyer

“But I honestly don’t know if I could’ve played another period. The way I was feeling, the adrenaline got me through up to that point, but I think midway thought the fourth overtime, and going into the fifth, I really started to feel the cramps come on and once they come on, you know there’s no stopping it.” – Brian Boucher, former Flyer and “Inside the Glass” Analyst, NHL on NBC 

“It was gonna take a miraculous effort to score a goal in the game so you just kinda survived and in surviving you embraced the fact that it was becoming an historic game” – Keith Jones

“They shut everything down because they didn’t have any more popcorn or hot dogs in the stadium, so I remember our trainers bringing in a ton of pizza in between periods.” – Bob Boughner, former Penguin and current San Jose Sharks head coach

“We had gone through all the power bars that we had and granola bars and all the snacks that were in the locker room. We were basically running on fumes at this point, yet we were almost giddy.”  – Brian Boucher

“At the time, it was just a goal that allowed us to win a playoff game. But as I was pacing in the hallway afterwards, I just thought to myself. Years from now, this is going to have a lot more meaning than what it does still today because of the longevity of the game, and it has. It’s kind of taken on a life of its own.” – Keith Primeau, former Flyer

“Stanley Cup Playoff overtime hockey is the greatest thing going because every shot, is essentially a game winning shot. So, you’re watching 5 periods of on the edge of your seat action, you know where any shot, or deflection or redirection could be the thing that ends it. So yeah, you thought you were witnessing something that was special, for sure.”- Pat Boyle, NBC Sports Chicago anchor and former Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia broadcaster

“We were definitely two very different teams. We were very much blue collar, jovial, good time kind of group. They were very highly skilled, offensively talented, potent team. So, we stacked up well against them, but if you were to say who was the more talented team, at the end of the day I wouldn’t even consider it close.” – Keith Primeau

“There were a lot of fans, especially young kids that their mom or dad was not leaving, and that kid was getting some shut eye during play. So, you would often look up at the crowd during a faceoff and you can see a kid or wife or husband leaning on the person beside them. And it was almost like they were taking turns, when one of the individuals would watch for a little bit then they take a nap and come back.”- Keith Jones

“It’s tough physically to play in a game like that but really the mental fatigue that comes with a game like that it’s indescribable truthfully. So much pressure just knowing that you cannot make a mistake that’s probably the toughest part, but your adrenaline is going so much that it gets you through it.”- Brian Boucher

An original storytelling audio franchise, “Sports Uncovered” utilizes exclusive, in-depth interviews with prominent participants, witnesses and experts to explore new, underreported or forgotten aspects of well-known topics, personalities and events centered in each of the NBC Sports Regional Networks markets, but that have had national impact and relevance.

Upcoming “Sports Uncovered” episodes include: an in-depth look at New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and the story behind former Oakland Raider Barret Robbins’ Super Bowl disappearance. The debut episode which launched May 28, detailed Michael Jordan’s NBA return, and the second installment covered how the University of Oregon ignited a uniform craze that revolutionized college football, and last week Sean Taylor: The NFL Superstar We Didn’t Get to Know debuted.

NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico introduces each episode of “Sports Uncovered.” The list of notable guests featured throughout the series includes: basketball greats Dominique Wilkins, Chris Mullin and Steve Kerr; Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie and finalist Joe Harrington; Pro Football Hall of Famers Joe Gibbs and Tim Brown.

Click here for the “Sports Uncovered” series. Episodes are available for download now on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, NBC Sports’ Scores app, Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart. Following is the full “Sports Uncovered” schedule:

 

RELEASE DATE NETWORK TITLE
May 28 Chicago “I’m Back”
June 11 Northwest “The Uniform Craze That Revolutionized College Football”
June 18 Washington “Sean Taylor, the NFL Superstar We Didn’t Get to Know”
June 25 Philadelphia “Marathon on Ice”
July 9 Bay Area “The Mysterious Disappearance that Changed a Super Bowl”
July 16 Boston “The Bill Belichick You Don’t Know”

 

– NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS –

Filed Under: NBC, NBC Sports Philadelphia, nbc sports regional networks, Podcasts, Uncategorized

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