NFL Network slips with on-air profanity
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels
An occasional F-bomb or curse word will air on live sports events. That’s the nature of the beast. But for the NFL Network to air an on F-bomb on tape, shows somebody in the production truck is asleep on the job.
The NFL Network aired an F-bomb by Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels as he chastised his players on the sideline of their Thanksgiving night game against the New York Giants.
Coming out of a commercial break following a series of false starts near the goal line that resulted in Denver settling for a field goal, the NFL Network showed a clip of McDaniels, who yelled at his players: “All we’re trying to do is win a (expletive) game!
Fortunately, play-by-play announcer Bob Papa immediately apologized to viewers.
“We want to apologize for that audio as we went to the last break that got out over the air. We do send our sincerest apologizes for the Josh McDaniels audio that got out there,” Papa told viewers.
Eric Weinberger, executive producer of the NFL Network, apologized to viewers and to McDaniels for the “terrible mistake.”
He said no one in the production trucks heard the profanity.
“No one heard it as it was said. It would never have been aired,” Weinberger said. “It was at the end of a clip, so we missed it.
“We’re not in this business to do that,” Weinberger said. “We’re in this business to show sports and to show the most emotion that we can show. And the guy is an incredibly emotional, passionate guy.”
Quotes from analysts, Thunder players on NBA TV telecast
Kevin Durant
The Oklahoma City Thunder put on a show with their 104-94 victory Tuesday night on NBA TV. Here are a few of the comments from NBA TV analyst Kevin McHale and Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, who were interviewed on the broadcast.
During the pregame show, McHale on the Thunder’s improvement: “They are starting to defend better. That is the key to that team. They have to be able to stop people. Young guys in our league, they are trying to establish their career on the offensive end saying ‘I want to score the ball,’ and defense comes second. They are playing good on the defensive end and that is what is going to have to carry them through.”
The Fan Night crew interviewed Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant on Arena Link.
Durant on becoming a veteran: “I didn’t know what to expect on that first night playing against A.I. (Allen Iverson) and Carmelo (Anthony) for the first time (as a rookie). Year two and year three I was calmer and knew what I needed to do for my team to win. Each year, I got more comfortable.”
Durant on his goals for the season: “I have one goal and that is to get better. Every game, every shoot-around, every practice just to go hard and get better and I think everyone on our team has that mindset. So if we continue to think like that, I think the sky is the limit for us.”
Durant on being a free agent next year: “I would like to stay with Oklahoma City for my whole career. I love playing here and playing with my teammates and I will leave it at that.”
Durant on the Thunder’s improvement: “I think defensively we have gotten a lot better. We know the concepts and we help each other out. We play hard on both ends and that is the key to winning. We all like playing basketball with each other. We just go out there and have fun. I think that is the key to why we have a better record this year than we did last year and we just have to continue to get better each game.”
Durant on the adrenaline from taking a game-winning shot: “Kids dream about taking that last shot and winning. Everybody thinks that every time you get that last shot you are going to make it. Those times when I don’t make it are going to make me a better player and give me the confidence to take that shot next time and make it. My teammates trust in me that if I’m in that position again they will give me the ball and hopefully I will make it.”
McHale on impact of tonight’s win for the Thunder: “That was a huge win for Oklahoma City. I don’t even think they know how hard it is to win in that place.”
Green on win against the Jazz: “It was real tough to play in this building with the crowd that they have and the guys that have on that team with (Carlos) Boozer and (Deron) Williams. It was a great win for us.”
Green on his overall performance: “I’m feeling good. Three years in playing the four position, I’m getting accustomed to it. I had to put on a little muscle to battle those big guys but it is coming along well. It is putting our team in good position with match-ups on the offense end and it is working for us.”
The telecast also included Durant’s mini-movie produced by NBA Entertainment. Here is the link to it:
http://nba.edgeboss.net/wmedia/nba/turner_dig_del/kevin_durant_mini_movie_11_23_1000.wvx
Clippers announcers suspended one game for insensitive comments
Clippers announcer Ralph Lawler
Clippers longtime play-by-play announcer Ralph Lawler and color analyst Michael Smith paid the price for some insensitive comments about Iranian-born Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi on the Fox Sports Prime Ticket telecast last Wednesday. They were suspended for the Clippers’ telecast against the Denver Nuggets after a viewer who e-mailed Fox to complain.
Michael Eaves and Don MacLean, who regularly serve as halftime and postgame analysts, substituted for Lawler and Smith on the broadcast.
“That’s unfortunate. It was pretty strange not seeing them there,” Clippers point guard Baron Davis said after the Clippers’ 106-99 victory. “Ralph and Mike are very classy guys, and they didn’t do it to hurt anyone.
“A lot of times when you’re commenting on games, it’s a source of entertainment. And a lot of times, people may take offense. But the viewers need to understand that it’s entertainment, and people are entitled to their opinion. I stand by Ralph and Mike because they’re great guys and they only want to support and help everybody in the league.”
Lawler, 71, is in his 31st season doing Clippers games, and Smith is in his 12th.
“We regret the remarks made by Clippers announcers Michael Smith and Ralph Lawler during Wednesday’s telecast,” Fox said in a statement before the game. “While we believe that Michael and Ralph did not intend their exchange to be offensive, the comments were inappropriate.”
The transcript of the conversation between Lawler and Smith, which occurred late in the game, was printed on the Los Angeles Times’ Web site:
Smith: “Look who’s in.”
Lawler: “Hamed Haddadi. Where’s he from?”
Smith: “He’s the first Iranian to play in the NBA.” (Smith pronounced Iranian as “Eye-ranian,” a pronunciation that offended the viewer who complained.)
Lawler: “There aren’t any Iranian players in the NBA,” repeating Smith’s mispronunciation.
Smith: “He’s the only one.”
Lawler: “He’s from Iran?”
Smith: “I guess so.”
Lawler: “That Iran?”
Smith: “Yes.”
Lawler: “The real Iran?”
Smith: “Yes.”
Lawler: “Wow. Haddadi that’s H-A-D-D-A-D-I.”
Smith: “You’re sure it’s not Borat’s older brother?”
Smith: “If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I’m going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part.”
Lawler: “Here’s Haddadi. Nice little back-door pass. I guess those Iranians can pass the ball.”
Smith: “Especially the post players.
Lawler: “I don’t know about their guards.”
Top 10 college telecasts: Ohio State-Michigan tops weekend
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez
The traditional Ohio State-Michigan rivalry game tops the week, even though the Wolverines are struggling this season at 5-6 overall and 1-6 in the conference under coach Rich Rodriquez. Ohio State (9-2, 6-1) needs a victory to wrap up an outright Big Ten championship.
All games Saturday unless noted with Wednesday’s Latest Line.
1. No. 9 Ohio State at Michigan, 11 a.m., ABC (OSU by 12)
2. No. 10 LSU at Mississippi, 2:30 p.m., CBS (Miss by 3)
3. No. 13 Penn State at Michigan State, 2:30 p.m., ABC (PSU by 3)
4. Oklahoma at Texas Tech, 11:30 a.m., FSN (OU by 4)
5. No. 11 Oregon at Arizona, 7 p.m., ABC (not in Big 12 region) (Ore. by 5)
6. Colorado at No. 12 Oklahoma State, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, ESPN (OSU by 15)
7. Kansas State at Nebraska, 6:45 p.m., ESPN (Neb. By 15)
8. No. 6 Boise State at Utah State, 8:30 p.m. Friday, ESPN2 (BS by 23)
9. No. 2 Mississippi State at Arkansas, 11:20 a.m., SEC (Ark by 10)
10. Kansas at No. 3 Texas, 7 p.m., ABC (Texas by 27)
Also worth a look:
Minnesota at No. 15 Iowa, Noon, ESPN (Iowa by 9)
Kentucky at Georgia, 6:45 p.m., ESPN2 (Georgia by 7)
N.C. State at No. 16 Virginia Tech, 2:30 p.m., ESPNU (VT by 20)
Virginia at No. 18 Clemson, 2:30 p.m., ESPN (Clemson by 19)
Duke at No. 21 Miami, Noon, ESPNU (Miami by 17)
San Diego State at No. 23 Utah, 3 p.m., Versus (Utah by 17)
Vanderbilt at Tennessee, 6 p.m., ESPNU (Tenn. By 17)
Gruden’s new multiyear deal good news for MNF viewers
Jon Gruden
Jon Gruden’s new multiyear deal with ESPN is good for “Monday Night Football” viewers. Gruden has been a great addition to the broadcasts, giving a boost to even bad games, such as Baltimore’s 16-0 victory over Cleveland on Monday night.
He’s been insightful and clever. He’s not afraid to give his opinion, such as sticking up for Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his decision to go for it on fourth and 2 from his own 28.
However, I’m still skeptical if a good coaching job comes around, Gruden won’t hesitate to wave goodbye to the Worldwide Leader of Sports to return to the coaching sidelines. Coaching is in his blood.
ESPN spokesman Bill Hoffheimer said the network is planning on Gruden sticking around for several more years.
“Jon is committed to MNF for multiple years and his decision to sign this extension is a clear indication of his commitment to ESPN,” Hoffheimer told the Sporting News. “He will not be seeking any coaching positions for the foreseeable future. We expect to have him here at ESPN for a long time.”
According to the ESPN release, Gruden also will work on ESPN Radio’s 2010 Rose Bowl and Bowl Championship Series title game broadcasts, where he will team with Mike Tirico.
Top 10 college football telecasts: Utah-TCU tops a slow week
TCU coach Gary Patterson pumps up his defense
It’s a bad week for college football as evidenced by the lopsided lines for my top 10 games. For Big 12 fans, two North Division games should be interesting: Missouri at Kansas State at 11:30 a.m. on Versus and Nebraska at Kansas at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Games are Saturday unless noted with Thursday’s Latest Line
1. No. 16 Utah at No. 4 TCU, 6:30 p.m., Versus (TCU by 20)
2. No. 25 Stanford at No. 11 USC, 2:30 p.m., FSN (USC by 10)
3. West Virginia at No. 5 Cincinnati, 7 p.m. Friday, ESPN (Cincy by 9).
4. No. 1 Florida at South Carolina, 2:30 p.m., KWTV-9 (Fla. by 16)
5. Texas Tech at No. 17 Oklahoma State, 7 p.m., ABC (Southwest region) (OSU by 4)
6. Missouri at Kansas State, 11:30 a.m., Versus (Mizzou by 1)
7. Nebraska at Kansas, 2:30 p.m., ABC (Neb. by 3)
8. No. 15 Iowa at No. 10 Ohio State, 2:30 p.m., ESPN (Ohio St by 16)
9. Texas A&M at Oklahoma, 6 p.m., FSN (OU by 20)
10. No. 3 Alabama at Mississippi State, 6 p.m., ESPN (Ala. by 12)
Also worth a look:
No. 2 Texas at Baylor, 11 a.m., FSN (Texas by 24)
Notre Dame at No. 8 Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., ABC (not carried in Southwest) (Pitt by 7).
10. No. 7 Georgia Tech at Duke, ESPN2 (Ga. Tech by 13)
Idaho at No. 6 Boise State, 2:30 p.m., ESPNU (BSU by 31)
Louisiana Tech at No. 9 LSU, 7 p.m., ESPNU (LSU by 24)
Arizona State at No. 14 Oregon, 9:20 p.m., ESPN (Ore. by 17)
Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 11 a.m, SEC (Ky by 3)
Northwestern at Illinois, 11 a.m., ESPN Classic (Ill. by 5)
Tennessee at Mississippi, 11:30 a.m., CBS (Ole Miss by 5)
Florida State at Wake Forest, 11 a.m, ESPNU (Wake by 5)
Versus gives Chad Ochocinco a weekly platform for his zaniness
Chad Ochocinco
If Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco doesn’t get enough publicity for his outrageous stunts, such as attempting to bribe an official with a $1 bill, the Versus cable network has given him another platform for his zaniness. This week, Ochocinco debuted a segment “Child, Please!” on “Sports Soup,” 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
In his first segment, he sounded off on Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh, the bribe in this past Sunday’s game, and much more:
On Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh: Experts had us as underdogs this Sunday, I mean come on, son. Get out of here with that. Troy, Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark, Deshea Townsend, William Gay. You guys … child please, that’s all I can say. Literally no disrespect but you guys don’t stand a chance. I’m riding high on confidence right now.
The bribe in the Nov. 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens: Me being me — a fun guy who likes to have fun — I asked the guy next to me if he had a dollar. He obliged. I took the dollar and I wasn’t going to actually ask the ref, you know, let me get the call. Just having fun. It’s me and again, the NFL sees things like this and fines me and enjoys it and embraces me because I’m around for the next 10 years.
Top 10 college telecasts: LSU-Alabama tops week
LSU coach Les Miles
The Southeastern Conference showdown between LSU and Alabama tops the weekend of college football telecasts. LSU needs a victory to keep its SEC final’s hopes alive.
Games are Saturday unless noted with AP ranking and Thursday’s Latest Line.
1. No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama, 2:30 p.m., CBS (Ala. by 9)
2. No. 15 Ohio State at No. 11 Penn State, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2 (PSU by 3)
3. No. 20 Oklahoma at Nebraska, 7 p.m., ABC (OU by 6).
4. No. 18 Oklahoma State at Iowa State, 2:30 p.m., ABC (OSU by 7)
5. Kansas at Kansas State, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Versus (KU by 3).
6. Navy at No. 19 Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m., NBC (ND by 11)
7. Vanderbilt at No. 1 Florida, 6:15 p.m., ESPN2 (Fla. by 33)
8. UCF at No. 2 Texas, 11 a.m., FSOK (Texas by 36)
9. Florida State at Clemson, 6:45 p.m., ESPN (Clemson by 8)
10. Fresno State at Idaho, 9 p.m., ESPNU (FS by 7).
Also worth a look:
No. 5 Boise State at Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m. Friday, ESPN2 (BS by 21)
No. 6 TCU at San Diego State, 3 p.m., Versus (TCU by 25)
Northwestern at No. 8 Iowa, 11 a.m., ESPN (Iowa by 18)
Syracuse at No. 14 Pittsburgh, Noon, ESPNU (Pitt by 21)
South Carolina at Arkansas, 11 a.m., SEC (KSBI-52) (Ark. by 5)
Memphis at Tennessee, 6 p.m., ESPNU (Tenn. by 26).
NBA TV analysts discuss Thunder-Lakers game
Kevin Durant shoots in front of Kobe Bryant
NBA TV studio analysts discussed the Thunder during the network’s Lakers-Thunders telecast Tuesday night. Here are a few of the comments:
Chris Webber in the pregame on why Oklahoma City guard/forward Kevin Durant is one of the most exciting players in this league: “Tonight you are going to get to see one of our best players (in Kevin Durant). He is one of our best scorers, he’s explosive and he is on a young team. And believe it or not, he can go to the basket. Even though he is skinny and has a lot of development to do, he goes to the basket like (Scottie) Pippen and he has a right or left hand just like TMac (Tracey McGrady). This guy, I really like his game. I think Carmelo (Anthony) is probably the easiest to score, but this guy (Durant) is a top five scorer in the NBA.”
Kevin McHale on who Oklahoma City guard/forward Kevin Durant reminds him of: “Iceman (George) Gervin. You look at him and think, ‘Oh, I’m going to have my way with him’ and he drops 35 on you.”
After Thunder GM Sam Presti joined the Fan Night crew via Arena Link, Webber commented on Presti’s well-known skills as a drummer: “Anybody is a good drummer on Guitar Hero, Sam. We need to hear you live. My nephew is a good drummer on Guitar Hero.”
At halftime, Webber on an athletic move by Thunder guard Jeff Green: “All it takes is effort, ladies and gentleman. Well, also a 40-inch vertical like (Green) has.”
After the game, Webber on the learning process for the Thunder: “You’ve got to be in close games to learn how to win them. You have to lose a couple, unfortunately. The game is to be learned and it’s just not going to be given to them.”
Webber on Thunder guard/forward Kevin Durant’s poor performance down the stretch: “He I bet you feels like he’s let him team down…I just wouldn’t want to be the guy who has to check Kevin Durant for the next 10 games. He’s already started out slow and did this tonight. He is going to bust somebody’s butt the rest of the season.”
Divorce proves costly for CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz
CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz
CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz must pay $916,000 yearly in alimony and child support to his ex-wife and give up their Connecticut home under terms of a newly issued divorce decree.
Court documents from the divorce trial cited Nantz’s $3.2 million salary from CBS and other assets, including millions in other income, shared investment accounts, real estate and other property.
The ruling, made Monday in Bridgeport, Conn., Superior Court, dissolves the 26-year marriage of Nantz and Ann-Lorraine “Lorrie” Carlsen Nantz. It comes after both testified about the breakdown of their marriage; Judge Howard Owens concluded neither was at fault.
Nantz, CBS’ silky smooth lead play-by-play announcer, wasn’t so successful with his personal life. He filed for divorce last year from his wife after years of marriage counseling.
Although Nantz, 50, acknowledged he started dating a 29-year-old woman before the divorce was final, the judge concluded the marriage deteriorated years earlier and “this remote event in no way contributed to the breakdown of the marriage.”
In his ruling, Owens noted that the couple didn’t share the same interests in Nantz’s television career, which required frequent travel as the network’s primary commentator for college football, golf and basketball, as well as appearances at charity events.
Under the ruling, Nantz must pay $72,000 in alimony monthly until he dies or his ex-wife remarries, and another $1,000 weekly in child support for the next two years.
Lorrie Nantz will get their home and a separate condominium in Westport, while Jim Nantz will get their home in Houston and a luxury condominium in the Deer Valley ski resort in Park City, Utah. They were awarded joint custody of Caroline, 15.
He also must pay Caroline’s college expenses until she reaches 23 years old and has to split various joint accounts with Lorrie Nantz, including the current value of his pension through the Screen Actors Guild.
He also must keep his ex-wife listed as beneficiary of a $3 million life insurance policy while he’s still paying alimony and/or child support, and pay $70,000 so she can join any country club of her choice.
She had been seeking more than $1.5 million in yearly alimony and child support.
