A few days ago, Scott Van Pelt got prank called by a Howard Stern staple Captain Janks, but apparently that was just the start to his week. Late last night, the Sports Center anchor added to his woes by dropping an F-bomb when he thought his mic was off....

Those apologies always seem so awkward to me. I understand they have to be done, but it's f**king one o'clock in the morning! If someone watching at that hour gets offended....f**k em.

ESPN's Scott Van Pelt Drops F-Bomb (Only Gators)

Captain Janks has been making prank calls for the Howard Stern show for years, and late last night he got Sports Center and more specifically Scott Van Pelt....

Wow. Someone is getting fired over that one.

Video: Howard Stern Show Prank Calls ESPN SportsCenter as Brian Westbrook (BSO)

Scott Van Pelt is your voice for the spanking new version of Tiger Woods '10, and the folks at EA Sports have decided to run some ads with the ESPNer. The premise is that SVP wants to be an actual golfer, but only his voice appears in the game. Thus, Tiger carries around a talking cardboard cutout of Van Pelt, and of course hilarity ensues....

Man that was rather long, wasn't it? However, very funny. "I Will Punch You In The Face!", needs to be in every golf telecast from now on.

Tiger Woods vs Scott Van Pelt, EA Sports Video (NESW Sports)

Today in great "Take Me Out To The Ballgame Performances" at Wrigley, comes the one and only Mr. T. Not only did Mr. T throw out the first pitch in zubaz pants, AND sing during the 7th inning stretch, but he also inspired a heck of an impression by Scott Van Pelt....

"THREE STRIKES YOU OUT!!!" Love it. It doesn't get much more entertaining than that.

ESPN aired a new (or at least I think it's new) Gatorade commercial featuring Tiger Woods, but instead of Woods playing on the moon, he was magically transformed into a cartoon kid in the woods. Not only that, but they even added in Tiger's dad, Earl Woods, as a talking bear giving advice to the young Tiger. Here's the clip....

Kind of trippy but still pretty darn good. I like the voice-over work by Van Pelt, and I definitely could use a swim in the "Focus Falls".

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)

Sorry for the delay in posting today. I'm a bit under the weather and it's going to be slow going today. Anyway, I found this press release from ESPN very interesting, especially on the heels of Scott Van Pelt's recent suspension. Apparently ESPN has apparently agreed to hook up with Major League Baseball to promote MLB.TV. Via ESPN...

MLB.com and ESPN Digital Media announced today that they are teaming to bring fans an all-access premium content pass to baseball that includes MLB.TV Premium’s unmatched live baseball streaming schedule and ESPN Insider’s distinctive, award-winning content. Beginning February 17, fans can purchase both of the leading premium content services together for a single, discounted price.

For an annual membership fee of $129.95, fans receive:

* MLB.TV Premium: Unlimited access to live and on-demand streams of every regular season game, 100 select Spring Training games and the first two rounds of the World Baseball Classic from MLB.com in 2009 (blackout and other restrictions apply). Among the features coming to MLB.TV Premium in 2009 are: proprietary speed detection allowing a hi-definition quality picture on any screen; live game DVR functionality; live game picture-in-picture capabilities; multi-game viewing options; home and away feeds for every available game; live game radio option; and real-time player tracker alerts for live at-bat look-ins.

* ESPN Insider: Among the most successful premium content services online, ESPN Insider delivers the best in predictive analytical content including exclusive professional level scouting information and the best in draft coverage from ESPN Scouts Inc., Buster Olney’s award-winning blog, and the latest buzz on athletes and teams in Rumor Central. In addition, Insider features exclusive video (including on-demand episodes of Baseball Tonight, Pardon The Interruption, Around the Horn and more), access to ESPN The Magazine through a regularly-updated digital edition, Insider-only chats with athletes and celebrities, special access to ESPN Radio and first-look offerings from ESPN.

ESPN was probably not very thrilled when an employee bashed the commish of Major League Baseball, on the eve of this announcement. I still think a suspension was too much, but we can sort of understand the reasoning behind it.

Here's the audio in case you missed it....

Last week, Scott Van Pelt criticized Bud Selig's whopping $18.5 million salary last week, and through multiple sources, AJ at Deadspin has found out that the anchor and radio host has been suspended. Via DSpin....

Last week, ESPN's Scott Van Pelt hammered Bud Selig about the MLB Commissioner's $18.5 million salary.A little too much, apparently: SVP was suspended from his radio show on Monday, according to multiple WWL sources.

Van Pelt declined to comment on the incident, passing it along to ESPN media relations, who "do not comment about personnel decisions." The story, passed along through several people, was that Van Pelt's rant about Selig was "too personal" for some of the ESPN bosses — comments about his slovenly appearances, something about a "pimp cup" — which led to the suspension. Van Pelt, reportedly on his own volition, called Selig to apologize and was in agreement that his statements were a little harsh.

Selig does have close relationships with many of ESPN's top execs ( they are currently locked in an 8-year, $2.4 billion broadcast deal from 2005 for Sunday Night Baseball and have other contracts with MLB) and the initial story was that Selig himself heard the remarks and was personally offended by them, but that hasn't been confirmed.

Well that's rather interesting, isn't it? I always wondered how much ESPN reeled people in, because of the rights given to them by leagues, and I guess now I know. There's word that the conversation actually WAS over-the-line, but suspending someone who's never had an issue before, seems a little harsh.

I'm looking for the audio now, and if someone knows what day it went down, please shoot me an email.

ESPN Is Giving Scott Van Pelt Some Quiet Time (Deadspin)

I feel bad because the producers of the show were so cool with me, and as it turns out, the whole first episode was the preview clip I posted over a month ago. Which is why I'm going to give them a little extra press right now. The first episode aired this past Tuesday with a few extras, but was just hilarious as it was six weeks ago.

If you haven't seen it, it's new to you. If you have, then like corn....enjoy it a second time!

Bravo you webisoders! Good times and as a bonus, here's a look at Kenny interrupting Baseball Tonight that doesn't ruin a whole episode....Huzzah!



Your Exclusive First Look At ESPN's "Mayne Street" (Awful Announcing)

When ESPN first released word that they were going to be using Kenny Mayne for an online sitcom, I scoffed at the idea. But after watching the clips that they released today, I think it actually might be worth a viewing. Here's a little background info from ESPN and I spliced together the first set of videos for you to take a gander at....

The ESPN veteran known for his dry wit and offbeat sensibilities, maneuvers through each of the 15 three- to five-minute webisodes in the kind of clever and entertaining style that has made him one of ESPN’s most popular personalities. Mayne’s re-occurring foils consist largely of his fictional production crew which includes his producer, Sarah (Alison Becker); cameraman, Video Cowboy (Jon Glaser) [Ed Note: Awesome writer for Wonder Showzen and Human Giant]; production assistant, Jordan (Jordan Carlos); network executive, Mintz (Ben Schwartz); Mintz’s right hand, Robin (Aubrey Plaza); as well as other ESPN personalities including Scott Van Pelt, Neil Everett and others.

"The ESPN Original Digital brand adds tent pole programming to ESPN.com's already incredible and award-winning lineup of high quality, episodic content," said Ron Wechsler, ESPN vice president, series content and development. "We can think of no better way to get into the scripted web serial space than with the unique and hilarious voice of Kenny Mayne."

As part of ESPN’s Original Digital initiative to create original programs exclusively for ESPN’s array of digital platforms, Mayne Street joins a growing lineup of originally produced studio and news programs including SportsCenter Right Now, Fantasy Focus, Daily Dime, Guerilla Cam, MMA Live, and ESPN.com’s live Sunday fantasy football show Fantasy Football Now.

Pretty darn funny if you ask me. It's almost like it's a parody of Sports Night, which was actually a parody of ESPN. How crazy is that? The first episode debuts online, November 11th and again....might actually be worth checking out.

Kenny Mayne To Appear In A Series Of Online Webisodes For ESPN (Awful Announcing)

The 11pm Sports Center has been relatively tame as of late (I blame Stu Scott), but with Van Pelt and Neil Everett back together anything can happen. For example, spending the last ten minutes of the show in fake mustaches...

Good times. And Scott, I'm fully expecting you to grow one for real and sport that thing for at least a month. Oh and "Lip Fur" just makes me cringe for some reason....can we not use that term anymore?

On the heels of DC Sports Bog's awkward interview with Stuart Scott last week comes this amusing clip of him saying he's scared of the Internet. Watch as Scott Van Pelt tries to tell him it's not so bad....

Now that was funny. I'm also with SVP on this one. I'm pretty sure that Stu doesn't want to spend a day looking up stuff about himself on the Internet. I'm all inclusive but I'm also a realist. With that said, you're welcome to browse if you're a sadist, Stu!

Quick note: I don't know if it's the 11pm slot, or the partnership with Van Pelt, but Stu is about 1000x more tolerable late night. Random but true.

Ah live TV. At least I think they do these teasers live. Here's Scott Van Pelt and Neil Everett giving the rundown for tonight's Sports Center when Van Pelt loses it halfway through....

I rewound this about five times trying to try and read SVP's lips to no avail so if someone has any ideas leave them in the comments. Too funny though. I love how Everett just starts laughing at him. 11pm Sports Center....entertaining me since 2007.

Again, the 11pm Sports Center comes with the funny. Robert Flores and Scott Van Pelt were doing the Top 10 and an amazing play by a Quinnipiac outfielder was at number one. As the guy's flips over the fence his friends who were standing in the outfield for some reason run over to help the fielder...hilarity ensues....

Not the funniest thing SVP has ever said but it still made me laugh out loud.

I had heard a rumor about this last week but it was confirmed late last night and made official today, but Scott Van Pelt is getting the open hour voided by Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Radio. Van Pelt will also be the full-time co-host fro the Mike Tirico Show and starting May 1st the show will be called the "Tirico and Van Pelt Show".

"Clearly some execs made a decision that will ultimately cost them their jobs," Van Pelt said of his more prominent role with ESPN Radio. "Before that inevitable end, I look forward to all the opportunities this presents to work with people I respect and enjoy. The solo hour will likely advance the level of discourse to a place never before heard in human history."

Tirico said, "I am thrilled to have a friend like Scott as a regular partner, and I look forward to the trouble he will cause on his own in the third hour."

With those changes also comes more departures as Herbie and Michele Tafoya will no longer be a part of The MTS and will more than likely be back on Football coverage for the Summer. In all honesty this is a great decision and I think an hour with all that Scott Van Pelt has going is probably perfect for him and the listening audience.

When I figure out more details I'll be sure to pass them along, but for now look for it in the 3-4pm slot following The Mike Tirico Show.

Tirico & Van Pelt debuts May 1 (ESPN.com)

I watched most of ESPN's Masters Coverage today and wanted to share a video and a few words. I might be jumping to this conclusion a bit too quickly but without Chris Berman involved the two (well three actually) day span covering the major Golf tournament could rival College Gameday as the best produced event/show on the network.

Mike Tirico is solid and seems to really be enjoying himself and Van Pelt's work with Andy North was stellar as well. If you're working tomorrow you can check it out online or be sure to TIVO it. It's one of the last true portrayal of a Sport without people yelling over one another and over-the-top graphics. I don't say this often, but great job today ESPN. The Par 3 Contest was fun to watch and the previews of the tournament, the course and there players were all well done. Including this one....

(P.S.- I put the vacation post up before I wanted to, so you have to deal with me for a few more posts. I'm heading out first thing tomorrow, so I'll try to get some things up before I head out)

Obviously there's a ton of words you can't say on TV, but I wouldn't think "pissed" is one of them. Well after Scott Van Pelt used it on Saturday's late edition of Sports Center and issued an apology I guess it actually is a bad word now....

Everyone at ESPN seems to be walking on egg shells these days, and that's kind of a shame. I guess blurred the line so much that you mind as well apologize if you say the slightest thing controversial.

(Thanks to CW for the clip)

I'm telling you that it's imperative that you watch the late SportsCenter every single night at this point. Van Pelt and Buccigross are reaching Gus Johnson levels of awesome these days and this intro is no exception....

What's up now Michelle!?!? He's television's John Bucigross and you're eating Cheese Doodles waiting for Family Feud to come on (I know I just rehashed everything in the video but it was THAT funny).

Bravo sirs!

(Thanks to AS for the clip)

I'm not the site to go to for hard hitting news involving coaching moves, but I thought I'd share this video regarding Bobby Petrino's jump back to College. SportsCenter got Deangelo Hall on for an interview with Scott Van Pelt last night and the soundbytes are pretty good.....

I have to say that as bad as the 6pm SportsCenter has been, the 11pm edition is getting that much better. I don't know if it's the timing of things or what, but Scott Van Pelt has had some pretty amazing interviews the past couple of weeks or so. He had Les Miles the day the whole Michigan nonsense went down and now Deangelo Hall the night Bobby Petrino walks out on the Falcons. Good stuff.

(Via Fanhouse)

MNF has obviously been killing in the ratings lately, but the "Mike Vick Bowl" obviously wasn't going to be racking up the numbers. Leave it to SVP to let the MNF booth know the facts....

At the end of a mind numbing day of "Vick Talk" I'm glad Van Pelt and Mayne could have a little fun with the Monday Night Crew. For as bad as that game was I honestly didn't think the team did that bad of a job. Sure there was the 3rd quarter "Vick Fest" but the trio did a good job of avoiding the criminal for most of the night.

Not taking yourself too seriously will always earn you points on this site.