TV/Radio

Remote patrol

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published January 21, 2005

MOVE OVER MUSIC

Recordings of this weekend's NFL games will be available for purchase in MP3 and digital audio formats thanks to a deal struck between the league and audible.com, according to the Associated Press.

That means die-hard fans will be able to purchase games as keepsakes. Imagine having the Bucs' Super Bowl victory on your iPod to listen to whenever the mood struck.

Chris Russo, NFL senior VP/new media and publishing, said the games will cost about $10 each, or highlight packages can be purchased for roughly half that.

"This is not a replacement for watching games," Russo said. "It's really for fans who want a keepsake of the event or who want to hear the local call of the event."

NBC's low-risk approach to certain sports coverage - see Arena football and the NHL - will expand when it broadcasts lacrosse this spring.

Yes, lacrosse, which could receive a boost thanks to an opening created by the NHL lockout.

The National Lacrosse League announced a TV rights agreement with NBC to broadcast the Feb. 26 All-Star Game and May 14 Champion's Cup final. The NLL says this will mark the first time live lacrosse will air on network TV in the United States. According to sportsbusinessdaily.com, NLL commissioner Jim Jennings said the deal includes a time buy, but he believes the league will "recoup what it spent and even turn a profit through advertising sales."

Sun Sports will profile Tampa Bay player Dan Boyle on the next edition of Inside the Lightning, airing at 5 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Host Paul Kennedy talks with Boyle about his days as an All-American at Miami of Ohio and his struggles as an undrafted free agent trying to land of job in the NHL.

The Super Bowl commercials will have to be much better than in recent years to warrant a 30-minute special airing nothing but the commercials, but the NFL Network is willing to take that chance.

The NFL Network's uninterrupted airing of commercials from Super Bowl XXXIX is scheduled for after the game (about 10 p.m. Feb. 6) and rebroadcast at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

Though Bernard Hopkins is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Floyd Mayweather is a close second.

He will make his latest claim for No. 1 when he takes on Henry Bruseles (20-2, 13 KOs) in a 12-round 140-pound fight from Miami live at 10 p.m. Saturday on HBO.

Mayweather never has lost (31-0, 21 KOs) and will be fighting for just the second time at 140 pounds as he tries to get in position for a title shot.

Boxing's youngest world champion, Juan Diaz, will defend his WBA lightweight crown on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights against No. 10-ranked Billy Irwin. And 2000 U.S. Olympian Calvin Brock takes on Clifford Etienne in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

The show starts at 9.

[Last modified January 21, 2005, 00:30:24]