People & Personalities: ESPN, Cris Carter In Talks For Contract Extension

USA TODAY's Michael McCarthy reports ESPN and NFL analyst Cris Carter are "in negotiations for a contract extension" that would keep Carter on "Sunday NFL Countdown" next season. Vision Sports Group Founder Maury Gostfrand, Carter's agent, confirmed that his client's contract "is up and that the two sides are talking about a new deal." Gostfrand: "ESPN has extended an offer to Cris to continue on 'NFL Countdown,' and we are currently in negotiations." McCarthy notes if the negotiations "don't work out, that could open up a high-profile slot on the NFL pregame show" (USA TODAY, 3/11).

SOCCER VOICES: MLS Sporting K.C. announced that British announcer Callum Williams will join the club this year as its "brand new play-by-play announcer." Williams "has been with BBC Radio covering the sport throughout" the U.K. (KANSASCITY.com, 3/10)....The Timbers announced that Josh Strong will be the club's TV announcer and former ITV analyst Robbie Earle will serve as TV analyst. Andy McNamara will serve as radio announcer, and Greg Flakus and former Timbers player Ross Smith "will serve as alternating analysts for home and away games" (OREGONLIVE.com, 3/10).

PERSONALITIES: In California, John Maffei notes Armen Keteyian, CBS News' "chief investigative correspondent," has "signed a new multiyear contract" with the net. With CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus "back in sports full-time after a stint as head of both CBS Sports and News, there is a good chance Keteyian ... will do more sports" (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 3/11)....In N.Y., Phil Mushnick notes ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla, who called Thursday's Connecticut-Pittsburgh Big East men's basketball tournament game, "was seen standing, his arms raised in triumph after Kemba Walker's buzzer-beater won it for UConn." Mushnick: "Strange reaction from a pro broadcaster" (N.Y. POST, 3/11).