PAC-10 Unveils New Brand and Digital Media Initiatives

--Football Coaches Join Commissioner Scott In New York, L.A. To Usher in New Era--

NEW YORK - At the launch of its first-ever bicoastal Media Tour, Commissioner Larry Scott today unveiled a series of new initiatives designed to reflect an increasingly fan-friendly, innovative future for the Conference of Champions. In addition to presenting the new Pac-10 logo and the most comprehensive branding effort in the history of the Conference, fans were able to experience a new digital initiative which includes streaming video and a new Pac-10.org website with original content.

These initiatives enable the Pac-10 to tell its story more effectively and leverage technology to engage an enlarging fan base as the University of Colorado and the University of Utah prepare to join the Conference. Scott confirmed that the Conference name will officially migrate to Pac-12 once the Buffaloes and Utes actually begin their membership. The new branding and logo already reflect this geographical expansion, depicting the beauty and energy of the West, from the mountains to the ocean, an expanded territory that will include seven of the nation’s top 35 media markets.

The announcements came as the Conference and its current 10 head football coaches were conducting a series of media events, for the first time taking place on both East and West Coasts. The events began with today’s announcements in New York City and will culminate with the annual Pac-10 Media Day in California, which for the first time will be held on the field of the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. The Rose Bowl portion of the media tour will be streamed live on the internet.

Introducing the initiatives at a New York press conference today, Scott said, “With our universities and students on the cutting edge of innovation and digital media in their research, studies and daily lives, we think it’s appropriate that the Pac-10 lead the way in using these new media and technologies to more effectively bring our competition and stories to our fans.”

While the new website will retain all the things fans have come to expect – schedules, scores, standings – it will now offer video highlights, streaming video, blogs, and other state-of-the-art features. As part of the Conference’s digital initiative, fans and media will also be able to follow this week’s media tour via Twitter (@Pac10), Facebook (www.facebook.com/Pac10) and Flickr.

After the press conference, the league’s 10 head football coaches – Arizona’s Mike Stoops, Arizona State’s Dennis Erickson, California’s Jeff Tedford, Oregon’s Chip Kelly, Oregon State’s Mike Riley, Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh, UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel, USC’s Lane Kiffin, Washington’s Steve Sarkisian and Washington State’s Paul Wulff – had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with key national media.

On Wednesday morning, the coaches and Commissioner Scott begin the day ringing NASDAQ’s opening bell as a new Pac-10 movie trailer runs all week on News Corp’s giant electronic television in the heart of New York City’s Times Square. The live stream of the NASDAQ opening ceremony will be available at the link: www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx.

The group will then travel to Bristol, Conn., to provide interviews and shoot videos at ESPN headquarters.

The three-day tour culminates Thursday, July 29, with the annual media day in Pasadena. The 10 coaches and one student-athlete from each institution will answer questions from the media. The Media Tour caps off with a Hollywood premiere of the new Pac-10 for over 200 guests hosted by the Fox Broadcasting Company on their studio lot.

- www.pac-10.org -

Del Negro Has A Plan For The Clippers

I had my first opportunity Tuesday to meet and speak with Clippers new head coach Vinny Del Negro.  At the time of his hiring, I was on the road with the Angels and I missed his introductory press conference thanks to a very slow internet connection at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.  Thanks anyway, FOXSportsWest.com.
 
But nonetheless, after Donald Sterling hired his new coach, I did my own research regarding Del Negro. I only knew of him as a player at N.C. State back in the 80's, and his short tenure as head coach of the Bulls.  In fact, prior to Tuesday, I had never even spoken to the man despite his two years in Chicago and his two previous years in the Suns front office.  Despite the NBA being somewhat of a small circle, paths don't always cross as often as you might think.
 
One of the things I really wanted to know was what happened in Chicago.  How does a coach who led a very young team to back-to-back playoff appearances get pushed out of town?  I mean, making the playoffs is supposed to be a success, right?

foxsportswest.com:  Del Negro Has A Plan For The Clippers




View extended interview with Del Negro here.

LeBron James Panel Discussion Added To NABJ Convention In San Diego

Saturday, July 31  2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

NABJ SPORTS TASK FORCE PRESENTS... ”THE DECISION”

Location: Del Mar AB, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Now that LeBron James has decided to take his “talents to South Beach”, sports journalists examine teachable moments on the 24-hour news coverage of James’ free agency, journalism’s role and ethical concerns of ESPN’s broadcast of his announcement.

Moderator: Michael Eaves, Anchor/Reporter Fox Sports

Panel:

Chris Broussard -- ESPN the Magazine

Mike Wallace -- Miami Heat reporter, Miami Herald

Debra Simmons -- Managing Editor, Cleveland Plain Dealer

Marc Spears -- National NBA Reporter, Yahoo! Sports

J.A. Adande -- National NBA Reporter, ESPN.com

A. Sherrod Blakely -- Celtics reporter, CSNSports.net

For more information on the NABJ Convention in San Diego, click here.

NABJ Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam Comes To San Diego

NABJ Sports Task Force Annual Scholarship Jam Powered by Yahoo!

DJ Limelight and special guest DJ former NFL player and ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley will pump the party all night long! 

Click here for advance ticket sales!

Derek Fisher's Impact Cannot Be Ignored

Going into this summer's free agent period, all eyes seemed to be fixated on the new Big Three: LeBron, Wade and Bosh.  However, I felt going into the off-season, that even if all three of them ended up on the same team, it may not be the most significant move of the summer.

Biggest? Yes!

Most significant?  No!
 
The most important move in the entire NBA would be the re-signing of Derek Fisher by the Lakers.  


foxsportswest.com: Derek Fisher's Impact Cannot Be Ignored 

 

Weaver Is A Hometown All-Star Snub

Even though the MLB All-Star game is nothing more than a glorified exhibition--despite World Series home-field advantaged being determined by the outcome--players take selection to the Midsummer's Classic very seriously.  In fact, most players probably care more about being selected to the team than the actual outcome of the game, especially those not likely to make the playoffs.

Besides just about every player having some sort of All-Star Game incentive in their contracts--Torii Hunter picked up an extra cool $100k for his 4th selection--the real reason guys want to make the team is to be recognized as one of the game's best.  Call it pride, ego or both, but every player wants to feel elite.

The problem, however, is that not every All-Star caliber player makes the All-Star Game roster.




foxsportswest.com: Weaver Is A Hometown All-Star Snub 

Unless LeBron Told You Directly What He's Going To Do, You Need To Stop Frontin'

Coming into this NBA off-season, the number one question centered on the summer’s #1 free agent.  Where’s LeBron going?
 
I get that question a minimum of five times a day, and my response is always the same.  I have no idea, and quite frankly, neither does anyone else who is speaking publicly on the question.
 
The reason “Where’s LeBron going?” is the number one question this off-season is because, not only will his decision potentially trigger the largest power shift in the league since Shaq left Orlando for LA, but it is also the one question to which no one in the media has any credible inside information.


 foxsportswest.com:  What Will LeBron Do?

52nd Annual Hollywood Stars Game To Return To Baseball

--Star-studded lineups to play on the field at Dodger Stadium--


LOS ANGELES – Top celebrities in film, television, music, and sports will come together at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 7, to play in the 52nd annual Hollywood Stars Game. This marks the return of celebrity baseball at Dodger Stadium, which had been converted to softball in recent years. The Hollywood Stars game will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Dodgers versus Nationals game at 7:10 p.m.

The full roster of stars is still being set, but celebrities scheduled to appear in the game include: Laker legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Billy Crystal (“City Slickers,” “When Harry Met Sally”), Kevin James (“The Zookeeper,” “Grown Ups,” “The King of Queens”), Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds,” “The Starter Wife”), Thomas Jane (“Hung”), Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”), Director Rob Reiner (“The Bucket List,” “Rumor Has It,” “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally”), Jack Black (“Tropic Thunder,” “Nacho Libre,” “King Kong”), Director Garry Marshall (“Valentine’s Day,” “Pretty Woman,”), Gabriel Macht (“One Way to Valhalla,” “Whiteout”), Taylor Hoechlin (“Lincoln Heights,” “My Boys”), Simon Helberg (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Sean Astin (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “24”).

All fans with tickets to the August 7 game can come early for the Hollywood Stars Game.

The Dodgers continue to welcome the Hollywood community to Dodger Stadium throughout the season. In 2008, the Dodgers became the first sports franchise ever to receive an Award of Excellence star on Hollywood Boulevard. Presented by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Dodgers were recognized for their significant contributions to the community of Los Angeles. Also in 2008, the Dodgers received an Emmy Award, the Governor’s Award presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Dodgers’ relationships throughout Hollywood have helped secure Dodger Stadium as a favorite destination of Los Angeles celebrities.

   

Chargers Announce Open Training Camp Practices

San Diego – Fans of the four-time defending AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers will once again enjoy the sights and sounds of Training Camp beginning with the first of 11 open practices on Sunday, August 1 at 4 pm. 

Chargers Training Camp is always a memorable experience for fans of all ages.  It offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s leading franchises in action.  Bleacher seating is available for outstanding views of the entire practice field. Concession stands will offer plenty of food and beverage choices along with the latest Chargers merchandise and apparel.  Hats and sunscreen are recommended.  Beach chairs, coolers, snacks, soft drinks and water are allowed.  Alcoholic beverages, video cameras, pets and weapons of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.

Parking around Chargers Park is limited. On weekdays, parking is available on the west side of Murphy Canyon Rd. as well as behind the Holiday Inn south of Chargers Park.  For weekend practices, parking is also available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park.

The team will hold two open practices at Qualcomm Stadium: Wednesday, Aug. 4 (7-9:20 pm) and the team’s annual FanFest, presented by Bud Light, on Saturday, Aug. 7. FanFest will be another big day for Chargers fans.  Players will be signing autographs for fans 14 and under beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by a performance by the Charger Girls and a practice from 11-1 p.m.  Nearly 10,000 fans annually attend the team’s most popular and FREE training camp event.

The Chargers’ preseason home schedule includes games against the Chicago Bears (Aug. 14) and Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 21).  Tickets may be purchased by logging onto www.Chargers.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the Ticket Office located at Gate C at the stadium. 

Chargers 2010 season tickets also are on sale.  They can be purchased by calling 877-CHARGERS, visiting www.Chargers.com or stopping by the Chargers’ ticket office, open Monday through Friday from 8-5 pm.

Open Training Camp Practices* & Other Important Dates



Sun.     Aug. 1         4-6 p.m.  (FIRST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Mon.    Aug. 2         4-6 p.m.

Tues.   Aug. 3         4-6 p.m.

Wed.   Aug. 4         7-9:20 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium

Thur.    Aug. 5         4-6 p.m.

Fri.       Aug. 6         4-6 p.m.

Sat.      Aug. 7         10-1 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium (FanFest, presented by Bud Light)

Mon.    Aug. 9         4-6 p.m.

Tues.   Aug. 10       4-6 p.m.

Wed.   Aug. 11       4-6 p.m.

Thur.    Aug. 12       4-6 p.m.  (LAST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Sat.      Aug. 14       PRESEASON GAME 1: Chargers vs. Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Sat.      Aug. 21       PRESEASON GAME 2: Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Tues.   Aug. 24       Training Camp breaks

Fri.       Aug. 27       PRESEASON GAME 3: Chargers at New Orleans Saints, 5 p.m. PDT

Tues.   Aug. 31       NFL rosters reduced to 75 players

Thur.    Sept. 2        PRESEASON GAME 4: Chargers at San Francisco 49ers, 7 p.m. PDT

Sat.      Sept. 4        NFL rosters reduced to 53 players

Mon.    Sept. 13      REGULAR SEASON GAME 1: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 7:15 p.m. PDT



* Practice times are subject to change. Go to www.Chargers.com or call 858-874-4500 to confirm practice times.
    

 

USC Files Appeal to NCAA Ruling; Seeks to Overturn Some Findings and Penalties

--USC Accepts Part of Sanctions; Will Implement Post-Season Ban for 2010 Football Season--


The University of Southern California today filed an appeal with the NCAA asking that its Infractions Appeals Committee overturn certain findings of the Committee on Infractions and reduce some of the penalties recently imposed.

Pending the appeal consideration, USC will implement the post-season ban for the 2010 football season and certain scholarship-related penalties in football.  The University noted that it is pleased that the NCAA determined that USC’s self-imposed penalties on men’s basketball and women’s tennis were sufficient.

“The University recognizes that violations of NCAA rules did occur, especially involving impermissible benefits going to student athletes as well as their friends and families, from unscrupulous sports agents and sports marketers.  And we take full responsibility for those violations given that they happened on our watch.  However, we disagree with many of the findings in the report from the NCAA Committee on Infractions and assert that the penalties imposed are too severe for the violations identified and are inconsistent with precedent in similar cases,” said Todd Dickey, USC’s senior vice president for administration.

USC's appeal specifically asks that the two-year postseason ban in football be reduced to a one-year ban, and that the scholarship penalties in football for the 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14 academic years be reduced to five rather than 10 each year.  "We are hopeful that the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee will agree with our position on appeal, and reduce the penalties,” said Dickey.