A review of the articles on this website from February 16 to February 22.
Monday
- ESPN reveals its plans for Alex Rodriguez‘ press conference.
Tuesday
- Even as the network continues to cover the controversy over Rodriguez’ steroid admission, the network continues to use the embattled MLB star in ads for the World Baseball Classic.
- The rain-soaked Daytona 500 draws a 9.2 rating and 16.0 million viewers, off 10% from last year, and the lowest-rated, least-viewed Daytona 500 since 2000.
- The ratings for every Daytona 500 dating back to 1975.
- TNT sets the return of NBA analyst Charles Barkley.
Wednesday
- On the eve of his return to TNT, Charles Barkley is the subject of an interview by colleague Ernie Johnson.
- The NBA All-Star Game draws a 4.5 rating and 7.6 million viewers, up 18% and 21% from ’08, and the highest rated, most viewed NBA All-Star Game in four years. Meanwhile, NBA All-Star Saturday Night draws a 3.9 and 6.6 million, easily a record high. Overall, NBA All-Star Weekend accounts for the three highest rated, most viewed programs of the week on cable.
Thursday
- An updated list of the ratings for every NBA All-Star Game since 1990.
- Tiger Woods announces that he will return to the PGA Tour beginning with the Accenture Match Play Championships.
- On TNT for the first time since his drunk driving arrest in December, analyst Charles Barkley offers a long, sometimes emotional apology.
- The majority of readers on this site are more excited to see Woods’ return to golf than Barkley return to broadcasting.
Friday
- Random info: ESPN plans a Chicago-specific spin-off of ESPN.com, The Tennis Channel cancels coverage of a Dubai tournament after the UAE denies a visa to Israeli player Shahar Peer, and the NBA Playoff television schedule begins to come into focus.
Saturday
- ESPN is sending Stan Verrett and Neil Everett out west to anchor the new Los Angeles-based SportsCenter.
- NBC drew its lowest NHL rating of the season for Rangers/Flyers.
- Early ratings for NASCAR’s Nationwide and Truck Series.
- Ratings predictions for an relatively uneventful weekend in sports television.
Sunday
- Notable figures: Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller dies at 64, Emmitt Smith will not be returning to ESPN, and Bill Walton is out indefinitely due to back problems.
