In N.Y., Marc Berman cites sources as saying that TNT's Steve Kerr has "decided to finish out the TNT playoff run with his partner Marv Albert straight through the Western Conference finals" even if he takes an NBA head coaching position (N.Y. POST, 5/9). Also in N.Y., Bob Raissman writes TNT "would have a few obstacles" if it were to pursue former Warriors coach Mark Jackson as Kerr's replacement. But at this point. there have been "no discussions about him." TNT execs also "have a deep roster of analysts," including Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, Greg Anthony and Grant Hill." There also is "the possibility of Charles Barkley getting behind a courtside mike" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/9)
BIGGER, BETTER THINGS: In N.Y., Bob Raissman reported Knicks play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes is “moving on to expand his national play-by-play presence” after three years on MSG Radio. Dedes said, “There were going to be too many scheduling conflicts in order for me to move up and do what I am going to do nationally. On their (MSG) end it wasn’t going to work.” Raissman noted Dedes’ MSG contract “expired after this past season.” His departure “leaves two vacancies,” as he “filled in on the TV side for Mike Breen when the latter worked ESPN NBA telecasts.” MSG Net’s Mike Crispino, who backed up Dedes, is “one likely candidate" to replace Dedes, along with Fox’ Gus Johnson, who “is the voice Dedes replaced” (
N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/8).
MEDIA DARLING? SNY’s Ron Darling said that he was “blind-sided by the ‘True New Yorkers’ marketing letter from the Mets that had his name on it.” The former MLBer said on WFAN-AM that he “did not do his due diligence when the marketing department asked to use his name and likeness on a campaign that has been roundly criticized by fans and media.” Darling: "It's on me. It's not on anyone else. ... I have to live with it." Darling added, "What is happened now -- and I'm not saying it's rightfully so -- but it seems like everything that comes out from the Mets is looked at poorly. … I just think that there has to be a re-evaluation of the disconnect and how to reconnect to how (fans) feel and what (the team) is trying to do” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/8).
NOTES: In Jacksonville, Ryan O’Halloran noted the Jaguars named Frank Frangie “their new play-by-play announcer.” Frangie “replaces Brian Sexton, who had called all 392 games in Jaguars history” (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 5/7). … In New Jersey, Bill Evans reported Eagles PA announcer Dan Baker “will no longer be the voice” of the team. Eagles President Don Smolenski told Baker the organization “decided to go in a different direction and he wouldn’t be returning for his 30th season” (SOUTH JERSEY TIMES, 5/7)....Sportsnet named the Toronto Star’s Damien Cox a lead insider for NHL coverage and a regular contributor across all platforms. Cox will continue in his analyst role for the net's CHL and tennis coverage (Sportsnet)....ESPN The Magazine hired Bloomberg News’ Mina Kimes as a columnist and senior writer (ESPN)....FS North announced Mary Gellner will do play-by-play alongside Lea Olsen for WNBA Lynx games this season (STARTRIBUNE.com, 5/7).
