The NEW YORK TIMES projects news that ESPN is looking to broaden its broadcasting brilliance to the big screen.

The Worldwide Leader is focused on collaborating with Walt Disney Studios and Creative Artists Agency to produce & distribute sports-themed theatrical releases in the next few years. And the network is already making cinematic strides by hiring 30 filmmakers to produce one-hour mini-movies, set to start showing on the small screen in September 2009.

As the bigwigs try to brainstorm for feature film ideas, Mike Bianchi of the ORLANDO SENTINEL proposes remaking a Disney family favorite - featuring the ESPN Primetime Players. Read more…

Someone better spread out some tarp for Scott Spiezio’s new jail cell.

• Jon Stewart, comedic television star & collegiate soccer stud:

• Cubs owner Sam Zell chews on selling naming rights to Wrigley Field.

• The Atlantic City Surf is willing to take a big gamble on Cecil Fielder.

• Tim Tebow is voting for none of the above.

• Billy Wagner gets mad at Michigan players giving it the ol’ college try.

Read more…

HUGGING HAROLD REYNOLDS passes along this week’s edition of “Before They Were Famous”. Previous to hosting the Academy Awards and delighting “Daily Show” viewers, Jon Stewart was a college soccer stud:

(Hey, Jon - nice hair!)

The comedic star spent his formative years in the mid ’80s on the pitch for William & Mary. In fact, the men’s soccer squad continues to give out the “Liebo“, an award named after Stewart (born Jonathan Stuart Liebowitz) that recognizes the team’s funniest player.

Hell, who needs an Oscar, when you can have a Liebo on your mantelpiece!