Sterling, NBA set for epic legal fight over Clippers

In a historic announcement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has handed Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling a lifetime ban from the NBA, along with issuing the maximum allowable fine of $2.5 million. Of greater significance, Silver has also instructed NBA owners to oust Sterling as owner of the team. The announcement sets the table for an epic legal fight over ownership of the Clippers and the powers of the commissioner.

Legality of Sterling's suspension and fine

Silver has broad authority under the NBA's constitution and bylaws to suspend and fine an owner for conduct detrimental to the NBA. According to Sliver, Sterling admitted it was his voice on the recording in which he made racist remarks. Even if the recording was unlawfully created under California law -- the recording would likely be unlawful if the conversation was confidential and Sterling didn't give consent -- Silver is authorized to punish Sterling based on the recording's impact on the league. It is safe to say that Sterling's comments, which elicited the rebuke of President Barack Obama, have deeply harmed the NBA and its relationship with players, sponsors and fans. Sterling seems to lack a viable argument that his conduct was not seriously detrimental to the NBA.
Sterling is also disadvantaged in challenging the suspension and fine because of how a court would treat such a challenge. A court would review Silver's decision under the deferential "arbitrary and capricious" standard of review. This standard would essentially require Sterling prove that the NBA -- and specifically Silver, acting as the NBA's ultimate arbiter -- failed to follow its own rules in how it investigated Sterling and punished him. For instance, if the NBA failed to authenticate the recording, concealed evidence or not requested a meeting with Sterling, Sterling might have sufficient grounds. Silver's remarks during the press conference, however, suggest all relevant rules and policies were followed. Absent Sterling proving there was a procedural defect of serious importance, Sterling likely has no viable appeal to either the fine or suspension.
ROSENERG: Lifetime ban fitting punishment for Sterling
As a practical effect, the suspension all but excommunicates Sterling from both his team and the NBA. He is forbidden from any contact with players, coaches and staff, and he is barred from attending games or practices. Sterling is also prohibited from participating in league activities. He is now, essentially, in NBA exile.
The fine of $2.5 million may seem inconsequential given that Sterling is worth reportedly $1.9 billion, but it was the highest amount of money permitted by the league's constitution and bylaws. Had Silver issued a higher fine, and justified it on policy or moral grounds, he would have provided Sterling with an opportunity to raise a legal point. Specifically, Sterling might have argued such a penalty is "arbitrary and capricious" because it would not have followed NBA rules. Silver, an attorney, wisely adhered to the rules instead.

Expect Donald Sterling to fight Silver's suspension

Source: SI

Sports Illustrated's Maggie Gray and Chris Mannix discuss NBA commissioner Adam Silver's decision to impose a lifetime ban on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

Legality of NBA forcing Sterling to sell the Clippers

Silver has also recommended that NBA owners effectively force Sterling to sell the Clippers. The NBA has a procedure in place for this extraordinary action, but the procedure contains enough ambiguity that debate among owners is likely. Under article 13 of the league's constitution, three fourths of the teams' ownership groups can vote to terminate a franchise under certain conditions. The conditions are focused on financial matters, such as an owner unable to meet payroll or an owner implicated in financial impropriety. None of the listed conditions, SI.com is told, apply directly to the type of conduct committed by Sterling. That said, article 13 also contains a more general requirement of ethical conduct in business dealings and contracts. Sterling's comments could be deemed unethical. They have also clearly damaged labor relations between the league and players, as players have gone so far as to consider boycotting NBA games. Also, sponsors have dropped deals with the Clippers. Should the NBA's owners vote to expel Sterling, the general requirement language would likely be cited as supplying the main legal justification.
RELATED: Sterling says Clippers 'not for sale'
While Silver said he had not polled the owners, he expressed confidence there will be sufficient support to oust Sterlin. Silver's bold prediction suggests he has the necessary votes. That said, expect there to be some debate among owners. No owner will defend Sterling's racism, but some might question whether article 13 and potentially other authorizing language was intended for this type of transgression. Expect some owners to raise the following four concerns:
1. Neither the Clippers nor Sterling is in financial trouble. Article 13 was designed as an extraordinary remedy for such a problem -- not other problems. While sponsors have dropped their deals with the Clippers and players have contemplated boycotts, the team appears to be in strong financial shape with a deep-pocketed, if reviled, owner. There is no reason to believe that Sterling has committed financial fraud, and while he has been sued over allegations of race, those cases were either settled or unsuccessful.
2.The Clippers are not run in a racist way. Sterling may be extremely bigoted and hold reprehensible views, but there is no reason to suspect that the team itself operates in a racist way. The current Clippers workplace appears to be a productive setting, devoid of allegations by players or other employees that they have experienced racism. Similarly, there are no reports that the Clippers have directed ticket sales and marketing efforts away from minority fans. As a franchise, the Clippers appear to be well-run, which would make it an unusual candidate for termination.
3.Lack of 'morals clause'. Article 13 lists a series of enumerated wrongs, some of which are specific but none of which seem directly relevant to an owner whose racism expressed in a private conversation sparks national outrage. Some owners might argue that if the NBA wanted ouster as a remedy for a situation like this one, the constitution and bylaws' drafters would have included it. Along those lines, there is no "morals clause" in these documents that empowers the ousting an NBA owner. The absence of a morals clause, in contrast to the inclusion of other provisions, could suggest that such a clause was intentionally omitted.
4. Precedent. While Sterling's actions seem unlikely to be replicated by another owner, some owners could worry that if they agree to oust Sterling, different situations might give rise to the same consequence for other owners. Once one owner is ousted, there is precedent to do it again. Mark Cuban recently voiced those exact concerns, calling the situation "a slippery slope."

Sterling suing the NBA and owners

In addition to concern about proper interpretation of the relevant language, some owners may worry about the prospect that Sterling will sue. Sterling, an attorney, is regarded as one of the most litigious owners in professional sports. If there is one owner who would sue over expulsion, it's probably him. Sterling could seek a court injunction preventing the NBA from expelling him. Such a move would likely happen immediately after he is voted out. He could also file a lawsuit raising breach of contract and antitrust claims.
RELATED: NBA world reacts to Silver's decision on Sterling
A breach of contract claim would contend that Sterling's contract with the NBA through his franchise agreement has been unlawfully severed. The NBA, however, is poised to stress that owners agree to language limiting opportunities for owners to sue the NBA and fellow owners. In their franchise agreements, NBA owners agree to "waiver of recourse" verbiage. The language has the effect of eliminating opportunities for owners to pursue legal recourse against the NBA and fellow owners.
An antitrust claim would likely center on both California and federal antitrust laws, and contend that the NBA and its teams have conspired in an anticompetitive way to oust Sterling and make him sell his team at below-market value. Sterling would likely cite reports the NBA may be interested in Magic Johnson buying the Clippers as evidence the league is trying to force a sale to a specific buyer, rather than permitting open bidding. Sterling might also highlight Silver's remarks today that he's confident owners will oust him as evidence of collusive activity between Silver and the owners. If Sterling were to sue under antitrust law and prevail, he would also be entitled to treble damages. Several attorneys familiar with NBA litigation tell SI.com that the possibility of an antitrust lawsuit by Sterling is high.
The prospect of Sterling suing could be a source of worry to NBA owners for at least three reasons:
1. Sterling suing over franchise ouster could undermine the lifetime ban. The ban is intended to separate Sterling from the Clippers and the NBA, and as discussed above, Sterling likely has no viable case against it. If, however, Sterling sues over franchise ouster, it would be a high-profile lawsuit and he would remain in the news. Whatever distancing of Sterling is achieved through a ban could be lost in a high-profile case. It is also a case that could last years, as antitrust cases often do.
2. Sterling suing may lead to pretrial discovery, which could be designed in part to embarrass other owners and NBA officials of any bigoted remarks or beliefs on their part. Keep in mind, if Sterling is ousted because of racism, he would likely demand that evidence showing that other owners and officials are also racist be shared. He would use such information to portray his penalty as unwarranted and contradicted by the conduct of those who ousted him. Sterling might request emails and other records from owners and officials that depict them in a negative light. Sterling has owned the Clippers for 33 years, which suggests that he has had many interactions -- including private conversations with league officials and owners. If there are other owners who are racist or bigoted, it stands to reason Sterling who knows who they are.
3. If Sterling wins or extracts a settlement, not only could NBA owners be on the hook for an expensive fee, but Sterling would seem victorious. The appearance of him winning in court would greatly detract from the important social message accomplished by the lifetime ban.

Important tax law considerations: avoiding capital gain taxes

Sterling, who is 80 or 81 years old (his exact birthdate remains a mystery), has a key financial reason to fight the sale of the Clippers: to avoid capital gain taxes. This insight is from Robert Raiola senior manager in the Sports & Entertainment Group of the Accounting Firm O'Connor Davies, LLP. Sterling reportedly purchased the Clippers for $12.5 million in 1981. If he sold the team today, it would be worth at least $600 million, perhaps closer to $1 billion. Between federal and state capital gains taxes, Sterling would pay an approximately 33 percent tax rate on the difference between what he paid for the team and what he sold it for. For instance, if he sold the Clippers today for $1 billion, Sterling would pay capital gain taxes of 33 percent on a gain of $987.5 million. As a result, Sterling would owe Federal & state capital gain taxes of approximately $329 million.
RELATED: NBPA applauds decisions, but wants Clippers sold
If instead Sterling holds onto the Clippers and some time from now passes away, his family would inherit the team. The family would inherit the team with a value pegged to its fair market value. As Raiola stresses, the new value of the team would be crucial for purposes of capital gains tax. Here's why: if the family inherited the Clippers and then sold it, they would only pay a capitals gain tax on the difference between the value of the team when they inherited it and the value of it when sold. For instance, if the family inherited the team and it was worth $700 million and then they sold it for $800 million, they would only pay capital gain taxes on a gain of $100 million. In that instance, there would be a comparatively modest tax bill of $33 million.
If the Sterling family inherited the Clippers and simultaneously sold it, Raiola tells SI.com, they would pay no capital gains tax, but still have estate tax issues. However, a transaction could be structured whereby the employees of the Clippers organization could own a percentage of the team. In such case, the capital gain taxes on a sale could be partially or fully avoided.
These tax considerations make it more likely that Sterling will fight the NBA to hold onto the Clippers. Even if he ultimately loses a legal battle, the process of losing could take years to play out in court. At the risk of sounding macabre, Sterling may be motivated to wage a protracted legal battle in order to keep the team for as long as he lives.

Important family law considerations: what if Mrs. Sterling files for divorce?

Sterling and his wife, Shelly, are reportedly estranged but not divorced. One potential legal complication for the NBA would be if Mrs. Sterling filed for divorce before the NBA terminated her husband's ownership of the Clippers. California is a "community law" state, which means Mrs. Sterling would likely be entitled to half of her husband's assets. One of his key assets is obviously the Clippers. Mrs. Sterling could potentially use divorce court proceedings to slow down the NBA's ouster of her husband, as she would have a vested stake in any sale of the Clippers.

Could Sterling transfer ownership to Mrs. Sterling?

It is possible that Sterling could try to transfer ownership of the Clippers to Mrs. Sterling before the NBA ousts him. The NBA, however, would have to approve such a maneuver, as Mrs. Sterling would be subject to requirements the league uses to evaluate prospective owners. There is virtually no chance the NBA would approve Mrs. Sterling in this scenario as it would be a clear attempt to evade the NBA's discipline of her husband.

Greenberg leaves Rangers; Ryan named CEO

Greenberg leaves Rangers; Ryan named CEO
Hall of Famer will oversee both baseball, business operations

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers' ownership group, which was intended to bring stability to a franchise that had experienced a difficult period, is undergoing a major change.

The club announced on Friday that Chuck Greenberg is stepping down as managing partner and chief executive officer. He is also selling his interest in the Rangers and will no longer be associated with the franchise. Club president Nolan Ryan will assume the title of CEO and oversee all aspects of the Rangers operations on both the baseball and the business side.

Greenberg put together the ownership group that purchased the Rangers from former owner Tom Hicks last August.
Chuck Greenberg put together the group that purchased the Rangers from Tom Hicks last year. (AP)

"Chuck's determination during an extremely long and complicated sales process was crucial in delivering a positive outcome for our ownership group last August," Ryan said in a statement released by the team. "We owe him a great deal of thanks for those efforts and I wish him only the best.

"I am excited about the future of the Texas Rangers in so many ways. Our front office is comprised of talented and passionate people who come to work every day with the goal of making us the best organization in Major League Baseball, on and off the field."

Greenberg put together Rangers Baseball Express, but the largest investors are Dallas businessman Ray Davis and Fort Worth oilman Bob Simpson. Greenberg's abrupt departure suggests there was conflict within the ownership group about the way the club had been operating.

Simpson and Davis issued a joint statement through the club: "We greatly appreciate Chuck Greenberg's hard work, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the team, our fans and the Dallas-Fort Worth communities. Chuck is a dynamic leader with superb strategic, operational and business development skills, and under his and Nolan Ryan's direction, we have accomplished a great deal in a short time.

"We thank Chuck for his many contributions to the organization, and wish him well in his future endeavors. At the same time, we are very confident in the continued success and further development of the Texas Rangers under Nolan's leadership."

A baseball source said Greenberg and the other owners had been in mediation for the past week to resolve remaining issues between the two sides. The move was made with the Rangers three weeks away from Opening Day.

Greenberg acknowledged differences in opinion among the owners in his statement.

"I have great respect for the Texas Rangers franchise and am enormously proud of all we have accomplished together since August," Greenberg said in a statement released by the team. "Unfortunately, Nolan Ryan, the co-chairmen and I have somewhat different styles. While I am disappointed we did not work through our differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what's right for the franchise.

"Together we concluded it is best for all concerned for me to sell my interest back to Rangers Baseball Express and move on. I do so with a heavy heart, but with every confidence in the direction that the new management team is taking the Rangers and, with Nolan at the helm, I know this franchise will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights both on and off the field."

Ryan was in camp this week but returned to Texas on Friday for an expected announcement. General manager Jon Daniels was in Surprise but would not address the issue prior to the announcement.

As far as changes impacting the baseball team, Daniels said, "Nothing has changed."

Players in the clubhouse said the same thing and were caught by surprise when they heard the news Friday morning.

"I like Chuck," infielder Michael Young said. "Chuck is a good guy. Apart from that I don't have anything to say."

Added second baseman Ian Kinsler: "Chuck was a great guy from the times that I talked to him. It seemed like he had some good ideas. Other than that, I don't know what happened. It doesn't affect us in the clubhouse or on the field. It might affect the hotel we're staying at or the food we eat but it doesn't affect us on the field."

Greenberg's group won control of the Rangers on Aug. 5 by being the highest bidder in an auction conducted in United States Bankruptcy Court. Their final bid of $590 million won over a group led by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane.

Major League Baseball approved the sale on Aug. 12. The Rangers finished the season by winning the American League pennant for the first time in club history and advancing to the World Series, which they lost to San Francisco in five games.

"We showed last year things like this don't affect us on the field," outfielder David Murphy said. "I know for the time Chuck was here, he was an awesome guy. He seemed like he was steering in the right direction ... it has been a constant revolving door around here. We're used to people coming and going.

"Maybe we need something like this to be successful. We're just creating drama to add flavor to the team. What would Rangers Spring Training be without some drama?"

Since the World Series, the Rangers' front office has added Rick George as chief operating officer and three vice presidents: Todd Taylor (ticket sales and marketing), Joe Januszewski (business partnerships) and Jay Miller (sales). The Rangers also announced a $13 million overhaul of the video and sound systems at the Ballpark in Arlington, which includes a new state-of-the-art video board on top of the Home Run Porch.

Greenberg also negotiated a potentially lucrative television deal with FOX Sports Southwest and arranged for the Rangers to move their Class A affiliation from Bakersfield to Myrtle Beach. Greenberg is still part-owner of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Rangers are still scheduled to play an exhibition game against Coastal Carolina on March 29 in Myrtle Beach.

Simpson and Davis said: ""Chuck's departure will have no effect on the team's operation and we look forward to working with Nolan Ryan as this organization continues to grow and prosper.

"The baseball group has demonstrated its quest for excellence under the skillful leadership of Jon Daniels. On the business side, we also have a deep bench of experienced executives who always put our fans first and will ensure our ambitious plans for the 2011 season stay on track."

Under the ownership arrangement, Ryan was supposed to oversee all baseball operations while Greenberg would be in charge of the business side of the franchise. Those lines started to blur when Greenberg took an active role in negotiations with pitcher Cliff Lee.

The Rangers have had six owners or ownership groups since moving to Arlington from Washington, D.C., in 1971. Bob Short brought the team to Texas and sold to Brad Corbett in 1974. The team was sold to Eddie Chiles in 1980 and then to a group led by George W. Bush and Rusty Rose in 1990. Hicks bought the team in 1998.

Hicks ran into financial trouble and announced two years ago during Spring Training that he was seeking minority investors. He later decided to sell controlling interest and Greenberg's group emerged as the leading bidder. Greenberg associated himself with Ryan early in the process and that strengthened his bid.

Hicks agreed to sell the team to Greenberg's group on Dec. 15, 2009, but the sale was not approved by the lending institutions that held debt on Hicks Sports Group. The Rangers, while operating under severe financial constraints, ended up in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and were sold at auction to satisfy the lenders.

Dean named PA announcer for Cowboys Stadium

Dean named PA announcer for Cowboys Stadium

08:09 PM CDT on Thursday, August 20, 2009

When the Cowboys play their first game inside their new stadium tonight against Tennessee, they will have a new voice.

Jody Dean, a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and KLUV-FM (98.7) talk show host, will be Cowboys Stadium's public address announcer.

Dean replaces The Ticket's George Dunham, the longtime voice of Texas Stadium. Dean had been the associate producer and creative director of the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network at KVIL.

"We are thrilled to have Jody returning as part of the Cowboys family," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said in a prepared statement. "He played a key role in helping our games become the first in the NFL to be broadcast in stereo back in the early 1990s.

"He has a wonderful and familiar voice that sounds great over our sound system in Cowboys Stadium, and we look forward to Jody bringing the creativity and enthusiasm that have been his professional trademarks to our game entertainment experience at the new venue in Arlington."

a milestone

The 2009 Football season marks a milestone for me as I return to my alma mater as the VOICE OF THE PIRATES. I began my announcing career as an eight grader at Paint Creek School. This year I will be announcing all but two games. The Jayton Jaybirds and the Bryson Cowboys. It should be an exciting year at Paint Creek. With Homecoming this year.

Texas Rangers Game

I was able to go to the Rangers Home opener. It was a blast. It was a privilege to see the Rangers beat the Boston Red Sox at the ballpark in arlington. Robinson Tejeda pitched an excellent game. Shutting down David ortiz and the Boston red sox.

Rule head coach Mike Reed is no stranger to big wins. As a running back for the Gordon Longhorns during his high school days, he played in a number of

Rule head coach Mike Reed is no stranger to big wins. As a running back for the Gordon Longhorns during his high school days, he played in a number of big games.

None, however, may be as big as his last.

Reed guided the Rule Bobcats to a stunning 45-0 victory over the Meadow Broncos Saturday evening at Lowrey Field in Lubbock. With the victory, the Bobcats earned the team's first-ever trip to the state finals. Rule will face the Richland Springs Coyotes this Saturday in the Division I state six-man football championships.



Jayton head coach Nathan Hayes taks to quarterback Josh Wood during the third quarter. Jayton defeated Whitharral Saturday and earned its first trip to the state finals since 1989.

Ranked among the nation's best all season, Rule didn't waste any time in setting the tempo. The Bobcats took a 6-0 advantage late in the first quarter when Stephen Pace scored on a short 3-yard run.

Pace's TD came with just 1:38 left in the initial frame.

The Bobcats struck again midway through the second period when quarterback J.T. Spitzer scampered into the end zone from 5 yards out to up the RHS lead to 14-0.

The Bobcat defense took over from there. After a long kickoff return by Meadow's Adrian Sanchez was called by because of a penalty, Rule forced the Broncos into a punting situation in the shadows of their own goal. On fourth down, Austin Flores managed to penetrate the MHS line and blocked Meadow's punt.

Following Flores' block, the ball bounded out the back of the end zone for a safety – and a stunning 16-0 lead.

Rule, which held meadow to just 135 total yards and five first downs, stretched its lead to 31-0 at the half with second-quarter touchdowns by C.J. Saucedo and Kade Kittley.

Spitzer, who threw for 210 yards in the win, added to the RHS lead in the third with a 21-yard TD strike to Jonathan Rincones.

He added a second rushing TD just 1:16 into the fourth quarter to enabled Rule to end the game via the 45-point mercy rule.

The Rule Bobcats weren't the only players celebrating a big-time win on Saturday. The Jayton Jaybirds earned their first trip to the state finals since the 1980s by racing to a wild 75-60 victory over the Whitharral Panthers in Post.

Jayton, which won the state title in 1984 and 1985 and finished second to Fort Hancock in 1989, built a 30 point lead early in the third quarter and then off a furious rally by Jake Baker and the Panthers to nail down the win.

Whitharral had a chance to pull to within two late in the game. With the ball inside the Jaybird 3, the Panthers misfired. Jayton recovered a WHS fumble and all but sealed the contest.

Jaybird running back Tyler Sped led the JHS attack, rushing for more than 170 yards.

With the victory, Jayton now advances to face Vernon Northside this weekend in the Division II state finals. Northside (13-1) is making its deepest appearance in the six-man playoffs since 1958 when the team advanced to the regional round. Six-man teams did not advance past the regional round until 1972 when the University Interscholastic League staged its first six-man state title game.

Northside defeated Gustine on Friday to net its berth in the finals.

FOX Sports finalizes BCS broadcast teams

FOX Sports finalizes BCS broadcast teams:
Hall of Fame Analysts Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long join Kenny Albert for Jan. 3rd ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL
Veteran Analysts Pat Haden, Terry Donahue and Play-by-Play Announcer Matt Vasgersian call FEDEX ORANGE BOWL on Jan. 2nd
In many parts of the country, November's crisp winds and fallen leaves mean only one thing: college football's fight for the National Championship is coming to a boil. As the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams brace for a fierce regular season confrontation this weekend, FOX Sports announces its upcoming and highly-anticipated Bowl Championship Series broadcast teams. The announcement was made today by Ed Goren, President and Executive Producer of FOX Sports.
FOX NFL SUNDAY teammates Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, both former college football standouts before embarking on Hall of Fame professional careers, enter the game booth together for the first time to call the ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL, live from the Superdome in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 3 (7:30 PM ET).
The ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL marks Long's first-ever assignment as a game analyst, while Bradshaw enters the booth for the first time in a traditional setting since working for CBS in 1989. Bradshaw and Long work alongside seasoned FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert. Reporting from the sidelines is Jeanne Zelasko, host of the Emmy Award-winning MLB on FOX pregame show and NASCAR on FOX pit reporter. Producer Pete Macheska and director Sandy Grossman steward the broadcast from the production truck.
"Over the course of their 13 years together, Terry and Howie have established an on-air chemistry that is unmatched in this business," said Goren. "Add to that their passion and knowledge of college football, and we're set for the same entertaining and insightful brand of analysis that we see from them on Sundays."
On Tuesday, Jan. 2 (7:30 PM ET), former UCLA head coach and San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue joins former USC and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Pat Haden for the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL, live from Dolphin Stadium in Miami.
Donahue is currently calling NFL on FOX regular season broadcasts, while Haden handles analyst duties for NBC's coverage of top-ranked Notre Dame. Prior to joining NBC, Haden analyzed college football action for TNT and CBS. Donahue and Haden are accompanied in the booth by talented play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, who has been calling NFL and MLB on FOX games this season. Handling sideline reporting for the FEDEX ORANGE BOWL is FSN's pro and college football reporter Laura Okmin. Jeff Gowen produces and Emmy Award-winner Bill Webb directs.
FOX Sports' lead BCS broadcast team has also added its final appointment as Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Myers joins accomplished play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman and lead analysts Barry Alvarez and Charles Davis for the TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL on Monday, Jan. 1 (8:00 PM ET) and the TOSTITOS BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME on Monday, Jan. 8 (7:30 PM ET). Producer Mike Burks and director Rich Russo lead the production team.
As previously announced, former University of Miami head coach Jimmy Johnson teams with FSN's Chris Rose to anchor each BCS on FOX contest's pregame, halftime and postgame coverage. It is planned for the two to be joined on set by one or two collegiate coaches, whose teams do not qualify for a BCS game this season.
"College football's premier events are in very good hands with this unique and very capable roster of broadcasters and production personnel," said Goren. "FOX Sports could not be more excited to launch our BCS coverage, and like the fans, we're counting down the days to January."
On Sunday, Dec. 3 (8:00 PM ET), FOX Sports officially kicks-off the month-long BCS season when it presents the ALLSTATE BCS SELECTION SHOW. The match-ups for this season's BCS games are being unveiled for the first time ever on national prime time television during this special half-hour program. Further details are available in a separate news release issued today.
In November 2004, FOX Sports and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) reached an exclusive four-year agreement covering all media distribution and sponsorship rights for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, FedEx Orange Bowl and Allstate Sugar Bowl from 2007 through 2010, as well as the new Tostitos BCS National Championship Game from 2007 through 2009. In addition, FOX Sports also continues as the exclusive broadcast home to the prestigious Cotton Bowl through 2010.
2007 BCS Schedule
Date
Time
Bowl Game
Site
TV
Jan. 1
8:00 p.m. ET
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, AZ
FOX
Jan. 2
7:30 p.m. ET
FedEx Orange Bowl
Miami, FL
FOX
Jan. 3
7:30 p.m. ET
Allstate Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, LA
FOX
Jan. 8
7:30 p.m. ET
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game
Glendale, AZ
FOX
2007 BCS ON FOX BROADCASTER INFORMATION
Thom Brennaman: The first broadcaster assigned by FOX Sports to work its BCS broadcasts, veteran play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman anchors the lead broadcast team alongside analysts Barry Alvarez and Charles Davis. This broadcast trio handles the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1st, and the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 8th, both from Glendale, Arizona. Brennaman has served as play-by-play announcer for FOX Sports' coverage of the Cotton Bowl for the last seven consecutive years. This past October, Brennaman notched his sixth consecutive season calling Major League Baseball's Division Series and League Championship Series for FOX Sports. This followed regular season duties as play-by-play announcer for the Emmy Award-winning FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK, a franchise he has contributed to for over a decade. Brennaman's duties also include play-by-play announcer for the NFL on FOX.
Barry Alvarez: Former University of Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez joins FOX Sports' coverage of the BCS, working alongside Thom Brennaman and Charles Davis on the lead broadcast team. Alvarez retired with the school record for wins as head coach and was the architect of three Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship teams. He is also the only Big Ten coach in history to win consecutive Rose Bowls and is one of just two coaches (Ohio State's Woody Hayes is the other) to win the Rose Bowl three times. He led the Badgers to their three most-win seasons ever and compiled an impressive 108-70-4 overall record (8-3 in bowl games).
Charles Davis: Former University of Tennessee defensive back Charles Davis joins Thom Brennaman and Barry Alvarez to form the lead BCS on FOX broadcast booth. Currently in his fifth consecutive year as lead analyst for TBS' college football coverage of the Big 12 and Pac-10 conferences, Davis' other broadcasting assignments include sideline reporter for TNT's NBA playoffs and CBS' coverage of the NCAA basketball tournament.
Chris Myers: Versatile Emmy Award-winner Chris Myers serves as sideline reporter on the BCS on FOX lead broadcast team, handling the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1st, and the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 8th. One of the busiest broadcasters in sports, Myers hosts FOX Sports' NASCAR coverage and also contributes to the network's NFL and MLB coverage, serving as reporter and occasional play-by-play announcer during regular and postseason contests. In addition, Myers hosts his own interview show on FSN, CMI: THE CHRIS MYERS INTERVIEW and hosts a weekday show on FOX Sports Radio.
Kenny Albert: Seasoned play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert joins FOX NFL SUNDAY teammates Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long to cover the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Currently working his 13th consecutive season in the NFL on FOX broadcast booth, Albert's FOX Sports resume is vast and includes work as a play-by-play announcer for the network's MLB coverage, five seasons of the NHL on FOX, as well as two years as host of the NTRA Champions on FOX thoroughbred series.
Terry Bradshaw: Terry Bradshaw, widely acknowledged as today's preeminent NFL studio personality, works alongside Howie Long and Kenny Albert for coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3. Bradshaw's work on FOX NFL SUNDAY earned him Sports Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst category in 1999 and 2001. The first player chosen in the 1970 draft, Bradshaw became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history, leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships, six AFC championship games and eight straight playoff appearances (1972-79). Bradshaw, a two-time Super Bowl MVP (Super Bowls XIII and XIV), was also a four-time All-Pro selection. He retired just prior to the 1984 season. In 1989, Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. A 1996 inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame, Bradshaw led Louisiana Tech University to a conference championship in his senior year. He was a first team Associated Press All-America as a senior in 1970. In both 1968 and 1969, he was named quarterback on the Football Coaches All-America and was Athlete of the Year in the Gulf States Conference.
Howie Long: Hall of Famer Howie Long joins Terry Bradshaw and Kenny Albert to call FOX Sports' coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl from New Orleans. Long took network sports television by storm in 1994 with his keen insights, thorough research and smooth delivery as an NFL studio analyst for FOX NFL SUNDAY. Long is now widely regarded as one of today's top NFL studio analysts, as evidenced by the Emmy Award he received in 1997 for his work as Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst. He was the last active Raider to have played for the franchise when it was first based in Oakland. Long was named a defensive end on the NFL Team of the '80s, was voted by fans as the 1984 and 1986 Defensive Lineman of the Year and was named 1984 NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association. As defensive lineman at Villanova University, Long was a four-year letterman. He was All-East and honorable mention All-America as a senior. He was named MVP in the 1980 Blue-Gray Football Classic. Long graduated from Villanova in 1981 with a degree in communications.
Jeanne Zelasko: Experienced and versatile reporter Jeanne Zelasko joins Kenny Albert, Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long for FOX Sports' coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, live from the New Orleans Superdome on January 3rd. Zelasko's other FOX Sports duties include hosting the network's Emmy Award-winning MLB on FOX pregame show and serving as a NASCAR on FOX pit reporter. Previously, Zelasko was an anchor on FSN's National Sports Report, as well as a reporter on FOX NFL SUNDAY.
Matt Vasgersian: Talented NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian anchors FOX Sports' coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd, accompanying analysts Terry Donahue and Pat Haden. Currently completing his first full season as an NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer, the versatile Vasgersian has spent the last five seasons as the San Diego Padres lead play-by-play man. Before joining FOX Sports, Vasgersian spent several years contributing to NBC Sports coverage, including the 2001 Gator Bowl, the XFL and various assignments for both the Athens and Torino Olympic Games.
Terry Donahue: Former UCLA head coach and San Francisco 49ers general manager Terry Donahue joins FOX Sports' coverage of the BCS, accompanying Matt Vasgersian and Pat Haden in the booth for the network's coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Terry is currently working a slate of NFL on FOX games and previously spent three seasons as the lead analyst on college football broadcasts for CBS. As a UCLA walk-on, Donahue started two seasons (1965-66) at defensive tackle for the Bruins. After graduating, he left to become a defensive line coach at Kansas and returned to UCLA where he eventually took over as head coach when Dick Vermeil left the Bruins to coach the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976.
Pat Haden: Former USC Trojan and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Pat Haden joins FOX Sports' Matt Vasgersian and Terry Donahue in the booth for the network's coverage of the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 2nd. Haden currently serves as an analyst for NBC's coverage of Notre Dame football and previously covered both professional and college football action on TNT and CBS.
Laura Okmin: Experienced reporter Laura Okmin patrols the sidelines of Dolphin Stadium this Jan. 2nd for the FedEx Orange Bowl. Okmin added her FSN national duties in 2005 after serving as an anchor/reporter for FSN South (2002-2005) and Turner Sports (2002-2003). Okmin currently serves as host of FSN's TOTALLY FOOTBALL and reporter for FSN's PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW