The following is some of the sportscasting news that has been making headlines recently.
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It looks as though ESPN is ready to go for broke to lure Tony Romo away from CBS. It's been reported that the network is set to offer the popular analyst between $10 and $14 million when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, easily making him the highest paid sportscaster in TV history. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, as Romo seems to be happy at CBS sharing the booth with friend and mentor Jim Nantz, and I'm sure the network will offer him a substantial raise as well.
Lesley Visser, ASA Board member and a pioneer in women's sportscasting, appeared on the season premiere of CNBC's "American Greed" on January 6. The Hall of Fame sportscaster recalled her encounters with Anthony Gignac, who for years passed himself off as a wealthy Saudi Prince and bilked millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors in Miami.
Congratulations to CBS NFL analyst Bill Cowher and Fox NFL analyst Jimmy Johnson on being selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former coaches-turned-sportscasters will be part of the Centennial Class set for enshrinement in August.
WEEI Radio, home of the the Boston Red Sox, announced their new broadcast team for 2020 season. ASA member Joe Castiglione, who is entering his 38th season as the play-by-play voice of the Sox, will be joined by Will Flemming, Lou Merloni and Sean McDonough.
Speaking of McDonough, the Lifetime ASA Member provided the play-by-play on ESPN Radio of LSU's decisive win over Clemson, 42-25, in the college football championship game on January 13.
Congratulations to Marshall University voice Steve Cotton, who recently called his 1,000th game as voice of the Herd. Also reaching the 1000 mark was Minnesota Timberwolves radio broadcaster Alan Horton.
Jerry Schemmel, longtime voice of the Colorado Rockies on KOA Radio, has been let go as part of parent company iHeartMedia's nationwide layoff of nearly 900 employees.
Pac-12 Networks announced they have added former WNBA stars Monique Billings and Kelsey Plum, as well as NBA veteran Earl Watson to their on-air lineup.
Jorge Sedano, who handles a variety of assignments across the ESPN networks, has signed an extension with the network.
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