ESPN Will Keep A-Rod Off Mets Games To Avoid Conflict Of Interest

Rodriguez will be calling another ESPN game on the night of the Mets' only "SNB" appearanceESPN Images

Alex Rodriguez will not call ESPN’s Mets-Braves “SNB” game on July 26 due to his involvement “in a group that is vying to purchase the Mets,” according to Nick Klopsis of NEWSDAY. Rodriguez and play-by-play man Matt Vasgersian will call the Dodgers-Giants game that night, the second game of an “SNB” doubleheader. That currently is the only Mets’ appearance on “SNB,” though more games “could be flexed into that timeslot depending on how the season goes.” ESPN Senior VP/Production & Remote Events Mark Gross said that the net “would evaluate the situation on a ‘case-by-case’ basis” should that happen (NEWSDAY, 7/17). In N.Y., Howie Kussoy notes former “SNB” analyst Jessica Mendoza last year “created a highly criticized conflict of interest when she held a dual role as a Mets adviser.” However, ESPN this time “has preemptively addressed a potential issue” (N.Y. POST, 7/17).