Fox Sports Expands Fs1 Studio Programming
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Vernon Cheek Tuesday, August 28, 2018 [email protected] Anne Pennington [email protected] FOX SPORTS EXPANDS FS1 STUDIO PROGRAMMING SPEAK FOR YOURSELF Expands To 90 Minutes and Welcomes Marcellus Wiley as New Co-Host Alongside Jason Whitlock Daily Sports Gambling Show LOCK IT IN Premieres with Host Rachel Bonnetta, “Cousin Sal” Iacono, Clay Travis and Oddsmaker Todd Fuhrman LOS ANGELES – Today, FOX Sports announced the expansion of its FS1 studio programming lineup including the addition of Marcellus Wiley as new co-host of SPEAK FOR YOURSELF alongside side Jason Whitlock and the fall premiere of the network’s first-ever sports gambling show LOCK IT IN, beginning Monday, September 10. The announcement was made by Mark Silverman, President, National Networks, FOX Sports. “We’re thrilled to expand our FS1 studio slate with the addition of a one-of-a-kind gambling show, LOCK IT IN, which will showcase the biggest topics in sports through the eyes of captive fans and new co-host Marcellus Wiley to a now 90-minute SPEAK FOR YOURSELF,” said Silverman. “These additions align with our overall strategy to deliver unparalleled programming headlined by the premier talent in the business.” Former NFL All-Pro defensive end, author, television and radio personality, Marcellus Wiley, joins FOX Sports as co-host of SPEAK FOR YOURSELF alongside Jason Whitlock, joining the show full-time on Monday, September 10 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM ET. “I’m excited to join the FOX Sports family and work side-by-side with Jason Whitlock on an expanded edition of SPEAK FOR YOURSELF,” said Wiley. “My blessed professional life both on and off the field continues with a show that highlights in a unique way, the biggest sports topics of the day in a fun and informative format.” Wiley most recently co-hosted “SportsNation” on ESPN and the radio show “Afternoons with Marcellus & Travis” on ESPNLA 710am. He joined ESPN in 2007, and previously served as an NFL analyst, making regular appearances on “First Take,” “NFL Live,” “SportsCenter,” and ESPNNews, while also contributing to the network’s Super Bowl coverage. His first book, “Never Shut Up: The Life, Opinions, and Unexpected Adventures of an NFL Outlier,” will be released in October. A 1997 second-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills, Wiley played for Buffalo (1997-2000), San Diego Chargers (2001-03), Dallas Cowboys (2004) Jacksonville Jaguars (2005-06), and was one of the NFL’s top defensive players during the prime of his career, highlighted by a Pro Bowl start following a career-high 13 defensive sack season in 2001. Wiley played college football at Columbia University, where he was voted team captain, All-Ivy League (twice), Sid Luckman MVP and an All-American in 1997. Whitlock and Wiley’s new SPEAK FOR YOURSELF will provide a critical lead-in to FS1’s newest venture, LOCK IT IN, also premiering Monday, September 10, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM ET. LOCK IT IN aims to make the avid sports fan smarter and more informed about the world of sports betting. The weekday show stars an eclectic cast of entertaining, sports-obsessed minds that want to make watching that night’s games as entertaining as possible. While fans tune in to see what the experts are saying – and who they are putting their hypothetical money on, they will also get smarter about the biggest sports stories of the day. “The thing I love most about LOCK IT IN is just how much fun it will be to watch. All four cast members have such big personalities and what sets the show apart is their shared love of sports, humor and competitiveness,” said Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President, Content, FS1. “In the end, the show is not only about being right, it’s about being interesting.” Host Bonnetta joined FOX Sports in 2016 as a digital personality and most recently was the host of FIFA WORLD CUP™ NOW, a 30-minute show on Twitter live from Moscow’s Red Square, that provided match action previews, recaps, Twitter reaction and original segments. She has showcased her creativity in roles across a range of major FOX Sports events and properties, such as “Visa Sunday Live Show” on Facebook, UEFA Champions League coverage on FOX Soccer’s Facebook page, as well as on-location coverage at the Super Bowl LI, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and BIG3. Iacono is an Emmy award-winning writer and television personality. For the past 15 years he has worked as a writer and on-air performer on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” In addition, he currently hosts his own weekly podcast, “Against All Odds” on Bill Simmons’ Ringer Podcast Network where he breaks down the world of gambling across various sports with the help of celebrities, Vegas experts and friends. Iacono is not a stranger to FOX Sports, his first television writing job was on SPORTS GENIUSES, a sports-themed game show that debuted in the spring of 2000. His other television credits include FOX NFL SUNDAY, Comedy Central’s “The Man Show” and “Win Ben Steins Money” where he served as co-host from 2002 through the end of the show’s run in 2003. Travis is the host of FOX Sports Radio’s “Outkick the Coverage with Clay Travis,” and creator of the popular Outkick the Coverage blog. The author, radio show host, lawyer and TV analyst has previously worked with FOX Sports as a regular on the former FS1 program FOX SPORTS LIVE, as well as on FOX COLLEGE SATURDAY. Travis’ fourth book, “Republicans Buy Sneakers Too,” will be released in September. Fuhrman’s involvement with FOX Sports dates to the launch of FS1, when he served as a Vegas insider, contributing to several studio shows, including NASCAR RACE HUB. He’s the co-founder of the sports betting podcast “Bet The Board” and a former oddsmaker at Caesars. For more information, including bios, photos and logos visit the LOCK IT IN page on FOX Sports Press Pass. - FOX SPORTS – About FOX Sports FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com and FOX Sports GO. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint- venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network. .