In L.A., T.J. Simers writes as oversights go, not honoring Clippers announcer Ralph Lawler "should embarrass the NBA." Simers asks, "What more does it take than entertaining, professional play-by-play, survivability and icon status to win the Curt Gowdy award, which is the NBA's version of Hall of Fame recognition for a broadcaster?" Now the rest of the country is "discovering him on ESPN with every replay" of Clippers F Blake Griffins latest dunks. Simers: "I cannot imagine anything better than the Clippers' going deep in the playoffs and Lawler getting Hall of Fame attention" (L.A. TIMES, 2/13).
AUDITION TAPE: In Oklahoma City, John Rohde noted Thunder F Nick Collison last Wednesday taped a segment for ESPN2's "Dan Le Batard Is Highly Questionable" and "nailed the interview." The segment "could -- and perhaps should -- be used as an audition tape for Collison's potential future employment as an NBA analyst or commentator." Collison is "smart, creative, insightful and has a well-humored way of looking at things a shade off-center." He was "handpicked as the NBA player to blog bi-weekly on GQ.com" throughout the '11-12 season. His guest blogs "have been well-received, and in prominent circles." As a writer, Collison is "self-effacing, understated, knowledgeable and efficient" (OKLAHOMAN, 2/12).
JOB INTERVIEW: In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck noted Oriole Park "vibrated Saturday with the sounds of the 25 semifinalists who are hoping to become the full-time public address announcer for the team's 20th anniversary season at Camden Yards." The Orioles are looking for a replacement for Dave McGown, who "stepped down in December after 14 seasons." The finalists will be notified today and "brought back for individual interviews" tomorrow and Wednesday (Baltimore SUN, 2/12).
