More Than A Few Sunday Links

Now that I have my DirecTV issue resolved, I'll provide you with Sunday linkage today.

Richard Sandomir of the New York Times says the NFL Network got a lift from the Federal Communications Commission in its ruling against cable provider Comcast. Sandomir adds a story in which the NBA is reaching further into Communist China with an agreement to build arenas all over the country.

From the New York Daily News, Bob Raissman says TNT's Kenny Smith will no longer do Knicks games on MSG Network after he was offered a massive pay cut.

New York Post curmudgeon Phil Mushnick criticizes Fox's Joe Buck and Tim McCarver for not criticizing Manny Ramirez. Did Phil not read McCarver's comments calling Manny despicable for his actions in Boston?

Newsday's Neil Best discusses the impact of the financial crunch on New York sports teams.

Pete Dougherty of the Albany Times Union loves DirecTV's Red Zone Channel which is part of Sunday NFL Ticket. If you read this blog regularly, you'll know I've been singing the praises of Red Zone Channel and host Andrew Siciliano. Pete adds that even though this Saturday's Texas-Missouri game has lost some luster, it's still ABC's choice for primetime.

Paul Gattis of the Huntsville (AL) Times talks with ESPN's dealmaker for college football.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News feels Texas should be ranked #1 in the college football polls not only for beating #1 Oklahoma on Saturday, but because no other Top Five team won. And Barry says ESPN's College Gameday will be in Austin next week for Missouri-Texas.

Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News discusses the twisting of facts in the movie, "The Express", based on the life of the late Ernie Davis. And Tom has more facts that were changed for dramatic effect in his blog.

The Sports Media Watch has its usual weekend ratings predictions.

Keith Thibeault of the Sports Media Journal wonders where are all the West Coast sports fans?

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has the comments made fom TBS' studio and game announcing crews from Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.

That's all for now.