TNT’s Charles Barkley is skipping Saturday night’s Spurs/Clippers Game 7. In other news, Fox Sports has added a slew of analysts for its Women’s World Cup coverage, and Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema will work NFL Draft coverage on NFL Network Saturday.
Barkley Will Not Appear on TNT Saturday
- TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley will not be part of the network’s studio coverage of Saturday’s Spurs/Clippers Game 7. Turner Sports did not disclose a reason for his absence in a Friday press release, but one would imagine it has something to do with the Floyd Mayweather/Manny Pacquiao boxing fight. Barkley has in the past voiced displeasure with having to work the night of a big boxing event. NBA player Nate Robinson will fill-in. (Turner Sports)
Fox Sports Adds ESPN’s Gonzalez, Mitts, to World Cup Team
- Fox Sports has hired several analysts for its studio coverage of the Women’s World Cup, including ESPN analysts/reporters Monica Gonzalez and Heather Mitts. Gonzalez will return to ESPN after the World Cup; there was no immediate word on Mitts. Also joining the studio team are former U.S. national team members Angela Hucles and Leslie Osbourne and international players Christine Latham, Kelly Smith and Ariane Hingst. (Fox Sports, AP via Newsday)
Arkansas’ Bielema to Work NFL Draft on NFL Network
- University of Arkansas head football coach Bret Bielema will join NFL Network Saturday as a guest analyst for the final day of the NFL Draft. Bielema, who will make his appearance during the 12:00-2:00 PM window, is the fourth current college football coach to serve as a guest analyst on NFL Network’s coverage. David Shaw (Stanford) Charlie Strong (Texas) worked Thursday and Friday, respectively, and Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald will make his appearance Saturday. (nbcsports.com)
