Former NFLer Pat McAfee is leaving Barstool Sports, and AWFUL ANNOUNCING's Sean Keeley noted McAfee's announcement was "mostly positive about his experience with the company," but also "alludes to financial decisions happening without his knowledge that affected him." McAfee tweeted, “I began being disrespected by the business people in the building. I’ve decided I don’t want to make money for these folks anymore. I’m very proud of the work I did.” Barstool President Dave Portnoy tweeted, "It sucks to lose such a talented dude. Wish him the best." Barstool CEO Erika Nardini tweeted, "There are things we have to do better here. That’s on me. I hope our paths cross again" (AWFULANNOUNCING.com, 8/31). McAfee also noted that he is "now a free agent" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 9/1).
A DREAM COME TRUE: In N.Y., Kurt Streeter noted Triple-A PCL League Omaha Storm Chasers broadcaster Donny Baarns "made it to the big leagues as a game announcer" for Mariners-A's on Friday night. Baarns has "broadcast more than 1,000 minor league baseball games" and A’s President Dave Kaval "provided the opportunity" after reading a profile of Baarns in the N.Y. Times in June. There was an opening when A's broadcaster Ken Korach was "due for a night off in late August" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/4).
NOT LIVING UP TO THE HYPE? GOLFWEEK's Martin Kaufmann noted Jim “Bones” Mackay has been with NBC just over a year now, but he "still can’t seem to give the job the same commitment that he gave to his previous boss, Phil Mickelson, when he was caddying the previous 25 years." Mackay got the NBC job "because of the following he built working for Mickelson and, presumably, because he can share insights into Tour players and caddies." The problem is he is "plainly uncomfortable doing so." Mackay "seems to want to skate by being just another guy who recites yardages, wind directions and clubs," but there are already "enough guys who can do that." Kaufmann: "I was hoping for something more from Mackay" (GOLFWEEK.com, 9/3).
FAREWELL TO A LEGEND: In Boston, Nick Cafardo noted Worcester Telegram & Gazette Red Sox beat writer Bill Ballou, one of the "greats in the baseball journalism business," has retired. Ballou is a "walking and talking history of the Red Sox and one of the best tell-it-like-it-is beat reporters in our business." His retirement is "well deserved, but he will be missed" (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/2).
