The possibility of Marv Albert becoming the Heat's TV
play-by-play announcer was "eliminated" when USA
Broadcasting, the parent company of WYHS-TV, said it "would
stop its pursuit of Albert at the Heat's request," according
to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Eric Reid, who is
currently not under contract, will remain as the Heat's TV
announcer. Albert's agent, Evan Bell, confirmed that USA
Broadcasting "had made an offer" to his client. Bell: "It
was a bona fide offer, and we got assurances that the Heat
was on board." Heat Exec VP/Sales & Marketing Michael
McCullough praised Albert's ability, but said the team
backed Reid. McCullough added that Heat President & coach
Pat Riley "told us to stick with Eric" (MIAMI HERALD, 5/14).
MARVELOUS IDEA? In N.Y., Phil Mushnick writes that MSG
Network "recently made it clear that it's on the verge of
providing Albert the opportunity to return," possibly as the
anchor of its nightly SportsDesk show along with some play-
by-play. Mushnick also writes that it "is believed" that
Albert "will be invited to return to national TV, perhaps as
an NBA play-by-play man for TNT" (N.Y. POST, 5/14).
