People & Personalities: Sean Casey Likeable In MLB Net Role
In Boston, Chad Finn writes MLB Network analyst Sean Casey has "put his affability to logical use" in his on-air role, which has mainly been "as an in-studio analyst on such programs as 'MLB Tonight.'" The net, "which has had a dazzling rookie season, features a dugout's worth of ex-players-turned-analysts," including Barry Larkin, Harold Reynolds, Dan Plesac, Joe Magrane and Mitch Williams. Finn writes what they all "have in common" is a "sense of humor that translates to television and lets viewers in on the camaraderie and banter" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/21).
GAME BOY: Retired NFL broadcaster John Madden Thursday night appeared on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" and discussed the legacy of his "Madden NFL" videogame. Madden: "I'm very proud because I started this game before there was even videogames. It was a computer game and I wanted it as a teaching tool. … We started ahead of everyone and we've stayed ahead of everyone" ("NFL Total Access," NFL Network, 8/20). Meanwhile, Madden again said he does not regret retiring. Madden: “I know it was the right thing to do and the right time, but it’s still going to be tough because I enjoyed it so much” (“Chronicle Live,” CSN Bay Area, 8/20).
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Dodgers Tap FSN Host To Voice Ad
Promoting Matt Kemp Bobblehead Giveaway |
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT? In L.A., Tom Hoffarth writes there was "no mistaking" the use of FSN's Michael Eaves' voice to "narrate 'Lil' Matt' on a Dodgers-produced Web site video that promoted Wednesday's Matt Kemp bobblehead giveaway, and also aired Monday" on FS Prime Ticket's Dodgers pregame show. Hoffarth: "And the line between media partner 'reporter' and team shill is blurred even further" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/21).
LAUNCHING PAD: On Long Island, Neil Best notes former NFLer Jason Sehorn will serve as an analyst for CBS College Sports' (CBSC) coverage of Army football this season, and while Sehorn has "done studio work for Fox Sports Net and some Pac-10 and low-priority NFL games," the CBSC role "could lead to a more substantial TV career." Sehorn: "I always thought when I was playing I'd have a strong desire to do this" (NEWSDAY, 8/21).
BROTHERLY LOVE: In Albany, Pete Dougherty reports ESPN plans to pair tennis analysts John and Patrick McEnroe for its coverage of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, which begins August 31. John McEnroe said in the past he "didn't want to step on Patrick's toes" by joining ESPN, as Patrick has "proven himself clearly" with the net. But Patrick McEnroe said of working with his brother, "When you talk the U.S. Open, you talk Johnny Mac. He's been the face of the Open for so long. I'm happy to be going along for the ride" (Albany TIMES UNION, 8/21).
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