Former USWNT player Abby Wambach called her new analyst role with ESPN a "mind shift," and said there are some nuances she has "yet to learn." Wambach: "They’re giving me the leeway to figure out what I like. I have all these other projects (in the works) with my own businesses, starting up my new (soccer-training) camp, and creating a path centered around this revolution that I feel is happening around us" (FAST COMPANY, 9/'16 issue).
JOY TO THE WORLD: FS1's Joy Taylor said of joining the net's new Skip Bayless-Shannon Sharpe debate show, "I’ve done some moderating in the past at CBSSports.com. Certainly not in the debate format. But we’re going to make it happen. ... I’m ready for it. I know what makes Skip tick." SPORTING NEWS’ Michael McCarthy noted Bayless, Sharpe and Taylor "will start rehearsals a week or so before the show launches," as Bayless and Sharpe are relocating to L.A. Taylor: "It’s a big opportunity for me, a big step for my career.” Taylor "spent the last five years in Miami radio" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 8/15).
SECRET SAUCE: In N.Y., Bob Raissman notes SNY's Keith Hernandez' "ability to say certain things, inducing viewer whiplash, is a unique talent few baseball analysts or play-by-play yakkers have." It is “not like he has total autonomy to run his mouth in any and all directions." But no one "has come close to muzzling him," and "that's a wise decision." While he "can deliver strong opinions and original insights, what makes Hernandez different from most of his peers is his ability to talk about himself." Raissman: "This has become the secret to his success" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/16).
SAFETY GLASSES: In Phoenix, Paola Boivin noted broadcaster and former NFLer Adam Archuleta has "signed a new deal with CBS that will include at least half a season of NFL games, plus a collection of college ones." It is his "first multi-year deal with the network," and he is "paired again with play-by-play voice Tom McCarthy" (AZCENTRAL.com, 8/13).
