ESPN will stage an NBA-college hoops crossover next month. In other news, ESPN punished contributor Bob Ryan for comments about Mark Jackson, and now-former FOX golf analyst Greg Norman said he is shocked by his dismissal.
ESPN to Mix and Match NBA, College Analysts
- ESPN will mix its NBA and college basketball analysts on February 3, Sports Illustrated reported Monday, with Jeff Van Gundy and Jon Barry working college games and Jay Bilas and Jay Williams covering the pros. In particular, Van Gundy will work with Dan Shulman and Dick Vitale (Notre Dame/Miami), Barry with Brent Musburger and Fran Fraschilla (Kansas State/Kansas), Bilas with Mike Breen and Doug Collins (Warriors/Wizards) and Williams with Dave Pasch and Mark Jackson (Timberwolves/Clippers). In the studio, Williams and Rece Davis join Doris Burke and Jalen Rose. (SI.com)
Ryan Was Suspended From ESPN For Jackson Comments
- ESPN contributor Bob Ryan had been on an undisclosed suspension from the network before returning Sunday, according to The Big Lead. Ryan was punished for referring to ESPN NBA analyst Mark Jackson as a “Bible-pounding phony” and “con man” during an interview on The Dan LeBatard Show earlier this month, adding that he could not “believe [ESPN] took him back on that broadcast.” Ryan, who has been suspended from ESPN in the past, told TBL that his comments were an “intemperate, foolish outburst” that he regrets. (The Big Lead)
Norman “Shocked” By FOX Ouster
- Recently ousted Fox Sports golf analyst Greg Norman told Golf.com that he is “shocked and surprised” by his dismissal after just one year on the air. In a statement published Friday, Norman said he and partner Joe Buck had established a “great foundation,” adding that the “whole team really had a good chemistry” that will be “a challenge to recreate.” (Golf.com)
