In Miami, Barry Jackson noted former Dolphins Exec VP/Football Operations & GM Mike Tannenbaum "joined ESPN as an NFL front office insider," having begun his new role Thursday. ESPN "needed another former league executive after Bill Polian recently retired from broadcasting" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 4/6). Meanwhile, former Clemson OL Eric Mac Lain will contribute to studio coverage on ACC Network Fridays and Saturdays this fall (ESPN).
NOT EXACTLY ALL-ACCESS: In N.Y., Stefan Bondy wrote the problem with Kevin Durant and ESPN's "The Boardroom" is that the "subjects are guarded and deliberate." The show is "more of an on-brand commercial than peeling-back-the-curtain." For instance, there was "no mention about Durant's pending free agency in these episodes with [LeBron] James as the guest -- even though that will be a humongous factor in their businesses moving forward -- and most everything is hidden behind generalities." Instead, viewers are "left to parse through buzz words like 'evolution,' 'explore' and 'journey'" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/7).
LIGHTNING READING: In Tampa, Mark Katches noted the Tampa Bay Times will "publish a 160-page hard-cover picture book commemorating the Lightning's historic season," which saw the team match the "best record in NHL history." The "coffee table book" will ship directly to buyers, and "retails for $39.95." However, by ordering "early, you can save $10 off the retail price" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/7).
