ESPN's PAUL FINEBAUM said conversations about a potential sitcom based on his life are "getting very serious." There is a "major Hollywood production company involved and already several writers are working on the script to be pitched to the major networks soon." The "biggest news is a well-known actor is extremely interested in playing the lead" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/5).
RAISING AWARENESS: UNLV AD DESIREE REED-FRANCOIS "introduced the #FaceMasks4FallSports hashtag [two Saturdays ago], hoping to create more awareness about safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic," and "more than a week later," people are still tweeting using the hashtag. It "continued to circulate through Twitter as of Saturday morning -- with other programs, athletic directors and coaches tweeting photos and videos that promote the use of masks to slow the virus' spread." More than 6.2 million Twitter handles "had engaged with the hashtag through Friday." Notable accounts include the Raiders (1.6 million followers), UNC men's basketball (963,000 followers), TCU football (180,000 followers) and Virginia Tech football (180,000 followers). Reed-Francois said she is "appreciative and humbled" by the support (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 7/5).
TO-DO LIST: New Tennessee State AD MIKKI ALLEN began his tenure last week "eager to accomplish his primary goals, which include bolstering the athletic department's fundraising effort, improving the football stadium and track and field complex and hiring a women's basketball coach." Allen spent the last 10 years in administration at the Univ. of Tennessee where he was "charged primarily with raising funds" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 7/3).
NAMES: TNT's KENNY SMITH has "devised a two-hour live basketball instructional stream that includes some of today's current stars," including Celtics G KEMBA WALKER and WNBA Seattle Storm F BREANNA STEWART. Smith said of the idea, "I thought, 'Why should COVID and social distancing stop your development?' They get to experience while it's happening" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/5)....Sources said that former WFAN host CRAIG CARTON "could be back on the radio in October." There has been "much speculation that Carton will return" to WFAN. But the sources said that there "will likely be other potential opportunities" for Carton (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/4)....None of the Heat, Panthers or Marlins announcers "will leave South Florida to announce games." They "will instead broadcast games from South Florida studios" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/3).
