In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote if ESPN wants its coverage of former Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez' case to "have more depth, it should call on" the net's Ray Lewis "to offer commentary." However, a source said that the prospect "was never in the cards" because Lewis’ start date per his contract is "not until August." Raissman wrote Lewis when he joins the net "must speak candidly" about the Hernandez case "while reflecting on his own past." But even if Lewis is "willing to talk openly about Hernandez, and the NFL’s problems with guns and lawlessness, ESPN did not hire him to be its NFL 'crime' reporter." The "problem is compounded by the fact that Lewis is a TV novice." He will have a "great opportunity to quickly establish his credibility," but if he "stonewalls in a venue where he’s paid to be candid, Ray Lewis will have a very short TV career" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/30).
AS THE WORLD TURNS: In Orlando, Josh Robbins noted the Magic have "reached an agreement in principle" with former NBAer Jeff Turner to "serve as the team's color commentator" on its FS Florida broadcasts. Turner is "expected to sign a multiyear deal," and will "replace popular color commentator Matt Guokas, whose contract wasn't renewed by the team" following the '12-13 season. Turner "served as Guokas' fill-in in recent seasons when Guokas missed games because of illness" (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 6/28).
IN THE BOOTH: NESN on Friday hired Gary Striewski as feature reporter and sports anchor. Striewski previously worked as a reporter and anchor for Houston-based KPRC-NBC (NESN)....The Arizona Republic's Dan Bickley will host the new radio show entitled "The Dan Bickley Show with Vince Marotta" on Phoenix-based KTAR-AM beginning July 29. The show, also available online, will air weekdays from 12:00-2:00pm MT (AZCENTRAL.com, 6/28).
