Jim McKay dies at age 86

Jim McKay, the venerable and eloquent sportscaster thrust into the role of telling Americans about the tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has died. He was 86. He died Saturday of natural causes at his farm in Monkton, Md., said son Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports. The broadcaster who considered horse racing his favorite sport died only hours before Big Brown attempted to win a Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes.

He was host of the influential "ABC's Wide World of Sports" for more than 40 years, starting in 1961. The weekend series introduced viewers to all manner of strange, compelling and far-flung sports events. The show provided an international reach long before exotic backdrops became a staple of sports television.

McKay provided the famous voice-over that accompanied the opening, in which viewers were reminded of the show's mission ("Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports") and what lay ahead ("the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat").
McKay -- understated, dignified and with a clear eye for detail -- covered 12 Olympics, but none more memorably than the Summer Games in Munich, Germany. He was the anchor when events turned grim with the news that Palestinian terrorists had kidnapped 11 Israeli athletes.

Hazel Mae to leave NESN

NESN today announced that SportsDesk anchor Hazel Mae will leave the sports network at the end of the month. “After four incredible and exciting years at NESN, I’ve decided now was the right time for me to make this difficult decision to leave,” Hazel Mae said in a statement released today. “It has been both a personal and professional privilege to be a part of NESN and the dedicated SportsDesk team. During my time with the network, I’ve had more than a few once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including the chance to cover two World Series and a Super Bowl. I am grateful to the Red Sox and Bruins ownership groups, NESN president, Sean McGrail, and all the players and staff who have supported and challenged me. Most importantly, I’d like to thank the amazing and passionate sports fans of New England, who have welcomed me into their homes and given me a chance to do the kind of work I enjoy.”

“Hazel has been a special part of the NESN family," said Joel Feld, vice president of programming for NESN. "Every day, she brought energy, smarts and a fan sensibility to our SportsDesk audience. We are sorry to see her leave, but wish her every success in future professional endeavors." Mae joined NESN in August, 2004 and has served as the anchor for SportsDesk and the host of the Ultimate Red Sox Show and The Buzz.