SPORTSNET LANDS THE KISSING BANDIT ADRIANO BELLI

Belli joins as Sportsnet’s CFL analyst

TORONTO (May 25, 2011) – Rogers Sportsnet has added one of the Canadian Football League’s biggest personalities with the addition of Adriano Belli as its new CFL analyst.

"Sportsnet, Wow! Does it get any better than this? After 10 years of being allowed to crush quarterbacks, now I get to critique those pretty boys.” said Belli. “I couldn't be more excited about working with a network that fits my personality. I'm so looking forward to sinking my teeth into the upcoming football season, in the same manner I’ve done against opposing running backs over the years. "

Belli will appear weekly on Sportsnet Connected over the course of the 2011 CFL season. From the CFL preview show to the Grey Cup in Vancouver, Belli will breakdown the league’s hottest issues on Connected.

“Adriano Belli is a great addition to the Rogers Sportsnet team”, said Scott Woodgate, Vice-President of News, Rogers Sportsnet. “After 10 years on the playing field, we look forward to Adriano's insight delivered the only way he knows how - in a captivating and entertaining way."

Belli will bring his 10-years of CFL experience as one of the most feared defensive players in the league. The defensive tackle is a former CFL All-Star and two-time East Division All-Star who played in three Grey Cup Championships, winning one with the Montreal Allouettes in 2002. The Mississauga, Ontario native is well known by his nickname “The Kissing Bandit” for giving just about everyone a friendly peck on the cheek. Belli, who retired from football earlier this month, recorded 209 defensive tackles and 28 quarterback sacks in 140 career CFL regular season games.

For all the scores, highlights, breaking news and inside stories, tune in to Sportsnet Connected and visit www.sportsnet.ca.

-END-