In DC, Des Bieler notes FS Prime Ticket Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Don MacLean "caused ripples" on Monday night during Mavericks-Clippers while discussing the Bucks once trading Dirk Nowitzki to the Mavericks for the late Robert “Tractor” Traylor. Lawler asked of Traylor: "Who’s he playing for now?" MacLean responded, "The, uh, Detroit YMCA over-40 league." The exchange "sparked outrage online" with Traylor having died in '11. Lawler later in the game apologized (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 2/26).
HEADED TO THE BOOTH? In N.Y., Andrew Marchand reports both Fox and ESPN have "made offers" to Panthers TE Greg Olsen in an "effort to lure him off the field as an analyst." Sources said that Fox is "prepared to put Olsen in the booth but would likely need to put him on the No. 2 team or perhaps No. 3 to give itself a chance of convincing him not to play." With ESPN, the "potential role is not as clearly defined." CBS "met with Olsen but is not pursuing him" (N.Y. POST, 2/27).
OUTSIDE THE RING: Claressa Shields is "participating in another first for women’s boxing," as she "will be featured in 'All Access' episodes on Showtime Sports’ social media platforms." The episodes will premiere March 29 and April 5 on Showtime Sports' YouTube and Facebook pages (AP, 2/26).
