Marv Albert, indicted on sodomy and assault charges, is
"expected" to make another public statement today regarding
the allegations, according to the N.Y. POST. Meanwhile, NBC
execs made no statement on whether Albert will work Game
Three of the Bulls-Heat series on Saturday. One
broadcasting source told the POST that the "most likely
scenario is that Albert will take a leave of absence" (N.Y.
POST, 5/22). NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay writes that NBC Sports
President Dick Ebersol "was discussing the matter with
Albert, his representatives and NBC attorneys." Zipay:
"Several executives at other networks said privately
yesterday that they expected Albert would take a leave of
absence to defend himself against the allegations and not be
a distraction to the NBA or NBC" (NEWSDAY, 5/22).
COLUMNISTS WEIGH IN: In Baltimore, Milton Kent: "Just
on the common sense face of it, there really doesn't appear
to be any way that Marv Albert can work any more basketball
games this season for NBC." More Kent: "Neither the league
nor NBC can afford the distraction that Albert's visage will
undoubtedly cause" (Baltimore SUN, 5/22). In Philadelphia,
Bill Conlin: "No matter how this latest tempest in a
fishbowl plays out for the veteran broadcaster, though, his
professional reputation has been irreparably damaged. His
network career probably is toast" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 5/22).
HALL OF FAME AWARD: Meanwhile, the Basketball Hall of
Fame "said it will proceed with plans to present Albert the
Curt Gowdy Award for long-term contributions to basketball
on May 31." Hall of Fame President Joe O'Brien: "Marv says
he is innocent, so as of this moment we will go forward with
the presentation" (Rudy Martzke, USA TODAY, 5/22).
