Ahmad To Continue Off-Radar Activities, Inks Back 9 Net Deal

Absent from his two-day-a week Morning Drive role at Golf Channel for some time now, it turns out Ahmad Rashad must have been in high-level negotiations to take his earring to Back9Network's vast online audience.

Happier times? Little did I know that it's been reported Ahmad and Kelly Tilghman were not getting along, a report from The Big Lead said back on July 24 and missed by yours truly while vacationing). I've heard it was not true and the two got on fine.

Well there's no Tiger to fight over at Back9Network. And no airwaves yet, either.

For Immediate Release:

Ahmad Rashād Joins Back9Network as Executive Producer and On-Air Host
in Partnership Aimed at Changing the Face of Golf
 
HARTFORD, CONN., August 20, 2013:  Back9Network, the golf lifestyle multiplatform media network, announced today that Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Ahmad Rashād, will join the network as executive producer and on-air host.  Rashād is leaving behind a co-host role at Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.
 
“We are delighted to welcome Ahmad to Back9Network,” said James L. Bosworth, CEO of Back9Network.  “Ahmad’s personal style, love of golf, and desire to grow the game aligns perfectly with the mission of Back9Network.  In addition, Ahmad brings a unique dimension to our network’s programming with his vision and relationships within both the golf lifestyle space and professional sports.”
 
“Back9Network is a special opportunity that I simply could not pass up,” said Rashād.  “I’m excited for the many possibilities that lie ahead.  Co-hosting Morning Drive was a great experience, and I would like to thank Molly Solomon and the Golf Channel for the past year.”
 
After a successful NFL career that included four Pro Bowl selections, Rashād  covered a variety of sports for NBC, ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and Golf Channel.  In his new position with the Back9Network, Rashād will perform a number of roles that will help shape the new network’s identity and programming, including creative and executive team membership, on-air hosting, and the production and execution of special lifestyle event coverage around golf majors and other venues around the world.  Rashād also will continue his executive producer and host roles for the NBA.
 
Back9Network, which made its online debut in 2012, is focused on all the things golf fans love about playing and living the game.  Back9Network’s state-of-the-art TV studio and digital video production facility is located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, which is quickly becoming the sports media capital of the world with ESPN, NBC Sports and YES Network also based in the state.  Back9Network plans to launch its television-programming lineup via cable and satellite in 2014.