A few days ago, Scott Van Pelt got prank called by a Howard Stern staple Captain Janks, but apparently that was just the start to his week. Late last night, the Sports Center anchor added to his woes by dropping an F-bomb when he thought his mic was off....

Those apologies always seem so awkward to me. I understand they have to be done, but it's f**king one o'clock in the morning! If someone watching at that hour gets offended....f**k em.

ESPN's Scott Van Pelt Drops F-Bomb (Only Gators)

It seems like just yesterday that ESPN was airing only archery, pool, and various lumberjack events. They've also been grabbing up every tv deal available these days, so heck....why not bring some Beach Volleyball into the fray!?

ESPN has signed a two-year deal with the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), and will begin airing events this April. Via ESPN PR....

Today the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour announced a broadcast agreement with ABC and ESPN to televise its events over the next two years. The agreement includes 13 AVP telecasts in 2010, four on ABC and nine on ESPN2. The schedule totals more than 19 hours of live HD coverage for the season, including the Tour Championship in Chicago, giving the AVP its most consistent television footprint ever. Coverage will begin with the Tour’s season-opener in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 18 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

“This new agreement gives us a consistent national reach that will be essential to our growth as a sport, and we couldn’t be more excited that both our passionate fans and a growing new audience will be able to follow us on ESPN,” said Jason Hodell, Chief Executive Officer of the AVP. “The 2010 season will showcase the veterans and new stars of the AVP to a very large audience, and there couldn’t be a better place for that exposure than ABC and ESPN.”

“As one of the most athletic and action packed sports in the world, we look forward to working with the AVP,” added Doug White, ESPN senior director of programming. “The matches will be a great addition to ESPN’s programming and we are excited to present coverage of the league, their athletes and their tournaments across our multimedia platforms.”

ESPN’s multimedia coverage of the AVP will include six hours of action on ABC and 13.5 hours of men’s and women’s weekend action, live streaming of the matches on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s 24/7 broadband sports network soon to be renamed ESPN3.com, and up-to-the-minute scores via the ESPN ScoreCenter mobile app for iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

There's no doubting Beach Volleyball's popularity during the Olympics, but I'm not sure if that will translate over to cable television. Here's the schedule if you'd like to check it out though....

2010 ESPN and ABC AVP Television Schedule

Sun, April 18th - Women/Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (ESPN2,ESPN360, 5:30pm)
Sun, May 2nd - Men/Santa Barbara, Calif. (ESPN2/ESPN360, 5:30pm)
Sun, June 6th - 2 p.m. Women/Huntington Beach, Calif. (ESPN2, ESPN360, 2pm)
Sun, June 6th - Men/Huntington Beach, Calif. (ABC, 4pm)
Sun, June 20th - Women/Virginia Beach, Va. (ESPN2, ESPN360, 2pm)
Sun, June 27th - Women/Belmar, N.J. (ESPN2, ESPN360, 2pm)
Sun, July 18th - Men/Hermosa Beach, Calif. (ESPN2, Midnight)
Sun, July 25th - Women/Malibu, Calif. (ABC, 4pm)
Sun, July 25th - Men/Malibu, Calif. (ESPN2, ESPN360, 11pm)
Sun, Aug. 22nd - Women/Manhattan Beach, Calif. (ABC, 4:30pm)
Sun, Aug. 29th - Men/Chicago, Ill. (ABC, 1:30pm)
Sun, Aug. 29th - Women/Chicago, Ill. (ESPN2, Midnight)
Sun, Sep. 19th - Flex/Hermosa Beach, Calif. (ESPN2, Midnight)

Captain Janks has been making prank calls for the Howard Stern show for years, and late last night he got Sports Center and more specifically Scott Van Pelt....

Wow. Someone is getting fired over that one.

Video: Howard Stern Show Prank Calls ESPN SportsCenter as Brian Westbrook (BSO)

Another day....another ESPN hire. This time it's the bane of Red Sox fans everywhere, Aaron Boone. Boone officially retired today, and immediately following that announcement, signed with ESPN. Via the "Leader"....

Aaron Boone today formally announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after a 12-year career and his new role as an ESPN baseball analyst. Boone will mainly be seen on Baseball Tonight (debuting in March), in addition to select appearances as a game analyst. He worked for ESPN Radio as a guest analyst during the 2009 National League Division Series.

“It is with a sense of pride, sadness, and enthusiasm that I formally announce my retirement after 16 years of professional baseball,” Boone said. “It has been a privilege and honor to have played in the Major Leagues for 12 seasons for six different clubs.

“While it's tough to leave the game as a player, I am eager to start my next career with my new team at ESPN. I am very grateful that I'll be able to stay in the game as an ESPN analyst and work with people who share the same passion for baseball that I do. I really appreciate ESPN giving me the opportunity to evolve in the sport that I love.

“Finally, I'd like to express my thanks to everyone that treated me so well throughout my Major League career.”

Jay Levy, ESPN senior coordinating producer, said, “As a player, Aaron was a tremendous competitor known for one of baseball's most dramatic postseason walk-off home runs. He offers an important perspective, being recently removed from the game and having deep baseball roots, which will make him a great addition to our team.”

I caught a bit of Boone on the radio last year, and I have to say that he wasn't that bad. He obviously needs some time under his belt, but I think he might actually work out for them.

There's still no word on a replacement for Chip Caray, but that's not stopping TBS from releasing their early season MLB schedule. Per usual, you get a lot of AL East and NL Central with a little NL East added here and there. All games are on Sunday and EST....

April 11th - NY Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (1:30pm)
April 18th - Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox (1:30pm)
April 25th - Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers (2pm)
May 2nd - Chicago White Sox at NY Yankees (1pm)
May 9th - Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies (1:30pm)
May 16th - Minnesota Twins at NY Yankees (1pm)
May 23rd - Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies (1:30pm)
May 30th - St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (2:15pm)

You Been Blinded came across this very odd exchange on First Take yesterday, and I had to share this afternoon. Yesterday, Dana Jacobson and Jay Crawford were joking with Barry Melrose (who was off set) about what he uses to keep his "middle age good looks", and....well....just watch....

He did say "chicken SHIP" (not S**T), but still....a little odd right? I thought the exchange was rather funny, but apparently the powers that be made Jacobson apologize for the comment....



Man, Dana is always doing other people's dirty work. I can think of about three different people she's had to apologize for, and that of course doesn't include herself (see: Mike & Mike Roast). I guess ESPN thinks she's had the practice.

Barry Melrose Uses Chicken Ship as Skin Care Product (You Been Blinded)

Here is your College Basketball Announcing Schedule, brought to you by SI's Cheerleader of the Week. Amy (second from right....I think?) is a Senior double major from the University of Texas, and her bucket list includes: competing in a triathalon, raising a family, and traveling/volunteering as a doctor. Ready? OKAY!

(As always, thanks to the commenters from The 506 for their input)

Wednesday, February 17th

Purdue @ Ohio State (BTN, 6:30pm)- Tom Hamilton, Jim Jackson, Charissa Thompson
Duke @ Miami (ESPN, 7pm)- Mike Patrick, Hubert Davis
Notre Dame @ Louisville (ESPN2, 7pm)- John Saunders, Fran Fraschilla
Florida State @ Virginia (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Tim Welsh
Nebraska @ Kansas State (FS Midwest/FS Kansas City, 7pm)- Greg Sharpe, Eric Piatkowski/Ben Boyle, Stan Weber
Northern Illinois @ Western Michigan (FSN Regional, 7pm)- Michael Reghi, Steve Mix
Memphis @ Tulane (CSS, 7pm)- Bob Neal, Chuck Oliver
West Virginia @ Providence (Big East Network, 7pm)- Don Orsillo, Ron Perry, Shanna Hassett
Duquesne @ Charlotte (A-10 Network, 7pm)- Matt McConnell, John Griffin
Maine @ New Hampshire (America East Network, 7pm)- TBD
Bowling Green @ Buffalo (Time Warner-Buffalo, 7pm)- Ben Wagner, Howard Simon
Illinois-Chicago @ Butler (WNDY, 7pm)- TBD
Central Michigan @ Ball State (BSSN, 7pm)- Jerry Peirson, Vince Welch
St. Joseph's @ Xavier (FS Ohio, 7:30pm)- Brad Johansen, Steve Wolf
Seton Hall @ St. John's (Big East Network, 7:30pm)- Bob Picozzi, John Celestand
Brigham Young @ Colorado State (MTN, 8pm)- James Bates, Dave Bollwinkel
Oklahoma State @ Iowa State (Big 12 Network, 8pm)- Doug Bell, Bryndon Manzer
Georgia @ Tennessee (SEC Network, 8pm)- Dave Neal, Charles Davis
Loyola-Chicago @ Valparaiso (WYIN, 8pm)- Dick Harlan, Joe Arredondo
Penn State @ Northwestern (BTN, 8:30pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Tim Doyle, Jon Crispin
Texas @ Missouri (ESPN2, 9pm)- Ron Franklin, Bill Raftery
Oklahoma @ Colorado (ESPNU, 9pm)- Carter Blackburn, LaPhonso Ellis
Wyoming @ New Mexico (CBS College Sports, 9pm)- Tom Hart, Pete Gillen
Maryland @ North Carolina State (ACC Network, 9pm)- Mike Hogewood, Dan Bonner
South Carolina @ Arkansas (CSS, 9pm)- Dave Baker, Will Perdue
Missouri State @ Illinois State (MVC Network, 9pm)- Mitch Holthus, Charlie Spoonhour
Rhode Island @ Saint Louis (A-10 Network, 9pm)- Noah Coslov, Sean Farnham
UNLV @ Utah (MTN, 10pm)- Ari Wolfe, Joe Cravens
Fresno State @ Nevada (BSN, 10pm)- Ralph Wood, Bob Donewald
Cal-Poly @ Cal State-Northridge (FS West, 10:30pm)- Paul Sunderland, Michael Cage, Crystna Poncher
Louisiana Tech @ Utah State (ESPN2, 11pm)- Jon Sciambi, Adrian Branch

Thursday, February 18th

Auburn @ Florida (ESPN, 7pm)- Rece Davis, Hubert Davis
Syracuse @ Georgetown (ESPN2, 7pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale
Vanderbilt @ Mississippi (ESPNU, 7pm)- Rob Stone, Jay Williams
LaSalle @ Dayton (CBS College Sports, 7pm)- Tom McCarthy, Steve Lappas
Central Connecticut State @ Mount St. Mary's (NEC Network, 7pm)- TBD
Portland @ Pepperdine (PrimeTicket, 8pm)- Paul Sunderland, Sean Farnham
South Alabama @ Western Kentucky (WKYU, 8pm)- Randy Lee, Hal Schmitt
UCLA @ Washington State (FSN, 8:30pm)- Steve Physioc, Miles Simon
Portland State @ Northern Arizona (University House, 8:30pm)- Mitch Strohman, Dave Brown
Wisconsin @ Minnesota (ESPN, 9pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin
Pittsburgh @ Marquette (ESPN2,9pm)- Dave Pasch, Len Elmore
Gonzaga @ Loyola Marymount (KAYU, 9pm)- Greg Heister, Craig Ehlo
California @ Oregon State (FSN, 10:30pm)- Barry Tompkins, Marques Johnson
USC @ Washington (FSN Regional, 10:30pm)- Tom Glasgow, Lenny Wilkens
St. Mary's @ San Diego (ESPN2, 11pm)- Jon Sciambi, Stephen Bardo

Friday, February 19th

Bracketbusters: Old Dominion @ Northern Iowa (ESPN2, 7pm)- John Saunders, Bob Valvano
Yale @ Princeton (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dave Popkin, Tim O'Toole
East Tennessee State @ Campbell (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Brown @ Pennsylvania (Comcast Network, 7pm)- TBD
Stony Brook @ Albany (America East Network, 7pm)- TBD
Bracketbusters: William & Mary @ Iona (ESPNU, 9pm)- Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy

Saturday, February 20th

Bracketbusters: Siena @ Butler (ESPN2, 11am)- Dave Pasch, Fran Fraschilla
Florida @ Mississippi (CBS, Noon)- TBD
North Carolina @ Boston College (CBS, Noon)- TBD
Seton Hall @ West Virginia (ESPN, Noon)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
Bracketbusters: Morgan State @ Murray State (ESPNU, Noon)- Dan McLaughlin, Brooke Weisbrod
St. John's @ South Florida (Big East Network, Noon)- TBD
Temple @ St. Joseph's (A-10 Network, Noon)- TBD
Bracketbusters: Louisiana Tech @ Northeastern (ESPN2, 1pm)- Bob Wischusen, TBA
UNC-Greensboro @ Citadel (SportSouth, 1pm)- TBD
Baylor @ Oklahoma State (Big 12 Network, 1:30pm)- TBD
Tennessee @ South Carolina (SEC Network, 1:30pm)- TBD
Texas @ Texas Tech (ESPN, 2pm)- Ron Franklin, Stephen Bardo
Louisville @ DePaul (ESPNU, 2pm)- Justin Kutcher, Dickey Simpkins
Navy @ Army (CBS College Sports, 2pm)- TBD
Georgia Tech @ Maryland (Raycom, 2pm)- TBD
Wake Forest @ North Carolina State (Raycom, 2pm)- TBD
Xavier @ Charlotte (A-10 Network, 2pm)- TBD
Bracketbusters: Nevada @ Missouri State (ESPN2, 3pm)- Lou Canellis, Mark Adams
Stanford @ Oregon State (FSN, 3pm)- TBD
UT-Arlington @ Central Arkansas (Southland TV, 3pm)- TBD
Air Force @ New Mexico (MTN, 3:30pm)- TBD
Illinois @ Purdue (ESPN, 4pm)- Dave O'Brien, Steve Lavin
Bracketbusters: Akron @ Virginia Commonwealth (ESPNU, 4pm)- Dave Weekley, Tim O'Toole
UTEP @ Tulsa (CBS College Sports, 4pm)- TBD
Virginia @ Clemson (ACC Network, 4pm)- TBD
Sacred Heart @ St. Francis-PA (NEC Network, 4pm)- TBD
Connecticut @ Rutgers (Big East Network, 4pm)- TBD
Colorado @ Kansas (Big 12 Network, 4pm)- TBD
Texas A&M @ Iowa State (Big 12 Network, 4pm)- TBD
Alabama @ Georgia (SEC Network, 4pm)- TBD
Mississippi State @ Louisiana State (SEC Network, 4pm)- TBD
Kentucky @ Vanderbilt (ESPN, 6pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes
Kansas State @ Oklahoma (ESPNU, 6pm)- Clay Matvick, Stephen Howard
North Dakota State @ Oakland (FS Detroit, 6pm)- TBD
Sacremento State @ Montana (Altitude, 6pm)- TBD
Colorado State @ UNLV (CBS College Sports, 6pm)- TBD
Penn State @ Michigan (BTN, 6pm)- TBD
Brigham Young @ Wyoming (MTN, 6pm)- TBD
California @ Oregon (CSN California, 6pm)- TBD
Missouri @ Nebraska (Big 12 Network, 6pm)- TBD
Arkansas @ Auburn (SEC Network, 7pm)- TBD
Yale @ Pennsylvania (Comcast Network, 7pm)- TBD
High Point @ Liberty (Liberty Channel, 7pm)- TBD
Bracketbusters: Charleston @ George Mason (ESPN2, 8pm)- Jon Sciambi, LaPhonso Ellis
Bracketbusters: Western Carolina @ Kent State (ESPNU, 8pm)- Rob King, Anthony Buford
Indiana @ Minnesota (BTN, 8pm)- TBD
Marshall @ Tulane (CST, 8pm)- TBD
Western Kentucky @ Arkansas State (WKYU, 8pm)- TBD
SMU @ Memphis (WKNO, 8pm)- TBD
South Alabama @ Middle Tennessee (Blue Raider Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Eastern Washington @ Northern Arizona (University House, 8pm)- TBD
UCLA @ Washington (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, Bob Knight, Erin Andrews
Utah @ San Diego State (MTN, 9pm)- TBD
Gonzaga @ Pepperdine (KAYU, 9pm)- Greg Heister, Craig Ehlo
Bracketbusters: New Mexico State @ Pacific (ESPNU, 10pm)- Steve Andress, Krista Blunk
San Francisco @ Santa Clara (CSN California+, 10pm)- TBD
Bracketbusters: Wichita State @ Utah State (ESPN2, Midnight)- Dave Flemming, Bob Wenzel

Sunday, February 21st

Ohio State @ Michigan State (CBS, Noon)- TBD
Villanova @ Pittsburgh (CBS, Noon)- TBD
Dayton @ Duquesne (ESPN2, 1pm)- Bob Wischusen, Tim Welsh
Lehigh @ Lafayette (CBS College Sports, 2pm)- TBD
Northwestern @ Wisconsin (BTN, 2pm)- TBD
UMBC @ Binghamton (Time Warner-Albany, 2pm)- TBD
Marquette @ Cincinnati (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD
St. Bonaventure @ LaSalle (A-10 Network, 4pm)- TBD
Arizona State @ Arizona (FSN, 5:30pm)- TBD
Virginia Tech @ Duke (FSN, 7:45pm)- TBD

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

Tuesday, February 16th

NBA FAN NIGHT: Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies (NBATV, 8pm)- Local Announcers

Wednesday, February 17th

Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks (ESPN, 9pm)- Mike Tirico, Mark Jackson, Jon Barry

Thursday, February 18th

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

Friday, February 19th

Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic (ESPN, 8pm)- Mike Breen, Jackson, Van Gundy
Boston Celtics at Portland Trail Blazers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Dan Shulman, Doris Burke

Saturday, February 20th

Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (NBATV, 8:30pm)- Local Announcers

Sunday, February 21st

Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (ABC, 1pm)- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy
Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets (ABC, 3:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown
Atlanta Hawks at Golden State Warriors (ESPN, 8pm)- Dave Pasch, Tim Legler
Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers (ESPN, 10:30pm)- Dan Shulman, Doris Burke

Sports announcers are all over the place when it comes to TV commercials these days. From deli sandwich shops to car rental companies, they pretty much run the gammit of industries. Well at least I thought so until I saw this ad featuring NFL on FOX analyst Jimmy Johnson. Yes, Jimmy has branched out into "male enhancement"....

"Go long with Extenze....I do."- Jimmy Johnson

I mean, you've got to jump on advertising opportunities when and where you can, but I would probably have truned that one down.

(Via Sportress of Blogitude)

I apologize for the delays in posting this week, but with all of the snow and power outages....I sort of gave up on trying to get any new information out. Anyway the Winter Olympics kicked off last night, and just like the rest of the world I'm trying to get past that horrible Luge accident during the day. Here is your schedule for the next two days....

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (DAY 2)

NBC:

2:00pm - 6:00pm
Men's Speed Skating - 5000m Gold Medal Final (LIVE)
Ski Jumping - Individual K95 Gold Medal Final
Women's Biathlon - 7.5km Sprint Gold Medal Final

8:00pm - 11:30pm
Men's Short Track -1500m Gold Medal Final (LIVE)
Women's Freestyle Skiing -Moguls Gold Medal Final (LIVE)
Moguls Competition (LIVE)
Men's Alpine Skiing - Downhill Gold Medal Final

Midnight - 1:00am
Women's Short Track - 3000m Relay Semifinals
500m Competition
Medals Plaza - Award Ceremonies

1:00am - 4:30am
Primetime Replay

CNBC:

3:00pm - 5:30pm
Women's Ice Hockey - Sweden vs. Switzerland (LIVE)

8:00pm - 10:30pm
Women's Ice Hockey - Canada vs. Slovakia (LIVE)

MSNBC:

3:00am - 5:30am
Women's Ice Hockey - Canada vs. Slovakia (replay)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14th (DAY 3)

NBC:

1:00pm - 6:00pm
Women's Speed Skating - 3000m Gold Medal Final (LIVE)
Nordic Combined - Individual Gold Medal Final: K95 Jumping (LIVE)
10km Cross Country (LIVE)
Men's Luge - Singles Competition (LIVE)
Men's Biathlon - 10km Sprint Gold Medal Final (LIVE)

7:00pm - 11:00pm
Figure Skating - Pairs Short Program (LIVE)
Men's Freestyle Skiing - Moguls Gold Medal Final (LIVE)
Women's Alpine Skiing - Super Combined Gold Medal Final
Men's Luge - Singles, Gold Medal Final

11:35pm - 12:05am
Figure Skating - Pairs Post Game
Medals Plaza - Award Ceremonies

12:05 a.m. - 4:05 a.m.
Primetime Replay

USA:

3:00pm - 5:30pm
Women's Ice Hockey - USA vs. China (LIVE)

CNBC:

7:30pm - 10:00pm
Women's Ice Hockey - Finland vs. Russia (LIVE)

MSNBC:

3:00am - 5:30am
Women's Ice Hockey - USA vs. China (replay)

(P.S.- If anyone can find me an HD screenshot of Al Michaels from last night I'd appreciate it. The guy looks like he went through twenty rounds of botox!)

The ratings results are in for Super Bowl XLIV and not only did it garner HUGE viewership, but it actually dethroned the final episode of M*A*S*H as the most watched program in television history. Via Sports Media Watch....

The Saints' 31-17 win over the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV drew a 45.0/68 fast-national rating and 106.5 million viewers on CBS Sunday night, up 7% in ratings and 8% in viewership from Steelers/Cardinals on NBC last year (42.0/64, 98.7 mil), and up 4% and 9%, respectively, from Giants/Patriots on FOX in '08 (43.1/65, 97.4 mil).

Saints/Colts ranks as the most-viewed program in U.S. television history, topping the previous record of 106.0 million for the series finale of M*A*S*H in 1983.

Additionally, the 45.0 rating is the highest for any television program since Cowboys/Steelers drew a 46.0 in 1996.

To put the numbers in perspective, the Super Bowl drew over 70 million more viewers than the top non-NFL sporting event of the past 12 months -- the Texas/Alabama BCS National Championship Game (30.8 mil).

Here is your 2010 Winter Olympics announcer schedule by Sport. I'll be sure to give you more information on actual schedules and pairings once they become available.

ALPINE SKIING

Tim Ryan
Todd Brooker
Christin Cooper
Steve Porino

BOBSLED/LUGE/SKELETON

Bob Papa
Duncan Kennedy (Luge)
John Morgan (Bobsled)
Lea Ann Parsley (Skeleton)
Lewis Johnson

CROSS COUNTRY & BIATHLON

Al Trautwig
Chad Salmela

CURLING

Andrew Catalon
Don Duguid
Colleen Jones
Elfi Schlegel

FIGURE SKATING

Tom Hammond
Sandra Bezic
Scott Hamilton
Tracy Wilson
Andrea Joyce

FREESTYLE SKIING

Todd Harris
Jonny Moseley
Tina Dixon

HOCKEY

Mike Emrick
Kenny Albert
Eddie Olczyk
AJ Mleczko
Pierre McGuire
Joe Micheletti
Mike Milbury
Cammi Granato
Jeremy Roenick

SHORT TRACK

Ted Robinson
Andy Gabel
Andrea Joyce

SNOWBOARDING

Pat Parnell
Todd Richards
Tina Dixon

SPEED SKATING

Dan Hicks
Dan Jansen
Andrea Kremer

SKI JUMPING

Matt Vasgersian
Jeff Hastings

The Saints won a rather thrilling Super Bowl last night, and the majority of the East Coast got to drink themselves to sleep after learning of most business calling an audible day-off for workers because of snow. Now that the haze has worn off, there are three rather interesting stories that happened over the Super Bowl weekend that I'm looking at today. In order they are Michael Irvin's rape allegation and firing from ESPN Radio, Warren Sapp getting arrested and being dropped from NFL Network's coverage and Steve Phillips sitting down with Matt Lauer this morning. First up....Michael Irvin....
______________________________

On the same day that his former teammate Emmitt Smith was getting into the Hall of Fame, Michael Irvin was getting fired from his ESPN Radio job after another alleged rape charge was levied against him Dallas. Not only that but ESPN decided to fire the former Cowboy WR from his gig at 103.3 FM even though Irvin's contract was set to expire at the end of the week. There were reportedly no plans to renew it, but ESPN opted to fire him anyway. Irvin (unlike Sapp) made his appearances on NFL Network over the weekend, spoke briefly about the allegation to reporters, and then filed a $100 Million counter suit against his alleged victim. Via ESPN....

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin made his first public appearance since he was accused in a civil suit of rape. He filed a $100 million countersuit against his accuser.

Irvin worked the Hall of Fame ceremonies for the NFL Network on Saturday. He was subdued at times but also emotional, especially when former teammate, running back Emmitt Smith, was selected for induction.

"It's not about me, but that's it," Irvin told a small group of reporters before they had a chance to ask questions. Irvin said he would only talk about the Hall of Fame.

Irvin's suit, filed in Dallas County, Texas, asks for $100 million in damages for allegations filed in a lawsuit that claim Irvin raped a woman identified as "Jane Doe" at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., in 2007.

The countersuit claims that the civil suit filed by the woman caused him to be fired from his radio job.

It's interesting that ESPN decided to follow up with the story after taking no time in firing Irvin. Like the story said, no charges were filed against him and his contract was set to run out, so it really makes no sense as to why ESPN Radio decided to fire him right away.
__________________________________

The day after Michael Irvin got his walking papers, another analyst in Miami spent the night in jail. A crazy story came out of South Beach that NFL Network Analyst Warren Sapp had been dropped from the network's coverage of the Super Bowl, and after NFL-N confirmed the claims, Sapp spent the night in jail on a domestic abuse charge. Via the Sun Sentinel....

Police arrested Sapp on Saturday on one charge of misdemeanor domestic battery. An arrest affidavit says the incident happened around 5 a.m. Saturday in the former defensive tackle's hotel room at the Shore Club on Miami Beach.

Sapp's attorney said the former player is taking the matter seriously and will cooperate with authorities.

"He sincerely apologizes to the NFL family and fans for taking away any distraction from today's big game," Christopher Lyons said. "We ask that everyone reserve judgment on the matter until all the facts come out in a court of law."

The woman said she had been dating Sapp about two years. She told officers the two were partying with a large group of friends when she got tired and went to lay down.

Sapp entered hours later, pulled her out of bed and tried to get her out of the room, according to the complaint. The complaint says he yelled at the woman about men she had been hanging out with and men listed in her cell phone. The woman told police Sapp choked her, threw her down on a couch, then picked her up by her shirt and neck and threw her down again — injuring her leg. The victim had a swollen knee and bruises on her neck, the affidavit says. She was taken to the hospital.

Just a messy situation all around. According to Sports by Brooks, Sapp had been seen around Miami with a certain lady friend, but as of now the accuser wants to remain anonymous.
______________________________________

As far as Steve Phillips, the former ESPN Baseball analyst made an appearance on the Today Show this morning to talk about his sexual addiction. Phillips, who is giving his first public interview since leaving the same rehab clinic Tiger Woods reportedly has been staying at, told Matt Lauer that he, "I couldn't stop myself from doing the things I was doing, even knowing the consequences." Here's the clip....


Man, what a weekend!

Well the time is upon us. Super Bowl XLIV is here, and I wanted to pass along your full broadcasting schedule. I've broken it down by network (CBS, ESPN and NFL Network), so you can flip around during the day depending on where your interests lie.

CBS

The Road To The Super Bowl (Noon-1pm)
Phil Simms All-Iron Team (1pm-2pm)
Studio Show: Super Bowl Today (2-6pm) - James Brown, Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, Shannon Sharpe and Bill Cowher, Charley Casserly; Reporters: Lesley Visser, Sam Ryan, Steve Tasker, Solomon Wilcots, Dick Enberg and contributor Katie Couric

SEGMENTS:

- THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS: James Brown takes a look at New Orleans four-and-a-half years after one of the nation's worst natural catastrophes, Hurricane Katrina
- PLAXICO BURRESS: Plaxico Burress sits down with Bill Cowher for his first interview since being sent to jail in September of 2009.
- DREW BREES: Katie Couric sits down with the Saints quarterback.
- REGGIE BUSH: Bush is interviewed by NFL Today analyst Shannon Sharpe.
- NEW ORLEANS DEFENSE: Lesley Visser sits down with Darren Sharper, Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith as they prepare to face the Colts high octane offense.
- PEYTON MANNING: Dan Marino visits with him and talks about Manning’s first Super Bowl win three years ago in Miami, the Colts’ decision not to go for a perfect season, and facing the team that his father Archie played for, the New Orleans Saints.
- DWIGHT FREENEY AND ROBERT MATHIS: Boomer Esiason sits down with Freeney and Mathis as they get ready to take on Drew Brees and the Saints.
- INDIANAPOLIS RECEIVING CORPS: Sam Ryan visits with the Colts’ receiving corps and discusses the role Peyton Manning has played in the quartet’s success.
- WYNTON MARSALIS: Jazz impresario Wynton Marsalis pays a special tribute with music and words to his beloved city of New Orleans.
- BARACK OBAMA: Katie Couric interviews the President before the game.
- GUY FIERI: Will prepare the “perfect tailgate food.”
- MUSICAL PERFORMANCES: Steve Winwood & Daughtry

SUPER BOWL XLIV (6:28pm Kickoff)- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Steve Tasker, Solomon Wilcots

ESPN

Mike and Mike in the Morning (ESPN Radio/ESPN2, 6am)- Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic
SportsCenter (ESPN, 7am)
Outside the Lines (ESPN, 8am)- Bob Ley Guest: Chicago Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and former New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Kyle Turley
The Sports Reporters (ESPN, 8:30am)- John Saunders and a panel of sports journalists
SportsCenter live from Sun Life Stadium (ESPN, 9am)- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski
Sunday NFL Countdown (ESPN, 10am-2pm)- Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Mike Ditka, Keyshawn Johnson, Cris Carter, Steve Young, Trent Dilfer, Tedi Bruschi, Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden, Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, Suzy Kolber and Ed Werder

Special Guests:

– Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade and Rob Schneider, stars of the upcoming movie Grown Ups (11:30am)
- Celebrity chef and television personality Emeril Lagasse, who lives in New Orleans, will discuss Cajun Super Bowl cuisine (12:30pm)
– Grammy Award-winning musician Kenny Chesney, a close friend to Saints head coach Sean Payton, will appear on the show (1pm)

NFL Network

NFL GAMEDAY MORNING SUPER BOWL SUNDAY PREGAME FROM SOUTH FLORIDA (9am-5:30pm)- Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci, Warren Sapp, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Stacey Dales, Rich Eisen
From the Sun Life Stadium booth: Fran Charles, Rod Woodson
From NFC and AFC hotels- Scott Hanson, Kara Henderson
From South Beach set- Alex Flanagan, Jamie Dukes, Tom Waddle

SEGMENTS:

- A look inside the Indianapolis Colts defense with Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and Gary Brackett.
- How Colts WR Pierre Garcon and Saints LB Jonathan Vilma are bound together by the disaster relief effort in Haiti.
- A closer look at what the Saints organization and players mean to the city of New Orleans, straight from the fans.
- Steve Sabol gives his take on how the legacy of Colts icon Peyton Manning now includes taking on his father’s team in Super Bowl XLIV.
- Super Bowl Journey – Saints DT Anthony Hargrove visits the Miami rehabilitation facility that he was in a year ago.
- In Memoriam – A reflection on the NFL icons that were lost in 2009
- Sabol chronicles the best decade of Super Bowl matchups
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Also, if you're planning on betting on the Super Bowl, be sure to check out the ridiculous props at Bodog.

There are so many broadcasting awards out there, that it's hard to figure out which ones are the most respected in the business. Obviously winning an Emmy is at the top of the list, but the individual sports broadcasting awards go as follows: Curt Gowdy- Basketball, Ford C. Frick- Baseball and Pat Summerall- Football.

Doug Collins won the Gowdy last year, Jon Miller was given the Frick last week and now Cris Collinsworth has been awarded the Summerall for contributions to the NFL....

Former Florida Gator Great and current NFL sportscaster Cris Collinsworth will be honored with the prestigious Pat Summerall Award on Thursday, Feb. 4, at the annual Legends for Charity Dinner. Each year, the award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sports field. Past recipients include James Brown, Greg Gumbel, Jim Nantz and Chris Berman. The event will take place at the NFL Headquarters Hotel at the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

During his time at UF from 1977-80, Collinsworth was a three-time All-SEC and two-time All-American performer at wide receiver. As a Gator, he caught 120 passes for 1,937 yards and 14 touchdowns, ran for two other touchdowns and returned a kickoff for another score. He was inducted into the Verizon Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 2001.

Collinsworth played eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and the 1981 Rookie of the Year was also selected to play in three Pro Bowls. Following his NFL career, he became a sportscaster and has since won nine Emmy’s for his work as a sports personality and football analyst. In 2008, Collinsworth covered the Olympic Games for NBC and currently joins Al Michaels as the host of NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

A well-deserved honor to be sure. Usually when you try to replace a legend like John Madden, you either fail completely or it takes a few years to get the chemistry down. Collinsworth made the transition seamlessly and kept NBC rolling throughout the season. Bravo Sir!

Former Gator Cris Collinsworth To Be Recognized (WCTV)

Unlike ESPN, FOX just goes ahead and plans the whole Baseball season out waaaay ahead of time, and just before pitchers and catchers report they release it for the world to enjoy. Or to see how many times the Red Sox and Yankees play on the network. Surprisingly though there are a total of four teams that appear on the network more than New York and Boston. Here's this year's team breakdown.....

Phillies - 9
Mariners - 9
Braves - 9
Twins - 9
Yankees - 8
Red Sox - 8
Cubs - 8
Mets - 8
Cardinals - 8
Angels - 7
Rangers - 7
Giants - 7
Rays - 5
White Sox - 5

FOX will also throw in a few 7pm games into the mix (May 22nd & June 26). All games start at 4pm EST unless otherwise noted....
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Saturday, April 10th (3pm)

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers
Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers

Saturday, April 17th

New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals
Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians
San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers

Saturday, April 24th

New York Yankees at Anaheim Angels
Seattle Mariners at Chicago White Sox

Saturday, May 1st (3pm)

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners
Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves

Saturday, May 8th (3pm)

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox
Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies

Saturday, May 15th

Philadelphia Phillies at Milwaukee Brewers
Seattle Mariners at Tampa Bay Rays
Houston Astros at San Francisco Giants

Saturday, May 22nd (7pm)

New York Yankees at New York Mets
Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Cubs at Texas Rangers
Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Dodgers

Saturday, May 29th

St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs
Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins
Seattle Mariners at Anaheim Angels

Saturday, June 5th

Florida Marlins at New York Mets
Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals
Anaheim Angels at Seattle Mariners

Saturday, June 12th

Philadelphia Phillies at Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs

Saturday, June 19th

Los Angeles Dodgers at Boston Red Sox
Minnesota Twins at Philadelphia Phillies

Saturday, June 26th (7pm)

New York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers
Boston Red Sox at San Francisco Giants
Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox

Saturday, July 3rd

Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins
Florida Marlins at Atlanta Braves

Saturday, July 10th

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers
Atlanta Braves at New York Mets
Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers

Saturday, July 17th

Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals

Saturday, July 24th

New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers
Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies
Minnesota Twins at Baltimore Orioles

Saturday, July 31st

Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins

Saturday, August 7th

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves

Saturday, August 14th

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants
Baltimore Orioles at Tampa Bay Rays

Saturday, August 21st

Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs
Anaheim Angels at Minnesota Twins
Texas Rangers at Baltimore Orioles

Saturday, August 28th

Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres
Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners
Florida Marlins at Atlanta Braves

Saturday, September 4th

New York Mets at Chicago Cubs
Anaheim Angels at Oakland A’s
Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins

Saturday, September 11th

Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets
St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves
Seattle Mariners at Anaheim Angels

Saturday, September 18th

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers

Saturday, September 25th

TBD

Saturday, October 2nd

TBD

West Virginia fans have been known to be pretty wild at times, and during last night's game against Pittsburgh, they reared their collective ugly head again. Fans threw items on the court at multiple points during the game, hit a Pitt assistant coach in the face, and even got yelled at by Bob Huggins. It was an ugly scene, and FSN's Mark Adams got a tad bit upset about the whole ordeal....

Wow. He almost lost his voice during that whole exchange. I mean it's a little beyond ridiculous that the fans started throwing stuff on the court when their team was up ten points and ultimately won by 19. Welcome to West "F**kin" Virginia!

Pitt vs. WVU hoops crowd gets out of hand (The Morning Freak Show)

The Baseball HOF recently announced that ESPN's Jon Miller has been selected as the 2010 recipient of the Ford C. Frick broadcasting award. The Ford C. Frick Award. awarded annually, and is based on the following criteria: longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans....

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced today that Jon Miller, who has spent parts of four decades as the voice of five Major League Baseball teams and has been the voice of ESPN’s national Sunday Night Baseball telecasts for 20 years, has been selected as the 2010 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for major contributions to baseball broadcasting. Miller will be honored during Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies on Sunday, July 25, 2010 in Cooperstown, N.Y.

"Jon Miller is one of baseball's most recognizable voices and is extremely deserving of this prestigious honor," said Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. "With a national audience on Sunday nights for the last 20 years, an entire country has been able to enjoy on a weekly basis what fans in San Francisco, Baltimore, Boston, Texas and Oakland have known with Miller as their home team's broadcaster for varied points over the last four decades. His soothing play-by-play, his affable and welcoming personality and his relaxed nature on-air give every baseball fan a personal invitation to enjoy the game, as if each were sitting in the front row."

Surprisingly it was not given to Miller because he's carried Joe Morgan for years. Who would have thunk it? Everyone knows the Miller has lost some of his luster over the past few years, but I would still take him over anyone else in the business. Obviously this is because I grew up with him broadcasting Orioles games, and I'm biased, but that aside I definitely think he deserves this award.

Friday, February 12
T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam (9-11pm)- Kevin Harlan, Kevin McHale, Dwyane Wade, Craig Sager

(Rookie Team: DeJuan Blair, Omri Casspi, Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn, Taj Gibson, James Harden, Brandon Jennings and Jonas Jerebko Sophomore Team: Michael Beasley, Danilo Gallinari, Marc Gasol, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook)

All-Star Slam Dunk-In (Half-Time of Rookie Challenge)- Kevin Harlan, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Cheryl Miller

Saturday, February 13th

TNT All-Decade NBA (5-6pm)- Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith
Dunk Defying: Spud and Nate (6-7pm)
H.O.R.S.E. presented by GEICO- Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Chris Webber

NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm (8:30-11pm)

Haier Shooting Stars- Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello, Cheryl Miller
Taco Bell Skills Challenge- Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello, Cheryl Miller
Foot Locker Three-Point Contest- Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Cheryl Miller
Sprite Slam Dunk- Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Cheryl Miller

Sunday, February 14

NBA Tip-Off (7-8:30pm)- Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith; Matt Winer, Kevin McHale, Chris Webber will appear for a segment
2010 NBA All-Star Game (8:30-11pm)- Marv Albert, Doug Collins, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge, Craig Sager

Over the weekend, there was some great College Basketball games, but all the focus was on Duke and Georgetown because Barry Obama was in the house. For most of the game, Obama looked on courtside, but in the second half he decided to stop by the booth and chat with Verne Lundquist and Clark Kellogg....

Not a bad job really. They didn't make him do a whole lot of play by play, but I really enjoyed the "go to the right" joke.

Barack Obama Does Play By Play (Buster Sports)