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Albert
Set To Take By George Stahl NEW YORK (AQB)--Friday night will be one small step for Marv Albert, but one giant leap for his comeback. The former lead NBA announcer on NBC, exiled after pleading guilty in 1997 to biting a woman during a sexual encounter, returns to the familiar action of calling basketball games on national television when he announces the Los Angeles Lakers/Phoenix Suns tilt at 8 p.m. Friday on TNT with analyst Reggie Theus and sideline reporter Cheryl Miller. "I’m thrilled that it’s come. No question, it’s great," the 58-year-old said in a conference call Wednesday. "I just feel that I’m getting back to - quote - normal now, closing in on whatever that level is that, when I do games or I’m in the studio, I’m reacting the way I did when I was at NBC over the years." His new partner, Theus, also is excited by Albert's return. “All I have to say about working with Marv is 'Yes!'” said Theus, who will be the analyst on five of Albert's six regular-season games on TNT. "I’m looking forward to it.” The two got together for the first time March 21 in New York City at a Turner Sports photo shoot for the upcoming playoffs. "One thing that Marv said to me, and it was important, 'Hey, Reg, we’re just going to have fun. We’re going to have a good time talking about the game,'” said Theus, who added that he picked up a couple of Albert's tapes so that he can scout his new play-by-play partner. "We’re going to be fine," Theus said. "I’m excited as hell, that’s all I can tell you. It’s going to be a lot of fun for me. I’m sure that Marv feels the same way." Albert says he's ready. “I think I’ve been helped by doing the [radio] games with the Knicks. If I was just going into it, I think there would be even more anxiety," Albert said. "I think it was very, very good for me to do the studio show in Atlanta [with Ernie Johnson and the studio crew a couple weeks ago]." Nonetheless, he still will have the jitters. "When I think back to games on NBC or Knick games on MSG, I’d have that little ripple, that little anxiety. And I like that. I think that’s good because you care, and you want to have that just before you go on the air. I want to have that, and I certainly will - certainly for the first game." “Otherwise, I’m comfortable with doing the game, I don’t have any problem with that. I really look forward to it.” Albert, 58 years old, also will work the playoffs; however, his availability will depend on the success of the New York Knicks, whose games he broadcasts on MSG radio. Albert's last national NBA telecast was the 1997 Finals with NBC, who fired Albert later that year after he pleaded guilty to biting a woman during a sexual encounter in a Virginia hotel room. Albert has fulfilled the terms of his probation, and his record has been cleared. Friday's game is another step in Albert's attempt to return to national prominence and erase the public's memories of his much-publicized sex trial in 1997. Albert began his comeback as anchor on MSG network's “SportsDesk” on Sept. 14, exactly one year after his broadcast on NBC, a Baltimore Raven-New York Giant football game. On Feb. 7, he returned courtside to do the radio play-by-play of the New York Knicks' home opener, his first NBA game in nearly 20 months. Public reaction to Albert's return has been favorable. Turner Sports Executive Producer Mike Pearl said, "We have not had any e-mails, mails or telephone calls since we made the announcement [in February]." “People have been unbelievable actually," Albert said Wednesday. "The people have gone out of their way and have been extremely nice." "I’m sure there will be someone down the line where someone will yell something, but it hasn’t happened and I’m hoping it continues in that direction," he said. "People have been just terrific." There's little doubt that many basketball fans will welcome Albert back, but there's much doubt as to whether Albert could regain his stature as voice of the NBA. Albert, for his part, says he doesn't care. "I don’t look for that. I just want to go on the air and do the best possible job I can do. I think that’s for others to assess. I want to do a tremendous job, and I have such passion for the game and for doing broadcasts. ... I’m just so happy to be back doing that and just looking to do the best possible job I can do." Theus already has made his assessment. “Marv is very humble. Marv is the voice of the NBA. ... He always has been," Theus said. "We all grew up listening to Marv." "He’s being humble, but his voice is synonymous with the NBA”
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