In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell noted Hornets play-by-play announcer Steve Martin is "signing off for the last time" tomorrow. Martin noted Larry Brown was the hardest coach to work with, saying, "You never knew what agenda he’d have in a pregame interview." On the biggest change in the NBA during his career, Martin said, "Getting out of commercial flights and into charter travel." He added, "(Charter flights) revolutionized everything. Instead of players going back to the hotel (after a road game) and then going out to blow off steam, they were on a flight to the next town, you’d get in at 1:30 maybe, but they were in bed (in the next city). I think in the entire league, that put a premium on taking better care of yourself" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/7).
SIGNING OFF: In Ft. Lauderdale, Ira Winderman noted Heat TV/radio analyst Tony Fiorentino will retire "at the close of the playoffs" after 15 seasons alongside Eric Reid. Fiorentino: "All we ever tried to do was be honest, entertain and inform the fans. And I think we did that for 15 years. I'm very proud that." The Heat will "honor Fiorentino during Wednesday's regular-season finale." Former NBAer John Crotty "will replace Fiorentino next season" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 4/7).
SHATTERED GLASS: Cardinals broadcaster Mike Shannon on Saturday "added to his growing list of apparent on-air stumbles in a promotion for Explore St. Louis, which promotes the region, its businesses and attractions." In the brief promotional segment for a local shop, Shannon used an "off-color term for a sex act to describe 'glass blowing.'" Cardinals Senior VP/Sales & Marketing Dan Farrell said that the team considers Shannon's remark an "unintentional slip of the tongue." Farrell: "We apologize for any misunderstanding. It's unfortunate if anyone was offended" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 4/9).
GOOD START: THE ATHLETIC's Thomas Bonk noted NBC Sports California's Dallas Braden is "off to a great start as a 'field analyst' for the A's." He has got "a lot of energy, his insights are a welcome addition to the telecasts and his on-field position just to the left of the A’s dugout offers an intriguing perspective." He may be "a little too chummy with the players, but at least no one has stiffed him yet" (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/8).
