The fact that Shaquille O'Neal hasn't starred in his own reality show at this point, is a complete travesty. ABC is planning on changing all that when it will air "Shaq Vs." this August. O'Neal has already lined up competitions against athletes in their own Sport with the likes of Michael Phelps, Ben Roethlisberger and Albert Pujols, and is looking to add Lance Armstrong to the list. Via USA Today....

Filming begins Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where Shaq takes on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in football. Future hour-long episodes will pit him against Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, tennis pro Serena Williams and beach volleyball Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.

O'Neal, 37, says he also hopes to book pal Lance Armstrong for a cycling competition once the Tour de France ends. The series is set to premiere Aug. 18 and will air Tuesdays at 9 ET/PT.

O'Neal says he came up with the idea as a fun way to help train for the NBA season and figured sports fans "would really want to see an athlete play another sport." He knew most of the athletes and recruited some of them on Twitter.

ABC was immediately interested. "He's very playful, almost everyone can relate to him. He has a fun sort of childish persona, and at the same time he's a superstar," says John Saade, co-chief of ABC's reality programming, says of the 7-foot-1 O'Neal. "Our real hope is you come for the absurdity but you stay for the sport."

Up until now, I've thought every reality show possibility had been explored, but apparently I was wrong. This seems like a light-hearted and definitely fun idea, and I can't imagine anyone who would choose to skip Shaq acting like a fool with other famous athletes. Great work, ABC!

O'Neal courts competition on new reality show 'Shaq Vs.' (USA Today)
Shaq Steps Into the Reality TV Realm (WFNY)

There were clips floating around the Internet last week, of Terrell Owens' teammate flipping out on him during the debut of "The Superstars" on ABC. Well the show debuted tonight, and not only is the extended version of Joanna Krupa giving it T.O. hilarious, it also proves that karma is a bitch....

It's not like Terrell wasn't trying, his big feet just got caught up in the ropes. In an earlier challenge, Owens carried Krupp in a race that only one teammate could ride a bike. T.O. ran just about the entire way. Oh well, I guess it's good for the Bills that he was the first athlete to be eliminated.

As far as the show itself, it's actually pretty entertaining. John Saunders is the host, with Warren Sapp and Jenn Brown your reporters. It's definitely worth a watch. What else are you going to check out? "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here"???

Update: Thanks to Warren Sapp's Twitter Feed, we now have the unedited version! Careful though....very NSFW....

I wish I was joking about that above headline, but according to the Miami Herald, it's true. FOX analyst Jimmy Johnson was all set to go on Survivor, but after one of his physicals revealed a blockage in an artery, he was told to stay home....

The need to compete did sneak up on Johnson in the oddest of ways recently, though. Survivor is one of his favorite shows. And he wanted to be on it. So he went out back on the private beach, Rhonda with the video camera, and explained to the producers why he should be allowed even though he worked for a rival network. He filled out thick files of paperwork and signed contracts. He got his yellow-fever shots. And he was headed to Africa for 45 days of seclusion when the doctor called about some of his tests. One artery to his heart was totally blocked, another blocked 70 percent. He wouldn't be going anywhere. He has lost 30 pounds since. No more big bowls of butter-pecan ice cream before bed. And now the big, bad leader of violent men sheepishly orders the lighter dish when Honeybun says no to the prime-rib wrap.

Dammit! How awesome would it have been to have that little leprechaun running around on an island with kids half his age? I'm thinking that now that his health is better, he needs to revisit this idea of his.

Jimmy Johnson living in luxury with football a distant memory (Miami Herald)

I don't know how much I would bid on a diamond pendant, but I'm pretty sure it's worth more than sixty-nine dollars. Steelers' Fan and gynecologist, Michael Bummer was asked that exact question on the Price Is Right, and that was his response. Via PSAMP....

Now that my friends is comedy. I'm so glad Drew Carey was there, because Bob Barker would have had that man escorted out of the building.

Steelers Fan Gynecologists Are Funny, 15 Years Old (Pittsburgh Sports And Mini Ponies)

Last week, I told you all that Jim Nantz was going to be on the Price Is Right giving away a trip to the Final Four, and today was the day! The first contestant in "Showcase Showdown" passed on a trip to Hawaii and a fish tank, and then was hit with the news. The news that she would get her showcase straight from "Hello Friends", himself.

Nantz appeared live from the University of Connecticut (for reasons beyond me), and after the bidding and revealing was done, unfortunately (or fortunately) the trip stayed on the shelf....

Silly girl! If she had only added in the thousands of dollars worth of fees from the ticket company, she woulda had that junks! Good work by Jim Nantz though. I even loved how he worked in the name of that creepy student in the suit behind him. Such a pro!

Not only was there news recently that one James William Nantz, III could run for office in the near future, but today we've learned that more importantly (kidding) Nantz will be appearing on the Price Is Right! Not only that, but one of the showcase prizes will be a trip to the Final Four!!! From Fang's Bites via CBS PR....

CBS Sportscaster Jim Nantz, the 2008 National Sportscaster of the Year, will make a special appearance on CBS's Emmy Award-winning THE PRICE IS RIGHT, with host Drew Carey, Thursday, April 2 (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT), on the CBS Television Network. Nantz, who pre-taped his appearance earlier this month, will introduce a special Showcase trip to the NCAA Final Four in Detroit.

Well that was the shortest press release/blockquote in the history of the Internet. It still should be fun. I would also encourage Nantz to wear some kind of "I Love You Drew!" homemade t-shirt of some sort. Preferably bedazzled.

Jim Nantz! Come On Down! You're the Next Presenter on The Price is Right! (Fang's Bites)

You've probably seen this video by now, but in case you haven't, here is a hilarious question and answer on Jeopardy the other night. Here's the answer, and let's see if you know the question before you view the video.

A: One second from defeat in the 2008 Super Bowl, this losing Head Coach threw a hissy fit & stalked off the field.

How funny was that? I love the deadpan "correct" from Alex after the contest answered the question, or questioned the answer. Whatever they do on Jeopardy. Good on you though, Trebek.

Film Room: Jeopardy Blasts Belichick (Jets Blog)

I didn't know that ABC was so high on Wipeout, but apparently they think so much of the show that they are running it opposite of the Boss. Bruce Springsteen is performing during halftime of the Super Bowl this year (or next rather), but ABC will be giving you the opportunity to watch "Big Balls" instead.

But that's not the best part. No the highlight of ABC's two-part show will be the addition of a "sideline reporter". Who is that reporter you ask? Well it's none other than Michael Irvin! Via the Live Feed....

The Disney-owned network will air a brief football-themed “Wipeout” special against NBC’s official halftime show headlined by Bruce Springsteen. Then, during NBC’s post-Bowl presentation of “The Office,” ABC will air an hourlong “Wipeout” in which cheerleaders compete against male “couch potato” sports fans.

The strategy will mark the first time in five years a major broadcast network has gone after a rival’s Super Bowl momentum with original entertainment programming.

The two-part ABC special — dubbed “Wipeout Superball Sunday” — pulls out all the stops to cater to NFL fans: Hall of Famer Michael Irvin will lend sideline commentary, the Navy’s Blue Angels will perform a flyover, the USC marching band will storm the course, contestants will run a gantlet with quarterbacks pelting them with footballs, NFL luminaries will stop by the commentary booth, and the show’s signature Big Balls obstacle has been converted into jumbo-sized footballs.

I poked a good deal of fun at the show before, but in all honesty, this isn't that bad of an idea. Most everyone will still be watching Springsteen, however a few might change the channel just to check out cheerleaders on the "Big Balls".

ABC to 'Wipeout' the Super Bowl (The Live Feed)

If I told you that a Sports Center anchor was hosting the show Wipeout that we've been seeing commercials for all Playoffs who would you guess it was? Stu Scott? Nope. Mike Greenberg? Thankfully no. How about Scott Van Pelt? Sorry. Chris Berman?!?! I wish!

Give up? It's non other than the incomparable John Anderson!!! Wait, really?

SportsCenter anchor John Anderson will be taking on additional duties this summer with the new ABC show Wipeout scheduled to debut Tuesday, June 24, at 8 p.m. For eight consecutive weeks, the one-hour show will feature 24 contestants going head to head in four rounds of grueling and physically demanding obstacle courses to earn the title of “Wipeout Champion” and a top prize of $50,000. Dizzy Dummy, Sucker Punch, Topple Towers and Killer Surf are just a few of the wacky obstacles contestants will attempt to master in the premiere. Contestants will include a deputy sheriff, a pastor, a go-go dancer, a masseuse, a waitress, a car show model, a senior credit manager and a handyman.

“Think of Tiger Woods' skill and determination, the NBA Finals athleticism and drive -- then imagine the exact opposite,” said Anderson. “Which is why it's a lot funnier than watching Tiger, the Celtics or the Lakers. The show is an absurd combination of competitiveness and lack of coordination. Fortunately the only obstacles I have as host are staying out of the way of the crashing contestants and the comedy of my hilarious co-host John Henson.”

John Henson? From Talk Soup? He's still alive?! Well then. This show is getting even more and more awesome by the day isn't it? While I know this is a direct copy of MXC, I'm kind of amped for it this Summer. Plus they've added Jill Wagner (pictured) who you might remember as the chica in the Mercury SUV commercial we ogled at all last year! Winner!!!

P.S.- $50K ABC?! Come on....this people are risking life and limb for your ratings. You couldn't pony up a little more cash?

(Via ESPN PR)

Stupid network television and their strikes. As the entertainment world predicted we're entering the realm of non-stop reality and game show programming, and this could be more evident with ABC's decision to bring back Mike Greenberg and his pointless game show "Duel".....

ABC is bringing back its winter game show "Duel" next month. The network has ordered 10 one-hour episodes to air Friday nights starting April 4. "Duel" is a trivia show where contestants play head-to-head for a chance of winning up to $500,000. ESPN's Mike Greenberg will return as host.

Though the show performed modestly during its original six-episode airing, the series ran during the December holidays when audience levels are lower. Also, ABC says there have been some format changes made this time to improve the show.

Friday nights are shaping up to be a broadcast game show battleground, with NBC's "Amnesia" and CBS's "Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular" vying for viewers in recent weeks.

Greaaaaaaat. Does that mean more exciting moments like this?



Just kill me now.

ABC game for more 'Duel' (Reuters)

This is the new game show on FOX called Moment of Truth. Somehow there's a lie detector and the questions get harder as more money is up for grabs (or something like that). Rodney Peete was a guest questioner for some reason and he had a tough one for the contestant....

The Football player is a guy by the name of Ty Keck who once played for the Giants (or so says the internet), and it was nice for Rodney Peete to take time "out of his busy schedule" to ask him that question. Oh and don't watch that show...it's terrible.

I still can't even figure out what the gameshow Duel is even about, but lucky for me (and us) the Washington Post got to check it out before we did. Even after reading this review I don't know how the game is played or why it's a "6-Day Event", but I know that WaPo writer Tom Shales hated the show and the host Mike Greenberg even more.

Shales on the Gameshow:

"The game is played with $5,000 poker chips placed on circles representing four answers each to a series of questions. These range from "How long does it take light to get from the sun to the Earth?" to, for the deep thinkers in the crowd, "Which celebrity has not been married to a musical artist who has sold a million records?"

Although "Deal or No Deal" requires no knowledge of anything, the game does generate a certain amount of suspense, mainly along the lines of "how dumb will the contestant be?" On a recent edition, a contestant who vowed loudly that she wanted to go "all the way" turned down a guaranteed $101,000 prize on the hope of winning $200,000. The poor fool walked away with only a grand."

Shales on Mike Greenberg:

On the surface, "Duel" demands a general awareness of the world on the part of the players, but luck has a large role as well. At least Howie Mandel, "Deal's" host, is able to keep up a sense of tension, however illusory, and inject occasional hilarity. By depressing contrast, Mike Greenberg, who hosts "Duel," appears to have been born without a sense of humor (even though he is half of "Mike and Mike in the Morning," a sports-chat show on ESPN), but with an obvious contempt for all game show contestants.

Among his witticisms: "Discretion is the better part of valor." He so mercilessly drags out the proceedings, repeating contestants' options ad nauseam, that a player named Denise at one point snaps, "Oh, just get on with it!" Thus the most honest and enjoyable moment of the show.

Repeatedly on tonight's premiere, Greenberg sucks the energy out of the air and punctures whatever little balloons of interest might be floating around. The "Star Wars"-y set suggests an earthbound space ship; it includes a sliding cattle ramp by which contestants reach the round podium where the questions are meted out.

Ouch. That burns. I said it before and I'll say it again....this thing could be canceled before it reaches day three.


What just happened?

Who's Ready For A Mike Greenberg Hosted Gameshow (Awful Announcing)
ABC's 'Duel' Personality? Dull and Dumb (Washington Post)

I know I sure the hell am! That's right folks Mike Greenberg is coming to Primetime network television and will be the host of a new game show!!! The show is called "Duel", and will premiere Monday, December 17 from 8-9pm and run six nights to a finale on Sunday, December 23. Via Mike-Greenberg.com.....

"Duel" features head-to-head matches with nerve rattling game play rewarding contestants who embrace shrewdness and manipulation to win. If contestants can react quickly under pressure and outsmart their opponents using strategy and deception, intellect and skill, they could walk away with a life-changing prize - potentially more than $1.5 million. One of 20 contestants is guaranteed to win the jackpot.

I really have no idea what that actually means, but it sounds kind of cool. Can Mike Greenberg ruin a good idea just by his presence? These are the questions I leave up to you my friends. You can head to DuelCasting.com if you want to be on the show, and also if you're in Las Vegas Atlantic City in January be sure to get your tickets for the Mike & Mike Roast!

(Many Thanks to reader JW for the tip)

Just heard this on the Big Show with Dan and Keith, and SbB has the story from the LA Daily News....

Dan Patrick was asked to try out for the Price Is Right, but declined.

The price may be right in luring the ESPN/ABC personality and weekday ESPN Radio sports-talk host, who sources insist has been contacted by the producers of the legendary game show "The Price Is Right" and is on the short list of those who'll be asked to take part in auditions to replace the retired Bob Barker, who recently ended his 35-year run. Patrick wouldn't comment on the report except to say: "Len Barker was always one of my favorite pitchers."

Not sure how I feel about that. I guess it's not a bad move necessarily, and Dan really only works 3-4 hours a day. I don't really believe the Rosie rumors so it looks like his only competition would be Mark Steines.....NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP!!!

Dan Patrick Contacted By Price Is Right Producers (Sports by Brooks)
What Smokes (LA Daily News)

Or can Dwayne Wade change your mind?

Last night’s edition of NBC’s “Deal Or No Deal” featured contestant Arthur Joseph, a “Miami Heat superfan.” The models that open the cases were all wearing Heat jerseys. The episode also featured a message from Heat G Dwyane Wade on the court at AmericanAirlines Arena. Wade offered Joseph two season tickets, the opportunity to sit courtside for one game and meet him and C Shaquille O’Neal, the autographed “jersey off my back,” a Heat championship ring with Joseph’s name on it, a team poster with Joseph in it signed by all the players, “exclusive access to next season’s Miami Heat video shoot” and a trip to his native Trinidad where the Heat would refurbish a basketball court in his honor with their logo on it. Wade: “It’s time for you to decide: Heat or no Heat?” The offer was worth $60,700, and an additional $10,000 in cash made the total deal offer $70,700. Joseph accepted the deal despite the $1M case still being in play.

Idiot! Just kidding....that's love for a team right there. There's also a debate today after Joey Crawford called a foul for Wade on Howie Mandel even though the host has a germ phobia and rarely touches people. David Stern could not be reached for comment.

(Synopsis via SBD)