People & Personalities: Wolf Ousted In N.Y.; Other Moves

Wolf Removed From WCBS

In N.Y., Bob Raissman reported WCBS-TV sportscaster Warner Wolf "was told his services were no longer wanted" Friday. Wolf, whose contract was set to expire in August, said, "I'm not retiring. This was not my decision to leave [WCBS]" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/29). Also in N.Y., Richard Sandomir: "There is no appropriate time to fire an icon, as [WCBS] did Friday to Warner Wolf." Wolf was replaced by Houston's KPRC-NBC sportscaster Chris Wragge (N.Y. TIMES, 5/31). In Houston, David Barron: "Wragge for Wolf is not just another TV personnel shift. When you're stepping in for a guy (Wolf) whose dismissal is reported in a story that begins with the words `Beloved sportscaster ...', you're talking about a potential PR tsunami" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/31).

HORNUNG OUT? USA TODAY's Rudy Martzke reports it is "apparent Notre Dame officials' lingering displeasure with [Paul] Hornung will prompt Westwood One to oust him from" radio broadcasts. In March, Hornung said that Notre Dame should "`ease it up a little bit' on academic standards `to get the black athlete.'" Notre Dame Associate AD John Heisler said, "Paul's comments were problematic as far as the university is concerned. We made those concerns known to Paul and to [Westwood One Senior VP Larry Michael]." Michael said that Hornung's role with the network will change, adding, "We're discussing a lot of possibilities for Paul, including our Monday night football package" (USA TODAY, 6/2).

TEAM NOTES: In Seattle, Percy Allen reported FSN Northwest has "replaced color analyst Billy McKinney with Craig Ehlo" on Sonics telecasts. Ehlo will team with play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro. McKinney serves as Sonics Exec VP, but "has an uncertain future" with the team (SEATTLE TIMES, 5/29)....In Columbus, Michael Arace reported Blue Jackets TV play-by-play man Dan Kelly and analyst Steve Konroyd on Friday were told the team is "going in another direction" and the duo "would not be brought back" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 6/1).