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Morning Buzz

John Elway Joining Broncos As Exec VP/Football Operations
ESPN Plans To Expand 3D Programming In Mid-February
Academy Mortgage To Be Presenting Sponsor Of Jazz Seasons
ESPN Fires Ron Franklin After Jeannine Edwards Interaction

ELWAY JOINING BRONCOS FRONT OFFICE AS EXEC VP/FOOTBALL OPERATIONS

John Elway today begins his tenure as Broncos Exec VP/Football Operations after he finalized a contract with the team last night. Broncos COO Joe Ellis said, "I've met with him about 20 times, and his vision is the same as ours. He's going to roll up his sleeves and get to work full time every day, and he's going to get this done." Elway said, "This is all I've really wanted to do since I retired as a player. … I've waited for years, but the timing is perfect. … I won't let the Broncos down" (DENVER POST, 1/5).


ESPN WILL EXPAND PROGRAMMING ON 3D CHANNEL IN MID-FEBRUARY

By Eric Fisher, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

ESPN is expanding its 3D TV channel to full 24-hour, seven-day-per-week programming beginning Feb. 14. When live events are not shown on the channel, ESPN 3D will air replays of prior events. ESPN 3D began last June 11 with the FIFA World Cup from South Africa, and to date has shown nearly 60 events in the enhanced format, including its first NBA 3D TV game last month.

ESPN first announced plans for the 3D TV channel at last year's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and is using the high-profile forum again to trumpet the expansion, even as 3D TV remains dogged by disappointing sales and widespread skepticism.


JAZZ, ACADEMY MORTGAGE INK THREE-SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP

By John Lombardo, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

The Jazz have signed their first presenting sponsorship deal with Salt Lake City-based Academy Mortgage. The deal makes Academy Mortgage the team’s presenting sponsor for the remainder of this season along with the '11-12 and '12-13 seasons. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the company sponsorship will include a media buy, in-arena signage and promotion. The company’s name will also be included in all of the team’s collateral and marketing materials.


ESPN FIRES RON FRANKLIN FOLLOWING INCIDENT WITH JEANNINE EDWARDS

ESPN has fired college football announcer Ron Franklin following his interaction with colleague Jeannine Edwards before the Chick-fil-A Bowl. ESPN in a brief statement said, "Based on what occurred last Friday, we have ended our relationship with him" (THE DAILY). A source indicated that the dismissal was partially due to ESPN Exec VP/Production Norby Williamson being "dissatisfied with Franklin’s level of contrition following the incident with Edwards," highlighted by Franklin "failing to apologize to Edwards personally" (SPORTSBYBROOKS.com, 1/4).

Franklin’s firing was covered on ESPN during the 6:00pm ET edition of “SportsCenter” and appeared on the ticker throughout the night (THE DAILY).


PLAYOFF-BOUND RAVENS LAUNCH "PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE" CAMPAIGN

The Ravens have launched a campaign dubbed "paint the town purple" ahead of Sunday's AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Chiefs in K.C. The effort "will result in a slew of stenciled images placed in the city, and throughout Baltimore and Howard counties." The Ravens grounds crew has painted the City Hall/Federal Hill grounds with a team logo, and the front office staff is to paint the logo and the mantra "W.I.N." (What's Important Now) at 250 locations (Baltimore SUN, 1/5). 


BREWERS TODAY LAUNCHING PROMOTION AROUND SEASON-TICKET SALES

The Brewers today will launch a promotion in which fans that purchase or renew season-ticket packages of 20 games or more “will be eligible to win a variety of prizes and experiences.” The team will hold a daily drawing from Jan. 17-Feb. 25. Prizes include “running the Klement’s Famous Sausage Race at a Brewers game, signing a major-league contract for the day (including big-league pay)” and sliding down mascot Bernie’s slide at Miller Park (JSONLINE.com, 1/4).


BIG NAMES IN DALLAS SPORTS BUSINESS CONVENE FOR NSMN SESSIONS

By Terry Lefton, Editor-At-Large

Some of the biggest names in sports business in and around Dallas are gathering tonight at American Airlines Center for the opening of the National Sports Marketing Networks (NSMN) North Texas chapter. The mayors of Arlington, Dallas, and Ft. Worth will speak. A panel including Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage, new MLB Rangers Owner Chuck Greenberg, FC Dallas and Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt and Super Bowl XLV Host Committee President & CEO Bill Lively will discuss the state of sports business in North Texas, which will host the Super Bowl on Feb. 6.


SPEED READS….

Sources said that rookie Clippers F Blake Griffin will be in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest as part of this year's NBA All-Star Weekend. Also in the contest, reportedly, are Wizards C JaVale McGee, Thunder F Serge Ibaka and Bucks G Brandon Jennings (LATIMES.com, 1/4).

 

EPL club Tottenham Hotspur has appointed former London 2012 Dir of Communications & Public Affairs Mike Lee to "spearhead their campaign" to move into Olympic Stadium after the '12 Games. The club is competing with West Ham United to take over the Stratford venue (THISISLONDON.co.uk, 1/5).

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission announced that it is "now offering football-themed license plates for fans" of the Jets, Giants and Eagles (AP, 1/4).

Univ. of Phoenix Stadium this week is installing a new playing surface for Monday’s Tostitos BCS National Championship game after the field “got a bit chewed up in the Fiesta Bowl.” The new field and installation will cost about $100,000 (OREGONLIVE.com, 1/4).

NBC runs a full-page ad in the N.Y. Times touting “Sunday Night Football” that features Colts QB Peyton Manning, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Bears LB Brian Urlacher, Giants QB Eli Manning, Eagles WR DeSean Jackson and Ravens LB Ray Lewis with the copy, “Thank You For Making Us The #1 Show On Primetime TV” (THE DAILY).


QUICK HITS….

“I love that Jeanie Buss’ boy-toy had something to say about us” – Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, on Lakers coach Phil Jackson recently commenting on the impact of Mavericks G Caron Butler’s season-ending injury (ESPNDALLAS.com, 1/4).

"Mark must be really worried. If he's got to comment on that, he must be really worried" – Lakers coach Phil Jackson (ESPNDALLAS.com, 1/4).

"They can do the sound bites – the two of those guys. That's their job. I get along with both of them" – Lakers Exec VP/Business Operations Jeanie Buss, on Cuban and Jackson jabbing each other with public comments (LATIMES.com, 1/4).

“It’s a confusing message because you hear from Cutler and Urlacher and yet the Bears tell us the majority of players still want to play on grass” – Soldier Field GM Tim LeFevour, on critical comments from QB Jay Cutler and Brian Urlacher on the condition of the stadium’s playing surface (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 1/4).

"I'm a big fan, and would I love to own the team? Absolutely" – Platinum Equity Chair & CEO Tom Gores, reiterating his interest in buying the Pistons (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 1/5).

“I can’t go through another head coach. This will be six now in 12 years. It’s not fun” – Raiders P Shane Lechler, who says the team’s coaching changes could make some free-agent players not want to return ("SportsNet Central," Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, 1/4).


TWITTER ME THIS….

Golfer Bubba Watson: “Just finished playing Augusta on @easports Tiger Woods 2012!!!!! March 29 fans are going to love the course!!!”

Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Kaduk: “How bad has the Chicago Tribune gotten? They're running Blackhawks features written by out-of-town writers.”

Buffalo News’ Mike Harrington: “Too bad ESPN whacked Ron Franklin. Liked him. Kinda Keith Jackson lite. But you can't call a woman 'sweet baby' in workplace in 2011. Nope.”

AP’s Doug Ferguson: “I always get a kick out of those who say tour shouldn't be starting this week. They're usually the ones not here, or only do Tiger events.”

Fox Sports’ Ives Galarcep: “Can MLS get some Wire actors to show up at the MLS Draft in Baltimore? Make it happen Garber. Imagine Snoop announcing a pick.”

If you see a tweet we won’t want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.


TODAY'S EVENTS….

The Portland, Ore., City Council will consider changing the name of Memorial Coliseum to "Veterans Memorial Coliseum."


THE BACK PAGES….

The Morning Buzz offers today’s back page sports covers from some of the nation’s major metropolitan tabloids:

N.Y. Post
N.Y. Daily News
Newsday
Philadelphia Daily News
Boston Herald

FINAL JEOPARDY!

Last night's "Final Jeopardy!" category was "The Hall of Presidents."

"Of the nine presidents whose images have a beard or mustache, this late 19th century man is the only Democrat."

Last night's edition of "Jeopardy" featured the category "Tennis Vocabulary, Anyone?"

For $200: "An aviator with five air kills."

For $400: "A crack in the Earth's crust."

For $600: "The retinue of a reigning monarch."

For $800: "An automobile race run over public roads."

For $1000: "Ambrose Bierce described this as 'a temporary insanity curable by marriage.'"


LAUGH TRACK….

O'Neal Makes First Appearance On
"Late Show" In More Than 10 Years

Celtics C Shaquille O'Neal appeared on CBS' "Late Show" last night. CBS' David Letterman introduced him as "one of the greatest players in basketball history." O'Neal said it has been ten years since he appeared on the program and Letterman asked, "Why has it been ten years?" O'Neal: "Because you haven't called me." Letterman: "It's interesting how life works, because when you were in Los Angeles they hated you in Boston, didn't they? They hated you. I mean they didn't like you. They hated you in Boston, and now they love you." O'Neal: "They do. I live in a small town called Sudbury. I signed kind of late so I really didn't have a chance to find a house so I went on Google and put 'big house outside of Boston' and I found this big 10-acre farm house." Letterman asked, "So you like being out in the country?" O'Neal: "I love it. Wild turkeys, wild foxes, wild bears." Letterman: "Why did you choose Boston? You could have played here in New York." O'Neal: "I could've played in New York." Letterman added, "Probably for more dough." O'Neal said "for more dough" but really he went to the Celtics for "two reasons. I thought we had a better shot at the championship and the second reason, you didn't call me" ("Late Show," CBS, 1/4).

THE MONOLOGUES:

CBS' David Letterman: "When you're walking down the street in the wintertime (in New York City), you can hear thugs behind you sneaking up on you because they're wearing corduroy pants. … Statistics are in for 2010. Here in New York City, 526 murders. We're back, my God, we're back. I just hope they catch the guy. … My New Year's resolution, of course, is to eat more salads and spend less time in the basement with the trains. I want to this year speak up more at my book club. This is the year I'm going to admit that I'm a hoarder and get help. I would like to start a patio heater rental company. … Also, 2011 is the year I hope to clear up the mystery about my birth certificate. Anybody here for the blizzard last week? We had two feet of snow in New York City. Everybody is blaming Mayor Bloomberg for this. They say, 'Well, you know, where was the mayor? Where was the mayor during the snow?' I said, 'Well you know, he's not that tall. He could have been adrift.' But everybody's up Mayor Bloomberg's nose about the blizzard. I hope this doesn't hurt his chances of becoming king of New York. … They say here in New York City right now 50,000 tons of garbage, 50,000 tons of garbage waiting to be collected. There is so much garbage, folks visiting from out-of-town please, don't try to see it all in one day. Sanitation workers are accused of drinking on the job and I thought, 'Well great. Nice to hear something was getting plowed'" ("Late Show," CBS, 1/4).

NBC's Jay Leno: "President Obama's roundtrip travel to Hawaii for this vacation costs $1 million for the air travel. Well hey, you check a few bags, you ask for a pillow, you ask for a blanket, it all adds up. … You know what I did for my holiday vacation? I stayed at home and watched inappropriate Navy videos. They were fascinating. Well, that's the big story. The captain of the aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise, has been relieved of his command for making and appearing in what they're calling 'inappropriate and raunchy videos' onboard this ship. They're calling this the most embarrassing video involving Navy personnel since that guy in the Village People. … The FBI is now investigating former Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell for allegedly misusing her campaign funds to pay for personal expenses like rent and gas and meals, stuff like that. See, this woman does not understand how politics works. First you get elected to the Senate, then you misuse the funds. You don't do it beforehand. … It's now being reported that airports all around the country are considering dumping the TSA in favor of using private security. They don't think the TSA pat-down guys are effective enough. In fact, a lot of times you see these TSA agents at the airport, they're just standing around with their thumb up our asses. … Sony is coming out with a smart phone that has a PlayStation built into it to compete with the iPhone, got a Playstation in the iPhone. It's called the 'I Just Crashed My Car Phone'" ("The Tonight Show," NBC, 1/4).   

LATE NIGHT LAUGHS:

ABC's Jimmy Kimmel: "Two women who worked as massage therapists for the New York Jets while Brett Favre played quarterback there have filed suit against Brett Favre and the team for alleged sexual harassment in 2008. An attorney for one of the therapists told 'Good Morning America' that Favre sent them sexually suggestive text messages and that the Jets massage coordinator told the women to keep it quiet. I think my favorite part of the story is that the Jets have a massage coordinator. I'd go with an offensive coordinator. But what a way for Brett Favre, after such a great career, to go out. I think the big lesson here is when you say you're going to retire, retire. The Jets have another embarrassing situation on their hands. Their head coach, a hefty gentleman named Rex Ryan, a woman who either is or looks exactly like his wife is featured in a number of online foot fetish videos and the guy shooting the videos sounds a lot like Rex Ryan. Well, it is called football" ("Jimmy Kimmel Live," ABC, 1/4).

Last night's Top Ten list was "Top Ten New York Department of Sanitation Excuses." Letterman: "This has been a huge story. Two feet of snow and then the mayor comes on and says everything is going to be fine. It's a holiday week. Don't worry about it. It's going to be fine. Far from it. Nothing was fine. Everybody went crazy. Deliberate work slowdown, workers accused of drinking on the job, accused of sleeping on the job, hanging out at Dunkin' Donuts for 11 hours during the storm. You can't blame them for that" ("Late Show," CBS, 1/4).

10) "It was cold."
9) "Couldn't get to work because no one plowed the streets."
8) "Didn't want to get hit by falling dead birds."
7) "What do we look like, ice road truckers?"
6) "Work slowdowns, sleeping on the job…shouldn't you be questioning the New York Giants?"
5) "Wait, New York City has a Department of Sanitation?"
4) "Waiting for Apple to develop a snow removal app."
3) "Still have our hands full cleaning up Charlie Sheen's hotel room."
2) "Distracted watching Rex Ryan home movies."
1) "We always pull crap like this during the holidays."

FINAL JEOPARDY….

"Who was Grover Cleveland?"

Correct responses to the "Tennis Vocabulary, Anyone?" category:

For $200: "What is an ace?"

For $400: "What is a fault?"

For $600: "What is the court?"

For $800: "What is a rally?"

For $1000: "What is love?"


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know at:
pbounds@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

The Morning Buzz provides an early update of the news and headlines each Monday through Friday at approximately 9:00am ET. If you would like to sign up for an e-mail alert to the Morning Buzz, go to My Account and personalize your e-mail alert options.

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: March 25, 2024

NFL meeting preview; MLB's opening week ad effort and remembering Peter Angelos.

Big Get Jay Wright, March Madness is upon us and ESPN locks up CFP

On this week’s pod, our Big Get is CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jay Wright. The NCAA Championship-winning coach shares his insight with SBJ’s Austin Karp on key hoops issues and why being well dressed is an important part of his success. Also on the show, Poynter Institute senior writer Tom Jones shares who he has up and who is down in sports media. Later, SBJ’s Ben Portnoy talks the latest on ESPN’s CFP extension and who CBS, TNT Sports and ESPN need to make deep runs in the men’s and women's NCAA basketball tournaments.

SBJ I Factor: Nana-Yaw Asamoah

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

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