Recent sports media news, including Allie LaForce leaving CBS, ESPN extending Doris Burke and Adnan Virk, and Mike Tirico potentially having a role on NBC’s IndyCar coverage.
CBS Parts Ways With LaForce
CBS has parted ways with sideline reporter Allie LaForce after the sides could not come to a contract extension, The Athletic reporter Richard Deitsch and New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand reported on Twitter Monday. The network confirmed her departure in a statement. LaForce had been with CBS since 2012 and served as the network’s lead college football sideline reporter since 2014. She will be replaced on college football by Jamie Erdahl. [CBS; Richard Deitsch/Twitter 6.4; Andrew Marchand/Twitter a, b]
ESPN Extends Burke
ESPN has reached a contract extension with NBA analyst and sideline reporter Doris Burke, it was announced Monday. Burke, in her 27th year with ESPN, will continue in her current roles. She has been part of the network’s NBA coverage since 2003. [ESPN PR 6.4]
ESPN Extends Virk
Awful Announcing reported last week that ESPN has reached a contract extension with SportsCenter and MLB anchor Adnan Virk, who will continue in his numerous roles on MLB, college football, college basketball and hockey. He will also begin contributing to ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage. [Awful Announcing 5.30]
Tirico Present at IndyCar Event
NBC Sports host Mike Tirico was present at IndyCar’s annual partner summit prior to last week’s Indianapolis 500, Sports Business Journal reported Monday — an indication that he will have some role in the network’s coverage next season. NBC acquired the full IndyCar rights package earlier this year and next season will begin carrying the Indy 500. [SBJ 6.4]
