Matt Millen returned to the broadcast booth for Saturday's Rams-Raiders preseason game on Fox, and in San Jose, Jerry McDonald writes Millen was his "typically buoyant, positive and self-deprecating self," less than eight months after a "heart transplant that saved his life." On the field before the game, Millen "exchanged hugs" with Raiders Owner Mark Davis and "members of the organization he has known for years." Millen, who "worked up to last October before being advised to rest and await a transplant, will work the Raiders preseason games and resume his analyst duties for the Big Ten Network" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 8/12).
THE BUCK HATE STOPS HERE: USA TODAY's Andy Nesbitt wrote some fans' "hatred" of Fox' Joe Buck "makes absolutely zero sense." Buck's "voice alone ... makes you know right away that you're watching something important." What is "also great" about Buck is that he "doesn't take himself too seriously." Nesbitt: "We're fortunate to be living in a time when his voice is the one calling so many major moments for us" (USATODAY.com, 8/10).
BIG SHOES TO FILL: YES Network's Ryan Ruocco recently has filled in for both Michael Kay and John Sterling on Yankees broadcasts, and he said the "first thing I thought was that I just feel bad for those guys." Ruocco: "My next thought was just 'crush the work.' Whatever circumstances bring you here, whether they're good or bad, once you're there you wanna uphold the standard. I wanted to make sure the ship stayed afloat while the main guys weren't there" (THEATHLETIC.com, 8/9).
NOTES: Former Maryland QB CJ Brown has been "named a new color analyst for the Maryland Sports Radio Network football broadcasts." Brown will join play-by-play man Johnny Holliday to "call all Maryland football games" this season (BALTIMORE SUN, 8/10)....TSN's Kaylyn Kyle is joining beIN Sports' "The Soccer XTRA" and "The Express" shows for the start of the '19-20 Ligue 1 season (beIN).
