Sports TV News

Fred McLeod’s Widow Gives Team His Ties

“The sportscaster died suddenly on September 9th at the age of 67.”

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2019

Fred McLeod, the late television play-by-play voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers, will have his legacy live on through his notable wardrobe.

McLeod was known for the colorful neckties he wore on air as much as he was known for his catchphrases and enthusiasm for basketball. As friends, family, the Cavaliers and their broadcasters continue to grieve the sudden loss of Fred, his widow, Beth McLeod gifted over 200 of her husband’s ties to others, each accompanied by a note.

“Fred McLeod was all about his ties, I have decided to share his ties with the special people in his life,” Beth wrote in the note. “As Fred used to say with a smile on his face, ‘You gotta have a good tie guy!’ So now, please allow Fred to be each of YOUR tie guy with this tie from his personal collection!” The ties were gifted to friends, coworkers, broadcasters and players.

I choose to share @CavsFredMcLeod ties 👔 w family & friends, coworkers, @CAVS to other announcers-to current/past players @KingJames @kevinlove @realgranthill33 @IsiahThomas @matthewdelly Emotional day for sure… but at least there are smiles to go with the tears today. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fmMKu3XQ7I
— Beth McLeod (@BethHMcLeod) October 18, 2019

With honor @BethHMcLeod pic.twitter.com/pez46wope0
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) October 20, 2019

Thank you Beth 👍 cant wait to wear it and represent Fred! pic.twitter.com/6OFMztBfWx
— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) October 18, 2019

The late Fred McLeod joined Cavaliers telecasts as their play-by-play voice in 2006, following a 22-year tenure as an announcer for the Detroit Pistons. The sportscaster died suddenly on September 9^th at the age of 67. John Michael, the Cavaliers radio voice for the past eight seasons moved to their telecasts with Tim Alcorn being added as their radio play-by-play announcer.

Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.

Brandon Contes

Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.

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Sports TV News

After Losing Out On Big Ten Rights, ESPN Turns Focus to NCAA Championships

According to Front Office Sports, ESPN’s contract for 29 NCAA Championships ends in 2024.

Published

6 hours ago

August 9, 2022

BSM Staff

After reportedly losing out on the Big Ten’s television rights, ESPN is reportedly turning to securing the NCAA Championship rights from hitting the open market.

According to Front Office Sports, ESPN’s contract for 29 NCAA Championships ends in 2024. Those 29 championships include everything from Women’s basketball to ice hockey, wrestling, softball, and baseball. The network pays a reported $34 million for the rights to broadcast those championship events.

However, according to a study commissioned by the NCAA reveals that the women’s basketball tournament could be worth anywhere from $81 million to $112 million per year by its lonesome. The NCAA is reportedly considering selling the women’s basketball tournament rights as a standalone product in the next negotiation.

Sources told Front Office Sports ESPN remains interested in striking deals with the Pac-12 and Big 12 media rights, as well as renewing a deal for the College Football Playoff.

The news comes after Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand reported ESPN declined a final offer from the Big Ten for a portion of the conference’s media rights. The reported deal was seven years and $380 million per year.

BSM Staff

Sports TV News

ESPN Announces The Return of Stephen A. Smith to First Take

ESPN announced Smith will be returning to First Take on Monday, August 15th.

Published

6 hours ago

August 9, 2022

BSM Staff

First Take has been without it’s anchor since the day after the NBA Draft in June. That’s when the ESPN personality took some time off to undergo shoulder surgery and to rehabilitate. However, it appears the wait for his return is almost over.

ESPN announced with a tweet that Smith will be returning to First Take on Monday, August 15th. They also teased a guest appearance from Michael Irvin.

Monday, @stephenasmith returns to @FirstTake!

Don't miss a special, surprise-filled episode along with a guest appearance by #NFL Hall of Famer @michaelirvin88

10a ET | ESPN pic.twitter.com/8NchgPZ7sl
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 9, 2022

This comes a day after Smith tweeted that the countdown was on for his return and we are one week away from the event.

One week away from returning to @FirstTake…….and counting!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 8, 2022

BSM Staff

Sports TV News

Field Yates Re-Ups With ESPN

After the departure of Matthew Berry to NBC, ESPN has locked down fantasy expert Field Yates with a new contract to remain in Bristol.

Published

7 hours ago

August 9, 2022

BSM Staff

After the departure of Matthew Berry to NBC, ESPN has locked down fantasy expert Field Yates with a new contract to remain in Bristol.

Yates, 35, would have been a valuable target for FanDuel or DraftKings, surmises Andrew Marchand of The New York Post — who first reported the news — due to his large following on Twitter.

Yates, who also works as a host of Fantasy Football Now and NFL Insider for the network, across multiple platforms including ESPN Radio, will continue in those roles in addition to an assumed expansion of fantasy football duties after Berry’s exit.

He has worked for ESPN since 2012.

BSM Staff