Brent Musburger got to do to Colin Cowherd, what thousands around the country want to do to the ESPN Radio host. What's that you ask? Well, he got to punch him in the gut. Before you get all happy, he was wearing protection and it's part of a running gag on ESPN's Sports Nation. Via OTB....

While that wasn't that hard of a punch, I think the sneakiness of it caught Cowherd off guard. Hopefully they can get someone on that really can't stand him, to do some real damage.

Brent Musburger Punches Colin Cowherd (Outside the Boxscore)

I was hesitant to put this interview up for a few reasons, but the main one being, I didn't want to promote anything involving Colin Cowherd. However, there isn't much going on today, so here you go. After taking ESPN's new show "Sports Nation" in over the past few days, I've decided to post this small interview I did with show host, Michelle Beadle (and no it's not because she's an AA reader....well okay, that's part of it).

If you haven't seen it yet, Sports Nation is yet another show in a long line of programs that are trying to use the viewers as their content drivers. Among our topics include: How SN can succeed where others have failed, what she thinks of Cowherd and of course her daily Internet reads. Enjoy!

1. You've worked everywhere from YES Network, to Animal Planet, and have even covered a few red carpet events. What attracted you to this show?

Michelle Beadle: The guys who developed this show are the best. I met Jamie Horowitz, David Jacoby, and Kevin Wildes many months ago, really before I knew much about the show, and I loved them right away. They were like buddies I'd had for years. That, combined with Colin's sense of humor, seemed to be like a fun way to make a living.

2. Many networks, including ESPN in the past, have tried fan inspired shows like this. What makes you think "Sports Nation" can succeed, where so many have failed?

MB: I hope our show is unique enough to succeed. ESPN needs a way to show we don't expect to have the final say, and Colin and I are happy to be the ones to prove it. We're all fans, obviously, and we all hang out with friends talking sports. We want to have that feel, with the fans as the third "host."

3. With programs of this nature, a lot of work is done on the fly. How much time is spent preparing for the show?

MB: An average day for me is 9 til the end of the day. The producers get in around 8 am, and immediately start scouring the interweb for fun stories. While we script the show, we also try to keep it pretty loose. Colin hates the prompter.

4. Your co-host, Colin Cowherd, has made some waves (to put it lightly) with Sports Blogs in the past. How do you think he fits into the show, and do you think his radio background has prepared him for a studio show?

MB: I never realized the love/hate relationship Colin has with everyone out there. Then friends started sending me articles and blogs ripping him to shreds. Great reading. This has been interesting to watch as he is forced not only to read the blogosphere, but embrace it.

5. With that said, having to peruse Sports Blogs and fan comments for the show. What can you tell us about the better ones and how will they be utilized during "SN"?

MB: Our web producer, Gabe Goodwin, has the best gig. He is the guy who gets to read all the comments and listen to all the calls. As a matter of fact, after yesterday, we got a bunch of "Fake Calls from Real Fans," some great, some just funny. We will use those today. We really want a lot of fan input. After rehearsing and using made-up tweets and emails, we're super jacked to have legitimate material.

6. What are your daily reads when it comes to the Internet?

MB: My daily reads: AwfulAnnouncing (duh), Deadspin, ESPN, TMZ, Pagesix, Dlisted, mediatakeout, sportsbybrooks....the list goes on and on..

7. What are your expectations for the debut of the show? Those in the future?

MB: Our expectations for Monday were simple: get the show on the air. Now we want to just improve every day, and get smarter. There are so many talented people in this group, and I think as we evolve, they will really get to show off.
___________________

Many thanks to Michelle for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions, and check out the show if you get a chance. It airs Monday through Friday at 4pm on ESPN2.

I honestly hate when days turn into an all ESPN free-for-all, but the "Leader" is breaking some really big news today. In addition to the Comcast item, ESPN also released the details surrounding their long rumored Sports Nation show, and lucky for all of us, Colin Cowherd is going to be the host! Joining Shrutebag will be ESPN 1050 anchor, Michelle Beadle, and the show will premier on Monday, July 6, at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Via ESPN PR....

The show will include discussion of the smaller stories that generate buzz on the Internet but often aren’t seen on television.

“SportsNation will focus on topics that dominate fans’ email exchanges and blogs,” added Horowitz. “The show will be a conversation between people who love sports but don’t take every story so seriously. The funny Web stories everyone forwards to their friends will find a home on SportsNation.”

Feeding off the producers’ theory that if two heads are better than one, 100,000 heads are better than two, SportsNation will engage hundreds of thousands of sports fans across the country via ESPN.com’s SportsNation. Fans will be able to interact with the hosts before, during and after the show by e-mail, text, Twitter or just making a phone call.

“SportsNation will really have three hosts – Colin, Michelle and the fans,” Horowitz said. “We are counting on the fans’ commentary and feedback to make the show unique. I’d like to rely on Colin, but he doesn’t listen to anything we tell him.”

Said Cowherd, “I’m stunned management let me do a TV show. I know what the producers and I find interesting and funny – and it leads me to conclude that we probably won’t be on the air very long.”

I feel like ESPN has tried this before, but for some reason, I can't remember the show's name. In any case, it's a risky idea and Colin Cowherd is either going to be hit or miss on television. Just like on the radio, people are going to love him or hate his guts. I also find it interesting that ESPN is breaking this news right after Versus announced their plans for a similar show.

In addition to this news, there is also a small shakeup at ESPN Radio. The SN show will actually premier after the new ESPN2 simulcast of the Scott Van Pelt show. Mike Tirico is going to work strictly on TV, and SVP will be joined by Ryen Russillo for a two hour show starting at 2pm (only the last hour will be simulcast).

Well this certainly comes as a shock. The Max Kellerman Show, which airs on ESPN 1050 in NYC, has been dropped by the network today. A reason for the move wasn't really given, but both parties had this to say....

1050 ESPN Radio and on-air host Max Kellerman have mutually agreed to end their relationship. Kellerman's final broadcast for the station was yesterday (March 9), 10AM - 1PM.

Tim McCarthy, the station's President and General Manager said: "Max is a highly articulate and passionate sports talk host and he brought a unique voice to our talent lineup. We wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors."

Kellerman added: "I had some great times at 1050. I appreciate everything Tim McCarthy, Aaron Spielberg, and everyone there have done for me over the years."

Until a full-time replacement is selected, 1050's evening host, Brandon Tierney, will host the weekday 10AM - 1PM slot.

Well I guess it's good that Bill Simmons got on there while he could then, right? In all seriousness, this comes on the heels of Colin Cowherd now being aired in the Big Apple on 1050. While that might not be the exact reason, it most certainly played a part because Kellerman's show was bumped down from three hours to two, and then was ultimately bumped off the air.

Thank goodness for Kellerman's back up gigs in Boxing, because he just can't keep a job with ESPN.

Update: The latest rumor that we're hearing out of NYC, is that Kellerman might have something lined up with WFAN to join Mike Francesa. Seems like an odd pairing, but they've been looking for a partner to work with Francesa for awhile now. I'll keep prying.

1050 And Host Max Kellerman Mutually Agree To Part (ESPN Radio)
No More Kellerman? Um, What? (Fack Youk)

I failed to mention last week that ESPN was planning this big, "State of the Sports Media" angle on its radio airwaves this week, but I guess there's no time like the present. Mid-morning on the last day of the work week. Anyway, there have been a few good segments put together by them, and two of the more interesting items are below.

First, it was almost two years ago that Colin Cowherd decided to randomly command one of his listeners to attack the website, The Big Lead. Well apparently Colin now is climbing aboard the U.S.S. Blog, and he couldn't be more excited....

The thing about the blogs, they’re an emerging media … blogs were all the rage for about two years because they were so raw and unedited and unfiltered, but now, you know, blogs are getting boring and mundane like the rest of us … but I think blogs have gotten better .. as they have gotten more coverage, they are now growing up. The writing’s getting better and they have more perspective … I did put one blog on my website [his sidekick, Amanda guessed 'The Big Lead'] … I knocked them off and I felt bad. I’ve monitored them for about four months for my website and they do the best job of being funny but not vulgar or childish, and they go down that path sometimes. It is, by and large, an entertaining and visually interesting blog. I like it.

Visually interesting? Okay then. Anyway, I'll get to Shrutebag in a minute, the second thing I wanted to bring up is much more entertaining. Scott Van Pelt decided to bring The Sporting Blog's Chris Mottram on his show yesterday. The two had a really good discussion about the state of things, and here's the audio....



As when anything becomes popular, you have to find a way to separate the diehards from the posers. Scott Van Pelt, as he said in the interview with Mottram, is a genuine Sports fan and would seemingly do anything for the game(s) he loves. Like for example, say Bud Selig's salary makes him want to throw up in his mouth. SVP has always been in the loop, in good times and in bad, and he won't hesitate to call you out if need be. That's what makes him great at what he does.

Cowherd, on the other hand, is still transparent as the day is long. He is the reason that blogs came about. To call out people in positions that weren't normally called out. The people that you knew were just in it for the attention/fame. And now that blogs are beginning to be accepted, well by everyone but Mitch Albom (hey, we all can't pen a 40 word, 20 paragraph column....once a month), it's funny to see who is suddenly trying to pretend like they were hip all along.

He Used to Think We Were “Annoying,” But Now He Likes Us. He Really, Really Likes Us! (The Big Lead)
Blogs vs. Mainstream Media … Again (Mister Irrelevant)

God, I really wanted to avoid this story, but there is seriously nothing else going on this afternoon. Tom Hoffarth of Farther off the Wall was listening to The Herd this morning when Cowherd went on a rant about how he wants to do a second show all about relationship talk. Seriously.

"You trust my opinions," he said. "So I can just do a relationship show for women the same way. There's gotta be a demo(graphic) for this."

His idea is to get callers from a "cool" city like New York or L.A., from women who have intelligence and really want smart answers. 'Cause that's what he'll give 'em.

He admits he's no doctor, but has an ex-wife, a daughter and a lot of female friends. Plus, as a single guy in his 40s, he also has no agenda -- very important for a male giving a female advice.

Meaning, he's content being a single male in his 40s?

Cowherd then took a call from a female listener who supported his idea. So did another male caller. Soon, Cowherd's female producer was pretending to be a caller to his "new" show, and asked a test question: "My husband doesn't make me feel special. I need more attention from him."

Cowherd's immediate advice: "Give him a gun and tell him to shoot himself."

Hoffarth said he was sort of joking at first, but as more callers chimed in, his ego grew to the point where it sounded like he was really considering it. He even tried to say that his current show is a "relationship based" program. I personally think it's a great idea. In fact, just pack up your Sports Radio show and please disappear to somewhere I could never hear about you ever again. Some start a petition to make this happen.

Colin's Love Connection (Farther Off The Wall)

There's been a rumor floating around the Sports World for awhile now that ESPN was/is planning a late night talk show to air weekdays on ESPN2. Well according to multiple media outlets, including the NY Post, the rumor is soon to become a reality.

The show, according to officials, would be more of a cross between talk radio and "SportsCenter" than "The Tonight Show."

"It would be tomorrow's sports talk - tonight," a spokesman said, declining to provide further information citing the network's policy of not discussing shows in development.

ESPN sources note that the show is still in its earliest stages - although executives did tease the show to potential advertisers last May during the network's "Upfront" presentation.

The understanding is that the new show would include three recognizable ESPN personalities offering their opinions on the day's sports news.

ESPN 2's late night slate is currently something of a TV wasteland, with shows ranging from coverage of streetball to a NASCAR wrap-up show.

This is beyond a terrible idea, but there seems to be no stopping the "Leader" now. The sure-to-trainwreck show is plowing forward and if you thought First Take's ratings were bad....wait until ESPN "Late Night" gets going. The host names that have been floating around included Erik Kuselias, Dan LeBatard, Jason Whitlock and yes....Colin Cowherd. The good news is that TBL's "sources" say that three of the four have declined. The bad news....the one that hasn't is Kuselias. It very well could be the reason you've been seeing him everywhere on the network as of late.

I have a different thought though. Who's the one person at ESPN who actually has a good bit of experience working on a talk show? That's right folks....Bill Simmons. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but don't be surprised.

ESPN Joins Late Night (NY Post)

I know I said I was never going to mention Shrutebag's nonsense on this site again, but this is just about the funniest thing I've ever read. Remember the guy that sued all of those stars from jail trying to get $25 Million? Well he's back and he's going after Shrutebag.

In fact this is a pretty accurate description of Cowherd and his show.

Via Deadspin.... (Click for Larger)



There's so many good items in there, but my favorite has to be, "Cowherd has a secret affair with Amanda from the show, saw them at a Ohio State Best Western together. Fish comes from the bottom of Salt Lake, Cowherd lies on the show, claims he goes to the gym after work, instead I saw him at Starbucks with Lloyd Carr."

Hi-Lar-E-Us. Someone needs to get this guy his own TV show.

Inmate Sues Schrutebag For "Ear Poisoning" (Deadspin)

Many of you probably have already seen the lastest entry from our friend the ESPN Ombudsman Ms. Schrieber, but if you haven't it's a must read. This is by far the best account of the perils that ESPN deals with in regards to reporting and it's an eye opening piece into race relations regarding athletes. I still think ESPN's coverage was deplorable, but it's not like they were the only ones who did a bad job.

As far as Cowherd, well what can you say? I think the Ombudsman sums it up best, and I'm going to do my best to keep his name of these pages. He doesn't even deserve the attention.

With the notable exception of ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd, ESPN's commentators did better than many in the mainstream media at reining in the impulse to speculate, pontificate and prematurely assign responsibility for Taylor's death. Cowherd, however, trusted his "gut feeling" to guide him to "the truth." His gut told him that Taylor's "history of really, really bad judgment, really really bad judgment" had caught up with him, and even if the emerging reports that Taylor had "cleaned up his act" were true, "Well, yeah, just because you clean the rug doesn't mean you got everything out. Sometimes you've got stains, stuff so deep it never ever leaves."

Most other ESPN commentators seemed to understand that when it comes to race, crime and sports, the last source to be trusted is one's gut, which tends to be lined with bilious stereotypes and prejudices. Some commentators, including Michael Wilbon of "Pardon The Interruption," admitted to not being surprised by the shooting, of suspecting a link to Taylor's past associates or enemies, but they aired their presumptions tentatively, with sadness or anger at the "senseless death" of yet another young black man, not in the gloating, know-it-all voice that many of Cowherd's listeners called "appalling" and "indecent" in their e-mails to me.

Well said. Hopefully media personalities can learn from this and not be so quick to judge. It's tough to wait for the facts and I wasn't very patient, but knee jerk reactions never put you in a good place. It's not about being right or wrong or making the story about yourself.

Proportion, perspective missing ingredients in news coverage (ESPN Ombudsman)

I know we've all beaten this issue into the ground regarding Sean Taylor, and giving Cowherd press in any way is the opposite of what I've said in the past, but this needs to be said. It's one thing to speculate that the death of Sean Taylor was directly related to his character (ala Wilbon), but it's another thing to completely gloat over the fact you think you're right (with no facts to prove it).

Dan Steinberg has been collecting quotes from Shrutebag's "coverage" of Taylor's passing over the past day or so, and I wanted to share a few (since I refuse to listen to the ass).....

"Sean Taylor, great player has a history of really really bad judgment, really really bad judgment. Cops, assault, spitting, DUI. I'm supposed to believe his judgment got significantly better in two years, from horrible to fantastic? 'But Colin he cleaned up his act.' Well yeah, just because you clean the rug doesn't mean you got everything out. Sometimes you've got stains, stuff so deep it never ever leaves."

"I want to know the truth. I want to know the details. It's not pretty? I don't care, I'm a grown-up. I can handle not pretty. A lot of people can't in the media, a lot of people can't, 'Oh, wah wah wah, sensitivity, he's a great person, wah wah wah.' Hey, I don't care, that's fine, he died, let's get to the truth. We're all about the truth. We always say on this show, we're not always good, we're always honest. Just give me honesty."

No, all the information's not in. But I feel pretty confident that my gut feeling, like any of yours, by the way, is right and was right.

Oh no! He spit on someone? Crucify him! And a DUI?!?! About 50% of the people I know have one. Is that right or okay? Of course not, but you know when they got them??? When they were young and they've since grown up. Who cares if multiple people have said the guy has grown up since the birth of his child and that the cops are saying this is just a random act of violence (although Antrelle Rolle says different)? Let's just go with it. Even if you are right....who the hell cares? Go ahead and brag about it you douche. Congrats....you win nothing.

According to Cowherd, gut reactions are now considered fact on ESPN Radio. Again, I don't listen to Colin Cowherd (never really did until the whole TBL thing), but this s**t with him has gotten completely out of hand. He's a sensationalist and unprofessional as it gets. While we already knew that, the crap his spewing over the past few days is completely ridiculous. I know ESPN does nothing in regards to these situations (sans-Harold Reynolds), but I want them to know that ESPN Radio will never grace these ears until that jackass is gone and I hope the readers here do the same.

Colin Cowherd on Sean Taylor (DC Sports Bog)

I don't know if this is a joke or what, but if you head to ESPN.com's "Expert" Power Rankings you find some curious picks from our friend and yours Shrutebag (second column....click for larger).


Umm, USC? Really??? The team that has two losses with one of them being to Stanford? Riiiight. Good work there champ. And I thought College Football was his specialty. What a joke.

2007 Power 16 - Week 14 (ESPN.com)

(Thanks to Fred for the link.)

It's a valid question isn't it? Why in the world would ESPN add Shrutebag to a three-man team to make it an unheard of four-man broadcast? It's such a dumb move that it's beyond my comprehension. Here are a few reasons that I could come up with. Help me in figuring this out by adding one in the comments....

1. Colin's radio show is getting terrible ratings. They put him on one of the first College games of the year to hype his show. This seems the most plausible, especially since the press release read like this, "ESPN Radio’s Colin Cowherd of The Herd with Colin Cowherd will provide commentary from the booth of ESPN’s Washington at Syracuse telecast Friday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m." (FYI- I know nothing about his ratings, so that may or may not be the case)

2. DNS Server attacks cost money in lawyer fees. He has to make a few extra bucks.

3. ESPN couldn't think up a worse punishment for Sean McDonough, Rob Stone, and Chris Spielman.

4. He was jealous that Bill Simmons got to call a game.

5. He has some free time on his hands.

6. He needs some more information for that game show thingy he was doing. Oh wait....that was canceled. Nevermind.

7. He's jealous of Olbermann's new role on NBC.

8. He needs a new forum to show off his magic skills.

9. They put him in Syracuse to get him as far away from Cincinnati as they can.

10. He needs to pass the time until the next Radio ESPY Awards Ceremony.

Sorry I might have taken them all....if you have one to add feel free to add it in the comments. And Shrutey......I'll (We'll) be watching. Don't F up.

8 p.m.- ESPN /ESPN Mobile TV- Washington at Syracuse
Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Colin Cowherd and Rob Stone

Don't know if you're listening to ESPN Radio today (or any day), but ESPN has replaced the Scott Van Pelt Show (last week) with the Doug Gottlieb Show today. I've always enjoyed Dougie Fresh and he could be good on radio (unlike when he hosts for Rome on television).

I've got an idea though ESPN. Forget putting Cowturd or Van Peezy or Douglas in the slot, and let's go with Mike and Mike.....they seem like they have some free time.

ESPN Radio: Dan Patrick Show

Man, when I tell you these things write themselves...I mean they REALLY write themselves. Via some wonderful SbB research comes the tidbit that Colin Cowherd hosted the ESPYs.....The Radio ESPYs.....

"The second annual ESPN1430 Radio ESPY awards were presented last Saturday evening at the William Saroyan Theater in Fresno. The festivities were co-hosted by ESPN's Colin Cowherd and 1430 ESPN Radio's own Paul Swearengin. The awards, sponsored by KFIG-1430 radio, honored the area's top high school, college and pro athletes and teams."

"And the High School Athletic Department of the Year Award Goes to.....Clovis West!"

What a loser....but hey, he probably got to meet Female Athlete of the Year Katie Menton (below). Hey, Shrutebag's single baby, and SB is gonna do what SB's gotta do.


And the ESPY award goes to... (The Sierra Star)
"CO-HOST" COWHERD PROBABLY GOT PAID IN FERTILIZER (Sports By Brooks)

In a way only a douchebag could, Cowherd responded to Simmons' column with a bunch of nonsense and approximately zero facts. Here's the rundown...I was typing as fast as I could, so some of these are paraphrased....

"I’m being attacked and I need help from the Herd"

“Vengeful Missile attack at me, just terrible.”

Reads Bill’s quote.....

“Reaaaaly Bill Simmons. I lazily skim other people’s work. Because you have two factual errors....my show is 4 not 3 hours, and I have 3 breaks per hour not 4."

"I find it mildly ironic that Simmons thinks I’m lazy, but doesn’t take the time to check his facts. He didn't take the 8 seconds to go to the website and see that the show is 4 hours."

"You didn’t listen to the segment Bill"

"We didn’t mock Bill Simmons, we said he’s smart and he gave the trades a great deal of thought. We just said when you take the best trade scenarios, they are just absurd."

"This horrible hurtful attack sent me back this morning, and I would hold off on saying I’m embarrassed when every column you write is about the Celtics."

"We never mocked him we mocked the idea of trading Kobe."

"Bill to you, no offense....we still like you. But Celtic columns....no one cares.

"How would you like to wake up in the morning and have a blog attack you."

"Olbermann is after me, Bill Simmons is after me..."

"There’s a kinship with Bill Simmons much like Al-Jazeera and the NHL. He went out on his own, and tries to be different like us."

So there you have it.....it's just plain laughable at this point. He doesn't back up his claims at all....takes cheap shots about the Celtics stuffs (which I'm not innocent of)....and is smug and a dick about the whole thing.

(Just a quick aside here....Hey Colin.....how did that Missing Link thing work out for you? Okay, just checking.)

RUTS says.... "Simmons isn't perfect, but he knows the NBA. Cowherd's just going to embarrass himself again, similar to when he was cracking jokes on Keith Olbermann. Maybe he's operating under the "any publicity is good publicity" model, but when all you ever get is bad publicity..."

Yep, that about sums it up. He's getting exactly what he wants by attacking The Big Lead, Simmons, and the like. Oh, and if you're interested the ass is going to be on Outside the Lines later today for a segment about the brashness and fair-reporting in the media. That should be interesting....it airs at 3:30 I believe.

UPDATE: Just remembered this. Colin's magically "4th hour" of the program is actually hour number one that is aired from 9-10am on a handful of ESPN stations. It's not even a real hour of the show and the only large market that airs it is L.A.

Bill Simmons Is Pissed at Shrutebag and a Cleveland Writer I've Never Heard Of (Awful Announcing)

In all my years reading Bill Simmons (probably 7 or so), I don't think he's ever responded, or acknowledged critics (let alone two in the same article). Well, that's what happened yesterday.

Simmons first responds to Cleveland writer Ron Brown after the journalist put him in the #3 spot of people who have done the most damage to their reps during the Cleveland-Detroit Series. Brown wrote that Simmons called James an "overhyped fraud", which he never did, and that Simmons then "fawned over James like a 13-year old girl." Bill easily knocks him down a few pegs with this response....

Sorry, I have to respond to this one. First of all, if Roger can produce anything I've ever written that called him LeBron an "overhyped fraud," I will send him a $200 check to double the salary that the News-Herald is paying him every week. I think he has me confused with Charley Rosen. Second, I love the idea that me "ripping" LeBron gained me national attention ... really? From who? Did I happen to be in a coma at the time?

I'm of course with Bill on this one...hasn't every writer (including those in Cleveland) notes that James loafs through the season, and this HAD to be the Playoffs that he stepped up in? Pretty obvious right???

The thing that strikes me is that Simmons actually took time to respond to a no-name writer in Cleveland. I mean I probably have more credibility than that guy (and that's not saying much). But even more surprising than that is Simmons' response to Colin Cowherd after Shrutebag made fun of his Kobe trade scenarios. Here's the quote...

And if that wasn't bad enough, Cowherd embarrassed himself by not understanding basic NBA trading principles like "it would be valuable for L.A. to swap Vlad Radmanovic's contract for Bobby Sura's expiring contract in a T-Mac/Kobe deal because Sura's contract expires in 2008, which would buy them some cap space down the road."

Look, I know the radio business lends itself to hosts lazily skimming other people's columns and blogs (FYI- AA added the link) ... but seriously, Colin, in the words of Mark Jackson, you're better than that. Your show's on for three hours a day and you get four giant commercial breaks per hour. That leaves you plenty of time to research your segments so you don't come off as misinformed. No offense.

DAGGER! That is just a wicked response. It's nice to know that his "peers" think of him in the same regard that us Bloggers do.

I like this side of you Bill. You've got a new 4-year contract, and you're the Captain of a sinking ship. It's time to start your "airing of greivances" and I'm all for it. But can you do one thing for me....tell the Page 2 editors to change the name of your section. You don't write a Blog you write a Column. It reeks of Page 2 trying to be hip when they change the name.

P.S.- I'm going to unfortunately listen to Shrutebag's show today to see if there's a response. Hey, us journalists have to do stuff we don't like sometime(s). I'm doing it so you don't have to (WOW! AA took Six Silver Bullets for me!!!)

Housecleaning time: Clips, links and e-mail (Page 2: Simmons' Blog)
ESPN's Anthony: Spurs over Cavs (The News Herald)

(P.S.- Thanks to Larry Burns for posting this in the comments and alerting me to the feud)

Update: Here's Cowherd's response.

Oh man....here he goes again. Just when you think the guy has maybe learned his lesson he's back at it.

Audio: Colin wonders whyInsider NBC hired Keith Olbermann for Sunday Night Football.

The segment begins with Cowhered stating that "we had a couple of decisions from networks....one brilliant and one a head scratcher." He then goes into how HBO did a great job by hiring Martial Arts experts to call the matches on the channel. I agree....then he drops the bomb.

"Probably get in trouble for this. It's amazing how much you get in trouble for honesty" (Oh god....don't do it Colin....you're going to regret this)

Conversly, and I’ll get in trouble for this. NBC this week has put Keith Olbermann on Sunday Night Football in America with Bob Costas. Olbermann is bright and talented and a really good broadcaster, but he’s about as middle-america as a transgender film festival. He’s a Northeast Intellectual Baseball Guy….he doesn’t speak to the NFL fan at all!

Keith is about as NFL as Pinot Grigio and an ascot. I can’t think of anyone who is less than Keith Olbermann other than maybe Anderson Cooper.

Wow. Okay first...."Transgender Film Festival"??? What in the hell does that mean. Second....umm didn't Olbermann host an NFL highlight show with Chris Collinsworth at one point??? And third, it's f'ing highlights which he did for years on SportsCenter.

I don't care how you feel about the decision to put 40 people on the Pre and Halftime Shows don't you think that attacking Olbermann's credibility is just sad and pathetic?

And just to let us know how much credibility he actually has........

"I love Joe Buck....I think Joe Buck on Fox is my favorite play by play guy in the Country. He speaks to me."

(Much Much More to come....I've already heard Olbermann's response and it's great, but I want to hear the audio again before I start quoting it.)

UPDATE #1: Play the clip until there is 5:15 left for fabulous commentary on Moroccan food, and a HILARIOUS cous-cous joke.

UPDATE #2: I implore you to read this Sports By Brooks Post from today. Here comes the controversy!

UPDATE #3: Here are Keith Olbermann's comments in response after hearing the clip......

Who is this again?- KO
It's Colin Cowherd....he's a radio host on ESPN. He does the show prior to this one.- DP
I'm not familiar...has he been here long?- KO
He's been here.....he took over for Tony Kornheiser- DP
Ohhhh.....what did he do before that?- KO
He was in Portland, Oregon....very successful in Portland, Oregon- DP
Ever done television?- KO
He did television in Las Vegas I believe- DP
Did he do NFL Highlights on National Television after Sunday and Monday Night games, and all day Sunday for say ESPN for any length of time?- KO
I don't believe he ever has.- DP

Hahahaha. I just love when you're so badass and relevant that you can just ask questions and hint at all of the stuff you've ever done. The "who are you again" line can never be topped. Shrutebag once again......Owned.

Go here for the audio courtesy of Olbermann Watch

As we've already found out on this site....The ESPN Ombudswoman seems to be very straightforward and honest. Very noble qualities for use at a very non-noble entity.

Well Mrs. Schreiber has responded to the barrage of emails on the Colin Cowherd/Big Lead incident, and I can't say I'm not disappointed. I know it's not her job to rake ESPN through the coals, but I think everyone can agree that that move was blatant and petty. Here's the article and the actions that were taken.....

A few quotes and highlights......

1. "The official response from ESPN's communication department was: "Our airwaves should not be used for this purpose. We apologize." It is the kind of bland public statement that does little to assuage the anger and distrust of ESPN's audience over an episode like this. I could not tell from that statement how seriously ESPN regarded the offense, so I contacted Traug Keller, senior vice president, ESPN Radio, to get a clearer idea of ESPN's reaction."- The Ombudswoman

2. Keller responded immediately to my request for an on-the-record statement. "We talked to Colin Cowherd, and we talked to all our radio talent, making it clear that you cannot do this," Keller said Friday. "Our airwaves are a trust, and not to be used to hurt anyone's business. Such attacks are off limits. Zero tolerance. I can't say it any stronger."

3. Keller said that he had not formulated a policy about such attacks on Internet sites until now because he had never imagined the possibility of them.

4. Now that ESPN Radio has such a policy, I presume such attacks will be treated as an offense that warrants suspension.

Really? You're okay with that response??? Because I'm not. ESPN has random suspensions all the time, but there is no clear pattern for anything. I would never say this is better/worse than a sexual harassment case, but they are both pretty despicable.

With that said.....I think we should all just move past this, and onto kicking ESPN's ass in reporting, humor, and unbiased content....but I'm a little disappointed. Not really the Ombudswoman's fault, but I think I would have taken it further than the ESPN Radio's VP who's really just trying to save face.

You can't be happy with that result, but if TBL can move on, so can we. I hope Cowherd is happy we listened for one day, but it's pretty unlikely that will happen again. I'm not kidding when I say that was some of the worst radio I've ever heard. People who disagree with him get hung up on and he contradicts himself for 3 hours....great job ESPN....good luck with those ratings.

P.S.- Everyone who sent in Photoshops....I appreciate it. Most were too...ummm graphic....to post on the site. So I will give you the "clean" winner, but everyone will get a Free Harold! T-shirt for their time. Just email me your contact info....and I'm proud to be a part of this Sports Blogosphere community and everyone who "displayed" their displeasure with Shrutebag. Cheers.

As the winner Brian from Talking NFL describes it....."Borges, Cowherd. Cowherd, Borges. Or should I say; Douchebag, Schrutebag. Schrutebag, Douchebag." Bravo B.

Update: The Big Lead responds: Do it Again and the Kitten Dies

Update #2: We thank The Big Lead for mentioning us in their "self-interview" as a place that has a list of all the blogs that commented on the Cowherd thing. Please feel free to keep sending your links to awfulannouncing@gmail.com and we'll be sure to add you to the fray.

In all seriousness....it's great to have TBL back, and thanks for letting myself (AA), OMDQ...who put this kick-ass list together, and The Rest of the Channel 4 News Team to be a part of this amazing Sports Blogging Community. You continue to amaze me everday, and let's beat the powers that be at their own game. <grouphug></grouphug>.
_________________________________

This list of bloggers responses to Colin Cowherd (or should I say, "Schrutebag"?) was originally compiled for One More Dying Quail, but I thought Awful Announcing's readers might like to check it out as well. If nothing else, the various links might provide a bit of inspiration for all you Photoshoppers out there.

The links came from three separate sources: Technorati, my Google Reader, and The Big Picture. There's good stuff on all of them, so check out as many as you can if you're interested in this situation.

This Hurts Us More Than It Hurts You, Colin (Deadspin)
Cowherd: Nous Accusons! (Every Day Should Be Saturday)
Colin Cowherd Has Listeners? (AOL FanHouse)
Colin Cowherd Can Eat A Fat D—K (Kissing Suzy Kolber)
What To Do With Sports Radio Douches? (With Leather)
Colin Cowherd Is A Jackass (Our Book of Scrap)
Colin Cowherd is an angry man (The Buried Lead)
Not only is this wrong, it’s likely illegal (The Postmen)
Colin Cowherd: Proof positive that the worldwide leader is the root of all evil (The Wayne Fontes Experience)
Colin Cowherd Has No Soul (Sportable)
The Words of a Madman (The Feed)
Cowherd The Bot-Herder (Super Dee Duper)
ESPN Willfully Destroys Sports Blogger/Competition (Her Loyal Sons)
Spring football news will have to wait (The House Of Heat)
Cowherd crosses a line (Sports Media Watch)
Colin Cowherd public enemy #1 (Savante’s String)
Colin Cowherd is a Sad Little Boy (Yelling Louder)
On open discourse: Colin Cowherd (Pacifist Viking)
Colin Cowherd Can Eat A D*** (Awful Announcing)
Hey Jesus, Take That Cross Off Your Back and Jam it Through Colin Cowherd’s Face (Check Out My HEMI)
April Archives (Stupid Sideline Reporters)
Douchebag of the Year (Thunder Matt’s Saloon)
Did He Order The Code Red? (Randball)
Win One for the Little Guys; Boycott ESPN (Hire Jim Essian!)
Colin Cowherd: Douchebaggery, The Sequel (The M-Zone)
Colin Cowherd: An Act of Self-Defense (Nation Of Islam Sportsblog)
I Never Liked This Guy (This Suit Is Not Black)
Fuck Colin Cowherd (Flyers Fieldhouse)
“I’m a reacher, not a teacher.” (Ladies…)
Cincinnati Hates Colin Cowherd, Too (Mondesi’s House)
Colin Cowherd is a Douchebag (Sports Show On Mute)
Colin Cowherd Likes Unicorns (Seal Clubbers)
Who’s got 2 thumbs and is now known as Shrutebag? This Guy! (Awful Officiating)
Colin Cowherd should jump in front of a fucking truck (The Big Picture)
The Big Lead: Still Down. Thanks, Schrutebag (Deadspin)
Colin Cowherd: Dead To Me (Just Call Me Juice)
Somehow, We Let All The Morons On Radio And TV (Signal to Noise)
Top 10 reasons Colin Cowherd is FANtastic (The Sports Hernia)
Supporting my fellow bloggers against Colin Cowturd (Stiles Points)
Criminal Cowherd? (LouPickney.com)
Cowherd takes on the Blogosphere (Cola For The Soul)
If I Ran…: ESPN (If I Ran)
Evolution of The Herd (College Game Balls)
Cow-herd the Cow-ard (55)
Colin Cowherd? More Like Colin Coward! (East Coast Bias)
Colin Cowherd, Schrutebag (Foul Balls)
Sports! Sort Of. Well, Schrutebag, Hot Cubs Fans, and a Fat Drunken Guy (Different Day, Same Trainwreck)
Time to join the Underground Train plowing into Colin Cowshit (Sports Bastards)
What A Cow(h)ard (Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician)
For The Idiot File: Colin Cowherd (Oriole Post)
Cow-herd, Cow-ard (55: Double Nickle)
Who's A Coward (Mile High Ramblings)
That Wasn’t A Very Nice Thing To Do (One More Dying Quail)
Do it Again and the Kitten Dies (The Big Lead)

ESPN has plans to debut a new show in the same vein as the Six Degrees of Separation game. The show plans to find obscure links between Sports stars, and should probably prove to be more annoying than Cheap Seats...

A new series, "Missing Link," with Colin Cowherd as the host, will make its debut on ESPN Classic Wednesday at 7 p.m. The show will find obscure connections
among sports figures. The first episode will connect Lou Gehrig to Mike Tyson,
Joe Paterno to Anna Kournikova, and Alex Rodriguez to Chi Chi Rodriguez.

Greeeeeat. Colin f'ing Cowherd. The debut is March 7th at 9pm on ESPN Classic.....It's currently on my "must miss" list.