Watch out “Woj” and “Shams,” there’s a new NBA scoop machine: “CNN Sports.”
The biggest NBA move of the week broke on TNT’s Inside the NBA Tuesday night, with the studio team revealing that ESPN analyst Doc Rivers had agreed to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Their source? “CNN Sports.”
“Ok, are we ready for breaking news?” Inside the NBA host Adam Lefkoe began. “We have news in from CNN…” “From CNN?!” analyst Jamal Crawford responded. “From CNN Sports,” Lefkoe continued, breaking the Rivers news on-air.
Bleacher Report, TNT Sports’ digital news brand, subsequently shared the news itself, also citing CNN Sports.
And not long after the news broke on TNT, CNN.com published a story (the byline was just “CNN Staff”) with more detail on the move. It wasn’t until Wednesday morning that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (“Woj”) and The Athletic’s Shams Charania (“Shams”) confirmed the move.
The biggest NBA move of the week broke on TNT’s Inside the NBA Tuesday night, with the studio team revealing that ESPN analyst Doc Rivers had agreed to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Their source? “CNN Sports.”
“Ok, are we ready for breaking news?” Inside the NBA host Adam Lefkoe began. “We have news in from CNN…” “From CNN?!” analyst Jamal Crawford responded. “From CNN Sports,” Lefkoe continued, breaking the Rivers news on-air.
Bleacher Report, TNT Sports’ digital news brand, subsequently shared the news itself, also citing CNN Sports.
And not long after the news broke on TNT, CNN.com published a story (the byline was just “CNN Staff”) with more detail on the move. It wasn’t until Wednesday morning that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (“Woj”) and The Athletic’s Shams Charania (“Shams”) confirmed the move.
- 1/24/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the 1979 film Stalker, the eponymous Stalkers are informal, illegal guides to a blighted Zone somewhere in Eastern Europe. In the middle of the Zone, it is said, there is a room that grants the true heart’s desire. And we learn, secondhand, about the tale of one Stalker named Porcupine.
Porcupine brought his brother into the Zone, where he perished in an accident. Porcupine, grieving, entered the room, expecting that his brother would be brought back to life. When he arrived back in civilization, though, he unexpectedly came into a bunch of money.
Porcupine brought his brother into the Zone, where he perished in an accident. Porcupine, grieving, entered the room, expecting that his brother would be brought back to life. When he arrived back in civilization, though, he unexpectedly came into a bunch of money.
- 9/28/2023
- by Corbin Smith
- Rollingstone.com
One NFL insider voice that ESPN viewers will not be listening to as the new season kicks off is Chris Mortensen as the football analyst has announced his retirement from the network.
Mortensen had quietly quit the sports network earlier this year and ahead of the start of the NFL season has made it public to all of his fans.
“Excited about another season but it’s time to reveal after my 33rd NFL draft in April, I made a decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith,” he shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Luckily for fans who have been following his career for 33 years, he’s still going to be giving his hot takes on the NFL.
“The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball. It’s just time.
Mortensen had quietly quit the sports network earlier this year and ahead of the start of the NFL season has made it public to all of his fans.
“Excited about another season but it’s time to reveal after my 33rd NFL draft in April, I made a decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family and faith,” he shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Luckily for fans who have been following his career for 33 years, he’s still going to be giving his hot takes on the NFL.
“The gratitude and humility is overwhelming. It’s not a classic retirement. I’ll still be here talking ball. It’s just time.
- 9/5/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles-based, Emmy® Award-winning Asylum Entertainment Group(Asylum), today announced the hire of seasoned audio pioneer Chris Corcoran to run its leading audio-forward division Audity. Corcoran, a Founding Partner of Cadence13, joins Audity as General Manager and Chief Content Officer to spearhead the company’s ambitious strategy and elevate its creative vision. He will report directly to Jodi Flynn, President of Asylum Entertainment Group.
Most recently, Corcoran served as the Chief Content Officer for Cadence13, the award-winning podcast company he helped launch. As one of the original architects of Cadence13, he defined and led the creative vision and evolution while also overseeing talent relations and content development, including the Peabody-nominated C13Originals documentary studio and theC13Features podcast movie studio. While there, he led the launch of original franchises including Gone South, Gangster Capitalism, It Was Said, Root of Evil and The Sunshine Place, introduced some of the most influential voices...
Most recently, Corcoran served as the Chief Content Officer for Cadence13, the award-winning podcast company he helped launch. As one of the original architects of Cadence13, he defined and led the creative vision and evolution while also overseeing talent relations and content development, including the Peabody-nominated C13Originals documentary studio and theC13Features podcast movie studio. While there, he led the launch of original franchises including Gone South, Gangster Capitalism, It Was Said, Root of Evil and The Sunshine Place, introduced some of the most influential voices...
- 8/23/2023
- Podnews.net
Exclusive: Chris Corcoran, who as Chief Content Officer of podcast company Cadence13 was responsible for series including Gangster Capitalism and Root of Evil, is moving to Audity.
Corcoran, a founding partner and General Manager of Audacy’s Cadence13, will run the audio division of Steve Michaels’ Endeavor-backed Asylum Entertainment Group.
The division was launched in 2019 and has been responsible for series including Kim Kardashian’s The System and Hillsong: A Megachurch Shattered.
Corcoran, who is Gm and Chief Content Officer of Audity, will report to Jodi Flynn, President of Asylum Entertainment Group.
Chris Corcoran
Cadence13, which also has the C13Originals documentary studio and the C13Features podcast movie studio, is also behind series such as Gone South, It Was Said and The Sunshine Place and has worked with the likes of Jon Meacham, Emma Chamberlain, JJ Redick, Glennon Doyle and Adrian Wojnarowski.
“Chris epitomizes the entrepreneurial drive, creative instincts and...
Corcoran, a founding partner and General Manager of Audacy’s Cadence13, will run the audio division of Steve Michaels’ Endeavor-backed Asylum Entertainment Group.
The division was launched in 2019 and has been responsible for series including Kim Kardashian’s The System and Hillsong: A Megachurch Shattered.
Corcoran, who is Gm and Chief Content Officer of Audity, will report to Jodi Flynn, President of Asylum Entertainment Group.
Chris Corcoran
Cadence13, which also has the C13Originals documentary studio and the C13Features podcast movie studio, is also behind series such as Gone South, It Was Said and The Sunshine Place and has worked with the likes of Jon Meacham, Emma Chamberlain, JJ Redick, Glennon Doyle and Adrian Wojnarowski.
“Chris epitomizes the entrepreneurial drive, creative instincts and...
- 8/22/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In an era when much of sports broadcasting is dominated by hot takes, ESPN has decided to go with a class on-air announcing team for its NBA broadcast coverage.
The network said Monday that ever-steady play-by-play guy Mike Breen will be joined by Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the broadcaster’s A-team for big games. The trio, along with reporter Lisa Salters, will call the NBA Finals, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA playoffs, and the Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series. The team will make its debut during ESPN’s opening week of NBA coverage in October.
As part of the changes, ESPN announced it has reached a multi-year deal with Rivers as well as a multi-year extension with Burke.
The arrangement will make the incomparable Burke the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major men’s championship in the U.S.
She...
The network said Monday that ever-steady play-by-play guy Mike Breen will be joined by Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the broadcaster’s A-team for big games. The trio, along with reporter Lisa Salters, will call the NBA Finals, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA playoffs, and the Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series. The team will make its debut during ESPN’s opening week of NBA coverage in October.
As part of the changes, ESPN announced it has reached a multi-year deal with Rivers as well as a multi-year extension with Burke.
The arrangement will make the incomparable Burke the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major men’s championship in the U.S.
She...
- 8/14/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN has drafted two new additions to its top NBA broadcast team: Doc Rivers and Doris Burke will join Mike Breen in the booth for the network’s biggest games, including the NBA Finals on ABC, it was announced on Monday.
Rivers and Burke will step in for Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, who called NBA games for ESPN alongside Breen for years before exiting the network earlier this year in a highly publicized series of layoffs that claimed more than a dozen ESPN on-air personalities.
More from TVLineSportsCenter Anchor Sage Steele Exiting ESPN After Settling LawsuitNBA Announcer Mark...
Rivers and Burke will step in for Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, who called NBA games for ESPN alongside Breen for years before exiting the network earlier this year in a highly publicized series of layoffs that claimed more than a dozen ESPN on-air personalities.
More from TVLineSportsCenter Anchor Sage Steele Exiting ESPN After Settling LawsuitNBA Announcer Mark...
- 8/14/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Following rumors of the announcement, ESPN confirmed that Doris Burke and Doc Rivers will join Mike Breen as ABC‘s top NBA broadcasting team for the upcoming season. Burke will become the first woman to serve as a television color analyst for the NBA Finals. She previously served as the analyst for ESPN’s number 2 broadcasting team alongside Mark Jones. Rivers, who was an analyst for ABC during the 2003-04 season, has coached in the NBA for 24 seasons, winning a championship with the Celtics in 2008. He spent the last three years with the Sixers before getting fired in May. As a result, there will be more changes to several broadcasting teams, according to the network. Former Warriors general manager Bob Myers will join the network as a studio and game analyst. He will be a part of ABC’s versions of NBA Countdown, which will also see Malika Andrews with Stephen A. Smith,...
- 8/14/2023
- TV Insider
NBA Goat Michael Jordan has agreed to sell his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for an undisclosed sum. He will still retain a minority stake after the sale. The deal values the team at $3 billion, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, which means that Jordan could receive $1.5 billion, or more, depending on how much of the team he hangs onto. It ends his 13-year run as majority owner.
The agreement, which has been in the works for months, was announced this morning by the Bobcats. The buyers are a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, who are currently a minority owner with the Hornets and a minority owner with the Atlanta Hawks, respectively. Jordan had already sold minority percentages to Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, a founder of Di Capital, in 2019.
The Hornets’ official statement notes that the deal is dependent on approval from the NBA’s board of governors,...
The agreement, which has been in the works for months, was announced this morning by the Bobcats. The buyers are a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, who are currently a minority owner with the Hornets and a minority owner with the Atlanta Hawks, respectively. Jordan had already sold minority percentages to Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, a founder of Di Capital, in 2019.
The Hornets’ official statement notes that the deal is dependent on approval from the NBA’s board of governors,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
North Carolina natives and diehard basketball fans J. Cole and Eric Church are part of the ownership group buying Michael Jordan’s majority stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, the team announced today.
The group is led by Gabe Plotkin (who acquired a minority stake in the Hornets in 2019) and Rick Schnall, the latter of whom is a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks. Others involved with the sale besides Cole and Church include local Charlotte investors Amy Levine Dawson and Damian Mills, as well as Chris Shumway, Dan Sundheim, Ian Loring, and Dyal HomeCourt Partners.
Cole’s love for basketball is well known. After playing high school basketball in North Carolina, he was a walk-on for the St. John’s men’s basketball team. Though Cole’s rap dreams came to fruition before he ever stepped on the court, the Dreamville Records founder has never given up on his hoop dreams,...
The group is led by Gabe Plotkin (who acquired a minority stake in the Hornets in 2019) and Rick Schnall, the latter of whom is a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks. Others involved with the sale besides Cole and Church include local Charlotte investors Amy Levine Dawson and Damian Mills, as well as Chris Shumway, Dan Sundheim, Ian Loring, and Dyal HomeCourt Partners.
Cole’s love for basketball is well known. After playing high school basketball in North Carolina, he was a walk-on for the St. John’s men’s basketball team. Though Cole’s rap dreams came to fruition before he ever stepped on the court, the Dreamville Records founder has never given up on his hoop dreams,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Ja Morant has been suspended for the first 25 games of the upcoming NBA season without pay following a second incident where the Memphis Grizzlies star allegedly flashed a firearm on social media.
Following the conclusion of the NBA Finals — during which commissioner Adam Silver said he didn’t want to overshadow the championships with any Morant decision — the NBA handed down their punishment following the May 2023 incident.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March...
Following the conclusion of the NBA Finals — during which commissioner Adam Silver said he didn’t want to overshadow the championships with any Morant decision — the NBA handed down their punishment following the May 2023 incident.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March...
- 6/16/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Now that we know the draft order, it’s time to see what the next generation of great NBA players have to offer at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. Over two days, a group of draft hopefuls will run drills and play in scrimmages to hopefully elevate their draft status to new heights. You can watch the 2023 NBA Draft Combine this Wednesday, May 17 starting at 2 p.m. Et and Thursday, May 18 at 4 p.m. Et on ESPN2. Watch with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off).
How to Watch the 2023 NBA Draft Combine When: Wednesday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. Et; Thursday, May 18 at 4 p.m. Et TV: ESPN2 Streaming: Watch with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off). Get $10 Off $40 / month sling.com
Limited Time: Get $10 Off Your First Month of Sling TV Plus a Free Fire Stick TV Lite
About the NBA Draft Combine
ESPN will televise the 2023 Microsoft Surface NBA...
How to Watch the 2023 NBA Draft Combine When: Wednesday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. Et; Thursday, May 18 at 4 p.m. Et TV: ESPN2 Streaming: Watch with a Subscription to Sling TV (50% Off). Get $10 Off $40 / month sling.com
Limited Time: Get $10 Off Your First Month of Sling TV Plus a Free Fire Stick TV Lite
About the NBA Draft Combine
ESPN will televise the 2023 Microsoft Surface NBA...
- 5/17/2023
- by Jeff Kotuby
- The Streamable
Victor Wembanyama, the best NBA prospect since at least LeBron James, will likely play for the San Antonio Spurs. The team won the NBA’s closely-watched draft lottery tonight and will, unless something bizarre happens, draft the 7’3″ Frenchman next month.
The news instantly vaults the lowly the San Antonio Spurs into playoff contention. It will also ensure sold out arenas for years to come for the franchise, as well as a vastly-increased national TV presence on TNT, ABC and ESPN.
That latter network’s Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski — a man not given to hyperbole — said before the draft today, “This is the most highly-anticipated player to ever enter the NBA…maybe the greatest prospect in the history of team sports.”
The 19-year-old Wembanyama has an eight-foot wingspan and is an outstanding shot-blocker. He often draws comparisons to perennial All Star Kevin Durant, not just for his willowy frame but...
The news instantly vaults the lowly the San Antonio Spurs into playoff contention. It will also ensure sold out arenas for years to come for the franchise, as well as a vastly-increased national TV presence on TNT, ABC and ESPN.
That latter network’s Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski — a man not given to hyperbole — said before the draft today, “This is the most highly-anticipated player to ever enter the NBA…maybe the greatest prospect in the history of team sports.”
The 19-year-old Wembanyama has an eight-foot wingspan and is an outstanding shot-blocker. He often draws comparisons to perennial All Star Kevin Durant, not just for his willowy frame but...
- 5/17/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The Raptors may already have their eyes set on a new head coach.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, with Nick Nurse out as the Toronto Raptors’ coach, former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is a “serious candidate” to replace him.
Read More: Toronto Raptors Fire Head Coach Nick Nurse
Former Celtics coach Ime Udoka is expected to be a serious candidate to replace Nurse, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/L15nmpkxVo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
He also reported that Nurse himself is a “prominent candidate” to fill the head coach position for the Houston Rockets.
Udoka would not come to the Raptors without controversy. In February, he was replaced as the Celtics’ coach after being suspended over an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer.
Read More: How Ime Udoka’s Affair With Celtics Staff Member Was Exposed: Source
The revelation of the affair last fall led to actress...
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, with Nick Nurse out as the Toronto Raptors’ coach, former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is a “serious candidate” to replace him.
Read More: Toronto Raptors Fire Head Coach Nick Nurse
Former Celtics coach Ime Udoka is expected to be a serious candidate to replace Nurse, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/L15nmpkxVo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 21, 2023
He also reported that Nurse himself is a “prominent candidate” to fill the head coach position for the Houston Rockets.
Udoka would not come to the Raptors without controversy. In February, he was replaced as the Celtics’ coach after being suspended over an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer.
Read More: How Ime Udoka’s Affair With Celtics Staff Member Was Exposed: Source
The revelation of the affair last fall led to actress...
- 4/21/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Twitter claimed that it will begin nixing its blue legacy verified checkmarks next month, starting on April Fools’ Day, and charging those who wish to keep their once-free blue checkmarks $8 a month.
The move is “about treating everyone equally,” Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted to William Shatner on Sunday. Musk added, “There shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities imo.” Yet despite his egalitarian approach to social media, Twitter accounts owned by celebrities may be getting preferential treatment, according to a Platformer report published Monday.
According to documents obtained by Platformer,...
The move is “about treating everyone equally,” Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted to William Shatner on Sunday. Musk added, “There shouldn’t be a different standard for celebrities imo.” Yet despite his egalitarian approach to social media, Twitter accounts owned by celebrities may be getting preferential treatment, according to a Platformer report published Monday.
According to documents obtained by Platformer,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
The NBA said they are “investigating” a social media video posted early Saturday morning that appeared to show Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant brandishing a firearm while inside a nightclub.
The Instagram Live video — reportedly uploaded onto Morant’s account just hours after the Grizzlies’ Friday night road loss to the Denver Nuggets — comes just days after a Washington Post report accused Morant of both beating up a 17-year-old boy and threatening a mall security guard during separate incidents in July 2022.
Ja Morant was allegedly seen showing off a gun...
The Instagram Live video — reportedly uploaded onto Morant’s account just hours after the Grizzlies’ Friday night road loss to the Denver Nuggets — comes just days after a Washington Post report accused Morant of both beating up a 17-year-old boy and threatening a mall security guard during separate incidents in July 2022.
Ja Morant was allegedly seen showing off a gun...
- 3/4/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
With the holiday season upon us and the New Year almost in our grasp, it is a time of reflection. Some gather with their loved ones, exchanging gifts and pleasantries. Others travel in order to broaden their perspective or celebrate/mourn in solitude. The world of professional sports has chosen to ring in the holidays by reinstating a trio of alleged abusers in the three major sports leagues: the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
First came Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns’ star quarterback. Watson, 27, has been accused of sexual misconduct by...
First came Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns’ star quarterback. Watson, 27, has been accused of sexual misconduct by...
- 12/24/2022
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Updated with latest: Nike on Friday night became the latest company to distance itself from Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, saying it will “suspend our relationship” with the all-star guard. The shoe brand also said it would not move forward with launching its latest line of Irving-branded shoe, the Kyrie 8.
“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism,” Nike said in a statement this evening, per the AP. “To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8.”
The move comes after Irving on Thursday night gave a more definitive apology about the impact of posting a link to a movie that espouses disproven anti-Semitic tropes. That wasn’t fast enough for the Nets, though. who suspended him for “no less than five games” earlier in...
“At Nike, we believe there is no place for hate speech and we condemn any form of antisemitism,” Nike said in a statement this evening, per the AP. “To that end, we’ve made the decision to suspend our relationship with Kyrie Irving effective immediately and will no longer launch the Kyrie 8.”
The move comes after Irving on Thursday night gave a more definitive apology about the impact of posting a link to a movie that espouses disproven anti-Semitic tropes. That wasn’t fast enough for the Nets, though. who suspended him for “no less than five games” earlier in...
- 11/5/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Amid an escalating crisis around anti-Semitic tropes promoted by all-star point guard Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets have announced this evening that Irving will be suspended without pay “until he satisfies a series of objective material measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct and the suspension period served is no less than five games.”
In a gaggle with the media this morning, Irving repeatedly refused to say directly that he does not hold Anti-Semitic views after he posted a link to a film that, per the Adl, “promotes beliefs commonly found among antisemitic and extremist factions” of a movement based on disproven conspiracy theories.
News of the suspension was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The Nets’ full statement reads:
Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and...
In a gaggle with the media this morning, Irving repeatedly refused to say directly that he does not hold Anti-Semitic views after he posted a link to a film that, per the Adl, “promotes beliefs commonly found among antisemitic and extremist factions” of a movement based on disproven conspiracy theories.
News of the suspension was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The Nets’ full statement reads:
Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and...
- 11/3/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN shocked the basketball world late Wednesday night when its Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka was likely to face a lengthy suspension for having an intimate relationship with another team employee. The Athletic similarly confirmed that the affair was completely consensual, but because it involved a subordinate, it was a violation of the Celtics’ organizational policies and could likely result in a season-long suspension.
The story, which broke during the middle of the week when there is often a lull in the football news that’s the cabler’s greatest source of interest this time of year, dominated ESPN’s Thursday morning news coverage.
Still, many felt like the coverage of Udoka’s personal life has been excessive, especially considering the other, arguably larger stories of ethical lapses currently being discussed in the sports world. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre...
The story, which broke during the middle of the week when there is often a lull in the football news that’s the cabler’s greatest source of interest this time of year, dominated ESPN’s Thursday morning news coverage.
Still, many felt like the coverage of Udoka’s personal life has been excessive, especially considering the other, arguably larger stories of ethical lapses currently being discussed in the sports world. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre...
- 9/22/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
That sigh of relief you just heard after LeBron James’ two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers was announced was from execs at the NBA, TNT, ABC & ESPN.
The deal will keep the league’s marquee player in the league for at least two more years — health permitting. It means the 37-year-old James, who is “box office” in the parlance of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, will remain a player on the league’s marquee team through 2024, and possibly longer. That’s good for ratings, even if the Lakers can’t make the playoffs.
The agreement, as announced by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, is for “a two-year, 97.1 million contract extension – including a player option for the 2024-2025 season. James had been entering final year of deal worth 44.5M.”
The Lakers superstar will become “the highest earning player in NBA history with 532M in guaranteed money,” surpassing Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant,...
The deal will keep the league’s marquee player in the league for at least two more years — health permitting. It means the 37-year-old James, who is “box office” in the parlance of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, will remain a player on the league’s marquee team through 2024, and possibly longer. That’s good for ratings, even if the Lakers can’t make the playoffs.
The agreement, as announced by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, is for “a two-year, 97.1 million contract extension – including a player option for the 2024-2025 season. James had been entering final year of deal worth 44.5M.”
The Lakers superstar will become “the highest earning player in NBA history with 532M in guaranteed money,” surpassing Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant,...
- 8/17/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Dodgers co-owner Alan Smolinisky have offered, in writing, more than 2 billion for the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise according to multiple reports.
The Trail Blazers were long owned by Paul Allen, who Allen bought them in 1988 for 70 million. Since his passing four years ago, the team has been a part of the late billionaire’s estate, of which his sister Jody is trustee. While she has controlled the team for the past four years, it was reportedly always her brother’s wish that the Trail Blazers be sold off to another passionate owner or owners. They may have just arrived.
Knight, who like Allen is a billionaire, was born in Portland, went to college at the University of Oregon and planted Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, just outside Portland. His presence in the deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski who broke the news, “speaks...
The Trail Blazers were long owned by Paul Allen, who Allen bought them in 1988 for 70 million. Since his passing four years ago, the team has been a part of the late billionaire’s estate, of which his sister Jody is trustee. While she has controlled the team for the past four years, it was reportedly always her brother’s wish that the Trail Blazers be sold off to another passionate owner or owners. They may have just arrived.
Knight, who like Allen is a billionaire, was born in Portland, went to college at the University of Oregon and planted Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, just outside Portland. His presence in the deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski who broke the news, “speaks...
- 6/2/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Malika Andrews is capping off a quick journey that has taken her from the sidelines of NBA games to a central seat at many of its big events.
The sportscaster is taking over the host duties of ESPN’s NBA Draft, succeeding Rece Davis, who led the broadcast for more than a decade. In doing so, Andrews cements her status as one of ESPN’s mainstay journalists, having been awarded hosting duties on “NBA Today” in 2021.
The June 23 Draft broadcast, emanating from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, will top off Andrews’ busy schedule in weeks ahead. She will also host the NBA Draft Lottery telecast this evening at 8 p.m. on ESPN, prior to Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. She also hosts “NBA Today” from the NBA Draft Combine at 3 p.m. on ESPN during the week of May 16. NBA Today will air on site at the NBA Draft on June 23 as well.
The sportscaster is taking over the host duties of ESPN’s NBA Draft, succeeding Rece Davis, who led the broadcast for more than a decade. In doing so, Andrews cements her status as one of ESPN’s mainstay journalists, having been awarded hosting duties on “NBA Today” in 2021.
The June 23 Draft broadcast, emanating from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, will top off Andrews’ busy schedule in weeks ahead. She will also host the NBA Draft Lottery telecast this evening at 8 p.m. on ESPN, prior to Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. She also hosts “NBA Today” from the NBA Draft Combine at 3 p.m. on ESPN during the week of May 16. NBA Today will air on site at the NBA Draft on June 23 as well.
- 5/17/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update (12/18): Less than 24 hours after the Brooklyn Nets announced they would welcome back Kyrie Irving in a limited capacity, the unvaccinated player – along with many of his teammates, including Kevin Durant – entered the NBA’s health and safety protocol. It’s unclear whether Irving has actually tested positive for Covid-19; under the NBA’s health and safety protocols, players determined to be in close contact with those who test positive must sit out. In Irving’s case, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted Saturday, he now “needs five consecutive days...
- 12/18/2021
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Updated: Lebron James has been cleared to return to the basketball court after “two negative Pcr tests conducted 24 hours apart,” according to a statement from the NBA Communications team.
“James was originally placed in the Protocols on Tuesday, November 30, after a series of tests delivered conflicting results,” read the statement. One test did come back positive on November 29 (Monday), but “additional testing confirmed he is not positive.”
The Lakers are set to play L.A. rivals the Clippers on Friday night. That game was reportedly set to air nationally, but in James’ absence, was replaced by a Suns-Warriors game.
The following was released by the NBA pic.twitter.com/Ct60rHwLLv
— NBA Communications (@Nbapr) December 2, 2021
Previously on Tuesday: Lakers superstar LeBron James will miss tonight’s game vs. the Sacramento Kings because he has “entered the league’s health and safety protocols,” according to Bleacher Report, ESPN’s Mike Trudell...
“James was originally placed in the Protocols on Tuesday, November 30, after a series of tests delivered conflicting results,” read the statement. One test did come back positive on November 29 (Monday), but “additional testing confirmed he is not positive.”
The Lakers are set to play L.A. rivals the Clippers on Friday night. That game was reportedly set to air nationally, but in James’ absence, was replaced by a Suns-Warriors game.
The following was released by the NBA pic.twitter.com/Ct60rHwLLv
— NBA Communications (@Nbapr) December 2, 2021
Previously on Tuesday: Lakers superstar LeBron James will miss tonight’s game vs. the Sacramento Kings because he has “entered the league’s health and safety protocols,” according to Bleacher Report, ESPN’s Mike Trudell...
- 12/2/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
After months of controversy involving an internally-leaked phone conversation, questions about management, conversations about diversity, fraught contract negotiations and the departure of two of the network’s top female hosts, ESPN announced on Friday a new show to replace its Rachel Nichols-fronted daily NBA flagship, The Jump.
The offering will be called simply NBA Today and will inhabit roughly the same time slot as The Jump. The show is to be hosted by ESPN’s ace NBA reporter — and frequent Jump fill-in frontwoman — Malika Andrews. The newly-minted show will also feature commentary from regular Jump analysts Kendrick Perkins, Vince Carter and Zach Lowe as well as reporting from Jump mainstays Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
An excited Andrews took to Twitter to celebrate the news, reposting the network’s tweet with “Let’s do this!”
Let’s do this! https://t.co/0qPXQMi5iF
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 20, 2021
In...
The offering will be called simply NBA Today and will inhabit roughly the same time slot as The Jump. The show is to be hosted by ESPN’s ace NBA reporter — and frequent Jump fill-in frontwoman — Malika Andrews. The newly-minted show will also feature commentary from regular Jump analysts Kendrick Perkins, Vince Carter and Zach Lowe as well as reporting from Jump mainstays Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
An excited Andrews took to Twitter to celebrate the news, reposting the network’s tweet with “Let’s do this!”
Let’s do this! https://t.co/0qPXQMi5iF
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 20, 2021
In...
- 9/20/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN host and analyst Jay Williams has tested positive for Covid-19, and will miss the remainder of the NBA Finals.
The news is yet another broadside in ESPN’s coverage of the games. Reporter Maria Taylor’s contract runs out July 20, just before Game 6, which could mean she no longer would be available.
Williams said in an online video that he has been vaccinated and is “doing Ok.” He will miss the rest of the series where he provides analysis on ABC’s studio coverage alongside Taylor, Adrian Wojnarowski and Jalen Rose.
“The last couple of days for me have been challenging. But I wanted to be the first to tell you guys that you will not see me at Game 5, Game 6 or a potential Game 7 of the NBA Finals because I have tested positive for Covid. I have received both my shots. I am fully vaccinated. But this is our new normal.
The news is yet another broadside in ESPN’s coverage of the games. Reporter Maria Taylor’s contract runs out July 20, just before Game 6, which could mean she no longer would be available.
Williams said in an online video that he has been vaccinated and is “doing Ok.” He will miss the rest of the series where he provides analysis on ABC’s studio coverage alongside Taylor, Adrian Wojnarowski and Jalen Rose.
“The last couple of days for me have been challenging. But I wanted to be the first to tell you guys that you will not see me at Game 5, Game 6 or a potential Game 7 of the NBA Finals because I have tested positive for Covid. I have received both my shots. I am fully vaccinated. But this is our new normal.
- 7/17/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Association of Black Journalists are demanding a meeting with top ESPN and Disney brass in the wake of Rachel Nichols’ comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where Nichols, who is white, suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because she is Black.
“The Nabj Board of Directors is disturbed to learn the details of this situation and what appeared to be a lack of accountability and a desire by ESPN to provide accommodations for a white employee who mocked diversity and a well-qualified co-worker while seemingly ignoring how Taylor and others who later heard the conversation may have been affected,” said Nabj president Dorothy Tucker. “The silence and apparent inaction by ESPN leaders over the last year is deafening and, as a result, Nabj is requesting a meeting with Bob Iger, executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN; Bob Chapek,...
“The Nabj Board of Directors is disturbed to learn the details of this situation and what appeared to be a lack of accountability and a desire by ESPN to provide accommodations for a white employee who mocked diversity and a well-qualified co-worker while seemingly ignoring how Taylor and others who later heard the conversation may have been affected,” said Nabj president Dorothy Tucker. “The silence and apparent inaction by ESPN leaders over the last year is deafening and, as a result, Nabj is requesting a meeting with Bob Iger, executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN; Bob Chapek,...
- 7/7/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Updated, 10:30 a.m: After three days of turmoil, ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those duties have been at the center of a controversy involving comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of ESPN’s The Jump, about Taylor potentially assuming that role.
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
ESPN also said that Nichols no longer will be the network’s sideline reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and during big games this season. That role will go to the network’s NBA reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video expressing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting duties last year. The private comments were captured by a live internal feed and became the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host apologized Monday, and...
- 7/6/2021
- by Bruce Haring and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Rachel Nichols will not be suiting up as sideline reporter for this year’s NBA Finals, in the wake of her year-old comments about ESPN colleague Maria Taylor coming to light.
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
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Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
Malika Andrews will instead serve as sideline reporter for the championship series.
More from TVLineRatings: Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Hits Audience High, Bachelorette Tops NightSportsCenter Host Kenny Mayne Leaving ESPN After 27 YearsESPN's Pedro Gomez Dead at 58
Nichols will, however, continue to host The Jump, ESPN’s weekday NBA show, during the NBA Finals, alongside a cast of analysts and reporters including Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins.
In July 2020, during...
- 7/6/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich and Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
ESPN had to devise a new game plan for the NBA Finals.
The Disney-owned sports-media giant said it would move its veteran basketball reporter Rachel Nichols off sideline duties for the NBA Finals, slated to be broadcast tonight on ABC and feature the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Phoenix Suns, and utilize Malika Andrews instead as it grapples with new scrutiny over how it handled a bizarre leak of Nichols on video appearing to disparage last year’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,” ESPN said in a statement Tuesday, referring to its daily basketball-news program.
Executives at the sports outlet no doubt hope the decision will put to rest a period of inner discord. In July of last year, Nichols...
The Disney-owned sports-media giant said it would move its veteran basketball reporter Rachel Nichols off sideline duties for the NBA Finals, slated to be broadcast tonight on ABC and feature the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Phoenix Suns, and utilize Malika Andrews instead as it grapples with new scrutiny over how it handled a bizarre leak of Nichols on video appearing to disparage last year’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,” ESPN said in a statement Tuesday, referring to its daily basketball-news program.
Executives at the sports outlet no doubt hope the decision will put to rest a period of inner discord. In July of last year, Nichols...
- 7/6/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Update: An earlier version of this article incorrectly displayed a photo of actress Rachel Nichols (I) and linked to her page. This has now been corrected. We regret this error.
ESPN has benched Rachel Nichols for its coverage of the NBA Finals, following the uproar for her comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race.
Malika Andrews will serve as the sideline reporter during the 2021 Finals; Nichols had held that position throughout the playoffs as part of ESPN’s top broadcast team with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Nichols will still host her daily ESPN show “The Jump” on-site during the series.
Taylor will host the pre-game and halftime studio coverage, as she’s done all postseason. The NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix on ABC.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,...
ESPN has benched Rachel Nichols for its coverage of the NBA Finals, following the uproar for her comments regarding Maria Taylor in 2020, where she suggested Taylor was picked over her to cover last year’s NBA Finals because of her race.
Malika Andrews will serve as the sideline reporter during the 2021 Finals; Nichols had held that position throughout the playoffs as part of ESPN’s top broadcast team with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Nichols will still host her daily ESPN show “The Jump” on-site during the series.
Taylor will host the pre-game and halftime studio coverage, as she’s done all postseason. The NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix on ABC.
“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Rachel Nichols addressed the controversy from The New York Times’ report regarding a leaked conversation the ESPN reporter had in 2020 in which she suggested Maria Taylor was picked over her to cover the NBA Finals because of her race.
Nichols opened her ESPN show “The Jump” on Monday by saying, although she didn’t want to make herself the story, she brought up the elephant in the room. “But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN. How deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be a part of this team.”
Nichols has been the main sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage, though ESPN has not officially announced reporting assignments for the NBA Finals, which tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix.
Nichols opened her ESPN show “The Jump” on Monday by saying, although she didn’t want to make herself the story, she brought up the elephant in the room. “But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN. How deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be a part of this team.”
Nichols has been the main sideline reporter for ESPN/ABC’s coverage, though ESPN has not officially announced reporting assignments for the NBA Finals, which tip off Tuesday night from Phoenix.
- 7/5/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Leaked comments made last year by ESPN host Rachel Nichols about the network’s decision to have Black colleague Maria Taylor host the NBA Finals are still making waves, as The New York Times reports that several of the company’s top NBA analysts had considered boycotting this year’s playoffs over how ESPN handled the situation.
In July 2020, a tape leaked of a conversation between Nichols, LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul and James’ advisor Adam Mendelsohn. In the conversation — which was accidentally recorded and uploaded to ESPN’s servers because Nichols forgot to turn her video camera off — Nichols expressed frustration that Taylor had been chosen over her to host “NBA Countdown” during last year’s NBA Finals, suggesting that the network made the decision because it was “feeling pressure” on diversity.
“I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world — she covers football, she covers basketball,” Nichols...
In July 2020, a tape leaked of a conversation between Nichols, LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul and James’ advisor Adam Mendelsohn. In the conversation — which was accidentally recorded and uploaded to ESPN’s servers because Nichols forgot to turn her video camera off — Nichols expressed frustration that Taylor had been chosen over her to host “NBA Countdown” during last year’s NBA Finals, suggesting that the network made the decision because it was “feeling pressure” on diversity.
“I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world — she covers football, she covers basketball,” Nichols...
- 7/4/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Update: 4:55 p.m. Et on 8/27: After holding a meeting on Thursday morning with NBA owners, league executives, and coaches, NBA players have reportedly agreed to resume the 2020 playoffs, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Multiple teams, led by the Milwaukee Bucks, went on strike Wednesday
...
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Other Links From TVGuide.com Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)Orlando Magic (NBA)Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Houston Rockets (NBA)Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)...
- 8/27/2020
- by Tim Surette
- TVGuide - Breaking News
All of tonight’s NBA playoff games have been postponed after the Milwakuee Bucks refused to take the court for their 1 p.m. Ct home game in protest over the shooting of Jacob Blake by police in nearby Kenosha, Wi.
The NBA and the Nbpa today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Mil-orl, Hou-okc and Lal-por have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.
— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2020
Game 5 of the Bucks-Orlando Magic series initially was delayed after the Magic players came out on the court to warm up, but the Bucks didn’t. The Orlando squad eventually left. The Bucks’ arena, Fiserv Forum, is about 45 minutes from Kenosha.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that “every NBA players is invited to join a meeting ‘the bubble’ to discuss how they...
The NBA and the Nbpa today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Mil-orl, Hou-okc and Lal-por have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.
— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2020
Game 5 of the Bucks-Orlando Magic series initially was delayed after the Magic players came out on the court to warm up, but the Bucks didn’t. The Orlando squad eventually left. The Bucks’ arena, Fiserv Forum, is about 45 minutes from Kenosha.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that “every NBA players is invited to join a meeting ‘the bubble’ to discuss how they...
- 8/26/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
All three of Wednesday’s NBA playoff games have been postponed, with the players deciding to boycott as an act of protest against the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
The NBA and the players association confirmed via Twitter that “in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games… have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.”
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The NBA and the players association confirmed via Twitter that “in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games… have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.”
More from TVLineColbert Boycotts GOP Convention in Wake of Jacob Blake Shooting: 'We Get More Leadership From NBA' (Watch)Inside the NBA's Kenny Smith Walks Off Set in...
- 8/26/2020
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
All three of Wednesday’s NBA playoff games, including the fixture between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers, have been postponed due to player strikes over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, Variety has confirmed.
The news emerged shortly after the Milwaukee Bucks team decided not to take the court for its game with the Orlando Magic.
Tip-off between the two teams was scheduled for 1 p.m. Pt, but the Bucks remained in the locker rooms. The Magic had been warming up for the game, but then left the court when it became clear their opponents weren’t coming out.
Here’s the official announcement from the NBA obtained by Variety:
“The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Bucks vs.
The news emerged shortly after the Milwaukee Bucks team decided not to take the court for its game with the Orlando Magic.
Tip-off between the two teams was scheduled for 1 p.m. Pt, but the Bucks remained in the locker rooms. The Magic had been warming up for the game, but then left the court when it became clear their opponents weren’t coming out.
Here’s the official announcement from the NBA obtained by Variety:
“The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Bucks vs.
- 8/26/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
All of Wednesday’s NBA Playoff games have been canceled in response to the decision by the Milwaukee Bucks to boycott their game in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, by police over the weekend in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
“The NBA and the Nbpa today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Mil-orl, Hou-okc and Lal-por have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled,” the league said in a statement.
The Bucks were set to play the fifth game of its first-round series against the Orlando Magic. The Magic were warming up on the court, but Bucks players never showed up. The game was supposed to tip off at 1 p.m. Et. The Magic have since left the court. On Tuesday, it was reported that other NBA teams in the bubble,...
“The NBA and the Nbpa today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – Mil-orl, Hou-okc and Lal-por have been postponed. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled,” the league said in a statement.
The Bucks were set to play the fifth game of its first-round series against the Orlando Magic. The Magic were warming up on the court, but Bucks players never showed up. The game was supposed to tip off at 1 p.m. Et. The Magic have since left the court. On Tuesday, it was reported that other NBA teams in the bubble,...
- 8/26/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
A number of NBA players are showing their support Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s top NBA reporter, who landed himself in hot water after emailing an expletive phrase excoriating Sen. Josh Hawley. Wojnarowski reported has been suspended, but ESPN has not confirmed that.
Wojnarowski was replying to Hawley’s press release announcing that the GOP junior senator from Missouri had sent a letter complaining to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver regarding the social justice statements NBA players can wear during games and criticizing NBA’s cozy relationship with China.
Wojnarowski replied, “F*ck you.”
He has also issued an apology saying he was “disrespectful” and had “made a regrettable mistake.”
NBA players were quick to defend their beloved insider including players Lebron James, Lou Williams and Bam Adebayo. They tweeted hashtag “#FreeWoj” after news of his suspension Saturday in support of Wojnarowski’s commutation.
#FreeWOJ!!
Wojnarowski was replying to Hawley’s press release announcing that the GOP junior senator from Missouri had sent a letter complaining to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver regarding the social justice statements NBA players can wear during games and criticizing NBA’s cozy relationship with China.
Wojnarowski replied, “F*ck you.”
He has also issued an apology saying he was “disrespectful” and had “made a regrettable mistake.”
NBA players were quick to defend their beloved insider including players Lebron James, Lou Williams and Bam Adebayo. They tweeted hashtag “#FreeWoj” after news of his suspension Saturday in support of Wojnarowski’s commutation.
#FreeWOJ!!
- 7/13/2020
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Golic will soon be without an ESPN Radio show, but he’s not out of 2020 ESPN gigs yet — assuming Covid-19 cooperates.
On Monday’s “Golic & Wingo” show, Golic, who is under contract with ESPN for the remainder of the year, said that he approached management and asked to return to calling college football games for the company’s cable channel. That’s where the former Notre Dame standout and NFL lineman got his post-football start in media.
ESPN gave the green light to that idea — should collegiate sports actually return amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Also Read: Mike Golic Says ESPN Radio Exit 'Was Management's Choice'
“I asked ESPN for this season if I can — and maybe beyond, we’ll see — continue to call college games, and that’s what I’m going to do if there are college games,” Golic said this morning. “I’m gonna call college games,...
On Monday’s “Golic & Wingo” show, Golic, who is under contract with ESPN for the remainder of the year, said that he approached management and asked to return to calling college football games for the company’s cable channel. That’s where the former Notre Dame standout and NFL lineman got his post-football start in media.
ESPN gave the green light to that idea — should collegiate sports actually return amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Also Read: Mike Golic Says ESPN Radio Exit 'Was Management's Choice'
“I asked ESPN for this season if I can — and maybe beyond, we’ll see — continue to call college games, and that’s what I’m going to do if there are college games,” Golic said this morning. “I’m gonna call college games,...
- 7/13/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Update: ESPN has suspended NBA star reporter without pay, according to reports, the result of an obscene message he tweeted in reply to Us Senator Josh Hawley.
Wojnarowski will not be in Orlando, Florida to cover the NBA restart of its pandemic-shortened season. The length of his suspension has not been revealed.
Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, sent a mass letter criticizing NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league’s relationship with China. He asked why “Free Hong Kong” and other conservative messages weren’t a part of the league’s initiative to allow players to put a social justice statement on their uniforms in place of their names.
On Friday, Hawley posted a screenshot Wojnarowski’s email on his Twitter feed, noting, “Don’t criticize #China or express support for law enforcement to @espn. It makes them real mad.”
Wojnarowski has apologized for his tweet in a statement, and...
Wojnarowski will not be in Orlando, Florida to cover the NBA restart of its pandemic-shortened season. The length of his suspension has not been revealed.
Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, sent a mass letter criticizing NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league’s relationship with China. He asked why “Free Hong Kong” and other conservative messages weren’t a part of the league’s initiative to allow players to put a social justice statement on their uniforms in place of their names.
On Friday, Hawley posted a screenshot Wojnarowski’s email on his Twitter feed, noting, “Don’t criticize #China or express support for law enforcement to @espn. It makes them real mad.”
Wojnarowski has apologized for his tweet in a statement, and...
- 7/12/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN has suspended popular NBA commentator Adrian Wojnarowski without pay after he sent a “f— you” email on Friday to U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) in an argument over the league’s relationship with China, the New York Post reported.
The duration of the suspension, first reported by the sports news site Outkick, remains unclear. The NBA is due to resume its season later this month as teams have been placed in a quarantine bubble at Walt Disney World.
Reps for Wojnarowski referred all inquiries on the matter to ESPN, which declined to comment.
On Friday, the network issued a statement condemning Wojnarowksi’s behavior and hinting at disciplinary action. “This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it,” the statement said. “It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Senator Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian...
The duration of the suspension, first reported by the sports news site Outkick, remains unclear. The NBA is due to resume its season later this month as teams have been placed in a quarantine bubble at Walt Disney World.
Reps for Wojnarowski referred all inquiries on the matter to ESPN, which declined to comment.
On Friday, the network issued a statement condemning Wojnarowksi’s behavior and hinting at disciplinary action. “This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it,” the statement said. “It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Senator Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian...
- 7/12/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowki apologized for dropping an F-bomb in an email to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), calling the action a “regrettable mistake.”
“I was disrespectful and I made a regrettable mistake,” Wojnarowski said. “I’m sorry for the way I handled myself and I am reaching out immediately to Senator Hawley to apologize directly. I also need to apologize to my ESPN colleagues because I know my actions were unacceptable and should not reflect on any of them.”
pic.twitter.com/wsBNk9Jv2y
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2020
Also Read: Marv Albert to Skip NBA's Orlando Restart Due to Florida Coronavirus Surge
“This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it,” said ESPN in a statement. “It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Senator Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian and specifics of those conversations will remain internal.
“I was disrespectful and I made a regrettable mistake,” Wojnarowski said. “I’m sorry for the way I handled myself and I am reaching out immediately to Senator Hawley to apologize directly. I also need to apologize to my ESPN colleagues because I know my actions were unacceptable and should not reflect on any of them.”
pic.twitter.com/wsBNk9Jv2y
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2020
Also Read: Marv Albert to Skip NBA's Orlando Restart Due to Florida Coronavirus Surge
“This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it,” said ESPN in a statement. “It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Senator Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian and specifics of those conversations will remain internal.
- 7/10/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
ESPN said Friday that it was aware of an email exchange between Adrian Wojnarowski and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley in which the veteran NBA reporter dropped an F-bomb.
Wojnarowski was on an email blast from the Missouri lawmaker that criticized the NBA for its dealings with China and not being more supportive of law enforcement in the U.S. “Is the NBA prepared to allow its players to wear phrases in support of the United States, the American military, and U.S. law enforcement personnel, such as ‘God Bless America,’ ‘Support Our Troops,...
Wojnarowski was on an email blast from the Missouri lawmaker that criticized the NBA for its dealings with China and not being more supportive of law enforcement in the U.S. “Is the NBA prepared to allow its players to wear phrases in support of the United States, the American military, and U.S. law enforcement personnel, such as ‘God Bless America,’ ‘Support Our Troops,...
- 7/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In a 29-1 vote, the NBA’s owners have voted to resume the league’s regular season, which has been on hold since March due to Covid-19, on July 31, with playoff rounds beginning in August.
The NBA players still have to sign off, but player representatives from the teams are expected to endorse the plan on a conference call set for Friday.
If it goes forward, the setup would have the season pick up with regular-season games contested by 22 of the league’s 30 teams on July 31 at a single site, ESPN Wide World of Sports outside of Orlando, Fl. No fans would attend any of the games. An extensive regime of testing and monitoring players would be in effect, with players, coaches and staff confined to a “bubble” environment, where they would sleep and eat when not on the court.
In a press release confirming the owners’ vote, the NBA...
The NBA players still have to sign off, but player representatives from the teams are expected to endorse the plan on a conference call set for Friday.
If it goes forward, the setup would have the season pick up with regular-season games contested by 22 of the league’s 30 teams on July 31 at a single site, ESPN Wide World of Sports outside of Orlando, Fl. No fans would attend any of the games. An extensive regime of testing and monitoring players would be in effect, with players, coaches and staff confined to a “bubble” environment, where they would sleep and eat when not on the court.
In a press release confirming the owners’ vote, the NBA...
- 6/4/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The NBA is poised to confirm its return to the court in July, setting up a dramatic revival months after the league’s abrupt shutdown due to Covid-19 became an instant symbol of the chaotic sweep of the virus.
According to recent media reports (one of which was posted Wednesday on NBA.com), owners will vote on a conference call Thursday to finalize a resumption of the season by 22 of the league’s 30 teams. Plans call for eight regular-season games to be played by those teams (which have all either secured or are jockeying for playoff spots) starting around July 31 at a single site, ESPN Wide World of Sports. The complex one of many large Disney-owned parks in the Orlando, Fl, area and will be able to accommodate teams and a large testing apparatus as well as medical and safety procedures.
Major League Soccer said Wednesday it is also considering...
According to recent media reports (one of which was posted Wednesday on NBA.com), owners will vote on a conference call Thursday to finalize a resumption of the season by 22 of the league’s 30 teams. Plans call for eight regular-season games to be played by those teams (which have all either secured or are jockeying for playoff spots) starting around July 31 at a single site, ESPN Wide World of Sports. The complex one of many large Disney-owned parks in the Orlando, Fl, area and will be able to accommodate teams and a large testing apparatus as well as medical and safety procedures.
Major League Soccer said Wednesday it is also considering...
- 6/3/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
For Lakers fans, the long wait may be coming to an end.
The NBA has been idle since March 11, when it became the first major U.S. sports league to shut down as the Covid-19 outbreak worsened. Two Lakers players tested positive for Covid-19 shortly thereafter.
But on Friday, ace NBA reporter Shams Charania posted a video saying the Lakers — and hopefully LeBron James — would be returning to their El Segundo practice facility on Saturday, May 16.
The Lakers will reopen their practice facility on Saturday, reports our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/tRBcQTsqhE
— Stadium (@Stadium) May 15, 2020
That was followed by a similar report from ESPN’s Lakers pro, Ramona Shelbourne.
After working with city, county, and state officials the Lakers are planning to re-open their practice facility tomorrow for voluntary, socially distanced workouts in accordance with NBA protocols, sources told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 15, 2020
And confirmation came when...
The NBA has been idle since March 11, when it became the first major U.S. sports league to shut down as the Covid-19 outbreak worsened. Two Lakers players tested positive for Covid-19 shortly thereafter.
But on Friday, ace NBA reporter Shams Charania posted a video saying the Lakers — and hopefully LeBron James — would be returning to their El Segundo practice facility on Saturday, May 16.
The Lakers will reopen their practice facility on Saturday, reports our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/tRBcQTsqhE
— Stadium (@Stadium) May 15, 2020
That was followed by a similar report from ESPN’s Lakers pro, Ramona Shelbourne.
After working with city, county, and state officials the Lakers are planning to re-open their practice facility tomorrow for voluntary, socially distanced workouts in accordance with NBA protocols, sources told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 15, 2020
And confirmation came when...
- 5/15/2020
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
After the NBA announced in March that it would suspend its 2020 season due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, ESPN reports that the NBA is reopening team practice facilities as soon as May 1 for players in states and municipalities that are loosening stay-at-home restrictions. "Teams will be allowed to make facilities open to players on a voluntary basis for individual work, but larger group workouts will still be prohibited," tweeted ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "In NBA markets that aren't loosening restrictions, league plans to work w/ teams on other arrangements for players." The news comes after states like Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma are beginning to re-open amid the...
- 4/26/2020
- E! Online
ESPN’s NBA analyst Doris Burke is on the rebound after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. In a new podcast interview, she talked about her symptoms, the testing process, her recovery and the importance of stopping the disease’s spread.
In today’s episode of The Woj Pod with her ESPN colleague Adrian Wojnarowski, Burke said she is symptom-free as being tested on St. Patrick’s Day and learning of the results Wednesday — eight days later. She first had felt symptomatic on March 11, the same day the NBA shut down its season after a player tested positive for Covid-19.
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She said of the agonizing wait:...
In today’s episode of The Woj Pod with her ESPN colleague Adrian Wojnarowski, Burke said she is symptom-free as being tested on St. Patrick’s Day and learning of the results Wednesday — eight days later. She first had felt symptomatic on March 11, the same day the NBA shut down its season after a player tested positive for Covid-19.
More from Deadline'Today' Co-Anchor Hoda Kotb Breaks Down In Tears After Interviewing Drew Brees About $5 Million Donation To Help Coronavirus VictimsPresident Donald Trump Tweetstorm - The Saturday Edition'Grey's Anatomy' Season 16 Cut Short By Covid-19 Crisis, Ep Krista Vernoff Calls New Ending "Satisfying Finale" - Update
She said of the agonizing wait:...
- 3/27/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
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