NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico has added another marquee assignment. In other news, ESPN’s imminent layoffs will reportedly be worse than expected, and NHL broadcaster Dave Strader will work at least one second round game for NBCSN.
Tirico to Replace Hammond As NBC Triple Crown Host
- NBC Sports announced Monday that Mike Tirico will replace Tom Hammond as host of its Triple Crown horse racing coverage, just the latest marquee assignment for the former ESPN broadcaster. Tirico last fall became host of NBC’s Football Night in America pregame show and next year will debut as the network’s primetime Olympics host. Tirico previously worked last year’s Breeders Cup and January’s Pegasus World Cup. As for Hammond, the longtime NBC broadcaster says he will “embark on a less demanding schedule,” which will include a stint at next year’s Olympics. (NBC Sports Group Press Box 4.25)
ESPN Layoffs Will Be Bigger Than Expected
- ESPN may begin informing employees “as early as tomorrow” that they will be laid off from the company, Sports Illustrated writer Richard Deitsch reported via Facebook Tuesday. According to Deitsch, “there will be significant on-air names affected,” and the numbers “will be larger than previously reported.” SI reported in March that ESPN would planned to cut tens of millions in talent salary by May. (Richard Deitsch/Facebook 4.25)
Strader to Call Second Round Game For NBCSN
- NHL broadcaster Dave Strader, who has been battling cancer, will work Game 3 of the Senators-Rangers second round Stanley Cup playoff series for NBCSN, his fourth postseason assignment for the network. He worked Games 1, 2 and 5 of Capitals-Maple Leafs in the first round. Strader will also call Game 4 of the series for NHL Radio, with Kenny Albert handling the TV call. (Dave Strader/Twitter 4.25)
