| Fans will lose out in NFL Network battle with cable operators
The NFL Network's business strategy is well on its way to becoming one of the biggest flops in sports television history. All the yap-flapping, spinning, and perhaps even some anger from fans who cannot watch Thursday's Packers-Cowboys tilt on NFLN won't change that fact. Neither will all the anti-cable rants coming from the mouth of Jerry Jones, whose sudden concern for the average fan is the leading candidate for Most Disingenuous Sports Moment of 2007. Nor will the well scripted, well presented words of commissioner Roger Goodell, who last week was on the stump campaigning against cable monopolists via a conference call. Surprised we have not heard from NFLN boss Steve Bornstein, marked conspicuously absent on this recent propaganda tour. It looks like Mr.
Teams will study what Eagles did against Patriots
Maybe a little too much. To be certain, the Eagles' strategy on both sides of the ball did plenty to disrupt the Patriots and nearly resulted in one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. To be certain, the teams left on the Pats' schedule and those they could face in the postseason have a great deal to ponder in reviewing all that the Eagles did to make for a long and unnerving night for Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and everyone else in Patriot Nation. But of those clubs, which are capable of generating the same relentless blitz pressure that the Eagles did on Brady, while playing man-to-man coverage, and control the ball by mainly attacking the middle of the field through the air as A.J. Feeley did so effectively? Not many. The Baltimore Ravens, who face the Patriots in Week 13 on Monday Night Football, have some talented linebackers who can blitz well, but their banged-up and inconsistent secondary could easily be overwhelmed by one of the most talented groups of receivers in the league.
Spoil sports
The Gulf has more petrodollars than it knows what to do with and is spoiling the world's sports stars with lavish prizes and tournaments, and even paying Africans to switch passports. In the third part of our ground-breaking globalisation series, we focus on the spend, spend, spend sheikhs Next Monday a select group of British golf journalists will be flown from London to Dubai on a private jet. They will be royally entertained before listening to the announcement of a new addition to the European Tour schedule. Not just another golf tournament, but one that Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and all the world's top players will not want to miss - the richest in the world. The prize fund is expected to be $20million and appearance money about as much again. .
Scarborough
Friday, Nov. 30 FREE HEALTH TALK about Type 2 diabetes, St. Paul's Community Services for Seniors, Bridlewood Centre, 3020 Bridletowne Circle, English session, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Cantonese session, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Call 416-493-3333 for more information. Monday, Dec. 3 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF People with Disabilities, Variety Village, 3701 Danforth Ave., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discussions, information booths, displays and demonstrations, refreshments. Pre-registration is required. Call 416-338-4756. Wednesday, Dec. 5 ONTARIO MARCH OF Dimes holds employment seminar for people on the Ontario Disability Support Program. Learn about job placement, job coaching, resume and interview skills. Scarborough Centre for Employment Accessibility, 3478 Lawrence Ave., E., Unit C006, 1 to 4 p.m.
Flyers hit quarter in stride
The Flyers reach the quarter mark of the season with today's Black Friday matinee against the Washington Capitals. So, where is John Stevens' team right now? It already has seven more wins than it had last season at this point. This is Game 2 of a five-game segment that closes out November. "We're pretty happy where we are right now," defenseman Kimmo Timonen said. "Our team can get better; we can play better. I expected us to win games, and we have. But it's time to get it going." The feeling on the team and staff is that the Flyers' true face still hasn't appeared. Some players, such as Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell and Scottie Upshall, need to boost their games. Carter, in particular, began the season with four goals in his first seven games but has just one goal in his last 11. "I was happy with the start; I got some bounces and things going my way," Carter said.
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