Digest

Sideline

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 3, 2007

Making news

For $3-billion the answer could be yes

The Yankees TV network, valued at $850-million when it started almost six years ago, might be sold for as much as $3-billion. The Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network is owned by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and former New Jersey Nets owner Raymond Chambers. "All we're doing is getting a current view from the marketplace on the network's value," Goldman spokesman Peter Rose said. Yankees president Randy Levine said the major-league club has "no intention" of selling its interest in YES. The network generated about $340-million in revenue last year based on 11.4-million subscribers, according to John Mansell, a media industry analyst. The Yankees, who Fortune magazine reported owns 36 percent of YES, sold a 40 percent stake in the network to a group of investors including Goldman for $350-million in 2001.

Detour carries coach to safety

Pistons coach Flip Saunders took a detour that perhaps saved his life. The Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis buckled during evening rush hour Wednesday. Dozens of cars plummeted more than 60 feet into the Mississippi River. "I usually take the 35W bridge, but the ramp was closed," said Saunders, onetime coach of the Timberwolves (1996-2005). Saunders was diverted by construction onto the 10th Avenue bridge. "My daughter was driving in a car right behind me when the bridge collapsed - about 20 yards away from us. It sounded like a bomb when it dropped. I got out of my car, and the first thing I heard was the kids screaming on the bus."

Out of bounds

Hacker tries to sell cyclist's e-mails

A man in Denmark has been arrested on suspicion he hacked into Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen's e-mails and tried to sell them to a newspaper in Copenhagen, police said. The 30-year-old man, who faces preliminary charges of illegally obtaining another person's e-mail, claimed the e-mails contained information about Rasmussen's whereabouts before the Tour de France. Rasmussen was kicked out of the Tour by his team - while leading the race - for reportedly lying about his whereabouts to evade drug testers. The paper said the man claimed to guess the rider's password. He has denied the charges.

Quote of the day

"I'll tell you what, you won't make a living doing that on me. You're entitled to have a day where them guys make plays, and that's what it is."

Dre Bly, new Broncos cornerback on being booed in training camp - one heckler yelled, "Go back to Detroit" - after being beaten for big receptions by backup receivers David Kircus and Brian Clark

Devil Rays

Tonight

Orioles, 7:10, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg TV/radio: Ch. 66; 1250-AM

The Heater

Want to make intelligent baseball talk about the Rays at the ballpark? Before you go, visit blogs.tampabay.com/rays.

tampabay.com

[Last modified August 3, 2007, 06:43:12]