It has been a week of announcements so far for ESPN LA. Earlier this week the station announced it would be the flagship station for USC Trojans football and men’s and women’s basketball games. Yesterday, the station announced a new contract extension for afternoon drive co-host Scott Kaplan.
If you listen to or know about the programming at ESPN LA, you can imagine they have had some fun with these announcements. Kaplan’s contract situation coinciding with the Lakers searching for a new head coach allowed for some crossover conversation and a tongue-in-cheek announcement quote that read, “I have decided NOT to take the Lakers head coaching job, and keep my talents at ESPN LA.”
Chris Morales did the honors on the air after teasing the big announcement.
“It is an honor and a privilege to say that Scott Kaplan has finally done what is right,” he said. “And we open up the major announcement case and we say…Congratulations Scott Kaplan on a multi-year deal that will keep you on the LA Afternoon Drive Takeover…and at 710 ESPN for years to come.”
A standing ovation and hugs followed.
BSM spoke with Kaplan, and he said, “More than anything, I am just happy to be part of this team. ESPN LA and Good Karma Brands do things right, it’s a great partnership. I love what we have and will continue to do build.”
Kaplan, who had a 19-year run at the Mighty 1090 in San Diego that ended in April 2019, has been with ESPN LA since August 2020. Kaplan also previously worked at WQAM in Miami and WNEW in New York and also has done work with CBS Sports and Westwood One.
