WFAN "has been seriously negotiating" with Marv Albert
"in hopes of landing" him to join the station in January,
according to sources of Bob Raissman in a front-page feature
in today's N.Y. DAILY NEWS. A source said: "There have been
numerous discussions, including phone conversations and a
meeting." Albert would reportedly "join a lineup" anchored
by Don Imus in the morning and Mike Francesa and Chris Russo
-- "Mike and the Mad Dog" -- in the afternoon. WFAN GM Joel
Hollander said "no offer" had been made to Albert but would
not confirm or deny negotiations with him. Sources said
that Hollander has "approached MSG Network executives about
moving Albert into the Knicks radio both sometime in the
first quarter of 1998, but MSG brass would not agree to the
move." But Raissman writes there are "a variety of
assignments WFAN could offer Albert," including a talk show
format, Mets baseball or Jets and Giants football (N.Y.
DAILY NEWS, 10/10). Also in N.Y., Ian O'Connor reports the
offer from WFAN consists of a one-hour, five-nights-a-week
show. But O'Connor calls Hollander's interest in Albert a
"tawdry move, inspired by the bottom line." One industry
source told O'Connor that Albert "'might very well reject'
the offer because he realizes it will be perceived as too
much, too soon." But O'Connor adds that Albert "is said to
be in dire need of cash" to pay off his legal bills, leaving
himself "vulnerable. Perhaps vulnerable enough to accept an
offer he should refuse" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/10).
MORE MARV FALLOUT: WFAN's Mike Breen will replace
Albert as lead play-by-play announcer for Knicks telecasts
on MSG Network (N.Y. TIMES, 10/10)....In Chicago, Michael
Hirsley reports that NBC "is not rushing to name a
replacement" for Albert, since its first NBA telecast isn't
until Christmas. Greg Gumbel, Tom Hammond, Dick Enberg, Bob
Costas and Mike Breen are all mentioned as possibilities.
Hirsley: "If NBC seeks talent elsewhere, it will get a good
look at TNT's Bob Neal" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/10). Also in
Chicago, Jim O'Donnell reports that NBC "insiders" say the
network is "finalizing a plan to use an expanded five-man
play-by-play staff on NBA games this season," and not
filling the top spot until next spring. Sources also said
that Bob Costas asked NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol "not
to be considered for the first chair" (SUN-TIMES, 10/10).
