In Boston, Steve Bulpett writes "ESPN and the NBA are out of their quest-for-world-domination minds if they don’t do whatever it takes to get [Stan] Van Gundy on the air, despite his latest outburst." Putting someone on your air who is "well-spoken, knowledgeable and fearless is the clearest path to ratings glory." If the NBA "didn’t like something he said, we’re certain ESPN would afford David Stern or one of his surrogates ample time for rebuttal." It would be "great television and exposure for the business partners and a must-see forum for followers of the game" (BOSTON HERALD, 10/12).
LIKE A PACK OF CRAZED DOGS: DAILY VARIETY's A.J. Marechal reported Showtime Sports and CBS Sports are teaming for a feature-length documentary titled "LT: The Life and Times." Slated "for next year," the film "centers on the life" of Pro Football HOFer Lawrence Taylor. The collaboration between Showtime and CBS "will be in association with NFL Films" (VARIETY.com, 10/11). In N.Y., Lynn Zinser reported the doc "aims to shed as much light on Taylor's off-field life as his on-field dominance." Filming "began a few weeks ago," and CBS Sports Creative Dir Pete Radovich said that "it has gone well so far." (NYTIMES.com, 10/11).
MICROPHONE CHECK: In Boston, Chad Finn cites sources as saying that Jon Meterparel, who has handled the “Sports Flash’’ updates on WEEI’s "Dennis and Callahan" morning show since ‘00, is "expected to depart the station soon.” Meterparel did not comment (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/12).
IF IT'S IN THE GAME: Data from research firm NPD Group shows that EA Sports' "Madden NFL '13" in September sold 11% more units than last year's release, "the most ever for a 'Madden' game in a single month" (L.A. TIMES, 10/12).
