In Chicago, Bernie Lincicome criticizes SI's cover shot
featuring "Sportsmen of the Year" Mark McGwire and Sammy
Sosa in togas. Calling it the "dumb-idea of the year,"
Lincicome writes it is the "worst concept since SI tried to
put Michael Jordan's face on the cover in 3-D." Lincicome,
noting the shape of the two: "If they were doing a diet
shoot, they both would be the before" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
12/17)....CBS Cable, parent company of TNN, has extended the
contract for NASCAR announcer Eli Gold for another five
years. Gold handles motor racing on TNN and is the main
radio voice for NASCAR's Motor Racing Network (PHILADELPHIA
INQUIRER, 12/17)....ESPN's Dan Patrick, along with CBS's Jim
Nantz, were selected as finalists for the National
Sportscaster of the Year. The winner will be selected by
the members of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters
Association in January (ESPN)....The Reds do not have an
over-the-air TV deal for '99 and team Managing Exec John
Allen said all games will likely be on cable. Therefore,
long-time announcer Marty Brennaman will not be used unless
picked up by Fox Sports Ohio (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 12/17).
