In N.Y., Sopan Deb writes TNT's Kenny Smith has co-starred on "Inside the NBA" for the last two decades, and in doing so, has "created one of the most remarkable second lives a professional athlete will ever see." Smith is the "foundation of a show that has evolved from a source of generic basketball analysis to a cultural influence with reach far beyond the court." Smith's co-hosts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal had "built-in advantages: They were already all-time greats and celebrities in their own right." But Smith, who was a role player in the NBA, "built a following for himself through hard work and sheer audacity" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/24).
THE NATURAL: In San Diego, Tom Krasovic wrote Padres TV & radio broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr. is "easy on the ears," and he "doesn't act like he's paid by the word." Gwynn "knows baseball but doesn't beat you over the head with it," and he "plays well with others." In his third season with the Padres, Gwynn is "showing smooth versatility as a broadcaster." He "blends well" with broadcasting veterans like Mark Grant and Don Orsillo, and he "seems comfortable" working with radio play-by-play man Jesse Agler (SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.com, 5/23).
SPANISH INQUISITION: THEBIGLEAD.com's Bobby Burack noted ESPN Radio's "Spain & Fitz" program is "ending at the conclusion of this week." ESPN's Sarah Spain will "remain hosting" from 6:00-9:00pm ET and will be joined by co-hosts Jordan Cornette and Jason Goff going forward. Meanwhile, Jason Fitz is "moving to mornings to host 'First & Last'" from 5:00-6:00am. In addition to his other duties, Fitz will "contribute to all four hours" of "Golic & Wingo," which runs from 6:00-10:00 am. Spain and Fitz had "started hosting together" last January (THEBIGLEAD.com, 5/22).
