The Heat informed David Halberstam, its radio play-by-
play voice for six years, "that his contract will not be
renewed," according to Jackson & Wyche of the MIAMI HERALD.
Heat Exec VP/Sales & Marketing Michael McCullough: "His
style is different from the direction I want the game
called. We're looking for someone who is able to bring the
energy and excitement of the game in a way that's
compelling." Although McCullough said the decision was his,
Halberstam said he had "no doubt it was [Heat President Pat]
Riley's decision. Riley wants someone he's comfortable
with, and apparently it's not me" (MIAMI HERALD, 5/13).
FEELING THE HEAT ALREADY? In N.Y., Bob Raissman reports
that the Heat "already have put out 'informal' and
'preliminary' feelers" to Marv Albert about joining the Heat
broadcast team. A source said that while "it would not be a
reach," Albert has had "no direct contact" with Riley or USA
Network Chair Barry Diller. USA owns WYHS-TV, which
broadcasts the over-the-air Heat games in Miami (N.Y. DAILY
NEWS, 5/13). But the Heat's McCullough said that while the
idea of hiring Albert "was intriguing and interesting," he
said the team's TV play-by-play announcer Eric Reid "is our
man" who "will continue to do television." Sources say WYHS
"is interested in hiring Albert," but that the idea "so far
has been squashed by the Heat" (MIAMI HERALD, 5/13).
