AWFUL ANNOUNCING’s Ben Koo wrote L.A. Times columnist T.J. Simers “now finds himself in what amounts to paid suspension purgatory.” The leave “came in the wake of a viral video” featuring Simers, his daughter and Rockets C Dwight Howard. The video “was produced by Mandalay Sports Entertainment, who would subsequently announce their plans to base a sitcom around the Simers family a week after the video was released.” A source said that “while the involvement with Mandalay is the issue in question, the motivation to potentially part ways with Simers dates back several years.” A source said that Simers left a meeting with L.A. Times Editor Davan Maharaj “believing that he would need legal representation.” There is a meeting scheduled for this week “where Simers will likely learn his fate” (AWFULANNOUNCING.com, 7/27).
A SUNDAY KIND OF SHOW: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote "speculation" about SportsNet N.Y.'s Adam Schein becoming "host of CBS Sports Network’s 'The Other Pregame Show' is becoming a reality, which is a strong move by the network." A source said that Schein will be the "man fronting the four-hour Sunday morning NFL studio show" on CBSSN. The move means Schein will "no longer be a panelist" on SNY's Jets postgame show, but will "retain his featured role on SNY’s 'Loud Mouths'” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/28).
HEADED TO BRISTOL: POYNTER’s Andrew Beaujon notes that Washington Post Redskins beat writer John Keim, who joined the paper on July 1, announced this morning “he is leaving for ESPN.” Keim said, “ESPN made an offer that The Post couldn’t match.” Beaujon notes Keim came to the Post from the Washington Examiner (POYNTER.org, 7/29)….Indianapolis Star writer Mike Wells wrote on his Twitter feed that he is joining ESPN where he will cover the Colts beginning the week of Aug. 5 (TWITTER.com, 7/26).
