I am overcome with guilt about not blogging today. Sorry.
I was at the ESPN Upfront early this morning, after which I had a nice chat with Hannah Storm.
The biggest news to come out of the event is the new, live morning and early afternoon SportsCenters that will debut Aug. 11.
There will be nine separate, one-hour shows from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with co-anchors working three-hour shifts, including Storm from 9 to noon.
Much more on that and other ESPN plans in the blog Wednesday and the paper Friday.
I had lunch with Deitsch and two ESPN p.r. honchos who shall remain nameless to protect them and me from blogosphere ridicule. Ms. Storm was going to join us but understandably blew us off at the last minute. She has an image to protect.
(End of name-dropping segment.)
Then I walked to the Garden for the Mike D'Antoni news conference and to bask in the warm embrace of my soon-to-be employers.
The funniest moment was Donnie Walsh calling the new coach Mike "D'Antonio," a sure sign he has been listening too much to WFAN's afternoon show.
Anyway, the World's Most Famous Arena truly is a wonderful, magical place.
Did I mention how much I enjoy the poker, boxing and infomercials on MSG Plus?
Comments (10)
everyone says d'antonio. it seems as if walsh says it the most. i think its time for you to incorporate the word scenario into your columns as well.
It's about time espn went to this live format. They should have modeled their programing after the cable news channels a long time ago. Instead of just calling it sports center all day, they should give each anchor's programing block their own original titles.
This "D'Antonio" situation is embarrassing. I thought it made Walsh look really bad. I understand the 2 dopes constantly getting the name wrong but not Walsh. At least he corrected himself. I was not impressed with his press conference but I liked Walsh on WFAN today even though he still mispronounced the name again.
What is it about Hannah's pictures lately? Every time I click on a Hannah Storm story, the site shows her in either a sexy pose or a sexy outfit. I don't quite remember her being this way on NBC.
Not that I mind, by the way.
I thought both D'Antoni (pronounced Dan Tony not DEE ANN TONY) and Walsh came across very strong with the most powerful men in sports radio. Oh, and Walsh made a certain reporter from the crosstown competition look bad by pretty much explaining he wasn't going to trade Stephon Marbury for 2 players that was explained as a done deal earlier this day.
Who watches SportsCenter when you have ESPNEWS?
You get more highlights and stats in 30 minutes on ESPNEWS than you do in an hour on SportsCenter, or an hour and a half on mondays, without all those filler stories and needless analysis.
Just give me stats and highlights.
ESPN News has turned a bit crappy. I prefer not to hear what Beano Cook says or that David Lloyd seems to have a peaking interest toward Tommy Smyth has to say about as Brian Kenny. Also hate the new HD Studio. Who cares about the graphics? I am more of a substance over style person.
Russo actually tried to pronounce his name but failed three consecutive times before getting it right and Francessa acknowledged he messed up the name but also said "he's heard a lot of people say it". Granted I do not listen to other radio shows but never once watching ESPN or SNY or hearing Fox Sports Radio or ESPN radio did I once here Mike Dantonio being uttered.
MSG Plus post-hockey season is like the articles in the middle of Newsday - fills space and sells advertising time.
Here's a blast from Newsday's past - also a media critic - on The Respectable Tabloid's latest owner ...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marvin-kitman/why-cablevision-bought-ne_b_101531.html
I was disappointed to see that Kenny Mayne will have a role in the new lineup. I think his act grew tiresome years ago. Like Berman and Stuart Scott, ESPN doesn't know how to cut bait or reel these guys in when they become too much of a personality.
Kenny Mayne was the only respectable person who paid attention to the Eight Belles story at the Kentucky Derby. Mayne does not take himself seriously nor has tiring catch phrases. I am cool with him.