Kraft-ESPN Relationship Too Pat?

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The Kraft Sports Group, owners of the NFL New England Patriots and New England Revolution soccer franchises, has lent its sales force to sports broadcasting giant ESPN, which is promoting its new Web site,  www.ESPNBoston.com.

ESPN has launched Web sites in Chicago and Boston and plans to enter other major metro markets, including Los Angeles, Dallas and New York. Kraft selling local advertising to benefit ESPN, which often broadcasts games involving the NFL powerhouse Patriots and their photogenic QB Tom Brady, has inspired a blitz by media analysts and journalism profs. screaming "conflict of interest."

Time to call an audible on this partnership.