How can ESPN possibly continue to align themselves with a radio hack like Mark Madden who says unconscionable things like: “I’m very disappointed to hear that Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts is near death because of a brain tumor. I always hoped Senator Kennedy would live long enough to be assassinated.” On what planet is that remotely funny?

So weird: Lupica and Vaccaro must be hanging out or something. (Buckets of Ink)

Sandomir takes a peek at the SNY tapes to see if Willie Randolph is indeed getting unfair treatment. Survey says? Yes and No. Inconclusive. (NY Times)

If Mushnick had his way, ESPN’s Morgan and Miller would never again call a Yankees or Mets game. (NY Post)

NBA ratings are soaring, which will make the Disney suits do the happy dance.

Not only are NHL ratings up, but they are comparable on Versus to what they are when the NHL was on ESPN.