An on-line survey of 10,613 fans on ESPNet's SportsZone
found that a majority disliked the new FoxTrax glowing puck that
premiered during Saturday's All-Star telecast. 67.3% who
responded said they disliked the glowing puck, while 32.7% liked
it (N.Y. TIMES, 1/23). A survey by the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
found "reaction was mixed -- but predominantly negative." Based
on 277 responses, 61.4% didn't like the puck, while 38.6% enjoyed
it (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 1/23). Fox Sports spokesperson Lou
D'Ermilio said the network "was very pleased" with the debut and
noted that TV columnists favored the new puck by 70-30% (PHILA.
INQUIRER, 1/23). Meanwhile, media writers were still commenting.
Writers who like the puck, but suggest some refinement include
the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER'S Mike Bruton, Baltimore SUN's Milton
Kent, and NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay. The CHICAGO TRIBUNE's Bernie
Lincicome and S.F. EXAMINER's Ross McKeon did not like FoxTrax
(THE DAILY). Fox Sports expects to use the FoxTrax system next
on March 31, probably on a Pittsburgh-Philadelphia game (Rudy
Martzke, USA TODAY, 1/23).
COMING SOON TO A GREEN NEAR YOU? Fox Sports President David
Hill said Fox is currently working to put a similar device inside
golf balls (Steve Zipay, NEWSDAY, 1/23).
