The ESPN goliath must die............

[boogaloobboy 0]

They are starting to carry way to much weight in sports. They have blatant biases and it shows as every personality on their shows toes the company line. The factoid that put me over the edge today (along with news that the Kornheiser/Tirico/Theisman booth will be back next year) is that Hirbstreet ranked Auburn 18TH in his final AP poll. What a ######, and these guys shape the opinions of the vast majority of the American population, not to mention many local sports guys. Worthless bitter ######. Also heard the rumor that Salisbury was suspended for a week for taking a picture of his wang on a camera phone and showing it to several uninterested ladies? We got that, we got Irvin, we got Stephen A Smith, what a network.

[DBZFan2K 0]

ESPN "personalities"

 

The problem with ESPN vs. other sports news outlets (like CNNSI) is that ESPN doesn't just cover the story, they try to create the story, or even be the story.

[t.j 35]

ESPN "personalities"

 

The problem with ESPN vs. other sports news outlets (like CNNSI) is that ESPN doesn't just cover the story, they try to create the story, or even be the story.

 

That's true of all news outlets in general. I hate news.

[DBZFan2K 0]

That's true of all news outlets in general. I hate news.

 

If it bleeds, it leads.

[BMoney 0]

they could take notes from TSN in Canada...my favorite sports network and there is NO better opening then the saturday hockey night in canada one...between the weekly highlights and rocking song, followed up by the old time HNIC theme...its tops...

 

as for espn..i would much rather watch with no announcers..

 

people get fired up when they play the mic'ed up guys talking..or say listen to this hit..same with nascar..people love when they shut up and just let the noise go...

 

take a hint..

 

we'll know romo dropped the ball..youdont need to tell me that..just keep the first down line(a great addition) and just stfu.......

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

they could take notes from TSN in Canada...my favorite sports network and there is NO better opening then the saturday hockey night in canada one...between the weekly highlights and rocking song, followed up by the old time HNIC theme...its tops...

 

as for espn..i would much rather watch with no announcers..

 

people get fired up when they play the mic'ed up guys talking..or say listen to this hit..same with nascar..people love when they shut up and just let the noise go...

 

take a hint..

 

we'll know romo dropped the ball..youdont need to tell me that..just keep the first down line(a great addition) and just stfu.......

 

I think you mean CBC, not TSN. Hockey Night In Canada is on CBC. TSN has adopted ESPN's format re: Sportscenter and other stuff, and TSN is forever in trouble with the rest of Canada for its Toronto-centric content (hence the nickname Toronto Sports Network). Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), ESPN isn't available on a lot of cable packages up here, though TSN picks up some ESPN content.

[The Football Guru 224]

They are starting to carry way to much weight in sports. They have blatant biases and it shows as every personality on their shows toes the company line. The factoid that put me over the edge today (along with news that the Kornheiser/Tirico/Theisman booth will be back next year) is that Hirbstreet ranked Auburn 18TH in his final AP poll. What a ######, and these guys shape the opinions of the vast majority of the American population, not to mention many local sports guys. Worthless bitter ######. Also heard the rumor that Salisbury was suspended for a week for taking a picture of his wang on a camera phone and showing it to several uninterested ladies? We got that, we got Irvin, we got Stephen A Smith, what a network.

 

I've said it before, I'll say it again in this thread. I worked there in 2006. What an eye-opener. Studio Production is quite possibly the worst run and most disorganized department I have ever worked for (and that is saying something). Harold Reynolds was fired for hugging a production assistant (try more like a handful, even asking some of them to dinner-he's married by the way), but he probably had it coming through all the other inappropriate touching he was doing to all the college-age girls there. There's a number of "personalities" that aggravate the hell out of me from ESPN...the next time that Salisbury, Schlerth, Woodson, Wingo, or Irvin says something insightful will be the first time. Most of their NBA analysts add next to nothing. But I agree with you on the college football topic as well...ever since some of the ESPN "founding fathers" left and went to NFL Network, ESPN is a Titanic-size boat w/o a captain. Based on my time there, I definitely feel like they are living on their past and get the feeling they think they are untouchable. They have the feeling that if it isn't on ESPN, it's not important. ESPN could use one giant kick in the nutsack, that is for sure.

 

What pisses me off the most about their football analysis is when they talk about a game they clearly did not watch. I know they can't watch all the games, but at least try. You're getting paid 6 or 7 figures to watch games and provide insight. And even that is questionable as most of them toe the company line on their analysis. And don't even get me started on all the double-talk that happens inside the hallowed walls of The Worldwide Leader of Sports.

[ROCKET 0]

I've said it before, I'll say it again in this thread. I worked there in 2006. What an eye-opener. Studio Production is quite possibly the worst run and most disorganized department I have ever worked for (and that is saying something). Harold Reynolds was fired for hugging a production assistant (try more like a handful, even asking some of them to dinner-he's married by the way), but he probably had it coming through all the other inappropriate touching he was doing to all the college-age girls there. There's a number of "personalities" that aggravate the hell out of me from ESPN...the next time that Salisbury, Schlerth, Woodson, Wingo, or Irvin says something insightful will be the first time. Most of their NBA analysts add next to nothing. But I agree with you on the college football topic as well...ever since some of the ESPN "founding fathers" left and went to NFL Network, ESPN is a Titanic-size boat w/o a captain. Based on my time there, I definitely feel like they are living on their past and get the feeling they think they are untouchable. They have the feeling that if it isn't on ESPN, it's not important. ESPN could use one giant kick in the nutsack, that is for sure.

 

What pisses me off the most about their football analysis is when they talk about a game they clearly did not watch. I know they can't watch all the games, but at least try. You're getting paid 6 or 7 figures to watch games and provide insight. And even that is questionable as most of them toe the company line on their analysis. And don't even get me started on all the double-talk that happens inside the hallowed walls of The Worldwide Leader of Sports.

 

 

More inside dirt please. The Salisbury and Reynolds stuff is the most interesting news I've heard that's remotely related to ESPN. I still like May, Herbstreet, Fowler and the rest of the college gameday crew. I wish they were doing the NFL too. Dicky V has got to go and it's not even worth turning on the station from May -August as it's non-stop Yankees/Red Sox.

[Cuse9 131]

Dickie V may be annoying, but there is no question that nobody covers a sport and has more passion and love for their sport like he does.

 

With that.........

 

I miss Craig Kilborn, Keith Olberman, Charlie Stierner.....the "good ole boys". They were funny, but let the story be the story.

 

I like Herbstriet, he seems pretty down to Earth and isn't afraid to admit he was wrong and doesn't gloat when he's right.

 

These fellas have to go:

Merril Hodge: worst ever....run the ball, run the ball, run the ball.....that's all he knows!

Stuart Scott: He thinks he's so cool, he's lost touch with the viewers and he's all into himself trying to look like Billy D Williams

Stephen A. Smith: The guy thinks he has all the answers and refuses to consider anything anyone else has say.

Tim Legler: Half the time he's white....half the time he's black.....make up your mind?!

 

There are more, but don't feel like going on anymore!

[swamp dog 0]

does anyone else think espn looks and feels like "the office" behind the scenes?

[piece of work 0]

I've said it before, I'll say it again in this thread. I worked there in 2006. What an eye-opener. Studio Production is quite possibly the worst run and most disorganized department I have ever worked for (and that is saying something). Harold Reynolds was fired for hugging a production assistant (try more like a handful, even asking some of them to dinner-he's married by the way), but he probably had it coming through all the other inappropriate touching he was doing to all the college-age girls there. There's a number of "personalities" that aggravate the hell out of me from ESPN...the next time that Salisbury, Schlerth, Woodson, Wingo, or Irvin says something insightful will be the first time. Most of their NBA analysts add next to nothing. But I agree with you on the college football topic as well...ever since some of the ESPN "founding fathers" left and went to NFL Network, ESPN is a Titanic-size boat w/o a captain. Based on my time there, I definitely feel like they are living on their past and get the feeling they think they are untouchable. They have the feeling that if it isn't on ESPN, it's not important. ESPN could use one giant kick in the nutsack, that is for sure.

 

What pisses me off the most about their football analysis is when they talk about a game they clearly did not watch. I know they can't watch all the games, but at least try. You're getting paid 6 or 7 figures to watch games and provide insight. And even that is questionable as most of them toe the company line on their analysis. And don't even get me started on all the double-talk that happens inside the hallowed walls of The Worldwide Leader of Sports.

 

Two Words.......Disgruntled Employee...

[deejsixer 0]

I love ESPN! Granted their opinions are "Just their opinions", and they do not have that much inside information, but imagine your life without it! You are forced to go out for dinner one night with your wife. You play fantasy Baseball, hockey, basketball, what ever. Any bar you walk into will have ESPN on some TV flashing scores and showing one of your players hitting a 3 run homer. Its a channel for entertainment. You can count on seeing highlights anytime of the day if you want, whether its ESPN news, ESPN 2, or regular ol' espn. Yes there are other channels with better coverage. But it all sports all the time. Could you really live without it?

[Parja 0]

I love ESPN! Granted their opinions are "Just their opinions", and they do not have that much inside information, but imagine your life without it! You are forced to go out for dinner one night with your wife. You play fantasy Baseball, hockey, basketball, what ever. Any bar you walk into will have ESPN on some TV flashing scores and showing one of your players hitting a 3 run homer. Its a channel for entertainment. You can count on seeing highlights anytime of the day if you want, whether its ESPN news, ESPN 2, or regular ol' espn. Yes there are other channels with better coverage. But it all sports all the time. Could you really live without it?

 

Took a lot of effort to not put a "BOOYA!" in there, didn't it Stu?

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

they could take notes from TSN in Canada...my favorite sports network and there is NO better opening then the saturday hockey night in canada one...between the weekly highlights and rocking song, followed up by the old time HNIC theme...its tops...

 

as for espn..i would much rather watch with no announcers..

 

people get fired up when they play the mic'ed up guys talking..or say listen to this hit..same with nascar..people love when they shut up and just let the noise go...

 

take a hint..

 

we'll know romo dropped the ball..youdont need to tell me that..just keep the first down line(a great addition) and just stfu.......

 

I happen to be a fan of English Premier League Soccer and International Rugby, so I tune into Fox Sports World, and their sports broadcast is the best out there.

 

ESPN plays to the demographic and region and how they both relate to advertisers. They're whores with no other competition walking the stroll.

 

Any network that has an award show for their own highlights is ludicrous.

[santa*69 0]

Herbstriet and that entire college football gang and ESPN showing all those damn bowl games is why we get these overrated teams and don't have a playoff.

 

Herbstriet told us all year how Ohio St and Michigan were 1 and 2. He is probably in the fetal position somewhere sucking his thumb wondering what happen. The problem is you know what he will do the same thing next year.

 

I agree with the thread ESPN has too many mouths. Everybody screaming and yelling and amazingly in agreement. All the shows all day have the same talking points. At any one time you have more than 5 things going on in the sport world give us some other stuff.

[JackARoot 2]

Here was the last straw for me on ESPN. They just launched a new network ESPNU to buy up rivalry games and hold the public hostage in order to get picked up by cable companies. This past week the IU v Purdue basketball game was only on ESPNU. Basically no one in central Indiana could get the game. None of the cable companies even offer ESPNU. I have DirectTV and could have picked it up for one month for $12.95, but foch that! This is the first time in my lifetime that the game has not been available to the general public

[Red Dog 0]

Here was the last straw for me on ESPN. They just launched a new network ESPNU to buy up rivalry games and hold the public hostage in order to get picked up by cable companies. This past week the IU v Purdue basketball game was only on ESPNU. Basically no one in central Indiana could get the game. None of the cable companies even offer ESPNU. I have DirectTV and could have picked it up for one month for $12.95, but foch that! This is the first time in my lifetime that the game has not been available to the general public

 

 

Same issue for tomorrow's Clemson/Maryland game. Huge game for Maryland and Clemson is undefeated but unless you have a dish, you're screwed because Comcast pretty much dominates the Maryland/DC/NOVA area.

[Bishop82 61]

ESPN "personalities"

 

The problem with ESPN vs. other sports news outlets (like CNNSI) is that ESPN doesn't just cover the story, they try to create the story, or even be the story.

 

Scott Van Pelt = Greatness

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Here was the last straw for me on ESPN. They just launched a new network ESPNU to buy up rivalry games and hold the public hostage in order to get picked up by cable companies. This past week the IU v Purdue basketball game was only on ESPNU. Basically no one in central Indiana could get the game. None of the cable companies even offer ESPNU. I have DirectTV and could have picked it up for one month for $12.95, but foch that! This is the first time in my lifetime that the game has not been available to the general public

 

Happened to me earlier this year. I'm a Fordham alum, and they were scheduled to play on ESPNU against Holy Cross. It was the anniversary of the first televised college football game (Fordham played in the very first game), and it was being televised nationally for nostalgia. Typically, that game would have been broadcast locally, but no, ESPN had to buy it up. I don't have that channel, wasn't interested in getting it for one damn game.

 

Honestly, someone needs to step up and compete with them. This is something Murdoch could do with Fox, but IMO, the people at Fox would be no better.

[boogaloobboy 0]

I think the problem is my sports knowledge (and I'm not bragging, we have some educated fans on this board I'm no better than average) has outstripped ESPN's presentation. I have a Sirius radio and the NFL network (along with Rivals for college) has brilliant coverage. The fans who call in are interesting and many of them far outpace ESPN in the nuances of the game. Gil Brandt is a God, he disperses more knowledge in one 15 minute segment when he is on air than I get on a year of NFL live.

 

ESPN is still catering to the "casual" guy sports fan in my opinion, and I no longer fit that catagory. I want actual X and O insight, and they never provide it save for the one film study show that airs at like 3 am twice a week. I can honestly say that I have not watched Sportscenter in over a year, I see the plays on ESPN news and am on my merry way. But the juggernaut is just getting stronger.

 

And to the dude who likes Herbstreet, 18. He ranked Auburn EIGHTEENTH, a team that went 11-2 and beat LSU and Florida. An OBVIOUS slight of the SEC because Florida blasted his precious OSU. These are the douches that cost AU an national title shot in 04.

[The Football Guru 224]

Two Words.......Disgruntled Employee...

 

You may be right, but believe me, I'm not alone. And quite frankly, ESPN is a great company to work for and one I wouldn't mind going back to in a different capacity, it's just that Studio Production has little to no clue. It is often in the sense that all the direction from management is double talk, yet you are supposed to "sift your way through to the important stuff". I was recommended on a number of occasions to work in research, yet I was told by some of the managers that I was "slow to process information". Believe me, to work in ESPN research, you cannot be "slow".

 

Anyway, someone asked for a little bit of dirt, well, I can't think of too much more at the current time. However, Stuart Scott literally has a posse of 4-5 women around him pre-show from time to time, none of which are employees. It is quite funny b/c with his one bad eye, it's hard to imagine he can see them all at the same time. And forget about being able to talk to the guy...John Anderson and Steve Levy are also like that-messengers from The Sports God who needn't bother spending time listening to the little people who create the highlights they butcher. That aside, Van Pelt and Everett (among others) are great guys to work with; they are geniunely nice guys.

 

Lastly, I agree with the last post. ESPN has fallen in love with their gadgets and has lost sight that especially in the age of the internet, fans demand more from their sports station. It is unbelievable how often we were told that the average viewer "isn't too bright" and thus we need to highlight this guy for 5 seconds or give the audience 5 seconds to read this one-line fact bar so the fan can "stay with the show". And that doesn't even begin to tell you how often I heard the phrases "no one cares about this game" or "no one has heard of that guy" from my managers. Quite frankly, if Houshmandzadeh scores twice and Ocho Cinco does not, who deserves more time in the highlight? Because planting TJ in the highlight screws up the plan to make everything "about the stars". ESPN's thinking says Johnson and that is why it will take another year before TJ gets mentioned in the same breath as one of the best WRs in the league. Look at Reggie Wayne...how long did it take for ESPN to mention him as one of the best? I mean if you listened to them for the past few years, it was all about the triplets. Wayne has been a good WR now for about 3 years. Anyway, enough for now.

[lennie75 0]

I agree..actually....with about everything everyone has said. But, the thing it...and it is actually kind of sad. ESPN is not made for me...it's not marketed for me...and they don't care...and neither do I really.

 

They are marketed to a younger demographic. LIke when I was 16 and could watch countless reruns of SportsCenter from 6-12. I loved the highlights and seeing the stars. But, now I have moved on....the reason I like sports is not the highlight plays it is watching the interaction between the teams, the gamesmenship, and the strategy. But, the fact is they don't try to make me happy...nor shoudl they. If they did that they would be leaving out about 90% of the sports market.

 

I still watch ESPN...sure I hate most of the announcers..but I actually like some of them. I love watching PTI...even though I don't agree with all they say...or give them any credit for their "insight." I watch for the entertainment. I like watching NFL matchup...I enjoy Jaws...even though I hate the Eagles and his Eagles loving...but I hate Merrill Hodge..he is absolutely horrible. I like Berman and Tom Jackson...Steve Young and Irvin have to go.

 

I hate all of their NBA announcers...I kind of like Greg Anthony but I don't really watch NBA anymore, so I don't know if he is still there of not. All of the screamers have to go...or at least all of the people that will not listen to any other ideas besides theirown. IE...Stephen Smith...he is absolutely horrible. Rome...don't see how he has ajob. Cold Pizza...what the crap is this...It is like The View meets This Best DAmn Sports Show Ever.

 

I know this has rambled on and on. My point is...I just pick and choose what I will watch. Wathc some shows on Fox Sports...some on ESPn...some on ESPN News...and so forth. I do agree it sucks taht you can't watch games that you want to because you don't get the programming offered...or it costs "x" amount per month. But, that is just business!!!

[Vikings4ever 568]

Besides Sunday/Monday Night football, I haven't watched any ESPN since the week after they fired Rush. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a doucheb@g, but the way they handled it was really bad. The week he said the think about McNabb, the rest of the announcers disagreed with what he said, but then the show went on. The next week, they spent the first 10-15 minutes talking about how regretful and ashamed they were of what he said.

 

I haven't watched Sports Center for even longer. Any news I want/need, I get off the internet.

[BMoney 0]

I think you mean CBC, not TSN. Hockey Night In Canada is on CBC. TSN has adopted ESPN's format re: Sportscenter and other stuff, and TSN is forever in trouble with the rest of Canada for its Toronto-centric content (hence the nickname Toronto Sports Network). Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), ESPN isn't available on a lot of cable packages up here, though TSN picks up some ESPN content.

 

i babble and go all over the place..sorry..

 

ive had a dish since 90 or so..i love my CBC and do know the difference between cbc, ts, rogers sports net..etc..

 

but as i typed it..i was wondering how much tsn WAS like espn since they had the official logo..

 

what i meant to say was...i like the intermission crew on tsn and i think they do a good job with the hockey..

 

ron and don and cbc are still tops though...and jim hughson and the bald guy who usd to work with the sharks..

 

 

ie..i dont watch much espn...can anyone tell?

[cowboyz 2]

what about mike and mike?

[Traveler 2 0]

I mentioned on this site over a year ago (in a similar debate), that ESPN went in the tank when it became a part of the Disney family. Disney is all about over-hype, self-promotion and huge egos. Unfortunately, since they seem to be making money they don't really care about what we think.

 

Many of the cast of characters have become caricatures of themselves and it's obvious the like to here themselves talk. To me the biggest joke of all is Michael Irvin (and I'm somewhat of a Cowboy fan).

 

They constantly run topics into the ground, ie., way beyond when the listener cares anymore. Their manlove for guys like Bonds, Owens, Favre, etc. is sickening and has gotten so boring that it's not worth listening to. I used to love this network and have listened since the beginning. However, I refuse to turn on the sports telecasts until the game starts because I can't stand the hype anymore.

[shake_a_leg 0]

Many of the cast of characters have become caricatures of themselves and it's obvious the like to here themselves talk.

 

BOOOYAAAHH!!!!!