ESPN’s Tom Jackson is officially retiring from the network. In other news, NBC Sports has named a replacement for Craig Sager on its Olympic basketball coverage, and ESPN’s SEC Network has hired a reality show contestant as a college football analyst.
ESPN’s Jackson Officially Leaving Network
- ESPN officially announced Wednesday that NFL analyst Tom Jackson has retired from the network. News of Jackson’s departure had been circulating for more than a week. Jackson, who had been an analyst on Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, will make his final appearance with the network at this weekend’s Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony. (ESPN Media Zone)
NBC Names Gold-Onwude Replacement For Sager on Olympics
- NBC Sports has named Ros Gold-Onwude the sideline reporter for its Olympic men’s basketball coverage, replacing Craig Sager, who is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Gold-Onwude was previously scheduled to work the sidelines for the women’s competition, a position that will now be filled by SNY reporter Kerith Burke. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
ESPN Hires Reality Show Contestant As SEC Network Analyst
- ESPN’s SEC Network has hired Jordan Rodgers, a former contestant on ABC’s The Bachelorette, as a college football analyst. He is the second figure from the reality show to join ESPN, joining former star of The Bachelor Jesse Palmer. Beyond appearing on a reality show, Rodgers has also played football and is the brother of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. (ESPN Media Zone)
