NATIONAL TV MONITOR: Last night's 11:00pm ET 60-minute edition of ESPN's "SportsCenter" led with Braves-Marlins, followed by the White Sox acquiring Mets 2B Roberto Alomar and Rangers CF Carl Everett, and Twins-White Sox. The first non-MLB report, at 9:35 into the broadcast, was Serena Williams defeating Jennifer Capriati in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. ESPN's "Around The Horn" led with which NBA free agent the Lakers should pursue, followed by where free agent C Alonzo Mourning may sign, and former Lions RB Barry Sanders not stating his reasons for retiring. ESPN's "PTI" led with the disappearance of Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy, followed by a discussion on Richard Williams, and the on-field struggles of Braves P Greg Maddox. ESPN's David Aldridge discussed the NBA free agent signing period during the show's "Five Good Minutes" segment. FSN's "BDSSP" led with a roundtable discussion on NBA free agency, followed by an interview with D'Backs manager Bob Brenly. ESPN's "OTL Nightly" led with a report on Dennehy, followed by a report on athletes carrying guns.
REGIONAL TV MONITOR: FSN's "Southern Sports Report" led with Miami joining the ACC, followed by the Alomar trade, and the Univ. of WA rejecting suspended football coach Rick Neuheisel's appeal to keep his job. MSG's "SportsDesk" led with Alomar, followed by Expos-Mets, and NHL Rangers President & GM Glen Sather announcing he will coach the team next season.
ON THE AIR THIS MORNING: Jeff Gordon appeared on NBC's "Today" this morning to discuss the Dupont-sponsored "Get Real Behind The Wheel" initiative, which encourages safe driving for teens. Gordon appeared with the Pepsi Billion-Dollar car, which he will be driving Saturday in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona. If Gordon wins the race, one fan will have the chance to win $1B and four others will win Chevrolet Monte Carlos through a Pepsi promotion. This weekend's race kicks off NBC's portion of the Winston Cup schedule.
ON THE AIR TONIGHT: ESPN2 will air "The Making of Seabiscuit." Broadcaster Keith Jackson will call part of tonight's Mariners-A's game on ESPN2 as part of ESPN's "Living Legends" series. Don King, MLB HOFer Ferguson Jenkins and Cowboys QB Quincy Carter are scheduled to appear on FSN's "BDSSP." Speed Channel will air "Kyle Petty's Charity Ride Across America." National Geographic will air "Dangerous Jobs: Need for Speed, Auto Racing," a behind-the-scenes look at the individuals involved in the profession.
Have a submission for On The Air? If so, please contact Mark Simpson at marks@sportsbusinessdaily.com.
