Jon Champion is making a Brexit of his own, leaving England to become ESPN's lead announcer for Major League Soccer.
The 53-year-old has been broadcasting British matches since 1988 and is heard around the world calling games for Premier League Productions. He said he will move to commuting distance from Bristol, Conn., ESPN headquarters.
"I just fancy a little bit more of something that's growing," he said. "The Premier League … is a fully matured competition. It will be nice to go into an environment again where the product is on the way up and it's growing and it's maturing. And if I can play a little part in telling the story of MLS as it grows, then I think that will be quite good fun."
Champion will pair with former U.S. forward Taylor Twellman as ESPN's lead crew.
Fans fete Atlanta United
• Despite cold, drizzly weather, at least 15,000 fans turned out in Atlanta for a downtown parade and rally to celebrate Atlanta United's MLS championship.
Crime
Taekwondo champ's ban lifted
Olympic taekwondo champion Steven Lopez won arbitration in a sexual-misconduct case and had his name removed from the U.S. Center for SafeSport's banned list.
Lopez was banned in September for sexual misconduct involving a minor. He has denied the allegations. It's the first case overturned by arbitration in the 21-month history of the center.
Lopez's brother and coach, Jean Lopez, remains on the interim restricted list.
