Hmm yeah, I think after reading it, I'd describe it as more: let people browse the website for free, but sell access to the API.

But I'm not selling access to an API. I'm selling exactly the kind of data and content found on the site.

Yes, but that is your implementation of the freemium model. There are other sites, including my example, that allow free access to their data on the site, but then sell the data (in one form or another). You use embedded stats, iBegin uses datasets, other companies might charge for their API.

You are highlighting how my example is different from the others :-)

I'm actually highlighting how your business model is just a single execution of a broader method of conducting business. However, in the sense that your end product differs from the other examples, yes. If you really want it that bad.

Why do you think an API can't expose exactly the kind of data and content found on a site?

Another example would be Wolfram|Alpha. The site is free, but the iPhone app, and API access are quite expensive.

That's not how I read it. He will let you embed the stats from his site for free, but its going to have his branding/ads and you can only show the views he offers. If you want a different segment of data or to remove the branding, you'll have to pay.

So for example, he may let you embed a stat sheet about all NFL teams, but if you want one with just the Eagles, you'll have to pay. This is what he means by "giving away the whole thing, and charging for the pieces."

Its actually a really sharp idea, especially for this niche. Kudos to the author.