People & Personalities: Randy Moller Continues Flamboyant Style

Moller (l) Continues To Develop A Following Among Florida Hockey Fans

In DC, Gene Wang profiles NHL Panthers radio announcer Randy Moller, who makes reference to a "handful of pop-culture icons" during his "animated calls of Panthers goals, which he punctuates with a signature movie line, song lyric or catch phrase." Moller, the only former NHLer to serve as a full-time play-by-play announcer, "began interjecting his distinctive comedy into Panthers broadcasts at the beginning of last season" and has "turned his madcap, irreverent approach into broadcast legend in South Florida, where he has developed a following that rivals that of the players." The Panthers are "on board" with Moller's approach, "encouraging fans to post" ideas on the team's Web site for Moller to use after Panthers goals. Moller: "I broadcast down here in a nontraditional market. ... We're all about entertaining and taking care of our fans and customers, and if this is part of it, and they enjoy, then so be it" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/29).

WHAT DID HE SAY? In Boston, Chad Finn writes it "must be acknowledged that" ESPN NFL studio analyst Tom Jackson is "sometimes prone to stating the ludicrous." But "nothing Jackson has said drew such an instant -- and incredulous -- reaction as his comment regarding" Brett Favre last Sunday on "NFL Primetime" after the Saints-Vikings NFC Championship Game. Jackson said of an interception Favre threw late in the fourth quarter, "That's the thing about Brett Favre -- he's not afraid to throw an interception. That's one of the things I most admire about him." Jackson Wednesday said that he is "aware of the reaction" to his comment about Favre "but has no regrets, explaining that he meant his comments in the context of Favre's toughness and daring as a player rather than implicit approval of his decision on that specific play" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/29).

Angels Still Trying To  Fill Markas' Spot

TRYING TO MOVE ON: Angels VP/Communications Tim Mead Thursday said that the team and FS West are "still in discussions about how to proceed with the broadcast team" after the death of announcer Rory Markas. In L.A., Diane Pucin writes the problem for former Angels announcer Rex Hudler is he "isn't a play-by-play announcer," and if FS West and the Angels "want to find a place for Hudler, juggling would have to happen." Hudler said that he has "spoken to MLB Network and the Baltimore Orioles about a job" (L.A. TIMES, 1/29).

CONE HEADS: In N.Y., Joel Sherman cited sources as saying that ESPN has "made a run at trying to recruit" former YES Network analyst David Cone, but "without success." Sources indicated that Cone "also has been approached" by the MLBPA to "join on in at least an advisory role and that Cone is leaning toward accepting such an offer." Meanwhile, sources said that Cone's "departure after one season in the booth for YES was hardly pleasant." Cone had a "personality conflict with" one network exec "in particular, feeling this executive was intrusive and disrespectful all year" (NYPOST.com, 1/27).

PARTING SHOTS: GOLFWEEK cites sources as saying that Golf Channel anchor Inga Hammond "is out" at the net. Meanwhile, "contract negotiations with former anchor Vince Cellini have ended." Cellini, whose contract expired at the end of '09 and who had been an anchor of "Golf Central" and host of the "Grey Goose 19th Hole," had been "talking with management about a new deal" (GOLFWEEK, 1/29 issue).