In Portland, Joe Freeman notes the Trail Blazers "parted ways with play-by-play broadcaster Jordan Kent," which opens the door for the "return of Kevin Calabro." Kent, who has been with the team in multiple broadcast roles since '16, was "informed of the Blazers' decision during a meeting on Wednesday morning." Sources said that the Trail Blazers have been in "extensive discussions with Calabro about a return to the microphone and there is mutual interest," though the sides "have not officially come to terms on a new deal." Calabro took over play-by-play in '16, when the team "moved on from long-time duo" Mike Barrett and Mike Rice. But Calabro "abruptly left the job last summer during the coronavirus." In a pinch, the Trail Blazers turned to Kent to call the games remotely, and he "exceeded expectations" (Portland OREGONIAN, 6/17).
HARSH TRUTH: TNT's Charles Barkley said that he is "working until the age of 60, then he's done." In Birmingham, Mark Heim writes the reason is "cancel culture, even taking a shot at his bosses at TNT." Barkley said, "If you crack a joke the wrong way, they're like, 'Oh, no, no, no, you crossed the line.'" He added, "I'm trying to hang on for another couple of years until I'm 60 and then they can kiss my ass. I'm only working until 60. I've already told them that. I'm not working until the day I die" (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 6/17).
TUG-O-WAR: In N.Y., Andrew Marchand notes Robert Griffin III has "emerged as a top target for both ESPN and Fox in football TV free agency." ESPN has "upped its offer" after Fox "showed heavy interest in Griffin as an NFL and college football analyst." Now, both nets are waiting to see whether Griffin "will try to play again or retires from the NFL to move into TV." Meanwhile, ESPN's Mark Sanchez "has an offer from Fox to become an NFL game analyst," and it "would be for the position that was vacated when Chris Spielman left to go run" the Lions (N.Y. POST, 6/17).
GET WELL SOON: In Boston, Julian McWilliams notes Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy yesterday was "released from Massachusetts General Hospital." During the third inning of last Friday's contest against the Blue Jays, Remy "experienced shortness of breath." He was taken from the NESN broadcast booth as a "precaution and admitted to Mass. General." Remy, 68, was diagnosed with lung cancer in '08 and has overcome four relapses (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/17).
