ESPN NBA analyst Avery Johnson is leaving the network for a second time. In other news, ESPN has reportedly parted ways with Bram Weinstein, and former Bay Area broadcaster Lon Simmons has died.
ESPN NBA Analyst Johnson Returns to Coaching
- ESPN NBA analyst Avery Johnson has left the network to become head coach of the University of Alabama men’s basketball team. Johnson, who spent the past two seasons as a studio analyst for the Wednesday edition of NBA Countdown, was in his second stint with ESPN. He first worked for the network from 2008-10. (ESPN.com)
ESPN Parts Ways With Weinstein
- ESPN has parted ways with SportsCenter anchor Bram Weinstein, Sports Illustrated reported Sunday. Weinstein, who had been with ESPN since 2008, made his final appearance on the network Thursday. Prior to joining ESPN, he served a local radio host and reporter in Washington D.C. and had a brief stint with CNN. (SI.com)
Simmons, Voice of 49ers, Giants and A’s, Dies
- Longtime Bay Area play-by-play voice Lon Simmons has died at 91. Simmons was the voice of the Giants or Athletics for 41 seasons, serving three stints with the former (1958-73, 1976-79 and 1996-2002) and one with the latter (1981-95). He was also part of the 49ers radio broadcast team for 26 seasons, first from 1957-80 and again from 1987-88. He was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004. (mercurynews.com)
