Al Michaels and Bob Costas will reportedly make guest appearances on NBC’s Olympic coverage. Plus: Bill Belichick adds another media commitment; Judge in NFL “Sunday Ticket” trial passes on an immediate ruling.
Al Michaels and Bob Costas to appear on NBC Olympic coverage
After a pair of unceremonious exits from the network, Al Michaels and Bob Costas will reportedly reprise their roles for NBC as part of the network’s Olympic coverage, per Front Office Sports on Wednesday. Michaels has served in an “emeritus” role for NBC since his departure from “Sunday Night Football” in 2022, while Costas left the network in 2019 after seeing his role limited.
Ironically, both were replaced in their most well-known roles by Mike Tirico; as lead play-by-play announcer on “Sunday Night Football” in Michaels’ case, and as host of primetime Olympics coverage for Costas. Of course, Michaels has already lent his services to NBC for these Olympics in the form of an A.I. voice model used to narrate custom highlight packages on Peacock.
It’s unclear exactly what assignments Michaels and Costas will take on in Paris, though marquee sports like track and field begin later this week. (Front Office Sports, 7.31)
Bill Belichick takes on another media role
Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is adding another show to his arsenal, this time with daily fantasy app Underdog Fantasy, per Adam Schefter on Wednesday. The show will feature Belichick breaking down film as if he were coaching a team.
The new project will be co-produced by Belichick, and adds to a growing list of media commitments the legendary coach has taken in his first year away from the sidelines. This upcoming season Belichick will make weekly appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show”, appear regularly on the “ManningCast”, and serve as an analyst on “Inside the NFL” for The CW. The deal with Underdog Fantasy continues to show Belichick’s preference to appear primarily on non-traditional media, rather than on a network’s pregame studio or in a booth. (Schefter, 7.31)
Court hearing on NFL “Sunday Ticket” verdict sees little progress
The NFL’s motion to overturn a jury verdict in an antitrust case surrounding its “Sunday Ticket” package was heard in court Wednesday with little tangible progress made, per multiple reports. Judge Philip Gutierrez did not rule immediately on the motion after nearly three hours in court. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The NFL offered a defense centered primarily around the damages (which amount to $4.7b, a figure that can be tripled under antitrust law) being based on a “list price” of $294 for “Sunday Ticket” rather than the $103 that most customers paid.
Should Judge Gutierrez fail to overturn the verdict, or substantially reduce the NFL’s penalty, the league would likely seek appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and perhaps even to the Supreme Court. (Front Office Sports, 7.31)
