In Seattle, Geoff Baker reports the Sounders and iHeartMedia have signed a multiyear flagship deal that will "see the team's games aired" on KJR-AM beginning this season, along with half-hour pre- and post-game shows. It marks a "significant milestone" for the Sounders, who for years "had team-generated broadcasts." The new deal "will still involve team broadcaster Matt Johnson doing play-by-play," but is "expected to make Sounders content more widely distributed amongst casual sports fans." KJR had been "seeking a flagship professional team" since it lost the Sonics in '06 (SEATTLE TIMES, 2/14).
FARE THEE WELL: Longtime Blue Jays radio broadcaster Jerry Howarth yesterday "announced his retirement," effective immediately. In Toronto, Laura Armstrong notes Howarth, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer in September '16, but recovered from surgery in time to call the '17 season, "cited health issues affecting his voice in recent years as the reason behind his decision." Howarth had a 44-year career (36 with the Blue Jays) and has been honoured by both the Canadian Baseball HOF and Sports Media Canada for his work (TORONTO STAR, 2/14).
CIRCLING THE WAGONS: Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo last night said he agrees with MSU interim President John Engler's assessment that ESPN's recent report into sexual abuse allegations was "sensationalized." Engler released a statement yesterday in which he called ESPN's story and TV packages a "sensationalized package of reporting that contained allegations and insinuations that we are now reviewing." Engler "specifically mentioned ESPN's decision" to use a graphic featuring Izzo, football coach Mark Dantonio and former school doctor Larry Nassar together. Izzo: "I agreed with what he said" (MLIVE.com, 2/13). ESPN in a statement last night said, "We stand by our reporting” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/14).
