People & Personalities: Ross Named Devils Radio Commentator

The Devils have named Sherry Ross radio color commentator for its broadcasts on WFAN-AM. Ross, who will team with play-by-play announcer Matt Laughlin, previously served as the team’s radio analyst from ’92-95 and has spent the last 12 years covering hockey and horse racing for the N.Y. Daily News (Devils).

CELTICS: In Boston, Susan Bickelhaupt notes FSN New England Celtics analyst Tommy Heinsohn this season will forego 13 of the team’s road games, saying that he is reducing his travel schedule “because of his wife’s health problems.” Former NBAer Donny Marshall, who will also serve as studio analyst on pregame and postgame shows alongside Gary Tanguay, will replace him for those games.  On October 1, FSN New England will become Comcast SportsNet and the net will feature “expanded game night coverage.” Marshall will also host a weekly magazine show on the newly- branded net on Tuesdays at 7:30pm ET beginning November 5 (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/21).

THERE'S THE BEEF: In Minneapolis, Judd Zulgad writes following Charles Barkley’s appearance in the booth during ESPN’s coverage of “MNF,” “It’s too bad [he] can’t become a regular part of the show.” With Barkley in the booth, "the entertainment needle immediately took a sharp turn to the right.” Barkley  “equals good television. … He’s the perfect addition on Monday nights because his presence makes the game feel more like an event” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/21).