Czarniak Tapped To Lead 2013 Indy 500 Broadcast

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN’s Lindsay Czarniak will host this year’s Indy 500.  The SportsCenter co-host’s appointment to the broadcast marks the first time ever that the race broadcast has ever been helmed by a female broadcaster.  Czarniak co-hosts ESPN’s SportsCenter alongside John Anderson.  Before taking on co-hosting duties with Anderson was a pit reporter and feature reporter for broadcasts of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races on TNT and NBC.  She also hosted ESPN’s NASCAR Now previously. 

Lindsay got her start in broadcasting at WRC-TV (NBC 4) in Washington, D.C.  She worked at WRC-TV from 2005 – 2011.  During her time there, she covered the 2006 Winter and 2008 Summer Olympic Games as well as NASCAR broadcasts. 

Courtesy: ESPN/ABC

The Indy 500 pre-race show is scheduled to run from 11am – 12pm on Sunday, May 26^th.  Czarniak will head the pre-race broadcast from the IMS’ famed Pagoda.  She will also help contribute to the race broadcast itself.  Former Indy 500 winner Eddie Cheever will also take part in calling the race.  He will serve as an in-race analyst in the broadcast booth for the race, and for the remaining five races that ABC will carry.

Cheever is a former Formula One racer who won the Indy 500 in 1998.  He made 132 starts in Formula One from 1978 to 1989.  That is the most by any American driver in the history of Formula One racing.  He returned to the U.S. and joined the former CART Series in 1990 and then the IndyCar Series in 1996.  He claimed five wins in his time in the IRL, including his win in 1998.  Cheever last raced in the IndyCar series in 2006.   He will be joined by lap-by-lap announcer Marty Reid and fellow analyst Scott Goodyear to call all six Izod IndyCar Series races broadcast on ABC this season.  Also on hand for the broadcasts will be pit reporters: Rick DeBruhl, Jamie Little, and Vince Welch.  Dr. Jerry Punch will join the broadcast team in the pits for the Indy 500. 

The Indy 500 is the first of six races that will be broadcast on ABC this year.  Each race will be produced by ESPN and broadcast on ABC.  ABC’s other races include: a doubleheader from Detroit’s Belle Island on June 1^st and 2^nd, a primetime broadcast from Texas Motor Speedway on June 8^th, the series’ race from Iowa Speedway on June 23^rd, and its return to the hills of Pocono, PA on July 7^th at Pocono Raceway. 

To get all the latest news from the Izod Indycar Series on ABC and ESPN, viewers can “Like” the ESPN Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ESPN and the ABC Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ABCNetwork.

To keep up with all the latest news from the Izod Indycar Series, fans can “Like” the official Izod Indycar Series Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/IZOD-IndyCar-Series/181178948587654.

To keep up with all the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Mad Men Actor Tapped To Host 2013 ESPYS

Courtesy: ESPN

Mad Men actor Jon Hamm has been announced as the host of this year’s annual ESPY Awards broadcast.  Hamm, who plays Don Draper on the hit AMC series, was announced as this year’s host this morning on LIVE With Kelly and Michael.  Hamm already has quite the resume.  He has already earned himself a Golden Globe Award, a Television Critics Association Award, and a Critics’ Choice Television Award.  He has also been nominated for awards at the Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild. 

Hamm will be in comfortable company for this year’s ESPYs broadcast.  He will be joined by some of the best of the best in the sports world.  This year’s list of celebrity athlete presenters will be announced at a later date.  He himself has quite the sports pedigree.  Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Hamm is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.  He played in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Games in 2009 and 2012.  His role in the games allowed him to play third base, right next to his childhood idol, Ozzie Smith.  He will also be working on a new film from Walt Disney Pictures and Mayhem Pictures this summer titled, Million Dollar Arm.  The movie is about a disillusioned sports agent who is in search of professional pitching talent through a reality show set in India.

Hamm commented in a recent interview on the announcement of his being named to host the ESPYS this year.  “I’m very excited to be hosting the ESPYS.  As a longtime sports fan and a marginally successful high school athlete I feel my skill-set jibes well with a host’s duties,” he said.  “I now have to figure out what cleats to wear with a tuxedo.” 

ESPY Executive Producer Maura Mandt shared Mann’s thoughts about his appointment.  “The ESPYS is designed to showcase the year’s best sports moments in a sharp, fun and entertaining manner and Jon’s the perfect host for this year’s show.  His appearances on shows like 30 Rock and SNL show that humor and creativity are two of his main strengths,” she said.  “The combination of Jon’s dry wit with his passion for sports will give fans a unique and original view of the year in sports.”   

The ESPYS are scheduled to air live Wednesday, July 17^th at 9pm EST/8pm CT/6pm PST on ESPN/ESPNHD from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.  This year’s broadcast will be more interactive than ever for fans.  All categories except for the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and other special awards will be chosen by the fans.  Voting can take place before and during the live show.  Voting will be open from June 28^th – July 17^th at 9pm EST on ESPN.com/ESPYS.  Voting during the show will be open during the show beginning at 9pm July 17^th.  Voting for “Best Team” will be open only on Twitter.  Fans can vote for “Best Team” on Twitter during the show using hashtag ESPYSBestTeam and the team name.

For all the latest ESPYS news, fans can follow the ESPYS on Twitter at @ESPYS.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Releases Full Monday Night Football Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN has released its complete schedule for the upcoming 2013-2014 NFL season.  The network kicks off a brand new season with a double header on Monday, September 9^th.  First up that night, the Eagles head to the nation’s capitol with a new head coach and potentially a new QB at the line.  Michael Vick is still stating that he will be the team’s lead man when the regular season opens September 9^th.  But that could very well change between now and then.  And the Redskins’ QB, Robert Griffin III will look to rebound in big fashion after a season ending injury during the 2012-2013 Season.  The NFC East Divisional matchup is expected to start at 7pm EST/6pm CT.

Second up on the season’s opening night, the Texans host the San Diego Chargers, who will also have a new coach on the sidelines.  Mike McCoy took the helm after Norv turner was released at the end of the Chargers’ 2012-2013 Season.  The Chargers and Texans both have a lot to play for and to prove on opening night.  The Texans were knocked out of the playoffs early last season, while the Chargers didn’t even make it in, having finished their season 2^nd in the AFC West with a disappointing 7-9-0 record.  So the night’s second game looks to have its own share of fireworks.  The night’s second matchup is scheduled to start at 10:15pm EST/9:15pm CT.

Week Two of ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage is sure to be quite the showdown as “Big Ben” Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Pirates make the annual trip to Cincinnati to face off against Andy Dalton and the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.  The Bengals pulled off a shocker last season, beating their hated rivals to earn a spot in the Wildcard Round.  But the team’s season would end in that round as this time the Texans would go on to knock them out of the playoffs with a 19-13 win.  The season before, it was the Jets that knocked the Bengals from the playoffs.  So Cincy’s hoping that the third time will be the charm, and that they’ll have fans yelling “Who Dey” even more this coming season.  And it all starts with a chance for the Cats to start it all with a win over their divisional rivals.  The game is scheduled to air at 8:30pm EST/7:30pm CT.

Week Three of Monday Night Football features yet another divisional matchup.  Veteran QB Peyton Manning leads the Broncos as they host Matt Flynn and the Oakland Raiders on September 23^rd.  the game marks an NFL Record.  It marks the seventeenth time that the AFC West rivals will go head to head under the Monday night lights.  The Broncos come in to the 2012-2013 season with a lot of momentum despite a tough double overtime loss to the Ravens in the Divisional round of the playoffs last season.  The Raiders on the other side of the line finished a miserable 4-12-0 last season, ending up 3^rd in the AFC West.  This game is scheduled to air at 8:30pm EST/7:30pm CT, as with the previous week’s game.

The remaining Monday Night Football games look to be just as impressive as those that fill the season’s first month.  A full rundown of ESPN’s Monday Night Football schedule is available below.

ESPN’s 2013 Monday Night Football Schedule

Preseason
Date	Time (ET)	Teams
Aug. 8	8 p.m.	Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons
Aug. 15	8 p.m.	San Diego Chargers vs. Chicago Bears
Aug. 19	8 p.m.	Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins
Aug. 22	8 p.m.	Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season
Sept. 9	7 p.m.	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins
	10:15 p.m.	Houston Texans vs. San Diego Chargers
Sept. 16	8:30 p.m.	Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sept. 23	8:30 p.m.	Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
Sept. 30	8:30 p.m.	Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints
Oct. 7	8:30 p.m.	New York Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons
Oct. 14	8:30 p.m.	Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers
Oct. 21	8:30 p.m.	Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants
Oct. 28	8:30 p.m.	Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
Nov. 4	8:30 p.m.	Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
Nov. 11	8:30 p.m.	Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nov. 18	8:30 p.m.	New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers
Nov. 25	8:30 p.m.	San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Redskins
Dec. 2	8:30 p.m.	New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks
Dec. 9	8:30 p.m.	Dallas Cowboys vs. Chicago Bears
Dec. 16	8:30 p.m.	Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions
Dec. 23	8:30 p.m.	Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers

  

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Title Fight Headlines April 19th Edition Of FNF

Courtesy: ESPN

This week’s edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights is headlined by a title fight between Interim Featherweight Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (21 – 0, 1 NC 15 KOs, The Ring No. 10) and challenger Miguel “Michael” Zamudio (24 – 1 – 1, 13 KOs) in a twelve round main event live from the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  The match will air live at 10:30pm on ESPN2 HD and ESPN Deportes.  It will also be available online and through mobile media via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.  This is a slight change from the usual broadcast time of 9pm.  The re-broadcast will air this Saturday, April 20^th at 2:30am on ESPNNEWS. 

Fortuna won the WBA Interim Featherweight title in December 2012 in a twelve round unanimous decision win over the previously undefeated Patrick Hyland.  ESPN.com boxing writer Dan Rafael wrote of Fortuna after the bout with Hyland, “Fortuna has looked sensational in some of his fights and has scored some tremendous knockouts, including in his previous two fights – a first-round blowout of fellow prospect Yuandale Evans and a second-round stoppage of former Featherweight titlist Cristobal Cruz. Fortuna burst to a big lead over the first half of this fight, but Hyland hung in there and tried to make it a brawl. Hyland, who had never faced a quality opponent, showed toughness and a good chin but little else as Fortuna boxed circles around him.”

Zamudio makes his U.S. debut in Friday’s fight.  His most recent fight resulted in an eight-round split decision win over Gilberto Bolanos.  He discussed this week’s fight in an interview, noting his respect for Fortuna but his desire to make a big impact in his U.S. debut.  “I like the way Fortuna fights,” Zamudio said.  “I respect him, but in the ring it will be totally different. This will be the first time that I’ve been to the United States. My dream is to be champion of the world, and I want to make my dream come true. I’m going to win this fight.”

Friday’s main event will be accompanied by a pair of pre-fight warm-up matches.  The first of the night’s events will pit a pair of undefeated Welterweights against each other.  Emmanuel Lartey (15 – 0, 8 KOs) will face Jhonathan Batista (13 – 0, 6 KOs) in a six-round fight.

The evening’s second fight on the card features Jr. Middleweight “Sir” Cerresso Fort (16 – 0 – 1, 11 KOs) facing off against 2008 Olympian John “The Rock” Jackson (15 – 1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round co-feature.  Both fighters come into Friday’s match looking to extend their respective winning streaks.  Cerresso comes into this week’s fight on the heels of an eight-round unanimous decision win over Dennis Sharpe.  Jackson’s most recent fight resulted in a first-round TKO win over Ramon Pena.

Joe Tessitore is off this week.  Bernardo Osuna will fill in for him, calling the action alongside Teddy Atlas.  The pair will be live, calling all the action for ESPN2 HD.  Todd Grisham, will be in studio with all of the latest boxing news and highlights.  Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will be back once again to call all the action live for ESPN Deportes along with all the latest boxing news and highlights from studio hosts Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega. 

Friday’s card is presented by Corona Extra and promoted by Sampson Boxing.

To keep up with the latest news from ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, fans can follow the show on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/espn.fnf and through the official ESPN website at http://www.espn.com/boxing.  All the latest boxing news is also available on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ESPNboxing.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

WNBA Draft Airs On Primetime Tonight

Courtesy: ESPN/WNBA

The 2013 WNBA Draft will be held tonight on ESPN2.  This year marks the first time ever that the WNBA has held the draft in primetime.  It will be highlighted by the “3 To See”, Elena Delle Donne (University of Delaware), Skylar Diggins (Notre Dame), and Brittney Grinor (Baylor).  The broadcast—presented by State farm—will air at 8pm/7pm CT tonight.  It will be held at ESPN’s Bristol, CT headquarters.  The league’s second and third rounds will air live on ESPNU from 9-10:30pm.  Fans can watch all three rounds online and via mobile devices on WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. Each round consists of twelve picks each.  WNBA fans can get even more content throughout the day today on ESPN’s SportsCenter and on espnW.

Kevin Negandhi will host the draft.  He comes into tonight’s broadcast fresh off the heels of a successful broadcast of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.  It marks the first time that he will host the annual draft.  He will be joined by analysts Rebecca Lobo and Carolyn Peck.  Reporters Holly Rowe and LaChina Robinson will also be on hand to bring viewers the latest news and more live.  Guards and forwards highlight this year’s top draft crop.  Among the top guards expected to be on hand are:  Alex Bentley (Penn State), Layshia Clarendon (California), Kelly Faris (Connecticut), Tayler Hill (Ohio State), Lindsey Moore (Nebraska) and Sugar Rodgers (Georgetown).  The league’s top prospective forwards include:  Tianna Hawkins (Maryland) and Toni Young (Oklahoma State); and center Kelsey Bone (Texas A&M).

The Phoenix Mercury is at the top of this year’s draft for the third time in the history of the franchise.  The Chicago Sky, Tulsa Shock, Washington Mystics, and New York Liberty round out the top five teams in the draft this year.

ESPN and the WNBA are now in the seventeenth year together.  And heads of both organizations recently signed a new contract that will extend the pair’s partnership through the 2022 season.  This year’s season opens with a special Memorial Day doubleheader that pits the league’s top four draft picks against one another.  Washington and Tulsa will face off at 3pm.  Chicago and Phoenix follow that game at 5pm. 

To keep up with all the latest from the WNBA and ESPN, fans can go to the official WNBA Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/wnba and its official website, http://www.wnba.com or the official ESPN2 Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ESPN and its official website, http://www.espn.com.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Featherweights Rule The Ring Tonight On FNF

Courtesy: ESPN

This week’s edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights will feature three more fights, headlined by a ten-round Featherweight main event.  The triple fight card is presented by Corona Extra and promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.  The night’s main event features former Junior Featherweight titlist Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (21 – 2, 11 KOs) and Oscar “Fantasma” Gonzalez (17 – 2, 3 NSF 13 KOs) live from the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.  This week’s broadcast has a slight change from its usual schedule.  It will at 11pm EST instead of its regular 9pm time.  This is due to coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race tonight on ESPN2.  It will be broadcast on ESPN2 HD and ESPN Deportes+. ESPN Deortes digital extension, along with online and mobile internet via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. 

Ramos won the Junior Featherweight title in 2011.  He comes into tonight’s fight, looking to rebound from a ten-round unanimous decision loss to Ronny Rios.  “Since my last fight, I feel like I’ve got to start coming back even harder than before,” he said.  “I’ve got to start showing everybody that I’m better. I can’t wait to get back into the ring and get back to my boxing style and winning ways. I know I have the skills, talent and determination to take my career back to the world championship level.” 

Gonzalez—who is promoted by former four-time title holder Erik Morales—is also looking to regain his footing after losing his most recent bout against Raul Hirales.  The loss was, like Ramos’, a ten-round unanimous decision loss.  Gonzalez shared his thoughts on tonight’s match, looking at it realistically, but also with confidence.  “I know Rico Ramos is a tough fighter,” he said.  “We know he is a former champion and considered one of the best at 122 pounds, but I am confident that I have the talent and ability to beat him.”

Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside for tonight’s bout, along with Todd Grisham and the rest of the ESPN Friday Night Fights crew.  They will be joined by ESPN Deportes’ regular Friday Night Fights broadcast crew. 

Tonight’s main event will be preceded by a pair of matches featuring Middleweights in both.  The night’s opening bout is a four-round Junior Middleweight bout between undefeated 2012 Mexican Olympic team Welterweight Oscar Molina (2 – 0, 1 KO) and Daryl Gardner (1 – 1, 1 KO).  Molina is looking to continue his family’s boxing tradition.  He is the identical twin brother of 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina and younger brother of Lightweight contender Carlos Molina.

The night’s second feature fight is a battle of the Super Middleweights.  Farah “Quiet Storm” Ennis (20 – 1, 12 KOs) of Pennsylvania face off against Francisco “Panchito” Sierra (25 – 7 – 1, 22 KOs) of Mexico in an eight-round fight.  Ennis looks to keep adding numbers to his “W” column tonight.  He won his most recent fight in a ten-round unanimous decision win over Richard Pierson.  Sierra on the other hand, is looking to rebound after a ten-round majority decision loss to Marco Antonio Periban in his most recent fight.

Fans can score each of the fights themselves and keep up with all the latest news from ESPN’s Friday Night Fights right from the show’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/espn.fnf.  Fans can score the fights with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting app.”  Fans can also keep up with all the latest from ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter at @ESPNFNF and @ESPNBoxeo. 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Releases 2013 NFL Draft Coverage Details

Courtesy: ESPN

It’s that time of year again.  Universities across the country are showing off their teams’ talents for the upcoming season of college football later in the year with Spring games.  Just as the new crop of college players are on display, the next crop of future NFL stars is preparing to make a splash at the annual NFL Draft.  The draft kicks off Thursday, April 25^th and runs through Saturday, April 27^th.  And ESPN will be on hand for all the coverage of this year’s draft.  The first two nights of the draft will air in primetime.  And for the second consecutive year, Round One’s first hour of coverage will air with limited commercial interruption.

Chris Berman will be on hand for the 2013 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light.  This year marks the thirty-third year of coverage for Berman.  He will host ESPN’s draft coverage live from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.  He will be joined by analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. and Monday Night Football analyst and Superbowl-winning coach Jon Gruden on set.  This year’s draft marks the thirtieth year of covering the draft for Mel Kiper, Jr.  Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen and NFL Insider Adam Schefter will be on hand at another set live at Radio City Music Hall.  And NFL32 host Suzy Kolber will be on hand providing interviews with draft prospects.

Trey Wingo takes over as main his on Day 2 & 3 of the NFL Draft.  He will be joined by Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Jr., and ESPN Scouts, Inc. director of scouting Todd McShay.  Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen will also both be back.  They will be joined by Six-time NFL Executive of the Year Bill Polian.  Suzy Kolber will be back broadcasting live on Saturday from Bristol, Connecticut, hosting ten hours of coverage. She will be joined by analysts Tedy Bruschi, Herm Edwards, and Ron Jaworski.  It all begins Saturday, April 26^th with SportsCenter Special: On The Clock at 10am/9am CT.

ESPN will have reporters and correspondents coming to audiences live from team sites and more throughout the weekend, including on the radio on ESPN Radio affiliates across the country.  Josina Anderson will report live from the St. Louis Rams’ team site.  Colleen Dominguez will have reports from the San Francisco 49ers team site.  Sal Paolantonio will be on hand in Philadelphia with reports from the Eagles.  And Ed Werder will be live from Kansas City with reports on the latest from the Chiefs.

Mike Hill and three-time Superbowl Champion Mark Schlereth—co-hosts of ESPN’s Hill and Schlereth—will host ESPN Radio’s NFL Draft 2013 presented by Bud Light on Thursday and Friday, April 25^th and 26^th.  ESPN.com Senior NFL writer John Clayton will join Hill and Schlereth for their broadcast.  ESPN Radio’s coverage begins Thursday, April 25^th at 7pm and Friday, April 26^th at 6pm. 

Leading up to this year’s NFL Draft, ESPN will air SportsCenter Special: On The Clock shows, hosted by a number of ESPN’s top studio analysts.  Among those analysts joining fans for this year’s SportsCenter Special: On The Clock will be: Cris Carter, Trent Dilfer, Tom Jackson, Ron Jaworski, Keyshawn Johnson, Bill Polian, and Steve Young from Bristol.  Trey Wingo will host SportsCenter Special: On The Clock on Thursday, April 25^th at 5pm.  Wendi Nix will host the special on Friday, April 26^th.  And Suzy Kolber will have hosting duties on Saturday, April 27^th.

A full schedule of this year’s NFL Draft coverage on ESPN and the ESPN family of networks is available below.

ESPN NFL Draft TV schedule (Apr. 25-27):

 

Date	Time (ET)	Show	Network
Thurs., April 25	3-4 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: On the Clock	ESPN
	4-5 p.m.	NFL Live Presented by HTC One	ESPN
	5-7:30 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: On the Clock	ESPN
	7:30-8 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: Draft Countdown Presented by iShares by Black Rock	ESPN
	8-11:30 p.m.	NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light (Round 1)	ESPN
Fri., April 26	3-4 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: On the Clock	ESPN
	4-5 p.m.	NFL Live Presented by HTC One	ESPN
	5-5:30 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: On the Clock
	5:30-6:30 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: Draft Countdown Presented by iShares by Black Rock	ESPN
	6:30-10:30 p.m.	NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light  (Rounds 2-3)	ESPN/ESPN2
Sat., April 27	10-11:30 a.m.	SportsCenter Special: On the Clock	ESPN
	11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: Draft Countdown Presented by iShares by Black Rock	ESPN
	12-8 p.m.	NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light (Rounds 4-7)	ESPN
Sun., April 28	1-3 p.m.	SportsCenter Special: NFL Draft Grades	ESPN

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Carl Edwards Returning To The Broadcast Booth

Courtesy: ESPN

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Carl Edwards is coming back to the broadcast booth.  The driver of the #99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford will re-join Allen Bestwick and Andy Petree to help broadcast the next three Nationwide Series races, beginning with next Friday night’s 300-mile race at Texas Motor Speedway.  The race broadcast begins at 8PM EST on ESPN2.  It will be the first race back for the series after a two-week break.  He will also help with lap-by-lap coverage at Richmond International Raceway Friday night, April 26^th and at Talladega on Saturday, May 4^th.  Broadcast from Richmond will begin on ESPNNEWS at 7pm.  Broadcast from Talladega begins at 2:30pm EST on ESPN. 

Edwards shared his thoughts on his upcoming time in the booth. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the ESPN team and their Nationwide Series broadcasts again this season,” he said. “Allen, Andy and the whole ESPN team really helped me get a better feel of what goes on in the booth last season.”  Edwards first entered the broadcast booth last year as he helped broadcast Nationwide races at Darlington and Kentucky.  He also had been doing post-race analysis for ESPN SportsCenter in the Sprint Cup Series during the prior two seasons.  Edwards also commented on that experience in an interview, and how it would translate to his upcoming time calling the Nationwide races.  “I feel I can definitely use my racing experience, combined with what I learned last year, to provide the fans with a better perspective and inside analysis,” he said.

ESPN VP of Motorsports and Production Rich Feinberg was equally happy about including Edwards into the upcoming races.  “We’re delighted to have Carl back with us,” he said. “He brings great insight as a current driver to his analysis as well as a warm personality. He fits in well with our team and we welcome the opportunity to work with him.” 

Edwards stopped racing in the Nationwide Series in the 2012 season after having raced in both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series over the course of the past seven years.  He won the Nationwide Series driver’s championship in 2007 and drove to the Owner’s Championship in 2011 for Roush Fenway Racing. 

To keep up with all of the latest NASCAR news from ESPN, go online to http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar.  To keep up with all the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Announces NFL Preseason Schedule

Courtesy: ESPN

The National Football League and ESPN have announced their preseason schedules for the 2013-2014 season.  Four of the NFL’s preseason games will be run on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.  It all kicks off Thursday, August 8^th at 8pm.  Matt Ryan and the NFC South Champion Atlanta Falcons will host Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals.  The first of the network’s actual Monday night games will air Monday, August 19^th at 8pm.  That night will see the Steelers on the road against the NFC East Champion Washington Redskins.  The Chargers and Bears will go toe-to-toe Thursday, August 15^th at 8pm.  This will be an interesting game as both teams will be headed by new coaches.  The network’s preseason schedule wraps with the defending NFL Champion Ravens taking on the Carolina Panthers who look to rebound this season after a very rough 2012-2013 season.

All four games will be called by Mike Trico and Jon Gruden.  They will be joined by sideline reporter Lisa Salters.  The games all lead up to ESPN’s MNF regular season opener Monday, September 9^th.  All four of the network’s preseason games will be preceded by a one hour Monday Night Countdown pre-game show. 

ESPN Deportes will offer its own production of MNF preseason and regular season games.  All games will also be available online and on mobile internet via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.

To keep up with all the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

FNF Features Pair Of Heavyweights This Week

Courtesy: ESPN

This week’s edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights features a pair of undefeated fighters.  In the evening’s main event, undefeated Lightweight Jonathan “Inca Peruano” Maicelo (16 – 0, 10 KOs) faces a tough challenge as he goes toe-to-toe with Rustam “The Mongoose” Nugaev (22 – 6, 12 KOs) in a 10-round matchup.  The bout will be aired live from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, California.  The fight will air at 9 EST/8 CT on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes and online and via mobile internet on Watch ESPN and the WatchESPN app.  ESPNNEWS will re-air the fight this Sunday, April 6^th at 5am.  ESPN Deportes will also re-air the fight.  It will have the re-broadcast at 6:30pm that same day.

This week’s fight marks Maicelo’s American television debut.  He comes into Friday’s fight fresh from a 2^nd round TKO victory over Tyler Ziolowski.  The native Peruvian has already appeared in TV commercials in his home country, has his own clothing line, and can even boast his home nation’s president as one of his many fans.  Maicelo talked about his upcoming debut, expressing his desire to show boxing fans just what he is made of.  “Come April 5^th, the people of the United States are going to see a technical boxer, a boxer with a lot of drive, a lot of hunger and a boxer they’re going to want to see again,” he said.  “I will not disappoint and I’ll give the fans what they want, which is action.”

On the other side of the ring, Maicelo’s opponent, Rustam Nugaev comes into Friday’s fight on the heels of an eight-round majority decision win over Shavkat Madaminov.

Before the main feature, audiences will be treated to a pre-fight show featuring another undefeated fighter, Jorge “Machito” Maysonet, Jr. (11 – 0, 10 KOs).  Maysonet will face off against Gabriel “The Ghost” Tolmajyan (12 – 2 – 1, 3 KOs).  Maysonet’s most recent match ended in a second round KO win over Pedro Salcedo.  Tolmajyan picked up a victory in his most recent match against Juan Sandoval.  Tolmajyan’s victory came in the form of a six-round unanimous decision.

Friday’s card is a special show as it features not two matches, but three.  This week, fans will be treated to a special four-round opening fight between Heavyweight bout between Avery Gibson (1 – 4 – 2 0 KOs) and John Sarellano.  The fight marks the professional debut for Sarellano. 

The whole Friday Night Fights crew—Teddy Atlas, Joe Tessitore, etc.—will be on hand for all the action, news and more.  To keep up with all the latest news from ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, fans can “Like” its official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, where they can also score the fights live themselves courtesy of the “Live Friday Night Fights” Facebook voting app.  Fans can also follow all the latest news and more from Friday Night Fights on Twitter at @ESPNFNF.  Spanish speaking audiences can also follow the show on Twitter at @ESPNBoxeo.

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