People & Personalities: Is Tom Arnold On His Way Out At FSN?

“BDSSP” host Tom Arnold’s $1.1M annual contract with FSN expires in April, and “word is that [it] ... will not be renewed,” according to Larry Stewart of the L.A. TIMES. An FSN spokesperson indicated that negotiations with Arnold “would take place in a few weeks,” but a source said that Arnold “is as good as gone.” The FSN spokesperson also “[insisted] that ‘Best Damn’ is not being dropped” (L.A. TIMES, 2/25). Fox Sports Senior VP/Media Relations Lou D’Ermilio told THE DAILY, “We like Tom and think he’s been a tremendous asset to the show. We plan to talk to his representatives about continuing on with ‘BDSSP’” (THE DAILY).

MAGIC BUS: In Pittsburgh, Ed Bouchette reports ESPN execs are in talks with Steelers RB Jerome Bettis “about a possible studio job” if Bettis retires. Network sources said that Bettis would be added to ESPN’s NFL coverage team, “most likely in its coveted Sunday morning and/or Monday Night pregame studio shows” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 2/25).

GROUND CHUCK: In N.Y., Phil Mushnick reports Chuck Wilson, ESPN Radio’s first host in ’92, “has been told he’s out come Aug. 1, the expiration of his contract” (N.Y. POST, 2/25).