Timing is not everything. Particularly when it comes potential NFL broadcasters.
Sean McVay is an example. Coach of the Los Angeles Rams was again contemplating his future. As speculation ran high after the Super Bowl, it was clear that the coach had serious thoughts about a career in broadcasting or a studio job.
McVay said Friday that he will be returning as a coach for the Rams, ending speculation. According to industry sources, the broadcasting option is not possible because of the lack of marquee gigs that would suit McVay’s charisma and coaching reputation.
Many were even offended that McVay believed he could abandon the Rams and jump into a high-profile, high-paying broadcast job when he felt like it.
Christopher (Mad Dog), Russo said that McVay is so arrogant that he believes he can be “the next John Madden” during his SiriusXM gabfest.
“He believes that doing two Chunky Soup ads is a huge deal. Russo stated on SXM that McVay will not become a cultural icon like Madden. “… McVay won’t be the Moses on the mountaintop delivering a sermon about [football].
McVay has not indicated that he is the next Madden, but for the record. Nobody is currently working as a No. There is currently only one NFL TV analyst capable of making this claim. Tony Romo, CBS, is the leader of the pack if financial compensation is the only indicator. McVay has a good chance of surpassing the performance bar if that makes him number one.
McVay’s broadcast prospects are being explained away by those who claim all the seats are full. They underestimate the creative thinking network executives will go to great lengths to find new marquee stars and a voice they consider the next big thing. The suit’s reputation is enhanced on many levels by being associated with the next big thing.
Network executives have shown time and again that they are unable to help but be selfish. NBC Sports executives thought they had a No. Drew Brees was the 1-analyst in-waiting at the time they hired Drew Brees. That move failed, miserably.
ESPN had assembled a high-quality Monday Night Football team consisting of Steve Levy and Louis Riddick. However, the bank blew it up and hired two stars, Troy Aikman, and Joe Buck. This was no gamble.
If McVay is already a fan of a network’s potential and has already talked with his representatives about his TV future, McVay will have a microphone ready for him if he leaves coaching.
McVay won’t have to settle for an NFL seat. McVay could be offered a marquee slot on one of the networks packages, as the college football television landscape is rapidly changing.
It’s simple. As long as McVay continues to flash his personality and bring the buzz, McVay’s decision to remain with the Rams will only delay the inevitable.
KAY IS THE BRONX BULLY
His hypersensitivity and work in the murky world of sports talk radio has not helped Michael Kay’s standing as the voice of the New York Yankees on television.
This storied franchise is well-known for its organizational class and rich history.
Kay is a sloppy Gasbag who verbally punched Ray Santiago, who produces another ESPN-98.7 show. Santiago criticized Kay’s simulcast (98.7/Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network), pointing out its declining ratings.
This was clearly part of the usual intramural dissing that happens in the world sports talk.
Kay overreacted, as it was obvious. Kay went on air in full bully mode and threatened Santiago’s job. Ray didn’t realize that all he needed to do was make one call and he would have you on the unemployment phone.
Kay tried to get out of Kay’s big-footing commentary, which was worse. Kay snorted, saying, “It was performative because I’m such an excellent performer on air.”
Kay, the TV voice for the Yankees threatened to fire Santiago. He also tried to play listeners to his radio show for morons, trying to convince them that he was just kidding.
That’s right, it’s the voice of the Yankees on TV. Class. Pinstripes. Pride. Are the YES suits proud to include the Santiago flap from Kay’s Yankeeography in their shirts?
BOOING BERNIE BANN
The NFL’s gambling policy was so hypocritical that Cleveland fired Bernie Kosar, its former quarterback. Kosar had placed a legal wager last week on the Brownies against Steelers.
Kosar stated that any winnings from the $19,000 wager (which was not won because Pittsburgh won) would be donated to charity. The Browns, however, insisted that Kosar’s good intentions were still in violation of the league’s gambling policy. The Browns have an “official” gambling sponsorship agreement with Bally’s Corporation.
You can bet that the Browns radio show before a game is filled with ads for gambling outlets.
ENOUGH COWBOY TALL
No NFL team can match the play that the Cowboys get on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Throughout the week Stephen A. Smith enrages Cowboys fans while Molly Qerim discusses familiar Dallas topics to SAS members and the panelists. On Wednesday, Christopher (Mad Dog), Russo will be there.
This led an astute caller to Doggie’s SXM soiree to ask if he’s “sick” of talking Cowboys on First Take with “the same Dallas” storylines?” Russo, uncharacteristically, paused before answering: “I’m not the producer (of First Take), can we leave it at that? Is it okay for me to walk off the set?
Why not?
AROUND THE DIAL
This was a case where great minds think alike. Maybe they just picked up information at a Mensa conference. FAN’s Brandon Tierney, Gregg Giannotti and Gregg Giannotti thought that it would be a great idea Monday to make an issue of Joe Flacco’s five children who wore Dolphins jerseys to last Sunday’s game in Miami. They are Tyreek Hill fans. The Gasbags couldn’t find another nit. Joe Benigno had no problem with it. ESPN missed a portion of the live coverage of the Chiefs during the Ring Around the Rosie huddle. Why? They were caught in an inside-the booth shot of Steve Levy and Louis Riddick. Riddick pointed down at the field, which was captured by the camera. This indicated that something was going on. Michael Kay asked Steve Young whether things would have been different if Zach Wilson had been drafted by 49ers. Was that meant to be a rhetorical question ?…? FAN’s Giants special: Carl Banks and Bob Papa interview DC Wink Martindale. Tiki Barber joined Tiki’s panel after the interview. Why wasn’t Barber, the curious and curious, included in Martindale’s spot? Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen will call Giants-Vikings Sunday. … …
* * *
DUDE OFF THE WEEK: LOVIE SMICH
He didn’t tank. He kept his Texans playing hard until the last play, winning over Indy. This “cost” Houston the No. The 1 draft pick (Chicago gets the it). The Disorganization fired Smith shortly after the win. He didn’t let this stop his team’s efforts. He said: “We wanted to end the season with good taste in our lips.”
DWEEB DUDE OF THE WEEK – COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Another CFP Championship tilt. Another failure. Georgia scorching TCU 65-7 was the winner. It might be time to disband this selection committee and pick the four final teams from a hat.
DOUBLE TALL
What Scott Boras stated: “Certain athletes possess certain pain limits and tolerance where it’s almost Darwinian.”
What Scott Boras meant was: “When it is about my clients, I know better than the doctors.”
