Alli to include seven national & international action sports properties, adding new partnerships with Maloof Money Cup, AMA Motocross Championship & King of Wake series to popular Dew Tour franchise

NBC Sports and MTV, a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), announced today the creation of Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports™.  Alli is a global business that joins the former Action Sports Tour properties (AST) with Maloof Money Cup, AMA Motocross Championship and King of Wake series to create the most diverse and robust action-sports offering in the world. The new umbrella brand, which will continue to be co-owned by NBC Sports and MTV, will offer a schedule of seven national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia content and production, a digital hub and consumer-facing lifestyle brand.

Building on the successful foundation of AST, Alli will serve as the owner and operator of the Dew Tour and Winter Dew Tour, Free Flow Tour, and the China Invitational. In addition, Alli has formed partnerships with industry leaders and premier properties: Maloof Money Cup, the AMA Motocross Championships, and the King of Wake series.  Alli partners will continue to manage their respective events with the added benefit of television programming on NBC Sports and MTV, global media content distribution, sponsorship sales, and marketing and promotion across all platforms. A soon-to-be-launched digital hub will also serve as the online destination for all Alli properties and a leading source of all action sports content and news.

This announcement comes six months after the groundbreaking joint venture between NBC and MTV around the AST and its related businesses.  This wide-ranging, strategic partnership expanded the business across NBC and MTV’s multiple screens, including action sports competition and youth-focused lifestyle programming, cross-promotion, multi-platform content and distribution, consumer products licensing and an enhanced digital offering.  Moving forward under the Alli brand, the partnership will include over 80 hours of original programming offered annually across NBC, USA Network, MTV and MTV2

“Alli’s mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports by showcasing both the competition and lifestyle aspect of these sports.  We believe these are the sports of a new generation and Alli will bring together the best properties, athletes, and brands globally for the fans of action sports,” says Wade Martin, President of Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports.

“When NBC Sports launched the Dew Tour we knew there would be an opportunity to expand into other action sports.  We are excited to bring the best programming across the entire action sports genre on multiple media distribution platforms to our audience,” says Kevin Monaghan, Senior Vice President, Business Development, NBC Sports & Olympics.

Added Jeff Yapp, Executive Vice President of Program Enterprises for MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, “This is a major step in building the business we imagined when we first partnered with NBC Sports. Building our online platform, creating a lifestyle brand, and expanding original content will positively impact the network of partners, athletes, fans and the action sports industry as a whole, which is everything that the alliance represents”.

An overview of the Alli properties is as follows

Maloof Money Cup
Held for the first time in 2008, the Maloof Money Cup, owned and operated by the Maloof family, has quickly become the premier skateboarding event within the community and attracts every top athlete.  Including three professional competitions – Men’s and Women’s Pro Street, and Men’s Pro Vert – and the Amateur Championships, it boasts the largest single event purse in skateboarding with over $450,000 in prize money.
AMA Motocross Championship

AMA Motocross Championship is the top outdoor series in motocross and draws elite rider talent from all around the world. The MX Sports-organized series, which began in 1972, spans 12 races across the U.S., and at the end of each year, the AMA National Motocross Championship titles are awarded based on the riders’ performances over the entire series.

King of Wake
As the elite pro wakeboarding circuit, the King of Wake series has attracted the sport’s top riders from throughout the globe. With more than $300,000 in prize money over the eight-event season, riders compete over the course of the year to be named the “King of Wake” – an award based on points accumulated at each stop of the series. Events include Wake Games, Pro Wakeboard Tour (5 events), WWA National Championships, and WWA World Championships. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing – the leading wake event producers since 1988.

Dew Tour
The Dew Tour, the premier season-long series in action sports, consists of five major, multi-sport events, featuring skateboarding (park and vert), BMX (park, vert, and dirt), and FMX.  Dew Tour is the most watched and attended action sports property in the world with over 250k spectators, 41 million total viewers and reaches over 100 countries worldwide. The events extend across the country, have a cumulative points system, and a $3.5 million competitive purse. The Dew Tour has been the cornerstone property of AST over the last four years, and its success has now enabled the formation of Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports. It crowns year-end champions including past Dew Cup winners Ryan Sheckler, Shaun White, Bucky Lasek, Jamie Bestwick, and Nate Adams.

Winter Dew Tour
The Winter Dew Tour is launching in December of ’08, and will expand Alli’s footprint into the winter action sports. It consists of three major, multi-sport events spanning across the country, with a cumulative points system, and a $1.5 million competitive purse.  The tour will feature 29 hours of original television programming. Each event features men and women’s snowboard (superpipe and slopestyle), and men’s freeskiing (superpipe and slopestyle).  Top athletes, Shaun White, Hannah Teter, Travis Rice, Simon Dumont, and Danny Kass, are already planning to compete.

Free Flow Tour
The Free Flow Tour, the Dew Tour’s official amateur series, provides amateur athletes the opportunity to earn a chance to compete against the pros in the Dew Tour.  The Free Flow Tour consists of 50 events across 26 cities in the U.S., featuring skateboarding and BMX. The winners of the Free Flow Tour Finals compete against the pros at the Dew Tour’s PlayStation Pro in Orlando, Fla.  Past Free Flow Tour winners include Chaz Ortiz (2007 Dew Cup Winner, Skate Park) and Mike Spinner (2008 Dew Tour Second Place, BMX Park).

China Invitational
The China Invitational is Alli’s first international expansion initiative. The inaugural China Invitational was held in April 2008 in Beijing, China and featured the top skateboarders competing in vert and park disciplines before a capacity crowd.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports is global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand.  The Alliance includes: The Dew Tour (debuted in 2005), Winter Dew Tour (debuting in 2008), Alli China Invitational (debuted in 2008), Maloof Money Cup, AMA Motocross, The King of Wake, and the Free Flow Tour (debuted in 2005); Alli Productions, which creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 700,000 spectators each year, over 150 hours of original programming, and are broadcast in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide.

NBC Universal
NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates the No. 1 television network, the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.

MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products.  The company’s portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers and Xfire.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 13 OF NBC’s “FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA”

“It was originally reported that Derrick Ward was the third player involved in the situation, in fact it was Ahmad Bradshaw.” – “Football Night’s” Barber

“They have proven they can win without Umenyiora, they can win without Strahan, without Shockey, so they certainly can win without Plaxico Burress.” – “Football Night’s” Collinsworth

“I’d like to have somebody show me one time when an athlete was out in a public place and by having a gun, he either averted harm to himself or other innocent people.” – “Football Night’s” Costas

“I was an idiot for believing in the Jets.” – “Football Night’s” Collinsworth

NEW YORK – Nov. 30, 2008 – Following are highlights from NBC’s “Football Night in America” studio show, as host Bob Costas, co-host Cris Collinsworth, co-host Keith Olbermann, co-host Dan Patrick, analysts Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis, and reporter Peter King of Sports Illustrated take a look at the day’s top storylines in the NFL:

COLLINSWORTH ON THE GIANTS: “Another statement day for the New York Giants. They have proven they can win without Umenyiora, they can win without Strahan, without Shockey, so they certainly can win without Plaxico Burress.

“I think they looked even better as a football team today simply because they distributed the football. They looked great.”

BARBER, REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON D.C., ON THE PLAXICO BURRESS SITUATION: “It was originally reported that Derrick Ward was the third player involved in the situation, in fact it was Ahmad Bradshaw. He was not involved with the shooting but he was at the scene. Also, the NYPD has taken an interest in this case because they’re not sure this was originally reported as a gunshot wound. In New York City any gunshot would, regardless of the circumstances, has to be reported to the police department.”

BARBER ON ANTONIO PIERCE: “At first he wasn’t cooperating with police but when faced with an obstruction charge, he decided to cooperate. And going forward, we think he should be clear of all charges.”

BARBER ON THE MOOD OF THE GIANTS TEAM: “The mood in the locker room was pretty jovial and upbeat because these guys feel like they can win without him and they have a lot of young guys who are eager to play.”

BARBER AND COSTAS DISCUSSING THE BURRESS INCIDENT:

BARBER: “Last week, Steve Smith, one of Plaxico’s fellow receivers, was attacked at gunpoint and robbed in front of his house so his mindset is ‘I have to protect myself, I’m a target.’”

COSTAS: “I’d like to have somebody show me one time when an athlete was out in a public place and by having a gun, he either averted harm to himself or other innocent people. Show me one time as against the dozens of times people came to grief for carrying guns.”

BARBER: “I’m in complete agreement with you. But a lot of these players grew up in neighborhoods that we’re not familiar with. They grew up with gangs. This what they know. When they feel threatened, their thought is to protect themselves and not rely on someone else to do it for them. I’m not saying it’s right but you have to understand the mindset.”

KING ON BURRESS’ CONTRACT: “This was a $23 million gunshot wound for Plaxico Burress. Twenty-three of the $27 million he got in his contract was all based on the future. There’s $1 million guaranteed money in signing bonus that’s due on December 10. The first real test of the Giants love of Plaxico Burress is whether they pay him that bonus in 10 days. I think he’ll play someplace in 2009 but I do think it’s highly unlikely that he’ll ever play for the Giants again.”

COLLINSWORTH ON THE JETS: “I was an idiot for believing in the Jets.”

ADRIAN PETERSON, TURNING THE TABLES IN AN INTERVIEW WITH JEROME BETTIS:

PETERSON: “You’ve been to the Super Bowl and played against a lot of great teams, what do the great teams have in common?”

BETTIS: “The key was the stars were the ones willing to do whatever it took. You’ve got to let them know that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to win because if you’re willing to do whatever it takes to win then those other guys will do whatever it takes.”

PETERSON: “I’m going to take that advice and use it.”

BETTIS ON PETERSON: “I got to see a lot of Walter Payton and he reminds me of Payton because he likes the physicality.”

COLLINSWORTH ON ‘STAR CAP’ SUPPLEMENT SITUATION: “You’re responsible for what you put in your body and I cannot imagine those players being anything but suspended.”

PATRICK ON THE BENGALS: “You could stop them. You could contain them.”

OLBERMANN ON MARK BULGER: “Renaldo Hill said after the game, ‘Bulger was telegraphing his throws. We knew where the ball was going.’ Well that makes one of you.”

PATRICK AND COLLINSWORTH ON CAROLINA:

PATRICK: “That’s an ugly 9-3 team.”

OLBERMANN: “I’m from Cincinnati. There’s no such thing as an ugly 9-3 team.”

COLLINSWORTH ON THE CHARGERS: “This is one of the great disappointments we’ve seen in several years in the National Football League what the Chargers have done this year.”

FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA:
Michael Weisman is the executive in charge of production, “Football Night in America,” Sam Flood is coordinating producer and Bucky Gunts serves as director.

STAMFORD, Conn., November 19, 2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today announced the launch of “WWE UNIVERSE,” its new online social networking site hosted at WWE.com.

13.5 Overnight Rating Second Highest of Season for SNF; Dominated Head-to-Head Competition

NEW YORK – November 17, 2008 - The Dallas Cowboys 14-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on “NBC Sunday Night Football,” delivered a 13.5 overnight rating and 20 share (8:30-11:15 p.m. ET), a 25 percent gain over last season’s Patriots Bills game (10.8/17) on the comparable week. The SNF game easily won its head-to-head competition including defeating Desperate Housewives on ABC by 32 percent (13.5 vs. 10.2).

Last night’s rating opened at a 13.3/20 at 8:30 p.m. ET and never dipped lower than a 13.1/30. It peaked between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m. ET at a 13.7/21.

Top 10 Metered Markets For Cowboys-Redskins:
1. Washington D.C. 37.0/53
2. Dallas 34.8/49
3. Richmond 26.9/38
4. Norfolk 24.5/33
5. Austin 23.1/36
6. San Antonio 22.4/31
7. Albuquerque 18.3/26
8. Baltimore 17.9/25
9. Nashville 16.6/23
10. Las Vegas 16.3/24

“When the Giants go to Philadelphia to play the Eagles something big is going to happen.” – SNF’s Madden

“They can run the ball with anybody in the history of the league.” “Football Night’s” Collinsworth

NEW YORK – Nov. 5, 2008 – “NBC Sunday Night Football,” in its third season as the NFL’s premier primetime package, heads to Philadelphia for a classic NFC East battle as the Eagles (5-3) host their rival the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (7-1). Al Michaels (play-by-play), John Madden (analyst) and Andrea Kremer (sideline reporter) call the action. Coverage on NBC begins at 7 p.m. ET with “Football Night in America,” with Bob Costas (host), Cris Collinsworth (co-host) Keith Olbermann (co-host), Dan Patrick (co-host), Jerome Bettis (analyst), Tiki Barber (analyst) and Peter King (reporter).

MADDEN ON MATCH-UP: “When the Giants have to go to Philadelphia to play the Eagles something big is going to happen. Something tough is going to happen. I believe in the Eagles. I’ve done so many of their games over the years. The Giants and the Eagles…to me that’s just NFL football”

MICHAELS ON GIANTS-EAGLES: “Everyone believes in the Giants, they’re not under anyone’s radar anymore and anytime you get an NFC East matchup it’s going to be a good one these days.”

COLLINSWORTH GIANTS RUNNING GAME: “They can run the ball with anybody in the history of the league.”

GIANTS-EAGLES IN PRIMETIME: Both the Giants and Eagles are making their second 2008 appearance on NBC. In the opening game of the season, the Giants defeated the Redskins 16-7 and are now 2-4 overall since the NFL’s premier primetime package moved to NBC in 2006. The Eagles are 1-5 overall on “Sunday Night Football,” including a 24-20 loss to the Bears in Week 4. These two teams met on SNF last season in Week 4 with the Giants defeating the Eagles 16-3 at the Meadowlands. The Giants have one more SNF game scheduled this season in Week 15 when they travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys (flex game).

GIANTS VS. EAGLES: This is the 153rd game in this rivalry that dates back to 1933. The Giants hold an 81-68-2 edge including wins in both games last season. The rivalry has been even since the 2000 season with both teams winning nine games including a playoff win for each team.

“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL EXTRA”: Each “Sunday Night Football” game is available on NBC as well as streamed live on NFL.com and NBCSports.com, marking the first time complete NFL games will be widely available in the U.S. via live online streaming.

The live NFL.com and NBCSports.com coverage comes from NBC’s TV coverage of Sunday Night Football. Complementing that stream are a number of extra features to enrich the viewing experience including additional camera angles, in-game highlights, picture-in-picture technology, live statistics and other interactive elements. “Sunday Night Football Extra” also includes in-game studio updates from NBC’s “Football Night in America” team and NFL Network.

ROTOWORLD.COM’S WEEK 10 SLEEPER PICKS: Rotoworld.com managing editor Gregg Rosenthal, who was named 2007 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, picks his fantasy sleepers for Week 10.

1. Brady Quinn vs. Denver: “The Browns picked a soft landing for Quinn’s debut. The Broncos have taken the mantle from Detroit as the worst defense in the NFL.”

2. Chad Pennington vs. Seattle: “The focus has been on the failing offense in Seattle, but their secondary has been just as disappointing.”

3. Ryan Torain vs. Cleveland: “The Broncos have run out of backfield options; Torain could be a huge second-half sleeper.”

4. Jamaal Charles vs. San Diego: “With Larry Johnson suspended, Charles will do his best Chris Johnson imitation.”

5. Shaun McDonald vs. Jaguars: “McDonald has quietly emerged since Roy Williams was traded. Jacksonville can’t stop anyone through the air.”

TASTE OF THE NFL SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL COOKBOOK BRUNCH IN PHILADELPHIA: This Sunday, executive chef Jack McDavid of Jack’s Firehouse in Philadelphia will host The Taste of the NFL Sunday Night Football Cookbook Brunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Jack’s Firehouse to raise money for the Philabundance Food Bank of Philadelphia. Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased by calling (215) 232-9000.

Taste of the NFL is the premier food and wine event at Super Bowl, a “party with a purpose,” that raises awareness and funds for hunger-relief organizations including Feeding America and its affiliates nationwide. Since 1992, Taste of the NFL has donated more than $10 million to local and national hunger-relief organizations.

NEW YORK & PHILADELPHIA COOK UP SUNDAY NIGHT MEALS: The “Sunday Night Football” Cookbook features recipes from NFL stars including Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes who contributes his recipe for Scottish Lentil Soup, and the Eagles’ DL Trevor Laws offers his Cornbread Casserole recipe. The Sunday Night Football Cookbook also features recipes from prominent chefs from each NFL city including Philadelphia’s Jack McDavid of Jack’s Firehouse and New York’s Stephen Lewandowski of Tribeca Grill and Bobby Flay of Mesa Grill.

Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse represent their favorite NFL teams and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” crew have added their favorite Sunday Night recipes to the Cookbook. Faith Hill and John Madden not only provide some of their favorite recipes, but also write special introductions. The book contains full meals and a section on Super Bowl parties, just in time for the next Super Bowl on NBC. Proceeds from the cookbook, which is available wherever books are sold or at SundayNightFootballCookbook.com, go to support local food banks across the U.S. through Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest).

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Al Michaels, the commentator called “TV’s best play-by-play announcer” by the Associated Press, is joined in the “Sunday Night Football” booth by John Madden, the most honored NFL broadcaster of all time with 16 Emmy Awards, and on the sidelines by Andrea Kremer, whom the Los Angeles Times has called “the best TV interviewer in the business of covering the NFL.”

“FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA”: The Washington Post calls NBC’s “Football Night in America” studio show the “Gold Standard” of NFL studio shows and “must-see television for NFL fans.” Bob Costas, the most honored studio host of all time with 19 Emmy Awards, hosts “Football Night in America” alongside co-host Cris Collinsworth, the most honored studio analyst in history; co-host Keith Olbermann, named one of the Top Ten Most Powerful People in TV News for 2007 by Television Week; newcomer and co-host Dan Patrick, reuniting him with Olbermann who together redefined sports highlights during their time together on ESPN’s SportsCenter from 1992-97; and analysts Tiki Barber, a three-time NFL Pro Bowler for the New York Giants, and Jerome Bettis, one of the most popular players in recent NFL history. Peter King, who covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated and is considered one of the country’s foremost NFL reporters, serves as a reporter for the “Football Night in America” studio show.

NBC’s REMAINING 2008 NFL SCHEDULE:
(”NBC Sunday Night Football” kickoff, 8:15 p.m. ET preceded by “Football Night in America,” 7 p.m. ET)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – New York Giants at Philadelphia
Sunday, Nov. 16 – Dallas at Washington (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Nov. 23 – Indianapolis at San Diego (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – Chicago at Minnesota (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – New England at Seattle (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 14 – New York Giants at Dallas (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 21 – San Diego at Tampa Bay (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 28 – Flex Week – teams TBA

HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 9 OF NBC’s “FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA”

“They can run the ball with anybody in the history of the league.” – Collinsworth on the Giants

“Maybe they really are going to the Super Bowl.” – Collinsworth on the Titans

NEW YORK – Nov. 2, 2008 – Following are highlights from NBC’s “Football Night in America” studio show, as host Bob Costas, co-host Cris Collinsworth, co-host Keith Olbermann, co-host Dan Patrick, analysts Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis, and reporter Peter King of Sports Illustrated take a look at the day’s top storylines in the NFL:

COLLINSWORTH ON THE GIANTS: “They can run the ball with anybody in the history of the league.”

COLLINSWORTH ON THE COWBOYS: “For Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips and company, they knew what they had at backup quarterback and it’s costing them big time.”

COLLINSWORTH ON THE TITANS: “Maybe they really are going to the Super Bowl.

“When you have a defensive football team that can dominate a really good offense like Green Bay has, it just looks like it’s going to be something special for Tennessee this year.”

KING ON BEARS’ FAN HOPING FOR KYLE ORTON’S SPEEDY RECOVERY: “I don’t think they want to see another chapter of Rex Grossman.”

BETTIS ON REX GROSSMAN: “For all you Chicago Bears fans who are saying ‘no more Rex, we don’t want anymore,’ believe me, this is a different Rex Grossman. And I’ll tell you why: Matt Forte is the running back. Grossman doesn’t have to do as much.”

BARBER’S RESPONSE: “I’m telling you ‘Bussie,’ everyone in Chicago is praying for Kyle Orton.”

KING ON MATT CASSEL: “He’s going to hit it rich in the off season and I think it’ll be with a team like Detroit.”

COLLINSWORTH ON PLAY OF KURT WARNER: “Kurt Warner is very much in the MVP conversation. Who would have believed that?”

BETTIS ON EMERGENCE OF TIM HIGHTOWER IN ARIZONA: “It’s the end of Edgerrin James. He had a great career but at some point it’s time to walk away.”

BARBER ON THE JAGUARS: “David Garrard threw the ball 38 times. They can’t win that way.”

FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA:
Michael Weisman is the executive in charge of production, “Football Night in America,” Sam Flood is coordinating producer and Bucky Gunts serves as director.

preview / download

“This game becomes more intriguing without Tom Brady, not less.” – “Football Night’s” Collinsworth

“It feels like the whole world has been flipped upside down with the Colts fighting for their playoff lives.” – “Football Night’s” Collinsworth

NEW YORK – October 29, 2008 – “NBC Sunday Night Football,” in its third season as the NFL’s premier primetime package, heads to Indianapolis as the Colts (3-4) host their AFC rival the New England Patriots (5-2). Al Michaels (play-by-play), John Madden (analyst) and Andrea Kremer (sideline reporter) call the action. Coverage on NBC begins at 7 p.m. ET with “Football Night in America,” with Bob Costas (host), Cris Collinsworth (co-host) Keith Olbermann (co-host), Dan Patrick (co-host), Jerome Bettis (analyst), Tiki Barber (analyst) and Peter King (reporter).

COLLINSWORTH ON COLTS: “It feels like the whole world has been flipped upside down with the Colts fighting for their playoff lives. I still feel like they have a seven, eight, nine-game winning streak in them. It’s been proven that it doesn’t matter what seed you are, you just have to get in. This is a championship team that I could see making a big run, and this is the game that could propel them.”

COLLINSWORTH ON MATT CASSEL: “He’s gotten better and better each week. Bill Belichick and the Patriots have done a great job of nurturing him. I am real interested to see him this week. It’s a step up in competition, against a big-time quarterback in what’s sure to be a playoff atmosphere. I think because of that, this game becomes more intriguing without Tom Brady, not less.”

COLLINSWORTH ON PATRIOTS: “It’s a tribute to this franchise that they are ready for any contingency. They lose Brady and a quarterback who essentially hasn’t played since high school steps in and they keep on winning. And it’s not just Brady. They’ve lost [Laurence] Maroney and [Sammy] Morris as well. Nothing seems to stop them.”

PATRIOTS-COLTS IN PRIMETIME: Both the Colts and Patriots are making their second 2008 appearance on NBC “Sunday Night Football.” In the first week of the season, the Colts lost to the Chicago Bears and are now 5-3 overall since the NFL’s premier primetime package moved to NBC in 2006. The Colts ninth “NBC SNF” appearance is the most for any franchise surpassing the Dallas Cowboys. The Patriots are 3-3 overall on “Sunday Night Football,” including a 30-10 loss to the Chargers in Week 5. Each team has one more SNF game scheduled this season; Indy travels to San Diego in Week 12 (subject to Flex) and the Pats host Seattle in Week 14 (subject to Flex). New England leads the overall series 42-26. Last year, en route to a perfect 16-0 regular season, the Patriots defeated the Colts 24-20 in Indy to improve to 9-0.

“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL EXTRA”: Each “Sunday Night Football” game is available on NBC as well as streamed live on NFL.com and NBCSports.com, marking the first time complete NFL games will be widely available in the U.S. via live online streaming.

The live NFL.com and NBCSports.com coverage comes from NBC’s TV coverage of Sunday Night Football. Complementing that stream are a number of extra features to enrich the viewing experience including additional camera angles, in-game highlights, picture-in-picture technology, live statistics and other interactive elements. “Sunday Night Football Extra” also includes in-game studio updates from NBC’s “Football Night in America” team and NFL Network.

ROTOWORLD.COM’S WEEK 9 SLEEPER PICKS: Rotoworld.com managing editor Gregg Rosenthal, who was named 2007 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, picks his fantasy sleepers for Week 9.

1. Chad Pennington vs. Broncos: Pennington’s revival is for real; he’s second in the league in yards-per-attempt. If he can average 300 yards against the Bills and Ravens, he’s going over the mark at Denver.

2. Kyle Orton vs. Lions: Six quarterbacks who have faced Detroit this season have enjoyed career best passer rating numbers.

3. Tim Hightower at Rams: The changing of the guard in Arizona’s backfield starts now.

4. Justin Fargas vs. Falcons: The Raiders are a different team at home and Fargas is getting all the carries.

5. Greg Camarillo at Broncos: Pennington’s new Wayne Chrebet will load up receptions against a weak Denver secondary

TASTE OF THE NFL SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL COOKBOOK BRUNCH IN INDIANAPOLIS: This Sunday, executive chef Tony Hanslits of Malibu on Maryland and Tavola di Tosa restaurants in Indianapolis, will host The Taste of the NFL Sunday Night Football Cookbook Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Chef’s Academy to raise money for the Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased by calling Kayte Russell at (317) 656.4865.

Taste of the NFL is the premier food and wine event at Super Bowl, a “party with a purpose” that raises awareness and funds for hunger-relief organizations including Feeding America and its affiliates nationwide. Since 1992, Taste of the NFL has donated more than $10 million to local and national hunger-relief organizations.

NEW ENGLAND & INDIANAPOLIS COOK UP SUNDAY NIGHT MEALS: The “Sunday Night Football” Cookbook features recipes from NFL stars including Patriots Hall of Famer Andre Tippett who contributes his recipe for Lobster Pizza. The Colts’ DB Bob Sanders offers his Lemon Pepper Tilapia recipe and DL Dwight Freeney contributes his recipe for Brown Stew Chicken. The Sunday Night Football Cookbook also features recipes from prominent chefs from each NFL city including New England’s Chris Schlesinger of East Coast Bar & Grill and Indianapolis’ Tony Hanslits.

Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse represent their favorite NFL teams and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” crew have added their favorite Sunday Night recipes to the Cookbook. Faith Hill and John Madden not only provide some of their favorite recipes, but also write special introductions. The book contains full meals and a section on Super Bowl parties, just in time for the next Super Bowl on NBC. Proceeds from the cookbook, which is available wherever books are sold or at SundayNightFootballCookbook.com, go to support local food banks across the U.S. through Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest).

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Al Michaels, the commentator called “TV’s best play-by-play announcer” by the Associated Press, is joined in the “Sunday Night Football” booth by John Madden, the most honored NFL broadcaster of all time with 16 Emmy Awards, and on the sidelines by Andrea Kremer, whom the Los Angeles Times has called “the best TV interviewer in the business of covering the NFL.”

“FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA”: The Washington Post calls NBC’s “Football Night in America” studio show the “Gold Standard” of NFL studio shows and “must-see television for NFL fans.” Bob Costas, the most honored studio host of all time with 19 Emmy Awards, hosts “Football Night in America” alongside co-host Cris Collinsworth, the most honored studio analyst in history; co-host Keith Olbermann, named one of the Top Ten Most Powerful People in TV News for 2007 by Television Week; newcomer and co-host Dan Patrick, reuniting him with Olbermann who together redefined sports highlights during their time together on ESPN’s SportsCenter from 1992-97; and analysts Tiki Barber, a three-time NFL Pro Bowler for the New York Giants, and Jerome Bettis, one of the most popular players in recent NFL history. Peter King, who covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated and is considered one of the country’s foremost NFL reporters, serves as a reporter for the “Football Night in America” studio show.

NBC’s REMAINING 2008 NFL SCHEDULE:
(”NBC Sunday Night Football” kickoff, 8:15 p.m. ET preceded by “Football Night in America,” 7 p.m. ET)
Sunday, Nov. 2 – New England at Indianapolis
Sunday, Nov. 9 – New York Giants at Philadelphia
Sunday, Nov. 16 – Dallas at Washington (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Nov. 23 – Indianapolis at San Diego (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – Chicago at Minnesota (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – New England at Seattle (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 14 – New York Giants at Dallas (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 21 – San Diego at Tampa Bay (Flex Week, Teams Subject to Change)
Sunday, Dec. 28 – Flex Week – teams TBA

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THIS JUST IN… from CBS Sports… CBS Sports has announced its college football game for Saturday, Oct. 25 (3:30-7:00 PM, ET) will feature *No. 9-ranked Georgia vs. No. 11-ranked LSU. Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson will call the contest, along with reporter Tracy Wolfson.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY kicks off the day (3:00 PM, ET) with host Tim Brando and analysts Spencer Tillman and CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK’s Aaron Taylor. The Georgia-LSU contest will be available in high definition.

NEW YORK – October 15, 2008 – BMX Dirt and Skateboard Park highlight NBC Sports’ coverage of the PlayStation Pro from the Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla., the fifth and final stop on the AST Dew Tour. The Dew Cup and a $1 million purse, the largest in action sports history, are on the line as the world’s best action sports athletes compete for their sport’s only regular season crown. NBC Sports’ live coverage of BMX Dirt airs Saturday and Skateboard Park airs Sunday from 4-6 p.m. ET both days. USA Network will air late-night coverage of the BMX Vert competition Friday at 2 a.m. ET/PT and Skateboard Vert Saturday, midnight-1 a.m. ET/PT.

Host Kenan Harkin and correspondent Tiffany Simons will be joined by athlete correspondents Paul Zitzer (skateboard), Mike Metzger (FMX), Chris Miller (skateboard), TJ Lavin (BMX Dirt) and Jamie Bestwick (BMX Park).

Winners in the six combined disciplines of skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross will each be awarded with the Dew Cup and $75,000 in bonus money at the PlayStation Pro. Bucky Lasek (Skateboard Vert), Ryan Sheckler (Skate Park), Jamie Bestwick (BMX Vert), Daniel Dhers (BMX Park), Cameron White (BMX Dirt) and Adam Jones (Freestyle Motocross) all currently lead the points standings in their respective disciplines.

NBC SATURDAY: BMX DIRT, 4 PM ET
It’s a close race in BMX Dirt, where six riders stand in Dew Cup contention. No. 1 ranked White (303 points) leads the competition by only 24 points over current second-place contender Luke Parslow (279) and 25 points over third place Corey Bohan (278). A total of only 41 points separate first from sixth in this discipline, so the season all comes down to Orlando in BMX Dirt.

NBC SUNDAY: SKATEBOARD PARK, 4 PM ET
Four skaters are poised to take the Dew Cup in Skate Park. Three-time Dew Cup Champion Sheckler leads the pack with 338 points, but rookie sensation Chaz Ortiz trails him by only eight points. Paul Rodriguez sits in third with 323 points and Greg Lutzka in fourth with 285 points.

MONTEREY SPORTS CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS, SUNDAY, 2PM ET
NBC Sports presents taped coverage of the Monterey Sports Car Championships (American Le Mans Series) at the Mazda Raceway in Monterey, Calif., Sunday from 2-4 p.m. ET.

Sunday’s events consist of high action motor sport racing on a 2.2-mile track featuring drivers such as Rinaldo Capello, Allan McNish and Romain Dumas.

Bill Weber will host joined by analyst Wally Dallenbach, and pit reporters Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast and Sal Fish.