The Sports Business Journal is the go to place to leak big news if you're a pro league, media company, agency, or professional team. They consistently break the biggest stories and Monday they unleashed quite a bombshell by reporting that the NFL is engaging with various television partners to broadcast 8 additional Thursday Night Games. Per SBJ:

"The NFL is negotiating with TV networks about a new early-season eight-game package that would start as soon as next season, according to several sources.

The potential Thursday night package could be worth as much as $700 million per year, the sources said. Such a windfall, providing a sudden increase in overall league revenue, could help soften the blow to the players from the emerging labor deal in which they are likely to receive a smaller percentage of revenue than they previously have received.

The new package would not affect NFL Network’s schedule of live games, as the league has decided to keep its channel’s eight-game Thursday night slate in the second half of the season intact."

The article goes on to say that this could be for next season (2012) and that their current contracts with Fox and CBS allow them to pull these games from their lineups. Most importantly, SBJ pegs Versus and Turner as the leading candidates to acquire this package of games with ESPN, Spike, and FX also at least exploring the possibility of bidding on the package.

In a nutshell this is huge news. Not only would fans be treated to an additional nationally televised game for the first half of the season, but this package may serve as a kingmaker if Versus or maybe even TNT get the package in terms of building a viable competitor to ESPN.

Before we dive into that let's eliminate the pretenders in this discussion. SBJ's article states that cable providers have surcharge protection from FX.  This basically means that if FX somehow got the NFL package, they wouldn't be able to raise their carriage fees to cable/satellite providers until those agreements lapsed. Historically speaking, cable channels have negotiated contingent elevated fees if they were able to procure various sports packages. By getting these agreed upon increases, cable networks have been able to more aggressively pursue packages rather than rolling the dice and most likely losing money in the short term. With FX not having any provisions that increases revenue from cable and satellite providers, $700 million is going to be too pricey for them.

Spike airs the show Manswers and therefore they are eliminated. 

ESPN seems like a logical option but they've really built a strong following with their Thursday night college football coverage. It's doubtful they'd swap out profitable programming on ABC on Thursday night or bump their college offering so ESPN2 would either have to be the destination for the package or maybe for the college package to move to. Either way it seems like a lot of money even for ESPN when they already have programming during that window. While it's going to be painful for them to be on the sidelines of this discussion, I think they'll ultimately sit this one out. If it was the rights for Thursday night games in the second half of the season, I think they'd be much more open to it as the college football season winds down weeks in advance of the end of the NFL season.

That leaves us with Versus and Turner and the potential opening of the door for both networks to make a big play towards ESPN...

Couple of noteworthy industry moves to report today as ESPN has announced that Charissa Thompson will be joining the network and co-hosting a new program in the vain of SportsNation called Numbers Never Lie. In other news Pierre McGuire will be leaving Canada's TSN to exclusively work for NBC and Versus as their "Inside The Glass" analyst where he reports from in between the two team's benches.

For Thompson this is a nice move up as she's been a jack of all trades covering the NHL, Olympics, college basketball, college football, and the NFL for the likes of Fox, Big Ten Network, Versus, and Yahoo. She's long been a top tier sideline reporter but is making a smart move leaving the crowded world of sideline reporting which includes Pam Oliver, Suzy Kolber, Erin Andrews, Michelle Tafoya, and Jenn Brown. 

Per SBB, "Numbers Never Lie, will feature daily appearances from a former player and an expert with the half-hour show hosted by the beautiful Charissa Thompson. NNL will air weekdays at 3:30p ET." The same production team who conceptualized SportsNation and helped spur Michelle Beadle's ascension at ESPN will be overseeing NNL as well. 

As for McGuire, his move is one that affords him a bit more convenience and additional opportunities by consolidating his worked to NBC and Versus. With NBC and Versus now part of the same company and fresh off their renewal to keep the NHL on both networks, it made sense for parent company Comcast to bring in McGuire full time. With the Olympics under the NBC/Comcast banner as well, McGuire will also be able to play a more prominent role there as well while also spending less time juggling travel, production meetings, etc for two media companies on different sides of the border.

McGuire has reputation of being a polarizing television personality with hockey fans. Despite the love-hate affair with his coverage, the folks at NBC/Versus decided it was best to double down on his experience being a former player and having covered the sport since 1996. Oddly enough McGuire was only used on NBC up until this year when the merger went through and he replaced Charissa Thompson on Versus. Despite leaving Versus it seems Thompson is on to bigger and better things.

I'll admit, MMA fighting has never completely caught on with me. During pretty much every fight I have watched, I have a constant internal monologue where I debate if being trapped in a cage with one of these behemoths is the worst thing I can fathom being a part of. But, there is no debating its enormous and deserved popularity. When it is right, you will see some of the most insane acts of athleticism and bravery/stupidity in the world of sports. This was definitely the case last night in a fight on Versus as Cheick Kongo took on Pat Barry. In an insane 25 second span (starting at about the 4:30 mark), Kongo looked to be knocked unconscious twice...miraculously rises both times while being still being whaled on...and out of nowhere delivers a knockout blow to Barry knocking him completely out ending the fight. Unbelievable.

The commentary by NBC Fear Factor's Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg was hilarious. They repeatedly yell that the fight was over and that Kongo had been knocked out. In their defense, to anyone that watched that fight, it certainly looked that way. When Kongo delivers his knockout punch from seemingly out of nowhere, both Rogan and Goldberg scream over each other in amazement at the insanity that just took place in the cage. Usually two announcers yelling over each other is considered sloppy announcing, but it's hard to fault these two for not being completely composed after that wild comeback.

If for whatever reason the epicness doesn't set in watching the entire fight, try watching it this time set to Guile's theme from Street Fighter to really get you going.

Wendi Nix subbed in for Karl Ravech on Baseball Tonight last night and the results were decidedly less than pretty.  I don't know if it was the live show that put her off her game, or being on the road, or perhaps the sun getting in her eyes... but there were enough botches in the pre Sunday Night Baseball show to make Pam Ward envious.  Usually Wendi is decent in the studio, but her live highlight ability makes Brian Collins look like Dan Patrick.  Thankfully, SportsGrid has provided a mashup of the best of the worst of Wendi Nix last night in San Francisco.  Below are some of my favorite quotes...



"and a brand new mannerger!"

"Lot of week for the Nationals..."

"As we shift gears to the American League East (shows Pirates fans)"

"There are no great teams in baseball, there's some good teams, there's some great teams... either of these teams, are they great?"

"Happy Birthday Derek Jeter (in between clips of Troy Tulowitzki and Asdrubal Cabrera)"

"Asdrubal Cabrera, who has literally been a human web gem... I guess they're all human web gems."


Wendi Nix Filled In On Baseball Tonight Last Night, And It Did Not Go Swimmingly  - SportsGrid

We've learned a little bit more about the role of former Florida head coach Urban Meyer's role with ESPN... before he's named Ohio State head coach in early 2012 that is.  Interestingly, Urban Meyer will work the noon slate of games on ESPN, which traditionally feature Big Ten teams, and his debut game will involve none else than Ohio State when they host Akron on September 3.  Here's more from USA Today...

Meyer, working with play-by-play announcer Dave Pash (sic) and analyst Chris Spielman, will call noon ET ESPN games that are largely expected to involve Big Ten teams. And, from game sites, he'll also appear live on College GameDay as well as do taped features for that show. Says ESPN senior coordinating producer Ed Placey: "He wanted to do everything."

Coincidentally, Chris Spielman finished first in the Pammy standings last year, but I've always liked his combo with Pasch (and I'm a little biased towards Spiels from living in Columbus where he hosted a radio show up until earlier this year).  I actually think this trio should be really good, and it will help ease the transition for Urban that he won't be thrown straight into the ABC primetime game right away and be placed in a three man booth.  Urban will also get plenty of airtime on College Gameday and the other college football platforms of the leader.  If he turns out to be a fit in the booth then I could see him being placed alongside Tostitos Musberger and Herbie at the end of the year with his name recognition.  Oh, and get excited because the Pammy Countdown Clock is down to 67 days till the college football season gets underway!!  

Urban Meyer's ESPN debut likely will be at Ohio State - USA Today

Mexico defeated the USA 4-2 in a fantastic Gold Cup Final.  From the broadcasting perspective, Fox Soccer's coverage was ok, but all across the board it just isn't as good as ESPN's top notch soccer coverage.  The US got off to a great 2-0 start, but after veteran RB Steve Cherundolo was forced off injured, the American backline was overran with the skill and speed of the Mexican attack.  The most spectacular of the six goals was saved for last, as Tottenham's Giovani Dos Santos scored with an incredible chip in the 76th minute.  It was one of the most ridiculous goals I've ever witnessed.  First, he latches on to a through ball, sidesteps Tim Howard, controls the ball in a tight space, and then floats a chip to the far post over a leaping Eric Lichaj to the only place he could have scored.  It showed the touch and class that the US unfortunately just didn't have tonight in a disappointing game for American soccer fans.  Tim Howard's reaction on this goal said it all.  And, of course, we have commentary of the golaso in Spanish from Univision...

That 2010 US Senate run never did happen for Craig James, but there are indicators he may soon go all-in with his fledging political career.  With current Republican Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson not running for re-election in 2012, there's an empty seat in congress that is just crying out for someone with the political clout and experience of a college football announcer.  Doesn't Senator Craig James just flow off the tongue?  I'm still waiting for his debate with Mike Leach.  It appears that James is throwing his hat back into the political ring, if not diving in head-first with the founding of a new organization that both celebrates the greatness of Texas and aims to channel that greatness to save the rest of America.

The video below is about the most campaigny non-campaign video I've ever seen.  Evidently James founded a group called "Texans for a Better America," which "is about reconnecting people with the values, ideas, and founding principles that have not only made Texas the envy of our nation, but would transform our country."  I guess I missed that part where I'm supposed to wake up every morning and long for the good life in Amarillo (nothing against George Strait though, that dude's a legend).

Also, according to the Texans for a Better America website, "Craig James is a proud Texan who believes our nation can be great again."  Wonderful.  And, if that's not convincing enough, the video slash advertisement slash campaign endorsement declares, "Craig James is a living example of the importance of economic freedom and America's entrepreneurial spirit."  I wish I was making this up.  Surprisingly, there's nothing about meddling with coaches and whining when your son isn't getting playing time.  The prospects of Craig James being a legitimate contender for a US Senate seat are likely very slim (polling shows his unfavorable rating in West Texas at 52% and his favorable rating at... wait for it, 7%).  By the looks of the ridiculous video below though, this potential Senator James idea could be a lot of fun...

Video: Looks like Craig James still wants to be Senator James - Dr. Saturday

One of the highlights of this week was the fiery interview between former Giants RB and failed NBC personality Tiki Barber and Mike Francesa of WFAN in New York.  The interview came about because of Tiki Barber's publicity tour associated with his planned return to football, including his much talked about interview with HBO's Real Sports.  That inteview was notable for Barber's claims of depression.  This interview with Mike Francesa at WFAN in New York is much more combative and entertaining because Francesa doesn't let Barber (and his agent, more on that in a bit) off lightly and challenges Barber on his disastrous NBC run.

Tiki Barber's failure as "the next Matt Lauer" has been well-chronicled, and we took a glance at the rapid athlete to broadcaster career path here earlier this week.  Tiki comes off as very defensive with Francesa, refusing to acknowledge his disappointing run as a TV personality at the end of Part I below, and even has his agent on the phone to back him up (Francesa amusingly had to tell Barber's agent, "you're not here to be his bodyguard").  First of all, let's get real, having your agent on the phone with you is weak - man up and do the interview yourself.  Second of all, forgive me for not feeling too much sympathy for Tiki Barber - someone who retired from the Giants, ripped his former coach and teammates, had an affair and then left his pregnant wife for a 20-something NBC intern and babysitter, and then had the absolute gall and ignorance to compare his oppressive plight to that of Anne Frank.  The same Anne Frank that died in a Nazi concentration camp.  Please.  Although Francesa's ego turns a lot of people off, this interview shows why he's absolutely one of the best in sports talk radio and sports media.  The entire interview is worth a listen, even though it is a half hour in length, but the highlights are mostly in the first two parts below...   

Part I



Part II



Part III



Thanks to Ken at Fang's Bites for sending us the audio.  

Earlier today, Ryan gave our thoughts on the Good, Bad, and Ugly of ESPN's NBA Draft coverage.  If you'd like some of my thoughts on ESPN's NBA Draft coverage and the Draft as a whole, you can check out the NBA Draft awards dished out at Bloguin's NBA blog, Crossover Chronicles.  Safe to say the good was scarce, the bad was plentiful, and the ugly was flowing in abundance.  The only one who had a worse night than ESPN was future lockout villain David Stern.  Most fans watching the draft coverage didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and some were even longing for the return of Chris Berman.  Even Jay Bilas knew he was in for a long evening, as he referenced his own internet drinking game at Pick #2.  What did you have to say about ESPN's draft coverage on Twitter?  As always, these are Real Tweets from Real People...

 

Back in April, we took a look at the good, bad, and ugly from ESPN's coverage of the 1st round of the NFL Draft.  And, apart from walking caricature Chris Berman, ESPN hit a home run.  So, we thought it would only be fair to give the same scrutiny to ESPN's NBA Draft coverage, which is often just as entertaining even without the maniacal following the NFL Draft has amassed over the years. However, with last night's debacle, ESPN's NBA Draft coverage may have hit a new low, a next to impossible feat seeing as how Stephen A. Smith wasn't even a member of the studio team!  Let's start with the good news first...

The Good

-As big bro Matt said on Twitter last night, the star of ESPN's coverage was their "international expert" Fran Fraschilla,  The glut of international players selected throughout gave Fraschilla extra air time, but every time the former coach was on the air he delivered thorough analysis of those drafted.  Not only was Fraschilla on target with known quantities like Kanter and Jonas V, but Fraschilla also delivered the goods in the 2nd round when players like Targuy Ngombo from Qatar left every other ESPN "analyst" speechless.  For every international prospect, Fraschilla came ready with strenghts, weaknesses, comparisons, and even contract information.  With Fraschilla's knowledge of both international talent AND college prospects (after all he is a game analyst for the network), he would be a welcome addition to ESPN's main set.

-The other big winner from ESPN's Draft coverage had to be Jay Bilas, the smartest guy in the room no matter where he is.  Though I'm getting pretty tired of Bilas's pious act when discussing larger issues like education and the NCAA, he's at home analyzing draft prospects.  His smart, succinct analysis, including the flaws in each player's game and their projection into the pros, was a breath of fresh air for draft coverage. Unlike Jon Gruden's unending QB love and "THIS GUY" act, Bilas pulled no punches on players he thought weren't ready for the NBA.  The former Dukie even showed his self-aware humor with a nod to a drinking games based on his heavy use of words like wingspan.  Unfortunately, we couldn't get more sharp analysis from Bilas and Fraschilla because of other choices ESPN made with their broadcast...