In Virginia, David Teel noted Bleacher Report tonight will release a 50-minute documentary that chronicles free agent QB Michael Vick's "rise from a Newport News housing project to No. 1 NFL draft pick, his harrowing crash to dog fighter and felon, and his rebirth as a quarterback and man." Bleacher Report Editor-in-Chief and the film's exec producer Joe Yanarella said, "This is the most ambitious piece we've ever produced." Teel wrote the "once revered and wealthy Vick offers a rational voice, blaming no one but himself for squandering darn near everything" (Hampton Roads DAILY PRESS, 7/10).
FIGHT RIGHTS: AD AGE's Anthony Crupi noted UFC's seven-year, $630M TV deal with Fox Sports expires in August '18, and while both sides "seem extremely satisfied by their partnership, a renewal almost certainly will come with a much higher price tag." UFC Exec VP & Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik said, "We are keenly aware of how the Big Ten deal leaves us, without a doubt, as the most valuable sports property that is nearing the end of its current media rights deal. We love our relationship with Fox, and while we are not in negotiations at this point in time, there will come a day when we'll have to come together to talk about a new deal" (ADAGE.com, 7/8).
INVESTING WISELY: In Colorado, Kelly Lyell reported Brian Roth, a part of radio broadcasts of Colorado State football and basketball games for the past 16 years, will "take over as the play-by-play announcer and host of the coaches’ shows on the Colorado State Radio Network this year." Roth replaces Gary Miller, who "served as the play-by-play voice of the Rams for the past three years." Miller’s contract was "not renewed when it expired this spring" (Ft. Collins COLORADOAN, 7/9).
