N.Y.-based WFAN-AM is "preparing to announce this week a new afternoon show to replace Mike Francesa in January that would include Chris Carlin and Bart Scott, likely joined by Maggie Gray," according to sources cited by Neil Best of NEWSDAY. Carlin, a former WFAN producer, "currently co-hosts an afternoon show" at WFAN’s sister station WIP-AM in Philadelphia. Scott is an analyst at ESPN Radio 98.7 N.Y., while Gray "appears on CBS Sports Radio nationally and works at SI.com." Sources said that NFL Network's Kimberly Jones and NBC Sports' Chris Simms "both turned down the job in recent weeks" (NEWSDAY, 11/14). In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes WFAN "certainly appears to be making a concerted effort to have a diverse booth with a black host in Scott and a female in Gray." Scott has been "outspoken in defense of issues that impact black America." Gray, a "steady and entertaining voice, is the surprise pick here." Through the months WFAN "searched for a successor" to Francesa, Gray’s name "never surfaced" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/14). In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe notes Carlin's move to WFAN would leave WIP with a "hole to fill in the middle of what looks to be a very successful Eagles season" (PHILLY.com, 11/14).
SCARLET FEVER: In Newark, Dunleavy & Sargeant report Carlin is "expected to stay" in his role as play-by-play voice for Rutgers football. Carlin "remained part of the Rutgers fabric while maintaining jobs as a Mets studio host at SNY and in his current role" in Philly. Carlin's wife, Sheryl Spain, "works in the Rutgers student-athlete development office" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 11/14).
