One of Hollywood’s most eccentric actors, Nicolas Cage, is reportedly set to play John Madden in a new biopic. Plus: Kenny Smith addresses the potential future of the “Inside the NBA” crew; NBC Sports has added Gary Neville as a contributor to its English Premier League coverage; Nicole Auerbach is set to expand her NBC Sports role.
Nicolas Cage set to play John Madden in biopic
The actor Nicolas Cage has been cast in the role of famed NFL analyst John Madden in a movie about the creation of the Madden NFL video game, according to a story published by The Hollywood Reporter. Titled “Madden,” the David O. Russell film is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Madden, who at the height of his fame made numerous film and television cameos and starred in no shortage of advertising campaigns, has rarely been portrayed by an actor. He was famously parodied by sketch comedian Frank Caliendo in a series of skits during and after his broadcasting career.
TNT’s Smith excited by possibilities for “Inside” crew
In a conversation with Houston Chronicle Wednesday, TNT NBA analyst Kenny Smith hinted that he and the rest of the “Inside the NBA” crew — Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Ernie Johnson — could continue working in a capacity that could include ownership of the show. Smith: “I think this is the most unique opportunity for the four of us to create an opportunity … to have ownership in the property and to make sure the people who helped us be this successful are still with us. … I’m excited because the four of us, together collectively, if we choose to do it, we can do something that’s monumental in sports television.”
With TNT set to lose its NBA package after this coming season, the future of “Inside the NBA” is in flux to say the least. Barkley hinted that he could leave for another network, then announced his retirement, then said last week that he would commit to TNT long-term. Smith, O’Neal and Johnson have said little, if anything, regarding their futures.
NBC adds Gary Neville as EPL contributor
NBC Sports announced Thursday that it has hired former Manchester United captain and Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville as a “special contributor” to its English Premier League coverage. Neville will appear in NBC Sports’ Connecticut studios on multiple occasions this season. Sky Sports and NBC are under the same Comcast umbrella.
NBC’s Auerbach expands role
The college football reporter Nicole Auerbach, who left her role at The Athletic this week, is joining NBC Sports full-time as an insider for the network’s college sports coverage, it was announced Thursday. Auerbach joined NBC last year as a college football insider and will now add roles on the network’s college basketball coverage, in addition to a podcast and written content for NBC Sports’ digital platforms.
