CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora cited sources as saying that ESPN's Jon Gruden "is likely to remain in the broadcast booth" rather than return to coaching. Sources added that Gruden's lifestyle, "his enhanced family time and his considerable earning potential already are all strong factors that have made it very likely he puts off a return to coaching for at least another year." It "would take an astronomical package to lure him away from what he is doing, and in all likelihood he will continue on the path he is on" (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/7).
MISSING A CLIP: In L.A., Ben Bolch reported Clippers play-by-play broadcaster Ralph Lawler missed Saturday's home game against the Pelicans because he had a procedure that "left him nearly unable to talk." He "was scheduled to undergo surgery to dissolve a nine-millimeter kidney stone." Then came some "breathing problems that required doctors to stick a tube down his throat." Nonetheless, he is "expected to return" tonight, when the Clippers host the Suns (LATIMES.com, 12/7).
THE JIGGS IS UP: In Miami, George Richards notes Hockey HOF broadcaster Jiggs McDonald on Saturday was "brought in" to call Sabres-Panthers because radio voice Randy Moller was "sick and missing a second game in a row." McDonald, the Panthers' radio play-by-play man from '99-'04, has "come out of the bullpen to fill in on Panthers and Islanders broadcasts" since he retired in '04. McDonald also "works about a dozen Islanders telecasts on MSG Network each season." Saturday's game "was his first" for the Panthers since filling in for Moller in '10 (MIAMI HERALD, 12/8).
PURVIS BOWS OUT: The Biloxi SUN HERALD noted Vic Purvis, who "served as the radio color analyst on what is now the Southern Mississippi IMG Sports Network for 41 football seasons, retired from the broadcast booth following last Saturday's game" (Biloxi SUN HERALD, 12/6).
