Graffagnini served as a studio host for the New Orleans Hornets from '02-05tulane
In New Orleans, Scott Kushner noted Tulane Dir of Broadcasting Todd Graffagnini will "serve as the new play-by-play voice for the Pelicans radio network." He replaces Sean Kelley, who is "moving on to a national outlet" after serving in the role for the team since '05. Tulane and Learfield IMG are "expected to collaborate on finding a replacement for Graffagnini before its football season begins" Aug. 29 (THEADVOCATE.com, 6/13). Graffagnini "served as a studio host for the then-New Orleans Hornets" from '02-05 (NOLA.com, 6/13).
STICKING AROUND: ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen noted NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah "decided more than a week ago that he would remain" with the network as its "lead draft analyst" after receiving interest from some NFL teams. ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay has also "decided to remain with the network, taking himself out of consideration for any personnel role with the Jets" (ESPN.com, 6/13).
SPEAKING OUT: In N.Y., Phil Mushnick sarcastically writes FS1's Rob Stone "committed modern TV treason" when he "gave his impolitic opinion of what he wasn’t supposed to recognize." Stone called out the USWNT for their celebrating during the 13-0 rout of Thailand this week, and he "didn’t mind speaking his mind; he wasn’t afraid." He "refused to join the legions of TV panderers who can distinguish right from wrong, but wouldn’t dare on the air lest they be labeled out of step in a march that continues to lead us backward" (N.Y. POST, 6/14).
BACK FOR MORE: Former MLBer Lance Berkman filled in for announcer Geoff Blum on the Astros' Tuesday and Wednesday game broadcasts on AT&T SportsNet Southwest, and Astros President/Business Operations Reid Ryan said that Berkman will "return for two more games later this year" (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 6/13). Meanwhile, former MLBer Chase Utley "made his debut" as a studio analyst for SportsNet LA Dodgers coverage this week. Utley "made two appearances." On Monday, he "joined the network’s pre-game show, and on Tuesday he handled post-game duties" (INQUIRER.com, 6/13).
NOTES: Former Westchester Journal News Sports Editor Vin Mercogliano is “taking over” as the NHL Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network (LOHUD.com, 6/12)….Feature writer Kelsey McKinney is “joining the staff of Deadspin, where she’ll focus on women’s sports” (RELIABLE SOURCES, 6/13).
