Horse racing announcer Larry Collmus has signed a five-year extension with NBC Sports to "remain the voice of the Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup." Collmus "has been the race caller for NBC" since '11. He also is the track announcer for NYRA from April-October and for Florida's Gulfstream Park from December-March (AP, 5/2).
POP-A-SHOT: TNT's Craig Sager said of his relationship with Spurs coach Greg Popovich, “People always come up to me and say ‘God, that Popovich is a jerk.’ And I say ‘no he’s not.’ If I was him I wouldn’t want me coming into the middle of a huddle in a playoff game in the middle of the third and fourth quarter. ... So I understand, but those are the (NBA) rules. As long as those are the rules, I’m going to keep approaching him at the end of the third quarter at home." He added, "I think over the years he kinda understood me more. I think I earned his respect. Then, talking to him off camera he was always great. I think he has fun now with these interviews" (NEWSOK.com, 5/2).
FRESH START: In Boston, Steve Buckley writes one person who is "re-energized" this MLB season is NESN Red Sox color analyst Jerry Remy. Perhaps it is "no more complicated than being another year removed from his deeply personal yet very public family crisis." It might also be the "reduced work load, or that, despite his relationship" with former play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo, he is "building a rapport" with his new partner Dave O’Brien. Buckley: "It’s probably all of the above. And it’s working" (BOSTON HERALD, 5/3).
SIGNING OFF: Sportsnet soccer host and commentator Gerry Dobson yesterday announced his plans to retire in September following a 37-year career. He has been with the net since its inception in '98. Dobson will finish his broadcast career this summer by calling Sportsnet's remaining Toronto FC broadcasts. His final live match broadcast will be Sept. 10 (Sportsnet).
