Morning Wrap: Kurt Busch Investigated for Domestic Violence Accusation

((ht: foxsports.com))

We had a bit of trepidation about wading into this story yesterday, but it is at least worth a mention because police really are involved.

NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is being investigated by Dover Delaware police after his former girlfriend came to police and accused him of assault.

The incident is alleged to have happened after the race at Dover Speedway back in September. Busch's former girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, says after the race in his motorhome, a despondent Busch got angry and grabbed her head, banging it against a wall and hurting her.

The pair had broken up a week earlier.

We should add that Driscoll is the president of the Armed Forces Foundation which had ties to Busch's racing team. Those ties have since been severed.

Read a full explanation of the story from FOXSports RIGHT HERE

Police are looking into the allegations and thus far have not commented other than to say that.

As for Busch, his attorney Rusty Hardin (yes, the attorney to athletes everywhere) released a statement saying "The Dover Police department has been informed that Mr. Busch will fully cooperate with their investigation and he expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light..."

Hardin added that the allegations come from a woman who refused to accept the end of a relationship among other things.

NASCAR is also monitoring the situation and has decided it would be inappropriate to comment or take action until they have more information.

Bill Murray Intros Sunday Morning NFL Because Of Course He Does

Bill Murray is awesome.

Granted we don't know him personally, but he just exists on this alternate, dry humor plane where everything is living life to it's fullest, doing what you want to do kind of dali-lama-ish existence where he just drops wisdom upon us all.

Check out the intro he did Sunday morning to kick off FOXSports's coverage of the Atlanta Falcons/Detroit Lions game in London.

All we can say is that it's "So Very Bill Murray"

Enjoy:

Huh? Fox Loses Mind With Bizarre NFL Promos

Okay, while we are guessing the intent of FOX Sports's bizarre run of NFL promos lately is to see what might catch on in go viral, folks, they are just plain weird.

For some reason, the promo department decided that dressing up lead announce team Joe Buck and Troy Aikman as actors in a bad Spanish language video would be cool.

Or at least funny....

This is neither.

The only thing we could compare it with would be the god-awful creepy Burger King spots from a few years ago.

Not that FOX has to worry, bad promos or not, people will watch because after all, it's the NFL.

But in the interest of credibility, we might suggest having the top-flight talent do something just slightly more legit than this.

You can do better. All of you involved...

Here's the video in question:

Louisville Affiliate Goes Old School To Show Highlights

((HT: Awful Announcing/WDRB-TV))

The Fox affiliate in Louisville knew they couldn't show CBS highlights before a certain window opened up of UConn and Florida going off the air... there's a lot of television speak that the HQ could go into but it would take entirely too long to describe...

So, as an awesome way to show something but not...

They went all Double Dribble on us...
WDRB 41 Louisville News

How 'bout that...???

Jay And Dan Unlock Canada's Biggest Sochi Secret...

((HT: Fox Sports Live))

THE BEER FRIDGE!!!

It confounds the rest of the civilized world who cannot open it unless they have a Canadian passport...

Two of our faves do...

Jay And Dan Apologize For International Incident

((HT: Fox Sports))

Jay and Dan are showing the rest of the world Sochi- from the outside since they can't get into to anything on the inside... and they're doing a mighty fine job of it..

But, they seem to have rankled some fur with their last activity...

And, they're now here to apologize for it...


Not like the Russians will remember or anything...

Carry on...

Jay And Dan Investigate Sochi Toilets

((HT: Fox Sports Live))

As well they should...

Since they have access to only a certain number of places... one of those places that has given the world a lot of consternation is the bathroom...

Is all this squawking about loos just a waste of paper or is it driving the bus...???

A Great Big F' You To Fox Sports' Joe Buck

[HT: Funny Or Die]

Those of us at the OSG HQ have our opinions of Joe Buck from Fox Sports.

Let's just say Buck has become the most polarizing sportscaster in the business and most feel he's no where near the talent level of his father, Jack Buck.

I grew up with Jack Buck calling St. Louis Cardinal baseball and yes he was awesome.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be in the booth for Super Bowl XLVIII Sunday from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

For those of you who are Joe Buck haters you have to admit he doesn't take himself to seriously which is something he has inherited from his father.

Funny Or Die put together this video starring Joe Buck in their "I Love NY" campaign.  It's good comedy.

Thanks funnyordie.com

Joe Buck's Failed Super Bowl Promo from Funny Or Die

As noted earlier Jack Buck didn't take himself too seriously either for example this classic Busch beer commercial with Whitey Herzog from the late 1980's

Fox Sports Has Golf Now, U.S. Open Moves To The Globe In 2015

Starting in 2015 the U.S. Open and all USGA events will be seen on Fox Sports.

The USGA announced Wednesday they have reached a 12 year deal with Fox Sports to broadcast the U.S Open, U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur and other USGA events.

“We’re looking forward to FOX Sports becoming home to the preeminent golf championship in the world,” FOX Sports co-president and COO Eric Shanks said. “We’re committed to elevating coverage of USGA events on every level, infusing them with a new energy and innovation that will make every championship the best golf event on television.”

Put Gus Johnson in the tower at 18 and that will infuse new energy.

Perhaps the face of Fox Sports Joe Buck will be there.  As long as the globe brings Roger Maltbie over from the peacock that would ideal.

The USGA wants to capitalize on Fox Sports' multi-platforms including the soon-to-be launched mobile app Fox Sports Go to establish the U.S. Open brand as well as providing greater visibility of amateur events through unique story telling.

In other words the soon-to-be launched Fox Sports 1 just received more content and a big time event.

Financial terms were not released but I'm sure the USGA won't go broke.

It's Official: FOX Sports Takes On ESPN

((ht: bloomberg.com))

We aren't really sure how we feel about this, but eh...it's probably a good thing.

FOX Sports or more specifically, News Corp, made it official Tuesday afternoon and announced they are starting their own National Cable Sports Network.

They join a somewhat crowded field that includes the 4-Letter (ESPN), NBC and CBS Sports.

The new network will debut to over 90-million pay-tv homes and will run multiple FOX Sports properties and undoubtedly will feature it's own signature nightly newscasts and talk shows.

One of those hosts: Former morning Talker Regis Philbin.

Read the entire story from Bloomberg News RIGHT HERE

We've made no secret that we are among the growing chorus of sports fans who despise what ESPN has done to sports on most levels. Though we aren't sure how we feel about FOX, who's TV-News Network isn't exactly known for staying neutral or factually correct...about anything, we are hopeful about having an alternative.

But remember anything that will push ESPN to act like grown-ups instead of the babbling children who don't believe anyone will watch unless they fawn over Tim Tebow or create complaints where there weren't any for the sake of being the bad guy (Skip Bayless), has got to be a good thing.

If FOX accomplishes nothing else other than making everyone up their game, we'll be happy. If they are able to provide a viable option, that's fantastic. It's very painful and at times virtually impossible to watch ESPN these days without getting angry. They (ESPN) have been dictating the conversation too long and they seem to think other than a few players and teams, most of the country doesn't matter or exist.

That would be the best case, they make ESPN adjust to them. But FOX has a big hurdle to overcome. ESPN has many years and billions of dollars of a head start. FOX doesn't have to topple them. All we ask is they help change the game. Don't force feed non-NFL caliber players (Tebow) down our throat. Don't force feed us ex-writers who say stuff just to see if anyone will react to it (Bayless). Just tell us what happened, explain why it happened, tell us why it's interesting and do it in a creative way.

Good luck FOX Sports and NBC and CBS, we wish you luck and hope you can slay the monster.

Your Gus Update: Game One In Football (Not THAT Kind Of Football, The Other Kind)

((HT: Fox Sports))

It's an interesting mix... Gus Johnson and football...
He was paired with Warren Barton to call the first leg of the work with ManU and Real Madrid...

Here's a sample of the goal calls from his debut... an understated Gus...
But it sets the growth curve...


It's an interesting experiment that David Hill is trying for their expanded coverage in the sport...

It makes you ask:
1) How he did and,
2) Does every soccer announcer have to be British to be accepted...???

The HQ would answer in the negative and give JP Dellacamera as our example...

What do you think, dear reader...???

Report: Gus Johnson as the Voice of U.S Soccer---Awesome!

((ht: si.com/deitch))

Hmmmm....we may watch the 2018 World Cup after all. Unlike Brother Jon, we are a casual soccer fan--at best.

But we can be convinced.

That's why a report today by SI.com's most excellent media reporter Richard Deitch intrigues us.

In that report, Johnson admits his employer, FOX Sports, wants him to be their voice of Soccer.

You can read it RIGHT HERE

And oh how we love us some Gus:



Johnson, who's work has been primarily football and basketball has a lot to learn. FOX has the 2018 and 2022 World Cup Broadcasts. And soccer fans, even more so than NFL or NCAA fans, are a rather persnickety bunch who seemingly look down on anyone not incredibly well versed in their game.

We have no doubt Gus is up to the task.

Heck, if you like hearing this:



Then you'll have no problem with this:

Michael Strahan: From NFL Star to Morning Show Host

Michael Strahan

((ht: nydailynews))

How many hardcore sports people saw this coming? Yeah, I know, The Lovely Bride wasn't surprised at all, but she actually watches shows like "Live with Kelly and formerly Regis". But we don't.

According to Broadcasting and Cable magazine, that show will now be called "Live with Kelly and Michael". That's because former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan will take over the job left open by Regis Philbin on the morning talker.

No, we really never pictured Strahan as a all-purpose yuckster who relates well to women, but then again, we don't really know him that well.

Oh, apparently Strahan will keep his gig on FOX's NFL Studio show on Sunday's.

Here's a rather lengthy story from the New York Daily News RIGHT HERE

Alrighty then. Sure, we know Strahan isn't the first football player to make a jump like this. Heck, defensive meanie Alex Karras is better known as Webster's dad then as an all-pro defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions. So yeah, it does happen.

And sure, we've seen Strahan in his Subway commercials, he's sort of funny. In fact he's been rather successful as a commercial "Go-To" guy, maybe that's the reason he gets to now sit next to the perennially perky Kelly Ripa?

For those wondering, here's a clip from the Regis and Kelly version...

Coach Interviews Himself

((HT: Atlanta Silverbacks))

This is what happens when your coach is also a television analyst...
And your television analyst is Eric Wynalda...

Nothing like tough, introspective questions from yourself...

And I said, "Self..."


Wynalda has proven himself ("self...") to be a talented coach with a philosophy not shared by others when it comes to gameplanning and a guy who wants to attack what he thinks is seriously wrong with USA Soccer- both on the field and off...

Interesting to see what's running through his brain on a regular basis...

Welcome Back, Gus Johnson...

((HT: FoxSports.com via Traina))

You know it's football season when...

That's all we're going to say...


Unicorns...
How awesome is that...???

Big 12 Proves TV Money driving conference swaps

((ht: newsok.com))

No, this isn't a shock. At least to us. We've been saying it for months, but we are a relatively small outlet and the big boys don't always pay attention to what we have to say. (They should)

To the surprise of few, a report in yesterdays Oklahoman Newspaper quotes an internal Big 12 expansion discussion. And among the highlights: The statement saying in essence "Our television partners agree the only partner that would enhance Big 12 value for television is Notre Dame."

Note--Those partners would be ESPN and FOX Sports.

Read the entire NewsOK story RIGHT HERE

Please note that the Big 12 is not set on expanding according to reports. Though we don't believe them.

And the fact they are looking at this as an option doesn't even outrage us.

No.

The issue is the TV component of this. We've always thought and surmised they may be behind all the conference realignment, this is the first proof that it's true.

And if you are one of those people that say..."Deal with it", we tell you, your game isn't as pure as you'd like to believe. And arguably, the "Championship" series is a collaborative sham perpetrated on the most colleges, college students and the general public.

Since the NCAA has no control over the Bowls...or the playoffs (Did you know this?), we should just call this what it is. You can say its a "National Championship" game, but unless you attend one of a few select schools, you'll never play in it. You can say it's being done to have a "Clear Champion", but we would argue it's ESPN's champion.

In fact, we'd argue that College Football should stop PRETENDING to be an amateur sport. It isn't. Do any of you REALLY think all the changing conference alignments are being done for the benefit of anyone at your school of choice?

No, it's being done to line the pockets of the Executive's at ESPN. It's being done to line the pockets of conference commissioners. It's not being done because it's in your best interest.

It hasn't been like that for a very long time.

Can anyone disagree that ESPN runs Sports on both the Professional and College levels?

No, didn't think so.

Hope you enjoy life and your game as dictated by the 4-letter word/Evil Empire/SkyNet

Haven't We Been Here Before With Fox...???

((HT: Bloomberg/Fixmer, Sherman))

Since Fox Networks is going to have to grab a lot of revenue in the near-and-future future, it appears that Sports Chairman David Hill wants to start up a national network that would compete with the four-letter...

It was tried once before with limited (if not critical) success and financial and ratings failure...

Remember this...???
((HT: FoxSports/youtube))


And this...???


So those "anonymous sources" types are saying that, probably by the end of the year, Hill wants a roll-out if they can pull it off with all of their assembled properties headed in one direction. It looks like FuelTV may be the victim in all of this.

The HQ is all for competition in the 24-hour marketplace, and it would be interesting to see if Fox will stick with it the second time around...

More when we know more...

Fox And Dodgers Settle Lawsuit

((HT: MyFoxLA))

It's the last step in the possible solution of the outstanding bankruptcy proceedings before all the interested parties head to US Bankruptcy Court later this month...

All this to see who might pick up the Dodgers for a lot more than a song and a smile...

The team and Fox Broadcasting have come to an agreement resolving all the issues when it comes to broadcast rights. This means that the rights are retained by the network and it's not in play for the new owners or any creditors...

Rick Lozano has the details...

Dodgers, Fox Sports Reach Agreement: MyFoxLA.com

Former NFL Coach Jimmy Johnson's restaurant shut down

((ht: local10.com))

"Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill"

Whoops. Guess Jimmy Johnson is spending too much time on the Fox Sports football set in L.A these days.

As you know, the former NFL coach and Fox analyst makes his home in South Florida.

Apparently Johnson's Key Largo, Florida restaurant "Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill Restaurant and Grill at Fisherman's Cove", was closed last week after Health Inspectors found...21 critical violations and 9 non-critical ones.

Read the whole story from Local10.com RIGHT HERE

Among the listed violations:

-Food stored in ice used for drinks and bottles.
-Observed rodent activity including some 30 plus dry rodent droppings found around the kitchen area.
-Observed roach activity including 15-plus live roaches found inside or near a cooler.

Well. Maybe Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares can visit and fix this. Yeah, we know it isn't "Technically" a Sports story, but Johnson is a "Sports" personality.

And while he may not be directly responsible for the operation of the restaurant (many lend their name for a fee), it still has his name on the marquee.

Certainly, if you find yourself in Key Largo, you may want to think twice before pulling into the lot of a "Big Name" restaurant.

If you aren't familiar with "Kitchen Nightmares", take a look: