DHL Signs Three-Year Presenting Sponsorship Deal With Fox Pan American Sports For ``Premios Fox Sports'' Awards

LOS ANGELES -- Fox Pan American Sports announced today it has signed a three-year presenting sponsorship deal with DHL, the world's leading express delivery and logistics company, for its annual "Premios Fox Sports." The official "3rd Annual Premios Fox Sports presented by DHL" awards ceremony will be held December 5, 2005 at the Jackie Gleason Theater of Performing Arts in Miami Beach, Florida. The show will be televised on January 8, 2006 in the United States on Fox Sports en Espanol and throughout the Spanish-speaking Americas on Fox Sports Latin America.

"We're extremely pleased to welcome DHL as the first-ever presenting sponsor of `Premios Fox Sports,'" said David Sternberg, executive vice president and general manager of Fox Sports en Espanol. "This landmark deal is a testament to the growth of `Premios Fox Sports' over the past three years and its increasing viability as an innovative marketing platform for brands looking to reach and connect with the coveted Hispanic male demographic."

While the exact terms of the agreement were not disclosed, effective immediately, the deal grants DHL's logistics, transportation and freight services operations presenting sponsorship rights and category exclusivity through 2007.

About Fox Pan American Sports
Fox Pan American Sports LLC is an international sports programming and production entity jointly owned by Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and News Corporation's Fox Sports International.

About DHL
With annual revenues over $32 billion in 2004, DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.
DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. Over 170,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com.

SOURCE: Fox Pan American Sports
for Fox Pan American Sports
H&M Communications
Etienne Hernandez-Medina, 310-849-3663
etienne@hm-com.com

ESPN's Jim Rome: Blind To The Issue Of Blacks In Sports

Radio and TV Commentator Jim Rome made his name by being beaten up by then-LA Rams Quarterback Chris Everett on Rome's TV show, after insulting Everrett to his face and ignoring his requests for Rome to stop. So, it comes as no surprise that Rome will continue to make outrageous statements to continue to gain viewers and listeners. But when Rome takes on subjects that do have a racist perspective, he not only falls short, but comes off as blind to matters of racism.

I write this because -- unfortunately -- Rome has a megaphone from which to issue his ideas. Let's take the matter of Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis' 10 - year contract extention. Everyone knows that former Notre Dame Head Coach Tyrone Willingham (who's only problem was offensive coordinator Bill Dietrick, or more to the point Willingham's loyalty to him) should have received a similar offer when he took the Fighting Irish to an 8-0 record during his first year. Rome said that Willingham didn't receive the same comments that he could jump for an NFL team -- actually, that wasn't true. It was a common speculation at the time -- Rome's memory's short.

Rome remarked that it wasn't an example of racism. And here's the problem, Rome's so much an appologist for the culture as it operates that to him it's OK for someone to think of a black person when another says "we need a running back" or to think of someone white when another person remarks "my team needs a new coach." In other words, he's brainwashed. So much so that he can't spot racism where it exists, and of course can't begin to see sexism.

But, I forgot, this is the guy who always talked against the WNBA, right?

Or let's focus on the Terrell Owens issue. Rome can't see that there still is a culture where blacks are not expected to raise their voices against authority. As long as blacks "know their place" they're just fine. That's the message Rome sends. It's rather hard to take and anti-intellectual. But Rome's not trying to be smart, that much is clear.

Now, I'm not saying that Owens was totally correct -- that's another post. But Rome's view -- that Owens should know his place -- is (what's the street term?) tired. Maybe Rome's style is too.