Craig James‘ brief stint as an analyst for Fox Sports Southwest has come to an abrupt end. In other news, FOX NFL analyst Pam Oliver had to recover from a concussion after being hit by a football, and NFL VP/officiating Dean Blandino will appear on NBC NFL broadcasts this season.
Craig James Hired and Let Go Within a Week
- Fox Sports Southwest has severed ties with former ESPN analyst Craig James, just days after announcing his hire. According to Sports Illustrated, executives at the “highest levels of Fox Sports management” were displeased with the hire, which had not yet been finalized. James made his lone appearance on FS Southwest Saturday night. (SI.com)
Oliver Had Concussion After Being Hit By Football
- Lead NFL on FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver was diagnosed with a concussion after taking a football to the face prior to the August 18 Colts/Giants game, The New York Daily News reported Sunday. Oliver spent five days “in a dark room inside her home” recovering, but is scheduled to return to the sidelines for the Week 1 Packers/49ers game on September 8. (NYDN)
NFL VP Blandino to Appear on “SNF” This Season
- NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino will appear on NBC’s NFL broadcasts this season as a rules analyst, “Sunday Night Football” producer Fred Gaudelli said in a conference call last week. NBC is the latest NFL broadcaster to use a rules analyst; ESPN hired Gerry Austin in that capacity last season, and FOX introduced the role into contemporary sports TV by hiring Mike Pereira in 2010.
