A Few More Releases

I saw a few more releases to post.

First from MLB, we have the announcement of who’s singing the national anthem before tonight’s World Series Game 2.

Five-time Grammy Award winner John Legend will sing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to Game Two of the 2009 World Series. The performance will coincide within the overall dedication of Game Two of the World Series to celebrating the legacy of Roberto Clemente and the spirit of community service.

Legend has sold more than five million albums world wide and garnered multiple hit singles, received countless awards and has been called one of the most compelling and important singer/songwriters of this generation. In 2007, Legend and his team launched the Show Me Campaign whose mission is to fight poverty through fostering sustainable development. Legend has recently been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2009 and has been honored with the 2008 Humanitarian Award from CARE and the 2008 Difference Award from OneXOne.

Legend will sing the National Anthem after New York natives Jay-Z and Alicia Keys perform of their hit single “Empire State of Mind” on FOX with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Next, Florida coach Urban Meyer appears on CBS College Sports on Friday.

FLORIDA COACH URBAN MEYER SITS DOWN FOR SPECIAL EPISODE OF CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK’S “ONE2ONE” INTERVIEW SERIES

“ONE2ONE: URBAN MEYER” Airs Friday, Oct. 30 at 8:00 PM, ET

CBS College Sports Network airs a special edition of the network’s in-depth interview series ONE2ONE on Friday, Oct. 30 (8:00 PM, ET), featuring Florida football coach Urban Meyer. CBS College Sports Network contributor and USA Today columnist Christine Brennan sits down with Meyer in advance of Georgia taking on No. 1-ranked Florida this weekend on CBS Sports.

Meyer discusses a range of topics, including starting the season 7-0 (the first time Florida has done so since 1996), his special relationship with Tim Tebow, growing up in Ohio and his love for Ohio State, his place alongside college football coaching legends and why the Georgia game is special.

To see a clip of Meyer discussing Tim Tebow’s concussion and the emotional affect it had on him, click here.

Christine Brennan is an award-winning sports columnist for USA Today, an ABC News and NPR commentator, a best-selling author and a nationally-known speaker. Twice named one of the country’s top 10 sports columnists by the Associated Press Sports Editors, she has covered 13 consecutive Olympic Games, summer and winter. Brennan, one of the nation’s most-read sports columnists, was the first woman sports writer at The Miami Herald in 1981 and the first woman to cover the Washington Redskins as a staff writer at The Washington Post in 1985.

ONE2ONE features personal sit-down interviews with the biggest names in sports. Since the show’s debut in December 2004, guests have included NFL Legend Dan Marino, Louisville coach Rick Pitino, NBA Commissioner David Stern, legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno and Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, among others.

CBS College Sports Network is available across the country through local cable operators and via satellite on DIRECTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Cha
nnel 152. For more information on how to get CBS College Sports Network, go to www.cbscollegesports.com.

Here’s quotage from NFL Network’s Gameday Highlights and Gameday Final from Sunday.

Week 7 (Oct. 25, 2009) – Quotable from NFL GameDay Final & NFL GameDay Highlights on NFL Network

(Airs Sundays at 7:30 PM ET & 11:30 PM ET)

**NEXT WEEK: SPECIAL 2-HOUR NFL GAMEDAY FINAL AT 7:30 PM ET**

FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS & FULL POSTGAME COVERAGE OF BRETT FAVRE’S RETURN TO GREEN BAY

“Usually when a quarterback throws three picks he goes into a shell. Not Drew Brees.”

— Deion Sanders on Saints QB Drew Brees, who led New Orleans to victory after throwing three interceptions

“Ugly win in some regards. But a fantastic win in other regards”

– Steve Mariucci on Saints victory despite an 18-point deficit, five sacks allowed and three interceptions

“That’s an Earl Campbell move.”

— Deion Sanders on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson running over a Steelers defender on a 29-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter

“This combination of [Tony] Romo to Miles Austin…look out.”

– Steve Mariucci on Cowboys QB-WR duo, which has combined for 421 yards and four touchdowns in the last two games

“He can go deep, he can go short, and he can make the tough catches.”

– Deion Sanders on Cowboys WR Miles Austin, who had 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns vs. Falcons

“The wrong guy might have been benched. Patrick Crayton has been one of the most consistent Cowboy receivers in the last several years. He dropped one ball in the playoffs which he caught a lot of flak for. If I’m going to put my best 11 out there, Patrick Crayton should be one of those guys.”

– Deion Sanders on Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton

“He should be mentioned with the top tight ends in the game.”

— Deion Sanders on Texans TE Owen Daniels, who leads NFL tight ends with 497 receiving yards

“All-rookie team.”

— Steve Mariucci on Bills S Jairus Byrd, who had two interceptions vs. Panthers. He is tops among rookies and second in the NFL with five interceptions.

“This is a good defense. Look out for the Cincinnati Bengals.”

— Steve Mariucci on 5-2 Bengals

“This is Cedric the Entertainer now.”

— Rich Eisen on Bengals RB Cedric Benson, who leads the NFL with 720 rushing yards

“When this offense gets it together, you can see the makings of something special with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.”

– Michael Irvin on the San Francisco 49ers offense

“They do a great job of selecting running backs.”

– Deion Sanders on the Indianapolis Colts and RB Donald Brown

*** Additional exclusive video clips from Sunday’s NFL GameDay are available on NFL.com. Click on the video segments. These videos include:

– Cowboys QB Tony Romo’s 311-yard, 3 TD performance vs. Falcons

– http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d813b1018/WK-7-Tony-Romo-highlights

– Deion Sanders’ “Let’s Go Primetime”

– http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d813b4903/Let-s-Go-Primetime

– And many more Week 7 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com.

**SPECIAL 2-HOUR NFL GAMEDAY FINAL AT 7:30 PM ET NEXT WEEK**

FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS & FULL POSTGAME COVERAGE OF BRETT FAVRE’S RETURN TO GREEN BAY

7:30 PM -8:30 PM ET: NFL GameDay Highlights

Host: Rich Eisen Analysts: Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin

Following the late after
noon games, NFL GameDay Highlights offers analysis of the events of the day. Includes highlights from all completed games, insider commentary, on-field interviews and post-game press conferences.

11:30 PM -1:00 AM ET: NFL GameDay Final

Host: Rich Eisen Analysts: Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucci

NFL GameDay Final is the definitive exclamation point on Sundays providing unlimited highlights of all the games, plus post-game press conferences, interviews from the field and locker room, audio captured throughout the day and expert analysis.

The NFL Network also gives us quotes from “The Head Coaches” on Monday.

Quotable from Week 7 Edition of The Coaches Show on NFL Network

(Airs Mondays at 6:30 PM ET with replays at 8:30 and 10:00 PM ET)

Quick Quotes:

“They have weapons galore and they are balanced on offense and defense…The Saints don’t run because they have to, they run it because they want to.” – Steve Mariucci on the New Orleans Saints and they’re balanced offense

“They were down 21 points and they didn’t blink.” – Steve Mariucci on the New Orleans Saints

“Embrace the job of being the head coach. Get excited about it, get this group motivated on both sides of the ball and get them rolling.” – Mike Martz on Redskins head coach Jim Zorn and the Washington Redskins

“They’re a real tough football team, but in the fourth quarter, they’re bending an awful lot in each game we’ve seen them play.” – Mike Martz on the Pittsburgh Steelers

“He’s really taken over this football team. His personality is imprinted on both sides of the ball.” – Mike Martz on Bengals QB Carson Palmer

“This is why they’re going to contend for this division championship.” – Steve Mariucci on Martz’ thoughts regarding Bengals QB Carson Palmer

“The guys that can do this are the guys that stay in the league the longest.” – Steve Mariucci on the importance of running backs who are successful executors in pass protection schemes (see first video link below)

*** Additional exclusive video clips from Monday’s The Coaches Show and highlights from Week 7 are available on NFL.com. These videos include:

– Steve Mariucci and Mike Martz break down how a running back is crucial to pass protection

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches/09000d5d813ba4ec/The-Coaches-RB-pass-protection

– The coaches analyze the Cowboys big win against the Falcons

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches/09000d5d813ba2fc/The-Coaches-Cowboys-big-win

– Selected video clips from the entire season of The Head Coaches

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-the-coaches

– And many more Week 7 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com.

6:30-7:00 & 8:30-9:00 PM ET Monday: The Head Coaches Show (HD)

Host: Charles Davis Analysts: Mike Martz and Steve Mariucci

The Head Coaches takes an inside look at the previous Sunday’s games, analyzing the big plays and tough decisions made by NFL head coaches on the sidelines in a 30-minute, roundtable program (Replays at 8:30 and 10:00 PM ET Mondays).

And Showtime will get us ready for next Saturday’s Strikeforce card with a new installment of its Fight Camp 360 series.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS WITH NEW INSTALLMENT:

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers

Premieres Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®;

For The First Time Ever, Film Crew Captures The Athlete, The Family Man and The Mystique of MMA’s # 1 Fighter, Fedor, in Russian Training Camp

NEW YORK (Oct. 22, 2009)—In the wake of the critically acclaimed debut of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic, SHOWTIME Sports® turns the spotlight to mixed martial arts with FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will feature unrestricted access to one of the most enigmatic professional athletes of today, Fedor Emelianenko and his next opponent, the undefeated Brett Rogers, as they prepare to headline “STRIKEFORCE/M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights” to be broadcast LIVE on Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will premiere on SHOWTIME® on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The CBS Television Network will also make the show available to its 203 affiliated stations for broadcast in advance of the fight.

From director Ron Yassen, who is embedded in Fedor’s training camp in Stary Oskol, Russia: “Fedor is beyond captivating as a fighter, and more so, as a man. It’s a pure joy to film him so intimately as he strives for perfection in life and sport with grace and charm. While training for this most important match, he kindly opened up his life to us in and out of the ring, without the ego that often comes with being the very best at one’s craft.”

Produced in conjunction with Roadside Entertainment, FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers will showcase both fighters as they prepare for this historic fight. Nov. 7 marks the first time Fedor, widely considered the sport’s No. 1 fighter, will appear in front of a national broadcast television audience. Despite his iconic status within the sport, Fedor (30-1) remains shrouded in mystery, living and training in seclusion in a remote mining village in Russia far away from the spotlight afforded the sports’ very best.

Rogers lives and trains in Minneapolis, and enters the fight with an impressive 10-0 record after most recently dismantling former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Rogers, a quiet, soft-spoken giant outside the cage, who earlier this year quite his job as a tire technician at Sam’s Club, has the opportunity of a lifetime to dethrone the sport’s greatest in front of a national television audience.

“The response to our inaugural episode of Fight Camp 360°: Inside The Super Six World Boxing Classic chronicling the boxing tournament has been overwhelming,” said SHOWTIME Sports General Manager Ken Hershman, who commissioned the project. “Because of the subjects involved—the mysterious world champion set to fight a man living the American dream—we had to turn our lens in this direction. Special thanks to M-1 Global and STRIKEFORCE for affording us a level of access to both men that has been unparalleled in their respective careers.”

Scott Coker, president of STRIKEFORCE, added, ”This is a one of a kind op
portunity for fans to go behind the scenes and take a close look at the extraordinary, number one fighter in the world – Fedor – and his opponent who has become a symbol of The American Dream.”

Below are the air dates and times for FIGHT CAMP 360°: Fedor vs. Rogers on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME 2®.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 9:30p (premiere) SHO

Tuesday, Nov. 3 10:00p SHO2

Wednesday, Nov. 4 11p SHO2

Thursday, Nov. 5 10p SHO2

Friday, Nov. 6 10p SHO2

Saturday, Nov. 7 4:30p SHO

Note: all times ET/PT

Versus tells us that Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall will be a guest host of “Sports Soup” on November 3.

PRO BOWL WIDE RECEIVER BRANDON MARSHALL TO CALL THE PLAYS ON NOV. 3 EPISODE OF SPORTS SOUP

NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 28, 2009)-VERSUS, the fastest growing sports cable network in the country, today announced that Brandon Marshall, Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, will be guest hosting an episode of Sports Soup on Tuesday, November 3, at 10 p.m. ET. Marshall, one of the NFL's top wide receivers, will take the ball from Sports Soup starter, Matt Iseman, for one episode.   

Each week on Sports Soup Matt Iseman takes viewers around the entire world of sports to find the clips that are the most ridiculous, extreme and memorable for all the right and wrong reasons. Since the show launched on VERSUS in October 2008, it has gained a tremendous following among sports fans, celebrities and athletes alike. Shaquille O'Neal, Will Ferrell, Mike Tyson, Michael Irvin, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are just a few of the high-profile athletes and celebrities who have been interviewed on Sports Soup. With the NFL season well under way, the start of the NBA season having just tipped-off and the baseball playoffs in full swing, there will be no shortage of material for Marshall.    

"I'm excited to have Brandon Marshall guest host Sports Soup - it's not every day you get a Pro Bowl receiver filling in for you," said Matt Iseman. "Plus, he promised to return the favor and let me start the next time the Broncos play the Raiders. He thinks I should be good for at least a couple of touchdowns."

Marshall was selected by Denver in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. After three impressive seasons, his career totals include 255 receptions for 3,231 yards and 19 touchdowns, including 29 receptions, 332 yards and four touchdowns so far this year. His unbelievable 2008 season earned him a starting spot in his first Pro Bowl with 104 catches, 1,265 receiving yards, 12.2 yards per reception and six touchdowns. In addition to his on-field contributions, last year Marshall also became involved with the "Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives" after-school program in Denver. His weekly visits on Tuesdays throughout the season have given him a chance to reach out to kids in need, provide encouragement and motivation, and help them with homework.

Finally, Fox Soccer Channel lists the UEFA Champions League games it’ll air next week.

TRIO OF UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REMATCHES FEATURED ON FOX SOCCER CHANNEL’S COVERAGE OF MATCHDAY 4

Los Angeles, CA (October 27, 2009) – Live UEFA Champions League Group Stage coverage continues on Fox Soccer Channel with Matchday 4, highlighted by three intriguing rematches of recently played contests.

The world’s most prestigious club soccer competition resumes Tuesday, Nov. 3 on Fox Soccer Channel with the live 30-minute UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET, simulcast on FSN. Following a breakdown of all the day’s up-coming action from host Max Bretos and analysts Warren Barton and Bobby McMahon, Fox Soccer Channel viewers will enjoy the second Group D match-up in a two-week span between Atlético Madrid and Chelsea at 2:45 p.m. ET.

On Wednesday Nov. 4, Fox Soccer Channel will showcase a live UEFA Champions League doubleheader, beginning w
ith the pregame show at a special time of 12 p.m. ET. Fresh off its improbable upset at the Nou Camp on Oct. 20, Rubin Kazan hosts FC Barcelona at 12:30 p.m. and looks to hand the defending champion a second straight loss. Immediately after, Lyon faces a Liverpool side eager to avenge a rare European defeat at Anfield.

Comprehensive coverage of every UEFA Champions League Group Stage match is available to U.S. viewers for the first time ever, thanks to a unique content-sharing agreement between Fox Soccer Channel, FSN, Fox Sports en Español, Setanta Sports and DirecTV. For a complete telecast schedule visit championsonfox.com, where links to live online video streaming of all UEFA Champions League contests are also accessible. Available on a subscription basis for $14.95 per month or $99.95 for a season pass, matches can also be purchased individually for $9.95 each.

WHAT: Live Coverage of UEFA Champions League Group Stage

Matchday 4 on Fox Soccer Channel

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3

Atletico Madrid (ESP) vs. Chelsea (ENG) 2:45 p.m. ET

(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 2 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, November 4

Rubin Kazan (RUS) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP) 12:30 p.m. ET

Lyon (FRA) vs. Liverpool (ENG) 2:45 p.m. ET

(Coverage begins with UEFA Champions League Pregame at 12 p.m. ET)

*For a complete telecast schedule, visit championsonfox.com

WHERE: Fox Soccer Channel, America’s Soccer Network

I think we’re done for now. Linkage and perhaps a special feature coming up. Keep your feeds updated.