NFL Network Hopes ESPN Is Answer to Its Problem — (nytimes.com)
“The NFL Network starts the new season with 41.5 million subscribers, a little better than earlier this summer but a little worse than at the end of last year. The total is less than the league ever thought possible when it added regular-season games to its programming in 2006.”
What lies ahead in the NFL: Ten questions to answer in 2008 — (usatoday.com)
“One thing is pretty certain: The NFL’s next champion will be crowned on Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, site of Super Bowl XLIII. Beyond that, there are plenty of unanswered possibilities to ponder as the NFL’s 89th season begins. USA TODAY tackles 10 questions … albeit without the help of a crystal ball.”
The best midseason deals of the past quarter-century — (si.com)
“This has been one of the more interesting years for midseason acquisitions. Sabathia, Rich Harden of the Cubs, Joe Blanton of the Phillies and Paul Byrd of the Red Sox are a combined 17-2 for contending teams. The Angels became the AL favorites with the acquisition of Mark Teixeira. The Red Sox are playing better with Jason Bay. And either the Diamondbacks, with Adam Dunn, or Dodgers, with Manny Ramirez, will parlay the addition of a big bat into a postseason berth. The Sabathia, Harden and Teixeira deals rank as especially impactful already, with the possibility, depending on how September and October unfold, of being historically important.”
If it is indeed the Oklahoma City Thunder, what happens to the Warriors’ mascot? — (examiner.com)
“If you see a muscular, blue action hero with a lightning bolt for a hat stumbling around Oakland and muttering about life’s injustices in the next couple of days, don’t be surprised.
The NBA team in Oklahoma City will get its official nickname on Wednesday, and all indications are that it will be “Thunder.”
That’s right: Thunder.
That decision probably didn’t sit well with the Golden State Warriors. Not to mention the guy who wears the suit.
Why?
Because “Thunder” is the name of the official Warriors team mascot _ NBA-approved, by the way.”
Are Ricciardi’s days numbered in Toronto? — (sportingnews.com)
“Poor J.P. Ricciardi. While he was once the golden child and fan favorite in Toronto, the fans have turned on him. But he should know better than to snipe back at the ticket-buying public. Taking guff from the masses is why you get the big bucks, J.P. — though we hear you might not be on the Jays’ payroll much longer.”
