In Raleigh, Robbi Pickeral notes Univ. of North Carolina radio announcer Woody Durham yesterday "officially confirmed his retirement" after 40 years in his position. Durham was "under contract until 2013," but he said that he "decided in December, after speaking with his family, that this past basketball season would be his final one." The 69-year-old Durham added that he "has no health issues." UNC AD Dick Baddour said that Learfield Communications "will take the lead role in replacing Durham, although the school will have plenty of input" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 4/21). CBSSPORTS.com's Tony Barnhart wrote with Durham's retirement, fans have "lost yet another 'voice' of college athletics," the men who "stayed in one place so long that they eventually became the living personification of their schools" (CBSSPORTS.com, 4/20).
TRANSITION GAME: SI.com's Richard Deitsch wrote while it is "difficult for an analyst to remain sharp working both the pro and college game for any sport," CBS college basketball analyst and NBA TV analyst Greg Anthony "has morphed successfully between the NBA and college this year." Anthony "proved to be a forceful voice for CBS and Turner during the NCAA Tournament." Anthony said, "I actually didn't do the NBA the last couple of years because I didn't think I had the wherewithal to learn the collegiate game the way I had to so I could give the viewer confidence in my ability. Up until this year, I didn't feel I could do both." But he added, "Now that I have a real feel for the collegiate game and good relationships with coaches, athletic directors and support staffs, I felt like I could then make the transition" (SI.com, 4/19).
PERFECT ROLE: SI's Peter King noted the "second annual 'SportsCenter Special: Gruden's Quarterback Camp' show, featuring five top quarterback prospects for the 2011 draft," airs tonight at 7:00pm ET. King wrote, "I've watched a few snippets of the show, and I'm more convinced than ever that this is Gruden's calling. This is what he should be doing full-time." Jon Gruden "wants to coach again, but with all due respect, he's one of many coaches who knows what's he doing." King: "He might be the only one, however, who can look a prospect in the eye and talk to him, acerbically and authoritatively" (SI.com, 4/19).
OFF DAY: In Ft. Worth, Anthony Andro notes MLB Rangers TV announcer John Rhadigan "was given Wednesday night off." The Rangers are "giving Rhadigan eight to 10 home games off this season." The decision that was made "before the season started because Rhadigan had no time off between the time he left Fox Sports Southwest to begin work for the Rangers." Dave Barnett called the game in place of Rhadigan (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/21).
