The 50 athlete profiles that are part of ESPN's
"SportsCentury" series "stand as ESPN's most creative work
in its 20-year history," according to Richard Sandomir of
the N.Y. TIMES. Sandomir: "They're packed with surprises,
... distinguished by balance and enterprise in finding
people who are not the usual interview suspects, and made
memorable by a sensual visual style" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/14).
"THE RICK": Celtics President & coach Rick Pitino: "I
don't watch regular TV -- ever. I do watch ESPN news. I
sleep with it on. I actually do. I don't even know how to
get regular TV. It's the biggest argument I have with my
wife. She says I have to be an idiot to keep ESPN on all
the time. She says they keep repeating everything every 15
minutes, but I tell her that I have to watch so I don't miss
any late scores" (Ohio NEWS-HERALD, 12/14).
MORE NEWS SHOWS: NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay writes on
networks "expanding their commitments" to sports magazine-
style shows built on research and reporting, including HBO's
new series with host Bob Costas and ESPN increasing the
number of "Outside the Line" editions. Zipay: "We can
always use more of a journalistic edge in TV sports. I
haven't seen enough of 'Goin' Deep,' but HBO's pieces are
generally top-notch. ... Let's hope the more frequent
deadlines won't dilute the products" (NEWSDAY, 12/14).
NEWS & NOTES: In Boston, Jim Baker writes that CBS'
decision not to renew the contract of announcer Sean
McDonough sends a "chilling message" (BOSTON HERALD,
12/14)....Fox Sports Net NW VP & GM Clayton Packard, on news
that Ackerley Communications is interested in forming its
own RSN featuring the Sonics and possibly the Mariners,
whose contract with FSNW expires after the 2000 season:
"We're not going to go off the air. And we expect the
Mariners will be on this network beyond the 2000 season"
(SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 12/14)....USA Home
Entertainment will announce today that it has signed a
multi-year deal with the NHL. USA is looking to expand its
video group's relationships with pro sports leagues and has
already signed deals with the NBA, NFL and MLB (DAILY
VARIETY, 12/14)....The Outdoor Life Network added Olympic
Gold Medalist Ross Rebagliati to its World Cup snowboarding
coverage (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 12/11).
