12/03/24
February 08, 2006
ESPN names new MNF broadcast team.: Oh my. This should truly be a Monday Nightmare.
Och. Theismann. Och. And if this gig cuts into Kornheiser's PTI time, I will be not pleased.
posted by chicobangs at 10:07 AM on February 08, 2006
Are they trying to bury this franchise, or what?
posted by Uncle Toby at 10:20 AM on February 08, 2006
thank the lord Maguire is out... a truly awful commentator. Where is LT when we need him? I wonder if he would do a "job" on Theismann's tongue the way he did on his leg? I do like Tirico, though. we'll see about Kornheiser....
posted by mateo71 at 10:35 AM on February 08, 2006
Kornheiser was a finalist for the MNF gig a few years back, when unfortunately Dennis Miller got the gig. I used to love the non-sports column he wrote for the Washington Post, which he gave up when he became a TV "star." I can take or leave Tony. I like him in print better than I do listening to him. However, it doesn't matter, as I refuse to listen to Theismann; so I will watch with the sound off. Another benefit of the Steelers winning the Super Bowl is they are more likely to be on national TV :)
posted by scully at 10:36 AM on February 08, 2006
"This team will develop great chemistry," ESPN Executive Vice President John Skipper said. You VILL do asss I say! You VILL develop chemistry, ya! Mach schnell! This is not good. Tirico is passable, Theismann is horrible and putting Kornheiser in this mix is no different than hiring Dennis Miller a few years ago -- a very knowledgable guy who is better suited for studio banter and schtick than color commentary. And two sideline reporters? Well, at least it's double the fun for Joe Namath.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:39 AM on February 08, 2006
Mike T. is an excellent choice. I will be sad if Mike no longer broadcasts college games with Kirk H. As for Theisman and Tony K., I could do without either one of them. I don't think anyone in the world of sports likes Joe T. more than Joe T. likes himself. Atleast Mike T. will be with them for some stablility and credibility.
posted by panteeze at 10:39 AM on February 08, 2006
I like Mike Tirico as well. I also like Kornheiser's radio show. I just don't see how he will translate into color commentary. Is he really going to stay focused on the minutiae of the game? I just don't see it. Of course, Theisman is awful and I don't know why he is ESPN's star.
posted by bperk at 10:52 AM on February 08, 2006
I'll wait and see. It doesn't look promising for ABC's ratings. But, will give them a chance. Would suggest the crew comes out swinging, or I'm gettin' my stack of audio cd's in line for the game every Monday night. Or, I'll go over to the neighborhood sports & grill bar for a few shots. And maybe, just maybe I won't feel the pain.
posted by pokchop at 11:01 AM on February 08, 2006
No way Mr. Tony will put up with the travel. And I'm with chico on the PTI thing, but they do fine when Wilbon is on the road. It's not like Kornheiser won't have access to decent media equipment to transfer his side of the broadcast.
posted by yerfatma at 11:05 AM on February 08, 2006
Ditto on the Theeeesman comments: Pompous. Jackass.
they do fine when Wilbon is on the road
How about when/if both of them are out of the studio, though? I don't recall seeing it happen before, however, the chemistry when Wilbon alone isn't present is a tad off; will it be double the trouble if neither are in-house, so to speak. Don't get me started on the PTI stand-ins. posted by redsnare at 11:21 AM on February 08, 2006
Man what a buzz kill! Granted AL and John were somewhat lackluster but this is going to be one big circle jerk. Joe only occassionally sounded smart because of the other dullards he was surrounded by. NFL network will be carrying this game before long.
posted by htilammi at 11:32 AM on February 08, 2006
THANK GOD no Madden
posted by scottypup at 11:35 AM on February 08, 2006
We need Al and John, but they are famous for broadcast, not cable. Tirico can make a great commentator, with a legendary sidekick. However, he will not gethis chance to shine. Theismann is horrible. Kornheiser will be infamous in his legendary right. Kornheiser is not even a viable option outside of PTI.
posted by Joe88 at 11:46 AM on February 08, 2006
I can not understand why you would put those three in the booth for your first Monday Night Football season, It make no sense. None of them are any good at doing football games.
posted by cmwelles at 12:06 PM on February 08, 2006
Hell I quit watching MNF because I was sick of Maddens inane comments. I'm not a Theismann fan but it won't be any worse than last year.
posted by scottypup at 12:08 PM on February 08, 2006
I'll miss Al. Maybe that's due to him looking stellar next to the string of clowns they put with him, but I always thought he was decent. The only "recycled" announcer that I can think of as worthy, although I know some of you will disagree and he's on another network, is Aikman. Although I had no use for him when he was with the self-proclaimed "america's team", now he seems knowledgable and relates the game without hyping himself (ie Thesiman). As far as a different ex-player who's not in the biz, but I might like to see ... Kosar or Cris Carter? Irrelevant, I guess ... best wishes to Mike Tirico - who I like and who will need all of our prayers to not lose his mind in the booth with those other two.
posted by littleLebowski at 12:13 PM on February 08, 2006
So what, Dennis Miller was busy this time? This should make for a very nice accident for the viewing. Nobody in that booth is very exciting and the arguements between might just make us forget We are watching football {sorry, pardon MY interruption!}.
posted by melcarek69 at 12:16 PM on February 08, 2006
About the best I can say is that I won't miss Paul ("Let me/I'm gonna tell you something") Maguire.
posted by Mookieproof at 12:21 PM on February 08, 2006
I still want to know what Kornheiser brings to the table? Tirico can do Play by Play, and Theismann at least played the game. Having Kornheiser in the booth is like bringing back Dennis Miller to the broadcast. I just don't see the good that can come out of this line-up.
posted by cmwelles at 12:21 PM on February 08, 2006
It's the end of MNF as we know it with Theismann in the both I know I'm only going to watch if my team is playing.
posted by sonicdog at 12:34 PM on February 08, 2006
Yikes. They just don't make Giffords and Summeralls like they used to.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:42 PM on February 08, 2006
Oh my, I am SO GLAD NO Chris Berman!
posted by Bill Lumbergh at 12:56 PM on February 08, 2006
I've been sitting here thinking over and over for a worse choice than Theisman and I can't come up with one. If LT hadn't broken his leg maybe he wouldn't come across as the bitter person he seems to be. Tony K should keep Theismans blood boiling which could be fun I just feel bad for Tirico.
posted by doggstarr at 01:00 PM on February 08, 2006
Tirico doesn't bother me much, Theisman is pretty bad, but I'm glad Kornheiser is there. He truly is funny and should add to the show, or keep Theismann from killing us. It is the end though, as sonicdog put it, of Monday Night Football, but that's what the NFL wants: Sunday is football day, from start to finish.
posted by The Gangstinator at 01:29 PM on February 08, 2006
Theismann reminds me too much of Dan Dierdorf. They find something early in the game to complain about and then repeat it through out the broadcast. Tirico is ok by me, and I am not too sure about Kornheiser, he is kinda pompous sometimes.
posted by bobrolloff at 01:36 PM on February 08, 2006
need to replace Theisman with Wilbon. Tirico can do play by play and Kornheiser and Wilbon can go at it in between plays.
posted by x98jacobs3 at 01:46 PM on February 08, 2006
...Just be thankful it's not the unintelligible one Shannon Sharpe and Tom 'uh-oh-uh-and-and-and' Jackson in the booth, with Tony Siragusa covering PART of the sidelines (hey, lets not wear the big guy out by making him walk too much, ok?)
posted by don-peyote at 01:49 PM on February 08, 2006
Wilbon is better than Theismann. No seriously. I am very thankful that Berman is a no show. I am tired of his strange, bizarre, and un called for noises whenever there is a decent run or reception. He (Berman) sounds like the wife Jaffi Joffer picked for his son Akeem in Coming to America.
posted by Joe88 at 02:21 PM on February 08, 2006
Kornheiser and Wilbon will take PTI on the road on Mondays during football season. "I've got a tool that'll fix anything." -- Joe Theismann in Cannonball Run II. (I love the Roman numerals!)
posted by kirkster at 02:40 PM on February 08, 2006
Will Kornheiser be able to stay awake that late? He's always saying how 9:00 is his bed time. Or is that yet another attempt at humor by him that I don't get?
posted by UniqueFreak at 02:55 PM on February 08, 2006
Kornheiser is just a kibitzer with a voice made for silent film. Yet another reason to skip MNF.
posted by insomnyuk at 03:42 PM on February 08, 2006
If they thought nobody watched it with Madden and Michaels, Tirico who knows very little about anything and Theismann who sucked on Sunday night wont get me watching. I will only watch because Kornheiser is somewhat comical and he knows what hes talking about.
posted by Clevelander32 at 04:26 PM on February 08, 2006
Will Kornheiser be able to stay awake that late? He's always saying how 9:00 is his bed time. Good call. Today's PTI opened with this exchange: Wilbon: Tony, I here there's someone new in the Monday Night booth. Kornheiser: What do I care? I never stay up that late.
posted by yerfatma at 04:38 PM on February 08, 2006
for the first time ever i am ashamed to be a fan of the NFL.first-you guys have the nerve to defend that horrific act of injustice perpetrated by the "zebras" on sunday,and now you let Al get away from M.N.F.!?!? what is this---SABOTAGE!?!?!? I love watching football more than I like most of my family but your new changes are starting to make "Family Game Night" look better & better.I hope everybody who had a hand in these decisions suddenly goes deaf,blind,and mute on opening day of 2006-2007 season.
posted by da1realsportsfanatic at 05:06 PM on February 08, 2006
will any radio stations have thier own play by play? god i hope so cause these guys are going to suck
posted by dougabeer at 05:10 PM on February 08, 2006
Perhaps this is what ESPN wants, a likeable guy, a guy most people have great disdain for and a guy who is iffy. I let you place the names as to who fits. I do like the previously mentioned idea of letting Wilbon and Tony go at between plays while Mike holds down the play by play.
posted by panteeze at 05:28 PM on February 08, 2006
meredith's either, texan lost in ny.
posted by mjkredliner at 05:46 PM on February 08, 2006
Mute buttons rock.
posted by roberts at 06:33 PM on February 08, 2006
I have to say, I really enjoy listening to the Westwood One radiocasts with Marv Albert and Boomer Esiason. They're knowledgeable, fun and not afraid to call one another out for something stupid.
posted by wfrazerjr at 06:35 PM on February 08, 2006
Uhhh I guess I will have to watch MNF with the sound off, and find a radio station or just read the closed captions. My favorite Thiesman memory is when a local radio station got his hotel room phone # and the called him and broke a chicken bone asking him if that sounded familiar... lol
posted by chadleslee at 06:36 PM on February 08, 2006
I really like TK on PTI, but I just don't see him as a booth guy. What is he going to talk about? Is he an x's and o's guy? No. so what does he bring? As others have said, he's another Dennis Miller. Theisman is the worst. There has to be another option - or maybe there really isn't another option, and that's why they're going with these three. I know Herbstreit is a college guy, but why couldn't they let him give MNF a try? He couldn't be any worse, really. But if you give Herbstreit a try, keep Lee Corso away. Far away.
posted by geomike78 at 07:46 PM on February 08, 2006
'Nuff said.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:15 PM on February 08, 2006
I agree with frazer here. Why not let Marv and Boomer take a shot or how about just keeping Patrick/Theisman/McGuire together? It seems like with MNF everyone feels the need to try and reinvent the wheel. Guys...the NFL is at the absolute pinnacle of its popularity. Just ride it and be happy with your #1 rating on Monday nights.
posted by Masked at 08:16 PM on February 08, 2006
I really like TK on PTI, but I just don't see him as a booth guy. Nothing like watching the Great Pumpkin. TK truly has a face for radio...
posted by wingnut4life at 08:17 PM on February 08, 2006
Brent Musberger blows a lot of these guys out of the water. They should give him a shot when the other three fail miserably.
posted by GoBirds at 08:24 PM on February 08, 2006
Brent Musberger blows a lot of these guys out of the water. They should give him a shot when the other three fail miserably. There, I fixed that for you. I'd rather have John Madden sit on my face than have Brent in the booth for football.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:33 PM on February 08, 2006
Hasn't MNF learned its lesson with "non-broadcasting" experiments? Miller was bad enough but this? Kornheiser is a very, very good writer, I used to love reading both his sports and non-sports columns in the Washington Post, but a spot in the MNF booth? Give me a break. There's a reason why some people go into print journalism and some go into TV. Kornheiser made the right choice the first time, he should've stuck with it. I can barely stand him on PTI, so I can't even imagine how bad this will be. And that's not even going into Theismann, who is pretty close to the worst ex-jock broadcaster on TV. MNF should have spent some money and stole Troy Aikman away, someone with less of an ego and a much better style of describing the action than Theismann. Aikman doesn't talk down to viewers, while at the same time he is able to explain even the most complicated football situations in a way that even non-football viewers can understand. And finally, Tirico? This is the best MNF can do? Man, I can hear the sound of the ratings, which were falling anyway, crashing through the floor and exploding in the basement. Monday nights used to be must-see, now they're must-avoid. For ESPN's sake, I hope the games are good, or it's gonna be a graveyard come the second half on the ratings chart.
posted by donnnnychris at 08:37 PM on February 08, 2006
I think Al Michaels has done a fabulous job all these years. And how can you not love John Madden's scribbling on the monitor explaining all the cuts and tackles and stuff most of these knuckle heads (Dennis) know shit about. Times are changing and I don't like where they're heading. I miss ABC's wide world of sports too. That was a cool program. I became intriqued about sports I never knew existed. Call me old fashion but I think ABC did it right for a lot of years, why change it?
posted by Sargnt V at 08:39 PM on February 08, 2006
I can't believe I'm the only one who enjoyed Mike Patrick, Paul Maguire and Joe Theismann doing Sunday night NFL games on ESPN. I liked their work better than any of the Monday night teams of the past five years, and the games themselves were presented for football fans, not the crossover crowd ABC tried to hit on Mondays. They didn't try too hard to entertain -- they just called the games. I can take or leave Maguire, but Patrick's a solid announcer, and Theismann's a lot better than he used to be. The only "recycled" announcer that I can think of as worthy, although I know some of you will disagree and he's on another network, is Aikman. Aikman's terrific. He does his homework, doesn't pull punches, and spends his time on actual in-game analysis -- not empty-headed "he came to play" garbage we usually get in Jacksonville from spares like Steve Tasker.
posted by rcade at 08:42 PM on February 08, 2006
I must say, I really like Tirico, and enjoyed that game he did during the last week of the season- Oakland vs. New York (Giants). Maybe they could put him with Herbstriedt? Or, at least someone that is knowledgable, but calm. Definitely not a jackass like Theismann.
posted by RScannix at 08:49 PM on February 08, 2006
I agree with rcade, I believe thet Aikman is a good analyst, but I feel the Moose is a little better. Oh my God did I say that? I think they are going to kick me out of th 49er fan club.
posted by chucodimebag at 08:51 PM on February 08, 2006
Rcade, I'd agree about Patrick. I think he's pretty damned good, and Maguire I really enjoyed on occasion. But I find Theismann self-serving, grating and worst -- just plain wrong much of the time.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:52 PM on February 08, 2006
Terrible threesome. Forget football that night. Tirico made fun of a college band director a couple of years ago. He said "I bet his parents are proud of him with his antics" If I had been one of his parents, he would have gotten an earful. Who does he think he is? Did he ever lead a band? Does he know how much work is involved? He can bloviate though. Terrible choice.
posted by jbremus@sbcglobal.net at 09:38 PM on February 08, 2006
One thing about Kornheiser that Miller could never touch is that he's got credibility. The jeers for Dennis Miller were constant from the day his hire was announced. I'm not saying he would have succeeded otherwise, but he was never given a shot. Kornheiser is a hell of a writer, and PTI is the only sports wrapup show I genuinely enjoy watching on a daily basis, so I'll give Tony the benefit of the doubt. He hasn't failed me yet. Tirico has done his time in the shit jobs of sports broadcasting. I think of him like I think of, say, Jim Lampley, who bounced around for decades doing mopup work for every dumb event known to humanity before finding his niche as a great boxing guy. Likewise, Tirico deserves his shot. I wish him well. Theismann... I understand they need at least one ex-jock in the booth, but they couldn't get Aikman, or better yet, Ron Jaworski? I could listen to Jaws dissect plays all day long.
posted by chicobangs at 11:08 PM on February 08, 2006
I still think the best combo ever was Summerall and Madden. Madden would come up with the most absurd off topic comments that would just blow Summeralls mind...towards the end he would just stutter, and kind of agree in a frusterated tone, and the whole while madden was just oblivious to it, and already onto a new concept
posted by miller at 11:36 PM on February 08, 2006
and I have to pay for this channel?
posted by hoyty at 12:30 AM on February 09, 2006
better yet, Ron Jaworski Now you've got me wishing for that. However, given that Jaws never seems to do games, I'm guessing he either doesn't like to travel or needs some time to break down a play. Which is fine and maybe we expect a little too much from color commentators. It's also funny we're arguing over the best possible combination of 2 or 3 man booths when no one combo is universally beloved. The current booth setup exists simply because it's always been that way. Maybe it's completely flawed1 and totally new ways of doing it should be considered. 1. Which is not to say there aren't brilliant combinations, like Summerall and Madden, just that they are brilliant due to the people and not the setup. Vin Scully is amazing and he works alone when baseball always has 2 or 3 guys. He succeeds because he is Vin Scully.
posted by yerfatma at 06:07 AM on February 09, 2006
MNF will be el stinko. Marv and Boomer would have been a better choice. At least Boomer could needle Marv about his kinky biting habits. I like Kornheiser, but as an analyst I don't think it was a good choice. I really think he'd rather be doing Entertainment Tonight than sports. I agree, NFL network will have all the games before long, on a pay per view basis, get used to the future, baby!!!
posted by Rantoulet at 08:36 AM on February 09, 2006
This Monday Night Football team enthusiastically embraces our vision for sports television's signature series. We will propel MNF into a 21st century, all-day, exclusive, multi-media event that will engage fans in entirely new ways. Just what we needed, all-day Super Bowl type coverage week in and week out...how will the networks top this?!?! God, I can't wait.......
posted by elovrich at 09:37 AM on February 09, 2006
What a trio. A dick, a prick, and some shtick. Perfect. Perhaps ESPN had better start researching HUA syndrome (head up ass), for they sure are displaying it.
posted by mrhockey at 09:48 AM on February 09, 2006
"There, I fixed that for you."
Ha! Mr. Frazer, you are my hero. Thank you. posted by redsnare at 09:52 AM on February 09, 2006
Just what we needed, all-day Super Bowl type coverage week in and week out Agreed. They can't gin up 6 hours of interesting stories for the Superbowl. Good luck doing it with a mid-season game. ESPN needs to forget the E and remember the S. Or The Alamo. Rent-a-Car Bowl.
posted by yerfatma at 10:04 AM on February 09, 2006
Meh. Tirico is bland, Theismann is a blithering idiot, and Kornheiser is unproven in the booth (although I like him as a columnist and PTI guy). And for the record I liked Dennis Miller in the booth.
posted by mbd1 at 12:59 PM on February 09, 2006
I think won of the biggest problems they have is that they are replacing John Madden and Al Michaels who are the best in my opinion (plus they have their own football game so who can argue?). However, you could always try watching MNF on mute and listen to the radio at the same time.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 01:59 PM on February 09, 2006
Hey Fraze, if Madden sat on your face, you wouldn't need the mute button on your remote.
posted by Desert Dog at 03:35 PM on February 09, 2006
Jeez, why whinin' Joe Theismann. Me thinks that MNF is desperate for announcers. Mike T is a good announcer, but whinin' Joe. Oh no!! Haven't seen much of Kornheiser except for a few times on ESPN with Michael Wilbon. I just remember he liked to argue. I think Mike T deserves better than this. Joe Theismann??!! Yuck!!
posted by usroute17 at 07:07 PM on February 09, 2006
I think Theismann is a good announcer especially with his Super Bowl experience and Tirico is a well spoken guy with a lot of knowledge and Kornheiser is pretty good too so all in all it seems like a good team. Al and Madden were good but this will work. I love to watch the game itself so I don't mind who announces it.
posted by martin.ardolino@sbcglobal.net at 08:25 PM on February 09, 2006
Back in my navy days. Some friends and I had the chance to see a preseason football game at the big egg in tokyo. It was covered by ESPN. While trying to get into the stadium, we happened to cross paths with the great Joe Quarterback. The 3 of us are walking in a small crowd of 5 1/2 ft japenese people. All of us well over 6 foot tall so that we stood out like sore thumbs. In a sea of people who didnt even speak his language he still managed not to hear 3 sailors thousands of miles from home calling to him for at least a head nod or small wave, that was untill one of my buds told him LT should have ripped off his leg and shoved it up his pompus ass. He never looked in our direction but he did flip us off. What a fucking asshole. I hope he gets dumped week one.
posted by azdano at 10:24 PM on February 09, 2006
It's stories like that one, AZdano, that makes me come back to visit SportsFilter every day.
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:28 PM on February 11, 2006
i just thank the lord that other commentator from sun night football , paul ( the kicker) is not in the line up . he is a terrible commentator and really just likes to get theismann all riled up .