ESPN seems to be shuffling people in and out on a daily basis these days, and the latest to leave is College Basketball analyst, Steve Lavin. Lavin has decided to take on the challenge that is St. John's Redman Red Storm, and will be their head coach next season. Via the Associated Press....

Former UCLA coach Steve Lavin has agreed to become the basketball coach at St. John's.

The school said Tuesday that a news conference to introduce Lavin would be held Wednesday.

Lavin has been an analyst for ESPN since UCLA fired him in 2003. He had a 145-78 record with UCLA, leading the school to the NCAA tournament's round of 16 five times. The Bruins reached the final eight in 1997, his first season.

St. John's, which fired Norm Roberts after six seasons, has not been to the NCAA tournament since 2002.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt rejected an offer from St. John's last week. Al Skinner, who was fired by Boston College on Tuesday, also was interviewed.

I always thought Lavin was more interested in being on TV, than actually coaching, but I guess the allure of the Garden has drawn him back. This move also brings an end to one of AA's all-time "favorite" announcing duos, in Lavin and Brent Musburger. RIP Lavinburger....RIP.

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)

If you've been watching Thursday Knight Basketball recently (that's seriously what ESPN is calling it), you may have noticed the wonderful chemistry that is developing between Brent Musburger and Bob Knight. It's no Lavinburger, but it's still entertaining. Especially when someone like Bruce Pearl gets mad at his team and decides to sport just a white t-shirt....

Wow. Someone needs to tell Musburger, that evil laugh at the end might scare the kids watching. Seriously though, the pair is growing on me. While they're certainly unorthodox, Musburger is making the broadcasts fun and Knight is making them interesting.

Bruce Pearl Strips Down to T-Shirt During South Carolina Game (Fanhouse)

The reviews were mixed from the first announcer switch, when Breen, JVG, and Jackson got traded to the NCAA for Vitale and Shulman, and the ratings didn't really seem to grow based on the stunt. And while "Announcer Swap #2" probably won't see that great of ratings either, the move itself is extremely interesting.

On Monday night, ESPN2 will air Pat Summitt's attempt at win #1,000 against #2 Oklahoma, and Brent Musburger and Bob Knight will be on the call. Why is that interesting, you ask? Well, you have the all-time NCAA Men's leader in Knight, working a game featuring the all-time wins leader in Summitt.

The announcement will come later today, and I'll have more info if there is any, but this plan seems like a winner. While the last move came off as more of a stunt than anything else, this one seems more like ESPN is capitalizing on a great opportunity.

Bobby Knight worked a game with Brent Musburger last night, and before the game he and Brent decided to show illustrate how he used to argue calls at the Barn in Minnesota. Not only that but Musburger decided to even sport a sweater in honor of the General!

I guess that video wasn't the funniest thing, and that it's more of an excuse just to talk about Bob Knight the analyst. For some reason I find him boring on studio shows, but intriguing on actual games. His style is certainly not traditional, but he's so knowledgeable about the game that you hang on just about every word.

I thought it was an iffy decision at first, but after watching one of the games, it's one of the better moves ESPN has done in a good while. The only thing we didn't get from Knight though, was his true feelings about one of the teams he covered last night.

If you're not around on the weekend for the Pammies, there's a running joke that we have. Brent Musburger is so ridiculously random, and occasionally slurs often enough that we like to think he's drunk in the booth. Well apparently the same thing is true in Basketball.

Nearing the end of last night's OSU-IU game, ESPN did a split screen with Musburger and Steve Lavin. Brad Nessler and Jimmy Dykes were on the next game, and after a few pleasantries, Musburger decided to talk about red wine and the fact that he might be drinking alone following the game.

Now I know this isn't that bad (more funny than anything else), but who else could get away with talking about boozing it up, other than Musburger? I think most people would at least get a talking to.

Oh and I missed you Lavinburger! I would love to hear more about Lavin's diet in the games to come!!!

I'm still split on Bob Knight as a College Basketball analyst. On one hand, his knowledge and X's and O's are unrivaled. On the other, he still comes across like getting him to talk about the game is a chore. The negative could have been because Dickie V was hanging all over him on set, but whatever side you fall on, you're going to have to deal with him for another year on the "Leader". You'll also be doing so with Knight in an expanded role as he'll be working on certain games throughout the season with Brent Musburger and Dan Shulman SBD's John Ourand has the scoop....

Basketball HOFer Bob Knight will return to ESPN's college basketball
telecasts this season in an expanded role. The former coach will be paired
with Brent Musburger on weekly Thursday night games with various
conferences, and he will work with Dan Shulman on non-conference games on
other nights. Knight also will work as an on-site analyst for "College
GameDay Driven by State Farm," and he will give analysis on "SportsCenter"
(once a week in January and February) and ESPN Radio ("Mike & Mike in the
Morning" or "Tirico & Van Pelt").

His first game telecast is scheduled for November 20 and 21 at the 2K Sports
Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer in N.Y. Knight joined ESPN in March to
provide studio commentary for its Championship Week and NCAA Tournament
programming.

Very interesting move. I think another year in-studio would have served Knight well, before he moved to live action, but he really could become a great color guy if he tries. Hopefully this doesn't signal the end of the "Lavinburger" duo though. That would make me sad.

Knight Back In ESPN Booth In Expanded Role This College Hoops Season (Sports Business Daily)

(FYI- Your first College Basketball schedule will be coming in a few)

The game really should have never been this close, but a great job by Colt McCoy to give Texas their first lead of the game with about 1:30 left, gave us one of the best finishes of the year. Here's your ending....

Those dumbass Raider fans tried to ruin it there at the end by giving Texas a kickoff from the seven yard line, but alas....it just wasn't meant to be for the Longhorns this year. I really hope Texas Tech makes a huge jump in the polls because the thought of an Alabama-Penn State Championship makes me sick to my stomach. Go Raiders!

I was really confused about the whole Jonas Brothers intro for the Little League World Series last week, but I have to say that the tune was kind of growing on me. That was until yesterday.

ESPN decided to rock out to the tune and splice in some lip-syncing/rapping from some of the network's brightest stars. I give you the ESPN Crew, Gary Thorne, Stacey Dales, Karl Ravech and THE Brent Musburger singing "Burning Up" by the Jonas Bros....REMIX!!!!!!

Good....God. I really have no idea where to start with this. First of all, it's one of those clips that is so terrible that it's actually pretty entertaining. I actually belly laughed when Musburger came on the screen. Second, the absolute best part of the whole thing is how pissed Karl Ravech looks during his spot. He did not appear to be having fun at all.

Sure it's ridiculously cheesy, and any thought of Gary Thorne dancing and/or saying "I'm Hot", makes me throw up in my mouth, but who cares? It's the Little League World Series. Those people in the truck and behind the scenes are usually working their asses off and probably rarely on camera. It's good they had a little fun with the whole thing. It's also much more PG than Orestes Destrade giving Pedro Gomez a massage while Pedro was sitting on his leg like "Santa Claus".

Now if you decide to do this for Monday Night Football....I might have a different response.

Really ESPN? The Jonas Brothers On The LLWS Intro??? (Awful Announcing)

I'm an unabashed fan of the LLWS, and I don't necessarily think broadcasting every game of it is a bad thing, but thirty two games across three platforms seems like a lot. Either way, that's the exact same total they did last year and they even have an entire show devoted to LLWS "Web Gems" this go around!

Welcome back to Williamsport, Brent Musburger, Gary Thorne, Karl Ravech, Orel Hershiser, and Orestes Destrade. Also say hi to Stacey Dales and Pedro Gomez (still getting the choice assignments now that Bonds isn't playing).

Here's your schedule in case you care to check out your state's game(s)....

Pool Play Round

Fri., Aug. 15

Midwest (Rapid City, S.D.) vs. Southeast (Tampa, Fla.)- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN, 2pm)
Canada vs. Latin America- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, 4pm)
New England (Shelton, Conn.) vs. West (Waipahu, Hawaii)- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN2, 6pm)
Mid-Atlantic (Hagerstown, Md.) vs. Great Lakes (Jeffersonville, Ind.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN, 8pm)

Sat., Aug. 16

Caribbean vs. Mexico- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN, 11am)
Europe vs. Asia-Pacific- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN, 1pm)
Midwest (Rapid City, S.D.) vs. New England (Shelton, Conn.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ABC, 3:30pm)
Japan vs. Middle East and Africa- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN, 6pm)
Southwest (Lake Charles, La.) vs. Northwest (Mill Creek, Wash.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN, 8pm)

Sun., Aug. 17

Europe vs. Mexico- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN Classic, Noon)
Canada vs. Japan- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN2, 1pm)
Great Lakes (Jeffersonville, Ind.) vs. Southwest (Lake Charles, La.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ABC, 3:30pm)
Latin America vs. Middle East and Africa- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN2, 6pm)
Southeast (Tampa, Fla.) vs. West (Waipahu, Hawaii)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, 8pm)

Mon., Aug. 18

Northwest (Mill Creek, Wash.) vs. Mid-Atlantic (Hagerstown, Md.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, Noon)
Asia-Pacific vs. Mexico- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN, 1pm)
Midwest (Rapid City, S.D.) vs. West (Waipahu, Hawaii)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, 3pm)
Caribbean vs. Europe- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN, 4pm)
Southeast (Tampa, Fla.) vs. New England (Shelton, Conn.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, 6pm)

Tue., Aug. 19

Latin America vs. Japan- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, Noon)
Northwest (Mill Creek, Wash.) vs. Great Lakes (Jeffersonville, Ind.)- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN, 2pm)
Canada vs. Middle East and Africa- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN, 4pm)
Caribbean vs. Asia-Pacific- Karl Ravech and Orestes Destrade (ESPN2, 6pm)
Southwest (Lake Charles, La.) vs. Mid-Atlantic (Hagerstown, Md.)- Gary Thorne and Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, 8pm)

Single Elimination Round

Wed., Aug. 20

International Semifinal #1- Gary Thorne, Orestes Destrade and Pedro Gomez (ESPN, 4pm)
U.S. Semifinal #1- Brent Musburger, Orel Hershiser and Stacey Dales (ESPN, 8pm)

Thu., Aug. 21

International Semifinal #2- Gary Thorne, Orestes Destrade and Pedro Gomez (ESPN, 4pm)
U.S. Semifinal #2- Brent Musburger, Orel Hershiser and Stacey Dales (ESPN, 8pm)

Sat., Aug. 23

International Championship- Brent Musburger, Orel Hershiser, Orestes Destrade, Stacey Dales and Pedro Gomez (ABC, 12:30pm)
U.S. Championship- Brent Musburger, Orel Hershiser and Stacey Dales (ABC, 3pm)

Sun., Aug. 24

Consolation Game- Karl Ravech, Orestes Destrade and Pedro Gomez (ESPN, Noon)
Little League Web Gems Special (ESPN, 2pm)
Little League World Series Preview (ESPN, 2:30pm)
World Series Championship- Brent Musburger, Orel Hershiser, Stacey Dales and Pedro Gomez (ABC, 3:30pm)
________________________

I'm also hoping that this umpire is involved in the games somehow....

I knew that ESPN used this person online, but I didn't know she was going to be on television as well. Who is this person you ask? Well it's the College Football Live's new online content manager and go between for the studio, one Molly Qerim.

ESPN uses someone similar during certain mornings on First Take (Amy Nelson), and now they've added Molly as their College Football liaison. Here's a look....

She obviously provided nothing exciting outside of an online poll, but she might just be enough to distract me from the 8,000 Tebow and Tressel interviews they will have this season.

Okay now that the rain has stopped in Chicago we're going to try this again. Brent has already called Tony Gwynn Junior, Tony Gwynn Senior and Orel's hair is losing some of it's hold in the rain.

"I told him I sampled his mother's product. I can always tell the difference when it's Mrs. Braun."- Brent Musburger

Ryan Braun's mom is a brewer for Anheuser-Busch, but if you came in at the right time that could have been really funny. Hey there's the Edgar Renteria I know! A strike out with less than two outs and a runner at third and an amazing play by Alex Gordon to end it. Tigers....0 and 1.

And we're out to Dodger Stadium to hear from Dave O'Brien and Steve Phillips. It's definitely not raining there.

Jeff Kent just jacked a homer off Zito to make it 3-0 Dodgers. Vin Scully is making the impending blowout entertaining. (Via S2N)

I wish I had him because Dave O'Brien puts me to sleep. Utley homers for his first on the year 6-3 Nats. Cubs fans seem to really like this Fukudome guy too.....

If I had one wish today, it would be that Harry Caray could have lived long enough to have to pronounce the name "Kosuke Fukudome". That would have never failed to be hilarious. (Via Mal)

I concur. Zambrano's pitches are moving like crazy today in the cold weather. Good sign for Cubs fans. He's only given up one hit through six and two thirds. Santana is also perfect through two innings.

I heard this gem early in the Tigers/Royals broadcast and had to take note of it to put on here..."He did a nice job there pulling out-- up, pulling up."- Rob Allen of FSN Detroit (Via Chase)

If Erin Andrews is doing a game in So Cal, two words should be required: tube top. (Via Mal)

I was going to say sun dress, but either would suffice. I have yet to see her on the telecast though. Nevermind....here she is....



Wow...the Nats are doing it again in the ninth. Nick Johnson with a double that scored Lastings Milledge from first....barely.

"DeRosa moves in to keep Gwynn close on second base."- Brent Musburger
"Prince Fielder not the fleetest of foot but he scores easily from 2nd base."- Orel Hershiser

These two seriously have no idea who's on base. Gwynn bunted over Weeks to 2nd and Prince Fielder got an intentional walk and is on first. Good to see Kerry Wood in midseason form already as well. 1-0 Brewers in the ninth. Make that 3-0 nothing after a double.

Annnnnd.....It's Eric Gagne's turn to blow the game! Single, 4 pitch walk, and......3 Run FUKUDOME HOMER!!!!!!

Great call by Brent Musburger noticing that ex-Cub Jason Kendall was trying to steal signs behind the plate.

Moving onto Joe and Jon and we find out one of our replacements for Rick Sutcliffe this season.....Joe Morgan. Boooo.

"One thing I know is....the ball hurts."- Joe Morgan

Just when you think you get a break from the guy ESPN goes and brings him on to announce Baseball games for the network. I'm not sure if this is just an Opening Day thing or if he'll call multiple games but he will be on the call of the Brewers-Cubs game with Orel Hershiser (ESPN2, 2pm).

Here's the rest of the Opening Day Schedule as well....

Baseball Tonight from Yankee Stadium (ESPN, Noon)- Karl Ravech, John Kruk, Eric Young
Toronto at New York Yankees (ESPN, 1pm)- Dan Shulman, John Kruk
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (ESPN2, 2pm)- Brent Musburger, Orel Hershiser
San Francisco at Los Angeles Dodgers (ESPN, 4pm)- Dave O’Brien, Steve Phillips, ERIN ANDREWS
Baseball Tonight (ESPN2, 5pm from Bristol)- Karl Ravech, Eric Young, Buster Olney
Los Angeles Angels at Minnesota (ESPN2, 7pm)- Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Houston at San Diego (ESPN2, 10pm)- Sean McDonough, Orestes Destrade, Candy Maldonado
Baseball Tonight (ESPN, Midnight from Bristol)- Steve Berthiaume, Eric Young, Buster Olney

Man Buster Olney and Eric Young are going to have a VERY long day.

Did anyone order a Lavinburger? Well done??? I thought that Erin Andrews was done for the season along with Lavin and Musburger, but the gods are shining down on us folks! They've got one more game!!! Yes it's the NCAA Play-in game, but what else are you going to do tomorrow night? Watch Idol??? Poppycock.

It's The Mount....It's The Eagles....And It's Tomorrow Night on ESPN!!!

Mount Saint Mary's vs. Coppin State (ESPN, 7:30)- Brent Musburger, Steve Lavin, and Erin Andrews

Oh and if you're like me and stuck watching the N.I.T. (ugh) here's what I know of the announcers so far.

Tue., Mar. 18

#7 Stephen F. Austin at #2 Massachusetts (ESPNU, 6pm)- John Rooke and Ron Perry
#8 UNC-Asheville at #1 Ohio State (ESPN2, 7pm)- Sean McDonough and Bob Valvano
#8 Robert Morris at #1 Syracuse (ESPNU, 8pm)- Dave Ryan and Eric Murdock #5 Oklahoma State at #4 Southern Illinois (ESPN2, 9pm)- Ron Franklin and Fran Fraschilla
#6 Akron at #3 Florida State (ESPN Classic, 9pm)-
#5 Maryland at #4 Minnesota (ESPN, 9:30pm)- Brad Nessler and Jimmy Dykes
#6 Rhode Island at #3 Creighton (ESPNU, 10pm)- Dave Armstrong and Jack Armstrong
#8 Alabama State at #1 Arizona State (ESPN2, 11pm)- Dave Pasch and Stephen Bardo

Wed., Mar. 19

#6 Cleveland State at #3 Dayton (ESPNU, 6pm)- Jim Barber and Jim Chones
#5 UAB at #4 Virginia Commonwealth (ESPN2, 7pm)- Bob Wischusen and Bob Valvano
#8 Morgan State at #1 Virginia Tech (ESPN Classic, 7pm)-
#7 UC-Santa Barbara at #2 Ole Miss (ESPNU, 8pm)- Rich Waltz and Daymeon Fishback
#7 San Diego State at #2 Florida (ESPN2, 9pm)- Brad Nessler and Jimmy Dykes
#6 Charlotte at #3 Nebraska (ESPN Classic, 9pm)-
#7 Utah State at #2 Illinois State (ESPNU, 10pm)-
#5 New Mexico at #4 California (ESPN2, 11pm)- Dave Pasch and Steven Bardo

When I put that post up yesterday I really didn't think I'd get the strong aversion to the duo that I did. I have a personal vendetta against Brent Musburger that I've had since I was a kid, so I always think I'm a little too critical of the guy. Well it turns out you agreed and the team's calls are just comical these days.

Well folks, we're not the only ones fed up with Lavinburger. New York Daily News' Bob Raissman seems to agree with your assessment.....

If anyone involved from ABC has trouble swallowing this theory, they should look in the mirror. When a coach is assigned to work a game involving his former team there will always be - at least - a perception of conflict. Anyone saying Lavin ignored the Shipp thing because he's still carrying UCLA pom-poms has every right to do so.

Of course this would not explain why Musburger did not question the shot. It also doesn't explain why the producer did not tell the announcers to explain the rule.

Nonetheless, Lavin should not have worked that game. And with the NCAA Tournament around the corner, CBS should scan its roster and avoid using announcers tied to a particular school as part of the broadcast team for that school's tilt.

That's an interesting thought, but I think some people can pull it off. ESPN pulled Kirk Herbstreit from the radio broadcast of the OSU-LSU game last year for the same reason, but I think he does a rather good job when covering his old team. Sure there's the photo of him on the sidelines jumping, but he wasn't working at the time.

Everyone has favorite teams and most do a great and unbiased job covering them, but there are a few people that just need to be nixed from every broadcast, regardless of their affiliation. Off the top of my head.....Mike Patrick and Jay Bilas: Duke, Dick Vitale: Any ACC game, and Brent Musburger: Any game that takes place in Los Angeles.

Update: This is where I wish I had that "after the jump" feature still, but you'll have to bear with me. MDS at Fanhouse has a great call on Lavin. He didn't even get the "picket fence" play right! Merle not Jimmy took the shot. Enjoy and try not to get goosebumps..."Time! Timmme!"



Former UCLA coach misses best angle (NY Daily News)
Brent Musberger, Steve Lavin Ripped for Commentary on UCLA-Cal Ending (Fanhouse)

Forget the horrible officiating at the end of the CAL-UCLA game, let's talk Lavinburger! This clip starts with 35 seconds left in the game and I can't for the life of me figure out what they're talking about. It's not Basketball though...

"Bruins win! 1.5 left."- Brent Musburger

I swear they go to a commercial break and just say, "Who the f**k cares if it's a close game and possible upset? We're talking about Victoria's Secret!!!" They're simply amazing.

Brent Musburger, Steve Lavin, H-O-R-S-E, And Victoria's Secret (Watchdog)

Good lord these two are so blatantly random that it makes laugh so hard I cry....

I think I lost it when he said they broke curfew and Erin Andrews was hinting she was hungover. They just don't care.

(Thanks to HK for the clip)

When it comes to double entendres using the term facial for a dunk is pretty high on the list. But when you go further and call it a "Major League Facial" then my ears are going to perk up. Send it in big fella (or 6 foot 3 inch Westbrook)!

I'm not sure but did Steve Lavin also make a Vida Blue reference? He did??? Good work Lav, and I reiterate that these two are must watch TV every single game they do. Also the guy who got dunked on is named LeKendric. I'd like to think he had it coming (see what I did there?).

(From MI via Deadspin)

I know that headline is going to yield some illicit thoughts from the likes of you all, but it's not exactly what you think. In yet another highlight from the craziest working trio in sports show business, Erin Andrews gives us the hard hitting report of Scott Martin's Hair....

Oh snap! No she didn't!!! She did....she went there.

Erin Andrews Asks Lavin To Share His Crisco (Real Clear Sports)

It's been well documented here that Brent Musburger is slowly losing his mind and it wasn't more evident than last night. I was blown away at how glowing Musburger spoke about Indiana Coach Kelvin Sampson. He almost demanded that the Coach not be fired.

MDS at Fanhouse pulled one of these moments last night and it's pretty evident that either Musburger doesn't think Sampson committed the violations or he shouldn't be punished....

It doesn't stop there though. Check out Brent's Rumor Mill.....



Yes folks....you heard it from Brent first! The Wizards are planning to trade Caron Butler. Not just to any team, but back to the one they got him from!!! Do you think that they can get Kwame Brown in the deal? The Washington Post has to be pissed that Musburger broke this story and they didn't.

ESPN's Brent Musberger Hopes Indiana Does Not Fire Kelvin Sampson (Fanhouse)