NBC NASCAR analyst Wally Dallenbach will drive in Saturday's Busch Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix Int'l Raceway, and his car "will be loaded with microphones and cameras," according to Scott Andera of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. During caution laps, Dallenbach "will talk with Allen Bestwick and Benny Parsons in the booth" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 11/8). In Phoenix, Jim Gintonio wrote while some drivers "may think ... Dallenbach talks too much," he "never has been one to hold back an opinion, and that's why television viewers are drawn to him." Dallenbach: "I haven't had any direct feedback [from drivers], but indirectly, I have. I really don't care what others have to say, as long as I'm truthful. It's what I'm getting paid for, and it doesn't matter if I hurt somebody's feelings or not" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/7).
NFL NAMES: In N.Y., Stephen Battaglio notes CBS "The NFL Today" analyst Deion Sanders will be named as a contributor to "The Early Show." Sanders will appear every other week. "The Early Show" Senior Exec Producer Michael Bass, on Sanders: "He does incredible interviews. He has no fear of asking any questions" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/8)....NFL Films President Steve Sabol: "We've always had a policy that you don't show illegal hits. ... We've never, ever shown illegal hits. You might look at some of that old stuff and say, 'Geez, look at the necktie tackle' or 'Look at that spearing.' But at that time, it was legal. We've been very careful about that" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 11/8).
FSN NEWS: In L.A., Larry Stewart notes that FSN has chosen not to renew "Southern California Sports Report" anchor John Fricke's contract when it expires December 31. Also, reporter/anchor Suzy Shuster is leaving the show December 1 but will "contribute national reports to Fox Sports Net from time to time." Shuster "will soon be moving East to be with her fiance, ESPN anchor Rich Eisen." They have a June 7 wedding date (L.A. TIMES, 11/8).
NORM! In K.C., Jeffrey Flanagan noted former Univ. of MO men's basketball coach Norm Stewart will serve as the color analyst for four games this season on the Mizzou Sports Network. Stewart will team with play-by-play announcer Chris Gervino and "on occasion" with Dan McLaughlin (K.C. STAR, 11/6).
