Thomas has already auditioned for color analyst positions on ESPN’s "MNF" and Fox' “TNF"GETTY IMAGES
In Madison, Jason Wilde wrote former NFLer Joe Thomas has a "bright future in broadcasting." It is just a "matter of when he decides to fully pursue it." Thomas has already "auditioned for the color analyst positions" on ESPN’s "MNF" and Fox' “TNF." Thomas said that he has "drawn further interest but hasn’t committed to anything for this season." Thomas: "I’ve had some offers from Fox (and) some other networks for doing it this fall, but I think right now I just want to take time away. ... I’d rather just take little bites at the media/broadcasting apple and then see where I am at this point next year and see if it’s something I want to do" (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 6/22).
STRIPED STARS: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Josh Alper noted NFL referee Gene Steratore announced his retirement on Friday, and there are reports that he "will join CBS Sports as a rules analyst." Two other referees who "retired this offseason are also reportedly set for jobs with networks broadcasting NFL games." Jeff Triplette is set to join the "MNF" team while Terry McAulay has been "linked to a job with NBC" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 6/22). In Boston, Ben Volin wrote Triplette joining the "MNF" team has the "chance to provide great entertainment." Triplette was one of the "most heavily criticized referees in the NFL over his 22-year career" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/24). ESPN's Scott Van Pelt said it might be "easier and perhaps more lucrative" to offer an opinion on a call rather than make it. Van Pelt: "I wonder if, aside from the opportunities to work a lower pressure gig on television, the enforcement of the new rules is scaring long-term officials away" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/23).
BIG SHOES TO FILL: In Oklahoma City, Jenni Carlson wrote under the header, "Why The Thunder Needs More Than A Good Voice In Its Next TV Announcer." The nature of the job "produced fans and haters" of former Thunder TV play-by-play announcer Brian Davis, who after 10 seasons will not return. At this point, there has been "absolutely no hint about who the Thunder might hire." The organization is "not only replacing its TV voice but also one of its greatest ambassadors." Davis put a "smiling, friendly face on this franchise" (OKLAHOMAN, 6/24).
CUSTER'S STAND: In N.Y., Bob Raissman wrote the decision to make Brian Custer the lead play-by-play voice for Fox' Big3 coverage "was a good one." A source said that Fox will also use Custer on its "college football telecasts" and its NFL coverage. Look for Custer to "make his NFL debut" on Oct. 14 for Bears-Dolphins. In July, Custer will begin "hosting shows" on SiriusXM's NFL and NBA channels. He will "continue as one of the voices of Showtime Championship Boxing" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 6/23).
GET WELL SOON: NASCAR radio broadcaster Wendy Venturini on Saturday "suffered a head injury ... when she was struck by a car while jogging." Venturini was "scheduled to work" yesterday's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save-Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway as a "pit reporter for the Performance Racing Network." PRN President & GM Doug Rice said that Venturini "suffered a skull fracture and concussion." Rice: "The doctor told her she'd be in the hospital for a couple of days and be out of commission for a while, but she's going to be fine" (USATODAY.com, 6/23).
