SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted ESPN's Beth Mowins "will be given the play-by-play assignment" for the Sept. 11 Chargers-Broncos Week 1 "MNF" game, making her the first woman to call an NFL game since Gayle Sierens did Seahawks-Chiefs in '87 for NBC. Rex Ryan is "likely to be her game analyst." For the past two seasons, Mowins has "called the Raiders' exhibition games in addition to her college football schedule." She has a "ton more fill-time NFL game-calling experience" than Mike Greenberg and Chris Berman, who previously called the late game of ESPN's Week 1 "MNF" doubleheader (SI.com, 5/14).
NOT GOING ANYWHERE: ESPN today announced more contract extensions for on-air talent, as Steve Levy, Kenny Mayne, John Anderson and John Buccigross have all signed new deals as the hosts of the 11:00pm ET “SportsCenter.” Mayne will anchor from ESPN’s Bristol HQ for the first time in nearly a decade. Sage Steele has also signed a new, multiyear deal and beginning in August she will host “SportsCenter:AM” from 7:00-10:00am Monday through Thursday. Steele also will continue to lead “SportsCenter on the Road” coverage for the net. “SportsCenter:AM” will now move to seven days a week, with Kevin Negandhi, Jay Harris, Randy Scott, Elle Duncan and Matt Barrie joining Steele as anchors. Hannah Storm also has reached a new deal to remain with ESPN and she will see an increased role on programs such as “E:60” and “SportsCenter” (ESPN).
TAKING OVER: THE BIG LEAD's Ryan Glasspiegel cited a source as saying that Maria Taylor will be "featured in the reporting roles previously held by Sam Ponder" on ESPN’s "College GameDay" and Saturday night college football telecasts. Last year, Taylor hosted "SEC Nation," and Ponder is moving to "hosting 'Sunday NFL Countdown' this football season." The source said that SEC Network's Laura Rutledge will be the "host of 'SEC Nation' this season." Rutledge has "been a reporter for 'SEC Nation,' hosted the program 'SEC Now,' and was the sideline reporter for the ESPN Thursday night college football broadcast team with Dave Flemming and Jesse Palmer" (THEBIGLEAD.com, 5/14).
WELL WISHES: ESPN's Shelley Smith said that she was "doing well and undergoing tests at an East Bay hospital for stroke symptoms after a scare" yesterday in the Warriors' locker room following Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. After the incident, Smith texted, "I'm good." A Warriors team doctor was "nearby and Smith was immediately moved to the training room to be attended to by the medical staff." She was then "taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation" (AP, 5/15). In L.A., Tom Hoffarth profiled Smith under the header, "ESPN's Shelley Smith Stays Bonded With Mom, Daughter In A Mother's Day Work Schedule" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 5/14).
