NFL All Access: w/ NBC Sports Announcer AL MICHAELS, TIM HASSELBECK, GRE...

The Showdown: Sparks take the fight out of Lynx - by Nick Hamilton

After suffering a disparaging three game losing streak, the Los Angeles Sparks were determined to win and sent a message to the World Champs that their time is now by defeating the Minnesota Lynx 96-90 on Thursday.

Sparks guard Kristi Toliver was remarkable scoring 29 points, going 6-for-6 from the 3 point line, along with MVP candidate Candace Parker grabbing a double-double with 28 points and 13 rebounds.
Candace Parker and the L.A. Sparks set the tempo early from the opening tip, with sense of not only urgency but intensity. Parker dominated the first quarter, driving and creating shot opportunities by scoring 11 points and having an amazing three three-point plays. Toliver also aggressively scored 11 points to end the first quarter on a 13-2 run, and led 24-21.
The Sparks defense was also impressive as they held Rookie of The Year Maya Moore to zero points in the first quarter. Moore struggled offensively as she tried to locate her rhythm.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves benched Moore to begin the second quarter, which only aided the Sparks offensive fury. Parker capitalized on Moore's absence as he continued to knock down key shot and grab rebounds, and after back to back 3 pointers by Toliver, the Sparks lead has increased by nine points, forcing the Lynx to call timeout. With Moore back in the game, Lynx Simone Augustus hit a big three pointer that kept the Lynx in the game. While Parker sat on the bench, and key misses from the Sparks, Maya Moore finally found her rhythm and hit a three pointer, which followed by Augustus who hit another 3 pointer, that made the Sparks call a much needed timeout. Lynx went on a 9-2 run, and only were down 36-34.


The Sparks seemed to settle down as they went inside with Jantel Lavender and rookie Nneka Ogwumike, for which the Lynx had no answer for. Sparks went on a 6-0 run to end the half ahead 49-43 over the Lynx.

In third quarter the Sparks blew the doors off Staples Center as they built a lead as high as 18 points over the World champions. And thanks to free throws by Toliver, headed into the fourth quarter with a 75-57 lead. The Sparks seemed to be in complete control in the fourth quarter especially when April Sykes hit the 3 point dagger that should've sealed the deal with 6:54 left in the game. Maya Moore hit a key 3 pointer that sparked a 15-2 run by the Lynx that trimmed the Sparks to just six points. Candice Wiggins also hit a 3 pointer along with Moore who continued to lead the charge back with a key basket with just 2:30 left. but just seconds later Maya Moore picked up her sixth foul and exited the game with 14 points.
Both Parker and Toliver were determined to not let the lead slip away as they hit 10 free throws in the last 2 minutes to seal the deal and take the victory over the Lynx 96-90.

This was the second time that the Lynx allowed a team to score more than 90 points this season, on back to back road games.

An elated Candace Parker spoke about the victory, "It was nice to come out and not be down 4 to 22 or 4 to 19. We started with intensity. That really set the tone early. We were ready to help. We helped the helper. We had a defensive plan and we really stuck with it through whole game."

Nneka Ogwumike finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, along with Alana Beard who finished with 10 points and 4 assist.

On the other side of the ball Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve talked about their performance along with Parker and Toliver's. "I thought the whole game was not a good one for us. They didn't have to get their third, fourth options in their offense. Everything was first or second option. They had two players that I thought lit us up. Toliver and Parker had everything they wanted and it was an easy game for them. They made our defense just look silly."

Candice Wiggins finished with 11 points, and Simone Augustus finished with 18 points and 3 assist.

The Sparks have a tough schedule with home back to back games against the Seattle Storm and the Atlanta Dream before they hit the road for two games to end the first half of the season.

NFL All-Access brings L.A. closer to Football - by Nick Hamilton

                               (LASEC President Katheryn Schloessman / Photo by EWGems)



After NFL Commissioner Roger Godell made a encouraging announcement stating that the NFL in Los Angeles are steps closer to becoming reality. Godell was in high spirits and very supportive of football returning to L.A.
In the wake of that announcement, the NFL All-Access Event is also celebrating its 10th Anniversary at the historic Rose Bowl near Los Angeles, in a city that hasn’t had a professional team in almost 18 years. Its remarkable how the fans still want the football in the city of Los Angeles, along with a much anticipated Super Bowl to follow.
The person responsible for keeping their appetite's wet for the game of football is the LASEC (Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission) President Kathryn Schloessman.

I had the great fortune of sitting down with Kathy Schloessman as we discussed the 10th Anniversary, how NFL All-Access began, and how close is Los Angeles to getting an NFL team again.

Nick Hamilton (NH): Hello Kathy Schloessman how are you today?
Kathy Schloessman (KS): I'm fine, how are you?

NH: I'm great, thank you for joining me, with the NFL having an 18 year drought in Los Angeles, what inspired you to create and bring NFL All-Access to the fans?

KS: What inspired me is that I'm a huge NFL fan first and foremost. Then what happened was reporter Andrea Kramer [NBC Football Night In America reporter] approached me and informed me about these football events called NFL 101 in various cities. Andrea attended one in Denver and told me why we needed one in Los Angeles for the fans. I told her there is no team in L.A., but its for the fans so I sent an email to the NFL head of events Jim Steeg. Steeg ran the Super Bowl events for many years, and actually emailed me back to tell me to go for it. And from that point the NFL All-Access was born. 

NH: What does it mean for LASEC to host the NFL All-Access Event 10 years later?

KS: Honestly we were kind of surprised  to be hosting it 10 years later. We thought we would help out and continued the event until a team arrived. Still surprised we in Los Angeles are still without a team, yet not surprised at the high level of interest in the NFL from fans. We're working diligently to help bring a team back here to the city. It's the number one sport, it's a marketing machine, and people of all ages love this event as well as their football. 

NH: What can fans, even those who are attending for the first time from NFL All-Access Event?

KS: It's so many different facets to this event, if you're a casual or advit fan, no matter what team you support, you're going to have a great time. Even if you're not a big fan, how cool is it to be on the field of the Rose Bowl on a summer night. Fans have the opportunity to kick field goals, throw passes, and run routes. Doing something most fans don't get to do normally, which is a great experience. This event also has amazing players, coaches, and NFL insiders that we change every year. Also after a tasty dinner (presented by Wolfgang Puck Catering), everyone is treated to an All-Access panel discussion that features M.C. Andrea Kramer. We also have a special one-on-one session with Al Michaels, NBC legendary sportscaster with an amazing voice. We get the opportunity to hear his exclusive perspective on the NFL. That's not something just anyone is going to see at any other event. We'll also have an in depth panel discussion with NFL players such as Bucs QB Josh Freeman, Baltimore Ravens Terrell Suggs, Titans QB Matt Hasselback, and NFL on FOX Insider Jay Glazer who will give everyone insight on what to look forward to this season. 

NH: How much can we expect football to seriously return to L.A., with the efforts of AEG and the Majestic Group involved?

KS: The two groups with the two possible stadium options are Ed Roski and his City Of Industry location and of course [AEG] Farmers Field. Two great amazing persistent groups going after the possibility of the NFL is great. It gives us alot better shot to get a team here in Los Angeles. I'm always optimistic because I believe the team owners who are making a fortune and the industry is doing so well that it has to bother them to not have a team in L.A. and missing out on Super Bowls as well. 
L.A. is the best place for the NFL, it's the most profitable and has the best weather. 

NH: What teams will be represented at All-Access this year?

KS: The Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers who are always with us, will be having a fan fest fest on the field. These two teams still have huge fan bases in Los Angeles despite their current locations. By not having a team in L.A., everyone has a team from across the country. So we'll also have a few other guest like Hall Of Famer Marshall Faulk, and other guest that we'll be announcing very soon. 

NH: Lastly, where do you see NFL All-Access five years from now?

KS: Well our mission whether we have a team to watch or not on Sunday's is to bring the best sports and entertainment events to the city of Los Angeles. Events that put money into the city, that also increases tourism. We want the big stuff that would ultimately be a Super Bowl to the city with a revenue somewhere between $350-$450 million of impact on a city. Which is very huge for the NFL and the city of Los Angeles. We've got everything else going, and it's not like L.A. isn't doing well, but it wouldn't hurt to have the Super Bowl back here either.
We remind the city leaders and through our sponsors do not forget the mission  for the city, and stress the financial benefits which are very import. So we look to be here for a long while.

NH: Thank you so much Ms. Schloessman for your time, really appreciate it, and we'll see at the event on July 12th.

KS: Thank you, see you all on July 12th, have a great day.

After attending this event last year, the LASEC is a first class organization, and the 10th Anniversary should be absolutely spectacular.
The NFL All-Access event is a one in a lifetime event and well worth the time and having an experience that you will never forget for years to come.  


Several levels of participation are available and individual tickets are on sale for $500 each.
Visit www.lasec.net or call (213) 236-2347 for more information on the event and purchasing tickets.