- Bill Walton: The ESPN NBA broadcaster continues to recover from severe back problems. During an appearance in Portland, Walton said that returning to broadcasting was his “goal,” and spoke in-depth about his recent health issues — including a major setback in early September. ESPN, in a statement: “We support Bill as he continues his comeback from back surgery and we hope that recovery will enable him to resume his NBA duties.” (Blazersedge, ESPN)
- Martin Tyler: The Sky Sports broadcaster will be the lead play-by-play voice for ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 World Cup. Tyler, who was “voted the FA Premier League Commentator of the Decade,” replaces Dave O’Brien. (SI.com)
- Jim Nantz: During the course of a divorce trial, the CBS Sports broadcaster revealed that he was offered $7 million to host CBS’ The Early Show in 2007. Nantz apparently turned down the opportunity “because his wife opposed it.” (Connecticut Post, via The Big Lead)
World Cup group stage a viewership hit for Fox, Telemundo
The first North American World Cup since 1994 met all viewership expectations in the group stage, and then some.
