Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen will reportedly work a number of XFL games for FOX. Also: ESPN is preparing to back up the Brinks truck for Tony Romo; more news on the passing of ESPN reporter Ed Aschoff; ESPN has hired a new tennis analyst.
Panthers’ Olsen to reportedly work five XFL games for FOX
Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen will serve as an analyst for five XFL games on FOX this season, The Athletic reported Wednesday. The New York Post previously reported that FOX wanted Olsen for its XFL coverage. In addition to his XFL role, Olsen will reportedly serve as a guest analyst for the FOX Super Bowl pregame show. [The Athletic 1.15 via USA Today 1.16]
ESPN said to be preparing huge offer for Romo
Front Office Sports reported Monday that ESPN is prepared to offer Tony Romo $10-14 million per year to join its NFL coverage, which the publication says would make him “the highest-paid sportscaster in TV history.” Romo currently makes $4 million per year in his CBS contract, which expires at the end of the current season. CBS can match any offer Romo would receive from a rival. [Front Office Sport 1.12]
Late ESPN reporter Aschoff had stage four cancer
The late ESPN reporter Ed Aschoff had stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he died last month, his fiance said on his Twitter account Wednesday. Aschoff was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and discussed the disease openly on social media. By the time of his passing, he was being treated for an immune disorder now thought to have been triggered by his cancer. [Ed Aschoff/Twitter 1.15 via Awful Announcing 1.15]
ESPN hires Blake
ESPN has hired James Blake as an analyst for its Wimbledon and US Open tennis coverage, it was announced Thursday. Blake, who once clashed with ESPN analyst Pam Shriver in the middle of a match he was playing, has previously done work for the Tennis Channel. [ESPN PR 1.16]
