Maybe Mike & Mike are too busy doing Soap Operas (3 O'clock on CBS!), but the pair isn't going to be back in the AFL booth next year for ESPN/ABC. No that honor will go to the most random collection of analysts and play-by-play guys ever assembled.

The plan seems to be to mix and match three different analysts and three different leads over the four month season beginning March 1st. And your winners are....

Leads: Bob Wischusen, Dave Pasch, and Joe Tessitore
Analysts: Shaun King, Marcellus Wiley, and Ray Bentley

While this is really a random set of announcers none of them are really that bad. As far as PxPers go Wischusen and Pasch are top notch and I think King and Wiley are intelligent and great studio analysts. I'm also convinced that Ray Bentley could be good as well without having Pam Ward dragging him down.

You would think that they would pick one team and go with it but apparently ESPN plans on changing them around for every single game. Here's your schedule if you're into the AFL....

Sat., March 1
Dallas at Georgia- Bob Wischusen, Shaun King and Marcellus Wiley (ABC, 1 p.m.)
Mon., March 3
San Jose at Chicago- Dave Pasch and Wiley (ESPN2, 9 p.m.)
Sun., March 9
Philadelphia at Chicago- Joe Tessitore and King (ESPN2, 1 p.m.)
Mon., March 10
Los Angeles at Arizona- Pasch and Wiley (ESPN2, 11 p.m.)
Mon., March 17
Colorado at Dallas- Wischusen and King (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Sat., March 29
Tampa at Philadelphia- Wischusen and Wiley (ESPN2, 2 p.m.)
Sun., April 6
Chicago at Orlando- Tessitore and King (ESPN2, 2 p.m.)
Mon., April 14
Chicago at Kansas City- Wischusen and Ray Bentley (ESPN2, 8:30 p.m.)
Mon., April 21
Philadelphia at Columbus- Pasch and Wiley (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Mon., April 28
Dallas at Philadelphia- Wischusen and King (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Mon., May 5
Chicago at Tampa Bay- Wischusen and King (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Mon., May 12
Philadelphia at Georgia- TBD and Bentley (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Mon., May 19
Los Angeles at Chicago- Wischusen and Bentley (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Mon., May 26
Georgia at New Orleans- Tessitore and Wiley (ESPN2, 8 p.m.)
Mon., June 2
New York at Colorado- Pasch and King (ESPN2, 10:30 p.m.)
Mon., June 9
Los Angeles at Utah- Pasch and Wiley (ESPN2, 10 p.m.)
Mon., June 16
Colorado at Arizona- Pasch and King (ESPN2, 10 p.m.)
Sun., June 22
Dallas at Chicago- Wischusen and Bentley (ESPN2, 4 p.m.)

Mentioned yesterday that Bruce Pearl was going to be an analyst for the Tennessee Women's game last night versus Kentucky Arkansas, and here's a brief highlight of the coach's time behind the mic.....

Wow a ball got stuck on the rim during a Women's Basketball game. I'm sure that's never happened before, but good job by Pearl in those 25 seconds.

Tennessee Women's Basketball Gets A New Broadcaster For A Night (Awful Announcing)

Who you ask? This guy.....Tennesse

The No. 2-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols will host Arkansas on Thursday at 7 p.m., and men's coach Bruce Pearl will try his hand at sportscasting while serving a color commentator on the TV broadcast that will be televised in this area on WAPK, Channel 6 on Charter Cable.Pearl will join Bob Kesling, who will do the play-by-play. Rick Russo of Channel 8 in Knoxville will provide sideline commentary.

That should be fun. If any of you live in Tennessee and want to report back to me on he does I'd appreciate it.

Pearl To Do Color for Lady Vols Game (TriCities Sports)

Of course they chose the one guy that I did not want to be Marv's analyst. They had to choose the one that grates my nerves more than any other NBA Analyst. Yes, even more than Doug Collins. Reggie Miller is now working as an analyst for TNT full-time now and we'll be paired with Marv Albert for the duration of the 2007-2008 Season.

It is an interesting pairing on more than one angle, but mainly because Marv called some of Reggie's biggest games including the 25 point 4th quarter against the Knicks during the 1994 playoffs. I was praying that they'd force Chuck Barkley into the booth, but Reggie does have some experience and he's still learning the trade. Working with Albert could only help him.

I'll delve more into this during my NBA Announcing Previews coming up any day now, but we'll see how this works out. Reggie isn't exactly Mark Jackson, but he's definitely not Steve Kerr. Damn you Kerr! Why did you have to leave??? Why?!

(Source: TNT Release)

Update: I forgot to mention that Mike Fratello is with them as well and it appears the 2nd team will remain Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins.

Back a few weeks ago I let you know that the "program" known as the Best Damn Sports Show Period is likely to be done for good by spring. Well apparently Producers got wind of this and are trying one last ditch effort to get viewers from the 18-34 male demographic. They've hired Swimmer and recent Playboy Covergirl Amanda Beard to be a "correspondent".

Among her new roles will be to do interviews and features from the World Series, Super Bowl, the Allstate BCS National Championship Game, Daytona 500 and other big events.

“Amanda’s personality fits in perfectly with the show,” said John Entz, executive producer. “She has a great sense of humor, other athletes love talking with her, and she’s a natural in front of the camera.”

Umm, great.....Alyssa Milano Version 2.0. Actually.....I guess there's nothing REALLY wrong with that. Just don't have pop up video interviews all over the place like on MLB.com. Oh wait....BDSSP doesn't have a website what am I saying? Oh crap, they do.....look at that. You learn something new everyday.

FSN Sports Show Nabs Beard (Media Week)

UPDATE: According to a source close to the hiring let me know that the deal has been in the works for months actually and not a recent effort. At least they're trying at FOX. I'm rooting for you personally.

I don't know about you, but some good T&A when you're hungover on Sundays never hurt anyone. Who cares if Jillian Barberie could kick your ass and sounds (and kinda looks) like a man right? Who cares if she doesn't really seem to care about Football at all??? We need to ogle something before we get all manly and drink beer before one o'clock.

Well if you're not like me and think her role isn't pointless.....you're in luck. She's back on the pregame show for Fox, and she'll be bringing you the forecast for the days games that you've already looked up on Weather.com as you decide whether to start a QB in Lambeau.

(This was really an excuse to post T&A on the site because it's going to be a slow news day. I know I'm a bit of a hypocrite in that regard, but can you blame me?)

It's been awhile since I've done a "FINP", so I thought I'd throw a few out there. Here are a few folks making the move to new endeavours......

J.A. Adande- You might be as surprised as I am to read this, but apparently J.A. was not employed by ESPN as a writer up until today. For as much time as he spends on the network you'd think he'd have a cubical or something. He will focus mainly on writing about the NBA, but could become a talking head fixture like Michael Smith (AA can tolerate both so good move there).

Howard Bryant- The former Washington Post writer will be contributing a blend of columns, investigative reporting, and "long form" to the Leader. One of his first assignments will be to add content to ESPN the Mag. He's another great writer who's penned a few books.....another good addition.

Ike Reese- The former NFL linebacker was one of the few NFLers that got to go through the Broadcasting Boot Camp earlier this, and he now has a job from it. Reese is taking over for Ron Jaworski as the lead analyst during the Philadelphia Eagles Pre-Season Games. You'll also see Ike on Comcast and WIP this year if you live in or near Philly.

Also.....Brennamania is staying in Cincy for a few more years. The Reds signed Marty Brennaman to a 3-year extension.

It appears that Jeff Van Gundy will be back in the booth with Mike Breen and Mark Jackson next year. ESPN exec Norby! Williamson gave him the vote of confidence yesterday....

"We're thrilled with what Jeff has brought, and we're very anxious as the playoffs and Finals get over to get into discussions," Williamson said. "We'd be thrilled to have him as part of the team heading forward."

Van Gundy on the other hand seemed about as if he just found out he got the plague....

"If that (ABC/ESPN) opportunity presents itself, that would be wonderful," he said. "I would be remiss if there's a contract extension being offered to turn it down, because I did that earlier this year (with the Rockets) and it didn't turn out the way I wanted it."

Wanh Wanh! Way to be excited for one of the best analyst positions in the NBA. Thanks Debbie Downer...


Big Names (Sports Media Watch)
More air time likely for ex-Rockets coach (Houston Chronicle)

(Van Gundy Photo via Wulad)

I've got two for you today...one radio, one boxing.

It appears via SbB and NY Daily News that Boomer Esiason will get a week long tryout on WFAN starting next week.

Esiason is based out of NYC, which is important since KC native "Big Sexy" Jason Whitlock turned down the station. I've heard Boomer on radio in DC before and he's not bad....there are obviously worse choices that could have been made. If you live in NYC let me know how it goes.
___________________________

In Boxing News it appears that longtime HBO analyst, and Scorecard Guru, Larry Merchant will be benched for good starting with the June 9th Miguel Cotto-Zab Judah fight. Larry will do two more fights (De La Hoya-Mayweather, Taylor-Spinks), and then give way to....get this.....

Ex-ESPN Around the Horn Host...Max Kellerman.

Kellerman is a boxing aficionado, and was a former host of ESPN's Friday Night Fights. The thinking is that he would be able to provide a younger perspective to the telecasts. If this is the case it appears that Max would come out on top after a contract dispute with ESPN led him to Fox Sports and then the cellars of HBO.

I could never stand Larry Merchant (and rarely agreed with him), but when he was involved you knew it was a big fight. At least HBO didn't hire someone who knew nothing about what he/she was covering (*ahem* ESPN).


Merchant Appears Destined For Final Rounds at HBO (Philly Daily News)
Boomer Esiason to try out for Imus Radio Spot Next Week (SbB)
Boomer to QB FAN Mornings for a Week (NY Daily News)