In New Orleans, Zach Ewing noted former “SportsCenter” anchor Stan Verrett will “host the new-look Saints’ pregame show, which airs across the team’s social and digital platforms.” Former NFLer Scott Shanle will be “part of the show” as well as team reporter Erin Summers. The show “airs an hour before kickoff for every Saints game with analysis, information and interviews.” The first episode will be Sept. 7 before the Saints’ season opener against the Cardinals (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 8/27).
NEW SPIN: In L.A., Steve Henson reported former NBAer Gilbert Arenas and former FS1 personality Skip Bayless “will attempt to put an entertaining spin on NFL news in a digital program launching Tuesday and airing three times a week.” The two will be featured on “The Arena: Gridiron” along with former NFL coach Jay Gruden and former NFLer Aqib Talib. Underdog will own and produce the show. Arenas’ two digital basketball programs under the “Gil’s Arena” umbrella have become some of Underdog’s biggest draws (L.A. TIMES, 8/27).
NEXT MAN UP: In San Jose, Jerry McDonald noted the 49ers will “play mix-and-match with their radio play-by-play announcers while lead broadcaster Greg Papa recovers from cancer.” Papa announced on Aug. 2 that he was “stepping away from his duties to focus on his recovery from an undisclosed form of cancer.” Guy Haberman, Justin Allegri, Troy Clardy, Carlos Ramirez, and Jack Smith respectively will “work alongside analyst Tim Ryan on 49ers outlets.” They are “beholden to their own schedules with other duties” (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 8/27).
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