SI.com's Richard Deitsch reported NFL Network and ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer Seth Markman "held multiple conversations about Markman leaving ESPN for an executive position" with the league-owned net. That "would have been a strong move by NFLN given Markman’s relationships with frontline NFL on-air talent and for his role in helming significant properties for ESPN such as the NFL draft and its studio postseason coverage (his loss would hurt ESPN)" (SI.com, 4/19).
DROPPED PASS: In Tampa, Tom Jones writes ESPN's "OTL" yesterday had "one of its weakest efforts" with a show dedicated to whether or not the Buccaneers should draft QB Jameis Winston and "make him the face of their franchise despite questions" about his character. The show "reviewed all of Winston's off-field issues, not shedding new light on any of them." The biggest problem with the "OTL" piece was that it "talked to no one with more specific knowledge of the Bucs." Jones: "It's easy for those outside Tampa Bay to say they would not take Winston. But what about those who truly know what this decision means specifically for the Bucs?" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/20).
LATE ARRIVAL: GOLF.com's weekly roundtable discussed this past week's LPGA Lotte Championship in Hawaii, which saw its final round telecast end at 11:25pm ET on Saturday. Golf magazine's Joe Passov: "I don't know if there's a right answer as to when the LPGA should air a second-tier event like this." Golf magazine's Cameron Morfit: "I think by and large it's a better idea to end the tournament on Sunday, as that's when golf fans are most likely to be looking for the broadcast on TV." Golf.com's Coleman McDowell: "The LPGA should, and does, try creative ways to market their sport that's overflowing with marketable talent at the moment. Anything out of the box is a thumbs up" (GOLF.com, 4/19).
