Prominent NBA reporter Sekou Smith has died. Other news includes a possible NBA All-Star Game, Fox officially hiring Greg Olsen, and notes about MLS, SI and IndyCar.
NBA reporter Sekou Smith has died
Sekou Smith, who since 2009 had served as an analyst and reporter for NBA.com and NBA TV, died Tuesday at 48. According to multiple reports, the cause was COVID-19. Smith was a regular presence on NBA TV and appeared in-studio just within the past month. He previously worked as an NBA beat writer for the Indianapolis Star and Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [NBA.com 1.26, ESPN.com 1.26]
NBA, players, said to be mulling All-Star Game
The NBA and its players union are discussing the possibility of holding an All-Star Game on March 7, with Atlanta the most likely site, ESPN and The Athletic reported Monday. The game would be a standalone event rather than the centerpiece of an All-Star weekend and indications are that it could double as a fundraiser for various causes. Atlanta would be a leading contender to host as it is the home city of All-Star Game broadcaster Turner Sports. [ESPN.com 1.25, The Athletic 1.25]
Olsen-to-Fox finally official
In a move years in the making, Seahawks TE Greg Olsen announced over the weekend that he is retiring from football and joining Fox Sports. Olsen has made regular appearances on Fox Sports in recent years, including serving as a guest game analyst on his teams’ bye weeks and calling XFL games last year. The New York Post reported last summer that his move to Fox had become official. ESPN had previously been in the running for his services. [Fox Sports PR/Twitter 1.24]
Plus: MLS, SI paywall, IndyCar on Peacock
Major League Soccer announced Monday that it plans to begin its 2021 season on April 3, more than a month later than its February 29 start last season. The start date is contingent on the league reaching agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement with its players union. … Sports Illustrated plans to begin putting content on SI.com behind a paywall next month, according to Front Office Sports. … The NBC streaming service Peacock will host all non-race IndyCar content during the 2021 season, including practices, Indy Lights races and event replays, it was announced Monday. [Philadelphia Inquirer 1.25, Front Office Sports 1.25, NBC Sports PR 1.25]
