Recent news involving sports media personalities, including former ESPN panelist Jay Mariotti being ordered to stand trial, incoming ESPN anchor Lindsay Czarniak setting a date for her network debut, and current ESPN writer Michael Smith joining a new ESPN2 talk show.
- Mariotti to Stand Trial: Former Fanhouse.com columnist and ESPN Around the Horn panelist Jay Mariotti has been ordered to stand trial in a domestic violence case. Mariotti was charged with three felonies in May, including “assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury,” after an alleged physical confrontation with his ex-girlfriend. (Los Angeles Times, Fang’s Bites)
- New SportsCenter Host Czarniak Makes ESPN Debut Aug. 8: Outgoing TNT NASCAR host Lindsay Czarniak will make her ESPN debut on August 8, she told a Washington radio station. Czarniak will serve as a SportsCenter anchor, though she said she hopes “NASCAR in some capacity will be a part of” her duties with the network. (Washington Post)
- Smith to Co-Host Numbers Never Lie: ESPN’s Michael Smith will co-host the new ESPN2 show Numbers Never Lie, according to ESPN’s media website. Smith will join new ESPN hire Charissa Thompson on the show, which is set to debut September 12. (espnmediazone3.com)
