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People & Personalities: Columnist Believes Francesa Not Looking To Retire

In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote radio host Mike Francesa looks like he "badly wants out" of his WFAN-AM contract, which expires in '17, so he can "move on to another gig." If Francesa "does leave FAN there will be a market for his services," as he "has a large and loyal following." There are "plenty of media platforms, which continue to expand, that would be a good fit" for him. Francesa "still produces hefty ratings and revenue in afternoon drive." CBS is "not about to let a performer with Francesa’s revenue-generating and ratings power walk away from a contract." So, he "talks retirement knowing full well his path to the next job is currently blocked" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/31).

JIM DANDY: In San Jose, Daniel Brown wrote Warriors TV analyst Jim Barnett's timing "for once in his life ... is impeccable." Barnett on Thursday will be part of the NBA Finals "for the first time in his basketball life," and it "took him only 49 years." The only Warriors TV analyst fans "have ever known announced plans to bow out a year ago after a 'mutual agreement,' arranged for his contract to expire." But a "torrent of support on social media helped lure Barnett back for a 30th -- and perhaps defining -- season" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 6/1).

UNDEFEATED SEASON: Jason Whitlock, Editor-In-Chief of ESPN's soon-to-be-launched The Undefeated website, said, "What we’re doing is, to me, one of the most difficult things in journalism. We’re going to be debating and discussing and analyzing race and culture. That’s a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. It requires very smart people. This isn’t going to be about writing game stories or ‘hot takes.’ It’s about actual journalism and reporting on really big issues" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 5/31).

NOTES: The Coyotes on Friday announced that radio analyst Nick Boynton had been "reinstated" following a suspension stemming from a situation on March 26 at a casino. Boynton last month "plead guilty to disorderly conduct charges and agreed to perform 100 hours of community service as well as continue with alcohol counseling" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/30)....ESPN's Bomani Jones in a Q&A said of how he avoids criticizing the net, "They sign my check, so I can’t just go open fire on ESPN when they do something I don’t like. And occasionally they do. But I don’t think anybody at ESPN is going to get in trouble for saying something that is factually undeniable" (N.Y. TIMES SUNDAY MAGAZINE, 5/31)....In DC, Scott Allen noted WJLA-ABC sportscaster Tim Brant on Friday completed his “final day with the network after more than 40 years in the market.” Brant will “continue to broadcast college football and basketball games for the ACC Network.” Sinclair Broadcasting Group, which owns WJLA, “presented Brant with a new contract offer in March.” But Brant said that it “would have required him to give up his second gig with the ACC Network during the ratings periods of November and February.” That “was a deal-breaker” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 5/30).

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