This announced late this afternoon that Erik Kuselias who as of last week was removed as co-host of Golf Channel’s Morning Drive, will now become the full-time host of NBC SportsTalk on NBC Sports Network. The show had been hosted by Russ Thaler formerly of Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic and I thought Russ did a pretty decent job of what he was asked. He is hosting MLS on NBC Sports Network and perhaps he’ll get another role at the network.
Russ did confirm to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch that he still under contract with NBC Sports and expects to continue working with the company.
As for Kuselias, I’ve had my issues with his hosting and I’ve expressed them here recently. No need to rehash them.
Due to this move, I will no longer be recommending NBC SportsTalk in the Primetime & Late Night Viewing Picks. I’ve done this before as I’ve removed ESPN2’s First Take after Dana Jacobsen was taken off the show.
Anyway, here’s the announcement.
ERIK KUSELIAS NAMED PRIMARY HOST OF “NBC SPORTSTALK”
NBC SportsTalk Airs Weeknights Live at 6 p.m. ET
New York — May 18, 2012 — Erik Kuselias has been named the primary host of NBC Sports Network’s NBC SportsTalk. Kuselias has transitioned from Golf Channel’s Morning Drive to serve as the nightly host of NBC SportsTalk.
One of the NBC Sports Group’s most versatile hosts, Kuselias has covered the NFL, PGA, NASCAR, college football and fantasy football during his decade long career as a sports television and radio host.
“It’s great to have a versatile talent like Erik already within the NBC Sports Group family that can help make us better as we continue to grow the NBC Sports Network,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network.
Most recently, Kuselias served as co-host of Morning Drive on The Golf Channel. Before arriving at NBC, Kuselias was the host of NASCAR Now on ESPN2 and The Erik Kuselias Show on ESPN Radio. He also previously hosted NFL on ESPN Radio during the NFL season, and served as a host for College Football Live. In addition, Kuselias hosted the Emmy-Award winning show Fantasy Football Now.
About NBC SportsTalk: NBC Sports Network’s flagship news and information show offers breaking news, highlights, features and in-depth analysis from award-winning journalists. NBC SportsTalk debuted on September 8, 2011 and airs from 6 –7 p.m. ET, depending on live sports programming. NBC SportsTalk features talent from across all NBC Sports Group platforms, including Peter King of Sports Illustrated and Football Night in America and Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk on NBCSports.com.
That’s all.
