Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Those Wacky Italians!



Full Moon in Italy

So, I came across this story on Yahoo sports...see the link here .

I don't really get the European Soccer thing very well, but I respect the popularity and the devotion of both the players and the fans. But...I guess that is why they are able to get away with Dropping Trou over there. Imagine say, in the NFL, the defense Dropping Trou before a kicker is getting ready for a potential Game Winning Field Goal...or in the NBA, players on the blocks, dropping right before a Free Throw.

((thanks AP for the photo))

Would it be funny as hell. Of course. Would a certain segment of the American population freak out if they saw it, your damn Skippy!

Monday, November 17, 2008

ESPN + BCS = $$$$$$$

The 4 letter word is keeps moving without resistance toward global domination of the sports world. Last week the Worldwide Leader snatched all 4 rounds of the British Open ( or for you across the pond, The Open Championship) and will be golf's only major on cable.

Now comes world the evil empire now has acquired the BCS games starting in 2011. Fox Sports has given up after bidding $100 million to retain the rights. ESPN's bid was $125 million for 4 years.

Here's the official statement from Fox:

"Even with today's vast economic uncertainties, Fox Sports made a very competitive bid to keep broadcasting BCS games free to every home in America, one that included a substantial rights fee increase, and certainly as much as any over-the-air network could responsibly risk. Unfortunately, the University presidents and BCS commissioners were not satisfied and they've decided to take their jewel events to pay television. We wish everyone well."

The University presidents and BCS commissioners saw $$$$$$$ and made a deal with the devil. Now your college football isn't free anymore. You wonder if Congress will get involved as for the first time, a major sports championship game and the big bowl games will be seen only on cable, pay TV.

Thanks BCS for raising my cable bill.

Pujols N.L. MVP

Your National League MVP is...... Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Even though Pujols played on a bum elbow he still put up MVP numbers batting .357, 37 home runs and 116 RBI's .

It's his 2nd NL MVP honor, Pujols won it in 2005.
Photo Courtesy: Scott Boehm/Getty Images

AP Men's College Basketball Poll

1. North Carolina (72) 1-0
2. Connecticut 1-0
3. Louisville 0-0
4. UCLA 2-0
5. Michigan St. 1-0
6. Pittsburgh 1-0
7. Texas 1-0
8. Notre Dame 1-0
9. Gonzaga 1-0 1,
10. Duke 3-0
11. Purdue 1-0
12. Oklahoma 1-0
13. Memphis 1-0
14. Tennessee 1-0
15. Arizona St. 1-0
15. Marquette 1-0
17. Miami 1-0
18. Florida 2-0
19. Southern Cal 1-0
20. Wake Forest 1-0
21. Davidson 1-0
22. Georgetown 0-0
23. Villanova 1-0
24. Kansas 1-0 207 24
25. Wisconsin 1-0
Others receiving votes: Baylor 125, UNLV 116, Saint Mary's, Calif. 108, Xavier 102, Syracuse 97, Ohio St. 49, Clemson 33, Texas A&M 32, LSU 23, BYU 17, Washington St. 13, West Virginia 10, Va. Commonwealth 8, Virginia Tech 8, Siena 7, Vanderbilt 6, Rhode Island 5, Alabama 3, Mercer 3, Creighton 2, UAB 2, Arizona 1, CS Northridge 1, Holy Cross 1, S. Illinois 1, VMI 1, Washington 1.

Bad Cuban: SEC Charges Mark Cuban

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has some explaining to do with the Feds. Federal regulators have charged Cuban with insider trading for allegedly using confidential information on a stock sale to avoid substandial financial losses.

The Security and Exchange Commission filed a civil lawsuit against Cuban on Monday in a federal court in Dallas. The SEC (no not that one) says Cuban had the opportunity to get in on the common stock offering of Mamma.com, Inc. after he agreed to keep the information private back in June 2004.

The SEC contends that Cuban knew shares were to be sold below market value and after a few hours of getting that information, Cuban told his broker to sell them avioding $175,000 in losses. The SEC tends to frown upon that.

No comment from Cuban or his attorneys.

Cuban's net worth is $2.3 billion according to Forbes magazine as of March 2007. That's filthy rich.

Photo Courtesy: Tim Heitman/NBA/Getty Images


Sunday, November 16, 2008

BCS Standings

1. Alabama (11-0) .9787
2. Texas Tech (10-0) .9698
3. Texas (10-1) .8911
4. Florida (9-1) .8755
5. Oklahoma (9-1) .8388
6. So. California (9-1) .7873
7. Utah (11-0) .7643
8. Penn State (10-1) .6957
9. Boise State (10-0) .6559
10. Ohio State (9-2) .6154
11. Georgia (9-2) .6129
12. Oklahoma State (9-2) .5672
13. Missouri (9-2) .5600
14. Brigham Young (10-1) .4393
15. Michigan State (9-2) .4021
16. Texas Christian (9-2) .3858
17. Ball State (10-0) .3673
18. LSU (7-3) .2727
19. Cincinnati (8-2) .2594
20. Pittsburgh (7-2) .2171
21. Oregon State (7-3) .2027
22. North Carolina (7-3) .1329
23. Miami (Fla.) (7-3) .1023
24. Oregon (8-3) .0630
25. Maryland (7-3) .0550

College Basketball: Colonial Predictions

George Mason is still reaping the benefits of their at a loss for words Final Four run a few years back. The CAA still has some clout because of the popularity of G Mase, who had a great recruiting year. VCU & ODU are the one you should know out of the Colonial.

Best Team In The Colonial Athletic Association: Virginia Commonwealth Rams
VCU has made a commitment to star coach in the making Anthony Grant. LSU and South Carolina came a callin' but knows he's got a good thing going in Richmond. Why be the small fish in a big pond when his the kingfish of the CAA. Point guard Eric Maynor is the key to the Rams success. He can score, launch from the land of the 3 and distribute. Maynor puts his teammates in a position for success. VCU should rule the CAA this year.

Best Player In The CAA: Eric Maynor - Virginia Commonwealth
Maynor was second in the league in scoring last season averaging 17.9 points per game, led the CAA is assist with 5.5 per and shot 39% from the 3 point line.

Team That Could Surprise: Northeastern Huskies
All 5 starters return including Matt Janning who was 3rd in the CAA in scoring averaging 16.6 PPG. The Huskies already have a win over Providence from the Big East. We will see how good Northeastern is New Years Eve when the Huskies travel to Memphis to battle the Tigers

Who Goes Dancing: VCU

Who Plays For Number 66: ODU, Northeastern
CAA Predictions
1. VCU
2. Northeastern
3. Old Dominion
4. Delaware
5. George Mason
6. Georgia State
7. Hofstra
8. James Madison
9. William & Mary
10. UNC Wilmington
11. Drexel
12. Towson

Photo Courtesy: vcuathletics.com

College Basketball: Southeastern Conference

There are 4 quality teams in the SEC, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. That quartet all come from the SEC Eastern Division. The SEC Western Division is a vast wasteland. Alabama, well Ronald Steele is the key. LSU, Tasmin Mitchell is back but new coach, new system. Andy Kennedy is a gem of a head coach but can't seem to get Ole Miss into the NCAA's. Auburn, not much there. Mississippi State, in full rebuilding mode. Arkansas is rebuilding, retooling and in for a long year.

Best Team In The SEC: Tennessee Volunteers
Is Bruce Pearl the most marketable head basketball coach in SEC history? He's a rare commodity that can sell the product and deliver the goods above and beyond what was expected. Pearl has made men's basketball matter at a University where football and women's basketball ruled on campus. Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith and Jordan Howell are gone but Pearl brought in a great recruiting class. Couple that with Tyler Smith and those are ingredients for an SEC title up in Rocky Top and a deep NCAA Tournament Run.

Best Player In The SEC: Tyler Smith - Tennessee
Smith led the Vols in field goal percentage, rebounds and assists and thought about going into the NBA Draft. Smith returns for his junior season as the focal point of the Vols. UT will need Smith to take some of the scoring load with the departure of Chris Lofton. He's been working all summer on his perimeter jumper. Add that to his resume' and Tyler Smith could be getting paid to play next year.

Team That Could Surprise - Ole Miss Rebels
Bruce Pearl may be the media darling among the head coaches in the SEC. Andy Kennedy is the most underrated. In 2 seasons at Oxford he's made Ole Miss a factor in the SEC. The Rebels somehow stumble in mid-season the last 2 years and end up playing in the NIT. This year Ole Miss has the best backcourt in the SEC in Chris Warren and David Huertas. The frontcourt is inexperienced but if Kennedy can get his young bigs to handle the next level, Ole Miss might take the West and make the big dance for the first time in 7 years.

Who Goes Dancing: Tennessee, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Ole Miss

Who Plays For Number 66: Alabama, LSU

SEC Notes: Georgia's run during the SEC Tournament last season was one for the ages. It bought Dennis Felton some time. Will Felton be a lame duck coach at the SEC Tournament this year? Darrin Horn turned his Sweet 16 run at Western Kentucky last year into a employment upgrade to South Carolina. The Gamecocks have been were stale as a 3 day old doughnut last season. Horn's job is to freshen things up and get 'Cock fans excited again. Trent Johnson takes over at LSU trying a to reverse a 2 year slide to mediocrity under John Brady.

SEC Predictions
Eastern Division
Tennessee
Florida
Kentucky
Vanderbilt
South Carolina
Georgia

Western Division
Ole Miss
LSU
Alabama
Auburn
Mississippi State
Arkansas

Photo Courtesy: AP

Friday, November 14, 2008

College Basketball: Pac 10 Predictions

UCLA rules the west coast and Ben Howland has another great team returning to Westwood. Arizona State could make life hell for the Bruins though.

Best Team In The Pac-10: UCLA Bruins
UCLA has the brand name, gets all the top 5 star talent out west and has a brilliant head coach in Ben Howland. Darren Collison returned for his senior season and is a playmaker and a shut down defender. The Bruins may have lost Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Richard Mbah a Moute to the NBA but don't worry, UCLA has the goods to go back to the Final Four.

Best Player In The Pac-10: James Harden - Arizona State
It would be easy to pick Collison but Harden is the real deal. He can shoot, defend, drive the hoop and finish plus draw fouls. Enjoy him Sun Devil fans, Harden won't be around much longer. NBA millions beckon.

Team That Could Surprise: Washington State Cougars
Wazzou lost 3 key starters but this team still has some veteran leaders. Most importantly, Tony Bennett is an outstanding coach and will find ways to get 20 wins and a upper division finish in the Pac-10

Who Goes Dancing: UCLA, Arizona State, Southern California, Washington State

Who Plays For Number 66: Washington, California, Arizona

Pac-10 Notes: Former Stanford head coach Mike Montgomery has moved to the other side of the tracks taking over at California. Bears fans have embraced their former enemy. Stanford has a new head coach to, former Duke assistant Johnny Dawkins, he doesn't have the Lopez twins around. It might be a long year on the farm.

Pac-10 Predictions

1. UCLA
2. Arizona State
3. Southern California
4. Washington State
5. Washington
6. California
7. Arizona
8. Oregon
9. Stanford
10. Oregon State

Photo Courtesy: AP

Tampa Bay Lightening Bolt Barry Melrose

Barry Melrose's honeymoon in Tampa Bay lasted 2 months. Melrose was fired today as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightening. The 'Ning were 5-7-4 under Melrose.

Rick Tocchet takes over on a interim basis.

“This was a tough decision to make,” Executive Vice President & General Manager Brian Lawton said. “Barry is a good man and we have a great deal of respect for him. We wish him nothing but success. However, the results were unacceptable and the players have to understand that we need to be better. Hopefully this change helps push them."

Yeah right, don't let the door hit you in the backside Barry. No patience in Tampa Bay.

Don't be surprised if Melrose's place next will be on the Versus network. Why would he go back to the Worldwide leader.
Photo Courtesy: DIRK SHADD/St. Petersburg Times

KHL Releases Preliminary Cherepanov Findings

The KHL is telling the world today that medical techinicians were not at fault in the passing of hockey player Alexei Cherepanov ((pictured, thanks Getty Images)). Neither were the on-site doctors that attended to him after his collapse on the bench during a game last month.

From TSN:

''They acted professionally and did everything they could. The absence of special medical equipment in the arena was not the cause of death of this hockey player,'' said KHL Vice-President of Hockey Operations Vladimir Shalaev. ''This does not mean, however, that the charges pending will be dismissed nor does it mean that there will be no disciplinary action against these individuals. The KHL acted appropriately and within its bounds in imposing sanctions against the Vityaz club director and other officials involved in this tragic accident.''

That "revelation" and the finding that five KHL players, all under the age of 20, were found to have serious health concerns during the league's own health investigations were all that came out of today's presser in Russia.

''Of this group, it appears that one or two young hockey players may have significant health concerns and may have to change their careers,'' said Shalaev. ''This will be a big disappointment to them, but that is the nature of professional sports. The KHL has an obligation to these young men not to endanger their health in any way.''

Shalaev did not appear to have a rear-view mirror on his desk as he made his statements.

The league would not go in to any further details about the criminal investigation, as it is ongoing, and was not closed by November 14th. The "comprehensive" medical exam on Cherepanov is still moving forward as well.

Look for resolution at a moment when the world isn't paying all that much attention anymore.

NASCAR Suspends 2009 Testing

Remember that whole "economy" thing we've been talking about...?

Well, NASCAR is talking about it again...

Instead of teams merging, the governing body is trying to save money and create one LESS thing the drivers have to worry about as PR machines these days. All five NASCAR based series are suspending testing for the upcoming season. Yes, we mean everything from NASCAR, Nationwide, trucks, and NASCAR East and West.

From the NASCAR folks their own selves...ahem... quote...

"NASCAR reached this decision following several months of discussion with the teams regarding testing, coupled with the current economic conditions. The suspension of testing should save the industry millions of dollars.

"This is a significant move during an unusual time for all of us," said NASCAR President Mike Helton in making the announcement. “NASCAR has routinely adjusted its test policy over the years to reflect current conditions. This is another example of that.”

It also keeps the drivers from being spread too thinly during the season going from race track to testing track to public appearance to qualifying to racing multiple times on any given weekend.

I don't think they'll complain too much... and who knows...? It may actually save a few bucks...

Clemson Interviewing Coaching Candidates

Clemson is in the process to find a new head football coach. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster is interviewing with Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips Friday.

Phillips flew to Detroit and interviewed former Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin. He has also interviewed Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

Interviews with Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson seem to be in the works. I wouldn't be surprised there will be a conversation between Phillips and outgoing Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer.

Foster has been the only one to public state his interest in the Clemson head coaching position.

Don't forget that Dabo Swinney is auditioning for this job and is winning the hearts and minds of Tigertown. In a recent survey by greenvilleonline.com out of Greenville, South Carolina, Swinney was the popular choice getting 37% of the vote over Bill Cowher with 23%. Bobby Johnson received 13% while Will Muschamp got 10%.

Your CFL Conference Finals Preview

We're just going to do it through highlights...
And leave it to FOOSG Sportsnet's Clubber Lang for the actual words on the whole thing...

Western Semi-Final: ((HT: CFL/TSN/the youtube))
BC blows out Saskatchewan to set up a Final with Calgary Saturday afternoon at 5:30 eastern...


Eastern Semi-Final: ((HT: the same as above))
Edmonton takes out home-standing Winnipeg and get to travel to Montreal at 1:00 eastern...


Guaran-damn-tee you that CFL Poobah Mark Cohon is rooting for the Als since Montreal hosts the Grey Cup Final next weekend. The last thing he wants is a Edmonton-Calgary/BC gig...

Seven Up...? Vick "Expects" To Be Reinstated

The bankruptcy lawyers for "7," aka Michael Vick, fully anticipate their client's return to the National Football League after his 23-month sentence is up at Leavenworth.

Dave Forster's article in the Virginian-Pilot newspaper relays information from papers filed with the US Bankruptcy Court Wednesday. Those papers detail the progress 7's attorneys are having getting to the proposed bottom of his legal and financial matters.

From the article... ahem... quote...

"In a disclosure statement filed Wednesday, lawyers for Vick said the Newport News native still has a contract with the Atlanta Falcons but needs to be reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to satisfy his contractual obligations and play again.

“The Debtor has every reason to believe that upon his release, he will be reinstated into the NFL, resume his career and be able to earn a substantial living,” they wrote."

7 is scheduled to show up for a hearing in Virginia on November 25th and plead guilty to state charges of animal cruelty and dog fighting in Surry County. But there is no immediate thought that the pleas will add to his sentence.

The sentence is supposed to end in July, but 7's attorneys are wrangling to get their charge in to a half-way house and cut the time even further. There are two other dates to be concerned with after the November hearing- January 15 and 16 of 2009. At that time, 7 is supposed to have his plan of action for reimbursing creditors in place and he is also going to be appointed a trustee to arrange his finances in a sound manner.

Sources close to the three-letter network HQ here are still wondering when the RICO statutes are going to be addressed for trafficking dogs across state lines for the purpose of fighting as well as the international charges around his debt to the Royal Bank of Canada.

Just axin'...

Thursday, November 13, 2008

College Basketball: Big 12 Predictions

Time to check out the big conferences and let's begin with the Big 12. Kansas won the NCAA Championship last year but only return 4 scholarship players needless to say the Jayhawks are in full rebuilding mode. It won't be gloom or even doom though in Lawrence as Bill Self has reloaded with some JUCO and high school talent. KU will be down for a short time but will never be out.

Best Team In The Big 12: This is a tough choice because Oklahoma and Texas are deep and talented but I'm going with the Baylor Bears. Scott Drew put the paddles and resuscitated the Baylor program a few years ago. Now the Bears are to the point of expecting a deep NCAA Tournament run. Why do I like Baylor? Because to win big in college basketball, you must have versatile guards and have depth at that position. The Bears have that. This group can score, distribute and most importantly is experienced. 3 of Baylor's guards average double figures lat year. Guard Curtis Jerrells led the team last year in scoring at 15.3 points per game mostly by driving to the hoop but is working on improving his 3 point shooting. Henry Duget is lightening quick and LaceDarius Dunn is money off the bench. If Baylor makes a few stops on defense, the Bears were last in defense in the Big 12 last season, they will cut down the nets and collect the championship hardware.

Best Player In The Big 12: Blake Griffin - Oklahoma

I love to watch Griffin play. He has a soft shooting touch and is a commanding presence grabbing rebounds plus he adds toughness to the Sooners. He finished the 07-08 season with 10 double-doubles, the last 7 against NCAA Tournament teams. Griffin should get plenty of attention for national player of the year honors.

Team That Could Surprise - Texas Tech Red Raiders

Pat Knight isn't his dad yet but this team isn't bad. Texas Tech was picked 10th in the Big 12 preseason poll but the Red Raiders have some players and play as a team. I wouldn't be surprised if Texas Tech puts together a middle of the road year and win 1 or 2 game in the Big 12 Tournament, enough to earn the final bid to the dance from the league.

Who Goes Dancing: Baylor, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

Who Plays For Number 66: Oklahoma State, Missouri, Nebraska

Big 12 Predictions
1. Baylor
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. Kansas
5. Texas A&M
6. Texas Tech
7. Missouri
8. Oklahoma State
9. Nebraska
10. Kansas State
11. Colorado
12. Iowa State

Photo Courtesy: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Just When you think You've Seen it all!


Too Funny to be True (But it is!)


Okay, as much as I like to make fun of the 4-Letter word (ESPN), I'm not really sure that there is anything that I can say that will top this:



Yes, your eyes aren't decieving you...IT'S ESPN...THE MIC!

Check it out at Toys 'r Us right here

Here is a line from the product description:

"The ESPN Sportscaster Microphone lets you make the calls, and announce the game! Three modes for sounds of the game: Football, Baseball & Basketball! Announcer tips, tricks, and built-in calls from SportsCenter anchor Steve Levy! "

Okay, you really can't make up stuff like this. Steve Levy is a perfectly serviceable ESPN announcer, but I'm guessing there isn't a rush of people that want to grow up to be just like him or for that matter know who he is. (Maybe I'm wrong) Though I suppose he is a better choice than say Cindy Brunson.

I'm not really sure exactly what a kid would do with an item like this other than annoy the hell out of anyone within earshot. But then again, kids like to do that. And so do bloggers, so buy one for all of your blogging friends (just kidding).

To quote from our friends at Sports Illustrated: "This Weeks sign that the Apocolypse is Upon us". I can't say it any better!

((thanks again Awful Announcing for uncovering this deep, dark secret))

Another Dirty Dozen (Return to the Law of Averages)



So I'm not as Smart as I think I am!

Last week wasn't so stellar for this chooser of choice, a-naylist of anylists, smart ass of smart asses. But then again, it seems like every year at this team, crazy, wacky stuff happens. But as always, the Earth continues to rotate, the cream rises to the top and "The Great Pumpkin" is leaving soon.

((pictured: Daisy the Wonder Dog, Courtesy My Cellphone))

Last week: 10-5. Not bad, but a drop-off from the previous weeks. Overall: 47-15...not so bad, thankfully I'm not picking the Vegas spread though.

This Weeks List:

1. Alabama (Not much arguement at this point. They were lucky to escape Baton Rouge. I can't wait to see the SEC Championship vs. Florida. This Week: Alabama 17, Mississippi St. 10)
2. Texas Tech (I keep saying it, but maybe this is the week. The gauntlet is too tough in the Big 12 to run the table. This Week: Catching a breath)
3. Florida (As much as I hate to say it, they may be the best team overall. They seem to have turned it up several gears here and nobody has stopped them. This Week: Florida 38, South Carolina 17)
4. Oklahoma (They may be the 2nd best of them all. Don't be surprised if they end up in Miami with the Gators. This Week: See #2)
5. Texas (All they can do is sit, watch and hope for a break. I don't think that break is going to be coming. This Week: Texas 41, Kansas 24)
6. USC (Yawn! Dude, the PAC 10 sucks! They will keep winning, but won't gain on anybody above them at this point. This Week: Southern Cal 27, Stanford 17)
7. Boise State (I know, they've been here before and this time they are staying. This is a pretty good team that can beat a lot of the Top 10. This Week: Boise State 34, Idaho 7 Potatoes)
8. Utah (It looks like they aren't going anywhere for at least a week too. If I had to pick, I'd say they are the 2nd "Non" BCS team and that won't get them in. This Week: Utah 31, San Diego State 10)
9. State Penn (Just when you think they had it...they don't. Somehow, I shouldn't be surprised that they gagged, but yet I was. This Week: State Penn 27, Indiana 14)
10. Oklahoma State (I'm not dropping the Mike Gundy's out of the list, I just can't do that. I really expected more last week, but...seh la! This Week: Oklahoma State 37, Ralphie the Buffalo 7 Chips)
11. Georgia (Yeah, they are back in. They seem to have become a Big 12 team...all offense, no defense. Quite honestly the offense is pretty damn good. Watch out for traps this week. This Week: Dawgs 27, Auburn 21)
12 Ball State (The fighting David Letterman's belong...oh yes they do. Easily the best team in their state, they could probably beat most of the Big 10 this year. This Week: Not playing until next Wednesday)

The Bottom of the Barrel:

5. Tennessee (Thanks for coaching us Great Pumpkin. Watch us lose to Wyoming! I hate to tell these guys, but they aren't going to be good for a long time. This Week: Dreaded Bye Week 21, Tennessee 7)
4. Meechagan (Yes, your stuck here for a while. Bwahhaaaa! It's been a long time coming. Please enjoy your stay. This Week: Northwestern 23, Michigan 17)

3. SMU (I don't know why I bother. The June Jones' are just not very good. Just remember "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave". This Week: UTEP 31, SMU 13)

2. Washington State (Good thing there is no d in Washington. Get it? "D" in Washington! Damn I'm funny. However watching these guys...not so funny. This Week: Arizona State 41, Washed State 7)

1. Washington (Well, there's always Seattle Super Sonics Basketball. No...there isn't? They moved? Maybe these guys should follow. This Week: UCLA 21, Washington 17)

You too can be an Actor!

This is Different...

Those of us here at the 3-letter word (OSG) often don't agree with the philosophy, tactics and general snootiness of our friends at the 4-letter word (ESPN). As much as we despise, well pretty much everything that they have become, their promo department often comes up with some very dry, entertaining and sometimes funny promos. We aren't real sure that this is going to uphold that tradition, well, because it plays to more than a few stereotypes.

((Big props to our friends at Awful Announcing for finding this gem))

**UPDATE 11/14- Per USA Today, 4-Letter word comes to senses. See the article here **

When you read this below, notice such fine mentions as the "Slutty" Tennessee crazy girl and the Purdue guy (they also mis-spelled Purdue ((perdue)) which is even funnier) who would be like the "McLovin" character from "Superbad". Or the "Jewish" Syracuse guy or perhaps the "Black" kid from Memphis.

Take a look at it for yourself and see what you think:

ESPNPromo

SAGPAY RATE: SAG PROMO RATE
Director: Matt Aselton
Casting Director: ERICA PALGON
Interview: Thurs 11/13 and Fri 11/14, Mon 11/17Fitting: 11/21Shoot: 11/24, 25
Location: New York
SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY LIZ LEWIS CASTING PARTNERSEVERYONE MUST BE STRONG WITH COMEDY/IMPROV. PLEASE WRITE ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES, IN THE NOTES PAGE, ABOUT ACTOR'S COMEDIC/IMPROV EXPERIENCE/TRAINING, THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL IN LOOKING THROUGH SUBMISSIONS
All roles are ages 18-22 yrs old. WITH THE EXCEPTION of PERDUE.The concept: The spots take place in the ESPN College Basketball Call Center (CBBCC).
All of these guys are there representing their schools, calling people on the phone to get them to watch more College Basketball. Basically they are selling college basketball.

SEEKING:[ DUKE UNIVERSITY ]MALE. Our guy for Duke UNIVERSITY is a smart, with it, young WHITE male. He's handsome. He's from money. He is, in short, the kind of guy, everyone can't stand. He is the kind of guy everyone wants to be.

[ NORTH CAROLINA ]FEMALE. She's a Southern bell. She is the counterpoint to Duke. Being young and pretty everyone wants to be around her. She's charming. Not a dingbat, she's sharp.

[ TEXAS ]MALE. Straight out20of an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog, Texas is a young man's man. He is the kind of guy that could field dress a deer and then take you to the debutante ball in 20. Polite, farm boy. He's good at everything. Except call centering.

[ KANSAS ]MALE. Kansas is straight off the farm. However, he takes great pains to point out that Kansas is very cosmopolitan, as witnessed by their record, their burgeoning tech industry, and their hybrid corns (bonus:modified by fish genes!)

[ CONNECTICUT ]MALE. Connecticut is all things Connecticut. He's a little bit older.He's a little bit thicker around the waist. He's WHITE. He's also competitive. Very. Waspy, blue blood.

[ OKLAHOMA ]MALE. Oklahoma is awesome and he thinks everything is awesome. He's very enthusiastic about all things call center and all things life and he wants to share this contagious enthusiasm with everyone he meets.Wide-eyed, as naive as they come.

[ LOUISVILLE ]MALE. Louisville is very true to place. He's short. He's HISPANIC. And one day he hopes to carry on in proud Louisville tradition and race thoroughbreds.

[ TENNESSEE ]FEMALE. Tennessee is orange crazy. The ice tray in her orange fridge, that freezes the water she dyes orange, is that orange. The party girl cowboy hat she wears is a white and orange zebra print. The tattoo on her lower back is Pantone 3 for that Tennessee orange. The only thing that's not orange is her dog, which is the20mascot Smokey. Did we mention she's crazy? A slutty girl who would hang out at the cowgirl hall of fame.

[ PURDUE ]MALE. Child prodigy. 14-year-old. Or open to an 18-year-old who looks 14. Aeronautical engineering. Wiz kid. Think McLovin from Superbad.

[ VILLANOVA ]MALE. Villanova is the poor man's Duke — he's not quite as handsome, he's not quite as rich, he's not quite as dapper. After 2 or 3 beers though, who cares? As he's friendly enough.

[ NOTRE DAME ]MALE He's an ASIAN kid who is in to all things Notre Dame, ridiculously so. Oh, and he's always fighting. Every time we encounter him he always has some words or another, be it the faint traces of a black eye, or a scab or whatever. He epitomizes the fightin' Irish.

[ PITTSBURGH ]FEMALE. Pittsburgh is a tomboy. She obviously grew up in the neighborhood and isn't going to take any guff from anyone and she'll wallop you in the eye with a crowbar if you suggest different. So don't. Think Tina Fey type.

[ SYRACUSE ]MALE. Jewish kid from Long Island that is loving the college experience. It has opened up a world he never knew existed. All you can eat buffets in the cafeteria — who knew? To Syracuse, everything is a party.

[ GEORGETOWN ]FEMALE. Georgetown, a 4.36 GPA who's lived in 9 world-class cities, but all the time in her sister's shadow (her GPA is 4.37). She's sort of the female Duke, except most people like her. Think Reese Witherspoon.

[ GONZAGA ]MALE. No one knows what Gonzaga looks like because no one knows where to find him. He is still stuck in the grunge look, reckless, in from the wild. Flannel look. Chews tobacco. Guy that would go to school in the Pacific Northwest.

[ MARQUETTE ]FEMALE. Marquette, on a scale of 1-10, she's a six. A B-, C in every category you can define a person by. Her defining characteristic is you don't really remember her. You're not breaking your arm to get to her, but you're not chewing it off to get away. She does have a winning personality though. Midwest, sweet girl.

[ MICHIGAN STATE ]MALE. Blue collar to the core. Michigan State is one tough kid that grew up by putting a few down. That's just Michigan State's way. Big beefy kid.

[ MEMPHIS ]MALE. What can we say about Memphis? He's a southern BLACK kid, really culinary and polite. He's artistic, and draws comic books really well.

[ MARYLAND ]MALE. He plays lacrosse. A dude. Low key. Mid Atlantic, wears baseball hats and chinos.
[ OHIO STATE ]MALE. He looks like Jim Tressle (head coach of Ohio State football) in the dress code. Red sweater vest. Always. Doesn't care for swearing either — of course we never really test this out as they are commercial advertisements and no one swears in them, but it's true nevertheless.A Republican.
[ ILLINOIS ]MALE. African-American. Young Obama. Think Toofer-the straight-laced, Harvard grad write r from 30 Rock (Keith Powell)
[ OKLAHOMA STATE ]FEMALE. She's a fun loving girl, Oklahoma born and bred. Decided not to travel out of State so she should be closer to home. She's a flirt.She's a hot chick.
[ TEXAS A&M ]MALE. True to the region, Texas A&M is one tough dude. He's not big physically, but he is imposing. He's an ROTC kid and his 100-yard stare lets you know it.[ BAYLOR ]MALE & FEMALE. Baylor is not one people but two. It's a couple. In fact, we're not even sure which one goes to Baylor. We only know they are madly in love. Their world is each other, which is really sweet or really sickening, depending. Think Sheri Oteri and Will Farrell as the cheerleaders

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Earnhardt + Ganassi = New Nascar Math

An economy makes for strange bedfellows... NASCAR is no different...

It appears, according to those wire services and other sources that are around, that Teresa Earnhardt and Chip Ganassi will be merging their race teams to create a mega-squad for the 2009 season. The new venture will be called "Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing."

The four drivers in play are:

Martin Truex, Junior- He has a fully-sponsored ride for next year from DEI.
Aric Almirola- He does not...
Juan Pablo Montoya ((pictured, thanks chipganassiracing.com))- He's half-sponsored from the Ganassi side of the family.
Some fourth driver to be named later during the Silly Season- This would be to drive the Ganassi #41 car. It has a fully-sponsored car but, obviously, no driver.

The only other questions... other than sponsors and drivers... is what exactly they'll all be driving. DEI fields Chevrolets. Ganassi drives Dodges.

The idea is for all four to drive for the bowtie...

“In this ultra-competitive era of NASCAR, it is necessary to build and sustain the strongest team possible and our combining with the people and equipment at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will help create a strong four-car program for years to come,” said Chip Ganassi. “This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners.”

The release from Ganassi Racing can be found in black...