Leaders And Best

May 18th, 2016 at 12:27 AM ^

ESPN has locked up most of the major sports properties for the next decade. Fox is outbidding ESPN for some rights, but they don't have anywhere near the portfolio ESPN has accumulated. They don't have many good options so I think they are trying to build viewership through established personalities and broadcast talent. It's not just about costs; Fox needs to invest to improve their dismal ratings as well to try to generate more revenue. It's not how I would do it, but I can understand why they are doing it.

And part of this is ESPN too. Fox opened the checkbook for Cowherd & Bayless, but I am interested to see if Spielman leaving had more to do with a lowball offer from ESPN. Remember Mike Tirico left for NBC; Brad Nessler left for CBS; Robert Flores left for MLB Network; Trent Dilfer left because he wanted more money. They let go of a bunch of studio guys (Cris Carter, Ray Lewis, Robert Smith). It looks like ESPN balking at competitive salaries for talent after committing so much future money to broadcast rights while now facing tighter budgets than previously anticipated.

Joined: 09/09/2009

MGoPoints: 22529

JFW

May 18th, 2016 at 9:31 AM ^

I have 'That's why I'm here'; the story about his lifes journey with his wife. I think he mentions that. 

 

There is a great part in there where he describes all the crap he'd put himself through to try to toughen up; and how after a loss with the Lions he was just furious. Barry told him 'It's just a game, Chris'. 

You get the feeling had it been anyone else he would have murder/death/killed him. 

Joined: 10/20/2010

MGoPoints: 15285

The Mad Hatter

May 17th, 2016 at 8:11 PM ^

The economy runs on autopilot for the most part, but the President makes a lot of foreign policy decisions, some of which can be disastrous for the economy in the short and long term. That said, part of me wants him to win just to see what happens. If nothing else it would be an entertaining 4 years. And I'm kinda bored.

Joined: 02/17/2015

MGoPoints: 112109

Avon Barksdale

May 17th, 2016 at 7:05 PM ^

I don't like him because he is redundant. I nearly went through the TV in 2011 as he was yelling at Denard to turn passing lanes into running lanes on his way to 400+ yards of offense vs Ohio State.

Joined: 04/27/2013

MGoPoints: 12859

Mr. Yost

May 17th, 2016 at 8:19 PM ^

I thought Spielman was fair and balanced when it came to teams, criticism, etc. - which was refreshing. However, too often he only gave the perspective of the linebacker. Everything was about toughness and big uglies and slobberknockers. I liked that insight, but there's more to the game and wanted more than just the perspective of a linebacker.

Sometimes a late hit is a late hit and it's not the wussification of football. Sometimes a guy can miss a tackle because the offensive player was just flat out better and made a good move. It happens.

So all of the slurping on this site, IMO, was simply because he'd give it to any and every team...including the Buckeyes. But he wasn't GREAT, IMO. Just fair and better than most.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

Perkis-Size Me

May 17th, 2016 at 8:20 PM ^

ESPN is a dying star. A white dwarf heading for a black hole.

While I do enjoy me some College Gameday, that's really about it. Otherwise I watch ESPN if Michigan happens to be on it. Rarely ever watch Sportscenter anymore. And honestly, after Corso retires, I'm not really sure how into Gameday I'll stay.



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Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 105865

BlueinLansing

May 17th, 2016 at 8:53 PM ^

earlier this year they would have to cut "personality costs" for ESPN this year.  Tirico and Speilman are just part of that process.

 

The only people at ESPN who should feel safe are probably the long time people like Berman who have been there since the start and probably had job guarantees written into the purchase agreeement.

 

Also should help explain why it was so damn easy for ESPN to can Schilling.  Gave them a reason, boom, gone.

Joined: 09/01/2009

MGoPoints: 23520

UM Fan from Sydney

May 17th, 2016 at 8:55 PM ^

That is upsetting but I hope he got a good deal. One of the few buckeyes I can stand to hear speak.



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MGoPoints: 58076

Eskimoan

May 17th, 2016 at 8:58 PM ^

on Galloway to get canned, I keep saying it I know, but Damm he's the worst I've ever seen, being a a Buckeye aside, he's just so terrible

Joined: 12/11/2011

MGoPoints: 7639