Philadelphia Union and WPVI/6ABC form Partnership

Given their ties to Sports and Entertainment powerhouse ESPN, it seemed only natural that the perennial No 1 rated television station in town would partner with the MLS expansion Philadelphia Union.

Union President Tom Veit and WPVI/6abc General Manager Bernie Prazenica jointly announced today that the club has indeed entered into a multi--year partnership with the long established leader among local television stations.

The partnership will give WPVI broadcast rights to many of the soccer club’s games, starting in March. With the Major League Soccer schedule soon to be released, the commitment is for as many Philadelphia Union games as possible to be carried live on 6abc, and all games re-broadcast on 6abc’s digital channel – 6.2 (also known as the Live Well HD Network).

Of course it was announced last week, that long time MLS and ESPN commentator, JP Dellacamera, would be the lead commentator for Union games in their inaugural season. Dellacamera without question, one of the best football (soccer) announcers in the game.

No word yet on if the team has made a decision to add a second announcer in the broadcast booth, many European clubs only use one announcer. Trust me; Dellacamera is more than capable of handling this choir if asked.

The only question surrounding Dellacamera, is who will replace him this summer (June 11--July11), when he heads off to South Africa to call World Cup Games. A typical Major League Soccer season with play-offs, runs March-to-November. Dellacamera would miss about6--7 Union Games.

The only other speculation prior to today’s partnership announcement between the Union and WPVI/6abc, was whether or not the local all sports station, Comcast Sportsnet would pick-up some of those broadcasts.

Given Comcast’s commitment to the Philadelphia Phillies, scheduling time would have been tighter than that belt buckle after Thanksgiving dinner.

Do however look for Sportsnet to pick up coverage of some games for the WPS (women’s pro soccer) expansion Philadelphia Independence, who also kick off their inaugural season this spring.

Akers and Dawkins Selected to NFL All Decade Team

Given the average career span of today’s NFL player, being named to the leagues all decade team is as much an honor as it is a testament to survival. Let’s face it, the American game of football is one of the most violent sports on the face of the Earth.

With all due respect to my Rugby and Aussie Rules football playing friends, the dynamics are just a bit different, but yes your sport is pretty violent too.

Now, with that disclaimer aside, we move on. The NFL All-Decade teams are selected every 10 years by the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection Committee. This selection will be the ninth of its kind in league history.

This decade’s 53-player team will be comprised of two quarterbacks, four running backs, one fullback, four wide receivers, two tight ends, four offensive tackles, four guards, two centers, four defensive tackles, four defensive ends, six linebackers, four cornerbacks, four safeties, two kickers, two punters, two kick returners and two punt returners. Two head coaches have also been chosen.

The entire team will be announced prior to this Sundays Pro Bowl on a special edition of ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown (5:30 p.m. ET).

12 participants of Sundays Pro Bowl are members of the all decade team and those players include the following:

PLAYER..................... PRO BOWLS
TE Antonio Gates............... 6
G Alan Faneca .....................9
G Steve Hutchinson........... 7
C Kevin Mawae................... 8
DE Julius Peppers ..............5
LB Ray Lewis ....................10
LB DeMarcus Ware............4
CB Champ Bailey ................9
S Brian Dawkins ..................8
P Shane Lechler ..................4
K David Akers..................... 4
KR Joshua Cribbs ...............2

*As far as his selection to the All Decade team, Akers had this to say: “A lot of it goes to the consistency of the team, and of the team having confidence in me, from Mr. Lurie and Andy Reid on down. It keeps your confidence up. I have worked extremely hard over the years and I will continue to do so. I would like to play many more years with the Eagles. That would be a great, great thing."

a tremendous honor for me to be recognized as one of the best out of all the safeties who have played in the NFLx this decade,” says Denver safety Brian Dawkins, who was selected to his eighth career Pro Bowl and is one of the four All-Decade safeties. “To know I’ve been able to do the things I’ve been able to do, with the help of my teammates, to earn a spot on the league’s All-Decade Team means a lot.”

You can also add Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney and safety Darren Sharper of the Saints. All three players were Pro Bowl selections but will opt out of the all star classic to continue preparations for the Super Bowl.

I’m not crazy about Josua Cribbs as the all Decade kick returner given the fact at he only has two pro bowls to his resume, but I’ll leave it to you try and change my mind. I prefer former Chief Dante Hall or former Redskin/Eagle/Giant Brian Mitchell.

* Akers quotes courtesy Philadelphia Eagles.
**Dawkins quote courtesy Denver Broncos