Jimmy Roberts on reporting golf story from Attica: ‘It’s a scary place; Everything you would think it is’

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Jimmy Roberts never imagined he ever would do a golf story at Attica State Prison. Yet there he was in a room interviewing convicted murderers.

“You never know,” Roberts said. “Attica is a scary place. It’s everything you’d think it is.”

The piece highlights the debut of his new show, In Play with Jimmy Roberts. The premiere episode is Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. on the Golf Channel.

This is the network’s version of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. The show, which will air once a month, will focus on long-form storytelling about all things golf.

There should be no shortage of material. Here’s the rundown for the debut:

Golf Vistas From Behind Bars – Sentenced to prison for a murder he claims he did not commit, Valentino Dixon has spent the past 21 years in Attica State Prison in Upstate New York. Eligible for parole in 2030, Dixon has never played a round of golf or even picked up a golf club. However, he passes the time in his cell drawing famous golf holes from around the world. Interviews with Dixon, Charlotte Ross, his childhood art teacher and Lamar Scott, who also is serving a life sentence but claims he committed the crime Dixon was convicted for more than two decades ago, are featured.

The King’s Warehouse – Latrobe, Pa., is an iconic location in American golf as the home of the sport’s most famous player, Arnold Palmer. In a massive warehouse is a treasure trove of memorabilia that Palmer has collected over the years. Rich Lerner joins The King for a rare tour.

Divots of Depression: Christina Kim – With her robust, upbeat persona, LPGA professional Christina Kim seems an unlikely victim of depression. Known for her incandescent smile and her full-throttle cheering at the Solheim Cup, Kim found herself in that unlikely position in 2011, wrestling with depression and contemplating suicide. Damon Hack sits down Kim for her first on-camera interview about her battle with depression.

Roberts’ prison story is really compelling; more than worth your time. I did a Q/A with the long-time NBC Sports reporter (@jimmyrobertsNBC) on the show and the art of telling a good story.

So this is the Golf Channel’s version of Real Sports?

That’s a very apt description. You need three things to tell a good story: You need the resources and time to report it; you need the time to tell it; and you need a good story.

With those three components, you have a fighting chance people will want to either see or read your story. Golf Channel made a commitment to storytelling with this show.

What is it that has drawn you to this role as a storyteller?

For better or worse, it’s the lot I’ve fallen into. I grew up with the Wide World of Sports, and later I was very fortunate to get to work with people like Jack Whitaker and Jim McKay. I’m not a stats guy. I’m more of an up-close-and-personal person. I still think there’s nothing like a good story.

(Below is Rich Lerner talking about his story with Palmer)

Why will this type of vehicle work for golf?

I think it was George Plimpton who said something to the effect, ‘The smaller the ball, the better the writing.’ A lot of what’s going on in golf is pretty compelling. You can watch golf on TV and enjoy the competition. But there’s a whole segment of the population, myself included, who play golf. We relate to the game in that aspect.

Golf may be a sport, but it’s also a culture. Golf Channel has done a good job of positioning itself as the voice of this culture. There are so many stories out there. We look forward to telling them.

What was it like going to Attica?

If you’re of a certain age, Attica means something to you. I got goosebumps walking in there. You remember the helicopter shots of the dead bodies (from the famous prison riot).

It’s a dark place; it’s a dangerous place. It’s Medieval. It’s every bit as dangerous as its reputation.

I’m glad I went there. It’s one of the more interesting stories I’ve ever been a part of. I’m glad I met (the main subject). I hope somebody sees his story and says, ‘I wonder if this is worth taking a look at.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gottlieb added to NCAA tournament lineup; Nichols, LaForce to be sideline reporters

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A chance to be part of the NCAA tournament was a big reason why Doug Gottlieb jumped to CBS from ESPN. He will team with Spero Dedes for second- and third-round coverage.

Also, Rachel Nichols, who recently went to CNN/Turner, and Allie LaForce, who does a late-night show with Gottlieb on CBS Sports Network, have been added as game reporters.

Otherwise, it’s basically status quo when all the fun begins with the play-in games a week from tomorrow.

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Here’s the official announcement:

Turner Sports and CBS Sports today announces its lineup of broadcast teams for the third year of combined coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.  Once again, CBS Sports and Turner Sports provide live, full national coverage of the tournament’s 67 games across four national television networks – TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV – as well as across multiple platforms including NCAA March Madness Live®.

The tournament tips off on Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20 with the NCAA FIRST FOUR™ on truTV Presented by Northwestern Mutual. Marv Albert and Steve Kerr will be courtside calling the action from Dayton, Ohio on March 19, with Craig Sager reporting.  Wednesday’s FIRST FOUR broadcast team, which will also call the second and third round games from the Dayton site, will be announced on Selection Sunday.

For the third consecutive year Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, Steve Kerr and reporter Tracy Wolfson will team up for the Final Four® and National Championship game live from Atlanta, Ga. on Saturday, April 6 and Monday, April 8.

Joining this year’s announcer line-up are Doug Gottlieb, who will serve as a game and studio analyst, and courtside reporters Rachel Nichols and Allie LaForce.   

 Following are the announcer pairings for the second and third rounds (Thursday, March 21-Sunday, March 24):

 

Play-By-Play / Analyst // Reporter

*Regional Announce Teams

 

Jim Nantz / Clark Kellogg // Tracy Wolfson*

Marv Albert / Steve Kerr // Craig Sager*

Verne Lundquist / Bill Raftery // Rachel Nichols*

Kevin Harlan / Reggie Miller / Len Elmore // Lewis Johnson*

Ian Eagle / Jim Spanarkel // Allie LaForce

Brian Anderson / Dan Bonner // Marty Snider

Tim Brando / Mike Gminski // Otis Livingston

Spero Dedes / Doug Gottlieb // Jaime Maggio

Studio Coverage

For the third consecutive year, Turner Sports and CBS Sports will utilize two studios, based in New York and Atlanta, to cover all the tournament action. Studio coverage again will be anchored by Greg Gumbel and Ernie Johnson with Charles Barkley, Greg Anthony and Kenny Smith providing analysis throughout the tournament from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York.  Matt Winer anchors the coverage from Turner Studios in Atlanta and will be joined by Seth Davis and Steve Smith.  In addition, Lesley Visser will serve as a contributor.

During the Regional Semi-finals and Finals, Gottlieb will join the New York studio team.  Gumbel will remain in New York alongside Barkley, Anthony, Gottlieb and Kenny Smith, while Johnson will shift to the Atlanta studio to join Davis and Steve Smith.

Studio coverage for the FIRST FOUR originates from Atlanta and will feature Johnson, Barkley, Kenny Smith and Steve Smith on Tuesday with Winer, Davis and Steve Smith providing analysis on Wednesday.

 

Tiger Effect kicks into high gear for golf; NBC does big rating Sunday

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I’m saying it: Tiger Woods is back. When you win 5 of the last 19 tournaments you entered, you’re back.

Now Woods might not be back-squared until he wins a major, but there is no denying that Woods is poised to have a big year. I mean, Woods took only 100 putts for 4 rounds. That’s insane. Sunday’s victory definitely put the buzz meter in overdrive for the Masters.

Once again, the ratings showed the Tiger Effect. NBC did a 4.4 overnight rating for Sunday’s final round in the WGC-Cadillac Championship. That was a nifty 42 percent increase over 2012, and the best Sunday for the event since 2006. It also was the same rating for Fox’s coverage of Kobolt Tools 400.

Only Woods can put golf on par with NASCAR.

No offense to Michael Thompson, winner of the Honda Classic, or any of the other lesser names who manage to win a PGA Tour event, but having Woods in the lead just elevates everything to a much higher level. Few athletes move the needle more than he does.

Bob Harig of ESPN.com offered this perspective of Woods’ game:

He won for the fifth time in 50 weeks, the second time in 2013 and narrowed the gap on No. 1 Rory McIlroy in the Official World Golf Rankings.

And let’s not get into the most ridiculous question in golf: Is he back?

Back to what? Woods is 37, and while he admirably talks about trying to be better than ever and is wired in a way that elite performers must be, those mortals among us must realistically acknowledge that such comparisons are unfair.

Who, in sports, is better at age 37 than 27? Do we really think he is going to duplicate the feats of 2000, when he won three majors (something accomplished only once prior in the game’s modern history)? And are we going to call him a failure if he doesn’t?

And yet, Woods might again be the best in the world.

“He’s been playing like this for quite some time,” acknowledged longtime rival Phil Mickelson, who tried to make a run at Doral but finished 5 strokes back in a tie for third. “All last year and this year now. He’s pretty strong. Playing at a pretty high level week in and week out it seems like.”

Also, on a side note, Rory McIlroy looked like Rory McIlroy again with a 65 Sunday, his best round of the year. If he rounds back into form, coupled with Woods’ strong play, it could be an exciting period for golf. To which NBC, CBS, and the Golf Channel say, thank you.

 

 

 

 

NBC Sports Radio: Erik Kuselias takes over morning drive; Stashower at night

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The NBC Sports Radio launches on April 1. Former ESPNer Erik Kuselias will be the main man in the mornings.

The official announcement:

Dial Global and the NBC Sports Group announced programming moves as they prepare to fill out their roster and go live 24/7 on Monday, April 1. Weeknight host Erik Kuselias will move to morning drive, 6-9a ET, and Sunday morning host Jon Stashower will take over the 7-10p ET, Monday-Friday slot.

Since the September, 2012 launch of The Erik Kuselias Show on NBC Sports Radio, Kuselias has solidified his position as a top national sports-radio personality. His energy, knowledge of all sports, interview skills, legal background, engaging personality, and passion for sports radio make him the top pick to kick off morning drive on NBC Sports Radio. It’s familiar territory for “EK,” having filled in for Mike and Mike more than any other guest host in the history of the show. He will be joined by one of the best producers in sports radio, Rob “Stats” Guerrera.

Jon Stashower is one of the best sports broadcasting voices in the business. Passionate and knowledgeable, Jon delivers a refreshing approach to sports talk, adding a depth and a quality that is hard to match. He goes behind all the water-cooler topics and breaks down the games, headlines and highlights with great insight and analysis, making him the perfect choice to lead into the evening games.

Erik Kuselias says, “I’m thrilled to be in the prime spot for NBC Sports Radio’s first daily lineup. We believe this is the smartest and most fun sports radio program in the nation, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, NBC Sports and Dial Global Sports allow us to have an unparalleled guest list, which will help us rejuvenate mornings for those looking for a fresh approach.”

“In sports, so much happens at night,” says Jon Stashower. “It’s when the games are played and so many of the stories break. I’m really looking forward to being on every night to break down all that’s going on.”

Chris Corcoran, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Dial Global, adds, “I can’t wait to fire up morning drive with EK and break open the playing field. And we’re thrilled to give Stash his own weekday show. He’s a consistent, solid performer who grabs listeners’ attention and keeps them tuned in.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures and International, adds “Erik brings a rare combination of analytical rigor and energy to the world of sports radio. And like many in the New York area, I’ve spent years listening to Jon Stashower’s familiar voice talking sports. He gives our radio network additional credibility.”

NBC Sports Radio will launch its full 24/7 talk programming on April 1, 2103. More announcements will be made shortly.

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Al Michaels inducted into TV Academy Hall of Fame tonight

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It will be a big night for Al Michaels in Hollywood. The current voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football is being honored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with induction into its Hall of Fame.

It is an impressive class. Besides Michaels, there’s Ron Howard, Bob Schieffer, Law and Order creator Dick Wolf, CBS president of CEO Leslie Moonves, and Philo Farnsworth, the scientist who gets much of the credit for inventing TV during the 1920s. Why Farnsworth wasn’t the Hall’s first inductee is beyond me.

In the Hollywood Reporter, Moonves cracked:

“When you read the list of who’s in the Hall of Fame, you see what a great honor it is. Al Michaels and I joke that not only are we getting in, we’re getting in without using steroids.”

The honor is well deserved for Michaels, who has done everything during his long career. Just to start your week out right, listen to Michaels’ signature call.

 

 

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ESPNw columnist: Women can be sports analysts

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Sarah Spain, who also works at ESPN 1000 in Chicago, examines the stereotypes and  makes her case:

Sideline reporting, reading highlights at an anchor desk, co-hosting a studio show — people have come to expect and accept seeing women do these jobs. But it’s still a rarity to see a woman host a sports-talk radio show or do play-by-play or color commentary for a men’s pro game.

When it comes down to it, it’s about being seen and not (really) heard.

The stereotypical male sports viewer is OK getting postgame scores and sideline updates from a woman — he gets to admire her appearance while she provides some info he may or may not be listening to. But a radio host or a play-by-play announcer is rarely, if ever, seen on camera. The job is just about what’s being said; all that matters is the content provided.

On Doris Burke working as an analyst on last week’s Bulls game:

The questioning of “credentials” often comes into play when people criticize female analysts covering a men’s game. The same rules don’t seem to apply to men.

Burke played college ball at Providence College, where she was named the school’s female athlete of the year and inducted into its hall of fame. She has been calling games for more than 23 years now — women’s college hoops since 1990, men’s college hoops since 1996, the WNBA since 1997 and the NBA since 2000.

Unlike Burke, the following prominent, well-respected, male NBA play-by-play announcers never played a minute of college basketball: Marv Albert, Dick Stockton, Bob Costas, Mike Breen, Dan Shulman and Al Michaels.

And finally:

These days, sideline reporters are almost exclusively female, female studio hosts are commonplace and a female duo can anchor “SportsCenter” without anyone noticing. With women like Burke and Beth Mowins calling men’s games and Anita Marks and Amy Lawrence hosting major-market and nationally syndicated radio shows, views may continue to gradually shift.

With any luck, the next generation of sports fans, which will grow up seeing and hearing women in every role, will be as nonchalant about a woman calling an NBA game as our current generation is about a woman doing sideline interviews at an NFL game.

Let’s hope so.

 

Kansas glory: Larry Brown, Danny Manning featured in new documentary on ’88 title team

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Tournament time is just around the corner. Time to look ahead, and look back.

Here’s a clip from a promising CBS Sports Network documentary with the information below.

From CBS Sports Network:

CBS Sports Network presents THE MIRACLES: THE 1988 KANSAS JAYHAWKS, a one-hour documentary recounting the resurrection of the Kansas program under head coach Larry Brown and star player Danny Manning, culminating in winning the 1988 National Championship for the team known as “Danny and the Miracles.”

The one-hour documentary debuts Monday, March 11 (8:00 PM, ET).

THE MIRACLES: THE 1988 KANSAS JAYHAWKS explores Kansas’ turbulent 1988 season.  The Jayhawks struggled to a 12-8 mid-season record and lost to Oklahoma, their eventual national championship opponent, twice during the regular season. The documentary features interviews with Brown, Manning, current Kansas head coach Bill Self, former Oklahoma head coach Billy Tubbs and 10 of the 12 active players from the 1988 Kansas team.

Wall Street Journal analyzes Dickie V’s so-called crush on Duke

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Ben Cohen of the Wall Street Journal listened to a lot of Dickie V:

Asked in an interview if he harbored a pro-Duke bias, the 73-year-old former coach posed a challenge: “Take the video of me doing the Duke game,” he said, “and tell me that I’m biased for Duke.” So that’s what we did.

The sample for this study consisted of five Duke games Vitale has called over the last two seasons. It includes two wins and a loss against North Carolina, a road loss to N.C. State this January and a thrilling home win over Miami on Saturday. We logged 1,157 comments made by Vitale in these games and examined each one for signs of bias.

True to perception, 13% of these comments were positively gushy about Duke’s players, its coach Mike Krzyzewski, its quirky arena (Cameron Indoor Stadium), its rabid fans (the Cameron Crazies) and the SAT scores these fans may have attained.

Let’s be clear: By gushy we’re not talking about straightforward praise doled out for specific plays, like “good job by Kelly to come up with the loose ball.” We’re talking about statements like: “Talk about a P-T-P-er, baby, a prime time performer! Mr. Kelly’s been on fire! Somebody call the fire chief, man, he’s burning up the nets! Here he is, nothing but nylon! NBA time! Ryan Kelly, what a show!”

 

 

 

Grantland’s Curtis on sports cliches: Truly is ‘great piece!’

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Really enjoyed this post by Bryan Curtis. It should be read by every current and future sportswriter. There’s a lot of reality here.

Some samples:

“great piece!” (exp.) — a compliment for a story that’s longer than 2,000 words.

instant classic (n.) — a close game a sportswriter happened to watch live.

Random Thoughts (n.) — a new name for the old “Notes” column.

source close to the process, a (n.) — the most anonymous tipster in sportswriting. A “source close to the process” could be a player, a general manager, an agent, or a pool boy. A writer in search of an equally vague term might try “a source familiar with the team’s thinking.”

Golden Age of Sportswriting (n.) — usually the 1920s, but the phrase may refer to the glory days of Laguerre’s Sports Illustrated, Walsh’s Inside Sports, or the Gammons-Ryan-McDonough Boston Globe sports section. Stanley Woodward, 1949: “After considerable research I can find no evidence to support the theory that sports writing had any good old days. … The only thing that interests me is the modern American sports page which, as far as I can see, owes nothing to antiquity. It didn’t even evolve. It sprang full-fashioned from the forehead of Zeus.”

And there’s much more. Worth the read.