OT - Gus Johnson. Fox Futbol announcer.
Okay, so I don't approach this from a neutral perspective. Gus Johnson's name resides right next to "Pam Ward" in my book. The only question was whether he could completely ruin the Champions Liga for me, or whether it could be tolerable.
Lucky for Gus he had a pretty good, straight-up match to call (a 1-all draw between Real Madrid and Manchester United) without anything too confusing to expose his lack of knowledge.
But of course there isn't a single announcer from the UK (not even just limiting it to the English Premiership) who couldn't do a demonstrably better and more entertaining job than Gus Johsnon. He got it by default, essentially, because, as somebody said, there was no way in hell they'd ever get Joe Buck to do it.
I liked this wonderful paragraph from Deadspin:
I don't believe Johnson is distractingly bad, but there's something to be said for the fact that he brings nothing to a game. Think of all your favorite Gus Johnson moments: they're buzzer beaters, long touchdowns, incredible plays all. Johnson became famous for losing his cool when the moment called for it—but those are just moments. He's the ideal announcer for the morning after on Youtube, but not someone you want to spend three hours with.
http://deadspin.com/5981822/is-america-ready-for-gus-johnson-soccer-announcer
The verdict after Gus Johnson's debut; it wasn't so bad that I had to turn the tv off. He may have actually benefitted from the viewing possibility that he'd screw up so badly, and there would be such a tremendous crack-up, that you wanted to be there, watching, when it happened. Like watching a NASCAR race.
February 13th, 2013 at 10:32 PM ^
Andres Cantor brings a ton of excitement to the game, why can't Gus?
February 13th, 2013 at 10:36 PM ^
February 13th, 2013 at 10:49 PM ^
I like Gus and didn't watch the match, but the reviews haven't been favorable. That said, Gus basically admitted he doesn't know a heck of a lot about soccer and FOX basically told him that come World Cup 2018, he'd be their guy.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:00 PM ^
February 13th, 2013 at 11:10 PM ^
Gus is getting groomed for the 2018 World Cup, not the 2014 one. So don't panic... yet.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:21 PM ^
February 13th, 2013 at 11:22 PM ^
"Gus Johnson's name resides right next to "Pam Ward" in my book."
Do you have any redeeming qualities whatsoever?
February 13th, 2013 at 11:27 PM ^
He's old. He can't last forever.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:26 PM ^
February 13th, 2013 at 11:45 PM ^
Oh look, another Section 1 opinion I don't agree with. It's comforting some things don't change.
February 13th, 2013 at 11:50 PM ^
i still don't know why cbs just didn't extend johnson and give him the final four
jim nantz is unbearable to listen to,Nantz needs to stick to golf.
Joe Buck should not be allowed to do any games but regular season st louis cardinals games,, he is only where he is because of his father.
February 14th, 2013 at 1:51 AM ^
February 14th, 2013 at 12:04 AM ^
good interview with Gus. Talks about leaving CBS and all the prep he's been doing for soccer. Doesn't care what you think....wants the challenge of announcing the most viewed sporting event.
http://wpc.31d2.edgecastcdn.net/8031D2/xxsportsl/common/global_audio/40…
February 14th, 2013 at 12:44 AM ^
I remember him providing commentary for one of the MSU/ Wisconsin games in the 2011-2012 season. There were a lot of momentum shifts in that game, and it was just very exciting in general. His reactions seemed so genuine, something I think is missing from a profession that otherwise is rather contrived. I can understand the criticism he receives, and maybe he isn't right for soccer, but I disagree that he's comparable to Pam Ward. I can't help but smiling at his unbridled enthusiasm. It's almost comforting in a way to me, though that probably seems strange.
February 14th, 2013 at 3:53 AM ^
but Ian Darke's call of that one is forever ingrained in my sports memory.
February 14th, 2013 at 1:40 PM ^
And he did so with a British accent, which adds to the goodness
February 14th, 2013 at 8:36 AM ^
The article brings out nothing specific to slam him for. He bides his time waiting for a big play. All announcers do that. They call the game the way it's seen until something big does happen, then the announcer usually gets more animated. His way is unique and it's great for sports, especially college sports.
I guess it's better to have Joe Buck playing morality police or funny man for three hours. If I want jokes or lessons on how to conduct yourself in public, there are tons of other stations I can watch.
February 14th, 2013 at 10:11 AM ^
He's a work in progress, but he isn't a lost cause. I think he's already better than the guy ESPN had doing the 2006 World Cup (O'Brien).
February 14th, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^
I hope it works out for him and he sticks to soccer.
February 14th, 2013 at 12:03 PM ^
This just shot to the top of the list of "Things I Wish I Wrote." Except Gus Johnson could ruin the English Premiership. Maybe he could be relegated to the Kyrgyzstan Second Division. Or do the Bundesliga, in German. Gus Johnson in German might be worth listnening to. As Mark Twain said about Wagnerian opera, "It's not as bad as it sounds."
February 14th, 2013 at 1:24 PM ^
Sweet.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:07 PM ^
He can't possibly ruin the Premiership because NBC gets the rights to it starting next year.
February 14th, 2013 at 12:28 PM ^
I like Gus for B-Ball, but when he gets out of his element, bad things happen. For instance, he did MMA coverage for CBS, declaring Petruzelli's TKO over Kimbo Slice the greatest upset ever. Even worse was during a live CBS broadcast, a post fight brawl broke out, and Gus announced that "these things happen in MMA," when they do, if fact, not happen.
On second thought, anyone can do soccer. Half back passes to center, center back to half back, half back holds it... holds it... holds it...
February 14th, 2013 at 12:46 PM ^
Upvote for The Simpsons reference good sir.
"Pele is king of the soccer field. If you want to be king of your kitchen, use Crestfield wax paper."
(Pele is handed a bag filled with money)
February 14th, 2013 at 1:06 PM ^