Shawn Springs always seemed like such a likeable guy to me, but he made a really bad joke on ESPN First Take yesterday. Host Dana Jacobson asked Springs who he would rather not play in the Super Bowl, and the cornerback had this to say....

“Well if it was me, I would hope a hurricane comes through.”- Shawn Springs

I get what you're saying, Shawn. As a defensive player you would hope the weather would affect the play of the quarterbacks. But, you seem to forget that a huge hurricane named Katrina went through one of the teams backyards not too long ago. Obviously not intentional, but he should of avoided that one.

Shawn Springs Is a Natural On ESPN. Disaster. (Sports by Brooks)

Every four years I like Soccer, and this year will be no different as ABC/ESPN plans on airing 44....count em!....44 FIFA World Cup matches from South Africa. The action starts with the first U.S. contest on ABC vs. England (on Saturday, June 12, at 2pm), and ends on the same network July 11th with the Championship game.

Friday, June 11th

South Africa vs. Mexico, Group A (ESPN, 9:30am)
Uruguay vs. France, Group A (ESPN, 2pm)

Saturday, June 12th

Korea Republic vs. Greece, Group B (ESPN, 7am)
Argentina vs. Nigeria, Group B (ESPN, 9:30am)
England vs. USA, Group C (ABC, 2pm)

Sunday, June 13th

Algeria vs. Slovenia, Group C (ESPN, 7am)
Serbia vs. Ghana, Group D (ESPN, 9:30am)
Germany vs. Australia, Group D (ABC, 2pm)

Monday, June 14th
Netherlands vs. Denmark, Group E (ESPN, 7am)
Japan vs. Cameroon, Group E (ESPN, 9:30am)
Italy vs. Paraguay, Group F (ESPN, 2pm)

Tuesday, June 15th

New Zealand vs. Slovakia, Group F (ESPN, 7am)
Ivory Coast vs. Portugal, Group G (ESPN, 9:30am)
Brazil vs. Korea DPR, Group G (ESPN, 2pm)

Wednesday, June 16th

Honduras vs. Chile, Group H (ESPN, 7am)
Spain vs. Switzerland, Group H (ESPN, 9:30am)
South Africa vs. Uruguay, Group A (ESPN, 2pm)

Thursday, June 17th

Argentina vs. Korea Rep, Group B (ESPN, 7am)
Greece vs. Nigeria, Group B (ESPN, 9:30am)
France vs. Mexico, Group A (ESPN2, 2pm)

Friday, June 18th

Germany vs. Serbia, Group D (ESPN, 7am)
Slovenia vs. USA, Group C (ESPN, 9:30am)
England vs. Algeria, Group C (ESPN2, 2pm)

Saturday, June 19th

Netherlands vs. Japan, Group E (ESPN, 7am)
Ghana vs. Australia, Group D (ESPN, 9:30am)
Cameroon vs. Denmark, Group E (ABC, 2pm)

Sunday, June 20th

Slovakia vs. Paraguay, Group F (ESPN, 7am)
Italy vs. New Zealand, Group F (ESPN, 9:30am)
Brazil vs. Ivory Coast, Group G (ABC, 2pm)

Monday, June 21st

Portugal vs. Korea DPR, Group G (ESPN, 7am)
Chile vs. Switzerland, Group H (ESPN, 9:30am)
Spain vs. Honduras, Group H (ESPN, 2pm)

Tuesday, June 22nd

Mexico vs. Uruguay, Group A (ESPN, 9:30am)
France vs. South Africa, Group A (ESPN2, 9:30am)
Nigeria vs. Korea Republic, Group B (ESPN2, 2pm)
Greece vs. Argentina, Group B (ESPN, 2pm)

Wednesday, June 23rd

Slovenia vs. England, Group C (ESPN2, 9:30am)
USA vs. Algeria, Group C (ESPN, 9:30am)
Ghana vs. Germany, Group D (ESPN, 2pm)
Australia vs. Serbia, Group D (ESPN2, 2pm)

Thursday, June 24th

Slovakia vs. Italy, Group E (ESPN, 9:30am)
Paraguay vs. New Zealand, Group E (ESPN2, 9:30am)
Denmark vs. Japan, Group F (ESPN, 2pm)
Cameroon vs. Netherlands, Group F (ESPN2, 2pm)

Friday, June 25th

Portugal vs. Brazil, Group G (ESPN, 9:30am)
Ivory Coast vs. Korea DPR, Group G (ESPN2, 9:30am)
Chile vs. Spain, Group H (ESPN, 2pm)
Switzerland vs. Honduras, Group H (ESPN2, 2pm)

Tuesday, January 26th

NBA FAN NIGHT: LA Lakers at Washington Wizards (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, January 27th

Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers (NBATV, 1opm)- Local Announcers

Thursday, January 28th

Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager
Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Cheryl Miller

Friday, January 29th

Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons (NBATV, 8pm)- Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy

Saturday, January 30th

Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Hornets (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, January 31st

Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs (ABC, 1pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
LA Lakers at Boston Celtics (ABC, 3:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets (NBATV, 6:30pm)- Local Announcers

It's hard to believe it, but the Baseball season gets underway in just a little over two months. Which is why ESPN has just released their early season Sunday Night Baseball schedule. This year will kick off with the Opening Night matchup between the Yankees and Red Sox, and will feature multiple games with the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. Here's the schedule (all games start at 8pm, and are on ESPN, unless otherwise noted)....

April 4 - Opening Night: NY Yankees at Boston (ESPN2)
April 11 - St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers
April 18 - NY Mets at St. Louis Cardinals
April 25 - Atlanta Braves at NY Mets
May 2 - NY Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
May 9 - NY Yankees at Boston Red Sox
May 16 - Philadelphia Phillies at Milwaukee Brewers
May 23 - NY Yankees at NY Mets
May 30 - Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins (ESPN2)
June 6-27 - TBD
July 4 - Kansas City Royals at LA Angels
July 11 - Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers
July 18 - Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs (6pm)

As much fun as I poke at ESPN, I always contended that I could not survive without it. Especially this time of year, when I finally decide to catch up on College Basketball. Well apparently a lot of men feel the same way that I do, including one guy that almost murdered his wife because she canceled the channel without telling him. Via The Hour....

Police arrested a Norwalk man on Saturday who allegedly threatened his wife at knife-point for canceling ESPN a few weeks before the Super Bowl, a department spokesperson said.

Jerome Smalls, 43, was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree threatening.

Officers responded to Smalls' home on West Main Street on a call of an armed subject shortly before midnight on Saturday, Norwalk police Sgt. Lisa Cotto said.

At the residence, police interviewed a woman who alleged her husband threatened her with a kitchen knife after he learned that she had recently canceled the family's cable package, Cotto said.

Smalls was most upset for having lost his favorite sports channels, specifically the 24-hour sports network ESPN, she said.

Smalls admitted to grabbing his wife and screaming at her while their three children were sleeping, but denied ever threatening the woman with a knife, she said.

The wife told police that she canceled her husband's favorite programs because the family could no longer afford it, Cotto said. The husband told officers that he was upset because he believed the luxury of cable was well within the household budget, she said.

Well then. I would probably be ultra depressed for a few weeks, but I don't think I would ever turn to violence. Actually I take that back. When ESPN fired Emmitt Smith, I went outside and just started flipping cars. Who knows what I would do if the whole channel was taken from me. ESPN should really hire this guy for their next set of commercials.

Oh and look for "ESPN the Murder Weapon" at a store near you this Summer!

Dispute erupts when wife cancels ESPN, cable TV (The Hour)

I'm not entirely sure if calling someone a "jagoff" is extremely insulting or not. And furthermore, if it's even allowed on TV. But that's exactly what Kentucky Coach John Calipari called John Buccigross, after the ESPN anchor brought up Calipari's loss to Memphis in the National Championship....

At least the name calling was taken in stride, but I'm curious as to know why someone from Pittsburgh is a "jagoff". And what exactly is a jagoff? So many questions.

John Calipari Calls John Buccigross A Jagoff Live On ESPN (Buster Sports)

Here is your College Basketball Announcing Schedule, brought to you by SI's Cheerleader of the Week. Elise (middle) is a sophomore from UCLA, her favorite class is Physics, and the five people she wants to have dinner with are: John Wooden, Tiger Woods, the Dalai Lama, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt. Ready? OKAY!

Monday, January 25th

Georgetown @ Syracuse (ESPN, 7pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas
Delaware State @ Coppin State (ESPNU, 7pm)- Charlie Neal, Mark Adams
Charleston @ Western Carolina (CSS, 7pm)- Warren Pepper, John Kresse
St. Joseph's @ Pennsylvaia (Comcast Network, 7pm)- Scott Graham, Rob Kennedy
Western Kentucky @ Southern Mississippi (WKYU, 8pm)- Randy Lee, Hal Schmitt (Will Air on FCS Central)
Missouri @ Kansas (ESPN, 9pm)- Brent Musburger, Bob Knight, Holly Rowe
Alabama State @ Southern (ESPNU, 9pm)- Anthony Calhoun, Stephen Howard
Boise State @ Idaho (ESPNU, 11pm)- Trey Bender, Bob Donewald

Tuesday, January 26th

Michigan State @ Michigan (ESPN, 7pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin, Erin Andrews
Clemson @ Boston College (ESPN2, 7pm)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
Miami @ Maryland (ESPNU, 7pm)- Rob Stone, Drew Barry, Jon Barry
Lipscomb @ Belmont (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Rhode Island @ Dayton (Cox-New England, 7pm)- TBD
Kansas State @ Baylor (FSN Regional, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Kansas City, Southwest)
North Dakota State @ UMKC (Metro Sports, 8pm)- TBD
West Virginia @ DePaul (Big East Network, 8:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on CST, MASN, SNY)
Kentucky @ South Carolina (ESPN, 9pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes, Jeannine Edwards
Rutgers @ Marquette (ESPNU, 9pm)- Mike Gleason, Mike Kelley
Northwestern @ Minnesota (BTN, 9pm)- TBD
North Carolina @ North Carolina State (Raycom, 9pm)- TBD
Seattle @ Washington (FSN Northwest, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
Cal State-Fullerton @ Cal State-Bakersfield (Bright House-Bakersfield, 10pm)- Vance Palm, Beau Redford
Air Force @ UNLV (MTN, 10:30pm)- TBD

Wednesday, January 27th

Illinois @ Penn State (BTN, 6:30pm)- TBD
Notre Dame @ Villanova (ESPN, 7pm)- Sean McDonough, Jay Bilas
Vanderbilt @ Tennessee (ESPNU, 7pm)- Carter Blackburn, Mark Gottfried
Georgia @ Florida (SEC Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS, CST)
Illinois State @ Wichita State (MVC Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest, CSN Chicago+)
Connecticut @ Providence (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude2, MASN, SNY)
Temple @ Charlotte (A-10 Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on Comcast Network, CSN Washington+)
Vermont @ New Hampshire (America East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on NESN)
Hartford @ Albany (Time Warner-Albany, 7pm)- TBD
Army @ Lafayette (LSN, 7pm)- TBD
Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State (ESPN2, 7:30pm)- Ron Franklin, Hubert Davis
Memphis @ Marshall (CBS College Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Texas Christian @ Colorado State (MTN, 8pm)- TBD
Louisiana State @ Alabama (SEC Network, 8pm)- TBD
Creighton @ Bradley (Comcast-Peoria, 8pm)- TBD
Drake @ Northern Iowa (Panther Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Ohio State @ Iowa (BTN, 8:30pm)- TBD
Florida State @ Duke (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale
Texas Tech @ Texas (ESPNU, 9pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Tim Welsh
Iowa State @ Oklahoma (Big 12 Network, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude2, MASN)
Nebraska @ Colorado (FSN Rocky Mountain, 10pm)- TBD
Brigham Young @ New Mexico (MTN, 10pm)- TBD

Thursday, January 28th

Wisconsin @ Purdue (ESPN, 7pm)- TBD
Seton Hall @ South Florida (ESPN2, 7pm)- TBD
St. John's @ Pittsburgh (ESPNU, 7pm)- Quint Kessenich, Bob Wenzel
Duquesne @ Xavier (CBS College Sports, 7pm)- TBD
Wake Forest @ Georgia Tech (ACC, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Florida, South; NESN; CSN Washington+)
Georgia State @ Old Dominion (ESPN+, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS, MASN)
Ball State @ Buffalo (Time Warner-Buffalo, 7pm)- TBD
VMI @ Liberty (Liberty Channel, 7pm)- Jim Hunter, Craig Esherick
Virginia Tech @ Virginia (CSN Washington, 8pm)- TBD
Stanford @ Arizona (FCS Pacific, 8pm)- TBD
North Texas @ Western Kentucky (WKYU, 8pm)- Randy Lee, Hal Schmitt (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
North Dakota State @ Oral Roberts (FCS Central, 8pm)- Rob Loeber, Mickey Michalec
Southern Illinois @ Indiana State (Mediacom-Carbondale, 8pm)- TBD
USC @ Oregon State (FSN Regional, 8:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS West; FSN Northwest, Rocky Mountain)
California @ Arizona State (CSN California/FS Arizona, 8:30pm)- TBD
Montana @ Northern Arizona (UniversityHouse, 8:30pm)- TBD
Mississippi State @ Arkansas (ESPN2, 9pm)- TBD
Mississippi @ Auburn (ESPNU, 9pm)- Rob Stone, Jay Williams
Fresno State @ Idaho (SWX, 10pm)- TBD
UCLA @ Oregon (FSN, 10:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, Ohio, Southwest, Wisconsin; PrimeTicket, SportSouth; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Philadelphia, Washington; MSG+; FCS Pacific)
Gonzaga @ Santa Clara (ESPN2, 11pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
Portland @ San Francisco (ESPNU, 11pm)- Dave Flemming, Krista Blunk

Friday, January 29th

Niagara @ Canisius (ESPNU, 7pm)- Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy
Jacksonville @ North Florida (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Butler @ Wisconsin-Green Bay (ESPNU, 9pm)- Lou Canellis, Mark Adams

Saturday, January 30th

Louisville @ West Virginia (ESPN, Noon)- Mike Patrick, Doris Burke
LaSalle @ Temple (ESPN2, Noon)- Bob Wischusen, Tim Welsh
Eastern Michigan @ Miami-OH (ESPNU, Noon)- Jim Barbar, Tim McCormick
James Madison @ George Mason (CSN Regional, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on CSS; CSN New England, Washington; Comcast Network)
Sacred Heart @ Wagner (NEC Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on MSG, FCS Atlantic)
Marquette @ Connecticut (Big East Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on CST, MASN, SNY)
Duke @ Georgetown (CBS, 1pm)- Verne Lundquist, Clark Kellogg
American @ Lafayette (LSN, 1pm)- TBD
Oklahoma @ Nebraska (Big 12 Network, 1:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, YES)
Louisiana State @ Mississippi State (SEC Network, 1:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN California, Washington+)
Oklahoma State @ Missouri (ESPN, 2pm)- TBD
Indiana @ Illinois (ESPN2, 2pm)- TBD
Murray State @ Tennessee-Martin (ESPNU, 2pm)- Dave Weekley, Barry Booker
Western Michigan @ Kent State (FSN Regional, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Detroit, Ohio)
Syracuse @ DePaul (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CST, MASN)
Saint Louis @ Richmond (A-10 Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS, CSN Washington)
Loyola-Chicago @ Wright State (Horizon League Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Chicago, STO)
Furman @ Wofford (SportSouth, 3pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Florida State @ Boston College (Raycom, 3pm)- TBD
UT-Arlington @ Texas State (Southland TV, 3pm)- TBD
Washington State @ Washington (FSN, 3:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit+, Florida, Midwest, North, Ohio (JIP), South, Southwest, PrimeTicket; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh (JIP), Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago (JIP), Washington+; Comcast Network (JIP); MSG+ (JIP); FCS Pacific)
Wyoming @ Air Force (MTN, 3:30pm)- TBD
Vanderbilt @ Kentucky (ESPN, 4pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes
Youngstown State @ Cleveland State (ESPNU, 4pm)- John Sanders, Jim Chones
Old Dominion @ Northeastern (CSN Regional, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS; CSN New England, Philadelphia, Washington)
Baylor @ Texas (Big 12 Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, YES)
Alabama @ Auburn (SEC Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN California)
Arkansas @ Mississippi (SEC Network, 4pm)- TBD
Siena @ Marist (MAAC Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, MSG; FCS Atlantic)
New Orleans @ Western Kentucky (Sun Belt Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS, CST)
Iowa @ Michigan (BTN, 4:30pm)- TBD
Tulsa @ Central Florida (Bright House, 5pm)- TBD
Bradley @ Illinois State (MVC Network, 5:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest, CSN Chicago)
Notre Dame @ Rutgers (ESPN2, 6pm)- Dave Pasch, Len Elmore
Charlotte @ Massachusetts (ESPNU, 6pm)- Clay Matvick, Stephen Howard
New Mexico @ Texas Christian (CBS College Sports, 6pm)- TBD
San Diego State @ Colorado State (MTN, 6pm)- TBD
Towson @ UNC-Wilmington (MASN, 6pm)- TBD
Marshall @ Houston (CSS, 6pm)- TBD
USC @ Oregon (OSN, 6pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Northwest)
Kansas @ Kansas State (ESPN, 7pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Erin Andrews
Georgia @ South Carolina (SEC Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Florida, South)
Northwestern @ Michigan State (BTN, 7pm)- TBD
UCLA @ Oregon State (FSN Regional, 7:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS West; FSN Northwest, Rocky Mountain; FCS Pacific)
Pacific @ UC-Riverside (ESPN2, 8pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
Providence @ Cincinnati (ESPNU, 8pm)- Justin Kutcher, Dickey Simpkins
Georgia State @ Virginia Commonwealth (CSS, 8pm)- TBD
High Point @ Gardner-Webb (MASN, 8pm)- TBD
South Dakota State @ Oral Roberts (FCS Central, 8pm)- TBD
Creighton @ Drake (KMTV/Mediacom-Iowa, 8pm)- TBD
Memphis @ SMU (WKNO, 8pm)- TBD
Montana State @ Northern Arizona (UniversityHouse, 8:30pm)- TBD
Texas Tech @ Texas A&M (FSN Regional, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Houston, Southwest)
Utah @ Brigham Young (MTN, 9pm)- TBD
Colorado @ Iowa State (Cyclones TV, 9pm)- TBD
San Jose State @ Utah State (KUCW, 9pm)- TBD
Gonzaga @ San Francisco (KHQ, 9:30pm)- Greg Heister, Craig Ehlo (Will Air on FSN Northwest, Rocky Mountain)
Hawaii @ Nevada (ESPNU, 10pm)- Trey Bender, Bob Donewald
San Diego @ Pepperdine (PrimeTicket, 10pm)- TBD
St. Mary's @ Loyola Marymount (CSN Bay Area/FS West, 10pm)- TBD
Fresno State @ Boise State (BSN, 10pm)- TBD
Portland State @ Eastern Washington (SWX, 10pm)- TBD

Sunday, January 31st

Lehigh @ Holy Cross (CBS College Sports, Noon)- TBD
Florida @ Tennessee (CBS, 1pm)- TBD
Minnesota @ Ohio State (CBS, 1pm)- TBD
Pittsburgh @ South Florida (Big East Network, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, MSG; FSN Pittsburgh)
Virginia Tech @ Miami (Raycom, 1pm)- TBD
Manhattan @ St. Peter's (ESPNU, 2pm)- Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy
Fordham @ Xavier (FS Ohio, 2pm)- TBD
Butler @ Wisconsin-Milwaukee (TWC Sports, 2pm)- TBD
Valpariaso @ Wisconsin-Green Bay (WYIN/WACY, 2pm)- TBD
Ball State @ Ohio (BSSN, 2pm)- TBD
Penn State @ Purdue (BTN, 3pm)- TBD
Indiana State @ Evansville (WTWO, 3pm)- TBD
Niagara @ Loyola-MD (Niagara Sports, 3pm)- TBD
California @ Arizona (FSN, 3:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit+, Midwest, North, Ohio (JIP), Southwest, West, SportSouth; FSN Northwest, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, New England, Philadelphia, Washington+; MSG+2; FCS Pacific)
Montana State @ Northern Colorado (Altitude, 4pm)- TBD
St. Joseph's @ Duquesne (A-10 Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on Comcast Network, CSS)
Maryland @ Clemson (FSN, 5:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit+, Midwest, North, South, West; SUN (JIP); FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area+, Chicago, Washington; NESN; FCS Atlantic)
Virginia @ North Carolina (FSN, 7:45pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit+, Midwest, North, Ohio (JIP), South, West; SUN; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area+ (JIP), Chicago, Washington; MSG+; NESN; FCS Atlantic)
Wichita State @ Northern Illinois (ESPNU, 8pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Mac McCausland

(The CBB schedule comes out on either Monday or Tuesday and will update throughout the week as game notes become available)

It's no secret that the Jonas Brothers are immensely popular, but it's usually 13 year-old girl who scream their heads of for them, not a 50 year-old NFL announcer set to call the Super Bowl in two weeks. That's exactly the case though as Jim Nantz admitted to Don Imus last Friday, even stating that he saw the J Bros. four times in concert last year....

The fact that Don Imus said that the Jonas Brothers suck, actual made me laugh out loud. And the biggest thing since the Beatles, Nantzy? Come on now! I'll give him a pass on attending the concerts because he has a daughter, but that's just poppycock.

Nantz: “Jonas Bros. Biggest Thing Since Beatles” (Sports by Brooks)

I make no bones about my disdain for Joe Buck, and I was certainly prepared for him to verbally fellate Brett Favre yesterday, but I had to chuckle when he was calling Favre's interception late in the third quarter. As Favre went back to throw a second down pass, Joe Buck decided it was a good time to say that the quarterback, "was still smiling". The pass was immediately picked off and Brett Favre was on the ground writhing in pain....

Just hilarious timing for Buck to praise Favre there. Even more curious was the fact that the camera wasn't even on Favre at the time, as Dan Levy pointed out on The Sporting Blog....

"And what was most interesting about that call is that the camera was on the wide shot, preparing for the snap, when Buck mentioned Favre was still smiling. Does Buck have his own "Favre Face" camera? How did he know? What if it was nothing more than an uncomfortable grimace?"

It wouldn't surprise me if there actually was a camera that Buck had that showed Favre the entire game. We all know John Madden had one, so he could of just borrowed it from him.

However, Buck wasn't nearly as sad and angry as Paul Allen and Pete Bercich, the Vikings announcers yesterday (Via Hot Clicks)....



Press Coverage (The Sporting Blog)

This isn't the first time Digger Phelps has gotten his groove on, and it will most certainly not be his last. During Gameday, at Clemson University on Saturday, Digger decided it was high time to walk it out with a cheerleader, and here is the clip (wait until the 2 minute mark for it to get good)....

Obviously that little choreography was planned out in advance. I mean Digger couldn't know all of the lyrics to a Kelly Clarkson song, could he?

ESPN Analyst Digger Phelps Gets Down At Clemson Game (Palmetto Scoop)

After Brett Favre's "Pants on the Ground" rendition last weekend, I figured there wasn't anything else that could make me root for the Saints more. Well that was until this morning, and the release of Prince's new Viking Fight Song "Purple and Gold". Via FOX 9 in Minnesota....

Purple and Gold Lyrics

the veil of the sky draws open
the roar of the chariots touch down
we r the ones who have now come again
and walk upon water like solid ground
as we approach the throne we won't bow down
this time we won't b denied

raise every voice and let it b known
in the name of the purple and gold

we come in the name of the purple and gold
all of the odds r in r favor
no prediction 2 bold
we r the truth if the truth can b told
long reign the purple and gold

the eyes say ready 4 battle
no need 4 sword in hand
we r all amped up like a rock n roll band
ready 2 celebrate every score
ready 2 fight the elegant war
ready 2 hear the crowd roar

that's what we came 4
and so much more
in the name of the purple and gold

r spirits may b tired
r bodies may b worn
but since this day is r destiny
r history – that's y we must b
4ever strong as the wind that blows the Vikings' horn
in the name of the purple and gold

I have no words. I mean, it sounds like the Uzbekistan National Anthem more than a fight song. Good lord that was terrible. Geaux Saints!

Prince Releases 'Purple and Gold' Vikings Song (FOX 9)

I almost didn't post this, because Sean Salisbury has been through enough these past few years, but I figured I had to for closure. After vehemently denying the claim that he photographed and mailed a picture of his "nether regions", he confirmed to USA Today what everyone already believed. He really did do it....

Other than its decidedly 21st-century angles, Sean Salisbury's story is timeless: Show spur-of-the-moment stupidity, deny it in hopes it will be forgotten — then find it follows you around instead.

"I was ashamed, and I didn't want to say anything," says Salisbury, who was an NFL quarterback for eight years and an ESPN NFL analyst for 12. "I thought it would go away and let my ego get in the way. Since then, I've beat myself up about it more than 10 baseball bats could. A stupid mistake can cost you, and this has really cost me. I should have been having this conversation a long time ago."

But what Salisbury, 46, is admitting simply substantiates what's already an urban legend on the Internet: that he took cellphone photos of his private parts and showed them.

Yuck. Salisbury says it only happened once — "a sophomoric mistake" in a Connecticut bar in 2006 — for which ESPN suspended him for a week for then-unspecified reasons.

Now, Salisbury feels better from having had anger-management therapy — "I needed help. I had a lot of inner anger for years." He says he's trying to champion the cause of accuracy in online reporting in a lawsuit against Deadspin that he insists is anything but frivolous.

"It was stupid —dumb!— but not malicious," he says. "How can it ruin a good career? … I've gone from being on six days a week to disappearing. And it's not like I wanted to disappear. … But it feels good getting it off my chest."

Well there you have it. Someone who went on the Internet to deny the claim, and wanted you to feel sorry for him, has no come out to say that all reports were true and he wants you to feel sorry for him. I wish Salisbury no ill will, but if you make your bed....you have to lie in it. There's always someone out there to replace you, and don't expect people to miss you when you're gone.

Salisbury aims to move on after admission (USA Today)

When it comes to David Beckham, women do some crazy things. I'm sure he's had multiple stalkers in his past, but that doesn't compare to this awkward encounter with an Italian reporter hell bent on grabbing his junk. Via Who Ate All The Pies?....

If your Italian is not so good, the story is as follows: Elena Di Cioccio, a reporter for Silvio Berlusconi’s Uno station (yes, Berlusconi also owns AC Milan, Beckham’s current home), wanted to see if Becks was really packing Dirk Diggler-heat downstairs, as all those pants ads suggest. So she pulled on a pair of rubber gloves, walked up to Beckham while he was being interviewed in Madrid for an American TV station, and grabbed his crotch.

“Off the pitch we have seen fascinating photographs of David Beckham in his underpants and seemingly very well endowed and even his wife says that he is well equipped and calls him Golden Balls,” Di Cioccio said.

And Di Cioccio’s conclusion? A rough translation: “I touched it but it’s small! David you have conned us all. What did you use, cotton wool? It’s a trick!”

Well then. I don't really have much to add to that, I guess. I mean, I'm all for random women grabbing my crotch, but jeez ladies....there's a time and a place!

Video: Female TV Presenter Grabs David Beckham’s Golden Balls… And His Golden Penis (Who Ate All The Pies?)

I absolutely love when evening dramas decide to feature Sports stars for certain episodes. Announcers have appeared on various soap operas over the past few years, last year Jordan Farmar and Pau Gasol starred on NUMB3RS, and Gasol even got a non-Baskeball related role in CSI: Miami a few months back (he was in a car accident and died from head trauma....YEAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOW!).

Well the latest Sport (I'm skipping the CSI: NY episode about the Lingere Football League) to get the CSI treatment is Golf, as Rocco Mediate, Duffy Waldorf and Natalie Gulbis will all appear on the show tonight....

A "Body On The Back Nine"? A "Case That's Way Out Of Bounds"?!?!?! I'm sold. I mean Natalie Gulbis on the show alone had me sold, but murder mixed with Golf is an added bonus!

Pro Golfers Tee It Up in Vegas on CSI Tonight (The Sporting Blog)

God I hate to have to write stories like this, and this one could be the worst announcer arrest in quite some time. We've had drunk driving, drug addiction and tax evasion, but possessing and receiving child porn is just about as low as you can go. University of Florida announcer Steven Michael Babik (left) has been picked up for just that, and here are your details. Via The Gainesville Sun....

Steven Michael Babik, host of the "TailGator Pre-game Show" and the "Urban Meyer Post-Game Show," was charged Tuesday in federal court with receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Babik also reported from the sidelines during game broadcasts and was the longtime network coordinator for University of Florida athletics.

Investigators said he was arrested as part of an ongoing global effort to find and prosecute those who share child pornography online.

Babik, 50, of 3501 N.W. 75th Terrace in Gainesville, has been fired from his UF job. He made his first court appearance at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Gainesville, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida, Babik "knowingly received, distributed and possessed materials depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct" on several occasions from Nov. 2 to Nov. 30.

Obviously Babik is innocent until proven guilty, but no one should have tolerance of people with any possession of children in compromising positions. It's just downright sick.

Broadcaster for Gators faces child porn charges (Gainesville Sun)

I honestly had no idea that the Australian Open was even going on, but I'm aware now after these two videos. The first has ESPN deciding to stay with Andy Roddick as he cursed out the chair ump following his last match, and the second....well the second you have to listen for yourself (NSFW). Enjoy!

You heard that right. A fan just yelled "paging doctor faggot". That just happened. I will now stop ignoring you Australian Open and give you the posts that you deserve.

Last year, ESPN had the grand idea to switch its College and Pro announcing teams for the day. While the idea was a bit cheesy (see graphic above) it actually turned out pretty good. Sooooo, they're doing it again! This Wednesday, Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy will be calling the Wake Forest-UNC game at 7pm, and will be followed by Dan Shulman and Dick Vitale in San Antonio for the Jazz-Spurs. Here's the rest of your schedule....

Tuesday, January 19th

NBA FAN NIGHT: Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, January 20th

Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale

Thursday, January 21st

LA Lakers at Cleveland Cavaliers (TNT, 8pm)- Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager
LA Clippers at Denver Nuggets (TNT, 10:30pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, David Aldridge

Friday, January 22nd

LA Lakers at New York Knicks (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy
Chicago Bulls at Phoenix Suns (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Kevin Calabro, Mark Jackson

Saturday, January 23rd

Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets (NBATV, 8:30pm)- Local Announcers

Before I get into this post, I want to make two things clear. First, this quote is taken completely out of context. Second, I have a twelve year-old's sense of humor. With that out of the way, let's take a look back at the AFC Championship game and Phil Simms saying he "likes it tight", while Jim Nantz chuckles!

Too good. I like how Phil pointed out that he mentioned "he likes it tight" during Halftime, and still thought it would be a good idea to say it going into the second half. At least he knows what he likes. Good for you, Phil. Good for you.

Here is your College Basketball Announcing Schedule, brought to you by SI's Cheerleader of the Week. Vanessa (second from right) is a sophomore from the University of Arizona, and not only does she think that best physical feature is her butt chin, but her game day superstition is listen to "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa. Ready? Ooooooh Baby Baby....

Tuesday, January 19th

Tennessee @ Alabama (ESPN, 7pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes, Jeannine Edwards
Clemson @ Georgia Tech (ESPN2, 7pm)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
George Mason @ Hofstra (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dave Popkin, Tim O'Toole
Northwestern @ Ohio State (BTN, 7pm)- Gus Johnson, Tim Doyle
Longwood @ Maryland (CSN Washington+, 7pm)- Steve Buckhantz, Ron Thompson
Indiana State @ Missouri State (MVC Network, 8pm)- Mitch Holthus, Charlie Spoonhour (Will Air on FS Midwest)
Oklahoma @ Texas A&M (Big 12 Network, 8pm)- Doug Bell, Reid Gettys (Will Air on Altitude, MASN)
Purdue @ Illinois (ESPN, 9pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin, Erin Andrews
Northern Iowa @ Wichita State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Mac McCausland
Boston College @ Miami (ACC, 9pm)- Rich Waltz, Dan Bonner (Will Air on FS Florida, South, CSN Washington, NESN)
San Diego State @ Utah (MTN, 10pm)- Tim Neverett, Joe Cravens
Cal State-Northridge @ Seattle (FSN Northwest, 10pm)- TBD

Wednesday, January 20th

Iowa @ Michigan State (BTN, 6:30pm)- Gus Johnson, Steve Smith
Wake Forest @ North Carolina (ESPN, 7pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
South Florida @ Cincinnati (ESPN2, 7pm)- John Saunders, Fran Fraschilla
Georgetown @ Pittsburgh (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Tim Welsh
James Madison @ Drexel (Comcast Network, 7pm)- TBD
Southern Mississippi @ Alabama-Birmingham (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Duquesne @ Rhode Island (Cox-Rhode Island, 7pm)- Eric Frede, Abu Bakr
St. John's @ Connecticut (Big East Network, 7pm)- Bob Picozzi, Bob Wenzel, Andy Katz (Will Air on MASN, SNY)
Xavier @ Temple (A-10 Network, 7pm)- Tom McCarthy, Steve Lappas (Will Air on FS Ohio)
Bucknell @ Lafayette (LSN, 7pm)- Gary Laubach, John Leone, Dan Mowdy
Iowa State @ Texas Tech (Texas Tech TV, 7:30pm)- TBD
UTEP @ Memphis (CBS College Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Wyoming @ Brigham Young (MTN, 8pm)- Tim Neverett, Blaine Fowler
Tulsa @ Oral Roberts (FCS Central, 8pm)- Rob Loeber, Mickey Michalec
Villanova @ Rutgers (Big East Network, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN (JIP), MSG)
Auburn @ Louisiana State (SEC Network, 8pm)- Dave Neal, Mark Gottfried (Will Air on Altitude, CSN Chicago, CSN Washington+)
Creighton @ Illinois State (KMTV, 8pm)- Travis Justice, Nick Bahe
Fordham @ Saint Louis (KPLR, 8pm)- TBD
Bradley @ Southern Illinois (Comcast-Peoria, 8pm)- Frank Bussone, Dick Versace
Michigan @ Wisconsin (BTN, 8:30pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Shon Morris, Charissa Thompson
Baylor @ Kansas (ESPN2, 9pm)- Ron Franklin, Hubert Davis
Colorado @ Oklahoma State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Carter Blackburn, LaPhonso Ellis
South Carolina @ Mississippi (SEC Network, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS, Comcast Network
Marquette @ DePaul (Big East Network, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Ohio, SNY)
Duke @ North Carolina State (Raycom, 9pm)- TBD
UNLV @ Colorado State (MTN, 10pm)- TBD
Nevada @ Boise State (KAME, 10pm)- Rich Cellini, Dave Bollwinkel (Will Air on CSN California)

Thursday, January 21st

Louisville @ Seton Hall (ESPN, 7pm)- Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
Indiana @ Penn State (ESPN2, 7pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
Tennessee State @ Jacksonville State (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dave Weekley, Daymeon Fischback
Furman @ Charleston (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Loyola (MD) @ Siena (Time Warner-Albany, 7pm)- TBD
Fairfield @ Marist (Time Warner-Hudson Valley, 7:30pm)- TBD
Western Kentucky @ Troy (WKYU, 8pm)- Andy Lee, Hal Schmitt (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Western Illinois @ UMKC (Metro Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Butler @ Loyola-Chicago (WYIN/WNDY, 8pm)- TBD
Murray State @ Eastern Illinois (WEIU, 8:30pm)- TBD
Florida @ Arkansas (ESPN, 9pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes
Pepperdine @ Gonzaga (KHQ, 9pm)- Greg Heister, Craig Ehlo (Will Air on FSN Northwest)
Utah State @ Fresno State (ESPN+, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, CST, MASN)
Washington @ UCLA (FSN, 10:30pm)- Steve Physioc, Marques Johnson, Michael Eaves (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit (JIP), Florida, Midwest, North, Ohio, South, PrimeTicket; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, New England (JIP), Philadelphia, Washington; MSG+; FCS Pacific)
Oregon @ California (CSN California+, 10:30pm)- TBD
San Diego @ St. Mary's (ESPNU, 11pm)- Dave Flemming, Krista Blunk
New Mexico State @ Hawaii (Aggie Vision, 11:59pm)- TBD

Friday, January 22th

Wofford @ Charleston (ESPN2, 7pm)- Jon Sciambi, Mike Kelley
Wisconsin-Milwaukee @ Youngstown State (ESPNU, 7pm)- Michael Reghi, Mark Adams
Mercer @ Stetson (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Wisconsin-Green Bay @ Cleveland State (STO, 7:30pm)- TBD
Iona @ Manhattan (ESPNU, 9pm)- Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy

Saturday, January 23rd

Michigan State @ Minnesota (CBS, Noon)- Gus Johnson, Greg Anthony
Mississippi State @ Alabama (CBS, Noon)- TBD
Villanova @ St. John's (ESPN, Noon)- Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
Akron @ Kent State (ESPNU, Noon)- Michael Reghi, Mark Adams
Army @ Navy (CBS College Sports, Noon)- TBD
Hofstra @ Drexel (CSN Regional, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on CSN New England, Comcast Network, CSS, MSG)
Rutgers @ Georgetown (Big East Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on CST, MASN, SNY)
Middle Tenessee @ Western Kentucky (ESPN2, 1pm)- Dave O'Brien, Tim Welsh
Colorado @ Texas A&M (Big 12 Network, 1:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, YES)
Auburn @ Vanderbilt (SEC Network, 1:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Washington)
Mississippi @ Louisiana State (SEC Network, 1:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Washington+)
Boston College @ Virginia Tech (Raycom, 1:30pm)- TBD
Ohio State @ West Virginia (CBS, 2pm)- TBD
Oregon State @ California (CBS, 2pm)- TBD
Kansas @ Iowa State (ESPN, 2pm)- Ron Franklin, Fran Fraschilla
Marquette @ Syracuse (ESPNU, 2pm)- Justin Kutcher, Dickey Simpkins
Virginia Commonwealth @ Northeastern (CSN Regional, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN New England, Comcast Network, CSS)
Wichita State @ Drake (MVC Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest, CSN Chicago)
Davidson @ Georgia Southern (SportSouth, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Wright State @ Detroit (FS Detroit, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Central)
Butler @ Illinois-Chicago (Horizon League Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on STO)
Buffalo @ Ohio (FS Ohio, 2pm)- TBD
DePaul @ Notre Dame (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CST, MASN, MSG)
Ball State @ Eastern Michigan (BSSN, 2pm)- TBD
Colorado State @ New Mexico (MTN, 3:30pm)- TBD
Texas @ Connecticut (CBS, 4pm)- Verne Lundquist, Clark Kellogg
Michigan @ Purdue (ESPN, 4pm)- Brent Musburger, Bob Knight
Massachussetts @ Baylor (ESPNU, 4pm)- Clay Matvick, Stephen Howard
Washington State @ UCLA (FSN, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Houston, Midwest, Ohio, Southwest, Wisconsin; SportSouth, PrimeTicket; FSN Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain; CSN Bay Area, Chicago, New England, Philadelphia, Washington; MSG+; FCS Pacific)
Georgia State @ Delaware (CSS, 4pm)- TBD
George Mason @ Towson (MASN, 4pm)- TBD
Robert Morris @ Monmouth (NEC, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on MSG)
Oklahoma State @ Kansas State (Big 12 Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, YES)
Arkansas @ Kentucky (SEC Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN California, Washington+)
Virginia @ Wake Forest (Raycom, 4pm)- TBD
Valapariaso @ Loyola-Chicago (WYIN, 4pm)- TBD
Nicholls State @ Northwestern State (Southland TV, 4pm)- TBD
Tennessee @ Georgia (SEC Network, 5pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS South, SUN)
UTEP @ Central Florida (Bright House, 5pm)- TBD
South Carolina @ Florida (ESPN, 6pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes
North Carolina State @ Maryland (ESPN2, 6pm)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
Dayton @ St. Joseph's (ESPNU, 6pm)- Scott Graham, Tim McCormick
Liberty @ Radford (MASN, 6pm)- TBD
Air Force @ Utah (MTN, 6pm)- TBD
Nebraska @ Missouri (Big 12 Network, 6pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, CST)
Rhode Island @ Xavier (A-10 Network, 6pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Ohio, Comcast Network)
South Dakota @ North Dakota (FSSN, 6pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Central)
Alabama-Birmingham @ Marshall (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Old Dominion @ William & Mary (WSKY, 7pm)- TBD
Tennessee-Martin @ Eastern Illinois (WEIU, 7pm)- TBD
Houston @ Memphis (ESPN2, 8pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
South Florida @ Providence (ESPNU, 8pm)- Beth Mowins, Ron Perry
UNLV @ Texas Christian (CBS College Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Illinois @ Northwestern (BTN, 8pm)- TBD
Loyola Marymount @ 10 Gonzaga (KHQ, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FSN Northwest, Rocky Mountain)
Santa Clara @ San Francisco (CSN California, 8pm)- TBD
James Madison @ UNC-Wilmington (MASN, 8pm)- TBD
IUPUI @ Missouri-Kansas City (Metro Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Oklahoma @ Texas Tech (Sooner Sports/Texas Tech TV, 8pm)- TBD
Illinois State @ Southern Illinois (Comcast-Illinois, 8pm)- TBD
Utah State @ Idaho (KUCW, 8pm)- TBD
Duke @ Clemson (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Erin Andrews
Montana @ Montana State (KPAX, 9pm)- TBD
Arizona @ Arizona State (FS Arizona, 9:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
UC-Davis @ Pacific (ESPNU, 10pm)- Dave Flemming, Krista Blunk
Brigham Young @ San Diego State (MTN, 10pm)- TBD
Nevada @ Fresno State (KAME, 10pm)- TBD
Washington @ USC (FSN Regional, 10:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS West, FSN Northwest, FCS Pacific)
UC-Riverside @ UC-Irvine (PrimeTicket, 11pm)- TBD

Sunday, January 24th

Central Connecticut State @ Quinnipiac (NESN, Noon)- TBD
Cincinnati @ Louisville (Big East Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on FS Ohio, MASN, SNY)
Georgia Tech @ Florida State (Raycom, Noon)- TBD
Albany @ Stony Brook (America East, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on MSG+)
Northern Iowa @ Indiana State (MVC Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest, CSN Chicago)
Pittsburgh @ Seton Hall (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, MASN, MSG, FSN Pittsburgh)
Wisconsin-Milwaukee @ Cleveland State (TWC Sports, 2pm)- TBD
Penn State @ Wisconsin (BTN, 2:30pm)- TBD
Rider @ Niagara (MAAC TV, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, MSG, FCS Atlantic)
Iowa @ Indiana (BTN, 5pm)- TBD
Missouri State @ Creighton (ESPNU, 8pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Mac McCausland

(The CBB schedule comes out on either Monday or Tuesday and will update throughout the week as game notes become available)

Man, of all of the slip up you could have on Martin Luther King Day, this one has to be the worst. Mike Greenberg was bringing the M&M show back from one of their thousand commercials yesterday, when this happened....

Yep, he most definitely said "Martin Luther Coon Day", and now he's trying to 'splain himself as best he can. His statement via ESPN....

I just came home from the Knicks game and found out about the mess that was created by my garbling a sentence on our show this morning; I apologize for not addressing it sooner.

And I'm sorry that my talking too fast — and slurring my words — might have given people who don't know our show the wrong impression about us, and about me.

I feel horrible about that, because nothing could be further away from who I am and what our show is about.

I would never say anything like that, not in public, or in private, or in the silence of my own mind, and neither would anyone associated with our show, and I'm very sorry that my stumble this morning gave so many people the opposite impression.

I think it's fairly obvious that it was a slip of the tongue, and unintentional, but the what, how and when are just mind boggling.

(Via Black Sports Online)

I got about ten emails, right before the end of the half during the AFC Championship Game, stating that Jim Nantz had a bit of an issue when trying to do a promo for 60 Minutes. The emailers asked if I had heard Nantz pronounce the country in which the recent devastating earthquake took place as Haitia (Hay-Shu), instead of Haiti (Hay-Tee). Well yes folks, he sure did, and here is your video proof....

I love the fact that he just glossed over the Haiti part of 60 Minutes, and got right to the Samoa-NFL connection. I'm sorry....I pronounced that wrong. The Simwowa-NFL connection.

Jim Nantz Cares Deeply About Haitia (The Sporting Blog)

There really isn't anything that you don't know in this post, but I figured I'd post the Conference Championship schedule for archiving sake. For those of you that haven't clicked on NFL.com yet, and figured out what time the games are for next Sunday, this is for you!

Sunday, January 24th

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts (CBS, 3pm) - Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (FOX, 6:30pm) - Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

Rooting against the Cowboys was easy, but today it was tough because had to come at the expense of my Favre hatred. Obviously the game wasn't close, and not only did Favre throw a 4th down TD (up 27-3 with 3 minutes left) to rub it in, but he also did this after the game....

Don't know about you, but I'd like to know if the Saints are still accepting people on their bandwagon. Ugh.

I first have to admit that I do watch "Jersey Shore" on MTV. I mean honestly, how can you not? That doesn't mean it's good television, or that the cast members are in any way important. It's just a guilty pleasure, and I think most people feel that way.

Well, the cast has been seen everywhere lately and now they're even seeping into Sports Arenas. For some reason they were in Los Angeles yesterday attending the Ducks-Kings game, and of course FS West had to interview them....

That could quite possibly be the worst and shortest interview in the history of television. I also love the comment by the elder statesman Bob Miller (who has called Kings games since 1973), that he never misses a show. Me either Bob....me either.

Video: MTV 'Jersey Shore' girls invade Kings game; Snooki talks (Puck Daddy)

I'm not quite sure how old this commercial is, but it cracked me up when I saw it this morning. My favorite player in the NBA used to be Brian Scalabrine (for obvious reasons), but I think I'm making the switch after this....

The Brickittititdooooo....Birdman! I don't know about you but that call makes me want to buy a mattress.

Who Better Than To Buy A Mattress From Than Chris Birdman Andersen (Barenucks)

It's hard to believe, but Vancouver is just one month away from lighting the torch for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and thus NBC is releasing a ton of their coverage details. Here is the breakdown of hours, some statistics, and the channels the Games will be appearing on. I'll be sure to provide you with the list of announcers, and weekly schedules, when they are released.

NBC Universal will present more than 835 hours of Vancouver Olympic Winter Games coverage - representing the most total hours ever for a Winter Olympics, more than the last two Winter Olympics combined, and the most live hours ever for a Winter Games. The Vancouver Games, which will be the first Winter Olympics to be presented entirely in high definition, commence with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 12. The announcement was made today by Dick Ebersol, Chairman, NBC Universal Sports & Olympics and executive producer of NBC Universal's Olympic coverage.

The more than 835 total hours of coverage on six NBC Universal platforms - NBC, USA, MSNBC, CNBC and Universal HD, as well as NBCOlympics.com - nearly doubles the coverage from Torino (419) and is more than Torino and Salt Lake City (375.5) combined (794.5).

Following is a breakdown of the Vancouver Olympics coverage on the NBC Universal networks:

- The six NBC Universal platforms - NBC, USA, MSNBC, CNBC and Universal HD, as well as NBCOlympics.com - will offer the most in-depth coverage in history for a Winter Olympics. The more than 835 hours is nearly double Torino (419) and is more than Torino and Salt Lake City (375.5) combined (794.5).

- Over the 17 days of the Vancouver Games (Feb.12-28), NBCU's coverage will average nearly 50 hours per day - that's more coverage in one day than all of the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics (43.5) on ABC.

- The networks of NBCU will provide coverage of every one of the 15 Winter Olympic sports.

- Vancouver will be the first Winter Olympics broadcast 100-percent in high definition, including the first-ever online HD.

Universal HD: 9am -Noon
USA: Noon - 5:30pm
NBC: 3pm - 5pm
CNBC: 5p - 5am
MSNBC: 5:30pm - 8pm
NBC: 8pm - 11:30pm
NBC: 12:35am - 2am
NBC: 2am - 5 am
MSNBC: 3am - 5:30am

Steve Phillips has gone into hiding after being dumped by ESPN for various "transgressions", but he could be making a return back into your lives real soon. No not on television, but rather as a voice for MLB 2K10. An early preview of the game has Gary Thorne as your play-by-play man, with John Kruk and Phillips the analysts. There is not word if it's too late to delete the former ESPNer from the game. Via Pasta Padre....

Included in the preview is talk about the My Player mode which appears to be primarily focused on clutch situations, the formula for pitching with the right stick being made more accessible, a defensive swing addition, and “hurry-up baseball” option which removes all the presentational elements. Also new is the “Batter’s Eye” which intends to provide the more talented hitters an advantage.

Just as in real life, standout hitters in MLB 2K10 can see certain pitches coming as the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand. You’ll get a quick text pop-up that says “fastball,” “breaking ball” or “changeup” depending on the pitch and the hitter.

Of note is the commentary which has added John Kruk while keeping Steve Phillips along with Gary Thorne. The decision to hold onto Phillips will be somewhat controversial considering the circumstances of his firing from ESPN and that he is currently without any employment or association with baseball. Given that he remains it comes as little surprise that 2K did not advertise the commentary team in the features list.

Well that's convenient. Obviously it would take countless hours to go back and delete him, AND to make the commentary easy to follow, but it will be hard not to hear him in the game and get a little sick to my stomach. More on this when the game comes out on March 2nd.

First MLB 2K10 Preview (Pasta Padre)

Oh man, does this ever have the potential to be the biggest trainwreck in the history of television. The always emotional Elisabeth Hasselbeck will be switching jobs with her husband, ESPN NFL analyst Tim Hasselbeck, for a day. Seriously.

Elisabeth will be appearing on NFL live at 4pm on Tuesday, January 19th, while Tim will be co-hosting "The View" on Thursday, January 28th at 11am. Via ESPN PR....

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a Daytime Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View,” and her husband, ESPN NFL analyst Tim Hasselbeck, are changing jobs – for one day.

Elisabeth will spend the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 19 on the ESPN campus in Bristol, Conn., where she will appear in Tim’s place on ESPN programs, including NFL Live (4 p.m. ET), to discuss the NFL playoffs and other sports topics.

Tim will complete the job swap Thursday, Jan. 28, at the ABC studios in New York, where he will occupy Elisabeth’s seat on “The View” (11 a.m., ABC) alongside co-hosts Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters. The former NFL quarterback will share his perspective and match wits with the all-female panel as they discuss the latest news, celebrity gossip and events of the day.

“We think fun and sports should go together, and the job swap will be fun for our viewers and for fans of ‘The View’ who will get the chance to see and hear from Elisabeth and Tim in completely different settings,” said ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman, who oversees NFL Live.

“So many times we ask, ‘How did work go today?’ ” said Elisabeth. “Undoubtedly we will be finding out the hard way as we switch jobs. The question then will be, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ "

Added Tim: “Hopefully I can pull this off because I see her preparation on a regular basis each week – reading, and watching cable news shows, other television programs and upcoming movies. I will enjoy this because I know they will have fun with me at ‘The View’ and, of course, when I get back to work at ESPN. I’m sure I’ll have a greater appreciation for what she does on a day-in and day-out basis.”

I'd love to get Trey Wingo's reaction on this idea. Obviously it's a little kitschy, but it could turn out to be fun. Tim will be trying to fend off the cackles of Whoopi and Barbara Walters, while Elisabeth cries on NFL Live over the Cowboys Tony Romo choking away a Playoff win for the Cowboys.

NBA TV's Fan Night could quite possibly be the most entertaining show on television right now. It's really a fun look into games going on, and add to that this hilarious account from Kevin McHale, about his first "encounter" with Dominique Wilkins, and you have a winner....

I love the fact that he said he was scared. Oh and the mention of the short shorts. I will never understand why we don't have clips from the 80s showing NBAers junk. Ummmm....not that I want to see them.

Inside the NFL was a huge get for Showtime, when HBO decided to drop it, and now they're deciding to branch out. The channel has decided to copy the formula for a NASCAR show, and our favorite terrorist joke making sideline reporter will be the host. According to John Ourand at SBD, Chris Myers will be your host and Brad Daugherty, Kyle Petty and Randy Pemberton will be along for the ride....

Showtime Sports has signed a multi-year deal with NASCAR to produce and televise premium television's first weekly highlights and analysis show dedicated to auto racing. Inside NASCAR will premiere on at 10 p.m. ET Feb. 10, 2010, on Showtime immediately following the season finale of Inside The NFL, and will consist of 38 one-hour episodes corresponding with the Sprint Cup Series' 38-week season.

"NASCAR is one of the most powerful sports brands in the country," said Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager, Showtime Sports, "and we are proud to team up with them on this compelling new series."

Inside NASCAR will feature narrated highlights and in-depth analysis from each week's Cup Series race, exclusive audio and video of never-before-seen aspects of race week and in-depth feature stories plus forecasts on upcoming races and opinions on America's No. 1 form of motorsports.

This is really a great move by CBS, who owns Showtime, as they try to get into the racing fray. An inside look at NASCAR really isn't anything new, but fans of the Sport eat that sort of thing up.

Showtime Sports launches 'Inside NASCAR' franchise (NASCAR)

Tuesday, January 12th

NBA FAN NIGHT: LA Lakers at San Antonio Spurs (NBATV, 8:30pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, January 13th

Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets (NBATV, 9pm)- Local Announcers

Thursday, January 14th

Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics (TNT, 8pm)- Kevin Harlan, Doug Collins, Craig Sager
Cleveland Cavaliers at Utah Jazz (TNT, 10:30pm)- Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge

Friday, January 15th

Phoenix Suns at Atlanta Hawks (ESPN, 8pm)- Dan Shulman, Hubie Brown
Orlando Magic at Portland Trailblazers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson

Saturday, January 16th

Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Bobcats (NBATV, 7pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, January 17th

Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets (ESPN, 9pm)- Dave Pasch, Jon Barry

It's always great when graphics completely fail on live television, but this one cracked me up more than that sort of thing normally does. Jay Harris was double boxing with John Clayton, and talking about the Bears, when Clayton just....POOF!....vanished into thin air.

WHOA! He even has his own theme music when he disappears. That's just awesome.

(Thanks to reader JT for the clip)