25-54 demographic (Live +SD)

• Total day: FNC: 157 | MSNBC: 105 | CNN: 70 | HLN: 120

• Primetime: FNC: 38 | MSNBC: 82 | CNN: 23 | HLN: 75

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It seems as though Scott Raab isn’t the only writer running afoul of a team’s PR people. According to a tweet from Hockey Night in Canada‘s Jeff Marek, Chris Botta has been banned from receiving press credentials from the New York Islanders.

Botta – founder of NYI Point Blank, a senior NHL writer for AOL’s Fanhouse, and “the team’s former longtime media relations VP – posted the following on NYIPB: Read more

“Of all the things I thought Deadspin would end up being known for, back in September 2005, “pictures of the typically large penises of professional athletes” would have not been high on the list. But art evolves, you know?”

And so begins Will Leitch’s first Deadspin HOF Nominee post of the year. It is, if nothing else, a perfect encapsulation of where the highly visible sports blog is headed (and, by extension, the road most of us will follow).

During the past year, the Gawker Media production has taken heat for some questionable journalist practices. From the ESPN horndoggery series to the Brett Favre-Jenn Sterger debacle, the blog drifts further and further into the tabloid sphere.

It wasn’t hard to see this coming. Read more

In one of the first pre-US Open marketing stunts, Polo Ralph Lauren and Mercedes Benz are hosting a live video chat and “tennis clinic” with Venus Williams starting at 2 PM ET. This is the second year the companies will be hosting the chat, which it calls “The Legends Clinic.”

Williams will be answering questions live from the tennis court, presumably so she can show, and not just tell, if she gets asked for tips.

For Polo and Mercedes, the chat gives exposure to their products. A quick look at the page where the chat will be held shows large and glamorous photos of attractive people in polo shirts, as well as some very expensive rides. There is also a Venus Williams dress, 15% of the proceeds of which will go to charity, according to Polo.

Interested fans can chat with Venus and get some advice on their backhand at 2 PM here.