Quote of the Day
“I guess NASCAR thinks, ‘Hey, wrestling worked, and it was for the most part staged, so I guess it’s going to work in racing, too.’”
— NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, accusing NASCAR of using caution flags to shape races (AP, 4/25).
Top Stories
- ESPN/ABC has renewed its media rights with the Big 12 Conference through 2015-2016 in what is believed to be a $480M deal, essentially ending speculation that the Big 12 could be the next conference to launch its own network. While Fox’ exclusive cable deal for Big 12 football games runs through 2011-2012, ABC will televise up to 19 of the conference’s football games a season, and ESPN’s family of networks gets a hefty dose of basketball games and other events.
ESPN/ABC Renews Deal For Big 12 Sports Events
Off The Top Rope
Tony Stewart compares NASCAR to pro wrestling, says sport “can almost dictate the race” with well-timed cautions.
Seeing Red
ManU raising season ticket prices 14%; Glazers the target of violence on Tuesday.
What’s In A Name?
AEG creates new group dedicated to branded events.
Automatic Pilot
Lincoln National looking at possible sale of broadcast, media division.
Helping Hands
NBA BOG approves increase in financial assistance to small- market teams.
Flat Tire
Floyd Landis says he’s lost $10M in potential earnings since positive drug test.
Continental Drift
Devils’ ticket-selling struggles carry into playoffs.
Catch & Release
WQAM dropping Marlins games reportedly at behest of the Dolphins.
Coming Out
L.A. Times reporter Mike Penner announces he is a transsexual.
