SI.com's Richard Deitsch reported NBC's Michelle Beadle "is heading back to ESPN." The former "SportsNation" host left for NBC in May '12 on "exceptionally good terms, a clear prelude to her returning now." ESPN President John Skipper is "a huge fan of her work, and she's championed both in-house and externally" by VP/Original Programming & Production Jamie Horowitz and Coordinating Producer Kevin Wildes. No ESPN start date is set yet, but a source said that Beadle "can officially leave NBC Sports in early March" (SI.com, 1/21).
ROYAL FLUSH: In K.C., Pete Grathoff reported the Royals will feature "familiar voices during radio and television broadcasts this season." The radio team of Denny Matthews, Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart from '13 "will return intact." Ryan Lefebvre will "again call games" on FS Kansas City "as well as on radio." FS Kansas City analyst Rex Hudler also said that his "option for 2014 was picked up, so he will return" (K.C. STAR, 1/22).
SKIP'S QUIP: In Chicago, Ed Sherman profiles ESPN's Skip Bayless and writes he has "emerged as one of the most scrutinized and polarizing characters in sports television." The 62-year old "looks much younger because of intense daily workouts." Bayless lives in a hotel in Bristol during the week "because all he really needs is a television and computer to follow all the games he watches religiously every night." Bayless: "I'm so comfortable in my skin because in my heart I know I put in the hours and I am a sports nut. That's what people can't understand. I watch games a little differently, maybe, than other people do, because I'm constantly asking myself why did that happen, what's really going on here?" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/22).
HE GOT GAME: The AP's Brian Mahoney reported filmmaker Spike Lee will "host a show on SiriusXM NBA Radio beginning next week, discussing topics from around the league." "Spike Lee's Best Seat in the House" debuts Jan. 30 at 7:00pm ET on Channel 217 and "will air every other week, featuring guests from both the sports and entertainment worlds." Lee also will "host a non-sports show featuring long-form interviews every two weeks" (AP, 1/21).
